News

Arrest made in threat against Knox school

Local News September 5, 2026

BELOIT — An arrest has been made in the threat against Knox school last month. In a letter to parents Friday night, West Branch Schools Superintendent Matthew Manley said an arrest for terroristic threats, a third-degree felony, had been made that day by local law enforcement. The name of the individual could not be confirmed before press time Friday night. Manley assured families that measures are being taken to ensure student and staff safety. “While an arrest has been made, we recognize that this situation has understandably caused concern for our families and staff,” he ...

Columbiana to consolidate fire and EMS departments

Local News September 5, 2026

COLUMBIANA — The city of Columbiana has decided that a consolidation of the fire and EMS departments will position the emergency services for long-term sustainability. The city announced via a press release on Friday that the decision is being made following a comprehensive independent assessment of both departments’ operations, staffing, and long-term service capacity. The city initiated the study through McGrath Consulting Group Inc. in January after first creating a committee to look at the safety services with the intent of solving service issues with both departments, City ...

Ramaswamy responds to derailment report

Local News September 5, 2026

EAST PALESTINE — As new information about the handling of the 2023 train derailment makes its way through the political landscape the Village of East Palestine will remain committed to its residents. A recent report from NewsNation captured the attention of Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who derided the alleged actions of class-action attorneys. According to the report, the attorneys took more in fees for themselves and gave less than what was advertised to affected residents as part of the $600 million Norfolk Southern settlement. “Worse, new reporting ...

Kent State East Liverpool to host Community Remembrance event

Local News September 5, 2026

EAST LIVERPOOL — The Kent State University East Liverpool Campus will be hosting a Community Remembrance Event at the campus located at 400 E. Fourth St. on Sept. 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. to recognize the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and honor local first responders. Academics Vice Dean Sarah ...

Columbiana to try new Christmas Parade route

Local News September 5, 2026

COLUMBIANA — The city is trying out a new route for the Christmas Parade this year. The parade, scheduled for 6 p.m. Nov. 20, will now begin on Railroad Street across from the planned new City Hall location. Zach King, director of the Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce, shared the plans with City Council in August. King said the decision was made following conversations with Police Chief Mark Edwards and last year’s parade volunteers. “The shutting down the roads was a bit difficult. We outgrew that location,” he explained of the former route, which began at Joshua Dixon ...

Idabelle Firestone Fall Concert Series concerts continue

Local News September 5, 2026

COLUMBIANA — The free Idabelle Firestone Fall Concert series sponsored by the Firestone Cultural and Custodial Committee continues to entertain the community and surrounding areas with its Sunday afternoon performances, rain or shine. Coming up this Sunday, Sept. 6, is the Tamburitzans, a ...