Moundsville’s historic Strand Theatre is continuing its ongoing efforts to host enriching programs for people of all ages by announcing the registration for this winter’s children’s acting classes. Classes will be held on Saturdays at the theater. They will commence on Feb. 1 and conclude on March 15. These classes will be divided into three distinct levels, catering to children from kindergarten to high school. Level 1, designed for kindergarteners to third graders, will meet from 9-9:55 a.m. Level 2, suitable for grades 4 to 8, will meet from 10-10:55 a.m. Level 3, for grades 9 to 12, will meet from 11-11:55 a.m. Participation in these exciting six-week class series is priced at $75.

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The Strand is also thrilled to notify the community that auditions for the upcoming performance of the musical “Nunsense” will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 7 at the Strand. Auditioners will be required to perform cold reads from the script, a dance combo, and sing 16-32 bars of a chosen song. Rehearsals are expected to commence on Jan. 13 and will take place Tuesday through Thursday evenings for approximately three hours per session. For more information visit www.strandtheatreWV.com/nunsense.

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The Benwood-McMechen Public Library will host a free viewing of the movie “Abominable” at 4 p.m. Jan. 8. Call (304) 232-9720 for further details.

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The Marshall County Chamber of Commerce is kicking off 2025 with a networking breakfast at 8 a.m. Jan. 7 at Perkins. Janet Allen will be the guest speaker.

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The Wheeling Nailers are delighted to reveal “Star Wars Night” at 7:10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11at WesBanco Arena. Join us for an epic evening of hockey and Star Wars fun! Dress up as your favorite character from the galaxy far, far away and support your local hockey team.

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Moundsville has selected its new leadership team for 2025. Leading the city is Mayor David Wood from the Second Ward, supported by Vice Mayor Sara Wood-Shaw (At Large). The new city council members are Ward 1 Councilman Denny Hall, Ward 3 Councilman Gene Saunders, and Ward 4 Councilwoman Ginger DeWitt. Additionally, At Large Councilmen Randy Chamberlain and Don Dewitt complete the roster.

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Marshall County celebrated the grand opening of its new Marshall Health Department building this past week. This facility, designed to provide our community with the best health resources and services, is a testament to the County’s investment into the well-being of Marshall County residents.

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The West Virginia Division of Highways has planned a bridge closure in Moundsville along U.S. 250 (Jefferson Extension) in the vicinity of Cherokee Hills, beginning Monday through the summer. An alternate route with be available.

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Closing out this week’s Memo, I’d like to share a historical event from 100 years ago. In February 1925, Marshall County opened a new consolidated school in Limestone, which marked a significant advancement in the local education system at the time. The new school replaced several one-room schools, including those at Allen, Fairview, Limestone, Wayman’s Ridge, and Wood Hill, indicating a shift towards a more modern school infrastructure. This occurred during an era of educational reform in the United States, where there was a push towards consolidating smaller rural schools into larger, more efficient schools with modern innovations like indoor bathrooms and furnaces. This was in line with national trends of the 1920s emphasizing improved education standards and facilities with better access to education for rural children. By the late 2000s, Limestone, which had become an elementary school, was closed due to further school consolidations.