High Points of the Valley (Graphic Illustration)

* Parkersburg South High School’s marching band celebrated an undefeated 2025 season at last week’s Wood County Schools Board of Education meeting. Randall Reid-Smith, a representative from U.S. Senator Jim Justice’s office, talked about being in awe of the band when he was growing up. “They had the most incredible, incredible sound. They had great shows, and they were just a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful program. And it’s so nice to still see that tradition going on here at Parkersburg South High School,” he said. It sounds as though there is still good reason to be in awe of the Patriot Marching Band today, as there is good reason to congratulate them and their director, Greg Myers, who has helped guide the band for 30 years. Well done, folks.

* Karla Deak-Ward, of Lower Salem, was among those who helped decorate the evergreen in the Blue Room of the White House, where the Gold Star Family Christmas tree had been placed. She called it an “amazing, amazing experience,” and said it was “a great honor to be chosen.” An honor, yes, but also a testament to Deak-Ward’ decorating skills, which may be White House-worthy, but were honed right here in the Mid-Ohio Valley. “I’ve always enjoyed decorating for the holidays,” she said. “As a mom of six, I always went over the top for Christmas.” Over the top every year, and this year, to Washington as well. Congratulations!