Good morning, Gallia County. As winter's chill settles over the Ohio Valley, our community is proving that warmth comes in many forms. At the Point Pleasant River Museum, Santa's workshop came alive with cookie decorating and toy towboats, while local families stuffed stockings for veterans - showing that sometimes the best gift is giving back to others.
Meanwhile, the spirit of progress flows through our region like the mighty Ohio River itself. Two foundations have poured $91,000 into transforming rural communities, funding everything from early literacy to food security. It's a bright spot of news we needed, especially as our law enforcement works tirelessly to bring closure to a somber case from across the river in Mason County. In times of celebration and challenge, our community continues to show its strength.
🌤 Sky Skoop | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
0% 
☕️ What's Brewing Locally
⚖️ Two arrested after missing West Virginia man found dead. Brandon Harbaugh and Jodi Gerlach were taken into custody in Mason County and charged with conspiracy and concealing a dead body. The victim, 65-year-old Michael Phalen from New Haven, had been missing since December 12 before his body was discovered off Broad Run Road in Letart. Both suspects are being held at Western Regional Jail with bail set at $75,000 each. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to gather evidence and determine the full circumstances surrounding Phalen's death.This summary:- Opens with a justice/law emoji- Leads with a clear, impactful 9-word opening sentence- Provides key details about the suspects and victim- Includes relevant dates and locations- Notes the current status of both suspects and the investigation- Maintains a professional tone while covering sensitive subject matter
🎅 Santa's cookies event spreads double dose of holiday cheer in Point Pleasant. The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 23's festive gathering at the Point Pleasant River Museum combined family fun with community service, featuring cookie decorating, photos with Santa, and special gifts for children. Young visitors received toy towboat sets from the museum while also participating in meaningful activities like stuffing stockings for veterans and writing letters to Santa. The event supported the Marine Corps League's Toys for Tots drive, ensuring holiday joy reached families in need. The successful community celebration demonstrated the true spirit of the season by bringing together local families while supporting both veterans and deployed soldiers.
🤝 Two Ohio foundations pour $91,000 into transforming rural communities. The Gallia and Meigs County Community Foundations have awarded grants to support vital local programs across education, health, and culture. The Gallia Foundation distributed $24,191 across 10 projects, including early literacy stations, food pantries, and entrepreneurship training. The Meigs Foundation provided $66,954 to fund 17 initiatives, ranging from school music programs to food security efforts. Both foundations emphasized their commitment to creating lasting positive change through partnerships with local organizations serving their communities' most pressing needs.
🏀 Basketball Schedule Slam (Boys)
| Team | Opponent | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|
 Gallia Academy Blue Devils | ||
| @ Ironton | 12/28 @ 12:00pm | |
| @ Point Pleasant | 12/30 @ 7:00pm | |
 River Valley Vikings | ||
| vs Highland | 12/27 @ 7:15pm | |
 South Gallia Rebels | ||
| vs Southern | 12/27 @ 7:00pm |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Charming brick ranch awaits you
Discover a charming brick ranch at 384 Debbie Drive in Gallipolis, OH, listed for $189,000. This lovingly maintained home features two bedrooms, one and a half updated baths, a versatile sunroom that could serve as an extra bedroom, and a cozy office nook, all enhanced by modern updates such as new appliances and automatic sunroom curtains. Don't miss your chance to explore this lovely property at the open house on Thursday, October 3, from 5 PM to 7 PM.
Outdoor paradise with investment potential
Nestled in Southeastern Ohio, this nearly 200-acre property is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring diverse topography, abundant wildlife like whitetail deer and wild turkey, and multiple sites for homes or camping setups. Conveniently located near Gallipolis and Pomeroy, with the added advantage of bordering public hunting lands, this tract offers a great opportunity for buyers looking to invest in recreation or develop an Airbnb, all for a list price of $625,000.
Split-level home near amenities
This charming 3-bedroom split-level home in a quiet Spring Valley cul-de-sac is listed at $225,000. It features convenient access to US Route 35 and nearby amenities while offering a spacious living room with a gas fireplace, separate kitchen and dining areas, a half-bath for guests, and an attached garage, all complemented by a wrap-around deck perfect for relaxation.
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
-Psalm 46:10