The Whiteman Hill project is moving forward as the Belomar Regional Council has completed a Environmental Protection Agency State and Tribal Grant (STAG) for the project. At Wetzel County Commission Tuesday Eric Fecat from the Belomar Regional Council presented the grant application along with a letter to send to Congressman Alan Mollohan’s office in hopes of getting money appropriated to the project.

Additionally, Fecat was present to begin work on an energy efficiency grant to replace the main floor windows and possibly all of the windows of the courthouse.

Fecat will begin the assessment by taking pictures of the existing windows and various structural aspects of the courthouse that will then be reviewed by the West Virginia Historical Society. The society will determine the best way to replace the windows to provide energy efficiency without compromising the historical integrity of the building.

Rosy Cozart from the Wetzel County Animal Shelter met with the County Commission to request assistance with a falling tree problem they are experiencing at the shelter. During Saturday’s winter storm a large dead tree fell across the property, damaging part of the fence. Fortunately there were no other damages. Particularly, the new carport donated by JT Paving and Excavating was unharmed. However, Cozart cited other similar instances that posed a dangerous threat to the shelter itself as well as those working there.

The county commission agreed they would take care of the problem as soon as the weather allowed.

Cozart also presented the monthly report for January: Dogs euthanized, zero; adopted, 13; rescued, 22; returned to owner, one; taken in, 27; approved/fostered, four; present impounds, zero; present quarantines, zero. Cats euthanized, zero; adopted, two; rescued, three; returned to owner, zero; taken in, zero; approved/fostered, zero; present impounds, zero; present quarantines, zero.

The county commission expressed concern for the number of dogs taken into the shelter in January. Cozart said this was common in winter months, however she shared that despite their advertising, not many dog owners have taken advantage of the shelter’s free resources.

The shelter has spare boxes and straw available to the public for outdoor dogs.

Those who own an outdoor dog who could use a sturdy box or fresh straw are encouraged to call and come to the shelter for those materials.

Lastly for this week’s meeting, Joseph Cicchirillo visited the County Commissioners to introduce himself as the new representative from E. L. Robinson, a civil landscape outfit. Previously the city manager for Follansbee and Weirton, and commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles, Cicchirillo will be in regular contact with the Wetzel County Commission regarding infrastructure projects.

E. L. Robinson has six offices in three states: three offices in West Virginia, two in Ohio, and one in Kentucky. E. L. Robinson’s most recent project for the county was the new 911 center.

The center is nearly complete and will be in operation very soon.