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Three pupils named in school theft case

STEUBENVILLE – Two Harding Middle School pupils and a third pupil from the school were seen on video taking a tablet computer and headphones at the Steubenville High School cafeteria, City Police reported.

A police juvenile detective was called to the high school Wednesday morning about the theft and used video from the cafeteria to identify the pupils, police reported.

Two of the juveniles named were on probation and taken directly to juvenile detention. The third pupil also faces charges, police reported.

Woman crashes, rolls car on Route 250

CADIZ – Anna M. Sickle, 95, of Cadiz was flown by medical helicopter to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center on Wednesday evening after the car she was driving went over an embankment on U.S. Route 250 and overturned, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reported.

Sickle was driving east on U.S. Route 250, near Harrisville, around 7:50 p.m. Wednesday when the 2003 Buick Park Avenue went off the right side of the road, over an embankment, striking a tree and then overturning onto its roof, a trooper said.

Sickle, who was wearing a seat belt, suffered serious injuries, the patrol reported.

The accident remains under investigation.

Columnist/author to speak at Bethany

BETHANY Nationally syndicated columnist and author Jeffrey Seglin, a 1978 graduate of Bethany College, will speak at the college’s Founder’s Day celebration at 11 a.m. March 6 in the college’s Commencement Hall.

Seglin is director of the communications program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government; writes The Right Thing, a weekly column distributed by Tribune Media; and is author or co-author of more than a dozen books on business and writing.

Seglin has written for the New York Times, Fortune and many other publications; contributed commentaries to Public Radio’s Marketplace and appeared as a commentator on CNN, CNBC and other television studios.

Weather permitting, a wreath-laying ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the grave of Alexander Campbell, the college’s founder and first president.

Guests are invited to visit the Campbell Mansion, one of Bethany’s National Historic Landmarks, following the ceremony.

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Boil advisory issued by water department

STEUBENVILLE – A boil water advisory was issued Tuesday for South Eighth and Ninth streets until further notice.

Water Superintendent Mike Wigal said water customers should vigorously boil any water used for drinking, making ice, cooking or oral hygiene for at least one minute.

“This advisory was issued as a result of the replacement of a 36-foot section of pipe at the bottom of the Adams Street onramp. The water department is collecting samples in this area to be analyzed. Once the samples are satisfactory, a notice will be issued to remove the boil water advisory. Questions about the boil water advisory can be answered by calling (740) 283-6041,” said Wigal.

Possible pool sale to be discussed

WEIRTON – The Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation will meet with representatives of the Marland Heights Community Association at 8 a.m. Thursday in the Millsop Community Center’s Weirton Room to discuss the community group’s potential purchase of the Margaret Manson Weir Memorial Pool located on Marland Heights.

The community group has requested to purchase the pool from the city.

School board calls special meeting

WELLSBURG – The Brooke County Board of Education will hold a special meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday for hearings regarding staff who may be cut or transferred to other positions.

The hearings may or may not be open to the public, depending on the wishes of the staff involved.

The meeting will be held at its office at 1201 Pleasant Ave.

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Plea entered in burglary case

STEUBENVILLE – Dustin S. Schockow, 21, of 3953 county Road 16, Rayland, was sentenced to one year in prison on Friday by Jefferson County Common Pleas Judge Joseph Bruzzese Jr. after Schockow pleaded guilty to an amended charge of burglary and obstructing official business.

Schockow was one of three people charged with breaking into a house garage in the 1500 block of Pershing Avenue in October and taking a computer.

Steven S. West, 24, of 742 Kendall Ave. was sentenced Wednesday to one year in prison by Bruzzese after West pleaded guilty to complicity to burglary and obstructing official business.

Cody Francis, 22, of 109 township Road 381, Steubenville, also has been indicted in the case but hasn’t been located.

PAC?membership meeting set Monday

STEUBENVILLE – A Polish Athletic Club general membership meeting is set for 8 p.m. Monday at the post, 433 N. Seventh St.

Executive officers are to meet at 7:30 p.m.

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Tax bill deadline approaching

STEUBENVILLE – Wednesday is the last day for Jefferson County residents to pay tax bills for the first half of 2013 without penalty.

Jefferson County Treasurer Raymond M. Agresta said persons who have not received a bill, which were mailed Jan. 23, should contact the county treasurer’s office at (740) 283-8572.

Credit card payments only are accepted by telephone at (800) 2PAY-TAX (1-800-272-9829) or online at www.officialpayments.com and use jurisdiction code 4577. Agresta said Official Payments, the service provider, charges a convenience fee for the service.

Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 398, Steubenville, OH 43952, or dropped in the drop-off box located on the alley side of the courthouse. Persons wanting a receipt must return the entire statement along with a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Payments also may be made at the treasurer’s office on the first floor of the courthouse or at the following banks: Huntington National Bank in Steubenville (Hollywood Branch), Bergholz, Richmond, Wintersville, Toronto and Tiltonsville; and Peoples National in Mount Pleasant.

Workforce board to meet March 6

CADIZ – The Workforce Investment Area 16 Council of Government quarterly meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. on March 6 at the Harrison County Job and Family Services building.

Health board to meet Monday

WELLSBURG – The Brooke County Board of Health will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the Brooke County Commissioners’ meeting room of the Brooke County Courthouse.

The board will consider appointment of a chair and vice chair and reappointment of its health officer and discuss outreach clinics in Brooke County schools, among other matters.

Indian Creek team to meet

WINTERSVILLE – The Indian Creek Local School District curriculum improvement council and district leadership team’s February meeting has been scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday in the gymnasium at the Bantam Ridge board offices.

Discussions at the meeting, which is open to the public, will concern curricular issues.

Amsterdam financial report available

AMSTERDAM – The 2013 financial report for the village is complete and available for review at the village office, 103 Springfield St., according to Kay Hilderbrand, village clerk/treasurer.

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City man admits to burglary

STEUBENVILLE – Steven S. West, 24, of 742 Kendall Ave. was sentenced to one year in prison on Wednesday by Jefferson County Common Pleas Judge Joseph Bruzzese Jr. after West pleaded guilty to complicity to burglary and obstructing official business.

West and two co-defendants, Dustin Schockow, 21, of 3953 county Road 16, Rayland, and Cody Francis, 22, of 109 township Road 381, Steubenville, were charged with breaking into a home in the 1500 block of Pershing Avenue in October and taking a computer. The three were arrested a short time later by City Police. Schockow also was in court for a plea change on Wednesday but the case will proceed to trial. Francis has not been served a copy of his indictment.

Probation revoked in criminal case

STEUBENVILLE – Craig Merrin, 25, of Bloomingdale was sentenced to 20 months in prison on Wednesday by Jefferson County Common Pleas Judge Joseph Bruzzese Jr. after Merrin admitted to a probation violation and a subsequent crime.

Merrin was sentenced to 20 months in prison in December 2010 after pleading guilty to attempted burglary and complicity to burglary. Bruzzese granted Merrin early release from prison in March 2011 and ordered Merrin to complete a four-month program at the Eastern Ohio Correction Center. Merrin was placed on probation for three years.

Merrin admitted to failing to report to his probation officer, admitted to using drugs and was in possession of drug paraphernalia.

Merrin on Wednesday also pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property – jewelry – in August. He will be on probation for two years on that charge after he is released from prison. He faces an additional year in prison if he violates probation.

Friendship Room to be open weekly

STEUBENVILLE – Organizers of the Warming Center, opened during recent bitterly cold weather, will open the Friendship Room Fridays at the Urban Underground facility at the corner of south Fourth and Market streets.

Molly McGovern said the Friendship Room will open every Friday morning and will continue to accept nonperishable groceries, clothing and blankets for those in need.

“The nonperishable groceries we don’t give away are donated to the Samaritan House every week along with the clothing donated to the Warming Center. We welcome everyone who wants to stop by for some conversation and friendship to stop in Fridays,” McGovern stated.

Mingo Junction street closed for work

MINGO JUNCTION – Lincoln Avenue will be closed beginning Monday during the day and limited to one lane at night as the sewer separation project begins, the village administrator’s office reported. There will be no through traffic during the day. Residents are not permitted to park vehicles on Lincoln Avenue, the administrator’s office reported.

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Veterans Association group meets

SMITHFIELD – Jefferson County Veterans Association officials made plans to visit the Jefferson County Historical Association Museum at 426 Franklin Ave. on March 5.

Barry Bardone made the arrangements for a tour of the military rooms at the museum.

County veterans association Commander Bill Smythe conducted the Feb. 5 meeting held at the Friendship Park office.

Further discussion was conducted by members on the campaign to extend the Fort Friendship Veterans Memorial Wall Museum in the spring. The 600 memorial brick limit has been reached with the last 149 orders but the veterans group now plans to extend the wall that is part of the military equipment museum at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, according to Tony Phillippi, veterans group officer.

Charles Greene was the first coordinator of the project that was presented to the Jefferson County commissioners two years ago. Work has been done by volunteers and labor unions who contributed their experience.

University group presents Lincoln feature

STEUBENVILLE – Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Film Society will host a screening of “Young Mr. Lincoln” at 7 p.m. Friday in Anathan Theatre located in the ground floor of Egan Hall.

Starring Henry Fonda as Abraham Lincoln, the 1939 film is a partly fictionalized biography that depicts Lincoln’s rise from log-cabin roots to become a novice lawyer struggling with an incendiary murder case in Springfield, Ill.

“Young Mr. Lincoln” represents the first collaboration of Fonda and director John Ford. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion.

Harrison Hills committee to meet

CADIZ- The Harrison Hills City Board of Education insurance committee will meet 5 p.m. Thursday at the administrative office.

School district to showcase safety

TILTONSVILLE – Buckeye Local School District residents will have a chance to be updated on the district’s ongoing safety preparations at meeting set for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Buckeye South Elementary.

Heading up the program will be Retired Navy SEAL Senior Chief Frank Hoagland, founder of the Mingo Junction based Special Tactics and Rescue Training

A Buckeye North High School graduate, Hoagland, along with his staff were hired by the school board some months ago to assess the district’s level of safety.

The ability to better control campus and building access is a districtwide project, according to officials.

“We have eyes on our kids from the minute they are on campus,” offered South Elementary Principal Kim Leonard. “Everyone is pleased with the improvements we have seen just with this part of our efforts. We changed our delivery and pickup plans for students on campus. We no longer allow vehicles other than our buses to travel behind the building whatsoever. Parents drop their kids off at the front of the driveway where one of our teachers is there to redirect them, so they are immediately moving off campus after dropping off or picking up their student,” noted Leonard.

Wednesday dinner at Hill Top rescheduled

TORONTO – A baked steak dinner scheduled for Wednesday at the Hill Top Fellowship Hall located at the intersection of county Road 46 and state Route 213, Toronto, has been rescheduled for the following Wednesday because of anticipated bad weather.

The dinner will be held from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 26.

The menu will be baked steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad bar, pie and hot and cold beverages. Donations will be accepted.

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Church offerings taken during service

STEUBENVILLE -Five young males entered the Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church, 206 N. 10th St., during Sunday service and stole the offerings totaling about $200, City Police reported.

The Rev. Gregory Thompson told police three of the young men went downstairs and talked to a parishioner, while two took the Sunday offerings.

All five then ran out of the church, police reported.

Officers searched the area but the young men weren’t located.

Boil order issued for Bergholz

BERGHOLZ – Jefferson County water customers in the village are under a boil order through Tuesday evening after several water line breaks over the weekend.

Customers experienced a loss of water service or low pressure due to several breaks, the county water and sewer department reported Sunday. Service was expected to be restored around 10 p.m. Sunday, followed by a 48-hour boil order, officials said.

The village has had numerous breaks throughout the system in the past couple months, prompting the Jefferson County commissioners to ask the water and sewer department to begin assessing the replacement of lines.

Adams Street repair will begin on Tuesday

STEUBENVILLE – Repairs will start Tuesday on a water line break on the Adams Street on ramp.

Adams Street will be reduced to one lane from Eighth Street Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The on-ramp to Washington Street will remain closed until the project is completed.

Motorists are advised to use an alternate route.

There will be periodic interruptions of water service on Ninth Street south of Short Street until the repairs are finished.

Once the water line repair is completed a boil water advisory will be issued, officials said.

Repairs to the road surface of the on-ramp will begin once the water line is repaired.

The on-ramp should be re-opened to traffic by the end of the month.

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Charges filed against man in fleeing incident

STEUBENVILLE – Charges have been filed against the man who fled with Michael Boone from Ohio State patrolmen in a chase that ended with Boone taking his life.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol has charged Michael Maurer, 32, of 5417 state Route 43, Richmond, with failure to comply and convict in possession of a firearm.

He is being held in the Jefferson County Jail.

The highway patrol said Maurer was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Boone, who led troopers on a short chase early Friday from county Road 45 to an area near Boone’s house on Randolph Lane.

Police said both men fled from the vehicle.

Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla said Maurer was apprehended over a hill from the site and a loaded 9 mm pistol was found in his belt behind his back.

Boone was found in his home, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police said it wasn’t clear why Boone killed himself.

The investigating officer for the highway patrol couldn’t be reached late Friday for more information.

Plea date moved in grand jury case

STEUBENVILLE – A plea scheduled for one of the people indicted by a special grand jury investigating aspects of the Steubenville rape case has been postponed one week.

Hannah Rhinaman was scheduled to enter a plea at 11 a.m. on Wednesday and enter a diversion program. Her case is now scheduled for 11 a.m. on Feb. 26,

She was named in a three-count indictment charging her with two counts of receiving stolen property, a fifth-degree felony, and one count of grand theft, a fifth-degree felony.

The move was made Friday after a scheduling conflict with visiting Summit County retired Judge Patricia Ann Cosgrove.

Five other people were named in the grand jury indictments.

Smart device class announced at EGCC

STEUBENVILLE – Eastern Gateway Community College’s Information Technology Club is here to help owners of smart devices.

Interested persons should bring their smart device to the free class, and the club’s experienced technology users will demonstrate common tasks like adjusting settings, texting, watching videos, taking pictures and surfing the Web. Specific questions will be tackled.

The class will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Feb. 22 on the college’s Jefferson County campus.

Contact the community outreach department at (740) 264-5591, ext. 310, to register by Tuesday.

The IT Club offers the class for free, but donations will be accepted.

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Plea entered in theft case

STEUBENVILLE – Matthew Sanders, 40, of 208 Rex Ave., Wintersville, was placed on two years of probation on Wednesday by Jefferson County Common Pleas Judge Joseph Bruzzese Jr. after Sanders pleaded guilty to felony theft.

Sanders was charged with taking jewelry from a female between July and August.

Bruzzese also issued a $200 fine and ordered $1,800 in restitution. Sanders faces up to 12 months in prison if he violates probation.

Free pancakes offered to area veterans

STEUBENVILLE – Bob Evans’ officials announced that veterans and active military personnel will receive free all-you-can-eat hotcakes at its restaurants, including the sites in Steubenville and Weirton, on Presidents Day on Monday. All these servicemen and women need do is show a valid military ID.

Veterans are a large portion of Bob Evans’ consumers, according to officials. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, 8 percent of residents in Bob Evans’ home state of Ohio are veterans. And, following encouraging feedback on its all-you-can-eat hotcakes on Veterans Day, Bob Evans decided to repeat the offer for Presidents Day.

“It is because of these brave men and women that we continue to enjoy the freedom our Founding Fathers fought for,” says Bob Evans Restaurants President Randy Hicks. “They deserve our thanks and so we are proud to offer them a free hotcakes breakfast on Presidents’ Day.”

Guests must provide proof of service, including U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, wearing uniform or Veterans Organization Card.

Health board search panel to meet Tuesday

STEUBENVILLE – The city board of health search committee will meet in executive session at 5 p.m. Tuesday to review applications for the health commissioner position.

The committee is expected to make its recommendations to the board of health at the 8 a.m. Thursday meeting.

Scrabble session set for Wednesday

STEUBENVILLE – Area Scrabble enthusiasts will gather Wednesday for their monthly game session in room 1502 at Eastern Gateway Community College.

Play time will run from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with newcomers welcome and encouraged to bring the board game if they have one. No fees are charged.

Bonus words will be words relevant to St. Patrick’s Day.

For information, call (740) 264-9893.

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Bridgeport man charged with soliciting

FOLLANSBEE – A Bridgeport man faces charges in Brooke County Circuit Court for allegedly using the Internet to solicit a minor and having sexual contact with her.

Jacob Walter Maloney, 33, of Bridgeport has been charged by City Police with third-degree sexual abuse and three counts of soliciting a minor by computer.

According to court records, a local teen girl contacted Maloney through a social networking site and he arranged to meet her outside her home, where he had sexual contact with her.

The records state prior to their meeting, the girl told him she was a teen and he told her he was 22.

Maloney attempted to use the Internet twice to contact her, according to records.

An adult reported the alleged incidents to City Police.

Maloney is being held in the Northern Regional Jail in lieu of a $70,000 bond set for him in Brooke County Magistrate Court.

Because the three charges are felonies, his case is pending in circuit court.

Planners re-elect officers in Weirton

WEIRTON – The city’s planning commission met Wednesday to elect officers.

Members welcomed newcomer Tamara Green before re-electing Chuck Robinson as chairman, John Porco as vice-chairman and Nate Mazur as secretary.

Commissioner Rod Rosnick noted that although there has been no agenda in the previous couple of months, there will be several items up for discussion at the next meeting on March 12.

Commissioner named to state committee

COLUMBUS – Jefferson County Commissioner Thomas Graham has been appointed to the County Commissioners Association of Ohio Taxation and Finance Committee for 2014.

The committee’s work includes tax policy, sales and use taxes, auditing and accounting, budget procedures and investment policy.

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Toronto home destroyed by fire

TORONTO – A single-story brick home at 716 N. Fifth St. was destroyed by a fire originating in the kitchen on Tuesday.

City Fire Chief Frank McEwen said the resident, Cheryl Diely, got out of the home with her pet before firefighters arrived. He said the woman reported hearing a popping sound in her kitchen and found the wall behind her stove on fire.

Diely told firefighters she hadn’t left anything cooking on the stove, but the fire is believed to be related to the stove.

Firefighters from Toronto, Empire and Knoxville were dispatched at noon and were able to extinguish the blaze in about 90 minutes. The home next door at 718 N. Fifth St. also was damaged by the fire.

McEwen said the house’s roof collapsed. He said a representative of the American Red Cross as well as Diely’s family were on hand to assist her.

Adams Street ramp closed indefinitely

STEUBENVILLE – The Adams Street entrance ramp from Adams Street to Washington Street has been closed to all traffic indefinitely.

A city street department spokesperson said a water distribution pipe under the roadway ruptured.

Motorists are urged to seek alternate routes to avoid delays.

Cross Creek trusteesset special meeting

WINTERSVILLE – The Cross Creek Township trustees will hold a special meeting at 9 a.m. Thursday at the township building located at 251 Airport Road.

The trustees are to discuss electrical and gas aggregation.

School board calls special meeting

WELLSBURG – The Brooke County Board of Education will hold a work meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at its office at 1201 Pleasant Ave.

The board will discuss plans to carry out its comprehensive educational facilities plan, involving the consolidation of schools, facilities and personnel.

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GPS used to track down stolen truck

STEUBENVILLE – A remote access to a pickup truck’s GPS unit was used to locate it after it was stolen Monday from a business in the Fernwood Industrial Park, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department reported.

The sheriff’s department reported MPW Industrial, 2068 Fernwood Road, was broken into Monday.

Vending machines were entered and money removed.

A laptop computer, battery charger and tools also were taken.

A company vehicle was stolen and a remote access to the GPS tracked the truck down to being off township Road 156, Rayland, where a Wells Township officer found it.

The sheriff’s department has the locations where the truck went prior to being abandoned.

Woman sentenced after probation revoked

STEUBENVILLLE – Jennifer Barnhart, 28, of Steubenville was sentenced to six months in the Eastern Ohio Correction Center on Monday by Jefferson County Common Pleas Judge Joseph Bruzzese Jr. after Barnhart admitted to a probation violation.

Barnhart in October was sentenced to two years of probation after pleading guilty to two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and a separate case charging possession of cocaine.

The county prosecutor’s office filed a probation revocation motion after Barnhart failed to report to her probation officer and tested positive for cocaine.

Barnhart will be on probation for an additional year.

Soil and water district meeting today

WINTERSVILLE – The Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District will hold its regularly scheduled monthly board meeting at 3:30 p.m. today at the office, 587 Bantam Ridge Road, Suite A.

Food handler’s class offered in?Hancock

WEIRTON – The Hancock County Health Department will offer a food handler’s class at 10 a.m. Feb. 24 at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 200 Preston Ave.

The class is open to the public.

Any person involved in food service in Hancock and Brooke counties is required to have a current food handler’s card.

The class is for volunteers and people employed in the food service industry.

Food handler cards are free to volunteers working for a nonprofit organization. For those working in food establishments, the cost is $7 for a one-year card, $12 for a two-year card and $17 for a three-year card.

Food handler training also may be done online by going to HancockCountyHealthDepartment.com and taking the class.

Payment for the online class may be made with a credit card or on PayPal.

Participants can print out the completion verification and pay the fee at the health department, 100 N. Court St., New Cumberland, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.

For information, call the health department at (304) 564-3343.

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Seven injured in Sinclair Avenue wreck

STEUBENVILLE – Seven people were injured, with one flown by medical helicopter to a Pittsburgh hospital, following a head-on wreck between an SUV and a car on Sinclair Avenue around 6:10 p.m. Sunday.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported an SUV driven by Angela Hayes, 44, of 460 Woodland Ave. was traveling east on the road when it went left of center and struck head-on a car driven by Robert N. Rea, 45, of 3246 county Road 25, Rayland. Hayes and four passengers were taken to Trinity Medical Center West. Rea and a passenger, Carolyn S. Rea, 68, of 3244 county Road 25, Rayland, also were taken to the hospital, the patrol reported. Carolyn Rea was flown by medical helicopter to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

The City Fire Department was called to extricate the Reas from the vehicle.

The accident remains under investigation.

Suspects sought in home invasion

MINGO JUNCTION – Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department is searching for at least four suspects in an attempted house invasion Friday evening at 354 Lincoln Ave.

A resident told a deputy a group of men came to the house and were yelling to be let into the residence, claiming they were owed money. The resident said at least one man brandished a weapon, a deputy reported. The men kicked the front door until it fell apart and threw rocks through windows, the deputy said.

The men left when the resident said she had called 911, the sheriff’s department reported.

AG reps to hold local office hours

CHARLESTON – The Office of the West Virginia Attorney General will conduct mobile office hours in the Northern Panhandle later this month to assist citizens and consumers with issues they might have.

Amy Nickerson, a consumer outreach and compliance specialist with the office, will host the events, which are scheduled locally from:

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Hancock County Courthouse, 102 Court St., New Cumberland.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Brooke County Courthouse, Wellsburg.

For information about the mobile office hours, call Nickerson at (304) 543-8457.

PERI to meet Wednesday

WINTERSVILLE – Jefferson County Chapter 5 of the Public Employee Retirees will hold its monthly meeting at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Zalenski’s.

Guest speaker will be Ida Haynes, who will talk about her trip to Antarctica. Members are reminded that this month’s meeting will be held at different time.

Indian Creek preschool, kindergarten registration set

WINTERSVILLE – Officials with the Indian Creek Local School District have scheduled preschool and kindergarten registration on the following days:

March 10-11 – Wintersville Elementary School.

March 12-13 – Hills Elementary School.

Sessions are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wintersville Elementary and 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Hills Elementary.

Records of birth certificates, immunizations and Social Security number are required.

An income verification document also is required for those registering for preschool. Children ages 3-5 on or before Aug. 1 are eligible to enroll. Children age 4 will receive priority placement in the preschool classes.

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Cadiz dispatcher wins state award

COLUMBUS – Lori Stine of Cadiz, an Ohio State Highway Patrol dispatcher, was named Dispatcher of the Year on Friday as part of the patrol’s 2013 Leadership Awards.

Stine is assigned to the New Philadelphia Dispatch Center.

She joined the patrol in March 2001 as a dispatcher assigned to the Steubenville Post. Later that year, she transferred to the St. Clairsville Dispatch Center. In 2011, she transferred to her most recent assignment at the New Philadelphia Dispatch Center.

Stine earned an associate’s degree in medical science from Fairmont State College in 2001.

Edison Local School public meeting

HAMMONDSVILLE – The Edison Local School District will hold a public meeting 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the high school auditorium to discuss the transition of the school year from days to hours beginning with the 2014-2015 school year.

Philosopher guest speaker at university

STEUBENVILLE – Legal and political philosophy expert Francis J. Beckwith will speak at Franciscan University of Steubenville at 7:30 p.m. February 20 on “Taking Rites Seriously?: How Courts and Legal Scholars Diminish Religious Belief,”

The talk is set for the Tony and Nina Gentile Gallery in the J. C. Williams Center.

Beckwith will focus on legal scholars who argue that religious worldviews are unreasonable and religiously informed policy proposals have no place in a secular liberal democracy.

Beckwith’s talk is part of the spring 2014 Distinguished Speaker Series.

The talk is free and open to the public and is co-sponsored by the Office of Academic Affairs and the Henkels Lecture Series.

Man who said he was Santa sentenced

WARREN – A 65-year-old northeast Ohio man with a flowing white beard who often told neighborhood children he was Santa Claus has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for having child pornography on his computer.

A judge in Trumbull County sentenced Niles resident William F. Brock Sr. on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to 35 child porn charges.

Prosecutors say evidence found on Brock’s computer included videos showing rapes being committed against an 8-year-old girl in nearby Austintown by his girlfriend in 2012.

The girlfriend was sentenced in September to 25 years in prison for raping two children and having sexually explicit images on a cellphone.

A prosecutor says there’s no evidence Brock sexually assaulted children.

Brock declined to comment in court.

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Free financial aid event at EGCC

STEUBENVILLE – Eastern Gateway Community College will host the statewide college financial aid event, College Goal Sunday, at 2 p.m. Sunday on the Jefferson County campus.

The free event, presented by the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and endorsed by the Ohio Board of Regents, assists students and parents with completing the free application for federal student aid. It’s the federal application that is required to receive federal financial aid, including the Federal Pell Grant and student loans as well as the need-based state grants.

Families are encouraged to register at www.ohiocollegegoalsunday.org or call (800) 233-6734.

Hancock health board begins fees

NEW CUMBERLAND – The Hancock County Health Board has approved environmental fees for permits effective in the 2014-15 fiscal year.

The approval took place during the board’s bi-monthly meeting Tuesday.

The 2014-15 environmental fees for permits schedule is available for public review during normal business hours at the Hancock County Health Department in New Cumberland; the Mary H. Weir Public Library, Weirton; the Swaney Memorial Library, New Cumberland; and Lynn Murray Memorial Library, Chester.

A 30-day written comment period, beginning on Feb. 18, will exist for the submission of comments. Written comments must contain the writer’s name, address and telephone number.

Direct all comments to: Jackie Huff, administrator, Hancock County Health Department, P.O. Box 578, New Cumberland, WV 26047.

Bishop Mark Bartchak to speak at FUS

STEUBENVILLE – Bishop Mark Bartchak of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown will give a public address at Franciscan University of Steubenville on Feb. 18 regarding Pope Francis and Catholic Social Teaching: Principles, Spirituality and Action.

The talk will take place at 7 p.m. in the Gentile Gallery of the J.C. Williams Center.

“In his own unique way, Pope Francis has been drawing our attention to fundamental principles of the church’s social teaching. He has also given some indications of a kind of spirituality and necessary action that make those principles come alive,” said Bartchak.

Bartchak’s talk is free and open to the public.

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Warming center to open Friday

STEUBENVILLE – The Warming Center at the corner of Fourth and Market streets will open at 9 a.m. Friday.

Organizer Molly McGovern said volunteers hope to open the Friendship Room Warming Center every Friday, “as a way to reach out to people who may need a place to get warm or have a cup of coffee or some soup.”

“We are monitoring the weather forecast and if the temperatures are bitter cold we will extend our operations during those days. At this point we plan to be open only on Friday unless there is a need for more days,” McGovern said.

McGovern said the Warming Center will be open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday.

“We will have blankets, coats, gloves and hats for anyone who needs a little help,” she said.

EGCC offers GED prep courses

STEUBENVILLE – Free GED preparation courses begin Feb. 17 on the Eastern Gateway Community College’s Jefferson County campus.

Morning and evening classes are available.

These courses also can be helpful for those desiring to get back into the work force or wanting to enroll in college.

For information, call (740) 264-5591, extension 303.

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Man sentenced in child rape case

STEUBENVILLE – Grady L. Franklin, 33, of Steubenville was sentenced to 10 years to life in prison on Tuesday by Jefferson County Common Pleas Judge David Henderson after Franklin pleaded guilty to two counts of rape.

Franklin was charged with two separate incidents of rape in August 2012 and November 2012 involving a then 12-year-old girl.

Henderson ordered that Franklin is classified as a Tier III sex offender, requiring him to report his address to the county sheriff every 90 days for life.

Sentence given for heroin possession

STEUBENVILLE – Nicholas J. Pickford, 28, of 631 Buena Vista Blvd. was sentenced to six months in the Eastern Ohio Correction Center by Jefferson County Common Pleas Judge Joseph Bruzzese Jr. after Pickford pleaded guilty to possession of heroin.

Pickford was arrested by City Police on Aug. 9 following a disturbance outside the Fort Steuben Mall and had heroin in his pocket.

Pickford was fined $300 and placed on two years of probation after his sentence at the Eastern Ohio Correction Center. He faces one year in prison if he violates probation.

Blood drive at CCHS

STEUBENVILLE – An American Red Cross blood drive is planned from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 18 in the Catholic Central High School gymnasium, 320 West View Ave.

The drive is being sponsored by the school’s Key Club. To schedule an appointment, call (800) RED-CROSS or go online at redcrossblood.org

Walk-ins are welcomed.

Energy Fest coming back to Carrollton

CARROLLTON – The Country Energy Fest will be back in Carrollton for a econd year, according to Yvonne Ackerman, committee member.

The event is scheduled to be held May 31 at the Carroll County Fairgrounds. It will include a ribs burn-off followed by a country music concert.

The event will open at 11 a.m., with the ribs burn-off and continue until 9 p.m. There will be a car show, an antique tractor show, motorcycle show and entertainment for children.

Several area musicians will perform throughout the day. Additional activities are being added daily, according to Ackerman.

Concert information will be released Feb. 24. Tickets go on sale on March 1. Bookmark www.countryenergyfest.com and follow the committee on Facebook and Twitter for festival information and giveaways.

Country Energy Fest is a community event first organized by the Caroll County Agricultural Society as a fundraiser for fairground needs. The committee has grown to include business professionals and local residents who share a common interest in making the community a better place, officials said.

For information, contact the County Energy Fest Committee at (330) 627-2300 or go online at www.countryenergyfest.com.

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Columbia Gas sets public meeting today

STEUBENVILLE – Columbia Gas of Ohio will hold a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. today to inform residents of the Maryland Avenue, Rosswell Avenue and Sunset Boulevard areas of the city of planned gas line replacement projects starting this year.

The meeting will be held at the Covenant Presbyterian Church on Belleview Boulevard.

A Columbia Gas of Ohio official said approximately 1,275 customers will be affected by the three projects.

“The Sunset Boulevard project is expected to start first. We are working with the city to help meet their paving and construction schedules. This is an opportunity to learn more about the construction process and ask questions. We will have construction leaders, engineers and others on hand to answer questions about the three projects,” said Columbia Gas of Ohio spokesperson Shane Cartmill.

Steubenville Saddle Club resets meeting

EAST SPRINGFIELD – Because of anticipated bad weather, the Steubenville Saddle Club is canceling its meeting that was scheduled to be held at 7 p.m. tonight at the East Springfield Community Center.

The meeting has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. on Feb. 11 at the center, which is located on county Road 39 next to the East Springfield Volunteer Fire Department.

Agenda items will include the announcement of judges for the summer show season and a review of the show bill.

The club has set show dates for May 4, June 15, July 13 and Aug. 31 at the club grounds located on state Route 152 north, Richmond.

Officers of the club are Dale Holcomb, president; Rodney Moore, vice president; Marlene Lamantia, secretary; Cathy Hickle, treasurer; Marty Ternasky, show secretary; and Robin Wedlake, point secretary.

The club was founded in 1947 and the current club grounds were purchased in 1956.

Membership in the club is open to anyone. An annual membership for a family is $25; $15 for an individual; and $10 for a youth. Checks can be made payable to the Steubenville Saddle Club and mailed to SCC, P.O. Box 431, Richmond, OH 43944, or brought to a meeting.