Good morning, Gallia County. Independence Day will look different along the Ohio River this year as the Chamber of Commerce announces the cancellation of the traditional Fourth of July fireworks display due to budget constraints. While the sky won't light up for the second consecutive year, the River Recreation Festival will still bring plenty of celebration with the Pretty Baby Contest, Rotary Mile Run, parade, and children's activities, plus additional evening entertainment planned by the First Friday Committee.
Just across county lines, royal fever is building as eight young ladies prepare to compete for the Jackson County Fair Queen crown this Saturday. The pageant at Ripley High School offers more than $4,500 in scholarships and prizes, with contestants from communities throughout the region vying for the honor. Meanwhile, at home, the Gallipolis City Commission continues work on local improvements, including the Burkart Lane repair project and planned pickleball courts at Haskins Park.
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👑 Eight young ladies compete for Jackson County Fair Queen crown Saturday. The pageant will take place at Ripley High School auditorium at 6 p.m., with over $4,500 in scholarships and prizes at stake. Current queen Natalie Donohew will crown her successor from a field that includes contestants from Sandyville, Sissonville, Evans, and other local communities. The event also features competitions for Teen Queen and Pre-Teen titles with multiple contestants in each category. The newly crowned royalty will reign over the 2025 Jackson County Junior Fair in Cottageville this July.
💥 Gallia County cancels Fourth of July fireworks due to cost concerns. The Chamber of Commerce announced it cannot afford the traditional display for this year's River Recreation Festival, marking the second consecutive year without fireworks in Gallipolis. Last year's display was canceled due to weather issues. Despite the disappointment, several events will still proceed on July 4, including the Pretty Baby Contest, Rotary Mile Run, parade, and children's activities. The First Friday Committee is also planning additional evening entertainment for downtown Gallipolis.
🏛️ Gallipolis City Commission tackles local projects amid leadership changes. The commission received updates on the successful Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration, which drew large crowds to City Park. City Manager John Westfall reported steady attendance at the refurbished City Pool despite cool temperatures, and announced that bids have opened for the Burkart Lane repair project. Plans are underway for the pickleball project at Haskins Park, requiring an additional $5,300 allocation due to stone compaction concerns. Notably, a proposed half-percent income levy to support street maintenance, police services, and cemetery operations failed to advance due to lack of support.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Rustic woodland hunter sanctuary: This 70-acre rural retreat with timber and a rustic cabin is listed at $350,000, offering serious hunters four wooden box blinds and thriving wildlife thanks to pawpaw trees and a creek.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
-Joshua 1:9
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