The Calhoun County Commission met on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 at 9 a.m. p.m. The meeting was opened by Commissioner Eric Lupardus with Commission President Craig Arthur attending by phone from Glenville, WV. Commissioner McCumbers was not present and no mention was made as to why he was absent. Several question arose no the Facebook live meeting thread as to why the meeting was held when Commissioners could not be present and why have a daytime meeting when the Commissioners have other jobs?
The fact of the matter is when all three Commissioner’s ran for office, and countless Commissioners in the past were in office, most all had other jobs. They were fully well aware of the need to be available for daytime meetings. While it’s important for the general public to attend, and evening meetings accommodate that, it’s very important for the business world to be available to attend as well. There are people who are hired in county, state and the business industry positions to attend County Commission meetings and have a vested interest who are not paid to spend their evenings in work meetings. Those people need daytime meetings and our county needs their presence and action in our local government. That is why the Commissioners determined months ago to begin having two monthly meetings, one daytime and one evening. For a few months all meetings were held in the evening and there were people who would have like to have attended, unable to attend.
Ridgeview News brought this matter up at the last meeting, which is why the meeting was changed to a daytime meeting. So, if that was an issue, I guess you can blame me.
Commissioner Arthur was recently hired in Gilmer County Schools to teach. He did accommodate the county by attending via phone, which is perfectly fine and gives him the opportunity to speak and vote. Commissioner McCumbers had intended on attending but did not appear.
Under Delegations, Doug Gallagher of Grantsville asked the Commission to consider the purchase of the former Super Service building. Commissioner Lupardus’ response was that the building is privately owned. Mr. Gallagher then suggested that the County take over the City Government due to the loss of their recorder and other issues. Commissioner Lupardus stated that it was in the best interest of the County to have a municipal Government. But Gallagher further complained that the City cannot even provide their current financials. Commissioner Lupardus then suggested that it be a matter for the citizens to petition for something to be done.
Commissioners Lupardus and Arthur approved the August 19th, and August 25th, 2025 minutes.
Earlier in the year the County Commission had attempted to have a youth contest for the design of a County Logo for the Commission which was met with no response. The Commission voted to open the contest to all Calhoun citizens and former residents who would like to submit a logo for the contest.
An updated agreement was approved for the Little Kanawha Area Development Corporation’s space in the Courthouse Annex. A $9,000 check was received by the County for annual rental space from Director Shelia Burch. Mrs. Burch informed the commission that she continues to work on the Minnich Florist building project which if successful will staff youth for a business teaching venture. In addition the former BFG building on Route 7 in Grantsville is on phase 2 with an environmental study that she hopes will be complete by spring adn the Data Centers are still meeting with the LKADC to resolve infrastructure issues.
West Virginia State Treasurer Larry Pack recently visited Calhoun with funding from the Unclaimed property division. Mr. Pack was very impressed as he toured the 1982 Foundation property for which the Daycare Center has come along quite nicely in completion. One of the biggest hurdles for Calhoun citizens and state wide is the issue with daycare available. The 1982 Foundation’s Daycare facility will go along way to assist parents with this problem.
Commissioner Lupardus continues to work on County wide mapping having recently traveled to Charleston where he met with members of the WV Department of Transportation. The mapping system will be done for area trails systems which will be available on the county website for motorcycle, cars, walking, with links to information. Calhoun will be the first in the state to work on this and are looking to partner with career center and colleges to get students involved to assist with mapping. Commissioner Lupardus said that this exciting opportunity will fast track calhoun into the future of digital travel information.
LKADC Director Shelia Burch asked Commissioner Lupardus about the private property effect of the system which he responded saying, “The system will delineate between county and private property, and even assisting people not familiar with the area by advising them they are trespassing if they accidentally get on private property. They will also work on making signs available that warn of private property entrance.
The County is currently working on FOIA request responses for information on funding given to the Town of Grantsville which will be available upon request and on the next month’s agenda for an in depth discussion.
The County Commission will be meeting with the O&M Board to get an idea of how many tables and chairs are needed for the new O&M building to conduct meetings.
Under Commissioner updates Commissioner Lupardus stated that he had a good day at the Capital working with the WV Division of Transportation and that he is proud of what Calhoun has to offer for tourism with food, bluegrass music, trails, etc. we however need to get better at marketing ourselves. Jerry Bain told Lupardus that “we are the ideal Appalachian community. We need to own it and share who we are.”
Another event that Commissioners Lupardus and Arthur wanted to promote is the October 18th Statewide Revival at Calhoun County Park.
Under the Sheriff’s Report, Sheriff Graham Knight informed the Commission that there were ten arrest last month and that they are currently having an issue in the County with people illegally passing school busses during student pick up and drop off. Sheriff Knight announced that those having an issue with school bus stops need to leave earlier than the normal hours of student pick up and deliver. The bus drivers have a job to get students to school and home safely. He warned that his only requirement is the report of a license plate number. The owner of the car will then be charged and summoned to answer in Magistrate Court, whether or not they were the one driving. “There is no more tolerance,” he said. “A car last week was going so fact it slid past the bus and then backed up. It’s ridiculous.”
Director Kelli Barr of Calhoun 911 and OES provided her monthly report of calls received, stated that there were eight applicants for a could 911 hiring positions and they are currently extending the application process for two more weeks.
Director Barr requested a $10,000 pay raise across the board for Calhoun OES and 911 staff of seven and asked what had happened to the $800,000 that was in her account. The matter of the raises will be considered next month and the $800,000 was “ transferred to an interest bearing CD account which is able to be withdrawn within 24 hours if needed,” according to Lupardus.
Commissioner Lupardus reminded the community that September 20th is West Virginia tread lightly day to clean up county, streets, roads and trails. The Cabot Station recycling center will have a dumpster available. He noted that twenty bags had been gathered by Brenda bush (possibly with friends) and that she is determined that Calhoun wins for the greatest amount of trash removed from the county.
