by Dan Starcher | Jun 11, 2025 | Blog
WAYNE COUNTY, Ohio, June 11, 2025 – The Wayne County Commissioners recognized Elder Abuse Awareness Day recently during a regular session. “Wayne County had more than 400 Adult Protective Services cases reported from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024,” Commissioner Dave McMillen read from a proclamation. “Older adults have the right to live free from harm, with peace and dignity.”
The Wayne County Department of Job and Family Services will continue to collaborate with advocates and professionals to raise awareness and help fight elder abuse.
by Dan Starcher | May 21, 2025 | Blog
Recognizing Mental Health Month: A Community Commitment to Wellness
May is Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of mental wellness and to reduce the stigma that surrounds it. Each year, more than 478,000 adults in Ohio experience mental health challenges—an urgent reminder of the need for continued education, support, and access to care.
Mental health affects every aspect of life, including work, relationships, and physical well-being. Yet too often, people suffer in silence. Mental Health Month provides an opportunity to change that by encouraging open conversations and highlighting the help that is available.
Community-based mental health providers play a key role in supporting individuals and families. These organizations offer local, compassionate care, including therapy, crisis services, peer support, and education. Their efforts make it easier for people to access the help they need when they need it.
Recognizing Mental Health Month also means advocating for policies that prioritize mental wellness, promoting awareness of available resources, and learning the signs that someone may be struggling. Support and understanding from friends, families, and neighbors can make a meaningful difference.
This May, join in recognizing Mental Health Month by supporting local providers such as:
by Dan Starcher | May 9, 2025 | Blog
WAYNE COUNTY, OH, May 9, 2025 — We are excited to announce the summer schedule of food trucks at the Wayne County Administration Building, which is open to employees and visitors alike!
Starting in May and running through October 29th, at 11 a.m., each Wednesday, a rotating lineup of popular food trucks will be parked in the front, lower parking lot. So, grab your colleagues, take a break from work, and enjoy some awesome food from some of the area’s tasty food trucks!
Be sure to download the schedule and keep it handy. We hope to see you there!
by Dan Starcher | May 8, 2025 | Blog
WAYNE COUNTY, OH, May 8, 2025 — The Wayne County Health Department, in collaboration with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, will host its next monthly pop-up food pantry on Tuesday, May 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the health department parking lot located at 244 West South Street, Wooster.
Individuals and families can receive food if their income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level ($30,120/year for individuals and adding $10,760 per year for each additional family member). For example, a family of four whose annual household income is $62,400 or less would be eligible. This pantry will return to market style like last summer, versus the drive-through style like we have done over the winter.
Those who qualify can pick what they want, similar to last summer’s pantries. We will assist those who have mobility issues.
“We served over 125 families in April. We are very excited to bring back the market-style pantry
this month. Many of the participants have indicated they prefer this over the drive-through
style.” Said Nick Cascarelli, Wayne County Health Commissioner.
To volunteer at the pop-up pantry, please call the Wayne County Health Department at (330) 264-9590 ext. 207.
by Dan Starcher | May 1, 2025 | Blog
WAYNE COUNTY, OH, May. 1, 2025 — The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognized several dedicated employees for their outstanding hard work, unwavering compassion, and commitment to community service. These individuals have gone above and beyond their regular duties, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and empathy in their interactions with the public and colleagues. From responding swiftly to emergencies to providing support and reassurance to those in need, their efforts have significantly fostered trust and safety. The recognition celebrates their achievements and highlights the Sheriff’s Office’s core values of integrity, respect, and service. Sheriff Tom Ballinger honors these exemplary employees through awards and commendations. Their dedication continues to inspire and elevate law enforcement standards in the county. Those recognized included:
Wayne County Maintenance Department – Often working behind the scenes, the team of Ryan Gifford, Mike Gamble, Stuart ‘Stu’ Schaffter, and Eric Ahrens presence has been felt across the county. They were instrumental in helping Chief Joseph Copenhaver establish the county-wide litter control program.
Deputy Zachary Derflinger – For his professionalism and caring conduct while conducting a welfare check on an individual with known health issues. Upon further investigation, he found the resident deceased inside the residence. Photo: Deputy Paul Brumme, Deputy Zachary Derflinger, Sheriff Tom Ballinger.
Dispatcher Melisa Terrell – Apple Creek Police Department Sgt. Ryan Pearson presented 911 Communications Center Dispatcher Melisa Terrell with a Certificate of Appreciation for her compassion and professionalism during a call he answered as a member of the Dalton Police Department. According to Pearson, he was involved in a “difficult and emotionally charged situation stemming from an officer-involved shooting in Wooster, which later connected to a traffic crash involving one of my Dalton police officers.” Pearson called the family of the officer involved and recalled listening to the father break down and cry. “It was one of the most heartbreaking moments I’ve experienced. Melisa stood out, not only for her procedural actions but for her humanity. She was the only person to ask me how I was holding up.” Photo: Sgt. Ryan Pearson, Dispatcher Melisa Terrell, Sheriff Tom Ballinger.
Corrections Officer Nathan Raczynski – Recognized for his intake ability and searches that prevent drugs from entering the facility, Raczynski has found four incidents during intake searches involving drugs and prevented them from entering the jail, according to Officer Nathan Hodgman. Photo: Officer Nathan Hodgman, Officer Nathan Raczynski, Sheriff Tom Ballinger.
Dan Starcher is the Public Communications Coordinator for Wayne County.
by Dan Starcher | Apr 30, 2025 | Blog
WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO, April 30, 2025 ─ Beginning May 1, 2025, the Wayne County Commissioners will no longer offer weekly sessions via Zoom and move back to in-person gatherings. This decision is part of an effort to foster more direct, face-to-face interaction between the commissioners and the public, allowing for richer dialogue, more transparent communication, and a stronger sense of community involvement.
While virtual sessions provided convenience and accessibility during challenging times, returning to in-person meetings encourages active participation, builds trust, and creates a collaborative environment where constituents can more easily voice their concerns and ideas. Attendees are encouraged to review the meeting schedules and times, as times are subject to change.
