Kanawha Votes YES to Gambling

The referendum on table gaming being allowed at racetracks was formally passed this month in Kanawha County. The vote on the issue was so close (about 33 ballots) that a recount was requested by the ‘no’ campaign. In the end, the final tally of 339 votes did not change the result and the referendum was passed.  Table games are now allowed at three racetracks in West Virginia, in Kanawha, Hancock and Ohio counties. Table games were rejected in Jefferson County at the referendum in June 2007.

Rep. Capito appointed to committee

Representative Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) was named the new Ranking Member of the Housing and Community Opportunity Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee. As Ranking Member, Rep. Capito will be the top Republican on the subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Government National Mortgage Association. The subcommittee also handles matters related to public, affordable, and rural housing, as well as community development including Empowerment Zones and government-sponsored insurance programs such as the National Flood Insurance Program.

“I am looking forward to this new and exciting challenge,” said Capito. “Many West Virginians still face considerable challenges finding affordable housing. The opportunity to serve as Ranking Member will be an excellent opportunity to highlight many of the difficulties rural communities face across the nation with the availability of affordable housing.”

Town Run-In

A pickup truck was driven from Back Alley into the Town Run between King Street and Princess Street in Shepherdstown in the early hours of the morning of September 9. The truck rammed through an iron traffic bollard and smashed through a custom built bench. The bench had been donated to the town by The Orange Swing, a local organization for families.

The day after the accident the owner of the vehicle, Francesia Vodson, returned to the scene of the accident. According to one repor, she was said to be looking for the remains of her mother that were held in a plastic bag left in the car.

 

Ricky is Cut

Former Shepherd University punter Ricky Schmitt was released by the National Football League Arizona Cardinals on August 27, a day after the Cardinals lost to San Diego in their third preseason game. He punted three times in two preseason games, averaging about 38 yards per punt. Schmitt has since tried out for Houston Texans. His status at the NLF is currently in limbo.