Commissioners Kelly Nelsen, Carla McBee and Jesalyn Kamaka. BS. Foster Parent Growth and Retention Coordinator

On Tuesday morning April 21, the Wetzel County Commission held a mid-month meeting to address the agenda items. President Carla McBee called the meeting to order after the Pledge of Allegiance and introduced Jesalyn Kamaka BS, Foster Parent Growth & Retention Coordinator, National Advocate Program, Inc. Kamaka was present to ask the commission to proclaim May as Foster Care Awareness Month. The commission approved and signed the proclamation for May. Kamaka thanked the commission for their support.

Swiss Valley Associates Drew Eberle was present to open the bids for the East Wetzel Community Center repair project, located in Hundred. Eberle received four bids for the project with Caliber Contracting Services of Pittsburgh bidding $810,127, Lee Rigor Builds of Shinnston placed a bid of $717,759, Lombardi Development Company of Follansbee bid $685,300, and Veritras Contracting from Fairmont bid $654,690. The commission and Swiss Valley Associates will review the bids before awarding the contract.

James ‘Cork’ Bowen, President of the Paden City Development Authority Committee was present along with Cheryl Ferrebee of TGG Marketing of Parkersburg to update commissioners about their plans to attract tenants for the space at old Paden City High School. The signage out front will be changed from Paden City High School to “The Cornerstone”. The PCDA will hold an Open House on May 5, 2026, with a ribbon cutting ceremony in conjunction with TGG Marketing. The public can go online to PadenCityDevelopmentAuthority.com to see the happenings and events scheduled by the PCDA Committee.

Zoey Dotson, Case Manager of Community Resources was present to ask the commission for funding to help with their rising costs for clients in need. Dotson said they serve 50-90 clients with food and other needs. The commission approved donating $10,000 to the Community Resources.

Johanna Lemasters, Hundred EMS was present to ask for $100,000 funding to pay their payroll. The commission approved the request. Lemasters thanked the commissioners for their continued support.

The April 14, 2026, meeting minutes were given approval from the commission.

The commission approved the Levy Order and Rate Sheet-Regular Current Expense Levy 2026-2027, and the Excess Levy for Fire & EMS for 2026-2027.

After talking with Sheriff Eric Daugherty The commission approved purchasing a bullet proof vest for Pine Grove Police Chief Clay Lunceford for the price of $1,405.00.

A tabled item to appoint a commissioner or someone from the office to the RC&D Board of Directors. The commissioners approved Jessica Yoho to serve on the Board of Directors. Another tabled item was the request by the American Legion Post #28 for funding to repair the Veterans Memorial Wall that lists only Wetzel County Veterans. The commission approved $19,735.25 to repair the wall. If anyone needs a name added to the wall contact Mary Yoho at the American Legion.

The commission approved Prosecuting Attorney Tim Haught to negotiate an MOU with WVU Hospital to provide space for a new helicopter hanger and WVU Ambulance for a new helicopter hanger. Commissioner Kelly Nelsen said this new hanger and space for the ambulance will be viable for our community, saving precious time getting the patients transported quicker.