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UP: To the group of new school administrators appointed by Wood County Schools last week, ahead of the upcoming school year. Adam Shaffer, new principal at Criss Elementary; Stephanie Agee, new principal at Franklin Elementary; Timothy Collins, new principal at Lubeck Elementary; Victoria M. Dixon, new assistant principal, and LeeAnn Cumpston, new principal at Williamstown Elementary; and Michael Scott Miller, new assistant principal at Parkersburg High will no doubt bring fresh ideas to serving staff and students as they lead their respective schools. “We’re looking forward to a great year, you will, too. You’re going to have a great year,” said board member Judy Johnson.

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UP: To Coplin Health System’s celebration of 45 years serving the region, with its roots in Wirt County. “Since our founding in 1978, Coplin Health Systems has made great strides and grown into an extensive healthcare network that includes 12 clinics serving residents in four counties across two states,” said CEO Rob Dudley. “While our medical facilities have improved and the number of patients served has increased, our core mission of providing quality health and wellness services and compassionate care has not changed. We remain committed to our mission and have expanded our services to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve throughout the years.” That kind of expansion is impressive, indeed.

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UP: To the eye-catching new mural at the Point Park Gateway, commissioned by the Arts Collaborative of the Mid-Ohio Valley hosted by West Virginia University at Parkersburg and partially funded with a grant from the City of Parkersburg to the Art Center. Artist Nichole Westfall, with the help of more than 60 community painters, has brought to life a colorful and attention-grabbing work of art to welcome visitors to our riverfront and — we hope — the rest of Parkersburg.