The New Martinsville City Council recently voted unanimously to terminate the employment of both a city police officer and dispatcher in connection with a domestic call that became an alleged murder-suicide
City officials did not name the officer and dispatcher fired
New Martinsville Mayor Keith Nelsen released a public statement confirming the personnel moves
“City Council conducted an emergency meeting this morning
including an executive session regarding an investigation of crime and the internal records and notations of law enforcement agencies which are maintained for internal use in matters relating to law enforcement,” Nelsen’s statement said
council voted unanimously to terminate a dispatcher
That employment decision has been conveyed to the employee in question
Larsen has recommended the termination of a New Martinsville Police Department officer
and council has voted unanimously in favor of that recommendation
 Because West Virginia law and police civil service rules afford due process rights to the affected officer
no further comment regarding these personnel issues will be made at this time.” 
The city announced in January that an internal investigation was underway regarding a city employee
but did not divulge the employee’s name or department
The police department investigated an incident in January where Robert Dennis and wife Jasmine Dennis died as the result of an altercation
The department’s dispatch received a call to conduct a welfare check and
dispatch received a second call claiming Robert Dennis was allegedly harming Jasmine Dennis
The two were taken to WVU Medicine Wetzel County Hospital
Robert Dennis was declared dead at the home
while Jasmine Dennis was still alive when found
According to New Martinsville Police Chief Tim Cecil
the incident was suspected to be a murder/suicide
attended the last New Martinsville Council meeting
Barry Dennis told council members his parents’ death could have been prevented had a New Martinsville police officer performed his duty and not dismissed the case when his mother was reaching out for help
He stated she had bruises on her face when the officer responded to her call for help the first time and he did nothing
asking the council how they would feel if they had to witness their parents being taken out of a house on gurneys when something could have been done if the officer would have done his duty
but on the recommendation from Captain Don Larsen and after consulting with our attorneys
the officer and dispatcher will be terminated
I know that’s not going to help your parents now
but hopefully it eases a little bit of your suffering.”
West Virginia Treasurer Larry Pack presented Wheeling city leaders with nearly $20,000 in unclaimed property money ..
| https://www.theintelligencer.net | 1500 Main Street
the newly opened Durig Shelter was dedicated as the new Pickleball center within the county
The building was formerly the open walled picnic shelter in the center of the 4-H Grounds
It has been the center of many events for several decades
| https://www.wetzelchronicle.com | 1100 Third Street
presented the Medal of Valor to New Martinsville Police Capt
and Lake Volunteer Firefighter Darrell Lambert
 | https://www.newsandsentinel.com | 519 Juliana St.
(Photo provided) Shown here is artist Scott Hagan’s newest mural at the New Martinsville School
The New Martinsville School’s gymnasium has a whole new look thanks to a new mural painted recently by Scott Hagan
The mural includes two large eagle heads flanking the words “New Martinsville Eagles.” The school’s bold gold and blue colors are used
“It was a great experience working with Principal Stacey Walton and the staff who made all the efforts to make working in the gym possible during the school year,” he said
“This gym is extremely busy … so we had chained off the sides
and there is a giant curtain that creates a space in front of the wall which is normally a high traffic area
“But if I was close to the corners the kids would say ‘it looks great’ or ‘good job’ as they walked by
Some of the staff mentioned they liked to watch me cut the lines so straight and effortlessly and wished I would come and paint their house or bathroom
“Gym classes could continue since the weather wasn’t so great outside
in which I could paint in the areas around the bathrooms and doors.”
Hagan noted he had visited the school about three years ago
The staff decided to repaint it white ahead of Hagan doing the mural
“A few other factors delayed my part of the project
And I love the color scheme of the artwork,” he said
Hagan said the mural is about 100 feet in length
including the stripe and skirting on the bottom
He estimated that he used about eight gallons of paint overall
“We are considering additional color around the gym in the future since there is so much open canvas
but this is a huge impact in the gym where the one set of bleachers faces the new artwork,” he said
“I feel like I have art galleries all over the valley and I love seeing them in a photo background.”
Hagan has painted murals at some other local schools in recent months as well
In March he completed a mural at the Short Line School in Reader
One wall features a steam engine in the foreground with the word “Short Line” in the background
Another wall in the gym features a silhouette painting of a train bridge
Hagan painted murals inside River High School
One wall says “Welcome to River High School,” and another says “Pilot the Ship,” as the school is home to the River Pilots
Hagan has painted hundreds of murals across the Ohio Valley and in several other states across the country during the past 28 years
Hagan noted the New Martinsville mural took about a week to complete
The Paden City High School Alumni Association is preparing for the 2025 edition of alumni weekend
— After Senate Bill 2028 passed in West Virginia
New Beginnings Recovery Clinic in New Martinsville will be able to conduct a trial that will be just one of seven in the country
The goal is to use the trial to help with treatment for drug-users
Those working at the clinic brought in state senators for approval so they could dispense the medication and conduct the trial
Their team will use a medication called Buprenorphine
Patients who take part in the trial will receive free treatment
"It’s going to open up a broader sense of evidence-based medicine that we can study and we'll be able to pinpoint what works best for opioid use disorder in the state of West Virginia in this rural area because that’s where we are finding so many problems,” Melissa Maston
a nurse practitioner and owner and operator of New Beginnings Recovery Clinic
"We do have one of the highest overdose rates in the nation
and we are very rural,” nurse Jasmine Howell said
for us to be represented in this trial was critical; it was essential."
The trial is expected to start in the next few weeks
Director Eddie Mensore and Production and Costume Designer Michael McKowen’s HAZARD
explores the opioid crisis impacting Appalachia 
filmmakers Eddie Mensore and production designer Michael McKowen are deeply committed to authentically portraying the stories of their Appalachian roots
is a testament to their shared dedication to highlighting the resilience and culture of the Central Appalachian mountains
“The opioid crisis has taken so much from Appalachia
we honor both the pain and the perseverance of our communities.” said Mensore
I feel a responsibility to capture the truth of Appalachia–not just its challenges but its unyielding capacity for love
Mensore’s passion for his community is evident in his previous work
including the critically acclaimed coal mine drama Mine 9–a box office hit in the region in 2019
he takes a heartfelt and unflinching look at the opioid crisis
featuring a stellar cast that includes Sosie Bacon (Smile)
and West Virginia native Kevin Sizemore (Mine 9)
Michael McKowen’s production and costume design further bring authenticity to the film
McKowen approached the project with a personal connection to its themes
I felt a responsibility to get the details right,” he explains
“The visuals needed to reflect the lived-in reality of these communities
Spending time with locals and hearing their stories helped us craft sets and costumes that felt true to life.” 
Set in a small mining town grappling with the opioid crisis
a reluctant drug dealer determined to protect his family from the devastation of addiction
and survival as Will navigates the harrowing choices that threaten to entangle him further in chaos
The film will make its theatrical debut on January 10
with screenings in more than two dozen theaters across Appalachia
A broader regional release will follow on January 17
leading up to showings in New York on January 31 and Los Angeles on February 7
and cast members Alex Roe and Dave Davis will attend select screenings and host community panels addressing addiction and mental health
Special advance screenings will be held from January 6-9
culminating in a red carpet event in Louisville
For additional details and screening information
The Tyler County Commission met in regular session on Tuesday
| https://www.tylerstarnews.com | 720 Wells Street
the Wetzel-Tyler County Health Board voted to purchase property in New Martinsville and construct a new health department facility
The department now leases space from the Paden City Development Authority and will remain in that location until construction is complete
Board President Larry Lemon said the owners of the property the board hopes to purchase must go through a process to accept the board’s offer to buy before the deal can be completed and construction can begin
He added the board will inform both county commissions of the status of the transaction
The decision to relocate from Paden City to New Martinsville followed presentations by three entities
The proposed locations included a seven-lot site in Paden City at the corner of W.Va
2 and East Main Street; property owned by and located next to the United Methodist Church in New Martinsville; and property owned by the Wetzel County Commission adjacent to WVU Medicine Wetzel County Hospital
president of the Paden City Development Authority proposed keeping the health department in the city at a site commonly known as Pineapple Park
He cited several reasons to choose Paden City
including availability of seven lots at $20,000 each
safe access through the traffic light at the corner
and a central location that would better serve the area’s aging population
He noted that an environmental assessment showed no environmental concerns and that all necessary utilities are in place
Speaking in favor of the hospital-adjacent location was Bengy Swanson
administrative assistant for the Wetzel County Commission
Swanson said WVU Medicine is interested in the site for construction of a 15,000-square-foot facility and would utilize approximately 10,000 square feet
leaving 5,000 square feet available for the health department
One advantage would be its proximity to the hospital
which could provide convenient access to medical services
the department likely would have to wait two to three years before relocating
Speaking in support of the church property was Jim Wobig
who emphasized that all utilities are in place
Environmental studies were completed in 2002 with no reported issues
but an updated assessment would be required at the church’s expense
and the property is ready for construction
The church is offering the property at a cost of $125,000 and offered its parking lots for use by the health department
the church site received two votes from Carla McBee and Tom Cooper
the Paden City site one vote from Eric Peters and the hospital-adjacent site none
but Brent Gamble was absent and President Larry Lemon abstained from voting due to a possible conflict of interest
Peters made a motion to meet behind closed doors to discuss financial considerations
No action was reported following the executive session
Monroe County’s recent Delinquent Land Tax Sale resulted in a record-breaking $937,416.07 in total sales for 31 ..
WEIRTON — A man wanted by Weirton police for allegedly stealing a vehicle and firearm earlier this year was ..
West Virginia Conservation Officer Garryn Clark and  Wetzel County BOE Coordinator Johnathan Snider show proud smiles as they each hold their share of an Elk skull
Officer Clark told the local Rotary member that the state has reintroduced elk into the state after ..
This year’s celebration will take place beginning Thursday
These dates and times were selected in order to hold festivities within the campus of PCHS before it ..
Our smile camera caught up with these three lovely ladies at the pickleball dedication ceremony
They were there on behalf of the Wetzel County Extension Office
Mollie Toppe and Samantha Cochran work out their south Main Street office providing services to local gardeners
Jim and Ellen Riley show our smiling camera big smiles this week
They explained that they have been married for 55 years and still enjoy each other's company
Ellen showed off her great grandchildren's pictures
The Magnolia High School chapter of Mu Alpha Theta held its formal 2024-2025 initiation
 Mu Alpha Theta is a nationally recognized mathematics honor society for high school students and sponsored by professional organizations such as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the ..
The votes are in and the 2025 winners of Boreman Elementary “Branching into the Arts” art show have been announced
Held on March 4th at Boreman Elementary School
the event showcased the impressive artistic talents of young students and highlighted the school's dedication to fostering ..
Umpiring the softball game between New Martinsville School and TCMS
was a real honor that these two men had last Thursday
Jim Edwards and Kelly Fitzsimmons kept a steady eye on the ladies and called them as they saw them
Each year these lovely ladies and a gentleman bring smiles and joy to thousands of visitors for the annual fish fry
Over the years it has become an opportunity to revisit old friends and make new
Shown here is New Martinsville's City Hall
New Martinsville City Council on Monday evening April 7
unanimously terminated the employment of a City Police Officer and Dispatcher
The city of New Martinsville announced on January 22
that an investigation was underway of one of the city’s employees
However at that time Mayor Keith Nelsen on the advice of the city’s legal counsel declined to say what department the employee worked for or what position the person held
He also did not disclose the nature of the investigation
only that it was being conducted internally
The police department also declined to comment and further denied a FOIA request from the Wetzel Chronicle
The department stated they were actively investigating the incident and awaiting a final ruling from the West Virginia Examiners Office
New Martinsville Police Chief Tim Cecil stated once they receive a ruling and all other evidence is cleared from the West Virginia State Police Crime Lab they will provide the appropriate information
Mayor Keith Nelsen provided the following statement
“City Council conducted an Emergency Meeting this morning
including an Executive Session regarding an investigation of crime and the internal records and notations of law-enforcement agencies which are maintained for internal use in matters relating to law enforcement
Council voted unanimously to terminate a Dispatcher
 That employment decision has been conveyed to the employee in question
and Council has voted unanimously in favor of that recommendation
Attending Monday’s council meeting were Barry Dennis and Angel Dennis
Barry addressed council about the death of his parents from a murder/suicide
saying it could have been prevented had New Martinsville Police officer Friend Estep performed his duty and not dismissed the case when his mother was reaching out for help
Barry stated she had bruises on her face when the officer responded to her call for help the first time and he did nothing
asking the council how they would feel if they had to witness their parents being taken out of a house on gurney’s when something could have been done if the officer would have done his duty
Mayor Nelsen apologized to the couple and said
but on the recommendation from Captain Don Larsen and after consulting with our attorney’s the officer and dispatcher will be terminated
The council then moved on and approved the March 2025 meeting minutes and the regular city invoices and financial reports
Council approved a request from the Domestic Violence Group to do The Clothesline Project in the commons area outside of City Hall during the Back Home Festival
 A request from the city water & sewer department to approve the hiring of a Crew Maintenance Position was tabled until further information can be collected
Councilman Joe Smith made a motion to combine both the Department Head and the Regular Council meetings into one meeting starting at 6 pm
Councilman Jody Albright made a motion to approve a travel request from the Electric Department for line school training in Columbus
Councilwoman Iris Issacs thanked the street department for their cleanup work during the recent hard rains
Issacs mentioned the city cleanup days will be Friday
Councilman Steve Pallisco made the motion to remove the shift differential for the Police Department
Pallisco also reported the Fire Department received 33 calls for the month of March
He said the WV Firefighter 2 class finished with 10 members being certified
This means all but two active members are trained as Firefighter 2
The Fire Department has been awarded a WV Forestry grant of $2000 to update and replace hose and appliances for brush and trash fires
The New Martinsville City Council met on Monday evening April 21
at the City Municipal Building for their ..
NEW MARTINSVILLE – The New Martinsville Public Library is receiving some upgrades including new public restrooms
The library closed for a few days during the demolition work that began on Jan
Renovations to the restrooms will last a few weeks and will include replacing old tile along with old toilet stalls
according to the library’s social media
“We’re excited to announce that our library is undergoing some important upgrades to improve accessibility for all patrons,” the library said on its social media page
the library will be closed for construction as we complete updates for ADA compliance
button-operated doors and a fresh new paint job.”
Although the library was closed for a few days during the demolition work
patrons still were able to pick up and drop off books
“These updates will make visiting the library more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone
and community members of all abilities,” the library noted
The library also posted some “before” photos of the old restrooms to remind patrons of what they looked like before demolition
It was also noted the walls would receive a fresh coat of paint
“We are very excited about the progress that’s been made with our renovations
All of the demolition work is done so now the fun of rebuilding begins,” library officials said on social media
“We will be open to the public normal hours
Fridays and Saturdays are going to be your best bet
as construction will be happening Monday-Thursday (but not extremely loudly)
We are keeping things as clean as possible during this time
“We will not have a public restroom available for a few weeks so please plan your visit accordingly
We also strongly urge those with little ones to be more aware of the surroundings
Nothing of danger is out but we don’t want our little legends getting into anything yucky.”
the New Martinsville Eagles lost to the 2025 TCMS Knights 6-4 on Thursday
“I got the idea to start a middle school team to provide a feeder program for the high school
got it approved and soon  it became a reality.”
“We started out really well on Thursday but in the last inning we struggled some
That is to be expected for a first year team
We have some games coming up that we can win
I am proud of the way all the girls played
hopefully we’ll get a win tomorrow evening.”
The New Martinsville Eagles jumped out to the lead in the bottom of the third inning after Kenleigh Robinson singled
2025 TCMS Knights flipped the game on its head in the top of the seventh
scoring five runs on five hits to take the lead
The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Arianna Henthorn that drove in two
Arah Stoneking started the game for the New Martinsville Eagles
The starter gave up 10 hits and six runs (five earned) over seven innings
Tempie Legg started the game for 2025 TCMS Knights
The starting pitcher allowed three hits and four runs over four and one-third innings
Suter went 1-for-3 at the plate and led the team with two runs batted in
Robinson led the New Martinsville Eagles with two hits in two at bats
Robinson led the New Martinsville Eagles with two walks
Adilynn Meyer and Robinson each stole multiple bases for the New Martinsville Eagles
The New Martinsville Eagles stole six bases in the game
The New Martinsville Eagles turned two double plays in the game
2025 TCMS Knights piled up 10 hits in the game
Gracie Watson and Stevie Torman each collected two hits for 2025 TCMS Knights
Henthorn led the 2025 TCMS Knights with two runs batted in
2025 TCMS Knights stole six bases in the game
2025 TCMS Knights turned one double play in the game
2025 TCMS Knights didn’t commit a single error in the field
Watson had the most chances in the field with 13
The New Martinsville Eagles welcome Ritchie County Blazers on Thursday for their next home game
It seems as though everything and I mean everything hinges on money today
I remember a time when playing ball was ..
Day two of Paden City’s two-game road trip through Southern West Virginia ended on a sour note
(Photo provided) Shown here is the winner of a past scarecrow decorating contest in the city of New Martinsville
NEW MARTINSVILLE – The city of New Martinsville is getting ready to celebrate the fall and Halloween seasons with upcoming events for all to enjoy
a Scarecrow Decorating Contest is open to all New Martinsville businesses and features a grand prize of $1,000 for the first-place winner
The contest is hosted by the West County Convention and Visitors Bureau
To be judged the scarecrows must be displayed from Oct
“Scarecrows will be judged by an impartial panel of judges and prizes will be awarded for the top three scarecrows,” the CVB notes
Businesses must be located within the city limits
To register one’s business for this contest
a Halloween Festival and Costume Block Party is slated Saturday
The festival for all ages is slated from 3-6 p.m
and costume block party for those age 12 years old and older is from 6:30-9 p.m
the New Martinsville Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Pumpkin Carving Contest on Oct
“Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes are welcomed as long as they are real,” organizers note
can be dropped off at the miniature golf course at Bruce Park between 5 and 7 p.m
The pumpkins will be displayed at the park and the winning entries will be announced at the end
Logan Powell of New Martinsville pleaded guilty to two separate counts of possession of child pornography (violence ..
A new downtown New Martinsville business is providing people with entertainment and the ability to sharpen their golf skills while indoors
located inside the former Family Dollar building at 152 North St.
opened recently and is already filling up booking times from the community and students
The business has two bays where people can hit golf balls into a screen that has simulated golf courses projected onto them
Since it is computerized the software provides feedback on one’s swing and much more
Owner Aaron Norris said people can choose from hundreds of golf courses from across the United States
The computer system reads the ball and has high-speed cameras
decided to move back to the region and open the business after realizing there was a real need for it
“This is a community-driven effort to make sure people in the community have access to entertainment,” he said
Norris noted the closure of the Riverside Golf Course also played a role in wanting to open the business
“We wanted to give kids entertainment
Wanted to give the community something to do,” he said
“Riverside closed and the school systems lost access to a driving range
They lost access to an 18-hole golf course
There’s a lot of golfers in this area.” 
Norris said while he and his wife were living in New England he noticed people had much more access to different types of entertainment
Appalachians deserve access to the same thing,” he said
“So we made the move and both started working remote
and we came down here and I purchased this building from Mr
Norris added that Family Dollar was closing the location
“It was going to be another vacant building in New Martinsville,” he said
“We opted to purchase it to keep something going in the town
People have been incredibly open to what this is.” 
People can book tee times at https://www.meetinghousegolf.com/
but there are a couple sets available if needed
Norris said other downtown business owners have also been welcoming and supportive
Any businesses that aren’t doing something physically here are missing out because the people are here,” he said
Norris is working on opening a party room in the back of the building with a golf screen as well
Future plans also include renovating another larger portion of the building as a gathering place for Meetinghouse Golf members to use and relax in
Norris said he worked for a company that helped people start businesses and grow them
His area of specialty was customer service
Meetinghouse Golf also sells some golf apparel from Minnesota-based Waggle along with golf balls and gloves
 She graduated from Magnolia High School in 1952
active in many clubs and lettered in cheerleading
 She met Jerome (Jerry) Wade (1934-2014) in high school
Vincent de Paul Parish in New Martinsville
 Jerry and Jo Ann served as Eucharistic Ministers and were active on many church committees
 Jo Ann also served as the cheerleading coach at St
Vincent Catholic School prior to its closing
     The Wade home was always welcoming to family
but her passions were playing bridge and sewing
 She was known for sewing clothes for her family and costumes for many school plays
Her favorite pastime was sharing time with her children
      Jo Ann was employed with Mobay Chemical Corp (Bayer) until she retired as an Executive Assistant in Research and Development
 She was an active member of the New Martinsville Library Board for many years
 She remained in New Martinsville for nine years after Jerry’s death and moved to Wilmington
     Left to cherish her memory are devoted children Jan Ellen Crane of Wilmington
NC; Jacqueline Jean Estep and husband John of Vienna
Megan Todd (George); Kelley Anne Cole (Eric)
Morgan Wade; and great-grandchildren Brayden and Anderson Pait
She is also survived by her brother Jack Lawrence Herrmann (Nancy)
as well as many beloved nieces and nephews
     Friends will be received at Grisell Funeral Home & Crematory
Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be offered on Tuesday
donations will be kindly accepted at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation
     Sympathy expressions at grisellfuneralhomes.com
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Overnight rains last Friday morning brought flooding problems for New Martinsville and the surrounding area
 As much as 2 inches of rain fell in some areas
bringing with it some minor flash flooding
while city crews were out early cleaning storm drains and heavy debris from road ways
In some areas warning signs of overnight flooding were still in place
Water quickly rose in the Hundred area closing Rt 250 and city streets
while littering the community with mud and debris
the forecast over the weekend predicted more rain with possible flash flooding
With water standing in most low lying areas
it increases the potential for flooding of some area basements
With the heavy rains and predictions of even more
the Ohio River area runoff will increase the chance of flooding from the river
Forecasters are calling for the levels to reach moderate stages
leading to a significant rise in the river
 As of last late Friday afternoon the River was expected to crest on Tuesday
Due to the overnight heavy rains and rural stream flooding
Partly due to quick rise in small streams overnight and the chance that day time runoffs could swell creeks and small streams even more
the members of the Rotary met in the dining room of Quinet’s Restaurant
Member Chuck Clegg opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by words of inspiration
Clegg began by informing the members that the Rotary Clubs of Moundsville
and Wheeling will join forces with Rise Against Hunger (RAH) during their sixth annual community event working to address food security issues in West Virginia and around the world
Jude’s Church at 826 Jefferson Avenue in Glen Dale
 Breakfast will be provided by CertainTeed at 7:30am and volunteers will begin setting up for the event at 8:00am
The work begins at 7 am for breakfast and continues until bags are filled
Each year the collective group fills over thirty thousand food bags
Members requested an update on the ongoing Wetzel County Schools Projects
the board was in the process of determining land price
a purchase agreement will be prepared and approved by the board
Thrasher Engineering will proceed in preparing an assessment of the land from a utility standpoint
Whitney Clegg introduced two new students of the month from Magnolia Jordon Thomas and J.D
Jordan Thomas is the son of Smantha Long of New Martinsville
He is a 4.25 student and ranks 15 in his senior class
He is a member of the National Honor Society
Academic Excellence Wetzel County and Academic Excellence WVNCC
He volunteers at the county fair with the children’s activities
Basketball and received athletic letters in  the sports
His community activities include Trash pickup
He plans to attend West Liberty University and major in nursing
He has received the promise scholarship and the Moose Lodge # 931 scholarship
He carries a 4.0 GPA and a class rank of 14
He volunteered for various Rotary project’s like golf tournaments
He was the 2024 Golf Runner-up medalist in the OVAC 1A-2A tournament
He is a state track meet two-time qualifier and state basketball tournament
has received the faithful attendance award
and attending WVU football and basketball games
He plans to attend WVU and major in Business and finance
Whitney also stated that at the next meeting
two additional students from Paden City High School will be in attendance
President Dan Mason spoke of the Rotary Youth Leadership (RYLA) conference to be held in Jackson Mill in Weston this spring
The conference is open to 9th grade students
Those interested need to ask their school counselor to be eligible as a candidate
Mason stated that several Rotarians have sent their children and grandchildren to the leadership program
The conference will begin on Friday May 9 at 4pm and continue until Sunday May 11 at 10 am
Cost is $175 and applications need to be received by April 15
For further information contact Melisssa Gum
RYLA Chair by phone 304-669-9666 (cell) or 305-622-3161
NEW MARTINSVILLE – The New Martinsville Police Department recently held a game of Hide and Seek with 84 people participating on Oct
“The officers had a run for their money this year with 49 people not being found,” the department noted on its social media
“Kudos to the great hiding places – 35 out of 84 people were found this year.”
The department thanked everyone who participated this year
“The officers had a great time competing with each other and we hope everyone is enjoying their bragging rights for this year
They’ll have their chance at redemption next year,” the department noted
with proceeds benefiting the department’s Shop With A Cop
which is a Christmastime program for local children
The hiders were given a 15-minute head start before the officers began seeking them
Participants had to stay within the city limits and out of buildings and private yards
The Rising Phoenix Guild rehearses for "The Play That Goes Wrong."
the combined theater efforts of New Martinsville and Paden City middle and high school students
This play will offer a fun time of theatrical hijinks
But it will just leave its audience laughing at the misfortune
Each show is opening night of the Cornley Drama Society’s newest production
where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous
This 1920s whodunit has everything you never wanted in a show–an unconscious leading lady
and actors who trip over everything (including their lines)
the accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call
This show will be produced by special arrangement with Dramatist Play Service (https://www.dramatists.com/)
This Rising Phoenix Guild production is directed by Miss Rebecca Buck with Student Assistant Director: Mackenzie McNeil
The play features Brenna Clark and Abbie Tennant as Chris
Zadok Glendenning and Ridge Gatian are the lighting crew
Jessica Beavin and Ashlyn Walters are on sound
Stagings of The Play That Goes Wrong are Dec
Tickets are available at the door:  $5 for students or $8 for adults
For more information call 304-455-1990 ext
Students Sienna McKeever and Bethany Thomas attend the New Martinsville Rotary Club meeting
The New Martinsville Rotary Club met on Wednesday
for their regular scheduled weekly meeting at Quinet’s Court Restaurant in downtown New Martinsville
Attending the meeting were the students of the month from Magnolia high school
lives in New Martinsville and  is the daughter of Nancy Quinet and Eric McKLeever
and Vice President of the National Technical Honor Society
Her athletic credentials include: Volleyball
She is a three time 1st team OVAC track member and a OVAC 1st team basketball player
Her community activities include church and helping referee little league games
She is thinking about attending Fairmont State University or Wesleyan College and anticipates majoring in Elementary  Education
Bethany lives in New Martinsville and is the daughter of Larry J
She carries a 4.0 GPA and is ranked 6th in her class
She is a member of the  International Thespian Society and is an early entrance College Student at WVNCC
School activities include: Designing props for school plays
 She is a 4 year member of the high school band
She designed props  or the Marching band show
received an academic excellence certificate
She participated in Marshall Universities Honor Band 10th grade
participated in All county honor band 2 years and won 3rd place at state Thespian
She volunteers at the Wetzel County 911 center
She plans to attend West Liberty University and major in Dental Hygiene
She is eligible for the Promise Scholarship
The New Martinsville Rotary Club welcomes and congratulates both girls as students of the month
— The 2024 Regatta Fest in New Martinsville begins Friday offering fast
Campers arrived Thursday with drivers to start prepping for the nationally sanctioned powerboat race
Every year drivers from across the nation head to Wetzel County to zoom up and down the Ohio river with boats going up to 120 MPH
"The first day (Friday) reserved for setting records
and there’s a good possibility we'll break the 100 mark in terms of numbers of records set here in New Martinsville on some of the world's fastest water,” Regatta Fest President Sherron Winer said
attendees can get autographs and meet the drivers at the Wetzel County Museum
there will also be a car show and inflatables and a magic show for kids
and on Sunday racing will finish up with the championships and trophy presentations at 4:30 p.m
Winer says this race comes near the end of boat season
which can make it perfect for folks to come out and watch
"It's not everywhere you go that you can get sanctioned racing for free.”
Even if you don't know much about racing
there will be plenty to learn this weekend
"You'll leave an expert,” Winer said
Centers Director JC Kimble and Master Chef Gary Cardelein
the New Martinsville Rotary met for their weekly meeting  at The Court Restaurant
President Dan Mason opened the meeting and welcomed JC Kimble
resident instructors Rex Rush and Master Chef Gary Cardelein were present to give updates on their work at the center
Kimble gave a review of the progress made in bringing two innovative programs drafting and mechanical art and the Pro- Start Culinary program to the center
He said the programs have been well received and are making a difference in the students who are enrolled in them
He explained that the students who are studying at the center are eager to be part of the programs
he said that they enjoy the challenge of the crafts they are learning
Rush spoke about a recent project presented to them by Covestro
The centers’ drafting and welding students recently participated in the manufacturing innovation challenge
The challenge involved designing and fabricating a bin to collect discarded materials
Students worked together to create the most effective and cost-efficient design
they presented the finished project to Covestro’s engineering team
Cardelein spoke about the new culinary center
It has been designed to give students real world opportunities to gain experience in cooking skills for both professional use and personal knowledge
The center hopes the program will be able to offer services to any local organization that may need the skills of the students
The three gentlemen spoke for nearly 30 minutes and it was obvious that each of them truly enjoys their position and the opportunity to help and work with students from Wetzel and nearby counties to achieve education in future fields that will serve them beyond high school
at the New Martinsville Health and Rehabilitation Center
Lois worked as a teacher’s aid for the Diocese of Pittsburgh and was known for her love of caring for animals and insects
she was preceded in death by brother Edward Enos Estep
along with other cousins and two nieces and  a nephew
Family will receive friends on Thursday January 23
from 5 – 8 pm at the Grisell Funeral Home & Crematory 751 Third St
Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 11:00 a.m
Sympathy expressions at grisellfuneralhomes.com
New Martinsville’s new fire engine is nearly complete
New Martinsville City Council opened bids on the Williams Cemetery Signage proposed project  during the regular scheduled Monthly meeting on November 4
Councilman Jody Albright opened the three bids
LLC placed a bid of $6,134 and another company Nutron bid $13,625
Albright and his committee will meet and discuss the bids and award the project at the next meeting of council to the lowest bidder provided it covers everything needed
Mayor Keith Nelsen entertained a motion to approve the minutes from the October meeting plus the financial reports along with the city invoices
All the above were approved by the council
Also approved by council was the first reading of the AAA and Water & Sewer Bond Ordinance
The ordinance authorizes the acquisition and construction of additions and improvements of the existing combined waterworks and sewer system within the city
along with financing the costs through not more than $1,600,000 in revenue bonds
and $1,500,000 in forgivable water works and sewer system bonds
The city deems it necessary and desirable for the health and welfare of their inhabitants to make additions
betterments and improvements to the systems
Other actions taken was a request to approve the hiring of Robert Yost for a maintenance utility position with the Water & Sewer Department with a starting date of November 6
Council unanimously approved a motion for new cameras at city hall at a cost of $19,600
New Martinsville Fire Chief Rick Myers and four members of the department recently made a trip to Wisconsin to inspect the new fire truck they had built
The truck is near completion and will be delivered in the near future
The city financial report was presented to council by City Recorder Kim Whiteman in the absence of Councilwoman Iris Isaacs
Mayor Nelsen entertained a motion to adjourn
The next regular city council meeting will be held on December 2
“Hire Voltage,” owned by Bill Whitehouse of Cincinnati
and “Gee Bee II,” owned by Butch Strutz of Liverpool
streak along the Ohio River during last year’s Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta
The two biggest vintage raceboat regattas in the Ohio Valley will join forces this Labor Day weekend to provide an even bigger event along the Ohio River
The Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta will combine with the New Martinsville Regatta this coming year for an event in New Martinsville
Wheeling Regatta Co-Chair Debbie Joseph said
While the regatta has been blessed with great sponsors through the years
it had been difficult in expanding that sponsor base
expanding the volunteer base for the event also had its difficulties
“That’s difficult for every nonprofit and every event that’s organized today,” she said
It was near the end of last year’s Wheeling Regatta that Joseph and her husband and co-chair Dr
Dan Joseph started discussing the future of the event and floated the idea of combining with New Martinsville with a small contingent of the New Martinsville Regatta board
That led to a meeting late last year with the entire New Martinsville board
which the Josephs said resoundingly agreed to take the baton
Dan Joseph said the work that the New Martinsville group had done to improve its event over the years showed how serious they were in accepting the task
“It has been so impressive,” he said
the group of them are out there cutting down trees
filling holes where they took out tree stumps
beautifully done.” Joseph said about the home of the Wheeling Regatta
“They’ve been building their facility year after year
You can’t put a price tag on that.”
So the Wheeling Regatta will donate its equipment to the New Martinsville Regatta
The New Martinsville event also will adopt Easterseals as its beneficiary
Proceeds from the Wheeling Regatta have gone to Easterseals since the event began in 2006 and more than $115,000 has been raised for the organization since that beginning
WesBanco has signed on as a major sponsor of the New Martinsville Regatta
It was the first sponsor for the Wheeling Regatta at that event’s inception
as the Wheeling Regatta had been a 20-year project for the couple
They had first discussed in 2005 the possibility of a vintage raceboat regatta in Wheeling at Heritage Port
outside of one COVID-19 cancellation and a cancellation due to weather
it had been a Labor Day weekend staple since then
welcoming dozens of vintage raceboats each year
The Josephs have always appreciated the support that the City of Wheeling and the rest of the community has shown for the event
The current New Martinsville Vintage Regatta takes place at the same area of the Ohio River as the original New Martinsville Regatta from 1938-2003
Numerous world speed records were set on that stretch of the river
The Josephs said they’ll be around to help however they can for this new combined endeavor
as they want to see the New Martinsville Vintage Regatta continue to grow
to do something to bring New Martinsville back to the prominence it had in boat racing,” Debbie Joseph said
It has the potential to surpass Wheeling and be a better event.”
— After the closure and demolition of Bruce Pool this fall
New Martinsville officials are looking into new grants to build a new water feature in the area
The historic pool was built in 1941 but had to be torn down due to deterioration
Mayor Keith Nelson says they are in the early stages of engineering the new area and they hope to obtain more funding to help see it through
They plan on using the facade from the old pool to create something similar to a splash pad
"The pool has outlived its usefulness and had begun its own deterioration
so we felt the need to have it dismantled and taken down and move forward to the future,” Nelson said
"It’s not really a bona fide splash pad
but something very similar to that; similar to a fountain
The restaurant will be featured on a national level by popular social media show America's Best Restaurants
NEW MARTINSVILLE, W.Va. — <a href="https://www.jalapenoswv.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.jalapenoswv.com/" class="themeColorForLinks">Jalepenos Mexican Restaurant</a> in New Martinsville is a family-owned business that’s been a part of the community for decades
&quot;The hostess was with us (Thursday),” owner Eric Hernandez said
interview at the table and featured three of our best dishes.&quot;
The business was first nominated by someone in the community
It featured items including steak Cuernavaca and burrito el Rey
Hernandez owns the restaurant along with his parents
They were the first certified safe bar in the Ohio Valley and offer a menu with a wide selection of Mexican specialties
&quot;We have stood out because our food is always fresh
It’s also considered the most authentic Mexican restaurant in the Ohio Valley and believe being on a national platform can help show that there’s something for everyone at Jalapenos
&quot;It was a great experience,” Hernandez said
“It’s great to be recognized by the community
We are a small town in the middle of West Virginia and our food is as close as you can get to Mexico.&quot;
2025 at his home with his family by his side
Son of the late Phillip and Katherine Pauline (McNinch) Hicks
  He was preceded in death by two infant sisters
Debbie Hicks; three sons Steve (Kelly) of Moseley
Timothy (Janet) of Cameron WV and Cody (Jennifer) of New Martinsville; daughter
Bob (Janice) Hicks of Elm Grove; ten grandchildren
Kaden and Vivian Hicks of New Martinsville; one great grandson
with two more on the way as well as several nieces and nephews
 He was so proud of his children and grandchildren and the lives they created for themselves
 He was determined and successful at the age of 80 to make his last ski run with his family at Timberline with four generations on the mountain
He was an avid Mountaineer fan being a season ticket holder for football and basketball for over 40 years
 Dick retired from PPG after thirty-one years of service
New Martinsville WV where funeral services will be held 11 a.m.
 Burial followed at Craig&#8217;s Chapel Cemetery near New Martinsville
Memorial contributions may be made to Craig&#8217;s Chapel Cemetery 427 Church Lane
New Martinsville WV 26155 or Hospice WV Caring P.O
Expression of sympathy may be made www.jarvisfuneralhomes.com
The New Martinsville Rotary met on Wednesday
2024 at Quinet&#8217;s Court Restaurant and welcomed the December Magnolia students of the month
Joining the Rotary for the month of December at their regular meetings are Bryley Watkins and MacKenzie McNeil
Bryley is a senior at Magnolia and is the daughter of Kurt and Jacqueline Watkins of New Martinsville
She ranks 8th in her class and carries an A average
As a track member she has lettered and participated in the OVAC track meet
Her community activities include the Gabriel Project talent show
She plans to attend Penn Western and major in Social Work
She is eligible for the WV Higher Education scholarship
MacKenzie is a senior at Magnolia and ranks 7th in her class
She is the daughter of Sommes and Scott McNeil of New Martinsville
Her school clubs include National Honor Society
Theater &#8211; Trape President for the last two years
Other activities include Marvellous Wonderettes understudy
The Play That Goes Wrong &#8211; assistant director
Her community activities include National Honor Society
Her anticipated major is Forensic Science/Biochemistry
She is eligible for the Promise and WV Higher Education Scholarships
(Photo by Shelley Hanson) Members of the Charlie Morris Basketball League Team 6 ride in the back of a pickup truck during the New Martinsville Christmas Parade on Nov
NEW MARTINSVILLE &#8211; Santa Claus made an early appearance in New Martinsville on Nov
ushering in the season of giving during the city&#8217;s Christmas parade
Wearing his fluffy white beard and signature red suit
Santa&#8217;s eye twinkled as he waved to all the good boys and girls in the crowd on Main Street
who rode in his sleigh atop a float during the parade
was led by members of the Magnolia High School Marching Band
Preceding the Top Elf were a variety of floats
hundreds of people lined the street to watch the parade and scoop up free candy thrown from the floats
and still others added an additional layer with a blanket or two
Some of the downtown shops were still serving coffee and hot cocoa to help parade-goers stay warm
Christmas In The Ville activities took place downtown including a craft and vendor fair on the third floor of Stalder&#8217;s Parlor on Main
Among them were Amy Pierce and her daughter Zoe Buccella of NiftyThingsRFun
They were selling vintage books dubbed &#8220;a blind date with a book.&#8221; Each book was wrapped in decorative paper
&#8220;It was fun and there were lots of people here,&#8221; Pierce said
who was selling Tupperware via her Keepin it Fresh With Marsh business
&#8220;I like to see all the people out shopping,&#8221; she said
&#8220;It seems like everyone is happy.&#8221;
They were promoting the church&#8217;s upcoming &#8220;Journey Through Bethlehem&#8221; event
People are invited to walk through the journey and &#8220;experience a moment of the night Christ
The Wetzel-Tyler Board of Health approved moving the health department from Paden City to New Martinsville
By a 2-1 vote the Wetzel-Tyler County Health Department Board voted to purchase property in New Martinsville and construct a new facility
The department is currently leasing space in Paden City from the PC Development Authority and will remain in that location until construction is complete
Board President Larry Lemon said the owners of the proposed property must go through a process to accept the board&#8217;s offer to buy before the deal can be completed and construction can begin
He added they will inform both county commissions of the status of the transaction
The decision to relocate from Paden City to New Martinsville
2025 at the Departments office in Paden City
following presentations by three entities interested in providing locations for the new location
The locations under consideration included a seven-lot lot site in Paden City at the corner of Route 2 and East Main Street
 Property owned by and located next to the United Methodist Church in new Martinsville; and property owned by the Wetzel County Commission adjacent to the Wetzel County Hospital
President of the Paden City Development Authority made a case for keeping the health department in Paden City
Bowen proposed the property commonly known as Pineapple Park
He also informed the board that he had a signed agreement from the property owner confirming a willingness to sell
He cited several reasons why Paden City would be a prime location including the availability of the seven lots at $20,000 per lot
easy and safe access through the traffic light at the corner
Additionally Bowen referenced data from the West Virginia Division of Highways which indicates that approximately 4,600 vehicles pass by the property daily
He also noted that a Phase 1 environmental assessment has been completed
and that all necessary utilities are currently in place
Speaking in favor of the hospital&#8217;s adjacent location
Bengy Swanson administration assistant for the Wetzel County commission informed the board that WVU medicine is interested in the site for the construction of a 15,000-square-foot facility
Under the proposed plan WVU medicine would utilize approximately 10,000 square feet
leaving 5000 square feet available for the health department&#8217;s needs with an option to rent additional space
One advantage of this location would be its close proximity to the hospital
the Wetzel County Commission would take ownership of the property and assume responsibility for all costs including environmental assessments
The health department would lease space from the county potentially reducing financial strain
a significant drawback to this proposal is the extended timeline
The health department would likely have to wait two to three years before relocating
whereas other proposed sites may offer a quicker transition
Speaking in support of the Methodist Church property was Jim Wobig
He highlighted several advantages of the site emphasizing that all utilities are already in place
While environmental studies were last completed in 2002 with no reported issues
an updated assessment would be required at the Methodist Church&#8217;s expense
Core samples have already been taken and the property is ready for construction
The Methodist Church is offering the property as a community service gesture
at a cost of $125,000  recognizing the significant traffic the area receives from residents of Wetzel and Tyler Counties as well as Marshall
Many individuals travel to the church to receive food
and furniture distributed through its outreach programs
The church also provides financial assistance for gas
Wobig noted that the church regularly experiences an influx of people
particularly during the monthly Catholic Church food distribution event
He stated the proximity to Walmart and other essential services would also benefit those seeking health department services
the Methodist Church prioritizes health awareness and would be willing to collaborate with the health department on future initiatives
Another advantage of this location is the availability of parking
The church has offered its parking lots for use in addition to the designated parking at the health department site
Once the discussions were concluded an initial vote was held by a show of hands with the Methodist Church site receiving two votes
the Paden City site receiving one vote and the Property beside the hospital receiving none
Voting in favor of relocating to New Martinsville by the Methodist Church were board members Carla McBee
voting for the Paden City location was Eric Peters
The Board is made up of five members which also include Brent Gamble who was absent and Board President Larry Lemon who abstained from voting due to a possible conflict of interest
Following the vote board member Eric Peters motioned for executive session to discuss financial considerations
No action was reported following the session
Members of the Republican Executive Committee in Wetzel County celebrate the opening of the county headquarters in downtown New Martinsville
The Wetzel County Republican Executive Committee held the Grand Opening of its headquarters recently in downtown New Martinsville
The headquarters is located at 213 Main Street across from the Wetzel County Courthouse
Several prominent Republicans attended the opening including West Virginia State Senator Charles Clements
The headquarters will be open through the November general election
Residents are invited to stop by and visit and support the Republican Party
Downtown New Martinsville will be alive with fun
games and excitement as the 7TH annual Vintage Regatta kicks off on Saturday along the Famous Mile 127 Racecourse along the Ohio River behind Dos Hermanos Mexican Restaurant
The fun and excitement begins at 10 am on Saturday and runs through Sunday till 5 pm
Come watch as the sights and sounds of years past hit the mile 127 race course
See some of your old time favorites and visit and hear the stories first hand from those who experienced the thrill in the early years
See some of your locals who have joined in and will be sure to put on a show for the hometown folks
Making the haul from Indiana is the Cravens and Wiley families with several different crafts ready to hit the water
S-12 &#8220;FOOLS GOLD&#8221; with Rebecca driving
N-116 &#8220;PRIME MOVER&#8221; piloted by Debbie
H-202 &#8220;HEAVY DUTY&#8221; ran by Mark
and finally F-23 &#8220;WHA HOPPEN III&#8221; with Larry and Zach
This gang always puts on a great show for the fans and is always there to lend a helping hand
Can&#8217;t wait to welcome this crew into town
Please help us in making them feel welcome this July 13-14
Next on the registration list is our very own S-22 &#8220;Lil Lightnin&#8221; and F-726 &#8220;Flying Tiger&#8221; piloted by father son duo of Mitch &#038; Drew Herrick
These New Martinsville natives love nothing more than tearing up the water in front of all their friends and family right here at home
The Flying Tiger was the 1984 National High point Champion as well as 1984 National Champion with owner/driver Rod Zapf
After missing last years event with an engine rebuild the Tiger is back and eager to hit the water
Charlie Kittel with their Lauterbach hull &#8220;SCREAMIN&#8217; MEEMIE&#8221; E-132
This hull is being powered around the course by a 273 Plymouth engine
This is a beautiful hull that is always a joy to watch on the water
Please help us in welcoming David and Charlie back to town
Making the trip to New Martinsville this July for our 7th annual regatta is the Mark Lamontia and his 1971 Jones hull &#8220;Andiamo&#8221; S-185
This hull has won numerous titles and set several speed records over its history
Mark&#8217;s father Tony owned and raced the hull from 1981 to when he sold it in 1987
son Mark bought it back in 2013 and had it restored back to Andiamo
Mark has been active on the vintage circuit since the restoration was completed and is always fast and fun to watch on the water
Help us welcome the Lamontia family back to New Martinsville
Dean Berry and everyone&#8217;s favorite pit pal Moe will be making the return trip to New Martinsville this year
Dean will be bringing his 1978 Jon Staudacher built &#8220;BLUEWATER SPECIAL&#8221; J-1
This hull is a multi time national high points champion
as well as being a multi time national championship winner
This hull is a thing of beauty and when Dean gets her wound up
Help us in welcoming Dean and Moe back to New Martinsville
Making the trip to New Martinsville to tear up the Mile 127 race course would be Florida&#8217;s own Doug Goddard with his Allison hull &#8220;FAKE NEWS&#8221; 960
Doug and his outboard are always fun to watch as they are never far from the others in the heat
Making every lap look like its a race to the finish
We cant wait to have Doug and crew here once again for our 7th annual regatta this July 13-14
Help us in welcoming this team back to New Martinsville
a small team of filmmakers has completed work on a documentary which weaves together a story of inboard hydroplane racing and the role of New Martinsville
The story follows the ascending arc of post-World War 11 American history marked by economic dynamism
all fueled by the &#8220;Can-Do&#8221;attitude instilled in the country by its astounding success during the war
Equally as the arc peaks and begins to descend
The progression forms the plot of a new film
a New Martinsville native and vintage hydroplane racer and boat owner
it tells the story of the town as it grew along the banks of the Ohio River
the emergence of hydroplane racing in the decades before World War 11
and the New Martinsville Regatta&#8217;s central role in that golden age
It then follows the decline of the sport in the 80s and 90s
the economic troubles for the town and the country
and the emergence of the Vintage hydroplane movement in the early years of the 21st Century leading to a revival of the New Martinsville Regatta set in what one noted hydroplane builder
and driver Larry Lauterbach has called the &#8220;hallowed ground&#8221; of the Magnolia Yacht Club
offer their reflections in interviews on that storied past
and contemporary footage of vintage regattas
videographer Mara Ferris brings to life Gary Kappel&#8217;s script
blinding it with a score composed and arranged by Char Pope
The result is an hour-long journey through the past heyday of the sport and the renewed interest in it through the vintage movement
as well as the nostalgia which such interest triggers i those who remember the roar of the engines
the rooster tails shooting up behind the boats
the camaraderie of the citizens of New Martinsville
and all those who were drawn to the river by the excitement of hydroplane racing
The film will premiere in New Martinsville on Friday
July 12 at the Lincoln Theater at 6:30 pm.in conjunction with the annual vintage regatta there and again at the end of August in Wheeling at the Wheeling Vintage Regatta as well
After that it will be made available at no cost for viewing
It will be at the Wetzel County 4-H Grounds
NEW MARTINSVILLE, W.Va. — The 3rd <a href="https://www.wvcrfestival.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.wvcrfestival.com/" class="themeColorForLinks">West Virginia Country Roads Festival</a> begins on Friday and will run through the weekend in New Martinsville
They&#x27;ll also have some unique contests for people to participate in like hot wing eating and hollering at your husband
There&#x27;s also a mullet and beard contest
The goal is to promote the state&#x27;s culture and highlight the best of the Mountain State
&quot;We reach out to all corners of the state,” Festival VP Chuck Roberts said
“Our board members are from South Charleston up to Wetzel County and still expanding.&quot;
&quot;They&#x27;ve done a lot this year to get more people to come in,” Mike Dougherty
co-owner of the Dinner Bell food trailer said
“There&#x27;s a new president and board of directors
We were there last year with our food trailer
&quot;A lot of people come from all over the area
and you can just come and have a good family experience as well as do a bunch of different activities,” Festival Queen Megan Dougherty said
Martinsville boys basketball coach Louis Campbell (far left) talks with his team during a timeout in Saturday’s game against Morehead at MMS
Martinsville’s E’Zavion Tinsley led the Bulldogs with 14 points in Saturday’s season opening loss to Morehead
Martinsville’s Jacorian Turner is the lone freshmen on the Bulldogs roster this season
After graduating seven seniors off of last year’s roster
it’s basically an all new Martinsville High School boys basketball team
The Bulldogs have just two seniors this winter
neither of which were part of last year’s team that finished second in Region 2C and reached the quarterfinals of the VHSL Class 2 state tournament
Martinsville opened the season on Saturday with a 36-33 home loss to Morehead
Bulldogs head coach Louis Campbell spoke with the Bulletin about that game and this year’s team
Martinsville Bulletin: It wasn’t the results I’m sure you wanted
but what did you see out of your team on Saturday
In the three years that I’ve been coaching
it’s the first time that I’ve seen them play as hard as they did
you have to convince them to play hard because they don’t know how good they can be
So it was the first time that I actually saw our guys
they didn’t worry about whether it was going to work or not
They actually played and I was proud of them
Can you just tell me a little about your team this year
We’ve got two guys that played on last year’s team
so hopefully we can mold these guys and make them become vets as quick as possible
Are they picking up on your coaching style and what you’re trying to implement pretty quickly
I’d like to say that the best teams govern themselves
and I think these guys are doing a good job with doing that
I think we can get better with some leadership
but overall I think they’re doing a good job with relaying the messages to each other and trying to get them to understand what we’re asking as a coaching staff
Do you think defense is going to be your strength this year
I try to emphasize defense as much as possible at this level
and I think we really had a good chance of winning on Saturday
there were some things that went on during the course of the game that kind of got us out of our team concept
What do you think is the key to getting the offense to the same level as the defense
Knowing what the guys like to shoot and where we’re strongest
Just overall having knowledge of our team and having knowledge of the sets that we’re running
Are there any other places you want to see improvement over the next month or so
Leadership is the biggest thing that helps the team
leadership is going to be kind of like the lifeblood of it
Cara Cooper is the sports editor for the Martinsville Bulletin. She can be reached at <a href="mailto:cara.cooper@martinsvillebulletin.com">cara.cooper@martinsvillebulletin.com</a>
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NEW MARTINSVILLE &#8211; More than 1,900 households in Wetzel and Harrison Counties will now have the option to purchase broadband internet service thanks to the installation of 87 miles of new fiber cable
The project began about five years ago via a partnership between U.S
the Regional Economic Development Partnership
Citynet and civil engineers Thompson &#038; Litton
A dedication of the new broadband internet service was held Aug
22 at the Wetzel County 4-H Campgrounds in New Martinsville
Officials who spoke about the project included Josh Jefferson
president of the Wetzel County Commission and RED board member; Jim Martin
president and CEO of Citynet; Richard Jenkins
general field representative for USDA Rural Development; Ryan Thorn
state director for West Virginia USDA Rural Development; Roseann Ferro
Capito noted that many people take having internet access for granted
But a lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdowns
is that having internet access is not just a convenience
but &#8220;absolutely essential&#8221; in people&#8217;s lives &#8211; for school and work
students who did not have internet access at home fell behind
The eventual goal is to have internet access for everyone in the state
&#8220;We have great hopes that every business
individual and home will be connected,&#8221; she said
has already started signing up new customers
they had a table set up with employees ready to do just that
Citynet&#8217;s fiber internet service prices start at $73 per month
Phone service can be added for another $20 per month
&#8220;Now what&#8217;s left are the very rural areas and we&#8217;re going to get to them,&#8221; Capito said following the dedication
&#8220;But it has to be a partnership like we see today.&#8221;
Capito said families who need help paying for internet services can get it
&#8220;There was a plan we started during COVID
But if it makes any sense at all as more and more deployment of broadband occurs costs will come down
The new fiber internet cable was installed mostly along existing utility poles with some new poles installed
Some sections of cable had to be installed underground
The project was funded via $2.1 million in USDA ReConnect grant funds
bringing the total investment to $4.2 million
The fiber network serves a 48-square-mile area
providing high-speed internet to 1,909 households
Communities along this new corridor include Hundred
Meadowbrook and Bridgeport in Harrison County
Wetzel County was awarded the USDA&#8217;s ReConnect 50/50 loan/grant combination
explained their organization&#8217;s interest in the project
&#8220;Because of the significant effort and commitment of our federal delegation and following the lead of our partners at the Wetzel County Commission
we collectively identified this lack of infrastructure as a major priority,&#8221; he said
&#8220;West Virginia cannot foster opportunities for remote work
and healthcare access without reliable broadband
These tremendous partners and this wonderful community have made today&#8217;s project a reality.&#8221;
Citynet CEO Jim Martin also expressed his enthusiasm for the project
&#8220;We are incredibly proud to be a critical part of this exciting initiative
Citynet&#8217;s work on this project is at the core of our mission: to bring affordable
reliable broadband internet across West Virginia,&#8221; Martin said
&#8220;This is another important step toward that goal
While these funds are designated for specific routes
our goal is to expand fiber outside of the grant project&#8217;s scope once we satisfy the service requirements of the specific grants.&#8221;
2024 while at Ruby Memorial Hospital with her loving family by her side
She was a teacher&#8217;s aide at Wetzel County School
had a private daycare center in her home for twenty years
and she was a Mary Kay consultant for many years
 The most important thing to Eva was her family and friends
followed by her love for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Mountaineers
Surviving is her husband of thirty-three years
VA and Stephen (Hunter) Rogalski of Pittsburgh
Brian and in February 2026 her bundle of grandchildren will increase by one more; siblings
John &#8220;Fuzzy&#8221; (Renee) Filliez of Chesapeake
WV and Todd (Colleen) of New York and several nieces
 Mass of Christian burial will be held 2 p.m.
 Burial to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park
Memorial contributions may be made to either Food for the Poor
Expressions of sympathy may be made www.jarvisfuneralhomes.com
director of the Wetzel County Technical Center
talks to New Martinsville Rotary Club members
NEW MARTINSVILLE &#8212; The New Martinsville Rotary heard from Mr
director of the Wetzel County Technical Center on Wednesday
at Quinet&#8217;s Court Restaurant in downtown New Martinsville
Kimble presented the Rotary members with information on the courses of study offered at the center along with how the tech center has improved its facilities and grown over the years
Kimble explained that over the last six years
the center&#8217;s courses of study have expanded from two classes the first year
nursing and welding to the current nine now being offered
Kimble explained that with the growth in courses offered at the center
applications for acceptance have increased to nearly one hundred for this coming school year
Courses offered at the center this year are
computer aided drafting &#038; design and embedded credits
The welding class is open to juniors and seniors
Class sizes are limited to sixteen students
Students who have attended and graduated have found jobs in the construction trades
The program is also part of students wanting to go on to engineering
The basic math and metallurgy information will be valuable to them in college
The health science programs prepare those students who want to enter medical fields
x-ray tech or any other number of fields that are open to them
Workers with a bachelor&#8217;s in Health Science have an average income of around $63,000
There is job growth in the industry and job flexibility
Electrical courses are offered and electricians have an average wage of $69,000 or around $33 per hour
It&#8217;s a two year program at the center and is open to students in grades 10-12
After WCTEC students are eligible for the WV State Electrical Journeyman Exam
ProStart and baking and pastries will give students a foot in the door if they wish to enter the culinary fields
Grow your own is a new program that will give students who want to go into the educational fields an opportunity to get firsthand knowledge of an educational career
robotics and drones along with drafting and design are the first steps in fields of high-tech courses of studies
students will have the opportunity to take embedded credits
These courses will enhance the tech program they are enrolled to study
Kimble&#8217;s excitement was very evident as he spoke of building on classes he began
He explained with the increases in career classes
students from the county&#8217;s four high schools are stepping up and taking the opportunities available to them
and have grades to enter into the course of study
the program has begun partnerships with Glenville
Students may have as many as 25 to 30 credits after completing their studies at the center
Kimble explained that he would like to add other courses of study including HVAC
However One issue with adding courses is finding instructors with certification in the course of study
Kimble pointed out that WCTEC is partnered with WVNCC and offers classes through WVNCC at no cost to the students
Learning the trades offered at the center leads to career benefits such as high wage job opportunities right out of high school plus ongoing trade training and opportunity for advancement
He noted several recent graduates at the center have found immediate employment and are now working in trade unions
Kimble praised the instructors at the center
explaining that finding qualified instructors is often difficult
however he told of the experience the instructors at the center have and the skills they have to teach the students
Kimble invited the members of the Rotary to come by the center and see for themselves the opportunities and advancements in the trades career
He pointed out that registering are students from all backgrounds
What was once considered a blue-collar course of studies is no longer the case
Those hoping to go into the trades right out of school
and those who want the background for advanced college classes are now taking this opportunity to improve future educational goals
The New Martinsville Rotary meets every Wednesday at noon at Quinet&#8217;s
Prospective members or those interested in finding out about Rotary are invited to attend
NEW MARTINSVILLE &#8212; Organizers for RegattaFest say they have secured the commitments from two of the nation&#8217;s top tunnel boat drivers to compete for the 2024 North American Championship during the annual American PowerBoat Association&#8217;s sanctioned races on Sept
2023 High Points Champ in Formula 200 from Wayzata
APBA High Points Champ in SST-60 will both be on hand to race for the championship
a rookie in the states but well-known in Canadian racing
Vying for the VP 75 class title will be Andy Wachholz
winner of the APBA&#8217;s Best Race Site Award in 2023
is expecting a large contingent of drivers for the 2024 competition which includes SST-120
and Formula 200 classes of Outboard Performance Craft (OPC) tunnel boats
In addition to the high-stakes championship
there are opportunities for teams to participate in the 1/4-mile straightaway record runs on Friday
Thirty-nine national and world records have been set on the world-known Ohio River course since 2012
Several drivers have indicated they are going to challenge Chris Rinker&#8217;s Formula 200 2023 record of 127.26 mph
the VP-75 Class has been elevated to national status and will be eligible to set a new APBA record
guaranteeing at least one new record for New Martinsville
Most of the VP 75 teams have indicated they will make
will add to his point totals and hopes to secure a new speed record
placing Jonah Gilbertson on notice to be prepared
Veteran competitor and a familiar face in New Martinsville
Florida is bringing a new boat and several different propellers to challenge the existing 116.299 mph SST 120 record
Organizers encourage people to join them in New Martinsville for RegattaFest 2024 on the Ohio River
where more water speed records have been set than any venue in the world
The 13th annual RegattaFest offers family fun and an 86-year tradition of sanctioned powerboat racing
A bit of innovation with activities for everyone
The New Martinsville Bombers 13U Baseball Team after winning the Athens Throw Down in A-Town Tournament on July 14
Not in attendance at this game but still part of the Bomers are Tuckor Dyer
The New Martinsville Bombers 13U baseball team has completed their 2024 season
earning two championship rings in the process
They played in the Mid-Ohio Valley Baseball League this past spring
 That league includes teams ranging from Ritchie County
The team competed in five tournaments this summer
They won the Athens Throw Down in A-Town Tournament and were champs of the Jane Lew Battle of the Bats Tournament
 They competed with various teams from Morgantown
Their final tournament was held July 26-28 in Glenville
The fifth Annual Pioneer Classic Tournament included 10 13U all-star teams from across West Virginia
the Bombers were ranked third for bracket play
In what might have been the most intense game of the tournament
the Bombers found themselves down 11-5 in the final inning
the local team rallied to make six runs and tie the game
played like Major League Baseball with a runner starting on second
but then the Bombers matched them and scored two
The second extra inning started the same way
losing the game that went nearly three hours
&#8220;It was such a great summer of baseball,&#8221; said Head Coach Nick Goddard
the personal maturity growth that these young men have shown is awesome.&#8221;
&#8220;They are definitely maturing when it comes to adversity,&#8221; agreed,&#8221; Dan Witschey
&#8220;Just one or two years ago they couldn&#8217;t overcome a challenging inning
In 2023 they finished runners up in three tournaments
all held in Ohio:  Coshocton All Star Classic; 2023 Cambridge All-Star Hustle Classic; and Martins Ferry Purple Rider Challenge Tournament
&#8220;I want to give a clear shout out to the boys and their dedication over the last few years,&#8221; said Goddard
In addition to practices 2-3 times per week
&#8220;They&#8217;re at the fields many times evenings without a scheduled practice
They make their living off of great pitching
&#8216;What comes easy doesn&#8217;t last long
And what lasts long won&#8217;t come easy,'&#8221; said Assistant Coach Matt Hedrick
&#8220;The growth of this team is incredible
It is a team that truly believes in their coaches and know that you have to work hard to get what you want
They have worked so hard to get where they are and they know it&#8217;s going take a lot more hard work and dedication to finish where we want to be by the end of next season
I couldn&#8217;t be any prouder of each and every one of them.&#8221;
for their regular weekly meeting at Quinet&#8217;s Court Restaurant in downtown New Martinsville
The meeting started with the introduction of the September students of the month from Magnolia High School
Rotarian Whitney Clegg introduced Kadyn McClure and Joellen Witschey
Kadyn is the daughter of Bob and Kari McClure of New Martinsville
She is president of her senior class and is a member of the National Honor Society
She is also a member of the Science National Honor Society
and an Early Entrance College Student at WVNCC
Kadyn has been the girls basketball team statistician since her freshman year
She was also the softball team statistician her freshman year
Her community activities include being on the New Martinsville Vintage Regatta Committee and  a member of the New Martinsville First Christian Church
She also does waitressing at Quinet&#8217;s and is a babysitter
She plans to attend Fairmont State and major as a Nurse Practitioner
She has received the promise scholarship and the Wetzel County Schools ACT/SAT prep course
Joellen is the daughter of Amy and Daniel Witschey of New Martinsville
She is a member of the National Honor Society
Thespian Troupe #531 social media manager 1oth and 11th grades
She has performed in the following plays and musicals: The Marvelous Wonderettes (Missy)
Joellen has been in the top 15% of her class in 9th
she won an Outstanding Scholar Award in 9th grade
was named student of the month twice in 11th grade
was involved with principals breakfast 9th
was on the Superintendent&#8217;s Student Board 11th
Her Community activities include New Martinsville First Church of God nursery worker/volunteer
Her plans are to attend Fairmont State University
West Liberty University or Glenville State University and major in Elementary Education
Following the student of the month introductions Rotary President Dan Mason gave the club a brief update on the recent Rotary Golf Tournament which was deemed a success
Also discussion was held concerning possible work on the Williams Cemetery
Other items discussed was future speakers for the upcoming meetings
NEW MARTINSVILLE &#8211; The Wetzel County Courthouse was busy on its first day of Early Voting on Oct
23 with more than 195 people exercising their right to vote in the Nov
Wetzel County Clerk Jessica Davis said when she arrived at the courthouse at 8:30 a.m
there were already three voters waiting for the doors of the courthouse to open at 9 a.m
&#8220;This is busier than the primary and a little busier than the last presidential election,&#8221; Davis said
Bill and Theresa Starkey of New Martinsville decided to vote early for the first time
Both said they were going to have busy schedules in the days leading up to the election and they wanted to get their voting out of the way
The couple said they had been waiting in line for about an hour to vote
A line of about 15 people were behind the Starkeys waiting to cast their ballots
Davis said there were three voting machines available for use in the voting room
To keep things running smoothly election workers were trying to keep a voter &#8220;on deck&#8221; during the process
She noted having to check everyone&#8217;s ID also adds to the wait time
&#8230; We&#8217;re going as quickly as we can,&#8221; she said
Ten days of Early Voting was made available across all of West Virginia&#8217;s 55 counties
<a href="#commentDiv" aria-label="View article comments" title="View article comments" class="dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 edNRfi"></a>HENRY CO., Va.  – The Martinsville-Henry County YMCA is one step closer to building a new facility. 
They have received a $500,000 gift from Valleystar Credit Union. This is helping their fundraising goal to build a new YMCA. 
The total amount raised is now $18 million and they are aiming for $24 million. The new location will be built on a seven acre site by the intersection of Fayette Street and Memorial Boulevard. It will feature two pools, three full court gyms, a fitness center and more. 
“We really are a community center and we’ve outgrown what we can’t grow our current programs much more in the current facility. So there’s a need there for growth. And it will allow us to expand how many people we serve in the community.”
Copyright 2025 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.
Amanda Stellwag is a Content Gatherer and joined the WSLS 10 News team in December 2024. She is from New Jersey and graduated from Rutgers University in May 2024.
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NEW MARTINSVILLE &#8211; More than 6,000 ballots were cast by Wetzel County residents during the Nov
Of the 10,067 registered voters in the county
according to unofficial results from the Wetzel County Clerk&#8217;s office
That equates to a 61.62 percent voter turnout
4,214 votes were cast and during the Early Voting period
Republican former President Donald Trump beat Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris by garnering 295 electoral votes; 270 were needed to win
Trump received 72,642,855 votes or 50.9 percent
and Harris received 67,958,303 votes or 47.6 percent
Trump won the state of West Virginia and Wetzel County followed suit with Trump receiving 4,685 votes and Harris receiving 1,290 votes
Wetzel County voters also cast ballots for other presidential contenders on the ballot: 31 votes for Chase Oliver; 21 votes for Jill Stein; and 103 votes for Robert F
ran unopposed and retained his seat with 4,718 votes
Haught has served as the county&#8217;s prosecutor since 2001
Republican Eric Daugherty ran unopposed for sheriff of Wetzel County
He will replace current Sheriff Mike Koontz who is retiring
retained his position after defeating challenger Republican Tim Bassett during the election
Lemley received 3,439 votes and Bassett received 2,530 votes
ran unopposed to retain his seat this election
Beth Ann (Chad) Cantrell and Jill Lyn (Daron Bailey) Shade; and her six grandchildren
Janet greatly valued her community and surrounded herself with lifelong friends and loved ones
and her favorite days were spent walking around the town
and striking up conversation with everyone she encountered
and after retiring from Bayer Chemical Plant
she enjoyed working alongside her daughter at Baristas and serving food and coffee to her neighbors
Janet was also very involved at the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ
Janet&#8217;s parties were well known in the neighborhood
she loved to dance and entertained family and neighbors with bridge clubs and euchre nights
She cultivated her house and yard with precision
Her front flower bed drew many compliments
her kids and grandkids would paint her front window with seasonal murals
She treasured family get-togethers at her home
and trips ranging from journeys to new places in and out of the country to quick drives to go clothes shopping
and a hunger for everything life had to offer
A celebration of life will be held at the First Christian Church in New Martinsville
donations may be made to the New Martinsville Library for the beautification of the new Imagination Station park
Anthony and Marion DiMinno; and her brother
and Michael Sean McKowen; five grandchildren
Rosemarie attended high school in Derry Township
in Design and Architecture from Penn State University where she studied with such artists as Chen Chi (Chinese-American painter)
Harold Altman (American painter and printmaker)
and Willem De Kooning (Dutch-American abstract expressionist) and Elaine De Kooning (abstract expressionist and figurative expressionist painter)
She was the first one in her family to graduate from college
she told people that she would go to college
West Virginia in 1963 when her husband secured a job with PPG Industries as a research chemist
she continued to live in New Martinsville until she and her husband relocated to Shepherdstown
West Virginia in 2017 to live with her daughter Peggy
a retrospective celebrating her 90th birthday
was held at the Gold Derrick Gallery in Sistersville
including both gifted and exceptional students
She began teaching at West Virginia Northern Community College in 1972 when the college opened its New Martinsville campus and taught courses there for nearly 30 years
working on sets and costumes for plays and musicals at Magnolia High School in New Martinsville
She was a founding member of the West Virginia Watercolor Society and held several positions within that organization including President
she curated exhibitions throughout the state and sought funding opportunities for artists to work in West Virginia
In partnership with Consolidation Coal Company
 She was also active in a stock ownership club
A vigil will be held from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m
at Jarvis-Williams Funeral Home in New Martinsville
followed by a visitation from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
and a Celebration of Life for her and her husband (who passed in 2020) from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m
 Mass of Christian burial will be held at St