West Virginia Archives and History is pleased to announce that John Cockayne of Gaithersburg, MD, was among those who were recognized as West Virginia History Heroes during a West Virginia History Day which was held at the Culture Center on the Capitol Complex in Charleston. John was nominated by the Cockayne Farmstead of Glen Dale, WV.
    A descendant of the land's original Cockayne owner who arrived in present-dayMarshall County in the 1790s, John first visited the farmhouse in 2008. He soon provided critical support that helped achieve the required matching funds for grants to repair the deteriorated building. When Cockayne Farmstead launched an endowment fund in 2023 to work towards long-term sustainability, John was the first substantial contributor, and he made a second contribution the next year. In addition, through his dedication to preserving his family history, John also has collected genealogical information on the family that enhances the house's story and adds to the Cockayne family legacy.
    According to the farmhouse's website www.cockaynefarmstead.com, "Owned by the City of Glen Dale and operated through a partnership with the Marshall County Historical Society, the Historic Cockayne Farmstead is a unique historic site unlike any other in Marshall County, West Virginia. The 1850 farmhouse has been described as "frozen in time," with the last major renovation occurring around the turn of the 20th century. The exterior of the house has been restored, but the interior has been preserved in place. The collection inside the house, consisting of only original items amassed by four generations of the Cockayne family, spans the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries ending with the death of the last owner in 2001, and includes over 3000 objects and over 15,000 documents."
    West Virginia History Heroes are nominated by historical, genealogical, preservation, museum, patriotic or like organizations from across the state. The purpose of this annual award is to give state-level recognition to individuals chosen for dedicated service on behalf of an organization's programs or for a recent significant contribution to state and local history through research, interpretation, publication, or preservation.
    Congratulations, John!

    Main Street will be filled with side-by-sides Saturday morning and then later in the day as the second annual All Wheels Poker Run will be held.
    Pre-registration will be held from 9:30 until 11:00 with the ride beginning at 11:00. Registration is $30 with $10 for an extra hand. Cash prizes will be awarded to the best hands.Food and drinks will also be held at the poker run.
    Proceeds will be donated to Dana Hall and the Carlson Frum American Legion of Danbury. Neither Dana Hall nor the Legion are responsible for injuries or damages.

    We have a fun June planned at the Cord Memorial Library in Danbury.
    On Tuesday mornings we will continue our Coffee & Tea Time from 9am-10:30am.
    Cards kick-off at 4:00 p.m. each Tuesday, playing whatever card game those in attendance wish to play. Thus far we have played Euchre, Cribbage, Kings Corner, and there has been talk of Pinochle.
    On Thursday, June 19th, the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center will bring some live critters at 2:00 p.m. This is always a favorite for the young and mature alike.
    The following Thursday, June 26th, for the first time thus far, we will learn to make our own lip balm with Terah from Ag in the Classroom at 2:00 p.m. Every participant will take home their own lip balm.
    All ages are welcome to join in the fun! Hope to see you there!

    American flags flying high are true patriotic symbols. However, after awhile these flags get weather worn and need to be retired. The proper disposal of worn out flags is to find a legion who takes care of the disposal. In our area, that is the McNiff Legion Post in Anthon.
    The Legion will be holding their annual flag retirement ceremony on Saturday at 1:30 at the Anthon Event Center. The Anthon City Band will provide music. The keynote speaker is Bob Henderson of Sioux City. The retirement will follow.
    If you have any flags that need retiring, they may be left in the box outside the Anthon Legion Hall, and the legion will take care of the flag.
    All are welcome to attend the ceremony.

    JOHNSTON, IOWA – LifeServe Blood Center is excited to announce the addition of non-fasting cholesterol to the series of tests it offers to individuals who are blood donors. It is being added to blood pressure, temperature, hemoglobin, and pulse that are all checked during the health questionnaire portion of the donation process.
    A total cholesterol test, or what most people know as a lipid panel, includes the measurement of LDL-bad cholesterol, HDL-good cholesterol, and triglycerides. When a healthcare provider performs this test, fasting is recommended beforehand. With blood donation, fasting is not recommended as LifeServe encourages people to eat a healthy meal and be well hydrated prior to donating. Therefore, it is important to note that the test being performed is not intended to diagnose or treat disease.
    The Danbury blood drive will be held on Wednesday, June 25th from 2:00 until 6:30 at the Danbury Fire Station. To schedule your lifesaving appointment, visit lifeservebloodcenter.org or call 800.287.4903.
    LifeServe Blood Center is a non-profit, community-based blood center that has served the needs of local hospitals and patients in our regions since 1947. LifeServe provides blood products to more than 175 hospitals primarily in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Illinois.
    LifeServe is committed to saving lives by providing premier service to volunteer blood donors and access to a safe, quality blood supply for hospitals and patients. Your donation with LifeServe will help save your neighbor, a friend or family member or a stranger on the street. YOU make a difference in YOUR community. For more information about blood donation or to schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 800.287.4903 or visit lifeservebloodcenter.org.

    The Corn Days committee is hoping to finalize the schedule very soon, but they need to check the feasibility of a couple items along with finalizing other events.
    The committee is talking about bring back the marketplace and the quilt show, this year putting both events in Dana Hall. We need vendors and quilts in order to make these successful. Both activities are free to enter. If you would like to be a vendor, please contact Lynn at 712-840-0327.
    The committee is also hoping to expand the vehicle show. You do not need to pre-register, but if you have questions please contact Adam at 712-880-2037.
    Finally, the committee has a number of activities booked which could use sponsors to help with funding. Interested in sponsoring a clown/magician? Acrobatic show? Carnival rides? Shriner's? Live music (individual and band)? Public relations? Gem City Royalty? Softball? Please contact one of the committee members.
    The Corn Days committee is working on some great plans for the weekend but will need help to make it a great weekend for all, including them. Want to help? Contact one of them! Erin Allen at 880-1228, Adam Dirksen at 880-2037, Kendra Dougherty at 880-2873, Karly Kafton at 880-2886, or Lynn Buth at 840-0327. You may also email corndays@danbury-ia.com.