Gallia County • August 19, 2025
Good morning, Gallia County. Some people leave lasting imprints on their communities that extend far beyond their lifetimes. Ruby Kerns was one such figure, whose skilled hands crafted quilts while her generous heart honored veterans throughout Lawrence County. Her passing on August 8 leaves behind a legacy of compassion and craftsmanship that will continue warming both bodies and spirits across our region.
Meanwhile, the flames of community service burn brighter as Valley Fire & Rescue receives a crucial $10,000 grant through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. This financial boost arrives just as Meigs County wraps up its 162nd annual fair celebration, where young champions like Kensley Karr and Porter Webb showcased their agricultural prowess alongside new royalty Opal Huggins and Bryant Mohler. From handcrafted quilts to handraised livestock, our area's traditions of care and cultivation continue to thrive.
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🧵 A beloved quilter and veterans' advocate has passed away. Ruby Kerns, known throughout Lawrence County for her handmade quilts and dedication to veterans' causes, died on August 8, 2025. A touching 2019 photo shows Kerns receiving a hug from Gary Roberts, the Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day parade honorary grand marshal, after she presented him with one of her special quilts. Her craftsmanship and commitment to honoring veterans made her a respected figure in the community.
🚒 Small-town firefighters get $10,000 lifeline for vital equipment. Valley Fire & Rescue in Apple Grove, West Virginia, is among 150 volunteer departments receiving grants through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council partnered to provide $2.5 million in total funding, helping departments purchase essential gear like protective equipment and rescue tools. The initiative addresses the financial challenges faced by volunteer firefighters, who make up 65% of the U.S. fire service yet often operate with limited budgets. Beyond grants, State Farm also provided free NVFC memberships to 2,000 eligible applicants, giving responders access to training and support services.
🐄 Meigs County Fair celebrates 162 years of "Farm, Family, Fun." The Ohio tradition wrapped up its week-long festivities featuring livestock competitions, rodeo events, demolition derby, and nightly concerts. New champions were crowned across numerous categories including market lamb, dairy, goat, poultry, swine, and beef divisions, with competitors like Kensley Karr and Porter Webb winning multiple honors. The fair also featured the crowning of royalty with Opal Huggins named 2025 Fair Queen and Bryant Mohler as Fair King. From the opening parade to the Pretty Baby Contest, the event successfully upheld the region's strong agricultural and community traditions.
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-Proverbs 3:5-6
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