KINGWOOD — The voice of the people rang loud and clear in Preston County during 2018, whether it was at the polls, the picket line or demanding better roads.
Here, in no particular order, are five of the top stories from Preston County in 2018:
Levy failure and proposed school closings
When Preston voters narrowly defeated another school levy in May, school officials warned economies would have to be taken in the school system. In a few months, the list of proposed cutbacks and changes was put forth by Superintendent Steve Wotring.
As many predicted, the list included the possible closing of Fellowsville Elementary and Rowlesburg School. At a series of public meetings, residents of southern Preston County promised to support the levy this time, if it was put up for another vote.
The board of education heard and, despite the personal misgivings of some members, set a Feb. 2 election day for the new levy.
If it passes, that levy will raise $4.5 million annually for five years. The State Board of Education waived a Dec. 31 deadline for Preston to say whether it will close either of the two schools, so the levy vote can be held.
Election of new officials
Preston voters filled some prominent county positions during the 2018 elections.
Two of those were positions that seldom turn over. The retirement of Circuit Judge Lawrance Miller Jr. and the decision of County Commissioner Craig Jennings not to seek re-election led to a flurry of candidate filings.
Four candidates ran for the nonpartisan judge’s seat. The winner was Kingwood attorney Steve Shaffer. Six Republicans and one Democrat sought to replace Jennings. The winner was Republican Samantha Stone, a first-time candidate.
In the board of education race, voters re-elected Jack Keim and Robert “Mac” McCrum and chose retired educator Jeff Zigray to fill the spot left by Crissy Estep, who did not seek re-election after one term.
North Central Caucus on Roads created
The North Central Caucus on Roads grew from county residents’ demands that something be done about deteriorating roads. Preston County commissioners went so far as to declare a state of emergency in the county because of road conditions. That state has never been lifted.
The caucus was created by Preston commissioners and spearheaded by Jennings. County commissioners and legislators from all the counties in the Division of Highways’ District 4, which includes Preston, were invited to join.
Monthly meetings were held, and the group plans to present a list of recommendations to the legislature in January with hopes District 4 legislators will unite to promote that agenda.
Meanwhile, Jennings worries the retirement of District 4 Engineer Don Williams led the DOH to adopt its former habit of ignoring requests from counties.
Teacher strike
The nine-day statewide teacher strike was felt in Preston County, as it was throughout West Virginia. Teachers found widespread support from residents, who honked in support of teachers on the picket line, brought them food and offered support on social media.
Wotring and the Preston County Board of Education also supported the effort for improved benefits and pay. In a resolution passed in February, the board asked the state Legislature to improve teacher pay, so West Virginia no longer ranks 48th among the 50 states.
The strike led to renewed political awareness and energy in the county. Many first-time candidates were seen on the ballot, and teachers became more politically active.
Preston bicentennial
Happy 200th birthday, Preston County! The actual birthday for the Free State of Preston was Jan. 19.
But in recognition of the county’s unpredictable winters, the official celebration was held in June.
It included a parade, restoration and ringing of a historic bell from a former courthouse and an original play about the 1869 burning of the courthouse by Elihu Gregg. Downtown Kingwood was packed with vendors, and a fireworks display was put on.
Preston High student Abbie Belanger’s design was picked by the county commission from 135 submissions as the official bicentennial flag and was used all year at events throughout Preston County.
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KPlum@DominionPost.com
