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Experiences growing up in Chestnut Woods

If you grew up on one of the many streets bordering Culler Road, you probably were referred to as a Chestnut Woods kid. Chestnut Woods began near Penco Road, where Mr. Zagula ran the Chestnut Lanes bowling alley, ran past the 7-11 to Sabu’s Lounge and included the streets below Palm Drive, ending at the Culler Road and Pleasantview Drive intersection. Mike Orrechio and I grew up as Chestnut Woods kids. His house bordered Pleasantview and Mellon streets. Our sprawling, 900-square-foot house was on the left-hand side near the middle of Mellon Street. We had seven boys, of which I was ...

What I would like every veteran to know

I am not quite sure how it even happened, but on Monday, I served as the guest speaker for the Jefferson County Veterans Association’s Veterans Day service at Friendship Park in Smithfield. First of all, I was late in arriving. I walked in when the national anthem was playing. I was already a nervous wreck as it was and me trying to get there on time only made matters worse. I have no idea how I got to be the speaker for this important occasion, but then again, I oftentimes find myself in situations that I never saw coming. Everyone in attendance was so very kind to me. All of ...

The paradigm shift in West Virginia after the election

While the results remain unofficial until county commissioners begin their canvassing work, it looks like West Virginia’s voter turnout for the 2024 general election last week nearly broke the previous record. According to the unofficial results from the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office, 760,273 voters out of the more than 1.2 million registered voters in the state cast ballots last Tuesday, or 62.84% of the electorate. Compare that to 63.25% voter turnout for the 2020 election or 57.07% in the 2016 election. With that said, voter turnout in West Virginia will likely ...

Wishing the best for our future leaders

Each year, the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce offers a program aimed at encouraging networking (a major component of any chamber activity) as well as increased involvement in the community. The 2025 class of Leadership Ohio Valley began its year Thursday and Friday, and it already appears as if this will be a great group which, hopefully, will find their own paths when it comes to being leaders. This year’s class, and their sponsors, include Ira Aracich, Hancock County Commission; Kevan Brown, IBEW Local 246; Yolanda Edwards, Form Energy; Nathaniel Kurty, Bulldog Rack; Clark ...

College tuition based on lifetime earnings

INTRODUCTION Teaching is one of the most honorable occupations a person could choose to undertake. It is also the most crucial career regarding our country’s youth with the immense responsibly of molding them into mentally, physically and ethically productive adult citizens. No other profession is charged with such a monumental task. And I am sure everyone would agree. Ironically, educators are the lowest paid professionals. This has led me to the following research, comparing the average lifetime earnings of K-12 classroom educators to other professions. The findings In my ...

History in the Hills: Area women’s history

A few weeks ago, I was invited to speak to Weirton Heights Rotary at its morning meeting. I have spoken to the group before on a few occasions and I always enjoy the time I spend with them. Usually, I am invited to shed some light on a piece of the past from our area. There is so much one could speak on and I enjoy researching a topic and presenting that history. We certainly have much to be proud of in our area. That is why I do this column, after all, to shed some light on our history and make each one of us proud to be from where we come from. Hometown pride is an important part of ...