News

Jury trial remains set in child porn possession case

Local News July 17, 2026

LISBON — A jury trial remains set for 8:30 a.m. Aug. 5 for an Illinois man charged for allegedly possessing images of child pornography after being caught in a sex-for-hire sting in 2024. Vincent John Bianconi, 36, last known address Chicago Heights, Ill., appeared in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court before Judge Scott Washam for another status hearing Thursday. He was accompanied by his attorney, Lawrence Stacey II. Washam said attorneys indicated there was no resolution of the case at this time, so it’s going to trial. The state was represented by county Assistant ...

Assistance available for failed septic systems

Local News July 16, 2026

LISBON — Columbiana County homeowners with failing septic systems may be eligible for financial assistance through a new $200,000 grant awarded to the Columbiana County Health District. The funding, provided through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's Water Pollution Control Loan Fund, will help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing household sewage treatment systems or connect to a public sewer system. Depending on household income, the program will cover 50%, 85% or 100% of eligible project costs. To qualify, the septic system must meet Ohio's definition of a ...

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Local News July 16, 2026

SALEM BOE MEETING SET SALEM — The Salem Board of Education will meet at 6:15 p.m. on Monday at the high school to review board goals and the regular agenda. A regular board meeting will follow at 7 p.m. in the Salem High School library. LEPPER LIBRARY HOSTS GARDEN EXPERTS LISBON — The Ohio State University Extension will present "Ask a Master Gardener" sessions at the Lepper Library. The sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, July 21 and noon to 3 p.m. on Aug. 18. For more information, contact the Columbiana County OSU Extension Office at ...

Ohio EPA says Canadian fires will worsen air quality

Local News July 16, 2026

COLUMBUS — The Ohio EPA issued a a statewide air quality advisory on Wednesday due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. The advisory is in effect from 7 a.m. today until the air quality improves and the smoke has left the region. The Ohio EPA expects the wildfire smoke to enter northern Ohio in the early morning hours and into the entire state by the end of Thursday. The Air Quality Index could get into the unhealthy range. When air quality is in this range, some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups (due to medical conditions, ...

Teen charged with OVI, vehicular assault

Local News July 16, 2026

LISBON — A Cuyahoga Falls teen allegedly driving impaired on Feb. 2 is now facing charges for aggravated vehicular assault and OVI for causing injuries to two people in a two-vehicle crash that day in Knox Township. Allison K. Canan, 18, was served Tuesday with a secret indictment issued by the Columbiana County Grand Jury last week. Charges include two counts of aggravated vehicular assault, a third-degree felony, and two counts of operating a vehicle under the influence of of alcohol, a drug of abuse or a combination of them-OVI, a misdemeanor. According to the indictment, ...

Lisbon wants to get on the road to better bike travel

Local News July 16, 2026

LISBON — Residents, visitors and even people who work in Lisbon can attend a popup event from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. today near the downtown gazebo to share their views on what’s needed to improve travel for pedestrians and bicyclists in town. “We want their input. We want a community consensus on this,” Lisbon Mayor Peter Wilson said. The popup event is part of Engagement Day for the village’s proposed Active Transportation Plan through the Ohio Department of Transportation. Toole Design representatives, the consulting firm working on the ATP, will be in Lisbon to meet with ...