A worker with Kalkreuth Roofing Sheet Metal Company works on the Wetzel County Courthouse roof earlier this summer. The project was recently completed. (Photo by Tammy Wayman)

Rodney McWilliams from the Paden City Cornerstone Foundation asked for a letter of support from the Wetzel County Commission at their July 7 meeting.

McWilliams talked to the commissioners about the Cornerstone Foundation, what their purpose is, and their concerns with the upcoming 10-year plan of the Wetzel County School Board. He explained that they are in communication with school board members concerning a possible closing of Paden City High School in the near future.

“Throughout the county, people are voicing their opinion,” stated McWilliams. He informed the commissioners that a public meeting will be held soon on this subject. He reminded the commissioners that if Paden City High School closes, it would have a great impact on the community and county.

McWilliams pointed out that Paden City has a high percentage of voter turnout and a history of voting on school levies. This, in turn, could impact Wetzel County voting on any future school levies.

He stressed that with a closing of a school, realtors cannot promote a local high school to potential home buyers in that area and this would also impact Wetzel County.

He pointed out that according the ratings, Paden City High School is listed in the top 10 percent of high schools in West Virginia.

McWilliams asked the commissioners to express their concerns or support in letter form to the Cornerstone Project. He explained that they would like to give a copy to Wetzel County Board President Mike Blair and Wetzel County Superintendent Bill Jones.

Don Mason, commission president, thanked him for an excellent presentation and informed him that the commissioners would discuss this matter.

Also present at the meeting was Ron McCoy, Beth Brown, and Patricia Sinsel. Mason thank them for all the work they do at the courthouse and also the decorations they placed for the Fourth of July. “We appreciate the your efforts,” Mason said.

John Lantz, adult probation officer, gave a report to the commissioners about the courthouse roof project that was completed. He stated that Kalkreuth Roofing Sheet Metal Company did the work. Lantz explained the old roof was in very bad shape. This project was financed by a $80,000 courthouse improvement grant.