Looking for furever homes
LEWIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE Serving all of Lewis County, West Virginia
Copyright 2020
State’s economy better than projected
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
(304) 472-2800
WV Wildlife Center offers free admission
TARA KENNEDY/The Record Delta
Governor Jim Justice holds a daily press briefing Tuesday morning. By Kari Conaway Staff Writer CHARLESTON — Governor Jim Justice resumed his daily press briefings via YouTube this week, providing continual updates on the state’s response efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Justice explained Monday where the state currently stands economically, and reported it was better than expected. He explained that May was projected to be at a $60-70 million shortfall, but only came in at $37.7 million short. Justice noted that with back billing, West Virginia may be able to pick up an extra $150 million. Justice stated, “West Virginia, economically, is going to be okay.” Justice started Monday’s briefing by commenting on See Justice on Page 4
City Council resumes live meetings
Weston City Council resumed regular in-person meetings Monday evening. By Kari Conaway Staff Writer WESTON — Weston City Council met in-person Monday evening at 6 p.m. Members were permitted to attend, but attendance was limited to 25 people and they were asked to wear a mask. The public was permitted to call in to listen via Zoom conference. The meeting started with a moment of silence, Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. The Council approved the May 4 regular session minutes, as well as the May 7 and May 26 special sessions minutes. In other business, the council approved all board, commission, outside agencies and department reports. The council approved the bid from Eagle Lawn Care to mow the Arnold Hill Cemetery. The council discussed abandoned and vacant alleys and replacing speed limit signs in Ward IV. Representatives from the Mountain State Waste and the Solid Waste Authority talked to the council about reloSee Council on Page 3
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID VALUE GUIDE
By Karli Hamrick Staff Writer FRENCH CREEK — If you’re looking for a family friendly activity that’s fun and educational, look no further. The West Virginia Wildlife Center reopened to the public on Tuesday – and it’s free! This decision came after Governor Jim Justice announced that “zoos” across
the state could reopen on May 26, as part of WV Strong: The Comeback plan. The facility is open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, including weekends and holidays. Although the picnic areas remain closed, the gift shop and snack bar are open to supply souvenirs and refreshments. The West Virginia Wildlife Center covers 338 acres of
BOE remembers Derico at meeting
By Kari Conaway Staff Writer
Indeed Mr. Derico devoted his life to education, working as a teacher, principal, central office administrator and county Board of Education member. Among his many professional associates, colleagues and friends, we attest to Mr. Derico’s profound dedication to all who value education and realize his contribution will be noted for many years to come. Well, there are those who say, ‘What one does, does not matter 100 years from now.’ That observation proves short cited when one contemplates the ways in which Mr. Derico enriched the lives of students, teachers, school professionals and others. It is with these brief words that we contemplate a life well-lived, an authentic life embodied by family, community, church and profession.” Flesher added that the letter was signed by the WVSBA Executive Committee, Executive Board, County
WESTON — The Lewis County Board of Education met last Tuesday evening, May 26, to discuss business. Members of the public were able to attend the virtual meeting telephonically. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by words of remembrance and a moment of silence for BOE member Paul Derico who recently passed. President Jim Flesher read a letter from the West Virginia School Board Association to the family of Paul Derico. The letter read, “On behalf of the West Virginia School Board Association, we are saddened by the passing of Mr. Derico. Considering Mr. Derico’s personal and professional life and career, we are drawn to this quote, ‘Every man’s life ends the same way, it’s only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.’ That quote is from Mr. Ernest Hemingway. See BOE on Page 4
WEATHER
biology and relationship with humans. The West Virginia Wildlife Center is located at 163 Wildlife Rd., French Creek, WV. You can contact the center at (304) 924-6211. Bring your family and enjoy the wild and wonderful animals our state has to offer at the West Virginia Wildlife Center – for free.
History of the Census
By Kari Conaway Staff Writer WESTON — The United States Census has changed a lot since it first started in 1790. It was mandated by the United States Constitution in Article I, Section 2. The original purpose of the Census was to determine how many representatives each state gets in the House. However, James Madison suggested that the census takers ask additional questions that would help lawmakers better understand the needs of the nation, gradually evolving the Census to what it is now. Every response matters for an accurate Census. It shapes the community for the next ten years, helping decide where schools, health clinics, fire departments and even roads or highways are built or fixed. Responses to the Census help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states each year and determine how many seats each state gets represented in Congress. If you have not already done so, please respond to the 2020 Census at https://my2020census. gov/ to help your community and state receive its share of federal funding and representation. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the national self-response rate is currently 60.5 percent, and West Virginia’s self-response rate is 48 percent. West Virginia was tied with New Mexico for having the second worst response rate in the country, with only Alaska ranking behind. Lewis County’s current 2020 Census response rate is 63.4 percent. The county with the highest response rate in the state is Wood County with 67 percent and the lowest is McDowell County with only 5.5 percent response rate. See Census on Page 3
Paul Derico THURSDAY Thunderstorms 83/65
land and boasts a variety of native reptiles, mammals and birds. The Center has signage throughout the 1.25 mile walking path, asking visitors to practice social distancing and refrain from touching the enclosures, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. There are also informational plaques placed at each exhibit, allowing visitors the opportunity to learn more about the animal’s history,
FRIDAY Rain 86//65
SATURDAY Partly Sunny 82/56
SUNDAY Mostly Sunny 80/57