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Briefs

Bridge transport delay announced

WELLSBURG — Plans to transport the new 830-foot-long main span of the new Ohio River bridge have been rescheduled by a day, according to an announcement by the state Department of Transportation on Thursday morning.

The tied-arch span will now be moved by barge beginning Wednesday morning, and lifted onto its piers early April 22.

State officials have stressed weather will be a major influence on plans to transport the main span down river on four barges about a mile south of Wellsburg, where large hydraulic cranes will be used to lift it 80 feet into the air and onto its piers.

A press release Wednesday from the department states, “Due to the highly sensitive nature of the actions being performed during this operation, execution will not be possible if river and wind conditions are not favorable.”

“Therefore, there is a real possibility the event will be delayed to the middle or end of the week of April 19. We will be closely monitoring the weather conditions throughout this week and will promptly communicate any updates and/or date changes as they arise.”

Portion of state Route 7 to close

STEUBENVILLE — The northbound lanes of state Route 7 from Franklin Avenue to University Boulevard will be closed to all traffic from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday.

According to the city of Steubenville Engineering Department, the closure is needed for Norfolk Southern Railroad to perform maintenance on the Railroad Bridge north of the marina entrance.

The work will continue on Sunday if needed.

The detour route will be Washington Street, state Route 43, to N. Seventh Street to University Boulevard. Detour signs will be posted and motorists are urged to drive with caution during the project’s duration.

Reports now available for review

STEUBENVILLE — The Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities approved and released its annual report for 2020.

The report is available for review and comment online at JCBDD.com or can be requested by calling (740) 264-5812 ext. 1108.

Stanton book fair heads outdoors

HAMMONDSVILLE — Stanton Elementary School’s annual Scholastic Book Fair will head outdoors to promote literacy among its young students.

Principal Shannah Scotch said the Stanton PTO will host the event on April 19-23, but things will look a bit different amid the COVID era with steps being taken to safely accommodate students and parents browsing among the merchandise. The book fair will be set up outside the library near the main entrance from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. while parents will have a “shopping hour” from 9-10 a.m. when they drop off their kids.

“It will take place outside under a canopy and students will be scheduled to visit at a certain time throughout each day,” she said. “All items will be sanitized and separated in between visits.”

Parents who choose to shop are asked to park in the grass behind the building and not block the driveway for cars and buses. Masks are also required for attendants.

Tree and shrub orders announced

STEUBENVILLE — Orders are being accepted until April 23 for a diverse selection of mature trees and shrubs from the Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District.

April has been designated as Ohio Native Plant Month, and Ohio has approximately 1,842 native plants, including trees, shrubs, perennials, vines and grasses. Native plants are part of an intricate balanced web and essential to all wildlife. These natives are abundant in benefits as they absorb stormwater, prevent flooding, filter drinking water, improve soil health, remove air pollutants, sequester carbon and feed the bees and creatures that pollinate most of our food crops.

The pants the JSWCD has to offer are in 3-gallon pots with trees being roughly 3-4 foot tall and shrubs being about 2 feet in size. Stock is limited and is on a first-come-first-serve basis. To view the selection of trees offered, visit the www.jeffersonswcd.org website to find pictures, descriptions and interesting historical facts about each of the plants being offered.

The preferred method to place an order is on the website but mail-in orders will be accepted. Pick-up will be at the JSWCD office parking lot on Monday, May 3 and Tuesday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“In addition to ordering plants and shrubs for your own personal property, you now have an opportunity to make a purchase to be donated to the Quaker Ridge project,” Duayne Wetherell, JSWCD public relations chair, said. “A tax deductible donation of a native tree or shrub to the Quaker Ridge Arboretum and Nature Trails will help to provide plantings for a diverse and healthy sustainable ecosystem. Your generous donation will provide county residents with lasting benefits for years to come.”

Contact JSWCD officials at (740) 264-9790 for information.

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