Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Marietta community remembers the life and legacy of Maribeth Browne

Also, don't miss New Year's Eve Glitter and Glow Dance Party on the Marietta Patch calendar

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Greetings Marietta! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Marietta community remembers the life and legacy of Maribeth Browne
  • Where you can donate winter gear to help Marietta’s homeless neighbors
  • Why AI-related child exploitation charges were dropped in Washington County

Also on today's calendar: Elks Hoop Shoot.

Find out what's happening in Mariettafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Mariettafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Wednesday: Cooler with clouds and sun, with a high of 42 and low of 38 degrees.
  • Thursday: Cloudy with areas of drizzle, temps: high: 49, low: 38.
  • Friday: Some rain and a thunderstorm, with a high of 60 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Mary Elizabeth Browne (patch.com) — Marietta is mourning the loss of longtime resident Maribeth Miller Browne, whose deep roots included St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a lifetime of kindness around downtown. Her family plans visitation at Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home and a Mass at St. Mary’s in early 2026. She is remembered for her faith, community spirit, and devotion to family.
   

2. Local community member making winter preparedness bags to help homeless population (wtap.com) — A Marietta woman involved with Compass Drug Court is assembling winter preparedness bags for local people experiencing homelessness and is asking residents to donate socks, gloves, and other warm items. You can drop off contributions at Reno Christian Church or at the Compass Drug Court office on the seventh floor of the Dime Bank Building in downtown Marietta. Her project aims to ease the cold-weather hardship for neighbors who lack basic winter gear.
   

3. Parkersburg man sentenced to 10 months for child exploitation material (wtap.com) — In Marietta’s Washington County courtroom, a Parkersburg man was sentenced to 10 months in prison and must register as a tier 1 sex offender after pleading guilty to illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material. Prosecutors sought a year while the defense requested six months, and the judge settled in between. Several AI-related charges were dropped because Ohio law does not yet cover them.
   

4. Washington County fairgrounds pauses year-round horse stall rentals for repairs (wtap.com) — Year-round horse stall rentals at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Marietta are being paused so the fair board can complete long-needed barn repairs and improvements. Nine current renters must move their horses and belongings out by December 31, though 4-H and junior fair horse projects and events will continue as usual. Residents with questions are invited to attend the board’s monthly public meetings.
   

5. Two workers die from injuries months after Ohio orphan well explosion (farmanddairy.com) — A worker originally from Marietta, Chris Pinkerton, has died from injuries suffered in an August orphan well explosion in Wayne National Forest in Washington County, underscoring safety concerns around Ohio’s well-plugging push. State investigators say improper well control and missing safety measures contributed to the blast, which killed two and injured four others, prompting industry groups to adjust training and raise support funds for affected families.
   

📸 Around Marietta

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Other local events
    Saturday January 3
  • Elks Hoop Shoot
    St. Mary Catholic School , 320 Marion St , Marietta
    9:00 am

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Pizza Hut posted a job opening for Hourly Assistant Manager in Marietta. Apply here.
  • Wendy's posted a job opening for Crew Member in Marietta. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Marietta here.

Ok Marietta! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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