Creepy Steubenville Man Opens Free Candy Store Inside House

STEUBENVILLE - Some people call it a recession, but that's not stopping 47 year-old Owen Schottenheimer (right) from fulfilling his lifelong dream of opening his own candy shop. Schottenheimer has lived on Steubenville's Sunset Blvd. for his entire life, and is committed to giving back to his community.

"I'm hoping that our location will be perfect for, uh, business," said Schottenheimer. "I set this up so kids could stop here for some free candy on their commute to school."

The candy shop will be located inside Schottenheimer's house, which is just under a half mile from Catholic Central High School.

"It's a bit of good luck for me," said Shottenheimer as he laughed and sipped a steaming cup of simple syrup. "Technically I'm not allowed to live within two thousand feet of the school."

The store, aptly named Free Candy, will open its doors this Friday. According to a list of rules posted on Schottenheimer's door, children may not bring their parents inside.

"I don't want the parents of these children to tell them they can't have any of my sweets," Schottenheimer told us. "It would just break their little hearts."

Mr. Schottenheimer said that he couldn't show us his candy selection until the store opens because he didn't want to ruin the surprise. He did give us a bit of a hint, however.

"Lollipops," he said, blushing. "Nice, tasty, sensational, delectable, delicious, savory lollipops."