POINT PLEASANT —Unlike its neighbors, Mason County Emergency Medical Services is able to keep five trucks on call 24 hours a day.

This statistic, and others, were recently reported at the most recent meeting of the Mason County Commission by Chuck Blake and Kevin Durst of Mason County EMS. Blake told Commissioners Rick Handley, Miles Epling and Bob Baird, in comparison to Mason County’s five trucks, Gallia County currently has less than 2 trucks on call 24 hours a day. He said Meigs County has two trucks on call 24 hours a day.

The two men said the organization appreciates the Mason County Commission’s continued support when it comes to budget time. It was reported Mason County EMS has an annual budget of $1 million of which the county contributes 10 percent. There are 60 employees, with salaries being the largest cost to the budget, though these employees have no retirement plan. Blake also reported the $140,000 Valley EMS Station was up and running and he hoped to give commissioners a tour soon.

Also at the meeting, Mason County Clerk Diana Cromley reported her office remains busy preparing for the May 8 primary. Cromley said on Tuesday, Feb. 21 there will be a drawing to determine the order in which the candidates’ names appear on the ballot.

Regina M. Brown was hired in the Mason County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office as a victim’s advocate which is grant funded. Jessica G. Fields was hired in a full time position with the Mason County Assessor’s Office.

Commissioners also approved supporting the Heart of Appalachia Talent Search Program (HATS) which is affiliated with Marshall University. HATS is a federally funded program that provides academic support to middle and high school students in Mason and Wayne Counties who demonstrate the ability to succeed in college or a vocational/technical school. As part of the Federal TRiO Programs, Talent Search has a record of helping students achieve academic as well as personal success. Commissioners agreed to pay $125 each for two students to be picked by HATS personnel to participate in the program. Commissioners noted Chase Likens, a competitor currently on American Idol, was a former HATS student.

Commissioners then set the following meeting dates - 4 p.m, March 8 and 22. The week of March 5 will be for budget sessions.