👑 Crowning achievements

Good morning, Jackson County. Royalty has been crowned in Parkersburg! Three young women now wear the tiaras representing the upcoming Homecoming Festival, with Emma Sloan from Walton earning the Queen's title among 17 contestants from across West Virginia. Callee Fowler and Caroline McCoy secured the Teen and Preteen crowns respectively, becoming the faces of the festival scheduled for mid-August. Mark your calendars for August 15-17 to see these representatives in action.

Meanwhile, education remains front and center in our region as the Gallia County School Board tackled 18 new policies on everything from school safety to student expulsions. In a celebration of academic excellence, four promising young women received $500 Emancipation Scholarships to pursue diverse fields ranging from Business to Nursing. These bright minds—Lamiyah, Linae, Kiera, and Olivia—represent the future of our community as they advance toward their educational goals.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Jackson

51°

67°

84%

Wellston

51°

68°

71%

Oak Hill

51°

67°

84%

Coalton

51°

68°

71%

Byer

51°

68°

71%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

👑 Three young women crowned as Parkersburg Homecoming Festival royalty. Emma Sloan from Walton was named Homecoming Queen during the April 26 pageant that featured 17 contestants from across West Virginia. Callee Fowler from Point Pleasant earned the Teen title, while Caroline McCoy from Parkersburg secured the Preteen crown. The winners will represent the Parkersburg Homecoming Festival, which is scheduled to take place August 15-17 this year.

📚 Gallia County School Board tackles 18 new policies and approves contracts. The board met Monday to vote on important measures, including policies on school safety, abuse reporting, and student expulsions that will be adopted in May. Members approved several agreements, including preschool services with Heart of the Valley Headstart and a $750,000 transfer to establish a Termination Benefits Fund. The board also approved numerous employment contracts, including a three-year contract for school psychologist Ashley Matheney, while choosing not to renew contracts for four individuals.

🎓 Four young women awarded Gallia County Emancipation Scholarships for 2025. The Emancipation Committee proudly announced $500 scholarships for each recipient pursuing diverse academic paths. Winners include Lamiyah Wilson studying Business, Linae Scott majoring in English Education & Communications, Kiera Scott focusing on Visual Arts, and Olivia Ratliff pursuing Nursing/Biology. The Committee expressed pride in these students' accomplishments and wished them success in their future endeavors.

Team	Opponent	Score
Wellston (8-7)
	@ Athens	L 5-3
Oak Hill (6-3)
	vs South Gallia	W 23-3

🥎 Softball Scoreboard

Oak Hill turned Monday into a hitting clinic, pounding out 15 runs against South Gallia in a much-needed league victory for the struggling Oaks. The 15-5 win improves Oak Hill to 2-9, giving them some momentum before hosting Eastern's Eagles, while the Rebels (2-10) will look to regroup against East's Tartans in a non-league matchup.

Team	Opponent	Score
Jackson (15-4)
	vs Chillicothe	L 4-2
Wellston (13-2)
	@ Athens	L 3-2
Oak Hill (2-9)
	vs South Gallia	W 15-5

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Fixer-upper with promising potential: This modest ranch-style home priced at $129,000 offers a new metal roof, partial basement, carport, and spacious yard, but requires interior updates - ideal for first-time buyers or investors seeking potential.

Rural paradise awaits ambitious buyer: This sprawling 81.51-acre property in Franklin Township is available for $319,900, offering versatile rural land with public utilities that's perfect for building a private estate, farming, or development while remaining accessible to nearby towns.

Remodeled Jackson gem all inclusive: Priced at $220,000, this completely remodeled 2-story house in Jackson welcomes with fresh paint, updated flooring, new roof, and ready-to-use appliances, plus a carport, porch, barn, and off-street parking.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🙏 May 1 - National Day of Prayer: Join the Ministerial Association for Sidewalk Prayer at Faith & Fitness on May 1, part of the National Day of Prayer. Gather for intentional worship and fellowship as we grow in faith together.

🙏 May. 1 - Tea & Praise Prayer: Start your day with prayer and positivity at Tea & Praise with DJN + Marty Jacobs! Join this special National Day of Prayer gathering at Downtown Jackson Nutrition on May 1, part of a sunrise-to-sunset community celebration.

🍩 May 1 - Donut Break Downtown: Satisfy your sweet tooth at Downtown Treatery's Donut Break! Join Faith & Fitness Studio on Thursday, May 1 for a delicious mid-day treat at 229 Broadway St in Jackson.

🙏 May. 1 - Workout & Worship Prayer: Sweat and spirituality unite at "Workout & Worship with Adrianne" on May 1 at Faith & Fitness. Join this National Day of Prayer event for fellowship and intentional prayer as we grow stronger together.

🙏 May 1 - National Prayer Bubble Break: Join the National Day of Prayer at Faith & Fitness for "Bubble Break with Matthew Rinehart." Gather for intentional prayer and worship on May 1 at 281 Main St, Jackson, as we grow in faith together.

🙏 May 1 - National Prayer & Worship: Join FabD Boutique and High Praise Ministries for uplifting worship during the National Day of Prayer! Gather for intentional prayer and fellowship at 110 Twin Oaks Dr, Jackson on May 1—we're better when growing in faith together.

🏛️ May. 1 - Gallia Community Event: Curious about soil and water conservation? Stop by Gallia Soil & Water on May 1 at 111 Jackson Pike, Gallipolis, OH. Call 740-446-6173 for all the exciting details!

🎵 May 2 - Hello Sapien Alt-Folk Band: Cincinnati's alt-folk quartet Hello Sapien brings their captivating sound to Rowdy's Smokehouse on May 2. Catch singer/songwriter Adam Stone and his talented band of seasoned musicians for an evening of soulful melodies.