In spite of unforeseen situations (that I would love to share), problems (I hope to forget), set-backs (that are routine), plus election day, Veterans Day, and two and a half days off for the Thanksgiving Holiday, (compliments of Governor Justice), November was an active and productive month.
Certain letters of support went out on behalf of other businesses and organizations within the county. The Letters of Support will play into an upcoming grant opportunity. I hope to be able to share more at a later date.
The first weekend of the month the Pocahontas Coun-ty Saddle Club hosted its last rodeo of the season at the arena on Second Avenue in Marlinton. The two-day event had a great turn-out. It looks like the events are drawing more participants and spectators each time. Economic Development comes in many shapes and forms.
Josh Sharp spent a couple of hours with Lauren Bennett and Tim Henry at the Overlook Trail Observation Deck, clearing out a second viewshed. The goal is to not cut any more trees than we have to. It is a slower process than one would think. Signage discussions are in progress for the trail, to provide directions from Fourth Avenue and the Greenbrier River Trail from near the water-tank.
Sara Cottingham has left her former employment and is now working full-time on grant and grant opportunities for The Mon-Forest Towns Partnership.
On November 15, I had the pleasure of hosting Aaron Pugh’s social studies class at the Marlinton Municipal Building. Forty-one students from Pocahontas County High School assembled in the auditorium for a Q&A session before visiting individual offices. Afterward, students moved from the Town side of the building to the Firehouse, where they were greeted by Nichole Brock and Steve Tritapoe, who explained various facets of the operations there.
Between Trailhead/Outdoor Recreational Engineering and the water/sewer/stormwater project, the Thrasher Group has been all over Town in recent weeks. Expect their presence into the New Year.
We are all glad to see snow on the mountain at Snowshoe Resort.
The Town crew is ready to plow snow but has not had to – yet – and for us, that is okay.