Trending
Applause to Phyllis Baxter, who has served as executive director of the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area for more than 20 years, and is retiring at the end of this month. Baxter was recognized during a public celebration Friday at the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center in Elkins. Baxter told The Inter-Mountain she was well past the retirement age and knew the time was now for her to step away. "I've kept doing this because I care about it so much," Baxter said. "But it's time for me to step down from the leadership and the administrative duties of running an organization and let younger and more energetic people take it on." Even after her retirement, Baxter said she still plans on helping the organization and being a continuing presence.
Applause to the Elkins-Randolph County YMCA, which was presented a special award by Youth Health Service during a ceremony this week. The two organizations have worked together for many years on the annual holiday Angel Tree project, which distributes donated gifts to local children in need. "My best calculation is that we, together, have served over 1,000 kids for Christmas," Tammie Rizzio, Youth Health Service's executive co-director, said. "So we definitely want to acknowledge the YMCA, and all the hard work that you and your members put into Angel Tree distribution each year." YMCA Executive Director Sid Gillespie said, "We love working with you all. Also, with the help of the community, who have put so much money and time and effort into this for kids, it's just phenomenal."
Applause to longtime local businessman and former legislator Mike Ross, who has given a financial shot in the arm to the Emma Scott Garden Club's effort to purchase a Rosie the Riveter statue that will stand in close proximity to the All-Veterans Memorial on Railroad Avenue. Ross contributed $1,000 to the effort, and challenged others to match the donation. Several have, including David Goldberg, president and CEO of Mon Health System, who donated $1,000, and Camille Phares, who donated $1,500. Organizers say they hope to have the statue in place by Labor Day.
Applause to the Randolph County Commission for being proactive in finding space for a second courtroom for the county's second circuit judge, who will take office in 2025. The commission has approved hiring Vannostrand Architects of Buckhannon for the project of renovating the former county jail. The first floor of the three-story building will house new administrative offices, a new IT office, new bathrooms, and a new county commission room. The second floor will be converted into three new county commissioner offices. The current county commission meeting room in the Cain Annex will likely be the new courtroom for one of the two judges in the county. Officials said construction on the project should start within two to three months.