March proclaimed Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

Multiple Sclerosis advocate Edward L. Hale asked Carroll County commissioners to recognize March as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month during their March 12 meeting.

Hale, a Carroll County resident, told commissioners he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2006 and has since become active in advocacy and awareness efforts through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Ohio Buckeye chapter. He said the disease affects the central nervous system and can interrupt the flow of information between the brain, spinal cord and rest of the body.

“Every hour of every day someone in their life is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, also known as MS,” Hale said.

Hale said there is no known cure or cause for multiple sclerosis and that symptoms can vary widely from person to person. He told commissioners he has spent years advocating for those living with MS by contacting state lawmakers about the cost of medication, testing and other financial burdens tied to the disease.

“I will continue to be the voice for myself and the voice for others,” Hale said.

Commissioners approved the proclamation recognizing March as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in Ohio and Carroll County.

In an unrelated matter, commissioners honored retiring Carroll County Airport Authority board member David Fitzgerald for his years of service. Commissioner Robert Wirkner read a proclamation recognizing Fitzgerald’s work on airport safety, maintenance and operations.

The proclamation noted Fitzgerald began serving on the board June 28, 2012, though he had already been active in the local aviation community for years before that. During his time on the board, Fitzgerald helped oversee the airport wildlife fence project, maintenance of airport buildings and equipment and operation of the airport fuel farm. He also assisted with upgrades to the airport’s fuel payment system, surveillance cameras and wireless connectivity and maintained the airport’s website.

Commissioners approved the proclamation recognizing Fitzgerald’s retirement and thanking him for his dedication to the Carroll County Airport Authority board.

Following the proclamation, commissioners appointed Bill Patterson to fill Fitzgerald’s vacant seat on the airport authority board for the remainder of the term, which expires June 30, 2027.

In other business, commissioners:

—HEARD Golden Age Retreat Superintendent Dawn Faulk report the county home continues to provide medical equipment to Carroll County residents in need at no charge. Available items include wheelchairs, rollators, walkers, hospital beds, bedside commodes, shower chairs, crutches and canes, all of which have been donated over the years. Faulk said residents may call the facility to request equipment and complete a basic form before pickup.

Faulk also reported the facility is hiring for several positions, including a part-time activity assistant, a full-time housekeeper for the 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift and nurse aides for the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift. She noted a new whirlpool unit was installed March 5 by Easter Plumbing and thanked commissioners for their support in purchasing the equipment.

Faulk said the facility had one new admission during February and currently houses 34 residents.

—APPOINTED Jennifer Burns to the Tax Incentive Review Council for a three-year term retroactive to Feb. 18 through Feb. 17, 2029.

—APPROVED a right-of-way permit for William P. Kiko to enter property in Section 29 and Liverpool Township for removal of debris and obstruction in Straw Camp Stream near Bay Road, County Road 27 and Chase Road, County Road 60.

—APPROVED a special hauling permit for EOG Resources Inc. for Avalon Road, County Road 20 and Ivory Road Township Road 193 in Harrison Township. A $67,500 bond was provided as required by County Engineer Brian J. Wise.

—ADOPTED Resolution 2026-14 to renumber a house on Linden Road after officials determined the property had an odd-numbered address on the even-numbered side of the road.

—ADOPTED Resolution 2026-15 authorizing a local piggyback senior occupancy tax credit for qualifying residential property.

—ADOPTED Resolution 2026-16 authorizing a local piggyback homestead exemption tax credit for eligible homeowners.

—CLARIFIED that the Carroll County commissioners did not vote to remove fluoride from the Carrollton water system. Commissioners said the decision regarding fluoridation is made by Carrollton Village Council, not the county.

—HEARD a reminder that the county annex open house and ribbon cutting will be held March 19, with the ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. and tours from 2:30 to 6 p.m.

—PAID the bills of $125,030.06.