Latest news with #BluefieldBoardofDirectors
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Incumbents return to office in Bluefield city election
bluefield — There were no surprises in Bluefield's municipal election. The incumbents ran unopposed and were re-elected, according to unofficial returns. Voter turnout in the city was light, according to City Clerk Anthony Heltzel. The election was held Tuesday with voters casting ballots in three different districts. The results will be canvassed on June 9 at 9 a.m. In District 1, Treyvon Simmons was re-elected with 38 votes. In District 2, Mayor Ron Martin was re-elected with 46 votes. In District 3, Daniel Wells was re-elected with 29 votes. Simmons, Martin and Wells will serve another four-year term on the Bluefield Board of Directors. 'I'm deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve a third term on the Bluefield City Council,' Ron Martin, the city's current mayor, said. 'Though uncontested, I don't take this lightly — continued trust of Bluefield's citizens means everything. I'm committed to working hard every day to move Bluefield forward and make our city the best it can be for all who call it home.' Heltzel said the remaining incumbents on the city board won't be up for re-election until 2027. They include at-large board members Matt Knowles and Peter Taylor. But a new law passed earlier this year by the West Virginia Legislature could impact that election. Senate Bill 50 was signed into law by Gov. Patrick Morrisey earlier this year. It will require all towns and cities in West Virginia to hold their elections on the same day that statewide general or primary elections are held. 'Now the city of Bluefield will have to do that, but we aren't for sure when that will be implemented yet,' Heltzel said. 'So it may effect when the next election is.' Heltzel said the city can't extend term limits of elected board members. He said the city hopes to receive more information and guidance with regards to the new law in the future. Contact Charles Owens at cowens@
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bluefield OKs tougher rules on animal abandonment
bluefield — Those who abandon animals in the city limits of Bluefield will now be subject to additional penalties. The Bluefield Board of Directors approved the second reading of an animal abandonment ordinance Tuesday. The amended ordinance specifically deals with the issue of those citizens who relocate to another residence in the city, but leave their cats and dogs behind. 'This just adds additional ammunition for our animal control officers to deal with people who are not properly caring for their animals, and are not actually living with the animals, but keeping the animals somewhere separate and far from where they live,' City Attorney David Kersey said. Bluefield has had a number of cases over the past two years of people moving from one residence to another and leaving their animals behind without proper food, water and care, according to City Manager Cecil Marson. 'We've had over probably the last year a couple of cases where folks actually own property, but they are not actually living in the property and they have their animals there,' Marson said. 'It's unacceptable, and the language in the original ordinance was somewhat vague on what the authorities and what legal rights we had to seize those animals. So this ordinance has been done in a manner to make sure we clear that up so our code enforcement and animal control teams and our police force can act if necessary if we see any type of mistreatment of animals.' The amended ordinance was approved by the board on a second reading Tuesday by a vote of 4-0 with board member Daniels Wells absent. According to the existing city code dealing with animal cruelty, no one living in the city limits is allowed to impound or confine any animal in any place, and fail to provide at the same time a sufficient quantity of food and water. In other business Tuesday, Marson talked about all of the Memorial Day activities that were held in Bluefield over the past weekend, including the opening of the Ridge Runner and the Memorial Day service that was conducted in the grassy area of the 400 block. Marson said all of the flags that were placed in the grassy area for Monday's ceremony were donated by Dreama Denver. He said Paul Dorsey and Felicia Holcomb helped to coordinate the Memorial Day program. While the weather didn't cooperate, Marson said the program 'turned out well.' Despite cooler temperatures outside and a steady rainfall during most of the long holiday weekend, the Ridge Runner was still able to start making its runs across Lotito Park on Saturday. Marson said about 290 people rode the miniature train over the weekend. But the train had to stop Sunday after a derailment occurred that involved one of its wheels leaving the track. Marson was asked after Tuesday's meeting to elaborate on the 'derailment' that occurred. 'So yes, Sunday afternoon, we had no train turned over or anything like that,' Marson said. 'It just got stuck in one spot. So we had to go out there this week and reshift the track and get it running.' The new splash pad at Lotito Park didn't meet its Memorial Day opening. Rick Showalter, director of parks and recreation for the city, said the splash pad is just about finished, but some work must still be completed, including the fencing. Weather also has impacted the ongoing work. 'We don't have an opening date,' Showalter said. 'We have hired staff, so all of that is going well. We will be training them when we get a little closer. We are very excited, and I think it will be a big hit with the kids.' 'Bottom line is with the weather, we have to get the dirt in and the fence in,' Marson added. 'We have to have the fence for the safety and monitoring. So that's what has been our biggest hold-up.' Board member Treyvon Simmons said the public is getting excited about the pending opening of the splash pad. Marson said final preparations also are underway for the start of the Cole Chevy Mountain Festival at city park. Trucks carrying carnival rides from the James H. Drew Carnival have started arriving at city park, and those rides will be assembled between now and Friday's opening. 'We should have a very nice Mountain Festival this year,' Marson said. 'And thanks to Cole Chevy for putting all of that together.' Contact Charles Owens at cowens@
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
City officials still hopeful of having splash pad ready for Memorial Day
bluefield — With the long Memorial Day weekend fast approaching, many area families will be looking for outdoor activities to enjoy. Some of those outdoor attractions can be found at Bluefield's Lotito Park, including the Ridge Runner, the new 40-yard dash, the city's new playground and the new splash pad. However, there is still a question as to whether or not the splash pad will be ready in time for Memorial Day weekend. Rick Showalter, director of parks and recreation for the city, said officials would still like to see the splash pad open by Memorial Day weekend. But there is still work to be finished between now and then. 'Our goal was that and still is to open on Memorial Day weekend,' Showalter said Tuesday while providing a project update to members of the Bluefield Board of Directors. 'However, we've had some setbacks. I'm sure that (the opening) is going to happen and we will announce in the future what that date will be.' Showalter said there is still some work to be done, including the installation of a perimeter fence around the splash pad. That work is expected to begin next week. Showalter said training also is underway for staff. 'We are presently interviewing for staff to run the concessions and ticket sales for the summer,' Showalter said. 'We plan a ribbon cutting in the future, a grand ribbon cutting, and that will be announced based on when we know exactly when we can do that.' A generator is currently being used by the city to provide temporary power until work on a transformer can be completed, Curtis French, director of public works for the city, told the board Tuesday. The new splash pad was made possible with funding support from the Shott Foundation along with grant funding from the West Virginia Land and Water Conservation Agency, according to Showalter. The city's original plan was to have the splash pad and the Ridge Runner operational by Memorial Day weekend at the park. One week later, or on Friday, May 31, the James H. Drew carnival also will open at city park as the 2025 edition of the Cole Chevy Mountain Festival gets underway. The Cole Chevy Mountain Festival will continue for 10 days through Sunday, June 8. One new addition that won't be ready for Memorial Day weekend, or this summer, is the new multi-purpose building, which is planned adjacent to the splash pad. It will serve multiple functions, including as a concession area where snacks can be purchased and as a designated location for a splash pad attendant. The new facility also would include four new restroom facilities that would also serve as changing room areas for those who utilize the new splash pad. Work on the multi-purpose facility won't begin until the fall with a goal of having it open for the 2026 season. According to a legal advertisement that appeared recently in the Daily Telegraph, the city is seeking requests for proposals from qualified manufacturing firms to construct the new multi-purpose building. All proposals for the project are due back at city hall by 4 p.m. on June 12. The bids would then be opened on June 13. According to the request for proposals, the building will serve multiple functions, including housing four restrooms, (that will also function as changing rooms for those who use the splash pad), a concession area for snacks, and a designated space for the splash pad gate attendant. The facility will be located at the newly constructed splash pad and would be operational primarily during the splash pad season. Work on the new multi-purpose facility would begin in the fall after the park attractions are closed for the season. That way construction won't be occurring in the area while children enjoy the splash pad, Showalter said in an earlier interview. Contact Charles Owens at cowens@
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Volunteers sought for town-wide clean-up day in Bluefield, Va.
bluefield, va. — Town officials in Bluefield, Va., are seeking volunteers to assist with a community clean-up campaign that also coincides with Earth Day. The town-wide clean-up day will be held on Tuesday, April 22, which is also Earth Day, Bluefield, Va., Town Manager Andrew Hanson said. While town employees will be participating in the clean-up campaign, community volunteers also are needed. The town is seeking assistance from clubs, groups, students and other volunteers. 'We are looking for volunteers,' Hanson said. 'We are in communication with a few organizations, Tazewell County Schools and Bluefield University, to get their students involved in Earth Day to help pick-up trash.' Hanson said town employees also will be involved in the clean-up campaign as they work to remove garbage from strategic locations across the town. This includes along major highway intersections, the area near Graham Recreation Park, Reynolds Street, the fountain near the Sanders House and other locations across the town, according to Hanson. 'We would encourage citizens to look around for litter, and ask them to pick up along the roads if they see trash,' Hanson said. Hanson said bags and other supplies will be provided to citizens who come to the town hall. This is the first year the town is expanding the clean-up campaign to include community volunteers. 'We did it last year with just the town employees,' Hanson said. 'This year we are expanding it to try to get more volunteers.' Gusty winds earlier this winter and spring, and the remnants of Hurricane Helene last September, caused a lot of trash and debris to blow around. Bears also have gotten into trash cans, according to Hanson. 'This is just an opportunity to do a spring clean-up for the town, and to highlight Earth Day,' Hanson said. The town recently installed bear resistant trash cans and dumpsters, which has helped in keeping the animals out of the dumpsters. Anyone who is interested in volunteering can contact either Loris Stacy or Jeff Sizemore at the Bluefield, Va Town Hall. The phone number is (276) 322-4626. Stacy, who is the town clerk, can be reached at extension 1016. Sizemore, who is the refuse department head, can be reached at extension 1007. In the neighboring city of Bluefield, members of the Bluefield Board of Directors announced Tuesday that an Earth Day park clean-up event would be held on Tuesday, April 22, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will focus on all of the existing parks, including city park itself. Contact Charles Owens at cowens@
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bluefield eyes long list of municipal projects
bluefield — Building a border monument where West Virginia and Virginia meet, bringing an outdoor stage and more green space to downtown Bluefield, and making travel easier and safer are among the many projects lined up for the city of Bluefield. The Bluefield Board of Directors recently outlined projects that are underway and others that are being considered. One project, the demolition of the vacant Ferri Building on Bland Street has been approved by the board, said City Manager Cecil Marson. This project is being funded by a $296,000 federal Community Development Block grant with an $85,000 city match. Demolishing this structure will create more parking near the new city center park and turn the adjacent alley into a thoroughfare for pedestrians and cyclists. The new downtown park will be built in a space created when the downtown's 400 block buildings were demolished. A green space, an outdoor stage and a venue for food trucks and festivals are part of the plan. Projects on the city's lists are not confined to the downtown. In February 2024, the city was awarded a $25,547,532 federal grant through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. That project involves the creation of four roundabouts in the city, creating pedestrian and bicycle accommodations through a strategic mountain gap, and making safety improvements which include implementing traffic-calming strategies and installing sidewalks, crosswalks, rectangular rapid-flashing beacons and street lighting on selected corridors. More projects include improvements in Lotito Park featuring a splash pad, repaving parking lots and other enhancements. Housing in the Tree Street and Cypress Street areas along with Bluefield Arts Revitalization Corps (BARC) efforts to revitalize the historic Traveler's Hotel and Hotel Thelma are among other projects as well. Marson said there is a reason for so much ongoing activity. 'I think you have a board and employees here at the city that are steadfast on making our area what we want it to be and it's going to take a lot of hard work and that's what we're committed to,' Marson said about all the projects underway and being studied. 'I know in some cases we could probably do better, but we are doing everything humanly possible to get us to where we need to go; and so we're kind of in the middle of a big time here.' The city is looking at how to implement and fund the long list of projects. 'We're wracking our brains on what is the best path forward and what we can do,' Marson said. Downtown businesses and BARC have done a good job with projects such as renovating and reopening the Granada Theater, he said. The city center project for the 400 block is a foundational part of finding ways to use the downtown's other buildings. The park would help bring more visitors to the downtown and encourage more people to live there. 'There's potentially an argument out there that they don't need any more parks. Well, what I would say is we have to have a reason. Folks want business, right? and a business person wants to know what has the investment been before I spend my money on an infrastructure bringing a business in here,' Marson said. 'It's a chicken or egg discussion, but it's a team game, right? We're putting in this investment to clean up the storefronts, clean up the center of the city with all the great businesses we've got operating down there.' Investing in the downtown's buildings would help attract developers and bring in more businesses, he said. Then the city can see how it can help these entrepreneurs open their doors. 'How do we help you get this building up and get your business up and rocking?,' Marson said. Creating a parking lot at the Ferri Building site would add to making the downtown more attractive for new businesses. 'We're trying to set the table as advantageous as we can to attract that business,' he said. 'All of your customers are going to park right here and they're going to park 50 feet right into your storefront.' Revamping other vacant downtown buildings will be challenging. 'They have gotten in such disrepair, it's economically difficult to revamp those buildings without a lot of outside grant funding,' Marson said. 'There are very few business owners can come and spend $2 million or $3 million on a building. We want a storefront, a bakery, we want a women's clothing shop, a men's shop, a butcher shop. Well, all those businesses, it takes a while to get your return on investment. The buildings we have need to be upgraded and fixed to entice that kind of business. Basically give them shovel ready, store ready places. That's what we're working on right now. We're going to work with a developer and work with our team here to get those buildings upgraded and clean; but we have again we have infrastructure in the town that was built for 30,000 people. We're currently sitting right around 10,000.' The city's long-term goal is to boost its population back up to 30,000 residents. 'It's going to take time, but with this massive infrastructure vacant for 20, 30 years, unfortunately it got into some tough shape and we cannot fix them all,' Marson said. 'We don't have the money to fix them all, so we have to make some hard decisions for the greater good, for the long term.' All the projects Bluefield is undertaking will become part of its Comprehensive Plan, Marson said. The city has gotten public feedback for town hall meetings, and many projects came from those discussions, Marson said. In the near future there will be another town hall meeting to collect more feedback, then the Bluefield Planning Commission will vote on the overall Comprehensive Plan and make recommendations to the Board of Directors which will then vote on whether to ratify it. 'Hopefully we get to a world where the downtown's humming and developers are coming in and they're building all over the place because it's a destination of choice and folks are coming here,' Marson said. 'Hopefully for our Christmas in the future, we'll have the downtown decorated and we'll have a nice park feeding off into our businesses and we've got folks lined up all over the place, traffic jams of folks coming into the city to enjoy Christmas and shop and use all our restaurants and all our businesses, the Granada and Raleigh Street Cinemas.' Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@
