‘I paint what I love’

mining law in 1947-48, that law had very little impact in terms of environmental protection or land reclamation. SMCRA is the main federal law that regulates the environmental effects of coal mining in the United States. The Act is composed of two programs: one for regulating active coal mines and a second for reclaiming abandoned mine lands. SMCRA also created the Office of Surface Mining, an agency within the Department of the Interior, to promote regulations, fund state regulatory and reclamation efforts, and ensure consistency among state regulatory programs.

Compton Addy is looking to develop a Dollar Tree in the lot once it is ready for building. The CIC is extremely hopeful that if the project is successful that it will be positive for the village, creating new jobs and giving citizens another source to purchase goods.

BY KRISTI TULLIS Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer

SCIO—The Scio Branch Library is gearing up for programs for its patrons. From ages 2 to 100, there are different events to attract patrons of all ages. Books are a great way to pass the time through the winter months while stuck inside. The winter months are a good way to introduce children to books or to learn about a new hobby to begin now or in the spring, such as knitting, gardening, scrapbooking, fishing, and more.

Beginning in 2022, the library now has fun fitness challenges every month for patrons to complete on their own. The Barr Memorial Gym is also open to the public for indoor walking every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m.-noon. This is available for anyone not wishing to be outside in the elements, and groups are welcome. Also, for the more agile patron, Pickleball is offered on Wednesdays from 9–11 a.m. The library also offers instructors for beginners. Anyone interested should contact the library for details. As many patrons are now coming together to get healthier with face-to-face interactions with friends; all are welcome to join in.

The library also offers an online book club called Afterthoughts for avid readers who like the challenge. The group discusses assigned readings online through a Facebook group. Books for this can be checked out in person or digitally. The pace is one that allows readers to keep up as well as time to comment with their personal thoughts and opinions as the reading ensues. This group convenes monthly, but the Facebook group can be utilized throughout the reading of each text.

Available for public use, too, are computers. Patrons must use their library cards to use them as well.

Parents and guardians are bringing children together for Story Time on Tuesdays at 1 p.m.

ALIVE & WELL See Pg.- 8

BY CORNELIA GRACE Harrison News-Herald Reporter

CADIZ—Dave Barnhouse may be a familiar name to some readers. He has been painting scenes from Steubenville, Cadiz, and other local areas for several decades.

The nationally acclaimed painter grew up on a farm in Richmond, Ohio, “That was home,” he said, and he “Spent a lot of time around the farm. I loved to ride the tractors into the sunset.”

This idyllic description shines through in many of his paintings, which focus heavily on historical scenes from around Ohio. His farm scenes almost always include a tractor or two, and often some of his family members show up to fill out crowds.

He developed a love for art early on, spending time in school drawing instead of focusing on his studies. From the time he could hold a pencil, he was drawing.

“When I was a kid, I just sketched. In first grade, I won an art contest at the country schoolhouse.”

He painted a soldier with a monkey on his shoulder and won a giant Sugar Daddy candy that he had to break apart with a hammer to eat. The contest was one of the few rewards he received early on in his career.

His wife said it was a shame he didn’t get into the art world sooner, but, at the time, art was not considered a profitable skill to cultivate.

“In school, you were not rewarded for it,” Barnhouse said. “You were punished if you were sketching and not doing all your schoolwork.”

Despite these early setbacks, Barnhouse’s love for art only grew over time. He worked in steel for a while and did Gospel singing as well. He would paint for a few weeks during the off-season, just for fun.

It wasn’t until the early 90s that he took painting seriously. He did five or six paintings and decided it was time to get them out there. He contacted a few publishers, and one showed interest. “It was like the Yankees calling you!” he said of the experience.

From there, he kept painting, gained national recognition, and has made a living doing what he loves.

He describes his style as loose realism, largely nostalgic in subject matter. Many are scenes shown at dusk or dawn, playing with lights and darks to create a warm atmosphere. His use of color brings the viewer into the world of small-town living, inviting them to sit for a moment, take a few breaths of the country air, and observe the comings and goings of the country folk making their way in from the fields.

His faith has kept him grounded over the years, with his life verse being Joshua 24:15, in which the historical figure Joshua tells Israel to choose whom they will serve and ends with his personal declaration, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

“This art has allowed me to give my testimony to a lot of people,” he said. “I was about 14 years old when I gave my life to Christ … I’ve got a good Christian wife; she keeps me on the straight and narrow.”

His whole family has followed in his footsteps, with his children being fully committed to following Christ in their lives.

Barnhouse sells prints and originals on his website, davebarnhouseart.com, and recently came out with a book of his art accompanied by never before told stories about the art, life, and family. The project culminated four years of work between Barnhouse and his wife. It includes most of his work, with over 100 paintings between its pages. The book was published through Nelson and is not yet available in brick-and-mortar stores. Copies can be purchased by calling the publisher at 740-282-5334.

BY CORNELIA GRACE Harrison News-Herald Reporter

CADIZ—With a new year and two new commissioners taking their places at the table in Harrison County, the News-Herald decided to reach out to see what the commissioners will focus on in 2023. Each commissioner responded independently to our questions.

What do you see as the most pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects in the county?

Amy Norris: I see the need for everyone to have access to broadband. I’d like to continue to improve our roads and bridges. We also need to have updated water and sewer projects countywide.

Paul Coffland: We need to work toward the completion of current projects like the jail, Freeport sanitation, County Home, the Westgate property, and a few small courtroom renovations. There are a few water line projects in their beginning stages, along with water tank replacement or renovations.

Dustin Corder: This is going to be one of the things that will help in a lot of areas: access to broadband.

What area of county services do you feel needs additional resources in 2023?

Amy Norris: In this ever-changing world, keeping up with upgrades and new safety measures, along with changing codes and regulations to our software programs, I feel every county entity could use more assistance to stay current with the times.

Paul Coffland: Job & Family Services will be undertaking Medicaid redeterminations at some point this spring. They will require a significant amount of manpower, and we will need help to accomplish the task. We are always looking at ways to improve infrastructure, both county & villages, roads, and broadband availability.

Dustin Corder: I’m sure there are many areas that could use some additional resources. I look