Good morning, Lancaster.

Lancaster residents can ride free, round-trip buses from Ohio University Lancaster to the Millersport Sweet Corn Festival, which runs Sep.

3-5 in Millersport. Fairfield County Transit will provide hourly service, starting at 4:30 p.m. on Sep. 3-4 and 11:30 a.m. on Sep. 5—passengers should check bus schedules before riding.

Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept.

7 and many retailers will have modified hours. Costco will be closed while Walmart, Target, and Giant Eagle remain open (trash pickup may also be delayed).

Kroger plans to close 60 stores by the end of 2026 after already shutting over 35 outlets in states including Texas - Virginia and Wisconsin; no Ohio stores have closed.

The company said it will offer roles at other locations to help affected employees.

Ohio University approved projects for its Lancaster campus that include a Brasee Hall chiller replacement and the Fetters Run pedestrian bridge project under its Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Improvement Plan.

The board also designated about 74 acres (behind 1570 Granville Pike) as surplus property.

Lancaster City Schools Superintendent Nathan Hale introduced the new high school building at a recent event, sharing plans to enhance student learning spaces.

The facility is part of ongoing efforts to modernize education in Lancaster.

Fairfield County property owners affected by recent storms are urged to report damage by completing Form DTE 26 online or via the emergency management website.

Assistance is offered by the Auditor's Office (call 740-652-7030) to ensure property records remain accurate and support possible relief efforts.

Pizza Cottage and the Red Cross are offering a $5 Pizza Cottage gift card for blood donations at drives through Aug.

31 to ease a supply shortage. A drive is today from noon to 6 p.m. at the West Fair Avenue restaurant in Lancaster.

Today, local gardeners are advised to plant fall vegetables to extend their harvest until the first frost in late October (OSU Extension Office in Fairfield County provided its tips), recommending direct seeding of beets, carrots, and green beans to keep crops thriving.

Lancaster's Golden Gales will start their 10-game season Friday, Aug.

21 under new coach Jeremy McKinney (who led Bloom-Carroll 41-12) in hopes of ending a winless streak since 2018 as they gear up for tougher playoffs beginning Oct. 30.