🥞 Pancake possibilities

Good morning, Washington Court House. March is roaring in with a flurry of activity across our community. From the Highland County grand jury's recent indictment of 13 individuals on charges ranging from drug possession to obscenity, to the Fayette County Land Bank's decisive action approving nearly $60,000 in demolition contracts, there's no shortage of developments shaping our local landscape this week.

Looking for ways to embrace the season? The county calendar is bursting with opportunities to connect. Theater enthusiasts can catch "Mamma Mia!" at Miami Trace High School, while breakfast lovers might want to circle March 8 for the Good Hope Lions Pancake Breakfast. Between educational workshops like Dining with Diabetes and Champion's Grill's three-year anniversary celebration, there's something for everyone as we transition from winter's grip into the promise of spring.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Washington Court House

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🚔 Highland County grand jury indicts 13 on various charges. Four cases resulting from Task Force investigations remain sealed, while the other indictments involve drug possession, stolen property, and obscenity charges. Ryan Graves and Judy Russell both face third-degree felony charges for methamphetamine possession, with Russell additionally accused of bringing drugs into a detention facility. Several defendants face charges related to receiving stolen vehicles, while others were indicted for obscenity offenses involving minors or harassment. Most of the alleged crimes occurred between late 2021 and early 2024 across various Ohio communities.

🏗️ Fayette County Land Bank greenlights demolitions and awards two new contracts. During Monday's meeting, the board approved Fillmore Construction's $48,800 bid to demolish a Stafford Road property and Rose Excavating's $9,820 bid for a Cherry Street property. Several adjustments were made to the demolition list, with 619 Broadway Street being added while two other properties were removed. The board authorized Ramboll Group to seek bids for four additional demolition projects and approved moving forward with foreclosure proceedings for a property on East Court Street. The next meeting is scheduled for March 31.

📅 Fayette County's March bursts with community events and activities. The calendar includes a variety of gatherings from township meetings to entertainment options for all ages. Families can register children for YMCA soccer programs, while theater lovers can catch "Mamma Mia!" at Miami Trace High School from March 6-8. Other highlights include the Good Hope Lions Pancake Breakfast on March 8, educational workshops like Dining with Diabetes, and celebrations such as Champion's Grill's three-year anniversary party on March 15. The month rounds out with a Shrine Club Car Show and a benefit for veterans on March 29.

Spacious open home three bedrooms: The Ironwood by Arbor Homes, priced at $299,990, offers an open concept design featuring garage storage, walk-in closets in three bedrooms, and a kitchen overlooking a café that flows into the gathering room.

Affordable new kitchen near amenities: This charming, move-in ready home is priced at $114,900 and features a brand new kitchen, new flooring, and a large living room. Located near schools and shopping, it's an affordable option for homebuyers seeking convenience.

Wooded acreage awaits adventurous buyers: A wooded haven awaits at Claremont Village's cul-de-sac for $55,000. This untouched 3.2-acre parcel offers prime hunting and hiking opportunities, though potential builders should conduct their own feasibility research.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🧸 Mar. 5 - Stuff A Stanley Returns: Stuff A Stanley returns to Washington Court House! Fill your trendy tumbler with friends around on March 5th from 2:30-8pm at 145 N Main St. Mark your calendars for this popular community event!

🎤 Mar. 6 - The Wake Comedy Show: Rock out with The Wake featuring Matt & Kristian and Dray Stewart at The Jaimes Event Center on March 6! Catch these talented performers live at 133 S Fayette St in Washington Court House.

🧠 Mar. 7 - Student Apologetics Conference: High schoolers, sharpen your faith at the 2nd annual "Because Truth Matters" Apologetics Conference on March 7! Join fellow 9th-12th graders at 525 Glenn Ave for a day of engaging Christian exploration.

👩‍🌾 Mar. 7 - OSU Extension Free Classes: Boost your skills for free at the YMCA! Join OSU-Fayette Extension Office on March 7 for expert tips on cooking, nutrition, financial wellness, and gardening at 100 Civic Dr, Washington Court House.

🏆 Mar. 8 - MVSCC Awards Banquet: Celebrate a year of vroom at the MVSCC Year End Awards Banquet! Join the fun March 8 at Launch Jeffersonville for pizza, soft drinks, and games—all for just $25 per person at 6:00PM.

🏠 Mar. 8 - Mount Sterling Open House: Step inside your dream home at 368 Valleyview Dr in Mt Sterling this Friday! Drop by our welcoming open house from 12-2PM to explore this charming property and envision your future there.

🎵 Mar. 09 - Stoughtons' Music & Message: Dynamic duo Jenny & Brennen Stoughton bring uplifting music and an inspiring message to 10000 Washington New Martinsburg Rd on March 9. Don't miss this special visit from these talented performers!

🏛️ Mar. 09 - Area 53 Assembly: Join fellow AA members for the Area 53 Assembly at Deer Creek Lodge & Conference Center on March 9. Connect with your recovery community in this important gathering at Mt Sterling's scenic conference venue.

🙏 In Remembrance

Dortha Jane Minzler

Dortha Jane (Coss) Minzler, 75, of Jeffersonville, passed away on February 28, 2025, at her home after living most of her life in Highland County. A woman of strong faith, Jane was known for her love of singing, church attendance, and piano playing, particularly as a member of Sweet Assurance and Trinity Aires. She was a dedicated homemaker who later worked at Highland District Hospital and Fayette County Memorial Hospital, and is survived by her husband Randy, two sons, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Jane's viewing will be held on March 9 at Summers Funeral Home, with a graveside service following on March 10 at Washington Cemetery.

Phillip Ray Robinson

Phillip Ray Robinson, 50, of Washington Court House passed away unexpectedly on February 25, 2025, having just celebrated his 50th birthday. A 1994 graduate of Miami Trace High School, he was preceded in death by his mother and a granddaughter. Robinson is survived by his father, three children, six grandchildren, two brothers, and many extended family members and friends. Following cremation, the family will hold a private service.