Job and Family Services director proposes $500/$1,000 retention bonuses to stabilize county workforce The Job and Family Services director asked the Morrow County commissioners to approve a retention plan that would pay $500 after six months and another $500 after one year for new hires, and semiannual $500 payments for employees with more than a year of service, funded from banked incentive funds.

Morrow County's Job and Family Services director is shaking things up with a proposed retention bonus program aimed at tackling critical staffing shortages—could this be the solution to keep employees motivated?

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#MorrowCounty #OH #CitizenPortal #EmployeeIncentives

Morrow County emergency manager reports tornado path, thousands of outages and transformer fire Emergency Management Director Michael Nelson told commissioners a storm cell produced tornadic damage across parts of the county, caused a peak outage of about 7,000 meters, scattered roof and tree damage and a transformer fire that required roadway cleanup and repaving.

Morrow County faced a terrifying storm with confirmed tornado activity, leaving thousands without power and even igniting a transformer fire that melted asphalt.

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#MorrowCounty #OH #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureRecovery #DisasterResponse

Morrow County commissioners push to document storm damage ahead of FEMA deadline Commissioners urged townships, villages and county departments to submit damage assessments by the deadline so the county can reach a per-capita threshold needed for FEMA reimbursement and to document generator and debris-removal hours.

Morrow County officials are racing against the clock to gather storm damage reports to secure vital federal funds for recovery efforts.

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#MorrowCounty #OH #MorrowCountyGovernment #CitizenPortal #DisasterResponse #FEMAReimbursement #CommunityAssessment

Staff member says property-tax rollback could cut Morrow County services by up to 67% At the March 18 meeting, a county staff member presented an analysis saying Morrow County’s general fund is about $18.5 million with roughly $3.9 million tied to property tax; staff said eliminating property tax revenue would cut the general fund by about 21% and countywide services by as much as 60–67%.

A potential rollback of property tax in Morrow County could slash essential services by up to 67%, leaving communities in a lurch.

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#MorrowCounty #OH #CivicAccountability #LocalRevenue #CitizenPortal #PublicEducation

Morrow County EMA director: storm knocked out power for thousands; 211 recommended for residents seeking help At a Morrow County commissioners meeting, EMA Director Michael Nelson said a storm temporarily left nearly 12,000 people without power at its peak and urged residents to use the 211 non‑emergency resource for assistance; commissioners discussed debris removal, generator fuel and infrastructure checks.

A powerful storm recently left nearly 12,000 residents in Morrow County without power, prompting urgent calls for assistance and safety measures.

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#MorrowCounty #OH #CitizenPortal #EmergencyResources #PublicSafety #CommunitySupport

The image depicts a rustic barn with weathered wooden planks. The architecture suggests an old, functional design typically found on farms in rural areas of the United States or similar regions. One large window reveals stacks of hay inside, hinting at agricultural use. To the right side, there's what appears to be a spherical object hanging from one beam and another structure that might resemble part of farming equipment. The photograph is rendered in black-and-white, enhancing its timeless quality. The angle emphasizes vertical lines, creating depth as it draws attention upward toward the barn's peak and eaves. A signature or marking "S1385-E" appears on a side panel towards the bottom right corner, suggesting that this image may be part of a collection or series. There is also a caption indicating 'Detail of barn in northern Oregon', which provides geographical context for where such structures might commonly exist and could suggest historical significance to rural communities.

Detail of barn in northern Oregon. Irrigon, Morrow County, Oregon

#Oregon #Irrigon #MorrowCounty #theUnitedStates #S1385-E #undefined #photography #DorotheaLange

https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2017773534/

Resident voices concern at Morrow County meeting over 23 Connect3 and petition to abolish property tax A resident who identified himself as Carl used public comment to oppose the proposed 23 Connect alignment and to warn that a petition to abolish property tax would damage local services, urging education rather than signatures; commissioners and staff noted high turnout at a Peru Township meeting about the proposal.

Local resident Carl warns that the proposed "23 Connect" project and a petition to abolish property tax could jeopardize essential services and livelihoods in Morrow County.

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#MorrowCounty #OH #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #LocalTaxation

County staff outlines grant requests and a prospective manufacturing lead needing new power infrastructure Morrow County staff reported two grant submittals: a Veil Avenue project requesting about $250,000 and a fairgrounds grandstand request of about $100,000; staff also described vetting a potential advanced-manufacturing prospect that could bring roughly 125 jobs but likely requires a new electrical substation.

Morrow County is gearing up for economic growth with two major grant applications and a promising manufacturing lead that could create 125 jobs—if they can overcome a major power challenge!

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#MorrowCounty #OH #CitizenPortal #JobCreation #InfrastructureInvestment

Morrow County commissioners adopt resolution endorsing ODOTs US 23 corridor improvements study The board unanimously adopted a resolution acknowledging the Ohio Department of Transportations 2024 preliminary feasibility study and supporting continued improvements to the existing US 23 corridor as the preferred approach, with the clerk calling roll for an affirmative vote.

Morrow County commissioners have officially backed ODOT's 2024 study, paving the way for crucial improvements to the US 23 corridor!

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#MorrowCounty #OH #TransportationImprovements #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment #CommunityPlanning

The black and white photograph depicts a rural scene with a wooden structure that appears to be an outbuilding or shed. Leaning against the side of this building is a hay fork, which has two long, slender tines used for collecting and moving hay. The ground around it shows patches of grass and scattered straw or dry plant material. To the right of the image, there's a large pile of what seems to be cut and dried vegetation, possibly remnants from harvesting activities. Shadows cast by the building structure are visible on its surface, indicating strong sunlight coming from one side. There is handwritten text in Hebrew script at the bottom left corner, suggesting that this photograph might have been annotated or cataloged with additional information about a specific event or location during an exhibition or documentation process. The image conveys a sense of agricultural labor and rural life.

Hay forks. Northern Oregon farm. Morrow County, Oregon

#NorthernOregon #MorrowCounty #Oregon #Hebrew #undefined #photography #DorotheaLange

https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2017773529/

The image is a black and white photograph featuring two individuals, presumably an older couple, standing in what appears to be a field. The person on the left seems to be male, wearing overalls with stripes, suspenders, and a wide-brimmed hat, holding onto a walking stick or tool handle. His attire suggests he may engage in manual labor work such as farming. The individual on the right is likely female, dressed in what appears to be an apron dress adorned with floral patterns. She has short hair that seems disheveled, and her expression is solemn. Behind them, the field stretches out into a flat landscape under clear skies, indicating a rural setting. There are no other people or significant structures visible in the immediate vicinity of these two individuals, focusing attention on their presence against the open backdrop. The photograph captures a moment that seems candid yet purposeful, as if intended to convey something about resilience or daily life. Additional context provided indicates this couple has managed and raised ten children over twenty years ago on reclaimed land they cleared themselves in Irrigon, Morrow County, Oregon. This narrative enriches understanding of the image by situating it within a historical and social framework that might not be immediately apparent from visual examination alone.

Couple who have raised ten children on reclaimed land which they cleared twenty years ago. Irrigon, Morrow County, Oregon. General caption number 59

#Irrigon #MorrowCounty #Oregon #undefined #photography #DorotheaLange

https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2017773489/

Morrow County commissioners seek state help as jail project shows $1.5 million shortfall County leaders scheduled a meeting with architects after revised estimates put an alternative jail design at about $8 million — roughly $1.5 million more than previously anticipated — and said they have asked a state representative to pursue supplemental funding.

Morrow County's jail project is in jeopardy with a shocking $1.5 million funding shortfall, prompting urgent meetings to explore alternatives and state assistance.

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#MorrowCounty #OH #CitizenPortal #LocalGovAI #CommunityFunding #PublicSafety

Rural Ohio residents don't want to be forgotten in major road project - Gracie Collins

Staff briefs commissioners on Consolidated gas‑line project, airport fuel‑farm planning and local workforce center open house County staff updated the board on a Consolidated public–private gas‑line project (budget cited at about $6.5 million), airport fuel‑farm planning and a workforce job‑center open house; an executive‑session preview was given about a potential business at the 6171 interchange.

Morrow County is making strides with a $6.5 million gas-line partnership and a new job center open house—exciting developments that could reshape the community!

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#MorrowCounty #OH #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureInvestment #PublicPrivatePartnership #WorkforceDevelopment

Commission hears update on tax-foreclosed ethanol plant; Port of Morrow may acquire the assets County counsel told commissioners a foreclosed industrial site (an ethanol plant on leased Port of Morrow land) is subject to a pending circuit court judgment; delinquent taxes are about $1.1 million and the Port of Morrow is a potential purchaser to resolve title and disposition.

The fate of an experimental ethanol plant hangs in the balance as Morrow County navigates a tax foreclosure, potentially paving the way for the Port of Morrow to step in and reshape the future of industrial development.

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#MorrowCounty #OR #IndustrialReuse #LocalEconomy

Morrow County audit: unmodified opinion, healthy reserves despite general fund dip; one federal reporting lapse noted Auditors issued an unmodified opinion on Morrow County's FY2025 financial statements, reporting about $153 million in assets and a general fund balance of $12.7 million (53% of expenditures). Auditors flagged one late federal report tied to staff turnover; commissioners accepted the audit and financial statements.

Morrow County's financial health shines bright with a $122 million net position and a solid 53% fund balance, despite a minor hiccup in federal reporting!

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#MorrowCounty #OR #AuditStandards #FiscalTransparency #GovernmentAccountability

This shocking story sounds like a movie plot 🤯. Rural Oregon is facing a terrifying health crisis—and an Amazon data center is accused of making it worse. We need answers. 💧🚫 tumors. Watch and share the truth. #MorrowCounty #WaterCrisis #TechToxicity 📢

Black and white photograph depicting two people, a man in overalls with suspenders and a hat leaning down beside him is working the soil. He's bending forward holding what looks like a hoe or spade near the ground while another person appears to be digging as well but they are both looking at something on the dirt. The photo shows an old barn behind them within a fenced in pasture land, with trees and farm infrastructure in view also.

Couple digging their sweet potatoes in the fall. Irrigon, Morrow County, Oregon. General caption number 59

#Irrigon #MorrowCounty #Oregon #undefined #photography #DorotheaLange

https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2017773527/

Public health director reports on immunizations, drug take-back; board approves grant-funded FTE Public health director Robin Canaday updated commissioners on clinics, immunizations, a drug take-back program ("in 2024, Oregon collected 30,000 pounds of unused medication"), nitrate testing and communicable-disease trends; the board approved an out-of-cycle, grant-funded public health access specialist FTE.

Morrow County's public health director reveals impressive immunization stats and a groundbreaking drug take-back initiative, but there's more to the story!

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#MorrowCounty #OR #EnvironmentalHealth #CommunityOutreach #ImmunizationPrograms

Commissioners approve budget adjustments, delay supplemental pension payment and authorize several finance contracts Finance staff presented a $1.9 million beginning-balance variance and recommended reallocations including pausing a $1 million supplemental pension payment; the board approved Resolution R-2026-02, authorized a change order for ERP project management (Barry Dunn), and approved an audit-readiness/accounting assistance engagement to cover staffing gaps during ERP go-live and audit work.

Morrow County's Finance Director reveals a shocking $1.9 million budget shortfall, prompting major adjustments and a controversial pause on pension payments.

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#MorrowCounty #OR #FiscalResponsibility #ERPImplementation

Morrow County staff brief commissioners on CFAA contract, plans for sole-source award to Community Counseling Solutions County staff told commissioners that the state intends a Jan. 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 CFAA contract and proposed a sole-source determination for Community Counseling Solutions (CCS), the county’s only local mental-health provider; staff said services would be retroactively covered and staff expects a Jan. 21 action item.

Morrow County is moving forward with a sole-source contract for its only local mental health provider, Community Counseling Solutions, ensuring vital services remain uninterrupted through 2027!

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#MorrowCounty #OR #MentalHealthServices #CommunityCounseling #PublicPolicy

Northmor freshman killed, junior injured in crash - Daniel Griffin

Assessor: Morrow County market value nears $15B, exemptions mask taxable growth Morrow County’s assessor reported market value growth driven by large utility and data-center projects, while SIP/enterprise-zone exemptions leave a smaller taxable base; commissioners discussed implications for future revenues and school bonds.

Morrow County's market value has skyrocketed to nearly $15 billion, but significant tax exemptions are clouding the true growth potential—what does this mean for your property taxes?

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#MorrowCounty #OR #MarketValueGrowth #CommunityTransparency #PropertyTaxation

New state rules on foreclosure surplus push Morrow County to plan property-management changes County staff warned that House Bill 2089 expands notice, posting and sale procedures for tax-foreclosed properties, creates new reporting and appraisal steps, and shifts surplus-claims handling to the state treasury — prompting the assessor and county officials to recommend a county property-manager role and budget contingency for potential claims or litigation.

Morrow County is gearing up for major changes in how it handles tax foreclosures due to new legislation that could reshape property management and increase workloads.

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#MorrowCounty #OR #PropertyManagement #LegalCompliance

Snow emergencies in central Ohio for Dec. 2, 2025 - Adam Conn

Data centers in Oregon might be helping to drive an increase in cancer and miscarriages Amazon data centers might be adding to a public health crisis in Morrow County, Oregon.

www.theverge.com/news/834151/...

#Oregon
#MorrowCounty
#AmazonDataCenter

Cancer and miscarriages increased

Amazon Data Centers Blamed for Oregon Water Contamination, Cancer & Miscarriage Risks Large-scale Amazon data centers are being linked to a deepening groundwater contamination crisis in a rural Oregon county, with experts pointing to the

Amazon Data Centers Blamed for Oregon Water Contamination, Cancer & Miscarriage Risks

#amazon #datacenter #MorrowCounty #nitratecontamination #oregon

Amazon Data Center Linked to Cluster of Rare Cancers A sprawling data center in eastern Oregon has been linked to a huge rise in rare cancers, muscle conditions, and miscarriages.

futurism.com/artificial-i... #amazon #boardmanor #cancer #columbiariver #cybermonday #datacenter #flintmi #morrowcounty #nitrates #oregon #pollution #wastewater

Morrow County group weighs revolving loan fund and grants to help domestic well owners The Morrow County Clean Water Consortium discussed creating a revolving loan/grant program to help domestic well owners address contamination and low yields, reviewing potential partners, likely costs ($10,000–$35,000 per well), and a phased legislative funding strategy starting with a pilot.

Morrow County is exploring a groundbreaking program to help domestic well owners tackle water quality issues, but will it be enough to address the serious contamination concerns?

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#MorrowCounty #OR #PublicHealth #WaterQuality

Morrow County directs staff to verify CDA charges and prepare budget adjustments after invoice exceeds budget County officials reviewed a Community Development Agency invoice that produced a Morrow County allocation of $121,746.22, including a $22,431.26 grant match and sizable legal fees. Commissioners unanimously directed staff to verify amounts and prepare budget adjustments before any payment is made.

Morrow County commissioners are facing a budget crisis after an unexpected CDA invoice totaling over $121,000 raised questions about legal expenses and grant matches.

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#MorrowCounty #OR #BudgetTransparency #CommunityDevelopment #LegalExpenses