Latest news with #PODA
Express Tribune
15 hours ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
Call to improve female hygiene, reproductive health
More than 60 male and female students attended an awareness session on female hygiene and reproductive health Thursday at the KIOCA Seminar Hall of PMAS Arid Agriculture University. Organised by the Programme on Development Alternatives (PODA) in collaboration with the District Population Office, the event formed part of the youth-led "Her Health, Her Rights" campaign. Nabeela Aslam of PODA outlined the organisation's work promoting the rights of women, youth, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups — especially rural women. She previewed PODA's 18th Annual Rural Women Leadership Training Conference and described activities under the three-year "Reduce Early Marriages to Enhance Gender Equality" project, funded by the Norwegian Embassy in Islamabad, which delivers sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) awareness from schools to district-level government departments. Aslam related the case of an eighth-grade girl facing kidney failure after an early marriage and warned of widespread menstrual-hygiene risks — improper pad use, avoidance of bathing and drinking water during periods — that can trigger infections and urinary tract complications.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shinnston approves plans to establish PODA, forms oversight committee
SHINNSTON, (WBOY) — Shinnston will be the latest West Virginia city to hop on the PODA wagon. On Monday, the Shinnston City Council moved forward with plans to establish a Private Outdoor Designated Area (PODA) in its downtown business district, unanimously approving the proposed ordinance during a public hearing and final reading. The newly adopted ordinance permits the creation of a designated area where alcohol purchased from participating businesses may be carried and consumed outdoors within clearly defined boundaries of the city's business district. The goal of the PODA is to encourage economic activity and create a more walkable downtown environment, particularly during community events such as the city's Wind Down Wednesday events. 'So, our kind of thought process was to bring them, draw them to the green space and then trickle down to the different businesses throughout Shinnston, the different stores,' the Shinnston City Manager Tori Drainer said. City officials emphasized that the area will be strictly regulated with signage, enforcement protocols and specific hours of operation, those being Wednesday-Friday from 5-10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 1-10 p.m. Officials said that these regulations will be in place to ensure public safety and compliance with state alcohol laws. In May, the City of Shinnston approved a security and maintenance plan in preparation for the upcoming PODA. Officials said that the area will be regularly patrolled by a dedicated police officer and city ambassadors. Public Works crews will also be responsible for waste and debris collection within the PODA, as well as operating a street sweeper to maintain cleanliness. 'Right now, we have Casey's, which is a huge asset to Shinnston,' Drainer added. 'We're hoping that this opens the door to different breweries, microbreweries, and things of that nature to draw in.' As part of the implementation process, the council also appointed members to serve on a newly formed oversight committee tasked with guiding the PODA's operation and addressing any concerns that may arise. The committee will include Brendan Gallagher, Patrick Kovalck and Tori Drainer, as well as one local business owner who does not serve alcohol, in an effort to maintain balanced representation and community-focused mindset. Shinnston now joins a growing list of West Virginia cities that have adopted a PODA framework. With the move, Shinnston aligns itself with municipalities such as Fairmont, Morgantown, Clarksburg, Wheeling, Charleston and Huntington, all of which have implemented similar programs to support downtown revitalization and economic activity. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fairmont to rename, renovate Morgantown Avenue Mini Park
FAIRMONT, (WBOY) — The Fairmont City Council has received a donation from the Rotary Club of Fairmont, which it plans to use to improve the Morgantown Avenue Mini Park. According to a release, the $25,000 donation will go toward paying the total estimated renovation cost of $90,000. The remaining funds will be paid out using the methods outlined in the Fairmont City Council's 2025-2026 capital improvement plan. City of Fairmont moves forward with PODA ordinance The improvements to the park are set to include: Two new playsets, including new mulch and borders New paved pathways A replacement water fountain A new second water fountain A new pavilion New security cameras During a meeting Tuesday night, the council also passed a resolution to rename the park 'Rotary Club of Fairmont Mini Park.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City of Fairmont moves forward with PODA ordinance
FAIRMONT, (WBOY) — During Tuesday night's Fairmont City Council meeting, a public hearing was held, followed by the second and final reading of an ordinance concerning the establishment and regulation of Private Outdoor Designated Areas (PODAs) within the city limits. Following the hearing, the council unanimously approved the ordinance, which will allow local businesses to apply for a special license from the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner. This license permits businesses to serve alcoholic beverages that may be consumed outside their premises, provided that patrons remain within the boundaries of the designated PODA district. Several business owners in attendance expressed strong support for the ordinance, highlighting the social and economic opportunities it will create for both their establishments and the community gathering in the PODA district. 'This is really exciting for us because it is going to give extra incentives for residents and also businesses to come to downtown Fairmont,' Executive Director of Main Street Fairmont Alex Petry said. 'I just want to commend the city for their work on this, and I consider them an excellent partner of Main Street Fairmont.' Fairmont City Manager Travis Blosser stated that the rollout of PODA signage and full implementation of the program will take some time. He added that an official launch date for the district will be announced in the near future. Cheeseman to return as Doddridge County Superintendent 'It's important to support the local businesses that are already here and that foot traffic for them, but those folks who may be looking to Fairmont and thinking 'wow, Fairmont is a place to do business, I really want to be there,'' Blosser said. Under the PODA regulation, the standard operating hours for PODAs will be Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Also, during the meeting, Petry stated that, 'It's about more than just permitting open container areas. It's about implementing a program, an opportunity to help our downtown progress and create a safer, more inviting and economically resilient city center.' Fairmont now joins a select group of cities in the Mountain State to adopt a PODA framework. Other municipalities that have implemented similar programs include Morgantown, Clarksburg, Wheeling, Charleston, and Huntington. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
