🍽️ Taste trek time

Good morning, Jackson County. Mark your calendars for October 11, when the aroma of Ripley's finest culinary creations will fill Epworth United Methodist Church. For just $10, your taste buds can embark on a 12-stop tour of local flavors from Butcher Block to Cozumel Mexican Restaurant during the "Taste of Ripley: Home for the Holidays" showcase—perfectly timed before horror movie screening at The Alpine for those making a full evening of local entertainment.

Meanwhile, future innovators are taking flight across the county as TIMET engineers recently guided Henry J. Kaiser Elementary second graders through paper airplane competitions for Manufacturing Day, connecting fun physics with real-world titanium production. The focus on youth development continues as Coplin Health Systems launches a mobile dental program addressing critical healthcare gaps for rural students, bringing essential dental services directly to schools where access has historically been limited—another example of community-minded solutions taking root in Jackson County.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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Wellston

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Oak Hill

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Coalton

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🍽️ Ripley's culinary showcase invites locals to taste the town's best. "Taste of Ripley: Home for the Holidays" will feature samples from 11 local eateries on October 11 at Epworth United Methodist Church. For just $10, attendees receive 12 tickets to sample specialties from restaurants including Butcher Block, Maka Mia Pizza, and Cozumel Mexican Restaurant. Main Street Ripley organized the fundraiser to highlight dining options as families begin planning holiday gatherings. The event runs from 4-6 p.m., perfectly timed for visitors to catch the 7 p.m. horror movie at The Alpine theater afterward.

🦷 Mobile dental program brings smiles to underserved West Virginia students. Coplin Health Systems has launched a mobile dental unit to serve communities with limited access to dental care, starting in Wirt County where no dental clinics exist. The program provides essential dental exams and cleanings at schools, helping students meet required dental exam requirements. Services accept Medicaid, CHIP, and private insurance, with plans to expand to additional community locations. "Dental health is important to overall health," said CEO Rob Dudley, highlighting the organization's mission to address critical healthcare gaps in rural communities.

✈️ Second graders built paper airplanes with TIMET engineers on Manufacturing Day. The STEM activity at Henry J. Kaiser Elementary in Ravenswood, West Virginia involved creating and launching paper planes to see which flew furthest. TIMET employees explained how they melt titanium to make actual airplane parts, connecting the fun activity to real-world manufacturing. The event aimed to inspire future manufacturers and showcase STEM's role in modern manufacturing. Teacher Trudy Humphreys praised TIMET's community involvement, noting how the company brings both jobs and educational experiences to Jackson County.

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Spacious ranch huge detached garage: This peaceful 4-bedroom ranch on 1.5 acres is listed for $279,900, featuring modern updates like a new roof and HVAC, plus two garages—one attached and a detached 4-car garage with separate utilities.

Budget renovated convenient family home: This tidy ranch-style home is on the market for $124,000, offering renovated interiors including new flooring, roof, windows, and heating systems, all conveniently located near schools, shopping, and highway access.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

👶 Oct. 6 - Toddler Time Fun: Little ones will delight at Toddler Time with Miss Meghan at Sylvester Memorial Library on October 6! Designed for ages 18 months to 3 years, this hour features stories, fingerplays, and crafty fun.

👶 Oct. 6 - Bouncing Babies Story Time: Wiggle and giggle with Miss Meghan at Bouncing Babies Story Time! Bring your little ones (0-18 months) to Sylvester Memorial Wellston Public Library on October 6 for stories, finger plays, and songs.

📚 Oct. 7 - Preschool Story Magic: Miss Meghan welcomes little ones ages 3-5 to Preschool Story Time at Wellston Public Library on October 7! Enjoy an hour of stories, fingerplays, and crafts in this delightful weekly adventure.

🧠 Oct. 8 - Teen Advisory Board: Calling all teens! Join Miss Meghan at Sylvester Memorial Wellston Public Library on October 8 for the Teen Advisory Board meeting. Open to 6th-12th graders looking to make a difference in children's programs.

🕯️ Oct. 10 - Reiter Ridge Candle Pouring: Get creative with wax at Reiter Ridge Candles' October Pour Party! Stop by 6005 4 Mile Rd in Jackson on October 10 to craft your own seasonal candle masterpiece.

🐑 Oct. 10 - Small Animal Auction: Calling all livestock lovers! Head to 357 Jackson Pike in Gallipolis on October 10 for a special auction featuring sheep, hogs and goats. Bring your animals right up until sale time—questions? Call Joe: 304-812-8114.

🐎 Oct. 11 - Pre Congress Barrel Race: Saddle up for the Pre Congress barrel race at Henderson's Arena in Jackson on October 11! Don't miss the special Saturday open side pot that's sure to add extra excitement to this thrilling equestrian event.

🤠 Oct. 11 - Terry McBride: Texas Guitarist: Texas-born troubadour Terry McBride brings his country charm to Scotty's on First in Wellston on October 11. Come experience the heartfelt melodies from this talented guitarist with small-town roots.