UP: To the supervisor and crew of Kokosing Construction for the work done on three bridges over Camden Avenue, the Little Kanawha River and W.Va. 47. The work done on Interstate 77 over these exits is so well done. The time-consuming jobs were executed with less time and holdup of traffic during construction. The straight-through traffic on either side, from Camden Avenue to W.Va. 47 so cars don't have to come into traffic on each side of I-77 was brilliant and the right thing to do, especially for college traffic. The fast and thorough work on this project was well done. The supervisor of this job and all his crew should be very highly commended for the well-done project.
- Submitted by Linda Scholl, Parkersburg
DOWN: To the Wood County Commission for being overly generous with taxpayer money. In its latest spree during this past Thursday's meeting, the commissioners awarded $120,000 to several groups and organizations, and $50,000-$60,000 in employee benefits. We know the worthy organizations who receive the money are on tight budgets and will put the funding to good use, but if the commission can find $120,000 to pass out at the end of the fiscal year after it has been giving out money throughout the year, and, in addition, give out another $50,000-$65,000 in employee raises and insurance benefits, Wood County taxpayers - who have seen their own budgets continually shrink - have the right to wonder if they are paying too much in taxes.
UP: To actor Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band who will perform a fundraising concert in Marietta. The concert, set Aug. 16 at Marietta College's Dyson Baudo Recreation Center, will raise funds to help build a "smart" home for Marietta resident U.S. Army Pfc. Kyle Hockenberry. Hockenberry lost both legs and his left arm after an explosion while he was on foot patrol in Afghanistan in June 2011. The concert is sponsored by the Gary Sinise Foundation and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, founded in honor of New York City firefighter Stephen Siller who died on 9/11. Sinise's band will cover all expenses and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the house.
UP: To Hino Motors for its $6 million show of faith in its Williamstown operation. During an event at the plant this past week, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said the company said it will invest $3 million immediately into improvements at the facility that could create up to 20 new jobs. The other $3 million will go into indirect improvements, including investments in suppliers and other plants that will help the Williamstown operation be more efficient.
