Low cost of living, quality of life, low taxes,public safety and strong community involvement all contributed to the City of Weirton being named the #2 on the list of best places to retire in the United States for 2026 by US News & World Report. Mayor of Weirton Dean Harris along with a contingent of local, state and federal representatives were on hand to speak to the distinction and to echo the sentiments of those involved in the selection.
“We really appreciate the opportunity (to speak to the Commission. I, too, have lived in Weirton my entire life. We saw what Weirton volunteers do recently when we served 500 free meals on Thanksgiving thanks to a group effort.” Harris noted that public safety is a team effort and contributes to the quality of life in the community.
Also speaking were Shaye Potter, representative of Sen. Shelly Moore Capito; a representative from the Office of Gov. Patrick Morrisey, West Virginia State Senator Laura Wakim-Chapman and Del. Mark Zatezalo (R-2nd) all of whom congratulated Weirton City Officials and re-affirmed that Weirton was a great place to retire.
Local resident Matt Cole spoke to the Commission regarding the financial crisis being faced by the Hancock County School System, Cole advocated utilizing gas and oil wells as a source of revenue to solve the problem.
In other business, the Commission:
**Appointed Leslie Fields to the Board of Health;
**Accepted from Gov. Morrisey a VOCA grant to provide assistance for crime victims;
**Approved Advertising for a request for proposal for the demolition and disposal of the property at 697 Ohio River Blvd., New Cumberland;
**Hired Aimee Kerr as a Deputy Assessor effective January 5, 2026;
**Announced that County bills are $152,721.55 and purchasing card is $26,671.51.
The Commission is slated to meet Dec. 23 at 2:30 p.m.
