As Mayor of Ripley, I am honored to serve a community defined by its resilience, tradition, and strong sense of belonging. Ripley stands as a proud symbol of smalltown West Virginia, where families support one another, where heritage is valued, and where progress is pursued with purpose and respect.
Our city’s location in the Appalachian foothills provides both natural beauty and strategic opportunity. Ripley’s position along major transportation routes and its role as the county seat make it a central hub for commerce, education, and community life in Jackson County. We continue to build on these strengths by supporting responsible growth, encouraging local investment, and maintaining the welcoming character that defines our city.
Education, healthcare, and public safety remain central priorities. Ripley’s schools and educators work tirelessly to prepare our students for success, while our healthcare professionals provide trusted, high quality care to residents throughout the region. Together, these institutions form the foundation of a community where families can thrive.
Ripley is also known for its vibrant civic spirit. From longstanding traditions to new initiatives, our city offers a wide range of activities, businesses, and cultural experiences that reflect the energy and pride of our residents. Whether you are visiting for the first time or have lived here your entire life, Ripley is a place where you are welcomed and valued.
As Mayor, I am committed, alongside our City Council, to strengthening our city through transparent leadership, responsible stewardship, and a continued focus on community wellbeing. Ripley’s future is bright, and I am proud to work alongside our citizens to ensure that our city remains a place of opportunity, stability, and hometown pride. Welcome to Ripley, West Virginia.
Notes and Updates
July 17, 2026 As we move through the heart of summer here in Ripley, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made together and the opportunities ahead. Our community continues to demonstrate the values that define us, hard work, hospitality, and a commitment to making Ripley a place we are proud to call home.
Over the past several weeks, our city teams have been focused on strengthening essential services, improving infrastructure, and preparing for upcoming seasonal events. Street maintenance crews are completing scheduled repairs across several neighborhoods, and our parks staff is working diligently to ensure our public spaces remain clean, safe, and welcoming for families and visitors.
I am especially proud of the continued engagement from residents, businesses, and civic organizations. Whether it’s supporting local youth sports, volunteering at community events, or participating in public meetings, your involvement is what keeps Ripley strong. Our city government works best when we work together, and your voice matters in every decision we make.
Looking ahead, we will be sharing updates on several initiatives, including downtown revitalization efforts, public safety enhancements, and long term planning for growth and development. These projects are designed to support both the needs of today and the vision we share for Ripley’s future.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. It is an honor to serve as your Mayor, and I remain committed to ensuring that Ripley thrives, economically, socially, and civically. Let’s keep moving forward, together.
Richard H Gobble II Mayor City of Ripley
From the Mayor’s Desk – July/August Update Greetings Ripley residents, I hope each of you and your loved ones are doing well. Council and I are off and running in our first month in office, and I am pleased to share several updates on the work underway throughout our community.
Community Collaboration & Ongoing Projects We continue to work collaboratively with the Beautification Committee, the Convention & Visitors Bureau, Main Street Ripley, and the Jackson County Commission on multiple projects aimed at enhancing both our city and county. These partnerships are vital as we move forward with improvements that benefit all residents.
Scoops & Smiles - Harris & Holmes Community Gathering Harris & Holmes recently hosted a heartwarming Scoops & Smiles event, and it proved to be a shining example of Ripley’s strong community spirit. Even in the summer heat, families, friends, and neighbors came together to enjoy fellowship, ice cream, and genuine connection.
One of the most meaningful parts of the day was its simplicity- no cell phones, no distractions, just people talking, laughing, and being present with one another. Despite the high temperatures, not a single complaint was heard. Instead, the atmosphere was filled with positivity, kindness, and the smalltown togetherness that makes Ripley special.
Events like Scoops & Smiles remind us how important it is to slow down, enjoy each other’s company, and appreciate the moments that bring our community closer. We extend our appreciation to Harris & Holmes for creating such a welcoming and uplifting experience for everyone.
Free Pool & Popsicles Day - A Big Day of Fun for Kids and Families! Saturday, August 15 • 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Get ready for a fun filled afternoon at the Ripley City Pool! This special day is all about kids, families, and hands-on activities everyone can enjoy together.
A huge thank you to The Farmer’s Friend - Cinda Francis, who is generously providing free popsicles for all children. Her kindness and community spirit help make this day even more special.
Kids will have the chance to meet local heroes up close, explore real equipment, and learn through handson demonstrations from:
Ripley Police Department K9 Unit - Watch the dogs in action and learn how they help keep our community safe.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Department - Meet officers and check out their gear.
West Virginia State Police - See their vehicles and talk with troopers.
Ripley Volunteer Fire Department - Handson experience with engines and the ladder truck.
JCEMS - Explore an ambulance and learn about emergency care.
Jackson County 911 Center - Discover how emergency calls are handled.
Jackson County Health Department - Kidfriendly health and safety activities.
Explorers Children’s Museum - Cheryl Miller – Fun, interactive learning stations and engaging activities for kids and families.
This event is designed to bring families together, encourage kids to explore, and give parents a chance to join in the fun. From swimming and popsicles to handson demonstrations, it will be a great day for all ages.
Ripley Event Committee & CVB - Upcoming Regional Events We are blessed to have dedicated individuals and volunteers in our community who are always ready to help when called upon. I encourage all of you to consider getting involved. We have strong leaders-Kelly Adcock (Main Street Ripley), Brenda Mobley (CVB), Linda Dickerson (Beautification Committee), and our Event Committee-who work tirelessly to make Ripley shine.
This is true TEAM work, and your city leadership believes wholeheartedly that we are all in this together for the betterment of our community. A variety of events are scheduled from July 31 through the end of the year, including: July 31-August 2: Ohio River Festival August 8: WV Modern Quilt Guild at Cedar Lakes September 11: Heroes Parade & Cookout; Mothman Event October: Spooktacular Event in Ripley November 11: Veterans Day Parade November 28: Shop Small Ripley December 5: Jingle Mingle Village & Christmas Parade
More details will be available in the newspaper, on the Ripley CVB Facebook page, and on the City of Ripley Facebook page.
City Staff Updates
Our city staff has been extremely busy with multiple tasks and projects aimed at improving and enhancing Ripley. Their dedication and hard work continue to move our community forward, and we are grateful for their commitment. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to strengthen Ripley and build a bright future for our residents. May God Bless, Richard H. Gobble II Mayor, City of Ripley
Letter to the Citizen's About the Flooding 08/18/2026
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08/29/2026 Ripley Community Update – Past Several Weeks Over the past few weeks, Ripley has been moving forward with the steady, determined progress that defines our community. As summer begins to wind down, our city teams, local partners, and residents have all played a role in strengthening Ripley’s momentum and preparing for the months ahead. City Operations & Infrastructure Our public works crews have been hard at work addressing street repairs across several neighborhoods. These improvements though sometimes inconvenient in the moment are essential to keeping our roads safe, reliable, and ready for increased fall traffic. We’ve also continued drainage and stormwater assessments in areas affected by recent heavy rains. While long‑term solutions take time, we are committed to making measurable progress and keeping residents informed as plans develop. City facilities have undergone routine maintenance, including updates at the parks, playgrounds, and public buildings. These efforts ensure that our shared spaces remain clean, welcoming, and ready for families, visitors, and community events. Community Engagement & Events Ripley’s spirit has been on full display. Local organizations have hosted youth sports tournaments, charity events, and summer gatherings that bring people together and strengthen our sense of community. I’ve had the privilege of attending several of these activities, and I continue to be inspired by the dedication of our volunteers, coaches, and civic groups. Our businesses large and small have also shown resilience and creativity. Many have participated in promotional weekends, back‑to‑school initiatives, and community partnerships that support both economic growth and local families. Public Safety & Preparedness Ripley’s police, fire, and emergency teams have remained focused on readiness and community outreach. Over the past few weeks, they’ve conducted training exercises, updated equipment, and engaged with residents at public events. Their commitment to professionalism and service is one of our city’s greatest strengths. Looking Ahead As we transition into fall, several initiatives will take center stage:
Continued infrastructure improvements
Planning for seasonal events and festivals
Advancing downtown revitalization discussions
Strengthening partnerships with local businesses and organizations
Each of these efforts reflects our shared vision for a thriving, connected, and forward‑looking Ripley. A Message to Our Residents I want to thank every resident who has offered feedback, volunteered time, supported local events, or simply shown kindness to a neighbor. Ripley succeeds because its people care about each other, about our future, and about the values that make our city special. It remains an honor to serve as your Mayor. Together, we will continue building a community that reflects the best of who we are. Respectfully, MayorRichard H. Gobble II
