CADIZ — For the third consecutive year, the Harrison County Courthouse will be illuminated with blue lights to show support for local law enforcement.

The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department has participated in the statewide “Light Ohio Blue” campaign since 2019. The program honors law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty as well as those currently serving and encourages local residents and businesses to show their support for law enforcement personnel by placing blue lights around the exterior of their homes and businesses.

Sheriff Ronald “Joe” Myers requested the Harrison County Board of Commissioners’ support for this year’s campaign during Wednesday’s regularly scheduled meeting.

“As we did last year, we lit the courthouse up in blue lights. I’m asking the commission for the resolution to light it up for our fallen men and women in uniform, as well as the ones who are presently serving,” he said.

Commissioner Paul Coffland proceeded to read the resolution that states the county will once again participate in the campaign next month, coinciding with National Police Week.

“Every day officers and civilians face the challenge of keeping our neighborhood safe with bravery and honor and protection on a daily basis,” the resolution states.

Commissioner Don Bethel made a motion to sign the resolution; Commissioner Dale Norris seconded the motion and it unanimously passed. The resolution declares the week of May 9-16 as “Light Ohio Blue” week when the courthouse will be adorned in blue lights.

Myers said he is grateful for the county’s support.

“We’ve done this for several years. The courthouse looks great. … I really appreciate it and so do the men and women in law enforcement,” he added.

During the designated week, local residents and businesses are encouraged to show their support by placing a blue bulb in an exterior porch light, hanging blue Christmas lights around the home or business, using a blue flood light or placing blue ribbons on the thier mailbox or posts. Those who participate in the program are urged to post a photo to social media using the caption #LightOhioBlue. For more information on the campaign, visit lightohioblue.org.

In other matters, commissioners signed a contract between the county and Cuyahoga Fence LLC of Mayfield Heights, Ohio, for the guardrail and installation project that includes replacement and installation of 12,500 of guardrail located on Harrison County Roads 2, 39 and 17. The company will complete the work for $312,823.

Engineer Doug Bachman said the Ohio Department of Transportation has approved the project cost and will cover $300,000 through the Federal Highway Administration grant. The remaining funds will be provided by the county.

Bachman said the project will get underway within the next month. Once the work begins, the company has 90 days to complete the project.