The Lewis County Library Board met in regular session last week and learned that the library now possesses a brand new data projector that is available to the public. The projector is used in making PowerPoint presentations and can be checked out by local patrons.

Treasurer Helen Rayburn informed the board that the library would have to watch its funds carefully for the rest of the year because it will not receive much more tax money, and proposed state aid due in this month may not arrive since the state is suffering a financial short fall. The aid money will come in if the state has it to give.

The local library stays busy. According to Library Director Marilyn Conway, last month library patrons checked 4,452 books, 444 magazines were used, 162 references, 141 videos, 32 audio cassettes and four CDs. Internet users totaled 194, and 390 used the computers. The library had eight inter-library loans, and one meeting with 50 persons present.

Conway pointed out that the Conscience Jar for collecting fines for overdue books is working better than any other method the library has used. In the past collected fines totaled about $15 or $20 per month. Last month patrons deposited $69.50 in the jar.

The library entertained 725 patrons last month.

The bookmobile operated by Margie Moore lent out 1,824 books, 206 magazines, 39 videos, 63 audiocassettes and had two programs at the local nursing home with 62 present.

Moore was lauded for her work as the bookmobile librarian. According to the board she is well liked and is efficient operating the mobile library. One board member used the word "wonderful" to describe her job performance.

Moore has not acquired full certification but has until December 31 of this year to reach that goal by taking the necessary college courses. That goal is within reach.

The library is in the process of moving to full automation funded entirely by a state grant. Conway reported that the library has the shelf list back and the bar codes that will go on all the books are currently stored in a box. The required electric lines and plugs have been installed. All the computers are on hand, and the library is waiting for the arrival of the software to be installed on the computers.

Conway told the board that later on when all the material arrives the library will have to close for about two weeks in order to put all the bar codes on the books. All patrons will be issued new plastic library cards to be used with the system.

The board moved to rent the building adjoining the library to Janie Nute Thomas for a dress shop if Thomas decides to actually start the business. That decision has not been finalized.

A Vanceburg resident was arrested last Wednesday after authorities recovered illegal satellite cards, along with drugs and paraphernalia at his residence on Halbert Avenue.

Lewis County Deputy Dwayne Stone obtained a search for the home of Lee Marvin Rowe, 36, of Vanceburg, after receiving a tip that he allegedly possessed illegal satellite cards.

In the basement of Rowe's residence, authorities also found a grow room where Rowe allegedly cultivated marijuana.

Rowe was present during the time of the search and was arrested immediately. Rowe is charged with three misdemeanors including possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance. He is also charged with two felonies, including theft of services and marijuana cultivation.

Items not being accepted are computer monitors, propane tanks and household waste.