Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Local, community newspapers continue to maintain community standards.
FALL SPORTS PAGES 9-16
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50 Cents Volume 143
Australian Mining Company purchases land in Putnam Business Park By Jack Bailey
l Issue 33
Groundbreaking held for Valley Park Expansion Project
jackbailey@theputnamstandard.com
By Jack Bailey
FRAZIERS BOTTOM – An Australian-based mining and manufacturing company has purchased 11 acres of land in the Putnam Business Park in Fraziers Bottom. The purchase of land was made on Aug. 2, following a meeting of the Putnam County Commission on July 24 where commissioners approved a Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement for an unnamed company that had expressed interest in locating in the Business Park. The agreement gives the company a 20-percent tax deduction on real property for 20 years. The land was purchased by Ludowici LLC, which describes itself as one of Australia’s oldest manufacturing companies, specializing in the delivery of worldclass minerals processing and materials handling equipment. The purchase price of the 11.02 acres was not listed. Currently, Ludowici has North American offices in Chapmanville and in Wytheville, Va., according to its website. SEE MINING ON PAGE 3
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jackbailey@theputnamstandard.com
HURRICANE – A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Tuesday, Aug. 14, for expansion work to begin on Valley Park in Hurricane. The ceremony featured county officials, park officials, and representatives of Pray Construction, the contractor who will perform the work on the project. “This is an exciting day,” said Putnam County Parks and Recreation Director Scott Williamson. “This is something the county needs.” Earlier this year, the county acquired 5.6 acres of land adjacent
Putnam County Commissioner Joe Haynes speaks to the crowd in advance of a ceremonial groundbreaking on Tuesday, Aug. 14, for the expansion of Valley Park in Hurricane. Photo by Jack Bailey. to Valley Park’s existing 60 acres.
On the additional property a
new full size soccer field will be built, in addition to a new maintenance building, new restrooms, a children’s play area and additional parking. Williamson said that the full size soccer field will be able to be divided into two youth fields, and will also be able to be utilized as a baseball field. In addition to the new amenities for the park, the new expansion will allow for a new entrance into Valley Park off of Teays Valley Road. “This is exciting, and we couldn’t be more pleased for work to get started on this,” said SEE PARK ON PAGE 24
Putnam County Master Gardener Program Accepting Applications SUBMITTED ARTICLE West Virginia University Extension Service in Putnam County is accepting applications for the 2012 Putnam County Master Gardener Program (PCMG), a service organization. This program consists of a volunteer training course designed to provide experienced home gardeners with the information and skills necessary to share their experience and knowledge with others. Starting in September, there will be ten,
three-hour night classes held weekly. Those interested in participating should attend an orientation meeting at 7:00 PM on August 23rd at the Old Winfield Courthouse. In exchange for 30 hours of indoor and outdoor instruction, candidates must agree to donate 30 hours of volunteer service to West Virginia University Extension Service. Volunteer activities currently carried out by Master Gardeners in Putnam PC MG President, Pat Burkett, shows a student from Conner Street Elementary how to plant pumpkins. Courtesy photo
SEE GARDNER ON PAGE 3
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