Mold forces evacuations at Preston County Courthouse

Concerns Over the Condition of the Preston County Courthouse

During a recent meeting of the Preston County Commission, the state of the Preston County Courthouse became a central topic of discussion. The courthouse has been facing ongoing issues related to its structural integrity and environmental conditions, particularly after air quality tests revealed the presence of mold in certain areas. This prompted officials to take immediate action to ensure the safety of employees and residents.

On Thursday, July 17, fewer than 10 employees from the Preston County Probation office were relocated to the Kingwood election center. According to Preston County Commissioner Samantha Stone, the decision was made following the results of the air quality test, which confirmed the presence of marginal mold in the affected area. "We’ve taken action and moved the probation offices out of there, just wanting to make sure everybody’s as safe as they possibly can be," she explained.

In addition to the relocation of probation staff, Judge Steven Shaffer ordered family court hearings to be temporarily moved to Morgantown. Shaffer emphasized that there should not be any delays in services due to the move. He also noted that while the courthouse has had issues in the past, they have been monitored closely. However, he believes this situation is more severe due to the recent rainstorms that have impacted the building.

Addressing the Root Cause of the Problem

Commissioner Stone highlighted that the facilities’ supervisor is beginning the process of cleaning up the affected areas. She mentioned that demolition work will be carried out, including removing walls and thoroughly cleaning the space. "We need to clean it up, but we also need to take care of the issue that continues to cause that in that aging building," she said.

When asked how long employees have been working under these conditions, Stone acknowledged the challenges. "It’s just been a problem that it just continues to come back, so we’ve got to get to the root of it and we fully intend to do so." She emphasized that the mold issue is not a new one and that efforts to address it have been ongoing over the years.

The commission is also exploring options for temporary housing for displaced employees. They are considering leasing vacant properties in the area to allow workers to continue their duties while adhering to court rules. "They could be displaced for up to two years possibly, it just really depends on the extent of the report," Stone said. The commission leaned towards a two-year lease rather than a five-year lease when discussing potential options.

Ongoing Discussions About the MARL Project

Another topic of discussion during the meeting was the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) project, which is proposed to pass through Preston County. Many residents have raised concerns about the potential impact of the project. Previously, the county commission approved a resolution to formally oppose the project.

Commissioner Stone mentioned that there has been no update on the MARL project as of yet. "We have not received any information concerning anything happening with that right now," she said. She also noted that Hampshire County commissioners have reached out to form a coalition to support a stronger opposition to the project.

Although the Preston County Commission did not take any formal action regarding the coalition during the meeting, officials from the commission’s office confirmed that the county remains firm in its opposition to the MARL project. The decision to oppose the project reflects the community's concerns about its potential effects on the area.

As the county moves forward with addressing the issues at the courthouse and reviewing the status of the MARL project, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of employees and residents alike.