Fern cleanup continues across Tuscarawas County, impacts services
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Jan. 26, 2026) – Crews across Tuscarawas County are continuing cleanup efforts following Winter Storm Fern, which dropped roughly a foot of snow on the area Sunday.
Road crews began pretreatment late Saturday and have been working nearly around the clock since then to make major routes passable. Traffic remained light throughout Sunday, as many residents heeded advice to stay home. Despite that, officials report several crashes early Sunday, including one involving injuries.
Numerous closures are in effect for Monday. The Tuscarawas County Courthouse and county office building are closed, along with area libraries and schools. Residents are urged to check ahead before heading out, as many banks and services are also shut down.
In New Philadelphia, city officials say trash service will be delayed by one day. City Hall and Municipal Court will not be open. Monday night’s New Philadelphia Council meeting was postponed to Thursday. The City of Dover reports that Kimble Companies’ garbage pickups will also be delayed by one day this week.
The Tuscarawas County Senior Center and the Tuscarawas County Health Department are closed as well.
Despite the closures, several facilities will remain open as warming centers. According to the Tuscarawas County Emergency Management Agency, the Friends of the Homeless Shelter, the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Port Washington Community Center are open Monday to provide relief from the cold.
Temperatures are expected to remain harsh, with daytime highs only in the teens and nighttime lows dropping below zero throughout the week. An Extreme Cold Watch goes into effect at 7 p.m. Monday. Residents are encouraged to take precautions and check on vulnerable neighbors during the prolonged cold spell.