High Points of the Valley (Graphic Illustration)

* Yet another fun, fast (for some) and unforgettable News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two-Mile Race day has come and gone. Hundreds of participants chose to run their race — whether that meant cruising to a one hour, seven minutes and nine seconds half marathon finish or meeting a goal of crossing the finish line just before the course closed and gave Market Street back to the Parkersburg Homecoming Parade. And those runners and walkers were supported by folks on front porches, lined up at water stops, holding signs and cheering. There were also volunteers keeping intersections safe, bike patrols making sure the participants were holding up OK, and plenty of other people lending a helping hand. As happens each year, a community came together. It is wonderful to be reminded what this event means and how many people are willing to help keep it — pun fully intended — running. Thank you, everyone!

* Mountwood Park officials are preparing for the first Mountwood Market farmer’s market, beginning next month. What a wonderful addition to the park, and that part of Wood County. “We feel it will be a great way for the community to come together and buy things locally and support local makers,” said Rebecca Walter, who was one of those pitching the idea to the Mountwood Park Board a couple of months ago. “We are really excited about it.” Fresh produce, baked goods, vendor items, meat and more will be available every Saturday from Sept. 7 to Oct. 19. With the right support, this test run might turn into a longer-running fixture next year. “We are hoping to make a real difference in the community,” Walter said. No doubt, they will.