By Chuck Clegg

Staff Writer

On Friday July 24, 2026 at the Wetzel County 4-H Camp Mollohan Center, the members of the Wetzel County Emergency Planning Committee met. Larry Thomas, chairman of the LEPC, began the meeting. The first item on the morning’s agenda was the approval of the April 17, 2026 meeting. Hearing no motions for changes or corrections, Thomas called for an approval vote. Minutes were approved unanimously.

Norma Ritz LEPC Secretary / treasurer gave a brief review of the organization’s finances. At the present time it has $1,000.00 in its account.

Under Old Business: 911 Director Steve Yoho gave an update on the upgrading of the county’s radio system. He explained the new Simulcast Radio System in the county is up and operating and next week Latinus Communications will begin installing new radios in patrol vehicles.

Director Yoho gave a review of testing of the new radio system at different locations around the county. As of his report all the mobile systems have communicated without problems at all locations so far tested. Hand held portables function in most locations. It was found that in areas such as deep hollows, and remote locations, the handheld portables may not work.

Director Yoho also reported that the county has had in locations for some years four alert sirens, none of which are still functioning properly. Four new solar powered sirens will be installed to give warning of any emergency situation. One in Pine Grove, one on top of Barker Hill and one at the 911 center. Four others will be located in the county at a later date.

Elizebeth Seckman reported the Wetzel County Family Resources Network has been working with kids at the 4-H Camp this week. The programs are intended to give students an understanding of life skills and programs.

OEM Director Steve Yoho and Deputy Director Jay Thomas recently attended the WV Floodplain Managers Conference to better understand new programs and possible grants that may soon be available for applications.

Director Yoho also reported that new

weather stations will be put into place at Pine Grove and the 911 Center. Additional stations are coming to help give a better understanding of weather conditions that may affect Wetzel County. Yoho emphasized that rain gauges in the back side of the county are needed to give advance warning in the event of a flash flood. Heavy rains in that area can deposit several inches of rain. At the same time, the Ohio Valley may not receive much precipitation. He explained that water in the far side of the county mostly runs to the west and the Ohio River.

Director Yoho also updated the gathering on the recent extreme weather that passed near the area. South of Wetzel, a low end EF3 tornado spun off two more sister EF2 tornadoes in the St. Mary’s area. Major damage was done to power, communications and utilities. He also reported that our county received low area flooding and trees down on power wires and road ways.

Director Yoho also reported the theft of copper grounding wire at the county’s 911 towers, has been replaced, and one individual has been charged in relation to the crime. He also reported that in the very near future, security cameras will be installed at each tower to alert authorities of an intruder in the area.

Public Reports / Concerns and questions: Mr. Fred McMullen traveled from the Pittsburgh National Weather Center to speak to the gathering, concerning the conditions that created last week’s damaging weather. He also pointed out that the weather center is advising local 911 Centers that next week, Tuesday the 28th and Wednesday the 29th, advanced weather predictions show more unstable conditions to pass through this area.

Chairman Thomas advised participants, the next meeting will be October 23, 2026 at 10:00 am in the Mollohan Center. Meeting Adjourned.