🌿 Trail tax magic

Good morning, Pickaway County. Did you know your tax return could help create accessible trails through Ohio's natural treasures? That's exactly what happened at Stage's Pond State Nature Preserve, where 2023 donations funded a 1.8-mile pathway designed for visitors of all abilities. These voluntary contributions have already cleared over 1,100 acres of invasive species from southeast Ohio preserves, allowing endangered wildflowers like bottle gentian to reclaim their rightful place in our ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Circleville's law enforcement had their hands full with everything from vehicle repossessions to protection order violations, showcasing the diverse challenges they navigate daily. The courthouse was equally busy as Judge Matthew Chafin presided over several felony cases, including theft charges, OVI pleas, and a particularly unusual harassment case involving bodily substances. Just another week in the judicial system keeping our community's wheels of justice turning.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Circleville

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46°

Ashville

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South Bloomfield

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Williamsport

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46°

Commercial Point

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🌿 Your tax return can help preserve Ohio's natural treasures. The Nature Preserves and Scenic Rivers Fund supports conservation efforts through voluntary donations on Ohio tax returns. In 2023, these contributions funded an accessible 1.8-mile trail at Stage's Pond State Nature Preserve in Pickaway County, allowing visitors of all abilities to enjoy local wildlife. Over the past two years, more than 1,100 acres of invasive species have been cleared from southeast Ohio preserves, helping endangered wildflowers like bottle gentian flourish. Southeast Ohio is home to numerous natural areas including Boch Hollow, Christmas Rocks, and the recently designated Raccoon Creek State Scenic River.

🚔 Circleville police tackled everything from repo trucks to protection orders. Officers responded to multiple vehicle repossessions, domestic disturbances, and suspicious activities across the city on March 5, 2025. Notable incidents included a protection order violation on Sharon Road, minor injury accidents on Island Road and North Court Street, and a theft report on US 23 South. Police also conducted extra patrols throughout Sycamore Drive and responded to several civil problems that were resolved without further issues. The day showcased the diverse range of incidents that keep local law enforcement busy in this Ohio community.

⚖️ Multiple felony cases heard in Pickaway County Court this week. Judge Matthew L. Chafin presided over several defendants facing charges ranging from theft to harassment on Wednesday. Andre Lee Daniels Jr. pleaded not guilty to felony theft, while Marris A. Brown entered a guilty plea in one of two OVI cases. Robert L. Lawer admitted guilt to a harassment charge involving bodily substances, and two individuals faced charges for non-support of dependents. All cases are moving through the judicial process with various hearings and investigations scheduled throughout March and April.

Spacious new ranch home priced: Priced at $444,870, this newly built 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch by M/I Homes offers 1,512 square feet of modern living space with an open floor plan, full basement, and desirable Commercial Point location.

Spacious rural golfer paradise: This spacious 33.28-acre property in Williamsport, OH is available for $250,000, featuring a two-story home, outbuildings, hay ground, and recreational land adjacent to Crown Hill Golf Course.

New construction ready for families: This $468,280 new construction home offers 1,969 square feet of modern living space with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, open floorplan, full basement, and 2.5-car garage, all thoughtfully designed by M/I Homes.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

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

⚾ Mar. 07 - OCU vs Wright State: Cheer on the Ohio Christian University baseball team as they take on Wright State Lake University! Head to OCU's campus in Circleville on March 7, 2025 for an exciting afternoon of collegiate baseball action.

🐟 Mar. 7 - Men's Club Fish Fry: Catch the Commercial Point Men's Club's monthly Fish Fry! Savor delicious fried ocean perch on March 7 at the Community Men's Club Foundation, 26 W Scioto St. Everyone's welcome to this community favorite!

📚 Mar. 7 - Read with Pickles: Cuddle up with Pickles the reading buddy at Pickaway County Library's storytime room! This furry friend awaits young readers for special "Read to Me" sessions on March 7, from 10:30-11:30 AM.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Mar. 8 - Family Fun Day: Jump into spring at Family Fun Day in Circleville! Enjoy live concerts, art exhibitions, and unforgettable activities for the whole family on March 8 at 100 Tiger Dr.

🎤 Mar. 8 - Totally Rad 80s Karaoke: Dust off your leg warmers for the Totally Rad 80s Karaoke Contest at Kelli Jo's on March 8! Belt out your favorite retro tunes and show off those neon threads at 204 Long St, Ashville.

🧠 Mar. 9 - Lived Experience Library: Step into someone else's shoes at the Pickaway County Library's Lived Experience Library! Sign up for enlightening conversations with people affected by disabilities during the Art of Inclusion reception on March 9.

💰 Financial Friday

Diversifying your investments can be a smart strategy to manage risk; by spreading your money across different asset classes, you can better weather market fluctuations and work towards a more stable financial future.

🙏 In Remembrance

Madlynn Adams

Madlynn M. Adams, born August 29, 1945, in Piketon, Ohio, passed away on March 3, 2025. She is survived by her husband Jimmy Adams, her children, step-children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including twin grandchildren and twin great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Edna Blanton, two brothers, and a grandson. Funeral services will be held on March 7, 2025, at Wellman Funeral Home in Circleville, with burial at Muhlenberg Township Cemetery.

Philip "Phil" Leahy

Philip W. (Phil) 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 degree in Chemical Engineering, Phil enjoyed a 35-year career with DuPont and later served as a township zoning inspector and hospital volunteer. He was devoted to his wife Jackie of 66 years, loved watching his children and grandchildren's activities, and enjoyed golf, tennis, fishing, traveling, and square dancing. Phil is remembered for his devotion to family and friends, humility, faithfulness, humor, patience, resilience, and commitment to service, leaving behind three children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

William James "Bill" Chester

William "Bill" James Chester Jr., 78, of Ashville, OH, passed away on March 4, 2025, at OhioHealth Berger Hospital ER in Circleville. Born in 1946 in Frankfort, OH, Bill was a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Marines and later retired as a Sheeter Operator from Chilpaco Paper Co. A member of Hedges Chapel, he enjoyed gardening, fishing, and golfing. Bill is survived by his wife Shirley, daughter Angela, stepchildren, siblings, and numerous grandchildren, with services to be held at Hedges Chapel on March 6th.

Gary Greene

Gary Greene, 82, of Circleville, passed away on March 5, 2025, after being born in Volga, WV in 1942. He was a Marine Veteran who retired from E.I. Dupont and later enjoyed working as a transport driver, as well as hobbies like fishing, motorcycling, camping, and golf carting. Gary is survived by his wife Debbie, his children Scott and Cindy, and numerous extended family members. Graveside services will be held on March 8 at Hitler Ludwig Cemetery, with visitation beforehand at Wellman Funeral Home and a dinner following at Hallsville Community Church.