BUCKHANNON – A state senator stopped by a recent Upshur County Commission meeting in hopes of infusing some hope into community buildings and outlying areas in the county that have fallen into disrepair.
Sen. Robert Karnes came to the Dec. 12 Upshur County Commission meeting to present four Local Economic Development Assistance grants, or LEDA grants, through the West Virginia Legislature to enhance, repair and revamp the Tenmile Community Building, Fidler’s Mill, Pringle Tree Park and the old Bailey Schoolhouse.
“I’m here today to help with some of our local community centers and some other needs here in Upshur County, and there’s one, in particular, I’m very familiar with – I grew up as a kid out there playing on that big rock at Tenmile,” Karnes said.
“I think it’s important that we have these community centers,” he said. “I think most of them were schools at one point or another, and we probably shouldn’t have closed the schools, but in many communities, they’re still kind of the center of the community.”
Karnes’s mother, grandparents and great-grandparents attended the Tenmile School at one point, he said.
“Tenmile is one of the areas [these grants] will help, but I also have some money here for the Bailey Schoolhouse and the Pringle Tree Park and Fidler’s Mill,” Karnes said. “I’m just glad I can help out with those things and glad that everybody showed up, and we’re doing what we can.”
The commissioners applauded Karnes for securing the funding.
“This is definitely appreciated because these organizations are doing what they can, and it’s mainly the folks in the community that are financially supporting a lot of what’s done out there and keeping them open,” Upshur County Commission President Sam Nolte said.
Karnes presented Upshur County Parks and Recreation Facilities Director Jeremiah McCourt with a $10,000 grant to improve Pringle Tree Park and its amenities.
Commissioner Kristie Tenney observed that Pringle Tree Park has been used markedly more in recent years.
“Pringle Tree Park has actually been utilized a lot in the last couple of years with weddings and gatherings, and I think that maybe it’s just been a forgotten area sometimes, but it’s a very historical place, so it’ll be really nice to put some dollars back into that area where families can go,” Tenney said. “I also believe we’ve had some kayakers out there using the area.”
Commissioner Doug Bush highlighted some enhancements to the park that have already been completed, including installing fencing around the tree.
“We’ve actually done some clearing around that area to kind of help out the tree’s growth,” Bush said.
McCourt plans to use the grant on playground equipment and upgrading the two shelters out there in hopes of attracting more foot traffic and more families.
The Bailey Schoolhouse in Bailey Ridge also received $2,000 in funds to revive it from falling into complete disrepair – and the first order of business is upgrading the kitchen so it’s useable, said Glenda Bailey with Bailey Schoolhouse.
“I want to thank Senator Karnes for this donation,” Bailey said. “I don’t know how many of you are familiar with Bailey Ridge, but if you are, that building – the schoolhouse that sits right beside the cemetery — and several years ago, it started falling into disrepair.”
Bailey said one family was working to rehabilitate it, but a decline in their health has thwarted those efforts.
“This money will help us open the kitchen so that we can open that building to families who have funerals there so they can bring food or whatever they need – or even just meet in the building and socialize for a little bit,” she said. “We do appreciate it, and it will be put to good use. Come up and see us at Bailey Ridge sometime.”
Karnes also presented a $6,000 check to representatives from the Southern Upshur Business Association to assist with the restoration of Fidler’s Mill and $6,000 to the president of the Tenmile Community Building Christine Carpenter, along with area resident Jean Smallridge.
