🌱 PFAS Found In Parkersburg Drinking Water + Wood Co. Road Closures

Hey, everybody. Callie Cook here with your Monday edition of the Parkersburg Patch newsletter, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Clouds giving way to some sun. High: 84 Low: 59.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High: 90 Low: 60.

Here are the top three stories today in Parkersburg:

1. Multiple local water systems in West Virginia, including Parkersburg Utility Board, have been found to have PFAS compounds in their finished drinking water above the EPA's proposed standards. The mayors and officials of these water systems are taking steps to address the issue, such as considering filtration systems and conducting further testing. The EPA is expected to finalize the PFAS standards by the end of the year, and state officials are preparing to ensure compliance and identify potential sources of PFAS contamination. (WTAP)
2. Health Access Free and Charitable Clinic has received a $20,000 grant from the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and the Doddridge County Community Foundation. The grant will support the "Better Mouth for Better Help" program, which aims to provide dental services to uninsured and underinsured residents of Doddridge County and Harrison County. The funding will be used for preventive and restorative dental services and products to promote oral health and overall well-being, as dental health plays a crucial role in nutrient intake and is linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes. (WBOY)
3. Wood County Route 16 (St. Marys Pike) in Wood County, will be closed on Tuesday, Jul. 11 for culvert repairs. The closure will span approximately half a mile northeast of the intersection with Wood County Route 16/8 (Worthington Creek Road) to about half a mile southwest of the intersection with Wood County Route 3/8 (Valley Mills Road). The closure will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (WTAP)

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Today and tomorrow in Parkersburg:

Monday, July 10

• Camp Creatology At Michael's Parkersburg (10:00 AM)
• Adaptive Yoga At Wood County Society (6:00 PM)

Tuesday, July 11

• Cinderella Library Visit At Vienna Public Library (2:00 PM)
• Wood County 4-H Leaders' Meeting At Wood County 4-H Camp, Conference Center (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Parkersburg Police Department is seeking the public's help identifying a man pictured in the images at the link, as they believe he is connected to a stolen vehicle. If you have any information, please send a private message referencing case #P2302932 or contact Lt. J.M. Stalnaker at 304-424-8423. (Parkersburg News & Sentinel)
• Discover the latest additions to the Parkersburg & Wood County Public Library this week by visiting their website. The selection includes 20 new top choices, such as "The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments," "White House by the Sea: A Century of the Kennedys at Hyannis Port," and "What an Owl Knows: The New Science of the World's Most Enigmatic Birds." (Parkersburg & Wood County Public Library via Facebook)
• Mark your calendars for Piccalilli Parkersburg - An Artists' Takeover; a two-day arts conference happening on Sep. 14-15 at the Parkersburg Art Center. The event offers workshops, hands-on art making, networking and celebration for artists, art educators, students, and organizations. The conference features two tracks focusing on creative entrepreneurship and artistic workshops led by renowned regional artists, with a multi-venue reception on Thursday evening. Contact Jessie Seifert at the Parkersburg Art Center for more information. (Parkersburg Arts Center via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.