FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA (FFA)
On October 31, 2007 Nicholas County’s Vocational Agriculture staff and students assisted Nicholas County with the planting of two Sugar Maple Trees on the front of the courthouse lawn.
Dissolved in Nicholas County in the 1970’s the FFA is making a welcomed comeback. This is the first year for the agricultural program. The FFA organization remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success.
Our many thanks to Advisor Annie Hall and students Dillon Boley, Joey Hamon, Jake Temples and Katie Shaffer who were able to join us on that day to assist. In addition we extend our appreciation to the City of Summersville for its donation of manpower and equipment.
The two trees replaced two that were removed upon the recommendation of the City of Summersville’s Community Forestry Council and our local Division of Forestry due to the critical condition of the trees posing a danger and hazard to the community. The new trees were purchased through a local nursery, Donaldson’s Greenhouse and Landscaping. The Nicholas County Commission has contracted with a certified arborist whose company will provide continued maintenance on treatment measures for the sugar maples on the courthouse lawn.
HONORABLE MENTION The Nicholas County Commission contributes the award to work ethics of its staff, elected officials and their staff. 
Each year at the WV State Auditor’s Annual In-Service Training for County Commissioners and Assistants, the State Auditor presents the Thelma J. Stone Memorial Achievement Award to a county commission which exemplifies outstanding performance and extraordinary achievement over the past year as well as a county which has leadership qualities and has demonstrated a willingness to work as a team in achieving their goals. Nicholas County and Tyler County tied in 1981 when this Award was first given out. This year on August 6 at their annual meeting in Parkersburg, Berkley County Commission was the recipient of the Award. The Nicholas County Commission was pleasantly surprised in receiving a special Honorable Mention thanks to Greenbrier County Commissioner Betty Crookshanks. Commissioner Crookshanks grew up in Nicholas County and works closely with Region 4 Planning and Development Council.
SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HIRES FIRST FEMALE OFFICER AND ADDS COURT BAILIFF The county welcomes aboard Vicki Raines and Curtis Persinger to our law enforcement staff. The two officers were sworn in on Monday, July 2nd. If you look behind the Courthouse on Whortleberry Avenue, you will notice an additional lot for parking. While it remains a work in progress, the lot is currently available to individuals conducting business at the Courthouse and its facilities. RELAY FOR LIFE MONTH - JUNE 2007 On June 6, 2007 the elected officials and courthouse employees presented a Proclamation before the Nicholas County Commission proclaiming the month of June as "RELAY FOR LIFE MONTH'. The Relay for Life of Nicholas County will begin June 15, 2007 at the Summersville Arena/Armory - Please Join Us! Registration 5:30 p.m., Opening Ceremonies 6:30 p.m., Survivor Lap, Survivor Reception, Entertainment, Games & Activities (all night), Winning Luminaria Essay Reading, Luminaria Ceremony Dusk, Relay Bucks Action 4:00 a.m., Closing Ceremonies 7:00 a.m. Front Row: Susie Hackworth, County Clerk Wanda Hendrickson, Theresa Cartwright, Debbie Facemire Back Row: Commissioner Jinks Hinkle, Prosecutor Mark Hudnall, Circuit Clerk Gary Jarrell, Assessor Ernie Dennison, Commissioner Tom Blankenship and Commissioner Birl O'Dell ROB HODOVAN RETIRES FROM THE NICHOLAS COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT The Nicholas County Sheriffs Department and courthouse staff say goodbye to Rob Hodovan after 18 years of dedicated service on May 17, 2007. Apart from his departmental celebration, we add our personal congratulations on his retirement - and, of course our heartfelt thanks for his loyal service. Best of Luck & Enjoy Yourself! CLAY - NICHOLAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORRIDOR PLAN Director of the Central Appalachian Empowerment Zone Connie Lupardus, Matt Cornett, Vice President of Widen Property Management Company and Chris Butler, Vice President of Planning and Property representing AMVEST West Virginia Coal, LLC., appeared before the Commission on May 16, 2007. This group appeared to gain the support and consideration of the Nicholas County Commission for the proposed Clay-Nicholas Economic Development Corridor Plan. Mr. Butler explained that the preliminary document is intended to be presented to the Division of Highways in order to get consideration in its planning process which could be within their six-year plan for the development of roads or their 25-year plan. The whole intent of the project is to develop a better road between Clay County and US Rt. 19 and to include along the road a minimum of 1500 acres of land which can be developed to lure industries here after the coal reserves are exhausted within the next forty years. The project itself will entail approximately 23.5 miles of which will be done in phases. The infrastructure will be brought along as the road is being built. Following the groups presentation the Commission wholeheartedly endorsed the proposed project. It was the consensus of the Commission that in the long term the project can only be a win-win situation for not only Clay County but that of Nicholas and surrounding counties. This project has been endorsed by the Amvest West Virginia Coal, LLC, Central Appalachin Empowerment Zone, Clay County Commission and Nicholas County Commission. Arbor Day - April 27, 2007 Forester Steve Stasny and Commissioner Birl O'Dell Forester Stasny presented for planting to the county a Kousa Dogwood that was donated by the West Virginia State University. Mr. Stasny noted that the first Arbor Day took place on April 10, 1872 in Nebraska. Julius Sterling Morton, a journalist and politician, throughout his long and productive career, worked to improve agricultural techniques in his adopted State and throughout the United States. But his most important legacy is Arbor Day. Today all 50 States celebrate Arbor Day although the dates may vary in keeping with the local climate. The County would like to extend a special thank you to the City of Summersville and its employees for the work around the Veterans Memorial and preparing the site for our new tree! Front Row: Forester Steve Stasny, County Clerk Chief Audra Deitz, County Clerk Wanda Hendrickson, Commissioner Birl O'Dell and Commissioner "Jinks" Hinkle Back Row: Commission Administrative Assistant Patty Neff, Circuit Clerk Gary Jarrell, Maintenance Supervisor Ken Myers, WVU Extension Agriculture Agent Brian Sparks and Assessor Ernie Dennison
NICHOLAS COUNTY VISITOR'S CENTER
The Nicholas County Visitor Center is expected to be open sometime in September or October. The visitor center is conveniently located off of Rt. 19 in the Veterans Memorial Park. There are plenty of parking and restroom facilities, making it a perfect stop for north-south travelers. Information about things to do and see in and around Nicholas County will be available. The Visitor's Center will house the Park Office, Golf Association in part and Summersville Chamber of Commerce.
COMMISSION EXPANDS PARKING
O'Dell Elected to Record Third Term on the Nicholas County Commission
Commissioner Birl O'Dell takes the oath of office from County Clerk Wanda Hendrickson. Patty Neff (center) is holding the Bible.
Birl O'Dell took the oath of office on January 3, 2007 for a record third consecutive six-year term as Nicholas County Commissioner. O'Dell is the first person to be elected to this office three terms in a row. He was first elected in 1994.
O'Dell represents Nicholas County on the CAEZ (Central Appalachian Empowerment Zone) Board of Directors as well as various other boards and committees.
When he's not busy fulfilling his duties as Commissioner, O'Dell enjoys singing in a southern gospel quartet.
Nicholas County Commission Announces New Prescription Discount Card Available
The Nicholas County Commission recently adopted a new prescription discount card program for all county residents. The plan is absolutely free! Here's how it works: Simply present your card at a participating retail pharmacy and save an average of 20% on your prescription medicine. Finding a pharmacy is easy; nine out of ten pharmacies nationwide accept the discount card. There is no enrollment form to fill out, no membership fee to pay and only one card to carry that will cover your entire family. You and your family may use your prescription discount card any time your prescription is not covered by insurance. There are no restrictions and no limits on how many times you may use your card. The cards are available at the office of the Nicholas County Commission on the first floor of the Courthouse. For more information click here.
