💔 Community crossroads

Good morning, Gallia County. Behind every thriving community stands a network of dedicated individuals working in concert. Mason County's Family Resource Network exemplifies this collaborative spirit, with its April meeting revealing an impressive web of support—from free tutoring and baby showers to drug awareness initiatives and crisis services—all woven together to strengthen the social fabric for residents of all ages.

Amid contrasting news, Ohio Valley Banc Corp. brings financial stability with its newly declared $0.23 per share dividend, while a devastating tragedy has shaken Clay Township. The heartbreaking loss of five family members to carbon monoxide exposure serves as a somber reminder of life's fragility. Sheriff Matt Champlin confirmed the deaths of Brian Doss, Lora Schuman, and three children in an incident that has left the community grappling with profound grief.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Gallipolis

52°

78°

Rio Grande

54°

78°

Vinton

55°

78°

Cheshire

52°

79°

Crown City

55°

79°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🤝 Mason County network tackles community challenges with coordinated action.The Family Resource Network's April meeting highlighted diverse community initiatives and services. The Family Support Center reported 58 visits in March, offering free tutoring, healthy living classes, and upcoming events like a community baby shower. Prevention efforts include curriculum funding for schools, outreach to the unsheltered, and drug awareness initiatives including test strips distribution. Representatives from various organizations shared updates on teen programs, employment assistance, and crisis services, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to supporting Mason County residents.

💰 Ohio Valley Banc Corp. declares dividend amid economic uncertainty. The company announced a cash dividend of $0.23 per common share, payable on May 10, 2025, to shareholders of record as of April 25. Board Chairman Tom Wiseman emphasized the company's stability and positioning to help customers navigate turbulent economic conditions. Based in Gallipolis, Ohio, OVBC owns The Ohio Valley Bank Company with 17 offices across Ohio and West Virginia, as well as Loan Central, Inc. The dividend announcement comes as a vote of confidence for shareholders despite challenging market conditions.

⚠️ Carbon monoxide kills family of five in Ohio home. Three children and two adults were found dead Tuesday morning at their Clay Township residence by a family member. Gallia County Sheriff Matt Champlin announced that investigators and the county coroner determined all victims died from exposure to carbon monoxide gas inside the house. The adult victims were identified as 35-year-old Brian A. Doss and 34-year-old Lora Schuman, while the three children were not named. Authorities continue investigating the tragedy that has "shattered and changed the lives of many forever."

Team	Opponent	Score
Gallia Academy (1-5)
	vs Chesapeake	W 14-4
South Gallia (4-4)
	@ Western	W 13-11

🥎 Softball Scoreboard

Gallia Academy made quick work of Chesapeake, cruising to a 12-1 victory in Ohio Valley league action. The Blue Devils (7-4) flexed their offensive muscles against the Panthers (4-9), setting up an intriguing Thursday showdown with the 9-3 Ironton Fighting Tigers. Chesapeake will look to regroup against Portsmouth, who enter their matchup fresh off a nail-biting 7-6 win over Rock Hill.

Team	Opponent	Score
Gallia Academy (7-4)
	vs Chesapeake	W 12-1
River Valley (11-2)
	@ Marion Harding	W 11-0
South Gallia (1-5)
	@ Western	L 12-2

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Cozy countryside home needs love: Priced at $70,000, this countryside residence offers a homey interior with two bedrooms, a unique family room featuring a faux fireplace, ample storage including two attics, and a garden-friendly atmosphere for year-round planting.

Prime Riverside Fixer Upper Opportunity: Listed at $43,999, this property offers a restoration opportunity in a prime location near I-35, 160, Spring Valley, Gallipolis, Rio Grande, and Point Pleasant. Spring brings a new chance to transform this conveniently situated fixer-upper.

Nature lot ready utilities installed: For $54,900, you can claim 2 acres of rural serenity in "The Woods" subdivision, offering seclusion while staying minutes from shopping, hospital, and acclaimed schools. Septic installed, water and electric available.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🥎 Apr. 18 - Gallia vs Fairland Softball: Cheer on the Fairland varsity softball team as they face Gallia Academy in an exciting home conference matchup! Head to Fairland High School this Friday at 5:30pm for some local diamond action.

⚾ Apr. 18 - Gallia vs Ironton Baseball: Cheer on the Ironton varsity baseball team as they face off against Gallia Academy in an exciting conference showdown! Catch all the action at 1701 S 7th St this Friday at 5:30pm.

🍖 Apr. 18 - Sam Eplin & BBQ: Groove to Sam Eplin's tunes while savoring mouthwatering BBQ from Smoke'Em Up at Twisted Vine Family Vineyard! Join the deck party on April 18 at 1375 Carter Rd, Patriot, OH.

🛍️ Apr. 19 - Sip & Thrift Spring: Thrift enthusiasts, rejoice! "Sip & Thrift - Spring Edition" brings locally curated secondhand treasures to The Colony on April 19. Shop sustainable finds while enjoying refreshments at this community pop-up in Gallipolis.

🎵 Apr. 19 - Hayley Live @ Winery: Catch the soulful sounds of Hayley live at Merry Family Winery on April 19! Sip award-winning wines while enjoying local talent in the picturesque vineyard setting at 2376 OH-850, Bidwell.

🐰 Apr. 19 - Community Easter Egg Hunt: Hop on over to Vinton Community Park for the Easter Egg Hunt on April 19! Pinnacle Church hosts this egg-citing event with candy, free food and drinks, and a possible appearance by the Easter Bunny.

🎵 Apr. 19 - Evie Schaffer Live Music: Groove to live tunes from Evie Schaffer while savoring delicious eats at The Colony on April 19! Stop by 418 2nd Ave in Gallipolis for an evening of good food and great music.

🍳 Apr. 19 - Men's Fellowship Breakfast: Fuel your spirit at the Men's Fellowship Breakfast on April 19! Join the gathering at 11504 OH-588 in Bidwell to enjoy a meal and hear speaker Brad Bird. Cover your own meal cost. Info: 740-517-0630.

💰 Financial Friday

Explore the benefits of automating your savings by setting up a direct deposit to a separate savings account; this simple step can help you consistently put money aside without even thinking about it, making your financial goals more attainable over time.

🙏 In Remembrance

Elsa Nicole Doss

Elsa Nicole Doss, 8, of Gallipolis, Ohio, passed away on April 14, 2025, at her residence. Born on April 21, 2016, to Phillip Steven Doss and the late Lora Suzanna Schuman, Elsa was a 3rd grade student at Washington Elementary School who was named after the movie "Frozen" and loved talking, cleaning, and unicorns. She is survived by her father, siblings Elizabeth, Brooklyn, and Jaxxson, and her grandparents, while being preceded in death by her mother and two brothers. Private services are being handled by McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, with the family requesting donations to help with funeral expenses in lieu of flowers.

Lora Suzanna Schuman

Lora Suzanna Schuman, 35, of Gallipolis, Ohio passed away on April 14, 2025, at her residence. Born on March 20, 1990, she was an avid demolition derby fan who enjoyed supporting her fiancé, Adam Doss, at local events. Lora is survived by her daughter Brooklyn Doss and sister Donna McGuire, while she was preceded in death by her three children Phillip, Justin, and Elsa, as well as her fiancé Brian Adam Doss. Private services are being handled by McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, with donations toward funeral expenses requested in lieu of flowers.

Justin Jay "J.J." Doss

Justin Jay "J.J." Doss, a 4-year-old pre-kindergarten student from Gallipolis, Ohio, passed away on April 14, 2025, at his residence. Born on August 30, 2020, J.J. loved cars, trucks, demolition derby, and was known for his mischievous nature. He is survived by his siblings Brooklyn, Brian Jr., and Gage, as well as his grandparents Phillip T. Doss and Carol Lewis. J.J. was preceded in death by his parents Brian Adam Doss and Lora Suzanna Schuman, along with his brother Phillip and sister Elsa.

Phillip Hank Doss Jr.

Phillip Hank Doss, Jr., a 7-year-old first grader at Washington Elementary School in Gallipolis, Ohio, passed away on April 14, 2025, at his residence. Born on October 6, 2017, he enjoyed cars, trucks, demolition derby, and hugs. Phillip is survived by his father Phillip Steven Doss, siblings Elizabeth, Brooklyn, and Jaxxson, and his grandparents. He was preceded in death by his mother Lora Suzanna Schuman, his brother Justin, sister Elsa, and uncle Brian. Private services will be held under the direction of McCoy-Moore Funeral Home.

Brian "Adam" Doss

Brian "Adam" Doss, 36, of Gallipolis, Ohio passed away on April 14, 2025, at his residence. Born on August 19, 1988, Adam was an enthusiastic demolition derby driver who was beloved on the local circuit. He is survived by his parents, Phillip Doss and Carol Lewis, his six children, and his siblings Phillip, Christopher, and Connie. Adam was preceded in death by his son J.J., two nephews, his stepmother, and his fiancée, with private services being arranged by McCoy-Moore Funeral Home.