Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Gallia County / April 9, 2025

🏥 Healthcare heroes

Gallia County • April 9, 2025

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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."

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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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.

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🚓 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.

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🔒 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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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Updated ranch ample upgrades: For $259,900, this updated ranch home offers 1,528 sq ft of living space on a half-acre lot with three bedrooms, new granite kitchen, gas fireplace, screened porch, and multiple recent upgrades including a new metal roof.
Real estate listing image Countryside Mobile Near Town: Located in Gallipolis for $160,000, this mobile home on Little Bullskin Rd offers countryside tranquility with a spacious lot, just a short drive from downtown amenities and local conveniences.
Real estate listing image Rustic Amish homestead getaway: Priced at $150,000, this Amish-built countryside retreat in Gallia County, Ohio offers a unique opportunity to create your own homestead with traditional craftsmanship, no electricity, and plenty of outdoor space for the self-sufficient lifestyle seeker.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

💼 Apr. 9 - Gallipolis Business Meetup: Join local entrepreneurs for the April Business Meeting at Stand Your Ground Instruction LLC on April 9th. Network and discover exciting Gallipolis activities and events for an unforgettable spring experience!
🎭 Apr. 10 - ARCHON-AMA Talent Showcase: Showcase your hidden talents at the University of Rio Grande's vibrant Talent Show on April 10 at Lyne Center! Enjoy music, dancing, and delicious food as ARCHON and AMA clubs host this exciting community event.
⚾ Apr. 10 - Gallia vs. Minford Baseball: Gallia Academy takes the diamond against Minford's varsity baseball squad in an exciting non-conference showdown! Catch all the action at 491 Bond Rd, Minford, OH this Thursday at 5:30pm.
🛍️ Apr. 11 - French 500 Flea Market: Treasure hunters, mark your calendars! The French 500 Flea Market transforms Gallia County Fairgrounds into a bargain paradise on April 11. Call 740-446-4120 for details about this beloved community marketplace.
🍽️ Apr. 11 - Brent Patterson's Farm Feast: Savor farm-fresh flavors as Brent Patterson brings Greenlee Family Farms to the deck at Twisted Vine Family Vineyard! Enjoy local delights on April 11 at 1375 Carter Rd, Patriot, OH.
🏃 Apr. 11 - Portsmouth HS Invitational: Sprinters and jumpers unite at the Portsmouth High School Invitational! Join the excitement at 1225 Gallia St on Friday, April 11th for this premier track and field competition.
🌱 Apr. 11 - Raised Bed Gardening Workshop: Elevate your green thumb at Bossard Memorial Library's raised bed gardening presentation with John Morgan from Bob's Market! Join fellow garden enthusiasts on April 11 at 6 PM to learn this space-saving growing technique.
🎰 Apr. 12 - Vegas Night: The Stringbenders: Get lucky at Drinx Bar & Grill's Las Vegas Night! The Stringbenders bring live music while you enjoy games, food, and drinks on April 12th starting at 8PM in Vinton, OH.

🙏 In Remembrance

Rebecca Lynn "Becky" Bennett

Rebecca "Becky" Lynn Bennett, 72, of Vinton, Ohio, passed away on April 6, 2025, surrounded by her family. A member of Calvary Baptist Church, Becky dedicated 50 years as a 4-H Advisor for the Gallia County Dairy Club and ran the 4-H Food Booth for 25 years, earning her induction into the 4-H Hall of Fame in 2014. She is survived by her daughter Amy, four grandchildren, one great-grandson, three sisters, and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held on April 12, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church in Rio Grande, Ohio.

Rebecca Lynn Becky Bennett

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

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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