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The space at The Highlands formerly occupied by the now bankrupt Crone's Clothiers will have a new tenant for now.

Daniel's Men's Wear will open for business Friday, just in time for upcoming holiday shopping season, Ohio County Administrator Greg Stewart announced at the Ohio County Development Authority's meeting Tuesday.

Daniel's specializes in men's dress clothing and currently operates at another location in downtown Morgantown.

Crone's Clothiers vacated the space in May after filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy. That move came less than two years after the business relocated to The Highlands from its location on Main Street in downtown Wheeling.

OCDA members voted unanimously to accept the lease agreement with Daniel's owner Saul Radman. Stewart said the current lease expires at the end of January, but the county is working with Radman toward a long-term deal.

Stewart also updated OCDA members on the status of a malfunctioning traffic signal at the retail development. He said the left turn signal at the intersection of Cabela Drive and Fort Henry Road, visible to drivers leaving The Highlands, is not working.

"That's a scary one ... ," Stewart said. "It's a real safety issue."

Stewart said the West Virginia Division of Highways has been notified of the problem, and he expects it to be remedied in time for "Black Friday" - the day after Thanksgiving, commonly regarded as the busiest shopping day of the year. In the meantime, Stewart advises motorists to "take extra caution" and pay attention while driving in the area.

The signal is one of three new lights installed at The Highlands in recent months, including two others near Target and Marquee Cinemas.

Prior to the meeting, OCDA member Randy Wharton, also an Ohio County commissioner, announced the retirement of Sara Bowman, a 24-year employee of the county. Stewart said she's served as an accounting clerk for the Ohio County Commission for the past decade.

Wharton called Bowman a hard worker and "a trusted friend" before embracing her and presenting her with a gift.

"We're very sad that she's leaving, but we're very happy that she's going to be enjoying her retirement," he said.