Community news from around the area
Author to discuss book
WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library will host Christina Fisanick, author of “Pulling the Thread: Untangling Wheeling History,” at 11 a.m. Jan. 24. Excerpts of the book will be shared.
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions following the presentation. To register for the free program, call (304) 737-1551 or visit brookecountylibs.org/events.
Evening story hour offered
WELLSBURG — Kim Harless will lead an evening story hour at 5 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Brooke County Public Library. Based on “Happy Birthday Fiona,” the event will include a craft and snack. Reservations are required. The program is free to the public.
Call (304) 737-1551 or visit brookecountylibs.org/events to make a reservation.
Library supporters to meet
WELLSBURG — The Friends of Brooke County Public Libraries will meet at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Wellsburg location.
The group will receive updates on efforts at the two libraries and make plans for future activities and events. New members are welcome. Those interested can attend or pick up a membership form at the circulation desk.
Libraries to close for holiday
The Brooke County Public libraries in Wellsburg and Follansbee will be closed Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Documentary to be shown
WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library will show “Unseen,” a documentary about a blind, undocumented immigrant attempting to obtain a college degree and support his family, at noon Tuesday. To reserve a seat for the free screening, call (304) 737-1551 or visit brookecountylibs.org/events.
History center nominated
PITTSBURGH — The Smithsonian-affiliated Sen. John Heinz History Center has been nominated for Best History Museum in America by USA Today, as part of its 2025 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
This is the third-consecutive year the history center has been nominated by USA Today’s panel of industry experts and editors. Last year, the center was voted by readers as America’s No. 1 history museum. Votes can be cast once per day, per device, through noon on Feb. 10.
To vote, visit 10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-history-museum-2025/heinz-history-center-pittsburgh-pennsylvania. The center joins a list of 20 history museums nominated, including the National World War II Museum, the National Civil Rights Museum and the Academy of Motion Pictures.
WVNCC to offer TRIO grant
WEIRTON — The TRIO Upward Bound grant that is offered to low-income and potential first-generation college students will be offered at West Virginia Northern Community College beginning in 2027.
Director Tracy Yaich explained the grant needs to remain local, as it had been available through Eastern Gateway Community College for many years. This helped many students and schools throughout Jefferson County, as it provided them with the support to attend college following high school. The grant offers several free opportunities, including overnight stays in dorms during college visits, tutoring, ACT waivers, career counseling, social events, cultural trips, community service hours, Saturday sessions, the Summer Academy Program, FAFSA assistance and more.
Yaich wanted TRIO Upward Bound to remain a support system for Jefferson County public schools.
“I reached out to the president of West Virginia Northern Community College to see if the campus in Weirton could possibly be our new home,” she said. “He invited the Upward Bound staff to visit the campus and discuss the needs of the program, agreeing to support TRIO Upward Bound and allow us to host all of our activities on campus.”
“At this time, the grant must continue to support the target schools that it is committed to serve, but when the new grant is written in 2027, Hancock and Brooke counties will be included in target areas,” Yaich concluded.
Garden calendar available
NEW CUMBERLAND — Many people grow their own fruits and vegetables. It is a way to add to one’s personal health. But how much do those who have their own garden really know about the garden’s health?
This is the question being posed by those at the West Virginia University Extension office. Their 2025 garden calendar discusses some important topics to help residents establish a healthy garden from the ground up. The calendar’s theme is entitled “Steps to a Healthy Garden,” and features articles and educational information about foundational garden topics, such as soil health and fertility, selecting the right varieties, proper watering techniques and managing insects.
Additional helpful material includes growing advice, food preservation recommendations, crop rotation information and healthy recipes that can be used from a garden’s harvest, all provided by experts at the extension office. Scattered throughout the calendar, readers will find fun facts and information about some of the other programs offered by the office, as well. Copies are available while supplies last.
To receive a calendar or learn about gardening and healthy lifestyles, contact the WVU Extension office in Hancock County at 104 N. Court St., No. 203 in New Cumberland.
Bonus content is available on the garden calendar website. For tips and information, visit extension.wvu.edu.