Meigs County • March 4, 2025
Good morning, Meigs County. The unsung heroes of our community wear red, not capes. With over 90% of their workforce being volunteers, the Ohio River Valley chapter of the American Red Cross responded to 43 local disasters last year alone, helping 120 neighbors recover from fires and floods. As Wood County officially declares March as American Red Cross Month, their life-saving impact extends beyond emergencies – from installing free smoke alarms to collecting thousands of blood units that silently save lives every day.
While we celebrate today's community champions, a fascinating glimpse into Parkersburg's past reveals our civic roots. The meticulous minutes from an 1873 City Council meeting show our ancestors tackling everything from smallpox outbreaks to the apparently controversial Sunday closure of barber shops. Meanwhile, in present-day Mountwood Park, sunlight dances through woodland bridges, reminding us that some of our region's greatest treasures don't require a proclamation – just appreciative eyes.
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🚨 Wood County declares March as American Red Cross Month. The County Commission recognized the Ohio River Valley chapter's vital community work during a Thursday proclamation ceremony. Executive Director Sharon Kesselring reported the chapter responded to 43 disasters in Wood County last year, serving over 120 individuals affected by fires and flooding. The Red Cross also installed 81 free smoke alarms, collected more than 2,500 blood units, and provided training to over 1,100 people. Commissioners approved a $5,000 funding request, acknowledging the organization's reliance on its 87 volunteers who make up over 90% of their workforce.
🏛️ City Council of 1873 managed small-town affairs with meticulous detail. The Parkersburg council meeting from March 11, 1873 reveals the day-to-day governance issues of a 19th-century West Virginia town. Officials handled matters ranging from street maintenance and hospital management during a smallpox outbreak to the controversial Sunday closure of barber shops. The council also approved various bills, including payments for gas lighting, hospital supplies, and even a coffin for a deceased resident. This historical snapshot, shared by the Wood County Historical and Preservation Society, offers a fascinating glimpse into local governance of the past.
🌲 Sunlight dances through Mountwood Park's woodland bridges.A captivating photo by Art Smith showcases the late morning sun filtering through trees near one of many stream crossings in Parkersburg's Mountwood Park. The News and Sentinel is inviting local photographers to submit their own images celebrating the Mid-Ohio Valley's natural beauty. Readers can view more stunning regional photography on the newspaper's Instagram page, offering a visual celebration of West Virginia's scenic landscapes.
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