New chamber group plans 2nd meeting

SOUTH POINT — The newly formed Young Professionals will have its second meeting Monday, Oct. 19, at the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.

The group is targeted professionals in the county who 39 years-old or younger to form an organization that is an adjunct to the larger chamber of commerce. All professions are welcomed. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Casey Baker at 304-691-8410.

Chesapeake sets Halloween hours

CHESAPEAKE — There will be new hours for Trick or Treat at the village of Chesapeake. In order for the children to have more daylight hours it will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29.

Board of Elections to meet Monday

IRONTON — There will be a board members meeting Monday at 4 p.m. at the Board of Elections Office. The Fifth Street Doors will be open.

Marshall works to improve student retention

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — Marshall University plans to require student advising, overhaul its core curriculum and take other steps to retain more students after their freshman year.

Marshall President Stephen Kopp wants to increase the university’s freshmen retention rate from 70 percent to 80 percent.

The national average is 64 percent.

The university also wants to help more students graduate within six years.

Provost Gayle Ormiston outlined the school’s plan Thursday at the university’s Board of Governors meeting. The plan also includes improving community and better use of student assessment.

Ormiston says 1,862 first-time freshman are enrolled for the fall semester, an 11.5 percent increase from last fall.

Master Folk Fiddler Joins UK Orchestra

ASHLAND, Ky, — Paramount Arts Center welcomes the return of the University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra to the stage on Tuesday, October 27 at 7 p.m. The orchestra is under the direction of conductor John Nardolillo, but also features a special guest master folk fiddler, Mark O’Connor.

O’Connor has been touted as one of the most talented and imaginative artists working in music today, keeping an audience on its feet throughout his performance.

Reviews tout that his passion and playfulness combine classical, American folk and jazz to unleash a wildness that only a supernatural talent could contain.

O’Connor performs worldwide, teaches seminars at a string camp and will be launching his new violin method books in November.

Tickets are $20, $25 and $35 and on sale now at the box office by calling 606.324.3175 or go to www.paramountartscenter.com.

The event is sponsored by Mrs. Margaret Adkins and WTCR.