🧩 Justice in motion

Good morning, Pickaway County. The wheels of justice turned steadily in recent days as Judge Matthew Chafin's courtroom processed a range of criminal cases, from Jonathan Lane's guilty plea on serious sexual offense charges to Dalton Whited's community control sentence for kidnapping. These dispositions reflect the complex balance courts maintain between rehabilitation opportunities and public safety concerns in our justice system.

Beyond the courthouse, local law enforcement stayed busy responding to everything from false alarms to unruly juveniles across Circleville on March 12. Meanwhile, the Pickaway Addiction Action Coalition is tackling youth substance use head-on through their partnership with the national "Talk. They Hear You." campaign. With 12.3% of county students reporting recent alcohol use, PAAC's initiative aims to equip parents with conversation tools that could make all the difference in preventing underage drinking and vaping.

🌤 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

⚖️ Court releases latest case dispositions from Pickaway County.The Pickaway County Court of Common Pleas, under Judge Matthew H. Chafin, recently processed several criminal cases with varied outcomes. Notable cases included Jonathan Lane pleading guilty to rape and gross sexual imposition, Dalton Whited receiving four years of community residential control for kidnapping, and Perion Wilson, an 18-year-old from a juvenile facility, receiving concurrent 12-month sentences for assault. The court balanced rehabilitation with public safety through a mix of community control, treatment programs, and incarceration sentences for offenders facing charges ranging from drug possession to violent crimes.

🍺 Parents hold the power to prevent youth drinking in Circleville. Pickaway Addiction Action Coalition (PAAC) has partnered with the national "Talk. They Hear You." campaign to combat underage substance use. The initiative provides parents with resources to confidently discuss alcohol and drug risks with their children. According to local surveys, 12.3% of Pickaway County students reported alcohol use in the past month, with 9.4% using nicotine vapes. PAAC aims to reduce these numbers by 2026 through educational programs that empower families to have meaningful conversations about substance misuse.

🚓 Circleville police tackle diverse incidents across city in single day. Officers responded to traffic stops, false alarms, and reports of unruly juveniles on March 12, 2025. The day's activity included investigating suspected drunk drivers, a theft report on South Court Street, and a vandalism case on Wedgewood Court. Police also conducted extra patrols on multiple streets and responded to a dirt bike complaint on Edgewood Drive. Throughout the busy shift, several alarm drops were checked and determined to be false alarms.

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🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🐰 Mar. 14 - Alice @ Wonderland: Fall down the digital rabbit hole at Alice @Wonderland, where Roundtown Players bring a tech-savvy twist to Carroll's classic tale on March 14. Catch this hilarious reimagining at 165 1/2 E Main St, Circleville.

♿ Mar. 15 - Inclusive Storytime For All: Celebrate diversity at "I Can Storytime" on March 15! Join this interactive, fun-filled session for kids of all abilities at Pickaway County Library as we honor Disability Awareness Month with engaging stories and activities.

🐰 Mar. 15 - Alice @ Wonderland: Step into Wonderland with a modern twist at Roundtown Players! Alice @Wonderland reimagines the classic tale with a tech-savvy Alice on March 15 at 165 1/2 E Main St, Circleville.

🐸 Mar. 15 - Ohio Amphibians Discovery: Hop into Canal Park on March 15 for "Amphibians of Ohio" with Naturalist Meghan Ellis! Discover the fascinating frogs, salamanders, and toads that call our state home during this ribbit-ing presentation.

🌸 Mar. 15 - Spring Craft Bazaar: Hop into spring at the First Church of God's Craft Bazaar! Browse handmade crafts and tasty treats on March 15 at 25822 OH-159, Circleville. Vendor spaces available for just $20.

⚾ Mar. 15 - OCU vs. Carolina Baseball: Cheer on the Ohio Christian University baseball team as they face off against Carolina University on March 15, 2025! Catch all the action at OCU's home field in Circleville.

🐰 Mar. 15 - Alice @Wonderland Encore: Fall down the digital rabbit hole at Circleville High School's encore performance of "Alice @Wonderland"! Roundtown Players Theatre brings this fresh twist on the classic tale to life on March 15.

💰 Financial Friday

Creating an emergency fund can serve as your financial safety net; aim to save three to six months' worth of living expenses to help you navigate unexpected events without derailing your financial goals.

🙏 In Remembrance

Ronald Justus

Ronald Lynn Justus, 75, of Circleville, passed away on March 10, 2025, after being born in Circleville on June 18, 1949. He worked at Thomson/RCA for 33 years until 2004 and was an enthusiastic Cleveland Browns fan who loved fishing. Ron was predeceased by his wife Linda, daughter Tonja, son Jake, brother Jim, and his dog Scrappy. He is survived by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings, with no funeral services to be held at his request.

Florene Dougherty

Florene Dougherty, 84, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. She is survived by her three sons, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and two sisters. A valedictorian and Ohio State Sweetheart Queen, Florene earned a Master's from St. Thomas University and enjoyed traveling, animals, working, volunteering, and especially her family. A memorial service will be held on March 21, 2025, at White Bear Lake United Methodist Church, with interment at Lakeview Cemetery.

Barbara Russell

Barbara Russell (Hinton), born in Circleville, Ohio in 1960, passed away on March 10th, 2025, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. She was a devoted mother to her son Eddie and wife of 45 years to Robert, having worked at Dairy Mart and Sally's Beauty Supply. Known for her joy in playing cards, caring for pets, watching crime shows, and cooking, Barbara leaves behind her husband, son, several siblings, and extended family members. A memorial service will be held on March 15, 2025, with the family requesting donations to OhioHealth's Kobacker House/HomeReach Hospice in lieu of flowers.

Michael "Mike" Dowland

Michael "Mike" Charles Dowland, 74, of Circleville, passed away on March 10, 2025, leaving behind his wife Sue, five children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Having retired as a maintenance coordinator from West Rock in Lancaster after also working 27 years for Georgia Pacific, Mike enjoyed restoring old cars and deer hunting in Michigan with his brothers. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, and his father-in-law, while being survived by numerous siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and his dog Beau. Funeral services will be held on March 13, 2025, at Wellman Funeral Home in Circleville.