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

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 ...

Ohio EPA warns of poor air quality from fires

July 16, 2026

COLUMBUS — The Ohio EPA issued a a statewide air quality advisory on Wednesday due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. The advisory is in effect from 7 a.m. today until the air quality improves and the smoke has left the region. The Ohio EPA expects the wildfire smoke to enter northern Ohio in the early morning hours and into the entire state by the end of Thursday. The Air Quality Index could get into the unhealthy range. When air quality is in this range, some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups (due to medical conditions, ...

Septic system help available

July 16, 2026

LISBON — Columbiana County homeowners with failing septic systems may be eligible for financial assistance through a new $200,000 grant awarded to the Columbiana County Health District. The funding, provided through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's Water Pollution Control Loan Fund, will help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing household sewage treatment systems or connect to a public sewer system. Depending on household income, the program will cover 50%, 85% or 100% of eligible project costs. To qualify, the septic system must meet Ohio's definition of a ...

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

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 ...

Crews clean up wastewater spill in East Liverpool

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 ...

Hegseth wants troops tested for low T

July 16, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that he is rolling out a new screening program for "testosterone deficiency" among troops, calling it necessary to allow them to operate at their "absolute best." The screenings will be conducted annually as part of service members' required medical screenings for those 30 and older, he said. Troops under 30 can volunteer to be tested. In a video on social media, Hegseth said receiving testosterone replacement therapy would be voluntary. In the video, Hegseth simply refers to troops, though it appears he is ...