The Calhoun County Commission met Monday, March 9th at 1:30 p.m. for their regular monthly meeting. Commissioners Eric Lupardus, Craig Arthur and Lee Rush recognized two Calhoun Student wrestlers, one being the first female in Calhoun County to win in a State Tournament in Charleston, WV. Charlotte Bain and Cooper Summers both received Hometown Hero certificates. The two will travel to Junior States Competition in Parkersburg for their next competition.
City Net representative Melissa O’Brien updated the Commission on the City Net Installation of fiber internet bringing access to many areas that have had little to no service. Citynet is a 100% West Virginia-owned company with more than two decades of experience delivering advanced technology solutions. At the forefront of fiber broadband, Citynet is expanding its 100% fiber network across West Virginia to many underserved and unserved areas. For information regarding your area’s installation availability call Citynet at 304- 848-5400.
Commissioner Lupardus stated that “The process has been exciting; it’s been years of long hours and planning and when 2030 gets here there should not be anyone not able to get (internet) services.
City Net has also been working to figure a way to have internet service at Calhoun County Park which has been unavailable.
Calhoun’s Economic Development Consultant, Megan Parsons, provided an EDA Update telling the Commission that she had been working for critical upgrades and expansions needed for industrial and residential businesses to locate themselve to Calhoun County. She had spent time on the County Adventure Park, identifying grants for small business and tourism as well as marketing exploration.
“There is currently an industry and small businesses interested in Calhoun county but we need to lay some ground work” said Commissioner Eric lupardus
Under Public comment Mr. Shawn Laughlin told the Commissioners that he curious about the demolition projects that would be coming out for bid soon. County Administrator Jennifer Arnold had found a FEMA grant to buy properties that are in the flood plane that are to be demolished. The project is currently in the assessment state for asbestos and once the presence or no presence of asbestos is determined the jobs will be advertised proportionately. The demolitions are quick turn projects as they must be completed by June 10th, 2026. The lowest qualified bidder will get the jobs.
The Commission wanted the public to be aware that this has nothing to do with a previously considered dilapidated structure ordinance. The properties being destroyed are in the flood plane and were purchased in 2022 with a grant that came into being in 2018. The four properties are located
- 1001 North Side, Grantsville, WV
- 1030 North Side, Grantsville, WV
- 514 East Little Kanawha Highway, Grantsville and
- 981 North Side, Grantsville.
Second to speak under delegations was Publisher Shari Johnson of the Ridgeview News. Mrs. Johnson requested that the Commission look into the matters involving the Town of Grantsville and the closure of the Grantsville City Office. She believes that the lack of access to a Government office infringes on the rights of the Citizens and that the Town Staff are attempting to incite fear regarding local news staff, Gaylen Duskey and Shari Johnson, through insinuations that the Town staff felt in fear of them. In fear of Mrs. Johnson who is 63 years of age, has had three heart attacks and poses no threat. And in fear of Gaylen Duskey, who is in his 70’s, disabled and unable to walk with ease. Both of which Mrs. Johnson considers ludicrous. The Town’s behaviors have assuredly costs the Community consideration of businesses locating in the area with their unprofessional manner of conducting a Government office.
Mrs. Johnson also expressed her concern for the status of the O&M consolidation project that involves Mt. Zion PSD, Pleasant Hill PSD and the Town of Grantsville. She stated that she does not feel it’s safe to have such a mismanaged agency governing public water and as a customer of the Mt. Zion PSD would like the commission to take action to get any funding or equipment provided to the Town back into the hands of the County that had been given to the town for O&M purposes.
Commissioner Lupardus stated that their Attorney Client confidentiality does not allow them to address the matter but that the Community could be assured the matter was being seriously addressed.
The Commission approved Minutes from the prior Commission Meetings with all being in favor.
Under Unfinished business, the Commission announced the recent social media logo contest winner. Eight entries were placed into a social media post with voting done through the number of “liked” entries. Entry A, by artisan Mason Snyder won with 44% of the votes. The new Calhoun County seal was approved by all three Commissioners.
County Clerk, Whitney Butler informed the Commission that the Calhoun Committee on Aging, Minnora Center approved the use of their facility as the location of Precinct 15 for the Primary Election. The Upper West Fork Fire Department and Upper West Fork Park Sycamore room are under consideration for Precinct 19 and will be announced when determined.
Precinct 15 was approved by the Commission.
The Calhoun County Park will host a Summer concert series which the Commission discussed the progress of. They continue to consider artisans and opportunities to create event traffic for the under utilized park. Administrator Randolph stated that no additional funding would be necessary for hosting the events with the Commission having $194,000 remaining in the parks and recreation budget.
Under the category of New Business the Calhoun Solid Waste Authority made a funding request for $15,622.25. Board member Dale Cunningham spoke about the positive impact the CSWA had made on the County, which the Commission agreed. After some discussion the Commission approved the funding for CSWA who lost partial grant funding which has created a budget deficit for payroll.
The efforts of the Calhoun Solid Waste Authority have removed tons of debris and tires from the communities of Calhoun. The annual “Make it Shine” project will once again occur the first weekend in April. CSWA Director Lisa Cooper told the Commission that 80 citizens had signed up to clean roadways and rivers for the event, but they were hoping to reach last years number of volunteers which was over 100 people.
The Commission is considering the addition of a 16×20 Public Service District Office in the newly acquired O&M building located in the Calhoun Industrial Park. Commissioner Lupardus recommended that the consider a floor plan and put the matter out for cost assessment. A work session on the matter will be held Monday, March 16th at 4 p.m.
Commissioner Lee Rush reported that the County Park Board met on March 5th where Erin Springston provided updates on the Appalachian Classic Bike Race. Other items up for discussion were the Tractor Shed being 90% complete, a March 19th Overlander Visit, April Egg Hunt and Fishing event and many other future dates that will be addressed in their own news announcement.
Commissioner Rush also met with the Building Commission and Minnie Hamilton to discuss acquiring plots of land for additional funding opportunities and expansion. Minnie Hamilton Administrator Steve Whited told the Commission that there will be an exciting announcement made by Minnie Hamilton in just a few weeks. Several positive comments were also made about the Phase 2 Construction of the Minnie Hamilton Health Systems building expansion which will make access to the area better and save lives with the new Helipad being built atop the building.
Commissioner Lupardus added the community encouragement of totaling the recent investment opportunities that have taken place in the County.
- Avalon is a 15 million dollar project of which 13 million was made by private investments.
- 2 Million dollar project in the School System.
- Norman Ridge Water Project 4.5 in infrastructure
- Potesta Engineering told to move forward with the West Fork Water Expansion project.
- A multimillion Route 5 project
- All of which brings Calhoun to having had 70 million dollars invested into our community and of that we should be proud!
It’s important now more than ever that the PSD’s and Town of Grantsville are solid for people to look at. We are a whole new county beating the doors down to promote our community.
Three new Local Emergency Planning Committee Members were appointed by the Commission:
- Scott Hicks
- Jordan Long
- Hollands Duffield
County Administrator Jennifer Randolph acquired a $147,000 fleet upgrade for the Calhoun Sheriff’s Department through a Congressional Spending Grant.
