Were we in medieval times I would half expect Crystal Mersh to ride into town upon her steed, climb the stone steps of the Calhoun County Courthouse, swing wide the iron doors of the building and enter into the presence of kings of the county and cast her gauntlet down before them proclaiming ”The decision is yours gentlemen!”
But we do not live in that era of time, we live in the days of horse powered cars and social media and the gauntlet would be a letter addressed to all three of the Calhoun County Commissioners, Michael Hicks, Matthew Walker and Kevin Helmick, from Crystal Mersh which reads as follows:
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Dear Commissioners,
In anticipation of a large crowd for the April 19th meeting, I would respectfully request that you ensure adequate size of meeting room and seating. I should imagine it will be well in excess of 100 and the citizens need and have right to have access to their government. The last two meetings we had senior citizens needing to stand throughout the meeting which is unacceptable.
Also, we anticipate a significant amount of press (print, TV, radio, etc) and the press will need to be accommodated as well.
I would also suggest that the technology is improved. Such important meetings as Commission Meetings should not be run off of an I-Pad with poor sound etc. Can you please upgrade this technology before April 19?
I respectfully request that the three discuss options and revert back to me with a response on my request. I would be most grateful for a consolidated response copying all parties.
And last but not least, if you have any remaining questions or information requests for The 1982 Foundation, please submit those to me by April 11 at 5:0pm EDT. This will allow us time to answer your questions in writing prior to the meeting so that you have all the necessary information for you decision regarding the Wayne Underwood field. We will NOT be answering any more questions after those posed or requested on April 11. As I indicated to Mr. Hicks this past week and in the last meeting, The Foundation will accept whatever decision made on April 19th regarding the field as final from the standing commission, and we will also interpret no decision as “no”. We have earth to move and our fiduciary responsibility precludes us to waste money by moving it twice.
Sincerely,
Crystal J. Mersh
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Crystal is not the only member of society that has requested an audience with the Calhoun County Commission. The supporters of The 1982 Foundation have grown in number and will be presenting a lengthy list of signatures from Calhoun County residents requesting the Commission convey the Wayne Underwood Field to The 1982 Foundation for the purpose of development. They have gone door to door, set up signing booths in the community and area businesses have provided counter space to encourage signatures.
Robert Duskey went so far as to cast down his own gauntlet on Social Media with those who are hoping to fill the soon to be vacant position of Michael Hicks.
All four Candidates responded in favor of the conveyance:
Another interesting correspondence with the Commissioners took place in December of 2021 when Crystal Mersh wrote the Commissioners, advising them of her intent for business development that could possibly create more business opportunities for Calhoun County:
The response from the Commission did not exude enthusiasm:
It’s probably a good thing we’re not in medieval times, else the civility that has been shown might not be present. Even though this is a hot button topic in the community, those in opposition to the Calhoun County Commission have taken strides through their organized efforts to encourage calm. Not desiring to look unprofessional or uncontrolled in their efforts. A position that the Ridgeview News much appreciates with much of our beloved United States burning down their cities, it’s good to show that West Virginians are a class act.
