Good morning, Meigs County. The power of proper training can transform entire systems, as evidenced by Washington County's Crisis Intervention Team program. An impressive 86% of local law enforcement officers have now completed the specialized 40-hour mental health response training, equipping them with critical de-escalation techniques that quite literally save lives. What began as a response to a challenging autism-related call two decades ago has evolved into a vital connection between police departments and behavioral health services.
Meanwhile, the curtain rises on a remarkable milestone at Peoples Bank Theatre, which recently celebrated its 500th event since reopening in 2016. Rock legend Pat Benatar took the stage to honor former Peoples Bank CEO Chuck Sulerzyski, whose vision transformed the once-empty venue into a thriving cultural centerpiece. As this historic theater celebrates its renaissance, Wood County students can look forward to their own golden opportunity – collecting tickets for free books through next summer's reading challenge.
🌤 Sky Skoop | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
84%
☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🚔 Crisis training transforms how police handle mental health emergencies. Washington County's 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team program has equipped 86% of local law enforcement with skills to better respond to mental health situations. Seven officers and professionals recently graduated from the training, which teaches de-escalation techniques and helps officers recognize signs of mental distress. Belpre Police Chief Michael Stump, who underwent training in 2010, requires all department employees to complete the course. The program, which began in the early 2000s after officers struggled with an autism-related call, continues to strengthen connections between behavioral health services and police departments.
🎭 Historic theater celebrates milestone with rock legend's performance. Peoples Bank Theatre honored former Peoples Bank CEO Chuck Sulerzyski at a Pat Benatar concert, which was booked as a retirement gift for the banking executive. The theater, once an empty shell a decade ago, has now hosted 500 events since reopening in 2016 after Sulerzyski championed its restoration. His vision and leadership led to Peoples Bank making a transformative investment that revitalized the venue. To commemorate the occasion, Sulerzyski received a framed concert ticket alongside a photo of the theater's new marquee.
📚 Golden tickets unlock free books for students this summer. Wood County Reads has announced the return of its Summer Reading Challenge for PreK-12 students in 2025. Participants can earn golden tickets for each book they read from grade-specific lists, redeemable for brand-new books at upcoming summer fairs. The initiative, supported by The Spartan Foundation and Hap and Meg Esbenshade, aims to prevent summer learning loss while fostering a love of reading. Students can collect their tickets at local libraries or through summer programs before redeeming them at book fairs scheduled for July 10 and August 27.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Rural paradise awaits creative buyers: 84-acre Meigs County property listed at $350,000 for auction, featuring two tracts with rolling terrain, mature woods, and a partially completed 4,600+ square foot home ideal for farming, hunting, or development.
Peaceful country retreat near university: Priced at $195,000, this 3-bedroom Pomeroy home offers country tranquility with a partially finished walkout basement, updated systems, and easy access to Ohio University, all nestled on a quiet dead-end road.
River views and timber potential: This $210,000 property offers cleared hilltop building sites with spectacular views, onsite utilities, and gated entrance, plus Shade River frontage, mixed hardwood forest with timber value, and excellent hunting opportunities.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
-Colossians 3:17
|
|