Washington County Commissioners James Booth, Eddie Place and Charlie Schilling stand with members of People First, James Scott, Cindy Beardmore and Kim Ferrell along with Pam Siders to recognize March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Top from left are Booth, Place, Scott and Siders, while bottom from left are Schilling, Ferrell and Beardmore. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

The agenda was full of new business to discuss on Thursday morning for the Washington County Commission.

The commissioners approved bills and travel costs and reviewed the annual juvenile court reports.

The commissioners approved the appointment of Brett Nicholas to the Washington County Behavioral Health Board. He will serve on the board for four years starting on July 1 and will end June 30, 2029. The commissioners reviewed his application and felt he was the right fit for the position.

The invoice for the courthouse elevator project was approved and due on March 30.

The County Home Creek Stream and Wetland Restoration project bid from Jagger Construction was approved for $339,264.45 which will help alleviate some storm drainage that goes from the Washington County Home to the Marietta Country Club, according to Commissioner Charlie Schilling.

Washington County Commissioner Charlie Schilling thanks Kim Ferrell for speaking up and sharing her concerns. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

The project is also fully funded through the H2Ohio program.

A few guests and board members from the Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities were recognized for their advocacy efforts.

“This is the resolution recognizing March as the developmental disabilities awareness month,” said Schilling. “Whereas individuals with developmental disabilities are valuable members of our community, contributing their unique skills, talents and perspectives to enrich our society.”

Kim Ferrell is a member of People First who has been disabled since she was 7 and has been an advocate for disabled people throughout her career.

“I want to thank People First for having me in their meetings because I get to make new friends and meet new faces,” said Ferrell. “I am an advocate for disabled people and I speak for people who don’t have voices.”

The Washington County Commission recognized McKensie Mason for her efforts and dedication to 4-H. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

People First of Washington’s mission statement is “to assist all people to realize and appreciate that we are PEOPLE FIRST and our disabilities are secondary.”

With the support from advocacy groups and the board, the commissioners proclaimed March 2025 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and encouraged businesses and organizations to join in recognition and support.

During the meeting, Ferrell brought some concerns to their attention about the lack of accessible handicapped parking in the area and specifically at Marietta Memorial Hospital.

The commission will do what it can in order to address her concerns, said Schilling.

They also plan to make Ferrell an Honorary Commissioner for a week due to her dedication and advocacy.

Warren High School student McKensie Mason shares her passion for the air pistol club and its most recent achievements. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

At the end of the meeting, the commission also recognized Ohio 4-H Week by speaking with Warren High School student McKensie Mason. She is a member of Bull’s Eye 4-H Club and Running Wild. She is also on the National Air Pistol team which meets at least once a month in Delaware, Ohio, for practice.

Mason presented the club’s latest achievements and the air pistols used in the shooting club.

“ODNR (Ohio Department of Natural Resources) built an outdoor and indoor range there and we go up there to practice,” she said.

Mason is passionate about Bull’s Eye 4-H Club and she encourages everyone to participate if they can.

“There’ll be a lot of kids the first week and then after that everybody starts to go and hardly anyone will show up,” she said.

This is one of the few times Washington County had representation on the National Shooting Team, said Bruce Zimmer, extension educator.