Suzette Lowe
If you build it, they will come.
This was the premise behind the funding of the Sandyville Broadband Project. Provided by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), with additional funds from the Jackson County Commission, the existing communication tower provides fast, affordable internet service to residents of that part of the county.
Surprisingly, a wave of new customers for the service provided by RT21.NET has not materialized. Currently only 12 customers have opted to join.
Luke Peters, coordinator of the grant through the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council, said it is unclear why people have not taken advantage of something that is reliable and affordable.
cblack@newsandsentinel.com
PARKERSBURG Those impacted by substance use disorder will now have better access to sustainable jobs thanks to $500,000 in funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission’s INSPIRE initiative.
For the next three years, the funds will be used to aid workforce development by putting those affected by substance abuse in contact with people who can help them re-enter the workplace.
“The impact of substance use disorders on the economy in the Mid-Ohio Valley region over the last decade has been huge. These funds can reverse that trend and get people back into the workforce,” said Carol Jackson, executive director of the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council, in a press release.
bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com
Mark Lewis, president and CEO of the Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, appeared before the Wood County Commission on Thursday to discuss the decline in the hotel/motel tax over the last year as a result of the pandemic and plans on how to market the area as people will begin traveling again soon. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)
PARKERSBURG Wood County has seen fewer tourism dollars coming in over the last year as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which has impacted local attractions who receive a portion of the hotel/motel tax.
Mark Lewis, president and CEO of the Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, appeared before the Wood County Commission on Thursday to discuss the decline in the hotel/motel tax over the last year as a result of the pandemic.
jpierson@newsandsentinel.com
Williamstown City Council met to discuss various grant possibilities in the near future ranging from improvements for the city water department to the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
Tuesday’s meeting began with the laying of the 2021-2022 levy, which was passed unanimously and was based on existing rates.
Lynn Erb and Julie Posey, from the Marietta Community Foundation and Parkersburg Area Community Foundation respectively, were present to discuss the Williamstown Fund for Excellence, which was established in 2015 and has given over $65,000 in grant money towards projects in Williamstown.
The projects funded in the past have focused on community improvement and development, and have included grants for swim days at Williamstown Pool, funding for the robotics team at Williamstown High School and money for ball field improvements, according to Erb.
ebevins@newsandsentinel.com
President Joe Biden visits Smith Flooring, Inc., in Chester, Pa., Tuesday. The president is joined by owners Kristin Smith and James Smith. (AP Photo)
PARKERSBURG City and county leaders throughout West Virginia are waiting to see how much COVID-19-relief money they’ll receive, as well as how soon it will arrive and how it can be used.
Besides individual stimulus checks for most Americans and money for broadband, education, vaccine support, child care and more, the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan approved last week by Congress includes money to be administered by Mountain State municipalities and counties.