DOWN: To Parkersburg City Councilwoman Sharon Lynch for attempting to discuss several issues concerning the fire department that were not on the agenda of the council's Personnel Committee meeting on Wednesday. Lynch, the committee's chairman, wanted information concerning the fire department's 54-hour week and whether the firefighters' base pay rate increase affects their insurance premiums. It is strange Parkersburg fire Chief Eric Taylor had no knowledge of Lynch's planned discussion, but firefighters' union representative Jason Matthews was present at the meeting. If Lynch is concerned, she should put this on the agenda as is required by state code.
DOWN: To the ongoing graffiti problem at the Fort Neal Skate Park, which continued this week when local skaters discovered the side and bottom of the clover bowl covered with black paint. This marks the third time in four months vandals have defaced the highly utilized skate park. Hopefully, these people can be caught and severely punished.
UP: To the approximately 20 volunteers who participated in Belpre's "Done in a Day" beautification project. The volunteers spent part of their day weeding, raking and planting flowers to help beautify the city.
UP: To the Veterans Museum of the Mid-Ohio Valley for its upcoming ceremony to honor Vietnam War veterans. The event is scheduled at 10 a.m. March 31 at Parkersburg City Park's Veterans Brick Wall. The event coincides with this coming Friday's "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day," a national day of recognition.
UP: To SW Resources annual Awards Banquet, held this past Tuesday in which the agency's clients were honored. These clients help the nonprofit keep its employees working and living productive lives.
