KINGWOOD — Members of the Preston County Commission were provided information about the Rank One Computing (ROC) Smart Community Initiative during their Tuesday meeting.
Jessica Sell, vice president of Congressional Affairs and Community Outreach, said the program allows individuals to know who is in their schools, businesses or government buildings by enhancing proactive security capabilities. Some of the other counties using this technology are Marion, Taylor, Putnam and Dodridge.
According to the ROC website, ROC Watch can be used to identify visitors through a mobile enrollment process. It can also prohibit individuals, such as discharged employees or expelled students, from entering the building, or send alerts to a designated authority. It does this by “using facial, object, and text recognition software to identify persons, vehicles and objects across multi-camera systems; automate alerts; and drive informed decision making.”
Commissioner Hunter Thomas said the software would be beneficial to the county.
“You will be hearing from us, or at least me,” he said.
No further action was taken.
Kristy Ash, director of the Preston County Chamber of Commerce, asked commissioners for $1,500 to go toward funding the 2025 Day at the Legislature.
“This year, it cost $4,500. We were able to get by due to donations. It was my understanding the commission and the Economic Development Association originally initiated this,” she said.
Ash said this year 50 Prestonians traveled to Charleston for the event and the delegation was recognized. The delegation met with legislators, sharing concerns with them.
No further action was taken.
Wade’s World of Wonder, an all-accessible and inclusive playground, is making progress, according to Commissioner Samantha Stone. The playground is being built to honor Wade, the son of Jason and Laura Mazza. Wade was born with a rare brain disorder that left him unable to walk, talk or do other daily activities. He died in 2011 at age 4.
Stone said the playground was originally scheduled to be built next to Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital, but has found another secondary location on Sisler Street. Once built, the playground will fall under Kingwood Parks and Recreation.
“We have been getting several thousand dollars a year through fundraising,” she said. “It’s a wonderful cause that money can be put into.”
Commission President Don Smith signed two letters of support for the project.
Donations can be made to Wade’s World of Wonder at wadesswowplayground@gmail for PayPal, or by mailing a check to Wades WOW Playground, 396 Glory Drive, Kingwood, WV 26537. This is a 501C3 organization, so donations are tax deductible.
The next meeting of the Preston County Commission will be 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
