Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Gallia County / February 11, 2025

📍 Young voices unite

Gallia County • February 11, 2025

Good morning, Gallia County. Here's a sobering statistic that demands attention: 350 young voices from across West Virginia just stepped up to tackle underage drinking through the power of storytelling. Point Pleasant High School's winning PSA didn't just earn them $5,000 - it earned them a chance to save lives during next year's prom and graduation season, when those messages matter most.

Meanwhile, our community's heart for helping others shines through in Sheriff Champlin's expanded special needs registry, while Mason County's young scholars are proving that the next generation of leaders is already hard at work. From 73 social studies projects spanning anthropology to world history, these students aren't just studying the past - they're building the future, one presentation at a time.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🎥 West Virginia teens battle underage drinking through powerful PSA contest. Point Pleasant High School clinched the top spot and $5,000 prize in the WVABCA's 12th annual NO School Spirits competition. Nearly 350 students from 29 schools submitted videos highlighting the dangers of underage alcohol consumption, from drunk driving to academic failure. The winning PSA will air during the 2025 prom and graduation season across TV, radio, and social media. Commissioner Fred Wooton emphasized that saving even one life makes the program worthwhile.

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🤝 Ohio sheriff expands special needs registry to better protect vulnerable residents. The Gallia County Sheriff's Office has broadened its registration program beyond autism to include all individuals with special needs. The program allows families to provide crucial information and photos of loved ones, helping law enforcement respond more effectively during emergencies. Sheriff Matt Champlin implemented the expansion after receiving widespread community support and requests. The confidential information is strictly maintained within the sheriff's office and dispatch center, accessible through their website.

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📚 Mason County students showcase 73 projects at Social Studies Fair showdown. The January 28th competition at the Board of Education building featured diverse categories including anthropology, economics, psychology, and history. First-place winners from divisions spanning elementary to high school levels will advance to the Regional Social Studies Fair at Marshall University on March 4. Students from multiple schools, including Roosevelt Elementary, New Haven Elementary, and Point Pleasant Junior/Senior High School, demonstrated their academic prowess through both individual and group projects. The competition highlighted young scholars' deep engagement with topics ranging from local studies to world history.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Picturesque acreage near national forest: This picturesque 25-acre property is listed at $104,000 and features gently rolling hills, a well-built barn, and proximity to Wayne National Forest for outdoor recreation, making it ideal for farming or a tranquil retreat.
Real estate listing image Country home with modern amenities: This charming country home, listed at $449,900, sits on 2 acres with stunning views, featuring a modern chef's kitchen, updated bathrooms, and a large barn for ample storage.
Real estate listing image Sprawling cattle farm with amenities: Nestled on 95 acres, this stunning cattle farm is listed at $569,900 and features multiple barns, natural water sources, and proximity to Wayne National Forest for abundant hunting opportunities and outdoor adventures.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🙏 Feb. 11 - Nightly Revival Service: Lift your spirit at Revival, where Pastor Doug Mitchell preaches nightly at 128 Rand Ave, featuring soul-stirring music from special guests like The Darst Family and The Gloryland Believers. Services begin 7pm starting February 11.
💝 Feb. 11 - Teen Valentine's Jewelry Workshop: Calling all creative teens! Make one-of-a-kind Valentine's jewelry at Scioto County Public Library's free workshop. Join us February 11 in the Meeting Room - perfect for crafters ages 13-17.
🏀 Feb. 11 - Titans vs Bobcats Basketball: Crosstown rivals face off as the Notre Dame Titans battle the Green Bobcats in a thrilling varsity basketball showdown at Green High School. Catch the action February 11th at 4:30 pm.
💝 Feb. 11 - Valentine Music & Crafts: Fall in love with creativity at the Scioto County Public Library's Music for My Valentine! Join fellow crafters (ages 12+) on February 11 at 4 p.m. for a musical Valentine's craft session.
🎵 Feb. 14 - Columbia Music Arena Live: Rock out this Valentine's Day at the historic Columbia Music Arena in Portsmouth! Local and touring bands take the stage at 832 Gallia Street for an unforgettable night of live music.
💝 Feb. 14 - Valentine's Line Dance Party: Kick up your heels this Valentine's Day at a heartwarming line dance party in Gallipolis! Grab your partner and head to 1165 OH-160 for an evening of boot-scootin' romance.
🏀 Feb. 15 - Youth Basketball Tournament: Future basketball stars take the court at The Root Sports & Fitness Center! Boys and girls teams (grades 2-6) compete in this action-packed tournament with a three-game guarantee. $250 entry fee per team.
🏍 Feb. 15 - New Harley Models Reveal: Rev up your February at Baxters Harley-Davidson's New Model Year showcase! Stop by 1699 Kerr Rd in Bidwell on Feb 15 to drool over the latest bikes, score door prizes, and enjoy complimentary coffee and donuts.

🙏 In Remembrance

Joseph Freeling JonesJoseph Freeling Jones

Joseph Freeling Jones, 89, of Bidwell, Ohio, passed away on February 8, 2025, at Holzer Medical Center in Pomeroy. Born on August 12, 1935, in Hanover, West Virginia, he was a self-employed construction worker and founded the group Saddles, Saddles, Saddles, which has over 22,000 members worldwide. He is survived by his wife, Sadie "Cookie" Browning, three daughters, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and siblings. Joe was preceded in death by several family members, including a brother and sisters. Funeral services will be held on February 12, 2025, at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home in Vinton.

Joseph Freeling JonesJoseph Freeling Jones

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

-Romans 12:12

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