PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
AWARENESS WEEK … Commissioner Bart Westfall, Commissioner Terry Rummel, Taryn Walz, Amanda Harper, Amanda Snyder, Mayor Carrie Schlade, and Commissioner President Scott Lirot. (Front row, left to right) Averie Walz and Bryson Hoover announce that February 7-14, 2026 is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week for Williams County.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on February 3, 2026 to pass a proclamation recognizing Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week in Williams County. The Awareness Week is set for February 7-14, 2026.
The proclamation cited the importance of protecting the health and well-being of Ohio’s children. Approximately 40,000 babies are born each year in the United States with a congenital heart defect.
Some congenital heart defects are not diagnosed until months or years after birth, leading to further issues in children – even death.
Commissioners acknowledged the need for increased awareness among parents, pediatricians, and health professionals regarding congenital heart defects in newborns and children.
The proclamation also recognized the impact these defects have on families and communities across Ohio.
Congenital Heart Defect Awareness week provides an opportunity for affected families to celebrate life, remember loved ones lost, honor dedicated health professionals, and connect with others facing similar challenges. The proclamation was adopted on February 3, 2026.
The commissioners’ meeting held prior to the proclamation focused on accepting a series of routine resolutions, as well as announcing the awarded bid for the 2026 Asphalt Emulsion Project and abolishing the Williams County Microfilm Board.
Commissioner President Scott Lirot, Bart Westfall, and Terry Rummel were in attendance. The minutes from the previous January 29, 2026 meeting were approved alongside the payment of bills.
K-Tech Specialty Coatings, based in Ashley, Indiana, was selected for the 2026 Asphalt Emulsion Project. The Board accepted the County Engineer Todd Roth’s recommendation for K-Tech.
Action was taken to abolish the Williams County Microfilm Board per their request. On January 12, 2025, the Microfilm Board held a meeting and agreed to request abolishment due to decreasing use.
The Board originally began due to the county’s Record Center offering to create microfilm records for some of the local school districts. As the technology ages out, it has become “increasingly more difficult” to obtain the services and the Records Center no longer offers the program.
“The Microfilm Board believes the county no longer needs to have a separate board from the Data Board and that dissolving the board will create less confusion for county offices,” reads Resolution 26-0075.
The Commissioners adopted their request for abolishment, stating, “The Board of Williams County Commissioners understand that modern technology has eliminated the need for traditional microfilming of records,” as per their resolution.
The Williams County Common Pleas Court, Juvenile Division, was approved to enter into an agreement with Amanda J. Beck, of Beck Parenting Support for the purpose of providing a “Parent Project Parenting Course” twice a year.
The cost will not exceed $12,000. The term will span from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.
Additionally, JFS Interim Director Vicki Blair requested Fiscal Officer Christie Roan to be a designated bill signer for when she is not in the office.
A courthouse permit was approved for the Third Annual Pride Event on June 6, 2026. A request for funding was submitted for an interactive exhibit for the upcoming America’s 250th celebrations.
The exhibit will be displayed in the courthouse with informational photos about the Founding Fathers and other notable figures that played a major role in the country’s history.
An unnamed local school teacher submitted her request via email, and she is currently raising money to provide this service.
Having already raised $2,500, she requested the commissioners help fund the remainder. “It is my hope to fundraise this amount to get the order quickly and begin the process of engaging all the different players,” her email reads.
Originally, the commissioners approved a “stop-gap” of up to $1,500 to help fund the project. After gaining more information, they rescinded their motion to approve a $5,000 front in order to help the teacher reach her ordering deadline.
After she receives her collected donations, it was assumed that she will return the money back to the commissioners.
An executive session was entered at 9:30 a.m. for collective bargaining matters with JFS. Interim Director Vicki Blair and Fiscal Officer Christie Roan were in attendance.
They returned to open session at 10:16 a.m. with no action, and adjourned the meeting at 10:19 a.m.