The small town of Iaeger in McDowell County marked a milestone Thursday morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newly renovated town hall, completing a project that began in 2020. Located on Circle Street, the upgraded municipal building now serves as the hub for town operations, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and reachable at (304) 938-3035. Mayor Joe Ford led the celebration, expressing both relief and optimism about the facility’s impact. “It feels great.

It’s been a long time to do.

We’ve been waiting on it since 2020, but it’s finally here, so we appreciate [it], and hope the community appreciates it, and it’s a blessing,” Ford said. He added, “I think it’s helping the community. It’s a big start to have something like that new.

Anything that started new could generate some other peoples that might come in and invest, so that’s what we hope to have in the Iaeger area.” The renovation addresses long-standing needs in Iaeger, a community in southern West Virginia where infrastructure improvements can signal stability and attract development. While officials have not disclosed details such as the cost or specific interior changes, the project represents a significant investment in local governance and public services. The timing adds to the excitement as Iaeger prepares for its 108th anniversary celebration, scheduled for October 3–5, directly across from the new town hall.

The event will feature community gatherings, with the renovated facility serving as a new centerpiece of town pride.

For residents in a region marked by economic challenges, including recent mine closures and flood damage, such developments offer a sign of progress. Ford’s hope for new investment aligns with broader efforts in McDowell County, where state leaders have pointed to completed recovery projects and future initiatives. Yet challenges persist, including washed-out bridges and private infrastructure issues that continue to isolate communities.

The town hall’s opening stands as an example of what collaborative renewal can achieve. For many in Iaeger, the renovated space is more than just a building—it is a step toward sustainability. “People that’s wanting to come in and take a look at it, they’re more than welcome to come and take a look at it, and [we’ll] try to serve our community with it,” Ford added.

As Iaeger moves forward, the facility is set to support daily needs and foster growth in this resilient Appalachian town.