August 7, 2025 • 30 mins
Morgantown Mayor Danielle Trumble
Tony Campbell, president of West Virginians Against Transmission Line Injustice on the MARL
Executive Director of CASA for Kids in Preston and Monongalia Counties on their backpack giveaway with Northwestern Mutual - Morgantown
Tony Campbell, president of West Virginians Against Transmission Line Injustice on the MARL
Executive Director of CASA for Kids in Preston and Monongalia Counties on their backpack giveaway with Northwestern Mutual - Morgantown
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
Join the conversation at one eight hundred and seven sixty
five eight two FIY five.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
This is the talk of the town.
Speaker 3 (00:23):
A good Thursday morning.
Speaker 4 (00:24):
It is nine fifteen in the University City Fair. Sky's
sixty nine degrees. We're glad that you're with us and
also with us here this morning. We've got the Mayor
of Morgantown, Danielle Trumpell Mayor.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
Good morning, Good morning.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
It's a good thing. It's radio. It's it's been a
slow morning. I'm rolling in and my my leggings without
makeup on. So I'm glad we're not videoing here.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Mike, Well, I would have never noticed.
Speaker 4 (00:48):
And we do have enough time. I can summon the
video crew. We can get that started.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Okay, sure, everyone would love that.
Speaker 3 (00:55):
Okay, Well, listen.
Speaker 4 (00:57):
For the entire week, we've been blased with not only
great weather, but we've also been blessed with the city
and municipal leaders from all over the state to enjoy
the weather with us.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
Absolutely. The city is hosting the Municipal League conference. So
Monday evening we had a host city reception down at
the Amphitheater and we were all outdoors. It was seventy
five and sunny. It was shady, the lights were on.
It was really great. The people at the conference said,
you guys, Shore ordered up some good weather for.
Speaker 3 (01:29):
Us, almost San Diego weather.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
You might see something like that.
Speaker 4 (01:34):
Yeah, okay, well, I guess what were some of the
takeaways maybe people in that coalition or that group, What
did they tell you about Morgantown, good or bad?
Speaker 1 (01:44):
They loved being in Morgantown. They were visiting some of
our downtown businesses. They were very excited. One of the
girls from the National League of Cities actually attended the conference,
a staffer from there, and she was raving about Blue
Moose in downtown. It was very nice that the National
League of Cities sent us some staff members to participate
(02:05):
in the state conference this year. They haven't always done
that in the past, so that was fun. We did
a mobile tour to Hazel's House of Hope. A lot
of people really liked that. Counselor Salene and Counselor Downs
led a mobile tour walking through the waterfront, the wharf
up to Andrew Whites to meet with Russ Rogerson and
(02:26):
some of the partnership folks there. So we got people
out and about into town. Certainly.
Speaker 4 (02:32):
Now, what kinds of things did you hear during the
tour of Hazel's House of Hope, because that, I guess,
all in one concept is still really pretty new.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
It is pretty new, and we are still we're still
learning as we go, right, it's kind of a troubleshooting
every day. But the lady a lot of women took
that tour, which I thought was kind of interesting. Not
so many men. We'll have to figure that one out.
But we've visited Grace Shelter and they were very interested
(03:03):
in how we worked with Catholic Charities to take that
over when Bartlett House closed. They were interested in that
partnership with the city of the County and Catholic Charities,
So we talked a lot about that. We visited the
day room and they were very interested to see that
Salvation Army actually staffs that with a social worker who
does a lot of outreach and helps connect people to
(03:25):
services while they're there, you know, doing laundry or showering
or whatever. And we visited Lauren's Wish and that's always
a hot topic with folks from around the state because
that's a pretty unique model itself.
Speaker 3 (03:39):
Yes, it is a very unique model.
Speaker 4 (03:41):
In and of itself, and I guess I wouldn't be
surprised to see maybe Lauren's wish expand to another community,
or maybe another community ask for permission to replicate what
they're doing.
Speaker 3 (03:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:56):
Yeah, they've served more than a thousand people already. And
when people heard that that is completely funded by grants
and donations and it is absolutely free of charge to
any client who who comes there, they were they were floored, like,
how do we do this?
Speaker 4 (04:12):
Well, you know they're going to have to find their
own coach Murray, Yeah, we're not going to give him up.
Speaker 1 (04:18):
No, no coach stopped in and uh. We actually had
Jonathan Board, who used to be the site manager, if
you will, of H three. I ran into him last weekend,
just out shopping with our spouses and kids, and I
told him that we were doing a tour up at
H three and he said, would it be weird if
(04:39):
I stopped by? So he came on our tour and
talked to people about some of the funding opportunities and
how to best apply. So I think that was a
really worthwhile tour.
Speaker 4 (04:47):
I think the only weird thing about his visit it
would be that he could he could have been the
tour guy.
Speaker 1 (04:54):
Yeah, yeah, he he is great. I love Jonathan Board
and he's doing great work with the West Virginia First Foundation.
I don't know if I mentioned I said he used
to be the site manager at H three. He's currently
the director of the West Virginia First Foundation and they're
they're doing their best to get that money out to
good organizations that are showing positive outcomes and actually making changes.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
They have a grand period that is open right now.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
I don't have all those details off the top of
my head, but go to w VFF dot gov, I
believe is the website. You can get more information there, you.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
Know, Danielle.
Speaker 4 (05:32):
I had WVU President Michael Benson on the program earlier
this week and we brought up the topic of town
and gown and he seemed to be really enthused about that.
And I would say one of the earliest signs of
his enthusiasm would be some of the new I guess
(05:54):
road maintenance that we've seen over near the practice field.
Where would that Chestnut Ridge Road across the street from Kegler's. Yeah, yeah,
some of the cleanup that's been done there, but I
guess from the office of the Mayor well, what does
town and gown look.
Speaker 3 (06:12):
Like to you.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
I think that we all inhabit the same community, and
we have to figure out how we can build build together.
And we don't want anything that the university does to
take away from the city, and we at the city
certainly want to be a partner and make things easier
for the university. So figuring out some of those places
(06:35):
where we can work together. Even North High Street right now,
we need to pave that. That's on the city's plan.
It's an old brick street that's kind of it's failing
it is. It is way past its prime, and we
worked with them. They're doing a lot of maintenance underneath.
They have steam tunnels and stuff that run under there,
so we gave them the opportunity to get all of
(06:56):
that work done before we paved. Just kind of like
the same thing we were talking about with mub and
other groups last week. Figuring out where we can best
work together is great. Doctor Benson. I just met him
for the first time this week. Actually, he stopped by
the city offices while I was at the National League
of Cities a few weeks ago, so I didn't get
to meet him then, but he stopped down to the
(07:19):
reception that the city hosted on Monday, and I had
the ability to chat with him about our roles and
how we can work together, and also introduce him to
a lot of mayors and elected officials from throughout the state.
So I was very grateful that he took the time
to stop down and see us that night.
Speaker 4 (07:35):
Well, if I could ask, maybe share with us a
few things you talked about with.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
Him, He was asking a lot of our background. It
was like a get to know you kind of thing,
and what was my relationship like with the previous administration,
you know, had I met doctor Ghee, things like that.
So we were kind of getting a feel for each
(08:01):
other and saying we should meet regularly. Let's let's get
some stuff on the calendar, and we really need to
we need to get all of city council and high
level city staff with him and and figure out what
that relationship is going to look like, because I mean,
we've been strained with the university in the past over
(08:21):
certain things. So I think moving forward in a positive direction,
new manager, new mayor, new president, Let's let's do it.
Speaker 4 (08:30):
Morgantown Mayor Daniel Trump's with us this morning, and uh,
you know, that was one of the things that I
brought up. I told him, I said, you know, we've
got a new mayor, a new city manager, a new
football coach, new basketball coach, kind.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
Of a new football coach, Mike Kin, kind of a
retread mak Yeah, yeah, but.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
At any rate though, and then you know, you add
a new president to that. And I guess my impressions
of having him here in the studio for an entire
show is it seems to be very enthusiastic. He seems
to be very committed to quality academics, and I think,
(09:10):
and I don't wouldn't want to insult any other academic,
but he has a work ethic that you can really see.
Speaker 1 (09:19):
Absolutely, he was engaged, asking questions. He was delightful to
talk to, really, and I don't know how many times
I've said that in the past about others, but he
and I spent at least an hour together Monday evening
talking with other elected officials, and he was talking about
you know, WVU medicine in their parts of the state,
(09:42):
or WVU campuses around the state. He was very interested
in really connecting and making sure that we're laying a
good foundation.
Speaker 4 (09:51):
I just want to back up and clean something up.
I didn't mean that other academics don't have work ethics, No, No,
what I meant was they make it look effortless.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
How cert that good lay to put it, good lay
to put it. Okay, everyone works very hard.
Speaker 4 (10:06):
I'm sure you brought up North High Street and I
wanted to share with the listeners.
Speaker 3 (10:11):
You know, a lot of.
Speaker 4 (10:12):
Them may know, but many may not. But you brought
up steam tunnels, and then you add waterlines and gas lines,
and then you add fiber optic lines, and not to
mention that over the years it's all changed. So in
there there could be some phone lines or cable lines that.
Speaker 3 (10:32):
Aren't any good anymore.
Speaker 4 (10:33):
But the crews that are working in the area, all
they know is they hit a line and you know,
they got to have somebody come and take a look
at it. But the point that I'm trying to make
here is the amount of collaboration and cooperation it takes
between private industry, meaning the cable companies and the internet
(10:53):
service providers, to the people that depend on the steam
to do their jobs at the university, to mub and water,
and then the city that wants to get their work done.
Speaker 3 (11:04):
Before you know it. You really do have a room
full of people that have to talk.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
There is a lot of stuff under our city streets,
for sure. I mean we even see the same thing
on like the project on North Street over in Wiles Hill.
It was delayed for a while because we were waiting
on telecommunications to move their lines that were on utility
poles that needed moves. So not even under the street,
but things that run all over. It's I don't know
(11:32):
how anyone coordinates all of this stuff.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
You're right, you're right.
Speaker 4 (11:36):
And of course many times people that are busy with
their everyday lives, they just see nothing happening and might
not understand exactly what is going on.
Speaker 1 (11:47):
To be fair, I get as frustrated as anyone who
doesn't know what's happening. I'm one of those people like
I want it done. I want it done. Now, what's
the hold up? Let's get going. You know Walnut Street downtown,
we're in the same kind of saying situation. But yeah,
there's I understand that there's a lot and a lot
of moving parts.
Speaker 3 (12:07):
Can you tell us about Walnut Street.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
I'm told that they're going to be back to work. Well,
let's be clear We were told they were going to
be back to work in early June, but I was
told recently they're going to be back to work between
August fifteenth and twentieth, somewhere around there. In the meantime,
they did open up some parking on Walnut Street, which
(12:30):
has been really great. The owner of Blue Moose and
Zeke's which just opened downtown, are just opened on Walnut Street.
It moved from High Street and hoot and how they
have been thrilled that we were able to get that
one side of parking open on that street. And it
makes me wonder, like, why the heck didn't we do
that months ago?
Speaker 4 (12:49):
But you know, and I think it's important to point
out that this time of year, contractors can get pretty busy,
and when they have a schedule that says the fifteenth,
that actually might mean the eighteenth through the nineteenth.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
Certainly, certainly it's a it's a moving target. Well, to
say the least.
Speaker 3 (13:07):
What was the delay they pull off the job?
Speaker 1 (13:11):
They ran into an issue with some structural supports in
one of the underground vaults that runs under the sidewalk
there and had to do some re engineering, and then
they had to order a new support beam. That took
a while. I'm told that it's it's about ready to go,
and good lord, I hope they get back to work soon.
Speaker 4 (13:32):
Well, you remember the front of city Hall and a
similar issue was encountered with a vault that is under
the sidewalk currently that's part of the current City Hall basement.
Speaker 3 (13:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (13:45):
Yeah, I've been down into those vaults. I'm not sure
people realize how big some of those vaults are, how
far under the sidewalk in the streets they go. It's
it's kind of amazing. Actually, it's interesting to go down
in there and see it.
Speaker 4 (13:59):
So have they learned then from that side of Walnut
Street from when they go to the other side, Have
they maybe gone into some of those buildings to see
what they're going to encounter.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
I think they have been more proactive and ready to
go on the opposite side of the street.
Speaker 4 (14:14):
Okay, perfect last thing. There's been a huge cleanup effort
between the city county.
Speaker 3 (14:20):
Doh. And it's happening at a perfect time, isn't it.
Speaker 1 (14:25):
Right When students are about to come back into town,
their parents are going to be here, football season's about
to start. Now's the time to try to make sure
we're putting our best foot forward.
Speaker 3 (14:36):
Absolutely well, Danielle, thank you very.
Speaker 1 (14:38):
Much, absolutely thanks for having me. Well, we'll see you
next week.
Speaker 4 (14:41):
Absolutely absolutely right now, fair Sky's sixty nine degrees in
the University of City. Got another great day, sunny eighty two.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
Now back to the Talk of the town.
Speaker 4 (15:03):
Well, good Thursday morning, and welcome back to the program.
And just a reminder, we are following a train derailment
in Preston County. It happened around seven am this morning
in the area of Salt Lick Road and Bridge Street,
Tara Alta. Currently thirteen cars are involved, no hazardous materials,
no known injuries have been reported. CSX in the Sheriff's
(15:28):
Department there are on the scene and will continue coverage
of that situation throughout the morning. On the phone, we've
got the president of West Virginians Against Transmission Line Injustice,
Tony Campbell. Hey, Tony, good morning, how are you.
Speaker 5 (15:44):
Hey, Good morning, Mike. I'm doing great and I hope
the say is not your second train ruck this morning.
Speaker 4 (15:52):
I don't hardly think that'll be the case. Now, let's see, Tony,
tell us about your group if you don't mind, so.
Speaker 5 (16:00):
Our group formed about two months ago. Originally it was
comprised of citizens from Mineral and Hampshire County who are
who you know, we're this line, the moral lines passing through.
So after the open houses that next Era hosted, folks
were pretty outraged, started meeting together. We had Consertive Citizens
(16:21):
meeting and Fort Ashbear. That means probably over one hundred,
one hundred and fifty people. And then we had another
meeting at Capron Bridge again about one hundred or so folks,
and they had another meeting in Romney about one hundred folks.
So with that it was pretty obvious that we, you know,
people were very upset, and so some of the leaders
(16:43):
and community citizens got together and said, hey, we need
to stop talking about the problem and address it. And
so we elected to form a the process of getting
our five oh one four C or C four nonprofit organization,
but we organized board directors. They were foolish enough to
make me their president. I'm a recently retired Army U
(17:05):
S Army colonel, and we formed a board in six
committees and we're moving out to tom formed citizens because
unfortunately a lot of folks just really don't know but
appreciate you helping to get the word out. But once
we find out, once we inform people what's going on,
they're outrage. They want to help, and so what we So,
what we're doing is we uh, We've got we've got
(17:28):
online petitions, we've got hard copy petitions. So part of
our process is preparing for the upcoming hearing at the
Public Service Commission this fall.
Speaker 4 (17:38):
We've got the president of West Virginians Against Transmission Line
in Justice Tony Campbell, with us. Now, Tony, I'm sure
you would like to maybe increase your membership to the north.
Speaker 5 (17:51):
Absolutely. In fact, Joe, we've been working last month or
so with concert citizens in Preston and Mond County. I
don't I'm not sure if they're officially organized yet. I
think they may be doing that. We can either work.
You know, we're gonna work with citizens from all four
counties regardless. I know Beth Bosio, I think you've interviewed
(18:13):
her before. She's a big organizer in Pressing County, and
she's doing a lot of work bringing us all together
and marching together towards the objective. And so yeah, we
would love to have we would love to have any
folks join up our group and support other groups like
mind of groups once they're organized, but our group, you
can you can reach us. We have two. We have
(18:36):
few social media presence. We're on the website. Going to
your browser and if you type in w V A,
T L I dot org to take our website, which
is rich resources. It's got information sheets, back sheets, you
know how to protect your property, how to online petition.
And we also have a Facebook page you can join.
(18:57):
It's pretty easy. Just go on Facebook and type wat
I waty, and I'll take you right to our page
where we have good discussions, sure information.
Speaker 4 (19:05):
We're talking about the mid Atlantic Resiliency Link that is
being proposed by Next Era Energy and just a program.
Speaker 3 (19:13):
Note.
Speaker 4 (19:14):
Caitlin McCormick is the project manager for Next Era Energy.
Speaker 3 (19:19):
She will be a guest.
Speaker 4 (19:20):
On Talkline coming up at ten thirty this morning. We
currently are speaking with the president of West Virginians Against
Transmission Line in Justice.
Speaker 3 (19:31):
The president of that organization, Tony Campbell.
Speaker 4 (19:34):
Now, Tony, you're developing your strategy that you're going to
take to the PSC. Share with us what you can
what that's going to look like.
Speaker 5 (19:44):
Sure, well, well first it's going to be right. Now.
We have we have hundreds we have over you know,
just in four short weeks, we've got over twelve hundred petitions.
That's growing every day. We'll take we'll take that with
to the PSC because you know, some of our some
of the information that we received about two weeks ago,
as a lot of our leaders in Charlsen thought everybody
(20:07):
in eastern West Virginia was in favor of these of
these lines. There's nobody in favor of these lines. So
the petitions will show are the PSC and legislatures where
we're at. We're also setting up a series of meetings
with delegates and state senators and we will go to
the Capitol and meet with key legislators and convey our
(20:30):
message and and why this is not good for the state.
We will also have well, we will also have some
legal representation and some technical data to show to the PSC.
So we're not just going in there crying, you know,
woe is us, but well we'll be prepared.
Speaker 4 (20:47):
You know, Tony, one voice that has not been heard
yet in this debate has been the voice of the governor.
Have you reached out to the Governor's office.
Speaker 5 (20:56):
We have direct indirectly, we have, We've talked to folks
in his office, some of his field representatives, and they
are conveying our message to him. I know he's heard
our message and I'm sure he's studying it. But we
will like to meet the governor coming up next month
in September.
Speaker 4 (21:17):
What meetings do you and your group have planned in
the near future.
Speaker 5 (21:22):
Well, our next our next meeting that we have planned
is going to be like the meeting that we was
at University High School. We have a meeting in Mineral County.
I know it's a long ways from all your listeners,
but we'll have another meeting here in Mental County the
twenty first of this month at six thirty pm at
the Brookdale Farm to basically catch people up on our activities.
(21:45):
We're not We're not This is this being thing is
going to be about a talking about the problem. This
is catching people up on where we're at, on our
efforts and what they can do to support.
Speaker 4 (21:58):
Tony Campbell, resident of West Virginians Against Transmission Line in Justice.
Appreciate your time and thank you for your service as well.
Speaker 5 (22:09):
Thanks Mike, I appreciate it. I appreciate the opportunity to
to be able to share a message. Thanks for all
you guys.
Speaker 2 (22:15):
Do.
Speaker 3 (22:16):
Oh absolutely, Now, let's see.
Speaker 4 (22:17):
Taking a look at a couple of pictures, I would
guess that your military occupational specially falls somewhere in the
eleven range.
Speaker 5 (22:26):
You're correct. I'm a retired infantry colonel foolish enough to
jump out of the airplanes and was I guess fortunately hard
enough to get my ranger tab as well.
Speaker 4 (22:38):
Okay, okay, Well, I was one of those guys that
maybe did some grass drills, drank bad coffee, and got
heckled by rangers in the shadows of the two hundred
and fifty foot jump towers on main Post at Fort
Benning many years ago.
Speaker 5 (22:55):
The mighty I.
Speaker 4 (22:56):
Ghala, yeah, oh, there are many of us left. Yeah, okay, Hey, Tony,
really do appreciate your time, sir, Thank you, Thank you, Mike, absolutely.
Speaker 3 (23:08):
Take care of have a great day, Tony Campbell.
Speaker 4 (23:10):
We'll have a story up on the website later today
and certainly encourage you to get involved in Wattie Now.
Wattie stands for West Virginians against Transmission Line injustice. Coming
up next, we're gonna spend a couple of minutes with
Kassa for Kids and chrisy Cole.
Speaker 3 (23:31):
They've got an event going on this morning.
Speaker 4 (23:34):
We're going to tell you about it's coming up next
on Talk of the Town and fourteen forty FM one
oh four point five w A j R.
Speaker 3 (23:52):
We are talking about your town.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
Now back to the Talk of the Town.
Speaker 3 (23:57):
Well, good Thursday morning, Kassa for Kids.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
They are advocates for children who have found themselves in
the legal system, whether it's because of abuse or neglect,
or maybe no fault of their own.
Speaker 3 (24:11):
One percent of the time that is the case.
Speaker 4 (24:14):
Well, CASA is teaming up with north Western Mutual of
More Content for a big event today and Christy Colep
is on the phone.
Speaker 3 (24:21):
Christy, good morning and welcome to the program. How are you.
Speaker 2 (24:25):
I'm doing great, Thank you for having me.
Speaker 3 (24:27):
You're very welcome. Chrissy, tell us what you're doing today.
Speaker 2 (24:31):
So today is the eighth year that Northwestern Mutual has
partnered with our program to provide backpacks for older youth
and we're really excited about it because it gives these
children something that has their name on, something new that
they can take to school so that they can feel
very confident. Maybe it's a new school, maybe it's a
(24:52):
school that they have already been attending, but now in
a completely different situation because they are in Falster Care.
So it just gives them a sense of pride and
something to be proud of to start the new school
year with. So this is the eight year they've done it,
and it's amazing they pull together their own money to
(25:13):
do this. But yeah, it's just backpacks stuffed with all
kinds of amazing goodies for our older youth that we serve.
Speaker 4 (25:19):
And it says they're embroidered. Do you said it has
their name on it? So I would assume it is
embroidered with their name.
Speaker 2 (25:27):
It is, and it could be their name, it could
be something completely different. Some kids that you know, they
come into care and they want to create their own
new identity, So it could be just a fun little
name that they want. But it's at the end of
the day, it's a decision that they get to make
what goes on that backpack and that that's so empowering
to them.
Speaker 4 (25:47):
And you know, it sounds like something small, but when
you're that age and you're in maybe a new environment
or maybe an uneasy environment, having something that is one
hundred percent unquestionable with your name on it, it's sure
means a whole lot.
Speaker 2 (26:05):
Absolutely, And one of the young young ladies that she's
participated in the backpack program the last couple of years.
I talked to her last night and she goes, you know,
it's the one thing that I don't have to worry
about each year because I know that I'm going to
have a backpack for school. And you're right, for some
people that is small, but for these the children that
(26:27):
we serve, it's life changing. Like it's it's extremely important
to them to have that and to know that that's
the one thing that they don't have to worry about
each year.
Speaker 4 (26:38):
And I'm sure that through some of the heartbreaking situations
that you're forced to deal with that it must fill
your hearts and the hearts of the folks at the
Northwestern Mutual with joy to be able to provide maybe
a little bit of peace and pride at the same time.
Speaker 5 (26:58):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (26:59):
Absolutely, And we're just so appreciative of them each year
doing this because again it's they're pulling together their own money,
they're doing this out of the kindness of their heart.
They're not doing it for the recognition, but like it
really is changing the lives of those children that they
do this for. So yes, it's absolutely meaningful, impactful, and
it's an amazing thing to be a part of.
Speaker 4 (27:21):
Each year, Christy cop was with us from Kassa for
Kids and now at the same time that you're doing this,
you're also looking for people that can work with kids.
Speaker 3 (27:30):
Tell us about that part of KASSA.
Speaker 2 (27:33):
Absolutely. So our program is volunteer driven, So there's the
heart of our mission. So the children that are in
care are served by community members who go through the
process to be a certified cost of volunteer. And right now,
on any given time, we're serving between thirty to forty
percent of children in Mond, Preston and Tucker County, and
that's just it's not enough. We're not going to stop
(27:56):
until we get one hundred percent because one hundred percent
of children in foster care deserve the individualized care and
attention that our cost of volunteers give them.
Speaker 3 (28:07):
How long does the process take to become certified.
Speaker 2 (28:11):
It it depends. So some people have become certified in
just a couple of weeks. For some people it may
take a month or two, so it's anywhere from three
to probably six weeks. Because there's a background checks, there's trainings,
there's interviews, so it's a it's a pretty in depth process,
but we want to make sure that these these these
adults are appropriate for the children. So any anywhere from
(28:33):
three to six weeks.
Speaker 4 (28:36):
We're talking with Christy Cold with Kassa for Kids here
in Monteguillia County. You can reach out to Christy at
three four ten eighty seven. It's three oh four five
nine one zero eight seven. Got any other events coming
up to close the year out, Chrissy.
Speaker 2 (28:55):
Not this year, but we do have our fourth annual
gala coming up in March twenty twenty six, and we're
really looking forward to that.
Speaker 4 (29:03):
Okay, perfect, Chrissy cod with Cossa for Kids here in
Montaguelia County. Chrissy, that event gets started at eleven thirty
this morning.
Speaker 3 (29:11):
How many kids will you help today? Any idea?
Speaker 2 (29:15):
So we're the Northwestern Mutual is taking care of twenty
five of our older youth.
Speaker 3 (29:20):
That's great, that's great.
Speaker 4 (29:22):
Hey, thank you very much for your time, Chrissy, and
please keep up the good work.
Speaker 2 (29:27):
Thank you have a great day.
Speaker 3 (29:29):
Absolutely, thank you very much. Once again.
Speaker 4 (29:31):
That is Kossifer Kids and Northwestern Mutual of Morgantown. They're
getting together with Pull this event together this morning at
eleven thirty embroidered backpacks backpacks for the younger youths in
our community. When we come back, we'll wrap things up,
hand things off the Metro News talk line on the
(29:54):
Voice of Morgantown one oh four point five FM and
AM fourteen forty WAJR.
Speaker 1 (30:00):
Her
Join the conversation at one eight hundred and seven sixty
five eight two FIY five.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
This is the talk of the town.
Speaker 3 (00:23):
A good Thursday morning.
Speaker 4 (00:24):
It is nine fifteen in the University City Fair. Sky's
sixty nine degrees. We're glad that you're with us and
also with us here this morning. We've got the Mayor
of Morgantown, Danielle Trumpell Mayor.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
Good morning, Good morning.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
It's a good thing. It's radio. It's it's been a
slow morning. I'm rolling in and my my leggings without
makeup on. So I'm glad we're not videoing here.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Mike, Well, I would have never noticed.
Speaker 4 (00:48):
And we do have enough time. I can summon the
video crew. We can get that started.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Okay, sure, everyone would love that.
Speaker 3 (00:55):
Okay, Well, listen.
Speaker 4 (00:57):
For the entire week, we've been blased with not only
great weather, but we've also been blessed with the city
and municipal leaders from all over the state to enjoy
the weather with us.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
Absolutely. The city is hosting the Municipal League conference. So
Monday evening we had a host city reception down at
the Amphitheater and we were all outdoors. It was seventy
five and sunny. It was shady, the lights were on.
It was really great. The people at the conference said,
you guys, Shore ordered up some good weather for.
Speaker 3 (01:29):
Us, almost San Diego weather.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
You might see something like that.
Speaker 4 (01:34):
Yeah, okay, well, I guess what were some of the
takeaways maybe people in that coalition or that group, What
did they tell you about Morgantown, good or bad?
Speaker 1 (01:44):
They loved being in Morgantown. They were visiting some of
our downtown businesses. They were very excited. One of the
girls from the National League of Cities actually attended the conference,
a staffer from there, and she was raving about Blue
Moose in downtown. It was very nice that the National
League of Cities sent us some staff members to participate
(02:05):
in the state conference this year. They haven't always done
that in the past, so that was fun. We did
a mobile tour to Hazel's House of Hope. A lot
of people really liked that. Counselor Salene and Counselor Downs
led a mobile tour walking through the waterfront, the wharf
up to Andrew Whites to meet with Russ Rogerson and
(02:26):
some of the partnership folks there. So we got people
out and about into town. Certainly.
Speaker 4 (02:32):
Now, what kinds of things did you hear during the
tour of Hazel's House of Hope, because that, I guess,
all in one concept is still really pretty new.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
It is pretty new, and we are still we're still
learning as we go, right, it's kind of a troubleshooting
every day. But the lady a lot of women took
that tour, which I thought was kind of interesting. Not
so many men. We'll have to figure that one out.
But we've visited Grace Shelter and they were very interested
(03:03):
in how we worked with Catholic Charities to take that
over when Bartlett House closed. They were interested in that
partnership with the city of the County and Catholic Charities,
So we talked a lot about that. We visited the
day room and they were very interested to see that
Salvation Army actually staffs that with a social worker who
does a lot of outreach and helps connect people to
(03:25):
services while they're there, you know, doing laundry or showering
or whatever. And we visited Lauren's Wish and that's always
a hot topic with folks from around the state because
that's a pretty unique model itself.
Speaker 3 (03:39):
Yes, it is a very unique model.
Speaker 4 (03:41):
In and of itself, and I guess I wouldn't be
surprised to see maybe Lauren's wish expand to another community,
or maybe another community ask for permission to replicate what
they're doing.
Speaker 3 (03:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:56):
Yeah, they've served more than a thousand people already. And
when people heard that that is completely funded by grants
and donations and it is absolutely free of charge to
any client who who comes there, they were they were floored, like,
how do we do this?
Speaker 4 (04:12):
Well, you know they're going to have to find their
own coach Murray, Yeah, we're not going to give him up.
Speaker 1 (04:18):
No, no coach stopped in and uh. We actually had
Jonathan Board, who used to be the site manager, if
you will, of H three. I ran into him last weekend,
just out shopping with our spouses and kids, and I
told him that we were doing a tour up at
H three and he said, would it be weird if
(04:39):
I stopped by? So he came on our tour and
talked to people about some of the funding opportunities and
how to best apply. So I think that was a
really worthwhile tour.
Speaker 4 (04:47):
I think the only weird thing about his visit it
would be that he could he could have been the
tour guy.
Speaker 1 (04:54):
Yeah, yeah, he he is great. I love Jonathan Board
and he's doing great work with the West Virginia First Foundation.
I don't know if I mentioned I said he used
to be the site manager at H three. He's currently
the director of the West Virginia First Foundation and they're
they're doing their best to get that money out to
good organizations that are showing positive outcomes and actually making changes.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
They have a grand period that is open right now.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
I don't have all those details off the top of
my head, but go to w VFF dot gov, I
believe is the website. You can get more information there, you.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
Know, Danielle.
Speaker 4 (05:32):
I had WVU President Michael Benson on the program earlier
this week and we brought up the topic of town
and gown and he seemed to be really enthused about that.
And I would say one of the earliest signs of
his enthusiasm would be some of the new I guess
(05:54):
road maintenance that we've seen over near the practice field.
Where would that Chestnut Ridge Road across the street from Kegler's. Yeah, yeah,
some of the cleanup that's been done there, but I
guess from the office of the Mayor well, what does
town and gown look.
Speaker 3 (06:12):
Like to you.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
I think that we all inhabit the same community, and
we have to figure out how we can build build together.
And we don't want anything that the university does to
take away from the city, and we at the city
certainly want to be a partner and make things easier
for the university. So figuring out some of those places
(06:35):
where we can work together. Even North High Street right now,
we need to pave that. That's on the city's plan.
It's an old brick street that's kind of it's failing
it is. It is way past its prime, and we
worked with them. They're doing a lot of maintenance underneath.
They have steam tunnels and stuff that run under there,
so we gave them the opportunity to get all of
(06:56):
that work done before we paved. Just kind of like
the same thing we were talking about with mub and
other groups last week. Figuring out where we can best
work together is great. Doctor Benson. I just met him
for the first time this week. Actually, he stopped by
the city offices while I was at the National League
of Cities a few weeks ago, so I didn't get
to meet him then, but he stopped down to the
(07:19):
reception that the city hosted on Monday, and I had
the ability to chat with him about our roles and
how we can work together, and also introduce him to
a lot of mayors and elected officials from throughout the state.
So I was very grateful that he took the time
to stop down and see us that night.
Speaker 4 (07:35):
Well, if I could ask, maybe share with us a
few things you talked about with.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
Him, He was asking a lot of our background. It
was like a get to know you kind of thing,
and what was my relationship like with the previous administration,
you know, had I met doctor Ghee, things like that.
So we were kind of getting a feel for each
(08:01):
other and saying we should meet regularly. Let's let's get
some stuff on the calendar, and we really need to
we need to get all of city council and high
level city staff with him and and figure out what
that relationship is going to look like, because I mean,
we've been strained with the university in the past over
(08:21):
certain things. So I think moving forward in a positive direction,
new manager, new mayor, new president, Let's let's do it.
Speaker 4 (08:30):
Morgantown Mayor Daniel Trump's with us this morning, and uh,
you know, that was one of the things that I
brought up. I told him, I said, you know, we've
got a new mayor, a new city manager, a new
football coach, new basketball coach, kind.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
Of a new football coach, Mike Kin, kind of a
retread mak Yeah, yeah, but.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
At any rate though, and then you know, you add
a new president to that. And I guess my impressions
of having him here in the studio for an entire
show is it seems to be very enthusiastic. He seems
to be very committed to quality academics, and I think,
(09:10):
and I don't wouldn't want to insult any other academic,
but he has a work ethic that you can really see.
Speaker 1 (09:19):
Absolutely, he was engaged, asking questions. He was delightful to
talk to, really, and I don't know how many times
I've said that in the past about others, but he
and I spent at least an hour together Monday evening
talking with other elected officials, and he was talking about
you know, WVU medicine in their parts of the state,
(09:42):
or WVU campuses around the state. He was very interested
in really connecting and making sure that we're laying a
good foundation.
Speaker 4 (09:51):
I just want to back up and clean something up.
I didn't mean that other academics don't have work ethics, No, No,
what I meant was they make it look effortless.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
How cert that good lay to put it, good lay
to put it. Okay, everyone works very hard.
Speaker 4 (10:06):
I'm sure you brought up North High Street and I
wanted to share with the listeners.
Speaker 3 (10:11):
You know, a lot of.
Speaker 4 (10:12):
Them may know, but many may not. But you brought
up steam tunnels, and then you add waterlines and gas lines,
and then you add fiber optic lines, and not to
mention that over the years it's all changed. So in
there there could be some phone lines or cable lines that.
Speaker 3 (10:32):
Aren't any good anymore.
Speaker 4 (10:33):
But the crews that are working in the area, all
they know is they hit a line and you know,
they got to have somebody come and take a look
at it. But the point that I'm trying to make
here is the amount of collaboration and cooperation it takes
between private industry, meaning the cable companies and the internet
(10:53):
service providers, to the people that depend on the steam
to do their jobs at the university, to mub and water,
and then the city that wants to get their work done.
Speaker 3 (11:04):
Before you know it. You really do have a room
full of people that have to talk.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
There is a lot of stuff under our city streets,
for sure. I mean we even see the same thing
on like the project on North Street over in Wiles Hill.
It was delayed for a while because we were waiting
on telecommunications to move their lines that were on utility
poles that needed moves. So not even under the street,
but things that run all over. It's I don't know
(11:32):
how anyone coordinates all of this stuff.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
You're right, you're right.
Speaker 4 (11:36):
And of course many times people that are busy with
their everyday lives, they just see nothing happening and might
not understand exactly what is going on.
Speaker 1 (11:47):
To be fair, I get as frustrated as anyone who
doesn't know what's happening. I'm one of those people like
I want it done. I want it done. Now, what's
the hold up? Let's get going. You know Walnut Street downtown,
we're in the same kind of saying situation. But yeah,
there's I understand that there's a lot and a lot
of moving parts.
Speaker 3 (12:07):
Can you tell us about Walnut Street.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
I'm told that they're going to be back to work. Well,
let's be clear We were told they were going to
be back to work in early June, but I was
told recently they're going to be back to work between
August fifteenth and twentieth, somewhere around there. In the meantime,
they did open up some parking on Walnut Street, which
(12:30):
has been really great. The owner of Blue Moose and
Zeke's which just opened downtown, are just opened on Walnut Street.
It moved from High Street and hoot and how they
have been thrilled that we were able to get that
one side of parking open on that street. And it
makes me wonder, like, why the heck didn't we do
that months ago?
Speaker 4 (12:49):
But you know, and I think it's important to point
out that this time of year, contractors can get pretty busy,
and when they have a schedule that says the fifteenth,
that actually might mean the eighteenth through the nineteenth.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
Certainly, certainly it's a it's a moving target. Well, to
say the least.
Speaker 3 (13:07):
What was the delay they pull off the job?
Speaker 1 (13:11):
They ran into an issue with some structural supports in
one of the underground vaults that runs under the sidewalk
there and had to do some re engineering, and then
they had to order a new support beam. That took
a while. I'm told that it's it's about ready to go,
and good lord, I hope they get back to work soon.
Speaker 4 (13:32):
Well, you remember the front of city Hall and a
similar issue was encountered with a vault that is under
the sidewalk currently that's part of the current City Hall basement.
Speaker 3 (13:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (13:45):
Yeah, I've been down into those vaults. I'm not sure
people realize how big some of those vaults are, how
far under the sidewalk in the streets they go. It's
it's kind of amazing. Actually, it's interesting to go down
in there and see it.
Speaker 4 (13:59):
So have they learned then from that side of Walnut
Street from when they go to the other side, Have
they maybe gone into some of those buildings to see
what they're going to encounter.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
I think they have been more proactive and ready to
go on the opposite side of the street.
Speaker 4 (14:14):
Okay, perfect last thing. There's been a huge cleanup effort
between the city county.
Speaker 3 (14:20):
Doh. And it's happening at a perfect time, isn't it.
Speaker 1 (14:25):
Right When students are about to come back into town,
their parents are going to be here, football season's about
to start. Now's the time to try to make sure
we're putting our best foot forward.
Speaker 3 (14:36):
Absolutely well, Danielle, thank you very.
Speaker 1 (14:38):
Much, absolutely thanks for having me. Well, we'll see you
next week.
Speaker 4 (14:41):
Absolutely absolutely right now, fair Sky's sixty nine degrees in
the University of City. Got another great day, sunny eighty two.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
Now back to the Talk of the town.
Speaker 4 (15:03):
Well, good Thursday morning, and welcome back to the program.
And just a reminder, we are following a train derailment
in Preston County. It happened around seven am this morning
in the area of Salt Lick Road and Bridge Street,
Tara Alta. Currently thirteen cars are involved, no hazardous materials,
no known injuries have been reported. CSX in the Sheriff's
(15:28):
Department there are on the scene and will continue coverage
of that situation throughout the morning. On the phone, we've
got the president of West Virginians Against Transmission Line Injustice,
Tony Campbell. Hey, Tony, good morning, how are you.
Speaker 5 (15:44):
Hey, Good morning, Mike. I'm doing great and I hope
the say is not your second train ruck this morning.
Speaker 4 (15:52):
I don't hardly think that'll be the case. Now, let's see, Tony,
tell us about your group if you don't mind, so.
Speaker 5 (16:00):
Our group formed about two months ago. Originally it was
comprised of citizens from Mineral and Hampshire County who are
who you know, we're this line, the moral lines passing through.
So after the open houses that next Era hosted, folks
were pretty outraged, started meeting together. We had Consertive Citizens
(16:21):
meeting and Fort Ashbear. That means probably over one hundred,
one hundred and fifty people. And then we had another
meeting at Capron Bridge again about one hundred or so folks,
and they had another meeting in Romney about one hundred folks.
So with that it was pretty obvious that we, you know,
people were very upset, and so some of the leaders
(16:43):
and community citizens got together and said, hey, we need
to stop talking about the problem and address it. And
so we elected to form a the process of getting
our five oh one four C or C four nonprofit organization,
but we organized board directors. They were foolish enough to
make me their president. I'm a recently retired Army U
(17:05):
S Army colonel, and we formed a board in six
committees and we're moving out to tom formed citizens because
unfortunately a lot of folks just really don't know but
appreciate you helping to get the word out. But once
we find out, once we inform people what's going on,
they're outrage. They want to help, and so what we So,
what we're doing is we uh, We've got we've got
(17:28):
online petitions, we've got hard copy petitions. So part of
our process is preparing for the upcoming hearing at the
Public Service Commission this fall.
Speaker 4 (17:38):
We've got the president of West Virginians Against Transmission Line
in Justice Tony Campbell, with us. Now, Tony, I'm sure
you would like to maybe increase your membership to the north.
Speaker 5 (17:51):
Absolutely. In fact, Joe, we've been working last month or
so with concert citizens in Preston and Mond County. I
don't I'm not sure if they're officially organized yet. I
think they may be doing that. We can either work.
You know, we're gonna work with citizens from all four
counties regardless. I know Beth Bosio, I think you've interviewed
(18:13):
her before. She's a big organizer in Pressing County, and
she's doing a lot of work bringing us all together
and marching together towards the objective. And so yeah, we
would love to have we would love to have any
folks join up our group and support other groups like
mind of groups once they're organized, but our group, you
can you can reach us. We have two. We have
(18:36):
few social media presence. We're on the website. Going to
your browser and if you type in w V A,
T L I dot org to take our website, which
is rich resources. It's got information sheets, back sheets, you
know how to protect your property, how to online petition.
And we also have a Facebook page you can join.
(18:57):
It's pretty easy. Just go on Facebook and type wat
I waty, and I'll take you right to our page
where we have good discussions, sure information.
Speaker 4 (19:05):
We're talking about the mid Atlantic Resiliency Link that is
being proposed by Next Era Energy and just a program.
Speaker 3 (19:13):
Note.
Speaker 4 (19:14):
Caitlin McCormick is the project manager for Next Era Energy.
Speaker 3 (19:19):
She will be a guest.
Speaker 4 (19:20):
On Talkline coming up at ten thirty this morning. We
currently are speaking with the president of West Virginians Against
Transmission Line in Justice.
Speaker 3 (19:31):
The president of that organization, Tony Campbell.
Speaker 4 (19:34):
Now, Tony, you're developing your strategy that you're going to
take to the PSC. Share with us what you can
what that's going to look like.
Speaker 5 (19:44):
Sure, well, well first it's going to be right. Now.
We have we have hundreds we have over you know,
just in four short weeks, we've got over twelve hundred petitions.
That's growing every day. We'll take we'll take that with
to the PSC because you know, some of our some
of the information that we received about two weeks ago,
as a lot of our leaders in Charlsen thought everybody
(20:07):
in eastern West Virginia was in favor of these of
these lines. There's nobody in favor of these lines. So
the petitions will show are the PSC and legislatures where
we're at. We're also setting up a series of meetings
with delegates and state senators and we will go to
the Capitol and meet with key legislators and convey our
(20:30):
message and and why this is not good for the state.
We will also have well, we will also have some
legal representation and some technical data to show to the PSC.
So we're not just going in there crying, you know,
woe is us, but well we'll be prepared.
Speaker 4 (20:47):
You know, Tony, one voice that has not been heard
yet in this debate has been the voice of the governor.
Have you reached out to the Governor's office.
Speaker 5 (20:56):
We have direct indirectly, we have, We've talked to folks
in his office, some of his field representatives, and they
are conveying our message to him. I know he's heard
our message and I'm sure he's studying it. But we
will like to meet the governor coming up next month
in September.
Speaker 4 (21:17):
What meetings do you and your group have planned in
the near future.
Speaker 5 (21:22):
Well, our next our next meeting that we have planned
is going to be like the meeting that we was
at University High School. We have a meeting in Mineral County.
I know it's a long ways from all your listeners,
but we'll have another meeting here in Mental County the
twenty first of this month at six thirty pm at
the Brookdale Farm to basically catch people up on our activities.
(21:45):
We're not We're not This is this being thing is
going to be about a talking about the problem. This
is catching people up on where we're at, on our
efforts and what they can do to support.
Speaker 4 (21:58):
Tony Campbell, resident of West Virginians Against Transmission Line in Justice.
Appreciate your time and thank you for your service as well.
Speaker 5 (22:09):
Thanks Mike, I appreciate it. I appreciate the opportunity to
to be able to share a message. Thanks for all
you guys.
Speaker 2 (22:15):
Do.
Speaker 3 (22:16):
Oh absolutely, Now, let's see.
Speaker 4 (22:17):
Taking a look at a couple of pictures, I would
guess that your military occupational specially falls somewhere in the
eleven range.
Speaker 5 (22:26):
You're correct. I'm a retired infantry colonel foolish enough to
jump out of the airplanes and was I guess fortunately hard
enough to get my ranger tab as well.
Speaker 4 (22:38):
Okay, okay, Well, I was one of those guys that
maybe did some grass drills, drank bad coffee, and got
heckled by rangers in the shadows of the two hundred
and fifty foot jump towers on main Post at Fort
Benning many years ago.
Speaker 5 (22:55):
The mighty I.
Speaker 4 (22:56):
Ghala, yeah, oh, there are many of us left. Yeah, okay, Hey, Tony,
really do appreciate your time, sir, Thank you, Thank you, Mike, absolutely.
Speaker 3 (23:08):
Take care of have a great day, Tony Campbell.
Speaker 4 (23:10):
We'll have a story up on the website later today
and certainly encourage you to get involved in Wattie Now.
Wattie stands for West Virginians against Transmission Line injustice. Coming
up next, we're gonna spend a couple of minutes with
Kassa for Kids and chrisy Cole.
Speaker 3 (23:31):
They've got an event going on this morning.
Speaker 4 (23:34):
We're going to tell you about it's coming up next
on Talk of the Town and fourteen forty FM one
oh four point five w A j R.
Speaker 3 (23:52):
We are talking about your town.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
Now back to the Talk of the Town.
Speaker 3 (23:57):
Well, good Thursday morning, Kassa for Kids.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
They are advocates for children who have found themselves in
the legal system, whether it's because of abuse or neglect,
or maybe no fault of their own.
Speaker 3 (24:11):
One percent of the time that is the case.
Speaker 4 (24:14):
Well, CASA is teaming up with north Western Mutual of
More Content for a big event today and Christy Colep
is on the phone.
Speaker 3 (24:21):
Christy, good morning and welcome to the program. How are you.
Speaker 2 (24:25):
I'm doing great, Thank you for having me.
Speaker 3 (24:27):
You're very welcome. Chrissy, tell us what you're doing today.
Speaker 2 (24:31):
So today is the eighth year that Northwestern Mutual has
partnered with our program to provide backpacks for older youth
and we're really excited about it because it gives these
children something that has their name on, something new that
they can take to school so that they can feel
very confident. Maybe it's a new school, maybe it's a
(24:52):
school that they have already been attending, but now in
a completely different situation because they are in Falster Care.
So it just gives them a sense of pride and
something to be proud of to start the new school
year with. So this is the eight year they've done it,
and it's amazing they pull together their own money to
(25:13):
do this. But yeah, it's just backpacks stuffed with all
kinds of amazing goodies for our older youth that we serve.
Speaker 4 (25:19):
And it says they're embroidered. Do you said it has
their name on it? So I would assume it is
embroidered with their name.
Speaker 2 (25:27):
It is, and it could be their name, it could
be something completely different. Some kids that you know, they
come into care and they want to create their own
new identity, So it could be just a fun little
name that they want. But it's at the end of
the day, it's a decision that they get to make
what goes on that backpack and that that's so empowering
to them.
Speaker 4 (25:47):
And you know, it sounds like something small, but when
you're that age and you're in maybe a new environment
or maybe an uneasy environment, having something that is one
hundred percent unquestionable with your name on it, it's sure
means a whole lot.
Speaker 2 (26:05):
Absolutely, And one of the young young ladies that she's
participated in the backpack program the last couple of years.
I talked to her last night and she goes, you know,
it's the one thing that I don't have to worry
about each year because I know that I'm going to
have a backpack for school. And you're right, for some
people that is small, but for these the children that
(26:27):
we serve, it's life changing. Like it's it's extremely important
to them to have that and to know that that's
the one thing that they don't have to worry about
each year.
Speaker 4 (26:38):
And I'm sure that through some of the heartbreaking situations
that you're forced to deal with that it must fill
your hearts and the hearts of the folks at the
Northwestern Mutual with joy to be able to provide maybe
a little bit of peace and pride at the same time.
Speaker 5 (26:58):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (26:59):
Absolutely, And we're just so appreciative of them each year
doing this because again it's they're pulling together their own money,
they're doing this out of the kindness of their heart.
They're not doing it for the recognition, but like it
really is changing the lives of those children that they
do this for. So yes, it's absolutely meaningful, impactful, and
it's an amazing thing to be a part of.
Speaker 4 (27:21):
Each year, Christy cop was with us from Kassa for
Kids and now at the same time that you're doing this,
you're also looking for people that can work with kids.
Speaker 3 (27:30):
Tell us about that part of KASSA.
Speaker 2 (27:33):
Absolutely. So our program is volunteer driven, So there's the
heart of our mission. So the children that are in
care are served by community members who go through the
process to be a certified cost of volunteer. And right now,
on any given time, we're serving between thirty to forty
percent of children in Mond, Preston and Tucker County, and
that's just it's not enough. We're not going to stop
(27:56):
until we get one hundred percent because one hundred percent
of children in foster care deserve the individualized care and
attention that our cost of volunteers give them.
Speaker 3 (28:07):
How long does the process take to become certified.
Speaker 2 (28:11):
It it depends. So some people have become certified in
just a couple of weeks. For some people it may
take a month or two, so it's anywhere from three
to probably six weeks. Because there's a background checks, there's trainings,
there's interviews, so it's a it's a pretty in depth process,
but we want to make sure that these these these
adults are appropriate for the children. So any anywhere from
(28:33):
three to six weeks.
Speaker 4 (28:36):
We're talking with Christy Cold with Kassa for Kids here
in Monteguillia County. You can reach out to Christy at
three four ten eighty seven. It's three oh four five
nine one zero eight seven. Got any other events coming
up to close the year out, Chrissy.
Speaker 2 (28:55):
Not this year, but we do have our fourth annual
gala coming up in March twenty twenty six, and we're
really looking forward to that.
Speaker 4 (29:03):
Okay, perfect, Chrissy cod with Cossa for Kids here in
Montaguelia County. Chrissy, that event gets started at eleven thirty
this morning.
Speaker 3 (29:11):
How many kids will you help today? Any idea?
Speaker 2 (29:15):
So we're the Northwestern Mutual is taking care of twenty
five of our older youth.
Speaker 3 (29:20):
That's great, that's great.
Speaker 4 (29:22):
Hey, thank you very much for your time, Chrissy, and
please keep up the good work.
Speaker 2 (29:27):
Thank you have a great day.
Speaker 3 (29:29):
Absolutely, thank you very much. Once again.
Speaker 4 (29:31):
That is Kossifer Kids and Northwestern Mutual of Morgantown. They're
getting together with Pull this event together this morning at
eleven thirty embroidered backpacks backpacks for the younger youths in
our community. When we come back, we'll wrap things up,
hand things off the Metro News talk line on the
(29:54):
Voice of Morgantown one oh four point five FM and
AM fourteen forty WAJR.
Speaker 1 (30:00):
Her
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