In Brief - December 28, 2009

Improved Internet access for students

ROMNEY, W.Va. — The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind are among the schools and libraries throughout West Virginia that will share $716,477 to help students and residents access the Internet, according to Sen. Jay Rockefeller, who co-authored the E-Rate program that is increasing high-speed access via discounts for telecommunication services.

The Romney-based school for deaf and blind students will receive $14,952.

“I’ve been fighting very hard for over a decade to make sure that all students and communities in West Virginia continue to receive the technology funding they need,” Rockefeller said. “I believe up-to-date technology is critical in linking our students and community members to important resources locally and across the globe.”

Services for disabled to expand

ROMNEY, W.Va. — The Hampshire County Special Services Center is one of four projects in West Virginia that will benefit from $6 million secured by Sen. Robert C. Byrd via the 2010 Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill.

The $974,000 going to the Hampshire County project will pay for relocation of the special services center, which serves people with developmental disabilities. Services will also be expanded because of the funding.

The other allocations are:

•$2.922 million for the Pocahontas County Wellness Center.

•$1.461 million for the Spencer-Ripley Armed Forces Reserve Center.

•$730,500 for the Appalachia Service Project in southern West Virginia.

Gilchrist artists may retrieve work

CUMBERLAND — The Arts for Giving show ended at the Gilchrist Gallery on Sunday. Participating artists may pick up their artwork on Jan. 2 or Jan. 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the gallery.