The Wetzel County Commission met for a meeting on Tuesday morning January 13th to discuss and approve the agenda items. Commission President Carla McBee led in the Pledge of Allegiance before calling the meeting to order.

The approval of the January 6, 2026, meeting minutes was given approval by unanimous vote of the commission.

Next item to be addressed was a request for new bullet proof vests for the Sheriff’s Department at a total cost of $30,739. The current vests are only good for five years and will be outdated at the end of March. After consideration the commissioners unanimously approved the request.

Sheriff Eric Daugherty introduced their newest deputy, a 20-month-old red lab with all his certifications named Gijs.

Sheriff Daugherty recognized deputies Donald Bordenkicher, Trey Streets, and Chris Cook for the bravery and courage they displayed at a fire they responded to back in October, 2025 in Paden City.

The occupant of the residence brandished a firearm at the fire department personnel. Upon their response, it was learned that the occupant was threatening suicide with a shotgun.

“These guys maintained a visual demeanor in the face of a threatening situation in which the outcome was positive for everyone involved,” said Sheriff Daugherty.

“We wish to commend you on the excellent performance of handling a difficult situation. Your working in this department has not gone unnoticed, and we are positive that other deputies on scene appreciated your presence.” “Again, we want to commend you on your professionalism performance, on that night in the crisis situation that was happening and keeping each other safe. It is these guys that make me proud of being their boss. And like I said, you cannot teach courage, “added Daugherty.

In other business the commission unanimously approved advertising for the new IT provider for the county pending approval from Prosecutor Tim Haught’s approval.

The approval for the Opioid Funding Grant applications was given approval from the commission. Applications can be submitted from 1/14/2026 till 2/28/2026 for the process to receive funds. The commission has authorized $113,035.77 for the initial funding cycle to be distributed to selected applicants.

The commission approved the Real Estate Purchase Agreement from the New Martinsville Methodist Church for the new Health Department.

The request from Steve Yoho, E911/OEM Director, to reelect Jimmy L. Colvin as Chairman and to elect Lisa Heasley as Vice-Chairman to the E911 Advisory Board was approved by the commission.

The renaming of the former Hundred Legion, now owned by the county, was unanimously approved by the commission. The building

was renamed The East Wetzel Community Center.

In last week’s story regarding the County Commission, it was reported Terry Cozart, who was involved in the sale of the property known as Thistle Dew Farm. For clarification purposes, Mr. Cozart’s part in the sale was limited to the items inside the building and surrounding area.