Although this historical and supernatural event did not occur in West Virginia, I wanted to share my personal experience when I visited the small town of Salem, Massachusetts a few weeks ago. The history that lies beneath the soil of that area is more morbid and dark compared to other storie…
When you think of cavemen, you probably think of large, ape-like people who harmed others for the fun of it. Barbaric monsters that would eat a child’s brain if they looked at them funny.
Every year we get excited for fall’s pumpkin lattes, festive decor, cooling weather and the autumn leaves’ flamboyant colors falling to the ground.
Have you ever seen a wax figure? Ever watched a horror movie? Noticed the way the monsters move? The way their bodies jerk and stutter. The way their faces are pale and sunken in. Large, dark circles, eerily relaxed muscles. The way the face is just a bit too long.
In the town of Dunbar, a unique cultural event took place in the Shree Durga Shiva Vishnu Temple. Sri Puthige Matha of Udupi, India, visited the temple and remained there from Sept. 20 to 22 to perform various rituals worshiping the Hindu deities.
It is stereotypical for teenagers to fall asleep in class, spend their free time sleeping, and to be seen as “lazy” by adults. This, however, makes me wonder: are we sleeping at night?
We’ve all had a time where we thought about what is the ugliest animal?, but did you know there’s a variety of frogs that are popular just for that reason
At the start of this year, I got the chance to pick where I’d like to go in the west with my grandpa, and I picked Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is rich in wildlife, geological structures and scenic views. During my trip in June, I found it was nice to keep a journal of my adventure…
Today West Virginia is facing a crisis, one that is under-represented and obscure. That crisis is in our foster care system.
Starting with the Stonewall Riots, in 1969, June became also known as Pride Month, celebrating the history of the queer rights movement. Though Pride Month is definitely still a celebration, I feel as though a lot of people, both queer and not, forget what got us to where we are in the first…
How often do you cut your grass during the spring and summer? Once a week? Every few days? Maybe just when it’s getting above your ankles and those pesky dandelions have started sprouting? However neat a freshly cut lawn may look, when you plant invasive species, use insecticides and herbici…
Sarah Davis Hurricane High School
As graduation is approaching, many seniors are excitedly anticipating the next chapter of their lives. Many of them are leaving behind many younger friends, however.
In the bustling suburbia of Hurricane, West Virginia, sits Valley Park, one of the many public parks located in Putnam County. The park serves the towns of Hurricane, Teays Valley and Scott Depot. Valley Park showcases various sports fields, picnic shelters, trails, a community garden, confe…
As heatwaves sweep the globe and record-breaking temperatures are recorded internationally, we are witnessing the changing climate’s effect on wildlife in real-time.
The West Virginia State Legislature is currently in session, and with that comes the proposal of new bills. The Young Republicans and Young Democrats clubs at George Washington High School have taken an initiative to compose a bill for proposal in a joint effort to help the bright young mind…
Typically, Feb. 14 is a day centered totally around romance. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with this, romantic love does not have to be the only type celebrated on this holiday. Taking time to show love to the people closest to you is also a totally great way to celebrate. You coul…
High school is one of the most important parts of an individual’s life. As with any major stages, a good knowledge of all available resources, tips and opportunities is highly crucial for success. Many 8th grade students enter high school with barely any to nonexistent information concerning…
The holidays are a rough time for many people, especially LGBTQ youth. Families aren’t always accepting, and having to spend extended periods of time in hiding is hard. It can lead to many things, like mental health crises or thoughts of suicide. If you’re an LGBTQ teen in need of support, t…
The Mystery Hole in Ansted, West Virginia, has been known for its infamous tourists and travelers from across the country. This peculiar place is said to defy logic and laws of gravity. But the real question is, how is that even possible? No one knows! Not even the founder knows. Isn’t that weird?
This month marks the 30th anniversary of FlipSide. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate its creation than by celebrating some of the very first FlipSiders. I have the honor of knowing one personally. My mom, Casey Bond, was also a FlipSider long before I was when she was in high school…
FlipSide is 30.
Gerzi’s, (pronounced Jerry’s) is a small one-stop shop nestled smack in the middle of a high-rise called “Goodman Manor,” located in downtown Williamson, West Virginia. Goodman Manor, one of four public housing communities my grandmother directs as executive director of the Williamson Housin…
Beginning in September every year, companies transform nearly every product into a pumpkin spice edition. From coffee, to air freshener, to cereal, pumpkin spice never fails to take over the grocery aisles.
At a young age, many students learn about an Italian navigator who was the first to explore America. Christopher Columbus was a familiar name in classrooms, even for seven year olds. Only, Columbus wasn’t the first to discover America; Indigenous peoples have populated the Western Hemisphere…
The Cabell County Commission works constantly to better the lives of the citizens of Cabell County. We have three commissioners who are dedicated to serving the people.
One of the biggest legends in West Virginia history starts at the beginning of this horrific tragedy. The most famous cryptid in our state has the entire country’s mind blown at all the sightings and reports of this creature. Magazines have written stories on this event even after decades ha…
As we begin a new school year, many questions arise as to how things will go this year. With the delta variant of COVID-19 cases on the rise, but things also slowly returning to “normal,” no one is really sure how this school year will be. These are just a few of the things I’m excited to ob…
FlipSide, the Gazette-Mail’s teen journalism publication, is looking for contributors for the 2021-2022 school year.
The 2020-2021 school year was another rough one for students — switching between in-person schooling and virtual schooling took a toll on some. Luckily, this year students will be able to celebrate graduating in-person. We’d like to honor our FlipSide seniors who will be graduating this year.
Editor’s note: Writer Amal Faridi is telling her father Ahmad Bilal Faridi’s story as it was told to her.
In the deep forests of West Virginia lies a cryptid horror story like no other. It sparked legends of noises, occurrences, dreams and horrific sights.
As a child, I always wondered what it would be like to be a business owner. I would go around Charleston visiting various local restaurants and stores and wonder, who is the person that started it all? As I have grown, I consider this question more and more. Suddenly, now it is not only abou…
Many areas in West Virginia aren’t just haunted grounds with ghosts flying around — most of the places have a historic memory or disaster. These places are known for sadness, haunted and abandoned grounds. The story behind these hauntings show purpose, not just a short story to tell around a…
Stories can travel a very long way, especially if it’s about the past. These stories are from the deepest and darkest parts of West Virginia. Legends and legacies remain of the history that lies in this town. They have lasted for centuries, and some still remain. This town is named Harpers F…
Being a high school senior is not an easy task. From challenging classes to college applications, senior year can be a very stressful one.
It’s no secret that 2020 was an “exciting” year, to say the least. From a global pandemic, to devastating losses, to constantly living in a state of confusion, it’s been unlike anything that we have ever experienced — but you didn’t need me to tell you that.
How can one de-stress during stressful times? Without a doubt, the 2020-2021 school year stands out compared to the past years. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought multiple new problems to students, parents, educators and many more. With the presence of these new stresses, most people are left…
It has been such a crazy year — one that gave us surprise after surprise (and not in a positive sense). I think I can speak for a majority when I say that while we know that it not being 2020 doesn’t mean that all the problems simply resolve themselves, it doesn’t hurt to know that we are en…
In the deepest parts of West Virginia lies a very dark place, a horrid background and chilling experiences to have. In the quiet place of Mercer County lies the horrific Lake Shawnee Amusement Park. It was constructed on top of an Native burial ground. Who knew a sweet and exciting place, wo…
We all know nutrition plays a key role in physical and mental health, yet many people suffer from distorted eating. Everyone goes through the trials and tribulations of life; the highs and lows are what make the journey. Unfortunately, social influences have contributed more lows.
We all know at this point how hard the COVID-19 pandemic has been on local businesses. We witness and experience the struggles every day of people trying to balance safety with making a living. We have been all masked and social distanced — at stores, restaurants, cafes and all the places we go.
With school looking so differently this year, midterms have a chance of appearing equally different compared to what students are used to.
Various schools in West Virginia have recently opened, giving students the option to begin attending in-person.
Throughout childhood, a fear of the dark is a common thread. After a few years of maturing, that fear normally goes away, but for 2021 seniors, the fear of the dark is back. That is, the fear of being left in the dark.
Though it might feel like there is nothing to do during this pandemic, you can still experience the joys of the fall season. You can have fun and even discover new activities, while also staying safe.
Located on a small island in the middle of the Ohio River lies a haunted area that has kept secrets, paranormal activity and is a place where history has created a story of treason, chaos and pure terror: Blennerhassett Island.
The year 2020 has brought a lot of new challenges and experiences for everyone, including new layouts for extracurricular activities.
Ever since the lockdown of this past March, everyone’s been noticing the decline in the economy. All of the lost jobs, the closed businesses, losing the ability to do things like going to the pool or getting an ice cream on a hot summer day, something most everyone expected to be doing this …
To claim that 2020 has been an insane, scary, exciting and wild year so far would be a major understatement — and it’s only September.
