Community news from around the area
Weirton museum to welcome author
WEIRTON — The Weirton Area Museum will welcome novelist Dan E. Hobbs at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Hobbs is the author of “Cleave America, Patriot Flames 1774,” written in 2022, and “Cleave America, the Continental Divide 1802,” written in 2024. He has written extensively in technical, military and classified settings, officials stated.
Hobbs transformed his technical writing skills 10 years ago, turning his works into create writings. He turned his vision to America’s past, seeking instances where faith transformed the lives of ordinary Americans. He passionately enjoys taking decisive historical events and adding the power of imagination to create compelling, readable stories that teach life lessons.
The museum is located at 3149 Main St. in Weirton. The event is free of charge, although donations are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.
JCVA to hold picnic
SMITHFIELD — The Jefferson County Veterans Association will hold its annual free picnic for veterans and active military members from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at shelters 1, 2 and 3 in Friendship Park.
Attendees will help celebrate the JCVA’s 30th anniversary and 80th anniversary of World War II’s end.
Thomas Graham will sing the national anthem. Patriotic music will be performed by the Tri-State Community Band. Hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, desserts and cold drinks will be available.
A drawing will be held at 3:30 p.m. to win three commemorative medallions, recognizing the Victory in Europe, the Victory in Japan and the end of the war.
Church to hold Friends and Family Day
STEUBENVILLE — Quinn Memorial A.M.E. Church will hold its Family and Friends Day at 3 p.m. Sunday at the church, located at 515 North St. in Steubenville. All area residents are invited to attend this community event, organizers noted. The event will feature the Rev. Anthony Moore Jr., host pastor, providing the afternoon’s message.
Musical selections will be performed by the Rev. Duane Sims, associate pastor of Calvary Community Missionary Baptist Church; and Melanye Wares of Weirton. The planning committee, consisting of Eloise Curenton, LaTonya Harper and Lisa Mason, have prepared a special program that will be followed by fellowship and refreshments. The celebration will be a gathering of unity, faith and community spirit.
Bethany all-school reunion set
BETHANY — The Bethany High School All-School Reunion will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 9 at Bethany Community Park.
Anyone who attended the school, which has included grades K-12 throughout the years, is welcome to attend, organizers said. The cost will be $25 per person. Reservations are due by Friday. Payments can be sent to: Helen Moren, P.O. Box 75, Bethany, WV 26032.
Chamber to hold touch-a-truck event
FOLLANSBEE — The Brooke County Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a Touch-A-Truck event from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 7. The event will take place at the Brightwood Center, located at 840 Lee Road in Follansbee.
Local emergency vehicles will be on display, as well as chamber members bringing special vehicles used in serving customers, officials noted. Inflatable attractions will be available for children.
Back to school fair set
WEIRTON — In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the Brooke-Hancock Family Resource Network will hold a Backpack and Resource Fair from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 8 at the Weirton Event Center, located at 3322 East St.
School supplies will be distributed, along with information families may find helpful.
The fair will offer car seat safety checks, a bounce house and other activities free of charge for children. Free refreshments will be served, as well as a screening of the “Minecraft” movie at 9 p.m.
Country music artists to perform
CADIZ — A Backroads n’ Campfires musical event featuring country music artists Randy Houser, Craig Morgan and Thomas Mac, will be held at 5 p.m. Aug. 16 at Sally Buffalo Park in Cadiz. Gates will open at 3 p.m. The day will feature a mix of chart-topping artists, emerging voices and homegrown talent in a setting built for summer nights and country music, according to officials.
Houser, known for his songs including “Anything Goes,” “Like a Cowboy” and “Boots On,” will bring his voice to the stage in a headlining performance.
Morgan, a country music veteran, has fan favorites such as “Redneck Yacht Club” and “That’s What I Love About Sunday.”
Mac is a breakout country artist from Ohio and has quickly built one of the strongest digital followings in independent country music, with millions of followers. His music reflects a modern take on country life and brings a genuine country spirit to the evening.
Opening the show will be Isaac Cole, a returning favorite and former “American Idol” contestant. He performed during last year’s Mark at the Park event. He now will take the stage at Sally Buffalo Park with new songs and a growing following.
“This festival is all about good music, good people and a great night under the stars,” event organizers said. “We’re excited to bring this level of talent to Cadiz and offer a unique concert experience for the Ohio Valley.”
The event will feature food trucks, vendors and family-friendly fun in a relaxed outdoor setting.
The show will run approximately five and a half hours. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
All ages are welcome to attend.