Harrison News-Herald |
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SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2022
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HARRISONNEWSHERALD.COM
“Being a police officer is everything I desire to be”
“There’s a pot of gold in Scio,” mused Kevin Jordan, after posting pictures of the rainbow that followed Wednesday’s storm. Photo provided
Scio Village Adena votes Council to demolish meets with old school disgruntled house residents BY CORNELIA GRACE Harrison News-Herald Reporter
BY REBECCA BRATTEN-WEISS Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer SCIO – At its July 13 meeting, Scio Village Council spent the bulk of their time discussing issues related to properties and repairs with residents who had called ahead and asked that they be put on the agenda. Village residents Jim and Carleen Fodor were at the meeting attempting to deal with an ongoing dispute about an alley that the village has not used, and that the Fodors have maintained, for some time. Initially, Jim Fodor had appeared before the council requesting that the village do something about a drainage problem affecting his property. The water, he said, was running across his property and through his garage. Council asked Fodor to get rid of a decorative rock wall he had put up across the alley, so that they could take care of the repairs -- but also because, as per the advice of their solicitor, leaving the wall up could end up giving the Fodor’s ownership of the alley, due to adverse possession. Fodor, in turn, decided to inquire as to whether he could claim ownership of the property under dispute. Jim Fodor told council they had gone to the courthouse and consulted with Prosecuting Attorney Lauren Knight. According to Jim Fodor, Knight said, “that if we had maintained the alley for 21 years we could claim it.” Scio’s Village Solicitor Jack Felgenhauer took issue with this. “That’s not what she told you. No,” he said. Felgenhauer and the Fodors proceeded to dispute whether Prosecutor Knight had given them such advice, and if it was correct. “I wouldn’t sit here and lie, I’m not a liar,” Carleen Fodor said. Jim Fodor warned the council that he would “go the attorney route” if they couldn’t resolve the issue with council. Council decided that they would need to discuss the matter in executive session, and get back to the Fodors afterwards. Also under discussion was the condition of the pavement on Allensworth Drive in Scio. Ernie Bradley asked council whether SCIO See Pg.- 6
Saturday, July 16, 2022
ADENA – Adena Village Council approved a grant at its meeting July 12 for the demolition of the old school house, as well as several abandoned homes. Council is now taking bids for the work that needs to be completed. Council discussed several important projects including creating better accessibility. A motion passed to pave the lot around the Village of Adena Building so that a ramp can be built for wheelchair access. Council will consider bids for the project. A discussion was brought up about basketball courts in the public park that residents have called about as a safety issue during baseball season. The courts sit close enough to the baseball fields that the chance of balls flying out of bounds can pose a safety risk to both the courts and the field. While this issue was not resolved at the meeting, several options were entertained to make the area safe during baseball season for both players and spectators of both sports. Recently, the village acquired a Bobcat to assist in village projects. To ensure that the village does not incur more cost for this purchase, the council voted to use funds to pay off the entirety of the initial price. This makes sure that no interest is accrued by making payments over time. Therefore, saving the village money in the long run. Mayor Brenda Roski became passionate when talking about how much the appearance of the town matters. She wants residents to take pride in their homes and village by making sure to clean up outside their homes. Simply mowing the grass, taking care of litter, and removing large items from yards and porches can make a big impact on how the village looks to both residents and visitors. Special thanks from council was extended to several members of the community: Dennis and Nancy Knight had a welcome sign on their property for many years and recently replaced it to create a warm welcome for anyone coming into Adena; Tom Carter recently took the initiative to paint many curbs yellow which helps with overall city safety; Lynn Sweeney spent time repainting the old golden wave at the Pitt softball field; and Roski was moved by the council members, themselves, for being outstanding citizens who care deeply for the community they are serving.
CADIZ – Courtney R. Smuck joined the Cadiz Police Department in October 2021 after earning her Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission certification through Eastern Gateway Community College’s Police Academy. Showing interest in the recent graduates, Officer C. Smuck was contacted by Chief Ryan McCann and instantly connected with the police department and the community. “Everyone knows everyone, and family is extremely important here. That is my favorite part about Harrison County,” she said. Just like many others involved in law enforcement, the profession was a calling for Officer C. Smuck. One of her favorite childhood memories was watching “Cops” with her father and enjoying a great crime novel. She has always had the deep desire to help people, having a personal experience with law enforcement herself. “They saved me that day,” she said. “Many people have role models or superheroes they look up to. To me, being a police officer was everything I desired to be.” Courtney has a twin sister, who has also taken a passion in law enforcement with the United States Border Patrol. “My twin sister and I have always been inseparable and share that ‘twin’ connection. We always dreamed to be in law enforcement, and we finally woke up one day and just ran with it,” she said. Before her journey in law enforcement, Officer C. Smuck earned her associate’s degree in accounting and business, along with many other college courses pertaining to criminal justice. She has also earned many certifications and skills working in childcare and education. “I have always had a passion to work with children. Their minds are filled with such extraordinary and exciting ideas, which really showed me how beautiful the world can be. Personally, having a positive outlook on life is crucial in this profession,” she said. Throughout her years of education and hard work, Officer C. Smuck was also a single parent to a, now, 9-year-old son. While working, attending school fulltime, and the police academy, “I would be lying if I said it was easy, but I did it. I have learned to leave the stresses of work, at work. Growing up, my mother always demonstrated the importance of family, and I have adopted these values into my adulthood. To me, being a mom is the best job I could ever have.”
Cadiz Police Officer Courtney Smuck, pictured above, who joined the police force nearly one year ago.
Officer C. Smuck is currently the only female officer on the Cadiz Police Department, but she states, “Being a female in law enforcement plays an important role when it comes to diversity. We all have unique qualities that can truly benefit the relationship we have with our community. For example, some women find it easier to speak to female officers about certain issues. Same for males. The Cadiz Police Department strives to provide the Village of Cadiz the security and support it needs.” When asking Officer C. Smuck what her favorite and least favorite part of the job was, she replied, “Every call is something different and does not always bring a positive outcome. I will have to learn to accept that I may be part of a memory to someone’s worst day. However, knowing I could help someone and provide a positive outcome, without a doubt, overpowers the adverse aspects of the job.” Additionally, Officer C. Smuck works several hours a day during the school year at the Harrison Career Center and plans to attend additional resource officer training in October with Chief Ryan McCann. “I have learned that my past involvement working with children has given me an advantage when it comes to gaining a relationship with the students. With the tragic events that have happened recently, police officers and security within the schools is essential,” she said. Officer C. Smuck has numerously emphasized the support she has from her fellow officers. “These guys have supported me since day one, including other departments throughout Harrison County. They recognize that they were in my shoes once and honor my enthusiasm to learn. Chief McCann and Lt. Carter are always a call away if I need anything and do not feel bothered by my many questions. Being a ‘rookie’ in law enforcement, I have many years to go and many things to learn, but they all have showed me a new definition of family. I am greatly honored to be a part of this community,” she said.
Cadiz sewer line revamps underway CADIZ – Brandon Ludwig, village administrator for Cadiz, gave progress reports on two simultaneous projects happening in the streets and alleyways in the village. Part of a much larger, multiple-phase overhaul of the aging water and sewer system throughout the village, both current projects aim to repair underground plumbing lines that can be salvaged by lining them or to altogether replace degrading lines that are beyond fixing. The South Project, conducted by the James White Construction Company, is handling the upgrades around the fairgrounds, West Grant Street, and the old Westgate elementary school. The Central Project, conducted by Border Patrol, consists of upgrading all lines in the center of the village. An important step in this project includes the repair of the main trunk
line under East Market Street. A temporary line was run above ground while the construction crew replaced the necessary section of piping. Last week, a Cadiz resident contacted the EPA about sewage leaking from the nearby Central Project construction zone. Ludwig, along with Border Patrol personnel, responded immediately and worked with inspectors to identify the problem. Thankfully, all professionals on site agreed it was an isolated case that would be permanently fixed as soon as possible since the entire area was already in the process of being upgraded. Workers took necessary precautions to stop the leak, and the EPA was satisfied with the plan of action taken. CADIZ See Pg.- 3
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