#marshallcounty

[coffeenuts]

[ledenews]

The Changing Face of a Hometown – In Photos – Vol. 4

It started here in Wheeling, believe it or not, back in the 1940s. That’s when people started leaving the Friendly City for opportunity across the Ohio River. There were 60,659 residents in Wheeling in 1930, and little by a lot since, the city’s population has dipped below 27,000 for the first time in 150 years. And when that takes place, the tax base shrinks, changes take place, decay threatens safety, crime increases, and government kicks cans down the road over and over again. Thankfully, efforts have been made by both the private and public sectors over the past few decades to bridge the region’s Rust Belt era to a still undefined but developing resurrection.One significant advantage Wheeling will have is, by the end of 2025, the state will have spent more than $360 million on infrastructure makeovers to the bridges and ramps along Interstate 70, to the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, and on the current $32 million streetscape in the downtown.This retaining wall along 14th Street is what supports Lind Street in East Wheeling, and it appears to need attention from the City of Wheeling.“Everyone knows downtown Wheeling will never be the retail area it once was because that’s not what downtown are these days,” said Erikka Storch, a former state lawmaker who was the Chamber of Commerce president during the 2010s. “The interstate work was long overdue, and the project on the Suspension Bridge was on the schedule for eight years until it finally took place because of the tour bus incident.“Even though the streetscape was delayed a couple of times because of the city, it’s still going to make a very positive difference in our downtown, and that’s very exciting to me. I can’t wait to see it for myself and I’m sure a lot of other people feel the same way,” she said. “I just know I’m thankful for the vision of former mayor Andy McKenize. If he didn’t see what was possible, and then make the deal with the state, who knows where’d we be today.”Another advantage, ironically, will be delivered by destruction.Despite the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by the electric scooter company in December, the Bird vehicles have remained available in many areas of the city.The $7 million demolition of the OVMC campus officially started nine days ago with crews starting with the Northwood and Hillcrest buildings. The plan calls for both of the former nurse’s quarters to be taken down next, and then the South and East buildings and the Education and Administration structure will follow.The West Tower, home of the general hospital and its EMSTAR unit until the sudden closure in late September 2019, is last on general contractor F.R. Bienke’s razing list.“It’s going to be a gradual process because of how large the campus is, and because of the removal of the materials that have to be moved away,” explained Bob Herron, Wheeling’s city manager since 2001. “The asbestos removal has taken place, and now the company will go one building at a time. It’s going to take some time.“But after the demolition, WVU (Health System) will begin the construction of the regional cancer center, so that’s the good news,” he said. “We’re also demolishing the parking garage on Chapline (Street), so a lot is happening in that area right now.”The Christmas Store at the Teacher's Store in Center Market is conducting its final clearance sale. and will close for good in the near future.The view from this open lot in Center Wheeling offers a look at what's taken place thanks to the population decline in a once prominent neighborhood.The south market house at Centre Market is home to several eateries, including Coleman's Fish Market, Tito's on the Market, Michael's Beef House, and Valley Cheese.Vegetation has caused much of the tunnel's eastside facade to become stained and unattractive since its last cleaning in 2009.The recent frigid evenings have kept families indoors and playing board games such as this classic. The number of venues offering live music has declined, but there still are several offering local performers on Friday and Saturday evenings.When Wesbanco Bank constructed its headquarters in downtown Wheeling back during the late 1970s, it changed the city's skyline forever. Despite the continued

[kuntryphotography]

My other work. #today #kuntrypicz #countryliving #outdoorphotography #photography #countryroad #marshallcounty #mrsnaphappy

[coffeenuts]

[ledenews]

An OPEN LETTER to … You … and We’re Even Saying Please …

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:Please …Take time to understand, learn something new, don’t litter, hug your kids, eat your vegetables, fly The Flag, check on your folks, sing your song, support free speech, celebrate someone’s success, follow the rules, make a wish, don’t raise a bully, trying something new, tell a joke, flip your hair with confidence, don’t ignore need, mentor the young, check on your folks, be the good guy, wait for a break in the action, ask questions, look both ways, and use your turn signals.Please …Know your rights, wear a helmet, stop dropping public F-bombs, cheer for children, don’t put our lives in danger, stick up for yourself, talk it out, read the directions, laugh out loud, refuse racism, assist lost strangers, wash your hands, tell a joke, feel the rain, help traditions continue, respect law enforcement, fight to live, wave back, go to the beach, clean your guns, quit smoking, hug your family and friends, be proud of yourself, don’t ever litter, have compassion, report crime, respect your elders, and for crying out loud, zipper merge.Please …Be proud of yourself, pray to your God, defend your rights, don’t drive distracted, compliment others, mentor the young, congratulate others, work hard, insist on inclusion, try something new, stop hurting others, make a wish, be an educated voter, hold government accountable, say please, live in reality, cover your sneeze, don’t send acronym texts, clean your child’s mess in restaurants, support local business, stop hurting others, support free speech, dance your dance, and play more cowbell.And please share and dream and play and listen and love and care and apologize and forgive. And please, be kind, too.Sincerely,Your Friends

[ledenews]

Nailers Assistant Coach Mitch Giguere Named Greensboro Gargoyles Head Coach

GREENSBORO, NC – The Greensboro Gargoyles, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes and the AHL's Chicago Wolves, announced today that Mitch Giguere has been named the franchise's second Head Coach.

Giguere joins the Gargoyles after spending the past three seasons as Assistant Coach of the Wheeling Nailers, where he established a reputation for driving success. A native of Montréal, Québec, Giguere brings nearly two decades of coaching experience spanning junior, international, and professional hockey.

“We are excited to welcome Mitch and his family to the Gargoyles, and we thank the Wheeling Nailers for allowing us the opportunity to speak with him,” said Zawyer Sports & Entertainment Vice President of Hockey Operations Joe Ernst. “Mitch's work over the last three seasons in Wheeling helping to build, recruit, develop, and win, combined with his detailed preparation, strong communication skills, and commitment to being an active part of the community, set him apart throughout the interview process. We look forward to seeing those same qualities make an impact with the Gargoyles, and we are excited to welcome Mitch, Audrey, and their four children as part of the Greensboro community.”

Giguere, 40, began his coaching journey in 2008 and has since built a deep resume across roles as a coach, general manager, scout, consultant, and player development specialist while gaining experience in prestigious leagues including the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), Québec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), Western Hockey League (WHL), and Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL).

During the 2021-22 season, Giguere guided Longueuil Collège-Français to the Napa Cup championship as champions of the QMJHL. He was also a member of the 2022-23 KHL Kharlamov Cup Champion Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, then led the University of Montréal to a fourth place finish in the nation. Giguere later joined the Wheeling Nailers in 2023, helping mentor a young roster to 2025-26 North Division Regular Season and Playoff Titles.

“I have great excitement to rejuvenate the culture of Greensboro Hockey. I have spoken with former Monarchs and am ready to make the Gargoyles a team fans come to the rink and identify themselves with and players are proud to represent on and off the ice,” said Giguere. “I look forward to building a space where players want to be coached and feel they are trusted and believed in. Coming from a big family, with four kids and a wife, we want to build one big family between the players, coaches, and fans. There is a strong core here, now we focus on adding the next pieces.”

Widely regarded for his work in player development, Giguere has coached and mentored numerous players who have advanced to the National Hockey League and American Hockey League levels. His developmental résumé includes work with current NHL players and prospects, with over 40 professional contracts signed in North America and Europe. Notable names include NHL 1st Round Draft Picks Peyton Krebs, Matthew Savoie, Connor Geekie, Owen Pickering, NHL 4th Round Draft Pick Daimon Gardner, NHL 6th Round Draft Pick Josh Filmon, 2022 Team USA Olympians Andy Miele and Kenny Agostino, and Chris Wideman, among others.

Giguere becomes the franchise’s second head coach as the Gargoyles prepare for their sophomore campaign.

[ledenews]

Nailers Assistant Coach Mitch Giguere Named Greensboro Gargoyles Head Coach

GREENSBORO, NC – The Greensboro Gargoyles, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes and the AHL's Chicago Wolves, announced today that Mitch Giguere has been named the franchise's second Head Coach. Giguere joins the Gargoyles after spending the past three seasons as Assistant Coach of the Wheeling Nailers, where he established a reputation for driving success. A native of Montréal, Québec, Giguere brings nearly two decades of coaching experience spanning junior, international, and professional hockey. “We are excited to welcome Mitch and his family to the Gargoyles, and we thank the Wheeling Nailers for allowing us the opportunity to speak with him,” said Zawyer Sports & Entertainment Vice President of Hockey Operations Joe Ernst. “Mitch's work over the last three seasons in Wheeling helping to build, recruit, develop, and win, combined with his detailed preparation, strong communication skills, and commitment to being an active part of the community, set him apart throughout the interview process. We look forward to seeing those same qualities make an impact with the Gargoyles, and we are excited to welcome Mitch, Audrey, and their four children as part of the Greensboro community.” Giguere, 40, began his coaching journey in 2008 and has since built a deep resume across roles as a coach, general manager, scout, consultant, and player development specialist while gaining experience in prestigious leagues including the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), Québec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), Western Hockey League (WHL), and Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL). During the 2021-22 season, Giguere guided Longueuil Collège-Français to the Napa Cup championship as champions of the QMJHL. He was also a member of the 2022-23 KHL Kharlamov Cup Champion Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, then led the University of Montréal to a fourth place finish in the nation. Giguere later joined the Wheeling Nailers in 2023, helping mentor a young roster to 2025-26 North Division Regular Season and Playoff Titles. “I have great excitement to rejuvenate the culture of Greensboro Hockey. I have spoken with former Monarchs and am ready to make the Gargoyles a team fans come to the rink and identify themselves with and players are proud to represent on and off the ice,” said Giguere. “I look forward to building a space where players want to be coached and feel they are trusted and believed in. Coming from a big family, with four kids and a wife, we want to build one big family between the players, coaches, and fans. There is a strong core here, now we focus on adding the next pieces.” Widely regarded for his work in player development, Giguere has coached and mentored numerous players who have advanced to the National Hockey League and American Hockey League levels. His developmental résumé includes work with current NHL players and prospects, with over 40 professional contracts signed in North America and Europe. Notable names include NHL 1st Round Draft Picks Peyton Krebs, Matthew Savoie, Connor Geekie, Owen Pickering, NHL 4th Round Draft Pick Daimon Gardner, NHL 6th Round Draft Pick Josh Filmon, 2022 Team USA Olympians Andy Miele and Kenny Agostino, and Chris Wideman, among others. Giguere becomes the franchise’s second head coach as the Gargoyles prepare for their sophomore campaign. Read the full article

[ledenews]

WorkForce West Virginia Sponsoring Virtual Statewide Job Fair

Statewide Virtual Job Fair

WorkForce West Virginia will be sponsoring a Virtual Statewide Job Fair beginning Monday, June 29 at 8:00 am and concluding on Friday, July 3.  The Job Fair is for Job seekers and well as Employers.  Full event schedule:

Monday, June 29 at 8:00 am:  The Virtual Job Fair begins.  Job seekers can send applications to any employer with an active booth.

Wednesday, July 1 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm:  Live Chat opens.  Job seekers can talk to employers in real time to learn about jobs and introduce themselves.

Friday, July 3 at 5:00 pm:  The Virtual Job Fair concludes.

For additional information and to register, please see the attached the follower flyers:

For Job Seekers

For Employers

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