Randolph County approves mural and multiple grant resolutions, including court-security and JAG applications

Peggy Ross appeared before the County Commission to present several grant resolutions. For the WV Department of Tourism, State Arts Office grant she said the project is part of the state's 250th birthday celebration and that the mural by local artist Heather Johnson "would cover the full cost and it would be finished by May 1." The Commission approved the tourism grant resolution unanimously.

Ross also presented a WV Department of Arts, Culture & History State Development Grant application (grant awards typically up to $50,000) with possible uses discussed such as replacing courthouse lighting and continuing restoration work on the old jail. The Commission approved that resolution unanimously. Ross presented a Court Security Fund grant resolution and an accompanying manpower resolution describing staffing commitments necessary to operate any approved equipment; commissioners noted past purchases under similar grants included scanning tunnels, panic buttons and prisoner holding cells. Finally, Ross presented and the commission approved a resolution to apply for an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to purchase rifle mounts and ammunition for the Sheriff's Office. All grant- and funding-related resolutions were approved at the April 2 meeting.