CADIZ — A virtual job fair is being held today to help connect those seeking employment with local employers in numerous industries.

Deb Knight, assistant director of the Harrison County Department of Job and Family Services, said Workforce Area 16 has been holding its job fairs virtually this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Today’s job fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in an online format.

During Wednesday’s commissioners’ meeting, Knight said there are more than 20 employers registered for the job fair in an array of industries.

Some of the businesses with available positions include Amazon, The Shelly Co., Williams Lea, iHeartMedia, Drivers Connection, Cabela’s Distribution Center, Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County, Roofers Local 188, Lancia Health Care, St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Healthcare, Softite Community Federal Credit Union, and more.

“There’s a wide variety of employers,” she added.

As of Wednesday morning, there were 33 jobseekers registered to participate in the fair. Knight said they are having a difficult time getting residents seeking jobs to participate.

“I don’t know if it’s because of the virtual platform, which we questioned — I know Harrison and Carroll (counties) both questioned — virtual platforms for our counties because of internet access. I don’t know how much of it is internet and how much is that people just aren’t looking for work,” she said.

The job fair includes employers in Harrison, Belmont, Jefferson and Carroll counties. All are welcome to attend the virtual fair and can register at www.omj16.com.

In other matters, Engineer Doug Bachman opened bids for two separate bridge replacement projects — one on Harrison County 13 and one on Athens Township 265.

The first project received one bid from U.S. Bridge of Cambridge for $285,825. Bachman recommended the bid be rejected due to it exceeding his estimate of $220,500.

“That’s over 10 percent over my estimate. By law, we have to reject it and re-advertise it,” he said to commissioners.

The second project received one bid from U.S. Bridge for $198,928. He said the bid must also be rejected as it is 10 percent over his estimated project cost of $158,795.

Bachman said the projects would have to be rebid with updated specifications and estimates. Commissioners Don Bethel, Dale Norris, and Paul Coffland approved the engineer’s recommendations.