🐾 Furry first responders

Good morning, Pickaway County. Our local police department just wrapped up what might qualify as the busiest weekend of spring, responding to a staggering 107 calls in just 72 hours. From burglaries on Atwater Avenue to domestic incidents on West Water Street, our officers demonstrated the round-the-clock vigilance that keeps our community safe—and meanwhile, twelve individuals including a local optician learned the hard way that undercover operations in Fairfield County are impressively effective.

On a gentler note, therapy dogs are proving to be Central Ohio's unsung heroes. These four-legged healers like Radar and Franklin are transforming environments from courtrooms to hospitals with nothing more than a wagging tail and attentive presence. With programs like Buckeye Paws expanding their teams, it seems these intuitive canines have discovered something humans sometimes miss—that comfort often requires no words at all.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Circleville

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69°

Ashville

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South Bloomfield

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69°

Williamsport

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Commercial Point

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67°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🚓 Circleville police tackled over 100 incidents in one weekend. Officers responded to 107 calls between March 14-16, 2025, ranging from routine patrols to arrests for various offenses. Notable incidents included a burglary on Atwater Avenue, two assaults on North Pickaway Street, and multiple traffic stops resulting in warnings or citations. Police also handled juvenile-related incidents, property crimes, and domestic disputes, with at least one domestic incident on West Water Street resulting in a formal report. Throughout the weekend, the department emphasized safety through proactive patrols and community engagement.

🐕 Therapy dogs deliver smiles and healing with just a wag. In Central Ohio, certified therapy dogs like Radar and Franklin provide comfort to staff and visitors in medical and legal settings. These canine heroes help reduce stress, promote communication, and create positive environments in hospitals and courtrooms. Their impact often extends beyond their training, as they seem to intuitively know what people need—from giving courage to abuse victims testifying in court to comforting healthcare workers during difficult days. Programs like Buckeye Paws, with 30 handler-dog teams and 20 more coming onboard, demonstrate the growing recognition of these dogs' unique ability to heal.

🚨 Twelve arrested in Fairfield County prostitution sting, including Circleville optician. A 27-year-old Circleville man was among those caught in an undercover operation conducted by the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office on March 7, 2025. Undercover deputies posed as sex workers to catch individuals who arranged meetings through online advertisements. The suspects, who included a school teacher, retired police officer, and workers from various professions, were charged with Engagement in Sexual Activity for Hire. Sheriff Alex Lape emphasized that the operation aims to combat illegal activity and human trafficking in the community.

Spacious versatile home with loft: This $325,990 Ironwood by Arbor Homes features an open design with built-in garage storage, spacious great room, café, and kitchen with island, plus three upstairs bedrooms with walk-in closets and a versatile loft.

Modern smart home open living: Priced at $385,990, this D.R. Horton two-story "Pendleton" offers four bedrooms, smart home technology, and open-concept living with solid surface flooring and a flex space for an office.

Modern three-bedroom smart home: Priced at $378,990, this D.R. Horton two-story home boasts three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and an open floor plan with modern amenities, plus America's Smart Home Technology that lets you control everything remotely.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏛️ Mar. 18 - City Council Meeting: Have your voice heard at the City Council Meeting on March 18 at 127 S Court St, Circleville. Join your neighbors in shaping local policies and community decisions.

🏥 Mar. 18 - Board of Health Meeting: Join the Board of Health Meeting at 110 Island Rd, Circleville on March 18 to stay informed about local public health initiatives. Call (740) 477-9667 for more information.

🥾 Mar. 20 - Thursday Trail Tours: Step into spring with Thursday Trail Tours at Canal Park! Join volunteer Cindy Whited for a leisurely group walk through Pickaway County's natural beauty on March 20. Meet at 23352 Canal Rd, Circleville.

🦉 Mar. 20 - Clay Owl Workshop: Get creative and craft your own adorable clay owl at 7932 US-22 in Circleville! Choose between a big owl ($12) or small owl ($10) on March 20, with optional glazing available after firing.

🧦 Mar. 21 - Rock Your Socks Day: Step into your brightest, mismatched socks for Rock Your Socks Pickaway on March 21! Join friends, family and neighbors at 200 E High St to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with colorful style.

🎸 Mar. 22 - Rockin Bash w/ John Schwab: Celebrate Rhoadhouse 56's second anniversary with the John Schwab Party Band on March 22! Rock out at Rhoads Garden Center while enjoying live music, delicious food, and community fun.

🏅 Mar. 22 - Medal Madness Run: Lace up for Medal Madness at Mary Virginia Crites Hannan Park! Join this family-friendly 1M, 5K, or 10K race on March 22—no club membership required to participate in the running or walking fun.

🎸 Mar. 22 - Travis Brown Acoustic: Unwind at Manchester Hill Winery as seasoned musician Travis Brown delivers captivating acoustic melodies on March 22. Sip local wines while enjoying three decades of musical mastery in this intimate vineyard setting.

🙏 In Remembrance

Karen Jean Smith

Karen J. Smith, 72, of Circleville, passed away on March 13, 2025, in Columbus. Born on October 6, 1952, in Delaware, OH to Gerard and Anna Pauline Edeblute, she is survived by her husband Daniel, daughter Danielle, grandson Dante`, great-grandchild Anya, and several siblings and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two grandchildren, and a nephew. A memorial gathering will be held on March 22, 2025, from 10-12 at Wellman Funeral Home in Circleville.