County Bicentennial Commemoration
February 13, 2008
Commissioners Jim Seldenright, Kerry Metzger, and Chris Abbuhl hosted the inaugural
Tuscarawas County on February 13, 2008.
It was a snowy day with all area schools being cancelled. Fred Miller prepared a display
that showed the original boundaries of Tuscarawas County, a copy of the act of the
State authorizing the creation of Tuscarawas County, a list of all County Commissioners
that have served over the last 200 years, along with other historical information.
John Zion (former County Commissioner) was the first to arrive. Other present include:
Mark Okey (State Representative), Alan Sayre (State Representative), John Boccieri
(State Senator), Jason Wilson (State Senator), Tom Yeager (Historical Society), Jennifer
Clarke (WJER), Jeff Mamarella (Treasurer), Matt Judy (Auditor), Lori Smith (Recorder),
Matt Lautzenheiser (Dover Historical Society/Reeves Museum), Rockne Clarke (Clerk of
Courts), Karen Graeff (Regional Planning Secretary), Jill Lengler (Regional Planning
Director), Bobie Stein (OCED Administrative Assistant), Gail Doyle (Park Director), Julie
Watts (Times Reporter), Crystal DiGenova (Commissioners Administrative Assistant) and
Jane Clay (Commissioners Clerk).
Commissioner Seldenright opened the commemoration and welcomed everyone to
the inaugural event. 200 years ago today Tuscarawas County was formed.
Matt Lautzenheiser stated that Fred Miller of the Tuscarawas County Historical Society
could not be present today due to prior commitments and asked Matt to speak in his
place. Matt described the first Commissioner’s meeting. Prior to the establishment of
Tuscarawas County, this territory was a part of Washington County. In 200 years another
historian will be describing the current celebration.
Commissioner Seldenright recognized the following: Lori Smith – County Recorder, John
Zion – Former Commissioner, Rockne Clarke – Clerk of Courts, Jeff Mamarella – County
Treasurer, Matt Judy – County Auditor, Kerry Metzger – Commissioner, Chris Abbuhl –
Commi