Local News
Organ Cave seeking VFD
Involved in an ongoing battle over annexation, the Organ Cave community is now focusing part of its attention on organizing a volunteer fire department.
Brandon McCormick told the Greenbrier County Commission Monday the nascent VFD is not connected to Ronceverte’s recent annexation of the Stoney Glen development, which is located in the Organ Cave area. The community has challenged the legality of the city’s expansion of its boundaries in a lawsuit now headed for the state Supreme Court.
“We want to provide fire protection and lower fire insurance rates for the community,” McCormick said. “Our goal is to knock the response time down.”
Fire protection for the unincorporated community, located between Ronceverte and the Monroe County line, comes primarily from Ronceverte and Lewisburg, McCormick explained.
He asked the commissioners to issue a letter of need supporting the establishment of a separate fire department for Organ Cave. The residents of the community voted unanimously in favor of starting their own fire company, which already boasts a membership of the required minimum 10 certified firefighters, McCormick added.
He estimated start-up costs will be in the million-dollar neighborhood, assuring the commissioners grant money and donations would fund the project at no cost to taxpayers.
“It’s not an easy task, but it’s something that needs to be done,” McCormick maintained.
Commissioner Brad Tuckwiller questioned whether the county, by issuing a supportive letter, could find itself financially liable for the project somewhere down the road.
“I support your initiative, but I don’t want to get stuck in a million-dollar hole,” he said. The commissioners voted unanimously to issue the letter, with the understanding all fundraising will be the responsibility of the Organ Cave community. The letter will be sent to the state Fire Commission, which is charged with determining if the fire company is needed and, if so, what its geographic boundaries will be.
- Local News
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Division of Forestry offers tips for safer debris burning
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Service set for firefighter swept away in floodwater
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Lawmakers pass $11.6 billion budget
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A somber day
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SCHOOL CLOSINGS and DELAYS
Click HERE to go to the West Virginia Department of Education with up-to-date school closings and delays by county.
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Lawmakers to vote on budget
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Search for suspect in shooting of an Oak Hill officer ongoing
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Rahall mulls health care vote
With a decision looming Sunday, U.S. Reps. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., and Rick Boucher, D-Va., said they both are still undecided on the $940 billion health care overhaul bill.
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Division of Forestry offers tips for safer debris burning
