Tuscarawas County commissioners see positive growth ahead in 2012
The Tuscarawas County commissioners, Chris Abbuhl, Kerry Metzger, and Jim Seldenright, report that 2011 provided an uptake in revenue from some sources, while also seeing a downturn in others. Increased spending in the county meant almost $9.6 million in record sales tax revenue in 2011, up from $9 million in 2010 and $8.75 million in 2009, explained Seldenright. He noted that those who are...
Agriculture representatives speak out about challenges facing Tuscarawas County farmers
Tuscarawas County farmers had their hands full in 2011. Chris Zoller, an Ohio State University Extension (OSUE) agent, was quick to point out why. The weather! Spring started with excess moisture which delayed planting. Rain throughout the summer was beneficial though because we saw some tremendous yields this fall. The rain was also a problem at harvest because fields were too wet to get...
Holmes County Chamber of Commerce says in terms of the economy, the area is healthy
Often, a significant indicator of health is growth. The growth tracked by the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau (HCC) indicates that, in terms of the economy, this area is a healthy one. While there have undoubtedly been economic difficulties for the nation in recent years, Holmes County was fortunate to miss the largest portion of what, in other communities, was a very...
Holmes County Department of Job and Family Services - good news on the job front
Theres good news on the job front for Holmes County in 2012, and thats a welcome message after 2010 and 2011 put Americans through the economic wringer. Even Holmes County, which has traditionally experienced low levels of unemployment, was subject to joblessness to the tune of eight percent or higher, up over previous numbers of less than four to six percent. According to Dan Jackson,...
Holmes County Economic Development Council notes strong growth in some sectors in 2011
Prior to 2011, many businesses in Holmes County were making difficult decisions. Some were facing layoffs. Others were closing their doors entirely. But in 2011, there were hints of a long-awaited upturn in the local economy. As a matter of fact, according to Shawn Starlin, executive director of the Holmes County Economic Development Council (HCEDC), last year was a good one for Holmes Countys...
2012 sure to be a positive year for Holmes County Health District
Moving to a new home often causes us to reevaluate what we own, what we need, and what we can do without. It can also give us some insight into who we are, who we used to be, and who we hope to be in the future. For the Holmes County Health District (HCHD), the move of their office from their former location next to Joel Pomerene Hospital to the third floor of the Health and Human Services...
Increased capacity for public sewer systems in Holmes County in 2012
The capacity for public sewer systems will increase in Holmes County in 2012, thanks largely to upgrades at a sewer plant in Knox Township and a new line extension from the Walnut Creek treatment plant. Breaking ground in February is a new sewage treatment plant at October Hills campground with a 60,000 gallon per day (gpd) flow capacity. Residences and businesses will soon begin receiving...
Economic development outlook bright for Wayne County
By any measurement, the past four years have been difficult ones from an economic standpoint. While the economy has not recovered as quickly or robustly as anyone had hoped, there are solid indications that Wayne Countys economy is making some impressive gains. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in November Wayne Countys unemployment rate fell to 6.7 percent, which represents a...
Economic improvement on the horizon in Wayne County
Richard Owens, director of the Wayne County Department of Job and Family Services, has a few strategies for determining whether or not the economy is improving. One of those includes observing the job board in the workforce program in the lower level of their building. Last year at this time, the wall that contains job opportunities was sparse; a depressing representation of the work available...