James Eric Hovermale 1969-2023 James Eric “Jimmy” Hovermale, age 53, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., died on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born December 18, 1969 in McConnellsburg, Pa., he is survived by his father, James Ray Hovermale and his wife, Teresa of Berkeley[Read More…]
Author: editor
TSgt. John Allen Hook
TSgt. John Allen Hook 1949-2023 TSgt. John Allen Hook, (U.S. Air Force Ret.), 74, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 16, 2023 while under the care of the Hospice of the Panhandle, Kearneysville, W.Va. Born on January 15, 1949 in Havre de Grace,[Read More…]
Chronicles of The Messenger from the Buzzerd archives
The late Warren Buzzerd compiled a history of his family’s newspaper for inclusion in the Morgan County Historical and Genealogical Society’s book “Morgan County, West Virginia and its people,” which was published in 1981. We reprint it as he wrote it that year. The Morgan Messenger was established November 16,[Read More…]
Early-year school data uncovers areas of growth, ongoing need to raise student skills to grade level
by Kate Evans Morgan County Schools Elementary Education Director Kandy Pentoney and Secondary Education Director Beth Golden discussed elementary and secondary school “beginning of the year” benchmark test data at the October 17 Morgan County School Board meeting. Many grades saw improvement and secondary scores increased 2% from last year.[Read More…]
OPINION: Mountain Musings — The ties that bind us
by Kate Evans We’re celebrating the 130th anniversary of The Morgan Messenger and I was asked to share some thoughts on that. I’ve been writing for The Morgan Messenger for 23 years now, since the end of January, 2000, along with periodic stories for The Hancock News over the years.[Read More…]
Debt of gratitude was theme at Legion’s Veterans’ Day ceremony
by Lisa Schauer Alderton-Dawson American Legion Post 60 hosted its annual Veteran’s Day ceremony on Saturday, November 11 in Berkeley Springs. Amid rousing patriotic speeches, anthems, and solum ceremonies, Americans gathered to pay respect and give gratitude to all members of the five military branches who have served or are[Read More…]
Berkeley Springs’ historic train depot reopened in public celebration
by Lisa Schauer Council members from the Town of Bath joined with Morgan County Commissioners and other dignitaries to commemorate the grand opening of Berkeley Springs’ historic train depot on Veterans’ Day, Saturday, November 11. Food trucks, vendors, live music, and a bounce house greeted guests at the opening event.[Read More…]
Teen Court benefits all involved, say judge, prosecutor and teens
by Kate Evans Editor’s note: This is the second part of a two-part article on Morgan County’s Teen Court program Morgan County Prosecuting Attorney Dan James said that cases he considers for Morgan County Teen Court are non-violent, first time offenders. Cases can include underage use of tobacco, possession of[Read More…]
Town parking meter decorations to begin November 24, will last five weeks
by Trish Rudder The “Deck the Meters” project will begin the day after Thanksgiving, on Friday, November 24 and will be overseen by the Town of Bath instead of the local Chamber of Commerce. At the November 7 Bath Town Council meeting, Mayor Scott Merki said the Chamber turned the[Read More…]
Legislators & school board discuss state mandates, skill gaps & staff shortages
by Kate Evans West Virginia Senator Charles Trump, State House of Representatives Delegates George Miller and Darren Thorne and Governor Jim Justice’s Eastern Panhandle Representative Daryl Cowles attended the November 7 Morgan County School Board meeting’s legislative work session to discuss areas of concern to the school system and to[Read More…]
