Weathersfield

WHAT: Township trustee meeting Tuesday

PRESENT: Steve Gerberry and Ed Whittaker

ABSENT: Rich Harkins

Trustees:

• Reported the township received a $68,307 Assistance to Firefighters grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to purchase new fire turnout gear, which includes helmets, coats, gloves, pants, hoods and boots. Total cost for the turnout gear is $74,018, with a local match of $5,709.

• Announced Weathersfield schools Spirit Day Parade will be 6 p.m. Oct. 23, with the parade traveling from Ohltown McDonald Road south along Main Street (Route 46) to Depot Street, followed by a bonfire at the community park.

• Adopted a cybersecurity policy to protect township information, data systems and technology resources.

— Bob Coupland

Newton Falls

WHAT: Board of Education meeting Wednesday

PRESENT: Amie Crowder, Dan Williams, Tonya Kline and Teresa Oakes

ABSENT: Mark Stimpert

The board:

• Heard from Superintendent Andreas Johansson the elementary school has been designated as a “Purple Star Award School” for its support of military families. The high school had previously received the designation.

• Approved free admission for students in grades 7-12 for school-sponsored home athletic events. Students need to show identification.

• Approved fifth-grade students to attend Camp Fitch from March 4 to 6 and sixth-grade students to visit Washington, D.C., May 18 to 20.

• Accepted the retirement resignation of Frank Tatarka, maintenance staff, effective Dec. 31.

• Received a $1,500 donation from Ohio Schools Council for the new Pathfinders program for students.

• Approved All Out Dance to use the school facilities April 10 to 12 at $12,680.

— Bob Coupland

Braceville

WHAT: Township trustee meeting Tuesday

PRESENT: Jeff Tucker, Todd Garland and Dennis Kuchta

Trustees:

• Heard from resident Terry Shavers of the Braceville Community Foundation that the group is seeking a grant from the National Park System for the former Braceville High School building, which is over 50 years old.

• Discussed a Ohio Department of Natural Resources grant for signs and barriers for the park trail. A contractor has been working on the walking path by the playground and is expected to be completed by the end of November.

• Heard from resident Scott Rowe that written permission is needed from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to hunt on certain properties in the township.

• Heard from resident Dale Kuchta who is concerned about junk cars on properties, which lower property values of nearby properties.

• Adopted a cybersecurity policy for data and information systems and technology resources.

• Announced a burning ban is in effect until the end of November.

— Bob Coupland

Newton Falls

WHAT: Village council meeting Wednesday

PRESENT: Patricia Benetis, Brian Axiotis, Bob Burke, Julie Stimpert, Kevin Rufener and Mayor David Hanson

Council:

• Approved first reading to enter into an agreement for a skid steer loader with attachments from Middlefield Farm and Garden at $82,337 for use by the electric department. The equipment will be used to keep rights of way clear and keep trees back. The equipment can be shared with other village departments.

• Heard from village Manager Jamie Vernaccini that there are 17 applicants for village zoning administrator position with interviews to be scheduled.

• Approved first reading to enter into an agreement for cleaning services for the administration building and facilities with Fresh Clean Balance at $10,000, which includes flooring work.

• Were informed the 2024 street paving project costing $400,000 was completed.

• Announced Kiwanis Club cake walk is 1:30 to 4 p.m. Oct. 25 and the annual Christmas tree lighting and parade 6:30 p.m. Nov. 29.

• Are seeking applicants to fill openings on the treasury investment board, planning / zoning board and park / recreation board.

— Bob Coupland