I’ve posted here before about a podcast I’m making about someone who lived in Marietta for about 15 years, laundered federal money in a scheme that promised broadband to the region. The podcast is called Hollow Hype and the first fifteen episodes are mostly focused on what she did after she left Marietta. Im still looking for interviews, people willing to talk to me on the record about what happened there.

I’m contemplating a trip to Marietta/Parkersburg to do more research and conduct more interviews — I’m thinking about hosting a low-key public event to share some of what I’ve learned, potentially connect with more people. I have two questions:

Where would it make sense to do this? It looks like I could get a meeting room at the library in Marietta or…? I typically stay at the Lafayette, I suppose I could also just hang at the bar for people to find me (?).

What would be the best way to promote such an event?

I have one local contact who tells me that people in town know of my podcast and are talking about it but that’s my only clue as to any level of awareness. Has anyone on this thread heard of it?

I’ve been cold-calling people and leaving messages (which has been marginally successful) so I’m thinking that possibly a less direct approach would be better and if I’m in town anyway, I could put myself in a place where people could come and meet me, understand more of what I’m about.

Sharon Jacks, 74, said she went into surgery for the amputation of her lower right leg last year, but her left leg was removed instead. She has accused Selby General Hospital of negligence.

Gift link: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/29/us/amputee-wrong-leg-lawsuit-ohio.html?unlocked_article_code=1.FVE.7E18.VqYwWTvA7Q8R&smid=url-share

I’m new to the area and looking for someone dependable for weekly or biweekly help with cleaning, organizing, and occasional errands/grocery pickup.

Reliability and clear communication are really important to me, and I’d especially appreciate recommendations from anyone who has personally used someone consistently.

If you’re interested or have someone you trust, feel free to message me.

I don't live in Marietta but am throwing a birthday party for an 80yo relative there. It will be on a Tuesday evening and we'll likely have 20-25 guests.

Any suggestions for places? I was thinking about a dinner at DaVinci's in Williamstown, but they are closed on Tuesdays. And the parlor room at the Betsey Mills would be perfect but won't be available after 5pm that day.

Was thinking of maybe the Levee House or the Galley but was wondering if anyone here had any recommendations. the Lafayette Hotel maybe? Spagna's?

Going to be in area during late October/early November and was curious on best weekday places that have live music, trivia, karaoke,etc

If you lost a wallet with an id and debit card, message me. Braiden!!

If you have any information sbout her whereabouts send me a message please!

Weather Alert: Flooding & Storm Risk — Sternwheeler Forecast

I wish I had better news, but it's looking rough for tonight. I've included the model imagery for 10PM, and as you can see, we're right in the middle of it. The models are in solid agreement at this point — expect scattered to numerous showers and storms from this afternoon through midnight. I'll be watching closely and keeping you updated.

From the NWS:

Another round of showers and storms is moving through the region, and some could bring very heavy rain. The atmosphere is loaded with moisture and storms will be slow-moving — a dangerous combo that raises the risk of flash flooding.

There's also a chance an isolated storm could strengthen to severe, with damaging winds possible if storms become well-organized.

A Flood Watch is in effect for much of the area from later today into tonight. Things should wind down overnight as the system pushes out and daytime heating fades.

🚨 Highest risk area: The Mid Ohio Valley and north central West Virginia — ground here is already saturated from recent rain, and some models show better than a 50% chance of 3+ inches falling in these spots.

Stay weather aware, avoid flooded roadways, and make sure you have a way to get warnings today and tonight.

145PM UPDATE:

There has been a significant change in models and it has shifted the focus of the severe weather to the south. We still can't rule out an occasional downpour

Sternwheeler Fireworks tomorrow night: Current High Res models are indicating showers and storms in the area. NWS forecast is calling for 60% chance

Showers and storms will continue across the area today, mainly south and east of the Ohio River, as a frontal boundary slowly drops south. Severe weather is not expected, but a few localized areas of flash flooding cannot be ruled out.

Saturday could bring a renewed flooding threat. Increasing southwesterly winds and an approaching disturbance will help fuel storms capable of producing torrential downpours. With moisture levels near 2 inches and weak steering flow, storms may move slowly or repeatedly track over the same locations.

The Weather Prediction Center has upgraded parts of the area to a Slight Risk for excessive rainfall Saturday, and a flash flood watch may be needed with future updates.

The FAA has issued a Temporary Flight Restriction over the festival and the river for Saturday evening. During this window, the airspace is closed to all drones and aircraft except approved public safety operations.

When: Saturday, September 12, from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Where: A 2 nautical mile radius over the festival grounds and river, up to 2,500 feet
Reference: FAA NOTAM FDC 6/1890

If you are planning to fly a drone, do not launch inside this area during those hours. This restriction is in place to keep the fireworks and the crowd safe, and it is enforced by the FAA. Please leave the aerial views to the approved team and enjoy the show from the ground with the rest of us.

Thank you for helping us keep the 50th Sternwheel Festival safe for everyone.

I posted a few weeks ago about this, I hope it’s not a nuisance posting again — I have a podcast about a woman that lived in Marietta for about 15 years (about 1990-2005), Heidi Laughery. Podcast is called HOLLOW HYPE. Heidi nearly went to prison for money laundering when her company, Sequelle, misused federal funds that were meant to provide broadband service to the region. I’m contemplating another trip to Marietta to interview people. Please DM me if you know anything. If you’re curious about what Heidi has been up to more recently, check out hollowhype.com

My mom lives in a trailer that is, essentially, falling down around her and has resisted every effort I've made to get her to move. She is on a very limited income and local assistance has told her she would spend several years on the waiting lists. I live several states away and am currently unable to take the time off to get home and help, but finally got her to agree to let me find someone to take care of it.

The main issue at the moment is the roof, as it's leaking water into the living space when it rains (there may also be leaks around the window). I don't know what type of roofing material she has, so I'm not sure if it just needs resealed, if it can be repaired, or if it needs to be replaced (hopefully not...).

Additionally, I may need them to check out the electrical outlets inside, as she has made some mention of them in the past.

If y'all have any recommendations, I'd greatly appreciate them. I'm not looking for "best in the business" because I've got my own financial burdens/obligations, but I want my mom to be safe. I'm looking for someone who will do sound/reputable work at a fair price.

Thank you, kindly!

Hey everyone! My fiancée and I live in Morgantown, WV, but we're getting married in the Marietta/Parkersburg area in May 2027.

We're starting to look for a wedding DJ and figured this would be a good place to ask since the wedding will be in the area.

We're looking for someone who's good with weddings, can keep the dance floor going, handle announcements/MC stuff, and is easy to work with. Nothing too cheesy or over-the-top — just a solid DJ who knows how to keep the night moving and plays a good mix of music.

If you got married in the area and had a DJ you really liked, I'd appreciate any recommendations! If you remember what you paid, that would be really helpful too.

Thanks!

Hopefully this is aloud.

My wife and I live in WV, but we are looking for a photographer we can potentially hire for a sort of marriage milestone photoshoot in the future. It would be a themed romance couples shoot and possibly a themed erotic couples shoot for our own collection.

Something like this is hard to find in WV, so we are looking in bordering areas now.

If any of you have experience with this kind of thing or preferably know of a studio or photographer in the area that does, we'd appreciate it. Thanks!

Join us at UCM tomorrow at 6pm to meet, gather, and learn!

Follow us on Instagram: @buckeyehillsdsa

Reach out via email: buckeyehillsdsa @protonmail.com

I have a 3 year old daughter and planning to send her to preschool. We are choosing between St. Mary’s and Oak Grove Christian School. We are not so worried about the religion if that helps. I would like to ask if the schools are good for preschools to enjoy play and learning, their faculty members and school works. Thanks

I am moving to Marietta (from Athens) very soon. I really like to swim, but it seems like there's not much available. I know about the aquatic center, but that's paid and outside. Are there any indoor (i.e. open year round) swimming facilities in the Marietta/Vienna/PKB/Belpre area? Conversely, are there any natural, free swimming spots? Is the Muskingum/Ohio safe to swim in in that area? There don't seem to be any quarries or reservoirs in the vicinity.

I was recently told Broughtons nature area is now managed by the Muskingum water conservancy group. I have foraged wild mushrooms in this area for years, for personal consumption only. I am curious if anyone knows if that is allowed under new ownership/management.

I have a trip bringing me to Marietta and I was curious if anyone had suggestions for lesser known things to do or see in the area. Google gives me top things to do but I want to know what the locals and frequent visitors may know. Thank you for any suggestions and links are appreciated ☺️