Elkins Welcomes New WVU President, Celebrates Two Years of Ascend WV Success
Today, City employees joined local organizations—including the Augusta Heritage Center, Elkins Area Shared Trails, 4-H, the Randolph County Development Authority, and the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber—in welcoming WVU’s new president, Dr. Michael T. Benson, during his 18-county tour of West Virginia. Dr. Benson says he plans to visit every county in the state over the coming months.
During the meet-and-greet, the City presented a proclamation to WVU, the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC), and Ascend WV, thanking them for selecting Elkins as one of the five Ascend WV communities. This month marks two years since Ascend Greater Elkins began attracting remote professionals to the area.
According to Ascend WV, this is a snapshot of what has occurred since Elkins opened its doors to Ascend WV:
- The program has received more than 10,700 applications from prospective residents
- Welcomed 57 Ascend Members (and their families), totaling 112 new residents in Elkins
- Witnessed relocations from 23 states, including California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Texas
- Welcomed back the 11% of members who were born in West Virginia; 89% are experiencing the Mountain State for the first time
- 16% are small business owners or self-employed, thereby doing their part to boost the local economy and tax base
- 30% have purchased homes
- Ascend members have attended almost 300 local events organized by Ascend or in partnership with various community groups
- A 98% retention rate
- Two newborns (plus one born just before relocation!)
Learn about Ascend WV here: https://ascendwv.com/
Regional Task Force Tackles Transportation Gaps, Housing Shortage, and Vandalism at April 2026 Meeting
Elkins, WV — April 27, 2026: The Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Addiction, and Mental Health convened on the afternoon of April 23, 2026, at the Phil Gainer Community Center. The monthly meeting, which was open to the public, brought together local […]
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Elkins Tree Board Celebrates Arbor Day with Memorial and National Tree Plantings
Elkins, WV — April 27, 2026: The Elkins Tree Board celebrated this recognition at the annual Arbor Day celebration at the Phil Gainer Center with representatives of Mon Power’s Arbor Day Tree Line USA program. The representatives, along with Elkins Tree Board […]
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City Hall News: Week of April 26, 2026
Elkins, WV — April 25, 2026: The City of Elkins is asking residents to show their support for the Fire Department during Light the Night week. Elkins is encouraging residents to light their homes red in memory of fallen fire fighters. More […]
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City of Elkins Wastewater Department Now Has One Apprenticeship Opportunity Open
ELKINS, WV – April 6, 2026: The City of Elkins Wastewater Department announces it still has one position open for its Apprenticeship Program, which offers a paid pathway to a stable and skilled career. The Wastewater Department will accept applications until this […]
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Proclamation from Mayor Jerry Marco for Gold Star Spouses Day
WHEREAS, on April 5 of each year, our nation observes Gold Star Spouses Day to recognize the enduring sacrifice and resilience of the husbands and wives of United States service members who gave their lives in defense of our freedoms; The term […]
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Independent Audit Confirms Elkins’ Financial Integrity for 13th Consecutive Year
Elkins, WV — April 1, 2026: The City of Elkins recently received an “unmodified” opinion from BHM CPA Group for its fiscal year (FY) 2025 audit, marking the 13th consecutive year its finance department has achieved the highest possible audit rating. The […]
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