photo by: Eric Ayres

Wheeling Mayor Denny Magruder delivers his first State of the City address on Tuesday before a full house inside the showroom at Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack.

WHEELING — Mayor Denny Magruder on Tuesday shared a promising vision for Wheeling that emphasized the impact that collaboration has on forging the city’s future and highlighted the city’s “greatest asset — its people.”

Magruder delivered his State of the City address before a full house inside the showroom at Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack. It was his first State of the City since taking office last summer.

“In the past year, Wheeling has continued its trajectory of growth and transformation,” Magruder said. “Our city has seen advancements in economic development, infrastructure and community engagement. Downtown revitalization projects are breathing new life into historic spaces, and our neighborhoods are becoming more vibrant and connected.

“These achievements are the result of collaboration, hard work and the unyielding spirit of our most valuable asset – our people.”

Sticking to a similar format utilized by former Wheeling mayors during previous State of the City events, Magruder recognized several individuals from the community who have contributed to the city’s growth.

photo by: Eric Ayres

Andy McKenzie is presented with the Gateway Award during Tuesday’s State of the City at the Wheeling Island Showroom. From left are Wheeling Vice Mayor Jerry Sklavounakis, McKenzie and Mayor Denny Magruder.

Magruder presented the city’s eighth Gateway Award to Andy McKenzie — former Wheeling mayor and local businessman who continues to serve on the executive boards of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce and the Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED).

“Andy McKenzie’s legacy is one of service, progress and dedication,” Magruder said. “His tireless efforts have touched every corner of our city and state, and his influence will be felt for many years to come.”

Magruder noted McKenzie’s efforts that helped spark the conception of the Downtown Streetscape Project, the purchase and preservation of the Capitol Theatre, the expansion and renovation of WesBanco Arena, preservation of the Wheeling Suspension Bridge and other transformative projects.

“Honestly it’s humbling – you do things when you’re in politics to make your area better. But I didn’t accomplish any of those things – we accomplished those things – the city council. That’s how things happen – you surround yourself with good people,” McKenzie said, noting his optimism for the city and its new leadership. “Denny is a great guy. I’ve worked with Denny for as long as I can remember. I think the experience that he brings is going to be invaluable to our community.”

photo by: Eric Ayres

Randy Worls is presented with the Community Spirit Award during Tuesday’s State of the City at the Wheeling Island Showroom. From left are Wheeling Vice Mayor Jerry Sklavounakis, Worls and Mayor Denny Magruder.

Another highlighted honoree was Randy Worls, who was presented with this year’s Community Spirit Award.

“Randy’s journey with Oglebay began in 1954 when he first joined as a part-time employee,” Magruder said. “What started as a humble role quickly grew into a remarkable career that has touched every corner of this community. Through his visionary leadership, Randy has transformed Oglebay into one of the best municipal parks in the country, enriching the lives of countless families and visitors.

Beyond Oglebay, Worls helped propel countless projects and programs that helped shape the Wheeling community as we know it today, Magruder said, highlighting his vital roles in developing the Robert C Byrd Intermodal Transportation Center, the Wheeling Artisan Center, the Wheeling Waterfront Project, the Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau, and other impactful projects.

“Your tireless work, your vision and your unwavering commitment to Wheeling have left an indelible mark on this city. Your dedication to improving the lives of others, your ability to bring people together and your deep love for this place we call home are the reasons we honor you today,” Magruder said.

“It’s a particular honor,” Worls said, noting that his children represent the sixth generation of his family in the city. “Of course my whole career has been here. Our family has been involved in Wheeling for over 200 years, so it means a lot to me.”

Worls emphasized a special thanks to his wife, Betty, whose enduring support through his many years of service proved to be an essential element behind the success stories he helped script.

During Magruder’s State of the City address, he saluted the city’s police and fire departments, as well as veterans and active military personnel. He shed a spotlight on recently completed projects like the construction of the Market Street Parking Structure, ongoing projects like the Streetscape and upcoming projects in the city like the Washington Avenue, Schilling and Baker Street bridges projects – all public ventures that are helping to reshape Wheeling’s next chapter.

Yet the people from the community’s private sector and their longtime service or bold investments into Wheeling was presented by Magruder as a key collaboration that is making the most meaningful impact on the city. Aided by powerpoint images on a large overhead screen, the mayor took the hundreds of guests in attendance on a walk down Wheeling’s Main Street and adjacent streets to tip his hat to several individuals who undoubtedly have or who truly are making a difference.

The mayor applauded the Carl family for their efforts to renovate the building that houses The Bridge Tavern, Pastor Chris Figaretti and the Newbridge Church for their major revitalization for the sprawling building that now houses Newbridge Academy, Toni DiCarlo for her longtime local pizza business and new venture into construction of new condominiums on Main Street, Dan Milleson and the reimagined Berry Supply Building that today is Waterfront Hall, and Earl Brown for his preservation of the downtown landmark Victoria Theatre.

Magruder also recognized community leader Karen Gordon-Young, Wheeling Health Right’s Kathie Brown, WTRF’s Brenda Danehart – who retired last year after 43 years of service to local broadcast news, and Mary McKinley and Betty Jo Sproull for their efforts to preserve the legacy of the former Ohio Valley Medical Center.

The development of WVU Medicine’s new cancer center at the former OVMC site will be a critical step in advancing healthcare in the region and will provide an economic spark to Center Wheeling, Magruder said.

“Our city thrives because we understand the profound value of ‘quality of life,'” Magruder said. “We are not just a place to live. We are a community where culture, recreation and opportunity intersect to create a vibrant, dynamic environment for all.”

Looking to the future, Magruder said the power of Wheeling did not lie in just buildings and streets, but “in the hearts and minds” of the people in the city.

“Together, we have accomplished so much, but together, we will achieve even more,” he said. “Together, we will create a future that is not just imagined but realized. Our best days are ahead, and the state of our city has never been stronger.”