Lewis County Community Guide February 12, 2020 by Mountaineer Newspapers

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LEWIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE

304-472-2800

Serving all of Lewis County, West Virginia

BOE hears policy change requests

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

(304) 472-2800

Levy passes with ease

KARI CONAWAY/Lewis County Community Guide

Bob Stewart presents a request for bus operator policy changes. By Kari Conaway Staff Writer

WESTON — The Lewis County Board of Education’s Policy Committee made their recommendations to the board Monday evening, but a vote was postponed once again. Each group had a representative to request the changes to their policies. The accountants asked for consistent policy hourly wages and that all policies be uniform to all personnel. Rita Barnette, who was not able to attend the meeting, wrote a letter on behalf of the Aides and it was read to the board. The letter asked for seniority rights, full-time and substitute wages, overtime pay, adequate adult workspace, and doing away with in-house moves. The bus operators asked for consistent hourly wages and extracurricular run hourly wages. The cooks asked for salary grades to be bumped up a letter, while the custodians asked for a proper chain of command and how to address specific procedures. Their representative also addressed the concern of some workers lingering after they See BOE on Page 8

TARA KENNEDY/Lewis County Community Guide

By Kari Conaway Staff Writer WESTON — The heavily debated Lewis County Education Levy passed with ease on Saturday. The unofficial results of the special election were 1,396 votes (67.6 percent) For the Levy and 669 votes (32.4 percent) Against the Levy. The

Lewis County Commission is scheduled to canvas the votes for an official tally on February 14. In a written statement, Superintendent Dr. Robin Lewis expressed her gratitude on behalf of the schools. “We as a school system are thankful. The passage of the levy shows the care of the children that

people have in Lewis County. The levy is important to the children of Lewis County. The people in this community have supported their schools and children in the levy renewals for over 50 years. We just want to say thank you to our community. We are blessed,” Lewis said. She added, “We are happy for the students of

our county who will continue to have the quality music, art, athletic and academic programs that are currently offered.” Lewis continued, “We are thankful that our teachers and staff will have added resources that will allow them to do their jobs more efficiently. We apSee Levy on Page 8

Why Smith says LC First discusses As the Rotary Turns “WV Can’t Wait” business By Kari Conaway Staff Writer

By Kari Conaway Staff Writer

JANE LEW — Lewis County First met at the Jane Lew Park Building on Thursday to discuss business. The group discussed tentative dates for upcoming activities. The Little Free Libraries work day will tentatively take place on February 22 at 9 a.m. and work on the Community Garden will be March 22 at 1 p.m. at the Jane Lew Park. They also discussed appearing in the Irish Spring Festival parade and getting security cameras for use in the glass museum.

Other events discussed were Make it Shine, Adopt-a-Spot, and Rails for Trails. Cathy Kunkle was in attendance at the meeting. Kunkle is running for Congress in the Second Congressional District and talked about her community service around healthcare and local disasters. The next meeting will convene on February 20 at the Lewis County Senior Center in Weston and everyone is welcome. Check out the Lewis County First Facebook page for more information on the group and be part of the solution – volunteer.

KARLI HAMRICK/Lewis County Community Guide

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stephen Smith explaining to the community why they should vote for him as Governor and join his movement, “WV Can’t Wait.” By Karli Hamrick Staff Writer WESTON — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stephen Smith joined the Lewis and Upshur County communities with his series of Town Hall meetings Sunday, to discuss his plans if elected governor of the great state of West Virginia. Smith started a movement called “WV Can’t Wait,” in which 85 other candidates and constituents across the state have joined. Lewis County’s gathering, hosted by The West Fork Eatery in Weston, was Smith’s See Can’t wait on Page 8

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KARI CONAWAY/Lewis County Community Guide

Lewis County First meets at Jane Lew Park for business.

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WESTON — The Rotary Club of Weston welcomed guest speaker Carol Cain Bush, Partnership Specialist from the Philadelphia Regional Census Center, to talk about the United States 2020 Census and how important it is to get the correct information from anyone. Rotary member Robert Gricewich led the meeting. After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, reciting the four-way test, and blessing of the food, the meeting began. Gricewich introduced the speaker. Carol Cain Bush is from Elkins, WV and works as a Partnership Specialist with the United States Census Bureau. Bush works with different groups in the area, such as schools and the Family Resource Network, to get a complete and accurate count of the population. Bush also works with City Councils and County Commissions in the region. She has been targeting groups who usually do not participate in the Census to try and strengthen the outcome. Bush works to build trust, educate others on why the Census is so important, and ensure that the Census is safe and does not share information. “It’s safe, easy and important, and our goal is to count once, only once, and in the right place,” Bush emphasized. “The numbers determine how much of $675 billion SATURDAY Sunny 43/30

KARI CONAWAY/Lewis County Community Guide

US Census Partnership Specialist Carol Cain Bush each year are redistributed to the states, so the more people that we count, the more money for our communities,” Bush said. Bush explained how the Census helps determine the population, which affects housing, transportation, healthcare and education. Insurance companies even use the Census to set rates. The schools get a big portion of money for their title programs. Employers use the Census to decide whether See Rotary on Page 5 SUNDAY Mostly Sunny 48/37

Robert Harris, MD, FACOG

66 Hospital Plaza • Weston • 304-269-3108

William Hamilton, MD

66 Hospital Plaza • Weston • 304-269-3108 132 Cinema Circle • Buckhannon • 304-473-0670

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LEWIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE

Page 2

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Gary Wayne Arbogast, 60, of Jane Lew, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and loved ones on Friday, February 7, 2020. Gary’s life was taken quickly by a terminal diagnosis of cancer. He was born in Weston on May 16, 1959, a son of Myrtle “Bubbles” Bell Goldsmith Arbogast of Jane Lew and the late Robert “Bob” LeonardArbogast. On November 5, 1983, all his dreams came true when he married SueAnn Reed. Together they have shared the last 37 wonderful years and she will miss him immensely. Gary’s life will forever be remembered by his mother, Myrtle “Bubbles” Arbogast; his wife, SueAnn Arbogast; three children: Nikki Curry and husband, Chris, of Kincheloe, Scotty Arbogast and wife, Rachael, of Virginia Beach, andAdamArbogast and companion, Lisa Nutter, of Jane Lew; two cherished granddaughters:Adaleigh and Morgan Curry; one granddaughter onthe-way; four siblings: Robert Arbogast and wife, Coleen, of Buckhannon, Darlene Davis and husband, Steve, and Leisha Hitt and husband, Rick, all of Jane Lew, and MaryArbogast of Ohio; and several nieces and nephews. Gary attended Pleasant Hill Church in Kincheloe and was

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the owner and operator of B&G Salvage in Jane Lew for 21 years. He was proud of the business that he built and made lifelong friends with some of his employees.After closing the salvage yard, Gary took to the road. He hauled cattle locally and across the country for the remainder of his life. This is something that he truly enjoyed because he liked meeting and talking to new people across the Mid-West. Gary never met a stranger and always had a good story to tell. He has made many friends and had many memories while being a “cattle hauler”. Gary also enjoyed watching and following the youth at livestock shows. Above all, Gary treasured his family. He loved his granddaughters with his whole heart and looked forward to having them grow up on a farm. “Roll on Driver.” Family and friends will gather for visitation at Pat Boyle Funeral Home and Cremation Service located at 144 Hackers Creek Rd. in Jane Lew from 2-7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2020. Funeral services will begin at 7 p.m. in the Pat Boyle Funeral Chapel with Reverend Destry Daniels officiating. Following services, Gary’s request for cremation will be honored. In lieu of flowers, Gary’s family request that donations be made in his memory to help, support and encourage the future farmers of tomorrow. Please make donations to Nikki Curry and send to 581 Benson Rd., Jane Lew, WV, 26378. Donations will be dispersed to the Lewis County Youth Livestock Club. We, at Pat Boyle Funeral Home and Cremation Service, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Gary Wayne Arbogast. Online condolences may be expressed at www.PatBoyleFuneralHome.com.

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Free Vein Screenings available at SJMH on Monday, February 17

Dr. Ferdinand C. Martinez WESTON — Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital will offer a free vein screening to patients on Monday, February 17. The screening provides clinicians with information about a patient’s vein health and whether further treatment is needed. Dr. Ferdinand C. Martinez will conduct the screening. During the testing, patients will first view a short video and hear a presentation by Dr. Martinez. Each patient will then be taken to an exam room for an ultrasound of the legs. The ultrasound will determine whether the patient should return for a full evaluation. With warm weather approaching, some may start to worry about wearing clothing which shows one’s legs with varicose veins. This condition may cause individuals to feel self-conscious, often lowering self-esteem and limiting their lifestyle. If varicose veins go untreated, they may progress to a more serious form of vein disease called chronic venous insufficiency, leading to swelling, skin damage and ulceration. Varicose veins are bulging, dilated veins that are caused by malfunctioning venous valves. Venous valves are one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backwards. When valves malfunction, blood flows in the opposite direction, causing veins to enlarge to accommodate the increased volume of blood. This problem is also known as venous reflux. Patients with concerns related to vein conditions should call 304-517-1272 to register for the free screening event. The screening will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Oncology, Vein and Infusion Center located on the first floor. Please note space will be limited.

LEWIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE

Page 3

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

R A D N E L A C Y T I N U M COM Calendar of Events is provided as a public service by The Lewis County Community Guide to publicize upcoming events of community interest. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit or change any submission. No bingo, personal yard sales or for-profit events will be included. To ensure publication, submissions should be received at least one week prior to event — faxed to 304-472-0537, emailed to news@therecorddelta.com or mailed to Calendar of Events, P.O. Box 550 Buckhannon, WV 26201.

LCCG Datebook

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February 12

Healthy Heart Fair at Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m.

February 22

Smith Run Flying Eagles 4-H Club Painting Fundraiser from 2-5 p.m. to be held at Broad Street Church. Tickets $40 you can choose which wooden painting you would like to complete from the event picture. Money and type of painting you would like are due by Feb. 16.

February 29

February 14

Lewis County Senior Citizens Center hosts a Sweetheart Dance at 6 p.m. offering finger foods, refreshments, music and dancing. A King and Queen will be crowned. Everyone welcome, $5 per person.

Ireland Lions Club is having a Pancake Breakfast 7 a.m.-12 p.m. to raise money to rebuild the Military Memorial Wall at the Ireland Community Bldg.

Dreamers and Fighters Annual Bingo at 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Citizens Bank in Weston. Bingo to be held at the Lewis County Senior Citizens Center. Remember: no children, no spectators, and no holds on tickets. All tickets are sold on first The Cupid Shuffle at come first serve. Only 150 Jane Lew Fire Dept. Ticktickets sold. ets are $30 per ticket - a total of $11,000 will be given out on the main drawing tickets. Side rafThe Annual United Way fles and games of chance of Gilmer, Lewis & Upshur will also be available. You Elimination Dinner will be do not have to be present held at Stonewall Resort. to win. Doors open at 6 Visit their Facebook page p.m., drawings start at 7 for more info or email p.m. Must be 18 years old lcunitedway@citynet.net to attend. Free food and for tickets. Grand Prize beverages. $1,000. Theme is Roaring 20s. Social at 6:30 p.m., Dinner at 7 p.m., Drawing at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40 St. Paul’sAnnual Sweetheart Elimination Dinner at West Hall. Dinner at 6 p.m., drawing at 7 p.m., a Vandalia Ridgerunners happy hour before, music 4-H Club Annual Game after. Tickets are $25 for a Night at Vandalia Comchance to win $1,000. munity Building.

a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds go to funding the PVFD Food Pantry. For more information contact Tammy Cates (304) 517-9524 or Linda Cambell (304) 626-5511. March 8 Irish Spring Festival Opening Day: 12:15 p.m. - Flag Raising Ceremony, 1 p.m. - Pot O’ Luck (covered dish dinner), 2:30 p.m. - Gospel Sing at Ireland UMC.

March 12

Irish Spring Festival: 7 p.m. - Opening Ceremonies, 7:15 p.m. - King and Queen Reception Entertainment provided by LC Blue and a special remembrance to honor Jean Bruffey.

March 13

Irish Spring Festival: 7 p.m. - Irish Jig (Square Dance) and Costume Contest sign up begins, 8 p.m. - House Decoration Winners announced, 8:30 p.m. - Costume Contest Winners announced, 9 p.m. – King and Queen Coronation.

BBQ Bash Designer Bag Bingo fundraiser (to benefit BBQ Bash in Lewis Co.) will be at Village Square in Clarksburg. Doors open at noon, Bingo begins at 2 p.m. with raffles, tips, food, crafters, and a “Wine Pull”. Tickets are $20 Irish Spring Festival: advance, $25 at the door. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Vendors/ Contact Jody Light for Crafts, Irish food and more info. drinks, cancellation stamp

March 14

and more. 9 a.m. - Scavenger Hunt and Kite Fly, 10:30 a.m. - Intermediate Harp Workshop (Ireland UMC) and Tour De’ Shamrock (10-mile bike tour),11 a.m. - Foul Shooting Contest, 11:30 a.m. - Harp Concert Rehearsal (Ireland UMC), 1 p.m. The March “MARCH” Parade (All vendors/ individuals are asked to leave the building at this time), 2 p.m. - Harp Concert (Ireland UMC), 2:30 p.m. - Road Bowling, 3 p.m. - Beginners Harp Workshop (Ireland UMC - Harps available), 4 p.m. - Just Ducky Sweepstakes (Duck Race), 4:30 p.m. - Budding Shamrocks (Talent Contest), 7 p.m. - Luck O’ the Irish Bingo Pricetown Vol. Fire Department Elimination Dinner - Doors open at 5 p.m., Dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25.

Lewis County Cooks Association Basket Bingo will be held at West Hall in Weston. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the first game starts at 12 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door. Coverall and extra packets available at the door. St. Patrick’s Church Irish Fest at St. Pat’s Gym. Mass at 4:30 p.m., St. Patrick Church Catered Buffet Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. Menu: Corned Beef and Cabbage or Chicken. Adults: $15, Children 10 and under: $6.

March 15

Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital and Pace Yourself 5K Race - Irish Spring Fest Snake Chase Race behind the hospital in the parking lot beginning at Noon.

March 6

February 15

March 7

February 16

Lewis County’s Got Talent. The event starts at 2 p.m. at Lewis County High School. Admission: age 6 and under - Free, age 7-12 - $3, 13 and up - $6.

February 21

Lewis County Preschool and Kindergarten Registration Event 2-6 p.m. at Weston Headstart. Contact (304) 269-8300, ext. 118 or 120 with questions.

. Est 6 199

Purple Curesaders Relay for Life Team painting Fundraiser. The event will be from 1-4 p.m. to be held at Victory Assembly of God 65 Old Route 33, Weston. The cost is $40. Lewis County Shriners Club Cash Bash Event will be held at St. Pats Gym. Doors open at 6 p.m., drawings start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30. Only selling 500 tickets. Free food and Beverage.

March 7-8

Arts and Crafts Show at Pricetown Fire Dept. 9

ENTERTAINMENT! Tuesday | February 18th | 10 a.m. DAWN WINE Pie By The Slice - 2/18- 9 a.m. Homemade pie will be available for purchase by the slice. There are always some good treats! We need some folks willing to bake/donate for this! Sweetheart Dance 2/14 6 p.m. Join. us for food, music, and fun! More details to be announced! Monday, February 17th–Holiday, Center Closed Tuesday, February 18th - Country Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Cream Gravy, Peas, Frozen Blueberries, Hot Roll Wednesday, February 19th - Vegetable Soup, Ham & Cheese Sandwich on Wheat, Cottage Cheese, Fruit Thursday, February 20th - Steak Salad, Strawberry Cup, Yogurt Friday, February 21st - Pinto Beans, Squash, Mustard Greens, Cornbread, Pudding

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LEWIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Page 4

HISTORY Looking for furever homes By Tara Kennedy Editor

BUCKHANNON — The Lewis-Upshur Animal Control Facility needs help finding furever homes for Atlas and Boss. Volunteers from Luv 4 Animals and The Animal Outreach Project would also like to encourage pet owners to make accommodations for cold weather by ensuring their outdoor animals have sufficient housing and bedding. Please contact these groups on Facebook if you need assistance. Atlas is a very handsome mixed breed dog. He is about 3 years old and weighs 60 pounds. Atlas was brought in

by animal control from the Vegan area last week and hasn’t been claimed yet. He hasn’t been neutered, but assistance is available if needed. Boss is a friendly gray and white domestic short haired cat. He is approximately 4 years old and has not been neutered yet, but assistance is available. Boss showed up at someone’s home who could not keep him, so he was taken to the shelter. He is great with staff and has already been vaccinated and dewormed. Atlas and Boss, as well as many other loving cats and dogs, are available for adoption at the Lewis-Upshur Animal Control Facility located on Mud Lick Road in

Buckhannon, so stop by and find the perfect pet for your family. Adopt, don’t shop! L-UAC is always in need of volunteers if you are looking for a rewarding and worthwhile cause to assist. Donations of food and pet supplies are always welcome. L-UAC is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to noon, and also now the first Sunday of each month 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., or you can call (304) 472-3865 to schedule an appointment. If you need assistance with proper animal housing, bedding or any other pet needs, please contact Luv 4 Animals or The Animal Outreach Project on Facebook.

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This week in West Virginia history F B . C O M / R E C O R D D E LFB.COM/RECORDDELTA TA

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. Feb. 12, 1867: Barboursville was incorporated by an act of the state legislature. Originally the county seat of Cabell County, it lost that honor after the C&O Railway was completed to Huntington. Feb. 12, 1899: Karl Dewey Myers was born in Tucker County with severe birth defects. He never attended school, but he educated himself through persistent self-study. He was named the state’s first poet laureate in 1927. Feb. 13, 1800: General John Jay Jackson was born near Parkersburg. He served in the Seminole War as a member of Gen. Andrew Jackson’s staff. Feb. 13, 1913. Mother Jones was arrested in Charleston after helping union miners on Paint Creek and Cabin Creek. Feb. 13, 1923: Chuck Yeager was born at Myra, about seven miles from Hamlin. On October 14, 1947, in a Bell X-1 rocket airplane dropped from a B-29 bomber, Yeager broke the sound barrier by flying 700 miles per hour. Feb. 14, 1866: Grant County was created and named for Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, who later became the nation’s 18th president. Feb. 15, 1898: Musician John Homer “Uncle Homer” Walker was born in Mercer County. Among the last in a tradition of black Appalachian banjo players, he played the five-string banjo in the clawhammer style. Feb. 15, 1930: Sara Jane Moore was born in Charleston. On Sept. 22, 1975, Moore attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford in San Francisco.

Feb. 15, 1975: Elizabeth Kee, the state’s first female member of Congress, died in Bluefield. Kee was elected to Congress in 1951 after the death of her husband, John. She retired in 1964 and was replaced by her son, James. Feb. 16, 1821: Morris Harvey was born near Prosperity in Raleigh County. Harvey’s gifts to the Barboursville Seminary led to its name being changed to Morris Harvey College in 1901. The institution is now known as the University of Charleston. Feb. 16, 1951: Second Lieutenant Darwin Keith Kyle died during an intense exchange against Chinese forces in Korea. He was awarded the Medal of Honor. Feb. 17, 1735: Morgan Morgan was commissioned a captain of militia in the 201st Field Artillery, which is considered the oldest military unit in the United States. Feb. 18, 1843: Ritchie County was created from portions of Wood, Lewis, and Harrison counties. The county was named for Virginia journalist and politician Thomas Ritchie. Feb. 18, 1890: Ellison Mounts, a cousin to the Hatfield family, was hanged for murder, ending the Hatfield-McCoy Feud. Feb. 18, 1969: Hundreds of miners in Raleigh County went on strike over the issue of black lung. Within days, the walkout spread throughout southern West Virginia. 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) 346-8500; or visit e-WV at www.wvencyclopedia.org.

Sara Jane Moore HS yearbook

Chuck Yeager

Elizabeth Kee

Karl Myers

Uncle Homer Walker

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

This week in the House Of Delegates

CHARLESTON — The House of Delegates crossed the midpoint of the 2020 legislative session this past week, with a focus on how to inspire innovation and job creation across the state. Thursday, Feb. 6, marked the 30th day of the 60-day session. So far this session, delegates have passed 89 House bills and sent them on to the state Senate. The House has also passed four bills that were sent over from the Senate. So far this session, the Legislature has completed action on 11 bills and sent them to Gov. Jim Justice – seven House bills, and four Senate bills. Both legislative bodies typically spend the first 50 days of session focused on passing bills that were introduced in their respective houses. After day 50, which is known as “Crossover Day” due to the legislative deadline for bills to be passed out of their house of origin, each chamber focuses mainly on the bills passed by the other side. While floor session calendars and committee agendas are now becoming significantly busier, a major focus of discussion during the past week was not on an active piece of legislation, but a presentation given during the House’s Tech Caucus – a bipartisan group formed this session to focus specifically on raising awareness and highlighting issues surrounding the startup economy, entrepreneurship and job creation. On Wednesday, the Tech Caucus participated in a lengthy presentation and question-and-answer session with West Virginia native and former Cisco CEO John Chambers. Chambers has been working with West Virginia University to help inspire innovation and entrepreneurship, and shared his insights and recommendations with lawmakers. He spoke of the importance of having a long-term vision for the state and working together to achieve those goals. “You have to have the courage to dream what’s possible and imagine the American dream, the West Virginia dream, coming true,” Chambers told the caucus. “It requires moving with speed…I think we all know that if we don’t change, the outcome is unacceptable in terms of direction.” Among his recommendations, Chambers encouraged lawmakers to ensure the state’s universities and community colleges are coordinating with employers to adequately prepare students for the high-demand jobs that are emerging in the economy. “I think what we need to do is what you are now doing: A vision of what’s possible and how we can all come together, put aside any of our differences for one goal of what is right for the state and every citizen within that and then have the courage to take those risks and really make it happen,” Chambers said. House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, said the comment from Chambers that stuck with him most was, “We either have to be disruptive or be disrupted.” He said it’s a comment that will frame the last 30 days of the session. “The question is: How do we be disruptive? Because we all can agree we need to shake up the status quo in this state to truly inspire the change necessary to unleash the growth and economic diversity West Virginia will need to thrive over the next century,” Speaker Hanshaw said. Speaker Hanshaw said the House and its committees are working on several proposals that could stand to have that kind of positive disruptive effect on the state. That includes House Bill 4001, which would create the West Virginia Impact Fund to attract capital investment dollars to help fund large-scale job creation projects in the state. Delegates are currently working to refine some amendments to that bill in order to perfect it before passage. The House Technology and Infrastructure Committee this week also passed out its version of House Bill 4015, which would update broadband enhancement and expansion policies in the state. The bill would streamline permitting processes and allow the state to contract with private carriers to use state-owned properties and buildings to locate and deploy broadband wireless infrastructure. “House Bill 4015 places a shot clock on regulatory approvals, making it faster to cut through red tape,” said lead sponsor Delegate Daniel Linville, R-Cabell. “It also begins to open up state-owned towers for broadband and cellular coverage expansion, connecting more West Virginians in places across the Mountain State.” House Bill 4015 is the latest in a series of bills passed since 2017 to inspire broadband expansion in the state. Those bills are reaping results. Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $25 million investment in the Harrison Rural Electrification Association’s broadband co-op, which was created following passage of 2017’s House Bill 3093. Additionally, on Feb. 3, the Federal Communications Commission certified that the state Public Service Commission could regulate broadband infrastructure on utility poles, bringing more local control to the broadband expansion process. This was made possible by Senate Bill 3, which passed the Legislature last year. Meanwhile, to help combat the state’s low workforce participation rate, Speaker Hanshaw said the House Judiciary Committee has been working on several criminal justice, sentencing, bail and parole reform bills that are intended to make it easier for rehabilitated individuals to re-enter the workforce. “We know that when someone is incarcerated, they’re not being a productive member of our society or accruing the skills that make them marketable for employment in their communities,” Speaker Hanshaw said. “The goal of all of these bills is to reduce the barriers in the system that prevent these people from getting back into the workforce and contributing once again to society.”

LEWIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE

Page 5

AREA NEWS

Cancer advocates held Cancer Action Day at Capitol, urging lawmakers to restore funding to the state’s Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Programs

CHARLESTON — Cancer patients, their families and other volunteers from around the state who have been touched by cancer came together at the State Capitol in Charleston to advocate for cancer-fighting legislation Wednesday, February 5, 2020. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) gives people impacted by cancer a powerful voice

with lawmakers by holding an annual Cancer Action Day. Topping the list of priorities this year was addressing tobacco use in West Virginia, including the youth e-cigarette epidemic, which is rising at an alarming rate. To prevent a lifetime addiction to tobacco, ACS CAN volunteer advocates met with lawmakers to urge them to restore funding to the state’s tobacco cessation and

prevention programs. “Properly funding these programs can reduce tobacco use rates, and ultimately combat tobacco-related illness and death,” said Juliana Frederick Curry, government relations director, ACS CAN. “Evidence-based, statewide tobacco control programs that are comprehensive, sustained and accountable have been shown to reduce tobacco use

rates, as well as tobacco-related diseases and deaths.” Currently in West Virginia, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, 35.7% of youth use e-cigarettes. Tobacco use remains the number one cause of preventable death in West Virginia and smoking is responsible for 32.6% of all cancer-related deaths.

Workers may get a larger tax refund this year because of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). But to get it, you must file a tax return and claim it. January 31, 2020, marked the 14th anniversary of Awareness Day, a nationwide effort to increase awareness about EITC and free tax preparation sites. This year, IRS is promoting EITC and providing information on other refundable tax credits that you may be eligible for. This includes the Child Tax Credit (CTC), the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the Credit for Other Dependents (ODC) and the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). If you worked last year and had

income of less than $55,952, check out your eligibility for EITC. EITC can mean up to a $6,557 refund when you file a return if you have qualifying children. Workers without a qualifying child could be eligible for a smaller credit up to $529. According to the Internal Revenue Service, the average amount credited for 2019 was $2,476. Why is it important to have an EITC Awareness Day each year? One-third of the EITC population changes each year. The IRS estimates that four out of five workers claim the EITC they earned. This leaves billions of dollars on the table each year. We want to get the

word out to those who are eligible to file a tax return even if they don’t owe any tax to claim the EITC. It’s money workers can use for groceries, rent, utilities and other bills. EITC is complex. It varies by income, family size and your filing status. To be eligible, you must have earned income or certain disability income. This means you must have income from working for someone or working for yourself. Volunteers – trained by the Internal Revenue Service – ask you the needed questions to find out if you qualify for the EITC and other refundable tax credits. Volunteers at Volunteer

Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, also prepare and e-file (electronically file) your tax return at no cost to you. “Our community volunteers help you get EITC and the maximum refund you’re due. Our goal is to help you get it and get it right. This is money you can save or use to pay off bills, buy that car to get to work or make a down payment on a home. Let us help make your life a little easier,” said Suree Sarceno, VITA/EITC Outreach Coordinator for NCWVCAA Let us help you get it and get it right. Visit a free tax preparation site by going online to wveitc.com or dial 211.

Are you eligible for EITC?

DHHR announces Low Income Energy Assistance Program for low income residents

CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) announced applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) will be accepted beginning Monday, February 10, 2020, and ending February 21, 2020, or until funds are exhausted. The federally funded program assists eligible state residents in paying home heating bills. Eligibility for LIEAP benefits is based on income, household size and whether the household is responsible for paying its heating bill. Income guidelines have increased this year and must be at, or below, 60 percent of the State Median Income. In situations where a heating emergency exists, applicants must be seen by a DHHR worker. To qualify, households must meet all program guidelines. The maximum allowable gross income levels for LIEAP FY 2020 are listed below:

Household Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

*For each additional person, add $579. Households whose countable income exceeds the maximum amount are not eligible. However, some types of income may be excluded for LIEAP. Applications may be obtained at local DHHR offices, community action agencies, or senior centers operated by any Area Agency on Aging. Applications are also available online at www.wvpath.org. All applications must be received by DHHR or postmarked by February 21, 2020. Completed applications should be delivered or mailed to the DHHR office located in the applicant’s county of residence. A list of local offices may be found at https://dhhr. wv.gov/bcf/Pages/MapList.aspx or by calling 304-356-4619. Mailing the application to any other office or to a utility company may delay the receipt by DHHR and prohibit the processing of the application.

Gross Monthly Income Limit $1,884 $2,464 $3,043 $3,623 $4,203 $4,782 $5,361 $5,940 $6,519 $7,098

or not to locate a business or remove a business. “Everybody uses those numbers,” Bush explained. “We have a lot of grandparents raising children, aunts and uncles raising children. They’re wary of sharing this information,” said Bush. Kids have been under counted in the past, but this could mess up calculations for the future. Bush explained that they do not share information with DHHR, but that they are partners, and DHHR is interested in the numbers, not the dynamics. For example, they should know how many 2-year-olds, in case they need to start a kindergarten class or head start program. “For every person that goes uncounted, that really adds up,” Bush said. “It’s not the government being nosey, trying to distribute tax money.” “It’s important because it’s how the federal government

determines how over $675 billion is distributed to states each year, and it determines congressional representation, as well as boundaries,” Bush said. The decennial Census has been mandated by the United States Constitution and has occurred every year since 1790. “It determines representation in government, it determines boundaries,” she said. Right now, the Census team is in the advertisement and ‘group quarters’ stages, counting people who live in group housing situations, such as hospitals, correctional facilities, college dormitories, and nursing homes. In March, the initial Census invitation will be mailed out with a number for those willing and able to self-report. “In a perfect world, people will take this, and they will go online or over the phone, they can call it in and provide the information,” Bush stated. Those who do not want to electronically survey can wait to fill out the paper surveys

sent to their house. For those people who don’t self-report by April, Census takers will go door-to-door to collect the information from May to July. For those with a PO box, the survey report will be hand delivered to the household. Once all this information is delivered, the information is compiled in August, and the President of the United States will receive it on December 31. The Senate will see it around February and the information will be available to the public around April or May 2021. If you are interested in working with the United States Census, they are always looking for more people. Part-time and full-time positions are available, and the hours are flexible. Paid training time, as well as paid traveling at 55.5 cents a mile. “It’s a good way to give back to your community,” Bush said. Visit their website at www.census.gov for more information on the United States Census or to apply. In other business, the club discussed organizing a group

photo of all the Rotary Club of Weston members, fundraiser ideas, including elimination dinners, auctions, and a 50/50 raffle. The club started a planning committee to coordinate their elimination dinner. The club formed a nomination committee to slate next year’s officers. The officers are president, president elect, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and board of directors. To close the meeting, Bush was asked to pick a ticket from the raffle. Rotary member Cunningham won the raffle, but did not draw the correct card, thus leaving the money for next week’s raffle. The Rotary Club of Weston is a nonprofit organization, focused on the “Four-Way Test”: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? The club is always looking for new members and meets every Wednesday at noon in the back of Giovanni’s Restaurant.

BUCKHANNON — When West Virginia Wesleyan College students are not competing on the court or on the playing field, they can be found excelling in the classroom or devoting hundreds of hours to community service. On February 14, members from each of the College’s 22 sports teams will offer a spe-

cial Valentine’s Day between Babysitting Service from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Parents will be able to make arrangements to drop off children at the John D. Rockefeller IV Physical Education Center Gymnasium. The cost is $8 for one child, $11 for two and $14 for three or more children. Proceeds from the event will benefit

the Student-Athlete Athletic Council and the Male-A-Wish Foundation. To make a reservation for the service, contact Wesleyan Volleyball Coach Nancy Wheeler at 724-3220180 or by email at wheeler.n@ wvwc.edu. The Valentine’s Day service is just one example of how Wesleyan students give back.

Earlier this month, various team members were part of a campus-wide effort to package more than 10,000 meals for the Rise Against Hunger event. In December, other members assisted the United Methodist Committee on Relief with continued recovery and rebuilding efforts from the state’s 2016 catastrophic flooding.

Rotary from Page 1

Wesleyan Student-Athletes offering Valentine’s Day babysitting services

LEWIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE

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Box Scores

Maids V Minutemen V Maids JV Patriots Lady Patriots

43 N. Marion 49 N. Marion 51 N. Marion 70 S. Harrison 21 E. Fairmont

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

SPORTS

80 56 61 6 36

Maids JV cruise past B-U

Lady Patriots dominate Bulldogs

Emma Post By Wyatt Burns Sports Correspondent

Photo by Leah Watson

Ella Pinkney sinks one of many baskets for the Lady Patriots. By Tara Kennedy Editor WESTON — The Robert L. Bland Middle School Lady Patriots dominated Philippi Middle School at home last Tuesday. The Lady Patriots were up 20-0 at the half and easily won the contest by a final score of 39-0.

Maids V square off against B-U

Hannah Brown shoots from the foul line.

Olivia Krinov looks to pass the ball.

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WESTON — The Lewis County High School Girls JV Basketball Team hosted the Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Buccaneers on Thursday. The Maids got off to a slow start offensively in the first quarter, with two starters getting into foul trouble early into the first eight

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minutes. The Maids trailed 1310 at the quarter break. Brooke Butcher was the Maids saving grace that quarter, netting two 3-point shots. Lauren Wyatt was able to kickstart the Maids in the second quarter, coming off the bench and dropping nine points in the second quarter. The Maids took a 25-22 lead into the locker room after the big quarter from Wyatt. The third quarter was the

Haylee Lewis Maids best, getting points left and right with six girls getting in on the scoring action in the third. Haylee Lewis, Emma Post and Emily Talbert netted four each. Butcher hit another shot from beyond the arc, while Jaylen Romans and Elle Stump each recorded a bucket in the third quarter. The Maids also played stellar defense in the third, only allowing a pair of jump shots and a

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free throw for the Lady Bucs in the quarter. The Maids took a 44-27 lead into the final quarter of action. LCHS kept the pressure up and only hit shots when they had to in the fourth to cruise to a 51-39 victory over rival Buckhannon-Upshur. Butcher lead the way in scoring for the Maids, contributing 10 to the team total, followed by Wyatt with 9.

LCHS Wrestlers place at Big 10 tourney

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Trenton Bush

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By Wyatt Burns Sports Correspondent WESTON — The Lewis County High School Minutemaids Varsity Basketball team hosted the Buckhannon-Upshur High School Lady Buccaneers on Thursday. The Minutemaids came out looking strong and moving the ball well, giving them an 8-6 lead after the first quarter. The Maids got sloppy with the ball in the second quarter though, allowing the Bucs to score most of their second quarter points on the break. The Maids trailed 16-21 heading into halftime. The Maids clawed back in the third, slashing the lead to three at one point, but the Bucs worked their magic again and ended up leading 39-24 after an 18 point third. Buckhannon turned the fourth quarter on autopilot and cruised to a 55-38 win, their second over the Maids this season. Payton Campbell lead the way with 18 points for Lewis County.

LCHS Wrestlers placed at the Big 10 Conference Championship

By Wyatt Burns Sports Correspondent

School on Saturday for the annual Big 10 Conference Championship. This event was originally slated for Friday and Saturday, but bad weather and illness had other plans. The Minutemen

walked out with a team 7th place, collecting 78 points. Lewis County had five wrestlers place in the top 6. Ethan Leavitt finished 6th, Trenton Bush came in 5th, Dameon Wolfe finished 4th,

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Brock Mitchell and Julius Church placed 3rd. The Minutemen will travel to Braxton County this weekend for the annual AA Region 2 regional tournament.

January Cutest Baby Contest Winner and Contestants!

Wednesday, February 12, 2020 — 7

We had 65 entries in our January Baby Contest and here is the winner with the most votes! The winner will be contacted and eligible for a chance to win the final contest at the end of the year. For all that did not win in January you can keep entering in each new contest each month until you win!

Thank you Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Hospital for sponsoring our contest!

Go to the Lewis County Community Guide facebook or The Record Delta newspaper website at www.therecorddelta.com to enter our February contest!

OB/GYN CARE CLOSE TO HOME Now Accepting Patients

Robert Harris, MD, FACOG

66 Hospital Plaza • Weston • 304-269-3108

William Hamilton, MD

66 Hospital Plaza • Weston • 304-269-3108 132 Cinema Circle • Buckhannon • 304-473-0670

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LEWIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE

Page 8

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

FROM THE COVER

Levy from Page 1

Can’t Wait from Page 1

preciate our community more than they will ever know.” “In the coming weeks, I would like to form a committee from our Local School Improvement Councils to meet and help communicate what is happening in Lewis County Schools. Starting July 1, the BOE will have a monthly report about the levy and monies,” Lewis added.

168th Town Hall held in the state. “WV Can’t Wait” is a movement encompassing all kinds of people across our state. “We don’t think that one governor is the answer. So, if we want a government that’s actually going to respond to the people, we need a whole movement of people running up and down Here’s the BUZZZ...Pre-order 3lb Package Bees the ballot and we need people outside the government circle. WV Can’t Wait is a movement to try to win a people’s government. I’m running for governor, but I’m only one of 85 candidates who have signed 119 Third St Elkins WV | 304-637-BEEK a pledge, saying we’re not 9-5 Monday through Saturday going to take corporate cash, we’re never going to cross the picket line, and we’ll never hide Southern States Buckhannon from a debate. The candidates are only one small piece of that puzzle; we’ve got the volunteer teams in every county, and Residential and contributing,” Commercial Heating and constituents explained Smith. Smith is Cooling Installations and also running the first-ever servicing all major brands unionized campaign – giving his employees union pay and Rusty.surface@sscoop.com benefits. Smith said he needs

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1,900 votes from Lewis County and 150,000 in the primary to win this election. Congressional candidate Cathy Kunkel, U.S. House of Delegates candidate Brittney Barlett, and many others, have joined the movement and attended the Town Hall meetings with Smith on Sunday. Candidates expressed a need for inclusiveness in our city, our county, and our state, and a willingness to never back down. Smith mentioned the three crucial things their campaign needs: a plan, people, and engagement with voters. They spent an entire year building the plan through 168 Town Halls and 11,000 conversations with voters. The plan includes choosing taxpayers instead of tax dodgers, choosing workers instead of Wall Street, choosing patients over big pharma, choosing children over cheats. Smith explained what this looks like, is a state that has a tax payer council, not taking out of state companies and instead shifting them to the tax paying small businesses, ending election buying, creation of a public state bank creating our own capital to

assist in local infrastructure and working class citizens, equal pay for equal work, creating caps on prescription drug costs, treatment and recovery center for every county member, full cannabis legalization, bringing the opioid crisis down, Medicare for all at the federal level, reversing the upside-down tax structure so there is enough for our state to provide childcare for every working family and creating the most generous loan forgiveness plan ever thought of. Smith explained their plan “keeps us together, it’s what allows us to attract people… most people in WV have given up on the political process, they’ve heard every slogan, but what hasn’t been tried is a detailed clear plan and visions of what we want to win.” Smith emphasized in Weston, “Our little no-name grassroots campaign has raised more money than any other candidate, including Jim Justice. More important than that, we’ve done it without taking a penny from corporate packs, big pharmaceutical companies, or big energy out-of-state land holding companies.” As of right now, Smith’s cam-

paign has raised more small donations than all of the 2016 Democratic candidates for governor combined. Smith proudly added, “We do not take money from the people who have gotten rich off of our people’s work and pain.” Smith was born in Charleston, West Virginia 40 years ago and is a Harvard graduate. His dad started the West Virginia Coalition for the Homeless and Smith himself spent seven years leading an anti-poverty organization. Smith said, “In West Virginia, we judge ourselves by the people we help and serve, more than the stuff.” On wvcantwait.com, Smith expressed, “Every 50 years or so in West Virginia history, the system becomes so broken and our pain becomes so deep, that real change becomes necessary and possible. The Civil War, the Mine Wars, the Teacher’s Strike – it is in our blood to fight for our people, no matter their race, their accent, or who their father was. I’m running for governor because I believe that this is one of those moments, and I want my 6-year-old son to know whose side I was on.”

the estimated cost for the bus driver’s request. Within the presentation, she showed the current policy, their changes, and her comments. Weldon totaled the cost and estimated that the annual cost would be an increase of $132,242. In other business, the board approved the out-of-state requests for the Peterson-Central Elementary School second grade classes to travel to the Pittsburgh Zoo and McDonalds on May 8 and the Robert L. Bland Middle School eighth grade class to travel to the Kennywood Amusement Park. The board discussed in open forum the school calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. They discussed the start of the school year, expressing concerns about summer sports, students working, FFA and 4-H

participating in the state fair, and others. The board had their first reading on policies. They approved the Reduction in Force and Instruction Resource Material, but moved the Reduction in Classroom Teaching Positions in Elementary Schools to a second reading. The board went into executive session to discuss a personnel matter, but no action was taken. The board approved the resignation of George Stansberry at RLBMS. The board also approved additional classification as Autism Mentor for Christie Gay, reclassification as Cook I to Cook II for Janie Hawkins, permission to post Communities in Schools Site Coordinator for Peterson-Central Elementary and Leading

Creek Elementary. The board employed Katherine Dean as the kindergarten teacher for Roanoke Elementary, April Martin as a substitute teacher, Janie Hawkins as a cook for Peterson-Central Elementary and Patrick Varah as the Head Coach of the boys’ soccer team at Lewis County High School. The board made their closing statements. Phyllis Hinterer, Paul Derico, Superintendent Lewis and Jim Flesher expressed their thanks for the levy passing. Mike Holden expressed his frustration for the bus drivers. Connie Riffle talked on a personnel matter. The Lewis County Board of Education meets every other Monday evening at 6 p.m. The next meeting will be February 24.

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BOE from Page 1 clock out, making it a liability issue for the board. The secretaries also said the policies should be the same for everyone. Their representative asked for promotions to be available after four years, not eight years, and to be counted as state employees, even when the government calls for a day off. She also asked for the twohour delay policy to be revised to include the employees, not just in the schools, but for the board too. The representative explained that if the roads are not safe for the children to travel, they are not safe for the staff either. Following the policies discussion, Monika Weldon presented a slideshow to the board and audience, breaking down

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