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Middlebourne tackles cat issue

By Staff | Jul 15, 2009

The feral cat problem was the main topic at the Middlebourne council meeting held on July 13.

Councilwoman Vera Henthorn stated it is getting to be a real problem in the area where she lives. Renay Dawson from AAA Animal Control was on hand to offer her services to the town. According to her proposal, the plan was to set traps around the city for 90 days for a flat rate of $600. This would cover the residents within the city limits.

Dawson stated the traps would be checked daily and any cat that does not have a collar would be held for five days so the owner would have a chance to claim it.

Dawson stated, “Anyone who owns a cat needs to make sure that it has a collar.’Since there is no Humane Society in Tyler County, the council agreed that this would be the next best thing to do.

“It is not safe for people to work in flowerbeds where cats have made a deposit. People can catch diseases from it if you don’t wear gloves while working,” stated Dawson.

In other business, Sharon Stackpole was sworn in for another term as recorder.

Councilman Dave Smith gave an update on the police protection. He stated council would not have to raise the water and sewage rates to cover the cost for the police protection in Middlebourne.

Did Slider from the Middlebourne Festival Committee gave the council an update on the happenings for Hillbilly Days.

“Last year we had crowds estimated at about 3,000 for both days and this year it’s expected to double,” said Slider. “That’s not bad for a town of 900!”

Hillbilly Days will be held Sept. 4-6 this year in conjunction with the Tyler County Speedway and the Hillbilly 100.

This is the oldest, longest running, and highest paying one-day dirt track race in the country. Last year it drew in a crowd of about 10,000 over the three-day event.

In addition to the “West Virginia Born Out of Rebellion” exhibit, they will present history about the local area as well, from the early settlers to the oil and gas boom era and then onto the glass and pottery industries, up to present day and the chemical and coal companies.

“Many people are completely unaware of why people came to this area or what any of us do for a living now,” Slider commented. “Too many of our young people are also unaware of their roots and our rich history. Any pictures or written history, when, where, why, or how your company came to be would be fantastic. The committee would need your information by August 1 and will return any pictures.”

The committee is also offering opportunities for sponsorships and asking for any donations.

For more information, please call Did Slider at 304-758-4891.