🌱 WVU Employee Wellness Program Kicks Off + Road Closures For Repairs

Hello, Parkersburg! I'm Callie Cook and I'll be your new source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town. Here is everything you need to know today in five minutes or less.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Mostly sunny and nice. High: 77 Low: 48.
• Saturday: Partly sunny and beautiful. High: 76 Low: 56.

Here are the top three stories today in Parkersburg:

1. West Virginia University Medicine Camden Clark in Parkersburg has launched its annual "Walk 100 Miles in 100 Days" program, encouraging employees to walk at least one mile every day. The program aims to promote healthy habits and serve as a role model for patients and the community. Renowned for its health benefits, walking even short distances can improve overall health and mood. (WTAP)
2. Keep an eye out for closed roads soon. The Parkersburg Utility Board has announced the closure of a section of 19th Street between Ann Street and Murdoch Avenue in Parkersburg for water leak repairs. Motorists are advised to take an alternative route using 13th Street and Market Street. (Parkersburg News)
3. On Wednesday, Wood County authorities in Parkersburg responded to a standoff on Forest Drive involving a female suspect who barricaded herself in an apartment complex. Law enforcement quickly arrived on the scene and attempted negotiations while urging the public to avoid the area. The suspect has been identified as Jody Shields, 54, who has been arrested and taken into custody. (WTAP)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Parkersburg:

Friday, May 26

• Fifth St. Jazz- Blennerhassett Live! At Blennerhassett Hotel And Spa (6:30 PM)

Saturday, May 27

• Ohio River Sternwheel Festival 5K Run And Walk At East Muskingum Park Gazebo, Marietta, OH (8:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• During a Parkersburg City Council meeting, a resolution that aimed to limit public forum comments to agenda items was pulled from the agenda after facing opposition from residents who expressed their concerns about civic engagement. However, pay raises and a sanitation fee increase that were approved in the 2023-24 budget passed on 6-0 votes during the meeting. (Parkersburg News)
• The family of a missing Wood County woman held a news conference at Parkersburg High School to discuss her case. Gretchen Fleming was reported missing in December 2022, and although there is a person of interest in the investigation, no charges have been filed yet. (WCHS)
• Renovations of the City Park baseball field in Parkersburg are expected to be completed by July. The two-million-dollar project includes a new astroturf, dugouts, fencing, lighting, and foul poles, aiming to provide improved amenities for teams using the field. (WTAP)

You're officially in the loop for today! See you soon for another update.

— Callie Cook

About me: Callie Cook is a Texas-based freelance writer and content creator with a degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from West Virginia University.