Wetzel County’s West Virginia University Extension Agent Mindy Mall addressed Wetzel County Commission regarding an inspection made by the Wetzel-Tyler Health Department to the facilities on the 4-H Campgrounds to look for any issues that could pose a health risk. The report came back with positive feedback with only a few issues to address, particularly mattress covers for the beds in the cabins.

Mall had measured the beds to find they are an irregular size but did find a few outlets to possibly purchase the mattress covers for 149 beds. The commission approved the purchase of mattress covers for the 4-H cabin beds up to the amount of $600. If further money is needed, Mall will report back to the commission for additional assistance.

Other minor repairs are being made in time for the Wetzel County 4-H Camp to run from June 13-18 hosted by the WVU Extension office. Currently there are 105 campers registered for the camp, and the extension office will take new campers up until the first day of camp. Deadline has passed however to get discounts or scholarships. There will also be other youth camps scheduled on the 4-H campgrounds later this summer. For more information or to apply as a counselor full-time or part-time call Mindy Mall at 304-455-0934.

Family Resource Network Coordinator Theresa Hoskins, Wetzel County Domestic Violence Stop liaison Crystal Pugh, Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP) Deputy Director Patricia Flanigan, FVPP Program Director Debbie Wood, and volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate Amy Halicky were all in attendance to inform the County Commission of an awareness event scheduled in the fall.

The nation-wide program is called Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. It is a men’s march that gives the opportunity to educate the community about stopping rape, sexual assault, and gender violence. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes was started by Frank Baird in 2001. In conjunction with the popular saying, this program is a fun and easy way to get the community to walk the walk, then talk the talk.

The local event is scheduled for Sept. 25 on Howard Jeffers Drive (Hydro Drive) beginning at noon where the aim is for local men to strap on high-heels or any women’s style shoe and walk a mile down the road along the Ohio River.

Agencies will set up information booths alongside and spectators can enjoy the event while all in attendance gain awareness of domestic violence.

The coordinators of the event hope to include some concession stands and inflatable activities for children. The group hopes at least 100 local men will sign on to participate in the both entertaining and meaningful walk. This is a kick-off event to National Domestic Violence Awareness Month which begins in October.

Hoskins said the program coordinators were looking into outlets to fund the event in hopes to keep costs low, if any, to the community participating. The group anticipates the event costing at least $5,000, including purchasing specially-made women’s shoes for men. Hoskins did not directly request funds from the commission, however the commission was open to helping out in any way possible should the group need additional assistance.

In other matters, the Records Management and Preservation Board (RMPB) has awarded $252,779 in grant funds to 28 West Virginia county commissions for county records management and preservation projects through its County Records Management and Preservation Grants program. The board reviewed submissions and made its recommendations in January for projects to improve management, storage conditions, access, and preservation of public records held in several county offices. Following official letters announcing the successful grants, RMPB staff will provide technical assistance in setting up the grant projects, which officially begin with the new fiscal year July 1.

The Wetzel County Commission was awarded $6,500 to provide funding for conservation/restoration and preservation microfilming of the Assessor’s Land Books in the County Clerk’s office.

Funding for the program is provided from the filing fees collected by county clerks