By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
PARSONS – Tucker County FFA Advisor Terry Hauser told Tucker County Commissioners that a dozen FFA Students would be traveling to the National Conference in
“It is so important to get them out on these trips so they can experience the world,” Hauser said. “There is so much beyond our borders that often they don’t get to see. I think everyone would agree some of our best citizens are those who leave Tucker County to receive those experiences and then return. They have a different outlook on the world and a global perspective. That is usually what we need to be good community leaders.”
Hauser said he appreciated the support from the Commission and from the community.
“This year, we have hooked up with students from East Hardy Middle School as well as Moorefield High School,” Hauser said. “We are staying on a farm and it is a great opportunity for fellowship among the students. They share and prepare for this trip.”
“I think this is a good investment in our future,” Commissioner Diane Hinkle said. “I think it is worth investing in the registration fees for these students.”
This year, the location for the National FFA Convention is in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Commissioners voted to fund the student registration and parking fees for a total of $1,100.
“We are very proud of you,” Commission President Lowell Moore said.
Also during Wednesday’s meeting, Dustin Luzier, of the Tucker County Day Report Center, said they are partnering with a billing agency to bill Medicaid and credential their operations.
Joe Long, maintenance director, said after months of work, the new Tucker County Animal Shelter building is up and running. Moore said there will be a ribbon cutting at some point.
Commissioners approved seven road names in the county – Frost Fang Drive, Stone Ridge Way, Tall Tale Lane, Old Hannasville Lane, Lovely View Drive, Al Brown Road and Utility Road.
Commissioner Diane Hinkle spoke about residents experiencing trouble with Frontier phone services.
“Since then, we learned that Cortland Acres experienced issues as well as Women’s Aid in Crisis,” Hinkle said. “Yesterday, we met with Senator Manchin, the FCC Chair and representatives from every carrier in the state of West Virginia. We spoke with Kathy Kusko from Frontier in Charleston and she said she would take our concerns to the next level. We asked they come to a Commission meeting or get in touch with us to answer to these issues directly. It is a real public safety issue.”
Tucker County Senior Center Director Roxanne Tuesing said she contacted Frontier about WAIC and said after 26 days of being without service, their internet is now fixed.
Hinkle said she had residents contact her about the Red Creek Fires.
“Troy Watsky sent a report for me to offer that said the closure of the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area was lifted on October 5 and all trails are now often. The fire ban in the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area is still on until weather conditions improve,” Hinkle said.
Moore said there is a meeting set up with all medical providers in Tucker County at 4 p.m. Nov. 2 at Blackwater Falls State Park to discuss specific needs and what gaps exist.
Commissioner Patrick Darlington said the state has enforces some sign permitting that have been on the books for years.
“The sign identifying Camp Kidd and the Fair is in violation,” Darlington said. “We need to get new signs and get permits for the sign.”
Darlington said the Tucker County Ambulance Authority did not meet because of some sad circumstances, but said they would get back on track in November to discuss ESPs request to be added into the 911 rotation.
“As of Tuesday, Corridor H is open to Davis,” Darlington said. “I have not heard any information on ribbon cuttings, but I will let you know.”
Tucker County Clerk Sherry Simmons offered a tribute to Linda Cale, who was the former Tucker County Clerk who recently passed away.
“Linda was sweet – she was stern; she was sassy. She was strong. Linda was a mother, a coworker, my friend and our clerk. She worked hard all of her life. She loved her family, she loved the county. She was a lady of faith. I owe her a lifetime of gratitude and I will miss her very much. I would like to send the Cale family our deepest, deepest sympathy,” Simmons said.
The next Tucker County Commission meeting is slated for 9 a.m. November 16 at the Tucker County Courthouse Courtroom.