While The Future of Moundsville Youth Center will be opening its doors to the youth for the first time Tuesday at 1310 Second St., there will be a grand opening today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Center is housed in the former Solid Rock Baptist Church at the corner of Second Street and Ash Avenue. The Ash Avenue Church of God purchased the vacant building and decided to convert it into a facility for youth. It will be open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 3:30-7:30 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The building now consists a large recreation room with a pool table, foosball tables, air hockey tables, a Ping-Pong table, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and a full-size arcade game

On the lower level there is a homework/tutor room, music room, computer center, and a full kitchen.

The youth will be supervised by adults who have passed background checks, according to Pastor C.J. Plogger.

Membership to the Youth Center is free, but there are two expectations: First, they will provide four hours a week of supervisory duty where they will be in charge of one of the areas of the center. Second, there will be a 20-minute weekly life leadership lesson at 6 p.m. on Mondays. If the youth are unavailable to attend on Monday evening they will be able to view the lesson in the computer center.

“A special thank you to our donors–Grisell Funeral Home for a electronic sign atop the front door; Gold, Khourey, and Turak for the games in the recreation room; Dr. Romano of the Glen Dale Foot Clinic; Happy Tails and Paw it Forward for baskets to raffle; Busy Beaver; the Moundsville Lions Club; Marshall County Schools; Marshall County Co-op; Bob’s Lunch … and many other donors who prefer to remain anonymous.”

Plogger added that anyone who would like to make donations to help the youth or to volunteer their time can call him at 304-845-5395.

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Two veterans’ events will be taking place on Nov. 11 and Nov. 12 in Moundsville.

The initial event will be the Veteran’s Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Nov. 11. The site will be either on the lawn of the Marshall County Courthouse, or inside of Central Elementary, depending on the weather.

American Legion Post No. 3 will hold a luncheon after the ceremony.

Taking place between 5-8 p.m. Nov. 12 will be the annual Moundsville Veterans Honor Guard Steak Fry at the American Legion Post No. 3, 800 First St.

Tickets can be purchased at the American Legion.

As to tickets they will be limited to 150, and must be purchased in advance at the Post Home or by calling 304-845-5220.

The money raised from the steak fry will help continue to provide a flag display case for a veteran’s burial flag, and assist the Northern Panhandle Veteran Council in its work to support veterans’ causes.

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Natalie Briggs and Madison Pierce were recently named Career & Technical Education Students of the Month at John Marshall High School.

Briggs is a senior in the ProStart program and is the daughter of Andrew and Maxcine Briggs. She is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), LEO Club, Student Council , Drug Free Club and Youth Leadership Association (YLA).

She is also on the archery and tennis teams at JM.

Learning new languages, caring for animals, cooking and volunteering at community service events is how she spends her time outside of school when not working at Butch’s Corner in Sherrard.

Even though she plans to major in International Studies in Business or Interpreting, she has yet to choose where she would like to go to college. She knowns taking CTE classes at JMHS will help her in her chosen field of study and beyond.

“Mrs. Susanne Cubic’s classes have taught me how to work with a lot of different people while remaining professional at all times,” Briggs explained. “Simulated workplace has given a head start to be ready in any career opportunity that might come my way.”

Pierce, also a senior, is in the Careers in Education program. She is daughter of Lewis DeVault II and Alexandra Kimber.

She is a member of the Educators Rising Club, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FBLA) and Central Seniors.

She will volunteer her time for the Track of Treat community Halloween party at Monarch Stadium put on by the Educators Rising Club. She is also a babysitter in her spare time.

Post-secondary plans for Pierce includes getting a degree in education. She credits her teacher, Mrs. Katie Williams, and her CTE classes for getting her ready for the next stage of her life. “I have learned about working with children and knowing what their needs are,” explained Pierce. “Many of the activities we have planned and coordinated in the community have reached many young people. I’ve also gained experience working in large groups while using teamwork and leadership skills.”

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The Marshall County Chamber of Commerce Tree Gala and Auction will take place on Nov. 8-10 at the Moundsville Center within the walls of the former West Virginia Penitentiary.

Community Night will be from 4-7 p.m. on Nov. 8 with Santa, music and snacks.

Auction Night for Tree Gala on Nov. 10. Local businesses/non-profits will decorate trees, wreaths, and mantels pieces which will be auctioned, with a portion of proceeds donated to charity. There will be music, raffles, food, contests, and opportunities to purchase/donate trees.

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The Marshall County Chamber of Commerce has announced the theme for this year’s Christmas parade, “The Joys of Christmas.”

The winning entry was submitted by Hilltop Elementary School first grade student Joey Hodge.

He received a $100 cash prize, and the Chamber will give Joey’s classmates a pizza party in his honor.

He will also be recognized by being in the parade which takes place at 2 p.m. on Nov. 19.

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The public is invited Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. to the LSIC Showcase to be held at the Marshall County Fairgrounds.

Each school in Marshall County and many county departments will host a table at the event and display some of the unique services offered within the schools.

Also, there will be a robotics competition.

People can come and go from the event anytime during the two hour period.