Holmes County

Holmes County in northeast Ohio is an epicenter of Amish arts. One furniture maker there has taken his craft to the next level through a partnership with a world-renowned museum.

Police in Haiti say the gang that perpetrated the kidnappings, known as 400 Mawozo, is known for such extortions in a country that’s seen kidnappings skyrocket this year amid political instability.

Holmes County in northeastern Ohio has the worst vaccination rate in the state — just 17% — and yet, the county has the state’s lowest rate of COVID spread.

Ohio’s idyllic Amish country, which includes several northeast Ohio counties, looks like a snapshot from the past. Cars navigate around buggies traveling on the winding roads while large billboards lure tourists with homemade cheeses and expertly sewn quilts. But many in this community are resistant to modern medical interventions and are also hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine, even as the pandemic has sickened and killed local residents.

Holmes County is home to 23,000 Amish citizens — nearly half of its total population. The county’s health department is getting the word out to this community about social distancing and COVID-19. Health Commissioner of the Holmes County General Health District Michael Derr said Amish citizens in the area tend to be more progressive, and they are following media reports about the virus and protective measures. He said his department sends out mailings with updated COVID-19 information every week to leaders in the community.

Holmes County is a patchwork of farmland. Modest houses perch on sloping hills and laundry hangs from clothes lines, flapping in the wind.Around nearly…