By Stephen Smoot
In the wake of the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, the Harrison County Commission opened with a poignant invocation by Commissioner Patsy Trecost. He prayed “Almighty God, in a world of sadness, in a world of darkness . . . You said no to the darkness when You took the Cross for our sins . . . In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen.”
Toward the close of the meeting, Commissioners discussed the potential for working with the City of Shinnston on purchasing a property adjacent to the Rail Trail. A request came to the Commission to work together with Shinnston officials. Trecost called it “another pipe in the pipeline” toward eventual completion of the trail system.
Trecost explained that the parcel lay in a position on the trail 15 miles from the Marion County line and 15 miles to Clarksburg. Plans for the land include establishing a dog park for the use of trail users and others. The Commissioner said that the agreement would include language instructing the City that whatever the land is used for, it will be “at your cost and you maintain it.”
Trecost then expressed frustrations about other times in which the County has stepped in to assist with a dog park. He added “I’m not a dog person. I’m not a flea market person, but people like them.”
The Commission was not at the time voting on the actual purchase so much as giving Harrison County Administrator Laura Pysz-Laulis authority to conduct discussions and negotiations. The property currently is in private hands.
Commissioner David Hinkle inquired “do all partners understand that this is in a flood zone and flood zones regulate what can be built?” Trecost responded “well a dog park is really a fence, so . . .” Hinkle replied, saying that fences collect debris during flood conditions that could create problems.
Harrison County Commission President Susan Thomas shared that she had visited the site and noted “there’s a lot of clearing that’s going to have to be done too.” She later stated that officials should “find out if she’s (the current owner) even interested (in selling the property) and go from there.”
County Attorney Trey Simmerman replied “that’s a good plan.”
Commissioners also set the Harrison County officials Hallowe’en Trick or Treat time as Thursday Oct 30 from 6:00 to 7:30. Originally Friday had been considered, but Thomas brought up high school football.
In the opening minutes of the meeting, Commissioners considered a series of special funding requests. The first came from “Expressions of Love,” asking for $2,500 to support their work in the community. Judy Bonnamico, founder and president, explained their mission to Commissioners.
She described their organization as “a small faith-driven group of friends, business owners, and neighbors” who endeavor to help. Bonnamico stated that “every dollar goes back into the community.” While they do different projects, they focus on families in ned receiving healthy food for meals.
She closed with “thank you for your consideration. May the Lord bless all of our efforts as we give honor and glory to His name.” Commissioners approved the request.
The Town of Nutter Fort also came with a special funding request for their Hallowe’en event. Council Member Charlene Louk came to request $1,500. She explained that “two years ago, we had our hundredth anniversary celebration and it was in the form of a street fair.” The event entertained locals enough that they decided to continue it in some fashion.
“It was very well received. The community loves it,” Louk observed. Trecost made the motion to approve, saying “yes. Let’s allocate $1,500 to this wonderful event. Have fun and be safe.”
Another special funding request was made for infrastructure more than fun and games. Paul Hamrick, representing the West Fork On Site Community Cooperative requested $6,680 for an “urgent need to do a septic tank replacement and E – One Pump Maintenance.”
This entity dates back to a 2008 demonstration project to test the feasibility of micro sewage systems for small numbers of residents in remote areas. It connected six households to a central septic system in a technique called “clustering.” Since then, two households no longer use the system, leaving four households relying on it.
Other agencies have told the organization that it is too small to warrant financial support. Clarksburg’s sewer system will also eventually extend to encompass it.
Hinkle raised objections to providing County support. From his perspective, Hinkle regarded them more as private citizens sharing a septic tank than a government organization. He also criticized the entity for collecting a $15 regular fee, but not applying it toward maintenance.
Hamrick responded “we’ve sustained ourselves since 2008 and we haven’t asked a dime from the county or the state.”
Hinkle suggested only paying half, but Thomas moved to cover the full request, which passed.
