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Salem council gives paving project the green light

SALEM — City council gave final approval for a joint paving project with the Ohio Department of Transportation in its meeting Tuesday. Council voted unanimously to approve a resolution authorizing City Service Safety Director Joe Cappuzzello to enter into an agreement and approve cost sharing amounts as required with the Ohio Director of Transportation for resurfacing improvements to Ellsworth Avenue from Mullins Street to West State Street, and State Street from the Salem Regional Medical Center to Cunningham Road. Council gave initial approval for the project in its Dec. 16 ...

Lisbon pool among state-funded projects in county

LISBON — A $150,000 request to fund Lisbon swimming pool improvements is among the Columbiana County projects receiving funding from Ohio’s Capital Budget, state Sen. Al Cutrona, R-Canfield, announced Thursday. “This is really good news for Lisbon. The pool is used by so many people, not only from Lisbon but by surrounding communities,” Lisbon Mayor Peter Wilson said when contacted. The popular Sadie Van Fossan Pool at Cedar Park didn’t open this year due to repairs needed, including replacement of the filtration system and pump and repairs needed for leaks. It’s a topic ...

Commissioners discuss homestead property tax exemption

LISBON — Some local school treasurers asked Columbiana County commissioners to evaluate the possible financial impact to school districts before deciding whether to approve an additional homestead property tax exemption for qualifying taxpayers. “While I understand and appreciate the ...

Salem school board to hire Kemats for superintendent position

SALEM — The Salem school board has selected the district’s new superintendent. Following an executive session for personnel matters, the board voted unanimously to hire Interim Superintendent Jamie Kemats for the permanent superintendent position for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school ...

Parks commission approves equipment repairs

SALEM — The parks commission approved equipment repairs in its May meeting. Parks Foreman Wes Bryan told the commissioners that he spoke with Unkefer Sales, a Kubota dealer based in Minerva, and the estimated cost of repairs necessary to return the parks department’s Kubota to working condition was $4,500. However, the cost to repair all its issues was estimated to be closer to $10,000. The commissioners voted unanimously to proceed with the $4,500 repair, and asked Bryan to review other equipment options to reduce the Kubota’s usage. The commissioners also discussed the ...

Leetonia man accused of attacking officers to remain in mental health facility

LISBON — A former Leetonia man accused of attacking a Leetonia police officer and trying to take his service weapon in October 2024 and attacking a deputy sheriff in April 2024 will remain committed to a mental health facility. Randy A. May, 48, formerly of Mill Street, had a six-month review for continued commitment during a hearing in Common Pleas Court before Judge Megan Bickerton. Bickerton found that based on a report of Heartland Behavioral Healthcare, May remains a mentally ill person. She also found that the least restrictive commitment alternative available, consistent ...