Updated 11-18-08
You may have noticed the Golden Corral in Parkersburg had quite a line outside last night. It was the annual veterans dinner where those who have served in the military got a free meal as a token of appreciation. Last year, around 800 people attended…no word yet on this year’s attendance.
Wood County is going green. From WTAP.com, here’s Allison Rhea:
Traffic was tied up a little yesterday afternoon around 6:30 on state route 47 near the I-77 interchange after a 2 vehicle accident. According to the sherriff’s department, Donna Enoch of Parkersburg allegedly failed to turn her headlights on when she pulled out in front of John Flinn of Davisville. No one was hurt in the incident that held up cars for about 30 minutes. Enoch was arrested for first time DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.
With snow falling in the area for the first time this year and the temperature dropping, local fire departments are asking residents who heat with wood to be extra careful. They report this is the time of year they get calls for chimney fires. Fire officials ask residents to get their chimneys inspected by certified sweeps, try to use dry, well seasoned wood, and check stove pipes that run through attics for cracks that could lead to fires.
The Wood County Parks and Recreation Commission has opened Mountwood Park to raccoon hunting. The move was precipitated by the overabundance of the animals and the problems it is causing. Hunters must have a state license and a special permit to hunt on the park grounds. State raccoon hunting season runs now through Feb. 28.
Some West Virginia state lawmakers are upset over proposed changes in PEIA coverage for state workers and retirees. Several delegates have expressed their displeasure over the Finance Board’s decision to offer either a premium increase or a benefit cut for those with the plan. Public meetings are scheduled for Wednesday in Charleston and Thursday in Huntington to discuss the proposed changes. Current employees can accept a 9 percent premium increase to keep current benefits or keep current premiums and loose some benefits.
The Wall Street investment crisis has hit the Mountain State in the pocketbook. West Virginia Investment Management Board Executive Director Craig Slaughter says the state has lost 2.5 billion dollars since July 1st. The Board handles investments for state pensions, and any losses will have to be made up for within the state budget.
The Ohio state School Board is working on a plan that would funnel an extra 1 billion dollars into state schools next year. Officials want local districts to depend less on local taxes and levies, however they aren’t yet saying where the money would come from. Governor Ted Strickland expects to have the proposal early next year.
|
