August 7, 2025 • 41 mins
Mon County landowner Juliet Marlier on the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link
Jesse Vermette on the Christian Help Back to School free store
Judy Ball, co-president of the West Virginia League of Women Voters of upcoming events in Mon and Preston Counties
Jesse Vermette on the Christian Help Back to School free store
Judy Ball, co-president of the West Virginia League of Women Voters of upcoming events in Mon and Preston Counties
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
This is the Talk of the Town from Morgantown to Klucksburg.
If it's happening, we're talking about it. Call the show
toll free at one eight hundred seven sixty five eight
two fivey five. Now Here is your host for the
Talk of the Town, Mike notting Well.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
Good Monday morning. It is nine oh seven in time
for Talk of the Town on AM fourteen forty FM
one oh four point five WAJR Metro News. Acuweather says
currently fair skies and sixty seven degrees and looks like
we've got another Chamber of Commerce day ahead of us
sunshine and I have eighty three degrees and certainly a
(00:51):
good day to have a Chamber of Commerce weather day.
And not just that, but looks like the entire week
because the City of Morgan Town hosting the Municipal League
of Cities conference this week. So glad that we could
finally get a week's worth of weather going in our favor. Well,
welcome to the program. For the next hour, it's going
(01:13):
to be all about you. We're gonna explore topics that
are important to you, your family, and the community at large.
Mike Nolton, you'll find me out on X as your
news guy. And now this morning we're going to speak
with Juliette Marley or she'll join us. At nine point fifteen,
we're going to preview the next Era Energy high Voltage
(01:34):
transmission line meeting that's coming up tomorrow night at University
High School. Now, that line is set to go from
Green County, Pennsylvania, snake down through a few counties of
West Virginia. I believe at this point there are four
counties that have lined up against this particular effort, but
(01:55):
it will go through portions of mount and Preston County,
if approved, on the way to Frederick County, Maryland, in
order to power a data center there. We'll talk with
Juliet about that coming up at nine fifteen nine thirty.
Christian Help has a big week this week. They've got
their back to school store open. It's actually open through
(02:17):
the eighth of August, I believe. But we're gonna speak
with Jesse get some more details about that back to
school store and find out exactly what you can get,
because I know that before you know it, here it
is August fourth, just fifteen calendar days. It'll be the
first full day of school here in Montagellier County, a
(02:41):
couple of headlines. West Virginia Municipal League. They've set up
shop here in the city of Morgantown. They're gonna hit
the links today out at the golf I'm sorry, the
Lakeview Golf Resort for their golf outing. Then they've got
a set of committee meetings. They're gonna take a look
at some bylaws down at the waterfront this afternoon. And
Morgantown Mayor Danielle Trumbull, she talked about the importance and
(03:04):
the opportunity to showcase our city statewide. You'll find that
conversation in the podcast section of the website WAJR dot com.
Also included in that conversation some things we talked about
in terms of the Morgantown city budget and the shortfall
three point two million dollars shortfall that is projected for
(03:27):
this fiscal year. That shortfall came to light after a
change in accounting or alignment of accounting procedures. I think
might be a better way to put that. Maryor Trumpele says,
they're looking at several possible budget cuts, but one thing
that will not be cut our efforts in the public
(03:48):
safety realm. Now that would include over time for police,
and we know how effective their additional cops initiative has
been and that will continue from Kaiser over in Mineral County.
The community response is being praised this morning in Kaiser
(04:08):
after a reported fire and evacuation of one hundred residents
from the Kaiser Healthcare Center that happened Saturday night. How
many of the residents were taken to the Kaiser fire
station at least temporarily and until that home could be cleared.
Now there are reports that three residents were taken to
a hospital for smoke inhalation. One of the Mineral County commissioners,
(04:32):
I believe they're going to join Metro News talk Line
this morning to talk about that historic response. I guess
three counties, two states, all kinds of folks helped out.
Today is the final day to take advantage of the
back to School sales tax holiday. Shoppers expected save up
(04:53):
to three point four million dollars on purchases in preparation
for classes coming up in the coming weeks. Now, the
West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program, they're going to focus
on traffic signals and stop signs through August. The fifteenth.
It's called Target Red. Now those caught disregarding traffic signals
(05:16):
or stop signs will likely get tickets during this crackdown.
The new statewide effort was launched in Beckley in two
thousand and eight. Or the now statewide effort was launched
in Beckley in two thousand and eight. State officials say
that program was successfully credited with reducing crashes caused by
(05:37):
red light running by sixty percent. Those extra patrols funded
with state and federal grants. The Harrison County Sheriff's Department
I have their National Night Out block party. It'll be
tomorrow night at the parking lot outside the Sheriff's Department
on West Main Street in downtown Clarksburg. Coming up next,
(06:01):
we're going to focus on the proposed Next Era Energy
Transmission high voltage transmission line that would run from Green
County down to Frederick County, Virginia, in order to power
a data center there. We've got Juliette Marley Or We're
going to be talking about the meeting that is open
(06:21):
to the public and scheduled for the University High School
auditorium tomorrow night at six thirty. It's coming up next
on top of the town AM fourteen forty FM one
oh four point five WAJR.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
West Virginia Outdoors is the Mountain State's only hook and
bullet radio show dedicated to the more than quarter million
hunters and anglers across the state. Award winning host Chris
Lawrence has been tracking down hunting and fishing stories for
more than twenty five years.
Speaker 3 (06:52):
I'll go out on a limb because people won't like
my answer. Probably, I think there's fewer coyotes than most
people imagine.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
Really well.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
Number one, when you hear a family group of them
this time of year, the pups are very vocal. The
coyotes are getting They've been kind of shut mouthed during
the spring when they're young, and it's like a bunch
of teenagers. When they get to September, mom and dad
can't keep their mouths shut anymore.
Speaker 1 (07:17):
Whether it's hunting and fishing news or just compelling stories
about the enjoyment of the great outdoors. West Virginia Outdoors
covers it all Saturday mornings at seven oh six am,
and for your daily fix, Outdoors Today brings you two
and a half minutes of news and notes from the
woods and water. Every weekday morning on Metro News of
Voice of West Virginia.
Speaker 4 (07:38):
Hey everybody, it's Tony Caridi, I'm Greg Hunter and I'm
Brad Howe, and we.
Speaker 5 (07:41):
Invite you to join us Sunday through Fridays right here
on the Metro News radio network. It's the city net
statewide sports line. We talk West Virginia University, football, basketball, baseball,
you name it. If it's got anything to do with
the Golden Blue, we're on it.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
And don't forget the text line available every night.
Speaker 5 (07:59):
So we invite you to join us. The Senator coach
Hunter and me Tony Courritti, it's the City that state
wide sports line.
Speaker 1 (08:05):
On Metro News. News in the Mountain State happens quick
and for decades you have depended on Metro News for
accurate news delivered fast. Now here's your chance to help
keep your fellow West Virginians informed. If you see news happening,
become a Metro News hawk by texting News to three
five sixty five to one. If you take a picture
or video of what you see, submit that as well.
(08:28):
Text the word news to three five sixty five one
to submit your tip or story. Standard texting rates apply.
Please don't text and drive.
Speaker 4 (08:39):
Listen. I'm a West Virginian through and through. Grew up
in Bridgeport, thirty five years in the Charleston area, rooted
for the Mountaineers since well, let's not talk ages. You
won't find a bigger fan of our teams, but they
get called out when they deserve it. Metro News Hotline's
the same for everything, movies, music, local happenings, my inside
knowledge and occasional rants. Meet Coop's sharp humor and teed
(09:00):
to spark good talk radio. Think you can keep up?
We're your afternoon anecdote to the ordinary on weekdays three
to six on Metro News.
Speaker 6 (09:07):
The Boys in West Virginia. Hi, this is Dave Wilson,
along with TJ. Meadows, join us weekdays at ten o
six for Metro News Talkline on this metro news radio station. TJ.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Speaker 1 (09:21):
That's right, Dave.
Speaker 4 (09:22):
We'll continue to examine and discuss issues important to West Virginia,
hold elected officials accountable, and make certain you have a
forum to make your voice.
Speaker 6 (09:30):
Arnay new host, Same talk Line, join us weekdays at
ten o six on this metro news radio station and
the Metro News TV.
Speaker 7 (09:37):
Ad nobody covers West Virginia like Metro News. Start each
weekday at six oh six am with the Morning News
Center and anchors Chris Lawrence and Jeff Jenkins deliver the
day's biggest stories along with in depth reports from Aaron Parker,
Kat Skeldon and Morgan Pemberson. The Morning News also brings
you the latest in sports from Kyle Wiggs and Joe Bricado,
(10:00):
along with entertainment, news, weather, and more. Yet your morning
news on the Metro News Radio network and at Wbmetronews
dot com.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
Metro News Midday with thirteen News and Tonight Live anchor
Amanda barn and Metro News is Dave Allen.
Speaker 7 (10:15):
I'll deliver live, up to the minute news, spotlighting people
and communities and covering breaking news stories as they happen.
Speaker 4 (10:22):
Join us as we interview newsmakers from around the state
and world. Have provided a platform for your voice to
be heard statewide.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Metro News Midday presented by Soulango Law from noon to
three on this Metro News radio station. Join the conversation
(10:52):
at one eight hundred seven sixty five eight two fivey five.
This is the talk of the town.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Good Monday morning, fair sky in sixty seven degrees and
it looks like it is going to be a great day.
So if you've got something to do outside, low humidity,
great temperatures, maybe go down and check out the Municipal
League conference. Nah, probably not. I don't blame you. Well.
In studio, we've got Juliet mar Lear and we're talking
about the Next Era Energy Transmission, their proposed high voltage
(11:23):
line from Green County, Pennsylvania to Frederick County, Virginia to
power a data center there. Good morning, Juliette, thank you
for coming in. How are you.
Speaker 8 (11:33):
I'm fine, thank you, and thank you for having me,
and I appreciate the opportunity absolutely.
Speaker 2 (11:38):
Now we're going to talk about this postcard here in
just a second, because I'd like for you to talk
about your experience. Now, my experience with next Era goes
back several months. I got an email from the project manager,
very very nice, young lady, don't recall her name, but
(11:59):
at any rate, she was very eager to come on
the program and talk about this proposed project. And we
did find time, did have her in and she came on,
talked about it, and then as soon as the issue
kind of hit the light of day, she disappeared along
(12:21):
with next Era Energy Transmission as well. Now tell us
about your experience.
Speaker 8 (12:28):
Well, I received a postcard saying that in January, saying
that this project was being considered and inviting me to
take an online survey to express my concerns about it.
I didn't realize this postcard was only going to property
owners who were in the crosshairs of some of the
(12:48):
routing on proposals that next Era was coming up with, right,
so I didn't respond to it. It was pretty vague.
And then I got a call from one of the
contracted property companies or land companies that's proposing to do
the surveys for this project. And as soon as I
(13:09):
learn more about it, I just could see no reason
I would be in support of it or let them
on my land. I live on a property that's been
in my family since nineteen fifty nine when my parents
purchased it, mainly for access to the lake, but it
became a much bigger value in my family because we
(13:30):
got to know the seller, missus Daisy Wolf, who had
been a subsistence farmer there. She stayed a couple more years,
so we got to know all her family learn about
the land, the history of the land, appreciate the native plants,
and the productive value of the land. And although it's
been in the family all this time, and we're now
(13:50):
on the fourth generation of my family members involved in it,
we have managed to hang together and work to protect
the property. I'm currently the person living there and managing it.
We have managed woodlands. I produce a lot of food.
I forage a lot of food. My sister was able
(14:11):
to move back full time twenty years ago, and I've
been there six years, and we've been planning the future
of the farm for all this time. And then I
discovered that next era is proposing to bring this five
hundred thousand volt line, which is half a million volts,
within a couple hundred feet of the house that I
(14:34):
just finished building, through the woodland where I practice forest farming,
I go ramps and medicinal plants. My family still gathers
there in the summer. This line would go right over
the cabin that we have on the lakeside. And most
shocking of all to me is how many people have
(14:55):
not heard about this at all, who would be affected
by it, not through their property, but right next to
their property through their communities. We would have this basically
an industrial installation that would serve no purpose for West
Virginia except to rip up our land and go on
to Virginia.
Speaker 2 (15:14):
Juliette Marlear's here and we're talking about the proposed high
voltage Next Era energy transmission line that would go through
portions of the county. Now there is a public meeting.
A public meeting is set for tomorrow at six point
thirty in the University High School auditorium that is open
to the public. Now, I think maybe, and I'm not sure,
(15:36):
but I've heard some people ask the question, Oh no,
come on, Juliet next Era came in and got their
check book out and said, Okay, what's it going to
cost us? And then they write you a big check
and everybody's happy. Is that true?
Speaker 8 (15:52):
Well not in my experience. One of my neighbors said
that he was offered five hundred dollars to let them
on land to survey, which in the scheme of things,
is not big money. It concerns me because I feel
if this came through the years that I've been planning
to continue living on this farm and contributing to my
(16:14):
community and paying my taxes and hiring local contractors and
all the things that I do to give value to
the to the land would not be enough to keep
me there.
Speaker 2 (16:26):
I would just have to leave.
Speaker 8 (16:27):
And then I would have to get a lawyer, I guess,
and deal with next era to see what kind of
compensation could possibly help one of the things that they've.
Speaker 2 (16:38):
And then I think in this scenario that you're talking,
we're talking about a decade of efforts.
Speaker 8 (16:43):
Oh yeah, and besides that, one of the besides coming
right next to my house and across the lake and
tearing up, you know, affecting the water quality of the lake,
they would also rip through several acres that we had
identified as possibly land we would want to sell someday.
We don't use it that much, and it would be
(17:03):
a return on investment for the current owners of the property.
And that's something I would rather not do. I would
rather be able to continue to enjoy my land. And
I think all of us in the region feel that
our property rights are being violated here.
Speaker 2 (17:21):
Let me ask you this. This is a proposed two
hundred foot swath, but there's an additional two hundred feet
on either side that is also rendered unusable for the
land owner. How would that affect you.
Speaker 8 (17:37):
Well, it would wipe out this hillside I've mentioned in
the woodland, where I've been concentrating my efforts on any
cash crops. I've educated myself on with the help of
organizations in West Virginia about forest farming, growing crops under
cover of the woodlands, and I've been working towards that.
(17:58):
And two hundred feet, just for perspective, is about the
width of a sixteen lane interstate. So then we're talking
about two hundred more feet on either side. That's you know,
more interstates. So even next Era describes this as a
major super highway going across our lands basically.
Speaker 2 (18:19):
And this meeting is coming up tomorrow night at the
University High School auditorium. It's at six thirty and completely
open to the public. I guess another thing here that
bears bringing up is if you can go Republican, Democrat, Independent.
Don't think we have any, But nevertheless, you'll not find
(18:42):
an elected official that is for this as well.
Speaker 8 (18:46):
Now, as with everyone I've talked to, our elected officials,
the more they learn about it, the less they are
in favor of it. My first reaction was who are
these people? And we live here, and that's still how
I feel about it. I think all West Virginia should
be aware of the cost of this because it would
(19:09):
be constructed using rate payer increases, so we would be
paying for this infrastructure going to Virginia, getting no benefit
from it, in fact, having our lands despoiled because of it.
And next Era is intending to they have to apply
to the Public Service Commission and they're intending to do
(19:32):
that very soon. And that's why it's important that people
come to this meeting, learn more about it and learn
how to stand up for their rights with the governor
and the Public Service Commission and other elected officials who
haven't come out in opposition, but many elected officials have
done that, and we appreciate that very much.
Speaker 2 (19:52):
You know. A couple of important points I think there
are to bring up is that the microgrid build it
was just passed in this legislation later in this legislative year.
That provides an opportunity or an avenue for companies, not
necessarily next Era Energy Transmission, but the data center company
(20:13):
to actually set up here and use the resources that
are here in order to establish their own data center
without having to disrupt hundreds of miles of landscape. The
other I think interesting point to bring up here is
that really the reason that you and I are sitting here,
Juliet is because of the Virginia Clean Economy Act of
(20:37):
twenty twenty that was signed into law by Ralph Northam.
Speaker 8 (20:41):
Yes, and as one of our commissioners Montagelia County Commissioners stated,
this is solving a problem. That's proposal, but it's not
our problem.
Speaker 2 (20:52):
That's a great point. Yeah, that's a great point. And
I think that the County commission in hooking their efforts
up with those in Hampshire and other counties, then advancing
that into opposition to this inform of in the form
of you know, notifying the PSC that certainly keeps us
(21:15):
in the loop as this process unfolds.
Speaker 8 (21:19):
Definitely, and again at this meeting, we will be distributing
information about what the what the drawbacks are. We have
some talking points about this, including the fact that West
Virginia is actually a net producer of energy and therefore
turning us into a transmission corridor is very questionable, the
(21:42):
fact that we're going to pay for it, and we
have ideas about who best to contact at this point
in the process for the public to raise their objections.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
And I think that there's a lot of great information
at this meeting. In one of them, they're going to
actually break down the Virginia that data center boom because
I did some I did some checking in around Dulles Chantilly,
Virginia and Frederick County as well. There have been a
(22:14):
great deal of data centers that have opened up there. Now.
I guess the question this wouldn't be to you, Juliet,
but how many more data centers are coming there? And
how many more next Sterra transmission lines are needed? When
do we begin to say it's time to start using
the resources that we have.
Speaker 8 (22:36):
Yes, well, I think another thing people should know about
the proposed transmission lines is they are constructed to be
added onto. So even if this is not in your
line of sight right now, if these came through, it's
just a matter of time and the precedent is set
(22:56):
for West Virginia.
Speaker 2 (22:57):
To be used as a as.
Speaker 8 (22:59):
Land to go over.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
You know, Commissioner Tom Bloom, I think he probably he
said it most vividly when he said that, you know,
this would be like going to Virginia and putting this
high voltage line right down the beach.
Speaker 8 (23:17):
Right, one hundred and five lines of miles of Virginia
beach right. Yes, yeah, that was a brilliant analogy.
Speaker 2 (23:23):
Once again. This meeting is coming up tomorrow night at
the University High School Auditorium at six thirty. It is
open to the public all kinds of information, not just
about the project, but about some of the things that
are happening around the project as well, and also some
advice and who to call between now and then. Juliette,
(23:46):
thank you for coming in.
Speaker 8 (23:47):
Well, thank you so much for having me.
Speaker 2 (23:49):
Absolutely, it was an absolute pleasure, that is for sure.
Right now, Faiirskuy's and sixty seven degrees in the University City,
and it is time now to find out what's happening
across the great state of West Virginia. To do that,
we'll head to the Metro News anchor desk.
Speaker 1 (24:19):
Now back to the talk of the town.
Speaker 2 (24:26):
Well, good Monday morning. It is a nine thirty four
faris guys, and sixty seven degrees in the University City. Well,
believe it or not, Yep, you probably could just go
right ahead and say it. Summer is effectively over the
first day of classes for students here in Montagueli, Janni.
That's coming up in fifteen calendar days and move in
(24:50):
for WVU students. That begins on the sixteenth of August.
Oh and by the way, we'll be welcoming welcoming WVU
President Michael Benson to the program tomorrow, so looking forward
to that. On the phone, we've got Jesse vermet with
Christian Help. Jesse, good morning, How are you?
Speaker 9 (25:09):
Good morning, Mike. I'm doing great.
Speaker 2 (25:11):
Thank you, absolutely, it's a pleasure to have you on. Jesse. Now,
let's see. The back to school store at Christian Help
is open for business this week. Tell us what you're doing, yes.
Speaker 9 (25:22):
Sir, so this week at Christian Help we are holding
our back to School event. It's an annual event we
hold prior to school beginning in mon County. This week
we will be running from Monday through Friday, August fourth
through the eighth, from ten am to three pm. Parents
or guardians can come to Christian Help and shop for
(25:45):
their kindergarten through twelfth grade students, and each student is
able to receive five tops, five bottoms, so shirts and pants,
five pairs of underwear, five pairs of socks, and a
pair of shoes and broads if needed.
Speaker 2 (26:01):
Okay, perfect, and give us your location. You're right downtown.
Speaker 9 (26:05):
There, yes, so we are right along Walnut Street on
two nineteen Walnut Street, right downtown.
Speaker 2 (26:12):
And I know that every month your organization, you guys,
there certain needs of more than a thousand families in
the community, and this is just another way that you
step in and try to make life just a little
bit easier for the folks because you know, this time
of year, there are a lot of demands on families.
Speaker 9 (26:35):
Oh yeah, yeah, there's definitely a lot of demands. And
that's pretty much what we try to do here at
Christian Health is try to when those demands arise, we
try to help people just try to overcome them or
you know, give them the best solution.
Speaker 2 (26:47):
What's best time to come in and check things out?
Speaker 9 (26:52):
And anytime this week from between ten and three is perfect, Okay,
I'd say most likely. So SOCC is limited, so we
might get a little tight towards Thursday Friday, so I
would recommend coming earlier in the week if possible.
Speaker 2 (27:09):
So I'm thinking what you're saying is is maybe the
early bird gets the worm.
Speaker 9 (27:16):
Yeah, yep, that is most likely.
Speaker 2 (27:19):
Okay, Okay, Jesse Vermetz with us with Christian Help. They're
back to school clothing giveaway is happening today through Friday.
Now on the other end of the spectrum, there could
be some families that don't have last year's clothes to
pass down to someone and are looking for a place
(27:39):
to drop those off.
Speaker 9 (27:42):
Yes, sir, yeah, if anyone has any donations kids, men's,
women's clothes, we will take them here at Christian Help.
Our donation days are Wednesdays between nine and three, and
we are open for donations this week even with the
event going on.
Speaker 2 (27:58):
Okay, Perfect, anything else you'd like to bring up today, Jesse.
Speaker 9 (28:04):
I'm not much.
Speaker 10 (28:05):
Just just let people be aware that there is a
consignment sale happening next week at the Morgantown Readiness Center
or some people call it the Morgantown Armory that'll be
running from August.
Speaker 9 (28:18):
Fourteenth to the sixteenth, and that will be a paid sale,
but very heavily discounted items on different children's supplies, new
and used children's clothing, baby gear, maternity gear, toys, games, puzzles,
a lot of stuff you can get ahead on for
Christmas and birthdays and back to school.
Speaker 2 (28:38):
Okay, Perfect, Jesse for met with Christian help. Let's see.
They are at two nineteen Walnutt Street, downtown Morgantown and
the Back to School Clothing Giveaway or the Clothing Store.
It's available from ten am until three pm Monday through Friday.
So you get five of everything, sets you up for
(29:01):
a full school week of clothes.
Speaker 9 (29:07):
Yes, they're a full week. And then you'll also get
that pair of shoes. I see, you can have a
nice few outfits for school.
Speaker 2 (29:15):
Okay, perfect, Hey Jesse, keep up the good work and
really do appreciate your time this morning. Thank you.
Speaker 9 (29:22):
I appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (29:22):
Have a good day absolutely all. Right. Now, coming up
later this week, there are a couple of events that
are going to be put on by the League of
Women Voters. Coming up next, We've got the co chair
of the statewide League of Women Voters organization, Judy Ball,
coming up and she's got information about both of those events.
(29:47):
But before we go there, I wanted to maybe talk
with you just a little bit about auto racing, if
that would be okay, because you know, I know that
a lot of people are the doldrums about maybe NASCAR, IndyCar,
A lot of the homegrown racing series that have really
captured most of attention and media in the last few decades. Well,
(30:13):
you know, there's been one organization that's always been around
there and it's the International Motor Sports Association or IMSO. Well,
this weekend they put on one heck of a show
at Road America and Elk cart Lake, Wisconsin. Here in
a couple of weeks they'll be on the road course
at Indianapolis. Now what they do this is not just
(30:36):
your normal racing series. These are cars. Most of the
sports cars anyway, are ninety percent what you can buy
in the showroom. The only thing that changes to the
track is some suspension parts, maybe some tires, fender flares,
ground effects and things like that. But what makes this
(30:57):
series worth your time to watch is the fact that
you've got Cadillacs, Porsches, Lamborghinis, You've got Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes,
you name it. It accurate it is on the track.
And in some of these races, for example, they'll have
a Mustang Challenge. They'll also have a Porsche Carrera Challenge.
(31:21):
They also have the Lamborghini Challenge. Now in these challenge
races they have amateurs and professional drivers just like maybe
you would in a golf tournament. One of those amateur
drivers gets to be paired with a professional driver and
they race a two and a half hour race in
which a driver change does have to be made, so
(31:42):
the team has to take a look at exactly how
they think maybe what gives them the best chance of
winning that particular race. Then the weekend is capped off
with the prototypes. And these are the prototypes that you
see in the maybe the Lamar twenty four or maybe
the Rolex twenty four in Daytona. So I highly encourage
(32:06):
you to check it out. All the action is free
on the Peacock Network and once again imse it's worth
your time. Check it out. We're going to talk with
the League of Women Voters co chair Judy Ball. Coming
up next on the program, says Talk of the Town
AM fourteen forty FM one oh four point five WAJR
(32:30):
about your town.
Speaker 1 (32:32):
Now back to the Talk of the Town.
Speaker 2 (32:36):
Good morning, and welcome back to the program. I'm Mike
Nolting on the phone. I've got the co president of
the League of Women Voters in the state of West Virginia,
Judy Ball. Judy, good morning, and I hope you're doing well.
Speaker 11 (32:50):
Good morning, I'm doing very well.
Speaker 2 (32:51):
Okay, Well, it's good to hear from you. You've got
a series of events coming up in the month of August.
Those will get started Friday, August the eighth, eleven AM
at Antiquity in Morgantown. Then at five pm. Also on Friday,
August eighth, they'll be at the be at the Kingwood
(33:14):
Public Library. Now the next day, League of Women Voters
will hold an event at the Morgantown Public Library and
we'll get into more details about that one because that
overlaps with the farmers Market, so you might be able
to take care of a few personal things while you
go to that particular event. But Judy tell us, I
(33:35):
guess what does the League want to accomplish with this
series of meetings.
Speaker 11 (33:41):
Well, these meetings were originated by Mountain State Spotlight, which
is an independent journalism enterprise in West Virginia, and they
came to us and asked if we were interested in
co sponsoring these events with them. And this is totally nonpartisan.
We want to hear all kinds of voices. And the
(34:02):
reason the Spotlight is doing this they actually started this
project at least a couple of years ago going around
the state and asking West Virginians what do you want
your legislators to be doing to represent you better? And
that's obviously a concern of the League of Women Voters
(34:25):
as well. So before the twenty twenty four election, Mound
State Spotlight had in person events in six different towns,
big and small towns, and they also talk to people
in all fifty five counties. And I think these meetings
(34:48):
are they're calling them community conversations. I think they're important
because many people in our state simply don't feel heard
in Charleston, and so this is the way for them
to get on the record what it is that they
think is important, what their concerns are, what their priorities are.
(35:12):
And then this information gets fed to the legislature, who
may or may not take it into account in their work.
Speaker 2 (35:19):
Judy Balls with us. She's the co president of the
statewide League of Women Voters organization. Now, I'm sure as
a co president you talk to a lot of voters.
Is there any I guess, consistent theme that you hear
from voters about maybe a problem that they have with
the process or lawmakers in general.
Speaker 11 (35:41):
Well, we actually use the data that came from the
Spotlights contact with West Virginia voters in twenty twenty four
in evaluating the twenty twenty five legislative session, and voters
told Mountain State Spotlight that there needs to be more
(36:04):
substance abuse treatment and recovery programs. Voters need clean and
reliable water. The roads need to be fixed or upgraded.
Communities across the state need more jobs and better schools
and affordable childcare and a more responsive government. So we
use those those items to evaluate what we saw going
(36:29):
on in the legislature in twenty twenty five, and frankly,
the legislature didn't listen very well.
Speaker 2 (36:38):
Judy Balls with us, the co president of the League
of Women Voters, tell me about the format of the meetings.
They are designed to gather public inputs. So what will
the meeting format be?
Speaker 11 (36:53):
Okay, the one that Antiquity is formatted a little differently.
It's a little more informal, but the the two public
library ones. Whoever comes and anybody who lives in the
area who can access these sites is welcome to come.
There will be refreshments. We want people to come and
(37:16):
feel comfortable, and then we'll break up into tables with
separate groups, small groups, and there'll be a representative from
Moundstafe Spotlight and a representative from the League Women Voters
at each of those tables, and then it's an informal conversation.
Tell us what your concerns are, tell us what your
(37:38):
community needs, what information do you want us to take back,
and make sure that your representatives in the legislature are
hearing you better.
Speaker 2 (37:51):
You know, Judy, I've often heard in the lead up
to organizing events like this, I've often heard people like
you say, Hey, you know what, if you know somebody
that maybe isn't very politically involved, why don't you grab them,
bring them along and let them get their feet wet.
Speaker 11 (38:13):
Absolutely, we very much want members of the community, whether
they have traditionally been voters or not, part of the
other part of the sessions. There'll be the session with
community conversations. But then the League itself is having a
(38:34):
second part of the session that will be all about
communicating with your legislators and voting and because that's sort
of the League's thing, and so we will have information
to hand out to people who come about how do
you contact your legislature? Do you even know what district
(38:56):
you live in, who's your delegate? How do you find
that information? Now, how do you contact Senator Justice or
Shelley Moore Capital. They've got a whole bunch of different
phone numbers, and what should you do if you call
one of those phone numbers? And then the two representatives
in Congress also, So we want to be able to
(39:19):
have people go away with a couple of pieces of
paper in their hand that they can put on the refrigerator,
and when the time comes that they have an issue
that they think that, oh, that issue really affects me,
they'll know what to do and where to go in
order to have their voices heard in the future.
Speaker 2 (39:41):
Absolutely. Okay. Now that Saturday event in Morgantown is aligned
also with the well not aligned, but overlaps with the
Morgantown Farmers market as well.
Speaker 11 (39:54):
That's right.
Speaker 2 (39:55):
So tomatoes are in season and so is politics.
Speaker 11 (40:00):
Yep. So our recommendation is come to the market early,
which most people probably do anyway, because the market starts
a whole lot earlier than this event. Come to the
market early, Go get your tomatoes, Go get your green means,
bring your bags across the street to the public library
(40:22):
and it'll be cool enough to keep your produce fine
while the meeting's going on.
Speaker 2 (40:28):
All right, perfect, Hey, Judy. As always, I really do
appreciate your time, and we'll continue to get the word
out about these events.
Speaker 11 (40:36):
Thank you very much. I appreciate your doing this, and
we really hope that a lot of people show up.
We specifically wanted to get outside of Morgantown so that
we would have a more diverse set of people show
up and provide their input. And so folks in Preston County,
(40:58):
all over Preston County come to Kingwood, come see us.
And folks in Morgantown, regardless of where you are in
Montngali County or Marion County, come on up. We'd love
to we'd love to have you be part of.
Speaker 2 (41:12):
This absolutely, Judy Ball, co president of the League of
Women Voters, this statewide organization. Thank you very much, Judy,
and we'll be back with more of Talk of the
Town coming up right after this
This is the Talk of the Town from Morgantown to Klucksburg.
If it's happening, we're talking about it. Call the show
toll free at one eight hundred seven sixty five eight
two fivey five. Now Here is your host for the
Talk of the Town, Mike notting Well.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
Good Monday morning. It is nine oh seven in time
for Talk of the Town on AM fourteen forty FM
one oh four point five WAJR Metro News. Acuweather says
currently fair skies and sixty seven degrees and looks like
we've got another Chamber of Commerce day ahead of us
sunshine and I have eighty three degrees and certainly a
(00:51):
good day to have a Chamber of Commerce weather day.
And not just that, but looks like the entire week
because the City of Morgan Town hosting the Municipal League
of Cities conference this week. So glad that we could
finally get a week's worth of weather going in our favor. Well,
welcome to the program. For the next hour, it's going
(01:13):
to be all about you. We're gonna explore topics that
are important to you, your family, and the community at large.
Mike Nolton, you'll find me out on X as your
news guy. And now this morning we're going to speak
with Juliette Marley or she'll join us. At nine point fifteen,
we're going to preview the next Era Energy high Voltage
(01:34):
transmission line meeting that's coming up tomorrow night at University
High School. Now, that line is set to go from
Green County, Pennsylvania, snake down through a few counties of
West Virginia. I believe at this point there are four
counties that have lined up against this particular effort, but
(01:55):
it will go through portions of mount and Preston County,
if approved, on the way to Frederick County, Maryland, in
order to power a data center there. We'll talk with
Juliet about that coming up at nine fifteen nine thirty.
Christian Help has a big week this week. They've got
their back to school store open. It's actually open through
(02:17):
the eighth of August, I believe. But we're gonna speak
with Jesse get some more details about that back to
school store and find out exactly what you can get,
because I know that before you know it, here it
is August fourth, just fifteen calendar days. It'll be the
first full day of school here in Montagellier County, a
(02:41):
couple of headlines. West Virginia Municipal League. They've set up
shop here in the city of Morgantown. They're gonna hit
the links today out at the golf I'm sorry, the
Lakeview Golf Resort for their golf outing. Then they've got
a set of committee meetings. They're gonna take a look
at some bylaws down at the waterfront this afternoon. And
Morgantown Mayor Danielle Trumbull, she talked about the importance and
(03:04):
the opportunity to showcase our city statewide. You'll find that
conversation in the podcast section of the website WAJR dot com.
Also included in that conversation some things we talked about
in terms of the Morgantown city budget and the shortfall
three point two million dollars shortfall that is projected for
(03:27):
this fiscal year. That shortfall came to light after a
change in accounting or alignment of accounting procedures. I think
might be a better way to put that. Maryor Trumpele says,
they're looking at several possible budget cuts, but one thing
that will not be cut our efforts in the public
(03:48):
safety realm. Now that would include over time for police,
and we know how effective their additional cops initiative has
been and that will continue from Kaiser over in Mineral County.
The community response is being praised this morning in Kaiser
(04:08):
after a reported fire and evacuation of one hundred residents
from the Kaiser Healthcare Center that happened Saturday night. How
many of the residents were taken to the Kaiser fire
station at least temporarily and until that home could be cleared.
Now there are reports that three residents were taken to
a hospital for smoke inhalation. One of the Mineral County commissioners,
(04:32):
I believe they're going to join Metro News talk Line
this morning to talk about that historic response. I guess
three counties, two states, all kinds of folks helped out.
Today is the final day to take advantage of the
back to School sales tax holiday. Shoppers expected save up
(04:53):
to three point four million dollars on purchases in preparation
for classes coming up in the coming weeks. Now, the
West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program, they're going to focus
on traffic signals and stop signs through August. The fifteenth.
It's called Target Red. Now those caught disregarding traffic signals
(05:16):
or stop signs will likely get tickets during this crackdown.
The new statewide effort was launched in Beckley in two
thousand and eight. Or the now statewide effort was launched
in Beckley in two thousand and eight. State officials say
that program was successfully credited with reducing crashes caused by
(05:37):
red light running by sixty percent. Those extra patrols funded
with state and federal grants. The Harrison County Sheriff's Department
I have their National Night Out block party. It'll be
tomorrow night at the parking lot outside the Sheriff's Department
on West Main Street in downtown Clarksburg. Coming up next,
(06:01):
we're going to focus on the proposed Next Era Energy
Transmission high voltage transmission line that would run from Green
County down to Frederick County, Virginia, in order to power
a data center there. We've got Juliette Marley Or We're
going to be talking about the meeting that is open
(06:21):
to the public and scheduled for the University High School
auditorium tomorrow night at six thirty. It's coming up next
on top of the town AM fourteen forty FM one
oh four point five WAJR.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
West Virginia Outdoors is the Mountain State's only hook and
bullet radio show dedicated to the more than quarter million
hunters and anglers across the state. Award winning host Chris
Lawrence has been tracking down hunting and fishing stories for
more than twenty five years.
Speaker 3 (06:52):
I'll go out on a limb because people won't like
my answer. Probably, I think there's fewer coyotes than most
people imagine.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
Really well.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
Number one, when you hear a family group of them
this time of year, the pups are very vocal. The
coyotes are getting They've been kind of shut mouthed during
the spring when they're young, and it's like a bunch
of teenagers. When they get to September, mom and dad
can't keep their mouths shut anymore.
Speaker 1 (07:17):
Whether it's hunting and fishing news or just compelling stories
about the enjoyment of the great outdoors. West Virginia Outdoors
covers it all Saturday mornings at seven oh six am,
and for your daily fix, Outdoors Today brings you two
and a half minutes of news and notes from the
woods and water. Every weekday morning on Metro News of
Voice of West Virginia.
Speaker 4 (07:38):
Hey everybody, it's Tony Caridi, I'm Greg Hunter and I'm
Brad Howe, and we.
Speaker 5 (07:41):
Invite you to join us Sunday through Fridays right here
on the Metro News radio network. It's the city net
statewide sports line. We talk West Virginia University, football, basketball, baseball,
you name it. If it's got anything to do with
the Golden Blue, we're on it.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
And don't forget the text line available every night.
Speaker 5 (07:59):
So we invite you to join us. The Senator coach
Hunter and me Tony Courritti, it's the City that state
wide sports line.
Speaker 1 (08:05):
On Metro News. News in the Mountain State happens quick
and for decades you have depended on Metro News for
accurate news delivered fast. Now here's your chance to help
keep your fellow West Virginians informed. If you see news happening,
become a Metro News hawk by texting News to three
five sixty five to one. If you take a picture
or video of what you see, submit that as well.
(08:28):
Text the word news to three five sixty five one
to submit your tip or story. Standard texting rates apply.
Please don't text and drive.
Speaker 4 (08:39):
Listen. I'm a West Virginian through and through. Grew up
in Bridgeport, thirty five years in the Charleston area, rooted
for the Mountaineers since well, let's not talk ages. You
won't find a bigger fan of our teams, but they
get called out when they deserve it. Metro News Hotline's
the same for everything, movies, music, local happenings, my inside
knowledge and occasional rants. Meet Coop's sharp humor and teed
(09:00):
to spark good talk radio. Think you can keep up?
We're your afternoon anecdote to the ordinary on weekdays three
to six on Metro News.
Speaker 6 (09:07):
The Boys in West Virginia. Hi, this is Dave Wilson,
along with TJ. Meadows, join us weekdays at ten o
six for Metro News Talkline on this metro news radio station. TJ.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Speaker 1 (09:21):
That's right, Dave.
Speaker 4 (09:22):
We'll continue to examine and discuss issues important to West Virginia,
hold elected officials accountable, and make certain you have a
forum to make your voice.
Speaker 6 (09:30):
Arnay new host, Same talk Line, join us weekdays at
ten o six on this metro news radio station and
the Metro News TV.
Speaker 7 (09:37):
Ad nobody covers West Virginia like Metro News. Start each
weekday at six oh six am with the Morning News
Center and anchors Chris Lawrence and Jeff Jenkins deliver the
day's biggest stories along with in depth reports from Aaron Parker,
Kat Skeldon and Morgan Pemberson. The Morning News also brings
you the latest in sports from Kyle Wiggs and Joe Bricado,
(10:00):
along with entertainment, news, weather, and more. Yet your morning
news on the Metro News Radio network and at Wbmetronews
dot com.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
Metro News Midday with thirteen News and Tonight Live anchor
Amanda barn and Metro News is Dave Allen.
Speaker 7 (10:15):
I'll deliver live, up to the minute news, spotlighting people
and communities and covering breaking news stories as they happen.
Speaker 4 (10:22):
Join us as we interview newsmakers from around the state
and world. Have provided a platform for your voice to
be heard statewide.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Metro News Midday presented by Soulango Law from noon to
three on this Metro News radio station. Join the conversation
(10:52):
at one eight hundred seven sixty five eight two fivey five.
This is the talk of the town.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Good Monday morning, fair sky in sixty seven degrees and
it looks like it is going to be a great day.
So if you've got something to do outside, low humidity,
great temperatures, maybe go down and check out the Municipal
League conference. Nah, probably not. I don't blame you. Well.
In studio, we've got Juliet mar Lear and we're talking
about the Next Era Energy Transmission, their proposed high voltage
(11:23):
line from Green County, Pennsylvania to Frederick County, Virginia to
power a data center there. Good morning, Juliette, thank you
for coming in. How are you.
Speaker 8 (11:33):
I'm fine, thank you, and thank you for having me,
and I appreciate the opportunity absolutely.
Speaker 2 (11:38):
Now we're going to talk about this postcard here in
just a second, because I'd like for you to talk
about your experience. Now, my experience with next Era goes
back several months. I got an email from the project manager,
very very nice, young lady, don't recall her name, but
(11:59):
at any rate, she was very eager to come on
the program and talk about this proposed project. And we
did find time, did have her in and she came on,
talked about it, and then as soon as the issue
kind of hit the light of day, she disappeared along
(12:21):
with next Era Energy Transmission as well. Now tell us
about your experience.
Speaker 8 (12:28):
Well, I received a postcard saying that in January, saying
that this project was being considered and inviting me to
take an online survey to express my concerns about it.
I didn't realize this postcard was only going to property
owners who were in the crosshairs of some of the
(12:48):
routing on proposals that next Era was coming up with, right,
so I didn't respond to it. It was pretty vague.
And then I got a call from one of the
contracted property companies or land companies that's proposing to do
the surveys for this project. And as soon as I
(13:09):
learn more about it, I just could see no reason
I would be in support of it or let them
on my land. I live on a property that's been
in my family since nineteen fifty nine when my parents
purchased it, mainly for access to the lake, but it
became a much bigger value in my family because we
(13:30):
got to know the seller, missus Daisy Wolf, who had
been a subsistence farmer there. She stayed a couple more years,
so we got to know all her family learn about
the land, the history of the land, appreciate the native plants,
and the productive value of the land. And although it's
been in the family all this time, and we're now
(13:50):
on the fourth generation of my family members involved in it,
we have managed to hang together and work to protect
the property. I'm currently the person living there and managing it.
We have managed woodlands. I produce a lot of food.
I forage a lot of food. My sister was able
(14:11):
to move back full time twenty years ago, and I've
been there six years, and we've been planning the future
of the farm for all this time. And then I
discovered that next era is proposing to bring this five
hundred thousand volt line, which is half a million volts,
within a couple hundred feet of the house that I
(14:34):
just finished building, through the woodland where I practice forest farming,
I go ramps and medicinal plants. My family still gathers
there in the summer. This line would go right over
the cabin that we have on the lakeside. And most
shocking of all to me is how many people have
(14:55):
not heard about this at all, who would be affected
by it, not through their property, but right next to
their property through their communities. We would have this basically
an industrial installation that would serve no purpose for West
Virginia except to rip up our land and go on
to Virginia.
Speaker 2 (15:14):
Juliette Marlear's here and we're talking about the proposed high
voltage Next Era energy transmission line that would go through
portions of the county. Now there is a public meeting.
A public meeting is set for tomorrow at six point
thirty in the University High School auditorium that is open
to the public. Now, I think maybe, and I'm not sure,
(15:36):
but I've heard some people ask the question, Oh no,
come on, Juliet next Era came in and got their
check book out and said, Okay, what's it going to
cost us? And then they write you a big check
and everybody's happy. Is that true?
Speaker 8 (15:52):
Well not in my experience. One of my neighbors said
that he was offered five hundred dollars to let them
on land to survey, which in the scheme of things,
is not big money. It concerns me because I feel
if this came through the years that I've been planning
to continue living on this farm and contributing to my
(16:14):
community and paying my taxes and hiring local contractors and
all the things that I do to give value to
the to the land would not be enough to keep
me there.
Speaker 2 (16:26):
I would just have to leave.
Speaker 8 (16:27):
And then I would have to get a lawyer, I guess,
and deal with next era to see what kind of
compensation could possibly help one of the things that they've.
Speaker 2 (16:38):
And then I think in this scenario that you're talking,
we're talking about a decade of efforts.
Speaker 8 (16:43):
Oh yeah, and besides that, one of the besides coming
right next to my house and across the lake and
tearing up, you know, affecting the water quality of the lake,
they would also rip through several acres that we had
identified as possibly land we would want to sell someday.
We don't use it that much, and it would be
(17:03):
a return on investment for the current owners of the property.
And that's something I would rather not do. I would
rather be able to continue to enjoy my land. And
I think all of us in the region feel that
our property rights are being violated here.
Speaker 2 (17:21):
Let me ask you this. This is a proposed two
hundred foot swath, but there's an additional two hundred feet
on either side that is also rendered unusable for the
land owner. How would that affect you.
Speaker 8 (17:37):
Well, it would wipe out this hillside I've mentioned in
the woodland, where I've been concentrating my efforts on any
cash crops. I've educated myself on with the help of
organizations in West Virginia about forest farming, growing crops under
cover of the woodlands, and I've been working towards that.
(17:58):
And two hundred feet, just for perspective, is about the
width of a sixteen lane interstate. So then we're talking
about two hundred more feet on either side. That's you know,
more interstates. So even next Era describes this as a
major super highway going across our lands basically.
Speaker 2 (18:19):
And this meeting is coming up tomorrow night at the
University High School auditorium. It's at six thirty and completely
open to the public. I guess another thing here that
bears bringing up is if you can go Republican, Democrat, Independent.
Don't think we have any, But nevertheless, you'll not find
(18:42):
an elected official that is for this as well.
Speaker 8 (18:46):
Now, as with everyone I've talked to, our elected officials,
the more they learn about it, the less they are
in favor of it. My first reaction was who are
these people? And we live here, and that's still how
I feel about it. I think all West Virginia should
be aware of the cost of this because it would
(19:09):
be constructed using rate payer increases, so we would be
paying for this infrastructure going to Virginia, getting no benefit
from it, in fact, having our lands despoiled because of it.
And next Era is intending to they have to apply
to the Public Service Commission and they're intending to do
(19:32):
that very soon. And that's why it's important that people
come to this meeting, learn more about it and learn
how to stand up for their rights with the governor
and the Public Service Commission and other elected officials who
haven't come out in opposition, but many elected officials have
done that, and we appreciate that very much.
Speaker 2 (19:52):
You know. A couple of important points I think there
are to bring up is that the microgrid build it
was just passed in this legislation later in this legislative year.
That provides an opportunity or an avenue for companies, not
necessarily next Era Energy Transmission, but the data center company
(20:13):
to actually set up here and use the resources that
are here in order to establish their own data center
without having to disrupt hundreds of miles of landscape. The
other I think interesting point to bring up here is
that really the reason that you and I are sitting here,
Juliet is because of the Virginia Clean Economy Act of
(20:37):
twenty twenty that was signed into law by Ralph Northam.
Speaker 8 (20:41):
Yes, and as one of our commissioners Montagelia County Commissioners stated,
this is solving a problem. That's proposal, but it's not
our problem.
Speaker 2 (20:52):
That's a great point. Yeah, that's a great point. And
I think that the County commission in hooking their efforts
up with those in Hampshire and other counties, then advancing
that into opposition to this inform of in the form
of you know, notifying the PSC that certainly keeps us
(21:15):
in the loop as this process unfolds.
Speaker 8 (21:19):
Definitely, and again at this meeting, we will be distributing
information about what the what the drawbacks are. We have
some talking points about this, including the fact that West
Virginia is actually a net producer of energy and therefore
turning us into a transmission corridor is very questionable, the
(21:42):
fact that we're going to pay for it, and we
have ideas about who best to contact at this point
in the process for the public to raise their objections.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
And I think that there's a lot of great information
at this meeting. In one of them, they're going to
actually break down the Virginia that data center boom because
I did some I did some checking in around Dulles Chantilly,
Virginia and Frederick County as well. There have been a
(22:14):
great deal of data centers that have opened up there. Now.
I guess the question this wouldn't be to you, Juliet,
but how many more data centers are coming there? And
how many more next Sterra transmission lines are needed? When
do we begin to say it's time to start using
the resources that we have.
Speaker 8 (22:36):
Yes, well, I think another thing people should know about
the proposed transmission lines is they are constructed to be
added onto. So even if this is not in your
line of sight right now, if these came through, it's
just a matter of time and the precedent is set
(22:56):
for West Virginia.
Speaker 2 (22:57):
To be used as a as.
Speaker 8 (22:59):
Land to go over.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
You know, Commissioner Tom Bloom, I think he probably he
said it most vividly when he said that, you know,
this would be like going to Virginia and putting this
high voltage line right down the beach.
Speaker 8 (23:17):
Right, one hundred and five lines of miles of Virginia
beach right. Yes, yeah, that was a brilliant analogy.
Speaker 2 (23:23):
Once again. This meeting is coming up tomorrow night at
the University High School Auditorium at six thirty. It is
open to the public all kinds of information, not just
about the project, but about some of the things that
are happening around the project as well, and also some
advice and who to call between now and then. Juliette,
(23:46):
thank you for coming in.
Speaker 8 (23:47):
Well, thank you so much for having me.
Speaker 2 (23:49):
Absolutely, it was an absolute pleasure, that is for sure.
Right now, Faiirskuy's and sixty seven degrees in the University City,
and it is time now to find out what's happening
across the great state of West Virginia. To do that,
we'll head to the Metro News anchor desk.
Speaker 1 (24:19):
Now back to the talk of the town.
Speaker 2 (24:26):
Well, good Monday morning. It is a nine thirty four
faris guys, and sixty seven degrees in the University City. Well,
believe it or not, Yep, you probably could just go
right ahead and say it. Summer is effectively over the
first day of classes for students here in Montagueli, Janni.
That's coming up in fifteen calendar days and move in
(24:50):
for WVU students. That begins on the sixteenth of August.
Oh and by the way, we'll be welcoming welcoming WVU
President Michael Benson to the program tomorrow, so looking forward
to that. On the phone, we've got Jesse vermet with
Christian Help. Jesse, good morning, How are you?
Speaker 9 (25:09):
Good morning, Mike. I'm doing great.
Speaker 2 (25:11):
Thank you, absolutely, it's a pleasure to have you on. Jesse. Now,
let's see. The back to school store at Christian Help
is open for business this week. Tell us what you're doing, yes.
Speaker 9 (25:22):
Sir, so this week at Christian Help we are holding
our back to School event. It's an annual event we
hold prior to school beginning in mon County. This week
we will be running from Monday through Friday, August fourth
through the eighth, from ten am to three pm. Parents
or guardians can come to Christian Help and shop for
(25:45):
their kindergarten through twelfth grade students, and each student is
able to receive five tops, five bottoms, so shirts and pants,
five pairs of underwear, five pairs of socks, and a
pair of shoes and broads if needed.
Speaker 2 (26:01):
Okay, perfect, and give us your location. You're right downtown.
Speaker 9 (26:05):
There, yes, so we are right along Walnut Street on
two nineteen Walnut Street, right downtown.
Speaker 2 (26:12):
And I know that every month your organization, you guys,
there certain needs of more than a thousand families in
the community, and this is just another way that you
step in and try to make life just a little
bit easier for the folks because you know, this time
of year, there are a lot of demands on families.
Speaker 9 (26:35):
Oh yeah, yeah, there's definitely a lot of demands. And
that's pretty much what we try to do here at
Christian Health is try to when those demands arise, we
try to help people just try to overcome them or
you know, give them the best solution.
Speaker 2 (26:47):
What's best time to come in and check things out?
Speaker 9 (26:52):
And anytime this week from between ten and three is perfect, Okay,
I'd say most likely. So SOCC is limited, so we
might get a little tight towards Thursday Friday, so I
would recommend coming earlier in the week if possible.
Speaker 2 (27:09):
So I'm thinking what you're saying is is maybe the
early bird gets the worm.
Speaker 9 (27:16):
Yeah, yep, that is most likely.
Speaker 2 (27:19):
Okay, Okay, Jesse Vermetz with us with Christian Help. They're
back to school clothing giveaway is happening today through Friday.
Now on the other end of the spectrum, there could
be some families that don't have last year's clothes to
pass down to someone and are looking for a place
(27:39):
to drop those off.
Speaker 9 (27:42):
Yes, sir, yeah, if anyone has any donations kids, men's,
women's clothes, we will take them here at Christian Help.
Our donation days are Wednesdays between nine and three, and
we are open for donations this week even with the
event going on.
Speaker 2 (27:58):
Okay, Perfect, anything else you'd like to bring up today, Jesse.
Speaker 9 (28:04):
I'm not much.
Speaker 10 (28:05):
Just just let people be aware that there is a
consignment sale happening next week at the Morgantown Readiness Center
or some people call it the Morgantown Armory that'll be
running from August.
Speaker 9 (28:18):
Fourteenth to the sixteenth, and that will be a paid sale,
but very heavily discounted items on different children's supplies, new
and used children's clothing, baby gear, maternity gear, toys, games, puzzles,
a lot of stuff you can get ahead on for
Christmas and birthdays and back to school.
Speaker 2 (28:38):
Okay, Perfect, Jesse for met with Christian help. Let's see.
They are at two nineteen Walnutt Street, downtown Morgantown and
the Back to School Clothing Giveaway or the Clothing Store.
It's available from ten am until three pm Monday through Friday.
So you get five of everything, sets you up for
(29:01):
a full school week of clothes.
Speaker 9 (29:07):
Yes, they're a full week. And then you'll also get
that pair of shoes. I see, you can have a
nice few outfits for school.
Speaker 2 (29:15):
Okay, perfect, Hey Jesse, keep up the good work and
really do appreciate your time this morning. Thank you.
Speaker 9 (29:22):
I appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (29:22):
Have a good day absolutely all. Right. Now, coming up
later this week, there are a couple of events that
are going to be put on by the League of
Women Voters. Coming up next, We've got the co chair
of the statewide League of Women Voters organization, Judy Ball,
coming up and she's got information about both of those events.
(29:47):
But before we go there, I wanted to maybe talk
with you just a little bit about auto racing, if
that would be okay, because you know, I know that
a lot of people are the doldrums about maybe NASCAR, IndyCar,
A lot of the homegrown racing series that have really
captured most of attention and media in the last few decades. Well,
(30:13):
you know, there's been one organization that's always been around
there and it's the International Motor Sports Association or IMSO. Well,
this weekend they put on one heck of a show
at Road America and Elk cart Lake, Wisconsin. Here in
a couple of weeks they'll be on the road course
at Indianapolis. Now what they do this is not just
(30:36):
your normal racing series. These are cars. Most of the
sports cars anyway, are ninety percent what you can buy
in the showroom. The only thing that changes to the
track is some suspension parts, maybe some tires, fender flares,
ground effects and things like that. But what makes this
(30:57):
series worth your time to watch is the fact that
you've got Cadillacs, Porsches, Lamborghinis, You've got Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes,
you name it. It accurate it is on the track.
And in some of these races, for example, they'll have
a Mustang Challenge. They'll also have a Porsche Carrera Challenge.
(31:21):
They also have the Lamborghini Challenge. Now in these challenge
races they have amateurs and professional drivers just like maybe
you would in a golf tournament. One of those amateur
drivers gets to be paired with a professional driver and
they race a two and a half hour race in
which a driver change does have to be made, so
(31:42):
the team has to take a look at exactly how
they think maybe what gives them the best chance of
winning that particular race. Then the weekend is capped off
with the prototypes. And these are the prototypes that you
see in the maybe the Lamar twenty four or maybe
the Rolex twenty four in Daytona. So I highly encourage
(32:06):
you to check it out. All the action is free
on the Peacock Network and once again imse it's worth
your time. Check it out. We're going to talk with
the League of Women Voters co chair Judy Ball. Coming
up next on the program, says Talk of the Town
AM fourteen forty FM one oh four point five WAJR
(32:30):
about your town.
Speaker 1 (32:32):
Now back to the Talk of the Town.
Speaker 2 (32:36):
Good morning, and welcome back to the program. I'm Mike
Nolting on the phone. I've got the co president of
the League of Women Voters in the state of West Virginia,
Judy Ball. Judy, good morning, and I hope you're doing well.
Speaker 11 (32:50):
Good morning, I'm doing very well.
Speaker 2 (32:51):
Okay, Well, it's good to hear from you. You've got
a series of events coming up in the month of August.
Those will get started Friday, August the eighth, eleven AM
at Antiquity in Morgantown. Then at five pm. Also on Friday,
August eighth, they'll be at the be at the Kingwood
(33:14):
Public Library. Now the next day, League of Women Voters
will hold an event at the Morgantown Public Library and
we'll get into more details about that one because that
overlaps with the farmers Market, so you might be able
to take care of a few personal things while you
go to that particular event. But Judy tell us, I
(33:35):
guess what does the League want to accomplish with this
series of meetings.
Speaker 11 (33:41):
Well, these meetings were originated by Mountain State Spotlight, which
is an independent journalism enterprise in West Virginia, and they
came to us and asked if we were interested in
co sponsoring these events with them. And this is totally nonpartisan.
We want to hear all kinds of voices. And the
(34:02):
reason the Spotlight is doing this they actually started this
project at least a couple of years ago going around
the state and asking West Virginians what do you want
your legislators to be doing to represent you better? And
that's obviously a concern of the League of Women Voters
(34:25):
as well. So before the twenty twenty four election, Mound
State Spotlight had in person events in six different towns,
big and small towns, and they also talk to people
in all fifty five counties. And I think these meetings
(34:48):
are they're calling them community conversations. I think they're important
because many people in our state simply don't feel heard
in Charleston, and so this is the way for them
to get on the record what it is that they
think is important, what their concerns are, what their priorities are.
(35:12):
And then this information gets fed to the legislature, who
may or may not take it into account in their work.
Speaker 2 (35:19):
Judy Balls with us. She's the co president of the
statewide League of Women Voters organization. Now, I'm sure as
a co president you talk to a lot of voters.
Is there any I guess, consistent theme that you hear
from voters about maybe a problem that they have with
the process or lawmakers in general.
Speaker 11 (35:41):
Well, we actually use the data that came from the
Spotlights contact with West Virginia voters in twenty twenty four
in evaluating the twenty twenty five legislative session, and voters
told Mountain State Spotlight that there needs to be more
(36:04):
substance abuse treatment and recovery programs. Voters need clean and
reliable water. The roads need to be fixed or upgraded.
Communities across the state need more jobs and better schools
and affordable childcare and a more responsive government. So we
use those those items to evaluate what we saw going
(36:29):
on in the legislature in twenty twenty five, and frankly,
the legislature didn't listen very well.
Speaker 2 (36:38):
Judy Balls with us, the co president of the League
of Women Voters, tell me about the format of the meetings.
They are designed to gather public inputs. So what will
the meeting format be?
Speaker 11 (36:53):
Okay, the one that Antiquity is formatted a little differently.
It's a little more informal, but the the two public
library ones. Whoever comes and anybody who lives in the
area who can access these sites is welcome to come.
There will be refreshments. We want people to come and
(37:16):
feel comfortable, and then we'll break up into tables with
separate groups, small groups, and there'll be a representative from
Moundstafe Spotlight and a representative from the League Women Voters
at each of those tables, and then it's an informal conversation.
Tell us what your concerns are, tell us what your
(37:38):
community needs, what information do you want us to take back,
and make sure that your representatives in the legislature are
hearing you better.
Speaker 2 (37:51):
You know, Judy, I've often heard in the lead up
to organizing events like this, I've often heard people like
you say, Hey, you know what, if you know somebody
that maybe isn't very politically involved, why don't you grab them,
bring them along and let them get their feet wet.
Speaker 11 (38:13):
Absolutely, we very much want members of the community, whether
they have traditionally been voters or not, part of the
other part of the sessions. There'll be the session with
community conversations. But then the League itself is having a
(38:34):
second part of the session that will be all about
communicating with your legislators and voting and because that's sort
of the League's thing, and so we will have information
to hand out to people who come about how do
you contact your legislature? Do you even know what district
(38:56):
you live in, who's your delegate? How do you find
that information? Now, how do you contact Senator Justice or
Shelley Moore Capital. They've got a whole bunch of different
phone numbers, and what should you do if you call
one of those phone numbers? And then the two representatives
in Congress also, So we want to be able to
(39:19):
have people go away with a couple of pieces of
paper in their hand that they can put on the refrigerator,
and when the time comes that they have an issue
that they think that, oh, that issue really affects me,
they'll know what to do and where to go in
order to have their voices heard in the future.
Speaker 2 (39:41):
Absolutely. Okay. Now that Saturday event in Morgantown is aligned
also with the well not aligned, but overlaps with the
Morgantown Farmers market as well.
Speaker 11 (39:54):
That's right.
Speaker 2 (39:55):
So tomatoes are in season and so is politics.
Speaker 11 (40:00):
Yep. So our recommendation is come to the market early,
which most people probably do anyway, because the market starts
a whole lot earlier than this event. Come to the
market early, Go get your tomatoes, Go get your green means,
bring your bags across the street to the public library
(40:22):
and it'll be cool enough to keep your produce fine
while the meeting's going on.
Speaker 2 (40:28):
All right, perfect, Hey, Judy. As always, I really do
appreciate your time, and we'll continue to get the word
out about these events.
Speaker 11 (40:36):
Thank you very much. I appreciate your doing this, and
we really hope that a lot of people show up.
We specifically wanted to get outside of Morgantown so that
we would have a more diverse set of people show
up and provide their input. And so folks in Preston County,
(40:58):
all over Preston County come to Kingwood, come see us.
And folks in Morgantown, regardless of where you are in
Montngali County or Marion County, come on up. We'd love
to we'd love to have you be part of.
Speaker 2 (41:12):
This absolutely, Judy Ball, co president of the League of
Women Voters, this statewide organization. Thank you very much, Judy,
and we'll be back with more of Talk of the
Town coming up right after this
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.