| WEATHERIZATION AVAILABLE FOR CALHOUN RESIDENTS
By Bob Weaver
Community Resources, Inc., a regional poverty program that serves Calhoun is getting a boost with some federal stimulus money for a weatherization program.
The weatherization program helps low-income families with their energy bills.
The agency, which has been facing critical financial problems, will now be getting up to $3 million to help homes become more energy efficient.
CRI's executive director Steve Ellis told Calhoun commissioner Kevin Helmick that if the county did not get on board with the organization, it would not be likely people from the county would be hired for the weatherization program.
Ellis wrote a letter to the Calhoun Chronicle denying his statement to Helmick.
Ellis told Helmick he could no longer be on the CRI's board, and new county commissioner Scottie Westfall was appointed by the commission.
Ellis advised Westfall that he could not serve as a commissioner on his board, but he could as a private citizen.
Westfall said the CRI Board later said he could serve on the board as a commissioner, representing county citizens.
"I just want to try and support CRI's programs and services to Calhoun people," said Westfall.
CRI has declined to be responsible for money originally designated for the Little Kanawha Bus Company, now a separate entity.
CRI's former director, according a state audit, mishandled finances, according to a 12-count report.
Ellis has been working on resolving what sources say is a half-million dollar agency debt.
"We're amping up right now by hiring new people, buying more equipment, buying additional vehicles, and we're trying to get the word out that these services are available," Ellis told media.
For more information on the Weatherization Program, call toll-free 1-866-585-5525.
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