Sewer funding discussed at Charles Town Council meeting

The Charles Town city council last night took up the issue of what to do with a 30 Million dollar project that the City council had been working on for the past few months. In March a decision was handed down by the circuit court in Martinsburg that stopped public services from collecting fees known as “Capacity Fees“. City council members are mulling over what options they have left. Earlier in the year the Charles Town City Council voted to put up nearly $ 2 million toward a waste water project called Tuscawilla.
According to city records, the project would have a final cost of $30. Million. The first part of the work to be done would have cost $17 million dollars. The project is in limbo until the court case is resolved.
That could be a while, and thus alternate funding is being considered for the $2 million that is now in question. John Stump an attorney who represents the council said “The Supreme Court hearing could take a year easily. You just don't know how long it's going to take these things to turn around."
Stump went on to say that the city could look at several options to pay for the project. Among then would to get $ 2 million from the Federal Stimulus package. Another way to raise the funds would be through the West Virginia Department of Environmental Agency. No decisions were reached.

Changes Coming to Charles Town Races and slots.

Two events happened this past week at the Charles Town Races and Slots. Starting this past Friday 4/16/10 the casino will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The former schedule had the casino open from 7 a.m. to 4 a.m. Monday through Friday and was open 24 hour both Saturday and Sunday.
The Creamery will also be available around the clock for those wishing a meal. Hotel shuttle service from the Inn at Charles Town will run 24 hours. Valet parking will also be available on a 24 hour bases. According to published reports The General manager said that the Table games should start this summer.
The second thing to happen at the casino was an announcement that there would be a change of names.
The Charles Town Racing and Slots will be renamed the Hollywood Casino at Charles town Races. Many more changes are expected then the property will change names the General Manager stated.

ROCKEFELLER REPORT ON MSHA MINE SAFETY BRIEFING

Washington, D.C.—Senator Jay Rockefeller issued the following statement following the briefing by MSHA officials today in the U.S. Capitol:“What we heard here today is that MSHA is working to move forward with a thorough investigation into the Upper Big Branch mine disaster. The agency has pledged to conduct an internal review, to tighten its own procedures and relieve the backlog of cases, and review ways the current law may need to be changed. I have also expressed to MSHA that we must take a second look at any mine with a troubling safety record, send inspectors and enforcement officials, and streamline rules for pattern violations.“While we still do not know the exact cause of the explosion, we do know that something went horribly wrong, and we must find and close any and all loopholes. This is a shared responsibility for the companies and the government alike to keep our mines safe. We also know from this briefing that the response from our rescue teams at Big Branch Mine was outstanding. These courageous men and women risked their lives for the safety of our miners and MSHA noted that their response was enhanced as a result of the MINER Act requirements and the increased federal funding allocated to support their work.“At my urging, MSHA has pledged to keep the West Virginia delegation and the people of West Virginia informed of their findings. This was the first of many briefings to come. We are still early in the process, but I am very much aware that people want information and the speed with which the details and proposed solutions are disseminated can often be frustrating. I do share that emotion. Investigations and efforts to craft the most effective solutions to make sure tragedies like this don’t happen can take some time. I want the people of West Virginia to know I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure that no stone is left unturned in our quest to keep the government accountable to the people.“West Virginia’s miners are some of the strongest, bravest men and women I know. I have seen firsthand just how much they care about safety and security down in the mines, and we have a responsibility to make good on that commitment. We must honor the memories of the fallen and their loving families by learning from this terrible accident and making the improvements we need for the future, immediately.”

The Glass Menagerie

by Tennessee Williams

May 7 - 16, 2010 Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00; Sundays at 2:30

The award winning, powerful story of the Wingfield family - mother Amanda stuck in the past and longing for her shy daughter to find love and romance; Laura, the daughter, escaping from reality into the world of her glass animals; and son Tom, struggling to reconcile his duty to the family with his dream of being a writer. Poignant and moving, Williams's play embodies the profound tension between individuality and family that marked all of his work. The Glass Menagerie is directed by Joseph Jurand. Cast members include Devin Whitacre as Tom; Juanita Salazar as Amanda; Faith Whitacre as Laura; and Justin Dunlevy as Jim O’Conner.
Tickets are $17 for adults; $8 for children and students with an ID. For more information or to purchase tickets call us a 304-268-7798 or visit us in the web at http://www.fullcircletheaterco.org/
On Thursday, May 6 there will be a “pay what you can” preview at 8pm. Reservations not accepted for the preview.

SENIOR NEWS AND NOTES

Culinary Cook-Offs Highlight Nutrition
For Older Adults

(NAPSI)-Chefs who specialize in creating heart-healthy meals for seniors are engaging in some healthy competition.
A series of Ultimate Chef America competitions is taking place among the professional chefs of Brookdale Senior Living, one of the largest owners and operators of senior living communities. The national competitions, which will highlight healthy cooking and wellness for older adults, offer chefs a chance to win the "Ultimate Chef America" title.
During the event, chefs have two hours to produce four courses of heart-healthy recipes using only a grill.
"The creativity and talent of our Dining Services associates is showcased during these unique competitions," said Joska J. W. Hajdu, senior vice president of dining services for Brookdale Senior Living and also an executive chef by trade. "Our chefs are masters at creating traditional, heart-healthy meals, and these competitions will stretch their creative talents."
Attendees can participate in various educational programs, including a seminar featuring Brookdale's medical director, Dr. Kevin O'Neil, on the topic of "Food for the Soul," a wine program and a class about using fresh herbs and seasonings. The events also feature a gourmet food tasting where participants receive a sampling of savory recipes.
Food-inspired art created by residents of Brookdale communities across the nation will be auctioned off at the events. Proceeds will go to the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, an organization that elevates the national consciousness of caregiving and fosters a culture of healthy caregivers.
Information can be found at http://www.ultimatechefamerica.com/ and www.facebook.com/ultimatechefbrookdale.

Hospice car wash planned Thursday

Need your car washed? The Hospice of the Panhandle will be holding a car Wash on Thursday April 22 at the Charles Town Auto Wash. Get you car washed at help the Hospice of the Panhandle at the same time. Mention Hospice of the Panhandle at Charles Town Auto Wash, and the business will donate 20 percent of all proceeds from all services provided that day. The car wash is located just off W.Va. 9 in Charles Town at 199 Pimlico Drive. For more information call (304) 267-1870, ext 207