High Points of the Valley (Graphic Illustration)

* Ahead of a landmark celebration in the U.S. and plenty of reasons to celebrate locally, Highmark West Virginia hosted an event that combined recognition of Flag Day, our veterans, first responders and their families, and a nod to the America 250 festivities and Independence Day. “We’re just trying to get a jump on our 250th celebration as a country, and that’s an amazing thing, having us all come together,” said Highmark West Virginia President Jay Sheehy. With treats ranging from free ice cream to a chance to meet some adoptable dogs from the Humane Society of Parkersburg, the event was a party for so much that is good about our region. “We’re trying to do a lot in our community to support all that,” Sheehy said. Sometimes celebration can be support, and Highmark appears to have hit the sweet spot with this event.

* West Virginia’s Department of Tourism recognized History Heroes from across the state last week, and four of them were from right here in the Mid-Ohio Valley. The names won’t come as a surprise, though these are folks who generally don’t seek the spotlight. Dorothy “Bibbee” Enoch of Wood County, Fred Harmon of Wood County and Earl Parsons and Zach Parsons of Tyler County were honored by the agency for their dedication, leadership and service in preservation and promotion of local history. “These awards are one way we can help recognize the tremendous amount of time and talents that volunteers at these organizations contribute every day,” said Tourism Department deputy secretary Eniss Smith. From helping to restore and preserve local landmarks such as the Phelps-Tavenner House to mentoring the next generation of re-enactors, and even working with a preservation society a few counties away, these folks care about making sure our future remembers our past. That is certainly as important now as it ever was, and we congratulate Enoch, Harmon and the Parsons on their award.