The local signals should be easy to receive using a fairly compact antenna that would be within the capacity limits of a J-pole mount. I would consider an Antennas Direct DB4E facing SE if I was only interested in the locals.
To add some of the distant signals to your lineup, step up to a DB8E. Be prepared to experiment with mounting height and location. Distant reception may depend on using a more substantial mast, capable of putting the antenna further up. Test reception before drilling any holes.
I'd also consider the option to build two independent antenna systems. One for local and the second for DX reception. I'd likely opt for an auxiliary tuner for terminating the separately cabled DX antenna system.
http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=2882
A premium DX option would be the Winegard HD7698P, Antennacraft HBU-55 or the combination of an Antennas Direct DB8E or 91XG + Antennacraft Y10713. To get maximum use from the DX array, I'd even consider adding a rotator, presuming the other viewers in the house would be content with the local antenna feed most of the time.
For local reception, no amplifier should be needed. For DX work, the RCA TVPRAMP1R preamplifier is a solid performer that tolerates a mix of strong and weak signals.