Oil spill at Stonecoal Lake
LEWIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE Serving all of Lewis County, West Virginia
Copyright 2019
Ember Arts to host painting event May 5th
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
304-472-2800
Miracle-Ear Grand Opening
BILLY HURST/Lewis County Community Guide
PHOTO SUBMITTED
A fundraiser acrylic pour paint party will be held from noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, May 5, at Ember Arts, located in downtown Weston. The fundraiser benefits B-UHS junior Abby Casto in her goals to attend a summer program to jumpstart her college career in her chosen field of study; law. WESTON – Ember Arts, located on West Second Street, will host a fundraiser acrylic pour paint party from noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, May 5, to benefit the college efforts of an area student chosen to participate in national program. Abby Casto, a Buckhannon-Upshur High School student with deep roots to Lewis County, was nominated to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum: Law and CSI (a.k.a. Envision) in Washington, D.C. this summer. It is an opportunity the aspiring lawyer said was invaluable to helping her prepare for her future. “I have been given a once in a lifetime opportunity so rare that I have never known one person who has attended this program.” Casto said. Envision is a forum taking place July 7-12, July 1419, and July 21-26, focusing on law and crime scene investigation. Participants spend six days at the nation’s capital with experts in the field who will share invaluable teachings via hands-on experience to help students reach their potential. Completion of the program will make Casto and other select participants across the country eligible for college credit from George Mason University. “The only problem is the tuition cost is very high and hard to pay for.” Casto said. She has received some donations from family and friends and has been making monthly payments but collecting See Painting on Page 5
Annexation hearing set for May 13
By John Clise Editor
WESTON – The ongoing Weston annexation issue is facing a flurry of action just ahead of the June municipal election with city officials conducting meetings and now a scheduled meeting by the Lewis County Commission on May 13 at 6 p.m. to receive public input on an annexation application filed by city officials. According to Lewis County Commission President Agnes Queen, the commission will conduct a public hearing concerning an application filed by the City of Weston for annexation by minor boundary adjustment. The areas under consideration, according to the application, are the businesses adjacent to Rt. 33 East from the current corporate line near Kentucky Fried Chicken to Walmart/ Market Place area. Individuals wishing to see a map of the area in question may inspect those at the Lewis County Commission office or at the Weston City office. The application and the Order of Publication are also available for viewing. Interested parties are encouraged to attend the hearing to express opinions for or against the proposed petition. If you have any questions or concerns about this petition, please feel free to call the Lewis County Commission at 304269-8200 or the City of Weston at 304-269-6141.
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID VALUE GUIDE
WEATHER
Miracle-Ear, located at 135 Staunton Pike in Weston recently held its grand opening with owners Clint and Stephanie McCandless, center. Representatives of the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce were on hand to help cutting the ribbon to make the opening official.
I-79/Rt. 33 works L-UAC saving set to begin May 6 pet lives in area By Tara Kennedy Staff Writer
JOHN CLISE/Lewis County Community Guide
Work is scheduled to begin on May 6 for the redesign of the I-79/Rt. 33 Exit 99 interchange. The interchange has long been a safety issue concern for drivers entering and exiting the southbound lanes of I-79. By John Clise Editor
berg noted that she has been living in Weston for 40 years and it’s always been issue for drivers, especially those not familiar with the area to get off at the Exit 99 ramp. There has always been confusion between drivers attempting to exit I-79 and those attempting to enter I-79 southbound as the entrance and exits cross paths making it difficult to know who slows down and who speeds up to facilitate a safe exit or entry. Spelsberg said it is a bit of a dangerous interchange. Once work is underway, the estimated date of completion is expected to be sometime in the spring of 2021. The project will eliminate the current Exit 99 southbound ramps and create a new set of ramps to eliminate what the state calls a “conflict point.” Additional signals are also going to be installed along Rt. 33 to better control the flow of traffic. Bridge work will also take place, which may lead to a
Work is set to begin on the redesign of the I-79/Rt. 33 Exit 99 interchange May 6, according to reports from the West Virginia Division of Highways. The approximately $24 million project is expected to alleviate long time safety concerns from drivers entering and exiting the southbound lanes of I-79. Lewis County Commission President Agnes Queen noted commissioners recently met with DOH officials and they were assured the interchange would not be closed, and both I-79 and Rt. 33 will remain open during the construction project. The only time traffic might be detoured through either Weston or Jane Lew would be in the event of a traffic accident in the construction zone. Such detours, according to Queen, will only be temporary until the wreck is cleared. The interchange has been a safety concern for decades in the community. Weston Mayor Julia Spels- See Construction on Page 5 THURSDAY Showers Likely 82/62
network of rescue groups and volunteers. Luv 4 Animals and Claws & Whiskers Rescue Foundation are two of the groups that have helped L-UAC to turn things around. In addition to volunteers providing manpower to help care for the animals’ needs like getting them out of kennels for exercise and socialization, they also help L-UAC to network, transport and coordinate adoptions events. The West Virginia Legislature passed a bill that became effective in 2005 requiring all animals adopted from a shelter in WV to be spayed or neutered. Since this can be very expensive with the volume of animals they care for, Luv 4 Animals is gracious enough to help sponsor spaying and neutering. Claws & Whis-
The Lewis-Upshur Animal Control (L-UAC) Facility has made great strides over the past few years to save the lives of animals that end up in their shelter. L-UAC is located on Mud Lick Road in Buckhannon and is an animal welfare organization that serves the needs of two counties, Lewis and Upshur. It is a rural facility with limited means to serve the duty that they are called to do for the area, but along with fantastic volunteers, they are very committed to finding homes for as many animals as possible. In the past, this facility was known as a high-kill shelter, but things have drastically changed. Every possible effort is made to secure adoptions and they work closely with a See L-UAC on Page 5
Online reservations now available at state parks
By John Clise Editor
West Virginia to see what we are doing,” Justice said. “Our state parks and forests are a cornerstone of West Virginia’s tourism industry and improving the way people plan their trip is going to make visiting Almost Heaven that much more of a memorable experience.” Justice said. “I love the outdoors,” Justice said. I grew up with bird dogs and grouse hunting.” He noted during his comments he wished he’d brought his pole with him. He reminisced about catching a native trout in a stream “not three feet wide.” Justice applauded the work of West Virginia Tourism Commissioner Chelsea Ruby.
Governor Jim Justice made an announcement Friday afternoon at Audra State Park marking his longtime commitment to West Virginia’s state parks and tourism industry. Justice, who has long been a supporter of state parks and since the beginning of his administration has sought to “fix up state parks” and “make it where people can make online reservations to the state parks” calls this a game changer. “This a great day for our state.” Justice proclaimed as he spoke to the group gathered at Audra State Park. “The nation is looking at See Parks on Page 5
FRIDAY Showers 77/57
SATURDAY Showers 74/56
SUNDAY Showers 73/54
Venous Disease Is Treatable We can help those experiencing these symptoms: Varicose Veins Aching, fatigue or heaviness in legs Throbbing or burning leg pain Cramping, swelling or numbness in legs
Carol White, M.D. Vein Specialist
Register for your screening at 304-517-1272. May 6, 2019 • 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital – Vein Center
stonewalljacksonhospital.com