Herbert Hoover pitcher Delani Buckner allowed just one hit against Petersburg, a solo home run by Carly Cooper in the fourth inning of the Huskies’ 5-1 win at the state tournament. Craig Hudson | Gazette-Mail
By: Ryan Pritt, Sports Writer | Posted: May 24, 2018 | Source: WV Gazette-Mail
VIENNA — At 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Herbert Hoover kicked off the 2018 state softball tournament against Petersburg in a game it would win 5-1.
Dana Godbey stands outside of the camper in Procious where he’s lived since the June 2016 flood. Kenny Kemp | Gazette-Mail
By: Lori Kersey, Staff Writer | Posted: May 23, 2018 | Source: WV Gazette-Mail
PROCIOUS — Some survivors of the June 2016 flood say a program meant to help them repair and rebuild their homes has been a “nightmare” to deal with and has not provided the help it promised.
Brett Hodgen with Kanawha Valley Home Inspections finds black colored mold inside of an Elkview home two years after the 1000 year flood ravaged portions of West Virginia. (WCHS/WVAH)
By: Sean Delancey | Posted: May 23, 2018 | Source: WCHSTV
ELKVIEW, W.Va. (WCHS/WVAH) — For many affected by the historic thousand year flood in West Virginia, it’s been hard to believe that the two year anniversary is just around the corner.
Lives were lost and homes destroyed. Everything people owned was thrown into heaps and carted off and that was just the beginning with weeks, months, and years of cleanup following the initial tragedy.
Dean Banks was one of thousands of victims when water covered his yard, flooded his basement, and then stayed there for days.
“We probably lost $65,000 to $70,000 dollars worth of stuff,” Banks said standing in his now remodeled basement.
For the next several weeks, Banks said volunteers stripped out the ceiling and drywall, took out all of the furniture and appliances, and then cleaned, bleached, and sprayed chemicals on every surface to kill mold or prevent it from developing.
“Every inch of this place was treated more than once,” Banks said laughing at the memory.
The question, two years later, could mold have survived and be thriving once again in the nooks and crannies of Bank’s home?
To answer that, Eyewitness News called in the professionals.
Brett Hodgen runs Kanawha Valley Home Inspections, and he came to Banks’ home to find out what mold could be inside and where.
“What I’m going to do first is set up an air pump,” Hodgen said while opening a black case on the back porch and pulling out a portable mold sensor.
He first took a sample of the air outside as a baseline to compare against the air inside.
Then he walked the perimeter of the home to see where water could possibly get inside.
Hodgen said the biggest exposure risks are clogged gutters or grading issues directing water toward the home’s foundation.
Once the baseline air test was completed, it was time to head inside and do it all over again.
As the little air filter collected mold samples inside the home, Hodgen’s dirty work began searching for a sample big enough to swab.
It didn’t take long.
Hodgen found a sizable mold growth hiding right where he expected to find it in the little hidden corners where air flow is low.
“It’s kind of running along this corner,” Hodgen said while searching the back room of the basement, “right through here is a little bit of black in color mold.”
Black is not the color of mold a homeowner would like to see because it could be Stachybotrys, a mold strain that can suppress a person’s immune system, cause mental health issues, or damage organs.
“It’s one I would like to identify,” Hodgen said.
Then it was time to swab it, seal it, and find out what it is.
“Send it off to the lab, and they’ll tell us what we’ve got,” Hodgen said.
The test results came back in a few work days with good news.
The air inside Banks’ home had fewer mold spored than outside showing the mold growth isn’t serious, and the swab was not Stachybotrys.
Instead, it was a more docile strain called Chaetomium only known to cause Hay Fever or asthma issues.
Hodgen said it’s still a good idea for Banks to remove the mold before it became in issue, and that’s where Bob Ritenour with Rainbow International Restoration came in.
“If you’re doing it yourself, it’s a difficult process,” Rttenour said.
He said mold removal is not as easy as wiping and bleaching visible mold.
Doing that could actually make the problem worse.
“Mold has a natural defense mechanism,” Ritenour said, “once something comes to try and kill it, it tries to take off.”
That’s why he would put plastic around the room to contain escaping spores, set up a HEPA air scrubber to pull them out of the air, use a HEPA vacuum to remove the main growth, and wear protective respirators and suits to keep the spores out of his lungs and off of his clothes.
“If you go home and pick up your grandchild, they’re going to breathe it right out of your shirt,” Ritenour said.
To keep it clean and mold free he would use a mixture of dish soap and an antimicrobial then hit it again with a pure antimicrobial to stop regrowth.
He said a bleach mixture is not always sufficient.
“In some instances the mold an go back on the bleach residue,” he said.
Keeping mold away long term is a matter of regular maintenance.
Ritenour said there are three factors to keep an eye on.
Mold would need a food source, water source, and a relative humidity above 40 percent to begin growing.
“If it doesn’t have any one of the three it won’t grow,” he said.
Keeping everything dry and using dehumidifiers has been effective in stopping mold growth in most cases.
That way, unless West Virginia gets hit with another 1,000 year flood, most homes should be relatively mold free.
Senate President Mitch Carmichael (R-Jackson) and House Speaker Tim Armstead (R-Kanawha) have formally requested that the Joint Legislative Committee on Flooding reexamine the RISE West Virginia program. (Department of Commerce)
By: Jarrod Clay, Kennie Bass, Jeff Morris | Posted: May 23, 2018 | Source: WCHSTV
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS/WVAH) — Senate President Mitch Carmichael (R-Jackson) and House Speaker Tim Armstead (R-Kanawha) have formally requested that the Joint Legislative Committee on Flooding reexamine the RISE West Virginia program.
In a letter sent to the committee, Carmichael and Armstead said,” Many questions and concerns have arisen regarding the management of the West Virginia RISE program, contracts awarded by the program and use of funding the program is charged with administering. I am sure you will agree that flood survivors who are awaiting assistance, as well as the taxpayers, want to ensure that we obtain answers to these questions. We are, therefore, requesting the Joint Legislative Committee on Flooding hold one of more public meetings to examine the management of the West Virginia RISE program at the earliest opportunity.”
Read the complete letter here:
Letter to Flood Committee by WCHS/WVAH on Scribd
This comes on the heels of an Eyewitness News iTeam investigation into questions swirling about West Virginia’s flood recovery program.
Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper said Wednesday he wants a review of LLP/RISE WV, which was contracted by the state Department of Commerce to assist those affected by the June 2016 flood.
“I am completely dissatisfied with the performance of Horne, LLP aka RISE WV and the efforts they have made to help the citizens of Kanawha County that were affected by the flooding that occurred two years ago,” Carper said in a news release. “These citizens deserve to be helped so they can have their homes back.”
Kan. Co. Commission President Kent Carper calls for @wvlegislature review of RISE WV flood recovery program and Horne, LLP, the contractor hired by @wvcommerce to help lead the recovery effort.#EyewitnessWV pic.twitter.com/reOir61AyV
— Kennie Bass (@KennieBassWCHS) May 23, 2018
Our iTeam investigation found that in the aftermath of that disaster, millions of dollars in donations poured into the state and last august, Gov. Jim Justice announced the formation of the Rise West Virginia Disaster Recovery Program, but many people are still in need.
RISE WV was introduced as a way to repair and reconstruct single family homes and rental units which were damaged in June of 2016. But many disaster victims say instead it’s been a bureaucratic nightmare and nearly two years after the high water receded, they are no closer to having their lives put back together.
On Tuesday, several top lawmakers, including Sen. Ed Gaunch, R-Kanawha, and House Speaker Tim Armstead, said the program has failed those who needed it most.
Letter from Kan. Co. Commission President Kent Carper to Mary Jo Thompson, Director of Community Advancement and Development, outlining his concerns about the performance of the RISE WV flood recovery program and the contractor hired by @wvcommerce, Horne, LLP. #EyewitnessWV pic.twitter.com/bHi2byScBr
— Kennie Bass (@KennieBassWCHS) May 23, 2018
In Kanawha County, at least 288 residents who were affected by the floods have requested assistance from RISE WVA and have not been approved for assistance, the news release from the Kanawha County Commission said. The Kanawha County Planning Office has been attempting to obtain information from Rise WV regarding the applications and were told the information could not be shared with the county’s Planning Office.
“I want answers. I believe the Legislature and the Legislative Auditor’s Office should consider this matter and determine if RISE WV has been paid for services they have actually performed,” Carper said.
Carper commended members of the Legislature who have raised issues about the RISE WV program.
“Senator Gaunch, Senator Ferns, Speaker Armstead and others, and I stand with them and believe a complete inquiry needs to be completed,” Carper said.
Below is a news release the Kanawha Commission’s news release and copies of letters Carper has sent to officials calling for the legislative review:
RISE WV Press Release by Anna Taylor on Scribd
Posted: May 23, 2018 | Source: Clay County Free Press
Shuttle buses will be made available for transporting attendees of Clay County High School’s 2018 graduation ceremony on June 1. (more…)
VIENNA, W.Va. – Herbert Hoover Lady Huskies take game 1 over Petersburg to open the Class AA state tournament with a final score of 5 to 1. The Huskies will face Chapmanville in the next round. Times will be announced soon. Check back for updates.
Marian Clowes, senior program officer with the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, announces over $200,000 in grants presented Monday by the foundation for local and regional projects and programs. (Photo by Wayne Towner)
By: Wayne Towner, Reporter | Posted: May 22, 2018 | Source: The Parkersburg News and Sentinel
PARKERSBURG — Over $200,000 in grants were awarded Monday by the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates to local and regional projects and programs.
The PACF presented $209,056 in grants through its Community Action Grants Program to organizations within its 11-county service region, including Wood, Wirt, Ritchie, Doddridge, Mason, Calhoun, Gilmer, Roane, Pleasants and Jackson counties in West Virginia, and Washington County, Ohio.
Of this total, the foundation’s Ritchie County Community Foundation affiliate awarded $2,890; the remainder of grants came from PACF funds.
Some of the grants went to support programs designed to address food insecurity and provide healthy food choices. Others supported parks and recreation facilities, programs addressing substance abuse and access to oral health care, equipment needs for volunteer fire departments and projects in education, arts and human and youth services.
“At our annual meeting this past January, several speakers highlighted the problem of food insecurity in our state,” said senior program officer Marian Clowes. “Hunger is a real issue, as is access to healthy foods. We are excited that these grant-funded programs will help bring healthy food to children, families and seniors on our region.”
Grants awarded through the PACF’s Community Action Grants Program are made possible by individuals and businesses that have established a charitable fund with the PACF.
The PACF grants are:
* Adolescent Health Initiative, Region 5 — $7,000 to support the “Developing Star Leaders” program, which engages students from the Mid-Ohio Valley in developing individual and team leadership skills.
* Calhoun County Family Resource Network — $7,120 to support the Calhoun County Nourishing Network’s efforts to improve access to healthy, whole foods for youth, resource-limited families, and seniors.
* City of Parkersburg — $10,000 to purchase and install an aquaflex surface for the new splash park at the City Park pool.
* Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Mid-Ohio Valley — $5,000 to support financial education programs across the Mid-Ohio Valley.
* Doddridge County Elementary School — $600 to plant trees and to teach students about the life cycles of plants.
* Doddridge County Farmers Market — $5,000 to enable the market to participate in the SNAP “Double Up Bucks” program and to promote the market to the public.
* Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Department — $7,250 to purchase turnout gear for firefighters.
* Ely Chapman Education Foundation — $5,183 to repair and replace downspout at the facility.
* Faithlink/Community Resources — $2,150 to support the purchase of a vehicle for the new Senior Ride Link program.
* Family Crisis Intervention Center — $10,000 to support operating expenses for the Kids First Program.
* Fourth Circuit Public Defender Corporation — $4,000 to support the cost of transportation for clients admitted to substance abuse treatment facilities.
* Harrisville Volunteer Fire Department — $1,210 to purchase firefighting nozzles and a fire hose.
* Horizons Center for Independent Living — $5,000 to build an ADA compliant ramp to the facility.
* Little Hocking Fire and Rescue Inc. — $6,396 to purchase scuba diving masks for the rescue diving team.
* Little Kanawha Area Development Corporation — $2,000 to purchase security cameras to be placed in Wirt County to combat an increase in crime.
* Lubeck Elementary School — $4,845 to purchase playground equipment for Pre-K students.
* Lubeck United Methodist Church Lunch SAK Program — $6,650 to help supply, on weekends, school holidays and summer break, food for children from Lubeck Elementary School, to expand service to Blennerhassett Elementary School, and to assist Blennerhassett Middle School with its food and hygiene pantry.
* Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council — $2,300 to repair and/or replace sewing machines used by the Retired Senior Volunteer Program to sew items donated to agencies throughout its communities.
* Minnie Hamilton Health System — $11,600 to assist with the purchase of medication carts.
* NFS Ministries – Latrobe Street Mission — $7,500 to purchase bed frames and mattresses for the women’s dorm.
* Pennsboro Volunteer Fire Department — $7,000 to assist with the replacement of rescue tools.
* Ritchie County Family Resource Network — $1,000 to create a Necessity Closet, to provide hygiene items for those in need.
* Roane County Commission — $7,200 to purchase bunk beds with safety railings for the Roane County 4-H Camp.
* Rotary Club of Parkersburg — $1,500 to support the Drug Free Clubs of America program at Parkersburg High School and Parkersburg South High School.
* Schrader Youth Ballet — $4,000 to purchase a vinyl marley floor to be used at performances.
* Smithville Elementary School — $610 to create hands-on science experiments for the Pre-K through 5th grade classes.
* Town of Reedy — $7,500 to purchase and install a coin-operated bulk water machine to serve citizens who must haul water for use in their homes in Roane, Wirt, and Jackson counties.
* United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley — $2,500 to install a security system.
* Voices for Children CASA Program — $9,000 to provide operating support.
* Voices of the Street/Essentially Yours — $1,000 to provide operating support.
* Washington Bottom Community Building Association — $4,500 to provide flooring and upgraded lighting in the community building.
* West Virginia Health Right — $2,500 to purchase dental supplies for the mobile dental clinic serving Roane County.
* West Virginia University Extension Service Family Nutrition Program — $10,000 to provide pop-up farmers markets at schools in Wood County to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables by children from families with limited income.
* West Virginia University School of Public Health — $1,500 to provide students with practical learning experiences by undertaking community health projects in the Mid-Ohio Valley.
* West Virginia University Foundation/Energy Express — $3,552 to provide take home books to children enrolled in Energy Express in Calhoun, Gilmer, Roane and Wirt counties.
* West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Parkersburg — $5,000 to support operations and programming.
* Wood County 4-H Leaders Association — $12,000 to purchase a stove and kitchen equipment for the Wood County 4-H Camp.
* Wood County Parks and Recreation Commission/Mountwood Park — $15,000 to replace the roofs on cabins at the park.
Ritchie County Community Foundation grants:
* Harrisville Volunteer Fire Department — $1,650 to purchase firefighting nozzles and a fire hose.
* Smithville Elementary School — $1,240 to create hands-on science experiments for the Pre-K through fifth grade classes.
Posted: May 22, 2018 | Source: WV Gazette-Mail Metro Kanawha
Serving low-income families in Kanawha, Putnam, Fayette, Clay and Boone counties, EnAct Community Action has completed its three-year Comprehensive Community Needs Assessment, the agency announced recently.
The Community Needs Assessment is collected to develop a comprehensive report of key findings about local community conditions to be used by EnAct Community Action and its partners for planning, education and outreach, and resource leveraging and mobilization efforts.
In Kanawha, Putnam and Fayette counties, the Community Needs Assessment oversaw public meetings in mid-April in Chesapeake, Gauley Bridge and Buffalo.
The objectives of this project were to:
The process to develop the Comprehensive Community Needs Assessment involved community meetings, surveys completed by program participants and a separate survey completed by service providers. In addition, basic research data, demographics and other data on the five-county EnAct service area are included in the report.
“I think the communities will be pleased with the report and should find it extremely helpful in their planning processes” EnAct CEO Brent Pauley said in a media release. “This has been a thorough, three-month project, and we attempted to get input from every stakeholder possible.”
The Community Needs Assessment is available at no charge to any individual, community organization or business to assist them in providing needed services to the low-income individuals and families in the five-county service area.
As well as individual county reports, a complete copy of the final report may be found under the “Resources” tab on EnAct’s website at www.EnActWV.org
To obtain an electronic copy of the report, contact Kesha Walton at 304-414-4475.
EnAct Community Action specializes in education assistance, employment assistance, nutrition and other areas that affect low- income individuals and families.
For more information on EnAct Community Action, call 304-414-4475, or visit your nearest EnAct Community Action office. Locations may be found online at www.EnActWV.org.
Locally, the telephone contact numbers are: Charleston Service Office, 304-414-4475; Chesapeake Service Office, 304-949-6077; Clendenin Service Office, 304-548-5392; Hurricane Service Office, 304-562-6037 and Montgomery Service Office, 304-442-2018.
