Applications for downtown funds available June 1

May 22, 2026

LISBON — The application periods for the new Downtown Building Renovation and Downtown Signage Programs open June 1 through the Columbiana County Port Authority for businesses and building owners in the county’s walkable downtowns. “We are excited to see this program move forward and look forward to supporting continued investment and revitalization throughout our downtown communities,” CCPA Executive Director Brittany Smith wrote in her director’s report for the CCPA board’s recent meeting. The programs were first announced back in April when the board voted to accept a ...

Despite low water level, rescue required at Guilford Lake

May 22, 2026

GUILFORD LAKE — Not many are thinking about water rescues at Guilford Lake this year with the water level down 20 feet to replace the dam’s spillway. But it happened on Saturday when two deer got stuck in the mud and the wildlife officer who came to the rescue got the boat stuck. “We ...

2-time NASCAR champ Kyle Busch dies at 41 after being hospitalized with a ‘severe illness’

May 21, 2026

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion who won more races than anyone across NASCAR's three national series, has died. He was 41. The Busch Family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR issued a joint statement Thursday saying Busch died after being hospitalized. No ...

Salem school board approves administrator contracts

May 21, 2026

SALEM — The Salem school board has approved new contracts for several administrators. The school board Monday night approved new three-year contracts for the period of Aug. 1, 2026, through July 31, 2029, including (with salary in parenthesis): High School Associate Principal Melanie ...

Salem allows organizations to decide on DORA for events

May 21, 2026

SALEM — Salem’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) will be renewed for the next five years, but will not be in effect for the Super Cruise this year. The city council voted unanimously to approve two ordinances concerning the DORA in its meeting Tuesday. One ordinance officially renews the DORA for the next five years, fulfilling the city’s legal obligation to officially review whether to continue the DORA every five years, including a public hearing for feedback on the DORA which was held on May 7. The second ordinance removes the prohibition against the DORA being in ...

Salem among communities to receive CDBG approval

May 21, 2026

LISBON — Street improvement projects in Salem, Wellsville and Columbiana received approval Wednesday for Columbiana County’s 2026 Community Development Block Grant application, with work to be done next year if awarded. County commissioners approved the list of projects presented Wednesday by Tad Herold, consortium director of county Economic Development, and by county Port Authority Executive Director Brittany Smith. The commissioners recently approved an agreement for the Port Authority to administer the county CDBG program, which the Port Board of Directors approved ...