#WVNCC

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WVNCC Puts 50 Years of History on Display | News, Sports, Jobs

WVNCC Puts 50 Years of History on Display | News, Sports, Jobs

History professor Delilah Ryan and president Daniel Mosser cut the ribbon to WVNCC”s history room. Fifty years of West Virginia Northern Community College’s history is on display near the school’s library, as part of the school’s 50th anniversary celebration. A ribbon cutting ceremony Monday morning opened the history room on the second floor of the B&O Building, which showcases photos, news…

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WVNCC opens Criminal activity Scene Laboratory, will provide online Bad guy Justice degree

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WVNCC offering students free mental health services | News, Sports, Jobs

[crucialhire]

WVNCC announces new hires, promotion | News, Sports, Jobs - The Daily Times https://t.co/1M2DivyFI9

WVNCC announces new hires, promotion | News, Sports, Jobs - The Daily Times https://t.co/1M2DivyFI9

— Crucial Hire (@HireCrucial) August 13, 2020

from Twitter https://twitter.com/HireCrucial August 12, 2020 at 09:35PM http://twitter.com/HireCrucial/status/1293813317648158720

[blacknews4u-blog]

WVNCC to mark Black History Month – The Daily Times

http://dlvr.it/N9b4WP

[ledenews]

Career Tech Opportunities Popular with Brooke High Students

There are a few very good reasons why Brooke High administrators always welcome opportunities to expand the school’s Career Technical Education programs. For starters, the high school’s CT students have the chance to earn an associate degree from West Virginia Northern Community College at the same time they're collecting class credits toward graduation in areas such as welding. Plus, the demand for students educated in nursing, computer science, and pre-engineering has increased in the Upper Ohio Valley in recent years. But the biggest and most important reason for the concentration on the Career Tech areas, though, is that fact that about half of all students at Brooke High School are enrolled in one or more CTE classes this school year. “Every kid in the world is different, so it’s important to us as a school system to communicate with our students about their goals and what they want to do with their future,” explained Jeffrey Crook, superintendent of Brooke County Schools. “Attempting to line up today’s young people and direct them all in the same direction isn’t the right thing to do. That approach, I believe, is doing a disservice to that student, and that’s why we communicate with our kids in the ways we do. Public school educators learned a valuable lesson about offering students more choices beyond seeing a college education after high school. “We have a lot of students in our high school who have the intention of going to college once they earn their diploma here, and those young people are concentrating on what they need when they move on to the college level,” the administrator said. “And we have hundreds of students enrolled in our CTE classes this year because they know they now have those options.” Mike Berner, the director of the Career Technical Education Department at Brooke High, explained why he pays a lot of attention to the growth at WVNCC’s Wheeling campus. Over the past two decades, WVNCC has adopted a concentration on what professions are most needed in the tri-state region, and that’s why the institution has matured its industrial-based curriculum. “The state of West Virginia funds the community college very well so that’s why we’ve continued to add programs, too. For example, our students have the chance to get their diploma and an associate degree at the same time,” Berner said. “The same is true now with other programs like carpentry and computer science because enhancing our CTE department has been a priority. “Right now, at Brooke High, we have a little more than 800 students, and right now over 400 of them are enrolled in our CTE programs,” he reported. “We have learned that every kid wants to go to college because they have other ideas about how to make a living while staying here in the valley.” About half of the students attending Brooke High School are involved with the school's CTE programs. Supply & Demand The welding profession throughout the Upper Ohio Valley quickly grew in popularity with the arrival of the gas and oil industries more than 15 years ago, and while the first wave of pipeline construction is complete, many energy insiders believe more is on the way. Natural gas production is now a solid source of employment in the area and with drilling and fracking still taking place on both sides of the Ohio River, the demand for pipeline workers will remain consistent. The same can be said, Berner confirmed, about other hands-on professions, too. “We’re always looking to expand the number of CT programs we have, but there’s always a cost and those programs are not cheap,” Berner said. “It is possible to partner with our local trades, and that’s definitely what we would address if programs like plumbing and HVAC are added in the future. We’re aware there’s a need for men and women who know how to work in those fields. Computer science is yet another CTE program that's been very popular among the students in Bruin Country. “There’s a lot of equipment we would have to invest in so we could get programs like those up and running, so it’ll take a lot of planning and commitment from everyone involved,” he explained. “A new HVAC program and a new plumbing program are high on the priority list, but there’s also the need for qualified educators and those are difficult to come by these days because of the need for those professionals in our communities here.” Dr. Crook insists he’s up to the challenge. “The private sector can do a lot of things that a school system can’t when it comes to recruiting new educators for our CTE areas because of the differences there are. A private company can hand over big raises and bonuses and give a new position an extra week of vacation whenever the owner wants to, but we can’t do that because we have guidelines we must follow,” he explained. “Right now, we have such great educators in our CTE department, and we know we’re lucky to have them in those positions. It just has to work for everyone involved, and that’s why we’re always looking for new opportunities. “At the same time, we do reinvest in the programs we have now, and that’s important because of how fast the technology keeps updating,” Crook added. “Our students have to be using the tech the pros are using so we work very hard to make that happen.” Read the full article

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WVNCC Announces Shelly Carenbauer as New Board of Governors Chair 

West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) proudly announces Shelly Carenbauer as the new Chair of the College's Board of Governors. Carenbauer, who previously served as vice chair, assumes the leadership role, succeeding David Artman. Carenbauer is a Commercial Banking Executive for Unified Bank.  “I have had the pleasure of working with Shelly over the past several years in various leadership roles on our Board, and we are very excited for her to assume the role as chair now,” commented WVNCC President Daniel Mosser. “Her enduring dedication to our College's mission and our students has always stood out. I am eager to work with her writing the College’s next chapter."  Carenbauer received her Bachelor’s degree in business and marketing from West Liberty University as well as her Master’s in Business Administration from Wheeling Jesuit University. She is a member of Leadership West Virginia, Class of 2022. Shelly currently sits on the Executive Board for the YWCA of Wheeling and recently joined the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra board. Expressing her enthusiasm, Carenbauer added, "Assuming the role of Chair and collaborating with fellow board members who share my passion for WVNCC is a thrilling opportunity. It’s an exciting time at Northern, with its recent outstanding accreditation assessment, substantial facility enhancements, including the unveiling of the $1 million Nursing simulation labs, and the introduction of several innovative degree programs. As one of the premier educational institutions in the region, WVNCC plays a critical role, not only in education, but also as an economic engine in New Martinsville, Weirton, Wheeling, and the region." Consisting currently of 11 members, board members are appointed for four-year terms, without compensation, by the Governor and fulfill roles and duties of a local governing board in accordance with the Higher Education Act adopted by the State Legislature. In addition to the eight governor appointees, there is a faculty, staff and student appointee that makes up the 11-member board.  In addition to Carenbauer, the WVNCC Board of Governors include:  - Jacob Altmeyer, Vice Chair - Larry Lemon, Secretary - David Artman - Elizabeth Hofreuter - DJ McGlaughlin  - Christine Mitchell - Ron Scott, Jr. - Chris Kefauver, Faculty Representative - Hilary Wilson, Staff Representative - Tyler Mitchell, Student Representative West Virginia Northern Community College’s mission is to educate and empower individuals to achieve academic and career goals, leading to a highly skilled, well-rounded, and accomplished workforce which successfully competes and adapts in a global economy. The College responds to the needs of the region it serves by offering a high-quality learning environment that is accessible, safe, and accommodating while nurturing teamwork and community service. Founded in 1972, WVNCC is comprised of three campuses located in New Martinsville, Weirton and Wheeling.   Read the full article

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WVNCC Receives High Marks from Its Accreditors

West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) received exceptionally high marks from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) after a comprehensive review of the College’s academic offerings, policies, procedures, mission, finances, governance, and resources. The College received the decision from HLC following a site visit from a five-member evaluation team who met with faculty, staff, students, members of the Board of Governors, WVNCC Foundation Board members, and community leaders. WVNCC fully met all five core components required for accreditation. “We are extremely excited about the news and tremendously grateful to the Higher Learning Commission, and its evaluators, for the thorough and rigorous process of accreditation,” commented WVNCC President Dr. Daniel Mosser. “Accreditation assures the exemplary education offerings and mission of WVNCC. The faculty and staff are to be commended for the dedication and hard work they poured into the process. The employees received high praise numerous times in our report and are to be applauded for this outcome.” Among the many strengths cited by the HLC evaluation team were positive engagement by faculty and staff, strategic planning, assessment, strong leadership by the President, financial position, diversity and inclusion, commitment to student success and support from community stakeholders. Specific comments contained within in the report include: - “West Virginia Northern Community College has come a long way in a short number of years. They have embraced the accreditation process as a part of their planning and institutional improvement. They have a strong mission that is well understood and have created a strategic plan and related processes that make it the foundation of their institutional planning. There is significant involvement at all levels and a good understanding and commitment to institutional priorities and action items.” - “It is evident that the President provides strong leadership and works collaboratively with faculty and staff to move initiatives forward and to make decisions on things that impact various constituents. Relations with the Foundation and the Board of Governors are also good. The Faculty Assembly and Staff Council work well with each other and with the administration.” - “The institution has a strong financial position and has made strategic decisions to spend some of their reserves and money received during the pandemic to facilitate strategic priorities. Budget planning is systematic, related to strategic priorities, and involves faculty and staff in the process.” - “It was clear that the members of the College’s Diversity Committee are truly committed to diversity in all its variations and will serve the College well in pursuing awareness of DEI issues and fostering a sense of inclusion throughout the WVNCC community.” - “Community stakeholders were impressed with the quality of WVNCC’s students, and the responsiveness of the College in developing programs that meet the needs of the community.” - “It was clear to the team that the Board, administration, faculty, staff, and students are informed and involved in the institution. Faculty and staff are high energy and dedicated to student success.” West Virginia Northern Community College’s mission is to educate and empower individuals to achieve academic and career goals, leading to a highly skilled, well-rounded, and accomplished workforce which successfully competes and adapts in a global economy. The College responds to the needs of the region it serves by offering a high-quality learning environment that is accessible, safe, and accommodating while nurturing teamwork and community service. Founded in 1972, WVNCC is comprised of three campuses located in New Martinsville, Weirton and Wheeling.  Read the full article

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WVNCC to Host Healthcare Open House in Weirton

West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) will host an Open House on its Weirton Campus for any prospective students who may be interested in a degree in the Healthcare field on Thursday, December 8, from 5-7 p.m. Local Healthcare providers will also be on hand to speak to people about careers, once they graduate. WVNCC offers numerous Healthcare programs including Nursing, Surgical Technology, Radiography, Patient Care Technician, Medical Billing & Coding, Health Information Technology and more. Instructors from these programs will tour students around the labs and showcase the enormous investments in new labs and technology that the College has made in their Healthcare programs over the last several years. Also, during the event, students can meet with local healthcare organizations to learn about possible careers after graduation. Weirton Medical Center, The Orchards, Wyngate Senior Living Community and more will be on hand to speak with students For more information or questions regarding the event contact Dennis Thorn at 304-214-8838 or dthorn@wvncc.edu. West Virginia Northern Community College’s mission is to educate and empower individuals to achieve academic and career goals, leading to a highly skilled, well-rounded, and accomplished workforce which successfully competes and adapts in a global economy. The College responds to the needs of the region it serves by offering a high-quality learning environment that is accessible, safe, and accommodating while nurturing teamwork and community service. Founded in 1972, WVNCC is comprised of three campuses located in New Martinsville, Weirton and Wheeling.  Read the full article

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The New Normal with Culinary Arts

The coronavirus pandemic has forced upon the world a “new normal,” and that is why the chair of the Culinary Arts Department at West Virginia Northern Community College continues to evolve teaching methods utilized while instructing cooking classes. Chef Chris Kefauver, who also represents the faculty on WVNCC’s Institutional Board of Governors, explained how the mixture of online and in-person educational platforms will work as far as the culinary classes are concerned. “It is very difficult to replace everything we do here in our classes and put it all online,” Kefauver explained. “If they are preparing a dish, and it’s on Zoom, I can see some of what they are doing, but I can’t see everything I need to see. Plus, as far as the equipment we have here and what most people have in their homes, there is a huge difference. “Because of this pandemic, we have no other choice than to do what we can to give our students the best education possible,” he said. “Plus, if they want to talk through a process, Chef Gene and I will be here for that communication with them.” The department’s lab classes will be held within the college’s Education Center, but when it comes to in-class instruction and presentations, Kefauver will utilize a few different online platforms. “We were expected to meet in person for our culinary classes, and that took place (Monday), but we will also put as much content as possible online,” he explained. Read the full article

[ledenews]

Sara Wood – Can’t Wait for Cheese Dip

She likes people, and she likes being around them. But Sara Wood can’t even socialize with her Moundsville Council colleagues these days because of the usual precautions taken for a municipal government to continue operating public services and protections. It’s now Zoom or Facetime or conference calls for Wood as she continues to work for her hometown and for West Virginia Northern Community College as the director of student activities on campuses in Wheeling, New Martinsville, and Weirton. Problem is, it’s all from within the walls of her house. Wood wants to attend a festival, dang it, and yes even if it celebrates oatmeal. She’s young, she’s smart, and Wood is an admitted extrovert who anxiously awaits the green light to reconnect with family and friends and anyone who is healthy and ready for the re-start.

What have you discovered during the pandemic about your old habits, and what positive changes have you made?

I am an extrovert and I love working with and being around people. My favorite part of both my job at WVNCC and my City Council position is the ability they give me to collaborate with other individuals on a daily basis. During COVID-19, I have been unable to do that in the same capacity and that has been tough. I have relied heavily on technology to make up for the lack of face-to-face interaction. One habit I developed is getting outside and taking walks every chance I get. Sunshine, nature, and physical activity have served as great antidotes to cabin fever for me. Being connected to technology all day can be energy draining, so getting out on my lunch break, or whenever you get a chance, to take a few laps around the block or around town has been tremendously helpful to both physical and mental well-being. It’s a good chance to catch up on podcasts or listen to music and relax.

Explain the process that was undertaken to allow you and your Moundsville Council colleagues to continue operating the city during the Stay at Home Order.

City Council was cancelled for the second meeting in March. A special meeting was held on March 24 because, by state law, we were required to pass the budget that week. The meeting was closed to the public, but available on Facebook Live. Seats were changed to allow for social distancing. The first meeting in April was also cancelled, but again, to meet state law, we met April 21. The same social distance measures were used, and the meeting had an abbreviated agenda. This meeting was streamed on Zoom. The City Building continues to be closed to the public. Again, we have been relying heavily on technology to allow public viewing of Council meetings, and to virtually “meet” with citizens over the phone, text, or email. The city manager is keeping the day-to-day operations of the city moving with a split staff, and our first responders and those deemed essential are working their normal schedules. We are grateful for their continued work and commitment to the city. This “down-time” has given me quite some time to research new initiatives, grants, and ideas to better our community, as I am sure have my co-council members. Our first meeting back in a traditional setting may be quite a long one.

Do you and your council colleagues know if any of the city events scheduled for this summer will take place? When will those decisions be made?

We have made the decision to cancel the first “Jefferson Fridays” event in June. As a reminder, Jefferson Fridays is an event from the City of Moundsville Arts & Culture Committee and is essentially a community block party. We shut down Jefferson Avenue from 2nd to 3rd street and have a band, food trucks, shopping, and a beer garden. At this point, we have not made any other decisions for further cancellations, but this is a very fluid situation with guidance changing day to day. All cancellations will be announced as decided.

How have you continued your work duties for West Virginia Northern Community College, and what new ideas have you created to continue engaging the students on all three campuses?

I am the Director of Student Activities at West Virginia Northern. I love my job because as I said above, I get to work directly with our students day-in and day-out. My job is to create student learning, and development opportunities through social, educational, culture, and civic engagement on and off campus. The goal is that students not only have fun at these events and activities (although that is an important aspect), but that they develop interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills that will benefit them outside of the halls of WVNCC. Traditionally, all of this requires me planning events that get groups of students together in the same place. Easier said than done with COVID-19! I have transitioned many of our activities into a virtual format through social media, and the weekly student newsletter. Each week students can find a variety of activities in the newsletter ranging from seven different Women’s History Month activities to virtual engage with in March, egg hunts, talent shows, social distancing tips, “how-to” videos from community members and WVNCC employees, sexual assault prevention and awareness activities, community resources, fitness competitions, opportunities to support local businesses through our “curbside pickup” event and many more. I think this situation has pushed so many institutions to think creatively about “untraditional” ways to deliver their normal services. Northern has really stepped up to the plate through a quick transition to online learning and a commitment to supporting our students. All staff and faculty are working and are available to students through email, phone, Zoom, our new chat feature on our website, our 24-hour IT hotline, and many more mediums.

The social distancing precautions have prevented Wood from enjoying Mexican cheese sauce with her nephew.

What is the first thing you want to do once it is safe to be around others? Please explain and tell me why, as well.

I want to attend a festival! I LOVE the variety of festivals the Upper Ohio Valley has to offer and I frequent all of them. My fiancé jokes, to show how much I love events and festivals, that I would even go to an oatmeal festival if one existed. He’s not wrong, haha! I love that feeling of community that events bring to the forefront. I also want to see my family. I have a very close-knit family and that has been one of the hardest things during this timeframe. My fiancé is an essential worker, so we have been extremely diligent and careful with our social distancing as he is around so many people each day due to his line of work. I have nieces and nephews that I adore and who do not understand why I can only see them from the vehicle. My five-year-old nephew said to me last week that he cannot wait until the coronavirus is over so he can go to a Mexican restaurant with me and get “cheese dip.” So actually, that’s probably my answer. I’ll take my nephew to a Mexican restaurant for cheese dip. Read the full article

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6@6 - April 22, 2020

School Buildings Closed for Year.

Although W.Va. Gov. Jim Justice ordered all school buildings closed, online learning programs and food distribution in the Mountain State will continue until the completion of the schedule academic year.

Curbside.

While all classes at West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) are online the rest of the spring semester due to COVID-19, and students are no longer on campus, Students Activities is still finding ways to engage with students. In addition to numerous virtual events like egg hunts, women history month events and more, they are offering an event to help feed their students and support local businesses. On Friday, April 24, they are offering for any Northern students to pick up carryout food at a local restaurant up to $10 off their food order. WVNCC, with campuses in Wheeling, New Martinsville and Weirton, have partnered with a restaurant in each of its campus locations. Participating restaurants include Tacoholix (Wheeling), PJ’s Pizza (New Martinsville) and Mario’s (Weirton). All students need to do is let the restaurant know they are a Northern student when they order, then show their student ID when they pick it up to receive $10 off.

Police Chief on The Watchdog.

Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger will be a guest on The Watchdog (98.1 FM WKKX and 97.7 FM WVLY) beginning at 2 p.m. Topics will include current criminal activity, the challenges thanks to the coronavirus, and the removal of homeless encampments in the city.

Hero Pay.

The Ohio County Commission approve a plan to implement “Hero Pay” to offset expected costs associated with the coronavirus crisis. The decision is connected to W.Va. Gov. Jim Justice’s announcement last week that each county will receive $100,000 under the Cares Act. The Commission will add $225,000 to the state grant and will distribute the monies throughout Ohio County, including the city of Wheeling.

Postponed.

Mayor Kathryn Thalman announces the postponement of an April 23, 2020 Water Town Hall Teleconference because of a new Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) mandate on the city and an accelerated timetable for their implementation.  Mayor Thalman adds, “Legal counsel advised the city that the new state mandates void a major part of the pending Aqua contract for the purchase of the city’s water and wastewater utilities. Therefore, while I remain committed to transparency as the city moves forward, holding this forum at this time would not be productive.” Mayor Thalman extends her gratitude to Steve Novotney for his willingness to serve as moderator and for residents who had submitted questions to be presented. The city will alert the public at the earliest possible time of arrangements for a future public forum to debate this timely issue.

West Virginia needs you to respond to the 2020 Census.

Think your response doesn’t matter? Think again. If you don't respond, that's $20,000 lost in federal funds for West Virginia and its communities over the next ten years. If 100 people do not respond, that's $2 MILLION lost in federal funds over the next ten years. Those funds could go to healthcare, education, infrastructure and school lunch programs. You matter! Be counted. 2020census.gov. Read the full article

[ledenews]

6@6 - April 21, 2020

Moundsville Meeting.

City Council is meeting in regular session today at 5 p.m. with an abbreviated agenda. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Council Chambers is not accessible to the public.  The meeting will be available to watch or call in and listen on Zoom Meeting. To watch, go to www.zoom.com, and click "Join Meeting".  Enter Meeting ID# 751 2478 8690, and Password: 895663. To call in from a land line or a cell phone, dial 1-929-205-6099, and enter Meeting ID# 751 2478 8690, and Password: 895663.

COVID-19 in Jail.

Nine inmates at the Belmont Correctional Institution in St. Clairsville have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the overall total to 13. This was confirmed by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction on Monday. All 2,658 inmates at Belmont Correctional Institution are currently under quarantine. Zero staff have tested positive for the coronavirus and no deaths have been reported, as of April 20.

Drug Arrest.

Wheeling Police arrested a local man Friday after receiving complaints of alleged drug distribution in the Hil Dar area of the city. When officers approached the residence, a strong odor of marijuana was present. After searching the apartment, they discovered drug using instruments consistent with the sale and use of narcotics, marijuana, a marijuana plant and a firearm ammunition. Officers placed the suspect, Rashun Rafael Suncar, 33 of Wheeling under arrested and charged him with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Deadline Extended.

The Wheeling Police Department has extended its application deadline for those wanting to apply to become a police officer. WPD’s March physical assessment test had to be canceled due to COVID-19. The new deadline to apply is May 31, 2020 with the Civil Service Exam taking place in late June. If applicants applied before March 21, there is no need to re-apply. Applicants must pass a physical and written test, a polygraph exam, and a criminal background check. They also must be 18-40 years old and live within a 45-mile radius of Police Headquarters. The City of Wheeling will incentivize West Virginia certified police officers who apply and pass all employment requirements with an $8,000 sign-on bonus. Those interested can fill out an application online at wheelingwv.gov/policejobs or mail their application to: City of Wheeling Human Resources Department, – 1500 Chapline Street – Room 301. In person applications will NOT be accepted due to COVID-19.

WVNCC Going Virtual.

West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) will host a virtual Career Fair on Thursday, April 23, 2020, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The event is hosted by the Career Services Department at WVNCC and will take place via Zoom. The event is open to all WVNC students, alumni, and community members who are seeking employment. It will also provide information to WVNCC students who want to transfer to a four-year institution. Each employer will have their own virtual breakout room where people can come and go as they please. During the fair people will have a chance to meet employers and ask question similar to an "in-person" job fair. Currently there are 16 employers and higher educational institutes signed up for the event including West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services, TTEC, Williams Lea, West Virginia Army National Guard, Visiting Angels, Chick-fil-A, and Amedisys Hospice. For more information, contact WVNCC Career Services Counselor, Laura Kastenbauer at 304-214-8817 or lkastenbauer@wvncc.edu.

Virtual Commencement.

Due to social distancing and other restrictions in place while the world fights the coronavirus pandemic, West Liberty University is replacing its traditional spring commencement with a safe, virtual option. The virtual ceremony will take place on May 9 (time to be determined) and all Spring Semester students will be sent a link to view the ceremony on Topper Station, WLU’s streaming platform. All spring graduates will be invited back to campus at a later date for a live ceremony, according to Greiner. Commencement regalia (caps, gowns, cords) will be mailed to all students at their permanent address, so that seniors can share a photo with Topper Station as it prepares the virtual ceremony. (Please email graduate photos to topperstation@westliberty.edu.) Read the full article

[ledenews]

A Cooking Show on the Radio?

The first conversation was even on the local airwaves when Chef Christian Kefauver said he was confident such an hour-long culinary segment was possible. So, he made it happen.  Each Tuesday afternoon on The Watchdog, 98.1 FM WKKX and 97.7 FM WVLY, from 4-5 p.m., the “Pointe Restaurant at Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack Culinary Showcase” airs, and it also is broadcast on Facebook on The Watchdog Timeline. Kefauver, the chair of the Culinary Arts Department at West Virginia Northern Community College, even recruited colleague Chef Gene Evans as well as Chef Rocco Basil for the majority of the shows that have been aired since June 2017. Chef Matt Welsch from the Vagabond Kitchen and Chef Jeramy Tirpak from Good Mansion Wines also have been asked to appear on the show. “When I was asked, I thought it would be a lot of fun and that it would be a great way to promote our Culinary Arts Department here at the college,” he explained. “And that’s exactly what it has proven to be, and it’s raised a lot of awareness about everything we do here. “Plus, I knew it would be a challenge to get an entire meal prepared in an hour, but now it’s seems like a pretty easy task as long as we’re able to do our prep before the show,” Kefauver said. “The goal is for people to listen, and to give those listeners some new ideas for dinners at their homes. We make them pretty simple, and all of the ingredients are available at one of the grocery stores in the area.”

Brad Leonard, a producer and production manager for The Watchdog, serves as the cameraman for the Facebook Live on The Watchdog's Timeline.

The Cast

The chefs often have sous chefs, and culinary students from WVNCC have served the role as well as guests, including Jessica Rine, executive director of the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley and a culinary columnist for LEDE News. “The students learn a lot from being on the show because there’s real pressure involved to do everything the right way, but quickly because that’s exactly how they will have to do in a restaurant,” Kefauver said. “When we cook at home, we do it on our pace, but when you’re at work, you’re preparing meals for people who are hungry and want their food as quickly as possible. “And when we have guests on the show, it’s a lot of fun because sometimes they know what they are doing, and other times they don’t have a clue and have to learn just like our students,” he said. “I am grateful that Chef Gene and Chef Rocco help me out because there are Tuesdays when I am busy doing one of my other jobs, and it’s a lot of work, too, so that’s why it’s good to take a break.”

Helping Local Folks

Chef Gene Evans from WVNCC was crowned the grand champion during "The Watchdog Chef Showdown" last December. The culinary shows evolved into semi-annual cooking contests featuring Chef Chris, Chef Gene, and Chef Rocco and six others from around the Wheeling area. The four events raised nearly $10,000 for the United Way, and the funds were utilized to offer food items to local residents before Thanksgiving and Christmas through a partnership between the United Way and the Information Helpline. Chef Gene was crowned the grand champion in “The Watchdog Chef Showdown” in December after competing against two other finalists, Chef Rocco, and Chef Ryan Butler from the Wheeling Brewing Company in Centre Market. “I never thought I would be able to fit 20 audience members into our big kitchen, but that’s exactly what we have done for those events,” said Kefauver. “Those shows have been three hours with the first hour previewing the folks in the competition, and the other two hours were for the cooking and the judging. “Those shows have benefited people in this area, and that’s why all of the work is worth it,” he added. “And who knows what we’ll come up with in the future?” Read the full article