Willow Wood man promoted to master sergeant

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Benjamin A. Walker has been promoted to the rank of master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force.

Walker, a conventional munitions maintenance supervisor with 17 years of military service, is normally assigned to the 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Goldsboro, N.C.

He is the son of Gregory L. and Natalie A. Walker of State Route 378, Willow Wood.

His wife, Charis, is the daughter of Larry D. and Catherine G. Bennett of E Houston St., Monroe, N.C.

The sergeant is a 1992 graduate of Symmes Valley High School, Willow Wood.

State Route 7 reopens to traffic

ROME TOWNSHIP — A portion of State Route 7 closed because of a rock slide earlier this week has been reopened to traffic.

Ohio Department of Transportation District 9 officials said the roadway at the 18.1 mile marker reopened at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

The rock slide Monday required several hours to clear away rock and debris that fell on the roadway.

Hadsell to announce candidacy

PORTSMOUTH — Ron Hadsell of Portsmouth is planning to officially announce his candidacy Thursday for the Ohio House of Representatives.

Hadsell is running for the 89th district of the house, which includes all of Scioto County and portions of Lawrence and Adams County.

The Democrat will make the announcement in front of the new Ironton High School at 3 p.m. Thursday. Earlier that day he will also make announcements at Manchester High School in Adams County and Portsmouth High School in Scioto County.

Marshall’s chief of staff leaving

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — Marshall University’s chief of staff is resigning.

Bill Bissett, who also is the university’s senior vice president for communications, said Tuesday he’s leaving next month.

Bissett has worked at Marshall for five years, the last three as chief of staff.

President Stephen Kopp says Bissett is leaving for a job in the private sector.

Cabell, SeniorWise offer free heart health event

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Cabell Huntington Hospital’s Senior Services Department and SeniorWise will host a free Senior Saturday event on Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. to provide information about heart health. Both SeniorWise members and the public are invited to this free event. To confirm your attendance, please call (304) 526-2695 by noon on Feb. 5.

February is American Heart Health Month and Cabell Huntington Hospital will present specialists and physicians who will answer questions and share information with participants.

Scheduled presentations will include a review of myths and misconceptions about heart health, a heart health numbers discussion, cardiac rehabilitation benefits and descriptions of various cardiac procedures.