🏢 Eyesore no more

Good morning, Fayette County. After years of standing as a community eyesore, Hillsboro's former Gross-Feibel building is finally meeting its fate. The Highland County Land Bank and City of Hillsboro have joined forces on the $96,000 demolition project, choosing direct action over potentially costlier grant processes. What was once a blighted property along a planned Rails to Trails route could eventually transform into revenue-generating condominiums—turning an eyesore into an asset.

Law enforcement across the region has been keeping exceptionally busy. Washington C.H. Police logged dozens of arrests and citations in March, while Highland County Sheriff's deputies responded to a staggering 131 calls in just 48 hours. From domestic disturbances to fraud cases and unruly juveniles, the recent reports paint a vivid picture of the daily challenges our officers face while maintaining community safety. The current jail count stands at 61 inmates—a sobering reminder of the ongoing work of local justice systems.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Washington Court House

35°

59°

84%

Greenfield

36°

63°

63%

Jeffersonville

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58°

Bloomingburg

35°

59°

84%

Good Hope

35°

59°

84%

Milledgeville

35°

59°

84%

Octa

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58°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏗️ Hillsboro's eyesore finally coming down after long legal battle. The Highland County Land Bank has agreed to split the $96,000 demolition cost of the former Gross-Feibel building with the City of Hillsboro. Mayor Justin Harsha explained that pursuing state Brownfield Remediation Grant funding would have cost more than the demolition quote they received, making direct action more practical. The property, recently returned to city ownership following litigation, sits along a planned Rails to Trails route and near Crossroads Park. Officials hope to eventually develop the site into revenue-generating condominiums after cleanup is complete.

🚓 Washington C.H. Police report dozens of arrests and citations in March. The police department's monthly report details various offenses ranging from traffic violations to more serious crimes. Notable incidents include assault charges, drug-related offenses, and multiple arrests for disorderly conduct. Several individuals were apprehended on outstanding warrants from Washington C.H. and neighboring counties. The report emphasizes that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

🚔 Highland County Sheriff handled 131 calls in just two days. Deputies responded to incidents including a domestic disturbance on Riber Road and an unruly juvenile case that resulted in charges against a 15-year-old for disorderly conduct and underage drinking. Other reports included telecommunications harassment, bank fraud, and a property dispute. Several arrests were made for offenses ranging from expired tags to drug possession, with the current jail count standing at 61 inmates—51 males and 10 females.

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🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🌱 Mar. 27 - Living with Seasons Circle: Join the "Living with the Seasons Circle" for both women and men on March 27 at 138 S Fayette St, Washington Court House. Embrace new beginnings together in this inclusive community gathering!

👨 Mar. 28 - Common Man: Join the "Common Man" gathering at the Washington Court House Post Office on March 28! Stop by 129 W Market St for this community event—a perfect chance to connect with neighbors and friends.

📅 Mar. 29 - Seasonal Team Meeting: Join fellow campers at the Seasonal Meeting at Walnut Lake Campgrounds on March 29 at 3:00 pm. Your presence matters at this important community gathering—please notify management if unable to attend.

👰 Mar. 30 - Destination I Do Bridal Show: Say "I do" to inspiration at Destination Outlets' 2025 Bridal Show on March 30! Transform your dream wedding into reality at this must-attend event in Jeffersonville. No admission fee mentioned.

🙏 In Remembrance

Nichols Estell

Nichols "Nick" Estell died peacefully at his home in Sabina at the age of 85 on Sunday, March 23, 2025. His family will welcome visitors at Littleton Funeral Home in Sabina on Wednesday, March 26 from 5-7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Wilmington on Thursday, March 27 at 10:30 a.m. Following the service, Mr. Estell will be laid to rest at Sabina Cemetery.

James Cadwallader

James Richard "Jim" Cadwallader, 87, of Washington CH, died peacefully on March 25, 2025, at Court House Manor. A graduate of Hillsboro High School and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Jim worked for over twenty years at Irwin Auger Bit Company and served as a deacon at Hillsboro Church of Christ. He enjoyed square-dancing, cooking, traveling, and reading his Bible, and is survived by his wife Susan, son Daniel, step-children, numerous grandchildren, and his brother Roger. Services will be held privately for the family.

Patricia A. "Pat" Lewis

Patricia 'Pat' A. Lewis, a 92-year-old resident of Jeffersonville, passed away on March 8, 2025. She was a dedicated educator who taught for 27 years at Greenview School after earning her teaching degree from Central State University and later a master's degree. Known for her love of travel, bowling, and sewing, Pat was also an active member of Eastern Star and Jeffersonville Church of Christ. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and was part of a close-knit friend group known as the "Golden Girls." Following her wishes, Pat was cremated with no funeral service, though a Celebration of Life will be held later for family and friends.

James Cadwallader

James "Jim" Richard Cadwallader, 87, of Washington CH, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025, at Court House Manor. A Hillsboro High School graduate and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Jim worked at Irwin Auger Bit Company in Wilmington for over 20 years and served as a deacon at the Hillsboro Church of Christ. He enjoyed square-dancing, cooking, traveling, and Bible reading, and is survived by his wife Susan, son Daniel, step-children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, sister Juanita, and first wife Linda Lou.