Lighting contest

Thank you City of Fairmont and Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce for bringing back the Fairmont lighting contest. We all could use a little cheering up this season and seeing our community glowing with holiday lights and decorations is a great start. We encourage all households and businesses to show their holiday spirit and decorate their property.

To make it a bit more affordable, you are encouraged to save your receipts from the LED bulbs and take advantage of the rebates offered by the City.

Fairmont Schools

At the Fairmont school board meeting this week, board member Rufus Rodriquez shared the concerns of parents and the concern of their children falling behind during distance learning. He asked Superintendent Joe Brown if there is a strategy to provide some safeguards so students don’t end up in a learning hole. It was encouraging to hear Mr. Brown share the results of a survey of elementary staff and their interest in teaching during the summer months. Also, at the high school, administration is looking at a different type of schedule next year that would include an hour of enrichment opportunity for students.

We would like to recognize the efforts being put forward by the school board, teachers, administration and parents during this difficult time and all working together to provide the best possible education for our young people.

Julie Nettifee

Congratulations to Julie Nettifee, a 1979 graduate of Fairmont High School who was named the 2020 American Humane Veterinary Nurse of the Year. Julie followed in the footsteps of her father, Carl Nettifee, longtime animal control officer in Fairmont, in the help and care of pets and their owners. Thank you Julie and your family’s example and commitment to animal care and supporting the human/animal bond.

Roundabout

Lake Avenue in Fairmont is finally open to drivers after an extensive improvement project. The $4.8 million project began July 28 and saw the installation of a roundabout at the intersection of Downtown Plaza and Main Street, as well as a new traffic island at the intersection of First Street and Lake Avenue.

These additions are new to many long time drivers in Fairmont, and it will be important for us all to be patient as we adapt in the days ahead. Taking time to slow down and watch for traffic is something we should do at every intersection, but the unfamiliar should engender caution in even the most seasoned motorist. We’ll all get accustomed eventually.