SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021
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Scio seeks annexation, targets Williams plant By JD LONG
jim@harrisonnewsherald.com
CADIZ – Near the end of Wednesday’s Harrison County Commissioner’s meeting, the village of Scio’s Jason Tubaugh, village administrator and attorney Brittany Bowland of Baker Dublikar out of Canton, handed over a formal petition in an attempt to annex 693.831 acres of land around Scio, which for all intents and purposes, is to acquire the land Williams Energy’s plant occupies just outside the village limits. The debate began more than five years ago when Utica East Ohio Midstream
owned the plant and a Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) had been discussed. But nothing came of it and the subject had seemingly died out when the village and the township could not reach a unanimous agreement, which was required. Apparently, though, the village of Scio had quietly been working on a plan and relations, according to some members of council’s past comments, has not been the same with Williams as it had been with UEO. One member said that it’s not that the relationship is poor with Williams but that there just isn’t any at all between them and the village. UEO, in an attempt to persuade the village from any kind of forcible tax
such as a JEDD, once proposed to pay the village $115,000 for 10 years but village council ultimately rejected that saying it wasn’t enough considering what they felt they could bring in from taxes if it were structured differently and fairly. The next step, according to one of the attorneys for Baker Dublikar, James Mathews who was contacted on Thursday, said the village of Scio would need to pass an ordinance that deals with services such as, sewer and water for example, that would be involved in the annexed territory. “It’s kind of a formality if you will,” Mathews said referring to the extension of those services. The next step would
be a public hearing before the county commissioners, which by law, requires it be scheduled 60 to 90 days from when the petition was filed, according to Mathews. He said the commissioners will then pass that petition over to Harrison County Prosecutor Lauren Knight for review and the scheduling of the hearing followed by the notification of Baker Dublikar. He said no public hearings are required within the village of Scio other than “some notices that go out including a publication that happens.” Mathews said there is also no requirement to place the issue on the ballot for public voting. “The commissioners have a period of
time to make a decision and then everybody just has to wait until their decision,” Mathews explained. He added that it’s possible there could be court challenges but hoped that it would not be pushed to that extent. And though the village hopes to see a vast difference in revenue where they would hope to see hundreds of thousands of dollars more, Scio Treasurer Heidi Trice said it was safe to say it would generate significantly more than UEO’s proposed $115,000 per year. But in the end she added that the village does not have a true idea of how much additional revenue the annexation would generate.
That’s a Wrap!
Riesbeck’s buys out three IGA stores By JD LONG
HARRISON COUNTY – In an email sent out to local media outlets Wednesday morning, the news was surprising to most as it was announced that Riesbeck’s had bought out Baker’s IGA, which includes the Scio store. In the press release titled: “All Things Must Pass” the Baker family wrote a heartfelt explanation as to how they came to their decision. “This is the right time, the right decision for us. We have given our lives to the grocery business and it has been good to us. I have honored my father and grandfather’s legacy and I know they would be proud. With that in mind we offer the following announcement. “Baker's Management, Inc. is announcing the sale of the Baker's IGA locations in Scio, Sugarcreek and Newcomerstown, Ohio. The three Baker's stores will be purchased by Riesbeck's Food Markets, during a staggered transition period from June through October of 2021. “Terrie and I have contemplated this decision for three years. When do we step back and take it easy, when do we “retire” from the grocery business? I’ve been in the business all my life, I went on the payroll at age 11 in 1964. Terrie joined the company shortly after we married in 1978. Between us that make(s) 100 years in the business! “How do you decide when to end the run of a three generation 103 year old family grocery business? It was a bittersweet decision. In 2018 we began to discuss just how to do it, what life would look like after Bakers IGA. In 2019 we met with a few potential buyers. Then 2020 and covid [sic], no one was buying or selling. So 2021 seems like “the right year.” “We want to travel, to spend more time in our Florida home. We want to enjoy time with our four grandsons all between ages 8 and 10 in San Antonio and Grand Rapids. In less than a decade they’ll be finishing high school and moving on to the next step in
See RIESBECK’S - Pg. 2
HARRISON
NEWS-HERALD
NH PHOTO/ED BANKS
The Harrison Central graduating class of 2021 made their final statement last Friday night following the ceremonies. With headgear flying above their heads, the departing seniors have vowed that “Our lives are before us, our pasts are behind us, but memories are forever with us!”
Harrison Central class of 2021 says goodbye BY ED BANKS CADIZ - It was both a pleasant and sad evening this past Friday night, as the Harrison Central Class of 2021 received their diplomas and said farewell to the school administration, teachers, classmates, family, and friends. The ceremony itself was done in a fashion that no one will soon forget. From opening processional to the recessional, watching and listening to the students lay ground for the future of the class seemed as special as the future that was reflected through the words. The ceremony was opened by School Principal Ken Parker and District
EVENTS
Superintendent Dana Snider. In Mrs. Snider’s opening comments, she alluded to seeing life through rosecolored glasses. Along with saying that a positive approach to life promotes relationships, Snider mentioned the good relationships that the graduates had fostered over the years. “Most of the kids wanted the best education they could receive,” she said. “The class of 2021 is stronger and wiser and are ready for the next chapter in their lives. I hope they have an eventful summer as they wear their rose-color glasses,” she added. The National Anthem was presented and led by the Harrison Central Select Choir. Graduating senior Audrey Corder led the assembly in the Pledge
of Allegiance to the Flag, and the Select Choir performed a selection by Stephen Scwartz called “For Good.” The select choir performs under the direction of Mrs. Angela Ripley. Jasmine Arnold presented remarks as the class salutatorian. Arnold graduated with a 4.476 GPA. She has been a Ruritan scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, an academic letter winner, a worthy member of the cross-country and track teams, holds multiple OVAC championships and a state qualifier. Arnold has received the Trustees and Manzilla Scholarship and will attend the University of Mount Union. At Mount Union she will major in exercise science. Arnold volunteers at many local events including the board
of elections. Valedictorian remarks came from Britton Positano. Positano will graduate with a 4.50 GPA. She was a Ruritan scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, an academic letter winner, captain on the soccer team, basketball and softball, a multi-letter winner, and award winner. Positano’s words to her classmates that included: “Pause, take a moment, look around, take a picture. This could be your last game,” will resonate with her classmates, educators, family and friends forever. Positano will attend the California University of Pennsylvania,
See GOODBYE - Pg. 2
OBiTUARiES
CRIME Samual Danze Cadiz, Ohio
Rose Virginia Swansboro Cadiz, Ohio
Janet Marie Barcroft Spaar Cadiz, Ohio
Bee Creative Art Fest scheduled | PG 7
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