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Letters to the Editor

Marietta’s gas aggregation

I was doing an annual review of my natural gas bills recently and came across some interesting facts that I suspect very few Marietta residents know. In 2024, the City of Marietta entered into a municipal natural gas aggregation agreement with Eastern Power and Gas that was supposed to provide residents with a fixed price of $3.85 per MCF. Eastern subsequently told the city it could no longer perform under that contract. In March 2025, Marietta City Council approved an amendment that ultimately replaced our fixed-price protection with a variable rate tied to Enbridge's monthly Standard ...

Elks National Americanism Essay Contest 2026

Building on the success of last year, Marietta Elks Lodge #477 is proud to offer all Washington County students in grades 5,6,7 and 8 the opportunity to compete in the 2026 Elks National Americanism Essay Contest. We are more excited than ever to invite you to participate this year, as last year several of our Lodge’s local winners took first place at the District Level, competed at the State level for all of Ohio, and we are proud to have our first ever National First Place Winner, in the 5th grade Division. This year, the topic for the essays will be “Explain a Constitutional ...

Questions regarding data center in Waterford Township

The Washington County Commissioners signed a NDA re: a data center in Waterford Township. I did not sign an NDA so I am going to share some information as well as my opinions, concerns and questions. Hashworks Powered Land Waterford LLC has assembled 449 acres of former farmland from two owners: Douglas McCutcheon (Waterford Township Trustee) and Eric Bauerbach. Mr. McCutcheon’s 275.1 acres were purchased for $20,000,000 while Mr. Bauerbach’s 173.9 acres sold for $8,796,760. Another parcel of land has been purchased by Hashworks for $1,113,500.00. These prices are certainly not ...

Activate America

At a time when civic participation feels more important than ever, we each have a role to play in strengthening our democracy. Voting is one of the most direct and powerful ways individuals can make their voices heard, yet many eligible voters remain disengaged or unsure how to participate. If you are wondering how to make a tangible difference in getting Democrats elected to office, I encourage you to look into Activate America. Activate America (https://www.activateamerica.vote/) is a dedicated organization that empowers volunteers to reach out directly to voters in crucial swing ...

First Congregational Church celebrating 230 years

While our country is celebrating its 250th birthday the First Congregational Church, in Marietta, is celebrating the 230th year of its founding. The Congregational Church at Marietta was organized December 6th, 1796, with the creation of an organization called the First Religious Society. It was composed of members residing in Marietta, Belpre, Waterford and Vienna, VIrginia. Rev. Daniel Story served as its first ordained minister. On August 22, 2026 the second in a series of free programs, focusing on early leaders in Marietta, will be held at First Congregational Church, 318 Front ...

Letter to the Editor: See something say something

When Roger Kalter spoke as a long-time citizen and one time councilman of Marietta about someone cutting down a tree at Knox Park and another person pouring a driveway that encroaches on the park property, he was openly mocked by some members of the present city council. Many years ago, Roger got permission to put a raised bed flower garden in the park in his mother’s memory. Paid for and built by Roger. He also paid for a city water hook up to help maintain the flower bed. That hook up also served as a watering place for people walking their dogs. As citizens of this country, we are ...