Lewis County Community Guide April 8, 2020

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Needing furever homes

LEWIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE Serving all of Lewis County, West Virginia

Copyright 2020

Governor Justice sends help for WorkForce WV

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

(304) 472-2800

Collaboration keeps kids fed

By Kari Conaway Staff Writer CHARLESTON — Governor Jim Justice continued his daily press briefings on Monday and Tuesday via YouTube to give updates on the COVID-19 outbreak. Justice reported Monday that WorkForce West Virginia has expanded to three call centers to deal with the continually increasing unemployment claims. Tuesday, Justice elaborated on how unemployment claims are processed. The Governor said he told his General Counsel Brian Abraham, “Whatever General Hoyer and WorkForce West Virginia believes needs done, triple it, because these people at home are hurting. They’re worried about paying the power bill and everything else under the sun, and we’re going to fix it.” Justice stated that the daily unemployment claims filed from the beginning of the month to Monday ranged from 2,000 to 6,700, but proudly told viewers that they are getting it under control with the extra help now. Justice said 28,500 claims were processed on Monday alone. The Governor elaborated on two new Executive Orders he issued over the weekend. The first ordered tighter restrictions over Berkeley and Jefferson, which are now considered hot spots, and included Morgan County, which is in close quarters. Justice issued another Executive Order late Saturday evening, ordering Monongalia, Harrison and Kanawha counties to join the Eastern Panhandle’s increased restrictions. The orders limited groups to a maximum of five people, directed businesses to require employees to work from home at the maximum extent possible, and directed See Justice on Page 5

City hires new Judge and Building Inspector

Tara Kennedy/Lewis County Community Guide

Lewis Co. Administrator Cindy Whetsell and Magistrate candidate Rick Frame volunteer to distribute food for local children, while Travis Riffle picks up a box for kids in the community. By Tara Kennedy Editor WESTON — The old saying “many hands make light work” couldn’t be more fitting when it comes to feeding the children of Lewis County during school closures. With many different organizations and volunteers contributing, it has certainly made an extremely daunting task more manageable. While schools are closed across the state due to the coronavirus pandemic, a collaborative effort to distribute food has

Extension service offers garden tips By Karli Hamrick Staff Writer

By Tara Kennedy Editor

WESTON — In observation of social distancing requirements, all members of the Weston City Council met via teleconference Monday evening. The public was permitted to call in to listen and also afforded several opportunities to participate during the meeting. The City Council approved the minutes from the March 3 Regular Session, the March 18 Emergency Session and the March 27 Special Session. The three members of the Cemetery Board are scheduled to meet on Wednesday at 2 p.m. They reportedly need to approve new check signers and review applications for the secretary position. Next, City Clerk Kristin Droppleman-Donaldson reported that the state is still processing the municipality’s budget revisions and estimate for new year that were sent about

been strategically organized by Lewis County Schools, Lewis County FRN, Lewis County Health Department, Stonewall Resort, Lewis County Office of Emergency Management, Lewis County Commission and a host of volunteers. According to Lewis County Administrator Cindy Whetsell, the process has been streamlined for the schools and FRN to get the food delivered to Stonewall Resort, where it is packaged for the students. The Office of Emergency Management and County Commission have been instrumental

People often wonder what season is best for planting – fall or spring? According to the WVU Extension Service, both are excellent, depending on what you are planting. Trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials can be planted during either season. If you live in an area where early frost is likely, spring planting is suggested. In spring, planting should occur after the last spring frost when

WESTON — In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, many people are considering growing their own garden for the first time this year, while others plan to expand their usual plots. If you are looking for some guidance, the West Virginia University Extension Service provides a variety of free information regarding gardening, lawn care, pest control See Garden on Page 5 and so much more.

See City on Page 5

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID VALUE GUIDE

WEATHER

THURSDAY Rain 57/33

FRIDAY Light Rain 44/32

in recruiting and scheduling volunteers, who then distribute the food at several locations twice per week. The Lewis County Health Department is involved in every aspect to ensure that safety standards are followed. Whetsell stated, “We have had tremendous support from citizens willing to volunteer. We still have people that haven't been scheduled to date that we will be calling for future distribution. All of our volunteers are excellent! Without them, none of this would be possible.” Many of those volunteers,

such as Rick Frame who is currently running for Lewis County Magistrate, keep showing up to help. Frame explained that he is glad to help and is committed to Lewis County, as well as the youngsters who may not get enough to eat without all the volunteers doing their part. “Sunday, my first grandchild was born, and I’m not allowed to see her until I’ve quarantined for 14 days. So, I’ve made a difficult decision that I won’t get to see my See Collab on Page 5

County Commission discusses business

By Kari Conaway Staff Writer WESTON — The Lewis County Commission met via teleconference on Tuesday at 10 a.m. Members of the public were able to call in if they wanted to participate or listen. Commissioners reviewed the March 26 Upshur County Commission meeting agenda, February 13 Jane Lew Public Service District meeting minutes, and SuddenLink’s new video packages they will start offering April 21. Commissioners reported on the conference calls and health department meetings they have attended, as well as the stu-

SATURDAY Sunny 55/42

dent meal delivery progress. According to County Administrator Cindy Whetsell, Lewis County passes out approximately 2,200 meals between breakfast and lunch on Mondays and Thursdays, with each bag including three student meals inside. The Mountaineer Food Bank also handed out family bags of oranges with the meals. County Clerk Cindy Rowan reported that absentee ballot applications will be going out April 24 to corSee Commission on Page 6

SUNDAY AM Showers 64/55

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Lewis County Community Guide April 8, 2020 by Mountaineer Newspapers - Issuu