Community

Ohio County Commissioners Chip In $15,000 for Laughlin Chapel Recreation Area Project

Laughlin Chapel is planning construction of a recreational area in East Wheeling, and Ohio County commissioners will contribute to the effort.

Construction of the recreation area is expected to cost as much as $175,000, and the chapel has already raised about $150,000 for the effort.

Commissioners agreed to provide them $15,000.

"I think they are a great organization, particularly for the community they serve," Commissioner Zach Abraham said. "My church makes annual contributions toward their operation, and I'm a big fan of their organization."

Commissioners also agreed to assist the Moundsville American Legion with their efforts to transport veterans from Ohio and Marshall counties on regular trips to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Pittsburgh.

The American Legion requested $16,600 from Ohio County for the van service - up from $13,350 last year. The increase reflects a raise the Legion wants to give its drivers, Russell said.

"I will say when my brother was getting medical care at the Veterans Administration in Pittsburgh he grabbed this ride. They were very kind," County Solicitor Don Tennant said. "There were four or five veterans in the van every time they went up, and he went six or seven times. It was very helpful."

Ohio County is currently seeking resumes from those wanting to be the county's future finance director, as current finance director Rod Archie is looking to retire.

Russell said 14 resumes were received. Interviews start later this week.

Melissa Marco, project manager for the county, reported that work has started to replace the roof at the Ohio County Animal Shelter facility. She expected the metal roofing pieces to arrive today, and she said the new roof will be a hunter green color.

The commissioners will next meet at 6 p.m. on May 16 at the City-County Building, 1500 Chapline St., Wheeling.