Vinton County • May 1, 2025
Good morning, Vinton County. As Vinton County celebrates its 175th birthday, local students are proving that hometown pride runs deep. More than 40 young writers captured what makes this community special in heartfelt essays, with winner Hollie Swaim beautifully describing our county as "a town of tranquility, endearment and adventure." These words remind us that even as landscapes change, the connection to place remains powerfully constant.
That sense of community continues to manifest through faith as Jackson and Wellston unite for National Day of Prayer events on May 1. Both towns will gather under the theme "Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled!" while at Ohio University, major institutional changes are underway with the closure of its Division of Diversity in response to new state legislation. The university's restructuring eliminates several centers and positions as it adapts to Senate Bill 1 taking effect this summer.
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🎓 Ohio University shuts down Division of Diversity amid new law. The university announced the closure of its Multicultural Center, Pride Center, and Women's Center as it prepares for Senate Bill 1 to take effect this summer. The controversial law, signed by Governor Mike DeWine in March, bans diversity efforts in higher education and puts diversity scholarships at risk. All positions within the Division of Diversity will be eliminated, though affected staff can apply for other university positions. Several other Ohio colleges, including Case Western Reserve University and the University of Toledo, have made similar changes to comply with the new legislation.
🙏 Two Ohio towns unite for National Day of Prayer events. Jackson and Wellston will both host community prayer gatherings on May 1 with the theme "Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled!" The Jackson event at the Family Activity Center will feature innovative prayer stations where attendees can pray for specific themes including government, military, churches, and schools. Meanwhile, Wellston's program at LifeSource Apostolic Church will include themed prayers led by various community leaders and pastors. Both events will incorporate music performances, scripture readings, and are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
📝 Small town students celebrate Vinton County's big birthday with heartfelt essays. Discover Vinton County hosted an essay contest for high school students as part of the county's 175th birthday celebration. More than 40 young writers shared what they love most about their hometown. First-place winner Hollie Swaim praised the county as "a town of tranquility, endearment and adventure." The top three winners—Swaim, Bodie Pratt, and Olivia Estep—were recognized for their contributions to honoring their community's heritage.
Rural dreamscape with endless potential: Priced at $325,000, this 28-acre countryside retreat offers a stocked pond, workshop with butcher area, established riding arena, fruit trees, and managed forest—ideal for a self-sufficient homestead near Lake Rupert and Hocking Hills.
Timber paradise bordering state forest: Listed at $449,900, this 98-acre Vinton County property offers a hunter's paradise with marketable timber, adjacent to 20,000 acres of state forest, featuring diverse terrain for wildlife and potential building sites.
Wooded Ranch Near Hocking Hills: Priced at $479,900, this meticulously maintained ranch home in Vinton County sits on 23+ wooded acres, offering 1,800 sqft of living space and potential as an investment property near popular Hocking Hills attractions.
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Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
-Deuteronomy 31:6
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