The Moorefield Town Council met Tuesday, July 1. City Clerk Rick Freeman issued the oath of office to new mayor Scott Fawley. In turn, Fawley issued the oath to newly-elected and re-elected Jim Trommatter and Jason Fertig, respectively.
As the 72nd annual Heritage Weekend approaches in September, organizers and town officials are rallying community support for Hardy County’s only county-wide festival, seeking volunteers, sponsors, and renewed enthusiasm. “Heritage Weekend means a lot to me,” Fawley said, and reminisced briefly about attending events when he was a child.
“We’d like to see it return to what it once was,” said Kriston Strickler, who’s served on the Heritage Weekend committee for 20 years, and is currently the executive director.
The event, always the last full weekend in September, began as a tour of homes and gardens to fundraise for the public library. It has grown into a county-wide celebration of Hardy County’s rich history, complete with house tours, music, crafts, and reenactments. Despite its enduring popularity, the festival faces challenges—including rising costs, aging volunteers, and dwindling participation.
“It takes funds, and it takes volunteers,” Fawley said, presenting a $250 donation to Strickler, adding, “I make this donation from my heart.”
Running the festival costs approximately $36,000 annually. The organization is actively seeking food and craft vendors, local artists to help draw structures for the tiles, and board members to help guide its future. Tile designs, screen-printed from pen-and-ink drawings onto ceramic, feature local historic structures.
Toll Gate School, Jim Trommatter’s house, and the Higgins House Museum are expected to be open. Dodd Hall is the featured “tile house,” and a full slate of music and activities is planned throughout the weekend.
Organizers are also seeking to revive the presence of historical reenactors, though funding has become more difficult. “We usually have three reenactors at $150 each, but with History Alive funding cut, it’s now $250 each—plus transportation and lodging,” noted Strickler.
To contribute or inquire about volunteering, residents can call 304-530-0280, email heritageweekend@hardynet.com or send donations to PO Box 1001, Moorefield, WV 26836.
Amy Greenwalt reported ongoing junk vehicle enforcement, with 39 vehicles currently tracked. More than 270 businesses have renewed their licenses and around 98 known businesses have yet to comply.
Freeman said, “I appreciate the work Amy and Aaron (Crites) are doing; I can see it in the income.”
Brush day resulted in five truckloads collected. Preparations are ongoing for the Celebrate Moorefield event on July 12, which will feature a ball tournament, food trucks, a rock wall, the Farmers Market, and a collaboration with the Poultry Association.
The Council approved two subdivision applications, both aiming to revitalize or reallocate housing and commercial spaces. One intends to sell or rent individual townhouses on South Main Street, just over the bridge.
The Moorefield Police Department responded to 201 calls for service in June, including 2 felony arrests, 42 misdemeanor arrests, 26 traffic citations and five traffic warnings.
On June 11 the department submitted audit reports pertaining to seizure/forfeiture funds and purchases.
At the end of June the PD inventoried their prescription drug box, and found they’d collected nearly 61 pounds of medications for safe disposal.
MPD Chief Stephen Riggleman updated council members on the Project Lifesaver initiative, which equips families with tracking bracelets for vulnerable individuals. Physical testing for new officers is scheduled for July 19.
Public Works director Lucas Gagnon reported stable water plant operations and upcoming certifications for newly promoted staff. The town’s levee recently underwent inspection by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; results are pending.
The Council approved Budget Adjustment #1 for the Coal Severance Fund, allocating $263 for street maintenance. They also voted to decline proposed changes to the American Tower lease agreement, which would have restricted theirl control over access and leasing rights.
Appointments to various boards—including the Planning Commission, Region 8 Planning, and the Moorefield-Hardy County Wastewater Authority—were tabled or updated, with Trommatter appointed and Lucas Gagnon reappointed to the Waste Water Authority.
The meeting concluded with discussion of billing system issues, staff workloads, and the upcoming Fourth of July parade. Efforts are ongoing to redesign town welcome signs.
The next Town Council meeting is July 15 at 7 p.m. in the Council chambers. The public is encouraged to attend.
