Commissioners adopt updated emergency FEMA plans

By Cornelia Grace Harrison News-Herald Reporter CADIZ - Sheriff Ron Meyers

spoke briefly to commissioners at the March 22 meeting about an addendum to an established agreement for a kiosk at the jail.

“We entered into an agreement last May with Keefe Commissary to provide the commissary to the jail,” Myers said. “We finally got a kiosk in there so we don’t have to collect money anymore. The inmates can use it. It’s all electronic. They can order straight from the supply store. But there was an addendum we needed to put into the contract.”

The addendum added detail to the operations, services, and lease terms. It was approved by the prosecutor and was signed by the com - missioners. The bid to provide healthcare services to the Harrison County Jail was awarded to TeamHealth Premier Physician Services. The contract will be for roughly $55,000 a year.

County EMA Director Eric Wilson presented a resolution for the adoption of an updated mitigation plan.

“It’s required by FEMA and it’s a document that addresses the potential hazards that Harrison County may face, both man-made as well as naturally occurring disasters,” Wilson said. “No surprise that in Harrison County flooding is the most commonly faced disaster we have.

“The purpose of the mitigation plan is to take a look at all these different things we could face

Ann’sAdvice

Dear Ann, I have insomnia. I know a lot of people do. I’ve read articles. I’ve gone to the doctor. I just can’t shut my brain off. I think through situations and have hypothetical conversations with people and worry about things I shouldn’t. I do not have a mental disorder, as confirmed by my doctor; I’m just not a good sleeper. I don’t mind taking medication, but I don’t think it will fix the root problem. Any suggestions?

Sincerely, Sleepy Time

Dear Sleepy Time, Approximately 60% of Americans experience some type of insomnia. You definitely are not alone.

I don’t know anything about your schedule, but I would highly recommend writing down your thoughts on a daily basis. I think of it as downloading your brain. Oftentimes our minds get so overloaded with all that goes on in life that we don’t know how to quit thinking about them. We try to solve life’s problems instead of realizing we can’t fix everything. You have to sort out what’s most important when you start writing and work on those areas first.

Make sure you are not looking at your phone or computer late at night. Sometimes you just need to have a time of relaxation an hour or two before bed.

Try soaking in a tub of very warm water and/or use melatonin. Melatonin is a natural supplement that helps some people sleep better. Also, avoid caffeine for several hours before bed.

I’m sure you’ve heard of a lot of these things already, but unless you try you will never get better.

Writing down my thoughts and asking the Lord to handle things where I fail has helped me relax and realize it doesn’t matter how worried I get over things, I’m only human and I can only do so much. Stress is oftentimes a huge contributor to not sleeping well too.

I hope this helps and you will be on your way to a good night’s sleep! Sweet dreams, Ann call and number one ask if they’re preventable. The majority are not preventable. So in that case what can we do to reduce the loss of life and damage to property… then to what extent it’s possible to recover from those events. That’s what the mitigation plan is about.”

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Wilson explained he had helped assemble a committee almost two years ago that included himself, one of the commissioners, the county engineer’s office, the MWCD, various township trustees, and several village representatives to help put the document together. “We sought their input on what they see, what they may face, and what they want to see in the future,” he said.

The plan is important for both basic emergency response, but also because some grant funding and loans require there to be a FEMA plan on hand for the area to get money. It’s an important and necessary document. Traditionally, the county has provided this for residents of Harrison so that each village and township does not have to shoulder the burden of creating it.

The commissioners approved the resolution to adopt the updated plan. Commissioner Paul Coffland briefly thanked those involved in helping over the last two years to make the plan a reality, “I appreciate everyone taking the time out to be on [this].”

The commissioners moved on to approve several purchase orders and vouchers for the board of developmental disabilities, the county home, and the department of job and family services.

County CIC Vice President Dave Wheeler spoke at the end of the meeting about the county CIC remaking its working relationship with the commissioners.

“Thanks for the opportunity to speak to you today,” Wheeler began. “We introduced a working agreement for a cooperative agreement between the Harrison County Commissioners and the Harrison County CIC. It’s very similar to agreements we’ve had in the past. Those agreements formally set the relationship going forward … some of the changes that were made in this agreement reflect some of the concerns of past commissioners have had. … At this point we’re asking for that agreement to be passed by the commission so that we can begin a more formalized continuation of relationship going forward.”

Commissioner Dustin Corder expressed he hadn’t initially seen any issues with the agreement and Commissioner Coffland shared a concern about the agreement being too vague.

“I would like some additional verbiage added,” Coffland said. He said issues had arisen in the past because duties and responsibilities were not laid out clearly.

The document will need to be reviewed by the prosecutor before it can be passed. The commissioners tabled making a decision and will readdress the agreement at a later date.

Village councils essential to Harrison County

Alyssa

Howard

Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer

CADIZ—If you have ever wondered how things get done in your community, you should look to your village council.

Every village in Harrison County has a council that is made up of six elected members and the mayor. Additionally, several other people typically join the council meetings, including a village solicitor, the fiscal officer, the village administrator, and the police chief (if applicable).

You may have read summaries of village meetings in the News-Herald, but these often only cover the highlights of what is discussed. Councils are in charge of many important decisions regarding their villages. They are the ones obtaining grants, creating ordinances, discussing problem areas, deciding how to prioritize big projects, picking what events to spend village money on, and making choices regarding future endeavors. Council members also listen to village residents’ concerns and are often the ones bringing them to the council for a solution.

Residents are encouraged to attend council meetings to discuss issues or ideas within the village. Not one council member alone can make a decision; there must be overall agreement and discussion taking place. They are also in charge of speaking regularly to your county commissioners to keep them informed of what the village needs. Council members are who you want to contact for snow removal rules, sound ordinances, village events, village bylaws, and so much more. They are elected by the community to serve the community.

To attend a meeting, first, find out when and where they are. Ask your village mayor, or if you happen to know a member of the council, ask them. Involving yourself in your community and using your voice is the best way to make positive changes in your neighborhood. Reporting worsening road conditions, street lights out, park or sports area clean-up needs, landslips, or violations of village ordinances are all good ways to help not only your village but this aids your council in making informed decisions regarding the village.

Typically, when attending a council meeting, a visitor doesn’t speak during the meeting. These meetings take place in what is considered a public space, but the public does not vote or generally join the discussion. However, any member of the public is able to address the council as long as they ask in advance to do so. If you are put on the agenda in advance, you’ll be able to speak under the “public comment” section. Although larger villages and cities usually require advance notice and limit speakers to a few minutes, most councils in Harrison County are small and less formal. However, it is always a good idea to call a few days before the meeting to make sure you can speak. Most meetings will start with role calls and introductions if there are new faces present. You are welcome to stay for the entire meeting even after you have spoken with the council.

It’s a good idea to occasionally attend meetings even if you don’t plan to speak at them. Some decisions councils make take numerous conversations to accomplish, while others are resolved in one meeting. Spending time with the council to understand the context and depth of decisions is always helpful.

State Rt. 151 closure date postponed

New Philadelphia - The bridge replacement closure that was set to begin March 28 on state Route 151 in Bowerston has been postponed until further notice due utility relocation delays.

The road will remain open until the utility relocation work is complete, traffic will be maintained via flaggers. An advanced notice of closure will be shared when the future date is determined.