Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Fayette County / June 16, 2025

🚀 Fresh leadership

Fayette County • June 16, 2025

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Good morning, Fayette County. There's nothing quite like fresh leadership to breathe new energy into a community. At East Clinton High School, veteran educator Steven Sodini is stepping into the principal's role after 12 years with the district, bringing his "proud to be an Astro" spirit and commitment to showcasing student achievements. His arrival comes as Washington Court House demonstrates its own resilience, steadily recovering from a recent cyberattack while simultaneously celebrating the revival of its historic downtown through collaborative renovation efforts.

Behind the scenes of these positive developments, a different kind of drama is unfolding as Highland County commissioners and Veterans Service Office leaders find themselves at odds over budget modifications and staff raises. The heated exchanges highlight the complex balance between fiscal responsibility and competitive compensation—a reminder that even as our community moves forward with new medical facilities and housing projects, the conversations about how we fund our future remain as important as ever.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🏫 Veteran educator Steven Sodini steps up as East Clinton High School principal. After 12 years at East Clinton, Sodini brings extensive experience from his previous role as director of special education since 2016. His leadership philosophy emphasizes listening to staff and students while learning what makes the school successful. Sodini plans to showcase student and staff achievements while fostering school pride throughout the community. "I am proud to be an Astro," says Sodini, who holds a master's degree and has coached various sports during his tenure.

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🖥️ Cyberattack recovery and downtown revival energize Washington Court House. The Ohio city is making progress on restoring services following a recent cyberattack, with most telephone systems back online and email expected to return by Monday. Meanwhile, local leaders celebrated collaborative downtown revitalization efforts, including renovation of historic buildings like the former First Federal Bank. City Manager Joe Denen also highlighted positive developments including the groundbreaking of a new Adena Fayette Medical Center and ongoing housing projects. The City Council passed several ordinances including regulations for trash haulers and contractor registration requirements.

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💢 Budget battle erupts between county officials and veterans office. Highland County commissioners clashed with Veterans Service Office leaders over a $13,925 budget modification request and "excessive" staff raises. The VSO defended their independent wage increases of 10-19% based on comparisons with similar veterans offices, while commissioners demanded justification for what they called above-average raises. Despite heated exchanges about legal authority and budget responsibilities, commissioners ultimately approved the resolution while noting it wouldn't solve the payroll issues created by the raises. The dispute highlighted ongoing tensions about budget authority between county commissioners and the Veterans Service Office.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Rustic countryside retreat awaits renovation: Priced at $225,000, this rustic property offers 4.6 acres of land with all appliances included, though it's being sold as-is for those looking to create their dream countryside retreat.
Real estate listing image Grand home endless entertainment possibilities: For $337,990, this 3,200-square-foot Empress floor plan offers five bedrooms, spacious entertaining areas including a great room, hearth room, and optional sunroom, plus a well-equipped kitchen with ample storage.
Real estate listing image Future home flexible spaces soon: Priced at $341,401, this future 4-bedroom home offers an open floor plan with flexible spaces including a main-level den and upstairs loft, available in November 2025.

🙏 In Remembrance

Susan Thacker Walker

Susan Thacker Walker, 68, of Wilmington, NC, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Norvant Hospital in Wilmington. Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland is currently arranging a graveside service to be held at New Holland Cemetery. Complete service details will be announced by the funeral home once arrangements are finalized. For more information, family and friends can visit the funeral home's website at www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com.

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