During Thursday’s meeting, Hancock County commissioners recognized the work of the Hancock AuxComm Team as part of Amateur Radio Week. The team will take part in ARRL Field Day this weekend at Clarke Field in Newell. Pictured, from left, are Commissioner Jeff Davis, Commission President Paul Cowey, Roy Palmanteer, secretary of the Hancock AuxComm Team, and Commissioner Eron Chek. (Photo by Craig Howell)

NEW CUMBERLAND – Amateur radio operators have spent the last century bridging the divide between people, societies and countries, and on Thursday, the Hancock County Commission recognized those contributions just in time for a nationwide event with local participation.

Commissioners presented a proclamation, Thursday, in recognition of Amateur Radio Week, being observed this week. Radio operators from the Hancock AuxComm Team will gather at Clarke Field in Newell, from 2 p.m. Saturday to 2 p.m. Sunday as part of the observance.

ARRL Field Day is an annual amateur radio activity organized by the American Radio Relay League, a national amateur radio association.

Roy Palmanteer, secretary for the Hancock AuxComm Team, was on hand Thursday to accept the proclamation, noting amateur radio operators, or “hams,” often are thought of to provide assistance in a time of crisis, but also can lend a hand with community events such as parades, fairs and more.

“Anytime we’re needed, we’re here for the citizens of Hancock County,” Polmanteer said.

The radios operate independently of the internet or phone systems, and can be set up just about anywhere within a few minutes.

According to the commission’s proclamation, operators also serve as weather spotters in the Skywarn program of the U.S. Weather Bureau.

During the Field Day, operators will establish temporary ham radio stations to demonstrate their skills and service.

In other business, Thursday, the commission:

— Presented an award from the West Virginia Association of Counties to Jackie Huff, administrator of the Hancock County Health Department, in recognition of the department’s efforts to battle the COVID-19 pandemic

— Approved the re-appointment of John Yocina to the Tomlinson Public Service District Board

— Approved the re-appointment of Naomi “Willie” Balt to the Hancock County Parks and Recreation Board

— Approved the re-appointment of Bill Tice to the Northern Panhandle Workforce Development Board

— Approved revisions to the fiscal 2020-21 general county internal budget

— Approved bond, certificate resolution concerning public moneys, and receipt and custodial agreements from Hancock County Savings Bank.