Sends letter requesting state aid for dangerous fog conditions on Highway 48

Late last month, the Grant County Commission reviewed a request from the Grant County Department of Health seeking the commission’s position on medical cannabis in the county.

The request stemmed from updated information shared by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources concerning the release of applications for those interested in opening businesses in the medical marijuana field.

The Bureau for Public Health issued a press release on Nov. 19, announcing that applications for growers, processors, dispensaries and laboratories will be available beginning Dec. 19 and closing Feb. 18, 2020.

Miranda Claire Mongold, 30, of Petersburg, was arrested late last month on an outstanding felony drug warrant for conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine.

An upcoming Christmas event hosted at the White House will be featuring some outstanding Grant County talent.

Melinda “Mindy” Cookman Ratcliff and Rosanne Glover will be traveling to Washington, D.C. later this month to perform during the Holiday Open House, a private event hosted by the executive office of the president.

For the 23rd year, Denver Riggleman the Elf took to the roof of Petersburg Electronics to help collect toys for those in need.

Toys for Happiness is a local program that collects and distributes toys for Grant County children.

This year, the program collected over 800 toys, including more than $4,175 in monetary donations.

“It’s a great way to put a smile on a child’s face,” said Riggleman.

The 2019 collection goal was set at 650 toys, a goal they reached in less than an hour.

Toys for Happiness is sponsored by Petersburg Electronics, the Grant County Press and WELD. The collection was assisted by Grant County Little League representatives Buddy Alt and Bob Smith.

Those interested in donating to the program can continue to give by dropping of toys or monetary donations at the Grant County Press in Petersburg until the end of this week.

Community members from all over the county gathered last week at the Petersburg City Park to celebrate the Hometown Christmas event, which includes the decoration of the city’s Christmas tree.

The event is hosted by the city of Petersburg as well as the Grant County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Along with allowing community members to hang ornaments on the tree in the Petersburg City Park, the event also featured a performance by the Petersburg High School band, a visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus as well as characters from Disney’s “Frozen,” Elsa, Anna and Olaf.

The event also featured the auction of 18 wooden snowmen created by the community with the funds going to support Toys for Happiness, and a live nativity scene.

During their December meeting, the Petersburg City Council reminded residents of two ordinances that have recently been a topic of concern for the city.

The first involves the implementation of the sidewalk ordinance, which requires anyone selling a home in the city to include the installation of a sidewalk (if the home does not already have one) in the sale contract. This does not apply to homes being passed from family members. Local realtors and brokers have been notified of the ordinance and owners of houses listed on the market will be notified when the house is placed on the market.

Dennis James Miller, 50, of Moorefield, has been sentenced to 108 months incarceration for his involvement in a fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution operation.

Firefighters are still working to combat a wildfire near Upper Tract that has seen more than 2,000 acres of forest set ablaze.

The fire began on Thanksgiving Day in the Dry Hollow and Upper Tract areas.

In a release from the Monongahela National Forest Service, public affairs officer Kelly Bridges explained that firefighters are working to prepare the North Fork Mountain Trail as a control line for the fire to spread to the west.