Good morning, Jackson County. March winds are bringing changes to our local landscape, with Utah Road closing for a week-long slip repair project starting next Tuesday. The Route 10/3 closure at Ravenswood will impact weekday travel between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., so it's time to map out those alternative routes if this stretch is part of your daily commute. Meanwhile, our community's heart is heavy as we say goodbye to Jeff Gillum, a 71-year-old music lover and devoted family man whose passion for the Cleveland Browns and talent with the Holberg Hollow Band touched many lives.
Difficult decisions are unfolding at Federal Hocking, where budget challenges have forced the elimination of seven teaching positions amid projected deficits. The 3-2 school board vote saves over half a million dollars but raises community concerns about classroom sizes, particularly with plans to combine fourth and fifth grades. More than 100 residents attended the meeting, highlighting how deeply education matters to our county families even in economically challenging times.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🚧 Utah Road closes for a week-long slip repair project. Jackson County Route 10/3 will be inaccessible at milepost 0.2 from March 19-26, 2025, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. The closure in Ravenswood, West Virginia is necessary for crews to complete repairs on a road slip. Motorists are advised to plan alternative routes during these times. Officials note that weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances could potentially alter the scheduled work timeline.
💔 Jackson community mourns Jeff Gillum, a music-loving family man. The 71-year-old passed away suddenly on March 16, 2025, leaving behind his wife of 45 years, Jeanne, and loving family members. A Jackson High School graduate and Plibrico retiree, Jeff was known for playing with the Holberg Hollow Band in his youth and his passionate support of the Cleveland Browns and Ohio State Buckeyes. He enjoyed camping, traveling, family gatherings, music, and cooking, while also maintaining active memberships in the Jackson Amvets and VFW Auxiliaries. Funeral services will be held Friday with cremation to follow.
📚 Budget woes force Federal Hocking to cut seven teaching positions. The school board voted 3-2 to eliminate the positions, saving an estimated $529,000 as the district faces a projected $350,000 deficit this year. The cuts will affect elementary and middle schools, though the exact impact on teachers remains unclear as those with more seniority may shift to other positions. Over 100 community members attended the meeting, with many pushing for a tax levy instead of staff reductions. Parents expressed concerns that increased class sizes, including a plan to combine fourth and fifth grades, will negatively impact student learning in the economically disadvantaged area.
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💰 Financial Friday
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
-Joshua 1:9
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