There’s a Kiwanis Club in Marshall County again! After an absence of seven years (when the almost 100-year-old Kiwanis Club folded) the Marshall County Kiwanis Club was organized April 10.

Kiwanis is a service organization of volunteers dedicated to serving the children of the world, one community, and one child at a time. It will be a part of the Capital District of Kiwanis International, which includes Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.

The new Club will be in Division 18 which includes Kiwanis Clubs in Weirton, Wellsburg, Wheeling and Parkersburg. The Marshall County Kiwanis Club meets twice a month, on the first Thursday at noon, and the third Thursday at 5 p.m. at Perkins Restaurant.

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The Marshall County Literacy Council announced Rebecca Ryder as the “Rita Takach “Reading Teacher of the Year” for 2025 at the Spring Banquet on May 8.

On her application, Ryder stated she teaches explicitly and systematically using a structured, research-based instruction for reading and writing. She is in charge of Battle of the Books at Glen Dale Elementary School and was the chairperson for her school’s and Marshall County’s Literacy Fair.

Ryder actively participates in ADK (Alpha Delta Kappa) and the West Virginia Reading Association Conference. She established a Little Free Library at Glen Dale Elementary School.

Glen Dale Elementary second grade teacher Tami Scollick said, “She has pursued numerous professional development opportunities, including dyslexia training and county-wide literacy initiatives, to ensure she is providing the most effective strategies for student success. Her commitment to continuous learning and growth reflects her deep dedication to the field of literacy education.”

“Rebecca is a dynamic leader in literacy education, continuously striving to create engaging, meaningful experiences that inspire a love of reading in students,” explained Glen Dale Elementary Principal Kim Cain.

Ryder will complete an application for the West Virginia Reading Association’s Eddie C. Kennedy Award. The state winner will be named in November.

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Three John Marshall High School Career & Technical Education students in the carpentry program signed letters of intent to begin an apprenticeship with a local trade union.

Jude Kesner-Rankin, Landen Nelson and Joseph Rogers will soon join the ranks of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, thanks to their training and experience at JMHS, under the supervision of instructor Matthew Ali.

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The Hilltop Elementary Kindness Crew had a busy year. Its members, consisting of fifth-graders, gave up time during their recess to participate in several community service projects.

During their most recent project, the crew assisted with “Kindness Week” and traveled to classrooms for kindness activities and delivered treats to staff members throughout the school. Hilltop Elementary School counselor Shelly Behm is the group’s faculty advisor.

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Blake Brothers American Legion Post 46, located at 412 Water St., Benwood, will be holding a Memorial Day program in front of the post at 11 a.m. May 26. The public is invited.

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The Greater Moundsville Convention and Visitors Bureau is excited to announce the filming of commercials to highlight our wonderful area.

Enthusiastic individual will be featured in the shoots, –there are no speaking parts, just an opportunity to showcase how much fun people can have in Marshall County!

The first filming session took place at the Mound Museum and the former West Virginia Penitentiary on May 14. The second round of filming will feature Grand Vue Park, the Palace of Gold, Cockayne Farmstead, Jefferson Avenue, Mugshots and other local attractions, The shoot will take place June 10-12.

If you are interested in participating, contact Craig White at 304-975-0236 or email cwhite@grandvuepark.com.

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The Cockayne Farmstead presents The Hungry for History summer speaker serie. It starts June 2 at noon with special guest speaker William Kolibash. In his 20 years in the Northern District of West Virginia, William Kolibash prosecuted all manner of crimes and criminals, ranging from old-school moonshiners to the notorious “Godfather” of Midwestern crime, Paul Hankish. The public is invited to come hear him share the many stories from his new book, “Justice Never Rests.”

This presentation takes place at the Strand Theatre in Moundsville, and he will also have copies of his book available for purchase.

After June 2, the Hungry for History series continues every Monday in June and July at noon at the Moundsville-Marshall County Public Library.

The lineup of speakers will be as follows;

June 9 — Bill Wnek, “The Glen Dale Lot Sale of 1892”

June 16 — Gary Rider, “Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Lockwood”

June 23 — Joe Roxby, “Lewis Wetzel”

June 30 — Jim Brockman, “John Adams: What a Founding Father”

July 7 — Sarah Smith, “Cameron Clay Products: History and Recent Discoveries”

July 14 — Robert Feldmeier, “Learning about the Natrium and Welcome Mounds”

July 21 — Allan Spencer, “Foreman’s Massacre”

July 28 — Jeffrey Smalldon, “That Beast Was Not Me”

The Cockayne Farmstead is also exited to kick off the weekly farmers market for its second year.

The farmers market will take place at the Cockayne Farmstead every Wednesday from 3-6 p.m. beginning May 28. Customers can come shop a variety of local goods including in-season produce, eggs, locally raised meat, sour dough items, pies and baked goods, and more.