Good morning, Lancaster.

The Fairfield County Foundation awarded Cycle 2 grants of $194K to 17 local nonprofits for tech upgrades, health programs and community projects at a recent board meeting.

The board also set 2026 grant deadlines with Cycle 1 applications due by Jan. 12 + Cycle 2 applications due by July 13.

Residents are advised to remove or compost last year’s plant debris to lower garden pests and may leave some leaf litter to support good insects — local gardeners can choose the method that suits their needs.

A gluten-free living class will be held on November 6 at Fairfield County District Library-Main Branch from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. to offer key guidance and recipes.

Today, the Mega Millions jackpot has reached $680 million — one of the top 10 jackpots in game history — and players in Ohio must buy their $5 tickets by 10:45 p.m. ET for the drawing at 11 p.m. ET.

The game requires matching five white balls and the yellow Mega Ball to win, with a one-time cash option of $318 million available if all numbers match.

Kroger Health will join the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at select Ohio locations such as the pharmacy at 1621 North Memorial Dr. in Lancaster – law enforcement will safely collect unused and expired medications.

As temperatures drop in central Ohio, experts at AEP Ohio and Atlas Butler Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing advised homeowners to maintain their heating systems to stay warm and lower utility bills.

They recommended changing furnace filters, using natural sunlight, and setting thermostats at or below 68 degrees—steps that help run systems efficiently.

Data from Realtor.com shows that Fairfield County's median home listing price rose to $419,950 in September, up 1.8% from last month and 7.7% from September 2024.

Homes measured 2,057 square feet + were priced at $195 per square foot and typically stayed on the market for 46 days.

Ohio high school athletes are closer to receiving benefits from name, image, and likeness rights as OHSAA member schools vote on a proposed bylaw from November 17—21, with a decision by November 21.

A temporary restraining order was issued for 45 days following a lawsuit that challenges Ohio’s restrictions on NIL deals and supports high school sports amateurism.

Bride & Ignescent Concert

7-11 p.m. — Rockhouse 39 — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying sounds of female-fronted rock band Ignescent live in Lancaster.