Good morning, Lancaster.

Lancaster Fairfield Community Action Agency food pantry will benefit from a two‐month program at the Lancaster Kroger at 1141 E.

Main St. as Kroger Columbus—part of its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative—launches the Fight Hunger bag program, donating $1 per reusable bag sold during October and November.

OHIO Lancaster’s theater program will stage Little Shop of Horrors from Oct.

2 to Oct. 10 at Wagner Theatre, featuring giant plant puppets and a new revolving stage. Directed by A. Victor Jones, the production involves students and offers 7 p.m. shows with matinees on Oct. 4 and Oct. 10.

Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest is expanding its 2027 schedule with two events planned + a one-day kickoff on May 22 and a five-day celebration in September featuring pirate-themed activities across the local waterfront.

The festival will boost community engagement by inviting visitors to explore nearby businesses and scenic spots.

Ohio University Lancaster is accepting applications for its new associate nursing program that offers a five-semester pathway to become a registered nurse; classes start in January and the priority deadline is Oct.

1 + the program admits 25 students with hands-on clinical training at local sites.

Senior Reese Shirey, a leukemia survivor from Liberty Union High School, opened the Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship today at The Ohio State University Golf Club and was awarded a $10,000 college scholarship—a milestone in her recovery and a boost for her future plans.

Fairfield County’s Wolfe family was recognized as the Area 5 winner in Ohio’s 2026 Conservation Farm Family Awards (honoring improvements in soil health, water quality and environmental stewardship) on their farm.

The award marked decades of local conservation work.

Two Ohio parks were named among the nation's best for fall colors by USA TODAY's 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards for 2026.

The recognition may inspire Lancaster visitors to enjoy weekend outings in scenic surroundings.

Some Social Security recipients will receive two payments in October as November’s check is sent early on Oct.

30 because Nov. 1 falls on a weekend; the early payment does not add extra funds.

Wastewater tests show COVID levels are rising in several states, but Ohio's levels remain low as of Sept.

29. Health officials say the data help track early changes in virus spread & remind residents that monitoring continues as the respiratory season begins.