Pictured are Josslyn Allman, alternate; Hunter Jones, Runner-up; and Melody Shuler, Champion.

Putnam County Schools kicked off the 2023 academic event season with the county spelling bee at Buffalo High School on Thursday, January 12th. This year’s bee was a return to the traditional norm in that participants met face to face. Putnam’s spelling bees have been conducted virtually since the beginning of the pandemic.

Melody Shuler of Mountain View Elementary in Teays Valley correctly…