By Hannah Heishman
The Hardy County Commission met Tuesday, Nov. 4. They opened the meeting by recognizing Carol Moran, who retired after 21 years in the County Clerk’s office. Clerk Loretta Humbertson said, “Her dedication and work ethic to her job is only surpassed by her kindness.”
Bill Ours added some levity: “Good Lord, Bob (Moran) ain’t got a chance, now!”
Roger Vacovsky updated Commissioners on Hardy County Emergency Ambulance Authority. He said HCEAA had a deficit in October due to an extra pay period, but it was covered by previous months’ income. He said part-time crew members have helped staff calls.
He noted West Hardy EMS was hosting an EMT-Basic course, and conducting a fundraiser to help pay for cardiac monitors.
He said Wardensville Volunteer Rescue Squad is covering the calls they can, and reviewing ways to increase participation in 2026.
Vacovsky said a trial demonstration of Chief360, an app that allows participants to track calls, locations, and even provides advance warnings to a crew that they’re about to receive a page, has ended.
“It’s a powerful tool with a lot of upsides,” Vacovsky said, adding that it would cost around $15,000 the first year.
It was not immediately clear exactly who, beside Vacovsky, was part of the trial, but 911 and Office of Emergency Management director Paul Lewis made it clear he was not, and that he was not inclined to use his budget for something in which he was not included.
Commissioners tabled the discussion.
The Commission approved disbursement of State Fire Protection Funds to the counties three fire departments. The money can be used for equipment, fire prevention activities, and other uses as approved under state law.
Assessor Jim Wratchford updated Commissioners about ongoing work to clarify the Hardy-Hampshire County line, particularly in the vicinity of Rio. Former County Clerk Gregg Ely, who is also a surveyor, said, “This has been a pet peeve of mine because of elections. We have a line on a (topographical) map that you can’t put your hand on.”
Back in 1888, both Hampshire and Hardy Counties surveyed the line and agreed where it was, but apparently never informed the Federal government. It became a handshake deal between the counties that the U.S. Geological Survey never recognized, as the maps never changed.
The actual line’s placement may cause current Hampshire citizens to become Hardy citizens, and vice versa. This will affect elections, taxes, and even addresses.
County Surveyor David Jopling said the new survey will be done physically, but noted, “I don’t even know how long it’ll take us to get the USGS to adopt (changes).”
Hampshire Commissioner Logan Mantz, in attendance to discuss a different topic, asked if State approval is required.
“All we’re doing is relocating the line they placed in 1888, not creating a new line,” Ely said.
Between both counties’ election reports, it’s thought that between 30 and 70 people will be affected.
Mantz was present by invitation to discuss building codes.
Middle Dept Inspection Agency, or MDIA, previously inspected new construction in several WV counties, including Hardy and Hampshire, for electrical codes prior to power companies turning on power to the building. They have stopped, and counties must now figure out their respective ways forward.
Hampshire County is farther along in that process than Hardy County. Mantz, who is also a lawyer, has been key to making that happen.
Insurance and banking prefer working where there are building code standards, Mantz said. He discussed the reasons for establishing a building code, and the logic behind Hampshire County’s course of action, including their plan for inspection.
“We want to see you set up for success,” Mantz said.
Both counties’ Planning Offices have already agreed to work together.
County Coordinator Wendy Branson said Jim Shupe picked up four dogs in October. Two dogs were owner-surrendered; Potomac Highlands Animal Rescue accepted five dogs; and two dogs were rehomed. Shupe travelled 553 miles in October.
Three dogs found running loose in Mathias, and apparently abandoned, had close contact a porcupine.
“We reached out to the Humane Society; we wanted to partner with them,” Commission President Steven Schetrom said. “It seemed that process wasn’t gonna be able to work in an emergency situation. It seemed like it should work. It disappointed us.”
The County paid South Branch Animal Hospital to remove the quills, and performed eye surgery on one of the dogs who’d gotten a quill either in or very near its eye.
Branson said security cameras are installed at the pound, and are functioning.
Branson said November is Greenlight Awareness for Veterans. Accordingly, those passing the courthouse at night will observe solar-powered green lights shining on the front of the building.
The Commission reappointed Tim Thorne, Jean Flanagan and Fran Welton to the HCEAA for three more years, starting Jan. 1.
They tabled a request to help fund Rockin’ New Years Eve at the Moorefield Town Park; they will make a decision at their December meeting.
The Commission’s next meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 9 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend.
