WOODSFIELD — Although Monroe County commissioners fully support the Second Amendment, they said they are unable to declare the county a “Second Amendment Sanctuary.”

Instead of signing the petition as requested by a group of “concerned citizens” last month, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners signed a resolution Monday that states the board supports the right to bear arms and encourages the state legislature to establish Ohio as a “Second Amendment Sanctuary.”

Commissioner Mick Schumacher said commissioners are unable to declare the county a “Second Amendment Sanctuary” because they are do not have the authority to legislate.

If they did, the document essentially would be meaningless and have no legal standing, he added.

“There are 33 counties (in the state) that have declared it (Second Amendment Sanctuary), but it really doesn’t do anything. We wanted to make sure we had a little bit of a kick in our statement of support,” he said.

The resolution also states the board’s support of proposed House Bill 62, which would declare Ohio a sanctuary state.

Schumacher said the board still wanted to express their support so the resolution was signed.

He said commissioners will continue to preserve, protect and defend the Second Amendment through all lawful means in order to uphold the rights of county residents.

“We’re in support of all the amendments, not just the Second Amendment. We took an oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution of the state of Ohio and the Constitution of the United States of America, and we mean to do it,” he said.

Commissioners Diane Burkhart, Bill Bolon and Schumacher all signed the resolution.

In other matters, commissioners signed a proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.

Jeanette Schwall, director of the Monroe County Department of Job and Family Services, said the department is encouraging residents and organizations to help play a role in making the county a better place for families.

“The month of April is normally devoted to celebrating everything we can do to transform our community into a place that cares about and actively supports families and children,” according to a statement from the DJFS.

Schwall said child abuse and neglect has a profound impact on the victims, causing negative effects that can last a lifetime. The DJFS encourages people to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the department’s Children Services division at 740-472-1602, ext. 5. The after-hours number is 740-213-5794. Anyone who suspects a child is being mistreated should immediately report the situation.

To bring attention to the campaign, the DJFS will participate in “wear blue to work (or at home) day” on April 14, and encourage others to do the same.

Additionally, commissioners announced the county’s litter cleanup is now underway. Residents are invited to pick up litter along the roadways throughout the month of April. Schumacher said he has garbage bags, signage and grabbers available for those who would like to participate. Dumpsters are available at Buchanan Presbyterian Church in Lewisville and the Hannibal Locks and Dam in Hannibal to dispose of the filled garbage bags. He said they are also hoping to have a dumpster available at the Monroe County Fairgrounds in Woodsfield.

Those interested in participating in the annual cleanup can contact Schumacher at 740-391-8493.