🎓 Graduation nostalgia

Good morning, Pickaway County. Nostalgia takes center stage this week as Amanda-Clearcreek's graduation memories have been beautifully preserved in a photo gallery spanning decades. From the emotional cap tosses of the 1990s to this year's ceremony, these images capture the evolution of tradition while showcasing timeless moments of pride and accomplishment that connect generations of graduates through shared experience.

Meanwhile, both celebration and caution mark other community happenings. Pickaway Ross students transformed The Riser Barn into a magical prom wonderland, with couples like Caden Allen and Lorelei Bluck creating memories that will last a lifetime. On a more practical note, Circleville officials face a traffic dilemma at Route 188 and Nicholas Drive, where repeated semi-truck collisions have city leaders weighing whether to install taller signal poles or convert to a four-way stop.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Circleville

60°

81°

Ashville

60°

81°

South Bloomfield

60°

81°

Williamsport

60°

81°

Commercial Point

60°

85°

56%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎓 Decades of Amanda-Clearcreek graduation memories captured in nostalgic photo gallery. The Lancaster Eagle-Gazette's collection showcases commencement ceremonies spanning from the 1990s through 2024, highlighting the school's cherished traditions. From cap tosses and tassel turns to emotional speeches and band performances, the images chronicle generations of graduates celebrating their milestone achievements. The gallery includes touching moments like the 2021 memorial tribute to senior Sophia Mazgay, who died in a car crash, and captures the enduring community support through the years. Each photograph preserves the joy, pride and ceremonial pageantry that marks this pivotal moment in students' lives.

💃 Rustic barn transforms into magical prom night wonderland. Pickaway Ross Career and Technology Center students celebrated their 2025 prom at The Riser Barn in Kingston, Ohio on May 10. Couples like Caden Allen and Lorelei Bluck danced the night away, while friends Jenica Ballard, Bailey McGarvey, Madison Adams, Hannah Beasley, and Madalyn Thornton captured memories in the selfie booth. The venue's charming setting provided the perfect backdrop for romantic moments, including Ethan Hawk and Kirsten Rogers who were spotted sharing a quiet moment along the fence outside.

🚦 Circleville's repeatedly damaged traffic light creates intersection dilemma. After two recent collisions with semi-trucks, city officials are weighing whether to replace the signal at Route 188 and Nicholas Drive with taller poles or convert it to a four-way stop. The first incident required emergency overnight repairs, but the second caused more extensive damage that temporary fixes can't address. Service Director Jim Stanley says public input is welcome as they evaluate options, with safety and long-term efficiency guiding the decision. Residents are advised to remain alert while traveling through the area as temporary traffic measures may be in place.

Spacious Teays Valley family home: Priced at $275,000, this South Bloomfield three-bedroom home offers a spacious living area, modern kitchen, primary suite with en-suite bathroom, and generous backyard within the desirable Teays Valley School District.

Zero dollar home mystery auction: It looks like someone wants us to buy a mystery foreclosure property on Auction.com for the low, low price of $0. The property may sell below market value, and Auction.com boasts being the nation's largest online real estate auction marketplace.

Spacious family home with greenery: Priced at $359,900, this three-bedroom home on Boucher Drive offers a spacious living area, modern kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and a private backyard bordered by trees, with fresh carpet throughout.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🥾 May 15 - Thursday Trail Tours: Step into spring with Thursday Trail Tours at Canal Park on May 15! Join Park District volunteer Cindy Whited for a leisurely group walk connecting with nature and neighbors through Pickaway County's beautiful landscapes.

🌾 May 15 - Circleville Grain Grading School: Perfect your grain grading skills at NDGI 2025 Circleville Grain Grading School on May 15! Get hands-on experience at this interactive workshop located at 1051 OH-56 in Circleville.

🥃 May 16 - Bourbon & BBQ Bash: Sip and savor at Bourbon & BBQ night! Indulge in smooth spirits, mouthwatering barbecue, and live music at Rhoadhouse 56 on May 16, 6-9PM, while supporting the Pickaway County Family YMCA.

🌈 May 17 - Colors of Hope Walk: Step into a rainbow of hope at Mary Virginia Crites Hannan Park on May 17! Join Pickaway Health Network's Colors of Hope Walk to support mental health awareness while connecting with your community.

🗑️ May 17 - Shred-It Day: Protect your privacy at Shred-It Day! Bring sensitive documents to Circleville Middle School on May 17, where The Savings Bank will safely destroy your paperwork from 8am to noon.

🎭 May 17 - Blues Brothers Variety Show: The Roundtown Players bring the Blues Brothers to Circleville for an epic variety show extravaganza! Join the musical mission on May 17 at 165 E Main St for a night of unforgettable entertainment.

🐰 May 17 - ARBA Double Rabbit Show: Hop over to the South Central Ohio Rabbit Breeders Association's Spring Show at Pickaway Agriculture Center on May 17! Watch adorable bunnies compete in this exciting double-breed showcase in Circleville.

🚲 May 18 - Community Trail Ride: Pedal through scenic views on the weekly Circleville Community Bike Ride! Join Pickaway MTB as they lead cyclists from the YMCA to Ohio Christian University along the beautiful RoundTown Trail on May 18.

🙏 In Remembrance

Marcella "Marcy" Pairan

Marcella "Marcy" Mae Pairan, born July 4, 1943, passed away on May 13, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of family devotion and community service. She was a retired cook from Brooks-Yates School and a founding member of the Pickaway County Peewee Football board, where she served as treasurer for over 50 years, ensuring all children could participate. Marcy is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous extended family members, having been preceded in death by her husband Gary and her parents. Known for her fierce love of family, wonderful sense of humor, and welcoming nature, Marcy will be deeply missed by many in her community.

Frederick Hoover

Frederick G. Hoover, aged 79, died peacefully at home on May 12, 2025, after being born in Pickaway County on October 1, 1945. He is survived by his wife Sharon, his children Samantha and Frederick Jr., and two grandchildren, while being predeceased by his parents, brother James, and sister Penny. Fred was an active man who enjoyed piloting, golfing, bowling, and vintage car racing. The family has not planned any services but has expressed thanks to Heartland Hospice and Right At Home for their care.

Howard Reeser

Howard D. Reeser, 82, of Mt. Sterling, passed away on May 12, 2025, after living his entire life in Pickaway County. He worked at various places including the Red and White Store, Borden Dairy, and retired from DuPont after 32 years as a process operator. An outdoor enthusiast who loved hunting and fishing, Howard was also a devoted supporter of local high school sports teams. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rosalie, three children, seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and several siblings, with services scheduled for May 16 at Lighthouse Community Christian Church.

Arthur Timmons

Arthur Lee Timmons, 82, passed away on May 9, 2025, at Berger Hospital after living in Stoutsville for over 60 years. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Regina, as well as numerous family members including daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Arthur served in the National Guard for 10 years, volunteered as a Deputy Sheriff, and was a founding member of the Stoutsville Fire Department. He worked as a mechanic at Byers Chrysler for 35 years and was known for generously sharing his automotive knowledge with others.

Marcella "Marcy" Pairan

Marcella "Marcy" Mae Pairan, born July 4, 1943, passed away on May 13, 2025, leaving behind her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A retired cook from Brooks-Yates School, she was a founding member and treasurer of the Pickaway County Peewee Football board, dedicating over 50 years to ensuring all children could participate. Marcy was known for her fierce love of family, wonderful sense of humor, and welcoming nature that made her beloved in her community. Funeral services will be held on May 17, 2025, at Wellman Funeral Home in Circleville.

Richard L Foreman

Richard Lee Foreman, an 89-year-old Kettering, Ohio resident, passed away on May 12, 2025, after a brief stay in the ICU. Born in 1936, he is survived by numerous family members, including his brothers Bob and John, his children from two relationships, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Throughout his life, Richard enjoyed flying his own Cessna airplane and worked in construction, often showing his children the buildings he helped create. In his later years, he was an active church member who loved donuts, and his life will be honored with a private family ceremony.