Commission receives $16K to cover cost of crucial repairs at Youth Camp

Monica Zalaznik
October 28, 2021

BUCKHANNON – The Upshur County Commission received more than $16,000 from a local senator on Thursday to cover the cost of some much-needed upkeep for Upshur County Youth Camp facilities in Selbyville.

Sen. Bill Hamilton, R-Upshur, who represents the 11th Senatorial District, attended the Oct. 28 commission meeting to present a check in the amount of $16,134.12 for Upshur County Youth Camp maintenance, including replacements for leaky roofs on three cabins.

“Today I have a check for the commission in the amount of $16,134.12 for the Upshur County Youth Camp, and I think that was to pay for a replacement to three cabin roofs that were leaking and the stairs to the council circle,” Hamilton said. “The Youth Camp is pretty close to my heart, so it makes me happy to present this check on behalf of Governor Justice; Senator Craig Blair, president of the Senate; Senator Eric Tarr, the chair of finance; Senator Karnes, who is my fellow senator in the 11th district; and myself.”

Pictured from left are Upshur County commissioner Sam Nolte, Upshur County Youth Camp board member Debbie Hull, Sen. Bill Hamilton, Upshur County Youth Camp board member Thanna Wentz, Upshur County Commission president Kristie Tenney and Upshur County commissioner Terry Cutright.

In other Upshur County Commission news, commissioners thanked county and city first responders for their work in honor of National First Responders Day, which is Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021.

County commissioners Sam Nolte, Kristie Tenney and Terry Cutright, along with county administrator/DHSEM director Carrie Wallace and assistant county administrator/DHSEM assistant director Tabatha Perry, present a proclamation to Upshur County first responders including law enforcement officers, firefighters, Emergency Medical Services professionals and E911 telecommunicators. Upshur County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Mike Coffman displays the proclamation declaring Oct. 28, 2021 First Responders Day throughout the county.

Upshur County Administrator/Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Carrie Wallace read the proclamation for everyone in attendance during the Oct. 28 meeting.

The text of the proclamation appears in full below:

Whereas first responders are the first line of defense for the public against any against all threats both domestic and foreign;

Whereas both career and volunteer individuals from law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services, and telecommunications come together standing ready as first responders to aid the public in the event of an emergency;

Whereas first responders are highly trained professionals and volunteers, equipped with special education and skill sets that enable them to effectively address situations of urgency saving lives and protecting property;

Whereas first responders are an ever-vigilant force guarding our communities standing ready 24 hours a day seven days a week to help in a wide range of emergencies often risking their own personal safety to protect their fellow citizens;

Whereas during the COVID-19 pandemic first responders have remained on the frontlines of the emergency so literally sacrificing their own health to help others; and

Whereas the families of first responders also make significant sacrifices to the support their loved one’s service, these family members live with the reality that their spouse, sibling, parent or loved one may not return home from the job, and they deserve our appreciation and respect for bearing this burden.

Therefore, the Upshur County Commission of West Virginia hereby proclaims Oct. 28, 2021, as First Responders Day and is proud to honor these courageous individuals and their families for their personal sacrifice and commitment to the safety and security of Upshur County residents and visitors and hereby encourage all citizens to reach out to our first responders and show appreciation of their service to our community.