📍 Ohio's future glow-up

Good morning, Pickaway County. Move over, Silicon Valley - Ohio's cooking up its own recipe for economic transformation, and Pickaway County just scored the starring role. With an $86 million slice of the state's future fund pie heading our way, we're about to witness the kind of industrial glow-up that would make Tony Stark jealous. Anduril Industries' Arsenal-1 facility isn't just bringing 4,000 jobs - it's bringing the future.

Speaking of capturing moments in time, our community says goodbye to Dale Lear, a man who preserved more than 1,000 "I dos" through his lens while wearing more professional hats than a Broadway costume department. Meanwhile, the Circleville Tigers are writing their own spring story, with Coach Bigam's baseball "gym rats" warming up for what promises to be an interesting season.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Circleville

17°

34°

Ashville

17°

34°

South Bloomfield

17°

34°

Williamsport

17°

34°

Commercial Point

18°

34°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏭 Ohio invests $92 million to transform five counties into economic powerhouses. The state's All Ohio Future Fund will prepare major development sites in Gallia, Guernsey, Muskingum, and Pickaway counties, with the largest portion - $86 million - heading to Pickaway County. Defense tech company Anduril Industries will establish Arsenal-1, a massive manufacturing facility expected to create over 4,000 jobs and generate $1 billion in investment. The initiative aims to make Ohio more competitive by creating shovel-ready properties with robust infrastructure. Governor DeWine's strategic investment includes utility upgrades, roadwork, and airport improvements to attract industry-leading companies.

📸 Beloved photographer and professor Dale Lear leaves behind legacy of 1,000 weddings. The former Ohio University professor and business owner passed away at home on February 10, 2025, after a life rich with diverse experiences and achievements. Beyond his extensive photography career, Lear served as a deputy sheriff, EMT, and business professor, touching countless lives through his various roles. A devoted family man, he leaves behind his wife Rebecca, three children, and three grandchildren, with a fourth on the way. His passion for life extended to his love of Key West, Jimmy Buffett music, and his talent for making everyone laugh.

⚾ Circleville Tigers seek pitching depth for 2025 baseball campaign. Head Coach Brian Bigam returns six starters but emphasizes the need for improved pitching and hitting approaches. The team's strengths include leadership and solid defense up the middle, anchored by veteran catcher Austin Gray. After a 12-15 record and sectional finals appearance in 2024, the Tigers will rely heavily on Gray (.310 avg) and promising sophomore Glavine Bigam (.438 OBP) to lead the charge. Coach Bigam remains optimistic, noting his roster includes several dedicated "baseball gym rats."

Team	Opponent	Score
Circleville (12-8)
	@ Paint Valley	W 63-42

🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)

In a battle of southern Ohio hoops, Logan Elm edged Waverly 58-50 in a game that was tighter than a referee's whistle. The Braves (12-11) played the role of gracious hosts right up until tipoff, then showed their guests from Waverly (11-12) the door in this non-league showdown.

Team	Opponent	Score
Logan Elm (12-11)
	vs Waverly**	W 58-50
Teays Valley (8-15)
	vs Franklin Heights*	W 72-37

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Downtown gem with modern updates: In the heart of downtown Circleville, this charming one-story home features two bedrooms, 1.5 baths, an updated kitchen with quartz countertops, and a cozy living room with an electric fireplace. Priced at $195,000, it also includes a screened porch and a detached two-car garage.

Cozy home with modern updates: This move-in-ready home, listed at $174,900, features 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, original woodwork, and a cozy kitchen, all tied together by rich historical charm and modern updates. With an attached 2-car garage, it’s an inviting option for new homeowners looking for comfort and convenience near Columbus and Chillicothe.

Modern 2-story family gem: The Granville is a charming 2-story home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, featuring a flexible space and a spacious loft, all in a modern, open design. Priced at $422,900, this gem is perfect for your next chapter.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎨 Feb. 14 - Paint Your Partner Night: Spice up Valentine's Day with a creative twist at Rhoads Garden Center's Paint Your Partner Night! Grab your sweetheart for an evening of laughs and art at this unique date night experience in Circleville.

🍷 Feb. 14 - Sweet Wine & Dessert Night: Fall in love with flavor this Valentine's Day at Manchester Hill Winery's "A Pairing To Remember," where exquisite wines meet delectable desserts for an unforgettable evening of perfect pairings.

🌳 Feb. 14 - Tree Commission Meets: Help shape our urban forest's future at the Tree Commission Meeting this Valentine's Day. Join fellow green-minded neighbors at 127 S Court St in Circleville to discuss local tree initiatives.

🎬 Feb. 14 - Kids Movie Night Out: Give yourself a Valentine's break while the kids enjoy movie magic at RidgeKids Cinema's Parents Night Out! Drop the little ones at 578 Northridge Rd in Circleville for an evening of supervised fun.

🦅 Feb. 15 - Great Backyard Bird Count: Calling all bird enthusiasts! Join fellow nature lovers at 23727 Canal Rd for the Great Backyard Bird Count, where citizen scientists help tally our feathered friends. Meet at the county parks on February 15th.

🌿 Feb. 15 - DIY Garden Planter Workshop: Get your hands dirty at Pickaway County Library as we craft charming concrete planters perfect for spring blooms. Join fellow DIY enthusiasts on February 15 at 1160 N Court Street in Circleville.

🥾 Feb. 15 - Winter Hike at Stage's: Crisp winter air meets natural wonder at Stage's Pond State Nature Preserve! Join ODNR's free guided family hike on February 15 to explore the seasonal beauty at 4792 Hagerty Rd, Ashville.

🐾 Feb. 15 - Marauder's Pet Shelter Raffle: Support furry friends at The Marauder's Raffle benefiting Ross County Humane Society. Join the fun February 15th at 23727 Canal Rd in Circleville, where every ticket helps local animals in need.

💰 Financial Friday

Diversifying your investment portfolio can help mitigate risk and ensure more stable returns; by spreading your investments across different asset classes, you’re less likely to feel the sting of market volatility.

🙏 In Remembrance

Shirley Stant

Shirley F. Stant, 100, of Circleville, Ohio, passed away on February 11, 2025, at Logan Elm Healthcare. Born on April 4, 1924, he was the son of James and Lydia Stant and was preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen, son Larry, and several siblings. Shirley retired as an inspector for Container Corporation and enjoyed card games and horse racing with his family. He is survived by his sons Robert and John, daughter-in-law Joanne, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many relatives and friends. A graveside service is scheduled for March 8, 2025, at Hitler-Ludwig Cemetery, with contributions to Heartland Hospice welcomed in lieu of flowers.

Howard Parker

Howard E. Parker, 80, of Circleville, Ohio, passed away on February 9, 2025. Born on June 18, 1944, in Clinton, Iowa, he was the son of Howard and Alice Parker. A retired E.I. Dupont employee and Army veteran, he was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Dana Parker. He is survived by two daughters, Kelly Frank and Kasey Cradlebaugh, along with six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Online condolences can be offered at www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.

Robbye Petit

Robbye Denise Petit, 60, of Burtchville, passed away on January 31, 2025, after a four-year battle with ovarian cancer. Born on April 3, 1964, in Circleville, Ohio, she was a devoted mother to her three children and actively contributed to her community through her business, A Time to Sew, and volunteering with local theater costumes. Robbye is survived by her children, her former husband, her mother, and two sisters, while she was preceded in death by her son Oliver and her father. A celebration of her life took place on February 10, 2025, and she chose to donate her body for medical research before being laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Circleville, OH. Memorial donations can be made to support cancer patients through Michigan Faith in the Fight.

Robin Wolfe

Robin Elaine Wolfe, 64, of Circleville, passed away in February 2025 after battling pancreatic cancer. Born on October 17, 1960, in Pickaway County, she was a 1980 Logan Elm High School graduate and worked at Columbus Industries, as well as at Tarlton Market's deli and post office. Robin was preceded in death by her husband Ralph "Jim” Wolfe and several family members. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and her longtime boyfriend, Steve Binkley. Funeral services will be held on February 14, 2025, at Wellman Funeral Home, Circleville, with visitation beforehand.