$1.25
SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019
harrisonnewsherald.com
Latest escape sparks new jail talk, county gets armory By JD LONG
jim@harrisonnewsherald.com
CADIZ – Wednesday, the Harrison County Commissioners read into the record Resolution 27-19 approving the takeover of the SSG George J. Conaway U.S. Army Reserve Center on U.S. 250 in Cadiz. Commissioner Don Bethel commented after Commissioner Dale Norris read the resolution stating issues needed taken care of have now been addressed and what was next was what he called “the obvious,” which would involve a study sometime in the near future. That study is to determine, “feasibility, size, location, cost, and potential funding sources for a proposed new facility for the jail, Sheriff’s Office, and 911 Center…” according to the resolution. Bethel got into more depth as in how many jail cells, beds and how
much of the building needs to be used for such purposes. “We know it can be retrofitted for the sheriff’s office, we know it can be the 911 Center, we do not know how much of that building can be retrofitted for an actual jail, and the cost of that," Bethel explained. Bethel stated they want to make sure before something like this is done that they can afford to operate the building before it is operational and the money that comes along with the project. “Thinking about Harrison County, anybody else for that matter, no one really wants to pay any… additional money out of their pockets to pay to make the life of a criminal a little bit more comfortable,” Bethel stated. He also acknowledged that the current jail has outlived its use and hopes that “all the numbers comes together," in order for the sheriff’s office to make the move.
Commissioner Paul Coffland spoke briefly stating he was happy the process they needed to follow had been completed to bring the county to this point. When asked if the feasibility of renovating the current facility would also be taken into consideration, Bethel stated everything would be taken into consideration. When asked about the recent escape by inmate Jason Groff, Bethel stated it was an “unfair question for us.” He said any questions regarding those answers should be directed to the sheriff. He added though, the current facility’s design could have been a factor but until they had all the details, it would be unfair to lay the blame on anyone. “But there’s no question that is a department issue and that question needs to be directed to the sheriff,” Bethel stated. Coffland also said it would be unfair to comment on something he has no knowledge of
The image of the red Cadiz Village Street Department truck was taken from a screen image the street department provided, which escapee, Jason Groff is suspected of stealing when he escaped from the Harrison County jail last Saturday.
regarding how the jail is operated. Sheriff Joe Myers did comment when later contacted by stating the escape was “tragic” but complained that he is under-manned and again, as he’s been
saying for the past few years at least, he needs a new jail facility and also commented on the design of the current building as a problem.
See ESCAPE PG. 3
New Athens talks dilapidated housing By JD LONG
jim@harrisonnewsherald.com
1930s erea homemade telescope at Custer Museum James T. Thompson, Harrison County Veterans Service officer, shows a section of a homemade telescope that was built in the 1930s by Clifford Arbaugh. It has an eye piece that is located in the front and is over 6 feet long. This is now stored in the downstairs section of the Custer Museum in New Rumley. The base is to be sent away for service and it will be put on display. The Custer Museum has a M1892 field trumpet bugle that plays in the key of G and was used by the Quarter Master in 1892; old-time Custer trading cards; a U.S. flag with the signatures of Ulysses Grant, Captain Miles, Gen. Custer, and many generals super imposed on it; models of the home of the Custer family; many photos of the general, books on his exploits and Army uniforms.
NEW ATHENS – Council talked at length Tuesday night during their regular meeting about dilapidated properties just as each community has been dealing with for years and now New Athens is a part of that group. The village has touched on the issue in past meetings but this time they spent considerable time on the issue regarding particular properties, ordinances, fines and what other towns are doing to remedy the problem. Mayor Joe Petro noted one community using a “land grant” and touched on the procedure of tearing houses down via the court system. “You know everybody in here keeps their property up, and I don’t think anybody would want any of these properties we’re speaking about setting beside their house,” council member Mark Arnold explained. “… You know, we’ve got to look at the betterment here, six houses in a little town like this makes the whole place look bad.” Village Solicitor Travis Collins stated the village could obtain certain houses via foreclosures, as an example but then asked what is the village going to do next. “Are you going to pay someone to tear it down?” Arnold said the village could take the property over then worry about what to do afterwards. “You know, a lot of things happen in this town that don’t always have to go on the record,” Arnold said then adding that he understands the burning of houses is not permitted any longer where Collins jumped in stating there’s a reason why the county does not want to get involved in these matters. “The county doesn’t want to do crap,” Arnold said. Collins explained that it’s a losing proposition as one reason then added that he would think some people
See NEW ATHENS PG. 3
Cadiz seeks another police officer, changes pay scale By JD LONG
jim@harrisonnewsherald.com
CADIZ – Police Chief Ryan McCann announced at last Thursday’s council meeting that officer Matt Huffman was resigning in order to join the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. McCann told council he’d already spoken to Clerk Treasurer Amy Ossman and Village Administrator Ted Andrzedrewski regarding pay raises for his officers in order to stay competitive with other agencies. “I did receive a resignation letter from Matt Huffman…he’s moving on to the Harrison County Sheriff’s office,” McCann told council. When asked, McCann said sheriff’s deputies make $21-plus per hour with insurance included and added that around four
HARRISON
NEWS-HERALD
officers have left his department in the past several years, though not all to the sheriff’s office. Discussion moved on to whether council needed to approve the adjusted pay scales after Council member Thomas Crawshaw stated pay raises were “already in the budget.” “These raises have already, are in his budget, it’s been approved by our yearly budget…” Some thought no approvals were needed since it was included in the budget but it was agreed that a resolution was necessary for the “adjusted pay scales.” Council member Chace Smith, who formerly worked in the Harrison County juvenile probation department, touched on surrounding state jobs that pay better, which he said was inevitable that Cadiz is more than likely going to
lose a person to them. “And we can’t compete,” council member Terry Capers said with Smith in agreement. “But at the same time I was telling the chief (McCann) in general, where my tune has changed a little bit is I think you know, we can’t offer as much as some nor should we because we’re not those villages and municipalities so, we also have to have I think a little respect for our patrolmen…and try to keep some good talent and good officers.” Smith said he was surprised after looking into surrounding jurisdictions and found that “we were pretty low,” in comparison. But he also said other jurisdictions were surprised at the amount of officers Cadiz employs, as well. “It’s beneficial for us, it’s a good thing
Index
OBITUARIES
Area: . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg. 2 Correspondence: . . . .Pg. 4 Public Record . . . . . .Pg. 5 Obits . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg. 5 Sports: . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg. 6 Real Estate: . . . . . . . .Pg. 7 Events: . . . . . . . . . . . .Pg. 8
harrisonnewsherald.com
Nancy J. Johnson
Martins Ferry, Ohio
Kay Maze
Las Vegas, NV
Helen Louise Kerr
at times,” Smith said. Andrzedrewski said everything had been taken into consideration when doing the budget after Capers had asked if the total impact of raises and insurance were considered. Another discussion turned to officers who have put in longer years than recent ones, which council member Mike McPeak touched on. “Years of service to me should be included…” McPeak told council. Council member John Vermillion’s statement, that the only way to receive a raise now would be to move up in rank or if someone retires, was confirmed by council and McCann. Crawshaw’s motion for Village Solicitor Costa D. Mastros for drawing up a new pay scale was approved. Another motion to replace officer
Huffman while keeping the police force at nine officers was also approved. When the topic of Emergency Services came up, Capers said their last meeting was interrupted by an emergency call and the firefighters there had to leave, cancelling the meeting. But Capers wanted to thank the firefighters for their work, which includes all hours of the day and night. “Not only do they work their eighthour jobs but during the meeting they got called out and none of them got home till midnight again last night,” Capers explained. “So, these guys go above and beyond like every single day. So I just wanted to say thank you.” And it was noted, they work for no pay, as volunteer fire departments in Harrison County do, except for Hopedale who now pays some firefighters via a grant.
Question of the week
Last week’s question
Will you be going to the Blues for a Cure concert? YES 10% (2 VOTES) NO 90% (19 VOTES)
Cadiz, Ohio
Ellen Orr
Cadiz, Ohio
facebook.com/harrisonnewsherald
Next week’s question Is the economy in Harrison County getting better? YES • NO
Vote@HarrisonNewsHerald.com newsroom@harrisonnewsherald.com