NEW CUMBERLAND – New fencing will be going up at the Hancock County Animal Shelter following Thursday’s county commission meeting, with commissioners also accepting the resignations of two employees of the sheriff’s office.

Hancock County Commissioners unanimously approved a contract with Fencing Unlimited for replacement and repair of portions of fencing at the animal shelter on Gas Valley Road.

Commission President Eron Chek, in accepting the motion for the approval, noted commissioners had been presented with multiple options for the project.

“There are a couple in there,” she said.

County Administrator John Klee explained the recommended contract would include two parts, for a total cost of $4,000.

“It’s the original, plus option one,” he said.

For $3,200, the company will install new chain link fabric to the inside Kennel 4 gates, repair and replace two damaged core-drilled posts in the outside kennel area, perform any needed minor repairs to the outside kennel area, and install new heavy duty gate fork latches to all chain link gates in the outside kennel area and two outdoor play yard areas.

For the additional option, at a cost of $800, crews will re-tie, repair, or secure as needed chain link fabric in both outdoor play areas and adjust any gates as needed.

Under action from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, commissioners approved the resignations of J.T. Keeder and Deputy Hunter Sweat.

According to a copy of his resignation letter, Keeder, a former sheriff’s deputy who currently serves as jail administrator, is leaving the department for a position with the West Virginia Racing Commission. Commissioners, in approving the resignation, also agreed to pay out his balance of 100 unused vacation hours and 24 hours of personal time, for a total compensation of $3,344.28.

“Congratulations and best wishes for Mr. Keeder and his new opportunity,” Chek said.

Keeder’s final day is set for April 30.

Sweat’s resignation as a sheriff’s deputy was effective April 15, with commissioners also wishing him well in his future.

In other business Thursday, commissioners:

Agreed to advertise for a position on the Hancock County Health Department Board, with a three-year term beginning July 1, as well as an opening on the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission;

Agreed to compensate Teres Bruno for 25.14 days of vacation and personal days at a total of $3,510.80. Bruno recently resigned from her position with the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office. Commissioners also approved the hiring of Catherine A. Lauck as administrative assistant in the Prosecutor’s Office, beginning April 21;

Appointed Jeanne Amidon, of Weirton, to the Hancock County Parks and Recreation Board;

Approved hiring Kaitlynn Lamp as an animal care technician at the county animal shelter, effective April 2;

Approved a revision to the county’s Coal Severance budget for 2024-2025;

Accepted orders denying claims in the estates of Richard Freeman Ford and Saly Laudrille.

chowell@weirtondailytimes.com