MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP – Three candidates are vying for two seats on Middleton Township Board of Trustees next month.

Jack Johnston, Gregory A. Lipp and Rick Dyke will all be on the ballot for the Nov. 4 general election.

Johnston, 75, and Lipp, 73, are both incumbents while Rick Dyke, who lost a trustee race in 2023, threw his hat back into the ring again.

Longtime trustees, Johnston, 75, and Lipp, won re-election in 2021.

“I am retired and have been a trustee for the last six years and enjoy helping Middleton Township and the people that live in Middle Township,” said Johnston. “In the time that I have been a trustee, I have stayed in close contact with the dump site to keep our roads clear of debris coming out of the dump. I have assisted in getting township equipment fixed and help mow the township’s cemeteries. I also played a key part in passing out supplies to people in need after the[2023 East Palestine] train derailment.”

Before retiring, Johnston worked 45 years in a supervisor position with Asplundh Tree Experts. A married father of three, grandfather of six and great-grandfather of two, Johnston is involved in community service and giving to local families in need, especially during the holiday season.

Lipp has served as Middleton Township Trustee since 2014. While he lost his first bid for the position in 1973, he has since gained valuable experience in public service. He has also been appointed to the Columbiana County Planning Commission.

Lipp emphasizes his extensive experience and education and said he is dedicated to serving the community and building on the progress he has made as trustee.

Lipp has been self-employed since 1973 with Paul R. Lipp & Son, Inc., an excavating contractor and ready-mix concrete producer. His professional experience also includes survey and construction instrument sales. He holds an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering from Youngstown State University and is a graduate of Beaver Local High School.

Lipp said he is seeking reelection to continue making Middleton Township a better place to live. He believes his experience running a small business, combined with his education, makes him uniquely qualified for the role and has been deeply involved in community activities for years. He serves on the Clarkson Cemetery Board and Carmel Cemetery Board and has been an elder at Clarkson Presbyterian Church for over 40 years. Additionally, he is a member of the New Castle School of Trades Advisory Board.

Lipp has been married to his wife, Lauren, for 42 years. Together, they have two children, Lindsay Lipp and Gregory P. Lipp, who is married to Kayla.

Dyke, 60, cites his “38-plus years in maintenance and management” as a unique qualification. He has 40 years experience in maintenance at North Star Steel/Vallaourec and four years as maintenance manager at Foxconn EV.

“I can not only manage but maintain the equipment and roadways throughout the township,’ Dyke said. “I am very good at problem solving and making the correct decisions to get the right outcome for the task at hand.”

Dyke has been married for 39 years to his wife Kathy Jo. They have one daughter Kayla Miller, and, as a father and grandfather, Dyke said he wants to do as much” for the township as possible to help it grow and make it safe for the future.

Dyke said the township is ready for a “new face for new ideas” in leadership. As a lifelong resident, he also wants to be the voice in the township.