LISBON — A flooding problem is causing an issue at Glenn Bennett World War II Memorial Park in Winona, with 60 plus residents both past and present petitioning Engineer Bert Dawson to fix the clogged creek that flows through the area.

Whinnery Road resident Elmer Lee Stamp approached Columbiana County commissioners about the flooding Wednesday, presenting them with photographs and a copy of the petition addressed to Dawson.

“Over recent years, multiple sections of the creek have become clogged with natural debris, including large fallen trees and sediment buildup. These obstructions have significantly reduced water flow, causing water levels to rise rapidly during rainfall. As a result, nearby homes, our Memorial Playground, utilities (gas, sewer, and water wells), and properties are increasingly at risk of flooding, damage and potential health hazards from standing water,” the petition said.

The petitioners requested the appropriate authority: remove fallen trees, debris and any blockages impeding water flow; implement a maintenance schedule to prevent future buildup and flooding; assess whether additional drainage or other measures are needed to mitigate flooding risks; and communicate clearly with residents/stakeholders about planned actions and timelines.

Stamp showed commissioners the photos and maps of the area and said he’s determined that the owner of the property where the blockage is located in the creek is the county commissioners where there’s a pump station.

“We appreciate you giving us the information,” Commissioner Roy Paparodis said.

Commissioner Mike Halleck said they were trying to formulate a plan.

Chief Deputy Sanitary Engineer Troy Graft of the county Engineer’s Office was in attendance and the pump station isn’t causing any flooding. He said Soil & Water has been consulted and they have to be very careful, noting that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has to be involved, too.

“We’re not opposed to cleaning out the creek at all,” Graft said, noting the creek though goes through private property.

“We’re willing to help in any way we can but we need to follow the law,” he said.

The engineer’s office is consulting with the prosecutor’s office on the situation.

In another matter, Paparodis announced that the East Palestine recycling site for CCH Environmental Solid Waste District will be closed from now to May 24 before, during and after the street fair which opens May 20 and continues through May 23. Residents are asked to either hold their recycling or drop it off at the nearest neighboring site, such as Middleton Township or Yarian, Unity Township and New Waterford. The East Palestine recycling sites will be reopen beginning May 25.

In other business, commissioners amended a consent letter approved last week for an agreement with county jail operator Correctional Solutions Group regarding reentry services dealing with the minimum security jail known as the MSJ. The amendment deals with maintenance of the building, which is owned by the county. Eclectic Reentry Services, the company providing the reentry services for CSG, will be responsible to maintaining the interior of the building.

The board also approved an advance of $50,000 from the general fund to the county Drug Task Force for the purchase of two vehicles at a cost of $25,000 each. The purchase was approved as part of the 2026 Recovery Ohio grant, with reimbursement to be sought from the grant.

The commissioners accepted the amounts and rates for the upcoming tax year, approved a permit to work within the right of way Lincoln Avenue in Perry Township to First Energy to install fiber optic cable and added Invoice Cloud to the approved vendor list for credit card processing for the county Treasurer’s office.

The next meeting of commissioners will be held at 9 a.m. May 20 in the downtown courthouse.

mgreier@mojonews.com