Local Restaurants Get Creative With Takeout Melissa Rebholz August 18, 2020 When restaurant dining rooms were shuttered this past spring to slow the spread of COVID-19, area businesses had to think outside of the box to keep producing and selling food. With stay-at-home orders in place...
The Caring City: Wheeling’s Longstanding and Successful Social Services Organizations Kelly Strautmann August 14, 2020 Wheeling may be considered small, but its community outreach is the opposite. Few small towns can boast they have as many longstanding, successful nonprofit social service organizations as Wheeling. Wheeling...
She Bought the House ‘Because It Felt Like Home’ Betsy Sweeny August 12, 2020 I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about home lately. First, because I’m stuck in mine, and mostly, because I bought one. Well, sort of. I bought a house because it felt like home. It is a unique time to be t...
BYGONE COMEBACKS: Creating an Old-Fashioned Summer With the Help of Mother Nature Megan Huff August 11, 2020 Editor’s note: Have you noticed lately that bits of the past are creeping into the present? We’re gardening more, going to drive-in movies, spending time with nature, putting jigsaw puzzles together. We are fin...
Unity in Diversity: Black Lives Matter Movements Take Shape in Ohio Valley Nora Edinger August 10, 2020 Editor’s note: In an ongoing commitment to sharing Wheeling’s stories in their diversity, here’s an overview of recent community responses to the Black Lives Matter movement. If you are involved with other loca...
Ginger Margaritas: From Snow-Tipped Mountains to You Matt Welsch August 7, 2020 Margaritas conjure up images of sun-soaked beaches, fancy glasses, and froth-tipped waves. My favorite margarita, on the other hand, was first consumed not on a wooden dock, but on a wooden deck surrounded by s...
Chef Finds Bounty at Local Farmers’ Markets Melissa Rebholz August 4, 2020 As a chef and a relatively new resident of Wheeling, I was so excited when the farmers’ markets began to open up for the season. I immediately wanted to make a project out of attending them all. Besides grow...
BYGONE COMEBACKS: Bakers Baking Up New Traditions Jennifer Materkoski August 3, 2020 Editor’s note: Have you noticed lately that bits of the past are creeping into the present? We’re gardening more, going to drive-in movies, spending time with nature, putting jigsaw puzzles together. We are fin...
HILLS AND HOLLOWS: Raising a Pint to West Virginia’s Moonshine Heritage Kyle Knox July 31, 2020 In the deep woods, along the cool creek (pronounced crick), the moon rises over the sugar maples, locusts, elms and sycamores of West Virginia and bounces off the copper twisting tubes of a still. That’s when a...
BYGONE COMEBACKS: COVID Revives Sew Much History Nora Edinger July 29, 2020 Editor’s note: Have you noticed lately that bits of the past are creeping into the present? We’re gardening more, going to drive-in movies, spending time with nature, putting jigsaw puzzles together. We are fin...
LIKE NIGHT AND DAY: Funeral Director Finds ‘Pocket’ of Community in Roller Derby Cassie Bendel July 28, 2020 Editor’s note: People aren't always defined by their day jobs. There are plenty who have quite fascinating second jobs or pastimes. Our series, Like Night and Day, shines the spotlight on those who are finding ...
City of Wheeling CARES About Small Businesses Nora Edinger July 27, 2020 Does a hairstylist working on her own qualify for a new round of federal assistance to small businesses? Can a corner store get reimbursed for more than $3,000 spent on plexiglass shields, disposable gloves and...
BYGONE COMEBACKS: The Magic of a Creek Jessica Broverman July 22, 2020 Editor’s note: Have you noticed lately that bits of the past are creeping into the present? We’re gardening more, going to drive-in movies, spending time with nature, putting jigsaw puzzles together. We are fin...
‘Stretched to Their Limits’: Foundation Comes to Aid of Health Departments Ellen Brafford McCroskey July 21, 2020 When the COVID-19 pandemic hit our area in March, no one was prepared for what was to come. No one could have predicted the shortfall of personal protective equipment, tests and other supplies that healthcare a...
Master Gardeners Make a Difference in Community Earl Nicodemus July 17, 2020 Did you like to play in the dirt when you were a little girl or boy? Do you still like to play in the dirt? If so, then you are a good candidate for the Master Gardener program. The Master Gardener pro...
Reuben Rouse: ‘Raised on Love’ Nora Edinger July 15, 2020 Editor’s note: Weelunk is committed to sharing the city’s diverse stories, including those that combat systemic racism. Today’s post features Reuben Rouse, a Wheeling man whose dedication to full-on fatherhood ...
Bottled Treasure: Discovery Leads to Investigation Alex Warren July 14, 2020 The Stratford Springs Bottling Company may have been closed for over 50 years, but their glass bottles can still be found. One Wheeling family discovered a massive collection in their own backyard.
April 1865: A Burst of Historic Events Barb Pirhalla July 13, 2020 April 1865, was a month long remembered in history. Richmond, Virginia, fell; April 9, Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Gen. U.S. Grant; April 15, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated; April 26, John Wil...
Positive and Progressive: Wheeling Makes Social Change Happen Ellen Brafford McCroskey July 10, 2020 Wheeling has received national attention after voting in West Virginia’s first openly transgender elected official, Rosemary Ketchum. Now, we reflect on the significance of recent steps taken by the city to be more inclusive.
The Monastery Rebuilds: A Look Inside Mount Carmel’s Changing Walls and Beating Heart Cassie Bendel July 8, 2020 On just about every corner in Wheeling, you’ll find something that reminds you of a time that came before you. Drive around long enough and your mind will start to ask, what wonders wait behind the façade? What...
Talking With Elders: ‘The Closest Thing to Time Travel’ Phyllis Sigal July 7, 2020 We can learn a lot from our elders; that’s something we’ve always heard. Wheeling Park High School social studies teacher Ryan Stanton decided to put that into practice with his students during the pandemic....
McCarthy-Wheeling Connection Explored in a New Book Stacey Miller Sacco July 4, 2020 On Feb. 9, 1950, Sen. Joseph McCarthy arrived in Wheeling to give a speech at the annual Republican Lincoln Day Dinner celebration at the McLure Hotel. But which speech? He had two in hand that day.&nb...
Mount Wood Overlook: A Community Treasure Ellen Brafford McCroskey July 3, 2020 If you have driven up Mount Wood Road to bypass the recent interstate construction project, you’ve likely noticed the unique property. It appears to be the foundation of a castle-like structure, mysteriously le...
Villamagna’s Epic ‘Shrine for a Mill Rat’ Finds Forever Home at the Library Seán Duffy July 1, 2020 Public libraries exist to provide free and equal access to resources, helping people to pursue knowledge and inspiration. And “Shrine for a Mill Rat,” the new permanent exhibit (courtesy artist Robert Villamagn...
Time Travel From Home With Historic Postcards Alex Warren June 30, 2020 Summer usually means beach vacations and traveling to exciting new destinations. This year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, travel has been drastically affected. While it may not be advisable to fly off to far-away...
Fishing for the Perfect Social Distancing Activity? Laura Jackson Roberts June 29, 2020 If there’s one activity that seems to fit our current situation and its social requirements perfectly, it’s fishing. You’re outside, you’re in your own space, and nature has you in its stress-relieving clutches...
The Road From Small Town to Published Author: Two Marshall County Natives Release Books Kelly Strautmann June 27, 2020 Author’s note: It was a pleasure to write about two people from my small hometown — a younger schoolmate and friend, and my own brother. Cameron, West Virginia, a tiny town about 30 miles south of Whee...
Wheeling Heritage Trail: From Railroad to Walking Trail Alex Warren June 26, 2020 Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, getting out of the house for fresh air has become a necessity and, of course, Wheeling Heritage Trail has become a popular spot for walking, running and biking. This newfound p...
The West Virginia Snakes Club and its Historic Location Ellen Brafford McCroskey June 24, 2020 First of all, where in the world did the name “West Virginia Snakes Club” come from? And is “Snake” singular or plural? Although most people today refer to it as the Snake Club, the sign on the building at 923 ...
Through the COVID-19 Lens: Photographers Find Creative Ways to Keep Clicking Jennifer Materkoski June 23, 2020 Social distancing and other effects of Covid-19 have disrupted life as we knew it — especially the seasons of graduations, weddings and summer sports. And though we haven’t been able to gather as we did in t...
The Refreshing French 75: Best of Both Worlds Matt Welsch June 22, 2020 Summertime is finally here, and with it brings lemonade on the back porch or maybe a nice gin and tonic. But what if you could have the best of both worlds? Well, my friends, you can. And it’s called the French...
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT: A Tale of Two Capitals Taylor Abbott June 20, 2020 Editor's note: Throughout Wheeling's history, one aspect has remained a constant — the Ohio River. From the birthplace of the first western-style steamboat to laying claim to the Ohio River's first suspension b...
Pandemic Mask Battle Is Nothing New Fred Connors June 19, 2020 West Virginians slipping out of COVID-19 exile are ripping a page out of history concerning face coverings. During the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, people resisted wearing masks in public, which prompted many ...
Speakers, Performers and More Part of Virtual Juneteenth Celebration on Friday Phyllis Sigal June 18, 2020 Resilience. Endurance. Commitment. That’s what we’re seeing in the Ohio Valley — as is proven by the fact that a Juneteenth celebration is taking place. Even if it is being held virtually this year. The Y...
WEEAsked: Owens Brown, President of the West Virginia NAACP Ellen Brafford McCroskey June 17, 2020 George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor. These three are the latest to be sacrificed for the inequities of our society. Their senseless deaths reflect our failures —failure to learn, failure to change, fail...
Art in the Time of Coronavirus Phyllis Sigal June 16, 2020 Whether their work documents the period or adds commentary or levity, five Wheeling artists who are creating art throughout this COVID-19 time report the same ends to their artistic means. Peace. Artists ...
DOWNTOWN DO-OVER: Connors ‘Cornering’ the Market Nora Edinger June 15, 2020 Editor’s note: In this occasional series, Weelunk has looked at downtown’s re-development — from the biggest catalysts to block-by-block changes. In today’s post, we tighten the focus further to one re-develope...
Face Masks: Fashion Statement and Sign of the COVID-19 Times Phyllis Sigal June 12, 2020 The Rolling Stones lips logo, political statements, camouflage, the American flag, designer logos, humorous sayings (“like a good neighbor, stay over there”), rainbows, dogs, cats, vegetables, flowers, leopard ...
From the Yard to Your Plate — Adding Flavor to Your Salad Melissa Rebholz June 10, 2020 Disclaimer: Weelunk cares about your health and safety. Before touching or eating anything out in the wild, we recommend seeking the input of a naturalist or other certified expert. If you have concerns about a...
Support Black-Owned Businesses in the Wheeling Area Betsy Sweeny June 9, 2020 As our community continues to support our Black neighbors by condemning institutional racism and advocating for positive change, many wonder how they can do more. One way is to support small businesses owned by persons of color. Weelunk has compiled a list of Black-owned businesses ranging from hair salons to construction companies that you can support in the Wheeling area.
Keeping Music Live – A Musician’s Life During COVID-19 Kyle Knox June 9, 2020 Wearing a vintage concert T-shirt, singing every word to every song, dancing indiscriminately and connecting with people who enjoy the exact same music — collectively it makes up the beautiful harmony of the li...
Ron Scott: I Knew I Had to Go — It Was Too Important Not To Ron Scott Jr. June 8, 2020 Editor’s note: Protesters in cities across the country came out last week to make their feelings known in regard to the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Here, Ron Scott, YWCA cultural diversity and commun...
Getting to Know the OV Hip-Hop Scene Glynis Board June 5, 2020 Editor’s note: This week, Weelunk will pause our normally scheduled programming to highlight stories that feature Black narratives. We have chosen to take this time to amplify those voices that are so often sil...
Learning to Do Better — Lessons on Race Relations From Ron Scott Jr. Ellen Brafford McCroskey June 4, 2020 Editor’s note: This week, Weelunk will pause our normally scheduled programming to highlight stories that feature Black narratives. We have chosen to take this time to amplify those voices that are so often sil...
Surfing the Ohio River: A Look at Inland Surfers Nora Edinger June 2, 2020 Bryan Murray has surfed in the zone. Deep inside a tube of rushing water and light. So removed from the rest of the world that he can see individual droplets of water tumble slow-mo like so much dande...
Wheeling Steel’s Roots Still Run Deep in the Ohio Valley Ellen Brafford McCroskey June 1, 2020 Wheeling Steel opened in 1921 & during its time in Wheeling, WV its name changed several times leaving a history that runs deep throughout the OH valley.
Female Rollers: The Great Depression and the Infiltration of Women in Production Alex Warren May 29, 2020 The Great Depression (1929-1941) is commonly thought of as a time of doom and gloom, with high unemployment, reduced wages and “Hoovervilles” (crude houses built on the outskirts of a city typically populated b...
Community Gardens: Green and Growing in Wheeling Laura Jackson Roberts May 26, 2020 With Victory Gardens springing up all over the Ohio Valley and residents reconnecting with the land and the time-honored tradition of working it, it’s a good time to take a look at community gardens. THE...
Wheeling’s Doughboy: A Monument to Peace in Remembrance of Conflict Nick Musgrave May 25, 2020 For nearly 90 years a silent guardian has kept watch over Wheeling Park. Originally dedicated on Memorial Day of 1931, Wheeling’s Doughboy statue has withstood weathering and vandalism to remain an enduring mon...
Wine Sales Soar in Wheeling Amid Pandemic Jessica Broverman May 22, 2020 Wine is a staple in almost any home — a glass of merlot with dinner or a nice white wine on a hot day — it’s all delicious. So delicious, that local wine shops are reporting increased sales. We have all c...
