News briefs: Clearcreek Township Fire Department receives funding
COLUMBUS, OH – State Rep. Kevin Miller (R-Newark) announced funding coming to several local fire departments within Fairfield, Licking and Perry counties. The funding is through the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant program.
“With experience in serving the Ohio State Highway Patrol, I understand the importance of investing in our first responders,” said Miller. “These dollars will be put to good use for more efficient responses out in the rural areas of our great state and here in the 69th House District.”
The grants will help fire departments acquire wildland fire equipment, such as UTVs, ATVs, wildfire slip-in units, PPE, MARCS communication devices, and other items supporting rural fire department development.
The local fire departments and their allocations through the program within the 69th House District include:
• Clearcreek Township Fire Department - Fairfield County - $4,701.62• Madison Township Fire Department – Licking County - $5,000• Hopewell Township Fire Department – Perry County - $9,380• Somerset Reading Township Volunteer Fire Department - Perry County - $10,000
Miller has a record of supporting fire department grants at the Statehouse during the previous state operating budget.
Fairfield County ADAMH welcomes new board members
LANCASTER--The Fairfield County ADAMH Board has recently welcomed two new members to its Board of Trustees: Dr. Danielle Johnson-Curry, DMD, and Joseph (Joe) Bizjak.
“We are thrilled to incorporate the passion and values of both Dr. Johnson-Curry and Joe Bizjak to the Board,” said Marcy Fields, Executive Director. “Both individuals have a strong desire to be the change they wish to see in the community and already are living our mission of creating opportunities for Fairfield County residents to be healthy members of their community.”
Danielle Johnson-Curry, DMD is a dentist at Gentle Dental Care in Lancaster. She has provided dental care at rehabilitation facilities, including prison and addiction services, and has a strong desire to help educate the community about drug, alcohol and mental health issues.
Dr. Johnson-Curry graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Kentucky State University in 2003 before earning her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry in 2008. She completed post-graduate training through an Advanced General Dentistry Residency at The Ohio State University in 2009.
She is a advisory board member for the Columbus State Dental Hygiene Program. She previously served with the Ohio Dental Association as a Delegate and Council member of public service and access to care.
An aspiring author, she enjoys traveling, powerlifting, and spending time with family. Her husband, Brandon, works for a construction company and is a member of the United States Army Reserves. They have four kids ranging in age from 19 to 4.
Joseph (Joe) Bizjak is eager to serve his community and help make mental health services readily available to residents of the county. He currently serves in Lancaster as a member of the Housing Council handling matters related to tax abatements and works full-time as the board liaison at the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
Bizjak previously worked in the Ohio House of Representatives as a legislative service commission fellow and legislative aide to former state Rep. Steve Arndt of the 89th House District. He assisted in tackling issues such as senior healthcare, water quality, education, and economic development. Additionally, Bizjak clerked for the House Aging and Long-Term Care Committee and worked within the House Finance Committee.
Bizjak earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Kent State University in 2014 with a concentration in American politics, and a master’s degree in business administration from Franklin University in 2021.
The Fairfield County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board is responsible to plan, fund, and monitor public mental health and substance abuse services in Fairfield County. The ADAMH Board fulfills its mandate by engaging key community stakeholders to provide input into its activities.
Brown sworn-in as Fairfield County Auditor
LANCASTER – The Fairfield County Auditor’s Office announced that Carri L. Brown has been sworn-in for her first four-year term as Fairfield County Auditor.
Stephen Brown, her husband, administered the oath on Monday, March 6.
The Office of County Auditor is unique in that the term begins the second Monday in March followingthe general election.
Brown was appointed Acting County Auditor by the Fairfield County Commissioners on October25, 2021, prior to being appointed by the Republican Central Committee in November 2021 to fill theremainder of an unexpired term. She was elected to office in November 2022, and will begin herelected four-year term of office on March 13, 2023.
With more than 35 years of leadership experience in human services, financial management, and countyadministration, Brown has stated that it is “humbling and rewarding to serve as County Auditor in theoffice” where she began her career in public service and drafted the first annual comprehensive financialreport for the county.
Brown added, “It was such an honor to celebrate with the team of the County Auditor’s Office at abreakfast swearing-in ceremony. I am enormously grateful for the work that so many put into making ita truly special and memorable occasion, and I am even more grateful for the County Auditor’s teammembers for the work they accomplish every day. They are truly dedicated leaders who have hearts forservice to others.”
For more information about the services of the County Auditor’s Office, please contact Rachel Elsea,Communication’s Officer, at rachel.elsea@fairfieldcountyohio.gov.