Photos by Melissa West
A recent issue with the care of animals accepted into Sheriff Graham Knight’s custody following the death of it’s owner, and additional dogs that were placed with animal fosters after their owners abandoned them in a home, caused the Calhoun County Commission to address the issue at a Special Commission Meeting on Monday, December 9th.
Teresa Overton, Board member of the Calhoun Animal Shelter addressed the Commission, with two of her recent fosters by her side, about the hardship on those who care for stray, confiscated or abandoned animals. Overton is an experienced foster, and along with Patty Laughlin and Tessa Batten have cared for animals, covering the cost on their own as we ll as incurred property damage.
In a recent fostering situation, Tessa Batton had opened her home to a foster animal, and the animal destroyed her carpet in the basement of her home. She had spent $144 from her own pocket on the dogs care and although she wanted to help, the expense was too much for her alone. Teresa Overton said at that point a group of them brainstormed to determine what was needed to take care of animals in a fostering situation. The group determined that ten, 5’x10’ kennels were needed and a building with concrete floors as well as food and other supplies. She requested that the Commission look into possible locations to provide animal housing and care for dogs that find their way into the custody of the Sheriff’s office. She recommended that the Commission apply for a $7000 grant that had been made available by the 1982 Foundation to cover kennel and medicines for the facility. Noting that a lot of people want to volunteer, Overton also reminded the Commission of the danger of dog bites or injury as an issue that could put the county at risk of law suits. The county would be in a better position to maintain the animals in their own location with their own staff.
The matter was put on the January Commission agenda to be further addressed.
Additional matters on the agenda was the sound system that the Commission were considering due to the inability of citizens to hear adequately in meetings. Ari White, of Mt. Zion, presented a bid to the Commission for $445 which covered: Five first-iorder cardoid dynamic microphones usable in hand, desk mount or floor stand (provided), mixing board, two monitor speakers, TRRS connector to permit cell phone connection for meeting attendance by phone, all necessary connection equipment and a one year warrant. A motion was made by Roger Propst to approve the purchase, seconded by Kevin Helmick with a vote by all in favor.
Sheriff Graham Knight request the approval of the hiring of Jeff Hunt, a retiring WV State Trooper who will become the Chief Deputy of the Calhoun County Sheriff Department effective January 3, 2024 and a 90 day extension of the Deputy contract of Charles Stephens. A motion by Roger Propst was made to accept both the new hire and extension.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 a.m.
