🌱 Local Military Veteran Keynote Speaker + 92-Year-Old Still Working

Hello all. It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Marietta Patch newsletter. Keep reading for everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 89 Low: 69.
• Friday: Cloudy and humid. High: 84 Low: 64.

Here are the top three stories today in Marietta:

1. Local military veteran Caleb Perkins was the keynote speaker at this year's annual Marietta Independence Day parade and ceremony, sharing his own thoughts on the value of the Fourth of July. With hundreds of visitors, several fire departments, and various other organizations, Perkins took the stage at Armory Square, where he spoke about his time in Afghanistan. He told the story of his fourth tour; he unknowingly kneeled on an improvised explosive device, leaving him severely wounded. (WTAP)
2. Susie Kelly, a 92-year-old Ohio resident working at a Marietta Wendy's, claims she doesn't plan to stop anytime soon. She's worked for the chain since the early 2000s after pivoting from home healthcare. She claims that working is her own form of therapy, and if she didn't have something to do during the day, she would sit at home alone. (Business Insider)
3. The Ross Foundation gifted $10 million to create the new West Virginia University Parkersburg Technology Center, making it the largest in its history. This gift will be used to purchase and renovate portions of the former Ohio Valley University. The center will include 25 technology-based incubators that will house student business winners as they move from concept and business plan to operating company. (Weirton Daily Times)

Calling Marietta business owners: reach local readers, attract a crowd, and make a splash with your events this summer! We have a limited number of sponsorships available to amplify your events and increase attendance among your target audience. Click here to learn more about our sponsorships..

Today and tomorrow in and around Marietta:

Thursday, July 6

• Summer Music Series At Parkersburg City Park, Parkersburg, WV (7:00 PM)

Friday, July 7

• July First Friday At JustAJar Design Press (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend? Check out the Hidden Marietta Tour Co.'s Front Street Ghost Trek to learn about the fascinating history of disasters that ravaged the town. (Visit Marietta Ohio via Facebook)
• Do you love Paul Thorn? Well, he returns to The Adelphia Music Hall on Aug. 11, but remember to purchase your tickets soon before they sell out! (The Adelphia Music Hall via Facebook)
• Are you participating in this year's Marietta Riverfront Row? With 48 hours to go, the city is preparing for the race with road and bike path closures. (Marietta Riverfront Roar via Facebook)

That's it for today. I'll be in your inbox soon with your next update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.