Area community programs, such as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit and the Family Refuge Center ( FRC), have recently received grant funding from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Program Grant, however, more funding is needed. CASA was awarded $11,623 to pay a portion of the volunteer coordinator’s salary, and the FRC received $79,088. Both agencies, despite the grant funding, continue to face hardships as cold weather, and the holidays, approach. Both agencies have seen cuts in funding from other revenue streams. *** Commissioner of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture Walt Helmick travelled to Greenbrier East High School on Tuesday to encourage its Future Farmers of America (FFA) members to pursue a future in agriculture in the Mountain State. *** New River Community and Technical College is surveying residents in the Western end of the county to see what educational opportunities they are interested in. The survey, available in Rainelle Town Hall, will help NRCTC determine what classes they may offer, should they expand their educational resources to Rainelle. One program New River is exploring is a CDL driving certification class. *** Over 650 members of the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences held a major conference at The Greenbrier this week. The four-day annual session included family and consumer science extension educators from around the country to network, recognize awards members and share educational programs. Speakers included West Virginia University President Dr. E. Gordon Gee. *** Brittany Reynolds has been initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. she was initiated at the University of Florida.
