The Journal

(BPT) - No matter where you live, you can be at risk for short- or long-term power outages. Between extended heat waves, hurricane season, wildfire risk and upcoming winter storms, the aging power grid can't always handle the many challenges Mother Nature dishes out. For National Preparedness Month this September, learn about the range of options that are available for reliable solar power backup, whether you live in an apartment, suburban home or rural area.

(Dr. Matthew Holman) - There is a piece of good public health news that deserves more attention: youth tobacco use in the United States has fallen to historically low levels. That progress did not happen by accident. It reflects years of prevention work, stronger age restrictions, public education, and a broad consensus that tobacco and nicotine products should not be used by anyone under the legal age.

(BPT) - Sponsored by Merck Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic condition that affects approximately 1 million people living in the U.S.1 Research shows that the disease has become increasingly common in the U.S. and other parts of the world, yet experts don't know why.1 CD is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation (swelling) and ulcers (sores) in the digestive tract.1 CD accounts for approximately 40% of IBD cases.2,3 Your digestive tract digests and moves food...

(BPT) - A sandwich is an easy lunch you can quickly make in the morning as you help your kids get ready for a new school day. But the real beauty of a sandwich is that it's infinitely customizable. The only limit is your child's imagination. That's why this back-to-school season, Nature's Own — the nation's No. 1 selling loaf bread brand — and Make-A-Wish are inviting families to bring a little more creativity to the daily school lunch ritual with its Sandwishes campaign.

Jerry Allen Shewbridge, Jr., 67, of Kearneysville, WV, passed away on August 12, 2026, at the Med-Star Washington Hospital. Born on July 29, 1959, in Ranson, WV, he was the son of Virginia Shewbridge and the late Jerry Allen Shewbridge, Sr. Jerry was an avid car buff and was a member of the “Better with Age” Car Club. He was a die-hard Redskins and Mountaineers fan. He also loved all animals.

James “Jim” Callan Lindstrom, 72, of Inwood, WV passed away on September 6, 2026 peacefully at home in the presence of his family. He was born January 8, 1954 in Takoma Park, Maryland to parents Paul Glenn and Ester Florene Lindstrom. He was the youngest of three siblings: Rodney Glenn and Darlene Lee. Jim is survived by his loving wife Nancy of 51 years, four children: Jamie (Jason), Jennifer (Tyler), Nicholas (Samantha) and Nolan (Dina).

Nancy Jo Byrd Deeds, of Bedington, WV, went to be with her Lord on August 11, 2026. Born October 24, 1946 in Martinsburg, she was the oldest child of Woodrow Siple and Mary Virginia Keesecker Byrd. She graduated from Martinsburg High with the class of 1964. In 1968, she graduated from Shepherd College (now Shepherd University) with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and later obtained a degree in Elementary Education.

Graveside services for Earl “Mac” McCormick, 99, of Martinsburg, who passed away August 22, 2026 were held 11am Friday, September 4, 2026 at Pleasant View Memory Gardens. Military honors were presented by special armed forces representatives ITC Todd Slembarski of NRC Avoca, MMA1 Aaron Ress of NRC Harrisburg, and LS2 Kevin Smith of NRC Baltimore. Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.

On September 2, 2026, God heard his prayers and Sherman “Luke” Loy, 61, of Martinsburg, WV, passed peacefully at the Winebrenner home of his sister and brother-in-law, Dee and Larry who were Luke’s caregivers. Born January 25, 1965, in Fairfax, VA, he is the son of Phyllis Loy-Swartz and the late Rodney F. Loy, Sr. Luke was the owner of Hair by Luke. He lived by the words, “Be good to yourself, kind to others.” His kindness and generosity touched countless lives.

Frederick (Fred) Ellis Wellman was born January 23, 1944 to Ellis Randall Wellman and Dexie Ireson Wellman in Belle, West Virginia. He passed away in Fairfax County, Virginia on September 1, 2026. A memorial service will be announced later. Memorial contributions in Fred’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association.