Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Fairfield County / June 12, 2025

🌪️ Tornado touchdown

Fairfield County • June 12, 2025

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Good morning, Fairfield County. Three minutes is all it took for an EF-1 tornado to leave its mark on central Ohio this week. The brief but powerful twister that touched down in Holmes County—reaching winds of 105 mph—broke Ohio's unusual tornado drought, marking the state's first since March after experiencing no May tornadoes for the first time in three decades. Nature's brief but powerful display serves as a humbling reminder of how quickly our surroundings can transform.

Transformations of a more positive kind are happening locally too. Greg Shaw's journey from Ohio University Lancaster student to Ph.D. candidate in just six years showcases the life-changing power of the Charles Kilburger Scholarship. Meanwhile, the historic Wehrle Mansion has entered a new chapter, hitting the market at $3.5 million. The 28-room Tudor estate with its teak floors and lakefront views stands as a testament to our region's rich architectural heritage—waiting for its next steward to write the next chapter in its 106-year story.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🎓 A local scholarship transformed Greg Shaw's academic journey. The Charles Kilburger Scholar went from Ohio University Lancaster to pursuing a Ph.D. in neuromuscular physiology in just six years. His full-tuition scholarship for Fairfield County students eliminated financial burden, allowing him to pursue advanced research instead of immediately entering the workforce. Shaw credits OHIO Lancaster for shaping his path from mechanical engineering to biomedical research, saying "Without this scholarship or OU, I don't think I'd be where I am today." The Kilburger Scholarship continues to provide life-changing opportunities for local students.

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🌪️ Powerful tornado ripped through central Ohio for just three minutes. The EF-1 tornado struck Holmes County's Lake Buckhorn area Monday evening with winds reaching 105 mph and covering 1.32 miles. While no injuries were reported, several trees were uprooted and numerous structures damaged during the brief but destructive touchdown. Weather officials confirmed this was Ohio's first tornado since March 30, marking a notable weather event after the state experienced no tornadoes in May for the first time in 30 years. The affected area is approximately 80 miles south of Cleveland.

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🏰 Historic Buckeye Lake mansion hits market for $3.5 million. The 28-room Tudor-style Wehrle Mansion, built in 1917, towers over the eastern end of Buckeye Lake on 5.3 acres. With 8,300 square feet of living space, the grand estate features six fireplaces, teak floors, stained glass, and 354 feet of lakefront with a private dock. Originally part of a 285-acre farming estate owned by the Wehrle family, the property was later donated to the Catholic Diocese before becoming part of the Heron Bay subdivision. Local historian J-me Braig calls it "very romantic, very beautiful, eye-popping" and "the grandest house" on the lake.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Spacious fixer-upper awaits vision: Priced at $300,000, this three-bedroom fixer-upper in Pickerington schools offers a spacious layout and large fenced yard, perfect for buyers looking to build equity through renovations or investors seeking a promising project.
Real estate listing image Spacious seventies home huge garage: This 1973-built home in Canal Winchester Schools offers 4 bedrooms, 6 garage spaces, and a full basement for $465,000, featuring a new well, water softener, and an estimated 2,700 sq ft of living space.
Real estate listing image Historic elegance with business potential: Priced at $439,900, this historic Fairfield County home—the third oldest in the area—features 10-foot ceilings, five fireplaces, a spiral staircase, and extensive brick landscaping that could function as a residence or B&B opportunity.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🦫 Jun. 12 - Beavers Wood Bat Tournament: Swing for the fences at the 2025 Beavers Dam Wood Bat Tournament! This 16u/17u competition offers a 4-game minimum at Beavers Field on June 12, plus free Phoenix Bats for each team.
🎣 Jun. 14 - Public Fishing Day: Cast your line at Public Fishing Days on June 14! Reel in some fun at the 5-acre stocked pond located at 2270 Bickel Church Rd NW, Baltimore, OH. Perfect for anglers of all ages!
🧺 Jun. 19 - Homecoming Genealogy Picnic: Join the Fairfield County OGS for their heartwarming Annual Homecoming Picnic at the Genealogical Research Library on June 19. Connect with fellow history enthusiasts while enjoying good food and community spirit.
🌙 Jun. 20 - Enchanted Farm Dinner: Step into an enchanted evening at The Henry Manor for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" farm-to-table fundraiser dinner on June 20. Experience magical cuisine while supporting a worthy cause at this charming Cedar Hill Road venue.
🍷 Jun. 20 - Ohio Winery Tour: Sip and savor your way through Ohio's finest vineyards! Join Fun Bus on June 20 for a delightful tour featuring premium wines, craft meats, and artisan cheeses at four local wineries. Departs from Lancaster.
🌱 Jun. 21 - Ask A Master Gardener: Got a green thumb or plant problems? Stop by the Lancaster Farmers Market on June 21 where Fairfield County Master Gardener Volunteers will share expert advice and answer all your gardening questions!
🎭 Jun. 21 - Teen Night Downtown: Downtown Lancaster comes alive with Teen Night on June 21st! Join the summer celebration from 5-9pm at 128 N Broad St for an unforgettable evening designed just for teens.
🚚 Jun. 21 - Food Truck Open House: Explore Rising Sons Farm at their Open House! Pet adorable animals and sample Daque's delicious food truck offerings while touring this charming event venue. June 21 at 6670 Crooks Rd SW, Lancaster.

🙏 In Remembrance

Melissa Ann Taylor

Melissa Ann Taylor, 53, of Pleasantville, passed away unexpectedly at her home on June 7, 2025. Born on March 26, 1972, in Lancaster, Ohio to William and Nancy Lohnes, she had previously been employed at Anchor Hocking. She is survived by her husband Albert Taylor, daughter Janie, grandchildren, her mother, and several other family members. Following her wishes, no services will be held, and cremation arrangements have been made through Morgan Funeral Home.

Melissa Ann Taylor

Beverly Ann Roshon

Beverly Ann Roshon, 85, passed away on June 8, 2025, at Bickford of Lancaster. Born in Peoria, IL, she was a housewife, truck driver, and enjoyed art, poetry, and playing bingo later in life. She is survived by her three children, eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and her brother Gary. Beverly was preceded in death by her daughter Toni and her parents, with a celebration of life to be held at a future date.

Beverly Ann Roshon

Sandra Broyles

There is no actual obituary content provided to summarize. The text only indicates that Sandra Broyles' family is currently working on her obituary, which will be posted in the future. It also mentions that those wishing to send flowers or plant a tree in her memory can visit the floral store. No details about Sandra's life, accomplishments, or surviving family members are included in this placeholder text.

Sandra Broyles

Barbara Alice “Barb” Jenkins

Barbara Alice "Barb" Jenkins, 81, of Pataskala, passed away on June 1, 2025, after being born in Columbus, OH on November 23, 1943. She is survived by her daughter and son, seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, three siblings, a step-son, and several nieces and nephews, while being preceded in death by her husband Richard and her parents. A memorial service will be held on July 2, 2025, at the Johnson-Smith Funeral Home in Baltimore, OH, with visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude's or Nationwide Children's Hospital.

James Rose

James C. "Jimmy" Rose, 72, of Miamisburg, Ohio, passed away on June 7, 2025. A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 6-8 PM at Swart Funeral Home in West Carrollton, Ohio. No additional information about his life or the cause of death was provided in the obituary notice. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the scheduled visitation hours.

Leo Edward Strawn, Sr.

Leo "Butch" Strawn, 84, passed away on June 8, 2025, at the Pickering House surrounded by family. He was a retired Anchor Hocking supervisor of 34 years and a U.S. Army veteran who enjoyed bowling and golf, achieving three holes-in-one. Leo is survived by his wife Wilma Kay, six children, 19 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and numerous other family members. His funeral service will be held on June 17, 2025, at Frank E. Smith Funeral Home with military honors and interment at Floral Hills Memory Gardens.

Leo Edward Strawn, Sr.

Ray Edward Stoneburner

Ray E. Stoneburner, 67, of Amanda, passed away unexpectedly on June 9, 2025, at home. A 1976 graduate of Amanda Clearcreek High School, Ray owned Stoneburner Enterprises for 30 years and was actively involved with the Amanda Lions Club and Fairfield County Agricultural Society. He is survived by his wife Connie, two daughters, and extended family, while being preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law. A memorial service will be held on June 13, 2025, at Taylor-Theller Funeral Home, with the family requesting contributions to 4-H Endowments in lieu of flowers.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

-Proverbs 3:5-6

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