A lot of fun activities took place in Marshall County this past Thursday to mark West Virginia’s 161st birthday.

Those stopping at the Cockayne Farmstead celebration took in several free events.

There were different demonstrations such as those dealing in skills such as woodworking, blacksmithing, spinning and knitting.

Kids also had the opportunity to make lanterns to take home.

Others stopped by the Marshall County History Building on 13th Street to check out some of the “cool new displays.”

Of course, the Moundsville Library was another attraction where visitors spent part of the day completing a scavenger hunt.

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The John Marshall Mr. And Ms. Monarch for the 2023-24 school year were Conor Fitzpatrick and Ava Blake.

Conor was a four-year participant in football, basketball and track, earning a total of eight varsity letters. He was first team West Virginia All-State in football as a junior, and second team as a senior. Conor also earned first team OVAC twice.

Ava participated in basketball, volleyball, and swimming over the course of her four years at John Marshall, but she made her biggest impact on the softball diamond. Ava was a three-time first team all-State honoree in softball and a three-time first Team OVAC selection as well. Ava was also an integral part of the 2023-23 softball state championship team.

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Several personnel matters were approved by the Marshall County Board of Education at the recent board meeting. Among matter taken were:

Resignations of Kristina Williams, teacher of special education at Glen Dale Elementary and Brackin Winland as head volleyball coach at Moundsville Middle School.

Noelle Scott from Teacher of Driver’s Ed/Social Studies, Cameron High School to Teacher of English at Cameron High.

Jason Dalesio as Head Football Coach at Cameron High School (Citizen Coach).

Jonathan Matthews as Middle School Activities Coordinator, Cameron High School. (Season Citizen Coach).

David Ruza as Assistant Wrestling Coach at John Marshall High School. (Citizen Coach).

Clayton White as Assistant Coach at Sherrard Middle School . (Citizen Coach).

Brackin Winland as Assistant Volleyball Coach at John Marshall Coach. (Citizen Coach).

Chelsea Eikleberry as Head Coach at John Marshall High School.

Melanie Knutson as Middle School Golf Advisor, Countywide.

Tyler Hughes as Assistant Football Coach at Moundsville. (As Citizen Coach).

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The annual Marshall County Ice Cream Social will be held Monday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m., on the grounds of the Marshall County Court House in Moundsville.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Wes Howsare.

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Sunday Brunch occurs weekly at the Palace of Gold’s Rose Garden from 10-11:30 a.m.

Tours of the Palace of Gold will also be available after brunch for guests to view picturesque landscape or learn about eco-friendly gardening practices in the community learning garden.

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Every Wednesday, the Cockayne Farmstead holds a farmers’ market from 3-6 p.m.

Stop by during that period for a selection local grown foods including artisan breads, kettle corn, honey, eggs, veggies and more.

Selection varies by week and by season.

They also have great activities for kids.

Every Wednesday at 1 p.m. a children’s gardening program is held.

Participants plant, weed, water, and learn about growing their own food.”

Also, each Friday at the farmstead, they have an all day” time traveler” activity to which time those attending can learn a new skill and make a fun craft that was part of life in the past. All of these activities are free.