Good morning, Gallia County. Remember when getting a gold star was the highlight of your school day? Jordan Toma is redefining what success looks like for students with learning disabilities, turning his own academic struggles into a powerful message of hope across Ohio schools. His mantra isn't about perfect grades - it's about showing up, pushing through, and believing in yourself even when the journey gets tough.
Speaking of journeys, our community is lighting up the holiday season in spectacular fashion. While Gallipolis In Lights and Point Pleasant's Krodel Park transform into winter wonderlands with their dazzling displays, there's a different kind of spark flying at Lock 27, where residents are rallying to protect this historic site from proposed campground developments. From twinkling lights to civic fights, there's no shortage of passion in our corner of Ohio.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
💪 Former special ed student turns struggles into strength as motivational speaker. Jordan Toma, author of "I'm Just a Kid with an IEP," recently toured Ohio schools sharing his personal journey of overcoming learning disabilities and building self-worth. After facing ridicule and attendance issues in school due to his learning challenges, Toma transformed his experience into inspiration through a successful business career and speaking engagements. His message to students emphasized that showing up consistently creates opportunities, while reminding them that current struggles are temporary. During his tour of Gallia County schools, Toma stressed that personal growth matters more than grades, encouraging students to persist through their academic challenges.
🏞️ Ohio residents fight to protect historic Lock 27 from campground plans. Governor DeWine's $5.2 million grant for a waterfront marina has sparked controversy as county officials pivot toward building a 24-pad RV campground instead. Local group Hometown Love argues the historic park should remain focused on day-use activities and water-based recreation, maintaining its century-old character. County Commissioner Mike Finley claims a marina isn't feasible and warns the state funding could be lost without a sustainable plan. Township trustees, excluded from the planning process, are encouraging residents to contact both state officials and community action organizations to voice their concerns.
🎄 Two Ohio towns transform into magical winter wonderlands through New Year's. Gallipolis In Lights and Point Pleasant's Krodel Park Festival of Lights are dazzling visitors with their spectacular holiday displays, featuring over 2,000 lights and 300 decorated trees. The Gallipolis display, now in its 12th year, has earned a spot on the Ohio Holiday Lights Trail for seven consecutive years and includes touching Memory Trees honoring loved ones along the waterfront. Both free displays rely heavily on community volunteers and local support, with Gallipolis starting preparations in October and Point Pleasant's crew maintaining over 120 unique light installations. The festivities run nightly through January 1st, offering families a chance to experience movie-like Christmas scenes on both sides of the river.
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
 South Gallia Rebels | ||
| vs Valley | L 63-46 | |
| vs Notre Dame | L 47-36 | |
 Ohio Valley Christian | ||
| vs Bloomingdale | L 49-31 | |
| vs PCA** | L 63-35 | |
 Gallia Academy Blue Devils | ||
| vs Chesapeake | L 47-32 | |
| vs Rock Hill | L 62-52 | |
 River Valley Vikings | ||
| vs Ridgemont | W 79-63 | |
| @ Shelby | W 94-64 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Sprawling countryside retreat with amenities
Discover a charming brick home that offers 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, nestled on a sprawling 156-acre countryside retreat for just $674,000. With a spacious layout filled with natural light, a sizable workshop for creative projects, and an extra bunkhouse for guests, this property also presents excellent hunting opportunities and abundant wildlife, making it a perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts.
Spacious family home with pool
Listed at $215,000, this charming Cape Cod home in Gallipolis, Ohio boasts 3,000 square feet, featuring four spacious bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. With a great room ideal for entertaining, a potential theatre room, an expansive full basement, and an outdoor oasis complete with a pool and gazebo, this property is perfect for family gatherings and relaxation.
Nature retreat with scenic privacy
This property, listed at $239,337, offers a scenic retreat perfect for nature lovers and those seeking privacy. With rolling elevations, numerous wooded paths, and potential for beautiful views through selective timber cutting, it’s an ideal spot for weekend getaways or hunting adventures.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
-Isaiah 40:31