Good morning, Gallia County. The future of essential services hangs in the balance just across county lines, where Lawrence County faces a pivotal moment for its developmental disabilities programs. After two failed attempts, the upcoming levy vote represents more than just a tax issue—it's about sustaining life-changing support for over 600 vulnerable community members, from early intervention programs to specialized education that could disappear without the $4.2 million annual funding.
Meanwhile, excellence is running strong throughout our region. Southern boys cross country team captured first place at the district meet, with Gallia Academy sending both boys and girls teams to regionals. And in a celebration of dedication and skill, eight practical nursing students at Buckeye Hills Career Center just completed their intensive 1,382-hour journey toward healthcare careers. Their pinning ceremony marks not just an educational milestone, but the beginning of vital service to our community's health needs.
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81%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
♿ Lawrence County's DD levy faces crucial third vote after two failures. The 2.5 mill tax would generate $4.2 million annually to sustain services for over 600 individuals with developmental disabilities across their lifespan. Without passage, the county's early intervention programs will end in December and the Open Door School will close in May, forcing students into public schools unprepared to meet their needs. Superintendent Julie Monroe points to a growing budget deficit—reaching $2 million this year—while advocates like Carl Robinson emphasize this isn't political but about "doing what's right" for vulnerable community members. The levy would cost property owners $88 annually per $100,000 of appraised value.
🏃♂️ Southern boys dominate district cross country meet with first-place finish. The Tornadoes topped the Division IV leaderboard with a score of 65, led by Andre Chandler's fifth-place finish. In Division III, both Gallia Academy teams qualified for regionals with the boys finishing sixth and girls taking eighth place. River Valley's boys team also advanced by securing 11th place, while three Lady Raiders qualified as individuals despite the team not making the cut. Fairfield Union claimed victory in both Division III races, with Connor Runkle and Sadie Schultz taking individual honors.
👩⚕️ Eight nursing students pin their future at Buckeye Hills ceremony. The Buckeye Hills Career Center celebrated its newest Practical Nursing graduates who completed an intensive 1,382-hour training program including 564 hours of clinical experience. During the October 2nd pinning ceremony, several students received special recognition, with Miranda Cox winning the Best-in-Class Performance Award and Mary Lamb earning the Spirit of Nursing Award. The graduates, now eligible to take the national licensure exam, gained hands-on experience across multiple healthcare settings throughout the region. Enrollment for the January 2026 program remains open through October 30th for aspiring nurses.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Natural paradise with huge shed: Priced at $269,900, this secluded vacant lot offers a natural sanctuary for your dream home, complete with abundant wildlife and a new 36x60 metal pole shed that provides immediate functionality to this pristine property.
Spacious fixer-upper with pond: Listed at $244,900, this spacious 4-bedroom country home near Holzer Hospital offers 3,000 sq. ft. of living space, a 3-car garage with workshop, and a pond with gazebo, though it needs updates and is sold as-is. Secluded wildlife haven with shed: This $269,900 property offers a secluded vacant lot with abundant wildlife and a new 36x60 metal pole shed, providing the perfect opportunity to build your dream retreat while enjoying nature's tranquility.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
-Matthew 6:34
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