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This past week one of three projects in Marshall County was completed — the Marshall County Courthouse.

Yet to be completed are the Marshall County Health Department and the Moundsville City Building.

As to the courthouse contract, total sum to date is $6,737,792, while the original contact amount was $6,652,460.

The money for this project was budgeted from general county funds. The Marshall County Commission has been very fiscally conservative and, because of that, the commissioners were able to pay cash and not float bonds for this project.

The courthouse was built in 1875 with the last big remodel in June 1972.

Marshall County Commission President Mike Ferro said, “This project was not a fun project, but it was very necessary. Permanent security was in place for the safety and security of both our employees and visitors to the courthouse. The original boiler system was replaced to provide more regulated and controllable air flow. The electric in the courthouse had not had a complete upgrade since 1972. Technology requirements are not going to lessen; this upgrade provides for future requirements. We were also able to remove unused and unnecessary wires and cable from ceiling and wall.”

He concluded: “We want to thank our elected officials, employees, and visitors to the courthouse for being understanding and dealing with not-so-great work environments while this project was being completed. We do believe, now that it has been completed, the upgrades will make for a more pleasant courthouse experience for everyone.

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Updates dealing with several city of Moundsville projects were announced this past week by City Manager Rick Healy. They were:

The Street Department has completed the concrete street repairs on Third Street and Mulberry, while repairs on the Second Street and Elm Avenue intersection have been awarded to JD&E and will be starting soon.

Work on the 2024 Paving Program has started. Additional work on the 12th Street Walking Trail and Madison Avenue is planned, with milling on the other streets and paving to follow closely behind.

Installation is complete of the outdoor fitness center at the East End Playground, and plans call for a ribbon cutting/grand opening to be held in early October. The three major sponsors are WVU Medicine, the Evan G. Robert’s Trust and EQT Cor. All three will take part in the opening.

There are openings on the Building Commission, Arts and Culture Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Historic Landmarks Commission. Anyone interest in serving on any of these boards they should contact the city manager.

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An update on the Exterior Business Grant Program indicates there have been six completed projects. The total amount awarded is $9,340.41, which equates to total project costs of $76,487.39. Efforts included two sign projects, two roof projects, one electrical upgrade, one lighting upgrade, and one canopy. The city realized building permit totals of $190 and B&O Tax of $2,423.57.

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Healy has a message for the community:

“I want to thank everyone for their thoughts … cards, notes, meals, and especially prayers during my recent medical emergency. City Council for being understanding, my office staff for picking up my work, my wife Beth for being a great caretaker. I am very glad to be back, and I am getting closer every day to being back to 100%. Thank You.”

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The Dungeon of Horrors Haunted House and the North Walk will begin at the former West Virginia Penitentiary.

North Walk will start at 6 p.m, with tickets costing $25 plus tax per person. The Dungeon will start at 7 p.m. with ticket sales the same amount. Tickets must be purchased in advance on the prison’s website wvpentours.com.

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There will a one-night trick-or treat for kids from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Moundsville Center at the north end of the prison. Instead of an admission fee, each participant is asked to donate a new toy or hygiene item that will be donated appropriately.

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The Moundsville Lions Club will hold an executive meeting at 11 a,m, Sept. 24.

At noon the club will hold its regular meeting, at which Zac Blair from Unified Bank will be speaker.

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Special events during the month of October at Grand Vue Park are:

Fun Fitness every Tuesday.

Oct. 5 — Car Show.

Oct. 12 — Spooky Show Golf and Smart Center Star Watch.

Oct. 26 –Spooky Glow Golf.