🌱 Superintendent Hampton's Contract + Gas Prices Up By 9 Cents

Hello, neighbors! Dan Casarella here with a fresh edition of the Marietta Daily.

First, today's weather:

Rain; some ice early. High: 40 Low: 37.

Here are the top three stories today in Marietta:

1. In a special meeting on Tuesday, the Marietta City Board of Education voted 3-2 to approve a new contract for Superintendent Will Hampton. The two-year contract, valid from Aug. 1, 2022 to Jul. 31, 2024, will reflect a zero percent raise in the first year and a 2.25 percent raise in the second year. (Marietta Times)
2. According to AAA East Central's Gas Price Report, the average price of gasoline across South Central Ohio has risen nine cents from last week. The average South Central Ohio gas price is $3.357 cents per gallon, while Marietta's average is $3.382 per gallon. The report notes that the potential invasion of Ukraine by Russia is having a rippling effect on the oil market. (Highland County Press)
3. Due to hardships from the pandemic, a longtime local bookstore is shuttering its doors for good. Paperback Palace in Vienna, just a short drive from Marietta, has offered customers books at bargain prices since 2004. According to the owner, all used books will be sold for one dollar until the store closes next week; any remaining products will be donated to local organizations. (WTAP-TV)

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Today in Marietta:

• Home Defense Fundamentals - Freedom Gate Church (Friday, Feb. 25 at 6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Marietta's Public Works Department crews have been hard at work cleaning up river water and debris across the city. (Facebook)
• Meet Memorial Health System's Volunteer of the Month, Barbara Martin! Learn more about Martin and volunteer opportunities with Memorial Health. (Facebook)
• Start digging out those puzzles and counting pieces to get ready for the upcoming puzzle exchange at the Marietta Branch of the Washington County Library! Puzzle drop-off is Thursday, Mar. 3 and Friday, Mar. 4 during regular library hours. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon!

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.