Holmes deals with fraudulent unemployment claims again
Holmes County government continues to deal with a rash of fraudulent unemployment claims that have plagued the entire state for several weeks.
The Holmes County commissioners continue to deal with troubling issues resulting from the recent fraudulent unemployment scam that has gripped the state of Ohio.
The commissioners convened for their weekly meeting at the Old Jail meeting room in Millersburg Monday, March 20 to discuss several activities affecting the county.
Misty Burns, Holmes County public relations director and Holmes County Health Board president, said the county is currently in the midst of yet another round of fraudulent unemployment claims that have been causing disturbing issues in counties all over Ohio. The claims are through the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services.
Commissioner Dave Hall said plans are underway for county officials to meet with Holmes County prosecutor Matt Muzik to explore the county’s options in moving beyond these claims.
“Just to clarify, this isn’t just a Holmes County issue, a Holmes County government issue or a Holmes County business issue, but it’s an issue across the state,” Hall said.
The commissioners approved three new plats, including Richland Township Subdivision No. 1, Raymond and Edna Hershberger – Allotment No. 1 Replat No. 1 and Prairie Township Subdivision No. 3.
“Every one of these plats that we approve shows that Holmes County is growing,” Hall said. “We’re seeing growth, and that’s a good thing.”
In other business, the commissioners announced that they will host a groundbreaking for the new Holmes County Health Department building on Glen Drive in Millersburg at 9:30 a.m. April 5.
Commissioner Joe Miller said they were excited to finally see something physical taking place on the grounds after a lengthy period of working through all of the details of the facility.
Holmes County Emergency Management Agency director Jason Troyer informed the commissioners that the week of March 20-27 was National Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week. He said the state looks at it as promoting three Holmes County safety and weather aspects, including promoting the Holmes County sheriff’s app, which the public can download onto a smartphone to receive emergency weather notifications.
The second is educating the public about what a “watch” and a “warning” means when inclement weather rolls in.
“A watch is basically when conditions are favorable for an event, while a warning means one has been either sighted on the ground or via radar and people should take cover immediately,” Troyer said.
The third aspect is encouraging families to have a game plan for what to do should dangerous weather strike.
He added that he is in the midst of beginning a Holmes County Hazardous Commodity Study through Resource Solutions Associates LLC. He said the county has received a grant to conduct the study, and it will become part of the county’s hazardous materials plan.
He noted the study should take place and be completed within the next three months.
Holmes County commissioner clerkSusan Schie informed the commissioners that she has prepared the county’s legal ad for the removal of the downed timber at the Holmes County Home. It will be sent to the Holmes County prosecutor’s office for approval.