Jackson County • August 11, 2025
Good morning, Jackson County. Legacy often reveals itself in the quiet dedication of a lifetime's work. James L. Grogg embodied this truth through 36 years of professional service and deep involvement in organizations from the Masons to the American Legion, leaving behind not just family who would have celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary this month, but generations of friends touched by his commitment to fellowship.
Meanwhile, the county's economic pulse beats strongly in real estate, with Athens County property transfers topping $3 million recently, highlighted by a $549,900 lakefront purchase in Glouster. Against this backdrop of business transactions, 17-year-old Liam Kocher stitches together his future—literally—as the Belpre High School senior sews costumes for school productions while preparing for design studies at Columbus College of Art Design, proving creativity thrives at every age in our community.
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🕊️ Beloved Parkersburg man leaves legacy of service and fellowship. James L. Grogg, 78, died on August 5, 2025, after a life dedicated to both work and community. A U.S. Army veteran who served in Germany, Grogg retired in 2010 after 36 years with various companies including Borg Warner and GE Plastics. He was deeply involved in numerous fraternal organizations including the Masons, Shriners, and American Legion, where he cherished the fellowship and celebrations. Grogg is survived by his wife Mary, with whom he would have celebrated 50 years of marriage this month, along with extended family and generations of friends.
🏠 Athens County real estate market buzzes with $550K lakefront property sale. Recent property transfers in Athens County totaled over $3 million across multiple townships. The highest-priced transaction was Jennifer Hearne's purchase of lakefront property in Glouster for $549,900, while other notable sales included commercial properties on North Lancaster Street and South High Street in Athens for $415,000 and $420,000 respectively. The diverse transactions ranged from urban properties in Athens to rural parcels in Alexander Township, reflecting a dynamic local real estate landscape with prices spanning from $25,000 to nearly $550,000.
🎭 Belpre teen sews his way toward a career in costume design. Liam Kocher, a 17-year-old senior at Belpre High School, combines his artistic talents with practical experience to prepare for studying at Columbus College of Art Design. Beyond creating costumes for school musicals, he makes blankets for nursing homes and performs in color guard despite having no prior dance experience. Kocher balances college courses, a part-time job at Journeys, and his creative pursuits while maintaining an impressive collection of vintage dolls and Barbies.
Rural oasis with ready homesite: Priced at $449,000, this expansive Jackson County property offers 2,200 feet of road frontage with a ready homesite overlooking a pond, complete with existing utilities, pole barn, and established trails ideal for hunters or privacy seekers.
Budget woodland with bunkhouse getaway: For $69,900, you can own 6+ diverse acres in Jackson County, Ohio, featuring pines, grassland, and woods, with a movable bunkhouse, utility access, and proximity to outdoor recreation areas.
Rural retreat with covered bridge: Priced at $476,900, this 33-acre Ray, OH property features a main house, guest house, 3-bay garage, implement building with car lift, pool, and even a covered bridge connecting to Scioto Land Company property.Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
-Matthew 5:16
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