Thursday, July 31, 2014
The
Volume 145 Issue 30 50 Cents
Putnam Standard
New building, location on Putnam Library’s radar By Amanda Smythers amanda@theputnamstandard.com
The Putnam County Library is seeking a larger location, a project that could take years. Director Steve Christo said the library is in no way close to purchasing the land or building needed, but the project is on the radar and a high priority for the library’s board of directors. “We’re at the point with shelf space that if you buy 500 books, you have to get rid of 500 books,” he said. “We have nowhere to expand here.” The current building is approximately 8,000 square feet. Built in 1975, the changing need of the com-
munity has forced the library to consolidate sections into a fragment of what they once were. What was once a divided two area meeting space is now the children’s section of the library. The door to the second half of the room is still visible, although unusable. The local history area, which used to have its own room, is now confined to a small, glasscovered portion of the wall. “This county has everything going for it,” Christo said. “We’re at a point where we need a larger library. That’s all there is to it.” Christo said a priority need for the county is a place to have large meetings. He said the Chamber of
Commerce is forced to hold its annual dinner outside the county. “We really need a large meeting room,” he said. “There’s no place big enough to seat that many people. The library would be the perfect place to organize that.” Christo said the library is already accustomed to organizing smaller meetings as well as developing its own programming. According to a report approved by the West Virginia Library Commission and given to library directors, the number of materials and services provided by the Putnam County Library main See Library, Page 3
Steve Christo, Director of the Putnam County Library system for the last three years, is spearheading the search for a larger property for the main branch.
Aldi, Five Guys to open in Teays By Michael Circle michael@theputnamstandard.com
Chrissy Foster, owner of Foster Farms, talks with Jackie Bowen about eggplant varieties. Foster said she loves to interact with the customers and meet new people.
Market celebrates five years By Michael Circle michael@theputnamstandard.com
Residents and local farmers helped the Putnam County Farmers Market celebrate its anniversary with plenty of music, fresh foods and fun. During its fifth anniversary weekend, the market opened its gates in the Hurricane City Park to residents seeking fresh meats, locally made jewelry and farmgrown fruits and vegetables.
“We are a producer-only market,” said Chrissy Foster of Foster Farms in Fraziers Bottom. “Even in bakery items, they must be made with local ingredients.” The market hosts several vendors from farms such as Foster Farms, Morrison Farm of Milton and Shady Oaks of Poca. Even though some vendors at the market sell the same produce they get along well and help each other out, Foster said. “It’s kind of like a little fam-
ily,” she said. “We try to help each other. If a customer wants something one doesn’t have, they will pass them on to the vendor that has it. If we sell the same thing, that’s fine too. “The more vendors, the more customers there are than visit.” There are many reasons a vendor might bring their produce to the market, Putnam County Extension Agent Chuck Talbott said. Larry Shelton of Morrison See Market, Page 7
Teays Valley will soon be home to two new businesses. Aldi and Five Guys Burgers and Fries revealed plans to open new stores in the area. Aldi’s goal is to open its doors by the end of the year and Five Guys plans to open by Spring 2015. T.J. Summers of Four –S Development announced the addition of its newest tenant, Aldi Food Market, to Liberty Plaza on Monday. “Aldi will be occupying approximately 18,000 square feet of the former Big Bear grocery store space next to Dollar Tree,” he said. “Demolition of the space is almost complete with Aldi’s construction
starting in August and a proposed opening in December. Aldi will add a much needed grocery store choice to the market and we are very excited to have Aldi join Liberty Square’s roster of tenants.” Russ White, director of real estate for Aldi Food Market, said the plans for the new store in Liberty Square have been submitted. He said a general contractor will be chosen by the end of the week. See Teays , Page 4
County offers e-recycling By Zach Cumberland zach@theputnamstandard.com While planning the county’s annual electronics recycling day, the Putnam County Solid Waste Authority received news that it was awarded two state grants. The first grant is from the state’s Solid Waste Management Board in the amount of $17,800. It will be used for educational conference expenses, advertising, contracting and landfilling fees for demolition
projects and a financial exam. The second grant of $3,000 is from the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan (REAP). This grant will be used to purchase litter grabbers and pay labor wages for the county cleanup program. Charity Fellure, executive director of Putnam County Solid Waste Authority, said the organization is See Recycling, Page 5
Putnam CVB - pg. 6 n Hometown - pg. 7 n Development Authority - pg. 12 n