FRONTIER SAYS FIX ON BIG SPRINGS/FIVE FORKS LAND-LINE PROBLEMS IMMINENT - Commission Meets With MOVHD Director

(12/10/2014)
Frontier Communications has advised the Calhoun Commission that upgrades to substations in the Big Springs and Five Forks area of the county will likely be completed by late December.

The commission filed a formal complaint with the WV Public Service Commission earlier this in a behalf of land-line phone customers who experienced intermittent service for at least four years.

The WV Public Service Commission has scheduled a final hearing with the Calhoun Commission regarding the problem on February 10.

Drema Mace, PhD, the executive director of the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department, met with county commissioners Monday regarding future services to be provided to county residents.

Mace said it is likely that services will be expanded, and that the office will be open five days a week, instead of the present four.

Mace acknowledged problems with a former administrator who kept reducing services to the county. "I'm an old public health professional who knows about the needs of rural areas," she said.

"There will be a significant health department presence here," she said, indicating the business office could be moved to Arnoldsburg.

Commissioners expressed concern that the amount budgeted for regional jail expenses would be used before the end of the fiscal year.

The commission made an emergency allocation to Calhoun County Park for $2,400 for the replacement of a gas furnace on the Herbert Smith community building, while seeking some emergency grant money for the replacement.

During Monday's meeting the commission went into executive session to discuss legal issues related to the defunct Calhoun EMS, with no action taken.

Commission president report that the CRI office in Calhoun is the most productive in the regional counties it serves.

Nancy Bremar, with the WVU Extension nutrition program, gave a presentation about future nutrition programs available to the public.

The courthouse Christmas dinner has been set for December 15, with the courthouse being closed for Christmas for a half day on December 24 through December 26.

The commission heard other reports, made a budget revision, and approved bonds, bills and wills.