CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT AWARENESS WEEK … The Williams County Commissioners were more than proud to proclaim the week of February 7, 2024 as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, and posed for a photo at Spangler Candy World in commemoration of those born with this potentially devastating defect. Those pictured are as follows (left to right): standing: Commissioner Lew Hilkert, Taryn Walz, Samantha Burnham with Kaitlynn Burnham in front of her, Aleigha Hoover being held by Amanda Hoover, Commissioner Terry Rummel and Commissioner Bart Westfall. Sitting: (L to R): Averie Walz, Crystal Zehr in front of her is Dean David Zehr Bair, Bexley Pardee (holding proclamation), Bryson Hoover, Amanda Harper and Annie Kunsman.
By: Anna Wozniak
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
anna@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Commissioners presided over another regular week, holding regular sessions on both Tuesday and Thursday.
Tuesday saw the commissioners meeting at 9 a.m. for their general session, which produced six resolutions, the signing of travel requests for 2024 out of county meetings, credit card appropriations for the Recorder’s Office, the minutes of their January 25, 2024 meeting, and the bills as presented.
The commissioners then entered into executive session to speak on matters relating to IT security, and exited with the decision to confront the cyber threat recently received by giving the following statement:
“Please be advised that no Williams County office or agency is involved in this case. Williams County local government and government offices do not have any jurisdiction in this matter.” No other details were provided regarding the nature of the cyber threat.
Scheduling software for EMS, the sheriff’s office, Hillside Country Living, and 911 responders has finally been decided on, with it hoped to be in effect in the next 15 weeks.
The commissioners were then informed of the constant vandalism that is being committed t the Williams County Fairgrounds, sharing how it has made the lives of those that work to care for the grounds harder.
Not only have windows been shattered to allow the vandals to further damage inside fair buildings and to fair board members’ personal property, but the area back by the campgrounds has been being used for illegal racing.
The signage has been removed, and it was asked that the commissioners allow the fair board to shut down the road on the south side of the bridge to prevent the vandals from going back there.
Recently installed trail cameras have revealed the recent use of the area, showing that many locals use the area as a walking path.
The commissioners discussed that they would like to search into further ideas before shutting the area down completely and shared that they would like to pursue outfitting the area with more cameras so that those committing these childish acts can be brought to justice.
The commissioners then met with the CFS Interim Director Sharon Borton before adjourning for Tuesday.
Thursday began with the approval of nine resolutions, the proclamation of February 7th through 14th, 2024 as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, and the approval of a list for the sheriff’s office, the Dog Warden report though January 28, 2024, a project proposal, credit card appropriations, a permit for use of Courthouse Square, and the bills and minutes as presented.
Common Pleas Court Judge Stelzer then greeted the commissioners, sharing news of his decision to retire.
As such, Judge Stelzer came to request that Rhonda Fisher be appointed as the magistrate, so that she may become familiar with the proceedings of the court before she fills the position after his retirement. The commissioners granted that request and entered executive session at 10 a.m. before meeting at Spangler Candy World at 4 p.m. to honor those commemorated by the proclamation of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week.