📋 Permit paradise

Good morning, Fayette County. Red tape is getting slashed in Greenfield as the village partners with Ross County to streamline building permits, creating a smoother path for both residents and businesses looking to develop. This collaboration represents a refreshing commitment to community growth at a time when bureaucratic hurdles often feel insurmountable. Meanwhile, Washington C.H. Police Department has released its March arrest report, documenting everything from serious assault charges to common traffic violations across the community.

In contrast to these local developments, Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is making waves regionally with plans to terminate leases for seven federal offices in central Ohio by late summer. The move affects several critical services including Social Security Administration offices, raising questions about accessibility for residents who rely on these resources. While the initiative claims significant cost savings, the rapid pace of these changes has many wondering about potential impacts on our communities.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Washington Court House

31°

46°

62%

Greenfield

31°

47°

87%

Jeffersonville

30°

43°

79%

Bloomingburg

31°

46°

62%

Good Hope

31°

46°

62%

Milledgeville

31°

46°

62%

Octa

30°

43°

79%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏗️ Greenfield streamlines building permits through new county partnership. The Village of Greenfield has officially teamed up with the Ross County Building Department to provide more efficient permit services for residents and businesses. Those seeking building permits can now visit the Ross County Building Permits website or contact Lauren Snyder directly for assistance. Village officials emphasized their commitment to supporting community growth and development through improved local services. This partnership represents Greenfield's ongoing efforts to create a thriving environment for both residential and business development.

🏢 Elon Musk's DOGE cutting seven federal offices in central Ohio. The Department of Government Efficiency plans to terminate leases for federal spaces including Social Security Administration and FDA offices by late summer. The closures are part of a nationwide cost-cutting initiative affecting hundreds of federal offices, with the central Ohio terminations expected around August 31 or September 1. While some agencies may negotiate new leases or relocate, the rapid pace of cancellations has raised concerns about impacts on critical government services. DOGE claims the Ohio terminations will save millions in annual lease costs.

🚓 Washington Police Department releases March arrest report. The Washington C.H. Police Department has documented numerous arrests and citations throughout March 2025. Offenses range from serious charges like assault and child endangerment to common violations including speeding, driving under suspension, and failure to appear for court dates. Several individuals were cited for driving without a license, while others faced charges related to traffic violations. The report includes arrests from March 7-15, with all individuals presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Scenic acreage near Columbus: $199,900 buys you 5 serene acres just 35 minutes from Columbus and moments from Deer Creek State Park, a perfect canvas for your dream home in a private, peaceful setting.

Spacious fixer-upper needs love: Priced at $140,000, this Miami Trace district home features three spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a large eat-in kitchen, though it needs some TLC and is sold as-is.

Budget home needs TLC: Priced at $130,000, this 3-bed home already has central air and newer furnace and water heater. Just add some updates and elbow grease to create a perfect starter home or rental with a fenced backyard.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

💭 Mar. 20 - The Wake: Mental Health: Join Eric & Kadie Gibson at The Wake for a meaningful evening addressing teen depression. Enjoy free food at 6:30pm before the 7pm discussion at The Jaimes Event Center on March 20.

🚗 Mar. 20 - Shrine Club Car Show: Rev up your engines for the Washington Shrine Club Car Show at 2101 Kenskill Ave on March 20! Enjoy a provided meal and support a great cause—contact any club member or Doug Marine's AllBrands for tickets.

🍲 Mar. 21 - Fridays with Extension Office: Boost your life skills at the YMCA with FREE classes from OSU-Fayette Extension! Drop by for expert tips on cooking, nutrition, financial wellness, and gardening on March 21 at 100 Civic Dr.

🙏 Mar. 21 - Revival with Tim Case: Raise your spirits at New Martinsburg Community Church's revival featuring evangelist Tim Case and musical group Chosen Grace! Join the uplifting gatherings March 21-23 at 7pm on Washington New Martinsburg Rd.

🍞 Mar. 21 - Sourdough Baking Class: Knead some knowledge at OSU Extension's Sourdough Basics Class! Master the art of artisanal bread making on March 21st at 11:30 AM, located at 100 Civic Dr, Washington Court House.

❄️ Mar. 21 - Winter Farm Gathering: Gear up for spring at Mayer Farm Equipment's Winter Get Together! Browse the latest farming innovations and connect with fellow agriculturists on March 21-22, 9am-4pm in Jeffersonville.

👨‍💼 Mar. 23 - Matthew Douglas Simpson: Meet Matthew Douglas Simpson at the Washington Court House Post Office on March 23. Stop by 129 W Market St for this community gathering—details to be announced soon!

🙏 In Remembrance

Robert Kessler

Robert "Bobby" Kessler, a 78-year-old resident of Sabina, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 15, 2025. His visitation will be held at Littleton Funeral Home on Friday, March 21, 2025, from 11am to 1pm. A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at the same location. After the service, he will be buried at Miami Cemetery in Waynesville.

Jo Ann Davis

Jo Ann (Rhoads) Davis, 88, of Washington CH, passed away on March 17, 2025, at her home. Born on November 7, 1936, in Pike County, Ohio, she was a Washington High School graduate who worked as a homemaker and at a local jewelry store. She enjoyed cooking, camping, and scrapbooking, and was preceded in death by her husband Perry, son William, and several siblings. Jo Ann is survived by her children Glenna Jo and Perry Adam III, five grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and extended family, with cremation having taken place and a future graveside service planned at Bainbridge Cemetery.

Gregory Hart

Gregory T. Hart, a 71-year-old resident of Wilmington, died peacefully on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The funeral home will receive visitors on Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 1-2 p.m. at Littleton Funeral Home in Sabina. Following the visitation, a graveside service will be held at Sugar Grove Cemetery in Wilmington. No additional information about Hart's life, family, or cause of death was provided in the obituary.

Robert Gorman

Robert Leon Gorman, an 86-year-old resident of Washington Court House and former Greenfield resident, died on Saturday, March 15, 2025. His visitation will take place at Littleton Funeral Home in Sabina on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. until noon. A funeral service will be held at noon on the same day. Following the service, Mr. Gorman will be buried at Milledgeville Plymouth Cemetery.

Kimberly Horn

Kimberly Ann Horn, 70, of Washington Court House, Ohio, passed away at her home on March 16, 2025. Born in 1954, she graduated from Washington High School and earned a landscape architecture degree from The Ohio State University, later working as a sales associate at Home Depot. Kim is survived by her daughter Megan and son Douglas, three grandchildren whom she cherished, and her sister Michele, while being preceded in death by her parents and brother Steven. In accordance with her wishes, cremation will take place with no visitation or service, under the direction of Kirkpatrick Funeral Home.