July 16, 2021 By Keith Norrington
The Old Boat Column this week presents two versions of a vintage view of the riverfront at New Albany, Ind., the writer’s historic hometown. Published as night and day post cards, the original image was taken during low water from the Kentucky shore on Sunday, September 20, 1908; the skiff in the foreground was likely used to ferry the photographer across the river. The steamboats Tell City (right) and the R. Dunbar are moored at the levee with the city wharfboat, long managed by Moses Irwin, pulled out on the cobblestone esplanade for repairs. At the far right of the photo is the spire of what has long been known as the Town Clock Church. Built in 1849 as the Second Presbyterian Church, the edifice, which is extant, contained a fine Hook & Hastings pipe organ and was a noted landmark for river pilots, as well as being a station on the Underground Railroad. Since the 1890s, the state
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PARKERSBURG Two local students will be among 23 cadets to be presented for commissioning as second lieutenants during a ceremony at 10 a.m. today at the Erickson Alumni Center in Morgantown
They are: Peter Keiser of Vienna, a graduate of Parkersburg Catholic High School, B.S. business management, West Virginia Army National Guard, Quartermaster Corps. Aaron Sealey, Little Hocking, a graduate of Little Hocking High School, B.A. in finance, West Virginia Army National Guard, Armor.
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A Marietta man arrested in December 2019 and charged with 20 counts of rape was indicted again this week by the Washington County Grand Jury.
Richard Curtis “Rick” Decker Jr., 63, last known address of 708 Front St. Apt. 14, was initially arrested in December 2019,
Decker was charged with 20 counts of the first degree felony rape after a victim who is now more than 30 years old reported being raped by him from the ages of 5 or 6 to age 17.
He reappeared in court in July 2020, where Washington County Common Pleas Judge Mark Kerenyi found him competent to stand trial.
Along with 20 counts of rape, he was also charged with the second-degree felonious assault of a 7-year-old girl.
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LITTLE HOCKING Decatur and Belpre township residents passed additional levies Tuesday night to have paid EMS staff.
“This levy passage was because we were attempting to put on a paid EMS crew 12 hours a day seven days a week,” said Little Hocking Volunteer Fire Chief Mike Chevalier, which covers both townships.
He said they have been having trouble getting volunteers and the passage of the levies would make sure they have a fully staffed squad.
“We would have dedicated crews during the day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” explained Chevalier. “In the evening, we’ll have dedicated crews of volunteers. There should never be a case when we don’t have someone run the squad.”