High Points of the Valley (Graphic Illustration)

* Across the region, municipalities are touting the effectiveness of their winter weather preparations, and rightly bragging a bit about the workers who executed that plan. In fact, when asked about their communities’ responses to recent rough weather, nearly all local leaders talked about how well prepared their public works and roads departments were — and remain. “(If it snows) we’re going to be on it, and stay on it,” said Marietta Mayor Josh Schlicher. Vienna, Belpre and Parkersburg reported strong responses to the dangerous road conditions and readiness to continue that work through the rest of the winter when necessary. “Those fellas had some long hours in the trucks, and we remain ready for the remainder of the winter season,” said Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce of the city’s Public Works Department crew. It is comforting to know such preparation, planning and willingness to work until the job is done will carry us through these arctic spells. Thank you, folks.

* After a pipe burst at the Salvation Army of Parkersburg last week, the cleanup effort — and replacing what was lost — necessitated an all-hands-on-deck approach. Residents of the shelter and members of the community answered the call. A Salvation Army representative said the organization had gotten a good response to the request for help, and the disaster has not meant the facility has had to stop housing or feeding people in need. The organization’s motto has been “Doing the most good.” It is encouraging to see, when the time came, the community it serves was able to do a little good for it, in return.