Rest stops to stay open and feed truckers

HAZELTON — Truckers can get pick-up-and-go meals at the I-68 Welcome Center, thanks to some Prestonians who want to help the people who are transporting the nation’s goods.

“A lot of places are closed and truckers are having problems getting a meal,” John Hyre, CEO of the Preston County Workshop, said.

Last week Preston County Delegate Terri Funk Sypolt was among delegates who asked Gov. Jim Justice to keep West Virginia’s rest stops open for truckers essential to delivering food, medicine and other necessary supplies.

Sypolt said both her son and her granddaughter’s husband are truck drivers. She heard first-hand how difficult it is to obtain water and food due to restaurant closures and empty store shelves.

“It is a little difficult for a semi to go through a drive-through,” she said. “When I heard Pennsylvania had closed the rest stops, I called and sent messages to the governor, requesting he please keep West Virginia’s rest areas open. And so did other delegates.”

Hyre said the Workshop is responsible for keeping the I-68 Welcome Center clean and sanitized. He said there is a crew on hand 24/7 that sanitizes door handles and all other exposed surfaces after each visitor leaves.

Sypolt said after clearing it with Division of Highway officials, the Commerce Department, and getting advice and instructions from the local health department, she and her husband, State Sen. Dave Sypolt, served truckers at the welcome center pepperoni rolls, pudding, Jello, fruit cups, chips and bottled water in a grab-and-go bag.

Hyre said the need continues. He said on Tuesday bag lunches were placed on a table with a sign inviting each driver to take one.

“Normally something like this isn’t allowed at the welcome center,” he said. “And it’s going to be for truckers only. They are the ones that deliver our groceries, medicine and supplies. We have to keep them on the road.”

Terri Sypolt agreed.

“The truckers are out there working long, hard hours to keep this county moving. It’s just a small way to say thank you to those who are helping so many,” she said.

Both Hyre and Sypolt said all health safety guidelines are being strictly followed.

“We look out for the safety of both our visitors and employees,” Hyre said. “Even beyond what is recommended.”

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