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‘Twisters’ is fun on the surface but misses the mark

Entertainment

When “Twister” released in 1996, I went to my local theater to see it. I got a popcorn and a Coke and sat one row from the back so I could really enjoy the surround sound that had recently been upgraded.   I had an amazing time, so much so that I went to see it again the very next day. Unfortunately, maybe back-to-back viewings weren’t great for an eventual critic because, on a rewatch, it didn’t hold up particularly well.   Still, the movie was fun, and despite some of my problems with it, I still think it was a good time. But that did leave me slightly wary ...

Appalachian Youth Livestock Showcase had over 250 exhibitors this year from all over the East Coast

Community

The third annual Appalachian Youth Livestock Showcase (AYLS), a four-species jackpot show, had an estimated 250 exhibitors this year — all  showing off their pigs, goats, lambs and cattle.   The show is hosted by the Preston County Livestock Association and chaired by Natalie Phillips and Samantha Stone. There is an extensive committee that works all year to ensure all details are covered.   Stone said the event takes many volunteers and much manpower to pull off turning the Craig Civic Center into a top-notch indoor show arena. She said the show ...

Nashville singer-songwriter makes stop at The Village

Entertainment

The Village at Heritage Point held a special concert starring Nashville singer-songwriter, Kevin Major, earlier this month.  Major originally hails from Morgantown,  but moved 25 year ago to Nashville, Tenn., to hone his skills. He is best known for his storytelling that authentically weaves his heart and his home into his songs.  While in town for another show, Major planned a concert for the residents at The Village to visit his former high school English teacher,  Gwen Rosenbluth.  “What I remember from English class most of all is that all good ...

Neighborhood comeback? Fairmont wants to re-imagine the Beltline

Community

FAIRMONT — You don’t have to look very hard to see what Fairmont’s Beltline neighborhood once was. For decades, the Beltline was an industrial and community destination for the Marion County city that was always on the clock. Day and night, from the early 1900s on, the Beltline jumped like a Louis Jordan bandstand. Factories lined up like LEGOs behind 12th Street, including the Monongah Glass Co., known across the region and nation for its decorative lamps, goblets, plates and other fine glassware. Tightly packed duplexes for those workers did the same on Virginia ...

‘Find Me Falling’ falls flat by relying on tired tropes

Entertainment

My crush on Harry Connick Jr. started when I was in high school. He created the soundtrack to one of my favorite movies of all time, “When Harry Met Sally.” A year later, he made his film debut in “Memphis Belle,” and he’s been recording music and acting ever since.  I’ve loved following his career as both a musician and an actor, so I was interested to see him in the new Netflix film, “Find Me Falling,” by writer and director Stelana Kliris.  When John (Connick Jr.) finds that his latest album has had poor reception from both fans and critics, he decides ...