LOADING UP — Josh Kittle, an emergency medical technician with the Brooke County Ambulance Service, loaded materials into a trailer filled with cleaning supplies, bottled water and personal hygiene items bound for Ohio County on Tuesday. At their meeting that day, Brooke County Commissioners noted efforts by local agencies to aid with flood response efforts in the neighboring county. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Commission said they would take advantage of a visit Tuesday by a state transportation official to share concerns about multiple road issues and learned of state funds secured by local legislators for two local entities.

Charlie Reynolds, deputy secretary of the West Virginia Department of Transportation, was on hand at the commission’s meeting Tuesday, accompanied by state Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Wellsburg; and state Del. Jimmy Willis, R-Brooke.

Weld said Reynolds was in the area primarily to assess the impact of flooding on Ohio County roads.

Though he didn’t comment on transportation matters affecting Brooke County, Reynolds said as a Moundsville native, he is sensitive to the needs of the Northern Panhandle.

Following the meeting, Commission President A.J. Thomas confirmed he and commissioners Stacey Wise and Tom Diserio would convey their concerns about multiple Brooke County transportation issues.

Thomas said that included the condition of state Route 27, also known as Washington Pike.

While the state Division of Highways has arranged for crews to patch potholes on the heavily traveled road, many residents have asked when it may be paved again.

Thomas said the commission also will seek an update on the status of repairs to the Veterans Memorial Bridge and the proposed replacement of the Market Street Bridge.

He noted the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission was advised a cable for the Veterans Memorial Bridge must be replaced, and that cable must be manufactured first.

The right eastbound lane leading to the Follansbee exit has been partially closed for many months, though the exit itself remains open.

Thomas said the commission has learned the state Division of Highways has agreed to post a sign near the intersection of state Route 2 and 30th Street in Wellsburg to warn drivers ambulances may enter it from the county’s new ambulance station on nearby Pleasant Avenue.

The commissioners had asked for a flashing signal at the intersection that could be activated by approaching ambulance drivers responding to emergency calls.

The commission offered to pay for the signal and maintain it, but state highway officials denied the request.

Thomas said since then, they have agreed to post a standard warning sign.

“They want us to start with the sign and see how it goes,” he said.

In other business, Weld announced he and Willis have secured money through the state Local Economic Development Assistance program, for Brooke Hills Park and Brooke Cemetery.

Weld said the park has received about $13,000 for improvements to its driving range, while the cemetery has received $30,000 for the removal of trees that fell onto it during the April 29 storm and ongoing maintenance there.

Located off 22nd Street on a hillside at Wellsburg’s east side, the cemetery has more than 9,000 graves dating to 1790.

The commissioners also acknowledged the efforts of Brooke County entities in aiding flood victims in Ohio County.

County Commissioner Tom Diserio said several local fire departments aided Ohio County first responders with rescue efforts, with one assisting in extinguishing a structure fire.

He added staff with the county’s health department has been assisting with tetanus vaccinations there, resulting in its temporary closure, while the county’s animal shelter is providing temporary lodging for animals believed to have been separated from their owners during the floods.

The commissioners noted the Brooke County Emergency Management Agency and Follansbee Fire Department have teamed to conduct a collection of cleaning supplies, bottled water and personal hygiene products for flood victims.

Brooke County EMA Director Greg Moore said plans call for the agency to continue to accept donations at the new ambulance station on Pleasant Avenue through 6 p.m. today, with continued collections depending on need.

Organizers of the Brooke County Farmers Market have announced they will accept donations at its information booth or the Family Roots Farm booth during today’s market, which will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the corner of Sixth and Charles streets.

Boy Scout Troop 1553 also is collecting the same materials from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at Brooke Hills Park’s Rhododendron Shelter.

Needed personal hygiene items include diapers and wipes for babies.

Needed cleaning supplies include large garbage bags, bleach, buckets, gloves, mops and brooms.

In other business, the commission:

�–� Received a thank-you letter from representatives of the Brooke-Hancock-Ohio Victims Assistance Program for relocating it to the ground floor of the county courthouse.

With offices in each of the three counties, the program assists victims of crimes committed in any of the three with material needs and counseling.

Its Brooke County office had been located in a building known as the courthouse annex at 840 Charles St.

In an effort to eliminate costs, the commission has been making an effort to vacate the building.

The county probation department’s move from the annex to the judicial center was completed last year.

And the commissioners are seeking a new location for the Brooke County office of the West Virginia University Extension Service.

�–� Announced most county buildings will be closed Thursday for Juneteenth and Friday for West Virginia Day.

Thomas said Thursday’s closings won’t include the judicial center because the state Supreme Court has ruled that all of the state’s courts should remain open on that day.