🎶 Jailhouse rock reunion

Good morning, Franklin County. From the golden age of swing to modern-day escape attempts, Franklin County sure knows how to keep dancing to its own beat. The historic Valley Dale Ballroom, which once hosted legends like Duke Ellington and Jimi Hendrix, stands as a testament to our musical heritage - though we're pretty sure none of those performances ended quite like our recent jailhouse rock, where one escapee-hopeful's impromptu performance landed her a $25,000 encore in court.

Meanwhile, as these local dramas unfold, Ohio's energy future hangs in the balance at the Supreme Court, where solar farm projects are generating more heat than light. These cases could power hundreds of thousands of homes - or at least generate enough energy to keep Valley Dale's dance floor spinning for another century of memories.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Columbus

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Dublin

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Gahanna

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Hilliard

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Reynoldsburg

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Grove City

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Westerville

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Upper Arlington

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Worthington

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Whitehall

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏃‍♀️ Inmate's escape attempt ends in hair-pulling brawl with deputy. Jessica Thomas, a 36-year-old Akron woman, tried to flee her Franklin County jail housing unit on November 4th when she spotted an open door. The escape attempt turned violent when Thomas collided with a deputy, leading to a physical altercation where she allegedly pulled the officer's hair and struck their face. Deputies eventually subdued Thomas, who now faces felony assault charges on top of existing drug possession and grand theft auto convictions. A judge has set her bond at $25,000 while she faces multiple charges including parole violation.

💃 Historic ballroom's century of music still echoes through Columbus. Valley Dale Ballroom, originally on Columbus's outskirts, transformed from a simple tavern site into an entertainment landmark that has hosted legendary performers like Duke Ellington, Bing Crosby, and Jimi Hendrix. The venue's golden age saw massive crowds for big band acts in the 1930s and 1940s, including a record-setting 5,000 attendees for Guy Lombardo in 1934. As musical tastes evolved from swing to rock, the Peppe family expertly adapted the venue's offerings while maintaining its charm and significance. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Valley Dale continues its legacy as a cherished events space, holding countless memories of first dates, weddings, and celebrations spanning over 100 years.

☀️ Ohio's solar energy future hangs in Supreme Court balance. The state's highest court is weighing crucial decisions on four major solar farm projects that could collectively power hundreds of thousands of homes amid growing energy concerns. The legal battle centers on two specific cases where residents have challenged permits for massive solar installations - the 350-megawatt Harvey Solar project in Licking County and the 130-megawatt South Branch Solar development in Hancock County. These cases come at a critical time as Ohio faces mounting pressure from surging energy demands and an increasingly strained electrical grid. The court's decisions will likely set important precedents for renewable energy development in the state.

Team	Opponent	Score
Upper Arlington Golden Bears
	@ Olentangy Orange	W 9-1
	vs University School	W 4-3
	vs Olentangy Liberty**	W 5-1
Thomas Worthington CARDINALS
	@ Lincoln	L 2-1
Worthington Kilbourne Wolves
	vs Dublin Jerome	L 6-0
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks
	vs Olentangy	L 7-0
	@ New Albany	L 4-1
Dublin Jerome Celtics
	vs St. Charles	T 2-2
	@ Worthington Kilbourne	W 6-0
Lincoln Lions
	vs Thomas Worthington	W 2-1
New Albany Eagles
	vs Olentangy Berlin	W 4-3
	@ Olentangy	W 6-5 (OT)
	@ Archbishop Moeller	W 6-1
	vs Dublin Coffman	W 4-1

🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)

Team	Opponent	Score
Briggs Bruins
	vs Marion-Franklin	L 71-53
	@ St. Charles	L 41-29
Beechcroft Cougars
	vs Columbus International	W 68-14
	@ Northland	L 72-55
Centennial Stars
	vs Whetstone	W 81-55
East Tigers
	@ Northland	L 64-46
	@ Mifflin	W 68-44
Independence 76ers
	@ Walnut Ridge	L 71-31
Linden-McKinley Panthers
	vs Mifflin	L 50-47
	vs Hamilton Township	L 63-37
Mifflin Punchers
	@ Linden-McKinley	W 50-47
	vs East	L 68-44
Marion-Franklin Red Devils
	@ Briggs	W 71-53
	@ Walnut Ridge	L 93-32
Northland Vikings
	vs East	W 64-46
	vs Beechcroft	W 72-55
South Bulldogs
	@ Africentric Early College	L 47-41
West Cowboys
	vs Eastmoor Academy	L 62-49
	@ Africentric Early College	L 78-30
Walnut Ridge Scots
	vs Independence	W 71-31
	vs Marion-Franklin	W 93-32
Whetstone Braves
	@ Centennial	L 81-55
Africentric Early College Nubians
	vs South	W 47-41
	vs West	W 78-30
	vs Woodward	W 71-32
Upper Arlington Golden Bears
	@ Gilmour Academy	W 58-51
	vs Dublin Coffman	L 68-53
Thomas Worthington CARDINALS
	vs Hilliard Darby	L 75-51
Hilliard Bradley Jaguars
	vs Olentangy Orange	L 62-51
Hilliard Davidson Wildcats
	@ Olentangy Liberty	L 78-54
Worthington Kilbourne Wolves
	@ Marion Harding	L 56-37
	vs Marysville	W 47-46
Hilliard Darby Panthers
	vs Westerville Central	W 50-46
	@ Thomas Worthington	W 75-51
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks
	vs Olentangy Liberty	L 64-49
	@ Upper Arlington	W 68-53
Dublin Jerome Celtics
	@ Harvest Prep	L 64-41
	@ Olentangy	L 58-42
Westerville Central Warhawks
	@ Hilliard Darby	L 50-46
	@ Central Crossing	W 50-43
Lincoln Lions
	vs St. Francis DeSales	W 56-53
	vs Grove City	W 62-53
Dublin Scioto Irish
	vs Olentangy Berlin	L 61-46
	@ Hayes	L 75-50
Westerville South Wildcats
	vs Westland	W 65-49
Westerville North Warriors
	vs Big Walnut	W 65-30
Grove City Greyhounds
	@ Lincoln	L 62-53
Central Crossing Comets
	@ Canal Winchester	L 40-36
	vs Westerville Central	L 50-43
Franklin Heights Falcons
	@ St. Francis DeSales	L 75-54
New Albany Eagles
	vs Groveport-Madison	W 53-47
	vs Pickerington North	W 52-48
Reynoldsburg Raiders
	vs Richmond Heights	W 80-65
	@ Lancaster	W 78-67
Bexley Lions
	@ Worthington Christian	W 49-41
Canal Winchester Indians
	vs Central Crossing	W 40-36
Graham Local Falcons
	vs Benjamin Logan	W 38-35
Columbus International Lions
	@ Beechcroft	L 68-14
	vs Genoa Christian Academy	L 59-38

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Updated home with cozy features

This beautiful home, listed at $300,000, offers four bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, freshly painted and ready for new memories. Featuring two cozy fireplaces—one in the living room and another in the basement man cave—along with a newly constructed deck perfect for outdoor enjoyment, this property has undergone several updates including a new roof, a 2017 furnace, and regular pest control services.

Cozy home with potential upgrades

List price: $199,000. This charming home features real hardwood floors hiding beneath the carpet, along with a finished upstairs that adds extra space. With recent updates like replacement windows, HVAC, and a roof that’s about a decade old, it just needs a little cosmetic TLC to shine.

Renovated gem near airport

Listed at $147,900, this fully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom single-family home on a corner lot boasts new vinyl siding, windows, and flooring, along with a freshly painted interior. With modern updates including a revamped kitchen and bathroom, as well as a new concrete driveway and a roof that's just 6 years old, this move-in-ready gem is perfectly suited for first-time buyers or investors looking for a solid opportunity near the airport.

🙏 In Remembrance

Mark Anthony Gregory

Mark Anthony Gregory, 65, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness. He is survived by his partner of 23 years, Susan Heffelfinger, and his children Staci, Season, Jeremy, Jason (deceased), Cody, and Shawn. Mark was known for his humor, compassion, and passion for animals, especially his two dogs, Dutch and Mila. A devoted family man, he cherished connections with friends and family, often reaching out multiple times a day. A service will be held on January 17, 2025, with donations encouraged to "Get Behind The Badge" in lieu of flowers.

Bishop Jerome M. McGhee Sr.

Bishop Jerome M. McGhee Sr.'s obituary is currently unavailable. Friends and family are invited to share their thoughts and memories on the Tribute Wall. Floral tributes can be sent to the family or a tree can be planted in his memory through the designated floral store.

Michele R. Chapman

Michele Chapman, 48, of Columbus, passed away on January 6, 2025. She is survived by her husband Edel Torres, children Michael and Megan Crabtree, granddaughter Adalyn, mother Ellen Chapman, and several other family members including her brothers and a grandmother. Michele was preceded in death by her father, Patrick Chapman. A visitation will be held at Moreland Funeral Home on January 14th, followed by a service led by Pastor Chuck Andrick. Private interment will take place afterward.

Juanita Irene Lang

Juanita Irene McCants Lang passed away on January 3, 2025, at Ohio State East Hospital at the age of 91. Born on November 23, 1933, in Mobile, Alabama, she was a devoted member of her church and a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Juanita had a long career at the Ohio State University and was actively involved in community service, earning accolades for her volunteer work, including a Bronze Award for Volunteer of the Year in 2007. She is survived by her daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, and many extended family members and friends. Visitation is set for January 17, 2025, at St. Philip Lutheran Church, followed by a celebration of life service.

Beth Burkhart

Beth Burkhart, 65, passed away peacefully at her home in Columbus, Ohio, on January 6, 2025. Born on October 24, 1959, in Frankfort, Indiana, she was a devoted mother and compassionate friend, dedicated to raising her four children and supporting others in her community, notably through her work at Ohio State University's mammography clinic. Beth's love for travel and family created lasting memories that her children will cherish forever. She is survived by her children, brother, and nephew, and was preceded in death by her parents and nephew. A private memorial service was held to honor her life.

Donald Fred Dixon

Donald Fred Dixon, aged 88, passed away on January 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 8, 1936, in Youngstown, Ohio, he had a successful career as a dentist after graduating from The Ohio State University Dental School. He married Carolyn "Kip" Rodgers in 1961, and they enjoyed 63 years of marriage while raising five children and building a close-knit family. An active church member, Don was known for his welcoming spirit and for organizing family events and gatherings. He is survived by his wife, children, and numerous grandchildren, with calling hours and a memorial service scheduled for early February.

Margaret Ruth Saffell

Margaret Ruth (Wycoff) Saffell, 87, passed away on January 9, 2025, at Traditions of Hilliard. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Lee Saffell, and is survived by her children Richard, Lori, and Gregg, along with grandsons Eric, Joshua, and Alex. A graduate of St. Aloysius Academy, she retired from Scioto Darby Schools and Chemical Abstracts Service. Friends may visit on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home, with a funeral service on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the same location, followed by burial at Maplewood Cemetery. Contributions in her memory can be made to The Parkinson's Foundation.

Lucille Holbrook

Lucille Holbrook (Hall), 79, of Grove City, Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2024. Born on May 17, 1945, in Portsmouth, Ohio, she was a dedicated caregiver at Orient State Institution until her retirement in 1983. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, she was affectionately known as "Nanny" and cherished her family deeply. Lucille is survived by her husband, Jerry Holbrook, and their daughters, along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings. Visitation will be held on January 15, 2025, with a funeral service to follow.

Reverend Rawley Dodd Boone

Reverend Rawley Dodd Boone, born on February 11, 1941, passed away on January 6, 2025. A dedicated pastor in the Presbyterian Church USA, he served congregations in the Panama Canal Zone, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, and was actively involved in church committees. In retirement, he contributed to his community through volunteer work at a food pantry and the Ohio History Center, while also enjoying officiating high school football games. He is survived by his daughter, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family, with a memorial service scheduled for January 25 at Broad Street Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the food pantry or Ohio History Connection.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

-Joshua 1:9

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