City of Elkins Monthly Newsletter: Reprint, July 2026

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The following is a reprint of our July 2026 newsletter.

Elkins and Eunice Named Honorary Sister Cities

On July 10, Mayor Marco proclaimed the City of Elkins, West Virginia, and the City of Eunice, Louisiana, as Honorary Sister Cities, formally recognizing the deep cultural bonds and shared commitment to preserving traditional music, dance, and craft that unite the two communities. Eunice has been sending artists and attendees to the Augusta Heritage Center’s summer programs for decades.

Chief of Police Bennett Resigns; City of Elkins Launches Search for His Replacement

Elkins Police Chief Travis Bennett announced his resignation, effective July 8. Mayor Jerry Marco confirmed his departure, and the City of Elkins has since launched a search for a new police chief. “Travis Bennett was more than a police chief; he was a mentor to our officers and a tireless advocate for their well-being and professional growth,” said Mayor Marco.

EPRC Receives Donation for Bluegrass Park Renovations from Davis Trust

The Elkins Parks & Recreation Commission (EPRC) received a $75,000 donation from Davis Trust Company to support improvements and renovations at Bluegrass Park. Leaders from Davis Trust and EPRC announced the donation during the bank’s 125th anniversary block party celebration in downtown Elkins on June 19.

City Calls for Statements of Qualifications for Streetscape and Riverfront Projects

The City of Elkins now seeks statements of qualifications (SOQs) from qualified engineering teams for two major initiatives that will revitalize its downtown and riverfront. SOQs are due by August 7, 2026, and must outline each team’s qualifications and experience in engineering, urban design, and related technical services.

Elkins Resident First ‘SWINGO’ Winner

A few seconds after midnight on June 21, Elkins resident Ivy Biswas became the first person in Randolph County to complete her “SWINGO” board when she checked in at the Almost Heaven Swing at nearby Camp Pioneer in Beverly. Inspired by the popular “Almost Heaven” swings placed at scenic spots across the Mountain State, the West Virginia Department of Tourism launched the statewide Almost Heaven SWINGO challenge in March.

Elkins Joins the Rosie the Riveter Bluebird Trail

Elkins officially joined several communities across West Virginia that have launched the Rosie the Riveter Bluebird Trail. During an event on June 25 at All Veterans Memorial Park, representatives of community organizations including the Emma Scott Gardening Club, veterans’ groups, and scout troops installed a bluebird box near the Elkins Rosie the Riveter statue. The ceremony honored past Rosies while looking ahead to the future.

Mayor Marco Honors Elkins Swim Teams After Girls’ 3-Peat and Boys’ Runner-Up Finish

Last month, Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco congratulated the Elkins High School swim teams for a successful year. In February, the Lady Tigers won their third consecutive state Division II championship, holding off Elkview’s Herbert Hoover High School team to take the crown. The Elkins High boys swim team was second behind Clarksburg’s Robert C. Byrd High School crew.

Upcoming Events and Holidays

• Elkins Farmers Market: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to Noon, Elkins Town Square Augusta
• Heritage Festival Summer Programming: Through July 25, Downtown Elkins
• Augusta Festival and Craft Fair: Saturday, July 25, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., City Park
• Augusta Square Dance: Saturday, July 25, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Downtown Elkins
• AFNHA Trail Talks: Sunday, July 26, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Rich Mountain Battlefield
• Hand-Quilting Demo: Saturday, August 1, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., Appalachian Forest Discovery Center, 2 Railroad Ave.

Recent City Hall Actions and Resolutions

• Resolution 1921: Authorized execution of an agreement with the WV Tax Office concerning the GIS sales tax map.
• Resolution 1922: Appointed Ann Berlin as an alternate member of the Board of Zoning Appeals.
• Resolution 1923: Adopted a policy requiring annual driving record checks for employees authorized to operate city vehicles.
• Resolution 1924: Authorized the operations manager to sign checks on city bank accounts.
• Resolution 1925: Designated S. Campbell as the city benefits manager.
• Resolution 1926: Approved FY 2026 general fund budget revision SAO 2026-001-04.
• Resolution 1927: Approved FY 2026 general fund budget revisions 13 through 24.
• Resolution 1928: Approved FY 2026 fire fund budget revision 1.
• Resolution 1929: Approved FY 2026 sanitation fund budget revision 1.
• Resolution 1930: Adopted a policy concerning ad hoc funding requests.
• Resolution 1931: Accepted and approved a proposal from Mountain Valley Bank for financing of the City Hall renovation project.
• Resolution 1932: Accepted and authorized execution of an agreement with Hart OS for a multi-function copier for the Fire Department.
• Resolution 1933: Accepted and authorized execution of an agreement with the Mills Group to design wayfinding signs, authorized expenditure of TIF funds, and directed the Municipal Properties Committee to assist with the project.
• Resolution 1934: Authorized execution and implementation of a professional archiving services agreement with Smarsh.
• Resolution 1935: Accepted the FY 2027 Coal Severance Budget revision SAO 2027-002-01.
• Resolution 1936: Accepted and approved FTB Gibbons engagement letter.

Image credit: Leon Kaye