At this week’s Wetzel County Commission meeting the topic was the oil and gas industry. Josh Jefferson, project coordinator for Marshall and Wetzel counties for Regional Economic Development (RED), met with the commission to state he would be making more frequent visits to keep the commission updated on economic development in the county.

Along those lines, the issue of how the drilling in the area could and would be of benefit to the county and its economy took precedence over the meeting.

Also present to speak with the commission was Brenda Dorsey, a resident of Endicott and freelance writer for the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association (WVONGA). Dorsey was present specifically to interview the commission on their impression of the drilling industry.

Dorsey is presently interviewing local businesses, motels, and restaurants to see just how much economic impact these industries have experienced due to the oil and gas industry.

In both appointments it was agreed there are a lot of merited negative feelings toward the drilling by land owners and residents of the areas where drilling and such activities are taking place. However, conversely, the local businesses have reaped the benefits and the commission lamented these were, simply put, growing pains. Such activity is said to continue for many years and it will be a challenge to find the middle ground.

As Jefferson put it, economic development shouldn’t be a downside for anyone; there should be a way for everyone to benefit.

Lastly, the commission discussed two bids submitted for the roof and other repairs to the lower boys cabin on the 4-H grounds. While one bid was considerably lower in cost, the commission felt there were items to discuss with the bidder that aren’t specified on the bid submitted.

As such the commission moved to table awarding the bid until further clarification.