Rita Maxine Farris 1937-2025 Rita Maxine Farris, age 88, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025 at her daughter’s home and while under the care of Hospice of the Panhandle. Born January 14, 1937 in Great Cacapon, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late, Elmer[Read More…]
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Valetta Jean Boudreau
Valetta Jean Boudreau 1955–2025 Valetta Jean Boudreau, age 69, of Berkeley Springs, passed away at the Hospice of the Panhandle on September 30 after experiencing a stroke. As the longtime manager of the Community Garden Market, she was a beloved friend, mentor, and mother figure to many. Born on October[Read More…]
Weather favors 50th Apple Butter Festival and crowds look for treats & treasures
by Lisa Schauer The sun was out on Saturday, October 11 as the parade stepped off at 9 a.m. for the 50th annual Apple Butter Festival in Berkeley Springs. The town was tidy and prepared for up to 30,000 visitors. The two-day festival did not disappoint, with a trolley system,[Read More…]
School board approves changes in teaching, service and coaching staff
In their regular meeting on September 16 and October 7, the Morgan County School Board approved personnel actions as presented below. Professional Personnel The Morgan County School Board accepted the following retirement: Ann Bell will retire as the Morgan County Schools Treasurer effective at the end of the day on[Read More…]
Air National Guardsmen memorialized at Decoy 81 dedication ceremony
by Lisa Schauer Thirty-three years to the day after their C-130 turboprop military transport aircraft struck power lines east of Berkeley Springs and fell from the sky, six Air National Guardsmen were memorialized in front of Morgan County Courthouse on Tuesday, October 7. The crew of “Decoy 81” from the[Read More…]
Morgan County Emergency Communication Center honored with two prestigious statewide awards
The Morgan County Emergency Communication Center has been named the 2025 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP)/911 Center of the Year by the West Virginia Enhanced 911 Council. This recognition celebrates the center’s outstanding service, innovation, and dedication to public safety across the state of West Virginia. In addition to this[Read More…]
Town of Bath unveils “Fabulous Façade” grant program
by Lisa Schauer Town of Bath Mayor Greg Schene introduced a new grant program for business and commercial property owners at the Bath town council meeting on Tuesday, October 7. Intended to support the town’s beautification goals, the “Fabulous Façade” grant program reimburses owners up to $2,500 on a $5,000[Read More…]
Tricks & Treats
The Town of Bath will have Trick-or-Treating in downtown Berkeley Springs on Friday, October 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. Residents or businesses who want to invite trick or treaters to visit them should leave a porch light on. The Town of Paw Paw traditionally holds their Trick or Treating[Read More…]
The Morgan Messenger wins General Excellence award at West Virgina Press Association annual banquet
Morgan Messenger owner and publisher Todd Buzzerd accepted a General Excellence second place award from the president of the West Virginia Press Association during the group’s annual award banquet in Charleston on Saturday, October 11. The paper earned the award in the category of weekly newspapers with a circulation of[Read More…]
It’s Stacy: Healthy Eats — Tomato Gravy
Tomato Gravy My family has a special place in our hearts for tomatoes. My Great-Great Grandmother, Virginia Payne, who everyone called Jennie, came to Berkeley Springs with her seven children to work in the tomato factory after her husband, John, died in a tractor accident in 1899. Dayton Yost sparked[Read More…]
