Harrison News-Herald |
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Saturday, May 21, 2022
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2022
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HARRISONNEWSHERALD.COM
Ground breaks for new Harrison advances past West Muskingum Sally Buffalo stage
Huskies senior TRACE RUTTER helps his own cause, crossing the plate in the bottom of the third inning. Rutter picked up the complete game 6-4 victory from the hill. Harrison NewsHerald Photo/D.J. WATSON
Pictured during the groundbreaking ceremony are Walt Bryan (Border Patrol), Brandon Ludwig (Cadiz village administrator), Don Jones (State Representative), MARK PUSKARICH (project organizer), Amy Ossman (Cadiz village clerk-treasurer), and Jackie Stewart (Encino Energy). NH Photo/Ed Banks
BY ED BANKS Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer CADIZ – On Thursday in Cadiz, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at Sally Buffalo Park for a new entertainment performance stage. Located behind Wallace Lodge, the area was once a sand volleyball pit. Mark Puskarich, the project planner and organizer, envisions the new stage hosting special summer concert series, special events like "Blues for A Cure," Harrison Central band and choral concerts, local artists, and theatrical performances. There are also plans to host at least one or two national touring artists per season — with adequate funding. "Having a performing arts venue like this and hosting this type of entertainment helps make Harrison County a vibrant, exciting place to live," said Puskarich. Puskarich also added that "the long-term value of such a facility has been seen by others who are also stepping up to support the project. Funding commitments have been made by the Harrison County Visitors Center, Cadiz Community Improvement Corporation, Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, Pugliese Foundation, MPLX Gathering and Processing, the Maze Family, Encino Energy, Milestone Insurance, South Central Power, and other businesses and individuals in the community. However, there is still additional funding that is needed." "It is often said, 'it takes a community.' The opportunity is now to be a part of a lasting project that will enrich, entertain, and educate residents in Harrison County. Everyone joining together in support of constructing this community outdoor performance facility to be located at Sally Buffalo Park will make this happen. A lasting gift can be made to help nurture local artists, establish a center for charitable events, bring people together, encourage tourism, and provide cultural enrichment for our area," he added. Border Patrol Construction won the bid for the project and will begin work on the project's Phase 1 (roof, floor, and back wall) on Monday, May 16, with plans to be able to host concerts later in the summer on the new facility. Fundraising to support Phase 2 and 3 of the projects will continue through the summer months. Seed monies have been established by a grant through the state legislature's Capital Bill to help get the project started. The new stage will be approximately 45 feet long and 36 to the back. The dimensions of the new stage eclipse the old stage's size, which was 16 by 12 feet. The project's price tag has nearly doubled over the past couple of years, making the costs somewhere around $500–600,000. What was once $550,000 has now bloomed to $600,000 with the inflation factor. To date, a combination of grants and donations has brought the project funds to around $350,000. Ohio Representative Don Jones (R-Freeport) and State Senator Frank Hoagland (R-Mingo Junction) have been instrumental in securing a
$140,000 state grant for the stage. "One of the problems I think we have here is that we sometimes think we are not worthy of projects or a venue like this, and we have to go somewhere else," State Representative Don Jones said. "And because those of us here today and the vision that Mark and others here have, we are going to bring something to Harrison County that we really do need, and something that will benefit our community, our county," he added. Encino Energy has donated $12,000 to the Sally Buffalo Park stage project. They've seen the project as a way to accommodate larger events and concerts that will draw more people to the park. Puskarich expressed his appreciation for the generous donation from Encino: "This new stage has been years in the making. Made possible in part by Encino Energy, their donation assisted in getting this project past the finish line and will help bring in larger crowds for our annual Blues for a Cure concert that raises money to combat cancer." The donation is Encino's second significant contribution toward Sally Buffalo Park's expansion, following the company's $25,000 donation for the playground in 2019. "We are really excited to see another groundbreaking in Sally Buffalo Park and the new stage come to fruition," said Jackie Stewart, Director of External Affairs for Encino Energy. "The addition of the stage gives the community more opportunities to get outside and connect with their neighbors. We see real impact in what Sally Buffalo Park does, and we are excited to continue our partnership with them," she added. "Investing in this project has the potential to impact lives and enhance economic development," Puskarich went on. "Although the project has garnered around $350,000, additional funding is still needed to complete the stage, and fundraising efforts continue," he stated. A Facebook page has been set up where updates, photos, announcements, and event dates are posted (facebook.com/ SallyBuffaloParkStage). Donations are also welcome. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online at the project's GiveSendGo site (givesendgo.com/ httpsvisitharrisoncounty.com). To discuss sponsorship opportunities, contact 740-9421102, visitharrisoncounty@gmail.com or 614620-6786, mpuskarich@yahoo.com. Those on hand for Thursday's groundbreaking ceremonies included Amy Ossman, Cadiz clerk-treasurer; Brandon Ludwig, Cadiz village administrator; Don Jone, state representative; Mark Puskarich, project Organizer; Jackie Stewart, Encino Energy; Holly Williams, MOLX Gathering and Processing; Janet Fenstemaker and George Bedway, Harrison County Visitors Center; Kerry Anderson, Milestone Insurance; Mike Sliva, Cadiz CIC; John Migliore, Cadiz mayor; Ryan McCann, Cadiz Police Chief, and Walt Bryan, Border Patrol.
SOFTBALL
BY D.J. WATSON Harrison News-Herald Sports Writer CADIZ — The OHSAA postseason tournament is underway, and the Harrison Central Huskies are picking up right where they left off in the regular season. After sweeping the Toronto Red Knights to cap off the season slate, the Huskies downed the (14-seed) West Muskingum Tornadoes 6–4 this past Monday in the opening round of the Division III East District sectional tournament. Harrison senior Trace Rutter hurled a complete game, striking out six batters en route to his fifth mound victory of the year. At the plate, junior Cabot Arbaugh led the charge for the Huskies (17–8) offense. Manning the first-
base post in the field, Arbaugh finished 2–3 at the dish with a single and a double. Most importantly, Arbaugh knocked in two runs in what ended up being the game-deciding difference. Speaking of the deciding difference, the final score is a bit deceiving. The Huskies held a 6–1 advantage heading into the top of the seventh inning. While the game ended with a runner in scoring position, there was a natural feel that Rutter had enough arm to fend off any further comeback threats. A ground out to Caleb Blawut at third sealed the deal and punched the Huskies' ticket to the sectional championship game. BASEBALL See Pg.- 3
Jewett Chief of Police issues strict warning for semi trucks
BY KRISTI TULLIS Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer
During Jewett's council meeting, held on May 18, 2022, Jewett Chief of Police Ron Carter stated that he was made aware of a traffic incident that could have ended fatally. Thanks to a local business owner, Carter has witnessed a video of two sandbox semitrailer trucks racing head-to-head on Center Street as they entered the village. "Witnessing two adults driving this recklessly within city limits has gotten my full attention," Carter said. "Had the driver of oncoming traffic not been paying attention to what was happening, he would have been hit head-on," Carter stated this will not be tolerated. He has since utilized every resource available to prevent a repeat occurrence. "Not only did these two drivers almost hit a local resident head-on, but minutes before they came into view of the camera, I witnessed three children under 10 years of age cross Center Street together," Carter continued. "I won't stop until this recklessness is stopped. It won't be tolerated." Carter states he has reached out to the State Highway Patrol and the Sheriff's Office for assistance. He added that trucking inspectors willing to come to the village and set up a weighing station can also deter these actions. Carter has also stepped up the evening patrol hours so the village can be watched all hours of the night. "If these truck drivers wanted my full attention, they have it now," Carter said. In addition to reaching out to other law enforcement agencies, Carter and the council asked residents to assist by getting as much information as possible from any semitrailer trucks driving recklessly or jake-braking through town. "This isn't the only issue we hope to have resolved, though. Speed and jake brakes with these rigs are issues all hours of the night. These trucks are ignoring all the
GRADUATION
village's posted signs," Carter explained. "The town's residents and their children are my main concern. Take videos, take pictures, and get the name of the trucking company, the truck numbers, and license plate information; all information is relevant and will be followed up. I have instructed all law enforcement to cite as needed, and anyone driving this way again will be cited for reckless operation of a vehicle." In an ongoing discussion, the town council is hoping to find a resolution to flooding issues. Mayor Bo Bailey has reached out to the county commissioners, Harrison County Water and Soil, ODOT, and state engineers to find a solution. Bailey stated the town is also applying for a $20,000 grant through the MWCD and feels positive it will be awarded to help fund repairs. With the creeks an ongoing issue, ODOT has informed Bailey that a study conducted by the State of Ohio Engineering Office has shown that the two small culverts used to replace the one large one under Route 9 were all that was needed. The mayor, council, and lifetime residents disagree, however. The town is currently getting quotes for work to be completed and is also considering inserting a necessary third culvert on its own, even though this would be a timely process for completion. Mike McBee of the street department reports that storm sewers and drains are now the main concern. He spoke to council members about adding a ditch for one resident. Bailey brought up that over time, all storm sewers will need to gradually be replaced. With the council's approval, McBee will be purchasing a camera to inspect storm sewers and drains to save on labor time and costs, offering more efficient repairs in the long run. In other matters, ordinances about vacant and dilapidated homes within city limits will be updated appropriately so that the town can
MEMORIAL DAY
WARNING See Pg.- 5
OBITUARIES No Obituaries This Week!
USPS Publication No. 236-080 One Section, 12 Pages Vol. 55, No. 2
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