By: Jennifer Britt
The Parsons Advocate
Unity Way Regional Engagement Director, Angela Daniels, presented the Tucker County Commission with a proclamation to proclaim Thursday, October 27 as United Way Day throughout Tucker County. The proclamation encourages businesses and community members to support the local Tygart Valley United Way through time, talent, and treasure this season. Tygart Valley United Way is a five-county regional United Way serving Marion, Randolph, Taylor, Barbour, and Tucker counties.
According to the approved and signed proclamation, “The Tygart Valley United Way mobilizes the power of individuals and communities through blocks of education, health, and financial stability. Last year local citizens generously contributed more than $620,000 to the Tygart Valley United Way and thereby investing in stronger communities. Thirty-two regional nonprofit organizations put those dollars to use throughout 46 programs to provide food, shelter, healthcare, emergency assistance, and more. Crucial services were provided to 30,661 members of our community last year. Our community is a better place when more people live with hope and opportunity.”
Interim 911 Director, Mike Simmons, reported to the commission that during the month of September there were 1002 calls made to the 911 call center. Of those 1002 calls 125 were for law enforcement, 92 were calls for EMS, eight were Company 10, Company 20 had six calls, Company 30 had eight calls, and Company 40 had six calls.
Company 10 is the Parsons Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1932. Davis Volunteer Fire Department is Company 20 and has been operating since October of 1937. Company 30 began in early 1982 as the Canaan Valley Station of the Davis Volunteer Fire Department. On September 26, 1985, the Canaan Valley Volunteer Fire Department was chartered. The Thomas Volunteer Fire Department was established in January of 1950 and is considered Company 40.
Simmons spoke on two upcoming projects, “We are going to be starting the installation of the virtual server. That will take our shelf life of our servers from the four-to-five years, we are at now to about 12 years. It gives us a lot of lead way to do other things because we are going to be changing our Cad System.” Simmons explained the new Cad map will be tailored to the county and enable 911 to have aerial photos and street views from call areas while also enabling 911 to be more interactive with first responders.
After Simmons finished his report Commissioner Fred Davis said to Simmons, “You are headed in the right direction with your employees, and I appreciate that.”
New business on the commissioner’s agenda included approving a site for a new animal shelter and having the TCHS FFA cater the Christmas dinner again this year.
Commissioner Mike Rosenau motioned to have the four acres owned by the commission near the high school be obligated for a new animal shelter site. The motion was conditional upon the Tucker County Animal Shelter Director Bailey Falls obtaining all needed grant funding for the shelter. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Christmas dinner for the Tucker County employee dinner will again be catered by the TCHS FFA members. Davis said, “I would like to have them come and do it again. They work for their money that they always come and ask us for. They did a wonderful job last year. It was a delicious meal. They make money and it helps them out.” Rosenau agreed with Davis. Motion was carried to set tentative date of December 9 for the Christmas dinner dependent upon availability of the FFA members.
The next Tucker County Commission meeting will be held on October 26, 2022, at 4 p.m. and located in the Tucker County Courthouse Courtroom at 211 First Street, Parsons.