Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Washington Court House / March 6, 2025

🔥 Spring burn alert

Washington Court House • March 6, 2025

​

Good morning, Washington Court House. As temperatures inch upward and the official start of spring approaches on March 20, local fire departments are reminding residents about crucial burn restrictions. Within a mile of city limits, only recreational fires (three feet or less in diameter) are permitted, while all other open burning requires proper permits under Ohio law. These seasonal rules arrive just as Highland County unveils property tax relief programs for homeowners facing increased bills—including the no-restriction Owner-Occupancy Credit and age-based Homestead Exemptions that could reduce property values by $28,000.

In a troubling development just down the road, Sabina Food Market became the scene of a frightening early-morning incident when an unknown suspect smashed their way in with a hammer. The situation escalated dangerously when shots were fired at a clerk who attempted to record the getaway vehicle's license plate. Police believe this was an isolated incident committed by non-locals and have released security footage to help identify the suspect dressed entirely in black.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Washington Court HouseWeather Icon
27°
43°
rain 62%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

Brewing Locally Image

🔥 Spring brings crucial open burning restrictions for Washington Court House residents. Recreational fires, defined as three feet or less in diameter with two-foot flames, are the only burning allowed within one mile of city boundaries. These fires must maintain a 25-foot distance from structures, though fire pits require only 15 feet of clearance. All other open burning outside the one-mile limit requires permits and must follow Ohio Burning Laws. Local fire departments can answer questions about obtaining proper burn permits as temperatures rise before spring's official March 20 arrival.

Read more

💰 Highland County tackles soaring property taxes with relief programs. County Auditor Alex Butler highlighted tax credit options available to homeowners facing increased bills following last year's property revaluation. The Owner-Occupancy Tax Credit offers a 2.5% reduction with no restrictions, while age-based Homestead Exemption can reduce property values by $28,000. Meanwhile, commissioners supported the Sheriff's Office's $466,000 grant application for Justice Center improvements and approved a six-month extension for the CHIP program to complete a final housing project.

Read more

🔫 Shots fired at store clerk after Sabina Food Market robbery attempt. An unknown suspect broke into the Ohio market around 6 a.m. on February 26 by smashing a glass door with a hammer. When a female employee tried to record the getaway vehicle's license plate, the suspect's accomplice fired two shots at her from their white car. Police believe this was an isolated incident by non-locals and have released security camera images to help identify the suspect dressed entirely in black. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Sabina Police at 937-584-2441.

Read more

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Roomy home with upstairs loft: The Ironwood by Arbor Homes, priced at $299,990, offers an open concept design with built-in garage storage, spacious kitchen with island, and three bedrooms plus a loft upstairs.
Real estate listing image Empty Auction Property Investment Opportunity: This foreclosure property is available through Auction.com with a list price of $0. Buyers can bid online or at in-person auction events for this investment opportunity, with support from the platform's team throughout the process.
Real estate listing image Brand new roomy ranch: Now on the market for $327,990: The brand new Chestnut ranch boasts 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1800+ square feet, featuring vaulted ceilings, brick front, and energy-efficient furnace—built on site, one 2x4 at a time.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎤 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. 6 - Strong Mom Support Circle: Join the Strong Mom Interactive Series on March 6, where moms of all stages—from toddler-wranglers to grandmas—can share wisdom and find encouragement. Connect with fellow mothers at 3149 Bloomingburg New Holland Rd NE.
🎓 Mar. 7 - Student Cultural Apologetics Day: Expand your mind at the 2025 Cultural Apologetics Conference - STUDENT DAY! Join fellow seekers at 525 Glenn Ave on March 7 for an enlightening day of discussions, exhibitions, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
🧠 Mar. 7 - Fridays with Extension Office: Boost your wellness at FREE Friday classes with OSU-Fayette Extension! Join the fun at Fayette County YMCA for expert tips on cooking, nutrition, finances, and gardening on March 7.
🪕 Mar. 8 - Tony Hale Bluegrass Jam: Stomp your feet to the twangy tunes of Tony Hale & Blackwater at Sterling Bluegrass Jamboree on March 8! Catch this toe-tapping live performance at 26 E Main St in Mt Sterling for an unforgettable musical evening.
🏆 Mar. 8 - MVSCC Awards Banquet: Celebrate a year of speed and camaraderie at MVSCC's Year End Awards Banquet! Join fellow car enthusiasts at Launch Jeffersonville on March 8 at 6PM for pizza, drinks, and games—all for just $25.
🏠 Mar. 8 - Open House 12-2pm: Peek inside your potential dream home at this Saturday open house on Valleyview Drive! Stop by between noon and 2pm to explore this Mt Sterling property and imagine the possibilities.
🎵 Mar. 9 - Stoughtons' Music & Message: Join us for an uplifting evening with Jenny & Brennen Stoughton as they share inspiring music and a powerful message on March 9 at 10000 Washington New Martinsburg Rd, Washington Court House.

🙏 In Remembrance

Tammy Jo Martindale

Tammy Jo Martindale, 61, of Bloomingburg, passed away on March 2, 2025, at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe. Born on January 9, 1964, in Springfield, Ohio, she was a Beavercreek High School graduate who worked as a security guard at DHL in Wilmington. She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Tony J. Martindale, her children, stepchildren, five grandchildren, her father, and siblings. Tammy enjoyed traveling to Myrtle Beach, collecting antiques and coins, Ford Mustangs, cooking, and caring for her cats.

Tammy Jo Martindale

Mary Matthews

Mary Leone Matthews, age 73, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, at her home in Washington Court House with family by her side. Born on March 2, 1951, she was married to Donald Matthews for over 41 years and worked at Fishers Big Wheel Store for more than 25 years before spending 18 years as a cook at Miami Trace Schools. An active church member who taught her daughters many life skills, Mary enjoyed activities like sewing, cooking, gardening, and playing cards in her spare time. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, siblings, and extended family, with funeral services scheduled for March 7, 2025, at South Side Church of Christ.

Mary Matthews

Terry Ralph Morris

Terry Ralph Morris, 77, of Washington CH, passed away on March 1, 2025, at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe. Born in 1947, he was a lifelong Fayette County resident, Air Force veteran, and Mead Corporation retiree who enjoyed fishing, music from the 60s-70s, and time with family. He is survived by his wife Brenda, four children, eight grandchildren, three great-grandsons, and extended family. Following cremation, the family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Terry Ralph Morris

Tammy Martindale

Tammy Jo Martindale, a 61-year-old resident of Bloomingburg, died on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 1:45 p.m. Her passing occurred at the Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe. The Summers Funeral Home is handling her funeral arrangements. No additional details about her life or memorial services were provided in the brief obituary notice.

{% if subscriber.rh_reflink != blank %}

Share with friends, get cool stuff, grow local!

Have friends who'd love our newsletter too? Give them your unique referral link (below) and get an awesome local reward when they subscribe.

{{subscriber.rh_reflink}}

PS: You have referred {{subscriber.rh_totref}} people so far

{% endif %}
Instagram

Interested in advertising? Get in touch.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.

Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here

← Previous
🥞 Pancake possibilities
Next →
🎨 Arts in bloom