February meeting focuses on water crisis Thursday, March 6, 2014
Don’t forget to spring forward Saturday night!
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50 Cents Volume 145 By Kelly Stadelman
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kelly@theputnamstandard.com
The mayors of the seven towns along W.Va. 62 in Putnam and Kanawha County know the meaning of the words collaboration and cooperation. The group, the “Route 62 committee,” meets monthly to discuss roads, current events in each town and to consult on projects. The committee also invites a guest speaker to each meeting to learn more about county organizations, programs and businesses. Poca Mayor Jim Caruthers said the Route 62 committee has accomplished “a lot of little things” during the past couple of years. “We worked together and made a donation of $12,000 for a senior van,” he said. “We also have bought equipment together. Buffalo and Eleanor went together and share a lift truck.” The Route 62 committee includes the towns of Bancroft, Buffalo, Eleanor, Hurricane, Nitro, Poca and Winfield. During the meeting on Friday, the committee heard from Putnam County Commission President Steven Andes and Frank Chapman, director of the Putnam County Office of Emergency Management. The topic of the discussion was the recent water contamination and the handling of the incident. Chapman said he was disappointed in the state because he never received notification about the chemical spill or the state of emergency. “I found out when our 911 cenSEE WATER ON PAGE 4
Winfield considers second water source By Kelly Stadelman kelly@theputnamstandard.com
The city of Winfield is exploring the option of adding a secondary water source for its residents following the recent contamination of water. “We may never have another chemical spill that affects our drinking water supply, but if we do I want to have something in place,” Mayor Randy Barrett said. “My job is to provide for and protect the residents of Winfield.” On Jan. 9 the state issued a do not use water alert for 300,000 customers of West Virginia American Water Co. after about 7,500 gallons of MCHM leaked from a Freedom Industries tank into the Elk River. The governor’s office quickly declared a state of emergency in the nine affected counties. Just Friday, 50 days later, the state lifted the state of emergency. Much of Putnam County gets its water from the Putnam Public Service District or the city of Hurricane. The city of Winfield was among the areas in the county affected by the chemical spill.
Barrett said the city wants to keep West Virginia American Water as its primary source. “In the Feb. 11 meeting the city council voted to explore the possibility of a secondary water source,” he said. “I’m following
By Kelly Stadelman kelly@theputnamstandard.com
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department unveiled its newest crime fighting tool. Sheriff Steve Deweese on Tuesday announced the launch of a new mobile application. “The new app is a means for residents to communicate directly with the sheriff’s department and report crime,” he said.
up on that action.” In the 1940s the city of Winfield had its own water plant. When the city started to grow in the late 1970s and early 1980s it connected its water lines to the Putnam PSD.
In 1994 West Virginia American Water took over ownership and operation after the city’s residents voted to sell its water lines for $200,000. SEE WINFIELD ON PAGE 3
Recycle day scheduled
Putnam County Sheriff launches mobile app
HOW TO REACH US PHONE: (304) 743-6731 FAX: (304) 562-6214
The map outlines the area Putnam PSD serves. The city of Winfield would like to reconnect its water lines to Putnam PSD as a secondary water source.
When residents download the app they have the option of having news alerts pushed directly to them. Deweese said this was done intentionally so that he can let the community know what is happening in the county. “When I ran for office, one of my promises was to get out information to Putnam residents in a timely manner,” he said. “This new app does that.” SEE APP ON PAGE 5
Putnam County residents have a chance to recycle tires, electronics, appliances and scrap metal during a special day set aside by the Solid Waste Authority. Up to 10 tires – on or off the rims – and 10 electronic items can be dropped off at Putnam County Parks between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22. The park is located at 1 Valley Drive, just off W.Va. 34 in Hurricane. People who need to dispose of more than 10 tires or 10 elec-
tronic items should call the Putnam County Solid Waste Authority at 304-586-0495. No household trash will be accepted during the event, and commercial vehicles and contractors are not eligible. Items not accepted include propane and gasoline tanks, motor oil, solvents, paints, pesticides, roofing materials, barbwire, block, concrete, brush, fluorescent light bulbs and hazardous materials. Call 304-586-0495 with any other questions.
Inside This Week: NIBERT TAKES OATH - PAGE 3 SPRING LAWN & GARDEN - PAGE 8 STATE WRESTLING RESULTS - PAGE 12
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