The Pendleton Times

By Stephen Smoot “The President has been very clear he does not want to cut benefits for individuals,” said Jason Smith, chair of the Ways and Means Committee of the United States House of Representatives of Congressional discussions about how to make Medicaid financially sustainable in the face of unsustainable debt.

By Stephen Smoot “I’m happy to see this large crowd,” said Tina Eye, president of the Pendleton County Rescue Squad, as she addressed a crowd of slightly less than 100. They came out to share food, fellowship, and just a few shenanigans as they celebrated another year of working together and providing service to Pendleton County. After asking PCER members of all categories to stand and be recognized, Eye invited attendees to make their way to the buffet-style dinner.

By Stephen Smoot Last week, businesses, non-profits, government agencies, and others seeking out skilled and talented workers gathered at the Pendleton County Middle/High School gymnasium to pitch their workplaces to seniors and juniors. Students in each class had a sheet with all those participating on it. They went from table to table, speaking to those who could answer questions and steer them toward success. James and Pat Alt came from the family-owned Alt Welding.

Kathryn Vandevander Ruddle, 92, of Franklin passed away peacefully at her home on April 1, 2025, cared for by her loving family and dedicated caregivers. Born on July 14, 1932, in Osceola, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Willa (Armentrout) Vandevander. As a child, Mrs. Ruddle had a special fondness for making mud pies, dressing up her cat, indulging in meringue, and catching fireflies.

60 Years Ago Week of April 8, 1965 Program to Benefit Pre-School Children CHARLESTON — Governor Hulett C. Smith’s office had advised the state’s 55 county superintendents that the state will help cover the local matching costs of “Project Headstart.” The program, a special school readiness project to be operated in each county during the summer for children entering the first grade, is part of the federal anti-poverty program.

By Paula Mitchell By the 1900s, marriage venues often took place in the home of the bride’s parents or at the parsonage. (Sheldon and Judy Waggy were married at the Sinnett’s Lane parsonage with Rev. Siki Kulman officiating. The first church wedding was at Calvary Lutheran Church with Rev. Henry Schulz officiating for Paul and Carrie Schulz’s marriage.) Next to the wedding dress, the biggest part of a wedding was the ceremony itself, taking place around noon.

by Dave Ellis The month is starting with April showers. But the area needs rain. It’s a slow rain so that will soak into the ground. The fruit trees are blooming, and the grass is getting ready to be cut.

By Stephen Smoot Pendleton County baseball fears no team and takes on schools that range in size from Tygarts Valley’s 420 from sixth through 12th grade to Musselman and its more than 1,700 students between their freshman and senior years. The goal is to learn through adversity and build both skills and resilience in preparation for the postseason fight to see which teams will represent the region in Charleston this May.

Curtis J. Burns, 92, of Riverton passed away April 2, 2025, at Pendleton Manor in Franklin. He was born Sept. 27, 1932, in Riverton and was the son of the late Don Lester Burns and Mary Catherine Kile Burns. Mr. Burns attended Circleville High School. He was a United States Army veteran, having obtained the rank of sergeant while serving in the Korean War and in Germany. He retired from Valspar Paint Company in Baltimore, Maryland, and was a member of the Pendleton County Honor Guard.

By Stephen Smoot “I am writing to formally submit this Letter of Intent to the West Virginia Health Care Authority (WVHCA) regarding our proposal to establish a new Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) to become an IDD service provider.” Ladale Jackson of Liberty Community Programs WV LLC submitted this letter on March 14 for a proposed “IDD Group Home in Sugar Grove, West Virginia.” The address listed, 133 Hedrick Drive, confirms that the company intends to use the former Navy...