The Ohio County Commission got some good news this week for the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport, as Marshall University has agreed to offer aviation classes for the general public at the airport.

Ohio County Commission President Zach Abraham said the goal of the new program is to bring more takeoffs and landings of planes to the airport, he explained. This should also result in a greater sale of fuel there and use of mechanic resources on site.

When Marshall and West Liberty universities originally agreed to put a branch of MU’s Bill Noe Flight School at the airport, this is exactly the kind of benefit the partnership was supposed to generate. It offers a unique opportunity to Ohio Valley residents, while increasing use of the airport.

Hopefully, the ideas don’t stop there, and the county and the universities will continue evolving the relationship to create more opportunities.