🛒 Walmart makeover magic

Good morning, Pickaway County. A remarkable $56.9 million is flowing into Ohio's Walmart stores this year, with Circleville's location among those getting a significant makeover. The retail giant's investment extends beyond just modernized layouts and expanded pickup options—it mirrors their broader community impact through employment opportunities for nearly 58,000 Ohioans and millions of pounds of food donated to local food banks.

Our community is also reflecting on lives of service this week. Luchin "Tom" Travis leaves behind a legacy spanning decades as an auto mechanic and family man, with a Celebration of Life planned at Blessed Hope Bible Church. Similarly, the passing of former State Representative Ronald Hood at 55 has prompted remembrances from colleagues who valued his passionate public service during his two-decade legislative career. Both men's stories remind us how individual lives shape the fabric of our communities in lasting ways.

🌤 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

🕊️ Luchin "Tom" Travis leaves behind a legacy of service and family. The 91-year-old former auto mechanic from Gary, Indiana passed away on April 21, 2025, at Pickaway Manor in Circleville, Ohio. Travis worked for various companies including Bill's Texaco Station and Republic Steel throughout his career. He is survived by his son Spencer, grandsons Josh and Zane, and numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday at Blessed Hope Bible Church, with the family requesting casual attire and donations to Shepard Care Ministry or Heartland Hospice instead of flowers.

🛒 Walmart's Circleville store gets major facelift in 2025. The remodel is part of a $56.9 million investment across 23 Ohio stores, improving the shopping experience with modernized layouts, enhanced pharmacies, and expanded pickup options. As one of the state's largest employers with nearly 58,000 associates, Walmart provided performance bonuses to over 29,000 Ohio workers last year while promoting thousands more. Beyond retail, the company donated $56.9 million to Ohio organizations and distributed 28 million pounds of food to local food banks.

🕊️ Ohio mourns former Rep. Ronald Hood, a conservative stalwart. The 55-year-old politician, known for his pro-life advocacy and limited government stance, died Saturday leaving behind five children. Hood served multiple terms across different districts during his 20+ years in the Ohio House of Representatives, beginning his legislative career in 1995. Fellow politicians remembered him as a passionate public servant and friend, with Rep. Brian Stewart noting that "Ron is seeing Jesus this Easter Sunday." Hood had previously pursued higher office, including runs for congressional and gubernatorial positions.

Team	Opponent	Score
Logan Elm (2-10)
	vs Unioto	L 9-3
Circleville (7-3)
	@ St. Francis DeSales	L 13-10

🥎 Softball Scoreboard

Team	Opponent	Score
Logan Elm (11-2)
	vs Unioto	W 10-0
Westfall (6-6)
	@ Wheelersburg	L 10-0

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Affordable single-wide with updates: Just $29,900 for this updated 3-bed, 1-bath singlewide in Ashville Country Estates with fresh paint, new electric, and a cozy patio area. Cash preferred and park approval required.

Budget ranch needs personal touch: Priced at $189,900, this charming ranch in Circleville offers 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, and an open concept living room/kitchen with new HVAC and a 1-car garage.

Family Winner Near Park: Priced at $330,000, this well-maintained home near schools and Village Park features a front porch, updated systems including a 2021 HVC and 2019 roof, large kitchen with island, and a fenced yard with shed.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎒 Apr. 25 - Night of Generosity: Join Pickaway County Blessings in a Backpack for "A Night of Generosity" at Rhoads Garden Center on April 25. Help provide weekend meals for local children while enjoying an evening of community spirit!

🛡️ Apr. 26 - Ashville Viking Festival: Step back in time at the Ashville Viking Festival on April 26! Experience history coming alive with feasting and family fun at Ashville Community Park, where Norse adventures await.

🏠 Apr. 26 - Spring Open House: Peek inside your potential dream home during our welcoming Open House at 8340 OH-56 in Circleville! Stop by anytime between 1PM-5PM on April 26 to explore this charming property.

🌱 Apr. 26 - Spring Potting Party: Dig in at our Spring Potting Party! Plant lovers and newbies alike can get their hands dirty at our beautiful garden center in Circleville on April 26. Learn, pot, and grow with us!

🧠 Apr. 26 - Parkinson's Walk for Cure: Step up for Parkinson's at Mary Virginia Crites Hannan Park on April 26! Join the Walk for a Cure with registration starting at 9:00 AM, followed by a special recognition ceremony at 9:30.

🏴‍☠️ Apr. 26 - Pirate Run Challenge: Ahoy, mateys! Lace up for the Pirate 1M, 5K, & 10K at Mary Virginia Crites Hannan Park on April 26. Race begins at 8:30 AM with packet pickup starting 30 minutes before. Pre-registration required on RunSignup.

🏛️ Apr. 26 - Ancient Ohio Mounds Tour: Step back in time at Pickaway County Historical Society's hands-on exhibit exploring Ohio's ancient Snake Den Mounds. Meet experts and discover the fascinating earthworks dating from 8000 BC to AD 1300 on April 26.

🎸 Apr. 26 - Travis Brown Band Live: Get ready to stomp your boots as The Travis Brown Band takes over Watt Street Tavern on April 26! Enjoy live country vibes at this local Circleville hotspot, 115 Watt Street.

🙏 In Remembrance

Angela Simmons

Angela (Gunkel) Simmons, 63, passed away at her home in Circleville, Ohio, on April 12, 2025, after battling cancer. She was a devoted wife to Richard and mother to three sons, as well as a successful entrepreneur who owned several businesses throughout her life. Her greatest joy was spending time with her five grandchildren, creating strong bonds by playing with them at their level. After retiring in 2019, Angela enjoyed maintaining her rural home, completing puzzles, and decorating for holidays. She is survived by her husband, sons, five grandchildren, and several siblings, with a "Celebration of Life" to be planned.

Steven Geno Clifton

Steven "Geno" Eugene Clifton, 51, of Circleville, passed away, leaving behind his mother Linda Moe, sons Preston and Leonard Clifton, brother Paul Leach, and nephews. A 1992 graduate of Westfall High School, Geno was known for his resourcefulness and dedication to providing for his community. Memorial services will be held privately for immediate family. Instead of flowers, the family suggests honoring Geno's memory by finding new uses for items before discarding them, reflecting his resourceful nature.

Luchin "Tom" Travis

Luchin T. "Tom" Travis, 91, formerly of Gary, Indiana, passed away on April 21, 2025, at Pickaway Manor in Circleville, Ohio. Born in Arkansas in 1933, he worked as an auto mechanic at various establishments including Bill's Texaco Station, Red Top Trucking, and Republic Steel. Tom was preceded in death by his wife Mary, an infant son, and several siblings, and is survived by his son Spencer, two grandsons, and numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 25th at Blessed Hope Bible Church in Ashville with casual attire requested, and in lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Shepard Care Ministry or Heartland Hospice.

Melinda Payne

Melinda Payne, 68, of Circleville, passed away on April 20, 2025, having been born on July 30, 1956, to Glenn and Doris Pearce. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Dwight Pearce. Melinda is survived by her fiancé James Keene, her three children, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and her siblings Cathy Olney and Greg Pearce. Funeral services will be held on April 25, 2025, at Wellman Funeral Home in Circleville, with visitation prior to the service.

Cheri Hatfield

Cheri Alwood Hatfield, 65, of Circleville, Ohio, passed away on April 15, 2025, following an extended illness. Born in Columbus in 1959, she co-owned Virgil Alwood Florist with her brother Allen and later worked as a floral designer at Wagner Flowers. Cheri was an avid camper, secretary of Friends of Deer Creek, and volunteer at Deer Creek State Park. She is survived by Carl "Bucky" Dickey, her son Christopher, two sisters, a stepdaughter, grandchildren, and extended family. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 3, 2025, at Wellman Funeral Home.