Lorelei Williams, an 8th grade student at Moundsville Middle School, was among the top winners in this year’s essay contest held by the County Commissioners Association of West Virginia.

Eleven other students from different counties also received awards ranging from first place to honorable mention. Williams was one of four students to receive honorable mention honors in the contest.

More than 230 essays were submitted from 40 classrooms in 25 counties.

“I’m very impressed with the participation in this year contest,” Meagan James, program coordinator for the association, said. “It surpassed expectations. I’m looking forward to the future and seeing the contest continue to grow.”

During April, which was National County Government Month, the CCAWV encouraged students to learn about the role of county commissioners and write essays of up to 500 words on the topic, “How does my County Commission make my life better for me?”

Williams was honored this past Tuesday at the Marshall County Commission meeting, read her essay.

It reads as follows.

“The county commission is made up of three elected officials who were chosen to look over the county and make sure everything is in order. Although they look over the county as a whole, they are not in control of individual cities. Also, they serve as financial agents who determine how the county’s money is spent. They set, accept and send the county’s budgets. The county commission provides the county clerks, circuit clerks and sheriffs with their budgets.

“County Commissioners supply the volunteer fire department, emergency medical services and the sheriff’s department with all of their equipment. The election polls in Marshall County were provided by the county commission. Workers for the commission go down to the polls on election day and help anyone who may not understand how to work the voting machines. They help municipalities by funding different operations such as our local animal shelter and senior center, so these places are able to help those who may need it. The Marshall County Commissioners are currently working on renovating our courthouse, so that it is safer for people who work there and for anyone who enters the building.

“In the near future, they are planning to build a new health department with updated technology. They also are doing a housing study to see what can be done to supply more housing for the people that are moving into Marshall County temporarily. These housing studies are also being used to make assisted living for elderly people. …

“The Marshall County commission is in the process of stretching sewage and water lines to rural areas, so they are able to have city water, and they are updating fire hydrants to make sure they are in working order. Therefore, making our community a safer place to live.

“The county commissioners are a very important addition to our counties, and they do their best to make our communities better places to live.”

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While on the subject of the county commission, this past Tuesday the commissioners opened bids for removal of two buildings (the current Health Department structure and the Journal building), along with a new building. The low bidder was Grae-Con of Steubenville at $8.99 million.

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The Marshall County Board of Education at its recent meeting named Ryan P. Finley as principal at Moundsville Middle School. He was previously an assistant principal at MMS.

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Members of the Marshall County Board of Education have come up with a program as a way to thank the citizens of Marshall County for supporting the school district, the faculty, staff and students: “Free Activity Pass.”

All Marshall County citizens are eligible for a free pass good for attendance at every Marshall County School sponsored event including WVSSAC Sanctioned Events at any Marshall County Schools Facility.

The events also include musicals and plays, band, chorus and string concerts, Queen of Queens Pageant, JMHS Marching Band Showcase, and more.

Beginning June 7 and continuing each Wednesday through July 26, (10 a.m. until 6 p.m.) those who wish to receive a pass can have their picture taken at the Board of Education office located at 214 Middle Grave Creek, Moundsville.

A proof of residency must be presented when they apply. The pass must include the pass holder’s picture, however children under the age of five do not need a pass. The Marshall County Schools Activity Pass is good for admission only.

Anyone will questions can call the BOE office at 304-843-4400.

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“No Cancer Here, No Cancer There, No Cancer Anywhere” is the theme of this year’s Relay for Life of Marshall County, which will be held June 3 in the north parking lot of John Marshall High School.

Opening ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m.

Nineteen teams will be taking part with on-site fundraisers. There will be food, games, raffles and the “Big Purple Chair” for picture taking.

Live musical entertainment will also be a part of the event.

The luminary ceremony will take place in the vicinity of 9:30 a.m.

All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society for prevention and patient support.

In the event of bad weather, the event will be moved into the school’s gym.

Those in need of further information can phone 304-780-9864.

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The annual Memorial Day program in Cameron will take place at 11 a.m. Monday at the American Legion Veterans Park.

The speaker will be retired LTC Raymond Degan Jr. On display will be the “Field of Flags” honoring veterans past and present. This will be the seventh year for this event with the number of flags purchased increasing each year. This year 1285 flags will be displayed and they will remain in place through Wednesday, May 31st.

The 35th annual Greg Yoho Memorial Car Show will be held on June 2.

The event will take place along Jefferson Avenue from 2nd to 5th Streets.

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A blood drive will be held June 1 at the Moundsville Center within the walls of the former West Virginia West Virginia Penitentiary.

The hours will be 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

To schedule an appointment call 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org.

The blood drive is being sponsored by the Moundsville Lions Club and the Moundsville Economic Development Council.

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The Splash Pad at the East End Playground in Moundsville has opened for the season.