Sutton -- One this day there is only one deputy to answer calls across Braxton County as authorities cope with a deputy shortage. The number of road deputies is down about half what is usually is.

"It just makes it bad all over. I mean for all of us. State troopers doing a swell job helping me cover this until I can get some deputies hired," said Braxton County Sheriff George Keener.

The deputy shortage is getting mixed reaction around town. "All in all, I think during the day it's pretty safe around here," says Priscilla Depersig, a business owner in Sutton. "Sometimes feel like you're unsafe because they can't get out there in time," said Marlene Evans of Braxton County.

Greg Simmons' parents live in Braxton County. "You can't hardly get a hold of one if you need one, just seems like their ain't enough," said Simmons.

Regarding the deputy shortage, a solution is apparently in the works. The county is the recipient of a federal grant to hire one deputy, and the sheriff's department is working with county commission to hire two more.

"We try to cover everything, it just puts a hard bind on us," said Sheriff Keener.

When the department hires new deputies, some may be headed to the State Police Academy, and it may take a year before they can hit the road.

Braxton County will receive its federal grant money in September.