Editor’s Note: Here’s the second part of our review of the top stories of the year as reported in the Independent Herald.

July

Recovery continued from the derecho which struck Wyoming County. Thousands were left without power for days as temperatures climbed into the 90s. Cooling stations were set up around the county.

Danny Boye Cook, 37, of Pineville was sentenced to five years in federal prison and 15 years of supervised release for transporting sexually explicit images of minors.

Del. Linda Phillips said she would continue to try to help people in all parts of Wyoming County, although her new district no longer includes Oceana and some other communities.

An anti-drug parade circled the county and ended with a rally in Mullens.

School officials said they expected meal participation to rise now that all meals are free.

DOH Supervisor David Cox said about 300 trees were cleared from county roads after the storm which hit the area.

The Mullens 10-11 softball all-stars won the state championship in Beckley.

Oceana received a grant for a new police cruiser.

August

The Wyoming County Board of Education adopted a safe schools policy.

Harry Lester, a county native who became a leader in the United Steelworkers, signed copies of his autobiograpy, “The Boy From Bud.”

Planning meets on the new Huff Consolidated School began.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin recommended that the Eastern Wyoming Public Service District receive $1.5 million in ARC funds ot extend water service in Barkers Ridge and Basin.

Chris Herren, a former NBA player, gave an anti-drug talk at an event at Wyoming East High School. Former WVU star Joe Mazzulla also participated.

Pineville Mayor Tim Ellison sought help from the Wyoming County Commission for Phase II of the Street Scape project.

Frederick Lee Lumbo of New Richmond was senteced to five to 75 years in prison for his role in a drug distribution ring.

The Wyoming County Reaching the Summit Community Service Initiative unveiled a new stone welcome marker at the county entrance along Route 54.

Westside trimmed Wyoming East, 22-20, in the annual Battle for the Coal Shovel.

September

A youth entrepreneurship program was introduced in some county schools.

The staff of the Pinnacle Drive In served as marshals of the Labor Day Parade in Pineville.

The Pinnacle Mine set a world record for raw coal production from a long wall plow during a 24-hour period, Cliffs Natural Resources announced.

Both Westside and Wyoming East qualified for the state golf tournament.

Eight of 13 county schools met AYP.

October

Former Mullens mayor and principal C.C. “Sonnie” Phillips, Jr., died at 87.

The Reaching the Summit Community Service Initiative announced a list of 46 approved projects. The list was later consolidated to about 40 projects.

Rupert Francis Carpenter, 42, of Mullens was charged with attempted murder.

The Westside cross country team qualified for the state meet.

Early voting turnout was heavy, according to County Clerk Mike Goode.

A huge snow storm struck the eastern U.S., dumping eight inches or more of snow across Wyoming County. Thousands were left without power for days. Halloween was postponed almost everywhere due to conditions.

November

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and Sen. Joe Manchin were among the officials who visited the Wyoming County 911 Center to get an update on storm recovery in the county.

Wyoming East reached the state football playoffs for the first time since 2008. Westside was in the running until losing to River View in the final week of the week of the regular season. Three shelters were set up around the county to assist those in need.

The Wyoming County Board of Education approved the design for the new Huff Consolidated School.

Daniel Hall edged Epp E. Cline for the 9th Distirict Senate Seat. Republicans had a surprisingly strong performance in the county.

The BOE approved a five-year strategic plan.

The EDA announced that copies of a new Wyoming County business directory were available.

Pineville churches hosted “Streets of Bethlehem.”

December

The descendants of Ira Mongeni continue to sell live Christmas trees, a tradition begun 50 years ago.

Oceana Middle educator Carla Stewart was named the Wyoming County Teacher of the Year and Ann Reed was named the first-ever Service Personnel of the Year.

Police arrest six in connection with copper theft at an old Itmann mine.

Defending state champion Westside opened the girls basketball season with a win over Logan.

The Wyoming County Board of Education approved Phase II of an energy conservation program to be financed over a 15-year period.

A $400,000 Small Cities Block Grant was awarded to Mullens for expansion of water service to Otsego, Maben and Pierpoint and line replacement in West Mullens.