Boone County Commission

07/05/2026

🚨 IMPORTANT FLOOD RECOVERY UPDATE – NATIONAL GUARD DEBRIS PICKUP BEGINS THIS WEEK 🚨

Recovery efforts continue across Boone County, and we're asking for your help to make debris pickup as safe and efficient as possible.

🇺🇸 The West Virginia National Guard will begin debris pickup operations this week. Crews are expected to arrive on Monday to unload equipment, receive their assignments, and prepare for operations. Depending on timing, a limited amount of pickup may occur Monday afternoon.

🚜 Full pickup operations are expected to begin Tuesday morning and will continue until all affected communities have been completed.

📍 What You Need To Do

✅ Move all flood-damaged debris to the edge of the roadway or your property line NOW.

❌ The National Guard cannot enter private property to remove debris. If your items are not at the roadside, they will not be able to pick them up.

⚠️ Please have everything ready by Monday evening or Tuesday morning at the latest.

🛻 How Pickup Will Work

Crews will work through each community using an organized route. They will move road by road and neighborhood by neighborhood.

Once crews have completed your road, they are not expected to return. Please don't wait until you see them on your street to begin moving debris.

📍 Pickup Areas

🏠 Wharton & Van Areas

Place debris beside the roadway.
National Guard crews will collect it.

🏠 Jeffrey, Ottawa & Clothier Areas

Temporary flood debris dumpsters remain available at the Spruce River Community Center until National Guard pickup begins in those communities.

🚫 Flood debris only. Please do not place household garbage, paint, chemicals, tires, or other hazardous materials in the dumpsters.

🚓 Safety Reminder

The Boone County Sheriff's Department will be assisting with traffic control while crews are working.

Please slow down, watch for workers and heavy equipment, and give them plenty of room to operate safely.

❤️ This recovery effort is only possible because of the cooperation of our residents, volunteers, local fire departments, the Boone County Sheriff's Department, the West Virginia National Guard, Team Rubicon, county employees, and many other partners who continue to work together every day.

📞 Questions or need assistance?
Contact your local fire department or Boone County Emergency Management at 304-369-7273.

📢 Please share this post so everyone in the affected communities has time to prepare before crews arrive.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Boone County Strong. 💙🇺🇸

07/03/2026

🚨 FLOOD DEBRIS PICKUP UPDATE 🚨

Boone County continues making progress in our flood recovery efforts, and we have an important update regarding National Guard debris pickup operations.

🇺🇸 National Guard crews are expected to arrive Monday, July 6, to begin setting up operations. Monday will be used to bring personnel and equipment into Boone County, conduct safety briefings, and prepare for debris collection. Depending on arrival times, a limited amount of debris may be picked up in the Wharton area Monday afternoon.

🚜 Full debris pickup operations are expected to begin Tuesday morning and will continue each day until the work is complete.

📍 What You Need To Do

✅ Move all flood-damaged debris to the edge of the roadway or property line where it can be safely reached from the road.

❌ The National Guard cannot enter private property to remove debris. If debris is not at the roadside, they will not be able to pick it up.

⏰ Please have your debris ready by Monday evening or Tuesday morning at the latest.

⚠️ This will be an organized, continuous pickup operation. Crews will move through each community one road at a time. Once they have completed your road, that will likely be your only opportunity for National Guard pickup, so please don't wait.

🚧 Please do not block roads, driveways, mailboxes, fire hydrants, utility poles, or other rights-of-way with your debris.

🚓 The Boone County Sheriff's Department will be assisting with traffic control while crews are working. Please slow down, watch for workers and heavy equipment, and help us keep everyone safe.

📅 The current plan is:

Monday: National Guard arrives, prepares equipment, receives assignments, and may begin limited pickup in the Wharton area.
Tuesday: Full pickup operations begin.
Jeffrey, Ottawa, and Clothier: Pickup is expected to begin Tuesday, with the goal of completing those areas by Wednesday before additional crews assist in the Van and Wharton areas.
Van and Wharton: Crews will work along Route 85 from opposite directions, including side roads and community streets.

📢 We will continue providing updates as operations progress. This is a dynamic operation, and schedules may change due to weather, equipment, or other unforeseen circumstances.

📞 If you have questions or need assistance, please contact your local fire department or Boone County Emergency Management at 304-369-7273.

Please review the flyer below for additional information, and share this post so everyone in the affected communities has time to prepare before debris pickup begins.

07/02/2026

📸 It's Here! "Boone County: Picture This" is officially underway!

I'm excited to announce the launch of "Boone County: Picture This", a year-long photography contest celebrating the people, places, and memories that make our county special.

Each month will feature a new theme, and July's theme is: ☀️ Small-Town Summer ☀️

Show us what summer means to you in Boone County! We're looking for photos that capture the spirit of our communities, including:
🌳 Parks and playgrounds
🍦 Ice cream and local treats
🎆 Fireworks and patriotic celebrations
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family fun
🎣 Fishing, kayaking, and time on the water
🚴 Outdoor recreation
🏡 Front porch moments
🎶 Community gatherings and local traditions
🌄 Scenic summer evenings..and everything else that makes summertime in Boone County unforgettable.

Whether you're using a professional camera or your cell phone, we encourage everyone to participate. Amateur and professional photographers of all ages are welcome.

🏆 Grand Prize Awards
🥇 1st Place – $500
🥈 2nd Place – $300
🥉 3rd Place – $200

Additional monthly theme recognitions will be awarded throughout the contest.

📅 Contest Period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

📧 Submit your completed entry form and photo(s) to:
[email protected]

Official rules, submission forms, monthly themes, contest updates, and winner announcements are available here or on the Boone County Commission page.

I hope this contest encourages everyone to get outside, explore Boone County, support our local communities, and showcase what makes this such a great place to call home.

I can't wait to see Boone County through your lens.

— Boone County Commissioner Jeff Petry

06/30/2026

🚨 FLOOD RECOVERY UPDATE – IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR AFFECTED RESIDENTS 🚨
***Please Share***

Boone County continues making progress in our flood recovery efforts, and we want to share several important updates with everyone in the affected communities.

🇺🇸 National Guard Debris Pickup Begins Monday, July 6

The West Virginia National Guard will begin collecting flood-related debris in the affected communities beginning Monday, July 6, 2026. While the exact pickup routes are still being finalized, operations will begin that day and continue until all affected areas have been serviced.

If your home was impacted by the flooding, please begin moving your flood-damaged debris to the edge of the roadway now.

⚠️ Please remember: The National Guard cannot enter private property to remove debris. Residents and volunteers will need to move debris from homes and yards to the roadside where it can be safely reached by National Guard equipment.

📍 Debris Disposal Information

Wharton & Van Areas

There will NOT be public dumpsters available.
Place flood debris along the roadside for National Guard pickup.
Debris collected by the National Guard will be transported to the County's Temporary Debris Management Site, which is not open to the public.

Jeffrey, Ottawa & Clothier Areas

Temporary roll-off dumpsters will be available at the Bias Branch Community Center.
These dumpsters are for flood-generated debris only and are intended to help residents clean up until National Guard pickup begins in those communities.

🚫 Do NOT place the following items in the dumpsters:
• Paint
• Chemicals
• Tires
• Household trash
• Hazardous waste
• Any debris not related to the flood

🥵 Cooling Centers Open Daily

With high temperatures expected over the next two weeks, cooling centers are open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at:

🏢 Van Community Center
🏢 Wharton Community Center (ice available while supplies last)
🏢 Spruce River Community Center (ice available while supplies last)

📢 We know this recovery has been challenging, and we appreciate everyone's patience. We also want to thank the West Virginia National Guard, Team Rubicon, local fire departments, WV VOAD, County employees, volunteers, and our many community partners who continue working every day to help Boone County recover.

Please review the flyer below carefully and share it with friends, neighbors, and family members who may not have access to social media.

Together, we'll continue moving Boone County forward. 🇺🇸💙

06/24/2026

06/24/2026

BOONE COUNTY FLOOD RECOVERY SITUATION REPORT

June 24, 2026 – Community Update

The Boone County Emergency Management Agency, Boone County Commission, local emergency responders, state agencies, volunteer organizations, and community partners continue to coordinate response and recovery efforts following the flooding event that impacted multiple communities across Boone County.

Incident Summary

On June 22-23, Boone County experienced approximately six inches of rainfall in portions of the county, resulting in widespread flooding, water rescues, road closures, mudslides, infrastructure damage, and impacts to homes and businesses.

Emergency responders conducted numerous rescue and evacuation operations throughout the event. At this time, there have been **no reported fatalities** associated with the flooding incident.

Three individuals were transported for medical evaluation and rehabilitation during response operations.

A **Local State of Emergency** has been declared by the Boone County Commission.

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Areas Impacted

Communities reporting impacts include:

* Wharton
* Pond Fork
* Greenwood
* Bob White
* Jeffrey
* Clothier
* Ottawa
* Spruce River Area
* Van Area
* Additional locations throughout Boone County

Damage assessments are ongoing and additional impacts continue to be identified.

Damage Assessments

Boone County continues to collect damage information from residents.

All residents with flood-related damage are strongly encouraged to complete the online Damage Assessment Survey.

Report Damage

Visit: www.boonewv.com

Click the **"Report Damage Here"** link.

If you need assistance completing the survey, call:

**211**

United Way representatives are available to assist residents.

The survey is critical to helping local, state, and federal officials understand the extent of damages and determine eligibility for future assistance programs.

Water System Update – Wharton Area

WV American Water continues repair operations following damage to the water system.

Current status:

* A temporary 2-inch bypass water line has been installed.
* Water service has been partially restored.
* Water pressure may remain limited.
* Utility crews continue searching for additional system breaks.
* A Boil Water Advisory remains in effect.
* A water buffalo remains available at the Wharton Ball Field.
* A larger potable water tanker is being deployed to support the community.

Residents are encouraged to conserve water while repairs continue.

Bottled Water Distribution

Five pallets of bottled water have been requested through the State of West Virginia and are being delivered to support affected residents.

Water and supplies are available through:

* Van Fire Department
* Wharton Fire Department
* Spruce River Fire Department

These locations are also serving as community distribution centers for additional recovery supplies.

Recovery Resources

Boone County has requested assistance through WV Emergency Management and WV VOAD.

Current requests include:

* Preliminary Damage Assessment Teams
* Bottled Water
* Cleanup Kits
* Lime and Sanitation Supplies
* Volunteer Recovery Assistance
* Debris Management Support

Boone County is also coordinating with WV VOAD regarding the possible deployment of **Team Rubicon** to assist residents with residential muck-outs and flood cleanup activities.

Additional information regarding Team Rubicon operations will be released as plans are finalized.

American Red Cross Update

The American Red Cross has been actively operating in affected communities.

Current activities include:

* Community outreach
* Cleanup kit distribution
* Windshield damage surveys
* Resident assistance referrals

Residents needing assistance may contact the Red Cross directly:

**1-800-733-2767**

Public Health Information

Floodwaters can contain contaminants and debris.

Residents conducting cleanup operations are encouraged to:

* Wear gloves and protective equipment
* Wash hands frequently
* Watch for electrical hazards
* Be alert for snakes and other wildlife
* Document damages before cleanup begins

Residents with questions regarding wells, septic systems, or tetanus vaccinations may contact the Boone County Health Department:

**304-369-7967**

Roads and Infrastructure

The West Virginia Division of Highways continues to assess and address roadway impacts.

Current issues include:

* Mudslides
* Washed roadways
* Debris-covered roads
* Drainage issues

Road repair assessments remain ongoing.

Residents are encouraged to report roadway damages through the county damage assessment survey.

Debris Removal

Residents may begin moving flood debris to the roadside where practical.

Boone County is currently working with state and volunteer partners to develop debris management options.

Additional information regarding debris collection and disposal locations will be released as plans are finalized.

Residents participating in this weekend's community cleanup event may bring flood-related debris; however:

The following items are NOT accepted:

* Paint
* Chemicals
* Tires

Tires may be disposed of through the Boone County Tire Disposal Site by appointment.

Call: 304-369-2293

Weather Outlook

The National Weather Service reports generally dry conditions through Thursday.

Additional rainfall is forecast beginning Friday, and officials will continue monitoring conditions for any renewed flooding concerns.

Residents are encouraged to remain weather aware and monitor official forecasts.

Donations may be dropped off at:

* Van Fire Department
* Wharton Fire Department
* Spruce River Fire Department

Boone County continues to work closely with local responders, state agencies, volunteer organizations, utilities, and community partners to support affected residents and move the county toward recovery.

We encourage all residents with damage to complete the damage assessment survey, stay informed through official county communication channels, and reach out if assistance is needed.

06/23/2026

The Boone County Court House will be closed today, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. This is due to ongoing flooding occurring in Boone County.

Please stay safe and have a great day.

06/11/2026

📢 BOONE COUNTY COMMISSION NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

The Boone County Commission is now accepting sealed bids for the excavation and construction of a new Basketball/Pickleball Court at John Slack Park in Racine, WV.

The project includes site preparation, excavation, installation of a compacted limestone base, construction of a reinforced concrete playing surface, new fencing, and installation of two in-ground basketball goals.

📅 Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting/Walkthrough:
July 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM at John Slack Park

📅 Bid Submission Deadline:
July 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM

📅 Bid Opening:
July 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM

Interested contractors must attend the mandatory pre-bid meeting to be eligible to bid. Bid specifications and additional information are available through the Boone County Commission Office at (304) 369-7301.

We look forward to continuing improvements at John Slack Park and expanding recreational opportunities for our community!

05/12/2026

📊 Election results will be updated throughout the evening.

📱 Scan the QR code below to follow along live and stay informed as results become available. 🗳️