By: Jennifer Britt
The Parsons Advocate
Several members of the Tucker County workforce presented either a monthly or yearly report to the Tucker County Commission. Each had information and updates pertaining to their particular department. Many items ranging from new truck signage to the relocation of four voting precincts were discussed. The Commissioners thanked everyone for their arduous work and dedication given to the citizens of Tucker County.
Tucker County Assessor, James ‘Chris’ Michael, reported to the Tucker County Commission on the plans of the assessor’s office. Michael explained the office would be doing door to door assessments for the Dry Fork and Davis Districts. The assessor’s office has also acquired new software called iasWorld. The new software is the most comprehensive property assessment and tax administration software available. The assessor’s office will be closed April 25, so the staff can train on the new software.
Elizabeth Smith with the Little League Association thanked the commissioners for their donations toward a new pitching mound. The league now has seven little league teams, and the new mound has been essential in helping the players. Smith said: “With everything going on, I know I’m a little late with this thank you, but I still wanted to come to say thanks from all of us.”
Parsons Volunteer Fire Department Chief , Kevin White, reported new road not suitable for large trucks signs will be updated around June after working hard for them over the last five years. The new signs will coincide with the current ones already in place. The signs will contain the picogram logo of a truck with read circle around it and a red slash through the truck. White said: “We hope to stop trucks from going onto roads that aren’t big enough to accommodate them and keep everyone safe.”
White also gave a COVID-19 update for the Tucker County area. Numbers are on the decline over the last week across the county and state. There were 2,080 confirmed positive cases since the beginning of the pandemic. That equals to about 29.7 percent of Tucker County’s Population.
Since nearing peak capacity in early February, COVID related hospitalizations in West Virginia are down 90.8 percent. ICU patients are down 85.8 percent and patients on ventilators are down 88.4 percent.
The second COVID booster is available to anyone 50 and older and 12 and under. These individuals are required to have had an organ transplant or living with conditions that are considered as equivalent level of immune compromised. They would also need to be four months since their last vaccine.
White has filed for two portable programmable signs with the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). This is an extremely competitive state grant that receives many applications a year. White hopes to know the outcome of the grant by October. These signs can be used to announce events, direct traffic, or even prepare for severe weather and disasters. The portable signs will be remote controlled through a cell phone and solar powered. A single charge can last up to 30 days or continuously through solar power.
Commissioner Lowell Moore thanked White for everything he has done for the community and additional signage he has acquired. Moore stated that: “Every year it’s improved.” White answered that with: “Well it has been a team; everybody has had a little piece in this. It is not just one person. I took the ideas and direction from other people and ran with it. Hopefully, I did you well.”
Animal Shelter Director Bailey Falls was not present to report this time because she was busy picking up $20,000 worth of stainless cages donated by another organization in Parkersburg. Commissioner Fred Davis said in her absence that: “this animal shelter thing is going to be a showcase for West Virginia. Because of the way they are working on this and doing some wonderful things. Remember this, the citizens are not paying for this. It is amazing the donations people and organizations give to the shelter. So, if you see something new going on in the county, please do not think it is coming out your pocket cause this mostly all fundraising and people donating.”
An election updated was presented by Sherry Simmons. Simmons explained how election site issues for the physically impaired have been resolved by working with the West Virginia Disabilities Act. Simmons had received some concerns and hopes those concerns have been addressed. Simmons stated that: “Voting is one of our nation’s most fundamental acts. It is a right. Yet, for so long many people with disabilities have struggled at our polling places.”
Some places have issues with such things as ramps, door handles, and paved parking areas or spaces. On August 26-28, 2021, exterior assessments were conducted on all of Tucker County’s precincts. Tucker County was given 60 days starting Sept 21, 2021, to assure that the citizens with disabilities were given access to polling locations. All the precincts have been addressed.
There are five main precincts that had to be relocated. Precinct One in Hendricks, and Precinct Two in Hambleton are relocated to the Tucker Valley Elementary gymnasium entrance area. This area hosts plenty of parking and is located on the other side of the St. George School-Based Medical Clinic. Simmons said: “This is to ensure people have a safe and an accessible area to go in.”
Other areas addressed were Precinct 10 in Sycamore Grove and Precinct 24 at St. George Methodist Church. These locations are being relocated to the St. George Pavilion adjacent to the clinic with plenty of parking. Simmons stated: “We have worked hand in hand with St. George Medical Clinic. It is a lovely location called the Pavilion Area. It is a brand-new facility and is completely accessible. And I thank St. George Medical Clinic for working with us.”
Also, the voting Precinct Five that was at The Tucker County Annex has been moved to the Precinct 4 Tucker County Courthouse. Simmons went on to apologize for any inconvenience these changes may cause but asked to please put any concerns aside for the benefit of a disabled person being able to vote. Simmons also recommended other voting options such as early voting starting April 26 and to note that the changes were required by federal and state law.
Simmons finished by thanking her staff for their demanding work and dedication.
The next meeting of the Tucker County Commission will be held on April 27 at 4 p.m. The meeting is located at 211 First Street, Parsons, in the third-floor courtroom and is open to the public.
