Free Press Standard 09-06-18

Page 1

FREE PRESS S T A N D A R D

C o n t i n u i n g To P r o u d l y S e r v e C a r r o l l C o u n t y S i n c e 1 8 3 1 $1.00

Thursday, September 6, 2018

freepressstandard.com

Commissioners return $3 million to USDA By NANCY SCHAAR

FPS Correspondent

Commissioner Jeff Ohler said he has been contacted by David Douglas from the United States Department of Agriculture regarding a $3 million loan that has been pending with Carroll County for a while. The time frame in which the loan could be used ends in June of 2019. Douglas said he has other projects shovel ready and could use those funds to cover several other projects. We're not going to be able to start a $6 million project in six months," said Ohler.

"I am not happy. We are in effect killing the project," said Commissioner Bob Wirkner. Ohler said no, they were not killing it. They just didn't get other federal funds they were planning on such as an additional $3 million from Economic Development Administration. And their own budget can't afford to pay $6 million. One problem with the EDA funds was that any property owner along that route would not be permitted to sell their properties for more money than what they were appraised for at the time. Ohler said all commissioners had problems with that provision and

couldn't see agreeing to it. Commissioners have worked for several years on the Northern Corridor project. This project would have provided water and sewer from the Village of Malvern along State Route 43 to Carrollton. This would have provided extensive areas of future development along that road. USDA approved a $3 million loan to help fund the project, but time has run out for commissioners to obtain the rest of the funds needed for the Northern Corridor project. USDA approved the commitment of $3 million in June of 2016. Muskingum Watershed Conservancy

District also said they would help with $300,000. A loan is possible but the payment would be $350,000 a year for 40 years, according to Ohler. And the current budget for the county doesn't have that kind of money to promise. Ohler said they have to make some tough choices. He said they were all unhappy that the project can't be done in the amount of time they have. Ohler wanted to give back the money to USDA now so that it will be a positive reflection of Carroll County to the USDA. The county will be able to apply for funding for this project again from the USDA.

Wirkner said that budget requests and needs just don't let them put back as much carry over in funds that they need to prepare for the future and handle the building of new infrastructure. "At some point this board needs to plan for the future," continued Wirkner. Wirkner continued to say that every time the board thinks they may have a healthy carry over suddenly the board is overwhelmed with desperate needs from county offices and departments. Commissioner Lewis Mickley said

See RETURN, PG. 2

A Brother to be laid to rest Save22 will be part of Fred’s Final Ride on Friday, September 21. Save22 will escort the body of Frederick L. Elbert, Jr on September 21 from Adventure Harley Davidson beginning at 10 a.m. This is located at State Route 39 near Dover. The ride will end in Washington D.C. the evening of September 21. At the Vietnam Memorial Wall that evening, Fred will have one final walk with the Brothers and Sisters he served with. Fred will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery on September 22. These two dates are very special for Fred. September 21 is National POW/MIA (Prisoner’s of War/Missing in Action) recognition day. And the 22nd of every month is Veteran Buddy Check day when they all take extra time to make sure their brothers and sisters of service are ok. Fred was never able to visit the wall. It was too much for him, according to friends. Fred enlisted in the marines October 6, 1966. He began duties in Vietnam in January 1968. This was right before Tet

See BROTHER, PG. 3

Left to Right: Michael V. Repella II, Candidate for Carroll County Common Pleas Court, Tonda DaRe, Founder of Holly’s Song Of Hope and U.S. Senator Rob Portman are in front of The Wall of Encouragement at The Bluffs Rehab Open House on International Overdose Awareness Day.

Senator Rob Portman visits The Bluffs Open House on International Overdose Awareness Day By CHRIS MODRANSKI

FPS Correspondent

The Bluffs received a visit from United States Senator Rob Portman during the International Overdose Awareness Day this past Friday. The Bluffs held the open house as an act of prevention and remembrance for the lives lost to overdose and those currently struggling with addictions. The former local landmark, Atwood Lake Resort and Conference Center, was sold in 2017 and became a facility for Addiction Campuses.

This is a Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery and Rehabilitation Center. It is a private addiction treatment center with programs dedicated and tailored to the individual needs of patients. The Bluffs opened last fall when it accepted its first patient on September 14, 2017. “It is probably the nicest treatment center in America, a lovely setting. What a great place to go to get away from it all and work on yourself,” said Portman who represents the State of Ohio in Washington DC. The facility has 160 beds available for individuals seeking treatment and is currently operating with 125 employees. The facility plans

to increase their staff to 175 as their treatment programs continue grow. The average client stays between 30 and 45 days and ages have ranged from 18 to 77 years old. The facility treats twice as many females as males. The type of addictions cited most are opioids and alcohol abuse. “This disease, especially the opioid issue is ravishing our state. It’s good to have options. It isn’t right for everyone but for a lot of people it’s a Godsend. A lot of people go for treatment and end up relapsing and going back to treatment again. That’s why it is important when people leave here to get into a longer term recovery

See PORTMAN, PG. 4

Special Prosecutor appointed By NANCY SCHAAR

FPS Correspondent

Attorney Jeffrey R. Jakmides has been appointed as a special prosecuting attorney in the Jeffrey Mangun, Chairman of the Carroll County Republican Party, vs. Judge Dominick Olivito of the Common Pleas Court case in the Ohio Supreme Court. Carroll County Prosecuting Attorney Steven D. Barnett filed a motion in Common Pleas Court of Carroll County to appoint a special prosecutor in the matter on Aug. 30. The motion stated the appointment was necessary because of the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct Sections 7.1 and 7.3 of the National Prosecuting Standards.

See APPOINTED, PG. 2

Veterans Support Group Save 22 wins state award By NANCY SCHAAR

FPS Correspondent

Perry Alexandrides met with partners of Save22 at the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce office to present The Ohio Business Profile Award for 2018. “The theme for this year is non profit organizations. This is presented to you because of what you do. You have served your country and you still do. Thank you for caring about veterans in the State of Ohio,” said Alexandrides. Alexandrides is a liaison from the Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted’s office. Save22 was founded in 2016 by local veteran Tom Indorf. The five mile hike was held to bring awareness to the number of veterans and active military personnel who commit suicide on a daily basis. Previous walks have started at the VFW Fighting McCook Post on Chase Rd. and went through Carrollton ending at the Carroll County fairgrounds. Other events are also held that include speeches from veterans and their family members who have been greatly affected by the suicide of loved

more inside

ones. Indorf said he had realized he had a problem and reached out to the other guys that form the group. Numerous outings are held for veterans such as golf, hiking, fishing, motor sports, art, camping and more. Member Albert Woodin said it took him 20 years to reach out for help. “I buried myself in my work. I was not in a good place. But these guys were there,” said Woodin. Veterans from all across America and even Canadians seek help from Save22, according to Jon Haney. “It’s a pride thing. We have to swallow our pride and ask for help. It took me six years to reach out,” stated member Jason Rutledge. Rutledge said there have been nine suicides of veterans within a 50 mile radius of Carrollton. “It’s ok not to be ok. You have to accept it. We will help any veteran,” said Woodin. The veterans pool in Carroll County has been closed for quite a few years but this group is trying to get it refurbished and made available for therapy for veterans. Woodin said there isn’t a pool in the county or Jefferson County, or

obits P.5

accent P.10

anywhere nearby that veterans can use for therapy. The group is trying to obtain funding to re-open Carroll County Veteran’s Pool. It has been closed for years due to the lack of funding to make needed repairs and upgrades. Save22 wants to raise enough money to open the pool as a salt water therapy pool. It would be the only one in the State of Ohio. “It is our dream to have the pool turned into a therapy pool. This pool was built by veterans with their own money. They wanted to save kids from drowning. They wanted kids to swim and be safe,” said Woodin. The third grade students of Carrollton school district received swimming lessons at the Vet’s Pool every year for many years at no cost to the students or to the school district. The pool building they dream of and plan on making a reality will have a banquet hall that seats 350 people, because as Woodin said, there isn’t a facility that can do that anywhere in Carroll County. There will also be a section of the building that will honor all veterans. Their names will be

sports P.6

Front row left to right: Perry Alexandrides, Tom Indorf and Nick Trussell. Back row, Jon Haney, Albert Woodin and Jason Rutledge. Members of Save22 accept the award from the Secretary of State’s office.

posted and digital videos available with information regarding each veteran. “Be honored. Move forward,” were the final words of advice for

crossword P.12

classified P.11

fellow veterans who may need help from Woodin. To contact the group online or to make a donation please go to info@save22.vet.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.