Good morning, Jackson County. In the quiet hours of Christmas Eve, our community was jolted by a disturbing discovery near Broad Run Road - one that has since unraveled into a complex investigation with two suspects behind bars. It's a sobering reminder that even during the season of peace and joy, our law enforcement officers never stop working to keep our community safe.
And while we're processing that news, our hearts go out to the family of Leona Claar, whose tragic passing on Christmas Day has left a void in Wellston. Meanwhile, over in Belpre, local police have been wrapping up the year with a series of arrests that reads like a December crime log greatest hits - proving that whether it's Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve, our officers remain vigilant.
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0% ☕️ What's Brewing Locally
⚖️ Christmas Eve body discovery leads to shocking arrests in West Virginia. Two suspects, Brandon Harbaugh and Jodi Gerlach, are behind bars after allegedly concealing Michael Phalen's body following a November altercation. According to criminal complaints, the pair drove an unconscious Phalen to their residence in his own truck, left him in the backseat while they slept, and later discovered he had died. After finding Phalen deceased, Harbaugh allegedly disposed of the body in woods near Broad Run Road, where it remained undiscovered for nearly a month. Both suspects are now held at Western Regional Jail on $75,000 bail each, facing charges of conspiracy and concealment of a deceased human body.
💔 Tragic Christmas crash claims elderly Wellston woman's life. The fatal single-vehicle accident occurred on Lake Alma Road in Wellston, Ohio, at approximately 1:45 PM on December 25th. The Ohio State Highway Patrol identified the victim as 73-year-old Leona Claar. The crash took place within city limits near Lake Alma, though specific details about the cause of the accident have not yet been released. Local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this holiday tragedy.
👮 Belpre Police round up multiple suspects in December crime sweep. The department's end-of-year enforcement actions included several drug-related arrests and traffic violations across Washington County, Ohio. A significant arrest involved Robert McFee, 47, who faced multiple charges including drug possession and obstructing official business. Justin Ketterman was apprehended on three felony drug warrants, while David Flesher was arrested for domestic violence. Most other citations involved routine traffic violations like expired registrations and driving under suspension.Note: The summary focuses on the key arrests and patterns from the police report, presenting them in a clear narrative structure while maintaining the factual nature of the law enforcement activities.
🏀 Basketball Schedule Slam (Girls)
| Team | Opponent | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|
 Wellston Golden Rockets | ||
| @ Point Pleasant | 12/28 @ 12:00pm | |
 Jackson Ironman/Ironladies | ||
| @ Adena | 12/27 @ 7:00pm | |
 Oak Hill Oaks | ||
| @ River Valley | 12/28 @ 7:00pm |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Historic beauty meets modern upgrades
This beautifully updated two-story home, priced at $275,000, offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern convenience. Built in 1896, it features original ornate trim, a stunning stairway, and an updated kitchen with brand new cabinets and butcher block countertops, while also showcasing a vintage upstairs bathroom with its original tub, all set against the backdrop of essential updates like a new roof and windows for peace of mind.
Income-generating cabin rental haven
This cabin rental business opportunity is listed at $1,400,000 and features six fully-equipped cabins set on over 32 acres of picturesque land. Each cabin boasts beautiful wooded views, a hot tub, firepit, and outdoor space, making them ideal for both short- and long-term rentals, ready to generate income immediately.
Scenic land for your dream home
Nestled in a picturesque rolling landscape of Jackson County, this stunning 7.73-acre property, listed at $125,000, features freshly cut trails that invite you to explore nature’s beauty. It's the perfect canvas for your dream home, offering the tranquility of country living just three minutes from OH-35.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
💰 Financial Friday
Learn the power of budgeting by tracking your spending for a month; this simple practice will help you identify areas where you can cut back, allowing you to allocate more funds toward your savings goals or paying off debt.
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
-Romans 12:2