By Stephen Smoot
With Starlink now cooperating with the National Science Foundation on creating dead spots and areas of reduced internet capacity, momentum has picked up on organizing local officials to support affected areas receiving waivers, funding, or outright dissolution of the zone.
Pendleton County’s commissioners have reached out to their colleagues in other counties, as well as emergency management and economic development officials, to provide resolutions and documents of support for ways to either mitigate or end the National Radio Quiet Zone.
Roger Dahmer, Pendleton County commissioner, opened the meeting with the traditional invocation, in which he prayed, “We just praise You Lord” while thanking God for the beneficial rains soaking the area.
Carl Hevener, Pendleton County Commission president, shared that he and Dahmer attended a meeting in Elkins along with other county government officials affected by the Quiet Zone. Jimmie Bennett was ill and could not join his fellow commissioners. Bruce Minor accompanied the Pendleton County contingent to the meeting, which also included all Randolph County commissioners, county emergency management officials, and a field representative from the office of United States Senator Joe Manchin.
Hevener said, “I didn’t realize that it affects Randolph County as much as it does,” sharing that towers in Harman, Valley Head, and elsewhere face similar restrictions as some serving Pendleton County. He added that Pocahontas County officials may take a more accommodating line with the NSF, putting a priority on maintaining good relations with them.
Dahmer added, “It was a very productive meeting. It was well worth getting everyone together.” Hevener shared that he would next reach out to county officials in Grant and Hardy to see if they will also pass the same resolution as Pendleton, Upshur, Webster, and Tucker.
Karen Pitsenbarger, Pendleton County administrator, delivered reports on different structural issues that have developed in the county courthouse. First, she shared that she had not yet heard from a structural engineer tasked with examining the cracks in the first story floor. The new storage shed for salt and tools was also installed.
Pitsenbarger then informed the commissioners that the recently constructed ramp had problems with the slope and other features. She explained that the company that constructed it wished to repair it piecemeal, but Pitsenbarger stated, “I would prefer . . . that they rip it out and start over.”
She said, ‘If you start cutting a piece here and a piece there,” that it could compromise the entire ramp. Hevener stated that “we need to be in the decision-making, not just (the contractors) telling us what they’re going to do.”
Construction may begin soon. When it does, likely the metal detector and public entrance will temporarily move to the rear of the building.
Also related to courthouse construction, Pitsenbarger told the commissioners that “we got the letter of conditions from USDA for you to sign so we can get our money.” This represented the final step in obtaining financing for the construction of the courthouse annex.
Bradley Kimble, Pendleton County Sheriff, presented the commission with the names of two people under consideration for part-time security positions at the courthouse.
Finally, Mike Alt, Pendleton County Emergency Rescue Training Officer, discussed upcoming mental health training. The trainings will take place on Nov. 15, 16, and 17 at the community building in Franklin. The training is for fire, EMS, and other first responders. It will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and involve Potomac Highlands Guild.
“Anyone who wants to attend, let us know,” said Alt.
