🌱 Federal Funding To Seal Old Oil Wells + Local Author Presentation

Hello, friends. It's me, Callie Cook, your host of the Parkersburg Patch newsletter — here to explain all the most important things happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Partly sunny, showers around. High: 74 Low: 51.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny and warmer. High: 82 Low: 50.

Here are the top three stories in Parkersburg today:

1. Federal funding has been allocated to close off and seal a number of old oil wells on an island situated between Parkersburg and Marietta. The funding, amounting to $4,275,000, will be used for the cleanup and restoration of two orphaned oil and gas well sites in West Virginia. The project aims to address environmental challenges, revitalize the sites, and improve the appearance of the island, benefiting both wildlife and visitors. (Subscription: Parkersburg News & Sentinel)
2. On West Virginia Day, Jun. 20, Melody Pittman, co-author of the book "100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die," will give a special presentation at the Greater Parkersburg Convention and the Visitors Bureau's new Visitors Center. The book features local attractions and businesses, offering itineraries and recommendations for exploring the state. Pittman, a West Virginia native and travel blogger, will share insights from her writing process and participate in a book signing, with copies available for purchase at the event. (Subscription: Parkersburg News & Sentinel)
3. Parkersburg will be a checkpoint for the Race Across America, a grueling 3,000-mile cycling race from California to Maryland. The cyclists, competing individually or in teams, endure a challenging race that covers a distance greater than the Tour de France in a shorter time. The racers will enter West Virginia near Parkersburg, passing through several counties before continuing on their journey. The solo racers will likely begin to pass through the area early next week. (WBOY 12 News)

Calling Parkersburg 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 Parkersburg:

Friday, June 16

• Live Music: Wildfire At VFW Post 1212 (8:00 PM)

Saturday, June 17

• Dad's Day 5K At Parkersburg High School (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Check out the 26th annual Mid-Ohio Valley Multicultural Festival this weekend, Jun. 16-18! This is a great opportunity to engage with the community through entertainment and diversity. Click here for the details. (Greater Parkersburg CVB via Facebook)
• The Point Park Summer Concert Series will be back on Jul. 7 with music from the band 1988, an 80's rock tribute group. The show will start at 8:00 p.m. (Downtown PKB via Facebook)
• REMINDER: Teen hangout night at the Parkersburg & Wood County Public Library is happening on Jun. 16 and Jun. 23. Attendees can expect to play video games, enjoy snacks, and of course, have fun! (Parkersburg & Wood County Library via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! See you all soon for another update.

— Callie Cook

About me: Callie Cook is a Texas-based freelance writer and content creator with a degree in Sustainable Design, Landscape Design and Agribusiness from West Virginia University.