Joe Mazzulla signs the shirt of a young fan as crowds gathered at the North Central Regional Airport to welcome home the WVU basketball team. Photo by Bob Shaw

32nd Italian Festival begins with coronation of queen

CLARKSBURG — The coronation of Gabrielle Constanza Merandi as Regina Maria XXXII officially opened the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival at noon Friday with hundreds on hand for the festivities. Regina Maria I Mary Francis Beto Smith opened the ceremony with a rendition of the national anthem. A dozen white doves were released to symbolize the trip from Italy to America by so many ancestors of those in attendance.

‘Neighbor to Neighbor’ matches retirees with needs of community BRIDGEPORT — Retired citizens and able volunteers can now be added to a new database that will match their talents with needs that arise in the community. Need for substance abuse programs growing CLARKSBURG — As the drug problem in North Central West Virginia continues to grow, so does the need for drug prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery. Smoking ban hits 3-month mark CLARKSBURG — Today is the quarter-year mark for the smoking ban in Harrison County. So far, no citations have been issued, but several establishments may face consequences soon. Ethnic celebration: West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival opens Friday CLARKSBURG — Vocalist Rudy Amato said it’s hard to pinpoint one particular aspect of appeal for the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival.