Nada. That fire was extinguished before they entered the residence. The 1,300-megawatt plant burns more than half a million tons of coal annually and employs 154 direct employees not counting hundreds of union workers who service the plant each year and the coal miners who supply the plant. All data on this site is obtained directly from law enforcement agencies in their respective states and counties, and is public domain. Douglas Soule is a Report for America corps member who covers business and economic development. Pleasants County Arrest Info; Some of the cities, towns, and places in Pleasants County are Arvilla, Calcutta, City of Belmont, City of St. Marys, Hebron, Pine Grove, Vaucluse Pleasants County is a county located in the U.S. state of West Virginia. The ODC investigates lawyers in the state, while the JIC investigates justices, judges, and magistrates. A surveillance video captured an image of the person of interest. Bailey drove by the tower minutes before the disaster, on his way to visit his dad. Continue reading, West Virginia Gov. He joins us from the Pleasants County Humane Society!. The town of fewer than 2,000 sits on the banks of the Ohio River in Pleasants County. Normally we issued these updates on Wednesdays. The severance tax is 3.95 percent. West Virginia Methanol is working on permitting and final design details for the site. Rodney Sayre, owner of St. Marys Hardware, said the announcement alone has hurt his business. Ohio received four permits. The West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) heard testimony Friday from Mon Power officials about a proposal to spare the Pleasants Power Station from closure. Superintendent: Michael Wells ; Schools . All but one local legislator voted in favor of their respective resolutions which the Senate adopted unanimously and the House adopted 93-2 and a handful responded to our request for comment. 3 were here. White steam billows from one of the concrete cooling towers at the Pleasants Power Station in Pleasants County. And new emissions regulations have increased the expenses borne by coal-burning power plants. The plant will no longer generate electricity, requiring new federal approvals in the future. Weve been blessed with multiple inquiries, he said of companies that are interested in lengthening the plants life. CHARLESTON, WV Gov. Its considered the deadliest construction accident in United States history. The PSC will hold an evidentiary hearing at 9:30 a.m. April 21 at its headquarters in Charleston to consider a proposal from Mon Power and Potomac Edison for the plant. WebPleasants County Schools 202 Fairview Dr St. Marys, WV 26170 (304) 684-2215 (304) 684-3569. West Virginia CHARLESTON Gov. Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Employment | Affiliates Intranet Natalea Mumaw, a senior ST. MARYS, W.Va. A candlelight vigil will be held Tuesday night for a Pleasants County high school senior who died in a head-on crash in Ritchie County over the weekend. Therell be a big impact on the community, Bailey said. Pleasants County prosecutor under investigation | News, Sports, And West Virginia just a single new permit. The PSC said the Mon Power/Potomac Edison interim temporary solution for Pleasants Power was reasonable. This site does not charge for viewing any of our published data, and we do not accept payments of any kind. County Standing by and watching a coal-fired power plant close without trying to do anything to prevent it didnt make sense to me. Pleasants Power, located south of St. Marys and Belmont, is a 1,300-megawatt coal-fired power plant. Methanol plants convert natural gas into methanol, used as a chemical feedstock (raw material) to create other things, like gasoline, antifreeze, plastic bottleseven LED and LCD screens. All 51 men on the scaffold were killed. Dozens of Jim Justice made the announcement Monday via livestream with company and local officials. Instead of dismissing traffic citations for $50 in gift cards or toys, the county was dismissing state criminal misdemeanor charges in magistrate court from citations for passing school buses all the way up to DUI charges for as much as $1,500. His dad worked to build it: he was assigned to help erect one of its cooling towers, but was in the hospital on April 27, 1978, when the tower collapsed mid-construction. Pleasants Power is slated for closure on May 31. I cannot envision myself living anywhere else, he said. That history has spawned a well-trained and Jim Justice said Wednesday he still wants to see the Pleasants Power Plant near St. Marys saved, but it is up to the West Virginia Public Service Commission to decide whether it should be allowed to operate for another year with ratepayers picking up the tab. Pleasants County Solid Waste Authority announces electronics ST. MARYS It was an uncharacteristically calm moment for a weekday afternoon in the Bank Barber Shop. One car was traveling northbound when it hit another car that was going southbound head-on. Sen. Mike Caputo, D-Marion, gave a brief floor speech in favor of the resolution on the day it passed the Senate. Jim Justice participates in an economic develop announcement with Lars Scott, executive vice president of West Virginia Methanol. According to the PSC, the plan provides the companies time to further evaluate purchasing the plant; provides a reasonable plan to compensate ETEM while demolition of the plant originally slated to begin after May 31 on hold; and only charges ratepayers for the actual costs of maintaining the plant for a limited time. 2023 An independent, civic news organization for West Virginia. Pleasants Pleasants Power Station The next few days will highlight arguments over how far the public is willing to go in saving a 150-employee West Virginia power plant. Gov. Dave WHEELING West Virginia Gov. Energy Harbor, which owns the coal-fired power plant in Pleasants County along the Ohio River, is going carbon-free so it has targeted the plant for closure at the end of May. The companies would reimburse ETEM for the costs of maintaining the plant for that 12-month period, but they are also seeking a temporary surcharge to cover the costs of reimbursing ETEM to keep the plant open. Weve just been so fortunate to have [the power plant] for all these years, Bailey said. Although a target per-acre bonus amount has not been specified, Tomblin has publicly stated hed like to see a 20% royalty on any such under-the-river leases Latest example: Barely a month ago WV officials announced they will lease the land under portions of the Ohio River, to allow Marcellus/Utica drilling (see State of WV Looks to Lease Area Under Ohio River for Drilling). If you cant be here in person, you can still submit a written comment.. Thats huge for Pleasants County, but not only that, 400 coal mining jobs supplying the plant with coal. Now, if the plant closes, he worries he might have to lay some of his employees off. More by Douglas Soule. Not just [to] soften the blow, but to put a plan into place to create economic activity that will help long term.. An economic boom followed. Proponents cited the crucial role the plant serves in Pleasants County by providing jobs and tax revenue. Latest trends. For Doug Renner, leaving would be a last resort. Tomblin and Burdette want a signing bonus AND a hefty royalty to boot. Theres opportunities for diversifying economies and for supporting coal-affected communities, and I hope that there is funding available for that. Pleasants County | Marcellus Drilling News An investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration determined the weight strength of the concrete had not been achieved, Keeping the Pleasants Power Station in operating condition, as Mon Power proposes to do, has a downside for state and local government. The State Public Service Commission is deciding what should be done with the Pleasants Power Station. News | Pleasants County Schools The average customer would see an increase of $15 on their water bill under the proposed rates. All rights reserved. We were informed this was a possibility that could happen, so we were going with Longview 2 [Longviews new combined-cycle gas-fired plant] and hoping that would be online. Copyright 2023 West Virginia MetroNews Network. Not on the WV DEP website. Van Nostrand said the news of the Pleasants plants possible closure seemed inevitable. Discussing the future of the Pleasants Power Station CHARLESTON Gov. That is standard procedure for fatalities involving law enforcement officers, he said. Delegate Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, voted no on the House resolution. As energy companies across the country retire older coal plants in favor of facilities that use cleaner, cheaper natural gas and renewables, the Pleasants Power Stations owner last month announced a goal of becoming 100% carbon free. In an effort to provide a more localized view of how accessible abortions are to your community, Stacker investigated how Pleasants County, WV access to abortion One hundred percent of our energies have got to be toward either that plant remaining open as a coal-fired power plant or it being repurposed, he said. Thats huge. The Ritchie County Sheriffs Office said the crash happened on Route 16 Sunday evening. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. During the debate on whether or not Mon Power and Potomac Edison should buy Pleasants Power State and keep it running, whats not been Superintendent: Michael Wells ; Schools . View today. West Virginia RV campground debate raises questions over role of state parks, How we measured the environmental cost of bankrupt mines, In the game of musical mines, environmental damage takes a back seat. According to Wilderness Fire Chief Noah Allen, the victim was 79 years of age. In WVs Northern Panhandle, industrys legacy includes cancer risk hotspots, A possible new industry for West Virginia raises some old questions, Mountain State Spotlight explains: What to know about the West Virginia State Police scandal, Federal judge withdraws from West Virginia foster care lawsuit after involving lawmakers in settlement talks, West Virginia's foster care crisis: Lawyers representing children say new legislation falls short of fixing the system, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. WebPleasants County Schools 202 Fairview Dr St. Marys, WV 26170 (304) 684-2215 (304) 684-3569. In 2018, residents were shook by an announcement that the plant could close. He began firing a gun from an upstairs window of the cabin in the direction of the emergency personnel, Starsick said. Bailey has lived in Pleasants County long enough to remember life before the power plant. His dad worked to build it: he was assigned to help erect one of its cooling towers, but was in the hospital on April 27, 1978, when the tower collapsed mid-construction. And I hope that this company invests in the community as well, he said. Turner was later arrested, though it was not immediately clear what she has been charged with. Lets give FirstEnergy/Mon Power the time necessary to complete their review and I will monitor the progress going forward.. Brewer was found deceased upstairs,. Pleasants West Virginia West Virginia Slow Down for the Holidays, usually conducted from October to mid-December each year, allows motorists who receive traffic citations to have those citations dismissed in exchange for the donation of a $50 gift card or the purchase of toys valued at $50 for holiday gift drives in the county. Methanol plants use a LOT of natural gas. Pleasants County Its basically, Whats the most cost effective way to generate electricity? said James Van Nostrand, the director of West Virginia Universitys Center for Energy and Sustainable Development. The Legislature and the governor have endorsed the Pleasants purchase, but their endorsements did not take into account Fort Martin. Among them, Pleasants employs 154 people and provides $1.75 million annually to the county in property taxes. of Environmental Protection, which maintains the database, and they got it fixed sometime last night. Authorities searching for person of interest in Huntington house fire. Oct 18, 2022. Gov. Justice remains hopeful on power plants future Its already stressful, he said, owning a small hardware store and having to compete against larger chains like Home Depot and Lowes. Copyright Marietta Times | https://www.mariettatimes.com | 700 Channel Lane, Marietta, OH 45750 | 740-373-2121, Responders at the scene indicated he had set both fires, but its still under investigation,, Shortly after, Mr. Janet Kunicki/West Virginia Public Broadcasting Listen The debate over the Pleasants Power Station isnt just about the CHARLESTON A filing by the West Virginia Office of Disciplinary Counsel seeking the suspension of Pleasants County Prosecutor Brian Carrs law license confirms West Virginia issued 8 new shale permits last week, with five going to a company we had not previously heard of. Copyright Marietta Times | https://www.mariettatimes.com | 700 Channel Lane, Marietta, OH 45750 | 740-373-2121, Your information regarding an ODC investigation of me is accurate,, The Slow Down for the Holidays community service program has been in existence for many years and has been utilized on a limited number of occasions,, It was understood by law enforcement as an alternative legal mechanism to address only a narrow scope of criminal traffic offenses without any impediment to other government sanctions imposed by the Department of Motor Vehicles., To the best of our knowledge, no one personally benefited in any way other than the individual motor vehicle operator and members of the community who were identified as, or known to have, a family need or in need of assistance,, Per the Rules of Judicial Disciplinary Procedure, JIC matters are confidential unless the JIC issues an admonishment or formal charges have been brought,, As of today, no admonishments have been issued by the JIC and no formal charges have been filed with the Supreme Court Clerks Office., Further comment at this time cannot be made so that the investigation can be completed without impact from any form of printed or social media comment,, I will allow my legal counsel to address any further requests for comment, and I will continue to serve the people of Pleasants County in the fair administration of justice.. If he loses his job at the plant, Renner doesnt plan to leave the county or move away from his family farm there. Sayre doesnt know what will happen to his store if the plant closes, but he knows it wont be good. Im obligated to make this a successful place so my employees can have long-term employment. Pleasants County has a rich history centered in the growth of the chemical industry, Braun said in a press release. What Mon Power does at the end is out of my control.. Earl Ray Tomblin is a pro-drilling Democratan unusual occurrence. Thursday, April 27, will mark 45 years since 51 workers died when one of the plants cooling towers collapsed due to green concrete, considered one of the worst construction accidents in U.S. history at the time. Many arguments and little time as question of power plant's fate hits City modifying lease with ballpark and upgrading a west-side intersection. The Dominion Posts Ben Conley talked to Commissioner Tom Bloom, who said, The concern is, its given the appearance its one or the other, Pleasants or Fort Martin, rather than looking at both individually on its merits, and that worries us. A spokesperson for the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals could neither confirm nor deny ODC or JIC investigations in Pleasants County. Instead, the companies submitted a request to the PSC to approve its interim plan to keep Pleasants Power functional, along with a $36 million temporary surcharge for Mon Power/Potomac Edison residential, commercial, and industrial customers in North Central West Virginia and the Eastern Panhandle. The multiplier effect of those jobs is enormous. Pleasants County Pleasants County, WV News - Local News for Pleasants County, Company officials said last week those negotiations are ongoing. Jim At the 2010 census, the population was 7,605, making it the third-least populous county in the It would be a crying shame for the plant to die, Justice said. Shortly after, Mr. Get our in-depth reporting delivered to your inbox every Monday morning. But lets face it, those same people are our Boy Scout leaders, there are coaches, there are deacons in our churches.. A company called West Virginia Methanol Inc. has selected a site in Pleasants County, WV to develop to build a $350 million methanol plant. Both across the county and in West Virginia, companies have been retiring older coal-fired power plants in favor of cheaper sources of electricity. USAFacts uses Census data to break down the population of Pleasants County by race, age,and more. The surcharge would increase costs for residential customers by $2.67 per month, $8.44 per month for commercial customers and $4,416 for industrial customers. UPDATE: Arrest made following fatal Pleasants County wreck, Local man sentenced to 2-3 years in prison after pleading guilty to four charges, Belpre City Council holds special meeting, Tuesday fundraising campaign aims to uplift Mid-Ohio Valley nonprofits, Belpre Volunteer Fire Department files lawsuit against City of Belpre and fire chief, Gov. Pleasants Future of Pleasants Power Remains Murky | News, Sports, Today marks 45 years since 51 workers died at the plant when part of one of the cooling towers collapsed in what was once considered the deadliest construction accident in U.S. history. A request for comment from Nutter was not returned, while contact information for Taylor was not immediately available. Bailey has lived in Pleasants County long enough to remember life before the power plant. It has road, rail, and river transportation access and is near a major natural gas pipeline. Copyright 2023. But Im glad we have a delta rather than before when all we had before was were considering it. Now weve at least got a delta.. Cana Turner, 21, was allegedly behind the wheel of the car when it wrecked on Henry Camp Road. Continue reading. Ill be getting more and more details. The PSC gave the companies until March 31 to submit a report to the commission on the feasibility of purchasing Pleasants Power separate from an approved $91.9 million increase in the Expanded Net Energy Costs surcharge at the end of 2022.