The spirit of Brogan Raddish, who passed away in 2009 while barely a teenager, shines brightly in Monongah.

So does the Christmas street light at Brogan Raddish playground. Every night.

It’s on a Murray Energy pole with a photo-cell.

And the first phase of the Monongah playground improvements is only $4,500 short of the $20,500 cost.

Mayor Greg Vandetta said that phase one includes resurfacing the basketball court, 3 musical pieces of equipment and a sign language panel.

“A couple of grants, the town’s contribution and donations from businesses and citizens” came within $4,500 of paying for phase one, Greg reports.

He added:

 “Phase two will include an addition to the current play area and a piece of equipment geared to older children.

“Phase three will be replacement of the sand with rubber playground mulch. I still have a few places to apply to for funds to complete phase one.”

Brogan’s parents are Marcie Goush Raddish of Monongah and Mark Raddish of Fairmont.

Brogan’s grandmother, Dietta Harden Goush, Class of 1959, has conducted fundraising for a decade for the Brogan Raddish Scholarship Fund for students in Monongah. Dietta is an assistant teacher at North Central Community Action. 

The kayak launch ramp will be installed within a month with assistance from Marion County Parks & Recreation. MCPR's executive director is Tony Michalski, Ramona’s son, and the guiding hand behind the assist to Monongah.

And young people from the Cross of Christ Church and Girl Scouts will be busy planting flowers in various Monongah sites.

Brogan was 14 when she passed away from Ewing's Sarcoma, a cancer which usually starts in the bone.

But her spirit lives on in Monongah at her playground next to the Rails and Trails by the Monongah town parking lot.

If you want to contribute to the Brogan scholarship fund, make out a check to:

Brogan Raddish Scholarship Fund

 And mail it to:

Dietta Harden Goush

675 Cottage Street
Monongah, WV 26554