🗑️ Trash troubles brewing

Good morning, Meigs County. While the temperature rises, so do the challenges at Parkersburg's sanitation department, where staffing has dwindled to just 16 of 27 positions. The situation has forced officials to suspend curbside recycling pickup as workers earning under $20 hourly continue to seek better-paying opportunities elsewhere. City council is now exploring pay incentives and policy changes to address what has become a full-blown trash crisis affecting essential community services.

On brighter notes, Athens resident Micah McCarey is preparing to take the helm as City Council President in 2026 with ambitious plans for a Governance Academy to boost civic engagement. Meanwhile, wellness enthusiasts can celebrate as Full Circle Yoga marks a decade of community classes at Point Park. Thanks to sponsorship from 18 local businesses—predominantly women-owned—the previously $5 sessions will now be completely free, offering riverside relaxation with live music every Wednesday through September.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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

🗑️ Parkersburg faces trash crisis as sanitation department struggles to staff up. Only 16 of 27 positions are filled in the city's sanitation department, forcing officials to suspend curbside recycling pickup. During a joint committee meeting, city council voted 4-1 to seek proposals for addressing pay incentives and potential policy changes. While a $2-per-hour raise is coming in July, officials noted most workers would still earn under $20 hourly—far less than private haulers who can pay around $30. Exit interviews revealed about half of departing workers cited salary as their reason for leaving.

🏛️ Athens' next Council President is building a bridge to civic engagement. Micah McCarey, running unopposed, received 1,040 votes and will become Athens City Council President in January 2026. The 20-year Athens resident describes himself as a "collaborative, compassionate and future-oriented public servant" focused on housing affordability, local business support, and inclusive governance. McCarey plans to launch an Athens Governance Academy this fall featuring monthly "Hope is Here Civic Sessions" to educate and empower residents through structured community conversations. He's also preparing for leadership by attending Harvard Kennedy School's program for senior executives in local government this June.

🧘‍♀️ Free yoga returns to Point Park for landmark tenth year. Full Circle Yoga will host weekly sessions every Wednesday from May through September 2025, welcoming participants of all experience levels. Thanks to sponsorship from 18 local businesses—14 of which are women-owned—the previously $5 classes will be completely free to the community. Participants can enjoy one-hour sessions with live music by Barry Walker at the picturesque Ohio River setting. Owner Cheryl McHugh expressed gratitude for the partnerships that help make yoga accessible while promoting mental and physical health in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Modern rural retreat on acreage: Priced at $650,000, this custom-built modern home in Vinton, OH offers three bedrooms and two baths on 20.5 acres of countryside, featuring soaring ceilings, granite countertops, and two spacious barns for storage or hobbies.

Riverfront lots await builder: A modest $39,900 buys you two ready-to-build lots on Third Street in Syracuse, OH, featuring pre-installed utilities and a combined 0.48 acres of flat, open land perfect for building or placing a manufactured home.

Riverside fixer-upper needs love: Ohio Riverfront Property offers a .49 acre lot with an older manufactured home needing TLC, priced at $85,500. The riverside location has utilities in place and could be developed into a campsite or home site.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎭 May 31 - Living Traditions Festival: Immerse yourself in Southeast Ohio's vibrant traditions at My Best Friends Closet in Pomeroy on May 31! From live music to art exhibits, experience the region's cultural tapestry for an unforgettable day out.

🌽 May 31 - Meigs County Farmers Market: Fresh local produce returns to Pomeroy! Browse the Meigs County Farmers Market on Main Street this Saturday from 10am-1pm, where local vendors showcase the season's best offerings.

🩰 May. 31 - GMPA Spring Dance Recital: Future stars will shine at GMPA's Spring Recital at The Blakeslee Center on May 31! Doors open at 5pm, performances begin at 6pm—come support our talented young performers in Middleport.

🧘‍♀️ May 31 - Women's Elemental Nature Retreat: Reconnect with nature at the Elemental Women's Retreat, where yoga, mindfulness, and tea ceremonies await at Equinox Botanical Sanctuary on May 31. A day of rejuvenation in Rutland's serene landscape.

💰 Financial Friday

TIPS PRESENTED BY Farmers Bank

Create a simple budget and track your spending for a month to identify where your money is going; this can help you make informed adjustments that lead to better financial health.