The Wetzel County Commission held a regular weekly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 11 to discuss various matters throughout the county. First, the commission paused in remembrance of the 2,977 victims and the 6,000 people who were injured on that date 17 years ago. The commission noted the three West Virginians who lost their lives on that day – Paul Ambrose, Mary Lou Hague, and Shelley Marshall.

Jimmy Glasscock from the Folsom VFD provided invoices for equipment that has been ordered for the RSI (Rapid Sequence Induction). The actual drugs still have to be purchased and will cost around $1,100. RSI is for patients who can’t control their airway on their own. With this, the patient is able to be sedated, intubated and have their breathing controlled for them. One of the requirements of the state for the RSI is a video laryngoscope that will record for the intubation. The cost for this is around $4,000 for two of them. Also needed are carry bags to carry all of the extra drugs. Mr. Glasscock stated that in the last six months, he has had four patients who would have benefited from the RSI if it were available. However, this is an expense beyond the fire department’s budget to get started. Once everything is paid, the fire department is set up to provide these services. The only additional cost will be the drugs that are used. However, once the drug is used, the hospital replaces the drug and bills the patient’s insurance. RSI is optional. However, it is believed to be very beneficial due to the time it takes to get patients to the hospital. The commission approved the $7,500 for the Folsom VFD for the RSI cost.

Additionally, Mr. Glasscock requested funds to employ EMTs and paramedics at about $150,000. He said there is an increase of call volume, and it’s harder to maintain on a volunteer basis. With a new coal mine opening, employing around 400 people within the next six months, as well as the other industry of gas and oil, call volume might increase. He said if the department can get started on hiring, it would be eligible to apply for a grant in 2019. If the grant is received, funding would be given to employ more EMTs and paramedics. He would like to employ two to three EMTs and/or paramedics with the funding requested from the commission. However, a department cannot apply for the grant until it has two paid employees in these positions. The SAFER Grant is a five-year grant which would pay 100 percent of the wages for the first three years, and 50 percent the final two years. At the end of the five years, there has to be a way to fund the salary without any additional help. Several counties in the state have been approved to receive funding from the grant. Some of the qualifications considered to receive the grant are population and areas that are understaffed. The commission requested time to consider the request.

Rhonda Spencer, Recorder for the Town of Pine Grove, presented a request for mobile radios for each of the two cruisers in Pine Grove. The only related devices the officers currently have are hand-held radios. Dispatch is having issues with the officers being able to make contact with the hand-held radios. Currently, if there is a traffic pursuit, once the officer is two miles out of Pine Grove, he is unable to communicate with anyone. A breath intoxilyzer is also being requested for DUI checks. There have been times the officer has had to sit with someone allegedly under the influence for 45 minutes to wait for another deputy to come and conduct a breath intoxilyzer. If this device is purchased, it would be left at the Byrd Center, so the officer working would pick it up at the beginning of his shift. It has been determined the city can not afford the $4,000 payment of the radios for the start-up.

It was noted the reason for starting the Pine Grove Police Department is more crime, as well as the drug problem.

The county commission agreed to purchase radio communications for the Pine Grove Police Department with the specifics to be determined. If the department would ever dissolve, all communications equipment will revert back to the county commission.

Spencer also gave an update on sewage pumps for Pine Grove. Also, the beginning of the installations of the fire hydrants is to begin over that weekend.

The commission also approved the poll workers for general election on Nov. 6. The commission also approved the grant funding for the Lighthouse Child Advocacy Center, awarded by the state.

In another commission matters, the commission met with Roger Spragg, Autumnfest organizer, on Sept. 4. Spragg requested use of the county’s 4-H grounds for the event, slated for Oct. 12-14. Spragg requested use of the 4-H grounds Oct. 10-15 to allow time for set-up prior to the event, and clean-up after the event. The commission approved of the use of the 4-H grounds for those dates.

Spragg noted there would be several activities at Autumnfest, including a fishing tournament for kids and adults, a pie baking contest, and a kayak race. There are also two gospel bands scheduled to perform at the event. Spragg encouraged all members of the public to enjoy Autumnfest.

In another matter, the commission agreed to donate $8,000 to the Paden City High School Parents Wildcats Baseball Club to assist with rebuilds.

The commission also agreed to purchase a snow plow for snow removal around the courthouse. The cost is $5,500, and the snow plow will be purchased from Wheeling Spring Services.

In other matters, the commission agreed to donate $1,500 to the fire departments of Pine Grove, Jacksonburg, and Hundred for mud clean-up during the county fair. It was noted that mud had covered the roadway near the 4-H campgrounds due to fair traffic. The county commission had sent word to fire departments and requested the roads be hosed, so walkers would not have issues. The commission expressed gratitude to each department that responded.

Finally, Prosecuting Attorney Timothy Haught requested the commission retire into executive session to discuss matters regarding the Wetzel County Animal Shelter.