Good morning, Perry County. Once completely vanished from Ohio's landscape, sandhill cranes are making a remarkable comeback. These majestic birds with their distinctive red foreheads have grown from zero to over 400 counted last year, and now the Ohio Department of Natural Resources needs your help to track them this April. While these rare birds slowly rebuild their population, New Lexington High School is solving another scarcity problem—sports officials—by certifying around 100 student referees through their innovative Workforce Development Program.
Meanwhile, downtown Lancaster became part of a larger national movement this weekend as 100-150 residents gathered with signs expressing concerns about federal policies. The demonstration joined similar events happening across Ohio and the country. From protecting threatened wildlife to creating opportunities for students who can earn both graduation credits and up to $1,000 during summer officiating gigs, our community continues to demonstrate engagement on multiple fronts.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🦅 Ohio needs volunteers to count rare sandhill cranes this April. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is recruiting help for the fifth annual Midwest Crane Count on April 12 across 33 counties with suitable wetland habitats. Last year's survey documented 412 of these tall, gray wading birds with distinctive red foreheads, with Wayne County leading at 106 cranes counted. Once completely absent from Ohio, sandhill cranes returned in 1987 and have been slowly expanding their presence, though they remain listed as threatened in the state. Volunteers will spend about two hours outdoors during the count, helping track these secretive birds during their nesting season.
🏟️ High school program tackles sports officiating shortage with student refs. New Lexington High School's Workforce Development Program has certified around 100 students to officiate various sports in just its second year. The initiative addresses the critical shortage of officials at youth and school levels while offering students graduation credits for their certifications. Students can earn up to four graduation points for each officiating license, with some making up to $1,000 officiating during summer alone. The program has gained recognition from state leaders and become a permanent fixture at the school, benefiting both students and the community.
🪧 Lancaster protesters join nationwide rallies against Trump administration policies. Approximately 100-150 residents gathered downtown Saturday, displaying signs with messages like "Stop 'Gutting' Social Security" and "Dump Trump, Mash Musk." The Lancaster demonstration was part of a coordinated effort across Ohio and the nation, with over 500,000 people nationwide participating in similar events. Many protests were organized under the "50501" movement, opposing what organizers called "destruction of government for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies." The White House dismissed these protests, stating they won't deter Trump from making the federal government "more efficient and accountable."
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
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Waterfront Luxury With Canal Access: Listed at $655,000, this Buckeye Lake waterfront home offers an open floor plan with chef's kitchen, a primary suite with private bath, covered porch, and canal frontage with a two-slip boathouse.
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🙏 In Remembrance
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
-Philippians 4:8
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