Concerns circulating in the area that the Ronceverte River Festival would no longer be held due to low turnout at the festival this year were dispelled at the city council meeting held on Monday.
According to City Administrator Reba Mohler, a new slate of officers have been elected who are intent on continuing the festive early summer event. Chairman Mark Mengel, Vice Chair Ben Anderson, Secretary Dreama West and Treasurer Brandon Baker head the committee and are working to get squared away financially. They will hold a committee meeting to establish a new board of directors at City Hall on Aug. 30. Also, Mohler said, a bucket drive to support the festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Ronceverte. Those interested in attending the meeting should call Ronceverte City Hall for more information at 304-647-5455.
In other business, the city council approved an urban bow or crossbow deer hunt set for Sept. 8 through the end of the year. The program, run by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, allows permitted residents to hunt deer inside the city limits with a bow or crossbow to reduce the deer population. Applications for licenses will be accepted starting on Aug. 13 at City Hall. The cost for property owners is $5, and for non-property owners it will be $15. The limit is seven deer per person. The first two brought in must be antlerless, and no more than two antlered deer will be allowed. In order to apply for a hunting permit, contact the Ronceverte Police Department.