🚀 Young stars shine

Good morning, Fayette County. The spotlight shined brightly on Buckskin Elementary's second-graders this week as they transformed into historical figures at the Greenfield school board meeting. Young Claire Judkins and Addy Bluck brought astronaut Sally Ride and musician Anne Wilson to life through their impressive "wax museum" presentations—a heartwarming reminder that our smallest citizens are developing crucial communication skills that will serve them well beyond elementary school.

While young minds flourish, major developments are reshaping our community's landscape. The ambitious Court House Station project promises to bring new retail spaces, a dental office, and potential for future growth along U.S. 62. Meanwhile, Washington Municipal Court's docket reveals a different kind of community story, with multiple credit companies pursuing residents for unpaid debts—painting a complex picture of the financial challenges facing some of our neighbors during these economically challenging times.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Washington Court House

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Greenfield

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Jeffersonville

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Bloomingburg

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Good Hope

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Milledgeville

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Octa

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎭 Second-graders shine as famous figures at school board meeting. At Buckskin Elementary, students Claire Judkins and Addy Bluck presented their "wax museum" personas—astronaut Sally Ride and Christian musician Anne Wilson—to the Greenfield school board. Principal Randy Closson praised the activity for building essential writing and public speaking skills. The board also discussed positive behavioral interventions, increased school meal participation, and approved various personnel recommendations. Summer food programs will continue at three locations after serving an average of 469 children daily last summer.

⚖️ Small town court docket reveals a flood of financial claims. Washington Municipal Court's latest civil reports show multiple credit companies pursuing residents for unpaid debts ranging from $1,800 to $15,000. Credit Acceptance Corporation appears most frequently, filing at least seven complaints against local residents. Several eviction cases are also proceeding through the court, including actions by landlords like Rocky Glacier Properties and The Villages on Prairie Pond. The legal actions paint a picture of financial struggles affecting numerous households in this Ohio community.

🏗️ Ohio town unveils ambitious Court House Station development plan. Equity Brokerage released site plans for the multi-use project located on U.S. 62 between Courthouse Parkway and Commerce Boulevard. The development will include a 7,500-square-foot dental office, 10,000 square feet of multi-tenant retail space with drive-through potential, and areas marked for future gas station and additional development. Strategically positioned near U.S. 35 with approximately 3,923 vehicles passing daily, the site offers prime commercial visibility. The plans also highlight nearby residential growth with The Crossings of Washington Court House set to break ground in summer 2025, adding 622 new residential units.

Spacious brick with dreamy views: This brick range home in Miami Trace School district offers 2800 sq ft of meticulously maintained living space for $480,000. Features include 3 beds/3 baths, granite kitchen, enclosed patio with breathtaking views, and unique garage with fireplace on 1.18 acres.

Compact bungalow with bonus basement: This cozy bungalow with basement space is on the market for $149,700. The single-story home offers that increasingly rare combination of manageable living with the bonus of extra space downstairs.

Peaceful private dream lot potential: For $199,900, you can build your dream home on this 5-acre lot just 35 minutes from Columbus and 5 minutes from Deer Creek State Park, offering a private, peaceful setting rarely found in the area.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🔍 Apr. 16 - True Crime Library Meetup: True crime enthusiasts unite at "Only Murders in the Library" on April 16! Swap podcast theories and discuss your favorite shows with fellow fans at 127 S North St in Washington Court House.

🗣️ Apr. 17 - The Wake: Depression Talk: "The Wake" with Dray Stewart offers a powerful conversation about teen depression at The Jaimes Event Center on April 17. Enjoy free food at 6:30pm before the 7pm discussion begins.

🌱 Apr. 18 - Fridays with Extension Office: Boost your skills for free at the YMCA this Friday! Join OSU-Fayette Extension Office for valuable tips on cooking, nutrition, financial wellness, and gardening on April 18 at the Fayette County Family YMCA.

🧠 Apr. 18 - Staff Emotional Intelligence Training: Boost your people skills at the Emotional Intelligence Training on April 18th! Join this collaborative session at Fayette County Family YMCA at 11:30 AM, presented by Economic Development and OSU Extension Fayette.

🐣 Apr. 18 - Easter Egg Hunt & Gym: Hop into spring at the Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Open Gym! Little ones can search for hundreds of hidden eggs before enjoying playtime at Northwest on April 18. A perfect preschool adventure!

🐰 Apr. 18 - Easter Egg Hunt Tour: Hunt for surprise-filled eggs while touring Carriage Court on April 18! Every egg contains a treat, and you'll be entered to win the grand prize drawing happening the following Friday.

🧲 Apr. 19 - Memorial Horseshoe Tournament: Toss those ringers at the Tom Spacie Rucker memorial Horseshoe tournament! Just $10 per person at the Fraternal Order of Eagles on April 19. Sign up at noon, play at 1PM with 100% payback.

🧸 Apr. 19 - Vintage Treasures Auction: Treasure hunters, mark your calendars! The Fayette County Fairgrounds hosts a vibrant auction of antique toys, vintage bicycles, jewelry, and coins on April 19. Doors open at 10am for preview, bidding starts at noon.

🙏 In Remembrance

Julie Haubach

Julie Beth Haubach, affectionately known as "JuJu," passed away at age 64 on April 10, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She is survived by her daughter Erica, son Zach, two grandsons, and several siblings. Julie was known for her big heart, legendary sense of humor, and love of outdoor activities including camping, hiking, and making bonfires. She was an animal lover who once kept numerous pets including horses and dogs at her Kentucky home, and enjoyed simple pleasures like watching television, playing cards, and solving crossword puzzles.

Paul Jones

Paul Milford Jones, aged 82, passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Embassy Valley View near Frankfort, Ohio. He was a resident of Clarksburg, Ohio. The Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland is handling his funeral arrangements. No further details about Jones' life or services were provided in the brief obituary notice.

Edna Smith

Edna Mae Smith, a 90-year-old resident of Washington Court House, passed away on April 13, 2025, at Adena Fayette Medical Center. Born in 1935 in Kentucky, she worked at various companies throughout her life, retiring from Walmart Deli at age 89 after twenty years of service. Edna enjoyed puzzles, word games, and traveling to visit family in Illinois, Tennessee, and Kentucky. She is survived by her three children, eleven grandchildren, thirty-one great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, and several siblings, while being preceded in death by her husband Raymond, a granddaughter, and three siblings.