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 | |||||||
|

🔥 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.
💰 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.
🔫 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.
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.
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.
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.
| ||
| ||
| ||
|
|
|