Harrison County Courthouse to get new elevators around end of year
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — After a few weeks of uncertainty, officials are now one step closer to fully operational elevators at the Harrison County Courthouse in Clarksburg.
On Wednesday morning, the Harrison County Commission approved a bid from Schindler Elevator for $805,000 with the elevators set to be working at full capacity around the end of the year.
Although it's been a problem on and off for years, the two main elevators went out of service a few weeks ago and caused the courthouse to rearrange its setup.
Officials are also pursuing a state grant to help cover the cost of these repairs, which in total is expected to be closer to a million dollars, including also hiring an engineer, according to Commissioner David Hinkle.
The grant is for $500,000 from the 2026 State Development Grant which operates through the WV Department of Arts, Culture, and History. The building qualifies for this grant due to its historical significance.
'Most of these grants again, are 50-50, so potentially we could be looking at 700,000 out of our pocket, so it's a big expenditure for the county, want to make sure that it's done right this time,' Hinkle said. 'We get 500, we have to put in 500. […] We know we have to spend at least 700,000 as it is minimum, so if it's over a million, they're only going to cover 500,000 and we have to cover the rest.'
Fairmont enters settlement to acquire old box factory property
During the commission meeting, Hinkle and other officials said the bids from the different elevator companies were all similar, with Schindler's saying that it would take 23 weeks to make the parts for the elevator, and 15-20 weeks to install an elevator.
There are a total of three elevators at the courthouse, but one of them is a freight elevator that is working just fine and is used only to transport prisoners, according to Hinkle. The other two elevators in the main part of the building will be the ones getting their systems replaced, but the cabs will remain the same, according to Hinkle.
'We're going to go ahead and rebuild the head equipment on one elevator to try and get it back in operation,' Hinkle said.
During an interview with 12 News, Hinkle said this might inspire a look into permanent restructuring of the courthouse, like changing probation from the sixth floor to the ground floor.
'Even when we replace these, it just makes more sense to put something like that on the ground floor and just not use the elevators as much and just look at a better flow through the building,' Hinkle said.
Hinkle said some of the next things on the agenda are to look to move things like court magistrates and potentially family court, to the building across the courthouse where the county commission meets.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Yahoo
Shinnston approves plans to establish PODA, forms oversight committee
SHINNSTON, (WBOY) — Shinnston will be the latest West Virginia city to hop on the PODA wagon. On Monday, the Shinnston City Council moved forward with plans to establish a Private Outdoor Designated Area (PODA) in its downtown business district, unanimously approving the proposed ordinance during a public hearing and final reading. The newly adopted ordinance permits the creation of a designated area where alcohol purchased from participating businesses may be carried and consumed outdoors within clearly defined boundaries of the city's business district. The goal of the PODA is to encourage economic activity and create a more walkable downtown environment, particularly during community events such as the city's Wind Down Wednesday events. 'So, our kind of thought process was to bring them, draw them to the green space and then trickle down to the different businesses throughout Shinnston, the different stores,' the Shinnston City Manager Tori Drainer said. City officials emphasized that the area will be strictly regulated with signage, enforcement protocols and specific hours of operation, those being Wednesday-Friday from 5-10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 1-10 p.m. Officials said that these regulations will be in place to ensure public safety and compliance with state alcohol laws. In May, the City of Shinnston approved a security and maintenance plan in preparation for the upcoming PODA. Officials said that the area will be regularly patrolled by a dedicated police officer and city ambassadors. Public Works crews will also be responsible for waste and debris collection within the PODA, as well as operating a street sweeper to maintain cleanliness. 'Right now, we have Casey's, which is a huge asset to Shinnston,' Drainer added. 'We're hoping that this opens the door to different breweries, microbreweries, and things of that nature to draw in.' As part of the implementation process, the council also appointed members to serve on a newly formed oversight committee tasked with guiding the PODA's operation and addressing any concerns that may arise. The committee will include Brendan Gallagher, Patrick Kovalck and Tori Drainer, as well as one local business owner who does not serve alcohol, in an effort to maintain balanced representation and community-focused mindset. Shinnston now joins a growing list of West Virginia cities that have adopted a PODA framework. With the move, Shinnston aligns itself with municipalities such as Fairmont, Morgantown, Clarksburg, Wheeling, Charleston and Huntington, all of which have implemented similar programs to support downtown revitalization and economic activity. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Blenko unveils limited-edition, train-themed West Virginia Day pieces
MILTON, (WBOY) — West Virginia-based Blenko Glass Company is leaning into West Virginia history for its limited-edition 2025 West Virginia Day pieces. Three unique pieces celebrating the trains that helped shape the Appalachian region are available in limited qualities. The West Virginia Day piece, which was announced on Monday, is 'Full Steam Ahead,' a cobalt blue vase inspired by the Cass Scenic Railroad #2, complete with a smoke shaped stopper. Only 162 pieces are being made, and they will be sold by online auction starting on June 20, here. 'While its form honors the power and elegance of steam engines, its deeper inspiration lies right here in Milton. The decommissioned railroad tracks at Blenko once drew our founder to this location, thanks to their connection to the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway,' Blenko said in the announcement. WATCH: West Virginia's Fiesta Tableware appears as a clue on Jeopardy! The companion piece for this year is 'Holler Song,' a citrine vase with a unique with a handle shaped like a train's whistle pull. Limited numbers of the Holler Song piece are available for preorder on Blenko's website here for $186. They will begin shopping on June 20. Blenko has been a hand-made glass company operating in West Virginia since the 1920s. It remains one of the only remaining remnants of West Virginia's once booming glass industry. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Gov. Morrisey announces overhaul of West Virginia DOT to reduce debt, save money
BRIDGEPORT, (WBOY) — Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced plans for big changes in the West Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT) on Monday, including plans to decrease administrative staff and pause work on new highway projects. During a press conference in Bridgeport, Morrisey said that because prior financial management 'spent wildly in the past,' the DOT is 'basically out of money,' and is in substantial debt from transportation projects, having committed nearly 30 years worth of Roads to Prosperity money in less than seven years. According to Morrisey, West Virginia has $909 in transportation debt per resident, which is substantially higher than most other states. Morrisey emphasized the need to make sure that road conditions improve in the state but on a much tighter budget. To address the financial problems, Morrisey said he plans to cut back on administration jobs in the DOT by relying on technology and to pause new highway construction projects. He said his administration will prioritize fixing existing roads over creating new highways and that some current highway construction projects will be put on hold until the state can pay for them. 'We can't even afford the existing highways that are on the books,' he said during the press conference. WV Prosecuting Attorneys Association 'setting record straight' on criminal penalties from miscarriages He also said that to save state money, his administration will partner with counties on more road projects. He said he looks forward to counties and members of the private sector stepping up to help take care of West Virginia's roads. The DOT project list is being rewritten with a focus on 'data-driven and evidence-based decisions' instead of 'politics,' according to Morrisey who said that the DOT will no longer focus on the 'squeaky wheel.' Morrisey's office is also prioritizing financial transparency and revamping the DOT website to include publicly available information on how state funds are being used on roads and transportation in West Virginia. Morrisey said during the press conference that even during the 'massive culture change' in the DOT, his administration is working toward improving the safety of West Virginia's roads and bridges, which are among the worst in the country. 'We have to do more with less,' he said during the press conference. Morrisey's full press conference is available to watch on his YouTube page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
