Good morning, Jackson County. Remember the school shuffle anxiety you felt on your first day of middle school? That familiar flutter is in the air as three of our middle schools orchestrate what might be the most coordinated academic dance since High School Musical. Principals from Jackson, Hamilton, and Van Devender are proving that when it comes to merging schools, three heads are definitely better than one.
Meanwhile, the historic Alpine Theater is staging its own drama, but this one's more Gothic romance than musical - complete with a leaking roof that's threatening to rain on everyone's parade. The $100,000 price tag for repairs might seem steep, but it's a small price to pay for preserving a piece of Ripley's heritage. And speaking of preservation, local farmers are racing against tomorrow's deadline to secure crucial drought relief funds - because Mother Nature wasn't exactly kind to Mountain State agriculture last year.
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89%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏫 Three middle schools navigate delicate merger in West Virginia community. Principals from Jackson, Hamilton, and Van Devender middle schools presented their comprehensive transition plan to the Wood County Board of Education. The plan includes student tours, community-building activities, and special "bump up" days to help Van Devender students adjust to their new schools. While the board delayed voting on new attendance boundaries, principals expressed confidence in their collaborative approach. Van Devender's principal assured that his resilient students will adapt well to the upcoming changes.
🏛️ Historic Alpine Theater's leaking roof threatens building's integrity. The Jackson County Commission learned the Ripley landmark needs urgent repairs, with water damage causing wall deterioration. Main Street Ripley secured $9,500 for an engineering study, while pursuing grants that could help fund the estimated $75,000-100,000 project. The organization's director explained that years of patching created a problematic mix of shingles, foam, and silicone that can no longer be fixed. Beyond the roof repairs, future plans include improving wheelchair accessibility and launching a retail recruitment program for downtown businesses.
🚜 West Virginia farmers have one day left to claim drought relief funds. The state's Department of Agriculture is offering crucial assistance through a $10 million drought recovery program, specifically targeting livestock farmers affected by severe 2024 drought conditions. Eligible farmers must already be enrolled in the USDA's Livestock Forage Disaster Program and must apply in-person at their local Conservation District by January 30. The funding will help restore damaged pastures, improve water resources, and address other drought-related expenses not covered by federal programs. Commissioner Kent Leonhardt called this drought "one of the worst the Mountain State has seen in many decades."
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)
Rock Hill put the hammer down against Oak Hill, cruising to a 58-39 victory that wasn't as close as your cousin's TikTok dance covers. The Redmen snapped out of their season slump to improve to 5-10, while the Oaks dropped to 10-7 and are probably wishing they could plant some defensive roots.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Wellston (3-13) | ||
vs Trimble | W 50-45 | |
Oak Hill (10-7) | ||
@ Rock Hill | L 58-39 |
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)
Eastern's defense put on a masterclass in their 36-16 smothering of Oak Hill, holding the Oaks to single-digit scoring in both halves. The Eagles (7-10) might not be soaring at the top of the standings, but they sure know how to clip some wings when they need to.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Jackson (1-17) | ||
@ South Webster | W 53-35 | |
Oak Hill (3-14) | ||
@ Eastern | L 36-16 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Blank canvas for your dreams: This property is listed at $35,000, offering a blank canvas for your dreams. Imagine creating your ideal space in a location that’s just waiting for your personal touch.
Charming home with large lot: Discover this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home at 552 W. B St. in Wellston, OH, listed for $189,900. Set on a generous double lot, it features refinished hardwood floors, modern touches, and spacious living areas perfect for relaxation and entertaining.
Spacious home on 1.78 acres: This delightful manufactured home, listed at $152,000, sits on 1.78 acres and features three bedrooms, two baths, and a spacious living area. The property also includes a garage and a storage shed, making it a perfect retreat.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
💰 Financial Friday
Consider setting up an automatic savings plan to help you consistently put money away for future goals; even small contributions can add up over time and make a significant difference in your financial stability.
🙏 In Remembrance
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
-Philippians 4:13