CARROLL COUNTY, Ohio — What should have been the height of the holiday season has turned into heartbreak for a local farm family after approximately 200 freshly cut Fraser fir Christmas trees were stolen from the Smith Evergreen Nursery in Magnolia.
The theft, which occurred about a week ago, has left the Smith family — who own and operate the nursery — devastated as the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office works to track down those responsible.
The missing trees represented a significant portion of the farm’s seasonal inventory and months of hard work. The Smiths say growing and preparing Fraser firs takes years of care and investment, making the loss especially difficult both financially and emotionally.
Deputies are asking for the public’s help as they continue their investigation. Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area of the nursery or who has information on unusually large quantities of Christmas trees being sold locally is urged to contact the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities note that thefts of this scale require planning, transportation, and manpower, and they believe someone in the community may have information that could help solve the case.
