RECOGNIZING DESIGNATION — Officials from local, state, and federal government, as well as representatives of the community, gathered during Thursday’s Hancock County Commission meeting to recognize the recent designation of Weirton as the nation’s second best place to retire by U.S. News & World Report. -- Craig Howell

NEW CUMBERLAND — Representatives of the local business community and officials with various levels of government gathered Thursday to honor Weirton’s recent recognition by a national publication.

In early November, U.S. News & World Report released its list of the best places to retire in the nation, naming Weirton as the second-best city out of a list of 250 communities it profiled across the country.

The ranking was recognized as part of Thursday’s Hancock County Commission meeting, during which Weirton officials were joined by county, state, and federal officials, among others, to celebrate it.

Mayor Dean Harris offered his thanks for the recognition, saying the people of Weirton have a tradition of coming together, in good times and bad, and finding ways to work for the betterment of the community.

“I think we saw in the last couple of weeks a classic example of why Weirton is so deserving of this recognition,” Harris said, pointing to the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, organized under the auspices of the Weirton Ministerial Association, and supported by members of the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, city officials, businesses, and members of several local civic associations.

A food distribution for local shut-ins is in the works for delivery prior to Christmas.

“It’s events like that that make Weirton special,” Harris said.

He said, while many have pointed to the work of municipal employees and officials for their work, the spirit of the Weirton community also comes from the work of local schools, the business community, economic development agencies and others, pointing out specifically to Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce President Brenda Mull, Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Rachel Keeney, and Business Development Corp. Executive Director Anthony Clements, all of whom were in attendance.

“It’s takes a group effort,” Harris said. “Everyone plays a role in making a community.”

Among those attending Thursday’s commission meeting were Shaye Potter, representing the office of U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.

“My only question is, what is going on in Michigan, because Weirton obviously should have been number one,” she said, referring to U.S. News & World Report selecting Midland, Mich. for the top spot on its list.

State Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman, R-Wheeling, offered a congratulatory message on behalf of the West Virginia Senate, noting Weirton’s quality of life and affordability as among the attractions for the city.

“Weirton has long been known as a place where neighbors look after one another,” Chapman said.

Del. Mark Zatezalo, R-Hancock, noted Weirton makes up the majority of his district, and he is a life-long resident of the city.

Zatezalo also noted Weirton’s numerous times being ranked as among the safest communities in West Virginia.

“It’s not easily done,” Zatezalo said. “My hat is off to the city fathers. Thank you for all your hard work.”