The Tyler County Commission met Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in the auditorium of the Senior Center in Middlebourne, addressing a full agenda that included an update from the county extension office, contract approvals, and funding requests from local organizations.

Following approval of the minutes from the April 14 meeting, along with the fiduciary report and exonerations, Tyler County Extension Agent Julie Bolin presented a detailed report on the activities of her office.

Bolin outlined efforts in teaching, service, and research. Her educational programs have included classes and initiatives focused on chicken and poultry education, nutrition, youth yoga, summer camps, staff training, gardening projects such as “growing a pizza garden,” cooking skills, healthy grandfamilies, and handwashing education. In service, Bolin supports 4-H camp health screenings, works with healthy grandfamilies and kinship care programs, and serves on the Tyler County Fair Livestock Committee. She also leads Progressive Agriculture Safety Day and participates in West Virginia University working groups. Her research initiatives include youth resiliency “off-the-grid” camps and youth agriculture programs.

Commission President Lance Hickman brought forward a request to renew the contract with National Rent-A-Fence for security fencing at the temporary courthouse site, which is set to expire May 14, 2026. Commissioners approved seeking a six-month extension quote.

The commission also read a letter announcing the retirement of Tyler County Circuit Clerk Candy Warner, effective May 14, 2026. Warner has served the county for 31 years. Commissioners expressed their appreciation for her decades of dedicated service.

In other business, commissioners approved the county’s participation in the National Opioid Settlement related to remaining defendants, with a participation deadline of May 4, 2026.

A major item of business included approval of a construction contract with Mountain Mama Construction Services in the amount of $717,865.46 for the building of the new EMS Station 60. The facility will be located near A.I. Boreman Elementary School.

The commission entered executive session at 9:20 a.m. to discuss the potential acquisition of the Bunn-Livingston and Hess properties. The session concluded at 9:47 a.m., with commissioners tabling the matter for further consideration at a future meeting.

Representatives from the Paden City Public Library, including Director Danielle Ice Davis and Board President Joanna Casto, appeared before the commission to request $5,000 in funding. They explained that many students from Paden City, including those attending Tyler Consolidated and Magnolia High School, rely on the library’s services. With recent losses in state funding, the library is seeking support to continue serving residents and students in both Tyler and Wetzel counties. Commissioners indicated the request would be considered during upcoming budget discussions and acknowledged the importance of the library’s role.

Larry Casey, representing ITECH, presented a proposal to provide phone system services for the renovated courthouse. Casey noted the company currently serves courthouses in Calhoun and Roane counties and is working to expand services elsewhere. The proposal includes replacing all phones, software upgrades, and no-cost service calls at a monthly rate of $1,732 which is reportedly lower than current costs with Frontier while offering expanded services. Commissioners asked Casey to meet with individual departments to assess specific needs before returning with a final proposal. A decision was tabled until a later meeting.

Tyler County EMS Director Logan Sailor asked the commissioners to approve the resignation of Brandon Carpenter effective May 1, 2026 and approve the employment change from part-time to full-time for Tristen Rempel. Commissioners approved both requests.

Cathy Post with American Legion Post 48 asked for funding to purchase American Flags for the cities 250 Celebration and to line the streets of Middlebourne for the Fourth of July celebration. She stated that the last time the flags were purchased she ordered roughly 1000 flags. Commissioners approved the request and asked that the bill be sent to courthouse for payment.

Prosecuting Attorney Luke Furbee asked for approval to add a banister to the back entrance of his office. He explained that one of his employees would be having foot surgery and would be on weight-baring restriction for about six weeks. The purpose of the banister is to help her climb the steps to get to work. He also noted that if the banister was not sufficient, he would like to add a chair lift. Commissioners approved the request for the banister and asked Luke to come back if the chair lift was needed.

Following the approval to pay the bills, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the Tyler County Commission will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 since their regular Tuesday meeting falls on election day May 12, 2026. The meeting will take place in the auditorium of the Senior Center in Middlebourne.