T-L Photo/GAGE VOTA Belmont County Courthouse therapy dog Jersey is surrounded by coloring pages of Jersey made by St. Mary’s Central School and St. Clairsville Schools special education students.

MARTINS FERRY — As residents prepare to gather around the dinner table and spend Thursday with their loved ones, Belmont County officials are reflecting on what they’re thankful for this year.

Belmont County Sheriff James Zusack said that he is thankful for his staff at the Sheriff’s Office.

Belmont County Commissioner J.P. Dutton said the residents and officials who make Belmont County run as efficiently as it does.

“It’s been another blessed year. Personally, I’m just so fortunate for my family and friends and professionally, I’m really thankful for all of the good work that’s been done this year, and really just thankful for all of our communities here in Belmont County,” Dutton said. “I think we live in the greatest place, and I think that we’re all trying to further our communities, and that’s what we’ll do again in 2026.”

He added that he is most proud of the work that is being done to construct the future Belmont County Health Department which will also house the county coroner and records department.

“We’re also actively working on a water line project for Kirkwood Township, where individuals do not have access to water at all without having to haul it to their homes,” Dutton said. “That’s one project that we’re looking forward to hopefully complete in 2026 so there’s a long list of projects.”

He added that another project the Board of Commissioners are looking forward to the start of constructing a new Belmont County Animal Shelter which is planned to get underway in Summer.

“We’re gonna continue to try to work hard every day to make sure that we’re doing as much as we can as a Board of Commissioners to continue further these efforts,” Dutton said.

St. Clairsville Recreation Department director Eric Gay said that he plans to spend Thanksgiving with family.

“I’m very thankful for my wife, Shannon, girls, Hailey and Savannah, and my wonderful staff, Rocco Balog, Eric Timko, Randy Mellott and Kayla Harris,” Gay said. “All of the support from the wonderful employees of the city, city council and public for all their continued support of the St. Clairsville Parks and Recreation Department.”

Cumberland Trail Fire District Chief Tim Hall expressed a similar sentiment.

Hall said that he is thankful for the time he is able to spend with his friends and family and that they’re in good health.

He added that he uses this time to think of residents who aren’t able to be surrounded by their loved ones.

“I’m thankful for those whose professions keep them from being with their loved ones,” Hall said.

St. Clairsville Mayor Kathryn Thalman said that she’s thankful for the residents of the city.

“I’m thankful for my wonderful friends, family, staff and residents who make this the best city in Ohio,” Thalman said. “And I’m thankful for my dog Sammy who comes to work every day.”

Belmont County Commissioner Jerry Echemann added to Dutton’s comments saying that the biggest thing on the horizon for the county is the new Health Department building.

“It’s taking shape and it’s starting to look like a building now. So I’m thankful that we had the resources to get that done,” Echemann said.

Commissioner Vince Gianangeli added that although he only became a Commissioner in January and can’t take credit for many of the accomplishments the Board of Commissioners have achieved in 2025 he is incredibly proud to see the Health Department building quickly getting built.

Shadyside council member Melanie Haswell said that she is thankful for her friends and family. She added that she is also thankful for the village residents who voted for her to serve her second term on council this past election.

“We have so many different traditions and celebrations in our town and I’m very blessed to live in the wonderful village of Shadyside,” Haswell said. “I’m thankful for the many many activities I’m involved in which keep me connected and surrounded by wonderful people who share my passion and pride.”

She added that she is looking forward to instilling the various plans she and council have to make the village a better place to live and grow.

Belmont County sheriff’s Deputy Jennifer Yuhase said that she and Belmont County Courthouse’s therapy dog Jersey are thankful for the continued support Jersey receives from the entire community and wishes everyone a happy holiday season.