Latest news with #JeffArnett
Dominion Post
30-07-2025
- Business
- Dominion Post
'It's a no-brainer': Mon Commission opposes passthrough power lines
MORGANTOWN — 'It solves a problem, but somebody else's problem … And to be forced to accept this project without any benefit to our citizens while extremely impacting our citizens isn't something that this commission can stand for.' And with that, the Monongalia County Commission voted Wednesday to take a public position against the 105-mile MidAtlantic Resiliency Link power transmission project looking at parts of West Virginia as a path for 500-kilovolt power lines running from Greene County, Pa. to Frederick County, Va. Five counties – Monongalia, Preston, Hampshire, Jefferson and Mineral – have been identified by NextEra Energy Transmission MidAtlantic as part of the potential route With Wednesday's resolution, all five county commissions have now said, 'No, thank you.' Commissioner Sean Sikora, who offered the remarks that opened this report, explained further. 'When we had the work session with NextEra, everything that they're saying in regards to electricity needs is true. We just don't see a benefit to them running this line across our state – across our beautiful county – and not providing us any benefit.' In regard to this project, one of the major sticking points raised by both residents and elected officials is that West Virginia – a next exporter of energy as the country's fifth-highest producer – is little more than countryside to be cleared in service to power-hungry data centers in northern Virginia. Even so, it's believed the cost of the infrastructure will ultimately be paid through increased rates for all customers across the 13-state power grid operated by PJM Interconnection. 'To me, it's pretty simple. They want to shove these things down our throats and say, 'Oh, by the way, you also get to pay for it, and by the way, you don't get any benefit from it,'' Commission President Jeff Arnett said. 'It's a no-brainer.' Arnett went on to say there was consensus across the political spectrum in terms of the numerous individuals who kept pressure on the commission to get involved. One of those individuals was Delegate David McCormick, R-82nd District. 'This is a bipartisan issue. It's about property values and increased rates for ratepayers. I don't see West Virginia and West Virginians benefiting from this; it being just a vehicle to get more power to Virginia to help their economic development efforts with data centers. I'd rather see them come here, frankly,' McCormick said. 'Virginia doesn't have enough power? Well, maybe they shouldn't have closed all the power plants and they wouldn't have this problem.' In addition to the resolution opposing MARL within Monongalia County, the commission also pledged to honor a recent request from the Hampshire County Commission to coordinate the efforts of the various counties leading up to and including participation in the West Virginia Public Service Commission's review of the final project route presented by NextEra.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Mon Commission not getting swept up in Richard water issues
Jun. 25—MORGANTOWN — "We're frustrated, " Monongalia County Commission President Jeff Arnett said Wednesday, "But we're not giving up." Arnett's comments were directed to Richard-area resident and property owner Kevin Dailey. The commission's stated frustration is a result of its inability to address water issues in the small, unincorporated area that have been brought before the body periodically for years — and almost weekly for months now. The problem, commissioners have repeated time and again, is the county has very little standing outside the involvement of Floodplain Administrator Harold "Hap " Sperringer. They see it primarily as an issue between private landowners with possible involvement necessary from the West Virginia Division of Highways in regard to the DOH's stormwater infrastructure along WV-7 (Earl L. Core Road). Dailey presented the commission with a petition including the names of 11 Richard area property owners requesting an evening work session with representatives of the county and relevant state agencies. The commission seemed reluctant to accommodate that specific request. During last week's meeting, Commissioner Tom Bloom expressed frustration with Chad Matheny — who runs a business and rental properties in Richard — over his belief that Matheny had misrepresented himself to the DOH as somehow speaking on behalf of the commission. Matheny said that was not the case. Further, Matheny said he was told by a DOH representative that the problems lie solely with property owners, not the state. That, he said, is also not accurate. "This morning, I got up early after the rain. It had stopped raining. I have video footage of several drains that are totally stagnant. There's no water going through them whatsoever, " Matheny previously said, referencing DOH storm drops. While Dailey and Matheny are at odds over the particulars of what's causing all the water to collect in Richard, they both seem to believe the DOH has a role to play in fixing it. And they're both getting similar responses when asking for assistance from the commission. "We have beat the drum on this to anyone that would listen. At one point we had a representative from DOH. We had Hap [Sperringer ] there at a meeting, and we're not giving up on the issue, " Arnett said. "But Commissioner Bloom is right in that we're limited in what we can do. What we can do is bring, or at least request, the parties that can do something come to the table. And Hap is doing a good job trying to coordinate the thing and get help where he can. He's reaching out to different entities — DEP, DOH — trying to get somebody to come in and take ownership." In other news, the commission canceled its July 16 regular meeting.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Eanes ISD applying to program to increase teacher pay
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Eanes Independent School District is looking into ways to reward teachers who are going above and beyond in the classroom through the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Teacher Incentive Allotment program. 'It does help reward teachers for the very hard work that we know they do every day in our classroom,' said Eanes ISD Superintendent Jeff Arnett. Jarrell ISD teachers awarded thousands for top performance This week the district applied for the program. If approved, districts can identify and designate outstanding teachers based on student growth and classroom observation. In March, top performing educators were awarded for their phenomenal work with nearly $170,000 divided up and given to 15 teachers at Jarrell Independent School District campuses, according to the district. It was all possible through the TIA program. There are three designations which deciphers how much a teacher can make, the designations include 'Recognized', 'Exemplary' and 'Master'. 'Each of those three levels comes with an additional amount of compensation, in our case it would be $3,000 for the earlier level, up to $12,000 for the highest level,' Arnett said. He said Eanes ISD looked at applying five years ago, but they decided not to after discussion with teachers. 'It does not apply to every teacher in our school district, [every teacher] would not be eligible for that money unfortunately,' Arnett said. 'You have to designate the teachers and the subject area.' Texas school closing due to lack of state funding, says district Teachers eligible to receive extra funding would be English and language arts, as well as math teachers in grades fourth through eighth grade. 'Most recently there are very strong signals coming from the legislature that any future funding for teacher compensation may be contingent on a district being a member of the Teacher Incentive Allotment program.' TIA funding was built into Texas state law as part of House Bill 3 during the 86th Texas Legislature. That bill provided more money for Texas classrooms and increased teacher compensation. 'Some feel like it introduces competition among teachers,' Arnett said. 'We feel like the real motivation for us to be a part of it is we can no longer afford to leave money on the table when it comes to how we compensate our staff.' Districts must spend at least 90% of the allotment on teacher compensation on the campus of the designated teacher, while up to 10% can be used to support the local designation system according to the TIA website. Erica Pauda contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Company Distilling Honors Special Olympics Tennessee as Gather Around Giving Grant Recipient
Supporting inclusive sports and programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities across Tennessee. Gather Around Giving with Company Distilling Thompson's Station, Tennessee, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Company Distilling is proud to announce Special Olympics Tennessee as the latest recipient of its Gather Around Giving grant. This recognition highlights the organization's unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports, health programs, and community engagement. Special Olympics Tennessee empowers athletes of all abilities by providing year-round training and competitive events in a variety of sports. Beyond athletics, the organization offers health screenings, leadership development programs, and initiatives that foster inclusion and respect for individuals with intellectual disabilities. 'Special Olympics Tennessee exemplifies the power of community and the joy of shared achievements,' said Jeff Arnett, Founder and Master Distiller for Company Distilling. 'We are honored to support their mission of creating a more inclusive and unified world.' Through its Gather Around Giving program, Company Distilling supports 12 non-profits annually by providing grants and promotional resources to amplify their impact. For media inquiries, contact:Courtney DeLauraMedia CoordinatorCompany Distillingmedia@ 805-6177 Special Olympics Tennessee Contact Information(To be provided upon approval of release) Attachment Gather Around Giving with Company Distilling CONTACT: Courtney DeLaura Company Distilling (865) 805-6177 media@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Company Distilling Honors Bridge Communities as June's Gather Around Giving Grant Recipient
Empowering families experiencing homelessness through housing, mentoring, and supportive services. Gather Around Giving with Company Distilling Townsend, Tennessee, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Company Distilling is proud to announce Bridge Communities as the June 2025 recipient of its Gather Around Giving grant. This partnership celebrates the nonprofit's transformative work in helping families transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency. Bridge Communities provides transitional housing, case management, employment assistance, financial literacy training, and educational resources to families in need. With the support of dedicated mentors, the organization fosters stability and long-term success, enabling families to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. 'Bridge Communities' holistic approach to addressing homelessness exemplifies the power of compassion and community,' said Jeff Arnett, Founder and Master Distiller for Company Distilling. 'We are honored to support their vital work through our Gather Around Giving initiative.' Company Distilling's Gather Around Giving program awards grants and promotional resources to 12 non-profits annually, amplifying their impact and expanding their reach within the communities they serve. For media inquiries, contact:Courtney DeLauraMedia CoordinatorCompany Distillingmedia@ 805-6177 Bridge Communities Contact Information: Andrew BaumannMarketing and Communications ManagerBridge Attachment Gather Around Giving with Company Distilling CONTACT: Courtney DeLaura Company Distilling (865) 805-6177 media@ in to access your portfolio
