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SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2019
harrisonnewsherald.com
Engineer’s office forced to make financial changes By JD LONG
jim@harrisonnewsherald.com CADIZ – Harrison County’s Doug Bachman, the new engineer who spoke briefly at the annual county officials and township trustees banquet, at least until the end of the meeting, made his news and announcements with one unpleasant change that stood out. “Historically, the county has not charged the townships for labor and equipment for work the county does for townships but at our current financial situation we cannot…afford to do that,” Bachman explained. “With the new revenue from
the gas tax hopefully that will be a one or two year solution to our financial situation, but moving forward we will be charging townships for labor and equipment for work we do for townships.” Bachman acknowledged the burden this puts on the townships and reminded everyone it was not an easy decision but it was one that was necessary for the “financial solvency” of the engineer’s office. Bachman, who took over for the recently retired Rob Sterling opened up his segment by thanking everyone for giving him the opportunity to serve the county. Bachman said he hoped no one would
regret giving him this chance and spoke a little of his background and being from Tuscarawas County. He went on to explain how the engineer’s office got into their financial hole by stating that Harrison and Coshocton Counties were the only two that went ahead and fixed the damages caused by last year’s severe weather before FEMA reimbursements, whereas others waited for FEMA approval. He said there was around $400,000 damage and thanked the commissioners for coming through with aid where he hoped to have them paid back by the end of the year, if FEMA does not come through with their
reimbursement payment. He said some work had been cut down to projects that did not require them to purchase material such as, “earthwork and tree trimming,” for example and continued by revealing more financial bad news. “This afternoon I was informed that we owed the commissioners an additional $358,000 from loans from 2014 and 2016,” Bachman explained. He said part of it went to the engineering costs for bridge work on Harrison 51. Bachman went on to say that, though their budget is $3.2 million, $2.3 million is eaten up by payroll.
“So we have essentially $900,000 to operate with as far as getting materials, snow and ice control,” he explained. This information he provided led to his announcement of charging the townships. When he opened up the floor for questions surprisingly, there were none. Bachman said that due to the current financial situation they would be concentrating on more earthwork and “other work that does not require us to purchase materials, for the time being.” Sen. Frank Hoagland (R-District-30) spoke with opening comments dealing
See CHANGES PG. 3
Jewett hiring two more police officers By JD LONG
jim@harrisonnewsherald.com
JEWETT – With the onset of summer and current officers stretched thin regarding hours available Jewett Police Chief Ron Carter announced at Wednesday’s council meeting that he found two police officers to join the village force. He said Bob Moore from the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office was one, an officer with 25 years experience and another at the police academy, once pending graduation and passing the state’s testing. Also, Carter reminded council that if they see a village cruiser out away from town the reason is they are required by law to transport prisoners to the nearest local jail. “We transport juveniles to Sargus, that’s in Belmont County, you might see us out there,” he told council. “Could be in New Philly, that’s where we get our Life on the Owltown Farm on County Road 54 near Irondale was observed by the kindergarten class of John Gregg Elementary recently. Curt and Virginia Glenn; their son, Carl; daughter, Ellie; grandchildren, Coleman, Maddie and Allie Granitir; and uncle Mike, led the children around to view the sights of the many acres of farmland. Pictured are from left, front: Cadence Bendle. Adalyn Swearingen, Easton Bokunevitzs;, kindergarten pupil and Maddie Granitir, granddaughter. Back, Gabe Glenn and Coleman Granitir, grandchildren.
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IRONDALE - A road closing on county Road 54 did not keep the three groups of kindergarten pupils from arriving by bus to the Curt and Virginia Glenn farm on a nice sunny day last week. This is the third year that the youngest group of children, the kindergarten, come with great amounts of energy and excitement. They get to take a well-supervised wagon ride through the fields and occasionally might see a small wild animal looking on with interest. Virginia works the day prior to the farming event to set up stuffed animals
for the children to note on a scavenger hunt. There is a green dragon, not really a farm animal but something that catches the interest the children; an owl in a tree; singing bird in a cage; gray eggs on a big twig nest, a tiny tea party set up in the yard; and an actual baby cardinal in a nest that his mother has hidden back in the bushes. The little ball of fluff is almost smaller than the yellow bill that stretches wide awaiting his lunch. The children mark an X beside each item they spy and it is a contest to see who gets them all right Something catching the eye of each child was the seven-day colt with its mother in the outdoor enclosure. The mother stands guard as children pet the soft nose or stroke the mane.
See HIRING PG. 3
Hopedale clamping down on unkempt property
John Gregg students get a taste of life on the farm By ESTHER MCCOY
uniforms from, could be in Cadiz, that’s where we get maintenance done at, we could be in Wintersville, that’s where we get our tires at.” He said another reason could be for training purposes at another facility but he said his officers would not be outside of Jewett unless assisting another officer on official business. “We have a mutual aid agreement throughout the whole county,” Carter told council regarding the possible assistance to the state patrol or sheriff’s office, for example. “If I find out one of my officers is not leaving the village to assist another officer and they’re calling for help, that officer would be immediately terminated,” Carter explained. “Under no circumstances will I tolerate an officer not backing up another officer when it’s called in…”
By JD LONG
jim@harrisonnewsherald.com
When it is time to leave, the children are presented bags of farming information, such as the "Adventures of Sammy Soil," telling about soil erosion and how Sammy and his friends are being carried away by a big gully. The owner changes to become a conservation farmer and no more will they have to worry about being carried down a fast moving stream. Now there is a grassed waterway and trees planted on the steep hill. The book is from the US Dept. of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. A box of crayons is included with the other material. Then it is time to board the bus and go to the park for a picnic lunch and then off to school to talk about all they have learned.
HOPEDALE – During Wednesday’s council meeting while addressing the Property Committee’s report, council member Lynnette Regalia informed council there were a total of nine properties that Village Solicitor Jack Felgenhauer was requested to send letters for cleaning up their property. An entire file full of pictures of the properties depicted very high grass, tires, litter and other properties with overgrown weeds cluttering up properties. A motion was made and approved for the letters to be sent to owners giving them a short time frame to remedy the situation. Another thing the village of Hopedale prides itself on is showing
off a fresh coat of paint and the cleaning up of the town. Mayor Mike Pelegreen announced the flushing out of one fire hydrant and the painting of 58 in total. Also, 120 guardrail posts were painted as well as curbs on bridge abutments done. Pelegreen said painting was just about wrapped up at the park with finishing touches to come the next day. He said all the work was done by using community assistance workers. Also, The village’s recent clean up day was announced as a success with Mayor Mike Pelegreen informed council that 77 loads were taken in, which included 55 village and township residents. He said 75 tires plus two tons of metal were received.
See PROPERTY PG. 2
Four county entities awarded Community Development Block funds By JD LONG jim@harrisonnewsherald.com CADIZ – The Harrison County Planning Commission (HCPC) held a meeting Tuesday inside the commissioner’s office but before the official meeting took place the HCPC awarded four communities: German Township, Deersville Players (theatre),
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NEWS-HERALD
Harrisville Volunteer Fire Department and Washington Township VFD as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) recipients. Bowerston Mayor Milo Baker was present to fight for his community but they were not awarded funds and deemed an alternate. When the decision was up for vote, Baker was the lone dissenting vote after expressing his displeasure over certain
Index Area: . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg. 2 Public Record . . . . . .Pg. 5 Obits . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg. 5 Sports: . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg. 6 Crossword . . . . . . . . .Pg. 8 Events . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg. 8
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procedures. Office Administrator of the Harrison County Community Improvement Corporation (HCCIC), Jody Hennis gave the rundown in amounts each entity was requesting starting with German Township at $27,000. Hennis said they were requesting the funds to replace a culvert on Mill Road. German Township trustee Frank Kellar represented and
OBITUARIES Gary Lewis Hauber Carrollton, Ohio
Sandra Jean Haught Hursey Scio, Ohio Dallas W. Vickers Jr. Jewett, Ohio
confirmed the amount. He said the culvert they wished to replace is 60 years old and called it a “main drainage culvert.” “It’s creating some sinkholes because of the deterioration of the culvert,” Kellar explained. “It’s 30 inches in diameter and it’s critical to the drainage and water control for the residents in German Township.” Marsha Dodds was present for Deersville
and they were requesting $35,000 for improvements to the theatre including stairs, porch and floor work. Also, Dustin Kinsey, president of the Harrisville Volunteer Fire Department Council, put in a $32,000 request for the restoration of their west wall. Lastly, Washington Township VFD, represented
See FUNDS PG. 5
Question of the week
Last week’s question
Do you agree with the proposed location of the Cadiz post office? YES 70% (16 VOTES) NO 30% (7 VOTES))
John Michael Stock
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Next week’s question Are you planning a summer vacation this year? YES • NO
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