Continue reading, The West Virginia Dept. Representatives of two power companies have identified additional expenses and the likelihood of a more restrictive timeline for taking over the Pleasants Power Station, which is set to close in a few weeks. I'm interested in (please check all that apply). Pleasants Power, located south of St. Marys and Belmont in Pleasants County near the Wood County border, was commissioned in 1979 and fully operational in 1980. 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. Members of the public weighed in on the fate of the Pleasants Power Station near Belmont, which is set to be closed June 1 unless an alternative comes through. Delegate Joe Statler, R-Monongalia, said, I can assure you that in any discussions I was involved in, it was never mentioned that if they were to keep Pleasants Power Station open they would need to retire another plant. The B&O tax cut will hurt West Virginia cities. See All Posts . We can find nothing about this story from another other news source than the AP. In Pleasants County, concern about what comes next is widespread. She is listed in the North Central Regional Jail as a pretrial felon. A company spokesman denied an interview request and did not respond to emailed questions. Get our in-depth reporting delivered to your inbox every Monday morning. If the Pleasants plant could compete in the free market, they wouldnt be shutting it down.. 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. 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. The State Public Service Commission is deciding what should be done with the Pleasants Power Station. West Virginia issued 9 new permitsall but 2 of them were issued to Antero Resources in Tyler County. Pleasants Power, located south of St. Marys and Belmont, is a 1,300-megawatt coal-fired power plant. Bailey has lived in Pleasants County long enough to remember life before the power plant. ST. MARYS, W.Va. (WTAP) - A woman is behind bars Monday after Pleasants County authorities said she left the scene of a fatal wreck on Friday. Superintendent: Michael Wells ; Schools . The chosen site formerly housed an industrial plant. It would be a crying shame for the plant to die, Justice said. After the exchange of gunfire, emergency personnel noticed the cabin was on fire as well, Starsick said. WebPleasants County Schools 202 Fairview Dr St. Marys, WV 26170 (304) 684-2215 (304) 684-3569. Two FirstEnergy subsidiaries, Monongahela Power Co. and Potomac Edison Co., have sought to enter into a letter of PLEASANTS COUNTY, W.Va. (WTAP) - The future of the Pleasants Power Station has seen much public debate since FirstEnergy announced its intentions to shut the plant down last year. Around 7 p.m. Sunday, firefighters and emergency medical personnel responded to 3593 Federal Ridge Road a few miles outside of St. Marys and found a mobile home engulfed in flames, Starsick said. When such an economic engine sputters out, it has a domino effect, and the whole community loses. That history has spawned a well-trained and The community level of Covid-19 in Pleasants County is low based on cases and hospitalizations, according to the most recent update from the C.D.C. Continue reading, West Virginia Gov. WebDiscover Pleasants County, WVs population & how it has changed over time. Jim Justice the next year, lawmakers rushed to approve $12.5 million in annual tax breaks to help keep the plant alive. And the people who could lose their jobs from the plant and beyond might have to leave, creating a rip in the communitys social fabric. 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. Okey Starsick, with the Parkersburg state police detachment. CHARLESTON On the eve of a deadline set by two FirstEnergy subsidiaries, the West Virginia Public Service Commission gave its approval Monday for the plan that will Not on Anteros website. We dont have specific numbers, he said, but any shutdown will obviously affect our community in jobs and taxes. Janet Kunicki/West Virginia Public Broadcasting Listen The debate over the Pleasants Power Station isnt just about the Brewer was on the scene at the time and, as the fire was being put out, he re-entered a cabin on the property, believed to be his primary residence. A request for comment from the ODC was not returned. As a nonprofit newsroom, we depend on readers to fund our work. And I hope that this company invests in the community as well, he said. MARYS The West Virginia State Police are investigating the death of a Pleasants County man who reportedly shot at emergency personnel responding to a fire on his property Sunday. Its considered the deadliest construction accident in United States history. Published: Sep. 20, 2021 at 12:04 PM PDT. Now, if the plant closes, he worries he might have to lay some of his employees off. The WV Dept. Pleasants County has a rich history, centered in the growth of the chemical industry, said Diane Braun, executive director of the Pleasants County Development Authority. The presentation reinforced in my mind how important it is to my constituents that we maintain electricity during these winter storms, he said. Latest trends. Copyright 2023. 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. Burning coal emits vast quantities of carbon dioxide, which is hastening climate change around the globe. 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 In response to our questions, he said, The only question before me was concerning the preservation of the Pleasants Power Station and the many coal jobs associated with it, and I voted yes. Theres models for this. Continue reading, Last October MDN told you that a company called West Virginia Methanol Inc. has selected a site in Pleasants County, WV to develop to build a $350 million methanol plant (see WV Announces New $350M Methanol Plant in Pleasants County). The secondary schools those students attend could also take a hit. In an order posted early Monday evening, the PSC authorized Monongahela Power Co. and Potomac Edison Co. to continue negotiations with Texas-based Energy Transition and Environmental Management (ETEM) to finalize a letter of intent to maintain the power plant and keep the plants 154 workers employed beginning in June and ending May 2024. The ODC investigates lawyers in the state, while the JIC investigates justices, judges, and magistrates. The West Virginia Public Service Commission is authorizing power companies to continue negotiating a potential purchase of the coal-fired Pleasants Power Station, which has a scheduled retirement date of May 31, 2023. What Mon Power does at the end is out of my control.. Local News. The costs of the proposed bailout would fall squarely on Mon Power and Potomac Edison customers, as all power plants owned by regulated utilities are paid for by customers, including the costs of purchasing, operating, and maintaining the power plants, according to the group. The state Public Service Commissions Consumer Advocate Divisionrecommended both actions: run Pleasants and close Fort Martin. According to WDTV, an area high school student died in a Ritchie County crash Sunday evening. Mankins said Turner and Hause lived together. The ages, races, and population density of Pleasants County, West Virginia tell Coal prices have recently been over $100 a ton. Sen. Mike Caputo, D-Marion, gave a brief floor speech in favor of the resolution on the day it passed the Senate. The Pleasants Power Station cranked up to 91 percent capacity during that period to help ensure the reliability of the grid. Our thanks to the programmers at the DEP. But any good father, any good parent, would want to make sure their son or daughter had not necessarily the most expensive life, but be able to have a running start on life.. It is exciting to be part of an enduring partnership that can amplify our joint commitment to the manufacturing sector, Braun said. On April 27, 1978, 51 men climbed the scaffolding of their workplace to continue the upward construction of a cooling tower at the Willow Island Power Station in Pleasants County. Operating under the banner of West Virginians for Energy Freedom (WV4EF), they argue it is unfair to keep the plant open on the backs of ratepayers. Superintendent Michael Wells said if the plant closes, the 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. Yesterday the Pennsylvania database we use to locate information on new permits issued was throwing an error. Continue reading, #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; }
The fossil fuel has had new competition from other energy sources, like natural gas and renewables. After the car wreck that took Mumaw on Sunday on Route 16, Pleasants County Schools and other schools in the community are still finding ways of honoring her memory. 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. PLEASANTS COUNTY, W.Va. (WTAP) - The future of the Pleasants Power Station has seen much public debate since FirstEnergy announced its intentions to shut the plant For the time being, Powell said all the focus has to be on making sure that doesnt happen. Proponents of keeping the plant open point to the jobs it provides, as well as to the economic support it continues PLEASANTS COUNTY, W.Va. (WTAP) - On April 27, 1978, the second cooling tower under construction for the Pleasants Power Station collapsed, killing 51 men working in and around the tower. This reduction in funding would come at the worst possible time, said the foundations executive director, Sheri Fleegle. Turner was later arrested, though it was not immediately clear what she has been charged with. We are located on the main floor of the Courthouse in Room 103 and our office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Among them, Pleasants employs 154 people and provides $1.75 million annually to the county in property taxes. Morgantown event to review legislative session, City Council approving changes to lease with GoMart ballpark, improvements for 5-corners intersection. PLEASANTS COUNTY, W.Va. (WTAP) - Meet Zuri! Sayre doesnt know what will happen to his store if the plant closes, but he knows it wont be good. So we polled local legislators and members of the Monongalia County Commission on the Fort Martin issue, including, for the legislators, whether knowing of the plants possible closure would have changed their vote. When the records room for a given county starts to be overrun with researchers, thats a sure sign that Marcellus (or Utica) Shale drilling is on the way. Beyond its 154 direct employees, the power plant Pleasants County Sheriff Chuck Mankins said two deputies from his office and a St. Marys Police officer were at the scene. WELLSBURG The Wellsburg Kiwanis Club will team with local clergy and Mayor Dan STEUBENVILLE While many people dont have a lot of positive memories from the COVID pandemic, the Rev. By Douglas Soule. Ill be getting more and more details. Other power plant pollution contributes to local health issues, including asthma, bronchitis and heart disease. Copyright 2023 West Virginia MetroNews Network. It would raise $36 million over a 12-month period, or $3 million per month. We scoured the web. 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. 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. They also argue that it could cost ratepayers more in the future to keep the plant compliant with current environmental rules and regulations. So were back! In fact, it was one of the lowest overall number of permits issued in recent memory. A company called West Virginia Methanol says it plans a $350-million plant in Pleasants County, resulting in 30 jobs. He began firing a gun from an upstairs window of the cabin in the direction of the emergency personnel, Starsick said. As the state senator who represents the community that is home to the National Energy Technology Laboratory, if Im not willing to stand up for fossil fuel power generation who is? All persons displayed here are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Both across the county and in West Virginia, companies have been retiring older coal-fired power plants in favor of cheaper sources of electricity. For Doug Renner one of more than 150 people employed by the plant news of a possible closure puts not only stress and strain on him, but his entire family. The average customer would see an increase of $15 on their water bill under the proposed rates. of Environmental Protections (DEP) Division of Air Quality held a virtual meeting yesterday to address public comments on the project. Dozens of With its local coal mine gone and its power plant soon to follow, the company owning both agreed to provide $55 million over a decade to fund an economic transition. Breaking News. The use of coal enables our power company to add to the PJM grid and provide reliable, cost-efficient power. Will Trump Back Justice, Mooney or None of the Above. The governor and his Commerce Secretary, Keith Burdette, have published an official notice seeking bids from drillers. One other delegate replied but said he didnt feel familiar enough with the full issue to be able to comment. That fire was extinguished before they entered the residence. Continue reading, All three M-U states received permits to drill new shale wells last week, but not a lot. Now that the country is reducing greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change, these plants will likely shut down even sooner. He wouldnt reveal any names, but said there have been three kinds of groups interested in the plant: companies that want to repurpose the facility as a hydrogen power plant, coal companies interested in keeping the plant powered by coal, and groups interested in doing the same but using the electricity for cryptocurrency mining. 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. According to WV4EF, customers of Mon Power and Potomac Edison have seen their electric rates increase by 50 percent over a 15-year period. The threat of that closing down I think has got people kind of pulling back, he said. WebPleasants County Schools . Heres what they found Ohio had just two new permits, both on the same Southwestern Energy well pad in Monroe County. All rights reserved. Standing by and watching a coal-fired power plant close without trying to do anything to prevent it didnt make sense to me. 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. Heres an inside look at the challenges faced in tracking down who owns the mineral rights for a given piece of propertyespecially in WV where mineral rights were severed from surface rights for many landowners years ago In Pennsylvania, 19 new shale well permits were issued across the state. During the discussions the companies have said they already operate two coal-fired plants Fort Martin and Harrison and dont see any customer benefit to operating three. West Virginia had three new permits, one in Pleasants County and two in Marshall County. 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. Its already stressful, he said, owning a small hardware store and having to compete against larger chains like Home Depot and Lowes. Pleasants County 911 says the accident happened just The entire community was left in shock and mourning, with no choice but to keep moving forward. The company expects to make a final investment decision in the first half of 2021 with operations expected to commence as early as mid-2023. The severance tax is 3.95 percent. Last Friday they opened bids from four different drillers. A Bridgeport native, he worked as an intern at the Charleston Gazette-Mail. Continue reading, A healthy number of permits were issued to drill new shale wells across the Marcellus/Utica region last week. 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 Beyond its 154 direct employees, the power plant employs thousands of temporary union workers during its maintenance periods, as well as coal miners in the Northern Panhandle who help supply the plant. Search . Jim Justice said Wednesday he still wants to see the Pleasants Power Plant near St. Marys saved, but it is Thats huge. For Renner, his job at the plant has made it possible to offer his son that running start, like planning to help him through college. Written comments for Case No. Cana Turner, 21, was allegedly behind the wheel of the car when it wrecked on Henry Camp Road. City modifying lease with ballpark and upgrading a west-side intersection. Copyright Weirton Daily Times | https://www.weirtondailytimes.com | 114 Lee Ave., Weirton, WV 26062 | 304-748-0606. CHARLESTON On the eve of an evidentiary hearing to decide whether ratepayers will have to shell out more money in order to keep the Pleasants Power plant idling, supporters and detractors of plan made their voices heard Thursday. Proposed rates from West Virginia American Water could mean more expensive water bills. According to two resolutions adopted by the House of Delegates and state Senate, the plant has a $400 million economic impact for Pleasants County and the surrounding Mid-Ohio Valley. Delegate Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, voted no on the House resolution. Pennsylvania issued 19 new permits in both southwest and northeast PA. Ohio issued 8 new permits, all of them to a single driller (Ascent Resources) for two well pads in two different counties. Thats my feeling. Douglas Soule is a Report for America corps member who covers business and economic development. Ohio received four permits. Per the Rules of Judicial Disciplinary Procedure, JIC matters are confidential unless the JIC issues an admonishment or formal charges have been brought, said Jennifer Bundy, public information officer for the state Supreme Court in a statement Tuesday. Copyright 2021 WTAP. 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. And coal is a distant fourth.. Beyond its 154 direct employees, the power plant employs thousands of temporary union workers during its maintenance periods, as well as coal miners in the Northern Panhandle who help supply the plant. Therell be a big impact on the community, Bailey said. I think we ought to let the PSC do their job and everything and let them dig into all the details, Justice said. Ohio issued 10 new permits. Natalea Mumaw, 18, of Belmont, was struck and killed in the wreck on Route 16 near the intersection of Whaley Road in Ellenboro just after 4:30 p.m. Sunday, according to the Ritchie County Sheriffs Office. Van Nostrand said the news of the Pleasants plants possible closure seemed inevitable. County Magistrate Clerk Pam Cox confirmed the two stepped down last As of today, no admonishments have been issued by the JIC and no formal charges have been filed with the Supreme Court Clerks Office.. 3 were here. 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 plant in Pleasants County is designed to produce 900 metric tons of high-purity methanol from natural gas each day. It would be a blow to the community financially. If there was a resolution before me to keep Fort Martin open, I would have supported that as well. They worry the next possible one might devastate them. For Doug Renner, leaving would be a last resort. And West Virginia just a single new permit. Mark Bailey sat at his desk, waiting for his next customer, as an employee used electric clippers on a mans gray hair. Continue reading, West Virginia doesnt let any grass grow under their feet when it comes to the drilling industry. Speaking during his weekly virtual administration briefing from the Capitol, Justice said he was pleased that FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiaries Monongahela Power Co. and Potomac Edison Co. submitted a plan to the PSC at the end of March to operate the plant for a 12-month period while it considers a more permanent proposal. In 2019, Gov. ST. MARYS The Pleasants County Solid Waste Authority will hold its annual electronics recycling collection from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Earth Day, at the Momentive Performance Materials Plant, 10851 Energy Highway, in Friendly. Thats huge for Pleasants County, but not only that, 400 coal mining jobs supplying the plant with coal. And for the past four decades, its benefited economically from the Pleasants Power Station: a coal-fired power plant only a few miles south of Baileys downtown barber shop. Will Trump Back Justice, Mooney or None of the Above. 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.. Justice orders flags at half-staff on Saturday in honor of Upshur County Sheriff Virgil Douglas Miller. First, we point out that Mon Power and Potomac Edison havent committed to buying Pleasants or closing Fort Martin. We have an incredible manufacturing base and a great workforce training program thats going to produce a lot of good for our beautiful state, Justice said. Methanol plants convert 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. Not on the WV DEP website. Pennsylvania received just five new permits, and some of those were reissued permits. The PSC announced Wednesday evening that it would also hold a public comment hearing at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at the PSC headquarters at 201 Brooks Street in Charleston. Severance tax revenue was a large part of the budget surplus the state accumulated last year. If you cant be here in person, you can still submit a written comment.. That is standard procedure for fatalities involving law enforcement officers, he said. Compressor Station Reduces M-U Flows to Gulf Coast, Southwestern Energy 1Q Added 13 M-U Wells, 23 Haynesville Wells, CNX 1Q Production Slides, Profits Soar on Derivatives, Sue-and-Settle: DRBC Bans Conventional Fracked Water Road Spreading, PIOGA Responds to Bill Raising Bonding Rates for Conventional Wells, WVU & NNE Drilling Test Well for CCS, Geothermal Energy, EPA Continues to Delay Approval of Class VI CCS Injection Wells, Other Stories of Interest: Mon, May 1, 2023, EQT 1Q Tug Hill on Track, Rice a Fan of Electrify the World. Do Not Sell My Personal Information WebNewsBreak provides latest and breaking Pleasants County, WV local news, weather forecast, crime and safety reports, traffic updates, event notices, sports, entertainment, CHARLESTON Two magistrates in Pleasants County have resigned and the county prosecutors office is under investigation over a holiday program designed to wipe Kenneth W. Brewer, 74, was found dead after a fire was extinguished in the structure from which he shot at first responders as they were putting out another fire at a nearby trailer, Starsick said. Powell said while hes worried about the future of the plant, hes a lot more hopeful now than when Energy Harbor announced the transition in March. He has served as editor-in-chief Pleasants County Schools 202 Fairview Dr St. Marys, WV 26170 (304) 684-2215 (304) 684-3569. CHARLESTON Two magistrates in Pleasants County have resigned and the county prosecutors office is under investigation over a holiday program designed to wipe away misdemeanors in exchange for hefty fees that some are calling Santa-Gate.. As a result, the company plans to sell or close the plant next year. Pleasants Power, located south of St. Marys and Belmont, is a 1,300-megawatt coal-fired power plant. Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Employment | Affiliates Intranet An independent, civic news organization for West Virginia. Bailey drove by the tower minutes before the disaster, on his way to visit his dad. Forcing ratepayers to pay even more to keep an unprofitable plant open will only add to this burden. View today. Pleasants County Schools ; Belmont Elementary School ; St. Marys Elementary School ; Pleasants County Middle School ; St. Marys High School ; Stay Connected . Theyre not going out starting big projects.. Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window).
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