UP: To Downtown PKB being award an Opportunity Appalachia grant of up to $75,000 for the redevelopment of the 40,000 square foot 820 Market St. in the downtown central business district into a mixed-use facility with retail on the first floor and residential on the second to fifth floors. “I’m beyond excited about this program. Not only for the initial funds which will help us get started, but for the potential investors we may obtain to make this multi-million dollar project a reality,” Zak Huffman, owner of the property, said. “Downtown is in need of premium housing and we are excited to fill that void.” It is an encouraging sign that, with continued funding and hard work, a little more life is being brought back to downtown.

UP: To the return of Taste of Parkersburg earlier this month, after a two-year break. Local patrons got a taste not just of what Parkersburg vendors have to offer, but were able to try food and beverages from farther afield as well. It was good not only to have a return to the annual showcase of so much our communities have to offer, but also simply to see people gathered enjoying what the vendors had to offer and each other’s company. Here’s hoping for many more such events for years to come.

UP: To the swearing in of Marietta’s first female Police Chief Katie Warden. She is also only the 12th police chief in the city’s history. “I really love my community and I’ve always had a passion for serving,” Warden said. “There’s no better way to do that than the police department.” Congratulations!