By Beth Christian
Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
PARSONS – Governor Earl Ray Tomblin confirmed the recommendation for members of the Tucker County Cultural District Authority and Tucker County Clerk Sherry Smith administered the Oath of Office to the new and reappointed members at Wednesday’s Tucker County Commission meeting.
Commissioner Diane Hinkle and Brad Moore were reappointed to the Authority board and Tucker County CVB Executive Director Jessica Scowcroft was newly appointed. The mission of the Authority is to preserve and advance Tucker County’s culture. The Tucker County Cultural District Authority was authorized by the State of West Virginia Legislature during the 2013 Regular Session.
West Virginia Delegates Randy Smith, R-Preston; and Danny Wagner, R-Barbour; who represent Tucker County, attended Wednesday’s meeting. Neither Delegate opted to speak during the meeting except to say they were “happy to be there.”
Tucker County Community Corrections Director Justin Luzier addressed the Commissioners about his grant presentation in Charleston.
“We went yesterday for our grant presentation in Charleston,” Luzier said. “Commissioner Lowell Moore, Tucker County Prosecuting Attorney Ray LaMora, Tucker County Deputy Edward Surguy and I went (for the presentation) so we had representation from all aspects of the county.”
Luzier said he was nervous before the presentation because they grant application was for more money than last year.
“I don’t think our presentation could have gone better,” Luzier said. “They did not question our budget or anything in our grant presentation. They commended us for attending all of the meetings they set. With us for our work as a small county and commended us for going to all of the trainings.”
Luzier said he was very pleased with the presentation and said he will hear about the results of the grant request by the first part of June.
“The increase we asked for was so Elizabeth can go from part time to full time,” Luzier said. “The committee seemed to be okay with this change. Last year they had $6.8 million and this year the state budget has been cut to $6.3 million. So everyone must take a cut somewhere.”
Luzier said the Tucker County Community Corrections has the highest success rate in the state.
“Our success rate is 86 percent. Our numbers speak for themselves.”
Moore commended Luzier on his presentation in Charleston.
“He did a professional job,” Luzier said. “The committee listened to him and everything he said made sense. They did not question anything he said. I thought Tucker County really looked good yesterday and I want to thank you.”
Luzier said this year’s grant was for $112,600 – last year’s request was for $90,000. “Last year we served a total of 41 clients and to date this year, we have served more than 50,” Luzier said.
Also during Wednesday’s meeting, Tucker County Commissioners
-Voted to approve the appointment of Jesica D. Streets as the Tucker County Extension Agent in Training.
-Voted to approve the appointment of Kate Parker to the Tucker County Historical Landmark Commission.
-Voted to approve, with regret, the resignation of Robert Gilligan from the Tucker County Development Authority Board; the resignation of Cynthia A. Phillips from the Tucker County Historical Landmarks Commission; and the resignation of Bobby Phillips from the Tucker County Ambulance Authority.
-Voted to approve the hiring of Roberta Helmick as part time animal shelter employee.
Because of a conflict, the Commission meeting set for May 27 is cancelled. The next Tucker County Commission meeting is slated for 9 a.m. June 10.
