Commissioners undecided on piggy back homestead tax exemption

May 22, 2026

LISBON — Columbiana County commissioners haven’t decided yet whether to enact what’s being called the piggy back homestead tax exemption, which could nearly double the current savings for property owners who qualify and receive the current homestead exemption. The issue was raised Wednesday by former county commissioner Dave Cranmer, who talked about the property tax relief enacted by the legislature and how the power was given to county commissioners on whether the homestead exemption relief should be granted. He explained that March 20 was the effective date for the rule ...

Applications for downtown funds open June 1

May 22, 2026

LISBON — The application periods for the new Downtown Building Renovation and Downtown Signage Programs open June 1 through the Columbiana County Port Authority for businesses and building owners in the county’s walkable downtowns. “We are excited to see this program move forward and look forward to supporting continued investment and revitalization throughout our downtown communities,” CCPA Executive Director Brittany Smith wrote in her director’s report for the CCPA board’s recent meeting. The programs were first announced back in April when the board voted to accept a ...

2026 CDBG funds awarded to three street projects

May 22, 2026

LISBON — Street improvement projects in Salem, Wellsville and Columbiana received approval Wednesday for Columbiana County’s 2026 Community Development Block Grant application, with work to be done next year if awarded. County commissioners approved the list of projects presented Wednesday by Tad Herold, consortium director of county Economic Development, and by county Port Authority Executive Director Brittany Smith. The commissioners recently approved an agreement for the Port Authority to administer the county CDBG program, which the Port Board of Directors approved ...

West Branch High School recognizes top graduating students

May 22, 2026

BELOIT – The 36th annual West Branch High School Senior Academic Recognition Banquet was held May 13 at the Harvesting Hope Center in Sebring. This year’s banquet honored 12 students who are in the top 10 percent of the Class of 2026 along with their parents and a teacher chosen by each ...

Salem school board approves administrator contracts

May 22, 2026

SALEM — The Salem school board has approved new contracts for several administrators. The school board Monday night approved new three-year contracts for the period of Aug. 1, 2026, through July 31, 2029, including (with salary in parenthesis): High School Associate Principal Melanie ...

Wellsville school board approves several staffing changes

May 22, 2026

WELLSVILLE — The Wellsville school board Monday night approved multiple staffing changes. During the personnel portion of their meeting, board members approved two hirings and two resignations. Emma Dierenger was approved for hire as the junior high cheerleading coach and Brianna Sullivan as a licensed social worker on a two-year contract. Resignations were accepted and approved for Maia Amato, treasurer/CFO effective Aug. 1, and Mark Hart, bus driver, effective Aug. 12. The board vote was unanimous for all, with board member Chris Amato abstaining on Amato’s resignation. ...