Good morning, Gallia County. Fair season is in full swing as our community celebrates not one but two agricultural showcases. The 76th Gallia County Junior Fair kicked off Monday with livestock competitions, the crowning of Miss Gallia County, and heart-pounding Motocross races, while just across the river, Mason County Fair turns 63 with a major shift in its livestock judging system. From gospel performances that moved attendees to tears to upcoming shows by Phil Vassar and "A Girl Named Tom," these celebrations continue to be the cornerstone of summer traditions.
In less festive news, former Veterans Service Commission director John Thomas found himself in hot water after using tax dollars for an unauthorized Las Vegas getaway with his wife. Though criminal charges weren't pursued, Thomas resigned in February and repaid over $1,300 after a special audit revealed he left a training conference early while still collecting pay and travel expenses—a reminder that even in our close-knit community, accountability matters.
🌤 Sky Skoop | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
88%
☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🎡 Mason County Fair turns 63 with a major livestock competition change. The weeklong event, running Monday through Saturday, will transition from the Danish System to the American System for judging market livestock competitions due to difficulties finding qualified judges. Visitors can enjoy livestock shows, pageants, nightly entertainment featuring artists like Sara Evans and Noah Thompson, plus rodeo events and motocross competitions. Daily admission costs $12 including carnival rides, with special pricing available on designated days including Senior Citizen Day (Tuesday) and Discount Day (Wednesday). The fair board's first vice president Heidi Wood called it "truly my favorite week of the year."
🎡 Gallia County's 76th Junior Fair delivers tradition and excitement. The week-long celebration opened Monday with livestock showcases, crowning of Miss Gallia County, and high-energy Motocross races. Tuesday featured horse shows in the new pavilion, truck pulls, and gospel performances that moved attendees like Linda Mulcahey. Upcoming highlights include performances by country star Phil Vassar, "A Girl Named Tom," and a Taylor Swift tribute as families pack the Midway to celebrate the county's rich agricultural heritage.
💰 Veterans official caught using tax dollars for Vegas vacation. Former Gallia County Veterans Service Commission executive director John Thomas repaid $1,324.35 after a special audit revealed he left a training conference early to travel to Las Vegas with his wife. Thomas, who resigned in February 2024, was improperly paid for three days of work plus travel expenses while no longer attending the conference. Though a special prosecutor declined to pursue criminal charges, the case was part of the Auditor of State's Special Investigations Unit work, which has assisted in 142 convictions resulting in over $13 million in restitution since 2019.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Vast secluded forest retreat: Priced at $649,900, this extraordinary 74-acre retreat in Wayne National Forest offers endless possibilities from private camping to event venues, with existing septic, electric, water, and access trails, plus excellent deer hunting opportunities.
Spacious updated country retreat: Priced at $229,900, this peaceful 2-bed, 1-bath country home on 7 acres offers modern updates including a new roof, siding, and windows, plus a covered porch, insulated garage, barn, and stocked pond.
Country Haven Near Town: This quiet country home on Kemper Hollow Road offers 3 bedrooms and 2 baths on nearly an acre for $168,000, providing serenity with a fenced yard while remaining a short drive from town.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
-Colossians 3:12
|
|