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County Briefing

Mystery abounds at Dutch Inn

“The Tragic Demise of Alfred the Squatty” by Musical Mysteries & More of Pittsburgh will open at 7 p.m. Feb. 13 and 14 at Das Dutch Village Inn in Columbiana. The performance is an interactive mystery and includes a four-course buffet with desserts. It’s one of eight new productions with 25 dinner show dates scheduled throughout the year. This year, a “That’s Entertainment!” weekend overnight package is being offered for couples in conjunction with the Feb. 13-14 show for Valentine’s Day. The package includes hotel accommodations, the gourmet buffet, tickets to the show, chocolates in your room and a continental breakfast. The Inn is also offering a “Romantic Escape” overnight package for two. The Inn is also sponsoring the sale of a dozen roses from Wellman’s Florist and Gift Shop for delivery to a guest’s hotel room or theater table. F flowers must be ordered from Wellman’s, 482-2022, by Feb. 12. Tickets for the show may be purchased at dasdutchvillage.com/theater or by calling 866-482-5050, ext. 310.

Church to offer drive-up dinner

Calvary United Methodist Church of North Lima will have a drive-thru chicken dinner from 3-6 p.m. Feb. 12. The cost is $7 and dinners will be brought out to the car. To reserve dinners call 330-549-2588 and leave a name, number, how many dinners and estimated time of arrival. A portion of the profits will be used for mission projects.

Columbiana students look ahead

Columbiana High School will be holding a meeting for those students that will be graduating in 2018 and later and their parents. The meeting will discuss graduation requirements, College Credit Plus and the new generation of testing. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 in the high school auditorium.

Artists sought for Oak Glen event

Organizers of “Montani Semper Liberi-Music & Art at Oak Glen” are looking for students of all grade levels who wish to display or sell their artwork at the festival. The day-long event, scheduled for March 21 at Oak Glen High School, is a celebration of music, art and West Virginia’s cultural heritage offering 12 hours of music, featuring local, regional and prominent national touring acts, plus a wide array of artists, authors, crafters and vendors. For more information on showing artwork at the festival, call 304-374-7474 or email info@musicandartatoakglen.com.

Hancock will discuss trips

Hancock County Senior Services is hosting a video presentation about upcoming trips sponsored by the agency. Jason Wendt of Wendt Tours, Steubenville, will give the presentation at 1 p.m. Feb. 5 at the senior services building, 647 Gas Valley Road, between Oak Glen High School and the Hancock County Animal Shelter. Information related to the agency’s rail trip to Lancaster, Pa., bus trip to Branson, Mo., and bus trip to the southwestern United States is on the agenda for the day. For more information, call senior services at 304-564-3801 or 304-387-3251.

Submitted photo

Dixon students have an added motivation to support the American Heart Association because three of their classmates are survivors: (from left) third grader Lucas Kuhlman and fourth graders Madeline Hitchcock and Alyson Smith have each had open heart surgery to correct congenital heart defects.

Students will jump for the heart

Students at Joshua Dixon Elementary School in Columbiana will host its 10th annual Jump Rope for Heart event to raise money for the American Heart Association. The event kicks off with an assembly at 2:15 p.m. today. Students will hear from a guest speaker, receive prizes and learn about the importance of heart health. Students will then participate in the weeklong event starting Feb. 2. Students, staff, and families have raised over $31,000 for the AHA since 2006 all while learning about heart health. For more information about Dixon’s Jump Rope for Heart event, contact Courtney Schiffauer, Dixon PE Teacher at 330-482-5355 extension 34449.

Raffle to aid SRMC HeartWalk

Salem Regional Medical Center’s HeartWalk Team is sponsoring a “Lucky Hearts” gift card raffle from 6 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 6 in the SRMC cafeteria. Community members can purchase a $1, $5 or $10 heart to be displayed on the cafeteria windows, and will receive one raffle ticket for each dollar donated. The raffle drawing will be held at 4 p.m. Feb. 6 with prizes to include gift cards from area businesses. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the American Heart Association’s research and prevention programs. For more information, call team captains Heidi Taylor, 330-337-9922, or Karen Royea, 330-332-7771.

County Briefing

Stedman book to be discussed at library

The Adult Book Discussion Group will meet from 7-8 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Salem Library Quaker Room to discuss “Light Between Oceans” by M.L. Stedman. The Adult Book Discussion Group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month and registration is not necessary. Copies of the book may be borrowed from the library or through the Ohio Digital Library which may be accessed through the library’s website at www.salem.lib.oh.us. For more information contact the library at 330-332-0042.

Weather cancels ICC prayer service

Due to the continued cold and snow, the prayer service at Wellsville Immaculate Conception building this Thursday has been canceled.

Needlework fans will gather

The Salem Library will be hosting Stitches in Time, a monthly opportunity for people who enjoy knitting, crocheting, and any other string crafting to bring a project to the library to work on, from 6:30-8 p.m. Feb. 18 in the Quaker Room. Stop in or call 330-332-0042 with questions.

County Briefing

Quarter auction aids preschool

The Leetonia Bears To Bee Preschool will hold a vendor quarter auction Feb. 8 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Leetonia. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., auction will begin at 1:30 p.m. Food will be available. For more details call 330-831-5578.

Reiki will be demonstrated

Michelle Huffman, Reiki master teacher, will share Reiki techniques and health benefits at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11 in the Salem library’s Quaker Room. Registration is required through the library’s website at www.salem.lib.oh.us. For more information contact the library at 330-332-0042.

Sportsmen to gather for dinner

The Columbiana County Federation of Conservation Clubs’ annual Sportsmen’s Dinner will be at 5:15 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Salem Little Quakers Banquet Hall. Tickets are $25 each and there will also be gun raffles and door prizes. Call Jeff at 330-575-3177 or JR at 330-853-2176.

Karate comes with mini-lesson

The Leetonia Library will host a Crystal Dragon Martial Arts Karate mini-lesson at noon Feb. 14. Refreshments and a craft will also be included. Registration is needed by stopping in or calling the library at 330-427-6635 by 4 p.m. Feb. 6.

Appraisers working in ELO area

The countywide reappraisal being performed by the county auditor’s office has moved into Liverpool Township and East Liverpool, according to Auditor Nancy Milliken, said representatives of the company she hired will doing on-foot or drive-by inspections as part of the process. They are required to have proper identification that can be produced upon request, and if no one is home a questionnaire will be left. A story on the launch of the reappraisal was published in November. Milliken also reminded property owners they are required by law to report new construction to her office.

Reading club lasts a full year

The Salem Library will hold a year-long reading club called “52 Pickup” where participants see if they can read a book a week between Feb. 14, 2015 and Feb. 13, 2016. Participants must be able to read or listen to each title themselves and each title can only be counted one time during the year. All Salem Library books count, but magazines and comic books as well as picture books read by participants over 10 do not count. Participants who succeed will receive prizes and will be recognized at a reception. Download a reading log from the website or stop in to get one. For questions call 330-332-0042.

Masons seek top chili cooks

A chili cook-off will be held from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Salem Masonic Temple. Cost is $6. To enter your chili call Brad Lankford at 330-427-2528.

COUNTY BRIEFING

Pajamas welcome for storytime

The East Palestine Library will host Pajama Storytime at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 27 with a theme of “Home Sweet Home.” Children are welcome to wear their pajamas and bring along their favorite stuffed animal. A craft activity will take place and a snack to take home will be provided.

East Liverpool Picnic planned

The East Liverpool Picnic will be held as a luncheon at noon March 10 at Haney’s Cafe in Ft. Meyers, Florida. Lunch will be ordered from the menu but reservations are required, contact dawson.f4@gmail.com or 330-383-0469.

Salineville Mason open house set

The Salineville Masonic Lodge will hold an open house at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 31 and will honor Martha Reight for her community service. Guest speakers will be judge Carol Ann Robb, Detective Lt. Brian McLaughlin and his drug canine officer and Salineville police chief Andy Straley.

Library begins Crochet Club

The Wellsville Library will host a Crochet Club beginning at 2 p.m. Feb. 7. All levels are invited to attend and instruction will be given as needed by Amy Hardman. Participants are asked to bring their own hooks and yarn.

FCRC holds tax sessions

Free Ohio Benefit Bank tax sessions offered by the Family and Community Resource Center (FCRC) have been scheduled throughout February. Dates are 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 6 at Kent State-East Liverpool; 2:30-5:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Leetonia Library; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 20 at Kent State-Salem; and 1-6:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Lepper Library. Registration is needed and can be made by calling the Family Community Resource Center at 234-567-0534. Those calling are asked to leave their name and phone number. Dates and times are subject to change due to weather. For additional information, call the FCRC at the number listed.

Dance, nutrition classes offered

The East Liverpool Salvation Army will be offering free “Sacred Dance” classes for ages 8 and up from 4:30-5:15 p.m. every Monday beginning Feb. 2. The Salvation Army is also offering a free nutrition class from 10 a.m.-noon Feb. 3. Sign up for either by calling 330-385-2086.

Salem to host afternoon tea

Salem Library will host a free afternoon tea at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 13 featuring finger foods and desserts. There will also be a program on “Sweet Stuff: The Story of Chocolate” by Kim Kenney, McKinley Presidential Library & Museum curator. Registration is required as seating is limited. To register, visit www.salem.lib.oh.us. For more information or registration assistance, call the library at 330-332-0032.

COUNTY BRIEFING

Salem seeking celebrity chefs

The Salem Community Center, Salem Rotary and Salem Kiwanis will host the Feed the Salem Community Pantry Fat Tuesday fundraising event from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Salem Community Center. Those interested in being a celebrity chef will prepare small portions of food for 50 people and provide their own non-electric warming device and a server for their table. The deadline to reserve a table as a chef is Feb. 6. All proceeds will go to the pPantry. For more information visit the community center, salemcommunitycenter.com or call 330-332-5885. Tickets will go on sale Monday and can be purchased at the SCC or from a Rotary or Kiwanis member.

Salem crafters will make pillow boxes

Getting Crafty will meet at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9 in the Quaker Room at the Salem Library. Attendees will make small pillow boxes and all materials will be provided for free. Register at www.salem.lib.oh.us. or 330-332-0042.

Dance, nutrition classes offered

The East Liverpool Salvation Army will be offering free “Sacred Dance” classes for ages 8 and up from 4:30-5:15 p.m. every Monday beginning Feb. 2. The Salvation Army is also offering a free nutrition class from 10 a.m.-noon Feb. 3. Sign up for either by calling 330-385-2086.

COUNTY BRIEFING

Comfort Keeper positions open

Representatives from the local office of Comfort Keepers will be holding a recruitment day at Kent State-East Liverpool from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday in the Mary Patterson Building. Comfort Keepers provides home care for seniors and other adults who need help with daily living activities throughout Columbiana County and neighboring communities. There are positions for individuals with various skills and training. For more details call 330-386-5500.

County CHIP beckons contractors

The Columbiana County Community Housing Impact and Improvement (CHIP) program is seeking contractors interested in performing rehabilitation and home repair services to participants of the program. For more information and to obtain an application call 330-424-4013.

This program will not be bland

The Leetonia Library will present two programs in one by Kim Bland at 6 p.m. today. The two topics are aging well through social connections and starting a family table conversation about long term care. The programs are free with no registration required.

Leetonia sets parent conferences

Leetonia schools will hold parent-teacher conferences on Feb. 12. Middle/high school conferences will be 3-8:45 p.m., call 330-427-6594 ext. 2300 to make an appointment. Elementary will be from 3:45-9:30 p.m., call 330-427-6129 ext. 2100 to make an appointment.

Dog license deadline nears

The deadline for purchasing 2015 dog licenses is Jan. 31. Any dogs three months or older must be licensed annually. Licencses can be purchased at the following locations: Lisbon, county auditor’s office; Columbiana, Family Drug; Damascus General True Value; East Liverpool, Milligan True Value Hardware; East Palestine, Fuller’s True Value Hardware; Salem, Pure Pet; and Wellsville, Center Pharmacy. Existing account holders can also purchase licenses at www.columbianacountydoglicense.com. Cost is $10 per dog, or $50 for a kennel license. Kennel licenses can only be purchased at the County Dog Warden’s Office. If the registration deadline is not met, dog owners are subject to a penalty that is equal to the cost of the license(s). After the deadline, liceses can only be purchased at the auditor’s office.

Library plans e-Book session

The Columbiana Library will offer an e-Book drop-in session to help anyone with questions about e-books or interested in what digital materials are offered from 2-4 p.m. Friday in the Salchow room. If coming for assistance, bring the device, power cord, the cord linking it to a computer, library card and account logins for Adobe and Amazon if applicable.

Real classic for Leetonia readers

The Classics Book Discussion Group at the Leetonia library will be reading “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville during the months of February, March, and April.

Edison blood drive is Friday

The Edison Local High School band is hosting a blood drive from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday in the school gym. Donors must be at least 16 and in good health.

Salem seeks celebrity chefs

The Salem Community Center, Salem Rotary and Salem Kiwanis will host the Feed the Salem Community Pantry Fat Tuesday fundraising event from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Salem Community Center. Area residents can become a celebrity chef for the event. Those interested will be asked to prepare small portions of food for 50 people and asked to provide their own non-electric warming device and a server for their table. The deadline to reserve a table as a celebrity chef is Feb. 6. All proceeds will go to the Salem Community Pantry. For more information visit the community center, salemcommunitycenter.com or call 330-332-5885. Tickets will go on sale Monday and can be purchased at the SCC or from a Rotary or Kiwanis member.

County Briefing

How shoes can EP swimmers

The East Palestine Community Foundation is currently conducting a shoe drive. All types of gently worn used shoes are being collected to raise money to fund a splash pad to be installed at the park pool. The shoes will be cleaned and recycled to benefit families and businesses in underdeveloped nations. Contact 330-720-9137 or 330-429-3964 or 330-550-5576 to arrange for a pick-up, or shoes can be dropped off at various businesses in East Palestine.

Taylor headlines Opry show

Lynn Royce Taylor, an Ohio native, will headline the Minerva Bayard Grange’s Tri-County Opry at 7 p.m. Feb. 7. Jimmy Howson of Athens will also take the stage as well as other local talents. The kitchen opens at 6 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students. For more information call 330-428-3577.

ELO Legion will host dance

Tickets are currently available for a Valentine’s Dance Feb. 7 at American Legion Post 374, Parkway, East Liverpool, from which proceeds will benefit post- 9/11 veterans Doors open at 5 p.m. for the dance, which will feature the Bob Flint Band, a 50-50- raffle and Chinese auction. Presale tickets, available at the Legion through Jan. 31, are $25 per couple. At the door, tickets will be $15 per person. Tickets include a buffet dinner and four hours of dancing to the live band. All proceeds will benefit It’s About the Warrior Foundation (www.IATW.us), which benefits veterans and their families in 16 Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia counties, with all money raised spent locally by the self-endowed foundation.

ODOT working on Routes 30, 164

ODOT will be doing maintenance work around various locations in the county this week. They will be pothole patching at state Route 30 at East Rochester, brush cutting from Lisbon to Gavers on state Route 164 and will be doing pothole patching and guardrail repairs at various locations.

COUNTY BRIEFING

Financial aid meeting reset

United Local’s financial aid meeting has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 20 in the library. The meeting was originally scheduled for Jan. 14.

Trash collection on schedule

East Liverpool City Hall will be closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Day, but trash will be collected as usual on that day. Employees of the Refuse and Recycling Department will be working Monday, and residents whose trash is normally collected on Mondays are reminded to have their bags and cans set at the curb as usual. Trash collection will not be affected on routes throughout the week due to the national holiday, according to officials.

Fastrack driving school planned

Fastrack driving school will be offering a class starting Feb. 2 at Salem High School. Registration forms are available in the school. For further information call 330-692-0763.

County Briefing

Hiscox benefit is Saturday

A cancer benefit spaghetti dinner for Tammy Hiscox of Lisbon will be held 4-7 p.m. Saturday. The dinner will be at the Lisbon Lions Club and will cost $8 for adults and $5 for ages 4-10. There will be a Chinese auction, chances for Garth Brooks tickets and gun raffles. There will then be a live band and a Chinese auction at the Lisbon VFW from 8 p.m.-midnight. Dance admission is $5. Proceeds will go toward Hiscox’s medical expenses as she battles cancer of the soft palette, tonsils and tongue.

Driver’s ed offered

Fastrack Driving School will begin a class at Beaver Local High School on Feb. 2. Paperwork is available at the high school or by calling 330-532-2878. All area students are eligible to attend, including home schoolers.

Library plans special sleepover

The Salem Library is hosting their annual free Stuffed Animal Sleepover on Jan. 23 and 24. Kids 12 and under can drop off their stuffed animal in the children’s department by 4 p.m. Jan. 23. Animals will participate in library activities such as storytime, computers, and games and their owners can follow what they are up to on Facebook on Friday evening. At 10 a.m. Jan. 24, owners will return to the library to pick up their stuffed animals. There will be a craft, stories, and an awards ceremony for participants. A light breakfast will be served. Registration is required; call 330-332-0042, opt. 4.

Painting pottery, nothing better

The Columbiana Library is offering a special storytime for children ages 3-5 and a caregiver at 10 a.m. Jan. 28. Along with a story there will be a pottery painting craft. Pre-registration is required and the event is limited to 20 children. Cost is $5; stop in or call 330-482-5509.

Empty Chair group forming

A new support group is forming at The Dawson Family Center. Geared mostly for the death of a spouse, it is called The Empty Chair. The group will meet for a series of eight weeks on successive Thursdays beginning at 6:40 p.m. Jan. 22. Videos, books and other printed materials are offered to help work through the grief process and sessions are facilitated by Judy Kidder. For further information call Kidder at 330-385-9050 or 330-385-8896.

Academic challenge scheduled

The Columbiana County Varsity Academic Challenge hosted by the county Educational Service Center will be from 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Jan. 31 at East Palestine High School. The winning team will move on the Regional Academic Competition April 18 at Cloverleaf High School in Lodi. The state tournament is May 2 at St. Charles Preparatory School.

County Briefing

Storybook craft program slated

The Salem Storybook Museum Recreated will sponsor a “Celebration of Snow” program from 2-4 p.m. Jan. 24 at Kent State Salem City Center. It is open to children ages 5-12 and will feature two craft projects. There will also be a food craft and refreshments. Space is limited to 12 children and a parent or guardian must accompany the child. Cost is $5 to cover supplies. For reservations, call Robert Viencek at 330-332-4723.

Library to host wellness program

The Columbiana Library will host a program on Natural Solutions for Your Health at 6 p.m. Jan. 21. Jennifer Kosman, a doTERRA Wellness Advocate, will present the free program. Registration is required; stop or call 330-482-5509.

Cookbook submission sought

Cleveland Paranormal Research Society is doing a fundraiser for the Columbiana County Humane Society (HSCC) by creating a cookbook. Residents of the county are being asked to submit recipes to be featured in the cookbook that will be published and sold. Submissions can be made to ClevelandParanormal@yahoo.com or dropped off at the HSCC. The book will be published after the recipes are in and back from the publishers. The cost is pending, but all proceeds will be going to the Humane Society.

Columbiana historians to gather

Richard Scarsella will present “Memories and Melancholy of Youngstown,” at the Columbiana-Fairfield Township Historical Society meeting 7 p.m. Monday at the Columbiana First Presbyterian. He is a noted historian of Youngstown and has presented programs on Idora Park, Youngstown Mafia and McGuffey Readers.

Painting pottery, nothing better

Columbiana Library is offering a special storytime for children ages 3-5 and a caregiver at 10 a.m. Jan. 28. Along with a story there will be a pottery painting craft. Pre-registration is required and the event is limited to 20 children. Cost is $5; stop in or call 330-482-5509.

Driver’s ed offered at Beaver

Fastrack Driving School will begin a class at Beaver Local High School on Feb. 2. Paperwork is available at the high school or by calling 330-532-2878. All area students are eligible to attend, including home schoolers.

COUNTY BRIEFING

United Local spaghetti dinner set

A spaghetti dinner to benefit the United Local eighth-grade class trip to Washington D.C. will be served from 4-7 p.m. Jan. 30 in the high school cafeteria. Meals are $5 for adults and $4 for students. Carryout and pickup will be available. The dinner will precede the homecoming basketball game.

Crop meeting set for Carrollton

The Crop Production Partnership’s winter meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Carrollton Ponderosa. Experts will discuss new regulations for fertilizer and manure application, filter strips and grassways as conservation systems, and crop insurance compliance for the new farm bill. The meal is optional and is not covered by the reservation. Reservations are requested by Tuesday and can be made by calling the Columbiana Soil and Water Conservation District at 330-332-8732.

East Liverpool boil order issued

The East Liverpool Water Department has issued a precautionary boil order for customers on Smithfield Street from Gardendale Street south to 1739 Smithfield Street and any other customer that suffered a water outage on Thursday. The outage was due to a water main break. The boil order will remain in place pending satisfactory bacteria tests. Customers on Harvey Avenue from Elizabeth to Putnam streets, Elizabeth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Extension are no long under a boil order following the outage on Tuesday.

Chamber nominees sought

The Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations of individuals, groups and businesses who have made a positive difference in the community, have exemplified excellence in their field, or have contributed to the betterment of the Columbiana area. Nominations forms and criteria are available the chamber, 328 N. Main St., or at www.columbianachamber.com. Deadline for nominations is Jan. 23 and honorees will be recognized at the 62nd annual Awards Banquet on Feb. 22 at the Dutch Village Inn. Featured speaker will be Tom Mackall, Homestead LLC president. Banquet reservations can be made by calling the chamber at 330-482-3822.

County Briefing

Pumpkin growing seminar set

The Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers will host a giant pumpkin growing seminar from 1-4 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Millcreek Metro Parks-McMahon Hall, across from the Canfield Fairgrounds. Taught by Tim Parks, the class will discuss seed selection, soils, fertility, pests, pruning and irrigation. The class is free but registration is required by calling the Parks Garden Center at 330-533-7278. Giant pumpkin seeds will also be available for purchase. For more information, visit “http://www.ovgpg.com”>www.ovgpg.com.

Soup warms the Eyes of Wellsville

Eyes on Wellsville, community improvement group, is taking orders for its soup sale now through Jan. 31. All orders and money are due by this date. Orders will be available at the Elks, 723 Riverside Ave., on Feb. 7. Cost is $5 a quart and options are chicken noodle, broccoli and cheese, vegetable beef and vegetable. For orders, contact Kari Emler-Daniels at 330-303-6394, Karenna Tice Harty at 678-898-5456, Jennifer Tate at 330-708-9749 or Christi Flesch Thirtyacre at 330-341-9245 .

Library plans Harry Potter night

Salem Library will host a free Harry Potter Book Night for all ages at 6 p.m. Feb. 5. Registration is required and begins on Jan. 22. To register visit www.salem.lib.oh.us. For questions visit or call the library at 330-332-0042 option 4.

St. Al’s to host masquerade ball

Tickets are now available for St. Aloysius School’s Mardi Gras Masquerade set for Feb. 7 at the school. Tickets for the adult only event are $25 each or $40 per couple. No one under age 16 will be permitted. The evening will feature a masked ball, supper, carnival themed entertainment, casino games, music by Anthony Bernardi and Friends, and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the school. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 330-385-5963.

Library offers crochet class

Reservations are needed to attend the crocheting class at 5 p.m. Jan. 20 in the Leetonia Library. Participants will use medium weight yarn and a size K hook to create a capelet. Call 330-427-6635 to register.

Program on college aid slated

The Salem Library will host a free college financial aid event, “College Goal Sunday” at 2 p.m. Feb. 8. Presented by the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and endorsed by the Ohio Board of Regents, the event will assist students and parents with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Families are encouraged to register at www.ohiocollegegoalsunday.org or by calling 1-800-233-6734. Walk-ins will be seen but registration is encouraged.

COUNTY BRIEFING

United schedules financial aid night

United Local High School will host a financial aid meeting for parents of students planning to enroll in secondary education at 7 p.m. Jan. 14 in the high school library. A University of Mount Union Financial Aid Office will review sources of financial aid and give instructions on how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Liverpudlians will reunite in Florida

The annual East Liverpool picnic in Florida is scheduled for noon March 10 at Hancy’s Cafe, 18011 S. Tamiami Trail, Ft. Myers Florida. Reservations are required by emailing dawson.f4@gmail.com or calling 330-383-0469.

Tax filing assistance offered

Free tax preparation is being offered at the Salem Memorial Building, 785 E. State St., for seniors and low to moderate income earners. IRS-trained volunteers and AARP Tax Counseling Program members, will assist with tax preparation and electronic filling. This assistance is emphasized for those age 55 and older. Help will be provided on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only. For appointments, call the Memorial Building at 330-332-5512 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.

Community coming together

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce will host a community calendar planning meeting for all Salem clubs, organizations, and churches at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 29 in the Salem Community Center. Light refreshments will be provided. A program on the city’s online community calendar will be given by Steven Rouse of Salem Area Websites. Reservations are required by calling the chamber at 330-337-3473 or emailing tlpeppel@salemohiochamber.org.

Rig count

Oilfield services company Baker Hughes Inc. says the number of rigs exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. plummeted by 29 last week to 1,811. The Houston firm said Monday in its weekly report that 1,482 rigs were exploring for oil and 328 for gas. One was listed as miscellaneous. A year ago 1,751 rigs were active. Of the major oil- and gas-producing states, none showed any gains. Texas plunged by 12, California dropped by six, Colorado fell by three, Louisiana declined two and Alaska, Arkansas, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wyoming were down one apiece. Kansas, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah and West Virginia were unchanged. The U.S. rig count peaked at 4,530 in 1981 and bottomed at 488 in 1999.

Traffic toll

The Ohio State Highway Patrol says eight people were killed on the state’s roadways over the five-day New Year’s holiday. The patrol says two of the seven fatal crashes from Wednesday through Sunday involved impaired drivers. Seats belts weren’t being used in four of the crashes. One of the crashes involved a pedestrian. Also during that period, troopers arrested 365 people for impaired driving, and cited another 479 for aggressive driving. The patrol says the eight fatalities is down from the same period at the beginning of 2013, which is the last time the reporting period was five days long. A dozen people died during that period. Last year, three people died during the two-day New Year’s holiday reporting period.

County Briefing

Nutrition, computer classes set

The East Palestine Library will again offer the “Eat Smart, Be Active” nutrition classes through the county’s Ohio State Extension Office’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). Through the program adults will learn about nutrition, physical activity, food resource management, and food safety. Classes will meet from 10 a.m.-noon every Tuesday in January. Basic computer classes are also being offered, beginning with a Creating Email class at 4 p.m. today. A Basic Internet Skills class is set for 10 a.m. Jan. 23. Registration is required for these programs A weekly Digital 411 class, formerly titled eBook 411, is still available at 1 p.m. Mondays without an appointment. For computer or nutrition class appointments, call 1426-3778.

Free radon kits available

Free radon test kits are available for all Columbiana County residents at the county health department while supplies last. Radon, a radioactive gas that may increase a person’s risk of lung cancer if exposed over long periods, is not detectable unless tested for. For more information, contact Shannon Sellards at the health department at 330-424-0272 ext. 128 or visit www.odh.ohio.gov.

Prom show to benefit scholars

The Salineville-Southern Local Scholarship Committee will host a prom fashion show and luncheon at 1 p.m. Sunday in the high school cafeteria. Doors open at noon and no tickets will be sold at the door. Advance tickets are available at Shear Dimensions in Lisbon, B&S Carryout in Highlandtown, and the high school guidance office. There will also be a Chinese auction, including an overnight stay and breakfast for two at the Spread Eagle.

Library offers hands-on program

Parents of children in grades K-2 can register their child for the Salem Library’s free Hands-On at the Library program at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 12. Featuring a Frozen theme, children will create crafts, play games and experiment with ice and snow science. All supplies will be provided and registration is required. To register visit www.salem.lib.oh.us or call at 330-332-0042.

Lisbon VFW serving meals

The Lisbon VFW will offer a lunch buffet from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday through January. A breakfast buffet will also be offered from 8-10 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.

Salem community coming together

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce will host a community calendar planning meeting for all Salem clubs, organizations, and churches at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 29 in the Salem Community Center. Light refreshments will be provided. A program on the city’s online community calendar will be given by Steven Rouse of Salem Area Websites. Reservations are required by calling the chamber at 330-337-3473 or emailing tlpeppel@salemohiochamber.org.

COUNTY BRIEFING

Cub meetings to begin again

Cub Scout Pack 37 in Leetonia will reconvene its weekly meetings at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church following the Christmas break.

Gas aggregation meetings set

Hanover Township and Hanoverton village officials will hold two NOPEC Gas aggregation plan of operation and governance meetings for township and village residents on Jan. 6. The first meeting will begin at 3 p.m. with the second meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. Both meetings will take place at Hanoverton Village Hall, state Route 9.

Free tax assistance available

Free tax assist from the Ohio Benefit Bank will again be offered by the Family and Community Resource Center (FCRC). The center recently received $5,000 for the tax season from the Ohio Assoication of Foodbanks. Registration is needed and can be made by calling the Family Community Resource Center at 234-567-0534. Those calling are asked to leave their name and phone number. The first clinic will take place from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Wellsville Library. The dates is subject to change due to weather. For additional information, call the FCRC at the number listed.

Covered bridge tours planned

Tri County 4 Wheelers will hosting a tour of the Covered Bridges of Columbiana County on Jan. 18. The tour will begin at the Salem Plaza parking lot, just behind Arby’s and will cover approx 50 miles of the county’s back roads, visiting five covered bridges. The free event is open to the public. Visit “http://www.tricounty4wheelers.com”>www.tricounty4wheelers.com for more information.

Program on oil and gas planned

Chris Gabrick, CPA, CMM and Joe Strawinksi of SSB will discuss issues impacting land and business owners involved with the oil and gas industry at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 6 at the Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce, 120 N. Market St.. Topics will include accuracy of royalty payments, landowner options for audits and review of payments, pipeline agreements, taxability of damages and more. For questions, call the chamber 330-424-1803.

SARR recruiting new members

U.S. SARR Corps is seeking people interested in enrolling in its 2015 academy beginning Feb. 18. Following the academy, trainees will be SARR Techs (Search, Rescue, Recovery Technicaians). An orientation meeting is scheduled for Jan. 8. For more information, call 412-303-5650 or visit www.ussarr.org.

Library offers eReader assistance

Salem Library will offer free technical assistance for those needing help connecting their eReaders to library related services from 9 a.m.-noon every Saturday, Jan. 10 through Feb. 28. These services include downloadable books, magazines and more. No reservations are required and assistance is provided on a first come, first served basis. The library will also begin Film Frenzy, a family movie program, at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8 and 22. This program will take place every other Thursday and will feature a PG-rated feature film. Children in grades 3-6 can also take part in “Full STEAM Ahead!,” a science, technology, art, and library exploration program at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 5. During the “Let it Snow” themed program, students will work on crafts, build catapult, and experimenting with ice and snow. Registration is required and can be done at www.salem.lib.oh.us. For more information on any of these programs visit or call the library at 330-332-0042.

County Briefing

Oil/gas program set

Chris Gabrick, CPA, CMM and Joe Strawinksi of SSB will discuss issues impacting land and business owners involved with the oil and gas industry at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 6 at the Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce, 120 N. Market St.. Topics include accuracy of royalty payments, landowner options for audits and review of payments, pipeline agreements and more. For questions, call 424-1803.

SARR is recruiting

U.S. SARR Corps is seeking people interested in enrolling in its 2015 academy beginning Feb. 18. Following the academy, trainees will be SARR Techs (Search, Rescue, Recovery Technicaians). An orientation meeting is Jan. 8; call 412-303-5650 or visit www.ussarr.org.

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