🎈 Patriotic skies

Good morning, Jackson County. Red, white, and blue spirit is taking flight across our region as Independence Day approaches. Vienna's Freedom Festival just dazzled thousands with hot air balloons soaring above the Ohio River and a modern drone light show that earned praise from veterans. The spectacular event, now in its fourth year, continues to grow as a testament to our community's hometown pride—and it's just the beginning of the patriotic celebrations planned throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley this holiday season.

Meanwhile, bittersweet emotions filled the halls of VanDevender Middle School as the community gathered for one final walkthrough before its closure. Former teachers and students left handprints on walls and shared memories of the beloved institution that will shut its doors after operating at just 43% capacity. The school's final chapter marks a significant transition for Wood County's educational landscape, with plans already underway for a new elementary school on the site.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Jackson

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Wellston

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Oak Hill

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Coalton

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Byer

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🇺🇸 Thousands celebrate patriotism at Vienna's Freedom Festival extravaganza. Spencer's Landing buzzed with activity as families enjoyed carnival rides, food trucks, and a SEBRA-sanctioned rodeo during the 4th Annual event. The festival featured a hot air balloon launch offering breathtaking views of the Ohio River, while musical performances by Chapel Hart and Home Free entertained the crowds. A drone light show replaced traditional fireworks, earning appreciation from veterans who preferred the modern alternative. Organized by Friends of Vienna, the community celebration continues to grow each year, bringing residents together in a spirit of hometown pride.

🏫 Packed halls bid farewell to VanDevender Middle School's final chapter. The community gathered Saturday for one last emotional walkthrough of the beloved school before its closure as part of Wood County's consolidation plan. Students will be reassigned to other schools as VanDevender, operating at just 43% capacity with fewer than 300 students, shuts down after the 2024-25 school year. Former teachers and students left handprints on walls and shared memories, with Assistant Principal Cody Ratliff acknowledging, "I love this place a lot." The district expects to save $864,000 annually through the consolidation, with plans to build a new North Parkersburg Elementary on the site.

🎆 The Mid-Ohio Valley gears up for explosive Independence Day celebrations. Communities across West Virginia and Ohio have scheduled numerous patriotic events for July 4th, 2025. In West Virginia, highlights include a BBQ buffet at the Blennerhassett Hotel, a picnic cruise on the Valley Gem Sternwheeler, and Ripley's parade followed by hot air balloon rides and fireworks. Ohio festivities feature Marietta's parade and community picnic, free admission at Athens City Pool, and McConnelsville's full day of activities including a 5K, parade, contests, and fireworks display.

Blind foreclosure auction ranch home: For $70,000, this foreclosure auction offers a 3 bed, 2 bath ranch style home in Jackson, OH. No interior access allowed, and buyers must register to bid with a 5% premium applied to the winning offer.

Spacious classic on festival route: # Real Estate Digest: July EditionThis quaint 4-bedroom Money Back Guarantee Home in Jackson blends classic character with modern amenities at $284,000. Located on the Apple Festival route, it features owner's suite, detached garage, and original architectural details throughout.

Solid fixer-upper plus bonus garage: This $170,000 house comes with a newer roof, two new HVAC units, plus a separate lot featuring a 3-car garage. Property needs some TLC but offers good value with solid foundation for the price-conscious buyer.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏺 Jul. 2 - Preschool Portagree Pottery Fun: Get your hands dirty with Portagree Pottery at our K-5th Grade Summer Reading Program! Join owner Tabitha on July 2 for creative clay fun at 227 S New York Ave in Wellston.

🏺 Jul. 2 - Teen Pottery Workshop: Get creative with clay at Portagree Pottery's Teen Summer Reading event! Sixth through twelfth graders can craft with owner Tabitha at Wellston Public Library on July 2. Registration required.

🇺🇸 Jul. 2 - Office Closed for Holiday: Gallia Extension Office takes a patriotic pause for Independence Day! Doors reopen July 7 at 8am, just in time for Shooting Sports Judging. Plan your visits accordingly at 111 Jackson Pike, Gallipolis.

🎆 Jul. 3 - Jackson Independence Day Celebration: Light up the summer sky at Jackson's Independence Day Celebration! Join the community at Manpower Park on July 3 for a festive parade, delicious food, family activities, and spectacular fireworks.

🏃 Jul. 4 - Independence Day 5K Run: Kickstart your Independence Day with the exhilarating Freedomfest 5K Run/Walk at Manpower Park! Join the patriotic fun on July 4 at 9:00 AM in Jackson, OH. Pre-register for $30 or sign up on race day for $35.

🏇 Jul. 5 - Henderson's Arena Showdown: Saddle up for summer thrills at Henderson's Arena! Join the TBD added money event on July 5, co-sanctioned with OH04. Find all the rodeo action at 800 Van Fossan Rd in Jackson, OH.

🏇 Jul. 6 - Henderson's Arena Showdown: Saddle up for excitement at Henderson's Arena on July 6! This $1500-added money event in Jackson is co-sanctioned with OH03|OH06, promising thrilling competition at 800 Van Fossan Rd.