Wirt County News

February is  Heart Health Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. The good news is, heart disease can often be prevented through healthy choices, exercise, and awareness.

From January 9-12th, six students from Wood and Wirt County travel ed to the National Youth Summit on AgriScience. The youth-foc used conference was held in Chevy Chase, Maryland at the National 4-H Conference Center. The students were Samantha Burns, Brighton Robinson, and Adeline Sims from Wirt County and Wyatt Eaton, Gracie Kent, and Olivia Mullen from Wood County. 

Each year, the Wirt County Community Educational Outreach Service hosts a wreath hanging ceremony for Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Wirt County Courthouse.  On October 7, 2019, thirteen members and guests gathered at the front steps of the County Courthouse to celebrate and raise awareness for Breast Cancer research, treatment, and prevention. 

Ninety-six 4-H and FFA exhibitors showed and sold animals at the 2019 Wirt County Fair. One hundred fifty-five animals were exhibited and sold. The barn was busting at the seams as we squeezed in temporary pens to fit all of the animals. This was another successful year for 4-H and FFA exhibitors. Glenn McFee donates sale proceeds  to WVU Medicine Children's in honor of his late sister, Lynlee McFee.

On June 8, 2019, eighty-six youth ages 8-21 arrived at Camp Barbe for a week of fun, learning, and personal growth. Throughout the week, campers participated in sports, classes, tribal meetings, and a daily council circle. A team of twenty-nine volunteers helped make this event possible.

Energy Express, a summer youth program which aids in the development of youth in our communities, will be hosting a hygiene supply drive, organized by the Wirt County site team. The Energy Express team is made up of five mentors, one community coordinator, and the site supervisor. As a team, the group decided to organize a Hygiene Supply drive to assist members of our community. The site will be collecting NEW hygiene supplies from anyone willing to donate.  

The Wirt County Primary Center will be hosting an Energy Express Site this year for students who will be entering 1st – 6th grade in the fall. Energy Express is a print rich, six-week program designed to avoid the summer slide in reading levels of children by providing them with breakfast and lunch as well as curriculum that makes reading enjoyable. Our Energy Express program runs from June 17th – July 26th.  Interested parents can contact the Wirt County Extension Office at 304-275-3101 to sign up your child.

Energy Express relies on the community for support. So how can you help?  We are seeking donations of “found objects” for art projects during the program.  These objects are being collected by the Extension Office. Churches, community groups, and local businesses can contact the office if they are interested in having a drop off location for found objects.

The WVU Extension Service, Wirt County Office has received a $1,500 grant from the Sisters Health Foundation to incorporate a Nutrition Program at the Spring Valley Food Pantry.  We are currently seeking adult volunteers to help deliver this program

4-H youth are constantly looking for ways to improve themselves and their communities. Four youth, two Wirt County and two Gilmer County 4-H’ers, traveled to the National 4-H Conference Center in hopes of accomplishing those two goals.

Brooklyn Smith, Kassandra Starcher, Macee Starsick, and McKinzie White attended the National Youth Agri-Science Summit from January 10 - 13, in Chevy Chase, Maryland. During the trip the group participated in workshops and career exploration, networked with other youth from around the Nation, and developed a community action plan for an issue they were passionate about.