Published: November 27, 2009 10:15 pm      

Thumbs

Thumbs up ... to Frank Blackwell, superintendent of the Wyoming County school system, elected chairman of the Concord University Board of Governors.



Thumbs down ... to this being the second consecutive year West Virginia earned an F on a March of Dimes report card ranking states on the number of babies born prematurely. West Virginia had a pre-term birth rate of 13.9 percent. The national rate is 12.7 percent.



Thumbs up ... to Marvin McClung, awarded the National Honorary American Future Farmers of America degree for his efforts to advance agriculture education.



Thumbs up ... to the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, selected by the National Air Filtration Association to receive a 2009 Clean Air Award. The school was chosen for its efforts to improve air quality in buildings across the campus.



Thumbs up ... to Woodrow Wilson High School art teacher Sandra Shaw, named the 2009-10 Raleigh County Teacher of the Year.



Thumbs up ... to the Hinton Area Foundation’s 10-year plan to add $10 million to its endowment base. Established in 1992, the HAF manages 35 endowed funds and 11 pass-through funds that provide scholarships and support the library, park, humane society and more.



Thumbs up ... to Jim Combs, former West Virginia resident who is planning a limited edition of a rifle to mark the 150th anniversary of West Virginia’s statehood. There will be 150 of the Henry .30-30s. Eventually a second rifle is planned to make a commemorative set.



Thumbs up ... to Shady Spring High School senior Christian Martine. The 17-year-old from Daniels has been appointed to West Virginia’s Promote Community Well Being. Martine will be the only high school student on the state serving on the substance abuse prevention group.



Thumbs up ... to Pam West Farm in Lewisburg, selected as the state winner in the Conservation Farm Contest. The site was chosen for implementing the most conservation practices.



Thumbs up ... to Beckley Girl Scout Troop No. 5399 for its service project to benefit Mac’s Toy Fund. The little troop is working to collect 500 books to be given to children at the annual party.