SCIOTO COUNTY, OH — After a week of explosive allegations, viral photos, and a high-profile resignation, Scioto County Commissioners are pushing back on a growing narrative:
They say they’re not in the dark — and they’re already investigating.
“There’s a lot of misconception out there that we don’t know what’s going on,” Commissioner Scottie Powell said Thursday. “No — we’re working through things.”
🐕 A Week of Chaos
The comments come after former Dog Warden Heather Stevens resigned, claiming she was about to be fired and alleging:
- Mold-covered walls
- Rodent infestations
- Unsafe working conditions
- Workplace harassment
Photos shared publicly showed mold and mouse droppings, sparking outrage and a flood of community reaction.
But commissioners say some of those concerns weren’t new — and action was already underway.
🔧 “We Were Already Working On It”
Powell said issues raised by the public had already been brought to the board prior to the controversy.
“We already had our maintenance team in action,” he said.
According to Powell, the county had already taken steps to:
- Purchase new kennels
- Inspect and patch roof leaks
- Address moisture issues causing surface mold
- Tackle a rodent problem with pest control
- Change how dog food is stored to reduce mice
🧱 Commissioners Climb the Roof
Commissioner Merit Smith even went hands-on — literally.
“I was up there and looked at the leak,” Smith said.
He acknowledged the problem isn’t going away easily.
“Quite honestly, it’s something we’re going to have to address… that roof is probably going to have to be replaced.”
For now, temporary patches have been applied.
⚖️ Two Sides, One Investigation
While some concerns were known, Powell said other serious allegations — especially personnel-related — were not previously brought to the board.
Now, commissioners say they’re sorting through two competing narratives.
“We are wading through two different stories of pretty serious allegations of misconduct,” Powell said.
He confirmed the board recently held an executive session, tied to those internal issues.
🧹 Changes Already Underway
Powell said work has already been done inside the shelter:
- Surface mold has been remediated
- Rooms have been repainted
- New storage systems installed
And the county is moving forward with filling the now-vacant role.
“You may notice we do have a posting for a Dog Warden position.”
🤝 Community Help on the Way?
Commissioners also pointed to a potential lifeline outside of government.
Powell said a group is working to form a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting the shelter.
“They’re interested in helping secure funding and supporting the facility.”
❗ Not Over Yet
While commissioners insist progress is being made, they also made it clear:
This situation is far from resolved.
Between:
- Ongoing investigations
- Leadership changes
- Facility repairs
- Public scrutiny
The Scioto County Dog Shelter remains under a microscope.
And as Powell put it — there’s a process playing out behind the scenes.
“We hear the community… we’re working through those.”