Hancock County Animal Shelter has been recognized for its commitment to animal welfare, achieving the prestigious No Kill Shelter Award for 2024. Kaylee Stewart, the new animal shelter director, announced the award during a recent government meeting, highlighting the shelter's dedication to maintaining its no-kill status. This marks a continued effort by the shelter, which has received this accolade for several consecutive years, ensuring that animals in their care are not euthanized for space or time constraints.

In addition to the animal shelter's achievement, the meeting featured a significant initiative aimed at promoting sobriety across West Virginia. Jana Gordon, executive director of the Brook Hancock County Family Resource Network, presented a proclamation for September 2025, declaring it as a month for sobriety awareness. This initiative, which encourages the entire state to "go purple," aims to unite communities in support of individuals facing substance use disorders. This year marks the first time that all counties in West Virginia are participating in this statewide effort, signifying a landmark moment in the state's approach to substance use recovery.

Other discussions during the meeting included a request for a $4,000 annual contribution from the Route 2 I-68 authority and the launch of the West Virginia flood resiliency framework by the GIS Technical Center. The meeting concluded with a reminder about an upcoming hearing in the City of New Cumberland regarding proposed sewage system rates.

These initiatives reflect Hancock County's ongoing commitment to community welfare, animal rights, and public health, setting a proactive tone for future developments in the region.