Commissioner Fix Recognizes County Employees

Join Commissioner Fix as he talks with county employees who were recognized recently for their years of service at the annual Public Service Recognition event.

September is Workforce Development Month

September is National Workforce Development Month! The Fairfield County Workforce Center connects learners, job seekers, and employers with the skills and resources they need to thrive. From youth pre-apprenticeships to adult career training in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades, they’re building a stronger workforce for our community and beyond.

Learn more about their programs by clicking here.

Watch for Us at the 175th Fairfield County Fair

The Fairfield County Fair is approaching! Do YOU know all the ways Fairfield County shows up to help make it happen? Here are just a few ways that our departments step in to support the legacy of the last and the best fair.

• The Weights and Measures team makes sure every scale and measurement used at the fair is accurate.
• The Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management Agency work with local departments to ensure the safety of fairgoers.
• The Health Department ensures all food stands meet health standards and codes.
• The County Commissioners personally purchase livestock to support local youth.
• ...and, that’s just the beginning!

Plus, The LINK will be offering free rides to the fairgrounds, making it easy for groups to meet up and travel together. It’s also a safe option for parents to drop off kids directly at the fair gates. Here are the details: 

• River Valley Mall: Wednesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. 
• Ohio University Lancaster: Wednesday – Saturday, pickups approximately every 30 minutes. First pickup at 7:30 a.m.; last pickup/drop-off at 8:30 p.m.



We’re proud to support our fair. Come join the fun October 5-11.

Fairfield County Emergency Response Exercise in Action

The local emergency planning committee convened for a functional EOC exercise, required by the state of Ohio. This yearly HAZMAT exercise, evaluated by the state, asked team members to react to a simulated emergency situation. In this scenario, a late school bus carrying students collided with a semitruck tanker carrying anhydrous ammonia. As team members learned the fictional specifics, they were asked to pool resources and coordinate a timely and appropriate response.

On with Aunie: Rotary Park Project

County Administrator Aunie Cordle, chats with Mike Leiber, Lancaster Rotary Club and Melissa Eaton, All Accessible Sports Complex, about the new Rotary Playground coming soon to Miller Park!

The United Way of Fairfield County's Community Care Day & Campaign Kickoff Breakfast

Each year, Community Care Day and the Campaign Kickoff Breakfast is a highlight for Fairfield County employees, and this year was no exception! With enthusiasm and teamwork, our employees spread out across the county to complete a variety of tasks that support local parks, organizations, and community spaces.

The day was a huge success, with community members from across the county making a tangible difference. Everyone’s dedication and energy showcased that Fairfield County’s strength comes from the people who care deeply about this community.



We’re proud of our employees who participated and helped make this Community Care Day one to remember! A special thank you to Commissioner Steve Davis and Mayor Don McDaniel for co-chairing this year's campaign.

The Wheelie Good Cause Fundraiser

The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Department joined the fun at the Wheelie Good Fundraiser this month! This unique fundraising event supported the Lancaster Festival and Harcum House due to the devastating floods that impacted them this summer. Teams raced in Big Wheel competitions, navigated obstacle coursed, and tackled wacky courses in the spirit of giving back to these two community pillars.



Thank you to everyone who participated and raced for a cause! The event was a huge success for our community.

Fairfield County Sheriff's Office Takes Home the Win at the Geneva Hills Trailblazer Games

What an incredible day at the First Annual Geneva Hills Trailblazer Games! Five organizations came together to make history at their very first Trailblazer Games. The day was packed with laser tag, hatchet throwing, archery, human foosball, kayak relays, a delicious lunch, and plenty of fun and teamwork.

Together, participants raised $4,000 for The Trail Ahead, a campaign to build two new cabins and a gymnasium, allowing Geneva Hills to serve even more campers and families in the coming years.

Congratulations to the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office for taking home the win! A big thank you also goes to Guardian WP, South Central Power Co., The Savings Bank, and Park National Bank for competing with heart and making the day so fun and laughter-filled.

Special thanks to the Lancaster Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program and Candi Daubenmire Fisher from South Central Power, whose creative ideas helped launch this brand-new event.



Learn more about The Trail Ahead at genevahills.com/trailahead.

Fairfield County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)

September’s theme is Building Resilience – but, what does resilience really mean?

At Fairfield County, we believe that resilience is more than just a buzzword. It’s the ability to face challenges head-on and keep moving forward, together. With this mindset, we’re highlighting the Fairfield County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the vital role the team played during this summer’s unprecedented flood.

During the flood, EMA led the coordination of emergency response and resources to safeguard residents and support recovery efforts. Here’s a closer look at the ways they stepped up:

• Saturday, July 26: Provided Incident Command support at the Lancaster Festival, coordinated with the National Weather Service, assisted in evacuating festival grounds, and surveyed flood damage afterward.
• Sunday, July 27: Responded with the Fairfield County Water Rescue Team, supported the Sader Drive apartment flood response via the Unified Command Post, coordinated transportation to Fairfield Medical Center for temporary shelter, activated a temporary emergency shelter at the YMCA, and launched a public campaign for damage reports.
• July 28 – August 18: Continued surveying affected areas, coordinated with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Small Business Administration, submitted damage assessments, and helped secure state disaster relief programs.
• September 12 – 17: Hosted the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the EMA office, connecting residents with resources to recover and rebuild.



The EMA’s tireless coordination, resource management, and community outreach exemplify resilience in action. Thank you, Fairfield County EMA, for your unwavering commitment in keeping our community safe.

Meet Morgan Hines, Deputy Dog Warden at the Fairfield County Dog Adoption Center & Shelter

Morgan's role blends animal care with public safety. Her day-to-day work revolves around enforcing Ohio Revised Code 955 to protect both the community and its canine residents. This includes responding to calls about loose dogs, investigating dog bites, addressing dogs at large, verifying dog licenses, and assisting with other dog-related concerns throughout the county.

When asked what she loves most about her job, Morgan responded: “The dogs, of course! I get to help them in so many ways - whether that’s picking up strays, safely trapping loose dogs, or simply giving them a little extra care. It’s fulfilling to know I’m helping both the animals and the community.”

For those interested in a similar career path, Morgan recommends starting by volunteering at your local shelter to learn how dogs behave and communicate. From there, gaining hands-on experience is key. “Remember,” she adds, “this role combines animal welfare with law enforcement. With patience and dedication, you can turn your passion for both into a rewarding career.”



Morgan’s dedication ensures that Fairfield County remains a safe and caring community for people and pups alike.



Learn more about the Fairfield County Dog Adoption Center and Shelter here: https://www.co.fairfield.oh.us/dog/

Meet Jennifer Morgan, Board Member of the Fairfield County Regional Planning Commission

Since 2018, Jennifer Morgan has proudly served on the Fairfield County Regional Planning Commission (RPC). For her, joining the board was an opportunity to give back to the community while supporting RPC’s mission of balancing development and agriculture.

“The most rewarding part has been working with the Commissioners, Regional Planning staff, community members, and other county agencies,” she shared. “By utilizing their combined expertise, my knowledge and understanding of community development continues to broaden.”

The RPC plays a vital role in guiding both short- and long-term development planning efforts across the county. From reviewing zoning, land use, and subdivision activities to managing the Community Development Block Grant Program, RPC ensures development decisions align with the Ohio Revised Code and the 2024 Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, RPC provides Fair Housing services to unincorporated areas of the county and supports neighborhood revitalization, public services, and economic development.

Through her work with RPC, Jennifer is helping to shape a thriving and balanced future for Fairfield County.

Learn more about the RPC: https://www.co.fairfield.oh.us/rpc/