Queen

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - Congestion along sections of Queen Street in Martinsburg will continue at least for a couple more days as the West Virginia Division of Highways continues a road-repair project along the heavily traveled road into the city's downtown. Darrell Parsons, Berkeley County's acting DOH road maintenance supervisor, said areas of the road slated for repair are between East Moler Avenue and the intersection of King and Queen streets. Though flashing signs warn motorists of congestion through Saturday, Parsons said he was aware of the heavy congestion and hopes the work can be done in the next day or so. "I'm hoping it doesn't take all week," Parsons said of patching to repair cracking and deterioration.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - The usual harbingers of bad luck failed to work their contrary magic Saturday as Katy Mitchell, the 2007 Franklin County Fair Queen, became the first woman from the county to wear the crown in the 22-year history of the Pennsylvania State Fair Queen pageant. When the 18-year-old Fort Loudon, Pa., woman was named county fair queen in August, a deluge forced the pageant from an outdoor stage into a show tent. At Saturday's pageant in Hershey, Pa., the James Buchanan High School senior's contestant number was 13 among the 53 women competing for the title.

CHAMBERSBURG, PA. ? The usual harbingers of bad luck failed to work their contrary magic Saturday as Katy Mitchell, the 2007 Franklin County Fair Queen, became the first woman from the county to wear the crown in the 22-year history of the Pennsylvania State Fair Queen pageant. When the 18-year-old Fort Loudon, Pa., woman was named county fair queen in August, a deluge forced the pageant from an outdoor stage into a show tent. At Saturday's pageant in Hershey, Pa., her contestant number was 13 among the 53 women competing for the title.

Back in school after Christmas break, Nicky weaved her way through the crowded halls until she reached her locker. Several of her old friends stood nearby, surrounding Claire and Zach as they discussed their holiday. Nicky's face turned slightly crimson as she saw how easily they had forgotten her. Zach especially. She had once believed they were in love, but now she could see the truth of the matter. Zach simply clung to whomever he believed was the most popular girl, and thus he maintained his own popularity.

HAGERSTOWN If you asked him Wednesday, James McCleaf would have said he was less than optimistic about the chances of a dry Alsatia Mummers Parade this year. But the Alsatia Club's president and chairman said his concerns about the weather vanished Saturday morning as the clouds that brought rain to the area for the last few days gave way to bright, sunny skies. "I'd say this year, we got pretty lucky," McCleaf said. Potomac Street was lined with chairs by Saturday at 11 a.m. as people marked their spots for the city's Halloween parade.

Book Review Frank Beddor, the author of "The Looking Glass Wars," has written a sequel. In this action-packed book, "Seeing Redd," Beddor both captivates and astounds his audience. "Seeing Redd" tells the story of 20-year-old Alyss Heart of Wonderland, whose reign as queen is only beginning. She is constantly challenged with political problems, plus training her new bodyguard and dealing with the annoying reasoning of the forceful King Arch of Boarderland. Alyss struggles to maintain a personal life, but it is becoming increasingly nonexistent.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - It was a sodden night, but Monday's drought-breaking rain did nothing to dampen the high spirits of the young woman named alternate in the Franklin County Fair Queen Contest. "It's great being in third place," said an ebullient Joy Kiefer of Fayetteville, Pa. "You don't have as many responsibilities, but you still get a tiara and a sash," the 17-year-old said. It was Katy Elizabeth Mitchell, 17, of Fort Loudon, Pa., who was crowned queen of the county's 101st fair by her predecessor, Jaclyn Upperman.

LEETOWN, W.Va. - A nursing student at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College was crowned Miss Jefferson County Fair during the opening day of the fair Sunday. Victoria Evans Holler, who was second runner-up in the contest last year, was named the winner out of the top five contestants Sunday night. "I can't breathe. I'm very honored," an excited Holler said after winning. There were 39 contestants, which were later reduced to a field of 20, then to five. Fourth runner-up was Rachel Dawn Richardson, third runner-up was Kristen Boyd, second runner-up was Amber Nicole Boyd and first runner-up was Olivia Staubs.

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. - West Virginia first lady Gayle Manchin was in Jefferson County on Monday, talking about her experience meeting Queen Elizabeth II and praising an after-school academic program started in Jefferson County 10 years ago. The first lady and Gov. Joe Manchin were invited to the Williamsburg, Va., area when Queen Elizabeth II visited there Friday as part of the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown. Gayle Manchin said she and her husband were included in the festivities because West Virginia was once a part of Virginia.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - Franklin County Honey Queen Rachel Bryson has been selected by the Pennsylvania State Beekeepers' Association as the 2007 Pennsylvania Honey Queen. Rachel, a senior journalism major at Shippensburg University, is the daughter of Tom and Linda Bryson of Chambersburg. As the state honey queen, Rachel will promote the beekeeping industry and honey products at fairs, parades, banquets and other events across the state, according to the Penn State Extension office in Franklin County.