HELPING HISTORY — State Treasurer Larry Pack presented Fiesta Tableware President and CEO Liz McIlvain with a check of more than $33,000 representing unclaimed funds belonging to the Newell-based china manufacturer. -- Craig Howell

NEW CUMBERLAND — West Virginia Treasurer Larry Pack was in the Northern Panhandle Friday, returning a portion of the state’s estimated $500 million in unclaimed property dollars to area businesses and governmental entities.

“It’s part of our complex society. Sometimes things get lost or misplaced,” Pack explained. “It’s all part of our efforts to return West Virginia money to West Virginians.”

Pack and his staff made two stops in Hancock County, beginning with Fiesta Tableware Co, where they joined company President and CEO Liz McIlvain to return $33,371.66 to the local china manufacturer.

During the visit, McIlvain showed Pack, as well as Hancock County commissioners, the company’s showroom, stopping to tell them about the history of the company founded by Homer Laughlin with leadership later handed to the Wells family.

The Fiesta brand is recognizing 90 years of being made in Newell this year.

LENDING A HAND — State Treasurer Larry Pack, left, met with Hancock County Schools officials Friday, returning more than $19,000 in unclaimed funds to the school district. With Pack are the school district’s interim treasurer, Erin Harvey, and Superintendent Walter Saunders. -- Craig Howell

“We’re so proud to be part of West Virginia,” McIlvain said. “We’re proud of our community.”

The group also was provided a tour of the outlets and pottery line to see how the Fiesta products are made.

Later in the day, Pack visited the offices of the Hancock County School District, presenting Superintendent Walter Saunders and Interim Treasurer Erin Harvey with a check for $19,507.02.

Pack noted the school district’s situation was with officials here actively looking for any unclaimed funds through the Treasurer’s Office.

“We got on the website and followed the links,” Harvey said.

Harvey said the funds will go into the school district’s general fund to help with operational costs.

Referring to Hancock County Schools’ ongoing financial issues, Saunders said the returned funds will be a small, but important assistance.

“It’s a good first step,” he said, adding he had joked with Pack about the possibility of moving the decimal in the check by a few places.

Pack wanted to remind area residents and businesses of the importance of checking with his office to see if they may have any unclaimed funds of their own. Information can be found by going online to wvunclaimedproperty.gov and entering an individual or business’ name.

Last year, the state Treasurer’s Office was able to return approximately $40 million.

Pack concluded his visit in Wheeling Friday night, presenting a check to the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office during pre-game ceremonies at the Wheeling Nailers game against the Reading Royals.