🌱 Parkersburg Catholic Grad May Be Drafted + Structural Fire On Lynn

Hi, Parkersburg! Like many of you, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Fourth of July. I’ll be back in your inbox after the holiday, but until then, here’s what’s happening in town today.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: A couple of t-showers; humid. High: 79 Low: 67.
• Tuesday: Partly sunny and warmer. High: 87 Low: 66.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High: 89 Low: 67.

Here are the top three stories today in Parkersburg:

1. Parkersburg Catholic High School graduate Patrick Copen just returned home from the MLB Combine in Phoenix and now is gearing up to hear his name called during the MLB draft beginning next week. Copen is currently a junior at Marshall University and hopes his childhood dreams come true with a chance to be one of the players selected in one of the 20 rounds. He hasn't decided if he will take up the opportunity to join a club if drafted or return to Marshall for his senior year — the only thing he knows for sure is that he plans to watch the draft from home with his family and enjoy the moment. The MLB Draft will begin on Jul. 9 in Seattle. (Marietta Times)
2. Over the weekend, Parkersburg fire crews responded to Lynn Street after a structural fire spread from one home to another one and caused damage. The incident occurred Friday afternoon around 2:45 p.m., with the flame starting at 1324 Lynn Street and then spreading to 1322; there was no one present in either building at the time of the fire. Both buildings were in the process of being donated to the Parkersburg Urban Renewal Authority — now, with all the damage sustained from the flame the demolition process will be more costly. (Parkersburg News)
3. Over the weekend nearby in Vienna, the Freedom Festival at the Grand Central Mall brought the community together to celebrate Independence Day with live music, carnival games, and of course fireworks. Last year, the festival made its return as the Friends of Vienna revived it after a four-year absence. A new addition this year was performances by the Cincinnati Circus Company. The two-day festival featured a lot of excitement and celebration ahead of the holiday, with the second day being led off by a parade, a motorcycle show, and West Virginia Batman and Batmobile. (WTAP)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Parkersburg:

Monday, July 3

• Family Night At Wash Co Library- Beverly Branch, Beverly (6:00 PM)
• Red, White, And Broadway At Riviera At The Valley Gem (6:30 PM)

Tuesday, July 4

• 4th Of July Smokefest! At Blennerhassett Hotel and Spa (11:00 AM)
• Belpre Music By The River At Belpre Civitan Park, Belpre (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• If you haven't already done so, make sure you grab your Taste and Tunes tickets for this coming Saturday! You'll have the opportunity to hear Oyo perform live under the Edison Lights for a night you won't soon forget. (Parkersburg Art Center via Facebook)
• Here's a look at what is to come to the Parkersburg & Wood County Public Library this week. From the newest books to the newest movies, the choices are limitless for all audiences and interests. (Parkersburg & Wood County Public Library via Facebook)
• Make sure you stop by Point Park this Friday for the second concert of the summer featuring hit music from 1988, an 80s rock music tribute band. Maka Mia Pizza has been assisting in the promotion of the show as one of the sponsors for the July concert. (Downtown PKB via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! See you soon for your next 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.