Cherokee County has hired an animal control officer. During a recent work session of the Cherokee County Commission, Sheriff Jeff Shaver said Deputy Scott McGinnis will take on animal control duties.

Shaver said he and county leaders have checked with the Alabama Animal Control Officer Association about training programs.

Shaver said his office has received animal control complaints in recent weeks, but McGinnis does not have equipment. The sheriff estimated the county would have to pay between $25,000 and $30,000 for an animal control vehicle. This cost takes into consideration making the vehicle accessible for hauling cages and other equipment required to transport animals.

Commission Chairman Melvyn Salter said commissioners would consider the purchase of a vehicle and how to pay for it at the next commission meeting.

“Our committee is working on a shelter location facility,” said Salter. “Hopefully by the first meeting in June we can have more definite things for the commission to act upon. But the public needs to know we are moving along. I get calls everyday. We are putting forth the effort and we are serious about it.”

Shaver introduced commissioners to his newest deputy, Harley Lamey. Lamey is retired from the U.S. Army and will begin his Academy training in July.

Shaver requested that the commission adopt a resolution to apply for an Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs grant to purchase a new vehicle for the Drug Task Force.

The vehicle they have in mind, Shaver said, is a Ford Expedition for approximately $27,777. Shaver said he is confident he can come up with the 10 percent match, around $2,500, if the commission can draw up the resolution.

During the regular session, the commission approved the resolution.

Shaver also informed commissioners of grant funds available for bulletproof vests through the Department of Justice, known as the Bullet Proof Vest Partnership. Shaver said some of his deputies and some of his corrections officers who transport inmates are in need of vests, at a total cost of about $6,000.

Shaver asked the commission to consider paying the $6,000 up front and the Department of Justice will pay for $2,900 of this cost. Commissioners indicated they are willing to pay for the vests with their discretionary funds.

The council met with Vince Oliphant, president of the local Bronco Football League, who requested assistance with league expenses this upcoming season.

The Bronco League, Oliphant said, has three teams, including the A Team for ages 10-12; the B Team for ages 8-10 and the C Team for ages 5-7.

“We have about 18 players and would like to get at least 10 more,” said Oliphant.

Oliphant said they have players from across the county, including Sand Rock, Gaylesville, Cedar Bluff and Spring Garden.

“We are just asking for a little monetary donation to help keep the program going,” said Oliphant.

By law, Salter said, the commission cannot make these types of contributions. Each commissioner, however, can opt to give some of his or her discretionary funds to the league.

Salter updated commissioners on Gadsden State Cherokee. GSCC apparently has someone in mind to assume the positions of local GSC director and full-time economic development director.

“I am sure Gadsden State is soon going to be announcing those people,” said Salter. “But I want you as a commission to know that they made some decisions. The reason I am excited is they made those promises, they made those commitments and now they are carrying through with them. I think economic development is going to be a tremendous asset for us. The process has been going on for almost two months now. I am excited about it and I know you will be too.”