The Huntington BBQ Festival returns for its second year on Saturday, Aug. 25, giving hungry patrons an all-you-can-eat meal and a vote for the best barbecue while helping two local ministries at the same time.

The event takes place from noon to 6 p.m. at the Parkview Huntington Hospital Show Arena at the Huntington County Fairgrounds, rain or shine. Organizer Brenda Rosen says with a theme of “Feed the Hungry,” all proceeds from the festival will go to the New Life Meal Ministry and the Salvation Army’s food pantry.

The 13th annual Ride 2 Provide is set for Saturday, Aug. 18, at Markle Park.

While the motorcycle ride that the event is known for will commence at noon, a variety of other activities will be taking place both before and after that time.

The aim of all those activities is the same: raising funds for a good cause.

When Bryden Ricker was at the local YMCA, he was inspired to do what he could to help others less fortunate than himself. So, he asked his mom if he could sell some lemonade.

“He kept begging me to do a lemonade stand, and finally I said yes,” says Jana Ricker, Bryden’s stepmom. “After we got it set up, that’s when he said he wanted to donate to Riley.”

There will be wheels – and deals – throughout the town of Zanesville Saturday, July 28, as the Lions Club Summer Festival gets underway. Lions Club member Melba Edwards says there are plenty of opportunities for people to not only come view the events planned for the day, but also sign up and become part of the festivities.

New this year is a co-ed softball tourney, which will be held at the Lions Club Ball Diamond, Edwards says.

From “Zero” to “Hero,” the 14 Huntington County United Way Pacesetter companies who will lead the charge in the 2018 fund-raising campaign were exhorted to go above and beyond, by just 5 percent more this year.

One of the many cars set to be exhibited at Rolling into Roanoke this Saturday, July 21, is a 2012 Cayman R. Produced by German sports car manufacturer Porsche, it will fit right in at this year’s show, as the theme is “Across the Pond” and European cars and motorcycles will be in the spotlight.

While the aforementioned Cayman R may hail from overseas, its owner, Klint Crawford, does not. In fact, when Crawford comes to Roanoke, he’ll be coming home.

Originally published July 9, 2018.

Ellie Stephenson is a bright, articulate 10-year-old who will be in fifth grade when school starts back up at Lincoln Elementary School. She also recently learned a powerful lesson about being grateful for what she has, an epiphany she wants to share with the world.

With a little help from her parents and some friends, she will do just that when she throws a “Hunger Banquet” for the community on Sunday, July 15, at 5 p.m. at Evangelical United Methodist Church. It’s an experience that participants are not likely to soon forget.

Originally published July 5, 2018.

Mornings in the summertime at the Parkview Boys & Girls Club of Huntington County are always busy and boisterous, with kids in every part of the club having fun on their break from school.

But for about 20 to 30 youths who are clients of Pathfinder Services, the fun is teamed up with making some important friendships.

Classes may have ended for good at Lancaster Elementary School this past school year, but the school’s mission to build a well in Africa did not.

When professional runner Lauren Johnson comes to Huntington, it’s usually to visit with friends and family in her hometown.

Her most recent trip to the Lime City, though, was motivated by something else. This time around, she was here to train for a national title.

Originally published June 11, 2018.

Back in 2011, when Hollyn Anderson and Emily Johnson were in sixth grade at Crestview Middle School, they had no idea that they would make such a huge impact on the world around them – specifically, on hundreds of hungry children in Huntington County.

Their desire to feed kids has turned into a major charity in Huntington County, growing each year of its operation and bringing in thousands of dollars to make it happen.

Lancaster Elementary School may now be closed, but if the school’s last classes of first-graders have their way, it will live on in a new form on the other side of the world.

Their families have been the salt of the earth for generations in Huntington County, producing food by tilling the land and raising a variety of animals. This year, the two families are being recognized for having their farms in the same family for at least 100 years.

Members of the Hosler family post for a keepsake photo after receiving the Hoosier Homestead Farm centennial award. Celebrating the occasion are (front row from left) Isaac Hosler, 6, and Sam Hosler, 10; (second row from left) Leah Hosler, 12, Stacey Hosler, Bonnie Hosler and Tom Hosler; (third row from left) Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler, Rep. Dan Leonard, Lulu Hosler, Deanna Hosler, Vicki Baker and Indiana Lt. Gov.

Originally published April 26, 2018.

Steve Ware competed for the Huntington YMCA during the heyday of its swimming program in the 1960s.

Under the tutelage of coach Glen Hummer, Ware and his peers won national championships, both as a team and individually.

In May, over 50 years later, Ware will be swimming for the Huntington YMCA once more. But what prompted him, at 70, to do so?