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Court to give second look at man’s mental state

LISBON — A Barberton man accused in a sex-for-hire case was recently found competent to stand trial, but a defense motion for a second evaluation of his sanity at the time of the offense was granted. James Allen Smith Jr., 54, was ordered evaluated by his treatment professionals regarding his mental state at the time of the incident on Oct. 30, 2025 when he arrived in East Palestine for a sex-for-hire meeting. Columbiana County Common Pleas Court Judge Scott Washam approved the defense request for the second evaluation. The state expressed reservations about having Smith’s ...

Goshen Township trustees approve two new police officers

GOSHEN TOWNSHIP — Two new officers have joined the Goshen Police District. Township trustees unanimously approved the hires of Kyle Vacha and Raymond Janecko as part-time officers in their meeting Tuesday. Police Chief John Calko said that Vacha has served as a deputy for the Mahoning ...

Columbiana County park board reverses Scenic Vista rental fees

LISBON — The Columbiana County Park District Board voted 4-1 this week to undo the previous board’s approval of rental fees for the pavilion and log cabin at Scenic Vista Park, with district commissioner Neal Bayless casting the lone no vote. “I think there should be a nominal fee on them to keep them maintained,” Bayless said when asked about his no vote. Park District Chairman Tom Butch said the previous board voted to approve the fees but did not vote in a policy to govern the fees. In March, the previous board agreed to set fees of $50 for use of the open air pavilion and ...

Leetonia school board approves administrative contracts

LEETONIA — The board of education approved new administrative contracts ahead of the upcoming 2026-2027 school year in its June 30 special meeting. The board approved a new three-year limited administrative contract for Timothy Fairfield as 6-12 principal. The contract will begin with the 2026-2027 school year and has an annual salary of $97,784. The board also approved administrative contract modifications for the 2026-2027 school year for Special Education Director Shana Smith, Athletic Director Nick Sferra, and K-5 Principal Jackie Dunnigan. Treasurer Jennifer Coldsnow explained ...

Special deer hunt set for Columbiana County

NEGLEY (WKBN) — Columbiana County is on the list of locations for special deer-hunting opportunities on nature preserves. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves is holding special deer hunts at state nature preserves and state scenic river lands across Ohio during the 2026-2027 hunting season. The division is offering gun and archery hunts in 22 counties. These locations were identified as areas where browsing by high deer populations poses a threat to native plant communities. Permits for all special hunts will be awarded through ...