[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6329629,"mediaKeyId","2315873-afa68ed1c3e57a84ca20fd4176a023c0","parentId",2315873,"title","Solid Waste Authority reports rising recycling tonnage, seeks long‑term outlet for organics recovery","audioSeconds",696,"startMs",22380000,"endMs",23076000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2315873-afa68ed1c3e57a84ca20fd4176a023c0&start=22380&end=23076","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2315873-afa68ed1c3e57a84ca20fd4176a023c0/thumbnail_22380000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6329629/Berkeley-County/West-Virginia/Solid-Waste-Authority-reports-rising-recycling-tonnage-seeks-longterm-outlet-for-organics-recovery","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329629-336e03ac7b31e6a4bcb0a80acf089276/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116490&Signature=Mxc4UQRu8gkoT~JNpluSkDixTyqzClFjENJinXV63GHtkbpwWk7zYOKZ~xTpAtPIEmop4UpTFM-NY~-BCOCBqEwBO~3art0D4s0KXm8pnjK8l-U4xxj1XfNX-euExEuPmis8pmWv~yNGhoDa7-QjHuUHaFX02lmhQQcnvR0yFXupggWWUyV0JPAcHtB2WFh9u89XiuCvY4I46sBpFIQxRHy3dEI7Nqy-Yvp5UrMnuH~-7fa6uFwCDDR3uvYEq9AU3Y4p25sjEjNFv0EGuINqUflm93k~iAwO2RVfHEvoKsLn-Dta24-ejzUlWCDMdBrclLBw~4CS54rK7wxhwvsw-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-13T21:26:50Z","article","The Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority on Feb. 18 presented its 2024 annual report to the commission, reporting increased single‑stream and plastic tonnages, stable recycling participation and new staff hires while urging the county to continue work on a longer‑term organics recovery arrangement.

Vice chairman Mark Barney told commissioners the authority recorded about 125,000 vehicle visits to drop‑off centers in 2024 and that single‑stream curbside subscribers rose to 3,772 households. The authority reported year‑over‑year gains in several categories — notably plastics and single‑stream material — while organics tonnage was lower in 2024 because the year was relatively dry, authority staff said.

Barney introduced new part‑time program manager Lynn Lashley and program administrator Althea Bear, who will take on day‑to‑day administration after a recent staffing transition. He said authority operations are running smoothly and credited staff for stabilizing routine collection and educational programs, but urged action on a longer‑term recovery outlet for organics and single‑stream material. The authority and commissioners discussed previous efforts to work with a private firm, Purcell, and the challenges of finding a stable market for recyclables and organics.

The authority described continuing community litter control programs, bulky‑goods and tire collection events, and school recycling outreach; staff noted the county’s voluntary drop‑off model reduces landfill disposal costs and is preferable to a mandated, subscription‑wide recycling mandate that a private hauler might otherwise face. Barney asked commissioners to continue support for authority initiatives, including potential outreach and infrastructure on the north end of the county where a full recycling center is currently not available.

Commissioners thanked authority representatives for the report and discussed whether additional north‑end collection capacity or more frequent outreach events would be feasible. No formal funding motion was taken at the session; authority representatives said they will return with specific requests if they identify capital or operating needs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Berkeley County Commission Meeting 2/13/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority reported increased single‑stream volumes and other tonnages for 2024, updated staffing at authority offices, and urged progress on restarting an organics‑to‑energy partner (Purcell/SORGA) to help stabilize program revenues.","taxTitle","Berkeley County, West Virginia","taxId",58957,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6329634,"Commission hears two estate matters: surety bond retained in Swinson matter; executrix removed in Humphreys estate",1539,3060000,4599000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2315873-afa68ed1c3e57a84ca20fd4176a023c0&start=3060&end=4599","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2315873-afa68ed1c3e57a84ca20fd4176a023c0/thumbnail_3060000.jpg","/articles/6329634/Berkeley-County/West-Virginia/Commission-hears-two-estate-matters-surety-bond-retained-in-Swinson-matter-executrix-removed-in-Humphreys-estate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329634-99dfb347389a533964b44383113ab296/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116490&Signature=BIjr3hvs41ZkGh6ZELpj1iKKQMF2EnZaf6lXQIg8uDt~ejt1NwItc22IN2AngoHzfcTLyYIgNuIJMgyUHJlVE4zW90o9MLSkqPGRm7tw6voy-aJ4XbBrBI3TbWW-ELpcxC6z22I2EW1b3kndFeVJzuslG9t1-oSpcNEWqSO1eP5LQ8Oub4b63akr19BJDQ7Car2Z3NZ1nhqOwGA9Aa7MaDVQ9flnIKrwMQPkhHydAuwdG5EDKnIy172T7gwQGQgvNH39eYB35tv135aOAG26Yk6oT56qpmGppC8gyvNWrPbxe~ceF7Nbf6ZK5~3b~BsE~M6dITmI~2lupbBYrRRKuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The commission handled two probate‑related state hearings on Feb. 18, reviewing fiduciary actions and ordering interim accountings in both matters.

In a hearing on the estate of the late James S. Swinson, the fiduciary supervisor reported that decedent James S. Swinson died intestate on June 22, 2024. An individual, Robert Allen Blackman, had qualified as administrator and posted a $100,000 surety bond. Later, an original will dated Nov. 19, 1985 was submitted. The fiduciary supervisor said the will met West Virginia requirements and resulted in qualification of Cynthia Winters as executrix and removal of Robert Blackman as administrator. The fiduciary supervisor requested the commission keep Blackman’s surety bond in place until he files an interim accounting showing all probate assets he handled while administrator; commissioners approved the request on the advice of counsel by voice vote.

Separately, the commission heard a petition by Christine Ashbrook (represented by counsel Jamie Hill) to remove Tracy A. Hose as executrix for the estate of Peggy Ann Humphreys, citing delinquent accountings and lack of communication with beneficiaries. Counsel said state law (West Virginia Code §44‑4‑2) requires fiduciaries to file an annual accounting and alleged a 14‑month delinquency. The petition requested removal and that any executor fee be disallowed. Responding in person, Tracy A. Hose acknowledged communication shortcomings, described actions she had taken (including paying bills and working on tax filings), and told the commission she would file outstanding materials. After discussion the commission granted the petition: commissioners removed Hose as executrix and ordered an interim accounting to be submitted to the fiduciary office within 30 days.

Both actions were presented by the county fiduciary supervisor and carried on the advice of legal counsel; votes were taken by voice and recorded by the chair as “ayes.”","At state hearings the commission retained a surety bond and sought interim accounting in an administrator dispute in the Swinson estate, and removed the executrix for the estate of Peggy Ann Humphreys and ordered an interim accounting within 30 days.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6329639,"Berkeley County renews membership in Eastern Panhandle HOME Consortium; estimates $126,487 for county allocation",891,6386000,7277000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2315873-afa68ed1c3e57a84ca20fd4176a023c0&start=6386&end=7277","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2315873-afa68ed1c3e57a84ca20fd4176a023c0/thumbnail_6386000.jpg","/articles/6329639/Berkeley-County/West-Virginia/Berkeley-County-renews-membership-in-Eastern-Panhandle-HOME-Consortium-estimates-126487-for-county-allocation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329639-b362bbfeea2c8f499c41506413e3e6a7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116490&Signature=QmNBAS2n2J~okddmTqNyvWQPfPRABLipqg62sZYKtueip0PcH6~4nqdZcp2IfCW9hHjadX0St5SX7xJzdrX69-oJAv2Q9DIUdz3WG2mZvllyM8BHNRIpOOh03GGEFL0aWYuZyoUqZoXs32GUXUOAIF2AEdS6XJnSZg8nou6ha6N9OzVcKMdqB3NZ7viQqhCrEi82AnOHPptBSsotn9CBoRJdb9v~Off7K-avUQ~wYGSslBcO8ubRn3URR-23gsxvXNqHgAxgQuYJ87p~eXQE4bgSjpuPq81GQj53CmpExBqj-302rT4hqymQugvnDAlxXH3J~LKnXdYlUHBCuCmFwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Berkeley County Commission opened a public hearing and adopted a resolution on Feb. 18 reaffirming the county’s participation in the Eastern Panhandle HOME Consortium for the federal fiscal year that begins July 1.

Corey Roman, administrator for the HOME consortium, briefed commissioners on the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Roman said the consortium — led by the City of Martinsburg and covering Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties and several municipalities — expects an approximate HOME allocation of $455,810 for the program year, with 37% of that amount typically allocated to Berkeley County. After CHDO set‑asides (15%) and administrative caps (up to 10%), Roman said Berkeley County’s expected portion would be about $126,487.

Roman described eligible HOME activities including construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing, down‑payment assistance and CHDO set‑asides for Habitat for Humanity. He noted HOME rules in 24 CFR Part 92 and that the city of Martinsburg serves as the participating jurisdiction to HUD.

Commissioners voted to adopt a resolution authorizing the county president to sign a one‑year cooperation agreement with consortium members for the July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026 program year. No members of the public spoke during the hearing.

Roman and commissioners discussed the homebuyer assistance program, which provides deferred, no‑interest loans (the current subsidy amount described in packet material: $14,500; potential HUD rule change could add $10,000 to that figure). Roman said the consortium has helped roughly 7–8 homebuyers in the last year across participating jurisdictions and that Habitat for Humanity is the consortium’s CHDO and receives the 15% set‑aside.","The county opened a public hearing and approved a resolution to participate in the Eastern Panhandle HOME Consortium for fiscal year 2025, acknowledging the HOME program rules and an expected Berkeley County allocation of approximately $126,487.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6329644,"Berkeley civil service plans new promotional tests, increases outreach and training budget",554,18960000,19514000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2315873-afa68ed1c3e57a84ca20fd4176a023c0&start=18960&end=19514","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2315873-afa68ed1c3e57a84ca20fd4176a023c0/thumbnail_18960000.jpg","/articles/6329644/Berkeley-County/West-Virginia/Berkeley-civil-service-plans-new-promotional-tests-increases-outreach-and-training-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329644-f73220ec618bb5f7b9986d895f454d97/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116490&Signature=A8H6Md-CmUTqUPBy8-GS-VCfBU795rMKBP6e4uSMQJyXwn9fPWGchxVt~8Nk5LaeuY8yB4mPdoMjH1JEMSdGwUNGpG6AXECxtYCwW3foi0knf~pbniZgXJTKDSoaqtOkP6CxlSJdZY~ptWF8zWXgdXg9ePOG6jQcsUS4Qo6jqXPXoFPfrezlo6HwQJZWAar9ZFbwQ4f8e8ANcZIoBZQsoS0j8HTPYIGLnKCv9ZuHYGaNRhHYeXj7KZy9Gk0iYgFpvPrXGVckxRE6w7F2ZBtaZ4ccrWzmjD-Wkl9Uh8QpY~vBBY5rbL8lHgYeppl1sVEKKaj0bIADBle8IpV25TYBAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Berkeley County’s civil service office told commissioners on Feb. 18 it will use a commercial testing vendor for promotional examinations, add modest study‑guide purchases for test takers and increase outreach and advertising to recruit applicants.

County Clerk Tony Petrucci and civil service staff described planned changes to the promotional testing program for sheriff’s office ranks. The civil service is proposing to purchase study guides and to use Standard and Associates — a third‑party provider — to deliver modernized promotional tests for first‑line supervisors (corporal/sergeant) and for lieutenants/captains.

John Alderton, who spoke for civil service, said the earlier state‑provided promotional test offers no study guide and has not been modernized in decades. Under the vendor arrangement, Alderton said each promotional test costs about $100–$125 and a study guide (to show which sections of policy and law to study) costs roughly $10; full study‑book sets are optional and would be shared if candidates pool resources. He said the civil service received approval from the West Virginia Division of Personnel on Dec. 6 to use an outside vendor for promotions.

Petrucci told the commission the civil service office will increase advertising and outreach to recruit candidates beyond the county, noting the department plans targeted outreach into neighboring states and on social media. He said Apple Valley/partner channels and county social media will be used for recruitment.

The commission heard the schedule for testing and recruitment: applications due Feb. 26, 2025 at 5 p.m.; physical agility and written testing are scheduled for March 8 at Martinsburg High School (physical agility begins at 9 a.m., followed by a timed written exam). Staff said eligible veterans and previously certified officers receive statutory point preferences on promotional examinations.

Commissioners discussed training, recruitment and the cost of ads in local newspapers. County legal staff reviewed the plan and advised seeking the state Personnel Division’s signoff, which Alderton said the civil service had obtained. No formal roll‑call vote was recorded; staff said the commission would consider related budget items in the clerk’s proposed budget.","County civil service commissioners approved switching to a commercial testing vendor for promotional exams, budgeted for study materials, outreach advertising and additional testing costs, and scheduled promotional testing for March 8.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6329648,"Berkeley County approves cost‑share agreements to add paid firefighters, hires 12 recruits",667,3738000,4405000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2315873-afa68ed1c3e57a84ca20fd4176a023c0&start=3738&end=4405","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2315873-afa68ed1c3e57a84ca20fd4176a023c0/thumbnail_3738000.jpg","/articles/6329648/Berkeley-County/West-Virginia/Berkeley-County-approves-costshare-agreements-to-add-paid-firefighters-hires-12-recruits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329648-61902070f9a6137eac3c5c29249eb1cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116490&Signature=Prl5LBdQE-VrKk~B46yi~M2AytMfiJ~yHTa6-t5pImJ6BUr2zlsDiVtjnl2E-luopVihwcG3DYR69C737ZRCxKd0ojSQfxDtZBlP2~j1Q0LYBKMm12-XasMhXLRlA0RA5vsK~MLPgI35BlY5GaGl-s458mO~wpOBWIkuKQ0-zTaR8XCNuJ9nG86~JwIYijfqk8uLyYmGYjKN5MNR6Dt4pAJ7AXcdU7YOLjlr6I9sEWx~iG~ZcePWtWkLtMhQVFaKDrhOcrkeyAcM~WcKhXsA9-xggddzPF0BC2~sU11e0QjiMwbrGiavW2zkWupkEbFKkoCzYxVvVaDleDe5-j9fNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Berkeley County Commission on Feb. 18 approved two call‑sharing agreements with the Berkeley County Fire Service Board to add paid firefighter coverage at volunteer stations and approved hiring 12 new firefighters, officials said.

Commissioners voted to approve a standing 50% cost‑share agreement that covers nine paid firefighter positions; the commission president had already signed that agreement before the vote. Commissioners also approved a separate agreement under which the Fire Service Board will fully fund three additional firefighters for one year to staff Back Creek Valley; the county will assume those costs in future years if needed.

Deputy County Administrator Chad Weinbrenner told the commission the first agreement restores 24/7 staffing at Hedgersville, Bradenton and South Berkeley to complement the county’s existing fully staffed station. The second agreement responds to a request from Back Creek Valley to provide 24‑hour staffing; the fire board agreed to pay the first‑year costs for three personnel.

Fire Chief Roberts thanked commissioners and the fire board for the agreements and said the county will run a recruit academy ahead of the July 1 operational start. He said the hiring process produced 84 applicants for 12 slots and that the department expects to begin the new hires’ training in March and have them on duty by July 1.

County staff presented the list of 12 names submitted by the fire chiefs for approval: Cody Keefe, Jade Teague, Ashton Shambaugh, Daniel Miller, Andrew Biller, Jesse Bly, Richard Hahn, Garrison Huggins, Roger Bradford II, Eduardo Hernandez, Odie Fritz and Joshua Mills. Commissioners moved and seconded approval of the hires; the motion passed by voice vote.

Chad Weinbrenner told the commission the 12 hires will start March 17 and will be paid an annual rate of $54,227 while they complete training and transition to 24‑hour operations on July 1. Commissioners and the chief described the step as a county milestone, noting officials believe this is the first time Berkeley County will have paid firefighters embedded in volunteer houses on a 24/7 basis and said the arrangement is notable regionally.

Commissioners also approved the administrative steps required to implement the agreements, including a separate motion to accept the cost‑share contract already signed by the commission president. No roll‑call vote record was read into the public minutes; the chair called for voice votes and declared the motions approved.","The commission approved two call‑sharing agreements with the Berkeley County Fire Service Board to fund additional paid firefighter coverage and voted to hire 12 new firefighters who will begin training in March with a July 1 operational date.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Solid Waste Authority reports rising recycling tonnage, seeks long‑term outlet for organics recovery

Commission hears two estate matters: surety bond retained in Swinson matter; executrix removed in Humphreys estate

Berkeley County renews membership in Eastern Panhandle HOME Consortium; estimates $126,487 for county allocation

Berkeley civil service plans new promotional tests, increases outreach and training budget

Berkeley County approves cost‑share agreements to add paid firefighters, hires 12 recruits