By Stephen Smoot
Last week, the Pendleton County Commission heard from different community entities on progress and needs. The meeting opened with Roger Dahmer, commissioner, offering the customary invocation, emphasizing “Lord, we are here to conduct Your business.”
Commissioners heard first from Charlotte Hoover, representing the Potomac Valley Conservation District. She brought updated information packets concerning the small watershed flood control dams in the area and their needs.
In the 1950s and 60s, the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service constructed hundreds of dams to hold water along creeks feeding larger streams and rivers. The goal lay in trapping water upstream from areas prone to flooding. This would reduce property damage, enhance safety for people and property, and reduce the erosion of valuable soils. Experts credit them for preventing even more loss of life and significant property damage during the Flood of 1985 and other such events.
Dams also provide valuable stable water sources for some farmers and even recreational opportunities. A large dam at the head of New Creek in Grant County has created a good-sized lake on which people enjoy boating and fishing. Of the 170 dams in West Virginia, about 75 serve the Potomac Highlands region. Hoover stated that the agency would appreciate the normal $10,000 given annually.
Amanda Mowery followed up from Liberty Community Programs. For most of the past six months, LCP has worked diligently to complete inspections and state paperwork. The Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification has been inspecting and reviewing LCP and its facilities. As they approve different facets of the program, LCP will get them underway.
Soon, 32 “substance use disorder” treatment beds will open. Approval of certificates of need for youth psychiatric programs will open 100 beds for those needs. They can treat “anything in the psychiatric realm with a component for autism.”
“We’re doing well,” Mowery shared.
Annie Humes, Pendleton County Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, shared that organization’s annual report. She noted to the commission that lodging use in Pendleton County has continued to grow despite tourism industry headwinds nationally and also in other parts of West Virginia.
She reported that tourism continues to bring more impact to the county as a whole and also to Franklin.
Importantly, the CVB received strong scores when reviewed for accreditation. In 25 categories, it scored 119 of a total 132 points. The grade “put us in compliance with the state . . . until 2028.”
Humes also shared that businesses in “physical tourism” that go the farthest in making reasonable accommodations for tourists with various disabilities or other challenges get “significant benefit.”
When Humes concluded, Carl Hevener, commission president, noted that “Pendleton County should have a sporting show. It’s food for thought, but I don’t know where you’d have it.” He and other commissioners remembered in person West Virginia Department of Natural Resources check-in stations when children would wait for hunters to bring in their prizes. Kids used to like to go to the game checking stations and see how big the horns were on the deer brought in. Humes replied, “That sounds like a lot of fun!”
Rick Gillespie, Pendleton County Emergency Services coordinator, shared that space in the General Services Building was ready for the regional Day Report Center to move in and that Pendleton Public Service District’s space should be ready by May.
He added that the slight 911 fee increase scheduled for July 1 could be a moot point. A bill running through the West Virginia State Legislature could modernize the 911 funding mechanism. Currently, land line fees help to support operations in each county.
