Triad educators are celebrating the benefits of adding additional intervention staff to their schools. Elementary School Principal Lee Claypool said the growth among students who are assisted by Title I intervention specialists, called the “FLOOD Team” at Triad, is “heartening.” In 2021, Claypool said the district doubled the number of students it could offer specialized assistance to by adding a second Title I teacher, both of whom provide additional instruction to at-risk students. At the most recent Board of Education meeting, Claypool shared the progress of first graders being assisted by the FLOOD Team. She noted that the FLOOD Team…
Author: Kayleen Petrovia
Plain City Council is still working to finalize a program that would enable the village to support community events in a fair manner. During a recent council meeting, Council member Frank Reed questioned a grant program proposed by village staff. According to an application posted on the village website, nonprofit organizations may apply for grant funding or “cost incurred forgiveness” worth up to $1,000. Grants will be awarded in the areas of “beautification of public property; projects/events that appeal to Plain City visitors/tourists; special events; cultural arts (and) other projects that will enhance Plain City.” Reed said he took particular…
A largely new Plain City Council began laying the groundwork for another year of progress, though disagreements arose among some members during their first meeting. Mayor Jody Carney and Council member Michael Terry, who were both previously appointed to their positions but won seats in the November election, were sworn into office Monday. New Council members Jim Eudaily, Kerri Ferguson and James Sintz also took the oath of office. Terry received a unanimous vote to serve as council president. Council member Frank Reed expressed disagreement and disappointment surrounding 2022 appointments to boards and committees. Reed was the only council member…
The judge overseeing the civil lawsuit against Jerome Township approved an agreement between the plaintiffs and defendant, calling opposition to the consent decree “unpersuasive.” An opinion from Judge Michael H. Watson approved the consent decree and denied as moot a motion to intervene filed by Jerome Township residents. “The Court finds this is not a one-sided agreement; each side takes something from the resolution of this dispute,” Watson stated in the opinion. The settlement stems from a lawsuit filed in July 2020 by land owners and companies affiliated with several developments stalled by referendums – The Homestead at Scotts Farm,…
A vehicle pursuit Wednesday led to an extensive air and ground search and the arrests of a Galloway man and woman driving a stolen truck. Brittany L. Jobe, 29, was arrested for an outstanding warrant out of Madison County for failure to appear in court regarding a suspended license. Brandon H. Webb, 43, was arrested for “multiple outstanding warrants” and is facing additional charges of fleeing and eluding and receiving stolen property, according to a report from the Union County Sheriff’s Office. Both suspects were transported to the Tri-County Regional Jail. The arrests stemmed from a driving complaint received by…
I was always one of those kids that really loved school. Even outside of a classroom setting, I genuinely enjoy learning about new things. Knowing that about myself, it’s interesting to think that I have always felt like history is kind of boring. I never hated social studies or history classes, it was just nothing I felt super interested in or compelled to learn more outside of what was required by my teachers. Until very recently, I have held this idea about myself that I just don’t really like history. As 2021 came to a close, it struck me that…
Jerome Township officials kicked off the new year with a largely new Board of Trustees. During Tuesday’s organizational meeting, returning Trustee Megan Sloat welcomed new members Barry Adler and Wezlynn Davis. The board voted unanimously to reappoint Sloat as chair for the year 2022. Davis will serve as vicechair. Adler will serve as the baseball field lottery chair, overseeing the event during which rental dates for the baseball facilities are determined. Davis will act as the cemetery sexton. Fiscal Officer Robert Caldwell said it is primarily an advisory role, as meeting with families at the cemetery to view lots and…
As Jerome Township prepares for a largely new Board of Trustees, its staff took time Tuesday to reflect on the progress made during the tenure of the two outgoing trustees. Director of Departments Douglas Stewart thanked Trustees Joe Craft and C.J. Lovejoy for their dedication throughout eight years on the board and presented the pair with shadow boxes with turnout gear from the Jerome Township Division of Fire. “It’s easy to throw stones and cast stones… but we’ve got to look at all the good things that have been done in this township by the board members. “Over the past…
West Central Executive Director David Ervin is pictured sitting in the family room of the women’s wing at West Central Community Correctional Facility. After 25 years at the helm of the facility, Ervin is retiring. (Journal-Tribune photo by Kayleen Petrovia) When David Ervin first arrived at the site of West Central, it may have been difficult to envision a Community Based Correctional Facility that would one day graduate over 7,000 incarcerated men and women from its program. Especially difficult because, on that day in 1996, the 11.2-acre piece of land on Route 4 was only a soybean field. Ervin, though,…
Following months of negotiations, Jerome Township and the Union County Sheriff’s Office have reached an agreement to extend their public safety officer contract through the next three years. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept a revised contract with UCSO to provide four dedicated PSOs shared between Jerome and Millcreek townships. The two townships will continue to split the cost of the program in the same manner they have in the past, with Jerome covering 80%. According to the contract, 2022 costs for Jerome Township will not exceed $384,864.72 or $96,216.18 for Millcreek Township. The Sheriff’s Office will pay…
Jerome Township officials took the first step Tuesday night toward updating the area’s comprehensive plan. Director of Departments Douglas Stewart said it will likely be an 18-month process, which is broken down in the conceptual timeline illustrated above. (Graphic submitted) — Jerome Township officials took the first step Tuesday night toward creating a new comprehensive plan for the area. During the Board of Trustees meeting, Director of Departments Douglas Stewart, Zoning Inspector Eric Snowden and Assistant Zoning Inspector Joe Koralewski shared a conceptual timeline for the completion of a new comprehensive plan. “Ultimately, it is time” to update the existing…
Jerome Township resident Marilyn Valois, pictured at the podium at center, speaks to the Board of Trustees during a public hearing Monday regarding a consent decree between the township and a number of property owners and developers. Valois was among more than a dozen speakers opposed to the settlement. No speakers were in favor. (Journal-Tribune photo by Kayleen Petrovia) A lengthy legal battle between Jerome Township and several developers and property owners was effectively settled Monday night, resulting in the approval of four residential developments. In a 2-1 vote, the Board of Trustees approved a consent decree that will rezone…
Triad board member honored Outgoing Triad Board of Education member April Freville was recognized during Thursday’s meeting for her service to the district. Freville served on the board for eight years but did not run for reelection at the expiration of her term. Superintendent Vickie Hoffman thanked her for her dedication and commitment to the students at Triad. (Photo submitted) Triad educators are preparing for the future of the district’s middle school. Triad Middle School Principal Vinnie Spirko shared his three-year vision for the school during Thursday’s Board of Education meeting. “We’re doing a lot of good things,” said Spirko,…
Several safety precautions recommended to curb the spread of COVID-19 during the holiday season are illustrated above. They include being vaccinated, wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, delaying travel if not vaccinated and staying home when sick. (Graphic submitted) — Local public health officials are urging residents to take COVID-19 safety precautions as the holidays approach. During Wednesday’s Union County Health Department Board of Health meeting, Health Commissioner Jason Orcena said the area has been experiencing a sustained “surge” of cases since October. He said he expects the situation to become worse following holiday gatherings. “We’re not even through… what we…
Mayor Jody Carney reads a proclamation recognizing outgoing council members for their service and dedication to the village. Pictured, from left, are Council member Sherry Heineman, Carney, Council member Lauren Giaimo and Council member Shannon Pine. Each outgoing member also shared comments thanking fellow council members and residents for their support during their tenure. (Journal-Tribune photo by Kayleen Petrovia) During Plain City Council’s last planned meeting of the year, village staff presented their plans for the future. Village Administrator Haley Lupton shared a list of staff goals for 2022 and beyond. A number of objectives for the new year revolve…