🌱 County Approves 2023 Budget + Dental Office Hosts Giveaway

Hello, neighbors! It's Saturday in Marietta and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community today.

But first, today's weather:

Mild with rain at times. High: 55 Low: 41.

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Here are the top three stories today in Marietta:

1. Washington County Commissioners approved the county budget for 2023 on Thursday. The budget included a four percent employee pay increase as well as funds to renovate 311 Third St. in Marietta. The budget total for 2023 was approved at around $21 million. (Subscription: The Marietta Times)
2. A local Marietta dental office is offering residents in the Mid-Ohio valley a chance to win up to $10,000 in dental services. Family Tree Dental's Gift of a Smile giveaway contest is open for entries until Jan. 5. Those who are interested can enter online or in person. (WTAP)
3. The Wood County Sheriff's Office down the road in Parkersburg received a $2,500 grant to support its K-9 unit. The grant was an award for winning a country-wide K-9 competition where people could vote for their favorite K-9 department. (WTAP)

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Today in Marietta:

• New Year's Eve Celebration At The Lafayette (8:00 PM)
• Midnight Masquerade At Riviera At The Valley Gem (9:00 PM)
• New Year's Eve Masquerade At The Adelphia Music Hall (9:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Are you looking for a new furry family member to bring into your home this upcoming new year? The Humane Society of the Ohio Valley has many adorable pets waiting for adoption, like eight-month-old Butterscotch who was recently surrendered by her owner. (Humane Society of the Ohio Valley - HSOV via Facebook)
• Even though 2022 is about to draw to a close, there are many events up and coming in downtown Marietta for the New Year! Here's a rundown of activities you can expect in the coming months in Marietta to kick off 2023, including an Ice Festival on Saturday, Jan. 14. (Marietta Main Street via Facebook)
• The Marietta/Belpre Health Department encourages county residents to get themselves tested for STIs. They're no shame in knowing your status and making sure you're healthy and safe! The health department offers STI testing and resources on how to learn more about the different types of STIs. (Marietta/Belpre Health Department via Facebook)

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Events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (January 3)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. Happy New Year!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.