Hats off

— Residents of Lewis County, who overwhelmingly passed the school levy, which provides about $3.2 million a year in funding. That money helps to provide for additional personnel, as well as salary supplements, building and maintenance, instructional equipment and materials including textbooks, plus special funding for music and arts programs.

— New Summit Park Volunteer Fire Department Chief Greg Cutright, other volunteer firefighters and community members who have worked diligently to restore the fire department to full eligibility by improving training and accountability. The fire department, which had surrendered its certification when the state began an investigation about a year ago, was restored to full service this week.

— The United Way of Harrison County staff, volunteers and the hundreds who support the worthwhile program. Through everyone’s efforts, the charity surpassed its goal of $840,111, meaning that the 19 groups that are certified agencies will receive their full funding allotment. That money will allow those groups to improve the quality of life for people in need of assistance.

— Individuals, businesses and organizations who have launched Lewis County First, a group trying to improve the quality of life in the county. The grassroots group is open to all, with the focus being on finding solutions, not just complaining about problems.

— The Benedum Airport Authority and North Central West Virginia staff who have worked diligently to improve flight options and service, leading to this week’s announcement of special flights to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

— Notre Dame’s boys swim team, which finished second at the state swim meet. When you consider the difference in enrollment between first place George Washington (about 1,800) and Notre Dame (less than 200), the Irish’s performance was truly remarkable.