🏠 Housing squeeze

Good morning, Fayette County. The housing affordability crisis has Central Ohio residents feeling the squeeze, with a striking 73% of survey respondents saying housing costs too much. For one in five families, the math is so tight they're sacrificing childcare just to keep a roof overhead. Despite these economic headwinds, most residents maintain optimism about the region's job prospects—a testament to the resilience that defines our community.

In brighter local news, Washington High School alum Jaelyn Mason is stepping up to lead the girls' wrestling program, bringing her passion for athletics and youth development to the mat. Meanwhile, the county jail needs a $200,000 body scanner upgrade, with commissioners also approving funds for new Sheriff's Office vehicles. The wheels of local government keep turning, addressing both security needs and community growth.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Washington Court House

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69°

Greenfield

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Jeffersonville

54°

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Bloomingburg

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Good Hope

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69°

Milledgeville

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Octa

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏠 Central Ohio residents struggle with housing costs amid rapid growth. A new Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission survey reveals housing affordability as the top economic concern, with 73% of respondents saying housing is too expensive. Job quality and childcare costs round out the top three issues, with one in five families sacrificing childcare to afford housing. Despite these challenges, 54% remain optimistic about the region's job outlook. The findings will inform regional planning efforts as leaders seek solutions to support Central Ohio's continued economic development.

🤼‍♀️ Local alum Jaelyn Mason takes over girls' wrestling program. The 2018 Washington High School graduate will lead the varsity team after former coach Wes Gibbs stepped down following four seasons. Mason, a licensed social worker with a passion for athletics, has already assisted with the middle school girls' track team and high school girls' wrestling team over the past two years. She also led the middle school soccer team in 2024, building her coaching experience. Mason expressed excitement about her new role and commitment to developing her athletes as both wrestlers and individuals.

🔍 Fayette County jail needs a $200,000 body scanner upgrade. The current scanner, now 8-10 years old, faces space limitations in the newer facility, according to Sheriff's Office representatives who addressed county commissioners. Chief Deputy Bivens and Captain McFarland indicated an on-site inspection and formal bidding process will be necessary for the replacement. The department also plans to replace aging deputy weapons soon. Additionally, commissioners approved several other expenditures, including two new Dodge Durango vehicles for the Sheriff's Office costing $91,126.

Team	Opponent	Score
Miami Trace (14-1)
	@ Chillicothe	W 10-0

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Spacious home endless possibilities: The Juniper, priced at $288,990, offers a spacious two-story layout with an open concept kitchen, multiple bedrooms with walk-in closets, and various optional upgrades including a basement, third car garage, or sunroom.

Spacious farmhouse with chicken coop: For $329,900, this country-like farmhouse boasts five bedrooms, three garages with space for 5-6 vehicles, fruit trees, and a backyard chicken coop, plus recent upgrades including a 2019 roof and 2017 water heater.

Parade-watching ranch under 160k: This charming $159,900 ranch home offers a covered front porch perfect for watching parades, two bedrooms, a full bath, and a private fenced backyard with a small patio and detached garage.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏃 May 7 - Frontier Athletic Championships: Cheer on local track stars at the Frontier Athletic Conference Championships! Athletes compete for conference glory May 7 at Washington High School's track field in Washington Court House.

🧘 May 8 - Yoga on the Patio: Stretch and breathe at the free "Yoga on the Patio" with Indigo Roots Studio on May 8! Unroll your mat at 216 E Court St, Washington Court House—don't worry, there's an indoor backup if it rains.

🏃 May 8 - Miami Trace Invitational: Runners, mark your calendars! The Miami Trace Invitational sprints into action Thursday, May 8th at Miami Trace High School in Washington Court House. This exciting track meet promises top local competition.

💐 May 9 - Mother's Day Shopping Celebration: Pamper the special women in your life at Farm Wife Threads' Mother's Day Open House! Browse stylish treasures in a relaxed atmosphere at 1809 Hays Rd NE, Bloomingburg on May 9.

📚 May 10 - Salty Silent Book Club: Curl up with your favorite book at the Salty Silent Book Club! Join fellow readers for peaceful literary companionship at 216 E Court St on May 10. Arrive at noon to order drinks before the quiet begins.

👶 May 10 - Walk For Life: Join the Walk For Life celebration at LIFE Pregnancy Center on May 10! Stroll through Washington Court House in support of motherhood at this heartwarming community event. 238 S Fayette St.

🙏 In Remembrance

Lynn Ellen Heiny

Lynn Ellen Heiny, 64, of Washington Court House, will be honored with a funeral service on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Steve Brand officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 1:30 p.m. until the service begins, followed by food and fellowship in Persinger Hall. A private graveside service is scheduled for Monday at Washington Cemetery. Kirkpatrick Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

James Minney Sr.

James H. Minney Sr., a 74-year-old United States Marine veteran from Washington Court House, Ohio, passed away on April 19, 2025, at the VA Medical Center in Chillicothe. Born in 1950 to George Minney and Thelma Klontz, Jim lived a life dedicated to his country, family, and passions including Harley-Davidsons and time in Florida. He was preceded in death by his wife Tonda in 2013 and several siblings, while surviving him are his four children, grandchildren, and three siblings. A graveside ceremony honoring his life will be held at Milledgeville Cemetery on May 2, 2025.

Ronald Long Jr.

Ronald C. Long, Jr., 97, of Washington Court House, passed away on April 30, 2025, at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center. Born in 1927 in Good Hope, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II before marrying Betty L. Jones in 1953, who preceded him in death in 1992. Ronald was active with the Fayette County Commission on Aging Senior Citizens Center, a member of the American Legion Post No. 25, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is survived by two sons, eight grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, while his funeral service will be held on May 10, 2025, at Summers Funeral Home.