Jefferson County Day at the Capitol 2012 Plans Underway

Plans are in the making for the 2nd Annual Jefferson County Day at the Capitol in Charleston, WV on February 20th, 2012.Cheryl Keyrouze stated, “I am really looking forward to Jefferson County Day 2012 because 2011 was such a success that there is no doubt that this will continue to be an exciting annual event that will grow bigger every year! As a matter of fact after using just the Senate side of the Capitol Building (in Charleston) last year we now recognize that we will need much more space for 2012.”This year both the Senate and House sides of the Capitol Rotunda will be used for all of the Jefferson County organizations that would like to attend.In 2011, the Jefferson County participants, Jefferson County State and local legislators, as well as legislators from around the State of West Virginia were able to share the best of what Jefferson County has to offer, including a fabulous video on Jefferson County by Rob Perks."The goal is to help educate legislators from other parts of the state about our county, and to develop new relationships," saidCommunication Outreach of Jefferson County, WV organizer Cheryl Keyrouze. "We're hoping to not only show others what we're all about but also improve our own understanding of other counties, so we can all do a better job of working together."Participating areas of representation will be expanded this year to include but not limited to, agriculture, arts & humanities, economic development & business, education, local governments & emergency services, non-profits, tourism, cultural heritage, and recreation.The steering committee members for Jefferson County Day 2012 are Whitney Barrett, Jefferson County Development Authority, Cheryl Keyrouze, Communication Outreach of Jefferson County, WV, Heather Morgan McIntyre, Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, Julie Siler, Arts & Humanities Alliance of Jefferson County.Last year the participants of Jefferson County Day left early on a Sunday and arrived in Charleston to enjoy an exciting evening reception at the Governors Mansion with the First Lady, Joanne Jaeger Tomblin and other local and state legislators.The following morning all participants set up their informative displays in the Capitol Rotunda and were also able to attend either the House or Senate Sessions where State Resolutions were passed to recognize Jefferson County.“It is so important to have the citizens of Jefferson County gather together to make this trip in order to show that Jefferson County does have a presence in State Government. We cannot continue to say that we are not recognized in Charleston without making an effort to build that bridge of good communication,” said Cheryl Keyrouze.Most of the plans for this upcoming trip will follow the same agenda as Jefferson County Day 2011 with few updated changes.More detailed information to follow within the next few weeks. call Cheryl Keyrouze at (518) 583-7897

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News Briefs

County Commission abolishes department
In a move that took many by surprise Jefferson County Commission voted to eliminate the county's Department of Capital Planning and Management, In a second motion it was voted to close the departments in 30 days from Thursday Feb. 17.
The action took place at the regular scheduled meeting of the Jefferson County Commission. The vote was 3 to 2 with Commissioners Dale Manuel, Walt Pellish and the President of the County Commission Patsy Noland voted in favor of the motion
Commissioner’s Frances Morgan and Lyn Widmyer voted agents the motion.
Thursday took action of Manuel's motion, while commissioners Lyn Widmyer and Frances Morgan voted against the motion.
The director and impact fee coordinator for the Department of Capital Planning and Management, Mark Schiavone, was not present at Thursday's meeting
Former County Administrator Tim Boyde recommended looking at the department's elimination, in an exit memo. A motion to eliminate the Department was made by on the Commissioner Dale Manuel. In his motion he laid out the action that he wanted the commission to take.
Manuel said “ I strongly believes the department's elimination will save at least $200,000" because the county will no longer pay the director's salary but also because Capital Projects Manager Kirk Davis resigned several weeks ago.”
McQuade to run for County Prosecuting Attorney
Local attorney Ruth McQuade announced that she would run in the Democratic primary for the office of Jefferson County prosecuting attorney.
McQuade is a West Virginia native who has lived in Jefferson County since 2007. Before receiving a law degree from the Antioch School of Law, McQuade grew up as the 10th of 15 children in Nicholas County. Her childhood helped her prepare for a legal career, McQuade said Friday.
"That is a real foundation for the development of advocacy skills early on You have to learn to advocate for yourself and for others, because that's a huge family," McQuade said.
Before going into private practice, McQuade spent 20 years as a federal prosecutor with the Department of Justice and gained experience working cooperatively with federal law
enforcement
Shepherdstown Battlefield will be discussed
In a press release The National Park Service will hold two public meetings featuring a historian as it considers whether to add the Shepherdstown Battlefield to the system.
The meetings are set for Feb. 23 at the Stephen T. Mather Training Center in Harpers Ferry and Feb. 25 at the Clarion Hotel in Shepherdstown.
Park service officials will gather public comment, and author Thomas McGrath will talk about the events that occurred during the two-day battle in Shepherdstown in 1862.
Congress ordered the special resource study to determine whether the battlefield should be added to the national park system. It could become an addition to either Harpers Ferry National Historical Park or Maryland's Antietam National Battlefield.
Comments will be accepted until March 13. 2/13
New Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel Opens in Charles Town
Charles Town, WV (Grassroots Newswire) February 08, 2012 – Hampton Hotels (www.hampton.com), the global brand of mid-priced Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites hotels, today announced the official opening of its newest property, the 131-room Hampton Inn & Suites, located at 157 Pimlico Drive. The hotel is owned and operated by Uniwest Hospitality.The Hampton Inn & Suites hotel is located directly across from Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races and just minutes away from historic Harpers Ferry and Antietam Battlefield. The Hampton Inn and Suites welcomes guests with a beautifully decorated “perfect mix” lobby, creating a comfortable community atmosphere. Hotel amenities include an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, complimentary high speed internet access, nearly 600 square feet of multi-purpose meeting space and a state of the art fitness center. Guestrooms are equipped with the Clean and Fresh Hampton Bed, a comfortable workspace, an in-room safe and sleek flat screen HDTV’s with a new residential style TV line-up of over 120 channels, the majority of which are broadcast in high definition. And of course, all overnight guests will enjoy Hampton’s On the House Hot Breakfast each morning featuring fresh baked waffles.
"Along with our high quality accommodations, our guests will love our central location and easy access to area attractions and major roadways," said Patrick Rinard, General Manager for the Hampton Inn & Suites.
“We believe this Hampton Inn & Suites will be one of the leading hotels in the market,” says Tara Perry, Director of Sales. “Charles Town, WV is an ideal area for business travelers as well as leisure guests. By staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites Charles Town our guests can mix business and pleasure and escape all the traffic and congestion found in the big city. However, the truth is, we are only an hour away from both Washington D.C. and Baltimore.”
Assistant General Manager, Courtney Butler says, “We are truly delighted to be a part of the Charles Town/Ranson community and the response from guests has been incredible! They love the new hotel. While it’s nice to build a beautiful hotel, we are equally excited to have created many new jobs in the area. In fact, the best part of our hotel… is our people! We have assembled an amazing team of hospitality-minded professionals who go out of their way to make sure our guests feel comfortable and welcome. We affectionately call that our Hampton-ality! ”
To make a reservation at the Hampton Inn & Suites Charles Town, guests can either contact the hotel directly at 304-725-2200 or book on-line at www.charlestownsuites.hamptoninn.com.
Compiled by James P. Whipple

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An Open Letter to the CVS Alexandria Va

At Left is a picture of an CVS in Old Town

As residents of Charles Town and Jefferson County, WV, over the years we have had the
opportunity to learn about and appreciate the small town charm and the richness of historic
resources within this county and its unique municipalities. We cherish both the dynamic economy
and the historic heritage of Charles Town, which was established in 1787, including properties
listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the city’s three National Historic Districts.
Charles Town is proud to have been designated a “Preserve America” community by President
George W. Bush, and to be a “Save America’s Treasures” community with the support of our
congressional delegation for efforts to preserve the buildings on our main street.
We were thus appalled when we learned of the recent aggressive requests by your agent, Rebkee,
Inc., to demolish several properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places within the
Downtown Charles Town Historic District in order to construct a new, architecturally inappropriate
CVS drugstore. After all the negative press that CVS has garnered around the country over the years
from the bullying tactics of its developers to build “big-box” modern structures in historic American
towns large and small, and given that for several years your company had an agreement with the
National Trust for Historic Preservation to cease and desist in these kinds of actions, we were
shocked to find your firm once again choosing to face citizen outrage. This project is a stunningly
bad one for Charles Town to even consider given its long and positive support for preserving many
of the city’s historic resources, restoring and revitalizing its main street, and sponsoring many
celebrations of its rich heritage.
With the words of Joni Mitchell’s sad refrain ringing in our ears: “You don't know what you got till
it's gone, they paved paradise and put up a parking lot,” we ask you: do you really think the citizens
of this city will quietly accept this attempt by CVS Corporation to destroy the city’s character? Do
you really think many citizens will patronize your store once they see their nationally registered
historic buildings being destroyed in front of their eyes, to be replaced by a cookie-cutter box CVS
pharmacy that is totally at odds with the city’s historic streetscape? Even now, several citizens have
changed pharmacies, refusing to shop in existing CVS stores and encouraging others to do the same.
If CVS truly desires to build a new store and parking lot within the city limits, several more
appropriate sites are available which would not grossly impact the historic integrity and heritage tourism-base economy of a cityscape that so many of our citizens and
visitors hold dear. Even if you find it impractical to move out of the downtown area, surely you could find a way to infill by reusing the historic buildings and/or combining them in an historically appropriate way to complement the exist in streetscape, as you have done in cities like historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.
Volunteers Need
The door to door CVS letter campaign discussed at the last meeting is slated to take place this weekend in Charles Town. If you are available and willing to knock on a few doors, your help in this effort will be greatly appreciated. It looks like Saturday is going to be a beautiful, sunny day, so get outside, take a walk and meet some new neighbors all in the name of a good cause.
I have offered to coordinate the volunteer canvassing effort, so if you can give us a few hours on Saturday please send me an email with your phone number and I will call you tonight with details.
Thank you, Diana Walch 304-725-5682

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Happing's

Hatfield and McCoy Feud on History Channel

Full Circle Theatre Company
The Full Circle Theatre Company presents a limited engagement A World Premier Presentation of EZRA & JAKE by Leigh Horne
February 23, 24, 25 at 8:00 P.M.
February 25, 26 at 2:30 P.M.
This award-winning play by local playwright Leigh Horne tells the true story of two local brothers raised in a cave in the woods. The dramatic events surrounding this unusual family are the makings of a remarkable and haunting tale.
This play has the potential for a big future
See it now and be among the first
Tickets are $17 and can be purchased on line at "http://www.fullcircletheaterco.org/" or at the door. Reserve early for this limited engagement.
Hatifield McCoy Feud to be presented
The much anticipated Kevin Costner mini series on the infamous Hatfield McCoy feud is coming to the History Channel this Memorial Day. Costner stars as Devil Anse Hatfield with Bill Paxton playing his antagonist Randal McCoy. Also starring Tom Berringer and Mare Winningham this series will air on three consecutive nights and is bound to generate a lot of interest and hype.
We are anxious to see how much artistic license the filmmakers take with a history laden with legends, myths, and stereotypes but in viewing the new trailer, we see one bit of fiction right away. We urge everyone to check this series out and for those who would like to read up on the history beforehand we can recommend two books. Altina Waller's Hatfields, McCoys and Social Change in Appalachia is an excellent study of the origins and causes of the feud and the absolute best work on this subject. Otis Rice's The Hatfields & McCoys is a classic study of the feud and goes a bit more into historic details. Both are widely available or can be ordered through Coal Country Tours. If interested, send me an e-mail or call me at 540-233-0543.
And don't forget, Coal Country Tours will be conducting a four-day, three night tour of Hatfield McCoy Country exploring the history, the sites, and the myths and legends of this most famous of American feuds. The cost is $549 per person, double occupancy, all inclusive. Check out details at http:"http://coalcountrytours.com". Don't wait too long - we already have a good number of reservations and interest is sure to be high following series.
To see a trailer by the History Channel click on
Thanks and hope to hear from you soon!
Author Tony Horwitz to speak at Harpers ferry national Park
On February 21, 2012, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, in cooperation with the Jefferson County Board of Education and the Harpers Ferry Middle School, invites you to a panel discussion, and question and answer session on John Brown’s Raid, with Tony Horwitz. Other panelists include: Dennis Frye, Chief Historian, and David Fox, Park Ranger, both of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park; John Rudy, adjunct professor of history at Gettysburg College; and Dr. James Bryant, professor of history at Shenandoah University.
Don’t miss this special event with Tony Horwitz, highly-acclaimed author of Midnight Rising and Confederates in the Attic.
In addition to being a noted author, Mr. Horwitz also won a Pulitzer Prize for his work with the Wall Street Journal. His recently-released Midnight Rising, a book on John Brown’s Raid, has received rave reviews. Copies of the book will be available at the event. This special program is part of an ongoing development series being provided by the Office of Education, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, through a grant from the Jefferson County Board of Education.
The event is FREE, and will be held in the auditorium of the Harpers Ferry Middle School, on Washington Street, Bolivar, West Virginia, on Tuesday, February 21, from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. (In the event of inclement weather, this event will be canceled.)
For more information, contact Jeff Driscoll, in the Office of Education, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, by e-mail: "mailto:Jeff_Driscoll@nps.gov" or by phone: 304.535.6053
We hope to see you there!

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National Park Service Seeks Public Comment on the Shepherdstown Battlefield

Washington D.C. - The National Park Service (NPS) is conducting a special
resource study of Shepherdstown Battlefield in West Virginia and Maryland,
located near the town of Shepherdstown, West Virginia. As part of the
study, the NPS will hold two Public Meetings to explain the history and the
study process of the two-day Shepherdstown battle and provide an
opportunity for public comment. These informational meetings will be held
in an open house format. The dates, times, and locations of the two
meetings are listed below:
Thursday, February 23, 2012
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Stephen T. Mather Training Center
Harpers Ferry, WV 25443
Saturday, February 25, 2012
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Clarion Hotel, 233 Lowe Drive
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
Historian Thomas McGrath, author of Shepherdstown: Last Clash of the
Antietam Campaign, September 19-20, 1862, will present research on the
events that occurred during the two-day Shepherdstown battle. For
directions and details about the meetings and study, please go to
"http://www.parkplanning.nps.gov/SHBA".
Congress directed the NPS to complete this special resource study on
Shepherdstown Battlefield in order to assess the potential of its inclusion
within the national park system (as an addition to Harpers Ferry National
Historical Park or Antietam National Battlefield). The special resource
study will evaluate the battlefield based upon the battle’s significance to
U.S. history and whether the NPS should manage the area for resource
preservation and public use. The study will also assess public support and
alternative strategies to NPS ownership and management. The findings of
the study will be reported to Congress, who will make the final decision
whether or not it will be included in the national park system.
"Public input is the key to studying additions to the national park system.
We look forward to hearing from community members and other stakeholders”
said David Hayes, NPS Regional Planner.
The 30-day public comment period will take place from February 13 to March
13, 2012, to solicit public comments on this proposed study. During this
period, the public is invited to identify concerns they may have with the
proposed study verbally or in writing at the public open houses.
Written comments can be submitted electronically at the NPS’s Planning,
Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website at
"http://www.parkplanning.nps.gov/SHBA" or by mail to:
Regional Director, National Capital Regio Attn: David Hayes
National Park Service1100 Ohio Drive, SW Washington, D.C. 20242

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County Notices

Ranson Community Garden Opens May 1, 2012
Join the fresh and local food movement with your own garden plot! If you want to garden, but do not have the space or proper soil -- consider the Ranson Community Garden.
Established in 2009 in cooperation with the City of Ranson and the WVU Jefferson County Extension Service, the Community Garden offers garden plots for rent at affordable prices. Visit www.jefferson.ext.wvu.edu, click on Agriculture and Natural Resources, then select Community Garden. Click on “application” which can be downloaded. Fill out the application, sign the Garden Guidelines, enclose a check and mail to the Extension Office.
The Garden will be open by May 1, 2012 for the growing season. The plots will be rototilled and assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Deer fencing will be erected once planting is complete.
The Garden has a gravity flow water tank for use by gardeners. The City of Ranson fills the water tank and keeps the grass mowed around the garden.
Register now. Questions: contact Jane Tabb at Jane.Tabb@mail.wvu.edu or 304.728.7413, Ext. 4.
Jefferson County Commission Work Session
The County Commission of Jefferson County will meet on Wednesday,
February 22, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. in the County Commission meeting room
located at the Old Charles Town Library, 200 E. Washington Street, Charles
Town, West Virginia 25414.
The purpose of the meeting will be a presentation on health care,
wellness and an employee assistance program.
This is an informational session only. No action will be taken.
By Order of The County Commission of Jefferson County
Patricia A. Noland, President
Human Resource Manager Jefferson County, West Virginia
The County Commission of Jefferson County, West Virginia is seeking a Human Resource Manager to perform all human resources functions under the jurisdiction of the County Commission; develop and implement programs within organizational policies, and federal and state law. This is a new position with responsibilities that include staff recruitment, training and development, personnel policy development and administration, human resource information management, compensation and benefits analysis and administration, organizational development, performance management and employee relations. Other responsibilities to be determined.
Applicants shall have a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management or related field and at least 5 years human resource experience.
Jefferson County is a rapidly growing county of approximately 50,000 people located 60 miles from Washington, D. C. The Jefferson County Commission employs approximately 180 full and part time employee with approximately 80 employees being under the jurisdiction of the County Commission. Benefits include health/life insurance dental/vision insurance, retirement and vacation/sick leave. Salary commensurate with experience. Please send resume to Human Resources Manager, Jefferson County Commission, PO Box 250, Charles Town, WV 25414,email: sandy@jeffersoncountywv.org. Submit resumes prior to Friday, March 15, 2012.
Jefferson County Emergency Services Agency Meeting
The February Regular meeting of the Jefferson County Emergency Services Agency (JCESA) Board will be
Held at 7PM on Tuesday February 21, 2012 at the JCESA Operations Center located at 419 Sixteenth ave
In Ranson, WV.
Agenda
· Roll Call
· Approval of the January 17, 2012 minutes.
Presidents Report
1. Discussion with County Commission on status of five year plan
2. Discussion of request from Delegate Tiffany Lawrence regarding the House Bill introduced
dealing with investigations of EMS Providers & Squads in West Virginia.
3. CIP funds allocation error for Citizens Fire Department generator
4. Review of Company 5 written request for an audit.
5. JCESA Budget 2012-2013 review and approval or defer to treasurer.
Treasurers Report
1. Vote on the Budget for 2012-2013 by the board.
Board member request
Employee liaison comments
Directors Report
1. Service Report
2. Discussion on utilizing JCESA Ambulance 11 for emergency response.
Public comment (limit of five minutes per person )
Committee report
1. Quality Assurance (Hannon)
2. Personnel Committee (Boober) Discussion to go over the full time paramedic process
or defer to an executive session.
3. EMS training Committee (Engle)
4. Impact committee
5. Audit committee (Freeman)
Board member comments
Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting. The JCESA Operations Center is Handicapped
Accessible. Members of the public having questions about the meeting may contact JCESA at
(304)728-3287 during business hours.

Compiled By James P. Whipple

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