No two Hurricane City Council meetings are the same. The February 7 meeting was different in a different way in that it provided a forum by which Steve Deweese could present his resumé to the city’s elected officials.
Deweese stated that he last addressed Council in this manner in 2012 when he was seeking election to the office of Putnam County Sheriff. Deweese is now seeking to serve Putnam’s citizenry as County Commissioner.
Current mayor Scott Edwards, recorder Linda Gibson, and council members Reggie Billups and Marshall Ginn were in office when Deweese addressed council in 2012.
Deweese has added to his resumé in the last ten years. He was elected Sheriff and served in that office from 2013 to 2021. Prior to serving as Sheriff and Treasurer of Putnam County, Deweese was a deputy sheriff and active military with stints in Iraq. In total, Deweese has logged thirty years in law enforcement and thirty years in the Army (10 years active duty).
Deweese said that improved broad band infrastructure would be his top priority. He stated that he would be voice for safety, well-being and home values when zoning issues come before the county commission.
In regular business, council approved the appointment of Jimmy Belknap, Ashley Alford, James Vanoy and Cory Kidder to the Hurricane Development Authority Board.
Hurricane Fire and Rescue Chief Michael Hoffman reported that the fire department will be receiving 18 complete firefighting sets at no cost to the department through the Putnam County Fire Service Board. Hoffman stated that Hurricane EMS was on hand for both the Meeks Mountain Trail Crush Run and the Poplar Plunge at Hurricane City Park on February 3 but was not called upon for assistance.
City Manager Andy Skidmore reported that motorists can expect to see construction of a sign adjacent to Henderson Insurance on Teays Valley Road. The sign will feature commercial advertising space.
Marketing and Development Manager Amanda Ramey reported that plans are in place for a 100 kilometer (62.5 miles) run at Meeks Mountain Trail in September. 100K running events are new to this area. The September event is expected to attract visitors nationwide.
Mayor Edwards announced that the next regular council meeting will be Monday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m.
