BAXTER — In 1968, the Baxter Volunteer Fire Department opened its doors for the first time.
The department had its humble beginnings in a small pole building near the ball field. Over the years, the firefighters made do with the small building, adding on as they could, according to Destry Jones, Baxter fire chief.
However, the department has now officially moved out of their less than 2,000-square-foot-fire hall and is now conducting business in their brand new 10,600-square-foot building.
“We’re really excited about finally moving in,” Jones said.
The move is the culmination of years of planning and work, Jones pointed out. Not only did work begin nearly a year ago when crews began moving dirt at the new location, but the department had been saving money to help pay for the construction since approximately eight years ago, Jones said.
The new building cost approximately $700,000, Jones said. The department took out a $500,000 low-interest, 15-year loan to help fund the construction. The rest of the money came from the department’s savings, he added.
Since the new building is significantly larger than the old, it gives the fire department much more room to grow. The old building had only three truck stalls, while the new has four in the front and one in the side.
“I don’t think it will take us long to fill it up with stuff,” Jones said of the new building.
The new facility has room for larger trucks and more equipment. However, the fire department is still keeping the old fire hall for storage.
The new fire hall will also benefit the community in more ways then housing the fire department. Banquets and other gatherings can be held in the building’s large hall. A small hall is also available for gatherings as well, Jones said. Anyone wishing to reserve the halls can call Jones at 216-0677 or Bobbi Delaney at 376-2503. The phone number for the fire hall is 278-9779.
The building also contains a full kitchen and a bathroom in the upstairs section. Jones pointed out that the fire hall could be used as a shelter in case of emergencies.
“We have a laundry facility, and the building is hooked up to a 60-kilowatt generator in case the power shuts down,” he said.
The building will be dedicated during an open house on Aug. 23.
The fire department also accepts donations, Jones said. Two donations were provided by businesses in the Grant Town/Baxter area. Both the Grant Town Power Plant and R&W; Cable donated to the fire department. The Baxter Homemakers donated $6,000 to the fire department as well, Jones said.
E-mail Paul Fallon at pfallon@timeswv.com.
In Today's TWV
August 17, 2008
Years of planning, work lead to new Baxter fire hall
- In Today's TWV
-
-
US kills Osama bin Laden decade after 9/11 attacks
Osama bin Laden, the face of global terrorism and architect of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, was killed in a firefight with elite American forces Monday, then quickly buried at sea in a stunning finale to a furtive decade on the run.
-
Construction around FSU
Construction matters were on the minds of the Fairmont State Board of Governors Thursday as they discussed projects to widen Locust Avenue and the continuing renovation of the historic Kennedy Barn.
First, a project to widen Locust Avenue to three lanes has been a priority for the state for several years. -
Goal: Redevelop site of former black Elks
City officials are hoping to solicit a buyer to redevelop the former site of the former black Elks building at the corner of Everest Drive and Cleveland Avenue.
Following the structure’s emergency demolition last weekend, city manager Jim Snider said the city is hoping someone will come forward to develop the site and recoup the city’s $72,000 demolition cost. -
Investigation continues into suspicious container, plastic jug that were blown up
Fairmont police detectives will continue their investigation into a suspicious can and jug that were blown up late Friday night by a State Police bomb squad, police said.
No one was injured, but the incident forced drivers to detour around Fairmont Avenue from Seventh to 10th streets while the area was secured and the containers were safely destroyed. -
Years of planning, work lead to new Baxter fire hall
In 1968, the Baxter Volunteer Fire Department opened its doors for the first time.
The department had its humble beginnings in a small pole building near the ball field. Over the years, the firefighters made do with the small building, adding on as they could, according to Destry Jones, Baxter fire chief. -
AmberView participation rising
Fairview Middle School has a higher percentage of students enrolled in AmberView than any other school in the state, officials said Friday.
AmberView is an innovative program, developed in West Virginia, that assists law enforcement by quickly issuing an up-to-date digital picture of a missing or abducted child. AmberView officials have seen participation rise dramatically in the last year. -
Police investigate, detonate suspected bomb
West Side’s main thoroughfare was blocked for hours while police investigated and then detonated a suspected bomb Friday night.
Fairmont City Police responded to a report of a suspicious package Friday after a 911 call from a passerby. -
Student housing at FSU booming
While enrollment may be down at Fairmont State this year, student housing is booming.
The university’s board of governors received preliminary enrollment numbers at its meeting Thursday. -
Jay to speak at convention
U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, an early supporter of Sen. Barack Obama, will be a speaker at the Democratic National Convention in Denver later this month, a campaign aide said.
Rockefeller, 71, who is seeking a fifth-straight term in the Senate, will speak on Wednesday, Aug. 27, said Jessica Tice, his campaign press secretary. -
A strong ‘heartbeat’
“The chamber is the heartbeat of every community,” Gov. Joe Manchin told a crowd of approximately 375 people during the Marion County Chamber of Commerce’s 55th Annual Dinner.
Members of the business community gathered at Fairmont State University’s Falcon Center Thursday night for the event, which also serves as the chamber’s annual meeting. - More In Today's TWV Headlines
-
US kills Osama bin Laden decade after 9/11 attacks
