The Historic Cockayne Farmstead is celebrating the success of its inaugural Beginner Knitting Classes and, due to popular demand, has announced a new lineup of hands-on workshops over the coming months.

Crafters of all ages can look forward to a variety of offerings at the Farmstead’s Visitor Center, starting with Beginner Knitting, a class for ages 10 and up that teaches the basics while creating a simple project, running from 5-6 p.m. Tuesdays, April 1 through April 22. Also on Tuesdays, from 4-5 p.m. during the same period, Beginner Crochet will introduce participants aged 10 and older to the art of crochet. For those with some knitting experience, Knit A Sweater offers a guided journey to create a simple sweater (yarn purchased separately) on Thursdays from 5-6 p.m., April 3 through May 15. Rounding out the schedule, Learn to Hand Sew welcomes ages 7 and up to master basic stitching and craft a pincushion with all materials provided for $35, meeting Tuesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., May 6 through May 27.

Interested participants can call (304) 845-1411 or email cockaynehouse@gmail.com to secure a place.

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Fifteen talented young musicians from the Marshall County Strings Program recently showcased their skills at the annual West Virginia All-State Orchestras, held during the West Virginia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference in Charleston. Representing Moundsville Middle School, Sherrard Middle School and John Marshall High School, these students earned their spots among the state’s finest.

The middle school contingent included Kailey McIlvain and Leo Nguyen from MMS, alongside Ruby Hunter and Abby Allman from SMS, all of whom brought their passion for strings to the prestigious event. Meanwhile, John Marshall High School was well-represented by an impressive roster of 11 students: Clay Howard, Sophie Cunningham, AJ Pintus, Fiona Ren, Layla Rodgers, Cheyenne Harvey, Zoe Zervos, Tripp Bonds, Lila Roman, Alina Holliday, and Sarah McBee. These high schoolers demonstrated advanced skill and dedication, performing alongside top peers from across West Virginia.

The selection of these Marshall County students underscores the region’s commitment to nurturing musical talent.

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Following the impressive showing of Marshall County’s strings students at the West Virginia All-State Orchestras, a talented group of choral students from the same district took the stage at the West Virginia All-State Children’s Chorus Concert. The event, part of the 79th annual WVMEA In-Service Conference, spotlighted young vocalists from nine Marshall County schools: Cameron Elementary, Center McMechen Elementary, Central Elementary, Glen Dale Elementary, Hilltop Elementary, Moundsville Middle, Sand Hill Elementary, Sherrard Middle, and Washington Lands.

Representing Cameron Elementary were Avery Oliver and Trevor Richards, while Center McMechen Elementary sent Shasta Francis and Jolyn Updegraff. Central Elementary’s contingent included Maylee Bartsch, Nathan Gomez, and Kailynn Wesley, and Glen Dale Elementary was proudly represented by Madison Burke and Gabrielle Dantrassy. Hilltop Elementary contributed Everett Aubrey, Aubrey Gatts, and Jacquelyn Hart, while Moundsville Middle featured Adalyn Bell, Kadence Crawford, and Brielle McClelland. Sand Hill Elementary’s Sydney Mlodsik stood out as a solo representative, joined by Sherrard Middle’s Jayde Carpino, Morgan Cooper, and Skyelynn Duymich. Rounding out the group, Washington Lands Elementary showcased Abigail Clark, Sara Kelley and Jaxson Rine.

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The RISE Prevention Coalition is stepping up its efforts to foster a safer community by collaborating with Marshall County Schools ahead of John Marshall High School’s Prom Night on April 12. The coalition focuses on promoting substance use and underage drinking prevention.

As part of this mission, the coalition will host a PROM — Please Return On Monday — event at John Marshall on April 9. The initiative aims to engage students with interactive educational activities designed to encourage safe and responsible decision-making as they prepare for prom. To make the event both impactful and enjoyable, RISE is seeking donations of gift cards from local businesses, including coffee shops, restaurants, and retail stores.