NEW ADDITION — Pennie Scarpone was administered oaths of office as the newest member of Wintersville Council. With her are Mayor Mike Petrella, left, and Dillonvale county court Judge David Scarpone, her brother-in-law. -- Contributed

WINTERSVILLE — Wintersville Council now has a new member and legal counsel.

At a special meeting Wednesday, council agreed to appoint attorney Jake Linn to serve in the latter role.

A Wintersville resident, Linn has served as assistant legal counsel for the city of Mansfield. He was one of two candidates interviewed by council last week.

In keeping with its previous arrangement with Chris Becker, who was village solicitor for more than 20 years, council approved a two-year contract for Linn.

But Mayor Mike Petrella recommended raising the pay for the position, noting Becker had received $700 per month for a number of years.

He said it was kind of Becker not to seek a raise but the village should raise the salary to make the position more attractive to future candidates.

Council approved a motion by Councilman Jason Mattern that Linn receive $850 per month for an initial three-month probationary period, followed by $1,000 per month after that.

It was the first meeting for Pennie Scarpone, who was appointed to serve the unexpired council seat of Dr. Michael Ross, who resigned in December.

Petrella said after interviewing eight candidates, council had planned to appoint Scarpone at a special meeting on Jan. 20.

But with the lack of a quorum at the meeting and the passing of 30 days following Ross’ resignation, it fell to him, as mayor, to appoint her.

Dillonvale county court Judge David Scarpone, Pennie’s brother-in-law, was recruited to administer oaths of office to her on Friday.

A Wintersville resident for 10 years, she has operated a home health agency in the village for 14 years and served as a physical therapist with Trinity Health System for 10 years.

She serves on the executive committee of the Jefferson County Republican Party and has volunteered for First Wednesdays in Wintersville, a monthly street festival launched by local business owners last year.

Scarpone also has served as a soccer coach and officiant and volunteer with the Parent Teacher Fellowship at Jefferson County Christian School.

A Steubenville native, she is a graduate of Bethany College and Wheeling Jesuit University, earning a doctorate in physical therapy at the latter.

Petrella noted council’s next regular meeting will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Municipal Building.