Ten years ago, childhood friends Jason Koegler and Steve Burke recognized a problem in their hometown of Wheeling, WV. The city, rich in history and culture, was being overlooked, especially in comparison to nearby urban centers like Pittsburgh and Columbus. Despite its small size, Wheeling had a unique story to tell. Jason and Steve believed the city deserved a platform that celebrated its people and events, both big and small.
The Creation of “Weelunk”
After returning to Wheeling in 2007, Jason noticed that local media frequently focused on negative stories—issues like homelessness and drug use. This left residents with little to be proud of and made it hard for anyone, even those who loved Wheeling, to see the good things happening. That observation would eventually lead to the creation of Weelunk, an online platform dedicated to sharing the untold stories of Wheeling.
Weelunk didn’t come to life overnight. It took Jason and Steve seven years of planning, writing, and hard work before the site officially launched in 2014. Their vision was to give Wheeling a place for its voices to be heard—by locals, expats, and anyone else interested in the city’s narrative. Late nights spent uploading stories and gathering content eventually paid off, as Weelunk became a go-to resource for people wanting to learn more about their hometown.
The platform wasn’t just focused on major events like Oglebayfest or the Festival of Lights, though those had their place. Instead, Weelunk sought to shine a spotlight on the smaller, everyday moments that made Wheeling a vibrant and engaging community. For many people, there was a misconception that Wheeling had little to offer. Weelunk worked to dispel that myth by highlighting the rich tapestry of activities, stories, and people that truly made the city unique.
Building a Community of Readers
From its inception, Weelunk quickly drew in readers, many of whom no longer lived in Wheeling but still cared deeply about their hometown. It became a window for them to check in on what was happening and to see how much the city was changing. For many, Weelunk provided more than just information—it rekindled a sense of pride and connection to Wheeling. It was not uncommon for those living far from West Virginia to reach out, wanting to be part of the city’s growth and revitalization.
Jason and Steve noticed that as more people their age returned to Wheeling to raise families and start businesses, the city was on the cusp of a renaissance. Weelunk was an essential part of that change, helping people rediscover Wheeling’s potential by showcasing the progress being made and the events and initiatives that brought the community together.
Weelunk and Wheeling Heritage
Though Weelunk began as a labor of love for Jason and Steve, the platform’s impact continued to grow. Eventually, they decided it was time for Weelunk to take its next big step. In a natural progression, they sold Weelunk to Wheeling Heritage, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the city’s history. The connection was obvious: both Weelunk and Wheeling Heritage shared a common goal of showcasing the best of Wheeling. At the time, Wheeling Heritage had been developing its own version of a site similar to Weelunk, but once they realized Weelunk already existed, the decision to take it on was easy.
With Wheeling Heritage steering the ship, Weelunk evolved even further, embracing not only the city’s present but its past and future as well. It became the perfect platform for telling Wheeling’s history, while also preserving it for future generations. Jason and Steve had successfully built a foundation that would continue to grow under new leadership, further embedding Weelunk into the cultural fabric of the city.
Looking to the Future
As Weelunk celebrates its 10-year anniversary, it’s clear that the platform has become an essential part of Wheeling’s identity. Over the past decade, it has helped capture the city’s evolution, documenting the stories that may have otherwise gone untold. Whether someone is living in Wheeling or has long since moved away, Weelunk remains a source of connection, giving people a way to stay in touch with the city they call home.
Weelunk has grown alongside Wheeling, helping to chronicle the city’s revitalization and acting as a voice for the community. With each new story shared, the platform continues to strengthen the bonds between Wheeling’s past, present, and future. In a time of rapid growth and change, Weelunk stands as a reminder that every story—no matter how big or small—has a place in the city’s rich history.
In the years ahead, Weelunk will continue to be the home for Wheeling’s stories, ensuring that the city’s journey is captured for future generations. Whether documenting small moments or major milestones, Weelunk ensures that the essence of Wheeling is never lost but always shared.
