Good morning, Vinton County. A staggering 12,000 eggs will transform Wellston High School's baseball park into a treasure hunter's paradise on April 19. The Sons of the American Legion's annual Easter egg hunt isn't just about candy—sixteen lucky children will discover special vouchers for brand-new bicycles hidden among the colorful bounty. With over 400 young participants expected from across Jackson and Vinton counties, this spring tradition continues to bring joy to children ages 3-12, while the littlest ones receive pre-made baskets.
Meanwhile, justice has been served in a troubling construction scam that impacted multiple local victims. In more uplifting news, higher education becomes more accessible as Rio Grande's new Pike Center opens its doors in Piketon. The former high school has been transformed into a vibrant educational hub offering degree programs and College Credit Plus opportunities for area students, with a community celebration planned for May 1 to showcase this investment in our region's future.
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76%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🐰 Wellston gears up for massive Easter egg hunt with 12,000 eggs. The Sons of the American Legion Post 371 will host their annual event on Saturday, April 19 at the Wellston High School Varsity Baseball Park. Children ages 3-12 will hunt for candy-filled eggs in age-specific divisions, while toddlers receive pre-made baskets. Lucky participants can find vouchers for one of 16 donated bicycles hidden among the eggs. The popular event typically draws over 400 children from Jackson and Vinton counties and continues to welcome donations for future hunts.
🏗️ Contractor steals $73,890 from five victims in construction scam.Terry Qualls Jr., 48, of Gallipolis, Ohio, was sentenced to nearly 5-7 years in prison after being convicted of seven theft charges and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Through various LLCs, Qualls accepted payments for construction projects he never completed between 2021 and 2024. In one case, he immediately used a victim's $30,086 payment to settle a separate restitution order to avoid prosecution in another county. Upon release, Qualls will remain under supervision for up to three years.
🎓 Rio Grande opens new Pike Center in former high school. The community college will host a ribbon cutting and open house on May 1 for its newest educational facility in Piketon, Ohio. Created through a partnership with WAI Construction Group, the center began welcoming students in January and offers general education courses, a Social Services degree, and a College Credit Plus program for high schoolers. The facility aims to provide affordable higher education to Pike County residents, with plans for additional educational opportunities already in development.
⚾ Baseball Scoreboard
Liberty Union squeezed past Grove City Christian 2-1 in a nail-biter of a non-league contest, giving the Lions their third win of the season. The Eagles' bats stayed mostly silent as they dropped to 2-6, a trend they'll hope to reverse when they host the surging Miller Falcons on Monday.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Grove City Christian (2-7) | ||
@ Liberty Union | L 2-1 |
🥎 Softball Scoreboard
In a Saturday slugfest that had fans reaching for their blood pressure medication, Hamilton Township Rangers survived a wild 11-10 thriller against Grove City Christian Eagles. The Rangers improved to 3-7 in this non-league nail-biter, giving them momentum heading into their upcoming clash with Canal Winchester. Both teams apparently left their pitching in the dugout, but found their bats in full swing.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Vinton County (2-4) | ||
vs Eastern | W 7-4 | |
Grove City Christian (2-4) | ||
@ Hamilton Township | L 11-10 | |
vs Canal Winchester | L 14-4 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Affordable woodland family retreat: A charming $129,500 home near Lake Hope and Zaleski State Forest offers three bedrooms, two baths, multiple living spaces, a fireplace, covered porch and deck, heat pump, electric furnace, carport, two outbuildings, and village utilities.
Vast Ohio recreational getaway: 🏠 Nestled in southeastern Ohio near Hocking Hills, this $899,000 property offers 98+ acres with a lodge, bunkhouse, barns and residence—perfect for hunting retreats, vacation rentals, or a working farm with recreational amenities.
Rustic cabin with bonus buildings: Priced at $425,000, this rustic log cabin near Buckeye Trail offers turnkey living with a metal roof, proximity to state parks, and bonus structures including a pole barn and detached bunkhouse perfect for guests or hunters.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
-2 Corinthians 5:17
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