Two years ago, few people had even heard of the West Nile Virus. Things have changed. A dead bird found in South Point recently was determined to be carrying the disease.

Local officials are taking steps to combat the mosquito population in hopes of staving off any major outbreaks. Several townships and villages, including Fayette and Union townships, have already begun spraying programs.

Lawrence County Commissioners Thursday announced they would pick up half the tab, with a $1,000 maximum, for any township, village or city in the county that undertakes a mosquito spraying program.

&uot;It's a serious situation,&uot; Commissioner Paul Herrell said. &uot;We can't go out and spray, but we can encourage them to do it and help them pay for it.&uot;

The county's offer for help can not be extended to work that has already been done.

County officials are hoping they can locate state funds to help underwrite the cost of their efforts. Teresa Moore/The Ironton Tribune