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A number of jobs created by RPR Industries, Calhoun's only production plant, have apparently evaporated, according to Little Kanawha Area Development Corporation Director Diane Ludwig.
Ludwig told the Calhoun Commission Monday that Grantsville's RPR had laid-off 46 workers during the past several weeks, apparently for lack of contracts.
"As you know, the company works really hard to get new contracts and get people back to work," Ludwig said.
The Commission passed a resolution Monday opposing the construction of a 765 kilovolt high voltage transmission line through Calhoun, considering a number of negative issues surrounding the project, or more specifically how the multi-billion dollar project would benefit citizens.
See COMMISSION RESOLUTION OPPOSES HIGH VOLTAGE LINE ACROSS COUNTY
The commission accepted a suggestion by 911 Director Gary Buchanan to not increase his salary for services he provides as the county's Flood Plain Coordinator, by reducing his 911 salary and receiving a stipend from the county for flood plain services.
Buchanan said he had processed four permits.
While Calhoun has been ahead of the loop with E-911 addressing, Director Gary Buchanan, after a long wait, has received approval from the state for several ZIP codes in the county.
Buchanan said he is hopeful that citizens will begin receiving notification of their new addresses.
The Commission was told that work was scheduled to begin this week on the new walking trail for the Upper West Fork Park.
The commission is considering a recommendation by Calhoun County Committee on Aging Director Mike Ritchie regarding concerns expressed by the purchaser of the old Minnora school property from his agency.
The Commission sent Ritchie's recommendation to the Prosecuting Attorney for a recommendation.
(Story to follow)
The Minnora purchaser indicated they have concerns the county did not place the property out for bid when it was sold to the senior center, although the sale was approved under the recommendation of the county's Prosecuting Attorney.
The prosecutor told the commission in writing that putting the property out for bid was not necessary, based on the fact the senior center was a political subdivision.
"This was a good-faith issue that can be cleared-up," Ritchie said.
The commission continues to discuss trying to resolve a conflict over access and ownership of the county's 911 radio transmitters and towers, following a complaint filed by Gary Buchanan, 911 Director on behalf of the county's 911 Advisory Board, in addition to concerns expressed by OES Director Kathy Wood.
Commission president Bob Weaver recently met with concerned parties at Arnoldsburg to resolve the conflict, which is related to an ad hoc agreement that goes back 20 or more years with the county's fire departments to do upkeep and maintenance at the sites.
"The department's have been dutiful in maintaining the system for many years, but OES and the 911 Advisory Board have expressed concerns that seem legitimate," Weaver said.
OES Director Kathy Wood gave a progress report on the Inter-operable Radio Project (IRP) which is being installed by the state, indicating the building of new towers for better communications in rural Calhoun are being discussed.
"The IRP system allows different agencies to readily communicate with each other," Wood said.
Calhoun resident Carl Shaw spoke to commission members regarding a two-rate property tax.
A resolution was passed recognizing National Hospice during November.
Diane Ludwig explained a volunteer program to bring dental care to the rural area, called Mission of Mercy.
At the request of Orma resident Larry Cottrell, the Commission adopted a supportive resolution to obtain road improvements on Wolf Run.
The commission accepted a resignation letter from Sgt. J. E. Skidmore from the E-911 Advisory Board.
A Thanksgiving Dinner for county employees is set for November 20th at noon.
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