BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

KERMIT, W.Va. — The Town of Kermit is grappling with a significant sewer system issue due to collapsed main lines. Mayor Charles Sparks stated in a June 19 meeting that the town is contracting a company to pump the maintenance holes twice a week to manage the situation.

The collapse occurred at the intersection of the railroad tracks, Virginia Street and U.S. 52, near Truist Bank, according to Sparks. The city plans to seek a critical needs grant and any other help it can get from state and federal programs.

“If we have to tear that intersection up, it’s going to be bad,” Sparks said, noting that the sewer lines were installed in the 1940s. Council members voiced concerns over the ongoing expense of pumping the sewer twice a week.

Sparks is hoping the Region 2 Planning & Development Council can accelerate assistance.

In other business, Sparks reported that Gary Hensley had hosted representatives from Accelerate West Virginia through West Virginia University. This program supports local leadership teams as they advance their communities’ revitalization goals. One of the areas of support includes brownfield site assessment and building revitalization strategies. Sparks shared information for an upcoming brownfield webinar on July 22.

Sparks hopes to meet with trail officials next week.

“There’s one area at Marrowbone Development where the tipple is, and that is a holdup,” he said. “Once they get that done, it’s a clear shot.”

Council member Anna Mae Sartin Wellman, a feature at Kermit Town Hall for the last 26 years, made her official last act, motioning to adjourn the meeting. Wellman did not seek re-election and will officially step down at the end of her term June 30. However, she did not leave without fanfare from the other council members, the mayor, and clerk Rhonda Linville, who presented her with a plaque of appreciation, hugs, and a cake.