Mary Jo Guidi, Regional Coordinator for Senator Joe Manchin III’s office, made a surprise visit Tuesday morning to Wetzel County Commission. Guidi lives in Wheeling and described it as “pure luck” that she just happened to be in the area that morning. Guidi says she is trying to be visible to the area though and is hoping to stop by the New Martinsville area more often.

Guidi said that one of the senator’s biggest concerns is seniors and involvement with senior centers. “I think I’ll be in senior centers a lot,” Guidi said.

The commissioners were then asked if they had any questions or concerns that needed passed on to the Senator’s office.

“We are always looking for grants to improve the county and life for citizens,” President Don Mason responded.

In another matter, Rosy Cozart of the Wetzel County Animal Shelter appeared before the commission to request their approval of an $859 expenditure to clean the ductwork at the animal shelter. Brian’s Refrigeration will perform the services.

The commissioners approved of the allotment of these funds with Vice President Bob Gorby stating, “We agreed with Rosy, we’d get it done.”

Cozart reminded the commissioners of the auction and spaghetti dinner that is to be held for the animal shelter on Dec. 8. She said the cost of the dinner is $8 and includes homemade desserts and rolls, as well as tossed salad. All three commissioners bought tickets to the event.

The following was the Wetzel County Animal Shelter’s Monthly Report for September: dogs euthanized, four; cats euthanized, three; dogs adopted, five; cats adopted, three; dogs to rescue, 18; cats to rescue, 10; dogs returned to owner, two; cats returned to owner, none; dogs taken in, 23; cats taken in, 18; dogs in approval/foster, three; cats in approval/foster, three; present impounds for dogs/cats, none; present quarantines for dogs/cats, none.

The following was October’s Monthly Report: dogs euthanized, three; cats euthanized, eight; dogs adopted, six; cats adopted, three; dogs to rescue, 10; cats to rescue, 10; dogs/cats returned to owner, none; dogs/cats taken in, 17; dogs in approval/foster, two; cats in approval/foster, one; present impounds for dogs/cats, none; present quarantines for dogs/cats, none.

Lastly, Kevin Johnston and John Wells of Colonial Insurance appeared before the commission to request their services be offered to county employees. Johnston explained that Colonial Insurance has better representation in Wetzel County now and the company would like to become an option to those looking at life and accident insurance. Johnston explained that he has found Colonial Life to be 15 to 17 percent less expensive than competitors or the coverage is better.

The commissioners agreed that Colonial Life could be offered as another option to those looking for insurance; information on this new option will be given out in the form of payroll stuffers.

It was also confirmed that newly elected officials will be sworn in Dec. 7, 9 a.m., by Circuit Judge David Hummel.