CHOSEN: U.S. Army Capt. James McCormick of Scott Depot, West Virginia, was recently selected as one of America’s 2026 Purple Heart Patriot Project honorees during a mission scheduled from April 27 to May 1. His selection was from a pool of hundreds of candidates for bravery and service to the country and his community. The three-time Purple Heart recipient enlisted in 1985 and served the Army 24 years with 24th Infantry and 101st Airborne divisions. He was also deployed to the Middle East during Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also earned the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars with Valor, two Meritorious Service Medals and Army Commendation Medal with Valor. Congratulations on being a recipient of this honor and thanks for your military service.
AWARDED: Three individuals were recently awarded $1,500 each by the Nitro City Council. Mayor Dave Casebolt presented April Curry and Jim Marcum of WV K9 Search and Rescue and Rosie Tucker of Putnam County Animal Shelter with a check from proceeds from this year’s Wagging Tails and Nitro Ales Chili Cookoff in November. Thanks for the efforts of these three in rescuing, caring for and helping find homes for animals without permanent homes.
TYING THE KNOT: The King of Hearts Wedding Marathon helped a couple -- Tyler Hardy and Vicenta Garcia Hernandez from Mexico -- get married on Friday, Feb. 13, at the Kanawha County Judicial Building, Charleston, West Virginia. Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers performed the ceremony for her fifth year. The tradition began under Judge Charlie King, who died in 2020
ROCK IT: The global hard rock quartet, Skillet, formed in 1996 in Memphis, Tennessee, brings its "Revolution" tour to Huntington Saturday, Feb. 28. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Tickets range from $31.75 to $62.75.
MASCOT: Tanner Figgatt of Fraziers Bottom, West Virginia, freshman dual mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering major at West Virginia University in Morgantown, is one of four Mountaineer mascot finalists vying for the position of mascot. Finalists are judged on performances and interactions with the crowd as they lead traditional game cheers. The winner will be announced during the WVU/BYU men's basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 28. Tanner is also a trumpet player in "The Pride of West Virginia," the Mountaineer Marching Band, a student worker in the Lane Innovation Hub and a member of the WVU Experimental Rocketry Club and CRU, the Christian campus ministry.
SHOP: Wild Willow Metaphysical and Consignment is now open at 200 7th Ave. SE, Charleston, West Virginia. Essential oils, soaps and bath products are sold. A consignment section with new and gently used clothing is also available, as are spiritual classes for meditation and manifestation.
RECOGNIZED: St. Albans High School JROTC recently recognized Cadet Lance Corporal Jaxon Soice as Cadet for the month of January. This cadet performed at a level superior to that of his peers and epitomized the Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Chosen by his instructors and fellow Cadets, they used a method similar to the way Active-Duty Marine Corps units select their Marine of the Month. Congratulations cadet.
ORDAINED: Perhaps the greatest honor ever was bestowed upon Chandler O'Brien, as he was ordained to the gospel ministry by Teays Valley Baptist Church, where he had served as an intern. May he and his wife, Adalee, follow the Lord and lead others into His kingdom.
TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS: Matthew Hamer, Angela Wilmink, Peggy Mynes, Al Blatt.
LATE BIRTHDAYS: Frank Cavalier, Charlie Pletka, Yeon Choi, Cheryl Warner, Feb. 1; Leslie Adkins, Jean Fredrick, Feb. 2; Rowan Chandler, Stephanie McKenna, Feb. 3; Jessica Sias, Feb. 4; Polly Widener, Aida Ramella, Feb. 5; Brianna Sanders, Ashton Couch, Feb. 6; Pauline Adkins, John Workman, Feb. 9; Rod Post, Feb. 11; Nancy Mattscheck, Feb. 15; Buddy Lake, Feb. 18; Riley Mooney, Feb. 20; Tiana Linville, Feb. 21; Jan Ball, Rebecca Hatten, Feb. 22.
LATE ANNIVERSARIES: Marvin and Doris Staton, Dave and Caryn Dampier.
CHUCKLE: Dad took his 6-year-old daughter fishing. After sitting on the riverbank, for what seemed hours, with her line in the water, she looked at her dad in disgust. "I just can't seem to get waited on," she told her dad.
Send items to Brenda Lucas, P.O. Box 596, Ona, West Virginia 25545; or email bklucas53@aol.com.
