News

An issue of harassment was brought before Marlinton Town Council at its July meeting. After hearing about the issue at hand, the complainant asked me to offer a response in the Mayor’s Corner. My response this week expands upon a shorter answer given at the meeting.  When a mayor or resident hears about something negative in our community it should be of concern to everyone within that community. We are living in extraordinary times. Crime, domestic issues, petty theft, homelessness, and all the associated problems attached to substance abuse continue to grow. But the problem of people treating people rudely, [...]

I cannot tell you how many times, over the past decades, I have heard parents complain about sons and daughters, young high school graduates having to leave home and leave the state to find jobs. There are many reasons that industry is difficult to bring to our region. Most times, it has to do with access to highways, airports and other conveniences. But untapped industry has its advantages. Pocahontas County remains the most beautiful part of a beautiful state. We are gradually becoming a leading recreation destination location.  Last week, I informed readers about the emerging recreational economy and what [...]

While informing the community of future recreation economic plans, I want local businesses and local lenders to be aware: Someone you may currently be doing business with could be the industrial/manufacturing partner we are looking for for the Edray Industrial Park Building. Filling that space will remain a high priority until it is humming with industry – of one kind or the other. The industrial park was the reason for the Edray water and sewer extension in 1995-96. Who would have thought it would take this long? But we cannot stop reaching out to potential tenants. Greenbrier Economic Development Corporation [...]

Welcome to Marlinton – where the Town is older than the County and the County is older than the State.  It is my pleasure to welcome you to Marlinton and Pocahontas County. Each is unique in every way.  Welcome to the 2022 Pioneer Days Festival, now in its 56th year. While in Marlinton, take time to learn about other areas and attractions in Pocahontas County - the Green Bank Telescope, Cass and Durbin Scenic Railroads, Cranberry Glades, Droop Mountain Battlefield and Beartown, just to name a few.  Celebrating 200 years, the county is home to three traffic lights, five state [...]

Regional Optical Communications (ROC) was formed by Region 1 and Region 4 Planning and Development councils, as an 11-county partnership. The partnership exists for the sole purpose of promoting Broadband throughout our rural region, which now consists of 19 counties. The Pocahontas County Broadband Council was the first such County Broadband Council in the state. It’s mission serves to advocate, coordinate communication, and identify and pursue opportunities to build fast, reliable, affordable internet to every corner of the county where residents live and work. In 2021, Governor Jim Justice unveiled a billion-dollar strategy to bring broadband availability to 200,000 more [...]

Like old friends who have stuck together through thick and thin, the Town of Marlinton, located alongside the Greenbrier River, conjures up such a relationship. We have had our times of opposition. But one would not be the same without the other. Throw in the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail, “Discovery Junction” and the Pocahontas County Opera House, and we make quite a team. Each serves up a variety of community events and musical performances in the heart of downtown Marlinton. Together, recreation opportunities abound, and we seize upon each one of them. The soon to be hired Recreational Economy Coordinator, [...]

As the Town of Marlinton moves forward with the removal of dilapidated and abandoned structures, it is displacing individuals and removing housing options. Nothing is easy about the process, but on a local level, it was decided we were not doing anyone a favor by leaving them in a shed with a mattress lying on four-bald tires to keep it off the ground. Another burned-out residence had a couple living in the basement. No utilities in either case. These sad facts have opened up an opportunity for new construction, to replace lost housing. The Town has already been informed these [...]

One year ago, the Town of Marlinton was pleased to host the Official Opening and Dedication of Discovery Junction. Later, I called it a Grand Opening, when I learned local stores had run out of lawn chairs. The facility unofficially opened for this season last Friday with Farmers Market vendors present. The splash pad remains a hit with the kids.  To schedule an event at Discovery Junction, call the Town Office, at 304-799-4315. Time is flying. It is Memorial Day weekend 2022. As we visit the grave sites of loved ones who have gone on, remember all veterans, who served [...]

Family has always been important to the people of West Virginia. It is very fitting to remember, St. Andrews Methodist Church in Grafton was the site of the first Mother’s Day celebration in 1908. Now you have no reason to forget. This coming Sunday is Mother’s Day. - - - To help emphasize the possibilities of building on a recreation economy, the following is an introduction developed by Downstream Strategies and will be used to explain what is at stake by including the recreation economy planning for future development: “Located on the banks of the Greenbrier River, Marlinton, West Virgin-ia, [...]

Pocahontas County and the SHARC are setting the bar for regional efforts around mountain bike trails and outdoor recreation. Lots of great news will be shared in the near future about projects that are underway.  A recent funding opportunity will provide two new positions in the county to assure trail maintenance going forward. This is an exciting time for SHARC and our community. Last Friday, the Marlinton Water Plant Open House was a huge success. The kids had fun with the fishing derby and other games. The weather could not have been better, and everyone had a good time. Hopefully, [...]