WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS W.Va. (WVDN) – The White Sulphur Springs City Council held its monthly meeting at City Hall. There are lots of irons in the fire with the “city that won’t quit.” Some of the topics discussed were various funding requests for local organizations, infrastructure improvements, including $2,300 for the Greenbrier Valley Conservation District’s flood control operation; issues in White Sulphur City, such as dilapidated properties, use of ARPA money for property repairs, leash laws, and maintenance and cleanup efforts. A representative from The Family Refuge Center brought news regarding raising awareness about sexual violence, and the icing on the cake was the announcement of the appropriation of funds for $2,688,000 for the construction of a bike park.
Regarding the dilapidated building project, federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds were awarded to the city for $234,000 to help clean up unsightly structures and properties. Individuals in the City can also apply to share in the funding to help with unwanted, unsafe or unsightly structures on their properties. Contact City Hall at 304-536-1454 for questions and more information.
More good news from Mayor Kathy Glover was the mention of two bus shelters that were generously donated to the city by MTA (Mountain Transit Authority). Further information will be provided when locations can be decided upon and the task of laying concrete foundations is solved for them. This will aid people waiting for the bus in inclement weather. MTA goes out of its way to accommodate riders regularly so the shelters seem to be an added benefit.
Nicole Ramsey, Director of Community Education at the Family Refuge Center, was present to highlight the impact of sexual violence on all communities, particularly marginalized groups, and advocates for awareness and prevention. Statistical briefings from the West Virginia Health Statistics Center and BRFSS report that “One in six adult women and one in 21 adult men will be the victim of an attempted or completed forcible rape in their lifetimes in the state of West Virginia. One in six women and one in 33 men in the United States have been victims of a completed or attempted rape with individuals that are 12 to 24 years old, are at the highest risk.”
BRFSS (The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System) is the nation’s premier system of health-related telephone surveys that collect state data about U.S. residents regarding their health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services. It was therefore resolved that the city of White Sulphur Springs designate the month of April as sexual assault awareness month (SSAM) and applaud the efforts of service providers for victims of sexual assault, police, prosecutors, community organizations, campuses and private sector supporters that promote awareness of sexual assault. Pamphlets with information about sexual or discriminatory abuse and where to find help will be available in the lobby of city hall. If you or someone you know is suffering from any kind of abuse, please call 911. For non-emergency inquiries, reach out to The Family Refuge Center at 213 Coleman Drive, Suite #4, Lewisburg, WV (behind Ruby Tuesday located between Greenbrier Valley Fitness and One Main Financial) or call 304-645-6334. Office hours are M-F 8-6 p.m. The center has a 24-hour hotline; 844-340-9101 or you may call the national domestic violence hotline at 800-799-7233. All calls are extremely confidential and the shelter is open 24/7.
Among new business that was discussed, a funding request by MTA to increase funding from $1,833 to $2,300 in 2025 was approved. Youth Recreation funding requests were also approved, whereas The Spa City Soccer League and WSS Pee Wee Basketball teams were awarded a $1,000 commitment each. The stipulation presented was that coaches and those in charge make receipts available for dates of purchase, etc. This commitment will be a great help to children who cannot afford the equipment, uniforms, or application fees and more. Water and sewer funds show positive year-to-date revenue despite repairs and equipment issues. Council members also discussed water infrastructure projects in the area. A motion to establish a separate checking account for The Ridges project funds is approved.
Council member Thomas Taylor reminds citizens that there is a leash law for animals and the city council relies on citizens to follow rules and ordinances through cooperation and understanding the importance of safety and community well-being. Taylor reminded residents about keeping properties maintained and dogs leashed or contained to avoid issues, and asked that everyone abide by these rules. The police chief would likely enforce any rules or ordinances if needed to address significant problems. There are also issues with feces not being picked up when dogs are walked. There is a waste receptacle located in the greenspace next to the former Hammer’s Cycles building, that also provides bags to dispose of the waste properly. Citizens need to be responsible pet owners in that leashing their pets and picking up waste keeps everyone, including the pets, safe.
Saving their best news for last; Senator Joe Manchin sent a letter to the city that read:
“I’m pleased to report that Congress recently passed and the President signed into law an appropriations package that included your fiscal year 2024. [The] congressionally directed spending project is a result of your hard work in the City of White Sulphur Springs and will receive $2,688,000 for construction of a bike park. This was a highly competitive process with over 660 submissions and only 231 approved awards. Your project proved to be one of the best in the state. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I was honored to endorse your project and [it was] secured on your behalf. I deeply value the work of your organization and remain committed to ensuring that you receive your funds in a timely manner so that you are able to execute your project consistent with the relevant federal requirements and administrative guidelines. Thank you again for your contribution towards strengthening our communities around the great State of West Virginia. It’s truly been my honor to serve as your senator. I look forward to continuing to work together to keep our state in the forefront of excellence. Sincerely, Senator Joe Manchin.”
Not only will it be available as a bike park/path, but a walking, skating, and skateboarding park/path. It will connect downtown White Sulphur to Hope Village on Big Draft Road. The West Virginia Daily News will follow up with details when they become available.
Finally, Council persons have been in training to be in action for the community with their new website, complete with a city calendar, city news, events, information and more. You may visit WSS Council on Facebook to watch the live council meetings and for more information regarding the progress of the website or contact City Hall at 304-536-1454.
