MC CALLISTER RECOGNIZED FOR SERVICE TO COUNTY

(12/15/2006)
This week's Calhoun Commission meeting was the final one for commissioner Larry McCallister, who is completing 12 years in the position this month.

McCallister, a member of the Board of Directors of the WV County Commissioners association, lost his bid for a third term.

"It's the best job I've ever had," he said, "I really enjoyed working with the other commissioners and the community."

McCallister alluded to his "most difficult time" being nearly two years ago when county revenues did not meet expenses, resulting in a money crunch.

"We've rebounded since then, with the county being in good shape financially, at least for now," he said.

McCallister said he re-learned the generosity of Calhoun people, when he helped deliver food, supplies and cash to a rural community in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina.

McCallister is well-known around West Virginia for his drawings, many of Calhoun locations, but more recently of West Virginia county courthouses. See "Fine Art By Larry McCallister" at larrymcc.com

The commissioner was presented with a plaque at a county Christmas dinner yesterday, recognizing him for his service.

McCallister and his wife are moving to Wood County to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren.