Photo by Carmen Williams These little ladies are all smiles during Hundred’s Independence Day parade on Saturday, June 30.

We probably don’t say it enough, but we are truly in awe of the town of Hundred.

Just a little less than a year ago, the town was completely devastated by flooding. Homes and businesses were ruined. Folks were left with nothing more than the clothing on their backs. The town was coated with not only mud, but despair and hopelessness.

We could continue, but truly there are not enough words to adequately describe the tragedy. If you saw the images, you know they were the definition of heart-wrenching.

Do you know what wasn’t destroyed though? The town’s spirit. And this spirit has been abundantly displayed over and over again since July 2017. Hundred has persevered and flourished. The town has met milestone upon milestone. Businesses have recovered and reopened. Residents have rebuilt. The town’s senior center and fire department each have had celebratory ribbon cuttings in the past month.

And no, that isn’t saying there still isn’t work to be done. We are sure there are still residents struggling to recover their losses. However, we feel so positive about the future of our neighbors in Hundred. Occasions like Saturday’s Independence Day celebration show the town’s spirit. The festivities Saturday show the heart of Hundred, along with the humility as well. The folks of Hundred know they weren’t alone in the aftermath of the flood; thus, they allowed those who helped them along the way to march at the forefront of the town’s Independence Day parade.

Photo provided Pictured is Wayne Worth (second from left) along with fellow members of the Volunteer Flood Relief and Recovery Crew. The crew was invited by Hundred Mayor Chip Goff to serve as honorary marshals of the town’s Fourth of July parade. Worth said “Most of us decided to dress in our flood gear and muck boots as we did when we came to help our neighbors a year ago.” Worth credited the Lions Club and the Carpenters Local 436 - Bridgeport W.Va. “If it was not for these two organizations, we wouldn’t have had the tools to help our West Virginia brothers and sisters in both the 2016 and 2017 floods!” Worth added, “Today’s God sighting was seeing how this town has recovered together and how they celebrate one another!”

We notice the town’s spirit; we admire its heart, and we are excited for its bright future.

Ms. Emily Stewart and Joy Kuhn are pictured. Stewart is credited with organizing the town’s celebration. However, the humble Stewart credits Kuhn and Jean Crihfield for their part as well, noting how the two are good with ideas. Stewart also thanks “everyone that came out on Friday to set-up and bring (the event) to life. (Photo provided)

Photo by Kathy Moore County and city representatives gather to hold a ribbon cutting for Hundred’s fire department. An open house/ribbon cutting was held June 30 during the town’s annual Fourth of July celebration.

Pictured is Hundred Mayor Chip Goff, elected Wetzel County Commissioner Greg Morris, and Councilman Keith Williams.