Pictured are Wetzel County Commissioners Bob Gorby, Donald Mason, and Scott Lemley along with Mary Ritchea, Theresa Hoskins, and Liz Hartman as they hang wreaths in the courthouse. The decorations represent the adoption of October as Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Eric Fecat of Belomar Regional Council met with the Wetzel County Commission on Oct. 5 to get their signature on the design grant for Wetzel County Public District No. 1’s project to extend water service to approximately 98 households in the county who currently utilize wells as their source of water.

Fecat said the next step is to apply for a Small Cities Block grant for the estimated $1 million still needed to complete the project.

However, Wetzel County PSD No. 1 has fortunately already obtained substantive funding, Fecat noted, with the news that the organization was recently awarded a Water and Waste Disposal Grant in the amount of $1,004,000 from the USDA Rural Development for this particular project.

As stated in a press release from the USDA, construction will involve approximately 75,000 linear feet of eight-inch, six-inch, four-inch, and two-inch waterlines.

“Residents in the project area currently rely on individual wells that generally produce an insufficient quantity and/or substandard quality of water,” stated State Director Bobby Lewis in the press release. “This is one more project that helps us meet our mission-to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for all rural Americans.”

This funding is included in the $15.5 million recently granted for rural development projects across the state from the USDA. Approximately 16 communities in West Virginia received federal grants to help bolster economic development, improve infrastructure, construct building and community facilities, purchase essential equipment, and extend public water services.

In another matter the commission further discussed the possibility of renting the conference room of the Mollohan Center for several months to Cayman Energy for the purpose of office space. The commission first discussed a $1,000 monthly lease, however it was learned Cayman is thinking more in the $750 range. Furthermore, Cayman has extended the offer to install and absorb the costs of wireless internet on the fairgrounds, which would be a permanent upgrade to the grounds. The commission moved to investigate the costs in hooking up internet and reevaluate terms before possibly coming to an agreement with Cayman.

Lastly, the commission adopted the annual proclamation declaring October Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Liz Hartman, Mary Ritchea, and Theresa Hoskins presented the proclamation along with wreaths that are now hung in the courthouse. The proclamation reads:

In 2011, an estimated 1,510 West Virginia women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 270 women will die from the disease. Breast cancer continues to be a leading cause of cancer related deaths among West Virginia women. A woman has a one in eight lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and a one in 35 chance of dying from the disease.

Currently, the best method to reduce deaths due to breast cancer is through early detection of the diseases. The American Cancer Society recommends a yearly mammogram for women starting at age 40. Clinical breast exams by a physician or nurse are recommended every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations of BSE.

Clinical breast exams, breast self-exams, and mammograms can save lives. Women should talk to their health care provider about their individual screening schedule.

In recognition of the important lifesaving early detection practices available for breast cancer, the Wetzel County Commission proclaimed Oct. 5 as West Virginia Breast Cancer Awareness Day and October 2011 as Breast Cancer Awareness month. The county commission urges all Wetzel County women to become aware that they are at risk for developing breast cancer and to discuss screening with their health care providers.