Man killed in morning fire

MINGO JUNCTION — A local man was killed in a fire that destroyed a garage apartment Wednesday morning.

Hillndale Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Cline confirmed the fatal fire occurred at 365 Montwell Drive but didn’t release the man’s name, saying his family hasn’t been notified.

He said the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office was called to investigate but has ruled the cause undetermined.

Such a ruling often is reached because of the extent of the damage or lack of evidence.

Firefighters called to the scene described the structure as being fully engulfed upon their arrival.

The Hillndale department was assisted by firefighters from Steubenville and Wintersville.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department assisted with crowd control.

Steubenville schools receive grant

NELSONVILLE — Steubenville City Schools will be among the recipients who will share in $121,025 in grant money aimed toward promoting conservation and environmental stewardship efforts in the region.

The grants, which are being issued by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio in partnership with the Muskingum Watershed Conservation District, will fund locally led conservation and environmental stewardship efforts that advance the greater well-being of the region.

The research grant awarded to the school district will help to engage students in a research project to determine the presence of microplastics in the Jefferson County tributaries of the Ohio River.

Youngtown State University was among the grant recipients, and the money will go toward the study of sediment dynamics and water clarity and quality variations across Tappan Lake in Harrison County and how these factors can contribute to the development of algal blooms.

Funding is made possible through a $10 million investment from MWCD and gifts from partners who helped establish FAO’s Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity Fund, including American Electric Power, AEP Foundation, Nicolozakes Trucking and Construction Inc. and Ohio CAT.

Husted announces campaign chairs

COLUMBUS — Sen. Jon Husted Wednesday announced 112 county campaign chairs representing all 88 counties in Ohio, expanding the campaign’s grassroots network and volunteer infrastructure statewide.

Husted for Senate campaign chairs will continue to serve as the campaign’s first point of contact for community leaders, faith groups, law enforcement, veterans, and grassroots activists. They will recruit, organize, and lead volunteers at the county level while coordinating local events, media and surrogate activities to strengthen the campaign’s presence in every corner of Ohio.

In our region, the list includes Jefferson County Commissioner Eric Timmons; former Harrison County Commissioner Paul Coffland; Belmont County Sheriff David Lucas; Carroll County Sheriff Calvin Graham; and Columbiana County Republican Party Chairman David Johnson.

Council to meet Tuesday

WINTERSVILLE — Because of a scheduling conflict, Wintersville Council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday instead of Thursday, its usual meeting date, at the Village Building.

JVS board to meet

STEUBENVILLE — The board of education for the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School will hold its regular meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The meeting will be held in the boardroom at the JVS.