AREA BRIEFS

Farmers' Market program to begin

NEW CUMBERLAND - The Farmers' Market Coupon Program distribution has started at the Hancock County Senior Wellness Center.

Participants must be at least age 60, fall within income guidelines per household and reside in Hancock County.

Vouchers will be distributed 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily at the Wellness Center on Gas Valley Road and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning July 7 at the Greater Weirton Senior Center.

Further information available at 304-387-2693.

Hancock County BOE to meet

NEW CUMBERLAND - The Hancock County Board of Education will meet in regular session 5:30 p.m. Monday in the board room, New Cumberland.

Senator to speak at festival dinner

FOLLANSBEE - State Sen. Ed Bowman, D-Weirton, will be the guest speaker at the Follansbee Community Days Dinner, which will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Follansbee Community House.

Individuals also will be honored for outstanding community service and accomplishments at the dinner. Tickets are $15 each and may be purchased at the Follansbee City Building or from any member of the Follansbee Community Days Committee.

Congressman's aide to visit area

CHESTER - A representative of U.S. Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-Fairmont, will be available to hear questions and concerns at the following locations: 10-11 a.m. Tuesday at the Chester City Building and 2-3 p.m. at the Follansbee City Building; 10-11 a.m. Wednesday at the Hancock County Courthouse; 10-11 a.m. July 15 at the Brooke County Courthouse; and 10-11 a.m. July 22 at the Weirton City Building.

Local tourism spots receive funding

WHEELING - West Virginia Tourism Industry projects totaling more than $2.8 million have been approved by the West Virginia Tourism Commission to receive matching funds through the Matching Advertising Partnership Program. Approved requests representing local tourism projects include:

n Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort - Applicant funding requirement: $192,894.68; state match: $192,894.68

The "Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort We're the Reel Deal" is designed to attract new table games players and slot players via direct mail, radio, television, print and billboard advertising in Ohio and Pennsylvania. The campaign also is designed to help promote trip frequency among existing players via direct mail with rewards programs and special offers.

n Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack - Applicant funding requirement: $140,262.18; state match: $140,262.18

This campaign will promote Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack, the city of Wheeling and West Virginia throughout the tri-state region, with heavy concentration on the metro markets of Pittsburgh and Columbus. The program includes print, radio and direct mail promoting an amenity-packed destination for gaming, leisure, events, conferences and recreation.