🌱 Growing concerns - Vinton County

Good morning, Vinton County. As spring takes hold across our region, local community gardens are facing a challenging season ahead. The Garden for All in New Albany will need to cultivate new funding sources after losing a crucial $25,000 grant that supported their mission of growing fresh produce for local food pantries. While the garden's leaders search for alternatives, the impact on hunger relief efforts remains a growing concern.

Our community is also reflecting on the legacies of two beloved residents who recently passed away. Danny Sayre, whose grocery store served as a cornerstone of Wilkesville for decades, will be remembered at a May 4th celebration of life. Meanwhile, friends and family are mourning John "Bandit" Bishop, whose storytelling abilities and infectious humor brightened countless lives throughout his 65 years. Both men leave behind deep roots in our county's history.

🌤 Sky Skoop

McArthur

53°

73°

Hamden

53°

74°

Zaleski

53°

73°

Wilkesville

52°

75°

New Plymouth

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75°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🌱 Trump's USDA cuts funding for Ohio community gardens amid rising hunger. The Garden for All in New Albany will lose $25,000 after the administration canceled grants allowing food banks to buy directly from local farms. This impacts their goal of producing 35,000 pounds of produce this year to donate to food pantries. Reverend Catherine Duffy, who co-founded the garden in 2020, emphasized that while they'll seek alternative funding, "whatever we don't have in revenue is just produce that we don't get to give to the pantry."

🕊️ Danny Sayre, longtime grocery store owner, passes away at 80. The Wilkesville native and 1962 Wilton High School graduate died peacefully at his Allensville home on March 17, 2025. Known for owning Sayre's Grocery for most of his life, Danny was also a member of the Wilkesville 275 Orphan Friend Lodge and enjoyed horseback riding and coon hunting. He is survived by his wife Debbie, four daughters, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held May 4 at the Wilkesville Community Center.

🕊️ Beloved community member John Bishop leaves behind a legacy of joy. The 65-year-old Wellston resident passed away unexpectedly on March 13, 2025, at his home. Known as "Bandit" during his career as a front-end loader for coal companies, Bishop was remembered for his strong Christian faith, infectious humor, and storytelling abilities. He was a proud Wellston High School graduate, avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan, and dedicated supporter of the Wellston Golden Rockets. Bishop is survived by his daughter, sisters, nieces, nephews, and many friends who cherished his ability to make everyone smile.

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Spacious fixer with garage pool: For $249,000, this cozy, peaceful home offers a spacious layout with lots of garage room and an above-ground pool, though the current owners note the interior floors and paint could use updating.

Nature paradise with solar power: Off-grid luxury meets nature at this $249,900 Amish-built cabin on 32.4 acres, featuring solar power, three fishing ponds, and proximity to Lake Elma State Park for the self-sufficient homeowner seeking peaceful seclusion.

Comfy home modern renovations: Priced at $169,900, this three-bedroom home offers a newly updated bathroom, modern kitchen, fresh flooring, and both living and family rooms for comfortable daily life.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🌎 Mar. 22 - Region 9 Southeast Meeting: Join organizations from ten Southeast Ohio counties at the 2025 Region 9 Regional Meeting! Connect with fellow community leaders at Lillian Jones Museum in Jackson on March 22—register by March 14.

🙏 Mar. 23 - Sunday Morning Worship: Join the community for a warm Sunday morning worship service at 37139 Kelly Rd in Ray, OH this March 23rd. Gather with neighbors for inspiration and connection at this welcoming local service.

🏠 Mar. 30 - Virtual Property Tour: Step inside Twin Maples Home Health from the comfort of your home! Join their virtual tour on March 30 (9am-7pm) to explore features and amenities of this McArthur, OH healthcare facility.

🙏 In Remembrance

Nick Storts

Nick Joseph Storts, 89, of Allensville, passed away on March 12, 2025, at his home. Born in Columbus, Ohio in 1935, he was a retired General Motors employee and was married to Ann Stevens Storts for 34 years. Nick is survived by his wife, three children, seven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and several other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and a sister, with private services to be held according to his wishes.

Roger Dale Barber

Roger Dale Barber, 68, of Albany, passed away on March 9, 2025. Born in Dayton, Ohio, he loved spending time with his children and enjoyed shooting guns and riding his 1959 Harley-Davidson Panhead. He is survived by his son, three daughters, six grandchildren, his significant other, a sister, and several other family members and friends. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, a son, and a brother, with a graveside service scheduled for March 20, 2025, at Harkins Chapel Cemetery.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

-Proverbs 3:5-6

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