File Photo by Eric Ayres Trending
WHEELING - The city of Wheeling approved the distribution of federal Community Development Block Grant funds to several local nonprofit organizations for this fiscal year.
Designed to help improve economic, social and physical environments of eligible rural cities and counties, CDBG funds aim to enhance the quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents, which in turn, is intended to strengthen the entire community.
Each year, the city is awarded federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for CDBG projects and programs.
During their most recent meeting, members of Wheeling City Council unanimously approved several ordinances to distribute CDBG funds to local agencies that serve the community.
One large allocation in an amount not to exceed $80,000 was with Russell Nesbitt Services Inc., which provides services to adults and children with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The funds are to be used for ongoing improvements to their facilities, specifically installation of a new roof.
Other agencies and the federal funding allocations approved for them during the 2026-27 grant year included Youth Services System, $42,500 for upgrades to the exterior of Mark’s Recovery Home; Catholic Charities, $10,000 to provide food and delivery products; Family Services of the Upper Ohio Valley, $10,000 for food, gasoline and paper products; House of the Carpenter, $4,000 for programming in conjunction with Madison School; Seeing Hand Association, $5,000 for workshop supplies; Wheeling Health Right, $25,000 for pharmaceuticals, dental clinic supplies and diabetic supplies.
In other city action, Wheeling Assistant City Manager Bill Lanham reported that electrical upgrades are being performed in areas around town, including parts of the downtown.
"Those electrical upgrades will be in place in time for our Light Up Night at Market Plaza," he said. "Those are things that we’ve needed."
Light up night traditionally takes place during the city’s Winter on the Plaza events, which will be held this year on the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 18, just days before the annual Fantasy in Lights Parade on that following Friday, Nov. 20, through downtown.
Lanham also reported that more cameras and motion detectors are being installed at the I-470 sports complex and Miracle League Field, where a number of break-ins had been reported recently. There will be increased police patrols around the recreational areas, as well, Lanham noted.
"We’ve gone to a cashless system up there," he stressed. "It’s pretty disappointing that some people in our community are damaging and impacting the Miracle League Field, the concession area and the areas for the kids, especially during fall ball. It’s a shame. We’ve got good facilities, the kids are participating and a lot of the activities up there are coordinated by volunteers."
Wheeling Mayor Denny Magruder also recommended the appointment of two city residents to serve terms on two different commissions. Council unanimously approved the recommendation to appoint Erin George to the Wheeling Human Rights Commission and Ricky Moore to the Wheeling Recreation Commission
"We’ve got two great additions, folks, to our committees, so we’re excited," Wheeling Mayor Denny Magruder said.
The date and location of the next meeting of Wheeling City Council has officially been moved to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Wheeling University.