Randolph sets holiday hours

The spirit of the holiday season was with the Randolph County Commission Thursday.

Commission President Mike Taylor explained the state recognizes Christmas Eve as a half-day holiday; however, local governing bodies may close their offices for the entire day. Commissioners approved Dec. 24 as an extra half-day off for all county government employees. County offices will also be closed Christmas Day and will resume normal operating hours Dec. 28.

"It's a time to spend with families and be together," Taylor said of the days county offices will be closed.

To help the community celebrate the season, commissioners voted to contribute $500 from the hotel/motel tax fund to the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce to assist with costs associated with the annual Christmas Parade, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. today in downtown Elkins.

ERCCC Executive Director Robbie Morris explained to the commission that he is trying to decrease the costs of future parades by purchasing banners that can be used more than once. The funding contribution would also help offset the cost of providing treat bags to children when they visit Santa at the Railroad Depot during and after the parade, Morris said.

Morris added that nearly 50 units are expected to participate in the parade and entrants are from as far away as Jane Lew.

"I think it's a great event for the whole county," Morris commented. "I'm trying to grow and expand and so far ... it's gone well."

In other business:

-Commissioners approved a sheep claim payment for $375 to Benny Gimmel of Beverly.

-Commissioners approved the appointment of Loise See to an unexpired term of the Valley Head Library Board.

-Commissioners approved a lease agreement between Randolph County and the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals for the family court judge's new office space in Courthouse Annex II for $2,451.67 per month.