Craig Howell GETTING A NEW LOOK – This wall, on the south side of All Area Bail Bonds, has been targeted as the local for a new mural celebrating the history of Brooke County as part of West Virginia's America250 Mural program.

WELLSBURG — Plans for a mural in celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday are moving ahead in Brooke County.

County commissioners voted 2-0 during their meeting Tuesday to allocate up to $20,000 from the county’s coffers for the project, with Commissioner Stacey Wise noting the county will be working with the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau to apply for $5,000 provided through the state’s Department of Tourism.

While noting the idea for the project was first discussed prior to her appointment, Commissioner Christina White said she looked forward to the mural becoming a part of the Brooke County community.

“I think it will be a beautiful addition,” White said, noting the state’s mural program was designed to create a “trail” of murals throughout West Virginia in observance of the nation’s semiquincentennial.

Commissioner Tom Diserio was not in attendance.

Top of WV Executive Director Rachel Keeney attended the April 7 commission meeting, presenting a proposed design for the mural created by a Wheeling-area artist and depicting shifting scenes to showcase the frontier beginnings of the region, the establishment of trade along the Ohio River, the introduction of local industry and the growth of communities.

The proposal would have the mural painted onto the southern wall of 622 Charles St., now home to All Area Bail Bonds.

White, though, speaking during Tuesday’s meeting, said her hope was to find a way to involve area residents in the project.

“Maybe we can reach out and have a contest with our citizens on what will be included,” White said.

Capt. Kyler Ferguson of the Brooke County Sheriff’s Department also encouraged the idea of getting the community involved, suggesting commissioners reach out to art students from Brooke High School.

“Our students need so many service hours to graduate,” Ferguson said.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey and the West Virginia Department of Tourism announced the America250 Mural Project in November as a statewide initiative to celebrate West Virginia’s local and national heritage. The goal is to establish a mural trail of new and original works in each of the state’s 55 counties, with support from a grant program to award $5,000 to each county.

The county has until May 1 to apply for the state funding, with the goal of having the mural completed in time for this year’s Independence Day celebrations.

Keeney previously indicated Brooke County’s mural could be finished by late May or early June.