Submitted photo Mike Juratovac, left, was presented the 2025 Volunteer of the Year award by Ed Griesel.

ELKINS — The Elkins Depot Welcome Center recognized Mike Juratovac as their 2025 Volunteer of the Year.

Each year, the Welcome Center presents the Edward Griesel Community Service Award to an individual for exceptional volunteer service to the citizens and businesses of the Elkins Area. The award was presented July 10th at their annual volunteer appreciation dinner by Ed Griesel, a longtime board member and founder of the Welcome Center.

“Regular volunteers like Mike play a key role in supporting our visitor services and helping the 582,871 guests we’ve welcomed since opening in April of 2006. Mike has contributed over 525 hours. His consistency in volunteering every Tuesday is a big help to our overall operations,” explained Executive Director Anne Beardslee.

Volunteers at the Elkins Depot Welcome Center contributed 2,244 volunteer hours in 2024, according to Lawanda Schoonover, AFNHA AmeriCorps member serving at the Welcome Center.

The Welcome Center has ongoing volunteer opportunities, including providing visitor services at the Depot. Anyone who would like to share their love and knowledge of Randolph County with visitors from all over the world is encouraged to apply. Shifts are flexible, and no experience is necessary. Call 304-635-7803.