TRAILS DISCUSSED — The Brooke County Commission provided an update on the Brooke County Pioneer Trail, which has undergone slip repairs. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Commission had good news Tuesday for those who enjoy riding or walking on the Brooke County Pioneer Trail, which extends from the south end of Wellsburg to the Wheeling Heritage Trail at the north end of Ohio County.

Commission President A.J. Thomas said crews have completed slip repairs in a handful of areas along the trail, making it available for those who want to enjoy some exercise in the cooler, fall temperatures.

Thomas said crews have some fencing and signs to install, but the work isn’t expected to affect the trail’s use.

Bob Fowler, former director of the Brooke County Emergency Management Agency, secured the $2.3 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to repair the slips, which occurred beneath the trail.

One resulted in an area of the paved trail being separated.

County Commissioner Stacey Wise said crews with Flatiron Construction repaired a slide that occurred along the hillside between state Route 2 and the trail.

The trail had been closed for more than two years so the company could use it while building the new Ohio River bridge.

Extending from Third Street in Brilliant to state Route 2 about a mile south of Wellsburg, the span includes a bicycle path that links to the trail.

Virgil Birkhimer, a Colliers resident, asked the commissioners when the remainder of the Panhandle Trail will be paved.

The trail extends from Weirton through Colliers to Washington County, Pa.

Thomas noted the Brooke County Commission contributed toward part of its paving in 2022, but the status of the remainder is a question for Weirton city officials.

Crews under the guidance of the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation have paved the trail beginning at the Pennsylvania state line, leaving less than a mile and a half Weirton officials hope to complete before winter.

The project was supported by a $90,000 grant from the West Virginia Department of Transportation and $45,000 in local contributions raised by the city’s park board.

The latter included funds from the Brooke and Hancock county commissions and the Mary Jane Brooks Foundation.

With a trail head just off U.S. Route 22 and Harmon Creek Road, the Panhandle Trail links to the Montour Trail in Pennsylvania.

In other business:

• Birkhimer complained of a house with a collapsing roof in his area and asked if the commission had hired a new compliance officer.

Thomas said the commission continues to seek someone to fill the position, which involves investigating complaints of dilapidated structures, high grass, junk cars and other trash in yards and other public nuisances.

The commissioners said they may hire one or two individuals to perform the task on a part-time basis not to exceed 20 hours per week.

They said acontractor’s license would be helpful for the job but isn’t required.

• The commissioners agreed to accept letters of interest in a seat on the volunteer

Public Service District board, including its present holder, for two weeks.

County Commissioner Tom Diserio advised three members of the county’s park and recreation board have indicated when their terms expire in December, they won’t seek re-appointment.

The commissioners agreed to accept letters of interest in those volunteer positions.

The letters may be submitted to the office of County Clerk Kimberly Barbetta at the Brooke County Courthouse.

• Sara DeLong, the county’s chief election clerk, reminded everyone the deadline to register for the Nov. 5 general election is Oct. 15.

Registration may done in person at the county election office at the Brooke County Courthouse or online at https://ovr.sos.wv.gov/Register/Landing.

Individuals should have their driver’s license or other state ID and the last four digits of their Social Security number.

Barbetta added early voting will be available to all eligible voters from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at the courthouse from Oct. 23 through Nov. 2.

Those with questions may call (304) 737-3661.

In related business, the commission moved a fiduciary meeting slated for Nov. 5 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 7.