🏛️ Civic summer sizzles

Good morning, Gallia County. While summer unofficially begins with Memorial Day weekend, civic engagement never takes a vacation. The River Cities Community Calendar highlights two important meetings this week—Tuesday's Gallipolis City Commission special session and Thursday's Meigs Soil and Water Conservation District gathering—both offering residents front-row seats to local governance in action.

In stark contrast to these constructive community efforts, authorities have arrested 38-year-old Richard Lee Hill for allegedly setting multiple fires at Brighter Day Ministries Church. On a more heartwarming note, the Earl Neff Pediatric Fund marks 50 years of bringing comfort to Holzer's youngest patients, with local businesses like Waugh Halley Wood Funeral Home and Wiseman Insurance Agency continuing this half-century tradition of compassion. The fund remains open to new supporters through the Holzer Heritage Foundation.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Gallipolis

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64°

83%

Rio Grande

52°

64°

89%

Vinton

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88%

Cheshire

52°

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86%

Crown City

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

📅 Gallipolis community gears up for upcoming local meetings. The River Cities Community Calendar highlights two important civic events this week. On Tuesday, May 20, the Gallipolis City Commission will hold a special meeting at 5 p.m. at the Municipal Building, with a work session beforehand at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 22 will feature the Meigs Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors meeting at noon in Pomeroy. Both meetings offer opportunities for local residents to engage with community governance and environmental conservation efforts.

🔥 Church arsonist confesses after setting multiple fires in one day. Richard Lee Hill, 38, was arrested Friday and charged with second-degree arson for intentionally starting fires at Brighter Day Ministries Church in Lesage. According to investigators, Hill set one fire near the church on May 14, then returned hours later to start three more fires around the property and another at the fellowship hall door. After initially agreeing to a polygraph test, Hill admitted to "willfully and maliciously setting the fires" during an interview with West Virginia State Police.

🎁 Local businesses rally behind 50-year-old pediatric fund. The Earl Neff Pediatric Fund at Holzer Health System continues to receive enthusiastic support from area organizations in Gallipolis, Ohio. April sponsors included Waugh Halley Wood Funeral Home and The Wiseman Insurance Agency, whose representatives were pictured in the article. For half a century, the fund has provided toys, equipment, and entertainment to thousands of pediatric patients at Holzer. Those interested in supporting this longstanding community initiative can contact Abby Greer at the Holzer Heritage Foundation.

Dual homes valley views bargain: Two homes on Oxyer Road priced at $265,000—one is a two-bed fixer-upper with detached garage, the other features stonework, open floor plan, and both offer peaceful valley views.

Rural fixer-upper, rental income: For just $59,900, this rural 3-bedroom manufactured home sitting on 1.5 acres offers immediate $600 monthly rental income but needs some TLC and requires cash buyers due to its condition.

Fixable home with nice features: This $85,000 two-bedroom home needs a little TLC but has nice features including a large kitchen, roomy living area, spacious garage, and charming front porch with views.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

👶 May 21 - Lapsit Storytime: Tiny tots and toddlers, join Ms. Kim at Bossard Memorial Library on May 21 for Lapsit! Wiggle and giggle through stories, songs, and games designed especially for children ages 0-3.

🇫🇷 May 22 - Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration: Step back in time at Gallipolis City Park as the renowned Michael portrays General Lafayette on May 22! Enjoy stunning Ohio River views while celebrating LaFayette Bicentennial Day in the historic district.

🇺🇸 May 22 - Memorial Day Office Closure: In observance of Memorial Day, the Gallia Extension Office at 111 Jackson Pike will be closed. Doors reopen May 27 at 8am for regular services.

🎨 May 22 - Paint & Sip Night: Unleash your creativity at Paint and Sip at Merry Family Winery! Just $15 gets you materials to paint a Fleur di lis on tree trunk slabs on May 22. Perfect for a relaxing evening or girls' night out.

🎵 May 23 - Jalyn Short Wine Night: Unwind at Merry Family Winery with Jalyn Short's soulful tunes on May 23. Sip delicious wine while enjoying live music in the charming setting of Bidwell, OH.

🥊 May 24 - Rumble At The Root: Calling all competitors! Bracket Sportz brings its 2nd Annual Rumble at The Root to Gallipolis on May 24, offering a chance to qualify for National Championships in Gatlinburg, TN. Ready to rumble?

🪕 May 24 - Sour Mash Band & Pizza: Toe-tapping tunes await as the Sour Mash String Band rocks the deck on May 24 from 6-8pm at 1375 Carter Rd, Patriot. Grab a slice from Matney's Wood Fired Pizza while you enjoy the show!

🌳 May 24 - Tree Lovers Market: Celebrate all things leafy at MSPIB Farmers Market's Tree Lovers Day! Join fellow nature enthusiasts at Roy Rogers Esplanade in Portsmouth on May 24 for a day of arboreal appreciation and local treats.

🙏 In Remembrance

Gayle Carleen Brown

Gayle Carleen (Craig) Brown, 72, of Bidwell, Ohio, passed away on May 15, 2025, at Holzer Medical Center. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who worked as an intervention specialist for 35 years before retiring from Gallia County Local Schools in 2011. Gayle was a member of several professional associations and Paint Creek Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband Harvey, two sons, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and extended family, while being preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, a brother, and a nephew.