Good morning, Pickaway County. In an era where competitive gaming rivals traditional sports, Westfall High School is stepping up its game – literally. The school board is set to approve two new esports coaches, proving that pixelated championships deserve just as much attention as Friday night lights. And speaking of champions, the local VFW Post 7941's generous $1,000 donation for student lunch accounts shows that our community's spirit of giving remains undefeated.
Meanwhile, someone in Hartville is having a very happy new year after scratching their way to a cool $50K lottery win. While they may have missed out on the game's elusive $1 million top prize, that $36,000 after taxes could still buy quite a few victory dances – or about 7,200 more scratch-off tickets, though we wouldn't recommend it.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏫 Westfall School Board adds esports coaches and receives generous donations. The board will meet January 13th, 2025, to approve two new high school esports coaches and a cafeteria worker substitute. Local businesses and community members have pledged nearly $3,700 in donations, including $1,000 from VFW Post 7941 for student lunch accounts. The meeting will be preceded by an organization session at 5:30 PM in the community room.
💰 Lucky Ohio lottery player strikes gold with $50K scratch-off win. The winning Billion scratch-off ticket was purchased at a Giant Eagle store in Hartville, with the winner set to receive $36,000 after taxes. The game's top prize of $1 million annually for 20 years remains up for grabs, with three such prizes still unclaimed. Players face odds of 1 in 4.10 for winning any prize in the scratch-off game.
🕊️ Gary Lee Simmons, 44, leaves behind a legacy of love. The Frankfort resident passed away peacefully at Berger Hospital in Circleville on January 5, 2025. Born in Athens to James Lee and Pamela Sue Walters Simmons, Gary was a graduate of Loften High School in Gainesville, Florida. He is remembered fondly by his surviving family members, including several cousins and an aunt, while the staff at Copper Knoll provided devoted care in his final days. The family requests that memorial contributions be directed to the Ross County Humane Society.
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
 Teays Valley Vikings | ||
| vs Newark | L 50-33 | |
 Westfall Mustangs | ||
| @ Piketon | L 40-37 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Ranch-style gem with customization options
Welcome home to the Ashland, a charming single-story ranch-style residence featuring an open floor plan with 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. With a list price of $358,900, this home boasts a traditional front elevation, a 2-car garage, and a cozy covered front porch, with customizable exterior options available for a touch of personal flair.
Stylish cottage with functional layout
This stylish Greenbriar Hyde Park Cottage in Heritage Ponds is listed at $399,990. It features a private study, an open-concept layout with a gourmet island kitchen, three bedrooms including a primary suite with an en suite bathroom, and a spacious loft. The home also boasts a full basement, a convenient laundry room, and a two-bay garage, making it both functional and inviting.
Discover a spacious and modern two-story home in the Stamford floorplan, featuring 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms within 2,346 square feet of versatile living space. The open-concept layout includes a well-appointed kitchen with a center island, ample cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances, while the first floor provides a flex room for work or play, and the upper level offers a loft, convenient laundry area, and a serene master suite with a walk-in closet. Listed at $401,990, this home comes equipped with smart home technology to enhance your living experience.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
-Ephesians 4:32