MORRISSEY ANNOUNCES AMERICA250 POETRY CONTEST

CHARLESTON — As part of celebrations marking the United States’ semiquincentennial, Gov. Patrick Morrisey has announced the America250 Poetry Contest, inviting West Virginians to submit original poems celebrating the history, heritage and shared values of the state and nation.

“West Virginia has played an important role in our nation’s history, and as we prepare to celebrate 250 years of freedom, I encourage West Virginians of all ages to share their creativity and love of country through this poetry contest,” Morrisey said. “America’s story is told through the people, places and events that shaped our nation, and I look forward to seeing how West Virginians capture that spirit through poetry.”

The contest invites residents to reflect on defining moments, people and places that have shaped both the Mountain State and the nation while sharing their own voice through poetry.

Submissions will be accepted through June 24. One winning entry will be selected and the author will be recognized as part of West Virginia’s America250 Celebration at the State Capitol in July.

For rules and submission details, visit https://wvtourism.com/america250/poetry-contest/.

For updates and additional information, visit wv250.com and follow @westvirginia250 on Facebook and Instagram.

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA DEAN’S LIST

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Joshua Grimshaw of Steubenville has been named to the University of Alabama dean’s list for the spring 2026 semester.

A total of 14,306 students earned dean’s list or president’s list recognition during the semester for achieving strong academic records.

The dean’s list recognizes full-time undergraduate students who earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher. The president’s list honors students who earn a 4.0 GPA. Graduate students and part-time undergraduates are not eligible.

SHERIFF’S LUNCHEON RESCHEDULED

STEUBENVILLE — The bi-monthly luncheon hosted by Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr. has been rescheduled for noon Friday.

All Jefferson County veterans are invited to attend. The luncheon will be held at the county detention center, 16001 state Route 7 North, Steubenville.

For more information, call 740-283-8600.

FOLLANSBEE MEETING CHANGED

FOLLANSBEE — City meetings originally scheduled for Thursday have been moved to 6 p.m. Monday.

All board members are being notified, according to Mayor Scott McMahon.

EASTERN OHIO CORRECTION CENTER MEETING

WINTERSVILLE — The Facility Governance Board of the Eastern Ohio Correction Center will meet at 11 a.m. July 10 at the facility, 470 state Route 43.

STEEL VALLEY TRANSIT BOARD MEETING

STEUBENVILLE — The Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority will hold its regular board meeting at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the Robert J. Cutri Modal Center in Steubenville.

OHIO EMA PILOT PROJECT LAUNCHED

JEFFERSON COUNTY — The Ohio Emergency Management Agency has launched a pilot project in Jefferson County aimed at strengthening emergency communications and improving preparedness during large-scale disasters or extended power outages.

The initiative will deploy generators equipped with Starlink satellite internet systems across the county to help maintain communication services and support critical medical needs during outages, including refrigeration of medications and operation of medical devices.

The project is funded through the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA and Homeland Security grant dollars and is a partnership between the Ohio EMA and Jefferson County EMA.

” As threats to critical infrastructure continue to evolve, it is essential that communities have the tools needed to remain safe, connected and resilient,” said Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick. “This pilot project represents a proactive and cooperative effort to protect the health and well-being of Jefferson County residents during emergencies.”

For more information, contact Jerry Mullins, Ohio EMA resilience administrator, at jmmullins@dps.ohio.gov.

AMERICA 250-OHIO LAUNCHES MERCHANDISE WEBSITE

COLUMBUS — America 250-Ohio has announced the launch of its official merchandise website, giving Ohioans and visitors a new way to celebrate and support the state’s commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.

The online shop features commemorative items designed to highlight Ohio pride and the nation’s semiquincentennial, including apparel such as T-shirts, hoodies and hats, along with branded merchandise tied to themes of history, innovation and community.

Limited-edition products also are available through partnerships, including a Johnson’s Real Ice Cream “Red, White & Blueberry” flavor, branded Kast Iron Soda Works cans and a co-branded beer with Columbus Brewing Co.

“America’s 250th birthday is a once-in-a-generation moment, and these fun products are unique mementos for Ohioans to celebrate this milestone in our history,” said Todd Kleismit, executive director of America 250-Ohio. “In addition to being a memorable way for Ohioans to show their pride, the merchandise also helps fund meaningful programs and experiences that will bring our communities together throughout this historic celebration.”

Proceeds from merchandise sales will support America 250-Ohio programming, including educational initiatives, community events and statewide celebrations throughout 2026.

New items will be added to the site as they become available.

FORT STEUBEN OFFERS FREE ADMISSION TO MILITARY FAMILIES

STEUBENVILLE — Historic Fort Steuben is participating in the 2026 Blue Star Museums program, providing free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and up to five family members through Labor Day.

The program, a partnership among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and the Department of Defense, began May 16 and includes participating museums, historic sites, zoos, aquariums and botanical gardens nationwide.

Paul Zuros, executive director of Historic Fort Steuben, said the site is proud to welcome military families and honor the service of those currently serving in the armed forces.

Eligible participants must present a valid military identification card. A complete list of participating museums is available at arts.gov/BlueStarMuseums.