🍸 Downtown sips

Good morning, Vinton County. Downtown Wellston is about to join a growing trend that's transforming public spaces across America. This spring, adults will be able to sip their favorite alcoholic beverages outdoors in the newly approved Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). With a 5-2 vote, the city council has essentially rolled out the welcome mat for a more vibrant, social downtown experience that could give local businesses a welcome boost as the weather warms.

Meanwhile, important conversations about community safety continue as Wellston weighs the future of its police dispatching services. The Finance Committee's recent meeting brought together officials and residents to discuss the potential shift to Jackson County dispatching services – a change first floated back in January. These dual developments highlight how Wellston is balancing new opportunities for growth while carefully considering changes to essential public services.

🌤 Sky Skoop

McArthur

53°

74°

57%

Hamden

54°

75°

65%

Zaleski

53°

74°

57%

Wilkesville

54°

76°

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New Plymouth

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🍺 Wellston will soon let adults drink outdoors in designated areas. The city council approved a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) for downtown Wellston with a 5-2 vote in August 2024. This spring, adults over 21 will be able to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages like beer and wine within the specified zone. The DORA initiative aims to enhance the downtown experience and potentially boost local businesses.

🚓 Wellston debates future of police dispatching services. The city's Finance Committee met on March 5 to address concerns about potentially contracting with Jackson County for police dispatching. Committee members questioned administration officials and took public input to better understand the situation. The issue first emerged in January when city officials announced they were considering changes to the current dispatching system. Full details of the meeting remain limited as the article requires an active subscription to access complete content.

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Mobile oasis with expansion potential: Priced at $165,000, this rustic gem features a mobile home, large pole building, and a peaceful pond on 5 acres. Bonus: another site with water and septic hookups ready for expansion.

Premier hunting facility with amenities: Priced at $899,000, this 98-acre McArthur, Ohio property offers a premier trophy hunting facility with lodge, bunkhouse, butcher shop, barns, residence, and diverse terrain near the Hocking Hills region.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🙏 Mar. 13 - Revival Meeting: Experience spiritual renewal at the Revival Meeting on March 13 at 34074 Kelly Rd in Ray, OH. Come gather with neighbors for an uplifting evening of faith, community, and inspiration.

🙏 Mar. 14 - Revival Meeting: Feel the spirit at the Revival Meeting on March 14 at 34074 Kelly Rd in Ray, OH. Join your neighbors for an uplifting gathering that promises to renew and inspire the community.

🍀 Mar. 16 - St. Patrick's Day Bash: Get your Irish on at the St Patrick's Day Bash! Groove to a live DJ, enjoy $6 Trash Can Specials and pancake platters on March 16th at 30 Pleasant Valley Rd, Vinton.

🙏 In Remembrance

Jimmie Vanover

Jimmie Lee Vanover, 85, of Laurelville, passed away on March 8, 2025, surrounded by family. He was married to Eileen Elliott for 63 years and is survived by his four children, eleven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. Throughout his life, Jimmie worked as a truck driver, logger, mechanic, horseman, and part-time auctioneer. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was passionate about NASCAR racing, particularly Dale Earnhardt, and had a history of racing at local dirt tracks with the number 87, a tradition his sons and grandson continued.