🏠 Veterans victory

Good morning, Pickaway County. When it comes to supporting those who've served our nation, actions speak louder than words. The $18,800 donation from Homes for Veterans to PICCA's Ohio House demonstrates this perfectly, funding crucial bathroom renovations that will restore dignity and independence to our veterans. This timely boost couldn't come at a better moment, with the facility currently providing transitional housing for up to 16 unhoused individuals.

In other Pickaway news, Saturday's transport spectacle had locals doing double-takes as a 610,470-pound industrial dryer made its slow-motion journey to Sofidel's Circleville plant. Meanwhile, the agricultural community is celebrating homegrown talent as Will Minshall claims the title of Ohio's Outstanding Young Farmer for 2025 – proving that eighth-generation farming roots run deep in Pickaway soil.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Circleville

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Ashville

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South Bloomfield

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Williamsport

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Commercial Point

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏠 Veterans' shelter gets $18,800 boost for crucial bathroom renovations. Homes for Veterans, a New Jersey nonprofit, donated the funds to Pickaway County Community Action (PICCA) to improve accessibility at Ohio House, a transitional facility for homeless veterans. The renovations will address critical needs, as 25% of older veterans struggle with functional limitations like bathing difficulties. PICCA currently provides housing for up to 16 unhoused individuals, serving 79 veterans and family members in 2024 with an average stay of 90-120 days. Work on four bathrooms is expected to begin this month and be completed by summer, restoring dignity and independence to those who served our country.

🏭 Massive 610,470-pound dryer makes epic journey to Sofidel plant. The supersized equipment traveled through Pickaway County on Saturday, completing a three-day transport from Portsmouth to Circleville, Ohio. Measuring over 230 feet long, the dryer required a carefully planned route through multiple highways and local streets, causing temporary traffic disruptions. This delivery marks a significant milestone in Sofidel's $185 million expansion project, which will boost the facility's production capacity by 50% to exceed 200,000 metric tons annually. Once installed, this third dryer will transform the Circleville location into Sofidel's most important global production site.

🚜 Pickaway County farmer Will Minshall crowned Ohio's Outstanding Young Farmer. The eighth-generation grain farmer and first-generation cattle farmer received the prestigious 2025 award from Ohio Farm Bureau's Young Agricultural Professionals program. Minshall, who serves on the Pickaway County Farm Bureau Board of Trustees, was recognized for his farm business growth and community involvement. His prize package includes $3,000, an expense-paid trip to the Ohio Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, and representation of Ohio at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Convention in California. The award aims to help young farmers strengthen business skills and develop marketing opportunities.

Pricey Ohio Ranch Built New: This new construction 3-bedroom ranch by M/I Homes in Commercial Point, Ohio features an open floorplan, stylish kitchen island, and full basement for $444,870.

New construction with space galore: Priced at $468,280, this stunning new construction home by M/I Homes features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms across 1,969 square feet, plus an open floorplan, modern kitchen, full basement, and 2.5-car garage.

Development Ready Prime Retail Location: Listed at $419,000, this prime retail development in Ashville sits near highways, surrounded by businesses and subdivisions. Property is shovel-ready with utilities, approved village access, and suitable for restaurants, strip malls, or health facilities—just no financial institutions.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🔧 Mar. 6 - Skilled Trades Career Expo: Discover exciting career paths at the Skilled Trades Show! High school students can explore diverse opportunities in the trades industry on March 6 at Pickaway County Fairgrounds' Heritage Hall in Circleville.

📚 Mar. 6 - Read It & Steep: Steep in literature at the Read It and Steep Book Group! Sip tea or coffee while discussing great reads with fellow bookworms on March 6 at Pickaway County Library in Circleville.

🎤 Mar. 7 - Area 53 Mini Conference: Join fellow AA members for the Area 53 Mini Conference at Deer Creek Lodge on March 7! Connect, share, and grow in recovery at this inspiring gathering in Mt Sterling, Ohio.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Mar. 8 - All-Ages Family Fun Day: Get ready for a day of laughter and play at Family Fun Day! Join the community for games and entertainment for all ages on March 8 at 100 Tiger Dr, Circleville, OH.

👨‍🦽 Mar. 9 - Lived Experience Library: Step into someone else's shoes at the Disability Awareness Month event! Join the Art of Inclusion reception at Pickaway County Library on March 9 for meaningful conversations with those directly impacted by disabilities.

🗳️ Mar. 09 - Area 53 Assembly: Join fellow AA members for the Area 53 Assembly at Deer Creek Lodge on March 9! Connect with your recovery community in a beautiful setting just outside Mt Sterling. Email contact@area53aa.org for more details.

🙏 In Remembrance

Vickie Everts

Vickie Everts, 73, of Circleville, passed away on February 28, 2025, after being born on July 6, 1951, to Don and Clara Thompson. She is survived by her children Travis and John Hartley, siblings Susan Legg and Chris Mitchell, several grandchildren, her life partner Skip Canter, and her special dog Jake. Vickie was preceded in death by her parents and brother Larry Thompson. A visitation will be held on March 6, 2025, at Wellman Funeral Home with cremation to follow, and the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude's Hospital or the American Cancer Society.

Carol Hammond

Carol L. Hammond, 75, of Circleville, passed away on March 3, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on November 15, 1949, to the late Robert and Edith Strawser, Carol was known for her gardening skills and beautiful flowers. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Charles; her children, Scott and Crystal; grandsons, Justin and Zachery; great-grandsons, Reed and Hudson; and three sisters. Following her wishes, cremation has been arranged through Defenbaugh Wise Schoedinger Funeral Home.

Jean J. Siriano

Jean J. (Jackson) Siriano of Ashville, Ohio, passed away on March 1, 2025, at age 89. A dedicated educator for over 30 years, she touched countless lives through her teaching career and church service. Born in 1935, Jean attended Bible college, married Joe Siriano in 1957, and later earned a Master's Degree in Education from Ohio State University. She is survived by her three sons, five grandchildren, multiple great-grandchildren, and two sisters, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to family, faith, and community service.

Philip W. Leahy

Philip W. Leahy, a 90-year-old Circleville resident, passed away on March 2, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a chemical engineering degree, Phil worked for DuPont for 35 years before retiring in 1993 and later served as a Pickaway Township Zoning Inspector until 2004. He was known for his devotion to his wife of 66 years, Jackie, his involvement in square dancing, his love of sports and outdoor activities, and his active service in the church and community. Phil is survived by his daughters, son, daughter-in-law, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was preceded in death by his wife Jackie, his parents, a son, a grandson, and his brothers.