The Tyler County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting was convened on April 2, 2026, in the cafeteria of the Senior Center in Middlebourne. The meeting began with a breakfast followed by updates from various organizations across the county highlighting ongoing efforts and collaborative initiatives.

Jill Ash with the Family Resource Network (FRN) announced upcoming locations for the Mountaineer Food Bank Mobile Pantry beginning on March 26, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in Sistersville. May 28, 2026, at the Tyler County Senior Center in Middlebourne. July 30, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in Sistersville. September 24, 2026, at the Tyler County Senior Center in Middlebourne. December 3, 2026, at the first Baptist Church in Sistersville.

Tyler County Office of Emergency Management Director Tom Cooper also provided an update on the regional transportation project, noting that the initiative continues to move forward and they are working with Kanawha Bus. As an urban authority, Kanawha Bus has the ability to expand their jurisdiction to other counties and will include all five counties with two vans per county.

The Tyler County Senior Center informed the group that they will have a community garden located at the Senior Center in the coming months.

The Wetzel/Tyler Chamber of Commerce reminded everyone that the Sistersville Treasures Gift Shop will be holding a grand opening and ribbon cutting on April 15 located at 715 Wells Street in Sistersville. The Chamber also announced that they will be re-locating to a new building at 661 3rd Street, New Martinsville.

Tyler County Commissioner Mike Smith informed the group that the move in date for the new courthouse is now scheduled for November.

Jill Ash with the Tyler County Family Resource Network announced the upcoming free community family affair for families who are expecting or with children up to age four to be held in the Elks Lodge Ballroom located at 333 Charles Street, Sistersville, on April 23 from 11 AM till 2 PM. There will be lots of resources, giveaways, & door prizes. Lunch will also be provided. Please call 304-652-4070 to RSVP by April 9th.

Guest speakers Carissa Davis, Olmstead Coordinator, from the Office of the Inspector General and Bri Burchard, Outreach Specialist with the WV Coalition to end Homelessness gave a presentation on the workings of the Olmstead Decision. A 1999 Supreme Court decision stated that people with disabilities must have access to information, education and experiences that foster their ability to make informed choices, while respecting dignity of risk. People with disabilities must have the opportunity to develop valued social roles, meaningful personal relationships and activities of their choice and have opportunities for competitive employment. The mission of the Olmstead Council is to develop and monitor the implementation of a plan to promote equal opportunities for people with disabilities to live, learn, work and participate in the community of their choice. The purpose of the program is to assist people with disabilities and can provide up to $2,500 per participant for reasonable and necessary start-up funding to include security deposits, set up fees and deposits, household furnishings and moving expenses.

Following the presentations, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the LEPC will be held on May 7, 2026, in the cafeteria of the Senior Center in Middlebourne.