Every week, the Mid-Ohio Valley has something worth celebrating — whether it’s the dedication of local educators or the enduring spirit of a hometown band. This week, we’re shining a light on two groups who’ve gone above and beyond in different ways but with a shared commitment to community.
A Curriculum Built for the Future
Updating instructional materials might sound like a behind-the-scenes task, but it’s an important and complex process. This year, Ashlee Beatty, Wood County Schools’ director of curriculum and instruction, led a team of 30 dedicated educators in selecting new learning materials for Pre-K and social studies programs across all grade levels.
It wasn’t a decision made lightly.
The team spent months reviewing both print and digital materials, attending publisher presentations, and conducting independent reviews — all using guidelines from the West Virginia Department of Education.
“Every year, we have such fantastic team members,” Beatty said. “Their dedication and passion for education are obvious. The workload is already heavy for teachers, and this adds even more. We’re truly thankful for their commitment to making sure our kids get the best materials.”
School board president Justin Raber pointed out something worth noting: “This is local government approving curriculum — not mandates from state or federal levels.” In an era when education is often a political battleground, this grassroots effort stands out as a thoughtful, locally driven approach.
Thanks to Beatty and her team, students in Wood County will benefit from resources chosen with care, professionalism, and a deep understanding of local needs.
A Half-Century of Local Music
While educators are building the future, one local band is celebrating the past — and it’s a past full of rhythm, harmony, and unforgettable performances.
Insured Sound, a beloved Mid-Ohio Valley band, is marking 50 years of nonstop shows this summer. That kind of longevity is rare in the music world, and it speaks to the band’s versatility, talent, and connection with audiences.
If you’re thinking a band with that kind of history must be as big as the Rolling Stones or Santana — well, in this valley, they are. Over the decades, Insured Sound has evolved with new members rotating in and out, but the essence of the band has remained strong.
Lead vocalist Susan Owens summed it up best: “It’s fun for us when we see people having fun and dancing. We just love music.”
From classic rock to crowd favorites, their setlists include “a little bit of everything,” making their shows a hit with generations of fans.
Here’s to their incredible milestone — and hopefully to another 50 years of music, dancing, and fun right here in the Mid-Ohio Valley.
