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A representative of the Grant County Sheriff’s Department appeared before the Grant County Commission last week to request funding for the purchase of a drone that would be used in law enforcement work. “We believe this drone would really assist us in our law enforcement work throughout the county as well as assist other law enforcement agencies in the area,” said GCSD captain Kirk Thorne. Thorne explained that the drone they were requesting funding for features a speaker, infrared camera, a spotlight, and a 500 times zoom feature.

Lou Pelliccioni Jr. visited Union Educational Complex last week to give a presentation on success and how to be a productive citizen to the students in grades 7-12. Pelliccioni is a former WVU athlete, successful businessman, longtime coach and author.

Lou Pelliccioni Jr., a former West Virginia University athlete, successful real estate developer, business owner and longtime coach visited Union Educational Complex last week to speak to students in Grades 7-12. During his visit, Pelliccioni used three sessions to speak to each group about the importance of reading, setting goals and being focused each and every day among a few topics.

The Grant County Commission received a letter last week from the governor’s office confirming that the county would be receiving a $25,000 grant from the Local Economic Development Assistance Grant to resurface the tennis and basketball courts at the Petersburg City Park. Commission president Kevin Hagerty explained that the grant came from a special request submitted by Delegate John Paul Hott II. “It was very nice to come in and receive this,” Hagerty said.

The Grant County School System has announced the official approval and launch of a Unified Sports program across its middle and high schools, marking a significant step toward fostering teamwork, respect, and collaboration among students of all abilities. Unified Sports, a Special Olympics initiative, brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities to compete on the same team. The program is designed to promote social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences, helping to break down stereotypes and build lasting friendships.

At just 14 years old, Petersburg High School freshman Noah Shirk is already proving that strength and discipline have no age limit. Noah began lifting in seventh grade, drawn to the sport’s individuality. “It’s a solo sport — my progress is what I put into it,” he said. “I’ve been pretty serious about it since the start, just because I wanted to see how quickly I could progress.”

By the end of his eighth grade year, Noah earned the school’s Iron Viking Award, given to lifters who can combine at least 1,000 pounds across the bench press, deadlift, and squat. “It definitely took endless hours of consistent lifting workouts to accomplish it,” he said.

This fall, Noah took his training to the state level, competing in the West Virginia Strongman Competition in Kingwood on September 20. Events included the Hercules Hold, Conan Wheel, Apex Deadlift, Sandbag/Wheelbarrow/ Arm-over-Arm Car Pull, and Sandbag Log Press. Competing in the 13–15-year-old division, he earned first place in his debut competition. Noah trains daily at N2Fitness Gym for at least two hours. While local gyms lack the specialized equipment used in strongman events, he visited the host gym in Kingwood before the competition to practice the unique lifts and holds.

“Winning first place on my fi rst competition made me feel great and encouraged me to push harder for the next one,” he said. When progress feels slow, he doesn’t back off. “If I feel like I’m not progressing the way I should, I push harder and work harder,” he said. “You have to stay positive, even when you struggle, because the next time you lift could be your personal best.”

Noah researches his own training routines and doesn’t work with a coach. His family, he said, has been supportive every step of the way. “They know how much work and dedication I’ve put into achieving my goals,” he said.

Balancing school and training takes discipline. “I try to finish most of my schoolwork at school so I can go to the gym in the evenings,” Noah said. Winning his division has also qualifi ed him for Nationals, which he hopes to compete in next. “I want to keep getting better, trying to reach the next level,” he said.

For students thinking about lifting, Noah’s advice is simple: start where you are and stick with it. “You can start at the school gym, watch videos, and take advice from others,” he said. “If you’re serious about it, be ready to dedicate the time. I’d be more than willing to help anyone if they reach out.”

After sweeping Frankfort 3-0 early last week (25-15, 25- 20, 25-22), the Lady Vikings fell 3-1 to South Harrison in Thursday’s sectional round. Petersburg fought hard in every set (25-23, 25-17, 21-25, 25-21) and now prepared for a rematch against Frankfort Monday evening at South Harrison. The winner also faced South Harrison on Monday night, if the Lady Vikings pulled off the win it wouldn’t be the first time they beat the Hawks this season, they advance to Tuesday, Nov. 4, with a chance to earn their spot in Charleston.

By: David Rogers

The Petersburg Vikings football team traveled to Parsons Friday night for a matchup with the Tucker County Mountain Lions. Petersburg entered the contest looking to get back in the win column after dropping three straight games to Doddridge County, Philip Barbour, and Frankfort. The three opponents have a combined record of 25-2 and are each ranked inside the top six of the latest WVSSAC Class AA rankings.