Shown here is the North Fork Fishing Creek.
Pine Grove conducted its regularly scheduled council meeting on Tuesday, November 12, commencing at 7 PM. Attending the meeting were Mayor Johnny Haught, Recorder Sandi Hurst, and council members Melisa Yoho, Amy Coen, David Palmer, Aaron Wilcox, and Larry Huggins. Also present were Wetzel County Board members Christine Mitchell and Jim Glasscock, alongside Chuck Roberts and Wetzel Chronicle reporter Storm Young, who covered the proceedings.
The primary focus of the discussions revolved around a recent emergency meeting involving Pine Grove officials and external agencies. This meeting declared the community under a state of emergency due to severe drought conditions and resultant water shortages, prompting Wetzel County Superintendent Cassie Porter to implement remote learning at Valley High School. This decision was made to conserve precious water resources and ensure the safety of students amid the crisis.
In the week following the emergency meeting, the council received an official proposal from Superintendent Porter. This proposal requested the release of Valley High School from the Town of Pine Grove water system, facilitating a connection to PSD 1 water to alleviate the dire water situation. The council convened a special meeting on Thursday, November 7, to thoroughly discuss this plan. Members recognized the need for legal counsel to fully understand the implications of such a transition.
During the council meeting, Mayor Johnny Haught articulated concerns about the financial implications of the proposed switch. He stated, “Switching to PSD will not impact the revenue of the town.” Despite this assurance, the council is diligently reviewing the contract with their attorney. Council member Melisa Yoho raised an important question, expressing, “My personal concern is if we let the school switch to the PSD, how many other places and people are going to leave us too?” The council plans to release the finalized details of the contract after obtaining approval from both their legal advisors and the Wetzel County Board of Education. Furthermore, council members are actively exploring measures to prevent future water crises, including the possibility of drilling new wells or reopening dormant wells previously utilized by the town.
Chuck Roberts addressed the council, informing them that his Co-Op project had to be paused due to the ongoing drought. However, he announced that he has prepared his first class, which is tentatively scheduled to begin on December 3 at 5 PM. This class will focus on Martial Arts and will take place at the Byrd Center, led by instructor JJ Corley. Practices will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting at 5 PM, with varying end times. Participants will incur a cost of $10 per class or $50 for the entire month.
In closing discussions, the council emphasized the crucial need for the community to continue practicing water conservation measures. They announced that drinking water is available at the Byrd Center for community members in need. Furthermore, individuals unable to collect the water due to health concerns can contact the Byrd Center for assistance. The town council expressed their gratitude to all those who contributed their efforts during the state of emergency.
The next council meeting is scheduled for December 10 at the Byrd Center at 7 PM.
**2. How will the proposed water supply change for Valley High School impact Pine Grove’s local water resources and finances?**
**Interview with Mayor Johnny Haught of Pine Grove about Recent Council Meeting and Water Crisis**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Haught. Let’s start with the recent council meeting held on November 12. Can you summarize the major issues discussed during that meeting?
**Mayor Haught:** Of course! The primary focus was on the severe drought conditions we’re currently facing, which have led to water shortages in Pine Grove. This situation was serious enough to prompt an emergency meeting with various stakeholders, including Wetzel County officials, just days before our regular council meeting.
**Interviewer:** I understand there was a decision made regarding Valley High School. Can you elaborate on that?
**Mayor Haught:** Yes, during our discussions, Wetzel County Superintendent Cassie Porter proposed releasing Valley High School from our town’s water system. The idea is to connect the school to the PSD 1 water supply. This would help alleviate the water crisis and ensure that we conserve water resources effectively, which is especially important given the extended drought.
**Interviewer:** How did the council respond to this proposal?
**Mayor Haught:** We acknowledged the urgency of the situation and convened a special meeting on November 7 to discuss it in detail. It was crucial for us to seek legal counsel to fully understand the implications of transferring the water supply. We wanted to ensure that every aspect of this change was considered before moving forward.
**Interviewer:** During the meeting, you expressed some concerns about the financial implications of switching to PSD. Can you share your thoughts?
**Mayor Haught:** Absolutely. My primary concern was about the town’s revenue. I clearly stated that switching to PSD 1 should not negatively impact our town’s finances. We need to find a solution that keeps our community safe and well-served without adding to our fiscal burdens.
**Interviewer:** Given the current challenges, what are the next steps for Pine Grove?
**Mayor Haught:** We’re in close communication with both the school district and PSD 1 to explore the best path forward. Our focus remains on addressing the water crisis and ensuring the safety of our residents and students. We’ll continue to keep the community informed as we make progress.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mayor Haught. It seems like Pine Grove is taking proactive steps to handle this water emergency.
**Mayor Haught:** Thank you for having me! We’re committed to navigating this crisis effectively for the benefit of our town and its residents.