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Prosecutor: Candidates must take stand on death penalty

Gov. Mike DeWine recently announced he will give his position soon on the enforcement of the death penalty in Ohio, which for nearly eight years has not been enforced because of the state’s inability to obtain lethal injection drugs. “Though the governor says he cannot obtain these drugs, many other states are carrying out court-ordered executions at record levels,” Trumbull County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins. Watkins provided a look at the death penalty in Ohio and recent action in other states that “provide compelling evidence to maintain the present death penalty law in ...

Salem Academic Award Ceremony

The Salem City School District celebrated the achievements of its student scholars Wednesday at the annual Academic Award Ceremony in the high school auditorium. The seniors with the highest grade point averages were presented with golden honor chords to be worn at graduation. More photos on ...

Construction contract awarded for Columbiana park project

COLUMBIANA — The city has awarded a construction contract for Phase II of the Harvey S. Firestone Park project. City Council recently approved emergency legislation to contract with Parella Panninzio of Youngstown for $1.11 million. City Manager Lance Willard said that Parella was the next lowest bidder but was recommended since the actual lowest bidder did not have all the necessary pre-qualifications from the Ohio Department of Transportation. Phase II of the overall park improvement project consists of sidewalks around Mirror Lake and along to where the mini basketball hoops ...

Lisbon school board approves agreement with teachers’ union

LISBON — The Lisbon school board approved a new master agreement with the Lisbon Education Association at its meeting Thursday. The agreement will have a three-year term and be effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Superintendent Joseph Siefke said that under the agreement union members will receive a 3% raise in years one and three of the contract, and a 2.5% raise in year two. The agreement also implements a new high-deductible insurance plan which would be optional for the district’s current employees but mandatory for new hires. The contract will also implement ...

Leetonia approves agreement with construction company for phase four of civic center project

LEETONIA — Village council approved a construction management at risk (CMR) agreement with DeSalvo Construction for phase four of the village’s civic center project. Council voted unanimously to authorize a contract with DeSalvo Construction for pre-construction CMR services for a fee of $13,125. Under a CMR agreement, the contractor acts as a consultant initially, working with the client during the design phase to ensure that the project can feasibly be completed within their budget, before shifting to a more traditional general contractors’ role during the construction ...

Leetonia teacher and coach passes away after ALS battle

LEETONIA (WKBN) – A local teacher and coach passed away on Wednesday after losing his battle with ALS. Guy Costello, 59, was a teacher and basketball coach at Leetonia High School. According to his obituary, he fought ALS for four years. The Leetonia Exempted Village School District is cancelling classes on Monday, May 18 so students and staff can attend calling hours. “Mr. Costello made a lasting impact on our school community, and during this difficult time, we want to provide our students, staff, families, and community members the opportunity to come together in support ...