With deep roots in the Elk River community, new Principal Jason Cantrell is leading with heart, building strong relationships, and inspiring student success. “This is our school, and our kids deserve the very best experience.” pg. 22
Heart disease touches countless lives in our community. At Roane General Hospital, we’re dedicated to ensuring that expert cardiology care is within reach for those who need it most. From prevention and education to advanced diagnostics, treatment, and rehabilitation, our experienced team is here to deliver the exceptional care you deserve—close to home.
March is here, so check off another month of winter and get ready for spring weather! Our mom, Jackie Knight, loved March because we always celebrated St. Patrick’s Day and her Irish ancestry. Mom’s maiden name was Mahaney which was originally O’Mohoney in the early days of Ireland. Needless-to-say, we wore green every March 17 and to this day, I can hear her singing O’ Danny Boy in her gorgeous soprano voice. Sweet memories. Our March issue highlights a host of our Elk River students who have worked hard to claim victories and rewards! Check out our Elk’s Students section and be proud along with them. Our feature stories recognize two amazing Elk River natives who are making their mark in our community. Jason Cantrell was named the new principal of Elkview Middle School and you can feel the excitement when you walk in the door! My favorite quote of Jason’s is “This is our school, and our kids deserve the very best middle school experience we can give them.” Mic drop: that sums up everything you need to know about him! Welcome Principal Cantrell! Also this month, we are so proud to feature our interview with Elk River’s own, Lauren Campbell. This girl is on fire when it comes to her goal of connecting her love of music with the legal profession. I can’t wait to see where her future takes her! You know Dee is watching and smiling down on her -- his family was his pride and joy.
It’s been a long winter and even though we may have glimpses still this month of the cold, the worst of the weather is behind us. Get ready to put on your coats and gloves for the start of baseball and softball season. You know Ken and I will be there! You can’t keep grandparents at home when they have grandchildren on the field! Go Gage, Colton and Remi!
Stay warm, my friends!
We used the photo of this sweet lady groundhog, photographed at Sutton Dam by Elk River Living’s nature photographer Janet Six, as inspiration for the cover art. She says she’s really sorry about six more weeks of bad weather, but spring is almost here!
CJT Publishing, LLC, Elkview, West Virginia 25071. All rights are reserved. All contents are copyrighted by CJT ; reproduction in whole or part without written permission from is expressly forbidden and punishable by law. Elk River Living is not responsible for unsolicited materials. All opinions expressed within Elk belong to the feature’s author and are not necessarily the opinions employees. Elk River Living and CJT reserve the right to refuse any idea, material or subject matter. Throughout this issue, trademarked names are used. Rather than denoting a trademark symbol in every occurrence of a trademarked name, Elk River Living uses the names in an editorial fashion, with no infringement. All trademarked names are still fully protected, and anyone who uses them without permission
This magazine depends on our advertising partners! Production, printing and mailing costs are offset by the participation of our valued local businesses. It is how we provide this service at no charge to you. Please take the time to review our Sponsors Page, and if you are in need of a product or service they provide, we ask that you give them a shot at earning your business. And let them know you saw their ad in Elk River Living!
ADVANTAGE VALLEY
304.352.1165
1045 Bridge Rd, Charleston advantagevalley.com
AFFILIATED FINANCIAL GROUP
304.935.2230
4950 Elk River Rd., S. Elkview
AIS AFFILIATED INSURANCE SOLUTIONS
304.965.6911
4601 Penn., Ave., Charleston
ANR CONSTRUCTION
304.741.0377 | 304.546.6510
Randy Young, Jr. & Andrew Young
BECKY’S PET PARLOR
304.951.9162
Rebecca Briles & Kaitlyn Truman
BILL’S USED CARS
304.548.4727
Rt 119 Elk River Rd., Clendenin
BLANCH’S FAMILY DINER
681.230.2088
9 2nd Ave., Clendenin
BOXDROP MATTRESS & FURNITURE OUTLET
304.590.6094
2777 Penn. Ave., Charleston
BRANNON'S AUTO
304.935.2335
4039 Penn. Ave., Charleston
CANTRELL’S FLORIST
304.548.7700
7484 Elk River Rd., Clendenin
CENTRAL WV AGING SERVICES
304.965.9081
Local Charleston Office
CHAMBERS REPAIR & TOWING
24-Hour Towing and Lockout
304.965.5634
648 Shady Ln., Elkview
CLENDENIN MEMORIAL PARK
304.768.6331 or 304.541.3101
236 North Point Dr., Clendenin
CLENDENIN PHARMACY
304.548.5451
Bill Ore & Linsay Matuszkiewicz
CREDE TRACTOR
304.965.1666
Contact William Crede
DEAN JEFFRIES, STATE FARM
304.965.7024
85 Credes Landing, Elkview
DR. ANGELA B. ARMSTEAD, DDS
304.343.2151
3414 Penn. Ave., Charleston
EDENS BODY WORKS, INC.
304.965.5900
102 Neville Rd., Elkview
ELK FAMILY DENTISTRY
304.965.6661
contact Joey Adkins, DDS
ELK RIVER AUTOMOTIVE
304.965.7501
602 Railroad Ave., Elkview
ELK RIVER AUTO SUPPLY
304.965.5312
5082 Elk River Rd., Elkview
ELK RIVER COMMUNITIES MUSEUM
304.965.6596
1078 Main St., 2nd Floor, Elkview
ELK VALLEY ELECTRIC
Call
304.913.6001
Text 304.913.6002
www.elkvalleyelectric.com
ELK VALLEY PHYSICAL THERAPY
304.965.7979
contact Andi Geary, MPT
E.L. ROBINSON ENGINEERING
304.776.7473
5088 Washington St., W. Charleston elrobinsonengineering.com
FORD & SWEENEY
304.935.4801
4402 Crede Drive at Big Chimney
FOUR TRAXX GARAGE Poke Derrick, Owner
304.548.6784
214 Cobb St., Clendenin
GABBY’S SEWING & MORE
304.935.2360
4506 Penn. Ave, Charleston gabbyssewingwv.com
GINO’S PIZZA & SPAGHETTI HOUSE
304.965.7031
Order online at ginospizza.com
GIOVANNI’S - CLENDENIN
304.548.7002 giovannispizzapower.com
GREEN'S OF BIG CHIMNEY
304.965.3313
4509 Penn. Ave., Charleston
HAFER FUNERAL HOME & MYER’S CHAPEL
304.965.3331 | 304.965.3341 haferfuneralhome.net
HARDING'S FAMILY RESTAURANT
304.344.5044
2772 Penn. Ave., Charleston
HOLSTEIN INSURANCE
304.965.9941 holsteininsuranceagencyinc.com
JIFFY J’S INC.
Portable Restrooms
800.256.8657
KN CONTRACTING
304.965.9088
5146 Elk River Rd., Elkview
KNIGHT VEHICLE LICENSING
304.548.4726
knightinsurance@frontier.com
KNIGHTHORST
877.474.7332 www.knighthorst.com
LITTLE SECRET DESIGN CO.
304.427.6797 www.littlesecretdesign.co
GIVE OUR SPONSORS THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE YOUR BUSINESS, they care a great deal about you and the Elk River community!
MEADOWBROOK ACRES NURSING CENTER
304.344.4268
www.meadowbrookacres.net
MITCH’S 24 HR TOWING
304.965.6646
contact Mitch Young
MOUNTAINEER AUCTION
304.548.4056
contact Roger Mullins
NALU’S STYLE STUDIO LLC
304.343.2049
2777 Penn. Ave., Charleston
NANCY KUHL
SEWING & ALTERATIONS
304.965.4056 or 681.340.0409
PADDLERS BAR & GRILL
681.230.2061
12 Maywood Ave., W. Clendenin
PAXTON BUSINESS SERVICES
304.343.5666
4628 Penn. Ave, Charleston
PEGGY WHITE, REALTOR
Old Colony
304.395.0619
PENNY PINCHERS
304.548.4005
11 Main St., Clendenin
POCA VALLEY BANK
304.965.7730 | 1.844.782.2651 pocavalleybank.com
PUZZLED PISTOLS BOUTIQUE
4636 Penn. Ave., Ste. 2, Charleston www.puzzledpistolsboutique.com
ROANE GENERAL HOSPITAL
304.927.4444
200 Hospital Dr., Spencer
RODNEY LOFTIS & SON
304.342.8200 & on Facebook
95 Casdorph Rd., Charleston
ROGERS HARDWARE
304.965.1077
Bill Rogers
SCOTT’S SERVICE & AUTO REPAIR
681.230.2151
311C Elk River Rd., S. Clendenin
SLEEP INN
304.345.5111
2772 Penn. Ave., Charleston
SMITH'S FURNITURE, APPLIANCE & MATTRESS
304.965.7600
Elk Shopping Plaza, Elkview
SOLID ROCK CONTRACTING
304.444.4288
contact Phil Shaffer
STUMP-MATICS FUNERAL HOME
304.548.6611
www.stumpfuneralhomes.com
THE PRINTING PRESS
304.744.7949
143 Gaylor Ln., Charleston
TUDOR’S BISCUIT WORLD
304.965.7769
1083 Main St., Elkview
WALLY'S SUPERIOR PARTS & SERVICE
304.935.2287
5100 Elk River Rd., N. Elkview
XSPEC POWER
304.746.1139
Contact Emily Canterbury
YAK HOUSE RENTALS
304.941.2229
403 Elk Ave., Clendenin Reservations: yakhouserentals.com
$50 for 1 year, straight to your mailbox! elkriverliving.com
Stay connected to the heart of the Elk River with an annual subscription to Elk River Living. Each issue features favorites like The Elk’s Cookbook and The Elk’s Journal, along with uplifting stories that celebrate our neighbors, local traditions, and the shared spirit that strengthens our communities all year long.
DATE TIME PROGRAM
TUE, MAR 3 1PM
THU, MAR 5 DROP-IN 4:30-6PM
TUE MAR 10 2PM
WED, MAR 11 12:30PM
THU, MAR 12 DROP-IN 4:30-6PM
TUE, MAR 17 11AM
WED, MAR 18 1PM
THU, MAR 19 6PM
THU, MAR 26
Libraries are more than just stores of books & knowledge. They are the cornerstone of neighborhoods & communities.
ADULT CRAFT: TIN CAN LANTERNS (America 250) *Registration required
TEEN TIME: SPRING CUPCAKE WARS
COLONIAL KIDS (America 250)
THE BUZZ ABOUT POLLINATORS WITH WVDEP
FAMILY FUN: COULD YOU SURVIVE A PIONEER WINTER?
HOP TO IT STORIES & EGG HUNT
CLENDENIN LIBRARY BOOK GROUP
CLENDENIN LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
DROP-IN 4:30-6PM FULL STEM AHEAD: FOR THE BIRDS!
Don’t forget about the Clendenin Book Kiosk located at 1 Cardinal Street. (beside Butterworth Park) Open 24 hours a day for checkouts and after-hours book pickup!
DATE TIME PROGRAM
MON, MAR 2 6PM
ELK VALLEY LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
WED, MAR 4 10:30AM JUMP INTO STORYTIME
WED, MAR 4 11AM STAY ‘N PLAY
THU, MAR 5 2PM
MON, MAR 9 DROP-IN 5:30-7PM
TUE, MAR 10 10:30AM
ADULT CRAFT: TIN CAN LANTERNS (America 250)
FAMILY FUN: COULD YOU SURVIVE A PIONEER WINTER?
COLONIAL KIDS: AMERICA 250
WED, MAR 11 10:30AM THE BUZZ ABOUT POLLINATORS WITH WVDEP
THU, MAR 12 DROP-IN 1-4PM CREATIVE KIDS
FRI, MAR 13 DROP-IN 1-4PM
BOARD GAMES
MON, MAR 16 6PM TEEN TIME
TUE, MAR 17 2PM
ELK VALLEY BOOK GROUP
THU, MAR 19 DROP-IN 2:30-4:30PM FULL STEM AHEAD: FOR THE BIRDS!
MON, MAR 23 5:30PM
TUE, MAR 24 6PM
WED, MAR 25 10:30AM
MON, MAR. 30 5:30-7PM
ADULT CRAFT: TIN CAN LANTERNS (America 250) *Registration required
HISTORY ALIVE: RUBY BRADLEY
HOP TO IT STORIES & EGG HUNT
TEEN TIME: HALLOWSPRING HAUNTED BIRDHOUSES
By Gabi Strickland Walker. Gabi
is the
creator
and
editor of Walker Mtn. Eats Facebook
group, where she shares her delicious recipes which are tried-and-true tested on her husband, Gar, her girls, and her family, church family, and friends.
This mouthwatering brown bread brings back memories of the warm, slightly sweet loaf many of us love from LongHorn. I first started making this bread when I was about 12 years old, and it quickly became a family favorite. Over the years it fell out of my regular rotation, until my sister asked me to bring it back for Christmas dinner—and just like that, all those cozy memories returned.
If you’re looking for a comforting, homemade bread to add to your table, give this one a try. It’s especially delicious alongside a steaming bowl of soup, but it pairs beautifully with just about any meal.
OATMEAL BATTER BREAD
From the Kitchen of Gabi Strickland Walker
INGREDIENTS
• 1 t salt
• 2 pkgs Active Dry Yeast
• 5 C AP flour
• 1 T sugar (+ if you like a little sweeter)
• 1 C oats
• ½ C molasses
• 2 T butter (+ more for tops)
• 2 ¼ C water
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1 In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine salt, yeast, sugar and 2 C of the flour. Set aside.
STEP 2 In a saucepan over low heat, stir together oats, molasses, water and butter until well combined. Heat to very warm. Remove from heat and allow to cool to about 120-130 degrees.
STEP 3 With a stand mixer on low, begin to slowly pour the oat mixture into the dry ingredients. Increase speed to medium and beat 2 minutes. Add ½ C flour at a time (2 1/2 - 3 C total), continuing to mix until a thick batter, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Once it becomes a dough that leaves the sides of the bowl, let the mixer continue to “knead” for about 1-2 minutes.
STEP 4 Cover the bowl and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about an hour.
STEP 5 Spray a large cookie sheet or 2 pizza pans generously with nonstick cooking spray. Punch the dough down.
STEP 6 Turn dough out onto a prepared (greased) pan and cut the dough in half. With greased fingers, knead each half into a smooth ball and place on the pan(s). Cover both and let rise until doubled in a warm area, about another hour.
STEP 7 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. With a sharp knife, score the tops of each loaf with 3 “slashes”. Bake 30-40 minutes until done, golden brown and firm. Remove from pan to cool on wire racks. Rub tops with softened butter. Slice and serve!
An interview with Elk River native Lauren Elizabeth Campbell, highlighting her West Virginia roots and how she is connecting it to the legal and business foundations of the music industry. Photo by Conner Childs. Lauren is in her second year of law school at West Virginia University College of Law. Her love for music has taken her on an amazing journey
and she is excited to combine it with the music industry for a successful career. Lauren was also featured in WV Living Magazine, Winter 2025 Issue, by WV Living Author, Laney Eichelberger. She is definitely making Elk River proud being in the spotlight!
Music has always been the throughline in Lauren Elizabeth Campbell’s story. Growing up in Elkview, she spent countless evenings absorbing the kind of musicianship woven into life along the Elk River. Long before she could name it as a career path, Campbell understood that her future would be tied to the sounds that filled her childhood.
After earning her bachelor’s degrees in media arts and studies and political science from the University of Kentucky and a master’s in music industry from the University of Southern California, Campbell returned home to pursue her law degree at West Virginia University. She sees understanding the foundations of law as the backstage framework that helps explain how the music industry truly runs.
“Music may be what people hear, but law is what makes it possible for artists, writers, and creators to build lasting careers,” Campbell says. That idea now anchors her next project: a book examining how legal structures shape opportunity in the music industry.
Campbell is the founder of Rock & Roamer, a music and travel magazine she launched during the pandemic. She previously worked in catalog marketing at Rhino, a division of Warner Music Group, and with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. She is also a Professional Member of the Recording Academy, the organization behind the GRAMMY Awards.
Campbell carries her home state with her into every professional space. “It feels meaningful to have West Virginians represented in music, both creatively and on the business side,” she says. “I hope that being part of organizations like the Recording Academy helps show others that their voices have a place throughout the industry.”
Returning home for law school has been a reminder of opportunities afforded by the Mountain State—like the live performances that started her musical journey. “West Virginians don’t have to seek out music,” Campbell reflects. “That’s something I took for granted as a kid— how easy it is to access live performances all over the state. There are so many opportunities here.”
A NEW PRINCIPAL BRINGS ENERGY, PRIDE, AND A DEEP COMMITMENT TO STUDENTS, STAFF, AND THE ELK RIVER COMMUNITY.
For new Elkview Middle School Principal Jason Cantrell, the opportunity to serve the Elk River community is more than a job—it’s a calling.
“I’m incredibly thankful that this new position allows me to stay right here in the Elk River community and continue serving the students and families who mean so much to me,” Cantrell shared. “There truly isn’t another community I would want to work in or be a part of. This is home. I always say I get paid to serve my community— and it doesn’t get any better than that.”
After 14 years at Herbert Hoover High School, the decision to move on was not easy. The relationships
Cantrell built with students, staff, and families will always hold a special place in his heart. Still, he looks forward to this new chapter and the opportunity to make a difference earlier in students’ lives—helping guide and prepare them for success at Hoover and beyond.
So far, Cantrell has been energized by the students at Elkview Middle. “They’re fun, full of energy, and they really enjoy talking and interacting,” he said. One recent addition—a pair of large televisions in the cafeteria for students to watch during breakfast and lunch—has been a big hit, adding to the positive atmosphere throughout the school.
— JASON CANTRELL, PRINCIPAL “
This is our school, and our kids deserve the very best middle school experience we can give them.”
A strong focus remains on student achievement, with clear expectations that students give their very best both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. Just as important, Cantrell says, is recognizing the outstanding work of the school’s staff.
“One of the most encouraging things I learned when I arrived was just how committed and caring our staff is. We truly have teachers who are as good as—or better than— any middle school in Kanawha County,” Cantrell said. “We want to continue celebrating them and recognizing all they do for our students each day.”
Creating a positive, engaging school culture is a top priority. Students are encouraged to enjoy school, stay positive, treat others with respect, and show up ready to learn. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong behavior and school pride already evident. Cantrell firmly believes relationships are the foundation of a successful school. “When students know you care
about them, they’re more likely to make good choices. That connection is incredibly important to the culture of a school,” he explained.
Despite recent snow days and remote learning, Elkview Middle students have continued to impress—logging in, staying engaged, and completing their work. “That speaks volumes about both our students and our staff,” Cantrell said.
Looking ahead, plans are already in motion to continue enhancing the campus. One exciting goal is launching a fundraising effort for a new school sign—one that is welcoming, inviting, and a source of pride for the entire community.
“I’m excited and energized to keep doing my best for the Elk River community,” Cantrell said. “This is our school, and our kids deserve the very best middle school experience we can give them. That will be our goal every single day.”
submitted by Gary and Gabi Walker of Blue Creek Road in Elkview.
Gary Walker took daughters Paelin and Lowenn out to experience Blue Creek frozen over. What a winter this has been!
ERL is proud to highlight Cat Pleska, a published Kanawha Valley author, who lives in Scott Depot with her husband and five cats. She was recently featured as the guest author at the St. Albans Branch Library on February 3, where attendees had the opportunity to meet her and purchase her books.
An award-winning author and educator, Pleska has published two memoirs: My Life in Water (UnCollected Press, 2024) and Riding on Comets (WVU Press, 2015). Her essays and memoirs have appeared in Still: The Journal, Change Seven Magazine, Pine Mountain Sand and Gravel, and other literary publications. Her work has earned her two Pushcart Prize nominations.
Pleska teaches creative writing at Marshall University, where she received the Council of Chairs Award for Excellence in Teaching. In addition to her writing and teaching, she has worked as a book reviewer, radio essayist, and oral historian. She currently serves as president and editor-in-chief of Mountain State Press.
Check out Pleska’s Riding on Comets: A Memoir:
Amazon said: Riding on Comets is the true story of an only child growing up in a working-class family during the 1950s and ‘60s. As the family storyteller, Cat Pleska whispers and shouts about her life growing up around savvy, strong women and hard-working, hard-drinking men. Unlike many family stories set within Appalachia, this story provides an uncommon glimpse into this region: not coal, but an aluminum plant; not hollers, but smalltown America; not hillbillies, but a hard-working family with traditional values. From the dinner table, to the back porch, to the sprawling countryside, Cat Pleska reveals the sometimes tender, sometimes frightening education of a child who listens at the knees of these giants. She mimics and learns every nuance, every rhythm—how they laugh, smoke, cuss, fight, love, and tell stories—as she unwittingly prepares to carry their tales forward, their words and actions forever etched in her mind. And finally, she discovers a life story of her own.
Maysen Fletcher was awarded the 2026 McCoy Award for the top high school female track and field performer, selected by the WV Sports Writers. She set records at the WVSSAC state meet in the 3200 and 1600 meter events and won the 800 meter event. She ran 17:02 to win the Brooks XC South in December and this January, she won the Girls’ Invitational Two Mile at the VA Indoor Showcase with a final time of 10:18:79.
The Herbert Hoover Huskies Swim Team have ALL qualified for the State Swim Meet in at least one individual event, all 3 Girls Relay teams qualified, and the Girls Team were Regional Champions! Ashton Walker, 500 Free, 200 Free; Paelin Walker, 100 Free, 500 Free; Chloe Foreman, 100 Breast and 100 Fly; Jenna Stout, 500 Free, 200 Free; Peyton Greathouse 500 Free, 200 Free; Willa Skiles, 100 Back, 100 Fly; Jessa Stout, 100 Back, 200 IM; Mason Fletcher, 100 Free; Michael Smith, 200 Free; Mason Ames, 100 Back.
All Region Team Division 2 South are: Ashton Walker, Woilla Skiles, Chloe Foreman, Peyton Greathouse, and Paelin Walker. They also were 2026 Cardinal Conference Champions and their coach, Gary Walker, was named Coach of the Year! Good luck in the States!!!
ERL is proud of Jenna Brown on her selection to the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program 2008 Girls National Select Team! The team is coached by US Soccer legend, two-time World Cup winner Brandi Chastain. Jenna will play in Spain in April!
Congrats to Mighty Lopez for signing to play football at University of Charleston and Blake Fisher for signing to play football at Morehead State University. Also, congrats to Macie Smith for signing to play volleyball at WVU Institute of Technology and Ahaziah Smith for signing with West Virginia University for volleyball; congrats to Jenna Brown for signing with University of Charleston for soccer, and to Jenna Stout for signing with Davis & Elkins College Swim Team.
Congrats to Ayva Veltri for scoring her 1000th career point as the Lady Huskies defeated Nicholas County on the road 59-51! Average per game: Eden Niewierowski 9.8 rebounds and 2.9 blocks; Bella Haas 3.6 assists, and Payschence Lyons 2.5 steals with 8 charges. Niewierowski has 127 points and Lyons has 128 to date. Coaches Rebecca Ferrell, Kam Starcher, Shane Woodrum have supported this team and are excited for regional playoffs. Good luck! Photo by Essay Media.
February 10, 2026 | Charleston, WV — Advantage Valley, Inc. is pleased to announce the award of $690,000 in Federal Funding to support FASTER WV’s Entrepreneurial Development efforts, following passage of a federal appropriations omnibus bill by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives last week. This investment will strengthen entrepreneurship and small business growth across the Advantage Valley region and was secured through the (FY2026) Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) process.
FASTER WV helps aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable businesses through handson coaching, targeted training, access to capital, and connections to regional and statewide partner networks. The program focuses on reducing barriers to entrepreneurship and advancing inclusive economic development across the region. Recent FASTER WV impacts include the creation of 113 new businesses and 217 new jobs, along with $365,000 in direct lending support provided through a dedicated revolving loan fund and $215,000 in technical assistance funding.
“On behalf of Advantage Valley, I want to thank Senator Jim Justice and Senator Shelley Moore Capito for their continued commitment to investing in economic development in West Virginia,” said Terrell Ellis, President & CEO of Advantage Valley. “We are deeply appreciative of their leadership and partnership in securing this funding, which will allow us to continue supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the Charleston and Huntington metro regions. This investment helps drive job creation, strengthen local economies, and build opportunity—one small business at a time.”
The broader appropriations package includes hundreds of millions of dollars in Congressionally Directed Spending projects nationwide, supporting priorities such as healthcare, education and research, workforce development, small business growth, and infrastructure. Advantage Valley, Inc. is a regional economic development organization whose mission is to grow economic opportunity in the Charleston-Huntington Metro Area by increasing investment in the region, leveraging resources, and building collaboration among community stakeholders.
Herbert Hoover High School is launching an exciting new project, and they’re inviting the entire Elk River community to be part of it.
HHHS hopes to purchase a digital touchscreen kiosk that will preserve and showcase everything that makes Hoover special—our history, our people, and our pride. After the devastating 2016 flood destroyed so many treasured memories, this project offers a meaningful way to digitally archive decades of Hoover history for future generations.
The interactive kiosk will feature digital yearbooks, athletic highlights and state championship moments, video recaps of unforgettable games, headshots and newspaper articles celebrating achievements, virtual art exhibits, fine arts performances, theatre productions and awards, academic and CTE accomplishments, Hall of Fame members, Players of the Year, historic photos, and newspaper clippings. Special sections will honor Herbert Hoover from 1963–2017, life in the portables, and the new Hoover High School.
Designed to be mobile, the kiosk can travel throughout the year—stationed at the stadium during football season, inside the gym for winter sports, and across campus in the spring. It will also serve as an interactive website, allowing alumni and families across the country to explore Hoover and reconnect from anywhere.
Because the kiosk provider is not a school-system vendor, HHHS is turning to the community for support. Alumni, local businesses, families, graduating classes, community sponsors, and all Husky supporters are invited to contribute. Sponsors will be proudly recognized on the kiosk’s main page.
To learn more or make a contribution, contact Athletic Director Richard Parsons at rparsons@mail.kana.k12. wv.us or mail a check (memo: Digital Kiosk) payable to: Herbert Hoover High School Attn: Richard Parsons 775 Husky Way, Elkview, WV 25071
Let’s come together to preserve our story, celebrate our achievements, and honor our Huskies—forever.
ELK RIVER COMMUNITY CENTER
03/06 03/13 03/20 03/27
FENDER BENDERS
DIXIE HIGHWAY
STEPHANIE & THE BAND OF BROTHERS
Doors open at 5PM | Band starts at 7PM
Admission $5 | Kids 12 & Under FREE
Thrift store is open Fri. from 5:30-8:30pm Concessions available.
One of the newest restaurants in the Elk River community is The Depot, located at 535 Railroad Avenue in Elkview.
Owner Brittany Ratliff bought out Billy Wehrle's former Huskie Den and relocated it along just two doors up on Rt. 119 with expanded seating and an enhanced menu! It’s the perfect stop if you want to grab a quick bite to eat or if you want to just meet up and have lunch with friends.
Owner Brittany Ratliff is excited to serve the Elk River community. She said, “Takeout, dine-in or curbside pickup, we have you covered!” And talk about homemade desserts, The Depot features awesome Eclair Pudding Cake, Neiman Marcus Brownies, and more from Momma Shawn! Check out their Facebook/The Depot for daily specials or give them a call at 304-935-2039.
03/06 • 7PM 03/07 • 7PM
03/14 • 6:30PM
03/18 • 6:30PM 03/20 • 6:30PM 03/21 • 6:30PM
03/28 • 6:30PM
MURDER MYSTERY EVENT
TRIVIA NIGHT
WASHBOARD DAVE & THE DOUBTING THOMAS’S ASK A PASTOR BIBLE STUDY
KNITTING/CROCHETING GROUP
CHAD JONES MUSIC
DREW MUSIC
& DON’T FORGET ABOUT ONGOING BIBLE STUDY • WEDNESDAYS @ 6:30 PM BINGO • THURSDAYS @6:30 PM
On November 15, 2025, five members of VFW Post 8516 of Pinch, West Virginia, came together to honor Civil War veteran Joseph E. Engle by placing a grave marker at his final resting place in Amma Cemetery in Amma, WV. The ceremony was made possible with the assistance of William Looney, caretaker of the Amma Cemetery.
The marker itself has a story. It was discovered by a demolition crew during the teardown of an old building. Recognizing its historical significance, the crew contacted a member of VFW Post 8516, and the marker was entrusted to the post for safekeeping. With the help of Howard Shinn of Pinch, WV, the location of Joseph E. Engle’s grave was ultimately identified, allowing this long-overdue tribute to be completed.
Joseph E. Engle (1832–1897) served with Company F, 17th West Virginia Infantry, during the Civil War. Members of VFW Post 8516 extend their sincere thanks to William Looney and Curry Monument Company for their assistance in placing the marker and helping ensure this veteran’s service is respectfully remembered.
Submitted by Madison Stone, Executive Director of the Elk River Trail Foundation
Press Release: Full details about the NEW Elk River Trail Foundation program, including eligibility, application deadlines, and submission information. This program is designed to support local businesses, strengthen our downtowns, and enhance the overall visitor experience throughout our Trail Towns.
The Elk River Trail Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its Façade Grant Program, a new initiative designed to help business owners and commercial property owners enhance the exterior appearance of their buildings and strengthen economic development in the Trail Towns of Clay and Clendenin and surrounding areas along the Elk River Trail and Elk River Water Trail. The application period will run from February 2nd through April 15th, 2026.
The program will offer up to $1,500 in architectural design services and up to $20,000 in construction services and funding for eligible façade improvements to commercial properties. The initiative focuses on projects that promote tourism, community pride, and downtown revitalization in Clay and Kanawha Counties.
Eligible improvements may include exterior painting, new signage, window and door replacements, awnings, lighting, accessibility upgrades, and other enhancements that contribute to the overall look and feel of the community. An architect and contractors retained by the Foundation will assist applicants in planning and executing projects that align with the historic and architectural character of each town.
“This is an amazing opportunity for local business owners in our small towns to invest in the appearance of their buildings and, in turn, the future of their communities,” said Madison Stone, Executive Director of the Elk
River Trail Foundation. “By improving storefronts and building exteriors, we are strengthening our downtowns, supporting economic development, and creating welcoming spaces that attract visitors and encourage people to spend time—and money—in our Trail Towns.”
Applications, program guidelines, and frequently asked questions are available online at www.elkrivertrail.org. Paper applications and printed guidelines may also be picked up at the following locations:
1. Clendenin Mayor’s Office 103 1st Street Clendenin, WV
2. Clay County Courthouse – Town Clerk’s Office 246 Main Street Clay, WV 25043
Completed paper applications may be submitted in one of the following ways:
Email: Scan and email the completed application and all required attachments to executivedirector@ elkrivertrail.org
Mail or Hand Delivery: Elk River Trail Foundation 107 Koontz Avenue, Suite 109 Clendenin, WV 25045
Funding for the facade renovation program is provided as part of the $1.365 million POWER grant awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission to Elk River Trail Foundation, part of a $1.7 million project to improve and promote the Elk River Trail and Elk River Water Trail and the Trail Towns of Clendenin, Clay, Gassaway and Sutton.
For additional information or questions about the Façade Mini Grant Program, please contact:
Madison Stone, Executive Director madison@elkrivertrail.org | (304) 619-6466
THROUGHTHISPROGRAM, BUSINESSOWNERSCANRECEIVE:
Upto$1,500inprofessional architecturaldesignassistance
Upto$20,000inconstruction servicesandfundingfor approvedfacadeimprovements
WHOCANAPPLY?
ClayCountyandKanawhaCounty
CommercialPropertyOwners
PAPERAPPLICATIONSCANBE PICKEDUPATFOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
Clerk’sOfficeatClayCounty CourtHouse
ClendeninMayorsOffice
SCANTHEQRCODETOVISITOUR
ELIGIBLEPROJECTSMAYINCLUDE:
Painting,signs,&murals
Masonryorexteriorrepairs
Windowsordoorreplacements
Awnings
Accessibilityimprovements
Lighting&architecturaldetails
By Laura Boggess Shafer. Laura
and her family manage a family farm in the Clendenin area. Keeping Appalachian values and traditions alive, she enjoys sharing her wisdom on gardening, canning, preserving, recipes and more with ERL readers!
While winter snow still blankets the ground, many gardeners (including me!) are already dreaming of summer—flipping through seed catalogs and imagining the taste of a big, juicy, gardenfresh tomato. With so many varieties to choose from, I asked family and friends to share their favorite tomatoes for slicing and canning. Their recommendations may help you decide what to plant this spring.
For slicing, Mr. Stripey was the clear favorite. This large heirloom tomato, known for its beautiful red and yellow stripes, produces flavorful, eye-catching fruit but does require staking. Other striped varieties worth trying include Hillbilly and Pineapple, both known for their sweet flavor and impressive size. A classic favorite is the Beefsteak tomato. As my husband Frank put it, “One slice can cover an entire sandwich.” This large red heirloom is excellent for fresh eating and works well for canning too.
Our friends Dana and Roonie Reed from Buckhannon recommended Oxheart, a longtime family favorite. These large, heart-shaped heirloom tomatoes are meaty, sweet, and contain very few seeds—perfect for slicing or making sauces. Another variety praised for its flavor and productivity is Big Beef Plus, a hybrid beefsteak discovered last year by friends Jeff and Jillian Woods. They described it as one of the meatiest tomatoes they’ve grown, with a deep red color that holds beautifully when canned. These plants are disease resistant but will need sturdy support.
Other recommended slicing tomatoes include hybrid favorites Better Boy, Big Boy, and Early Girl and heirloom varieties such as Mortgage Lifter and Rutgers. My friend Lucy Newhouse and others also love the well-known Brandywine—an Amish heirloom dating back to 1885. All are excellent choices. Brandywine produces large, flavorful fruit in shades of red, pink, or yellow.
When it comes to canning, Roma tomatoes were the overwhelming favorite. Their firm, meaty texture and low water content make them ideal for sauces, salsa, paste, and preserving. Another excellent canning tomato is Amish Paste, a productive heirloom known for large, meaty fruit. Some gardeners report such heavy yields that strong plant support is a must. During these conversations, I also learned from my friend Joyce Shafer about the WV ‘63 tomato—developed in 1963 to celebrate West Virginia’s 100th birthday. Researchers at WVU worked with local farmers to create a blightresistant tomato with excellent flavor, suitable for both slicing and canning. While seeds can be difficult to find, they are sometimes available through heirloom seed suppliers such as Southern Exposure Seed Exchange in Mineral County.
Gardeners often have strong opinions about heirloom versus hybrid tomatoes. Heirloom varieties are openpollinated and passed down through generations, allowing gardeners to save and replant seeds year after year. Hybrid tomatoes, on the other hand, are bred for disease resistance, durability, and uniform appearance, though their seeds may not reproduce true to the parent plant. Vanessa Sanders shared that she saves and trades heirloom seeds and has collected nearly 100 varieties over the years.
If you’re unable to grow your own tomatoes, local greenhouses such as Crihfield Farm offer excellent options. Their Red Morning bush tomatoes mature early and produce large, smooth, deep-red fruit, while Ruby Dawn offers smaller, flavorful tomatoes. Both are often available at the local Farmers Market and can be a great backup when garden conditions are less than ideal. Whether you prefer heirloom or hybrid, slicing or canning, there’s a tomato variety perfect for your garden. Fellow gardeners recommend one of the best ways to learn is to share seeds and discover new favorites. Lois Sloan of Walton has been saving Beefheart seeds (an heirloom from the Oxheart family that produces extra large tomatoes) for over three generations!
Here’s to a successful growing season—and the simple pleasure of a fresh, homegrown tomato.
Submitted by Andrew Robinson, DPT, at Elk Valley Physical Therapy. He is a graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College where he played collegiate baseball and earned his Doctorate of PT from Wheeling University in 2015. Andrew is certified as a LSVT clinician to treat Parkinson's Disease and is also certified by Titleist Performance to rehabilitate injuries involving golfers and other athletes.
Do you experience back or hip pain while golfing? Are you interested in being assessed by a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Certified clinician?
Elk Valley Physical Therapy is proud to introduce Dr. Andrew Robinson, PT, DPT, a TPI Certified clinician and avid golfer who plays to a 6 handicap. Dr. Robinson brings specialized knowledge and firsthand experience to help golfers improve both comfort and performance on the course.
As we age, stiffness and limited mobility can make golfing more challenging. These limitations often lead to discomfort during your swing—and can even reduce
distance and accuracy. In many cases, these issues are connected across multiple joints throughout the body.
The most common areas affected include the hips, lower and mid-back, and shoulders. Through specialized TPI testing, Dr. Robinson can identify deficits in strength, mobility, and movement patterns that may be impacting your golf game.
By carefully assessing your joints, range of motion, and swing mechanics, a personalized plan can be developed to target problem areas. Addressing limited mobility not only helps promote a more comfortable, repeatable swing, but can also improve distance, accuracy, and overall performance—making it easier to focus on your next great shot.
Schedule your golf-specific assessment today and take the first step toward a stronger, more comfortable swing— and maybe even a lower handicap.
