Gallia County • April 9, 2025
Good morning, Gallia County. What began as a seven-bed hospital in 1909 has transformed into a healthcare powerhouse with an innovative solution to workforce challenges. Holzer Health System's partnership with Rio Grande Community College represents a crucial talent pipeline keeping skilled professionals in southeastern Ohio, with executives now advocating for increased investment in community colleges as essential components of healthcare infrastructure.
Meanwhile, law enforcement continues searching for 25-year-old Jesse Lee Friend following a dangerous two-state chase that began in our county and ended with property damage and a deputy nearly run over in West Virginia. In more inspiring news, local tech prodigy Chase Brannen is making national waves in cybersecurity. The Buckeye Hills Career Center student has shattered records with an astounding 109 industry credentials—far exceeding the 12 required for graduation—earning him recognition as "one of the top cybersecurity students in the country."
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🏥 Ohio healthcare giant champions local college for workforce development. Holzer Health System, which began as a seven-bed hospital in 1909, now relies on Rio Grande Community College to supply skilled healthcare professionals for its expanding operations. The partnership ensures graduates are workforce-ready with curriculum shaped by industry needs, keeping talent local in southeastern Ohio. Holzer executives are urging state leaders to prioritize investment in community colleges as essential contributors to healthcare infrastructure and economic stability. This collaboration represents a crucial pipeline for addressing healthcare workforce shortages in the region.
🚓 Ohio man's two-state chase ends with deputy nearly run over. Jesse Lee Friend, 25, is wanted by Mason County Sheriff's Office following a March 28 pursuit that began in Gallia County, Ohio and crossed into West Virginia. The suspect allegedly caused property damage in Mason County, attempted to run over a deputy, and struck a police cruiser during the incident. Authorities say the chase originated from a felony registration issue and another person was in the suspect's vehicle. Anyone with information about Friend's whereabouts is urged to contact local law enforcement.
🔒 Ohio teen shatters cybersecurity records with 109 industry credentials. Chase Brannen, a student at Buckeye Hills Career Center, has far exceeded the 12 credential points required for graduation in Ohio's Career and Technical Education program. His impressive certifications include CompTIA CySA+, four other CompTIA certifications, and numerous credentials from Cisco, Microsoft, and other organizations. Beyond his academic achievements, Chase placed fourth in Windows Server Administration at the national Business Professionals of America competition and now works as an IT intern at his school. His accomplishments have made him "one of the top cybersecurity students in the country," according to his school superintendent.
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Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
-1 Peter 5:8
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