The Tri-County Humane Society (TCHS) was hurting when Mark Macey was asked to take over as President of the Board. Luckily, Macey has a good group of new people to help him to get back to serving the community, and more importantly, the animals.

“Above all, we are there for find these animals a permanent home, a permanent, loving home,” said Macey. “Anything less is doing the animals an injustice.”

Macey and the other new board members recognize that the TCHS needs to change a few things in order to better serve the community and more importantly the animals.

“We have to overcome the obstacles if we want to find animals good homes.”

The board believes that it's time to put any bad feelings that may exist in the past and get back to the most important thing: finding each and every animal that comes through the TCHS doors a good and loving, forever-home.

Funding is one of the biggest obstacles facing the board right now.

“We are in dire straits,” said Macey. “It would be a shame to lose our local St. James shelter.”

Macy stepped up as president with $52 in the bank account, $800 worth of checks out, and some crucial (and expensive) bills to pay, and a $1500 tax levy from the IRS because the non-profit form was not mailed in time for the 2006 deadline.
 
Many people are stepping up to help, including the City of St. James. Shortly after attending the City Council meeting on June 2, the city poured a pad of concrete desperately needed in order to expand where animals can be kept. Wilson's Lumber also stepped up by donating some needed items for a desperately needed renovation of the facility. With the help of volunteers, the entire front room was fixed-up, giving the animals a better temporary home.

The Society held their annual yard sale on Saturday. The sale was a success according to Macey, who reports that more than $1400 was raised.

But even with this money, TCHS is still in a dire situation, as the money did not cover all of the needs.
With more than 50 animals currently in the facility, there are many dogs and cats in great need of adoption.

TCHS will remain a no-kill shelter, which means each animal that comes through the doors of the facility will stay there until a home is found.

Many great changes are still to come, according to Macey.

Some of the newly changed aspects of the shelter include a newly renovated office, a new board and new hours.

The new hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday.

The new board consists of Mark Macey as the new president, Barb Battinger as the new vice president, June Midgett as the new treasurer, and Cindy Basset as the new secretary.

The Tri County Humane Society is located behind the St. James Street Department shed at 745 E. Springfield, near the industrial park.

Volunteers and donations (both needed items or monetary) are needed to keep the facility running smoothly.

Some of the needed items include cleaning supplies, trash bags, soap, toys and treats for animals, detergent, towels, paper towels and a working full-sized washer and dryer. Basically, you name it and TCHS is probably in need of it.

All monetary donations are fully tax-deductible. For more information on donating or volunteering, please contact Macey at home at 699-4406 or on his cell at 263-1556. Please leave a message if there is no answer.

For donations via mail, the address is P.O. Box 525 in St. James. Please include a name and address with your check if you would like to receive a receipt for tax purposes.

Just remember; it's all about the animals.