Commissioners honor 100 years of fair with proclamation

Part of being a commissioner is celebrating worthwhile achievements in the county represented, and the Holmes County Board of Commissioners got to celebrate a big milestone in a proclamation during its weekly board meeting in the Old Jail in Millersburg on Monday, July 31.

The commissioners celebrated a proclamation, passing Proclamation 07-31-23-1P honoring the Holmes County Fair on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

The proclamation said throughout its illustrious history, the Holmes County Fair has provided an exceptional venue for members to express their talents through a variety of projects and foster lasting friendships with like-minded individuals.

It also said through tremendous effort and initiative, the Holmes County Fair has grown significantly over the last century, finding a permanent home at Harvest Ridge in 2016.

The commissioners praised the fair and the many people who have served on the senior fair board and junior fair board for the wisdom, leadership, optimism, work ethic and life skills learned through the fair’s many programs and activities.

“This is well worth celebrating,” commissioner Ray Eyler said. “I remember the first year we moved here it was held out here in the street (in Historic Downtown Millersburg).”

The Holmes County commissioners passed a resolution appointing membership to the Northeast Regional Prevention Council, appointing Tiffany Kestner to a term expiring in July 2025.

Kestner is currently employed by The Counseling Center of Wayne and Holmes Counties, serving as the president and CEO.

Holmes County commissioner clerk Susan Schie said this is the first time the county has ever had representation on this particular board.

Commissioner Dave Hall said this is part of the Job & Family Services circuit, and he said of Kestner accepting the role, “It’s good to see her willing to step up and fill that slot. There’s grants that funnel through the program, and now we will have a voice on that committee.”

“We’re always grateful for people who want to serve on these committees,” commissioner Joe Miller said.

A notice of award for the building demolition and site revitalization resolution also was passed by the commissioners.

The demolition and revitalization work will be done by Miller and Sons Excavating at a cost of $60,528. The projects are in the villages of Nashville and Millersburg.

“This is the second phase of the demolition program grant process,” Hall said. “There are four phases in total, and this is a grant the county was awarded back in January.”

Resolution 07-31-23-3 approves the notice of award for the Darb Snyder Holmes County Senior Center resurfacing project.

The project will be completed by Kingsway Services LLC at a cost of $45,200. The funds for the project were derived from a Community Development Block Grant fund.

Prior to their weekly meeting, the commissioners met with several members of the insurance world to discuss the county’s ongoing work to provide quality insurance to its employees.

Jason Troyer, Holmes County Emergency Management Agency director, said his department will be at the Holmes County Fair to distribute information about the new alert system that will enhance the county’s ability to share emergency and weather information with those with cell phones.

Tim Morris, Holmes County buildings and grounds and recycling director, said the former landfill property that has been gifted to the Holmes County Park District was recently mowed. The commissioners said they would like to connect with the park district board to discuss the future plans for the land, noting they would like to initiate something as soon as possible.