Pinewood Derby a cherished tradition

March 9, 2026

It’s hard to beat traditions such as the annual Kootaga District Pinewood Derby, which brings Scouting families together in a competitive tradition that has been sustained since the 1950s. Late last month, at West Virginia University at Parkersburg, this year’s event featured more than 50 Scouts and family members. “Pinewood Derby racing started in 1955. That’s been a key part of Scouting for a long time,” said John Shepard, Kootaga District race chairman. “Cub Scouts can race at the pack level in their individual groups, and then this is an opportunity for them to all come ...

Think carefully, don’t spread rumors

March 7, 2026

Political and military turmoil sets us all on edge — and there is no doubt the events of the last several years combined with the pervasive nature of social media already have our collective mental health and ability to interact with one another civilly in a fragile state. Wood County Sheriff Rick Woodyard was right to try to get ahead of fears that surfaced after U.S. strikes against Iran. “First and foremost, there is currently no credible or verified threat specific to our county. We remain in regular communication with our local, state, and federal partners, and we receive ...

Form group to study data centers

March 6, 2026

Forget about whether industrial solar arrays should be permitted on farmland, this year’s hot-button issue is the explosive growth of data centers — the space they take, the water they use, the noise they make and the energy they consume. It is good, then, that Ohio lawmakers voted this week to advance a proposal that would create a commission to study data centers. If you’re wondering why that didn’t happen long ago, you’re not alone. But better late than never. Assuming the commission is formed, however, those involved must have a sense of urgency about what many in Ohio ...

Workforce support effort should pick up speed

March 5, 2026

Disappointing as much of it is, there is some work being done in Washington, D.C., that will actually make a difference for the rest of us. Ohioans, in fact, can point to the Employer-Directed Skills Act, introduced by U.S. Sens. Ted Budd, R-N.C., and Bill Cassidy, R-La. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, says he has joined the effort, which would help employees get the training they need for in-demand skills that meet workforce needs. There is also a component that would help employers find potential employees based on their participation in training programs. “As Ohio continues to ...

Follow fire rules

March 4, 2026

When we skip ahead an hour at 2 a.m. Sunday, that spring forward on the clocks will not be the only reminder we are moving toward brighter, warmer (Soon? We hope? Please?) weather. Forestry officials across our region are reminding us we have also entered the spring fire ban season. From March 1 through May 31 in both West Virginia and Ohio, there are prohibitions on outdoor burning. Ohio’s Division of Forestry says the ban is between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. In West Virginia, the restriction is between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. No, not even in a proper burn barrel. There are other ...

Wonderful effort gets real results

March 3, 2026

Each year, Mid-Ohio Valley residents get a reminder of the deep community commitment to trying to tackle the problem of food insecurity in our region. Over the weekend, the 26th annual Empty Bowls of the Mid-Ohio Valley Luncheon again gave attendees an opportunity to help raise money for food pantries in Marietta, Williamstown, Parkersburg and Belpre. It’s a small part of a global effort Caroline Putnam, a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Marietta, learned about back in 2000. After finding out about Michigan potters who made bowls to be filled with soup to combat ...