🌟 Healthcare glow-up

Good morning, Meigs County. Five stars isn't just for hotel reviews anymore—OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital has earned the highest designation from Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies, recognizing their exceptional breastfeeding support programs. This achievement highlights how local healthcare providers are going above and beyond to ensure both mothers and babies get the healthiest possible start, with benefits rippling through generations in our community.

Meanwhile, transformation is happening beneath our feet as Rising Appalachia breathes new life into former coal mining land. Their ambitious $1.7 million project in Athens County isn't just about environmental restoration—it's creating economic opportunities while literally building bridges between natural spaces. And speaking of full-circle moments, WOUB alum Colin Porter's journey from interviewing a high school Joe Burrow to photographing the NFL star showcases how our region nurtures talent that shines on the national stage.

🌤 Sky Skoop

PRESENTED BY 93.1 The Wolf

Pomeroy

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Racine

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Middleport

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Reedsville

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Long Bottom

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Mason, WV

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🤱 Ohio hospital wins top honor for exceptional breastfeeding support. OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital has achieved the highest five-star designation from Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies, recognizing its commitment to promoting breastfeeding. The hospital maintains breastfeeding-supportive policies, provides specialized staff training, and has earned additional recognitions including the Bag-Free Hospital Designation and Father/Partner Engagement Designation. These initiatives not only support new mothers but contribute to better long-term health outcomes for babies, including reduced risks of asthma, diabetes and obesity.

🌲 Former mine land transforms into vibrant community forest in Ohio. Rising Appalachia, a local nonprofit, received $1.7 million to reclaim 45 acres once owned by Sugar Creek Coal Company in Athens County. The organization plans to convert mine remnants into a playground and build a facility for processing native fruits and nuts, creating economic opportunities for locals. Their ambitious vision extends beyond the initial project—they're working to raise $4 million to purchase an additional 900 acres to establish a community-managed forest connecting Strouds Run State Park and Wayne National Forest. This environmental restoration aims to heal land damaged by coal mining while providing ecological, cultural, and economic benefits to the community.

📹 From interviewing high school Burrow to covering NFL star. Colin Porter's journey from WOUB student to Cincinnati sports photographer showcases the power of hands-on learning. After graduating from Ohio University in 2017, Porter worked at TV stations in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Phoenix before landing his dream job at WLWT in Cincinnati. Now he covers major sports including the Bengals, where quarterback Joe Burrow—whom Porter once interviewed as an Athens High School senior—has brought his career full circle. Porter credits WOUB's practical training for his success in sports broadcasting.

PRESENTED BY Amy Jackson, CENTURY 21

Spacious luxury home no HOA: Priced at $337,536, this three-bedroom Meriwether home in Macedonia Pointe offers luxury vinyl plank flooring, quartz countertops, a spacious backyard, and sits on .55 acres with no HOA fees.

Riverfront luxury four bed gem: This $204,900 Racine, OH dream home blends modern comfort with elegant design on a .76-acre lot, featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, dual living areas, and a primary suite with walk-in shower and soaking tub.

Roomy ranch with double garage: Charming $259,900 ranch in Tuppers Plains features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-concept design, complemented by a propane fireplace, attached two-car garage, and additional one-car garage perfect for a workshop or hobby space.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🧠 Mar. 19 - Mental Health Resource Fair: Discover vital mental health support at Meigs County Library on March 19. Representatives from Charlie Health, Hopewell Health REACH, and Anew Behavioral Health will share valuable resources for you and your loved ones.

📅 Mar. 19 - IC Scheduling Training: Gear up for next school year at the IC Scheduling Training! Learn essential Infinite Campus SIS preparation techniques for the 25-26 school year on March 19 at Athens-Meigs Educational Service Center.

📚 Mar. 19 - Red Queen Book Club: Dive into the magical world of "Red Queen" at Enchanted Reads book club! Fantasy and sci-fi lovers gather at Racine Library on March 19 at 5:30 PM for lively discussion and literary enchantment.

🎨 Mar. 20 - Squishmallow Painting Party: Transform your favorite Squishmallow at the Meigs County Library on March 20! Bring the whole family for this free painting session with all supplies provided. Registration required—secure your spot today!

🎨 Mar. 20 - Paint & Sip Night: Unleash your inner artist at Court Grill's March Paint & Sip! Grab a drink and brush on March 20 at 112 Court St, Pomeroy, where creativity flows as freely as the beverages.

🧩 Mar. 21 - Puzzle Swap & Share: Calling all puzzlers! Swap your completed jigsaws for fresh challenges at Pomeroy Library's Puzzle Exchange. Stop by 216 W Main St during regular hours March 21-22 and refresh your puzzle collection.

🎯 Mar. 22 - Youth Fundraising Banquet: Support young marksmen at the Youth On Target Fundraising Banquet! Join the fun-filled evening of prizes on March 22 at Hocking College Student Center, with all proceeds benefiting youth shooting sports in Athens and Meigs counties.

🧘 Mar. 22 - Meditation Day Retreat: Unwind at our popular Meditation Day Retreat on March 22 at 39495 St Clair Rd, Pomeroy. Immerse yourself in mindfulness and tranquility during this rejuvenating day-long escape from everyday stress.

🙏 In Remembrance

Kelly Gheen

Kelly Renee Gheen, age 53, of Racine, Ohio, passed away on March 13, 2025, at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. She worked for over 20 years at Camden Clark Hospital as a Nursing Education Office Facilitator and as a Secretary to the Director of the ER. Kelly was a devoted wife to Scot Gheen and a loving mother to her two sons, Brennen and Cayden, who meant the world to her. She found peace at the beach, enjoyed kayaking with loved ones, and embraced life with strong faith and a kind heart. Per her wishes, a private ceremony will be held to honor her life.