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* Traffic is once again flowing over the Memorial Bridge between Parkersburg and Belpre, thanks to the work of United Bridge Partners. "The reality of it is, the city was not in a position financially to rehabilitate this bridge on our own," said Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce. "We could have done it. ... But we would've had to make some tough, unpopular decisions. I think this is a great day for Parkersburg and a great day for Belpre." Meanwhile, Belpre Mayor Mike Lorentz saw plenty of positives in the reopening. "The thing I'm the happiest about is -- one, this reaches the people in my small community. The businesses on my side of the river will prosper and benefit from this," he said. "Secondly, the way these folks from Bridge Partners moved in here and started becoming a part of our community."
* Artbeat Studio's artists have provided another round of beautiful banners for Market Street in downtown Parkersburg. Wood County Society and the City of Parkersburg's electrical department teamed up to hang the new banners last week. "It has been a couple of years since our light post banners displayed artwork from the artists at the Artbeat Studio," said Jessica Strickler, events and marketing manager for Downtown PKB. "The artists are very talented, and we knew they would create something amazing for downtown." It's a wonderful addition, and one which will brighten the days of many making their way down Market Street.
* Arliss Miller has since 2009 done something far too many of us never manage. He has volunteered weekly to serve at the Stone Soup Kitchen in the St. Francis Parish Hall on Market Street in Parkersburg. The 85-year-old Miller is among the original group of volunteers for the kitchen, who Coordinator Val Kula refers to as "a faithful group of people." Our region is fortunate to have such a faithful and dedicated bunch.