📰 Local talent triumphs

Good morning, Gallia County. Chalk up another win for local talent as Point Pleasant Jr./Sr. High School's Kendra Lee earns the prestigious title of West Virginia Student Journalist of the Year. This student powerhouse not only leads her school's award-winning media program but somehow manages to balance sports, choir, community involvement, and even wore the Homecoming crown. Her next chapter? Marshall University's journalism program, where she'll continue crafting stories that matter.

Education remains front and center as Mason County's school board celebrated social studies and math competition winners while discussing the delicate balance between technology and traditional learning. Education consultant Walter Raines advocated for more daily writing and less screen time to develop critical thinking. In more somber news, a local murder case reached a turning point as Ryan Marshall's guilty plea brings closure to a tragic February incident, with sentencing set for early April.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Gallipolis

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Rio Grande

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Vinton

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Cheshire

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Crown City

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏫 Mason County Board honors students while weighing educational priorities. The school board recognized social studies and math competition winners during Tuesday's meeting, presenting certificates to the successful students. Superintendent Farmer discussed the 2025-26 school calendar, which includes five non-traditional instruction days and time adjustments for snow days. Education consultant Walter Raines shared insights on reducing technology dependence in classrooms and promoting daily writing exercises to develop critical thinking skills. The board also approved several personnel changes and contracts, including lawn care services and facility improvements for county schools.

📰 High school senior earns prestigious journalism recognition in West Virginia. Kendra Lee, Point Pleasant Jr./Sr. High School's Editor-in-Chief, has been named the 2025 West Virginia Student Journalist of the Year. Under her leadership, the school's media program won a statewide PSA contest, earning $5,000 for their program. Beyond journalism, Lee is actively involved in sports, choir, and community organizations while maintaining her role as Homecoming Queen. She plans to continue her journalism journey at Marshall University's School of Journalism and Mass Communications this fall.

⚖️ West Virginia man faces 40 years for girlfriend's murder.Ryan Keith Marshall, 40, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the February 2024 killing of Sara Elizabeth Smith, 54. Smith's body was discovered in a trailer on Belle Road two days after she was reported missing from Point Pleasant. Law enforcement quickly apprehended Marshall, who has been jailed without bail since February 24. He will be sentenced on April 7, with potential prison time ranging from a minimum of 10 years to a maximum of 40 years.

Spacious updated country home: Priced at $125,000, this cozy 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Gallia County offers 2,112 sq. ft. of living space with recent updates, a metal roof, and a two-car garage on a .207-acre lot.

Rural privacy with town access: Wooded lot in Gallipolis, OH priced at $32,900 offers privacy on a blacktop drive yet convenient access to town amenities. Restrictions include minimum 2100 square feet living area and no mobile homes.

Auction Coming Zero Starting Price: This foreclosure property with a $0 list price will be auctioned exclusively on Auction.com starting March 16, 2025, with potential buyers needing to register on the platform for updates and bidding information.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🍀 Mar. 13 - Sip & Paint Shamrock: Unleash your inner artist at "Sip & Create" on March 13! Paint a vibrant shamrock landscape while enjoying drinks with friends at The Colony in Gallipolis. Perfect for creative souls of all levels.

📚 Mar. 13 - Evening Storytime with Ms. Kim: Join Ms. Kim at Bossard Memorial Library for Evening Storytime! Little ones ages 3-6 will delight in stories, songs, crafts, and games on March 13. A perfect midweek adventure for curious minds.

🩺 Mar. 14 - Health Is Wealth Fair: Boost your well-being at the Health is Wealth Community Health Fair! Stop by John Gee Black Historical Center on March 14th from 10am-2pm for FREE health resources, courtesy of Holzer Health System.

🌱 Mar. 14 - Spring Team Meeting: Spring season kicks off with a mandatory meeting for all athletes and parents on March 14 at Morning Dawn Lodge in Gallipolis. New and returning team members must attend this important 2025 season briefing.

👑 Mar. 15 - Girls Leadership Retreat: Empower the next generation at the inspiHER Girls Leadership Retreat! Young ladies in grades 5-8 will build confidence and leadership skills at Gallia Academy High School on March 15. A day of inspiration awaits!

🎸 Mar. 15 - Brent @ Colony Gallipolis: Catch soulful sounds as Brent takes the stage at The Colony Gallipolis on March 15! Just $5 gets you an evening of live music in this beautiful venue at 418 2nd Ave.

🎻 Mar. 15 - Ohio Valley Symphony Dances: The Ohio Valley Symphony swirls into the Ariel Theatre with "Daring Dances" on March 15! Experience captivating musical movements in historic Gallipolis—secure your seats now for this enchanting evening of orchestral adventure.

💃 Mar. 15 - Daring Dances with OVS: Let the Ohio Valley Symphony sweep you away with "Daring Dances" at Ariel Theatre! Conductor Michael Chertock leads this captivating showcase of Ravel's La Valse and Bolero on March 15th.