Latest news with #McDowellCountyCommission
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers in McDowell County Tuesday
war — Mobile FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled to open in two McDowell County locations Tuesday to assist residents still working to recovery from the devastating Feb. 15 flood. The mobile FEMA centers are scheduled to be open today in the community of Panther and the city of War to help flood victims apply for federal assistance, according to the McDowell County Commission. A FEMA mobile unit will be set up today at Grants Supermarket in War from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A second FEMA mobile unit will be open today at the Panther Missionary Baptist Church at 362 Greenbrier Mountain Road from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Bradshaw Town Hall, according to a FEMA announcement. Nate Custer, media relations specialist with FEMA, said the McDowell County center in Bradshaw will be open until further notice. Offering the opportunity to speak with FEMA representatives in person, the Bradshaw center will be open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on Sunday. McDowell County is one of four counties including Mercer, Mingo and Wyoming included in a federal disaster declaration from President Donald Trump. FEMA assistance for nine other counties including Raleigh, Greenbrier, Summers, Wayne, Boone, Cabell, Kanawha, Lincoln and Logan is still being evaluated by FEMA. A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center also opened Monday at the Wyoming County Courthouse at 25 Main Avenue in Pineville. The center is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on Sundays. Flood survivors are encouraged to bring documentation, especially if they have not yet applied for FEMA assistance. This documentation can be things like a deed, apartment lease or a utility bill showing that the home or apartment is the applicant's primary address, said Nate Custer said, media relations specialist for FEMA. People seeking FEMA assistance can visit the Disaster Recovery Center more than once if they have questions about their applications. Some applicants are more comfortable speaking with FEMA representatives in person, Custer said. They are not limited to one visit. Flood survivors also are not limited to visiting the FEMA center in their home county. They can go to any FEMA center that is open, Custer said. For example, flood survivors that live in one county but work in another can visit the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center closer to their workplace if that is more convenient. A representative of the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the McDowell County Disaster Recovery Center as well as FEMA. FEMA also has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at the Lifeline Princeton Church of God at 250 Oakvale Road near Princeton. FEMA operated out of the church until Feb. 14 when the agency was helping residents impacted by Tropical Storm Helene in September 2024 apply for assistance. The most recent flood occurred the day after it closed. The Mercer County Disaster Recovery Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be closed on Sunday, according to FEMA's announcement. The center will also be closed on March 15, March 22 and April 19 for the church's previously scheduled events. Disaster Recovery Centers are open to all, including survivors with mobility issues, impaired vision and those who are who are deaf or hard of hearing. Flood survivors do not have to visit a recovery center to register with FEMA. People can call 800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free telephone line operates seven days a week. Flood survivors seeking assistance can also register online at or through the FEMA app on their cellphone. For more information on West Virginia's disaster recovery, visit West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, and The U.S. Small Business Administration announced Monday that additional SBA Recovery Centers are opening in Mercer County and McDowell County. The Mercer County Business Recovery Center opens today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. After today, it will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. and closed on Sundays. The McDowell County Business Recovery Center will open Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the National Guard Armory at 600 Stewart Street in Welch. After this coming Wednesday, it will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will be closed Sundays. SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Business Recovery Centers to answer questions about the federal agency's disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but people can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at The U.S. Small Business Administration also has opened a Business Recovery Center at the Princeton Public Library at 920 Mercer Street. This center will be remaining open. The center is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., then Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be closed on Sunday. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pocahontas Theatre in McDowell County announces temporary closure
WELCH, WV (WVNS) — The Pocahontas Theatre in McDowell County will be temporarily closed due to recent flooding. McDowell County Commission looks for volunteers for landfills According to posts on the Pocahontas Theatre and the City of Welch, WV – CoalTown, USA's Facebook pages on Friday, February 28, 2025, the Pocahontas Theatre located in the Welch area of McDowell County will be temporarily closed for cleaning and restoration after flooding that occurred in the area. The Facebook post from the Pocahontas Theatre thanked the public for their cooperation and patience, and they will inform the public when the theatre will reopen. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Burning restrictions return in West Virginia with the spring fire season
WEST VIRGINIA (WVNS) — Burning restrictions return as West Virginia's spring fire season kicks off on March 1. According to the West Virginia Division of Forestry's Facebook page and website, spring fire season lasts from March 1 to May 31 and open burning is only allowed from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Major Disaster Declaration approved by President Trump for counties in West Virginia There are two fire seasons in West Virginia: spring fire season from March 1 to May 31, and fall fire season from October 1 to December 31. Violation of the burning law can result in up to a $1,000 fine as well as an additional civil penalty of $200, and vegetative materials are the only type of materials that can be burned. Anyone burning is advised to only burn in low wind conditions. According to the fire burning guidelines on the West Virginia Division of Forestry's website, fires need to be watched at all times, and all fires need to be completely out before 7:00 a.m. Areas around the fire must have a safety strip, which consists of a minimum 10-foot wide area around the fire that is down to the soil and clear of any material that can be burned. McDowell County Commission looks for volunteers for landfills If a fire escapes a person's control, the person, firm, or corporation will be responsible for any damage that the fire may cause for other people, as well as costs that come from fighting the fire. Any power shovels, sawmills, engines, or machines that could create sparks will need to have a sufficient spark arrestor when running on land subject to fire. Inflammable waste areas on any land also need to be cleared of flammable and inflammable materials near disposal areas to give protection and keep any fires from spreading to nearby areas. There are some exceptions to the burn law guidelines that include: small fires meant for preparing food, warmth, or light, with a 10 foot area around the fire being cleared of burnable debris, and burning that occurs when there is minimum of one inch of snow around the burn area. 'Preserving Black Churches' grant aims to save more sites like New Salem Baptist Church The Division of Forestry can issue commercial permits to burn during restricted times, and willfully setting fire to other people's property is a felony and can be punished by fines and/or jail time. More information about the burning laws can be found on the West Virginia Division of Forestry's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Donation needs continue in McDowell County
MCDOWELL COUNTY, WV (WVNS) — Many people in local communities are in need of aid after flooding swept through the region in February. According to posts on various Facebook pages, such as the McDowell County Commission and Delegate David Green – McDowell County, donations are being gathered to help those who were affected by the flooding that hit McDowell County and left an impact on those who live in the local communities. Types of donations communities need after a disaster Donations can include items such as: Dehumidifiers Fans Propane and electric heaters Propane Drying agents such as DampRid Bleach Lime Large push brooms Large squeegee with a broom handle Brooms Mops Shovels Rakes Buckets Gloves Cleaning supplies Laundry supplies Tarps Rags WVNS 59News southern West Virginia Disaster Relief A post on the McDowell County Commission's Facebook page stated that the McDowell County Office of Emergency Services are gathering donations for the replacement of private bridges in McDowell County due to the large number of bridges that need repaired or replaced. These types of donation items, which can only be dropped off at the old Walmart location in Kimball, can include: Bridge supports Beams Drainage pipes Additional items/hardware that can be used for bridge replacements The McDowell County Commission's Facebook page stated that people with equipment, or anyone who wants to help replace private bridges, are also welcome to help. People can contact the McDowell County Office of Emergency Services at the non-emergency help line at 888-929-4966, option 2. According to a press release, the McDowell County Sheriff's Office warned people in the area to be careful of those who wish to do volunteer work, and verify that they are actual volunteers before letting them work on any property. They also advised people to ensure that the work is truly volunteer based and done at no cost, and anyone who is asked to pay for volunteer services are encouraged to call 911 and try and get documentation from the individuals. Additional information about the types of donations that are often needed in disaster situations can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Types of donations communities need after a disaster
GHENT, WV (WVNS) — In light of the recent flooding experienced throughout southern West Virginia, community members are turning to their friends and neighbors for much-needed support. In February 2025, intense rain and flooding affected many parts of southern West Virginia. The influx of water damaged homes, schools, roads, and more, while people sought higher ground and shelter while waiting to evaluate the full impact of the storms. The flooding left a major impact on people and communities in the region, especially in areas such as McDowell County. WVNS 59News southern West Virginia Disaster Relief During times of disaster and uncertainty, locations in the affected areas often take a variety of donations to help communities in the aftermath of a disaster. Many items are needed after a disaster such as flooding, and some items that people and communities need can include: Large push brooms Electric and propane heaters Propane (any size) Drying agents such as DampRid and more Dehumidifiers Fans Bleach Lime Cleaning supplies Gloves Tarps Rags Brooms Mops Shovels Rakes Large squeegees with broom handles Laundry supplies Buckets Non-perishable food items Baby supplies (such as formula, bottles, baby food/snacks, and diapers) Dry and wet dog and cat food Handheld can openers Personal care items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shower supplies, etc… Toiletries Trash bags Sanitizer Plastic totes Rolls of plastic Air purifiers Water Nothing better than a boring forecast as flood recovery continues across the region A post on the McDowell County Commission's Facebook page stated that donations are being gathered by the McDowell County Office of Emergency Services for the replacement of private bridges in McDowell County. These types of donation items, which can only be dropped off at the old Walmart location in Kimball, can include: Bridge supports Beams Drainage pipes Additional items/hardware that can be used for bridge replacements The McDowell County Commission's Facebook page also stated that people with equipment, or those who wish to help replace private bridges, are also welcome to help. People can contact the McDowell County Office of Emergency Services at the non-emergency help line at 888-929-4966, option 2. Those who cannot make in-person donations and wish to make monetary donations instead are advised to verify any local organizations that take monetary donations after a disaster and avoid any possible scams from unverified organizations. WVNS 59News will collect donations at the news station, located at 141 Old Cline Road in the Ghent area of Raleigh County, from Monday, February 24, 2025 through Friday, February 28, 2025. Welch community begins first steps back to normalcy after devastating floods Members of the 59News team will also be on-site at different donation locations throughout the week to bring the latest recovery effort information to you. Those who cannot go to a donation location in person can donate online on the 59News Southern West Virginia Disaster Relief page. To support residents impacted by the flooding, more information regarding donation drives throughout the region can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
