Weirton parks focus on public safety

WEIRTON -- Municipal officials continued their efforts Thursday to keep Weirton residents informed on the city's operations during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The weekly update was streamed live on the city's Facebook page, with a group of three area doctors later joining to provide a medical discussion on the virus and other related issues.

Parks Executive Director Coty Shingle provided an update on the city's recreational facilities, noting that, while the Millsop Community Center has been closed, members don't have to worry about their status.

"We've frozen all the memberships, effective March 14," he said, explaining all members will be credited for whatever time missed during the pandemic.

In addition, refunds have been sent out to those who have registered for the various youth sports leagues which had been planned.

Shingle explained they also have had to close the Edwin J. Bowman Ballfield and Starvaggi Memorial Park, as a result of residents not observing social distancing guidelines while there.

"Public safety is our No. 1 concern at this time," he said, while adding Marland Heights Park, the Panhandle Trail and several small playgrounds are still open. "There are still a lot of recreational outlets."

Shingle reminded residents that while his maintenance crews currently are working to prepare Starvaggi Memorial Pool, the facility's opening has been postponed indefinitely for the summer swimming season.

"It's fluid," he said. "It's changing every day."

Police Chief Rob Alexander, once again, offered thanks to those businesses which have made donations of supplies and other items for the city's use. He noted the materials have been divided up among the various departments, and a list has been compiled of everyone who has donated in order to properly thank them at a later time.

"We're utilizing it," Alexander said. "We're working hand-in-hand with all the departments."

Noting there have been no new reports of coronavirus infections in the city, Alexander thanked residents for their efforts to halt the spread of the virus.

"Obviously, we're doing something right here," Alexander said.

Hancock County has seen a total of seven confirmed cases, with county health officials reporting all have recovered at home. Brooke County officials, meanwhile, have reported only three confirmed cases of the virus.

Alexander said he and Fire Chief Kevin Himmelrick are in conference calls with county and state officials every 48 hours to continue coordination efforts in the area.

Himmelrick said officials are concerned about a potential resurgence of the COVID virus later in the year, and are working to secure protective items for use in the event they are needed. He also urged residents to continue safe practices, such as good hygiene measures, even when restrictions are lifted.

Himmelrick also thanked the residents and businesses who have donated cleaning supplies, protective equipment and food to local first responders.

Public Works Director Rod Rosnick said his department continues with its preventive measures, including daily cleaning of equipment and checking temperatures of all employees. While most departments are staffed and operating normally, Rosnick asked for patience in areas where crews might have lower staffs or be taking additional time and precautions in the course of their work.

Spring cleanup has been postponed, he reminded, and announced street patching will begin next week.

Utilities Director Butch Mastrantoni said Weirton's water and sanitary operations continue normally, with crews available around the clock to provide service.

He encouraged residents to use the mail or dropbox at the City Building, or the utility department's websites to pay their bills, and requested if residents do approach any of his crews, to use social distancing and other safety measures.