NEWS RELEASE

DEFIANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

The Board of Defiance County Commissioners met in regular session at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 6, 2012 in the Hicksville Village Council Room, Hicksville, Ohio. Chairman Thomas L. Kime called the meeting to order. Also present were Commissioners James E. Harris, Jr. and Otto L. Nicely, Laura Howell, Administrator, and Stephanie Metz, Clerk.

The Commissioners met in General Session and approved and signed various resolutions, contracts and documents. The Commissioners also reviewed the calendar of events and discussed upcoming meetings.

The Commissioners visited the Hicksville Senior Center. The Commissioners would like to commend the Senior Center employees for the well-kept facility.

Laura Howell, Administrator, met with the Board to provide her weekly update with various department and project updates.

The Commissioners would like to announce that Defiance County received notice of a Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning 20^th Year Training Grant award for $5,950. The federal award to Defiance County equates to $4,760; Ohio EMA granted Defiance County with a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Grant match of $1,190. The total grant award will allow Defiance County to host another Hazmat IQ course at no cost to participants.

The Commissioners would also like to announce that Defiance County Family & Children First Council will move to the Health Department on Friday, January 4, 2013. The new location for Defiance County Family and Children First beginning Monday, January 7, 2013 will be at the Defiance County East location, 1300 East Second Street, Suite 100 (within the Defiance County Health Department).

The Commissioners reviewed the Defiance County Coroner’s report for 2012 that was recently submitted by Dr. Brose. The Defiance County Coroner's Office investigated 64 fatalities in 2012. 10 autopsies were performed at County expense. Manners of Death: Natural 33, Accident 27 and Pending final forensic investigation 4. The ratio of accidental deaths to natural has increased from 2011 due to Hospice deaths of patients from adjacent counties. In 2011 the office investigated 64 fatalities. 13 autopsies were performed at County expense. In 2010 the office investigated 75 fatalities. 10 autopsies were performed at County expense. In 2009 the office investigated 46 fatalities. 12 autopsies were performed at County expense.

Release Approved: ____________________________________________________

Thomas L. Kime, Defiance County Commissioner