By Sarah Richardson
The White Sulphur Springs City Council convened on Monday, Aug. 12, to hold the first reading of an amendment to a weapons and explosives ordinance, hear an update on the pool and wellness center progress, and to prepare the city for the 2020 census. Mayor Bruce Bowling also gave an infrastructure report, saying that four streets up Tuckahoe Road have been paved, some of which, “probably haven’t been paved in 35 years.” He added, “We’ve fixed the drainage problems the best we can,” and said they hope to do more in upcoming years.
Pat Harper with Main Street White Sulphur Springs presented her monthly update to the council, and said the welcome sign for the east end of town is nearing completion. She reminded attendees that the Wild Game Cook-off is fast approaching, and is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 5 this year. This will be the seventh year of the event, which is a fundraiser for WSS Main Street. According to their website, “The afternoon includes a beer garden and a marketplace featuring local vendors and artisans. Guests are invited to taste their way around the event, sampling the recipes provided by our participants. Seconds are encouraged. Admission is $15 and covers all you can eat, refreshments, and two beer tickets (cash bar after that). Food and drink service begins at noon.”
The council held a first reading of a weapons and explosives ordinance amendment, in which no content of the ordinance was altered, just the number of the code, which was updated from 545.05 to 545.11. The ordinance states that “no person shall discharge any air gun, rifle, shotgun, revolver, pistol, or other firearm within the corporate limits of the Municipality,” and goes on to clarify exceptions in cases of self-defense or during official duties.
Police Chief Scotty Teubert said that four new officers will begin training at the police academy at the end of the month, and they should graduate in December.
Bowling said that as of now, construction is expected to begin on the pool and wellness center on Sept. 1, and should be completed by Oct. 1. He said membership prices haven’t been determined yet, but they will be “very affordable.”
Debbie Sizemore, a partnership specialist with the U.S. Census, gave an information-packed presentation to the council to help the city prepare for the 2020 census counts. Every year, $675 billion federal dollars are distributed across the country, and she said that the census helps determine where those funds go. “More people equals more money,” she said,” We want to count everyone one, only once, and in the right place.” She added that local people are needed to work temporary jobs to help with the census, with over 500 people needed in Greenbrier County alone. Visit www.2020census.gov/jobs for more information or to apply.
