ST. CLAIRSVILLE — St. Clairsville’s mayor and her favorite furry companion took a stroll down Main Street to welcome back local businesses Wednesday afternoon.

Mayor Kathryn Thalman and her dog Sammy Saint Clair went for an afternoon walk through the city to thank business owners and welcome them back after coronavirus-related restrictions were lifted on non-essential businesses. Over the past few weeks many local businesses have begun to take steps toward reopening after being closed for the past couple of months due to Gov. Mike DeWine ordering the closure of all non-essential business amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Thalman and Sammy, a 6-month-old English Collie, began their walk at the city’s municipal building. The duo then made their way down Main Street stopping at various businesses along the way.

“We want to welcome businesses back. … (We want) to tell people we’re so glad they’re back, hang in there, maintain your safety precautions,” she said.

Some of the recently opened businesses Thalman visited on her walk Wednesday included Kent’s Barber Shop, the St. Clairsville Public Library, Three Labs Salvage and America’s CBD Store.

Thalman said the walks are meant to be a part of her “Walking Wednesday,” a campaign promise she made when she ran for office in November.

“I promised to do the Walking Wednesday’s but I haven’t been able to due to COVID-19; and bad weather in February and March, so this will be our third walk we’ve been able to take,” she said.

Thalman said the walks are also meant to encourage residents to voice any concerns they may have regarding the city.

“I’m all about the people of this town. We have a wonderful little town,” she said.

“We just want people to know that we’re here for them and we’re praying for everyone through this COVID crisis and god bless our little town.”

Now that the weather has improved and coronavirus restrictions are beginning to lift, Thalman said that she plans to continue her Wednesday walks each week, weather permitting.

Additionally, the mayor said city officials are working toward holding a Fourth of July parade next month.

The parade will drive along Main Street and other streets in St. Clairsville. However, due to coronavirus restrictions on gatherings, residents will be encouraged to stay in the yards of their homes while the parade makes their way through town, she said.

“We’re going to ask people to cook out, maybe in their front yards. We’re not supposed to be gathering in groups yet, so we’ll bring the parade to them,” she said.

Thalman said officials are hoping to hold the parade around 7 p.m. July 4. Additional information will be announced at a later date.