🚶 Walkability reality

Good morning, Pickaway County. Don't be fooled by those online popularity contests naming Columbus the 4th most walkable city in America—the data tells a different story. With a Walk Score of just 41/100, our regional hub remains firmly "car-dependent" despite pockets of pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. The reality check comes as the city continues working to connect its walkable islands like German Village and Short North, while still trailing far behind the truly foot-friendly metropolises of New York, Boston, and Chicago.

The arts scene brings brighter news as the Columbus Black Theatre Festival returns for its 13th year with a powerful "Still Standing Strong" theme featuring seven thought-provoking plays. Meanwhile, OhioHealth Berger Hospital demonstrated remarkable resilience after a mechanical pump scare, evacuating over 70 patients in just one hour and returning to full operations within days—a testament to the dedication of healthcare workers and emergency responders across five counties.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Circleville

63°

84°

Ashville

63°

84°

South Bloomfield

63°

84°

Williamsport

63°

84°

Commercial Point

64°

89°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🚶 Columbus's walkability ranking is a misleading online popularity contest. The city was recently named the 4th most walkable in the US by a USA Today reader poll, but this claim lacks any factual basis. According to the actual Walk Score website, Columbus scores just 41/100 and is considered "car-dependent." While neighborhoods like German Village and Short North offer pockets of walkability, the city struggles with connectivity between areas and limited retail options in many residential districts. Columbus is making progress but remains far behind truly walkable cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago.

🎭 Columbus Black Theatre Festival returns with a powerful message of resilience. The 13th annual event, themed "Still Standing Strong," features seven plays exploring hope, empathy, and human connection on July 5-6. Artistic Director Julie Whitney-Scott selected works from playwrights across America tackling issues from police interactions to caregiving, ecological concerns to factory workers' struggles. The festival at Columbus Performing Arts Center includes opportunities for audiences to meet several playwrights during post-performance discussions, with tickets starting at just $5 for youth.

🏥 Ohio hospital evacuates, reopens after mechanical pump scare. OhioHealth Berger Hospital successfully evacuated over 70 patients in just one hour when smoke from an overheating pump filled the basement on June 18. Though no fire occurred, the hospital temporarily closed for safety while teams worked around the clock to sanitize and repair the facility. With support from nearly 30 local agencies across five counties, Berger resumed full operations by June 23. Hospital leadership praised the swift response of staff and community partners, emphasizing that "Berger Hospital is more than a building" but rather the people working together when it matters most.

Luxury park home retreat spacious: This spacious, $584,000 home across from Hannan Park offers 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and an open layout with extras like a rec room bar, while the peaceful dead-end street location provides both privacy and convenience.

Modern Rural Oasis Ready Now: This charming $254,900 home in the Logan Elm School District offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a stylish new kitchen with stainless appliances, all situated on a quarter-acre with a 2-car garage.

Modern ranch awaits new owner: Charming $239,900 ranch on corner lot features three bedrooms, two updated baths, fresh finishes, and modern kitchen with granite countertops, plus two-car garage and inviting front porch for relaxation.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎆 Jul. 2 - Ashville Independence Celebration: Celebrate America at Ashville's five-day Independence Day bash! Join the community at Ashville Park for the famous fish fry featuring 2,500 pounds of perch, plus free entertainment and daily rides on July 2.

🎆 Jul. 2 - Ashville Independence Celebration: Celebrate freedom at Ashville's five-day Independence Day bash! Join the community at Ashville Park on July 2 for their famous fish fry with 2,500 lbs of perch, free entertainment, and daily rides.

🗣️ Jul. 2 - Indivisible Pickaway Meeting: Join Indivisible Pickaway for their July gathering at Pickaway County Library! Review June petition efforts, celebrate "No Kings" event attendance, and plan future action on July 2. All community members welcome!

🚢 Jul. 3 - Canal 200th Anniversary Hike: Step back in time at Canal Park's 200th Anniversary celebration of the Ohio-Erie Canal! Join a guided walk along the historic Towpath Trail on July 3rd at 23352 Canal Rd, Circleville.

🎆 Jul. 4 - Ashville Independence Celebration: Celebrate America's birthday at Ashville's five-day extravaganza! Join the famous fish fry featuring 2,500 pounds of perch, plus free entertainment and daily rides at 200 Station St E, July 4th.

🚗 Jul. 4 - Summer Nights Cruise In: Rev up your engines for the 2025 Summer Nights Cruise In! Classic cars and summer vibes take over 1720 N Court St on July 4th for an unforgettable Independence Day celebration in Circleville.

🌳 Jul. 4 - Circleville Family Park Fun: Bring the kids to Ted Lewis Park for Fridays in the Park! This free summer program welcomes preschool through 5th graders for outdoor fun and activities on July 4th in Circleville.

🎆 Jul. 5 - Backwoods Independence Boom: Kick off Independence Day weekend with a bang at The Backwoods Boom! Enjoy food, live music, and spectacular fireworks on July 5 at Pickaway Agriculture and Event Center in Circleville.

🙏 In Remembrance

Patricia Swaim

Patricia Swaim, 84, of Circleville, passed away on June 28, 2025, at Berger Hospital surrounded by her family. Born on January 9, 1940, in Jackson, Ohio, she was married to Joe Robert Swain (Bob) for 62 years and was a member of Cross Roads Church. Patricia is survived by her husband, two children, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, her brother Donald, and her sister Peggy, and will be remembered for her love of the Lord, family, and friends.

Patricia Swaim

Patricia Swaim, 84, of Circleville, passed away on June 28, 2025, at Berger Hospital surrounded by family. Born on January 9, 1940, in Jackson, Ohio, she married Joe Robert Swaim in 1963, sharing 62 years together. Patricia was a devoted member of Cross Roads Church and is survived by her husband, two children, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and several extended family members. Known for her deep love for the Lord, family, and friends, she will be laid to rest in Jackson, Ohio, following a funeral service on July 3, 2025.