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Ohio Valley Residents Look for Positive Change in 2025

Derek Redd

WHEELING -- With 2025 on the horizon, Wheeling residents planned celebrations and set goals for the new year.

Though New Year's Eve is notorious for its champagne toasts and big parties, some opted to stay in and celebrate from home. John Dudley said he had to be up early for his trucking job with Gordon Food Service today.

"Being a truck driver for the last 10 years, you don't really want to be out on the roads. So I'd rather stay home and be safe," he said.

Dudley said he is hoping to improve his health in the new year.

"I am hoping to get my body back in shape, that's about it," Dudley said. "After COVID, it was a little rough so getting it all back on track, that's the New Year's resolution."

He also hopes that his daughter has a good cheer season this year, he added.

Though Jenny McCardle said she is already active and eats well, she said her goal is also to get healthier.

"I'm not typically (a resolution person) but I always just strive to be more healthy," she said.

"Just always step it up a little bit for the next year."

McCardle said she doesn't usually do much to celebrate on New Year's Eve, but said this year is a bit different because one of her daughters is in town from Washington D.C. Another daughter lives in town with her husband and the crew went out to eat at Drovers Inn and Tavern in Wellsburg.

After dinner, they considered going out to Vue 42 or River City to celebrate. Their plans for New Year's Day were to relax at home, she said.

Others are not celebrating on New Years Eve but are looking ahead to new accomplishments and making positive changes in their lives in 2025.

Jovan Harris said 2025 will bring about some big changes for him. He is currently staying in a shelter but will be moving into his own apartment come February. Once Harris gets settled, his focus will be on finding an affordable car and fixing it up.

"As soon as I get my place, I'm single, have no kids. I don't really have plans for anything. I just take one day at a time," he said.

Bob and Dea Kennen, who have been married for 48 years, said they will likely be in bed before the clock strikes midnight.

"We've seen the ball drop," Dea Kennen said. "We don't need to see it again."

"Been there done that," Bob Kennen chimed in.

However they are looking forward to plans with friends earlier in the evening to get takeout dinner from Figaretti's Restaurant and celebrate at their friends' home.

After that? An easy day inside with the TV.

"New Year's Day we'll spend at home, watching football," Dea Kennen said.

Though many planned to take it easy for the night, a number of Wheeling bars and restaurants held New Year's Eve bashes for the nightlifers in town.

Generations Restaurant and Pub, Waterfront Hall, Knotty Pines, River City and the Wheeling Island Casino will have DJ's and parties raging until after midnight.