Hall Competency Hearing + Marietta Update + New Anti Hazing Law

Good morning, Marietta! Let's get you started this Wednesday with everything you need to know going on today. Here are the most important things happening today in town.

First, what the next three days of weather look like:

• Wednesday: Isolated thunderstorms. High of 89, low of 70.
• Thursday: Thunderstorms. High of 82, low of 68.
• Friday: Scattered thunderstorms. High of 81, low of 61.

Marietta historical tidbit of the day:

Marietta had a diverse political landscape in the early 1900s. There had been a small but vocal Socialist party represented in Marietta since before World War I. In 1921, a woman ran on the Socialist ticket for Washington County Commissioner. That year there were Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and Socialists represented on the ballot citywide. Socialist speaker Norman Thomas made an appearance at Marietta College in 1933 and was reportedly well recieved. The Marietta Times reported that "he made a fine impression."

Cheapest gas in town:

• Go Mart on Pike Street, $3.09
• Speedway on Second Street, $3.09
• Marathon on Gilman Avenue, $3.09
• Marathon on State Route 7, $3.09
• The Loading Zone in Williamstown, $3.09

For a full list click here.

The average gas price in Ohio today is $3.04

Here are the top stories in Marietta today:

1. Nick Hall's attorney Jack Blakeslee has filed a motion for a competency hearing. The alleged serial bomb threat caller will be evaluated to see if he's fit to stand trial. (WTAP)
2. Marietta Mayor Josh Schlicher gives his weekly update. The Washington Street playground project is back on, and the city is suing the engineers of the river trail project, the Boley Building is set to be demolished. (Patch)
3. Ohio's new anti-hazing law will up the penalties for hazing by student organizations like fraternities and sororities. Certain violations will now be felonies, like coercing another to consume alcohol or drugs as a part of the initiation. Governor Mike DeWine signed the bill into law yesterday. (Statehouse News)
4. Three people were injured in a Belpre house fire. The fire broke out Sunday morning at the Bennett Tax Services offices on Washington Boulevard. A firefighter was injured after a ceiling collapsed. One person was treated for smoke inhalation, another person was also treated for injuries sustained at the scene. (The Marietta Times)
5. The Ohio State Highway Patrol has released their 4th Of July weekend numbers. There were no traffic fatalities in Washington County. (Patch)

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Events today in Marietta

• Virtual History Camp: Reconstructing America 1880 – 1900 (9:30 AM)

Upcoming events:

• Music in the park Marietta. Thursday, June 8 at 7:00. Details here.
• Lock cruise tour. A tour of the local lock system from the Valley Gem Sternwheeler on Friday at 4:30 p.m. Details here.
• Historic Harmar Ghost Trek on Friday at 8 p.m. Details here.
• Pre-academy PT testing for Peace Officer Basic Academy for the fall semester of Washington State Community College. Saturday morning, 9 a.m., at Williamstown High School. Details here.
• The Washington County Library is hosting the Oglebay Zoo. Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. Details here.
• Marietta Main Street will be hosting a DORA bar crawl. The Explora the DORA Bar Crawl is on Saturday, July 10 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Details here.
• Jake Dunn and the Blackbirds will be playing the Adelphia on July 10. Details here.
• Marietta Main Street will be hosting their Second Sunday event this Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. downtown. Details here.

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you tomorrow morning for your next update. If you're into these newsletters, consider bringing some more friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Christopher Schmitt

About me: Hey there, I'm the community publisher for Patch.com/marietta. I've lived in Marietta for most of my life. I graduated from Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism in 2014. I wrote for a community newspaper before moving to New York to be a national correspondent for IHeartRadio. I'm looking forward to bringing my experience back home with me and providing Marietta with the outstanding journalism she deserves. You can email me at christopher.schmitt@patch.com or call me at 740-516-4969.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Marietta Daily? I'm all ears. You can reach me at marietta-oh@patch.com.