Area News
County hires firm to oversee 911 center upgrades
by Kate Shunney The Morgan County Commission last week chose a Jane Lew firm to oversee planned upgrades to the county’s E911 equipment and its new center. Communication Consulting Services, run by Joe Gonzalez, will charge the county $15,000 to help prepare project bids, track FCC requirements for new communications equipment and guide the county’s…
Read MoreFarmland Protection Board to add 120 acres to county program
by Kate Shunney County officials last week approved the purchase of a conservation easement on a 120-acre farm as part of the county’s Farmland Protection program. The easement, which prohibits the working farm from being developed for non-agricultural uses, will cost $216,000, said Farmland director Ginger Johnson. Once the easement purchase is finalized, Morgan County…
Read MoreAntique fire units roll by
by Geoff Fox A small parade of 16 pieces of fire apparatus made their way down Main Street this past Saturday, August 3, as they headed to Kirkwood Park for a fire muster and display. The parade was led by the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association banner, president, and hose cart pulled by members. Apparatus…
Read MoreBuzzerd earns top state press honor, Messenger stories, photos win awards
Morgan Messenger Managing Editor and Publisher Sandy Buzzerd earned the West Virginia Press Association’s top honor at the group’s annual convention and awards ceremony on Saturday, August 3. Buzzerd received The Adam R. Kelly Award for her outstanding dedication to the newspaper industry, the West Virginia Press Association (WVPA) and her local community. WVPA Executive…
Read MoreResidents say 911 center upgrades needed, cite equipment neglect & poor phone lines
by Kate Shunney A handful of citizens showed up at the county’s public hearing last Tuesday, July 30 about a proposed increase to the 911 fee paid by landline phone users in Morgan County. County officials want to double the fee, from $2.50 per month to $5.00 per month. Those who spoke at the hearing…
Read MoreMorgan Day Report Center gets $60K grant
Thirty projects around the state received $5,417,239 in West Virginia Community Corrections Grant program funds, according to a press release from the governor’s office last week. The funds will be used to assist local communities in the establishment and continued operation of community corrections programs. The Morgan County Commission received $60,000 in grant funds, which…
Read MoreChlorine leaks at Water Works did not affect water
by Trish Rudder Two chlorine leaks were discovered on Thursday, August 1 and Friday, August 2 at the town-owned water department, Berkeley Springs Water Works. Department manager, Ron Jainnney said the leaks were due to a faulty controller that “we are replacing.” “At no time was the water that we distribute from the plant affected.”…
Read MoreExpo put county talents on display
Volunteers put on the Morgan County Expo (formerly the county fair) for the 19th year this past weekend. Friday events in Berkeley Spring State Park focused on youth art and activities. On Saturday, groups and vendors filled the Berkeley Springs Senior Center north of town under sunny skies. County residents put their handmade crafts and…
Read MoreOfficials warn of impact by bypass on flood control dams
by Trish Rudder A public outreach meeting focusing on the Warm Springs Run watershed dams was held last Wednesday, July 24 at Cacapon State Park. Jim Michael, Morgan County’s elected official with the Eastern Panhandle Conservation District, presented the history of the eight dams that were built between 1955 and 1961 to help control flooding.…
Read MoreSuspect in City National robbery indicted in federal court
Steven L. Silverman, 49, of Thurmont, Md., was indicted by a federal grand jury last Tuesday, July 23 for the robbery of City National Bank in Berkeley Springs in June. According to United States Attorney Bill Powell, Silverman is charged with one count of “Bank Robbery.” Silverman is accused of robbing the City National Bank…
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