Explosions, river chaos & a glow-up you can't miss 🌅
Good morning, Meigs County. Buckle up — literally. ODOT is about to start blasting through rock along Route 681 this September, with one explosion per day through May 2027 and a full 180-day closure starting April 1. Locals are calling it "annoying but necessary," which honestly sounds like a fair review. Separately, a boating accident near the Belleville Lock and Dam left several people injured on the Ohio River over the weekend.
On the national front, inflation has hit a three-year high at 4.2%, longshoremen ended their East Coast dock strike with a tentative wage deal, and a lettuce recall is spreading faster than the cyclospora outbreak behind it — so maybe skip the salad for now. If you need a mood boost, the Sunset Glow Night Paddle and Ohio River Tube Float are both this weekend. Fresh listings and local obituaries are inside too.
🌤 Sky Skoop
Pomeroy
63°88°
4%
Racine
62°89°
4%
Middleport
63°88°
4%
Reedsville
60°87°
4%
Long Bottom
62°89°
4%
Mason, WV
63°88°
4%
☕️ What's Brewing Locally
Rock blasting set to begin on Route 681 in Meigs County as part of ODOT road project
🪨 Ohio's Route 681 is about to get seriously blown up. ODOT will begin rock blasting along a deteriorating stretch of Meigs County road this September, with crews firing one blast per day through May 2027. Each blast will trigger temporary road closures, and starting April 1, the route will shut down completely for roughly 180 days. The project aims to improve drainage, stabilize hillsides, and relocate parts of the roadway for long-term safety. Locals called the disruption "annoying but necessary," with construction expected to wrap up by fall 2027. Read more
Several hurt after boating accident on the Ohio River
🚤 Multiple people injured in Ohio River boating accident. The incident occurred near the Belleville Lock and Dam near Reedsville in Meigs County, Ohio. Authorities responded and treated several people for injuries at the scene. Read more
Public meeting held for State Route 681 project in southeast Ohio
🛣️ Ohio holds public meeting for State Route 681 project. Meigs County residents gathered Wednesday to learn about the planned State Route 681 project in southeast Ohio. Read more
This charming remodeled ranch on 2.3 peaceful acres near Southern High School offers effortless one-floor living with all-new 2023 updates — the perfect blend of country charm and move-in convenience!
6 bed · 6-bay heated garage · 10 acres w/ barn & cottage
Nestled in the rolling countryside near Racine, this expansive 1927 homestead on 10 acres offers incredible versatility — featuring a 6-bay heated garage, barn, cottage, pool, and endless hobby farm potential!
2 bed · 2 bath · 2-car garage + 14x40 bonus building on 0.25-acre lot
This charming 2020-built Racine gem sits on a quarter-acre lot with a flexible open layout, detached garage, RV hookup, and a massive 14x40 bonus building — perfect for the creative homeowner ready to make their mark!
Grab your paddle and glow gear for a magical evening on the Ohio River! Join Adventure Ohio on July 24 for the Sunset & Glow night paddle, launching at dusk for a luminous cruise into the evening.
Grab your tubes and soak up the summer sun on the Ohio River! Join Adventure Ohio in Racine on July 25 for a laid-back float that's pure, leisurely fun for everyone.
Grab your paddle and glow gear for an unforgettable evening on the Ohio River! Join Adventure Ohio on July 25 for a magical sunset and glow night paddle along the water.
🌎 What Else Is Brewing
Donald Trump ordered more strikes against Iran after a U.S. soldier was killed in Iraq, escalating the conflict that's jolting global markets.
Taylor Farms expanded a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce from central Mexico as a cyclospora parasite outbreak sickens people across dozens of states.
Supreme Court ruled that Trump violated federal law by unilaterally imposing sweeping global tariffs, a major legal blow to his trade agenda.
U.S. Labor Market added 254,000 jobs in September with wage growth strong, reversing slowdown signs and likely scuttling arguments for a big Fed rate cut.
Inflation surged to a 4.2% annual rate last month driven by energy prices, marking the highest inflation in three years amid the Iran war shock.
Longshoremen Union reached a tentative wage agreement with bosses days after tens of thousands walked off East and Gulf Coast docks, ending a major strike.
🙏 In Remembrance
David (Junie) Priddy
David (Junie) Priddy passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026. The family is being cared for by Anderson McDaniel Funeral Homes – Pomeroy.
Roger Arnold Brooks
Roger Arnold Brooks, 79, was born to the late Paul and Mildred (Pullins) Brooks, on June 5, 1947, in Reedsville, OH. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Ohio State University Hospital on July 14, 2026. He was a 1966 graduate of Eastern High School. Roger was a proud Army veteran...
Donald Eugene Dye Jr.
With profound sadness, we announce the loss of beloved Donald Eugene Dye Jr. Born May 17th, 1968, in Meigs County/Racine, he worked for Marathon Petroleum for 20 years as a Marine Dispatcher. He is preceded in death by his mother, Carol Southern of Racine, OH. He is survived by his wife Jackie...
Ronnie Lee Dennis
Ronnie Lee Dennis, age 72, of Pomeroy, Ohio, passed away July 6, 2026, at the Arbors at Pomeroy. Ronnie was born July 2, 1954, in Palos, Ohio to Henry Dennis and Mary Jane Holcomb. Ronnie served in the Navy after High School and was a member of the Eagles. Ronnie was a humble and giving man....
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."
— Matthew 5:14
This verse reminds us that our actions and presence can have a profound impact on those around us, and that we should strive to be a positive influence in our communities. By being a light in the world, we can help make a difference and bring hope to those around us.
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Share Local Brew with 5 friends and earn a free MadBatter Cookie. Big cookies, mad flavors, made in Ohio. 🍪
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