INTERNET ACCESS DISCUSSED — Mike Paprocki, director of the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission, seated at left, and Bob Loveridge, general manager of Blue Devil Cable, seated behind him; discussed efforts to extend high speed Internet access to unserved areas with the Brooke County Commission on Tuesday. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — The leaders of a regional planning commission and an Internet service provider each hope to work with the Brooke County Commission to connect more residents, businesses and organizations to cyberspace.

On Tuesday, the commissioners heard from Mike Paprocki, executive director of the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission; and Bob Loveridge, general manager of the Blue Devil Cable, which also provides Internet service to area residents.

Loveridge noted in recent months, Blue Devil has increased the Internet speed for its existing customers and hopes to secure federal funds for broadband expansion too costly for the company to pursue on its own.

Paprocki said he and Loveridge have met to discuss how Jefferson County Cable, Blue Devil’s Toronto-based sister company, may extend broadband to additional customers in Ohio.

Paprocki said because other Internet providers also will be interested in partnering with the commission, the panel should consider developing an application process.

Commission President A.J. Thomas said the state has received about $160 million in federal funds for the expansion of broadband but its use and the use of other funds awarded to the state and counties hasn’t been made clear.

He said the commission will want to know how the state broadband council plans to proceed with the money before making definite plans.

Thomas noted the county has received about $2 million of about $4.2 million it’s slated to receive for projects involving various infrastructure.

Paprocki said counties will have four years to obligate the money and six to spend it and other federal funds for infrastructure is anticipated.

Thomas said during the pandemic, many residents told him and the other commissioners they wanted to work from home but were unable to because they lacked adequate Internet service.

He added it’s also something sought by those considering developing businesses in the county.

“We’re dedicated to expanding broadband in this area through our memberships in BHJ and the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle,” Thomas said.

Just a few months before the pandemic hit the Ohio Valley in 2020, Brooke and Hancock County officials assisted BHJ with a study that showed a strong desire for high-speed Internet among business leaders, emergency officials and others.

Paprocki noted fiberoptic transmission lines have been recommended over wireless transmission, which involves radio signals.

“Wireless has its issues, especially when you have terrain like ours,” he said, noting hills and mountains that can block transmissions.

A fiberoptic line is a strand of glass finer than a human hair and able to convey vast quantities of data.

Loveridge said Blue Devil’s plan is to use fiberoptic lines.

In other business:

�–� The commission approved the re-appointment of Alfred DeAngelis to the commission’s building commission and appointment of Marlene Sebeck to the library board.

�–� County Commissioner Tim Ennis lamented the death of Richard McCreary, long-time owner of Brooke Furniture who also was active in the Wellsburg Lions, Elks and other civic groups and served in the Air Force.

McCreary, who was 85, died on Monday.