The Marshall County Commission’s proposed budget for fiscal year starting July 1 was presented by president John D. Gruzinskas at Tuesday’s meeting, with revenues from two sources totaling $30.5 million.

General county tax collections and other income provide $25.5 million of the budget with the other $5 million from coal severance.

Highlights of the proposed budget include:

Taxes–Marshall County continues to have one of the lowest levy rates in the state at 11.43 as recommended by the state auditor’s office.

Salaries and benefits–The proposed budget keeps salaries at a competitive rate thus continuing to fund a very competitive benefits package for employees.

Capital Improvements–Funds have been allocated for additional equipment in some departments so all elected officials have the necessary tools to perform their duties. In addition, we have budgeted funds for anticipated repairs to all county buildings, including a large HVAC/Electric/Security upgrade project at the courthouse, a new health department building and a new EMS station.

Outside Agencies–These agencies include the Health Department City/County Library, Grand Vue Park, Senior Citizens Center, Volunteer Fire Departments, Animal Shelter, 4-H, Airport Authority, Extension Service, and others.

Grunzinskas continued stating, “We also continue our efforts to assist in extending new water lines and improving sewer systems to the rural areas of our county. We are committing funds to assist with projects that our public service districts and sewerage authority are pursuing.”

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The commissioners also discussed upcoming plans for HVAC/Electric and Security Upgrades for the courthouse, including moving forward.

It was noted that there has not been a major undertaking for some 50 years.

In recent months department heads have put together information dealing with upgrades they believe are needed.

Dates have been set for firms wishing to submit bids on the projects.

Also, there was discussion and action taken on a Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to a joint radio system with Ohio County. The radio system involves several county agencies.

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Allison McGraw, a seventh grader at Sherrard Middle School, earned a perfect score (100 percent) at the regional West Virginia History Fair. It was the second time she attained this perfect number, having previously scored a perfect score at the Marshall County Social Studies Fair.

She was the only student in the region to earn a perfect score.

McGraw’s project title was, “Smithsonian: One Man’s Generosity Impacting America.”

Each entry was judged on oral presentation, abstract and physical display.

She will join classmates and other students from throughout at the state at the West Virginia State Social Studies Fair on April 29 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.

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Moundsville Middle School students will present “Disney’s Frozen Jr – The Musical” Monday and Tuesday at the John Marshall High School Center for the Performing Arts. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., both nights with tickets available at the door, $7 for adults and $5 for students.

The principal cast will include:

Sarah McBee (Elsa), Elin McGuire (Anna), Dezmed Roth (Kristoff), Sadi Willis (Sven), Cooper Berlin (Olaf) and Coltin Myers, (Prince Hans).

Other favorite characters being Lauren Whetzel, Mariah Henderson, Kayden Persinger, Marley Kittle, Rick Robinson, Irelyn Lowe, Cori Brown, David Durig, Aidan Nelson, Kaylin Namlik, Alina Holliday, Oliva Bonar, Cheyenne Henderson, Hannah Woods, Grace Whitlatch, Emily McBee, Carleigh Jo Cochran, Kady, Quigley, Deacon Downes, Taylor Morgan, Emily Richards, Madi Moore, Adah Wood and Alyssa Brown.

Disney’s Frozen JR is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Dawn Barcus is directing, along with Jonathan Bucci serving as technical advisor.

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Sofiah Bozenske and Lauren Rice, musicians from the Marshall County Strings Program, have been accepted to attend the West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts. This summer it will be held on the campus of Marshall University.

They completed a pre-screen audition as well as a live interview and audition as part of the application process.

Governor’s School for the Arts is a three-week program open to current sophomores who write, dance, sing, play an instrument, act or draw/paint.

Bozsenske (violin) and Rice (cello) will attend for the instrumental music discipline.

According to the Governor’s School website, the program is kept small so that each student receives a lot of individual attention not only from the primary teacher, but other adjunct staff members as well. It is not a music camp, instead the artist-community concept is stressed, as students are immersed in experiences that push them to the point that they are truly changed during the School.

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The annual Good Friday Crosswalk in Cameron will take place beginning at 10:30 a.m. April 15.

Those wishing to participate are to meet at St. Martin’s Catholic with walkers to stop along the way to hear the Easter story. The final stop will be at the Blue & Gold Christian Center.

The Cameron Baptist Church will a hold Maundy Thursday Service at 6 p.m. on Thursday. The Good Friday Service will be held at noon April 15.

There will be an Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 4 through 6th grades on Saturday April 16. Registration will be from 12:30 p.m. until 1 p.m. with activities from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.

The church’s Easter Sunday Sunrise Service is at 7 a.m. on April 17, with breakfast to follow.

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Food give-aways will take place on April 20 in front of the Blue & Gold Christian Center.

The Mountaineer Food Bank truck will be distributing food between 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. This food is free to all Marshall County residents, and they bring enough food for 75 families

For additional information call the Center at 304-686-2422.

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A Marshall County FRN’s general meeting will be held online at 11 a.m. Tuesday. The meeting is described as a way to share information and to earn about activities and programs going on in the community. Each person who wants to participate will have an opportunity to briefly discuss their organization and updates during the meeting.

A link to join the online meeting will be sent to those who sign-up.

The FRN can be reached by phoning 304-845-3300 or at www.marshallcountyfrn.com