Lewis County Community Guide April 29, 2020 by Mountaineer Newspapers

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LEWIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE Serving all of Lewis County, West Virginia

Planting Kindness One Smile at a Time

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Floral arrangement by Camden Creek Creations By Karli Hamrick Staff Writer WESTON — Camden Creek Creations is hoping to spread some cheer during this difficult time through their new program, Planting Kindness One Smile at a Time. The locally owned business is delivering geraniums to each resident at the Crestview Nursing Home, Weston Arbors, and Senior Citizens through the Meals on Wheels program. Owner Melissa Garrett expressed, “These residents have not seen their loved ones in weeks, and we would like to help put a smile on their face.” The business donated 30 colorful plants to kick the program off and asked for $3 donations to hit their goal of 300 plants so they could cover each location. Within 45 minutes of their initial Facebook post Monday afternoon, Garrett reported See Kindness on Page 6

Cities seek new sirens

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

By Kari Conaway Staff Writer

CHARLESTON — Governor Jim Justice resumed his daily press briefings via YouTube this week, providing updates on the state’s response efforts to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. Justice announced the cumulative percentage of West Virginia’s positive test results dropped below 3 percent, even after expanding testing to more areas. If the number stays below 3 percent for three consecutive days, Justice said he will start reopening more parts of the state. As of Tuesday morning, the state’s total was reportedly 2.66 percent. During Monday’s briefing, Justice presented “West Virginia Strong: The Comeback” plan via PowerPoint, showing the step-by-step process of reopening. The governor reminded businesses that this plan will allow places to reopen, but they will not be required to do so. This week marks week one of the plan, beginning with reopening hospitals and resuming elective medical procedures, such as outpatient healthcare for primary care, dentistry, physical and occupational therapy, psychological and mental health, and like services. Daycare facilities will also be permitted to resume business after all the staff have been tested. Week two is expected to allow small businesses with

less than 10 employees to reopen. Professional services, such as hair and nail salons, barbershops and dog grooming, may also reopen, but only by appointment and customers will need to wait in vehicles instead of inside, as well as wear masks and gloves during the visit. Outdoor dining at restaurants may reopen, as well as funerals and churches with limited gathering size, by every other pew. All of these businesses are required to maintain social distancing, utilizing sanitization and face coverings. For weeks three through six, Justice will permit the reopening of office and government buildings, specialty retail stores, parks (including restrooms and facilities at parks), gyms, fitness centers, recreational areas, dine-in restaurants, hotels, casinos, spas/massage parlors and other remaining small businesses. At this time, there is no timeline set for reopening nursing homes for visitation, gatherings larger than 25 people, or entertainment venues, including movie theaters, concerts and sporting events. Justice announced that the plan will be reevaluated if any unexpected increase is observed in COVID-19 positive hospitalizations, a significant outbreak of community-based transmission occurs, or the cumulative percentage of positive tests spikes past 3 percent. The

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Governor Jim Justice holds a live press briefing via YouTube on Tuesday afternoon. governor assured, “I think it’s a great plan. We’re going to monitor and watch and we’re going to take small steps. As we take small steps, we’ll see where we are. If we have got to stop, or slow, or back up, that’s what we’ll do.” While urging West Virginians to exercise caution, Justice emphasized that his team of experts feel the time is right for the Mountain State to begin slowly reopening. He explained, “Now we’re going to have to move forward. If we sit still, we’ll die. We cannot, forever, sit still. Too many bad things happen. We’ve got to

move forward.” As the process begins, Justice asks West Virginians to maintain physical distance, wear face coverings in public, especially when social distancing is harder to keep, continue to follow the Stay at Home order until it is lifted, follow all county Health Department regulations, and telework if and when possible. “I am so proud of you West Virginia. You absolutely just make me beam every minute. You’re the best of the best of See Justice on Page 6

BOE discusses Crestview Manor graduation and prom maintains health

By Kari Conaway Staff Writer

mentioned planning a zoom prom party for May 9, giving juniors and seniors the opportunity to enjoy a prom, while still social distancing. In other business, the board moved to the second reading of the Chapter 8.2.6 Extracurricular Transportation policy. Board member Mike Holden asked for a roll call vote. Holden, Connie Riffle and Paul Derico voted no. Phyllis Hinterer and Jim Flesher voted yes. The motion failed 2-3. The board had a discussion on COVID-19 and gave updates. Lewis updated on the sanitization of student’s items to return to their owners, as well as sanitizing the school and collecting books. President Jim Flesher reported on the State School Board Association conference call he and Lewis participated in on April

WESTON — The Lewis County Board of Education met Monday evening to discuss business. Members of the public were able to virtually attend the meeting telephonically. Superintendent Robin Lewis called Lewis County High School Principal John Whiston during the meeting, who spoke about a virtual graduation and organizing a gathering for students to see each other and wish each other good luck in future endeavors. LCHS is planning an opportunity, where in the span of seven days, every graduating student will have a chance to come to the school, accompanied by four family members, to accept their diploma. A videographer will take videos and piece the individual clips together as one graduation ceremony. Whiston also See BOE on Page 6

Weston’s emergency siren located at the city’s municipal building. By Kari Conaway Staff Writer WESTON — A lot of mixed feelings regarding Weston’s “fire whistle” were recently expressed on social media – some were thrilled to finally hear it go off again, while others expressed annoyance over an antiquated alert system. According to Bill Rowan, E911 Director for Lewis County Office of Emergency Management, it has been at least a See Sirens on Page 6

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JANE LEW — While nursing homes across the state are scrambling to contain coronavirus, Jane Lew’s Crestview Manor passed their tests with flying colors. The Lewis County Health Department (LCHD) issued a statement Tuesday morning, praising their success in maintaining the health of their facility. All 65 residents and 72 staff members have now reportedly tested negative for COVID-19. “We applaud Crestview Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation for their diligence in the fight against COVID-19,” the Health Department stated. On Monday, the Lewis County Office of Emergency Management and LCHD confirmed Lewis County’s fourth positive case of the novel coronavirus. No de-

mographics were provided for the individual, but the press release assured that the person was given proper guidance regarding testing and quarantining. As Governor Justice previously reported, William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital had an employee test positive. “Due to the protective measures already put in place, the staff and patients are considered to be at low risk from catching the disease from this individual. The affected employees and patients have already been tested and are awaiting results,” LCHD reported Tuesday. Health Department officials expect cases to continue to rise in the area, but this can be greatly minimized by maintaining proper social distancing and good hygiene. They emphasize that it is

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LEWIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE

Page 2

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

OBITUARIES

APRIL DAWN WARD April Dawn Ward, 46, of Jane Lew, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 24, 2020, at Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital in Weston. She was born in Weston on February 9, 1974, a daughter of the late Millie Harrison. Cherishing their memories of April are two children: Shawn Edwards and Marcus Harrison, both of Jane Lew; eight grandchildren: Hunter Edwards, Austyn Matthews, Isabella Edwards, Brian Edwards, Brianna Edwards, Sophia Harrison, Bryson Harrison, and Solamae Harrison; and her companion, Stephen Ward. April was a graduate of Lewis County High School. She was a cashier at Go-Mart and Valero in Jane Lew and gave in-home nursing care privately. But for the majority of her life, April was a homemaker and loved caring for her family and home. She especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren

JAMES “JIMMY” CARLTON HUGHES

and taking them to the park. April’s request for cremation has been honored and a Private Service will be held at a later date. We, at Pat Boyle Funeral Home and Cremation Service located at 144 Hackers Creek Rd. in Jane Lew, are honored and privileged to serve the family of April Dawn Ward. Online condolences may be expressed at www.PatBoyleFuneralHome.com.

James “Jimmy” Carlton Hughes, 60, of Weston joined his Lord and Savior after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital in Weston. He was born in Weston on November 14, 1959, a son of Huston “John” Hughes of Weston and the late Margaret McCray Hughes. In addition to his mother, his beloved Bassett Hound, Roscoe greeted Jimmy at Heaven’s Gates. Jimmy’s selfless and thoughtful nature will be remembered by his father, Huston “John” Hughes of Weston; two sisters: Christie Darlene Shulz and husband, David, of Lubbock, TX, and Janet Grace Fox and husband, James, of Fairmont; one brother, John Kevin Hughes of Weston; several nieces and nephews; and his Loyal Beagle Companion, Lucy. Jimmy graduated from Lewis County High School in 1978 and attended the First Baptist Church of Weston. He was employed at Kroger for about eight years before traveling to North Carolina to work with Crowder Construction Company. Jimmy missed his home in the Wild and Wonderful West Virginia and decided to return home to Weston. Once he was home, Jimmy went to work at the Alkhan Label Factory and retired from Weyerhaeuser after 20 years of employment. You could often find Jimmy enjoying his favorite pastime

of shuffleboard at Blue’s. While Jimmy deserves a beautiful tribute, this is an unknown time with the COVID-19 pandemic. We urge you to follow current statewide restrictions on travel and gatherings. To uphold the current guidelines and for the safety of the community we serve, a Drive-Thru Visitation will be held at Pat Boyle Funeral Home and Cremation Service located at 144 Hackers Creek Rd. in Jane Lew from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2020. A Private funeral service will be held for immediate family only with Pastor Mark Evans officiating. Interment will follow at Broad Run Church Cemetery in Jane Lew. We, at Pat Boyle Funeral Home and Cremation Service, are honored and privileged to serve the family of James “Jimmy” Carlton Hughes. Online condolences may be expressed at www.PatBoyleFuneralHome.com.

FRANCES “IRENE” HUTSON Frances “Irene” Hutson, 99, of Weston was called home on Friday, April 24, 2020, after an extended stay and under the compassionate care of Crestview Manor Nursing Home in Jane Lew. She was born in Walkersville on August 31, 1920, a daughter of the late Thomas E. and Stella E. Harold Law. On July 1, 1960, Irene married her sweetheart, Chesley Fay Hutson and they cherished every moment of marriage before his sudden passing in December of 1981. In addition to her parents and husband, two cousins: Billy Harold and Bernice Spaur preceded Irene in death. Irene is survived by three cousins: Dixon Law of Crawford, Belle Walker of California, and Linda Ripetta of Virginia; two friends that were like her sons: Marvin “Ray” Swiger and wife, Carolyn Sue, of Weston, and Bill White and wife, Nancy, of Camden; and four very close friends: Marguerite Myers of Jane Lew, Diane Boggs of Weston, Pat and Barbara Ammons of Horner, and Carlton and Rosemary Waldrop of WA. Irene graduated from Weston High School in 1938. She worked at G.C. Murphy as a cashier for 46 years before retiring. Irene previously attended the Ireland United Methodist Church. As a member of the Lewis County Senior Center she enjoyed playing BINGO and all the activities they had to offer.

She also enjoyed the activities provided at Crestview during her stay. Irene’s tulips were beyond compare and she loved caring for them and her tomato plants. While Irene deserves a beautiful tribute, this is an unknown time with the COVID-19 pandemic. We urge you to follow current statewide restrictions on travel and gatherings. Please be with us in spirit. If you are able to attend, Graveside Services will be held at Lewis County Memorial Gardens at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 with Reverend Russell Furr officiating. Interment will follow. We, at Pat Boyle Funeral Home and Cremation Service located at 144 Hackers Creek Rd. in Jane Lew, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Frances “Irene” Hutson. Online condolences may be expressed at www.PatBoyleFuneralHome.com.

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RANDALL R. “RANDO” WILFONG Randall R. “Rando” Wilfong, 68, of Good Hope, left his earthly home on April 21, 2020. He was born on March 7, 1952, to Ted and Beatrice (Biddie) Wilfong of West Milford. His parents preceded him in death, as did his brothers: Roger Wilfong and Ronald “Buck” Wilfong. He is survived by his son, Ryan A. Wilfong of Good Hope; sister, Luella and Bruce Cayton of Good Hope; brother, Mike and Peggy Wilfong of Hampstead, MD; sister, Regina Williams of Bridgeport; and several nieces and nephews. Rando was an avid fisherman, camper, kayaker, and strawberry lover. He was best known as “The Drone Man” donating his expert drone photography skills to many family

and school reunions, fire departments, and municipalities. His passion grew to a level of expertise that benefitted many. Rando could be found at parades, festivals, and community events and was a regular enjoying the company of his friends at the Good Hope Hawks Nest Diner. He attended South Harrison High School and worked as a WV coal miner and later a Harrison County Schools bus driver. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Milford or Jane Lew Fire Departments. Per his wishes, Rando will be cremated with a memorial to be held at a future date. We, at Pat Boyle Funeral Home and Cremation Service located at 144 Hackers Creek

Rd. in Jane Lew, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Randall R. “Rando” Wilfong. Online condolences may be expressed at www.PatBoyleFuneralHome.com.

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Capito joins bipartisan, bicameral call for establishing 9-8-8 Suicide Hotline in next COVID-19 relief package CHARLESTON — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined her colleague, U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), in leading a bipartisan, bicameral push in Congress to include the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, in the next coronavirus (COVID-19) relief package. This bipartisan legislation would designate 9-8-8 as the three-digit number for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. “We write to request the inclusion of S. 2661/ H.R. 4194, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, in the next COVID-19 relief package. The creation of this three-digit dialing code is essential in order to address the growing suicide crisis across the United States,” wrote Senator Capito and her colleagues. “As our country is facing an unprecedented challenge in responding to COVID-19, this three-digit hotline would play a critical role in saving the lives of many vulnerable Americans who are facing mental health emergencies during this period of isolation and uncertainty. Suicide does not discriminate between rural and urban areas or by income, and it causes heartbreak and loss in communities in every single one of our states. We must ensure that we are doing everything we can to prevent these devastating outcomes from occurring, especially in these trying times as grief and uncertainty encompass our nation.” The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act designates 9-8-8 as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which would include the Veterans Crisis Line for veteran-specific mental health support. The current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Veterans Crisis line is 10-digits long, which is a barrier to Americans in crisis seeking support. BACKGROUND: In August 2019, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released their report, which found that a national three-digit line would improve suicide prevention and recommended a simple number that Americans could dial in times of crisis: 9-8-8.

Congressman Alex Mooney urges leadership to stop taxpayer funding for China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Alex X. Mooney (WV-02), along with Representative Matt Gaetz (FL-01), Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) and a bicameral coalition of over 50 other lawmakers sent a letter to House and Senate leadership requesting that no COVID-19 relief funds be given to China’s state-run bio-agent laboratory, the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). “After the damage the coronavirus has inflicted upon the world, U.S. taxpayer dollars should no longer be sent to labs we know conduct sloppy research and dangerous experiments. I commend President Trump’s response to this invisible enemy and his determination to hold China accountable for its actions,” said Congressman Mooney. Reports indicate that for years WIV has received taxpayer dollars from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) for secretive and dangerous laboratory research on coronavirus-infected bats. U.S. State Department officials have even warned that these experiments posed a coronavirus pandemic risk. President Donald Trump also announced his intention to end any NIH grants currently funding WIV. Representative Mooney's letter builds on this development and seeks to ensure that no tax dollars from any agency end up at WIV through COVID-19 stimulus bills. Representative Mooney’s letter to Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) reads, in part: We’re sure you agree that taxpayers’ money should not be sent to a dangerous Chinese state-run bio-agent laboratory that lacks any meaningful oversight from U.S. authorities and is run by adversaries with a history of lab leaks, including SARS, and deception about the causes and extent of deadly disease outbreaks, including COVID-19. Although President Trump has stated that his administration “will end that grant quickly,” we hope to ensure that WIV will not receive federal funds in any future spending packages. "We applaud Representative Mooney for his outstanding leadership to ensure that American taxpayers are not forced to pay for wasteful and treacherous coronavirus animal experiments at China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology,” said Justin Goodman, Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy at 2-million-member taxpayer watchdog group White Coat Waste Project.

Robert C. Byrd Institute donates face shields to Necco, Inc. for home visits CHARLESTON — Like all families during the covid-19 pandemic, foster families are gathering together and staying home. Home visits by the staff of one local foster care company continues during the crisis, which led to the need for hard-to-find personal protective equipment. Necco is a multi-state organization with locations in Charleston, Huntington, Beckley, Logan, and Fairmont that provides foster care, telehealth for counseling and wraparound services. The company’s leadership was in search of equipment to protect its staff when they visit foster family homes and other client’s homes. Necco staff contacted the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) for personal protective equipment and within a few days, the company received 40 face shields from RCBI for its crisis response team. “We make it our duty to provide our foster families and other clients with the resources, education, and unrivaled support services needed to change the outcomes of these children”, said Amy Kennedy-Rickman, Necco’s WV/OH Foster Care State Director. “With RCBI’s help, we are also able to provide our staff with the protective equipment they need to serve our families safely.” The staff at RCBI was pleased to be able to help Necco provide protection for its employees. “The men and women on the front lines fighting this pandemic come from a variety of fields including those who are out there daily checking on the health, safety and welfare of our state’s foster children,” said Charlotte Weber, director & CEO of RCBI. “Our team is inspired by being able to support them in addition to other front-line workers.”

LEWIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

HEALTH UPDATES

WV DHHR COVID-19 update for April 28

CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) reports as of 5:00 p.m., on April 28, 2020, there have been 41,526 laboratory results received for COVID-19, with 1,095 positive, 40,431 negative and 38 deaths. DHHR has confirmed the death of a 50-year old woman from Jefferson. “With sadness, we report another life lost to this disease,” said Bill J. Crouch, DHHR Cabinet Secretary. These are considered official numbers reported to the state, which will in turn, be reported to the U.S. Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Delays may be experienced with the reporting of cases and deaths from the local health department to the state health department. Confirmed Cases Per County: Barbour (4), Berkeley (141), Boone (2), Braxton (2), Brooke (3), Cabell (41), Fayette (12), Gilmer (2), Grant (1), Greenbrier (3), Hampshire (7), Hancock (8), Hardy (4), Harrison (30), Jackson (129), Jefferson (77), Kanawha (157), Lewis (4), Lincoln (1), Logan (12), Marion (45), Marshall (11), Mason (12), McDowell (6), Mercer (9), Mineral (15), Mingo (2),

Monongalia (103), Monroe (5), Morgan (9), Nicholas (6), Ohio (26), Pendleton (3), Pleasants (2), Pocahontas (2), Preston (13), Putnam (22), Raleigh (8), Randolph (4), Roane (4), Summers (1), Taylor (6), Tucker (4), Tyler (3), Upshur (4), Wayne (84), Wetzel (3), Wirt (3), Wood (39), Wyoming (1). As case surveillance continues at the local health department level, it may reveal that those tested in a certain county may not be a resident of that county, or even the state as an individual in question may have crossed the state border to be tested. Such is the case of

Wetzel County in this report. The dashboard at www. coronavirus.wv.gov contains West Virginia-specific data and now includes outbreak information for West Virginia’s nursing homes. A Frequently Asked Questions document has been developed regarding case counts and can be found at www.dhhr.wv.gov. The number of laboratory results received refers to the number of tests performed and completed, not the number of residents tested as some individuals have had multiple samples taken for COVID-19 tests.

Capito statement on potential prisoner transfer to West Virginia prisons

CHARLESTON — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today released the following statement in light of the proposals from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to transfer inmates into two West Virginia facilities as quarantine sites: “The impact of this pandemic continues to show no boundaries and it has hit our judicial system as well. While I strongly oppose the release of

prisoners from their sentences and understand the need for transfers within the system, I have become increasingly concerned for the health and safety of the men and women at FCI Hazelton and FCI Gilmer as well as their families and surrounding community. “We have been extremely fortunate that we have not had a coronavirus outbreak in either of these facilities, and we

cannot risk one now. “I respect the analysis by the BOP, but too many brave West Virginians who work long hours in an already dangerous environment have expressed their concern about this po-

tential transfer. As such, I am asking the BOP to heed the call to halt these transfers on behalf of the health and safety of these West Virginians as we continue to fight this pandemic.”

Reminder: Safe Use of Bleach and Disinfectants CHARLESTON — According to Dr. Elizabeth Scharman, Director of the West Virginia Poison Center, compared to the same time period as last year, “the number of poisoning exposures in West Virginia from bleach products and disinfectants has doubled. Of note is that the majority of cases this year involve teens and adults.” Children < 6 typically make up the majority of poisonings from these products. Poisonings with hand sanitizers also continue. The West Virginia Poison Center (WVPC) wants to remind people that the safest way to keep our skin clean is with soap and water. Not only is this safe, it is a very effective way to kill the virus causing COVID-19 that might be on our skin. Attempting to clean with skin with disinfectant wipes or bleach solution is not only not necessary, these products can damage the skin and potentially cause coughing when the fumes are inhaled. Soap and water really is enough.

If you are not near soap and water, for example when getting back to your car after leaving the grocery store or gas station, hand sanitizer can be used as long as the alcohol content is 60% or more. Now that more hand sanitizer products are required to be made in non-traditional ways, since the products you would normally buy are not always available, there are added risks. Non-traditional hand sanitizer may come in bottles without the usual pump. This requires special caution. Just because it comes in a bottle that looks like a mini-bottle of liquor or a medicine bottle, NEVER drink hand sanitizer. This can be dangerous and it will not kill any viruses that you have already inhaled or that already in your body. Save bleach products and disinfectants for your counters and other surfaces. This is where they can work to kill the virus causing COVID-19.

Drinking these products or purposefully inhaling them can harm you, not help you. These products have no way to get to where the virus is harming your cells and internal organs. Finally, keeping the cloth masks you are using clean is important. The best way to keep them clean is to wash them in warm or hot water with soap. Do not spray them with bleach or disinfectant. The fumes will irritate your lungs the next time you wear the mask and these products can break down the

material. Please stay safe, not only from COVID-19, but from the products you use every day now. For any poisoning concerns or questions, the WV Poison Center is still available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-222-1222. About the West Virginia Poison Center: The WVPC is staffed by nurses, pharmacists and physicians with special training in treatment of poisonings. www.wvpoisoncenter.org.

Capito, Manchin urge VA to cover Mobile Testing Sites

CHARLESTON — U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie requesting that the department cover coronavirus (COVID-19) mobile testing sites in the same manner as urgent and emergency care. Currently, mobile testing sites are not covered under the VA’s urgent and emergency care policies, making it difficult for veterans across the country—especially in rural areas where veterans are faced with the challenge of traveling to the nearest VA facilities or paying

for the tests out-of-pocket. “As you know, the VA MISSION Act expanded urgent and emergency care services, but it did not factor in unforeseen circumstances such as a global pandemic. It is critical that the VA covers COVID-19 mobile testing sites in the same manner as urgent and emergency care, so veterans can access these testing sites, without being stuck with the bill. This is especially important for rural veterans who currently have to choose between traveling to their nearest VA facility or paying for a test out of pocket, if they go to a site within their community,” the senators

wrote. The signed letter is below: Dear Secretary Wilkie, We are writing to urge the Department of Veterans Affairs to authorize mobile testing sites in the same manner as the Department’s urgent and emergency services policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. As you know, the VA MISSION Act expanded urgent and emergency care services, but it did not factor in unforeseen circumstances such as a global pandemic. It is critical that the VA covers COVID-19 mobile testing sites in the same manner as urgent and emergency care, so veterans can access these

testing sites, without being stuck with the bill. This is especially important for rural veterans who currently have to choose between traveling to their nearest VA facility or paying for a test out of pocket, if they go to a site within their community. We applaud the VA’s efforts in caring for veterans during these difficult times, but it is imperative that all veterans have access to COVID-19 testing and urge you to authorize mobile testing sites in the same manner as urgent and emergency care services.

LEWIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Page 4

WV HISTORY

This week in West Virginia history

CHARLESTON – The following events happened on these dates in West Virginia history. To read more, go to e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia at www.wvencyclopedia.org. April 29, 1863: Confederate General William E. ‘‘Grumble’’ Jones waged a battle at Fairmont that involved a force

of 500 regulars, home guards, and volunteers. The Confederates prevailed, burning the personal library of Francis Pierpont, governor of the Restored Government of Virginia, and exploding an iron railroad bridge across the Monongahela River. April 30, 1871: Coach Fielding Harris ‘‘Hurry-Up’’ Yost

was born in Marion County. He was a tackle on West Virginia University’s football team in 1895 and 1896, while earning a law degree. In 1901, Yost’s first season as coach at University of Michigan, the Wolverines compiled an 11-0 record, including the 49-0 defeat of Stanford in the first Rose Bowl. April 30, 1927: An explosion roared through the Federal No. 3 mine owned by New England Fuel and Transportation Company of Everettville, Monongalia County. The explosion, the subsequent fire, and gas in the mine killed 97 men. May 1, 1788: Pendleton County was created from Rockingham, Augusta, and Hardy counties. The county was named for Virginia statesman Edmund Pendleton (1721–1803).

May 1, 1930: Mother Jones celebrated her birthday in Maryland. Mother Jones, who was 100 years old by her count, made her debut before newsreel cameras, condemning the Prohibition Act ‘‘as a curse upon the nation’’ that violated her right to have a beer instead of water. May 2, 1900: State founder Waitman Willey died in Morgantown. Willey is remembered for the Willey Amendment, which provided for the emancipation of slaves as a precondition for the creation of West Virginia. May 2, 1925: Flying saucer investigator Gray Barker was born in Riffle, Braxton County. Barker became interested in unidentified flying objects in the 1950s after investigating the sightings of the Flatwoods Monster.

May 3, 1843: U.S. Postmaster General William Lyne Wilson was born in Smithfield, Jefferson County. Wilson joined President Cleveland’s cabinet as postmaster general in 1895. In the following year, he introduced Rural Free Delivery in Jefferson County, an experiment which was quickly instituted nationwide. May 3, 1917: Fire destroyed the West Virginia Preparatory School in Keyser. The school was rebuilt, and it evolved into the institution now known as Potomac State College. May 4, 1896: The Children’s Home Society was formed by a group of Charleston ministers at the YMCA. Their goal was to place orphaned and neglected children with caring families rather than crowd them into county poorhouses. May 5, 1923: A fire started

Luna Park in Charleston

William Lyne Wilson

by welders working on a new swimming pool destroyed most of Luna Park, an amusement park in Charleston. Although Luna’s owners announced that they would rebuild, the park never reopened. May 5, 1923: Golfer Bill Campbell was born in Huntington. He won more than 30 championships over a seven-decade career and is considered one of the best amateur players in history. e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia is a project of the West Virginia Humanities Council. For more information, contact the West Virginia Humanities Council, 1310 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston, WV 25301; (304) 3468500; or visit e-WV at www. wvencyclopedia.org.

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Wednesday, April 29, 2020

BOE lays the levy By Kari Conaway Staff Writer

WESTON — Lewis County Board of Education met in special session on April 21 to lay the levy for 2021. Phyllis Hinterer moved to lay the levy and Connie Riffle gave a second on the motion. The levy reportedly remains unchanged from the past two years. The board adjourned their meeting then went into a work session to review their Neola Policy Template for processing. During the work session, the board discussed several topics in the policy, including tobacco replacement products, foreign exchange student programs, personal communication devices, and the details of a child’s eligibility for kindergarten or preschool, such as the fiscal start date, and the child’s birth date, prior experience and developmental eligibility. They also discussed written and electronic availability of the policy.

City Council approves levy

By Kari Conaway Staff Writer

WESTON — The Weston City Council held a special meeting on Tuesday, April 21 to lay the levy for fiscal year 2021. Councilman Gary Foster made the motion to approve the levy as presented and Sherry Rogers seconded the motion. City Council members passed the motion unanimously. Councilwoman Sherry Rogers was unanimously approved to serve as the City Council representative for both the Historic Landmarks Commission and Planning Commission. Council members also unanimously passed the motion to appoint Kathy Sims, Rachel Raines and Debbie Gump to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The council also discussed issues regarding the Fourth Street Bridge that crosses Polk Creek before adjourning. No action was taken, but more discussion will follow.

Joseph’s Story

Joseph, 14, is full of energy, so get out your running shoes and join in on the fun! He is full of conversation, he will tell you what he wants in a family, out of life, or what he wants for dinner, just ask him. He would like a family that would like to travel and goes out for adventures. He would enjoy having a pet, being part of a religious family, and participating in sports at school. Being part of an active family is something that is very important to Joseph. Many children in West Virginia are legally eligible to be adopted and are waiting for permanent and loving families. For more information about adoption, contact Mission West Virginia at (866) CALL-MWV (866-225-5698) or email fosteradopt@missionwv.org

Shine for WV Seniors this Friday

WESTON — Lewis County High School along with Robert L. Bland Middle School will be participating in the WVSSAC "Shine for WV Seniors 2020." Both schools will be turning their stadium lights on from 8:30 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday May 1 in honor of their graduating classes. Residents and businesses are asked to join in and turn on your lights (porch light, inside your businesses, or whatever it maybe) to remember the Seniors and 8th grade students who did not get a chance to celebrate their 8th grade night or Senior Night. Please share your photos with the WVSSAC tag #ShineYourLightWV with the Lewis County Community Guide and on the schools’ social media sites. RLBMS Principal Julie Radcliff stated, “We ask that you remember the Stay at Home order given to us by Governor Justice and enjoy the pictures as they come rolling in.”

LEWIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE

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LOCAL NEWS

LC wins the Census Challenge

By Tara Kennedy Editor

WESTON — Lewis County gets bragging rights for winning the Census Challenge this week! The friendly competition between Lewis and Upshur concluded Monday, which tracked each county’s resident completion of Census 2020 responses. Counting everyone is essential for federal funding to the Mountain State and ensuring adequate Congressional representation, among many other important benefits of an

By Kari Conaway Staff Writer Governor Justice recently announced that West Virginia students will not be going back to school this year and the way things are going right now, it isn’t much of a surprise. We have most likely passed the peak, but the battle is far from over. I have also heard some talk about not going back to school in the fall either. I’m not quite sure I believe that narrative, but I’m also not sure when this will all be over. The longer this goes on, the harder it is to see when the panic will die down, the hot spots will clear up and the pandemic will be “over.” It also doesn’t help when people ignore the advice from experts completely and

accurate Census. As you can see, Lewis County triumphed with a 54.4 percent response rate, while Upshur County trailed at 50 percent. Although we won, that also means that nearly half of our county has yet to respond. If you haven’t responded yet, I encourage you to please complete your questionnaire. You should have already received a letter from the Census Bureau, asking you to complete your response online. If you have misplaced it, go to https:// my2020census.gov/login to count your household today.

Quarantine: Time have not social distanced at all. One thing I have learned during this pandemic is that it’s really hard to make plans, either for tomorrow or next month. Anyone who asks me when I’m going to do something, I don’t really have an answer for them. You can only really plan for right now. Next week may look better or suddenly, the community around you could turn into a hotspot for the virus. It’s also important to think the same for the people you care about. Right now they might be fine, but they could be gone before you know it. Life has always been this way, but the pandemic has only reminded me to not take any time for granted. My grandmother recently passed away. Because of the

pandemic, I had to stay away and it was really hard. The day she came home from the nursing home, my father and I stood outside her glass door and talked to her on the phone. We only stayed for ten minutes, mainly because it was cold outside. I wish I would have stayed longer if I had known it would have been one of the last real conversations I would have with her. Everything went downhill that week. She wasn’t moving or eating as much and she got weaker and weaker. When the ambulance took her to the hospital, I knew I didn’t have much longer. I was fortunate to see her one last time before she went home to Heaven. My advice to you all is to take time out of your day and

call a relative or FaceTime a friend. Maybe even write a letter to someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Don’t wait until it’s too late to catch up or make amends. Take care of each other. Life is too short to hold a grudge or leave anything left unsaid.

Local representatives assist student food distribution

From left to right: West Virginia Senator Mike Romano, Lewis County Administrator Cindy Whetsell, West Virginia Senator Doug Facemire, and Lewis County Magistrate candidate Rick Frame help distribute food at Robert L. Bland Middle School Monday morning

Mission WV gathering foster family stories

May is National Foster Care month and Mission West Virginia is hoping to inspire families to consider becoming foster or adoptive parents. With over 7,000 youth in foster care, WV has a great need for new foster adoptive parents. Mission WV provides information and resources to help foster and/or adoptive parents become certified. We are here to help answer any questions and assist families as they take the first steps on

their foster/adoptive journey. Equally important is answering the question, “Why should I become a foster parent?” The answer to that question is different for each person. Maybe you started fostering because you wanted to build your family, or because you just love children. Maybe it is because you felt the need to give back and wanted to share your experiences with a child. Whatever the reason, your story is valuable. Mission

WV is gathering first-person experiences of foster care & adoption from the families that have lived it. Rachel Kinder, Frameworks Program Director and a foster adoptive parent, says one of the most effective ways to find new parents is for existing parents to share their story. “By sharing a moment or two from your foster care journey you may inspire another family to take that first step,” Kinder said. Share your foster/adoptive

story with Mission WV by April 30th. We will compile the stories, create graphics and share the love of foster care and adoption throughout the month of May in honor of National Foster Care month. Those interested can visit bit.ly/familystoryform online to submit their story. For more information or assistance, please contact Communications Outreach Director, Kylee Hassan, at khassan@missionwv.org.

Kolenich selected as Libertarian candidate for Governor

BUCKHANNON — On April 8, 2020, the Libertarian Party of West Virginia selected Erika Kolenich of Buckhannon to serve as the party’s candidate for Governor of West Virginia in the 2020 election. Although new to the political arena, Kolenich is a trial attorney who has actively been campaigning since early 2019 and has already garnered significant support throughout the State. The Libertarian party is the only party actively growing within the State of West Virginia and is known as the Party

of Principle. In order to maintain party status in West Virginia, the Libertarians must get one percent of the vote in the gubernatorial election each cycle. They have consistently been able to do so since 2012. Also receiving Libertarian nomination is David Moran for United States Congress, District 1. Moran was the Libertarian candidate for Governor in 2012 and 2016. Other Libertarians nominated were Travis Shultz for West Virginia Senate - District Three, and candidates for the West

Virginia House of Delegates, Mike Lockard - District 46, Will Hyman - District 48 and Brett Rogers - District 63. The Nominating Convention was postponed from April 4, 2020 to April 8, 2020 and converted into a virtual convention to comply with social distancing guidelines. The Libertarian party will continue considering interested potential candidates through the end of July. Those interested in running or joining the party should contact state party chairman, David Valente or visit lpwv.org for more information.

Erika Kolenich

Page 6

Manor from Page 1

more important than ever to follow recommendations and ask that you call the Lewis County Health Department at (304) 269-8218 if you feel that guidelines are not being followed. Kindness from Page 1 that they had already hit their goal. The donations were so generous that she was able to order 380 plants to disperse to other seniors in the area, as well. “What an overwhelming response from our great community! Again, thank you so much to our wonderful community and all the helping hands,” Garrett stated. Although previously known for their customizable clothes, primitives and décor, Camden Creek Creations also began offering flower arrangements in February. Garrett and her employees wear many hats and serve the community in a variety of ways. The shop is located at 401 East 3rd Street, Weston and can be reached at (304) 269-4121. Follow them on Facebook at Camden Creek Creations, Primitives and Floral.

State Treasurer urges 2020 Census response

CHARLESTON — West Virginia State Treasurer John Perdue is urging all state residents to respond to the United States 2020 Census either online or by mail, as the Census response will help determine how billions of federal dollars will be sent to local communities for the next decade. Additionally, the 2020 Census population count will affect severance tax allocations to counties and municipalities in the state. The West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office has distributed more than $67 million in coal and oil/gas severance tax revenues based on census results over the past 10 years. Any unincorporated area’s share goes directly to the county government for that area. Revenue distributions may be viewed on the State Treasurer’s website. “The Census is a civic duty,” Treasurer Perdue said. “The more people who are counted in our state, the better off our communities will fare over the next 10 years when we distribute severance tax funds as directed in W.Va. State Code. It’s time to be counted.” Severance taxes use three different calculations, two of which are formulated by the State Tax Department. The remaining 25 percent is calculated by the State Treasurer’s Office and based solely on the results of each 10-year census. For decades, natural resource severance taxes have contributed widely to quality of life improvements in the Mountain State, funding a wide array of public projects at the local level. Examples include special funding for local law enforcement, economic development projects and facility upgrades. “It only takes about 10 minutes to respond to the Census online. I encourage everyone to participate,” Perdue said. To participate in the 2020 Census, visit https://2020census.gov/.

WorkForce West Virginia receives 11,100 applications for unemployment benefits for self-employed workers CHARLESTON — More than 11,000 self-employed workers have applied for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits since Friday, WorkForce West Virginia announced Monday. While self-employed individuals now have the opportunity to apply for unemployment compensations, WorkForce is required to review and verify each application to determine eligibility based on federal guidelines outlined in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. “It's been a marathon race to get help to our state's self-employed workers who've lost their livelihoods because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Scott Adkins, acting commissioner for WorkForce West Virginia. “But folks can be assured that they will be made whole. With the help of West Virginia National Guard and Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety, our staff is making sure we see this thing through to the end.” The PUA program provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment compensation to certain self-employed workers, independent contractors and gig-economy employees who normally don't qualify for regular state unemployment benefits. Individuals will be notified when their applications are approved and when direct deposit and weekly certifications are available. Payments will be retroactively applied dating back to March 29. For more information about PUA benefits and a list of documents required during the application process, visit workforcewv.org/cares-act-questions. WorkForce continues to administer Unemployment Benefits through other CARES Act Programs Since March 1, WorkForce has received 150,000 applications for unemployment benefits and has distributed nearly $148 million in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC), which provides workers receiving regular benefits an extra $600 each week. Those who do not have internet access, have a disability requiring assistive technology or need further assistance should call 1-800-252-JOBS.

LEWIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE

FROM THE COVER

Justice from Page 1

the best… Show them how great you really are,” Justice concluded. To view the full slideshow of the plan to gradually reopen along with guidelines, visit https://coronavirus.wvgovstatus.com/WV_Strong_The_ Comeback.pdf. On Tuesday, Justice cleared up some questions about when everything starts. Week 1 started Tuesday, and the three consecutive days began Monday. If numbers stay low by Wednesday at 5 p.m., May 4 will start Week 2 and the following practices may return to work Thursday: Acupuncture Professionals, Chiropractors, Counselors, Dentists, Dieticians, Hearing-aid Dealers and Fitters, Licensed Practical Nurses, Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Professionals, Doctors of Medicine and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, Occupational Therapists, Optometrists, Pharmacists, Physical Therapists, Psychologists, Registered ProBOE from Page 1 22. The call elaborated on the state’s response to the current pandemic and the impact on local school systems. The board approved the minutes from the March 20 and 23 special meetings. Board member Mike Holden abstained from the vote for the March 23 meeting due to phone connections. The board approved Amanda Wimer, Carrie Mick, Janice Collins, Frankie Cutlip, Janie Hawkins, Bertha Valentine and Tammy Posey’s out of state meeting requests for the Annual National School Nutrition Conference in Nashville, TN from July 11-15, 2020. The conference is pending due to the governor’s Stay at Home order for travel restrictions due to the pandemic. For the personnel agenda, Sirens from Page 1 year since the city whistle blew regularly in Lewis County, but that will soon change. Lewis County representatives are looking to get the emergency sirens back up and running for both Weston and Jane Lew. There are currently only a few reasons why the sirens will sound. When the siren sounds for 30 seconds in a cycle and the tone of the siren goes up and down for three cycles, this

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

fessional Nurses, Respiratory Professionals, Social Workers and Speech-Language Pathologists. Weeks 3 through 6 will begin on subsequent Mondays, if results stay good. COVID-19 Czar Dr. Clay Marsh commented Monday that he supports the governor’s decision to begin to reopen the state. Marsh explained that the state’s R naught, the mathematical term for how contagious the virus is, is now below one. According to Marsh, that means a person with coronavirus will not even likely infect one other person, which is far less than original projections. “We feel that we are in really great shape. It’s critical that we work together and all take our personal responsibilities. If we do that well, I think that we will be the model for the country,” Marsh said. During Monday’s briefing, Justice also announced that the second round of the Payment Protection Program started Monday. He encouraged any small business that did not get

a chance to apply, to reapply. Justice then reported that WorkForce West Virginia received 10,000 new claims of unemployment for the self-employed and independent contractors from this past weekend. He also reported that 11,000 West Virginians will be able to go back to work this week with the reopening of elective medical services. Justice announced Tuesday that the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of Virginia to access one of 25 decontamination systems in the country. It has the capacity to cleanse 80,000 N95 masks a day. The cost is covered by the federal government and it will be put to work in the state soon. West Virginia University School of Public Health and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources are working to recruit and train participants as Public Health

Investigators, who will assist in contact tracing efforts. Senior undergraduates and graduates, the West Virginia National Guard and local health departments will be offered the training. Bill Crouch, Secretary of the WV DHHR, said 88 percent of the state’s nursing home residents and staff have now been tested and 73 percent have received results. Crouch reported an additional 15 facilities are scheduled to complete their testing by the end of this week. He also announced the dashboard numbers for laboratory test results changed dramatically because they received all the tests from 37 additional laboratories who were just now hooked up electronically. Major General James Hoyer with the West Virginia National Guard gave updates on deployment, PPE production and distribution, along with their tireless efforts to get the state back to normal.

the board approved the 20202021 professional transfer list. The board approved to employ probationary professional personnel for the 2020-2021 school year as listed and the probationary service personnel for the 2020-2021 school year as listed. The BOE accepted the resignations of Michael Pasquale as LCHS Math Teacher, effective April 23, Hannah Dodson as LCHS Assistant Girls’ Soccer Coach, effective April 15, and Brooke Shaffer as LCHS Head Softball Coach, effective April 27 2020. The board approved to rescind Sheila Bennett’s hire as Energy Express Evaluator on April 9 and approved to remove Chad Butcher from the substitute bus operator list. The board approved the payroll and payment of bills for the amount of $971,310.64 and the March 2020 Annual Monthly Financial Report.

For facility and construction updates, Melissa Riley explained that until current restrictions are lifted, the walkthrough cannot be completed. The board reviewed the Neola Policy, discussing follow up questions and answers from the April 21 special meeting, including recommendations from individual institutions’ recommendations regarding personal communication devices and child enrollment. They also discussed other topics including medication, chronic health circumstances, alternative dietary food and reporting student progress. Members of the BOE made their comments before adjourning for the evening. Phyllis Hinterer said to keep heads down and noses to the grindstone because of the virus moving into Lewis County. Mike Holden commented on his support of the high school’s

decisions to hold off, but still have an in-person graduation and prom. Connie Riffle thanked all the school employees’ efforts dealing with the situation and wished the graduates good luck. Jim Flesher commented that he hopes there is a way to hold an in-person graduation and prom whenever possible, and thanked the members in the community’s help and efforts to support the students and the school system during this unprecedented time. Lewis County Board of Education meets every other Monday at 6 p.m. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, members of the public are asked not to be present but to call in via teleconference. Call the Board of Education office for further instructions. The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be May 11 via teleconference.

means there is a fire. When the siren sounds for three minutes straight in one long solid tone, that indicates a severe weather warning. If the siren ever sounds for ten minutes straight, there is an emergency regarding the Stonewall Jackson Dam. For Weston, the current sirens are located in the city’s municipal building at 102 West 2nd Street. Mayor Kim Harrison said the siren is not currently dependable. Because the siren is old, circa 1932, it blows breakers and does not

reliably function as it should. Mayor Harrison said they are looking to purchase a new siren and have reached out to Senators Douglas Facemire and Michael Romano for help funding the purchase. Once a new siren is installed, there will be further discussion on what circumstances the siren will sound. For Jane Lew, the current sirens are located at the fire department but do not work at this time. Mayor Ruth Straley said the town council is interested in

getting another one, so they have been talking with the County Commission and Bill Rowan to make it happen. Jane Lew is also considering adding two more siren sound codes to their notification plans. One sound would be for a severe weather warning at the ball fields, and the other would be for a hazardous material spill. There will be more information once the emergency plan is updated and the sirens are fixed.

Why Congress needs to support your local news sources in this crisis

By Dean Ridlings CEO, America’s Newspapers

During this coronavirus pandemic, access to accurate and trustworthy information in your community is as critical to life under quarantine and as sought after as hand sanitizer and face masks. Your local newspaper provides the news and information unique to your community. Where are the testing sites and who’s eligible, which businesses are open, what is the local online unemployment benefit application process, and much more. But your access to local news and information is gravely threatened by the economic carnage COVID-19 has wrought. While local newspapers continue to field reporters and bring news and advice from public health authorities in print and online — at considerable cost — their revenues have all but disappeared as the businesses that were their most important advertisers were shuttered. That’s why America’s Newspapers and other organizations representing local news providers are asking Congress to take urgent action to ensure you don’t lose your vital sources of timely and trustworthy information. First, we’re asking that Congress expand and clarify the

Payroll Protection Program to ensure it covers all local newspapers and news broadcasters. While some of these outlets may be owned by large organizations, they must survive on their own. It’s only fair that they should be included in any expansion of the program. These loans will keep the newspaper employees — your neighbors — on their payrolls and help get the news to you in print as well as online. We appreciate the bipartisan letter of April 19th from U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (DWA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Boozman (R-AR) that requested waiving the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) affiliation rule to allow local media outlets to access funding, pointing to the critical role these outlets play in keeping communities healthy and informed. Second, we are asking that the Trump Administration direct current federal government advertising funds to local news and media outlets. These public service and informative ads could be similar to the ones running right now about the U.S. Census. They could carry critical government information about data from the CDC, access to small business loans, medical resources for families and other important topics. We’re asking for a commit-

ment that would be spent in an equitable manner across all local news providers. We also believe that there should be an immediate relief package that is based on total newsroom employees. Some local news organizations won’t survive without some type of immediate grant or infusion that is tied to the organization’s employees who directly work in the newsroom. This is not a demand for an industry bailout by local news providers. Instead, these measures recognize that local news publishers are on the information front line of the coronavirus pandemic, providing a public service vital to keeping our communities safe, secure and sustained during this unprecedented public health crisis. Please contact the offices of your senators and representatives in the U.S. Congress and tell them you support expanding the Payroll Protection Program to include your local news source and that the federal government should use your local newspapers or news broadcaster to convey important information through public service ads. And finally, let them know that a grant based on newsroom employees is critical at this time. Visit www.usa.gov/elected-officials for their contact information.

Dean Ridlings Take this easy action to ensure that your access to local information doesn’t become another victim to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you and may you and your family remain safe and informed during this difficult time. On behalf of its approximately 1,500 newspaper and associate member companies, America’s Newspapers is committed to explaining, defending and advancing the vital role of newspapers in democracy and civil life. We put an emphasis on educating the public on all the ways newspapers contribute to building a community identity and the success of local businesses. Learn more: www.newspapers.org

LEWIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE

Page 7

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

AREA NEWS

Looking for furever homes

By Tara Kennedy Editor

BUCKHANNON — The Lewis-Upshur Animal Control Facility still needs help finding furever homes for animals like Sweetie, who find themselves in the unfortunate predicament of living at the pound during the coronavirus pandemic. Please take advantage of this “Stay at Home” period as the perfect opportunity to adopt a new pet and have time to train it properly. Sweetie is a cute little blonde Chihuahua. She was

picked up as a stray from Bridge Run Road in Buckhannon a few days ago. Sweetie is very friendly and enjoys attention. She has not been spayed yet, but assistance is available if needed. In accordance with CDC guidelines of social distancing, the pound will be open by appointment only for owner claims and scheduled adoptions, but L-UAC will not be open to the public for casual visits at this time. Sweetie and many other loving cats and dogs are available for adoption at the Lewis-Up-

shur Animal Control Facility located on Mud Lick Road in Buckhannon, so please adopt, don’t shop! Call L-UAC at (304) 472-3865 to claim your pet or schedule an appointment for adoption. Donations of food and pet supplies are always welcome at L-UAC. Volunteers from Luv 4 Animals and The Animal Outreach Project would also like to encourage pet owners to make sure their outdoor animals have sufficient housing and bedding. Please contact these groups on Facebook if you need assistance.

Advanced Heart & Vascular Care Now At Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital

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LEWIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE

We want all your local news! Editor: Tara Kennedy email tkennedy@therecorddelta.com (304) 472-2800

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LEWIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE

Page 8

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

THANK YOU!

Hometown Heroes Coloring Contest

Something delicious for everyone! So many options for your takeout or curbside order!

(304) 805-2055

5898 MAIN STREET JANE LEW www.mainstreetcafejl.com Mon - Sat 11AM - 9PM • Closed Sun

The contest is open to three age groups for boys & girls 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 years of age.

CHILD’S NAME:______________________________________ AGE : __________ PARENT’S NAME:____________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________ CITY: _________________________________STATE: _____ ZIP: ______________ PHONE:___________________________________________________________ Contest Rules: NO DELIVERIES PLEASE MAIL (SEE INFO TO THE RIGHT) 1. Paint, crayons, felt-tip pens or pencils may be used. NO GLITTER 2. Entries must be received no later than close of business, Fri., May 8, 2020. 3. Winners will be announced in the Wed., May 13, 2020 issue of the LCCG. 4. Children of past or present newspaper employees or contest sponsor employees are not eligible to win.

1st Place Winner $20 Cash Prize

2nd Place Winner $10 Cash Prize Given to Winners per age group

PLEASE CLIP AND MAIL TO: Lewis County Community Guide ATTN: Heroes Coloring Contest PO BOX 550 2B Clarksburg Road Buckhannon, WV 26201