A packed house for the August 12th, 2025 Calhoun Commission Meeting made for brought some new faces to the meeting and a rising interest in the recently passed Dilapidated Structure Ordinance.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer the meeting was called to order by Commission President Craig Arthur who then opened the floor to delegations.
1982 Foundation President Crystal Mersh updated the Commission and crowd on the exciting ventures on the Avalon Campus. The Mersh’s (Robin and Crystal) have invested to date $15,620,130 into the varying projects of the 1982 Foundation. 2.4 Million of which was funding from WV grants.
The 1982 Foundation has provided seven full ride University and College Scholarships to Calhoun Students who have all majored in heath care and science. Also by way of youth investments the 1982 Foundation has doubled their youth employment having 16 youth employed this summer with Pool revenue to date, in three month’s time reaching $65,000 dollars. Several residents and organizations have provided free swimming for
Through out the summer various people have donated funding to provide free swimming passes to the tune $8,400, which is 13% of their total revenue. Mrs. Mersh said that “That’s God’s work in one of the poorest counties in one the poorest States in the U.S. The 1982 Foundation have provided $15,500 in donations to various people and causes.
So far as the construction is concerned, Mrs. Mersh said that they are just a few weeks away from beginning the sheetrock installation in the main building. The preschool is slated for opening this coming fall which will be a Montessori style teaching method.
In the spring of 2026 the main building will begin opening with the first floor which will house fifty crafters and food sources which will derive from Calhoun County first and then be opened the West Virginia area. There has already been great interest by people desiring to set up in the new facility. The shops will be called “Collective Consignment.”
The Apartments will open in the spring as well as the event center/gymnasium and the American Grill serving American chops opening late spring or early summer. The fall of 2026 will bring the opening of the Recovery Center and the Agricultural Center followed by a K-12 School that will accommodate 100 children on the mail floor of the building.
Upcoming events are the celebration of 100 years of football this Saturday, August 16th Labor Day Blow out, September 6th Recovery Event and the annual Fall Festival on October 4th.
Second to speak under delegations was Calhoun dispatcher, Mike Yeager. Mr. Yeager told the Commission that it had come to his attention through Facebook posts that someone didn’t like the way he recently dispatched a call at the ball field regarding a child. He wanted the community to know that he had dispatched the information he was given.” We try our best to do what we do,” he said, saying that the call came in that a child had “throat trouble.” The throat trouble ended up being asthma related, but the dispatcher was not informed of that by the caller. The series of events that occurred from the call, was the call coming in at 7:36 p.m. and dispatched 3 minutes later; the ambulance arrived in 11 minutes and got to the hospital in 14 minutes. Those are very good response times. Yeager further stated that when people don’t give the dispatchers the proper information they attempt to find out what’s going on. “Ive had them hang up, get irritated and want an ambulance immediately which is not possible. Don’t get on facebook and make the 911 center look like idiots, when they’re not. Come out and talk to us or call to find out why it didn’t work like you thought it should. If people would contact the people in charge rather than talk about it on social media it could stop a lot of the gossip,” he said.
Commissioner Jacob McCumbers, who served as was a dispatcher for ten years agreed with Mr. Yeager and encouraged the community to stay away from Social Media outcries.
Gaylen Duskey, Editor of the Calhoun Chronicle spoke to congratulate the Commission for doing well, and said that he was glad they’re addressing the dilapidated dwelling issue. He also said that as the Editor, when he firsts arrived at the Chronicle the county was playing the game. “let’s hide the agenda.” He said that he was glad the commissioners took care of it and are dealing well with the media.
Local resident Martha Harris, spoke To the Commission about the recent passing of the dilapidated dwelling ordinance. “I understand the need to keep your property up. Her home that she and her husband lived in, is not unoccupied. But it’s listed as abandoned with the Pleasant Hill PSD. She wanted the Commission to know that she did not attend the Commission meetings when the ordinance was being discussed, because she trusted the Commissioner’s judgement. Commenting on how Eric Lupardus and Jacob McCumbers had both helped her during the medical treatment and loss of her husband. But the ordinance for which they signed was not a “one size fits all,” she said.
Patricia Cain also spoke regarding the ordinance saying that she wasn’t at the meetings because she didn’t know about it. “I am a proud owner of a heritage home that would have been deemed unfit when we first moved in. I would have been fined in accordance to the ordinance. I’m not understanding the ordinance. I’m a widow. $20,000 has come out of my savings account to take care of my husband’s medical bill. I don’t have the money to do costly repairs. I have friends who live in homes that are in need of repairs and could be charged or have their home confiscated if it’s not done. I was told we needed to clean house at election time. We did. I don’t understand this ordinance because we are heavily populated by widows and widowers who can’t afford it. Do they have to defend or humble themselves to keep their homes?” She asked. “You did not have our interest at heart when you voted for this. There is a statewide ordinance that all counties are under. We have a harmful ordinance. The Bible says there is poor and will always be poor among you. I have little trust because you put this out. Id like you to do something. We are safe with you, but what about the future leaders?”
Commissioner Lupardus was the first to speak on the matter saying that the Ordinance was on the Agenda for consideration of revision. It’s our responsibility he said.
An Arnoldsburg resident, Ronda Lane informed the Commission that there was a dump and two dilapidated dwellings that are preventing her from selling a home. She wanted to know how they would move forward with the ordinance or with the person they hire to take care of litter control; also asking if the WVDNR could do something to make her neighbor clean up the property.
West Fork resident Reed Krack told the Commission regarding the ordinance that they needed to take the Bible to heart because he felt that the ordinance was most discriminatory. He shared his love for the woods and his care of his home, but that he didn’t want it pushed on people who couldn’t afford it. He too had not heard of the ordinance until it was passed, saying that he received the Chronicle and had just recently discovered Ridgeview News. He believed that there is an easier solution than “running people away.” “I used to give away my junk cars. That’s an easier solution than tearing down an old house that means something to someone.” He suggested their focus be on reliable phone service, water and internet. “I love this county,” Mr. Krack said regarding the statement about a Rising tide that lifts all boats, it also sinks some. He suggested there had been a lot of cheerleading by Ridgeview News and the Calhoun Chronicle for the Commission, but that they shouldn’t forget about the people. “My wife died in my house, I also plan to” he said, “unless I get ran out.” His advice for the commission was to table the ordinance for while because it doesn’t seem morally right to take what someone has because they can’t take care of it.
Commissioner Lupardus told Mr. Krack that he would like to work with him moving forward and that they (the Commission) didn’t understand that they didn’t run the ordinance long enough.
Shannon Newcomb, another resident speaking on the unsafe structure ordinance told the Commission that it personally won’t effect her. But it angered her because the ordinance is infringement on the freedom that we’re supposed to have. She spoke regarding the private land and wanted to know how her Barn was an issue on private land? She was informed that according to the ordinance it was not an issue. She believed that the ordinance violates Amendment 4 of the U.S. Constitution and that 70% of the people in Calhoun on disability and retirement couldn’t afford to take care of their properties causing them to fall under the ordinance for violation.
A relatively new, and now very active citizen, Edward Lott, informed Ms. Newcomb that any agriculture land is exempt which is the majority of the county. However a future commission he said can “Weaponize the ordinance to take someone’s property.”
Vern Walker told the Commission that the county has lost it’s pride. “You shouldn’t have to tell people to clean up their property. I hear all the negativity, I would like to say something positive; but why can’t we work something out?” He asked. Mr. Walker’s sentiment on working it out, seemed to be one shared by most of the people in that room. But Mr. Reed Krack took offense to the “pride” statement saying that “This community hasn’t lost it’s pride. It’s lost it’s youth.” Ridgeview thought both those statement’s bore weight.
Chronicle Editor, Gaylen Duskey piped up and said that he was “Proud of the people that came here tonight and raised Hell. I’m proud of the way you’ve handled it and how you’re working through it!”
Commissioner Lupardus stated that even as the ordinance stands now, 90% of the properties in Calhoun County are exempt from the Dilapidated Unsafe Structures Ordinance.
Under the business of the meeting, the minutes from the prior meeting was approved and passed.
Three Calhoun Citizens are needed for a Livestock Claim Review Committee. The Commissioners are making it a priority to seek these individuals out due to local farmers needing reimbursed for loss of livestock. Interested persons should contact the Commissioners and the matter will be added to next month’s agenda.
Project Manager and Architect Marsha Benson will be working on a Contract for the Commission to determine the scope of the Courthouse project waterline repairs and an elevator.
Permission was given for the county to accept the Proposed Opioid settlements with Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Indivior, Myla, Sun and Zydus.
The Calhoun Commission is Considering the hiring of a Part-Time Property/Recreation Development Mapping Specialist. Eric Lupardus has been working with the State to provide an online digital mapping of off-road areas which would be the first in the state. This will be placed back on the agenda for time to speak with a Senator and the tourism dept. The partime job would be a one to two day a month position for 3 months.
A Funding Request was made by the Saundra Johnson Aquatic Center’s Pool Manager, Ian Persinger on behalf of the co-op team; a group of 16 youth who meet weekly to create business opportunities at the pool. Mr. Persinger requested the County give $1,000 to sponsor 200 people to swim free on the final day of the summer season, September 1st. The commission read and considered the request stating that they had given the Halloween event $1,000, therefore a motion was made and passed by two of the three Commissioners (Arthur and Lupardus). Persinger had completed and submitted a non-profit application for the request. Throughout the 2025 summer – 1,680 youth have been gifted the opportunity to swim by community donors.
Commissioner Lupardus made a motion to suspend the Dilapidated and Unsafe Property ordinance for 6 months to allow the commission, their attorney’s and citizens to come up with an ordinance that will eliminate anyone losing their homes. Commissioner Arthur stated that DEP funding for the removal of dilapidated structures requires an ordinance be in place.
It was on the agenda for the consideration of opening an Upper West Fork Station for Ambulance/Sheriff to help cut response time and help during a crisis. Jacob McCumbers said that he liked having added emergency services anywhere in the county.
Jason Wilson, Minnie Hamilton’s EMS Director spoke to the Commission requesting that they be very cautious moving forward because currently Minnie Hamilton does not have the funding to staff the West Fork. He also was concerned about having to share a building with the Sheriff’s Department and agencies working side by side in the same facility.
Commissioner Lupardus stated that this could be a five year project and we shouldn’t rule it out before we even try to get funding.
Under Commissioner Updates Commissioner Jacob McCumbers stated that the Mid Ohio Valley Health Department is working with the WIC Program, and a New Health Inspector is to be hired. He also spoke for the Calhoun County Park Board reporting that the Appalachian Classic Bike Race is back on the agenda to be considered.
Commissioner Lupardus stated that he and County Administrator Jennifer Randolph had attended the mandatory State Auditor’s Training. He also told the community that he had received a call from the WV Division of Tourism which had embarrassed him for the citizens of Calhoun County.
An un-named person had filed a FOIA request with the Division of Tourism to know how they selected who got the “Almost Heaven Swing” in Calhoun county. Between that the nasty and unsupportive statements on social media by a few select member of the community, they took Calhoun County off the list for receiving the swing until the County can stop the division and get their act together. “I was embarrassed that people are working against this county. This county has been successful at stopping businesses and opportunities and we need to stop that kind of nonsense,” Lupardus bluntly said. “I’m nervous about the swing. Only one organization applied on the swing and they should receive it. The park did not apply?” Lupardus asked Commissioner McCumbers. To which McCumbers stated, “he thought they did.” Even though Park President Donnie Pitts clearly said that once the park discovered the 1982 Foundation had applied, they did not submit an application.
Lupardus continued with “Tourism has put the swing on hold, the back door deals and phone calls have caused Calhoun to lose. They (Charleston) has never seen this kind of trouble and until we get rid of this pride and start working together we’re never going to get anything accomplished. Put pride aside and work together to make things happen. I want calhoun to have a swing, and I don’t want to have apologize and be embarrassed.”
Looking toward Mr. McCumbers Lupardus asked “Can you make a commitment to resolve this issue of difference of opinions? We have to be able to work through this, and we have to get back in the good graces of the department of tourism. Tourism has been here and looked at the location, and even they said that Avalon would have more visitors.
Commissioner Arthur then stated to those that cause strife. We’re better than this , we’re fighting over a swing, and the people who have attacked people should be ashamed. We have got to work together. We don’t want strife. We may have to have some hard conversations. Those same people that have caused the strife have done very little to help the youth in this county.
Under the Sheriff’s Report, Sheriff Graham Knight reported that the work continues on the Wv state police building entrance to allow the Sheriffs Department access to their DUI equipment testing and is nearing completion.
The Sheriffs department has held four civil service exams and one has passed who will be interviewed for a Deputy position this Friday, August 15th.
The Sheriff’s department had 141 calls last month.
Commissioner McCumbers spoke on behalf of the Little Kanawha Area Development Corporation stating that Director Shelia Burch had worked to purchase Minnich’s Florist and are looking for investors as well as working to have a Level Two Environmental Study done on the former BFG for potential future businesses.
Monday – quarterly meeting with the little kanawha are development
Buying minnichs, looking for investors
Having a level 2 environmental study done on the bfg building
Director Kelli Barr of Calhoun 911/OES gave the commissioners three solicited bids for a new mapping system.
Commissioner Lupardus asked if she had advertised it, which she stated that she did not but was getting ready to and requested to know where it had to be advertised.
Sheriff Knight requested the Consideration of the Commission to hire a Litter Control Officer. Interviews were done and the position was offered to Matthew Hall. The Commission agreed that the $8,000 annual position would be at $14.00 per hour until the money was exhausted.
Regarding the Benefits Advisory Board the Commission needed an employee to step up and take the position but none applied, therefore the commission will continue without an employee on the board to revise the handbook. ,
The Cabot Station Recycling Center has lost a vital grant to the agency according to Commissioner Lupardus and they are working with Senator Maynor for another funding opportunity. According to the director Lisa Cooper, the loss of the grant will severely impact the operation of the center.
County Administrator Jennifer Randolph and Sheriff Graham Knight have written a grant for a side by side, an upgrade of Motorola radios, upgraded body armor and other items in the amount of $78,000 requested. The federal application has been submitted but no word on the award.
An additional grant was written by Mrs. Randolph to replace the lighting in the courthouse with LED lighting at a cost of $42,000.
Address to contact the Calhoun County Commission – P.O. Box 230, Grantsville, WV 26147.
Next Commission Meeting Date: Monday, August 25, 2025 @ 6pm.
