News

Discovery World to host free Back-to-School Bash, unveil book vending machine

Local News July 31, 2026

PARKERSBURG — Discovery World on Market will hold its fourth annual Back-to-School Bash from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1. Admission to the event will be free through sponsorship from WV Central Federal Credit Union. Activities will include a bounce house, face painting by Veritas Classical Academy, balloon animals, oversized board games, music and vendors. Visitors also can register to win back-to-school door prizes. The event will include the unveiling of a book vending machine funded by The Spartan Foundation and placed at Discovery World through a partnership with Wood ...

Around Town

Local News July 31, 2026

Oak Grove Fire and EMS ice cream social The Oak Grove Fire and EMS will be holding its annual ice cream social from 4-9 p.m. Saturday at the fire station, 102 Oak Grove Lane, Marietta. Guests can look forward to barbecue chicken dinners, hot dogs, sloppy joes, pizza, ice cream and desserts. The event will feature the band, Plan B, inflatables, barrel rides for kids and a country store. Blood drive Parkersburg Moose Lodge #1118 is hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, at 1 Moose Lane, Parkersburg (behind Napoli’s off Dupont Road in south Parkersburg). Twenty ...

Washington County Commissioners to declare disaster in the county following three confirmed tornadoes

Local News July 31, 2026

MARIETTA - The Washington County Commissioners passed a motion to draft a proclamation declaring an emergency in the county following last week’s storm damage. During the regular commission meeting Thursday, Washington County Emergency Management Director Rich Hays said there were ...

Junior Players present adaptation of 'Red Riding Hood'

Local News July 30, 2026

A 1950s-inspired reimagining of a classic fairy tale hits the stage of the Mid-Ohio Valley Player’s Friday with the Junior Players production of “Doo-Wop Wed Widing Hood.” Three young princes, Wise Prince Jason, Strong Prince Justin and Loud Prince Frank have decided that they want to ...

Measles case confirmed in unvaccinated Barbour County, W.Va., resident

Local News July 30, 2026

BARBOUR COUNTY - A measles case was confirmed in an unvaccinated Barbour County resident Tuesday, according to a release from the West Virginia Department of Health. Information provided by State Health Officer Mark McDaniel said officials are working with the Barbour County Health Department on the case to identify contact tracing. The Department of Health has not identified any evidence of widespread community exposure. Regardless, Barbour County clinicians have been notified and asked to monitor patients with symptoms that could resemble measles. According to the release, West ...

Smoot schedules ensemble auditions

Life July 30, 2026

The Smoot Theatre vocal ensembles have scheduled auditions for next year’s groups. Auditions will be 4 p.m. Aug. 4 and 5 for the Children’s Chorus for boys and girls who will be in grades 4, 5 and 6 next year; the Girls Ensemble for girls in grade 7 and up and the Boys Ensemble for boys ...