Bob O Connor

andrear@herald-mail.com MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - The Berkeley County Commission denied a $5,000 funding request Thursday from the Washington Heritage Trail Association because the request wasn't made during county budget hearings earlier this year. The commissioners voted to send trail association officials a letter stating that the funds had not been included in the county's budget for the current fiscal year, and advising them of the dates for next year's budget proceedings, Berkeley County Administrator Deborah Hammond said.

martinsburg@herald-mail.com MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - Tourism experts said Wednesday the hassles of air travel following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks will boost the popularity of day trips and likely will benefit Tri-State area tourist destinations. The topic of "Tourism Following Sept. 11" was part of a two-day seminar co-sponsored by the Martinsburg-Berkeley and Jefferson County convention and visitors bureaus in Martinsburg. The seminar ends today. "The friction ... around traveling because it is much more difficult to get around these days will make local tourism and day trips much more attractive to people," said Mike Hicks, director of research for the Center of Business and Economic Research and assistant professor of economics at Marshall University's Lewis College of Business.

Mount Tabor Lutheran Church, at 14615 Fairview Church Road, will hold a ham and chicken slippery potpie supper Saturday, March 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. Baked goods will be available. The church is handicapped accessible. The public is welcome. Library news Here’s what’s happening at Clear Spring Library: On Thursday, March 24, at 7 p.m., author Bob O’Connor will give a talk on Ward Hill Lamon. O’Connor has written a book about Lamon, Abraham Lincoln’s personal bodyguard, and edited a book penned by Lamon.

As promised, here is more information about the Battle of Hancock Sesquicentennial Commemoration taking place Jan. 5-8.   From Thursday evening's opening ceremonies at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, to Sunday's closing evening prayer service, the events swirl around Church Hill and downtown.   Friday evening at the Hancock Performing Arts Center is particularly packed with exhibits and two lectures: "Overview of the Battle" by Art Callaham and "Lecture on Civil War Orthopedics" by Dr. John Rathgeb.

Susan and Chris Corno of Winchester, Va., announce the birth of a daughter, Alexandra McKenna Corno , July 30, 2003. Maternal grandparents are Nancy and Bill Cowden of Williamsport. Paternal grandparents are Diane and Emil Corno of Olney, Md. Maternal great-grandparents are Norman and Mary Morin of Williamsport. Dennis and Krista Wallech of Hagerstown announce the birth of a daughter, Emmalee Caroline Wallech , June 21, 2003. Mrs. Wallech is the former Krista Haynes.

charlestown@herald-mail.com MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - Two celebrations in one were the order of the day Sunday as hundreds of people converged in downtown Martinsburg to pay tribute to the founding of the state and participate in a two-state biking event. Friday marked the 140th birthday for the state of West Virginia, but Main Street Martinsburg officials had to cancel a party to celebrate the milestone due to rainy weather, said Jeff Curtis, director of Main Street Martinsburg.

A few of the many yard sales lining Main Street during the Sharpsburg Heritage Festival Saturday morning turned into porch sales. Rain dampened the enthusiasm of those who ran yard sales and concession stands, and there were a lot fewer of them in town than if the sun had been shining. Plastic bags, sheets and tarps became the order of the day as vendors tried to protect their wares. "We usually do a good business ... when it's not raining," said Kathy Gustafson, who, with fellow members of the Sharpsburg Church of the Brethren at 123 E. Main St., huddled under canopies to protect their homemade ham and bean, chicken corn and vegetable soups, chili and baked goods.

Sharpsburg Little League will host the 2012 Maryland State Softball Tournament beginning Saturday at noon. Five District Little Leagues from Maryland will compete for a spot to go to Bristol, Conn., for the Softball Little League World Series. The Halfway Little League team will play at 2 p.m. Sunday, followed by an elimination game at 5 p.m. Teams will play Monday at 5 and 8 p.m. with single games Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. O'Connor to speak Local author Bob O'Connor will talk about his book, “A House Divided Against Itself” Thursday, July 12, at 7 p.m. at Sharpsburg Library.

charlestown@herald-mail.com CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. - Saying it's the "best thing to do for Jefferson County" and that it's a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," about 25 people who turned out Monday night for a public hearing at Charles Town City Hall gave overwhelming support for preserving the historic Happy Retreat home. Local historic officials said they believe funding sources at the state and national level might be available to help purchase the stately home of Charles Washington - the founder of Charles Town - and others said Gov. Joe Manchin's staff and other politicians should be brought into the process.

Bible-believer offers a response to skeptical writer To the editor: Allow me to respond to "Let's not preach, let's talk" by Robert E. Ayrer of Falling Waters, W.Va., whose letter was printed in The Herald-Mail on Friday, Aug. 29. I want to respond, respectfully disagreeing with a couple of things he mentioned. But before I go any further, let me preface my remarks as follows: 1. I'm a senior, well up in years, yet I'm careful to say I don't know it all. However, I've learned a precious reality that encourages me greatly and it is this.