High Points of the Valley (Graphic Illustration)

* Last week, 20 students across the state were announced as Bucklew Scholars at West Virginia University. An impressive three of them are from the Mid-Ohio Valley. Ava Gorrell of Tyler Consolidated High School, Tyler Watson of Roane County High School and Gracelyn Fellure of Ravenswood High School will receive the Bucklew Scholarships as freshmen at WVU and qualify for the WVU Foundation Scholarship. These are truly our best and brightest — planning to study biomedical engineering and mechanical engineering (Gorrell), agriculture and extension education (Fellure) and animal and nutritional sciences and business (Watson). Their work thus far has been extraordinary enough to earn them $60,000 spread over the next four years of their education. Imagine what they will do in their careers (and for their communities) once they have finished their academic journey. Congratulations, folks. We look forward to seeing just how far you will go.

* Ahead of this National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, Wood County 911 Director Mike Shook asked county commissioners to adopt a resolution to recognize those who answer emergency calls and dispatch. “Emergencies can occur at any time that require law enforcement, fire or emergency medical services,” Commission President Blair Couch read from the resolution. “… When an emergency occurs, the prompt response of law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS providers is critical to the protection of life and preservation of property … The safety of our law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS providers is dependent upon the quality and accuracy of information obtained from citizens who contact the 911 Center for Wood County.” And our public safety telecommunicators are the men and women who literally answer that call. We are grateful to have such capable people at the other end of the line, and join county commissioners in recognizing how important they are to the safety and well-being of our communities.