Two major attractions at the former West Virginia Penitentiary are up-and-running this month. One is the Dungeons of Horrors while the other is the North Hall Walk. The dungeon is now in its 25th year while the “walk” has been an attraction for 10 years. These two events are expected to combine to attract more than 10,000 visitors. The two attractions will take place this weekend on Oct. 13-15, and will continue on Oct. 20-21, and Oct. 27-29. There will also be a special Halloween event on Oct. 31, and it is nearly sold out.

The Dungeon of Horros has about 20 differences than the event last year. The entrance to the Dungeon of Horrors is from the south, while the North Walk is from the North. The latter event starts at 7 p.m. with the others staring 20 minutes later. The tours will be 45-55 minutes in length. Tickets to both events can be obtained online at www.pentours.com.

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Four people recently received awards given by the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce: Katrina Bonar, who received the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year Award; Susie Baker, the Dr. David Ealy Community Service Award for her overwhelming support of children of Marshall County; Bricie Brannan, was named Marshall County Teacher of the Year; and Heather Markonich, awarded Marshall County Schools Service Personnel of the Year. In addition to the individuals, Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration received the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award for service to the community.

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All Marshall County schools will be represented at the Local School Improvement Council showcase from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Moundsville Center at the former West Virginia Penitentiary. The event, which is open to the public, allows student to feature unique aspects of their school’s curriculum through hands-on demonstrations. Membership of LSIC is comprised of teachers, service personnel, bus drivers, parents, business and community representatives.

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The Moundsville Health Center and the Marshall County FRN will kick off “Make a Difference Day” from 10 a.m. until noon on Oct. 20. People can bring non-perishable food to win an air fryer. Also a donation box will be available at the Healthcare Center throughout the following week to support the local community though the Marshall County FRN food assistance program.

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The Marshall County Historical Society will host a special speaker for their quarterly membership meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 23. The speaker will be Tom Tarowsky, and his topic will be, “Things That Go Bump at the Cockayne.” His talk will relate his many spooky and strange experiences in the 19th Century farmhouse during his days as the first site manager. It will be free for Historical Society Members. For non-members, there will be a $5 admission fee.

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Local authors Roseanna Daken Keller and Gary Rider have announced that they are now working on a book about Reynolds Hospital. They would like to interview any employees who worked at the hospital. Reynolds Hospital has a rich history going back to Arch Deacon B.M. Spurr. His care and compassion for the community led to the hospital’s founding. The authors wish to show that his dream of courtesy, compassion, and care lived on after his death in the staff of the hospital.

You can call Roseanna at 304-845-4199 or Gary at 304-845-3161 for information.