📍 Courtroom capers

Good morning, Gallia County. In a world where Netflix can't stop talking about AI, Gallia Academy's mock trial team is actually doing something with it. Our legal eagles just made history by clinching their first-ever state competition bid, masterfully arguing a case about AI-generated deepfakes that sounds more like a Black Mirror episode than a high school competition.

Speaking of breaking new ground, Buckeye Hills Career Center is throwing open its doors to adult learners looking for their next chapter. While our young legal minds prepare to take on the state's best in Columbus, the career center's February 13th open house offers a chance for everyone to level up their skills. From courtroom drama to career transformations, Gallia County is proving that education knows no age limit.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Gallipolis

23°

46°

89%

Rio Grande

22°

46°

73%

Vinton

22°

45°

88%

Cheshire

23°

46°

82%

Crown City

24°

47°

78%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

📚 Career center opens doors to adult learners in Rio Grande. Buckeye Hills Career Center is hosting an Adult Education Open House on February 13th from 5-7 PM, offering a chance to explore new career paths. Visitors can tour the campus, meet instructors, and learn about various adult education programs designed for skill development. The event provides hands-on demonstrations and assistance with enrollment and financial aid questions. Interested individuals can contact the Adult Education Office at 740-245-5334 for more information.

⚖️ Small-town high school makes history with first-ever state mock trial bid. Gallia Academy's senior mock trial team secured their unprecedented spot after winning regionals in Portsmouth, Ohio. The team successfully argued a complex case involving AI-generated deepfakes and political defamation. Individual awards went to Johnson and Skidmore for outstanding attorneys, while Rocchi and Rykowski earned recognition as outstanding witnesses. The state competition will take place March 6-8 at the Ohio Supreme Court, with the winner advancing to nationals in Phoenix.

⚖️ Ohio court upholds harsh sentences for six major drug traffickers. The Fourth District Court of Appeals affirmed multiple convictions in Gallia County, maintaining lengthy prison terms ranging from 4.5 to 16.5 years. Among those convicted were traffickers from Chicago, Detroit, and Dayton caught with significant amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. Gallia County Prosecutor Jason Holdren praised his team's success in both securing and defending these convictions. The rulings dealt significant blows to defendants' various appeals, including claims of racial bias, ineffective counsel, and procedural errors.

Team	Opponent	Score
River Valley (18-2)
	vs Ontario	W 73-22

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Spacious home with great potential: Located at 409 Legrande Blvd. in Gallipolis, this spacious and comfortable 3-bedroom, 1-bath home is listed for $195,000. With two family rooms, a modern open kitchen, and a large fenced yard, it offers great potential for both relaxation and entertainment.

Remodeled raised ranch with fireplace: Located at 64 Deenie Drive in Bidwell, OH, this charming raised ranch is listed for $259,900 and features a remodeled interior, spacious living areas, a sunroom, and a cozy lower-level family room with a fireplace. The home also includes an oversized, heated garage and a fenced backyard, making it perfect for families or entertaining.

Scenic retreat for outdoor lovers: Experience stunning panoramic views and serene landscapes on this 7-acre retreat, perfect for horseback riding or ATV adventures. Build your dream home and enjoy spectacular sunsets and starry nights for just $129,000.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🧩 Feb. 13 - Trivia Night Challenge: Put your thinking cap on at the Scioto County Public Library's Trivia Night! Challenge your mind alongside friends and family in the Meeting Room on February 13th at 6pm. Ages 13 and up welcome.

🎵 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 evening of live music and new talent.

🏀 Feb. 14 - Gallia vs Portsmouth Basketball: Conference rivalry heats up as Portsmouth hosts Gallia Academy for an exciting varsity basketball showdown! Catch the action Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Portsmouth High School, 1149 Gallia Street.

🏀 Feb. 15 - Youth Basketball Championships: Future hoops stars take the court at The Root Sports & Fitness Center's Youth Basketball Tournament! Boys and girls teams (grades 2-6) compete for glory on February 15. $250 entry fee includes three guaranteed games.

🏍 Feb. 15 - Harley New Model Showcase: Rev up your February at Baxters Harley-Davidson's New Model Year showcase! Stop by Feb 15 to feast your eyes on the latest rides, grab fresh donuts and coffee, and maybe win exciting door prizes.

💃 Feb. 15 - Valentine's Line Dance Bash: Get your boots scootin' at the Valentine's Line Dance Party! Kick up your heels with all-request line and couples dances on February 15 at 1165 OH-160 in Gallipolis.

♟️ Feb. 15 - Gallia Chess Club Meetup: Checkmate winter boredom at the new Gallia Chess Club! Join fellow players every third Saturday at Holzer Therapy & Wellness Center for free matches and friendly competition, open to both adults and kids, 12-2pm.

👪 Feb. 16 - Family History Workshop: Unlock your family's past at the John Gee Black Historical Center's new monthly genealogy workshop. Join fellow history buffs on Feb 16 at 48 Pine St, Gallipolis, to start tracing your roots.

🙏 In Remembrance

Carolyn Ann Carman

Carolyn Ann Carman, 77, of Gallipolis, Ohio, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025, at Pleasant Valley Nursing Home in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Born on October 5, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Hanley and Bernice Gardner and graduated from Gallia Academy High School in 1965. Carolyn was married to Donald Carman, Sr. for 52 years until his passing in 2018, and together they had two children, Donald Jr. and Michele. She worked for over 40 years at Holzer Medical Center and was a cherished member of her community and church. Carolyn is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and sisters, leaving behind a legacy of love, humor, and creativity.