Good morning, Jackson County. Mother Nature's been putting on quite the art show across the Ohio Valley, transforming our rooftops into crystalline galleries of icicles that would make even Elsa jealous. While photographers rush to capture these fleeting masterpieces for The News and Sentinel, there's a more urgent story unfolding beneath winter's glittering facade.
At Calvary United Methodist Church in Ripley, warmth means more than just comfort - it's becoming a lifeline. As temperatures plunge below 15 degrees, volunteers are transforming church spaces into overnight havens, complete with cots and hot showers. Meanwhile, over in Parkersburg, city officials are redrawing the map one alley at a time, proving that even the smallest paths can lead to big changes in our community's future.
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0% ☕️ What's Brewing Locally
❄️ Winter's artwork: Melting snow creates icicle spectacle across Ohio Valley. As temperatures begin to rise, thousands of rooftops in the Mid-Ohio Valley are adorned with natural ice formations, creating a stunning winter display. The News and Sentinel is inviting local photographers to capture and share these fleeting moments of seasonal beauty through their Instagram platform and newspaper submissions. The community engagement initiative aims to document the region's natural winter phenomena while building a visual archive of local weather patterns.
❄️ Church opens lifesaving warming center as brutal cold hits West Virginia. The Calvary United Methodist Church in Ripley has partnered with Jackson County Emergency Services to provide overnight shelter when temperatures drop below 15 degrees. The ADA-compliant facility offers cots, snacks, and shower facilities from 8 PM to 7 AM, with strict safety guidelines including no weapons or substances allowed. The center urgently needs volunteers to staff three overnight shifts, while additional shelters across Jackson County stand ready to help. Montana Boggess, OES Director, emphasizes their mission to ensure comfort and dignity for all seeking refuge from extreme weather.
🏗️ Parkersburg officials close two alleyways, debate third in development moves. The Municipal Planning Commission approved closures near Dudley Avenue after property owner Bowser Properties agreed to maintain public access rights. The commission ensured a 10-foot right-of-way would remain available to prevent landlocking nearby parcels, despite some debate over historical construction issues. A separate alleyway closure request near Vaughn Avenue was tabled after officials discovered additional property considerations. The decisions reflect ongoing efforts to balance development opportunities with maintaining necessary public access in the West Virginia city.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Spacious wooded land dream site
This 8.5-acre residentially zoned property is listed at $55,000 and offers a fantastic opportunity for a new home site along with wooded land ideal for hunting and recreation. Conveniently located just outside of Jackson, this gem provides easy access to water and electric at the road, plus all mineral rights will transfer to the new owner.
Peaceful retreat for nature lovers
For those seeking a peaceful retreat, this stunning 5+ acre lot is available for $69,500 and features an Amish-built hunting blind and a new 12x30 garage. Nestled near the Coalton Wildlife Area, it’s perfect for deer and turkey hunting, with additional land and a cabin also available for a chance to further embrace nature’s bounty.
This nicely maintained brick ranch home in the village of Oak Hill is listed at $182,500 and features three bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms. It boasts a family room, a remodeled kitchen, and a den, while the outdoor space includes a double garage, a fully fenced front yard, and several outbuildings with electric. Recent updates include a new metal roof and a modern furnace, making it a great find for those seeking comfort and convenience.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🙏 In Remembrance
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
-Galatians 6:9