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Two townships receive findings for recovery in audit

LISBON — The state auditor’s office recently issued findings for recovery against two local townships in audits released this week, with the findings for Madison Township totaling $63,654 and the findings against Unity Township totaling $1,401. The Madison Township audit covered 2022 and 2023 and noted findings for recovery for late fees and penalties paid, a wrong pay rate used for an employee, improperly paid health insurance reimbursements, paid time off and comp time for another employee, improperly paid health insurance reimbursements and paid time off for yet another employee ...

CCESC to recognize national disability awareness campaign

LISBON — Not all disabilities are visible but all disabilities can be recognized. This month the Columbiana County Educational Service Center (ESC) has joined the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The national awareness campaign is held every October and is an offshoot of disability recognition efforts that trace back to 1945. “Our Educational Service Center is proud to take part in this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month. We want to spread the important ...

90-day pause of Ohio gas tax will begin Sunday

COLUMBUS - Ohioans’ gas-tax holiday will begin Sunday now that Gov. Mike DeWine has signed House Bill 519 that suspends the state’s gasoline tax for three months. Ohio House Bill 519 reduces the state’s tax on gasoline and diesel fuel from 38.5 cents and 47 cents, respectively, to 1 cent per gallon, according to an analysis by the Legislative Service Commission. Taxes on other motor fuels such as compressed natural gas, propane and liquified natural gas are not affected. The reduction will take effect three days after DeWine’s signature, which is Sunday. It’s set to ...

East Liverpool woman pleads not guilty to endangering children found in deplorable living conditions

LISBON — A woman accused of endangering children in alleged living conditions at a house on First Avenue, East Liverpool which included cockroaches and animal feces appeared in court Friday. A pretrial was set Oct. 7 in Columbiana County Municipal Court for Sarah Ann Dobbins, 41, Wilbert Avenue, East Liverpool, who entered a not guilty plea to misdemeanor endangering children during her video arraignment. Her bond was set at $2,500 cash or surety and she remained in jail Friday. According to an affidavit filed by East Liverpool Police Detective Jon Price, he responded on July 7 to ...

Plea hearing set in alleged kidnapping from Columbiana parking lot

LISBON — A plea hearing is now set for 10:20 a.m. Nov. 6 for Jason N. Hartsough, who’s accused of kidnapping a woman from a daycare parking lot in Columbiana and forcing her to a secluded area while armed with a pistol. During a status hearing Friday morning, Columbiana County Common Pleas Court Judge Megan Bickerton said she was notified by counsel that the case has been resolved. Hartsough, 48, state Route 558, New Waterford, appeared for brief hearing accompanied by his defense attorney, Joseph Ohlin. The state was represented by county Assistant Prosecutor Steve Yacovone. A ...