by Zac Swaim Every year Valentine’s Day follows an all too familiar script. Dinner reservations are made weeks in advance, careful plans are set, and expectations build for what is supposed to be the date night of the year. Restaurants fill, menus are studied, and couples feel pressure to make[Read More…]
Local Lifestyle
Valentine history seated in pagan festival, Christian martyrdom
by Lisa Schauer Even this monument to romantic passion – Valentine’s Day – is rooted in secrecy, violence and retribution. The origins of Valentine’s Day date back to ancient times, much different from today’s commercial obsession. The name itself comes from a martyr, someone who was killed or made to[Read More…]
Valley Health releases results of 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, seeks organizations for grant program
Valley Health has shared the findings of the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment that was conducted last year, and has introduced the 2026 Community Partnership Grant program that will help fund some community action to meet those needs. Valley Health completes a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) every three years.[Read More…]
It’s Stacy: Healthy Eats –Valentine’s Easy Peasy Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Valentine’s Easy Peasy Chocolate Covered Strawberries Don’t fall into the trap of spending a fortune on lavish gifts this Valentine’s Day when you can create something meaningful with your own hands. These chocolate-covered strawberries are easy, delicious, and just fancy enough to feel special without breaking the bank. My[Read More…]
French Creek Freddie predicts more winter for West Virginia
French Creek Freddie, the state’s official weather-predicting groundhog, predicted six more weeks of winter during the annual Groundhog Day celebration at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center in Upshur County During the annual event, which was attended by 150 visitors from across the state, Gov. Morrisey joined West Virginia Division[Read More…]
Seed library sprouts inside Morgan County Public Library
by Lisa Schauer Patrons of Morgan County Public Library are sometimes startled when they open an old card catalog in the lobby. “Oh!” they exclaim when they see seed packets inside the wooden drawers painted with corn, carrots and radish. Instead of index cards for books, long replaced by computers[Read More…]
West Virginia State Parks Foundation launches “Mountains are Always Free” Photo Contest
The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has announced the creation of the “Mountains are Always Free” Photo Contest, which will run through the end of February. The contest is intended to showcase the best of winter in West Virginia State Parks, Forests, and Rail Trails. “West Virginia state park areas[Read More…]
Local student stuffs stockings for others as Christmas giving project
Sharing Christmas cheer and treats became Kapree Lewis’ holiday project this year, and was a resounding success as she and her family stuffed 57 stockings to be shared with youth in the region being served by CASA of the Eastern Panhandle. In a post sharing the photo and news of[Read More…]
It’s Stacy: Healthy Eats — Raisin-filled cookies
Raisin-Filled Cookies My great-grandmother, Arizona Henry, loved Christmas because it meant making cookies with her friends. My sister Lisa and I were always sent to the other room while Grandma and her friends baked cookies all evening. Occasionally, they would bring us a bowl or spoon to lick, still coated[Read More…]
First Day Hikes set at WV State Parks
West Virginia State Parks will host First Day Hikes at 24 state parks and forests on Jan. 1 to help visitors kick off 2026 with time spent outdoors. These free guided hikes are part of a nationwide initiative to bring people together to connect with nature, explore park trails and[Read More…]
