An urban deer hunt in the city limits of Ronceverte will be staged this fall with a starting date of Sept. 20 and will run through Dec. 31. Police Chief J.R. Byer, Jr. stated only bow hunting will be permitted within the city limits. All sites, he said, must be cleared with the police department in advance. Mayor David Smith added that city-owned property such as Island Park and the cemeteries, as areas open to the public, are often in use. He and the chief were in agreement in not permitting hunters to stalk prey in those areas.
Each hunter is allowed to bag two deer, one of which must be a doe. Chief Byer said the location for all deer carcasses to be checked in has been changed from last year. Hunters will be directed to take the deer to Whitetail Pro Archery Sporting Goods LLC at Red Oaks Shopping Center in Fairlea.
Application forms will be available at City Hall early next week. The chief said law enforcement duties may delay issuance of licenses, but the wait should not be longer than 48 hours. Last year 18 applicants applied for licenses with an average total of eight deer killed in the season.
In other business:
• The HOPE Coalition, formed in 2011 to provide awareness and prevention to help reduce the suicide rates in West Virginia, were in attendance at the Ronceverte City Council meeting Monday evening where Mayor Smith signed a Suicide Prevention Proclamation. On hand were HOPE Coalition members, Steve Cooke, Pat Withrow and Kim Estep. According to the proclamation, West Virginia has the seventh highest suicide rate in the United States.
• The City of Ronceverte is co-sponsoring the second annual Halloween Bash to be held this year on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Clifford Community and Recreation Center. Plans are in place for a costume contest, games and other entertainments. The Ronceverte Development Corporation and the Main Street organization will oversee activities and are asking for volunteers to come forward and help make this a fun event. Mayor Smith said volunteers are welcome to come to weekly planning meetings held every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at RDC’s Volunteer Center located next to the post office under the bridge in the old Lions Club building.
• Council member Bob Baker stated Greenbrier Valley Shrine Day is coming up on Sept. 28. He said Shriners will be out at select street corners collecting for the Children’s Hospital. He asked that everyone give generously for this worthy cause.
