🍕 Pizza paradise

Good morning, Pickaway County. Grab your stretchy pants and prepare your taste buds—Columbus has just landed the International Pizza Expo, a massive industry event that's expanding beyond Las Vegas for the first time. Event organizers specifically chose our region as "one of the world's most pizza-obsessed cities," putting Columbus-style pizza in the national spotlight this October at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

In other developments, the landscape continues to evolve around us. A new contender has entered Ohio's 2026 attorney general race with John Kulewicz joining the field, while Central Ohio residents face increasing utility costs as corporate interests reshape our region. AEP has already raised residential electricity bills by over $25 monthly to accommodate growing data center demands, highlighting the complex relationship between industrial growth and community impact.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Circleville

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Ashville

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South Bloomfield

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Williamsport

49°

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Commercial Point

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🍕 Columbus just landed the world's largest pizza industry event. The International Pizza Expo will make its first-ever stop in Columbus on October 26-27 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Normally held annually in Las Vegas, the Expo is launching a new traveling component to visit cities across the country. Event organizers specifically chose Columbus, describing it as "one of the world's most pizza-obsessed cities." This trade show will put Columbus-style pizza in the national spotlight, with early registration available until October 24.

⚖️ Ohio's attorney general race heats up with Columbus lawyer's entry. John Kulewicz, a retired attorney and Upper Arlington council member, has joined the Democratic race for Ohio attorney general in 2026. The Yale Law graduate who once managed Gary Hart's presidential campaign in Ohio brings significant legal experience, having argued before the U.S. Supreme Court. Kulewicz joins Democratic ex-state Rep. Elliot Forhan and Republican State Auditor Keith Faber in the contest for term-limited Dave Yost's position. Despite his credentials, any Democratic nominee faces an uphill battle in increasingly Republican-leaning Ohio, where no Democrat has held the attorney general office since 2011.

💰 Central Ohio residents foot the bill for corporate environmental damage. Plastic manufacturing and AI data centers in the region create negative "externalities" — costs passed on to the public while companies profit. AEP has already raised residential electricity bills by over $25 monthly to meet data centers' massive energy demands, with infrastructure upgrade costs also transferred to consumers. Meanwhile, plastic pollution contributes to an estimated $250 billion in annual US healthcare costs, with 84% of plants violating air pollution standards in predominantly minority communities. Despite these impacts, meaningful regulation faces strong resistance from industry and government.

Country retreat with modern updates: Priced at $149,000, this rustic 2-bedroom cabin offers modern comfort with new flooring on nearly 2 acres of private countryside, perfect for those seeking a peaceful weekend retreat or full-time residence.

Clarks Lake character plus garage: A charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home in Clarks Lake for $339,000 offers a three-season room and oversized garage with bonus space, perfect for hobbyists seeking character and convenience.

Modern tech-savvy family haven: The Fairton, a new $359,990 two-story home from D.R. Horton, features 1,510 square feet with four bedrooms, smart home technology, and an open-concept design perfect for family living.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎬 Sep. 12 - Circleville Park Movie Night: Grab your blankets and head to Ted Lewis Park on September 12 for Circleville's free Summer Movie Series! Bring family and friends for an evening of outdoor entertainment under the stars.

🏁 Sep. 13 - RPM Flat Track Racing: Rev your engines for thrilling RPM Flat Track Racing at Pickaway County Fairgrounds on September 13! Catch all the high-speed action at the Pickaway Agriculture and Event Center in Circleville.

🍎 Sep. 13 - Mast Farm Fall Fest: Celebrate autumn's arrival at Mast Farm Market's Fall Fest! Dive into a harvest wonderland of pumpkins, cider, fall décor and Papa's Donuts on September 13 at 1443 Northridge Rd, Circleville.

🎵 Sep. 13 - Acoustic Wine Night: Sip handcrafted wines and ciders while Acoustic Horizon serenades you at Manchester Hill Winery on September 13. Enjoy pizza and barbecue from 7-9 PM at this charming Circleville vineyard.

🌽 Sep. 13 - South Bloomfield Summer Market: Stroll through South Bloomfield Summer Market on September 13th at 5000 Park Pl. and discover local treasures! This seasonal marketplace brings together vendors, fresh produce, and handmade crafts in the heart of South Bloomfield.

🎵 Sep. 13 - Logan Elm Marching Showcase: Catch the rhythm and precision of Logan Elm's Marching Band showcase on September 13 at the high school! Enjoy performances on natural grass with full electric capabilities and receive professional critiques and rankings.

🏃‍♀️ Sep. 13 - 3 Pits 5K Run: Lace up for the 3 Pits 5K at Mary Virginia Crites Hannan Park on September 13! Choose between a 5K or 1-mile run, with virtual options available, all supporting Three Pits and a Lady.

🚲 Sep. 14 - Circleville Community Bike Ride: Pedal your way to fun at the Circleville Community Bike Ride! Join Pickaway MTB for a scenic journey along RoundTown Trail from the YMCA to Ohio Christian University every Thursday starting September 14.

💰 Financial Friday

Establishing a budget that categorizes your spending can provide clarity on where your money is going, helping you identify areas where you can save or redirect funds towards your financial goals. This awareness can empower you to make more informed decisions and reduce stress around your finances.