The Jerome Township police protection levy officially failed, according to results certified by the Union County Board of Elections Wednesday. Union County Board of Elections Director Tina LaRoche said 1,271 voters cast their ballot against the levy, while 1,237 were in favor of it. Ultimately, 50.7% of voters were against the proposed measure. The five-year, 1.1 mills renewal levy with a 0.1 mill increase would have funded the township’s dedicated public safety officers, along with a portion of the cost for a school resource officer, provided through the Union County Sheriff’s Office. Jerome Township shares four PSOs with Millcreek Township,…
Author: Kayleen Petrovia
Jerome Township officials are working to ensure their residents do not bear the brunt of the cost to adequately staff the Union County Sheriff’s Office. During Tuesday’s trustees meeting, Chair Megan Sloat proposed two options for the township’s public safety officer (PSO) contract with the Union County Sheriff’s Office. Rather than a five-year contract, as has been done in the past, she suggested committing to either a one-year or three-year agreement. Sloat said the PSO agreement was discussed at a recent meeting with Jerome Township Director of Departments Douglas Stewart, along with representatives from Millcreek Township, UCSO and the township’s…
The design of the front of the Jerome Township Division of Fire’s second fire station, Station 211, is illustrated above in the preliminary elevations from Mull & Weithman Architects, Inc. Construction of the new station is funded entirely by Nationwide Realty, through an agreement made during the development of Jerome Village. (Graphic submitted) Jerome Township is making progress toward its second fire station. The board recently voted 2-0 to move forward with advertising bids for the construction of Station 211. Trustee Joe Craft was absent. Jerome Township Division of Fire Chief and Director of Departments Douglas Stewart said he believes…
Following a public hearing, parking changes made during a 90-day pilot program will remain in place, though Plain City officials are still open to feedback. Initially, ‘no parking’ signs were added to both sides of the curved areas of Cooper Lane, Dickens Lane and Murlay Drive. After earlier resident feedback, the program was adjusted to restrict parking on just the inside curves and reduce the length where parking was prohibited, depicted above. Parking was also eliminated on one side of Lantern Lane and Carriage Drive. (Graphic submitted) Street parking restrictions in some Plain City neighborhoods will remain in place for…
Plain City Council is working to find the person who will lead the village into the future. During their meeting Monday, council members discussed the process by which they will seek and hire a new village administrator. “This is our shot to get it right,” said Mayor Jody Carney. Management Analyst Haley Lupton was appointed as Acting Village Administrator effective Oct. 25 following the resignation of Nathan Cahall. Village officials intend to conduct an external search for candidates, though Lupton may apply as well. If Lupton is not hired to the position more permanently, she will resume her duties as…
Jerome Township Administrative and Zoning Clerk Sydney Herbert flips through and speaks about one of two binders filled with biographical information surrounding each veteran listed on the township’s Soldiers Monument. Herbert has spent several months leading up to the local Veterans Day ceremony compiling information for each of the more than 500 soldiers honored on the monument. (Journal-Tribune photo by Kayleen Petrovia) — Those who drive down Industrial Parkway or U.S. 42 have likely seen the Jerome Township Soldiers Monument at the corner where the two roads meet in New California. What they might not have seen are the hundreds…
Plain City officials plan to tweak the village’s noise ordinance, but aren’t sure new legislation is the best way to solve the problem. Council dedicated its most recent work session to an open house-style discussion with residents surrounding excessive noise in the village. “We’re not here to argue, we’re not here to debate, we’re here to look for solutions,” said Council President John Rucker. In previous discussions, council members have considered adding decibel levels to the ordinance in an attempt to make the legislation easier to enforce. Plain City Police Department Chief Dale McKee said that may not be the…
Jonathan Alder STEM Facilitator Emily Byers describes how a 3D printer works and the types of projects for which it can be used. The 3D printer is one of many tools, pictured alongside a CNC router and laser engraver, in the district’s new Amazon Web Services Think Big Space. (Journal-Tribune photo by Kayleen Petrovia) — Jonathan Alder STEM Facilitator Emily Byers, at center, shows community members how to use an Osmo, a game that teaches children the basics of coding. Pictured, from left, are Jason Fatzinger with Amazon Web Services; Kerri Ferguson, owner of Main Street Treasures who was recently…
The 15th annual Union County Veterans Day and Voice from the Stone program will be held at the Veterans Plaza on the Union County Courthouse lawn at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7. The ceremony will feature the life and service of Lieutenant Colonel James Curry from the American Revolutionary War. Rick Curry, a retired Army veteran, will be the guest speaker. During the program, at least 34 new paver stones will be dedicated at the Union County Veterans Monument and Plaza. There are currently 2,200 veteran pavers installed in the plaza and 5,400 veteran records accessible at the plaza’s kiosk and online…
Union County voters supported their health department’s replacement levy in Tuesday’s election. The Union County Health Department sought to replace a 0.5 mill levy originally approved in 2001, which was collecting at a rate of 0.31 mills. Approval of the replacement will reset the effective rate to 0.5 mills. According to unofficial results from the Union County Board of Elections, 60.77% of voters, or 6,381 people, cast their ballot in favor of the levy. “We are feeling thankful this morning,” said UCHD Public Information Officer Jennifer Thrush. “We are proud to serve our communities and appreciate the support of our…
The Union County Health Department is still awaiting further input before proceeding to repair damages to the local fairgrounds. UCHD and the Union County Fair Board agree that fairgrounds roads were damaged during the health department’s COVID-19 drive-thru mass vaccination efforts. According to information from the health department, between 10,000 and 20,000 vehicles passed over the grounds from the end of December through mid-May. Throughout the winter, extreme weather conditions also affected the roads. As part of the standard demobilization process once clinics ended, conversations between the health department and Fair Board occurred surrounding damage repair options. With the support…
It’s Halloween time, which means there are two ways to celebrate. You either fall into the camp that loves carving pumpkins, apple picking and handing out candy to little trick-or-treaters, or the group that frequents haunted houses and has seen all the latest horror movies. Maybe it’s because I’m not a die-hard Halloween fan, but I generally lean toward the cozy, spooky interpretation of the holiday rather than the downright scary. Still, I do love a good scary movie marathon with friends. I’ve always just thought of it as a fun October pastime, but I’ve only recently considered… why exactly…
A new pedestrian walkway in Uptown Plain City will look slightly different than its original design, illustrated above. Most notably, the bump-out that pushes the parking lot into the path will be removed. Instead of brick pavers, stamped concrete will be used to ensure its longevity. (Graphic submitted) While the majority of Plain City’s Uptown streetscape project is on track, a new pedestrian walkway will likely be slightly delayed. Council recently advised the engineering firm for the project to create a new design for the alley between Lovejoy Plaza and 168 W. Main Street, which will be converted into a…
Jerome Township voters will cast their ballots on a proposed police levy renewal and two zoning referendums. The township has placed a renewal of its police levy of 1.1 mills with a 0.1 mill increase for five years on the November ballot. If the police protection levy passes, the monies generated will fund the township’s dedicated public safety officers, along with a portion of the cost for a school resource officer, provided through the Union County Sheriff’s Office. Director of Departments Douglas Stewart said the public safety officers provide “coverage above and beyond what the regular road deputies cover.” “It’s…
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, at left, speaks with Mayor Jody Carney’s children, at center, after announcing a $250,000 grant from the State of Ohio that will allow the village to install a second, 10-inch water line to create redundancy. Carney brought her children to the conference because Plain City Elementary School was closed for the day due to low water pressure throughout the village. Also pictured are, standing in white, Council member Lauren Giaimo and, from her left, Parks and Recreation Director Linda Granger and Carney. (Journal-Tribune photo by Kayleen Petrovia) On Tuesday morning, many Plain City residents woke up…