Government, Latest News, Preston County

Preston Commission discusses courthouse repairs

KINGWOOD — Courthouse repair and offices moving were the main topics of discussion at Tuesday’s Preston County Commission meeting.

County Administrator Kathy Mace said the west side door of the courthouse is currently corded off awaiting repair, due to a stone falling from the roof of the building.

She said the courthouse also has a problem with water intrusion.

Mace said some exploratory work will be done this spring to determine what repairs are needed.

“I consider this to be a large project,” she said, adding that previous work had stopped the water intrusion.

Mace said it will cost about $20,000 for the exploratory work. She said money has been set aside for phase one of the project.

“When we look at it we might be able to do a little work to slow down the encroachment,” Commissioner Dave Price said.

Mace said hinges will be replaced Sunday on doors in the courthouse and one in the annex.

No further action was taken.

The Preston County probation office will be moving into the space currently held by Community Corrections. Community Corrections will move into space across from the Kingwood Walmart.

Mace said the move will give probation more space and allow it to have a conference room.

Commission President Samantha Stone said Preston County Economic Development, Farmland Protectors and Main Street Kingwood all will be located at the Kingwood Plaza by Nov. 1.

Jennifer Piercy of the County Commissioners Association of West Virginia presented second place state essay contest winner Sophia Saurino with a check for $200 and a certificate.

Laura Moreland was presented with a $50 check and a certificate. Moreland received an honorable mention in the contest. The 2020 County Government Essay Contest was sponsored by the association. Both students attend West Preston School. Their social studies teacher is Angela Knisell.

Stone also presented certificates to Saurino and Moreland from the Preston County Commission.

In other business commissioners proclaimed October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

TWEET@DominionPostWV