🌱 Local Cold Case Seeking New Leads + Local Drafted By Dodgers

Hey, Parkersburg! I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Sunny to partly cloudy. High: 91 Low: 68.
• Thursday: A shower and t-storm; humid. High: 86 Low: 69.

Here are the top three stories in Parkersburg today:

1. Investigators are actively pursuing new leads in the case of Judith Petty's death, a suspected homicide that occurred 15 years ago. The cold case investigation team, Safe Haven, has uncovered previously undisclosed information and names related to the case, and they are working with law enforcement to seek justice for Petty. They are planning to reinvestigate the Petty property, specifically the cellar where Judith Petty's remains were found, and are hopeful that advancements in forensic technology will provide new evidence. The Petty family is encouraged by these developments and has renewed hope in finding answers. (WTAP)
2. Patrick Copen, a graduate of Parkersburg Catholic High School and Marshall University, was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh round of the MLB Draft with the 220th overall pick. Copen, a right-handed pitcher, is the highest draft pick from Marshall University in seven years. Known for his impressive fastball, Copen had a strong junior season as the top starter for Marshall, recording 83 strikeouts in 72 2/3 innings of work. His contract value is estimated to be around $228,000. (WV Metro News)
3. Delegate Vernon Criss from Wood County in West Virginia has the highest contributions among precandidates, according to second-quarter financial disclosures. Criss reported an ending balance of $14,414 from excess funds. Fellow delegates Bill Anderson and Scott Heckert also reported their financial information, with Anderson showing an ending balance of $13,820, and Heckert reporting contributions of $2,720 and a balance of $945. Delegates Bob Fehrenbacher and Robert C. Cornelius also filed as precandidates for undeclared offices. (Parkersburg News & Sentinel)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Parkersburg:

Wednesday, July 12

• Board Of Parks And Recreation Meeting At Vienna Recreation Sports Building, Vienna (5:30 PM)

Thursday, July 13

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

From my notebook:

• July is recognized as Disability Pride Month! WVU Parkersburg's Center for Student Support Services ensures that students with disabilities have equal opportunities for academic success, offering reasonable disability-related academic accommodations. (West Virginia University at Parkersburg via Facebook)
• WVU-Parkersburg invites high school students participating in Early College to attend the Early College Catch-Up Day on Thursday, Jul. 20, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. This event is designed to assist students with their applications, registration, or payments. (West Virginia University at Parkersburg via Facebook)

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• Prime Day Is Happening Now — Shop & Save! (July 12)
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You're officially in the loop for today!

— 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.