A vision for a permanent animal rescue shelter in Tyler County took center stage Tuesday as Connie Wasntell of Mountaineer Animal Rescue approached the Tyler County Commission seeking support for a long-term solution to the county’s growing need for animal rescue services.

The commission met Tuesday, Aug. 25, in the cafeteria of the Tyler County Senior Center. Following approval of the minutes from the Aug. 11 meeting, the commission heard reports and considered exonerations before Wasntell made her presentation regarding the proposed shelter.

Wasntell told commissioners that calls concerning abandoned, neglected and unwanted animals are received by Mountaineer Animal Rescue on an almost daily basis. Each call represents another animal requiring food, medical attention, rehabilitation and, ultimately, a safe place to stay while awaiting adoption.

The rescue organization is now looking beyond temporary solutions and hopes to establish a permanent animal shelter in Tyler County.

Mountaineer Animal Rescue would like to purchase property and construct a facility where rescued animals could receive veterinary care, nutritious food, rehabilitation and socialization while they wait for permanent, loving homes. Wasntell asked the commission to support the project and eventually consider financial assistance toward the purchase of land and construction of the facility.

A permanent shelter, Wasntell explained, would allow the organization to increase the number of animals it can help while providing a dependable location for their care.

Mountaineer Animal Rescue has already been working to address the problem of unwanted animals in the county. Wasntell said the organization has spayed and neutered more than 30 animals this year using a $5,000 grant received through the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. The grant has helped the rescue address one of the major challenges facing communities with unwanted animals which is preventing additional litters and reducing the number of animals entering shelters and rescue programs.

Constructing a permanent shelter, however, will require a much larger community effort. Mountaineer Animal Rescue plans to pursue multiple sources of funding, including state and federal grants, private donations, business sponsorships and fundraising events.

Wasntell said the organization anticipates seeking additional grant opportunities through the Department of Agriculture and the West Virginia Economic Development Authority.

Once constructed, the shelter would also require ongoing financial support for daily operations, animal care, veterinary services, food and other necessities. The same combination of grants, donations and fundraising would be used to help sustain the facility.

For Wasntell and the volunteers who answer the rescue calls, the proposed shelter represents much more than a building. It would provide a dependable place where animals in crisis can receive the care they need while giving them a better opportunity to find permanent homes.

Mountaineer Animal Rescue is now looking to the Tyler County Commission and the community to help turn that vision into reality by creating a safe haven for animals while strengthening the county’s efforts toward adoption, responsible pet ownership and reducing the number of animals left abandoned or neglected.

Commission President Lance Hickman then requested approval of Toni Vancamp to serve one year term on the Solid Waste Authority expiring on June 30, 2027. Commissioners approved the appointment.

Commissioners then went into Executive Session to discuss a personnel leave of absence at 9:13 AM and exited the session at 9:25 AM with no decision.

A policy was then approved that any orders purchased by the county be sent to a county office and not a personal residence.

Tom Cooper, Director of the OEM, then approached the commissioners regarding the former Phillips Pharmacy building in Sistersville, which was being used as the Family Support Center. The building is owned by J.B. Phillips. The current grant funding for the support center was released but due to the disbarment of the current grant holder, the money cannot be received and the rent is due. Mr. Cooper asked the Commission to cover the $1,200 monthly rent for three months until the new grant holder receives the grant money that is due. Commissioners approved the request.

Tyler County EMS Director Logan Sailor asked for approval to hire Jacklyn Seagrave as EMS Administrative Assistant with a start date of September 2, 2026.

Steve Thomas, speaking for the town of Friendly, asked the commissioners for financial assistance following recent flooding in Friendly. Thomas explained a culvert needs replaced. The low bid for the culvert replacement was submitted by Henthorn Excavating at a cost of $31,719. The town also requested $510.27 to cover the rental of a dumpster needed following the flooding.

During public comment it was mentioned by Doddridge County EMS that they have proposed combining services with Middlebourne EMS.

Following the approval to pay the bills, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the Tyler County Commission will be held on September 8, 2026, in the auditorium of the senior center in Middlebourne.