The Huntsville Parks Commission last week recommend the appointment of Janice Smith to fill a vacancy left on the panel by her husband Don Smith, who passed away on July 22.

The Huntsville City Council adopted a budget for 2024, swore in a new council member to fill a vacant ward position, and voted to redistrict city wards without having to call a special election, during a busy regular meeting on Monday night. All council members with the exception of Kevin Meythaler attended.

The Madison County Quorum Court’s budget committee will recommend two new positions, that of comptroller and human resources, as part of its budget package to the full quorum court.

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., who represents the 4th Congressional District, visited Jasper on Dec. 4 to listen to constituents’ opinions regarding re-designating land around the Buffalo National River and to alleviate concerns about the effects of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE Act) on the area.  

As the result of an agreement with the Madison County Quorum Court to purchase a new roll-off truck, fees have been increased at the Recycling Transfer Station in Huntsville and a station in Kingston closed in order to make the Solid Waste Department profitable. Even though County Judge Larry Garrett said he would like to find a way to re-open the Kingston station, he expects the station to close permanently on Saturday.

The Madison County Quorum Court’s budget committee discussed giving potential raises to county employees at its meeting last week. County Judge Larry Garrett said the county is about $2 million under budget and recommended giving raises with at least some of the extra money.

FAYETTEVILLE, WEST VIRGINIA — After New River Gorge National River became America’s newest national park and preserve in a Covid-relief bill passed at the end of 2020, some area businesses saw an economic boom.

Party filing for all Democratic and Republican offices (including nonpartisan filings) ended at noon on Tuesday.

Though the fund is not required by law to be repaid, a majority of Madison County justices of the peace voted on Nov. 6 to require the Solid Waste and Recycling Department to replenish Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATC) in the amount of $123,355 in order to secure the purchase of a new roll-off truck for the department.

Party filing for all Democratic and Republican offices (including nonpartisan filing) begins at noon on Nov. 6 and ends at noon on Nov. 14. The nonpartisan filing period will end at 3 p.m. on those dates.

The issue of a new roll-off truck for the Madison County Solid Waste & Recycling Department remains unresolved and could come before the quorum court again at its November meeting, County Judge Larry Garrett said.

Madison County is on track for the new sheriff’s office and detention center, with a round of rebidding set for Nov. 15, Jason Roberts, project manager for Smith-Doyle Contractors, Inc., said.

The Huntsville Water Utilities Commission entered into a contract on Oct. 19 with Denali Water Solutions LLC to accept any Class B sludge produced by the city’s new wastewater treatment plant.

The Huntsville City Council worked through a lengthy agenda in its regular meeting Monday night, hearing the first reading of an ordinance fixing higher water and sewer rates beginning in 2024 and hearing from Madison County’s Department of Emergency Management coordinator on a once-in-a-lifetime total eclipse that will occur in April 2024.

The Huntsville Water Commission held a public hearing Monday night to answer any questions regarding higher water and sewer rates that will be phased in January and continuing through 2026. No citizens attended the hearing, nor did members of the Huntsville City Council. 

A coalition floating the idea of making federal lands near the Buffalo National River a national park preserve says the designation would make the area the “most active-use National Park in the country for outdoor recreation.”

Kristin Jones, owner of the Eagles Nest, appeared before the Huntsville Planning Commission Monday night during a regularly scheduled meeting, which lasted eight minutes.

After an outcry by legislators and county fair volunteers upset with funding cuts, the state allotted additional funds last week, providing county fairs throughout the state with funds equivalent to last year. 

The City of Huntsville is “executing a demeanor of patience” toward the company responsible for the delay of delivery of a new fire engine purchased in 2021, said Mayor Travis Dotson.

Madison County Judge Larry Garrett informed the quorum court Monday night that bonds for the jail project will be sold on Oct. 31 and he will be ready to sign contracts on Nov. 1.