News

Court gives man's mental state a second look

Local News 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 ...

Wastewater spill cleaned up quickly

Local News 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 ...

On the calendar

Local News July 16, 2026

THU/7-16 Boardman DARE Singles Group, Music at Boardman Park, 6:30 p.m.; information at 330-729-0127 Canfield South Range school board, 6 p.m., K-12 Building Calcutta NARVRE (National Association of Retired and Veteran Railroad Employees) monthly meeting, 11 a.m., JP’s Pizzeria, 15946 state Route 170; information, Rocco at 330-853,3045 Chester Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Thrift Shop, 1-5 p.m.; liquidation sale; by donation County Columbiana County Energy Special Improvement District, Inc. Board of Directors, 10 a.m., 7860 Lincole Place, Lisbon Area Singles, 6 p.m., ...

POLICE

Police News July 15, 2026

Sheriff’s Office — A caller on Shady Lane, Center Township reported at 7:57 p.m. Saturday that a woman was walking on and off the roadway throwing her hands in the air. A deputy spoke with the woman from Lisa Lane, Center Township, who was walking off the road back to her residence. — A caller in Hanover Township reported at 7:24 a.m. Saturday that a white truck was parked on Woodsdale Drive in front of her driveway blocking access to her garage so she could not leave. She tried contacting the neighbor to move the truck but they didn’t answer the door. Deputies found a large ...

Community Briefs

Local News July 15, 2026

EP Eagles sirloin tip and noodle dinner East Palestine Eagles is having their monthly sirloin tip and noodle drive thru today, July 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. Dinner is sirloin tip and noodles, coleslaw, roll and dessert for $11. This is a drive thru so stay inside your air conditioned car for delivery or come in and eat in the air conditioned dining hall in to-go containers. Call 330-853-8483 to reserve meal(s). Celebrating Seniors Lunch in Columbiana First Presbyterian Church, 28 E. Park Ave., will host Celebrating Seniors Lunch, a free catered luncheon for seniors (free-will offering ...

Columbiana city residents asked to reduce energy consumption during heatwave

Local News July 15, 2026

COLUMBIANA — As temperatures are expected to reach well into the 90s in the eastern United States, in the upcoming days, City of Columbiana electric customers are being asked to conserve power to benefit community electric rates. “Community Energy Savings Days” is a response program for when demand for electricity is expected to be high. Columbiana customers are requested to voluntarily lower electricity usage during the peak period from 4 to 7 p.m. today and then continue until Friday if temperatures remain in the 90s. Lance Willard, City Manager for the City of Columbiana, ...