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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2018
harrisonnewsherald.com
Commissioners pass resolution to oppose Issue 1 We’ve opposed it across the state. We’ve opposed it very, very strongly…it’s going to be detrimental to the state. Sheriff Joe Myers
By JD LONG
jim@harrisonnewsherald.com
CADIZ – Wednesday, the Harrison County Commissioners agreed to Resolution (27-18), which is to oppose Issue 1. The constitutional amendment, which has caught the attention and ire of county officials is on the ballot this November and deals with lowering certain drug offenses-including serious drugs, to misdemeanors. The resolution, read by Commissioner Dale Norris was for supporting the opposition of Issue 1, all commissioners
agreed to sign it. “Whereas, Issue 1, if passed, will have disastrous results for the residents of Harrison County and the State of Ohio…” as read by Norris. “…Those results include exposing Ohioans to an increase in substance abuse activity and criminal behavior as there will be little to no consequence for engaging in such…and would impose a substantial unfunded mandate upon Harrison County which would be obligated to pay for the treatment services mandated by its provisions.” These drugs, which would be relegated to a misdemeanor would
include, Fentanyl, K2, Cocaine, LSD, Methamphetamine, Heroin “and other controlled substances.” It is feared, according to the resolution and many county officials that the classification of misdemeanor would “further financially burden Harrison County and other counties…already faced with significant funding reductions.” Another fear recently expressed by Juvenile Court Judge Matthew Puskarich was that this proposed amendment would wipe out “drug courts” in the state, which are “utilized by our State’s judges to effectively treat substance abuse.” Commissioner Paul Coffland spoke briefly concerning all who have been opposed just to clarify the commissioner’s stance and the reason for the reading of the resolution. “I personally [am] opposed to the Issue,” he said and asked if Sheriff Joe Myers would like to speak, which he
also did briefly. “We’ve opposed it across the state,” he told the commissioners. “We’ve opposed it very, very strongly…it’s going to be detrimental to the state.” He added that this proposed amendment should have been done legislatively and “not constitutionally changed.” “That’s our feeling and that’s our belief,” he continued. “It’s just going to be another failed program that we’re not going to be able to do anything… in the long run.” Also, Doug Crabtree of the Harrison County Engineer’s Office, opened bids during, concerning the Harrison 61, “bridge-wall repair project,” as Crabtree described it. BBR Drilling Company Inc. of Belmont, came in with the lowest bid at $69,860. Dennison Bridge Inc. was listed at $88,818 and the highest bid was a whopping, $129,978, which came from Lockhart
100 & Counting
Concrete out of Akron. All three bids were tabled as usual for further discussion. Also, bids read aloud at last week’s meeting and tabled for the Harrison 2 slip repair project, that decision was to go with the lowest bid, which was BBR Drilling Company Inc. at $53,155. The only other bid was a high of $82,712 by Dennison Bridge. Also, Crabtree introduced three Road Use Maintenance Agreements (RUMA) that deals with a proposed agreement between Harrison County and Chesapeake Exploration. Crabtree added that all three projects are in Stock and Franklin Townships, as well and those roads include Harrison 55 and 2. He said the projects involve base and overlay work. Crabtree also reminded residents to check and replace batteries in their smoke detectors.
Bowerston moves forward with utility rate increases By JACQUIE HUMPHREY NH Correspondent
BOWERSTON At the October meeting of the Bowerston Village Council, Mayor Milo Baker reported that he had spoken with multiple residents and Water Department Administrator, Karen Kinney, regarding their concerns for the proposed Ordinance to increase the base rate of sewer utility by $6 per month and water by $4 per month, beginning in January of 2019. Baker said that he has also discussed the issue with Village Administrator Jeramiah Warner, who was present at the meeting and advised that he has also heard of resident’s concerns and feels Council should consider clarifying, by preparing revenue and expense reports, so that everyone understands why Council is making these
Bakers IGA celebrates 100 years FREEPORT — A large crowd attended Bakers IGA Centennial Celebration on Oct. 5 at the Freeport Fire Station with Gary and Terry Baker greeting guest at the door and had a display of Baker’s artifacts and photos of Eddie Baker “100 Years of Baker’s” presentation. It was a tribute to Ed Baker with his life reenacted. Storyteller Chris Hart who is well known
throughout the eastern United States for portraying historical figures, reminiscing on 100 years of Baker’s IGA and did a great job as the people remembered those days in Freeport. Ed was a community man, hard worker, as well as a good teacher, with a lot of laughs along with taking care of his customers at the Freeport store. Gary and Terry told several stories about
what happened at Freeport store. Then they had people who worked at the store when it was there including Phyllis Dickey who worked 30 years; Marge Bardall who worked 12 years; Martha Parker who worked 12 years; Bethany Doane who worked 4 years, and Bob Koch who worked 3 years. The Bakers drove the 1953 Chevy “Eddie” to the Celebration.
Custer Pharmacy sold to Wheeling Hospital By JD LONG
jim@harrisonnewsherald.com
CADIZ - In a closely guarded secret, which has been in the works for quite some time, Wheeling Hospital made it official
Sports
on Thursday the purchasing of Custer Pharmacy. Wheeling Hospital’s spokesperson Gregg Warren, in a statement provided by HCH senior administrator Tony Martinelli, said “Harrison Community Hospital (HCH)
recently acquired Custer Pharmacy in Cadiz. The staff will remain the same, as will the hours and services.” An attempt for statement from Custer Pharmacy personnel was unsuccessful at the time of publication.
School
Events
Huskies grab second win of the season
HC students hope to encourage voting with march
Deersville Community Players prepare for play
Rebounding from the beating against the Lucas Cubs, the Huskies set their sights on Oak Glen’s Golden Bears, a team whom the Huskies have dominated in their four previous meetings. See Page 6
A student march planned by several Harrison Central seniors is designed to stress the importance of voting in the upcoming mid-term elections. See Page 7
The Deersville Community Players are preparing for their production of Welcome Back to Ivy Gap, written by Bob Osborne. See Page 10
NEWS-HERALD
increases. The fact that Bowerston’s utility rates are significantly lower than surrounding communities has been discussed by Council for years. Former Village Administrator David Bower advised Council as early as 2013 that the Village does not qualify for grant funding to make needed improvements to the water and sewer plants because of the low rates. Efforts have been made in recent years to bring the billing more in-line with current rates, but the increases have not been adequate. The idea of hosting a Public Meeting was discussed by Council, but then it was noted that the monthly Council meetings are public, and anyone wanting to express their concerns or obtain further information should attend a
See INCREASES PG. 3
Manbeck seeks levy for 24-hour EMS By JD LONG
jim@harrisonnewsherald.com
ADENA – Shortcreek Fire Chief Joe Manbeck announced to Adena council at last week’s meeting that a levy would be on this year’s ballot for 24-hour EMS service. He said the first levy attempted was for 9 mils and “this time around we’re going for 4-mils.” He said with the oil and gas industry’s residual effects they could sustain a 24hour crew with a 4-mil levy. “What that means for Adena residents is your taxes will go down…,” Manbeck said. Also noted was that with the passage of a 4-mil levy then all current levies covering Adena, Smithfeild and Smithfield Township “will be removed when this levy passes,” according
to Manbeck and an information pamphlet he handed out. Manbeck said those taxes “will go down by 50 percent.” “Not only will you save 50 percent, we’re also doing what we call soft-billing. Soft-billing is when you call an ambulance traditionally, your insurance didn’t cover it, you got an extra bill,” Manbeck explained. “If the levy passes, you won’t get that extra bill. If you don’t have insurance and you’re paying taxes, you don’t get a bill. It’s as simple as yet.” Also announced, council approved the hire of a new solicitor in Adam Martello, who takes the place of Aaron Richardson. His pay would be $600 instead of $400 per month
See LEVY PG. 11
Question of the week
Last week’s question
Do you think the villages are doing enough about “junk properties?”
YES 16% (5 VOTES) NO 84% (26 VOTES)
Next week’s question Question
Are you voting in the mid-terms this November? YES • NO
Vote@HarrisonNewsHerald.com
HARRISON
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