John Marra Retires From Extension Service
John Marra Retires From Extension Service Save Email Print
Posted: 8:58 PM Sep 21, 2008
Last Updated: 10:06 PM Sep 21, 2008
Reporter: WSAZ News Staff
Email Address: news@wsaz.com

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MILTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- It was a bittersweet day for our home and garden expert John Marra.

His retirement party was held Sunday afternoon at the West Virginia Pumpkin Park in Milton Sunday afternoon.

Marra has worked as West Virginia University's Cabell County extension agent since 1986. Before that he was the extension agent in Lincoln County.

Don't worry. John Marra will still be here at WSAZ to answer your home and garden questions. His retirement means he has even more time to answer your questions, so continue to send those in.

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Posted by: absten on Oct 30, 2008 at 09:33 PM
My husband and I both hate to see you go. I love channel 3 news and you are a huge part of it. I wish you lots of Luck. John and Debi Absten

Posted by: Not Born with a Green Thumb on Oct 24, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Congratulations John, on your retirement and a long and prosperous career. I always look forward to your segment on WSAZ and am glad you'll be staying on. Your comments provide a lot of helpful insight to us "hopeful" wannabe gardeners, and I hope you'll be around for many years to come to help us keep our tri-state beautiful and blooming! Good luck.

Posted by: tammy on Oct 12, 2008 at 11:18 PM
When is the best time to trim back rose of sheridan bushes. Plus on the asian beetle bugs, they are in my computer room, i don't dare come in here during the day. How can you kill them.

Posted by: Jeanette on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:00 PM
How can I rid my yard of ground moles?

Posted by: JANET on Oct 8, 2008 at 07:51 AM
JOHN WHEN CAN I PLANT KNOCKOUT ROSES I LOVE THEM BECAUSE THE BLOOM FOR A LONG TIME ..THANKS JOHN JANET

Posted by: Sonja on Sep 30, 2008 at 07:45 PM
I have called you several times over the years and you gave me good advise and was pleasant to talk to. Hope the Lord will continue to bless you and remember your glass is always half FULL!!!!

Posted by: Peggy on Sep 30, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Mr. Marra: I've kept my Poinsettia alive from last Christmas and I remember a segment you did explaining how to get it to flower. What do I need to do and when does it start? Thanks

Posted by: Pat on Sep 27, 2008 at 04:55 PM
I'm sorry to see you go, but everyone needs a rest I would like to have the Apple Pie receipe that you talked about from the Jackson Apple Festival, if you could please E-Mail it to me I would greatly appreciate it. I do hope you enjoy your retirement as much as I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy mine. Please let me know if you have the receipe. Thank You very much.

Posted by: Clemon Brown on Sep 26, 2008 at 08:59 AM
I am Glad that John will stay on WSAZ .In a area of small farms good infomation is hard to come by and John is our only source.Enjoy your retirement

Posted by: Readandunderstand on Sep 22, 2008 at 06:31 PM
John isn't leaving WSAZ, just retiring from his real job. I guess there is something to be said for understanding what you are reading.

Posted by: Kathy P on Sep 22, 2008 at 05:06 PM
A very happy retirement to you John. I know you will find plenty to keep you busy. I really enjoy the squabbling between you and Rob when you do your segment on WSAZ, you two bring a happy smile to my face :)

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 22, 2008 at 05:06 PM
Hi Pete Brumfield, I usually go on line and look up something. I too have had questions go unanswered but hey. whatever.

Posted by: kdj on Sep 22, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Happy Retirement! I have enjoyed watching you over the years and now that I have moved to Columbus, I check you out on WSAZ.com. I am glad you will still be available there!

Posted by: Jackson County on Sep 22, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Congratulations on your retirement. I am happy to read that you will still be hosting your program on WSAZ. Many people in Jackson County watch you and take your advise!

Posted by: Charlotte on Sep 22, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Congratulations John!!! So glad you'll continue to disperse wisdom on WSAZ. Happy to be a FAN! Best wishes.

Posted by: Pete Brumfield on Sep 22, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Maybe John will have time to answer e-mails. I have been e-mailing him for a long time and never get a response.

Posted by: Terry on Sep 22, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Congratulations,John. Enjoy it and I'm glad to hear you are not leaving WSAZ. I always try to make sure I don't miss you and Rob on Tue & Thur. together, you two are fun to watch together.

Posted by: Charles on Sep 22, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Congratulations John, I'm sure you will enjoy retirement. It is great. I've been at it for 13 years. I'm glad you will still be with WSAZ. Just take it easy on Rob.

Posted by: In KY on Sep 22, 2008 at 06:36 AM
Glad to hear John will still be with WSAZ,Happy Retirement I hear it is great!

Posted by: anon on Sep 22, 2008 at 06:29 AM
Oh no, theres nobody like him, I'll miss him on the wsaz.

Posted by: Ty on Sep 22, 2008 at 04:46 AM
Congratulations, John! We, in Chesapeake, love ya! GARDEN ON!

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 21, 2008 at 11:14 PM
JOHN I WILL MISS YOUR BIG SMILEING FACE BECAUSE OF YOU ON WSAZ I HAVE GROWN SOME AMAZEING PLANTS

Posted by: anon on Sep 21, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Congrats John, on your retirement. Looking forward to seeing more of you on WSAZ.

Posted by: RUSSELL on Sep 21, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Farmer Bill Click, Ken Franks, John Marra, fine folks......Enjoy Retirement

Posted by: MISTY on Sep 21, 2008 at 10:15 PM
CONGRADULATIONS ON YOUR RETIREMENT JOHN MARRA!!!!

Posted by: John on Sep 21, 2008 at 09:38 PM
I think john is a fine man and a great t.v. personallity.so i am very happy to hear he will continue to be on wsaz.

Posted by: cosmo on Sep 21, 2008 at 09:29 PM
now John, you are too young to retire, I know what it is you just want to hang around the station to see all those pretty girls, thats what it is, shame on you...

Posted by: ironton on Sep 21, 2008 at 09:26 PM
he is a good man watch him everyday at noon

Posted by: sherry on Sep 21, 2008 at 09:12 PM
good luck and enjoy retirement . will be looking forward to seeing you on wsaz.channel 3 at noon

Posted by: Charlie on Sep 21, 2008 at 09:07 PM
John is a very bright spot at WASZ I along with many others are hopeful he keeps giving us great advice for many years to come.

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The Yell: Comments for the Week of 1/4
  • Posted By: AriCheers to Rob-I feel ya!
  • Posted By: joeI have worked for companies all over this nation and have had to take drug tests. Why should teachers be exempt from this practice? It is now common to be randomly tested(and I have been) so what makes a teacher any different than a steel worker. I can say proudly that I passed but I have seen those who didn't. They chose to use drugs and lost their jobs I didn't.
  • Posted By: KatyAs a teacher, I have no problem being randomly drug tested...as long as you agree to drug test the parents who enter the doors of my school as well. Most teachers deal with students who are exposed to/use more drugs and alcohol than any of the teachers. If these students or parents who are using drugs (and are not drug tested) enter our schools, the safety of the teachers and students are at risk. Since children spend more time with them, let's randomly drug test PARENTS, too!!!
  • Posted By: stephenWhy the heavy emphasis ont he damage to property and life Israel is doing . Where was the media uproar for years that Hamas was rocketing Israel irespective of innocent israelis.. Hamas is actualykilling their own citizens by firing rockets from UN schools and residents. Why does UN allow Hamas to use facilities for attacking Israel, then complain when Israel responds to protect their territory and citizens. Israel targets military targets, respons to from whence rockets or gun fire comes. What would we fire at if Huntington was attacked?Why does the media not put bla,e where balame belongs, and give moral support to the aggreived.What would America do if attacked? to whom would we listen? Russia, Saudi Arabia,Iran?.Media get REAL! Who has given Hamas and the Palestinians millions with which they could buy weapons---American taxpayers money!
  • Posted By: RobertAlthough I feel for the employees that lost their positions at Cabell Huntington Hospital, at least more nurses were hired. I recently had a relative in the cardiac unit at Kings Daughters, in Ashland, and I was told that the nursing staff had been cut back and that no overtime was being given. This seems to be a drastic cut in patient care for a facility that spends thousands advertising that they are in the top 5% of cardiac hospitals in the country. I would be willing to wager that the Cleveland Clinic has not cut hours of those giving patient care.
  • Posted By: BoydIf the state's budget is doing so well, why don't we use some of this money to help towns and cities in the state who are in trouble with their budget, or will this just become another pay raise for politicians?
  • Posted By: RobWhy does everyone have to be so into using the term "racist" and have that kind of attitude. I know what my heritage is and who my ancestors were but you want to know what I consider myself? I AM AN AMERICAN! I was born and raised in this country and that's how I feel it should be. Born here, raised here.....then by God you are an American. Not an African American, not an Asian American etc. etc. You are an AMERICAN!
  • Posted By: ChrisTo Ex-Officer: I agree with you 100% about the pay of police dept and the drug testing. I was formerly involved with the BCPD and had multiple ride alongs with the BCSO. I am probably one of their biggest critics due to having watch some of the bad side of the department for a long time. I wish that I could tell everything that I have seen officers do,which would put most of them behind bars or they'll lose their sheild, But retalliation is bad in our area. To the cops that do their job and do it with the best intentions, I proud of you and don't mean any disrespect. To the ones who I personally watch being more currupt then the "badguys" here,your day will be coming.
  • Posted By: PabloTeachers aren't the only ones underpaid. Law enforcement officers are underpaid also. And I'd like to speak about them. For example, I'm sure any parent would sacrifice their live for thier children. And several may give thier live to save their spouse. A few individuals may even do it for a close friend. But, I only know of 3 types of beings who will sacrifice thier lives for complete strangers; indeed even for people who hate them. The first would be our men and women in our armed forces. The second would be our law enforcement officers. And of course, third would be our Savior, Jesus Christ. Others are killed in the line of their employment, but not in order to save a complete stranger. Everytime a cop puts on his/her uniform, they can be a target for anyone upset about something. Even though it doesn't involve the cop personally, that very cop will give his life to save yours when a problem arises. We need to give our cops not only a wage, but a living wage and a great big THANKS.
  • Posted By: CraigIf what I am hearing is correct that Kanawha County teachers accepted a pay raise in return for submitting to drug testing, and then sued successfully so they do not have to be subject to testing, then why shouldn't we the taxpayers demand they return the raise?
  • Posted By: teresaracist lmao i am one cherokee,german,irish,german,and who knows what else TIRED of hearing of racist comments u are either GOOD OR BAD k no skin color needed just evil or NOT
  • Posted By: Ex-OfficerI agree with Robert 100% I worked in law enforcement and loved the job but try to rise a family on less than 10.00 an hour (out of that pay for your own duty gear and gun). I believe that all public safety workers should be drug tested but i also believe that they should be paid for the job that they do. Not many people understand what a public safty worker goes through. Would you put your life on the line for this kind of pay? Remember the saying that you get what you pay for. I see this in several new officers in my area. Don't get me wrong there are still very good officers in law enforcement. Something really needs to be done about the low pay for these jobs.
  • Posted By: GarlandWhat's the difference between teachers and other workers(coal mineers, bus drivers, state employees,etc.)? Teachers aren't any better are they?
  • Posted By: This is not a comment, but I would like comments on it please. What do you think of Poca High School? Racist or not?
  • Posted By: RobertWe the people, through our own self centeredness and apathy, have allowed our teachers and police officials to be some of the most underpaid people in the United States. We are trusting our childrens education and our public safety to the very people that are some of the most underpaid profesions in the U.S.. If I could change this, I would. However, I do believe that these people should be randomly drug tested. I work in the construction industry and I have no problem being drug tested. I have nothing to hide. I also believe that any person who is intrusted with the safety of others should have nothing to hide. This includes plitical officials up to and including the president.
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