News

Court decides to give second look at man's mental state

Local News July 16, 2026

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 ...

East Liverpool doctor always on time in dedication to community

Local News July 16, 2026

EAST LIVERPOOL — Dr. Marc D. Hoffrichter was honored Wednesday with the dedication of the restored historic city clock at the corner of Sixth and Broadway streets, recognizing decades of civic leadership and service to the community. City officials, members of the East Liverpool ...

Park board sets sight on climbing cliffs

Local News July 16, 2026

LISBON — The Columbiana County Park District Board voted Monday to go forward with the process to acquire the popular rock climbing cliffs from the village of Lisbon. Park commissioners agreed to the idea of entering a memorandum of understanding with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy to start the process for the transfer of 41 acres from the village to the park district. Lisbon village council had already agreed in November to proceed with the sale in a 3-3 tie vote broken when Lisbon Mayor Peter Wilson cast the vote needed for the measure to pass. The idea was the county land ...

Crews clean up wastewater spill in East Liverpool

Local News July 16, 2026

EAST LIVERPOOL — A tanker spilled wastewater Tuesday evening at a wastewater transfer station in East Liverpool. The incident happened in a parking lot at the Arcwood Environmental facility on St. George Street with a storm sewer nearby. Fire Chief Antony Cumo said the driver started to move the tanker when he noticed the leak and quickly shut it off. Cumo said there was speculation on how much liquid which was confirmed to be wastewater leaked from the tanker ranging from 300 to 600 gallons because they weighed the trailer and the storm sewer being there. Cumo noted the EPA ...

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Local News July 16, 2026

LEPPER LIBRARY HOSTS GARDEN EXPERTS LISBON — The Ohio State University Extension will present "Ask a Master Gardener" sessions at the Lepper Library. The sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, July 21 and noon to 3 p.m. on Aug. 18. For more information, contact the Columbiana County OSU Extension Office at 330-967-7249. BEAVER CLASS OF '76 REUNION PLANNED CALCUTTA — The Beaver Local Class of 1976 50th class reunion will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the East Liverpool Elks. Cost is $35 per person. Meal will be catered and there will be a DJ. Send checks to ...

THE COURTS

Police & Courts July 16, 2026

MUNICIPAL COURT LISBON—A West Virginia man has been bound over to the grand jury facing multiple felony charges after allegedly fleeing from officers at high speeds on five separate days. Dakota Trimnel, 23, Preakness Drive, Chester, West Virginia, was bound over to the grand jury charged with two counts of third-degree felony failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer, two counts of third-degree felony failure to comply, one count of fourth-degree felony failure to comply, and misdemeanor charges of no driver’s license, reckless operation, driving under ...