Good morning, Gallia County. Southeast Ohio is making waves on the national stage as five local towns – including Gallipolis – earned coveted spots on Site Selection Magazine's prestigious business rankings. Landing at 39th place among America's top micropolitan areas, our community's three major economic development projects showcase that even small towns can deliver big business results in today's competitive landscape.
In stark contrast to these economic triumphs stands a troubling transportation tale from neighboring Mason County, where a substitute bus driver now faces 55 criminal charges including DUI with minors. On a brighter note, history meets imagination next week as the Steampunk Festival returns to Gallipolis Railroad Museum on May 3rd. With its Victorian-meets-sci-fi aesthetic, free admission, and costume contests, it's the perfect opportunity to experience Jules Verne's world without leaving Third Avenue.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🚌 Drunk school bus driver faces 55 criminal charges in Mason County. Leslie Watterson, a 54-year-old substitute bus operator, was indicted on 54 counts of child neglect and one DUI charge with minors. The May 2024 arrest followed reports of Watterson driving in the wrong lane, making incorrect turns, and falling asleep at the wheel with children aboard. Law enforcement conducted a sobriety test that established probable cause for criminal charges. The grand jury's indictment highlights the serious nature of endangering dozens of children while allegedly intoxicated.
🏆 Five Southeast Ohio towns earn coveted spots on national business list. Gallipolis tied for 39th place among America's top micropolitan areas with three qualifying economic development projects, according to Site Selection Magazine's 2024 Governor's Cup rankings. Athens, Cambridge, Chillicothe, and Zanesville also made the prestigious list, each with two qualifying projects. These rankings recognize communities with urban cores of 10,000-49,999 people that secured significant business investments worth at least $1 million, created 20+ jobs, or developed substantial facility space. Ohio dominated the national rankings with 20 communities making the list, showcasing the region's competitive business climate.
🧭 Steampunk Festival returns to Gallipolis Railroad Museum on May 3. The free event will feature tours of railroad cars, vendors selling food and steampunk merchandise, and a costume contest for attendees. Live music and crafts will also be available at the museum located on Third Avenue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Steampunk, a genre blending Victorian aesthetics with science fiction, originated in 1980s literature and draws inspiration from authors like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
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Ohio mansion needs decorator stat: This $600,000 home offers two stories of "new" with two garages (one fitting six cars), a walk-out basement, and modern touches on 2.574 Ohio acres near US 35, local shopping, and hospital facilities.
Updated rural Ohio gem: This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom country home in Bidwell, Ohio, is on the market for $144,900, offering modern updates including new flooring, fixtures, and a brand new heat pump with a transferable warranty.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
💰 Financial Friday
Investing in a good financial education can pay dividends over time; consider reading books, attending workshops, or following credible financial blogs to empower yourself with knowledge that can inform your decisions.
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
-Proverbs 3:5-6
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