Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Fairfield County / July 23, 2025

🎻 Musical makeover

Fairfield County • July 23, 2025

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Good morning, Fairfield County. There's a musical transformation underway in Lancaster as new Festival Orchestra director John Devlin arrives with a summer lineup that's anything but ordinary. From classical masterpieces to collaborations with Rascal Flatts' Gary LeVox and pop star Colbie Caillat, the festival promises something for everyone between July 24 and August 2. The grand finale even includes fireworksβ€”a fitting celebration for this fresh chapter in our local arts scene.

Beyond the harmony of music, our community faces more challenging notes. The Hocking Hills homeless shelter has been forced to reduce hours amid funding struggles, while health officials have detected West Nile virus in mosquitoes across Carroll, Thurston, and Stoutsville for the first time this year. As spraying efforts begin, residents are reminded to eliminate standing water and use EPA-registered repellents to keep those unwelcome summer visitors at bay.

🌀 Sky Skoop

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β˜•οΈ What's Brewing Locally

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🎡 Lancaster welcomes new Festival Orchestra director with exciting summer lineup. John Devlin has arrived for his first season, expressing gratitude for the warm community reception. The festival kicks off July 24 with "Story, Songs and Symphony" featuring Tchaikovsky and Brahms, followed by a collaboration with Rascal Flatts' Gary LeVox on July 26. Other highlights include Broadway Love Stories on July 29 and a grand finale with Colbie Caillat and Dawes on August 2, complete with fireworks. Devlin personally invites everyone to experience these orchestral events, especially the new family-oriented Broadway program.

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🏠 Hocking Hills homeless shelter forced to reduce hours amid funding crisis. The shelter's operating hours have been cut from 5 p.m.-9 a.m. to just 7 p.m.-7 a.m. due to expired pandemic funding and budget constraints. Director Karrolle Dusek explained that running at full capacity has further strained their limited resources. Despite these challenges, the shelter continues supporting both residents and non-residents experiencing homelessness. Staff are currently working to raise funds for a Hocking Hills Children's Museum annual pass, needing just $100 more to provide daytime activities for residents.

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🦟 West Nile virus found in Fairfield County mosquitoes for first time this year. The infected mosquitoes were collected in traps set in Carroll, Thurston, and Stoutsville during routine monitoring by the health department. Officials have scheduled mosquito spraying in these areas to control the spread. Health Commissioner Joe Ebel emphasizes that West Nile virus is transmitted through mosquito bites, with no vaccines available for prevention. Residents are advised to use EPA-registered repellents, wear protective clothing, and eliminate standing water around homes to reduce mosquito breeding.

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🏑 Real Estate Reveals

Updated gem with modern appeal: This $249,900 Fairfield Union district home delivers 1,168 sq ft of thoroughly modernized living space with every system updated, from mechanicals to finishes, while a large covered porch provides serene outdoor enjoyment.
New spacious home flex potential: This recently built $439,900 home offers 2,500 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, featuring a first-floor owner's suite, three additional bedrooms upstairs, and flexible areas including a basement for future expansion.
Real estate listing image Spacious brick ranch school district: This cozy $269,000 2BR, 1BA all brick ranch sits on nearly an acre in Bloom Carroll Schools, featuring a fireplace, wood floors under carpet, and partial lower level with half bath.

πŸ—“οΈ Happenings & Hoopla

🎡 Jul. 23 - Lancaster Festival: The Lancaster Festival returns July 24-August 2 with Grammy winner Colbie Caillat, folk-rockers Dawes, and Gary LeVox lighting up the stage at 117 W Wheeling St. Don't miss this summer highlight!
πŸ›οΈ Jul. 24 - Kids Group Museum Visit: Join the fun at AHA! Children's Museum on July 24 as they welcome both a small group visit and the general public. Pop in for hands-on adventures at 1708 River Valley Circle South in Lancaster!
πŸ‘‘ Jul. 25 - Teen Girl Power Group: Empower your teen girl at the Girl Power Group! Young women ages 12-18 will build leadership skills and friendships during this 8-week program at Fairfield County District Library on July 25.
🍦 Jul. 25 - Republican Ice Cream Social: Cool off with the Fairfield County Republicans at their Annual Ice Cream Social during the Lancaster Art Walk! Swing by 104 E Main St on July 25 for sweet treats and community connections.
🎨 Jul. 25 - Downtown Lancaster ArtWalk: Stroll through Downtown Lancaster's biggest night at the 38th Annual ArtWalk! Immerse yourself in beautiful art, live entertainment, and delicious food on July 25 at 128 N Broad St.
🎑 Jul. 26 - Family Festival Fair Day: Kids rule at Festival Fair Day! Become an operator-for-a-day, build birdhouses, and marvel at dog tricks on July 26 at Fairfield County Fairgrounds in Lancaster. Perfect for the whole family!
🎀 Jul. 26 - Gary LeVox Live: Country star Gary LeVox lights up the Wendel Concert Stage at Lancaster Festival on July 26! Catch the former Rascal Flatts frontman as he brings his chart-topping hits to town at 7:00 PM.
πŸ§‘β€πŸŒΎ Jul. 26 - Lancaster Farmers Market: Fresh flavors await at Lancaster Farmers Market! Browse local vendors offering seasonal produce and artisan goods every Saturday morning at 143 W Chestnut St. A beloved summertime tradition in downtown Lancaster.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

-John 3:16

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