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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2018
harrisonnewsherald.com
Local officials make last effort to oppose Issue 1 By JD LONG
jim@harrisonnewsherald.com
CADIZ – With the Nov. 6 election just beyond the weekend there is little time left to round up support for one’s cause. With the Harrison County judges and law enforcement, there is precious little time to rise up against Issue 1 but many made a last ditch effort at Wednesday’s Harrison County Commissioner’s meeting. Prosecutor Owen Beetham spoke on the record stating he and his fellow elected officials “continue to voice their opposition to Issue 1” quoting the Chief Justice of Ohio stating that Issue 1 passing would be a “disaster for Ohio.” “Harrison County’s a nice place to live. Harrison County is a safe place to live,” Prosecutor Beetham told the board. He continued by stating that our local judges see incarceration to be used as a tool to force the addicted into
treatment. But When it comes to Without the ability to at least threaten Issue 1, they region, those the possibility of incarcerations, there’s fear, would let opposing Issue 1 led hard drug in only two of the five really no carrot and stick available to offenses turn regions: 0.5 percent get people to voluntarily enter rehab, into in the northwest and if the law is going to be, that first and misdemeanors 4.4 percent in the second time offenders cannot be and walk right southeast, which incarcerated under Ohio law, I can tell out the includes Harrison you one place they’re not going to go courtroom County. For the and that’s rehab. Judge Mark Beetham northeast door without region, the power of those in favor have a the usual commanding 13.3 influence from percent lead but less University (BWU) poll taken Oct. 28, those same courts. than 4 points in the southwest. Under Issue 1 was leading 43 percent in favor “If they lose that ability and to 39.8 percent against. Males and “others,” there is a 15-point lead in prosecutors and law enforcement lose Democrats seem to favor Issue 1 with favor. that ability, send people to jail, send males having nearly a full 11-point lead In the center region the lead in favor, people to prison, it will be a terrible and Democrats with a whopping 23 the margin is even narrower at 1.8 thing,” Prosecutor Beetham explained points ahead (margin of error (+/-) 3.8 percent, which is well within the adding that he felt, as the others have percent). The Female’s margin margin of error, according to BWU. recently voiced, they would lose control opposing is only half the lead males Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice over the enforcement of drug have in favoring the issue, with Maureen O’Connor (WKSU-89.7 defendants. Republicans about the same size in Sept. 5 article) stressed her reservations According to a Baldwin Wallace opposition as democrats favor. for Issue 1. O’Connor noted what she
thought was some “imprecise language” being created and echoed the same sentiments as Harrison County officials saying she was afraid Issue 1 would create a burden on the court system. “You’re going to double his caseload,” Juvenile Court Judge Matthew Puskarich said referring to Judge Mark Beetham’s County Court. Puskarich stated that Judge T. Shawn Hervey has the intervention programs, which involve Eastern Ohio Correctional Center (EOCC) and Puskarich stated that his Dependency Court is in the midst of being certified. “Again, we’re going to be picking up that cost not the state,” Puskarich said. “And it’s a constitutional amendment where the only way any of it can be changed is to take [it] back to the voters of the state of Ohio to change a single word. This is a legislature issue, it should remain with the legislature that’s
See ISSUE 1 PG. 2
MWCD terminates Tappan’s Pangrazio Pizza concession contract By JD LONG
jim@harrisonnewsherald.com
NH Photo | JD LONG
Congressman, Bill Johnson (R) (left) and Hopedale Fire Chief Mark Marchetta proudly display the representative check of $732,526 awarded the Hopedale VFD last Thursday. The grant came from FEMA and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and will pay a portion of VFD staff and EMT’s for three years, which is the length of the grant.
Hopedale VFD receives $700,000 grant HOPEDALE – Last Thursday night at the Hopedale firehouse, Congressman Bill Johnson (R) talked about this being one of the fun things he gets to do. And one of those fun things he referred to was congratulating the Hopedale Volunteer Fire Department last Thursday on accepting a $732,526 grant from FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security. “Hopedale Fire Department is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the staffing for adequate fire and emergency response, also known as the SAFER Grant…” Fire Chief Mark Marchetta told the crowd. The grant will now help to pay for volunteer fire fighters as well as EMT workers making Hopedale now the only volunteer fire department in Harrison County to have paid employees. “To protect the needs of the community and declining volunteerism and through that we received this grant…” Marchetta
Sports VALES trophy remains in Cadiz
The Huskies defeated Buckeye Local for their final game of the season, which keeps the coveted VALES trophy in Cadiz for another season. See Page 6
said while commending the ones who have committed to the task and noting their dedication. Marchetta explained that for the first two years of the three-year grant, 75 percent of fire fighters and EMT wages would be paid, with 35 percent paid for in year three. “This will allow Hopedale Fire Department to staff the station 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the next three years,” adding that the first day of staffing was to be Oct. 28. Johnson congratulated Marchetta and told him, “these grants don’t come by accident.” “They’re given to communities that show potential and not only need, but potential to be able to put that money to good use,” Johnson explained. He stated that the number of responses are only going to grow with opportunities tied to oil and gas, while also comparing today’s numbers with what was experienced in the past.
“So, I am very proud of the work that you have done chief, you and your team,” Johnson continued. “I’m honored to be here today to help celebrate the presentation of this grant.” Johnson then changed gears briefly and explained why he had such affinity for first responders when he recited a house fire years ago that took the life of his son-in-law and grandson. “Because they’re a part of the America that runs toward danger instead of running away from it,” he said referring to those first responders. “Our communities would not survive were it not for what you guys do.” Assistant Chief Michael Moore called it a blessing “to a community this size.” Moore added that this would not only aid in helping their insurance rating but help cut down in that important response time. “This was a true blessing and people don’t realize how huge this really is,” Moore stated.
School
Election
Harrison Hills to conduct safety drill
Harrisville prepares for Christmas Craft Show
A school bus drill will be conducted for Harrison Central and Harrison East on Nov. 5 at the fairgrounds. See Page 7
Candidates for representative of the 95th District, Dan Milleson and Don Jones answer questions to help voters make their decision. See Page 4
NEW PHILADELPHIA – The latest concessionaire to occupy the Tappan Marina restaurant has come to an end. Chief of Recreation Scott Barnhart announced at last month’s Muskingum Watershed conservancy District (MWCD) meeting held at their Annex offices, that they have decided to terminate the contract with Pangrazio’s Pizza Inc. Barnhart, after giving a brief reminder of the makings of the deal over the summer and how the MWCD came to an agreement with Pangrazio, explained what has transpired since. “We’ve analyzed how the year has went and due to staff feedback and customer feedback, we’re recommending termination of the lease agreement,” Barnhart told the board. He added that he was seeking permission for a new operator by the 2019 summer season. Barnhart stated that terminating the lease was within their rights after consulting with legal counsel. “It is not a mutual agreement,” Barnhart told board member Joanne Limbach after she put forth the question. “We have had a number of discussions over issues, over the course of the season.” Limbach offered her own complaints she’d received from others who had been there over the summer as well. Deputy Chief of Marina Operations John Olivier also stated they have had numerous discussions over the course of the summer. Board member Clark Sprang asked specifically what the problem was while stating how excited everyone was to partner with Pangrazio and now, only to “fall flat.” Barnhart offered up the reason as “management would be at the top of the list, or lack thereof,” with which Olivier agreed. It was noted that there are no property rights involved in the deal. An attempt to reach Pangrazio for comment was unsuccessful. In other news involving various approvals, no action was needed on a Tappan project but Chief Engineer Boris Slogar announced that from their May approval, a bid was awarded for Tappan Park wastewater treatment plant and main pump station. The estimate came in at $2.1 million and Tuscon was awarded the contract. Barnhart said the contract was awarded for $2,174,770 with an anticipated completion date of April, of 2019. Also, for the bid award concerning Piedmont Marina and the campground water utilities project, Barnhart stated that from another May approval, an agreement was executed with Express Underground for $528,000. Barnhart told the board it was within the “10 percent overage,” which the estimate was actually $510,000. Barnhart said they hoped to finish this project in
See CONTRACT PG. 2
Question of the week
Last week’s question
Do you think the power plant money is being distributed fairly?
YES 70% (30VOTES) NO 30% (17 VOTES)
Next week’s question Question
Do you have health insurance? YES • NO
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