The Times West Virginian

Local News

May 19, 2009

Water Street dry during recent floods

Dredging project may have eased watershed issues

By Mallory Panuska

MANNINGTON — Thanks to the completion of a floodplain control project along U.S. Route 250, Mannington’s Water Street stayed dry during the last series of major rainstorms.

Mannington Police Chief David James reported this news to council members Monday. He said that Water Street is usually one of the first streets that floods in heavy rain events, but that there was no flooding during the storms two weeks ago.

James recently attended a meeting of the Buffalo Valley Association, on which he serves as the treasurer. This organization monitors dams and watersheds in the northern end of the county and James said members talked about the effectiveness of this expansive dredging project near Farmington at its last meeting.

James explained that the project consisted of moving of about 100,000 cubic yards of dirt along the creek bed and helped flooding in the entire North Marion region.

“It helped from (Farmington) north,” James said. “The people in Farmington are happy with it. A lot of people who have had flooding in the past did not even have any high water (this time).”

The next step in continuing this effort will be a similar project in Rachel, followed by another one above Mannington in Beatty’s Bottom, James explained. He also said that once these projects are finished, all flooding at Hough Park, which frequently gets standing water when it rains significantly, should be completely eliminated.

In other business Monday, council members approved a lone insurance bid for the city from Commercial Insurance Services. Mayor Frank White said this is the same company that insured the city in past years and covers Mannington’s properties, general liability and automobiles.

The rate went up from more than $43,000 to more than $48,000, which was a less than 10-percent increase, White said. Council members also voted not to lower its liability limit, keeping it at $1 million, and voted against purchasing terrorism coverage.

City Clerk Michele Fluharty and another employee in the clerk’s office will also be formulating a list of property owners who are delinquent on police and fire fees.

This action was sparked by a request from a residential property owner who asked for city maintenance officials to remove a tree near the owner’s home. However, because this owner is delinquent on fire and police fees, the city is hesitant to do the work, White said.

“People ask the city to accommodate them with doing things and that’s fine,” he said. “However, if people don’t stay current with what they owe the city that affects our funding. We need people to stay current.”

White said the majority of the properties that are behind on these fees are dilapidated or uninhabited and the owners do not actually occupy them in most cases. Fluharty said the fees are $12 a month for both residential and commercial owners and that there are only about 10 owners who are delinquent.

Recently, the city cracked down on a number of business owners who were delinquent on their quarterly B&O; taxes and White said the effort was effective. Now, besides maybe one or two owners, he said the city is completely up-to-date on these fees and he hopes that similar results will be rendered for the delinquent police and fire charges.

Also on Monday, council members held a budget work session before their meeting and discussed the city’s Meade and water funds. Council members subsequently voted during their meeting to use Meade funding to give $1,000 to the historical society, $750 to the cemetery fund, $5,000 to the gym foundation for work on the city community building, and $5,000 to the park board.

White also said that council needs to have a plan in place by July 4 to balance the Fiscal Year 2010 water budget, which is not balanced yet. He said council members discussed performing meter readings and mowing in-house to save $8,000 in the water fund and members voted to put an item on June’s agenda to discuss an upcoming rate increase.

E-mail Mallory Panuska at mpanuska@timeswv.com.

Text Only
Local News
  • Therepy Dog -ts.jpg A brighter day

    Sitting on a pink polka blanket with pink bows tied around her ears, Pebbles the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel brightens up the day of a patient at the Arbors at Fairmont nursing home.
    “I always had a dog,” said Max — who preferred that his last name not be used — to Pebbles’ human, Sharon Spevock.

    February 9, 2012 1 Photo

  • ‘New heights’ NASA’s mission

    The NASA Independent Verification & Validation Facility in Fairmont has accomplished a lot over the years, but also has a long way to go, said Gregory Blaney.
    Partnerships will allow the agency to continue to move forward.

    February 9, 2012

  • Man indicted on 14 counts of sexual abuse

    A Mannington man has been indicted by the Marion County grand jury on 14 counts of sexual abuse.
    James Edward Carpenter, 34, of 100 Parkview Drive, Apt. 101, Mannington, is charged with four counts of first-degree sexual abuse and 10 counts of sexual abuse by parent, guardian or custodian.

    February 9, 2012

  • BB&T to remain a part of Farmington community

    Thanks to community members who made their voices heard, the BB&T branch in Farmington is staying open for business.
    The office was full of excitement and hugs Wednesday as employees and community members celebrated the news that this location will continue to service clients.

    February 9, 2012

  • Expanded airport hangar space sought

    Benedum Airport Authority members representing Marion and Harrison counties met Wednesday at the North Central West Virginia Airport for their monthly meeting to discuss plans to build and expand hangar availability.

    February 9, 2012

  • FSHS student works to start scholarship fund

    A bright smile on Kelly Horton’s face could have fooled anyone on Wednesday morning.
    In front of the Marion County Commission, the Fairmont Senior High School junior kept a strong composure as she explained why she needed help with her senior project.

    February 9, 2012

  • Marion co 911--DS.jpg It’s an emergency

    A Dalmatian was on a mission. And he was in a hurry.
    In a fire truck, the Dalmatian, Patches, rushed into Monongah Elementary on Tuesday morning while students looked on in amusement.

    February 8, 2012 1 Photo

  • MCVB and MCPARC OPENING -TS.jpg CVB, MCPARC moving to new homes

    The Convention & Visitors Bureau of Marion County and the Marion County Parks and Recreation Commission are excited to have a new place to call home.
    On Monday, both organizations began simultaneously moving into their new offices in the visitor center building directly off Interstate 79 Exit 136 at 1000 Cole St., Pleasant Valley.

    February 8, 2012 1 Photo

  • Ministers Run still looking for local control

    Following two meetings in different locations Tuesday, the Ministers Run Water Association is still looking for a way to keep its utility in local hands.
    Last week, the state Public Service Commission held a hearing in Grant Town.

    February 8, 2012

  • Man indicted for forgery, uttering, other crimes

    A Fairmont man charged with forgery, uttering and other crimes is one of 23 people named in indictments handed down by the Marion County Grand Jury in its second day of deliberations Tuesday.
    Jeremy Nathan Ferraro, 31, Fairmont, was indicted on forgery; uttering; obtaining money, property or services by false pretenses; and domestic battery, third offense.

    February 8, 2012