🌟 Welcome to the second issue of C-R Hometown Pulse: The Marion County WV Newsletter! 🌟

Hello, dear readers! We're thrilled to have you back with us for another exciting edition of your go-to source for all things Marion County. In this issue, we bring you a delightful mix of local news, events, and community stories that highlight the vibrant spirit of our hometown. Let's dive in! 🏞️

Community Spotlight: Shine a Light on Local Heroes 💡

We are proud to celebrate our local heroes who make Marion County a better place every day. This month, we're shining the spotlight on our dedicated educators who play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our community. Their unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds deserves all the applause! 👏

✨ Did You Know? Our local schools have recently implemented more interactive learning programs aimed at fostering creativity and innovation. The results speak for themselves: improved student engagement and enhanced learning outcomes.

 Way to go, educators! 👩‍🏫👨‍🏫

Have any local teachers or Veterans you want to shine a light on email us at crfreedomflyer@gmail.com

Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendars! 📅

• Fall Harvest Festival: November 10th – A day filled with autumnal fun, from hayrides to pumpkin patches, happening at the Fairmont Park. Bring your family for an unforgettable day of seasonal delights! 🎃🍂

• Small Business Saturday: November 25th – Support local businesses by shopping small and help boost our local economy. Enjoy special deals and festive activities throughout Marion County! 🛍️

As always, we're eager to hear from you. Share your thoughts, suggestions, or stories with us at newsletter@crhometownpulse.com. 🤝 Let's keep the community conversation going!

Marion County in Autumn

📌 Discover the Beauty of the Monongahela River! 🌊

Welcome to our spotlight section on the picturesque Monongahela River. **Flowing majestically through the states of West Virginia and Pennsylvania**, this river is not just a natural wonder but a vital part of the region's history and ecology.

Why Visit? 🚣‍♀️

• Experience breathtaking scenery along the riverbanks, ideal for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. 📷
• Enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as boating, kayaking, and fishing. 🎣
• Learn about the rich industrial history of the region which once thrived on the power of this mighty river. 🏭

Stay tuned for more *riveting* updates, and join us in celebrating the natural and historical wonders of the Monongahela River. 🌿

🌟 **Exciting Upcoming Events in Fairmont and Marion County!** 🌟

As we transition into the cozy fall months of September and October 2025, Fairmont and Marion County are bustling with a variety of engaging activities and events for residents and visitors alike. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a music lover, or just looking for some family-friendly fun, there's something for everyone.

• 🎨 Artible: Fun with Watercolors! Part 5 - Dive into the world of painting with a fun and relaxed session at the Marion County Public Library. No experience needed!
  Date: Monday, September 29
  Time: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  Location: Marion County Public Library (Fairmont)

• 📚 An Evening with Mark Twain - Enjoy a literary journey with the great works of Mark Twain.
  Date: Monday, September 29
  Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  Location: Marion County Public Library (Fairmont)

• 👶 Baby Time - A delightful experience for parents and their little ones with stories, songs, and games.
  Date: Tuesday, September 30
  Time: 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
  Location: Marion County Public Library (Fairmont)

• 🚼 Toddler Time 1 - Perfect for toddlers aged 18 to 36 months to enjoy stories and activities.
  Date: Tuesday, September 30
  Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
  Location: Marion County Public Library (Fairmont)

• 🍂 Fall Bingo - Join a festive bingo event and win exciting gift baskets at the Knights of Columbus.
  Date: Saturday, October 4
  Time: Early bird games at 12:30 p.m., regular games at 1:00 p.m.
  Location: Knights of Columbus,

🙌 Answer to Last Week's Cliffhanger Question! 🙌

We're thrilled to finally reveal the answer to our engaging cliffhanger from last week. Many of you guessed, and some even got it right! Kudos to all participants. 🎉

Question: When did Fairmont State University first begin offering four-year degree programs and was officially recognized as a college?

Answer: Fairmont State University first offered four-year degree programs and was officially recognized as a college in 1923. 👏

Explore the rich history of Fairmont State University throughout the years:

• 1865: Established as the private West Virginia Normal School at Fairmont, serving as a teacher-training school.
• 1867: Transitioned to a state-owned public institution. 🏢
• 1923: Offered its first four-year bachelor's degree program, achieving college status. 🎓
• 1931: Renamed to Fairmont State Teachers College.
• 1943: Officially renamed Fairmont State College. ✍️
• 2004: Attained university status, becoming the Fairmont State University we know today. 🎓🎉
•  

Each milestone is a testament to the university's dedication to education and innovation, shaping countless futures over the decades. Stay tuned for more intriguing questions and updates in our upcoming newsletters! 🌟

Prepare for the fall hunting seasons by checking the 2025 Hunting Outlook and Mast Survey, which details the availability of fruits and nuts important to West Virginia's wildlife.

The survey is conducted annually by the WVDNR and the West Virginia Division of Forestry, with professionals and volunteers collecting data to determine mast production by various tree and shrub species.

The mast index is calculated using a formula to assess the abundance of mast for each species in different ecological regions.

Make sure to buy your 2025 fishing license to be ready for your next outdoor adventure!

🎣 Exciting Developments in West Virginia's Fishing Records! 🎣

In the first half of 2025, West Virginia witnessed an impressive wave of new state fishing records being established for both weight and length across various fish species. Here's a breakdown of these _amazing_ achievements:

• Black Crappie
  • 🐟 New Record: A whopping 3.6-pound, 17.7-inch black crappie was caught by Jerry Porter at East Lynn Lake in Wayne County.
  • 📜 Previous Record: The weight record was 3.15 pounds (2024), while the length record of 17.76 inches remains unbeaten.
• Redhorse Sucker
  • 🐟 New Record: Jason Floyd set a new state record with a 24.57-inch, 5.75-pound redhorse sucker from the Ohio River at Belleville Lock and Dam.
• Redear Sunfish
  • 🐟 New Length Record: John Plott broke his own state length record with a 12.44-inch, 1.60-pound fish at Plum Orchard Lake in Fayette County.
  • 📜 Previous Weight Record: John's weight record of 1.75 pounds still stands.
• Tiger Trout
  • 🐟 New Record: A majestic 27.60-inch, 12.55-pound tiger trout was caught in March, setting an impressive new standard!
• Largemouth Bass
  • 🐟 New Length Record: Seth Spry caught a gigantic 26.26-inch largemouth bass on private land in Harrison County in May.
  • 📜 Existing Weight Record: The state's weight record of over 12 pounds, set in 1994, remains untouched.

Don't forget to carry your valid fishing license with you when you head out to the local lakes and streams.

It's not just a good idea, it's the law!

BREAKING NEWS

Local happenings in late September and October 2025 include painting sessions, a literary evening with Mark Twain, Baby Time, Toddler Time, fall bingo, and a live performance by SPRING FEVER.

The City of Fairmont reveals plans for Momentum Adventure Park and extending the West Fork River Trail after the closure of the Fairmont Box Factory.

Pierpont Community and Technical College's veterinary technology program opens a student-run café, and the Marion County Public Library System receives $66,000 in emergency funding for local food pantries.

According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.

"Life is like a fishing line - patience and persistence are key to reeling in your best catch."