Good morning, Meigs County. Six bullet holes and a fleeing suspect transformed a routine Tuesday into a tense manhunt in Parkersburg this week. Alphonso Johnson now faces multiple felony charges after allegedly opening fire on an Emerson Avenue apartment and vehicle, leaving behind a trail of evidence that led to his eventual capture by Wood County deputies on Marrtown Road.
Meanwhile, retail resilience is on full display at Grand Central Mall in Vienna, where West Virginia's oldest shopping center continues to defy national trends. With over 200,000 square feet of new or remodeled space and fresh additions like Rally House and MINISO in 2024, the mall remains a vibrant community hub. And for those seeking cultural enrichment this weekend, Saturday's Poetry and Art celebration at the Parkersburg Art Center offers a beautiful collision of creative expression, where 22 artists have transformed local poets' words into visual masterpieces.
🌤 Sky Skoop | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
79%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🔫 Gunman opens fire on Parkersburg apartment, flees the scene. Alphonso Johnson, 35, was arrested after allegedly shooting multiple rounds at a vehicle and apartment on Emerson Avenue. The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon when Parkersburg Police responded to reports of a person with a firearm. Johnson had already fled when officers arrived, but was later apprehended by Wood County Sheriff's deputies on Marrtown Road. Investigators found a 9mm handgun in Johnson's vehicle and six bullet impact points at the scene, resulting in six felony charges of Wanton Endangerment with a Firearm.
🛍️ West Virginia's oldest mall defies retail decline with new stores. Grand Central Mall in Vienna has added more than 200,000 square feet of new or remodeled retail space in recent years. New additions in 2024 include Rally House, Pandora, MINISO, FYE and Survival Ridge, while 2021 saw the successful redevelopment of the former Sears location into T.J.Maxx, HomeGoods, PetSmart and Ross Dress for Less. With over 80 retailers and restaurants, the mall remains a community hub hosting various events from seasonal celebrations to craft fairs and car shows.
🎨 Poetry and art collide in vibrant Parkersburg celebration. The Parkersburg Art Center will host its second annual Poetry and Art event this Saturday at 6 p.m., bringing together 15 local poets and 22 artists. In this creative collaboration, artists selected poems submitted by local writers and created original artwork inspired by the verses. Attendees will enjoy poetry readings and art presentations in the Main Gallery, with the collaborative works later displayed in the Reception Gallery starting in May. The free public event celebrates National Poetry Month and the powerful connection between written and visual expression.
⚾ Baseball Scoreboard
Eastern Eagles soared just high enough Tuesday, holding off Belpre 5-1 in a battle of birds that wasn't quite as close as the scoreboard suggests. Meanwhile, Southern lived up to their Tornado nickname by absolutely blowing away Federal Hocking 15-0 in a game that was over faster than you can say "mercy rule." Over in West Virginia, Wahama White Falcons showed no mercy in their 11-1 dismantling of Webster County, proving that Highlanders might rule the hills, but they're still working on mastering the diamond.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Eastern (4-1) | ||
vs Belpre | W 5-1 | |
Meigs (2-3) | ||
@ Athens | L 12-3 | |
Southern (3-1) | ||
@ Federal Hocking | W 15-0 | |
Wahama (3-5) | ||
vs Webster County | W 11-1 |
🥎 Softball Scoreboard
Southern unleashed a tornado of offense on Tuesday, sweeping away Federal Hocking 19-3 in a lopsided league matchup. The Tornadoes improved to 6-2 while leaving the winless Lancers (0-2) searching for answers as they head into Wednesday's contests against different opponents. Talk about a storm the Lancers couldn't weather.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Eastern (1-5) | ||
vs Belpre | L 10-7 | |
Meigs (7-2) | ||
@ Athens | W 11-10 (9) | |
Southern (6-2) | ||
@ Federal Hocking | W 19-3 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Rustic ranch needs coal budget: This ranch home in rural Ohio offers 3 bedrooms, a fireplace, and full basement on 5.4 acres for $92,300, though coal rights are excluded from the property.
Vast hunting paradise near river: This sprawling 59.91-acre Portland, OH property, listed at $200,000, offers the perfect retreat for hunters seeking whitetail deer with diverse terrain, ample road frontage, and proximity to the Ohio River.
Ranch Gem Near School: Ranch-style home in Middleport offered at $198,000 features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, open concept living area, carport, and two outbuildings, conveniently located across from Meigs Elementary School.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
-Isaiah 40:31
|
|