U.S. 35 may go ahead
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Yuletide in the Park Page 4
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50 Cents Volume 144
By Justin Waybright
l Issue 46
justin@theputnamstandard.com
The economic benefits could be vast after the completion of the new U.S. 35, county officials said, although the state cautioned that the project isn’t moving as quickly as some initially thought. The project has the potential to alleviate safety issues and propel the local economy forward. "If they can finish that, it'll be one of the biggest things to happen to Putnam County in a long time," said Putnam County Chamber of Commerce President Marty Chapman. "I'm real excited to see it done - I'd love to see it turn into an area like Corridor G for the county." According to the DOH Transportation Renovation and Improvement Plan for Putnam County, the 14.6-mile, $214 million project is a candidate for “P3” funding, a public/private partnership between the state and a contractor. In July, Senate Bill 190 was passed to change funding requirements for public and private transportation projects. Under the bill, language has been adjusted to allow projects like the U.S. 35 extension to be potentially funded through a payment plan from the state to the contractor. "The contractor will front the money to do the project, then the state will make payments to the contractor - it's similar to
Focus on family helps Fruth By Chris Stadelman chris@theputnamstandard.com
Lynne Fruth proved she can make dramatic changes. She went from a career in education to president and chairman of Fruth Pharmacy in a matter of just a few years, for example, and gave up the idea of playing basketball at West Virginia University only to end up a captain of the WVU softball team. Lynne Fruth also proved she knows when not to change things that work. The company her father started with a single store in 1952 now has nearly 700 employees who take care of 26 locations, but it operates with the same community-minded, family-oriented philosophy Jack Fruth started with. A business that took in $37 its first day now supports legions of community organizations and has handed out more than $500,000 in col-
HOW TO REACH US PHONE: (304) 743-6731 FAX: (304) 562-6214
lege scholarships. “I have often said that growing up in a family business is a unique and wonderful experi-
ence,” Lynne Fruth said during her recent keynote address at Celebrate Putnam. “The business is so much a part of your
life that it’s hard to tell where the family stops and the business SEE FRUTH ON PAGE 7
Thankful hearts provide meals, hope By Justin Waybright justin@theputnamstandard.com
SEE U.S. 35 ON PAGE 6
Frances Fruth, left, and her husband Jack taught many lessons to their daughter Lynne, who now is president and chairman of Fruth Pharmacy. The chain employees nearly 700 people.
While many families are planning their holiday meals, more than 6,000 residents in Putnam County will struggle to find dinner tonight. Help is here. Across the county, teams of volunteers are working with food pantries from Poca to Hurricane in an effort to erase hunger. The spirit of giving comes alive at organizations like Five Loaves/Two Fish and the Christian Community Cupboard. One of the county's busiest pantries is located in Hurricane.
On Tuesday mornings, families form a line out the door of the Christian Community Cupboard, waiting for food. Men and women come with a burden. Minutes later they leave with relief. Volunteers, like Brenda Ginn, help make this happen. Every October, she joins members from First Baptist Church in Hurricane to work at the cupboard. Every month a different church holds shifts. "This makes you appreciate what you have," Ginn said. "This is something I felt led to do, and my husband is here every TuesSEE MEALS ON PAGE 2
Gathering hope - Volunteers sort food at the Five Loaves/Two Fish food pantry in Poca. Courtesy Photo
Inside This Week: GIRLS’ LACROSSE - PAGE 8 ADULT DRUG COURT - PAGE 9 HIGH SCHOOL BANDS - PAGE 16
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