Noxapater Aldermen Look at Possible Rural Health Center

Sheriff Jason Pugh met with Noxapater Aldermen on Tuesday night for the first time since taking office.  Much of the conversation concerned telephone scams that have been occurring throughout the area. WWN recently produced an article on such scams.
Aldermen also discussed the possibility of working with the Winston County Medical Center to establish a rural health office in the town. Discussions centered around locations and types of structure that might be possible. If established, the office could include a nurse practitioner, lab, business office and waiting area.  Winston County Economic Development plans to meet with the Appalachian Region Commission in Washington later this month concerning possible funding and support.  The project is in the planning stage and details are yet to be worked out but it is possible that an office could be in place by the end of the year.
Mayor Tommy Gardner raised several issues concerning the community's water system and needed repairs. There were specific concerns about the existing elevated water tank due to its age, past repairs and current problems. Representatives from Golden Triangle Planning & Development notified the Board that applications for CDBG grants are due shortly and would need to be pursued. While it was uncertain if sufficient grant money would be available or if the project would qualify, board members voted to pursue a grant to replace the existing elevated water tank and scheduled a public hearing on the matter at the next board meeting.
Also discussed was allowing school fundraisers to solicit funds at the four-way stop in Noxapater for the purchase for championship rings for the Noxapater football team that won the recent state title.  The school system provides 1/2 the cost of the players' rings but supporters must raise the additional funds. While there is an ordinance that prevents this type of solicitation, the board voted to allow an exception for this purpose.

The full agenda is available at the Noxapater City Clerk's Office.

W. McCully