Montgomery
With Charleston dominating headlines in politics and health care , the at times overlooked Upper Kanawha Valley has an identity all its own . This includes the city of Montgomery , a community that has been deeply impacted by the decline of the coal industry . Today , Montgomery is turning its attention toward reclaiming its place in the education landscape as well as pursuing outdoor recreation opportunities .
Since the loss of Valley Fayette High School and the WVU Tech campus in 2017 , Mayor Greg Ingram has been working tirelessly to regain education options in his community . The infrastructure left behind by WVU Tech is being repurposed one building at a time . The old Vining Library is now known as the Montgomery Media Center , which is home to a new television station that will soon air a program called “ Montgomery Today .”
In 2020 , Montgomery became home to Mountaineer Challenge Academy ’ s second campus .
This , coupled with BridgeValley Community and Technical College ’ s home in Montgomery , checked a few of Ingram ’ s boxes , but he wanted more .
Photo by City of Montgomery .
In August , the long-awaited Montgomery Preparatory Academy will open its doors for the first time . A private school that falls under the My Life My Power World Inc . School System , Montgomery Prep will utilize various platforms and methods for student learning with a particular focus on entrepreneurship , vocation and career services and life skills programming .
“ We utilize the Apex Learning Management System , which allows us the flexibility to excel each student at their own pace to ensure they are on target for their learning goals and getting the support they need via teachers and tutors ,” says Jennifer Kramer , M . Ed ., superintendent of academics and accreditation for My Life My Power International Preparatory Academies .
The preparatory academy system was approached by Ranger Scientific CEO Daniel Pearlson and Director of Business Development Mark Ryan in an effort to help impact the youth of Montgomery .
“ The Ranger Scientific family is blessed to support a globally accredited school system coming to Montgomery ,” says Ryan . “ We believe Montgomery Preparatory Academy will transform children ’ s lives and create brighter paths for their future .”
Additionally , Ingram is negotiating to bring an elementary charter school to Montgomery to round out the educational opportunities .
Montgomery is also leaning into its natural beauty and resources to create a tourist destination . It is now part of the Hatfield McCoy Trail System , and Ingram is working with the Kanawha County Commission on a grant for a welcome center . A minor boundary adjustment helped make the local marina and the river up to the Montgomery Bridge official parts of the city . The City of Montgomery also negotiated with the Boone East Coal Company to receive all land in Kanawha County along Route 60 to create a walking trail and recently completed a new fishing pier on the river .
The business community has also seen an uptick in activity , with the relocation of Fruits of Labor to Montgomery , the groundbreaking for Ranger Scientific and the opening of several new restaurants .
“ My motto in Montgomery now is , ‘ If we don ’ t have it , you don ’ t need it ,’” says Ingram . “ We have a lot of movement , we have a lot of excitement , but above all , we have hope .”
Weirton
Located in West Virginia ’ s Northern Panhandle , Weirton lies in both Brooke and Hancock counties along the Ohio River . It is the state ’ s second-largest city in area and enjoys the distinction of being the only city in the U . S . that borders two states on opposite sides of town .
“ This means visitors can be at the Pittsburgh International Airport in 20 minutes or jet skiing on the Ohio River in 10 minutes ,” says City Manager Michael Adams , Esq .
According to Adams , Weirton has an industrial reputation and is lesser known for its creeks , streams , golf courses , hunting camps and gaming resort . However , these industrial sites are currently being converted and renewed , and part of that renewal includes a robust trail system and worldclass river access . These projects include the asphalt paving of Weirton ’ s Panhandle Rail Trail ; a $ 122,000 upgrade to the Edwin J . Bowman Baseball Field ; and upgrades to the city ’ s largest park , Starvaggi Memorial Park .
While embracing its natural resources , Weirton is also seeing economic growth in other areas . In the last three years , Three Spring Crossings , a three-acre area that sat vacant for 15 years , has been developed into 48 different businesses . In the three-mile span that makes up Three Springs Drive , residents and visitors alike have access to a variety of restaurants , grocery stores and gas stations .
On the opposite side of Three Springs Drive , the former Weirton Steel Research and Development Center , which
WWW . WVEXECUTIVE . COM SUMMER 2022 59