WARREN — The Trumbull County Planning Commission has presented Champion Trustee Rex Fee and Mecca Trustee Greg Chopko with the 2025 “Something Good” award, recognizing their service to the townships and the county.

Fee and Chopko are both completing their terms Wednesday.

Commission officials said the recognition honors the two trustees’ decades of public service, leadership and lasting contributions to their communities and Trumbull County as a whole.

During his tenure as trustee, Fee guided critical investments supported by the American Rescue Plan Act, including construction of a new road department garage to support township operations. Fee also led the acquisition and conversion of a former dance studio into the Champion Township administration building and community center, creating a central space for public meetings, programs and family celebrations.

Under Fee’s leadership, community engagement expanded through events such as trunk-or-treat, food truck nights and holiday gatherings, strengthening community connections.

Fee also played a key role in negotiating a Joint Economic Development District with Warren city, establishing a sustainable revenue source to support public safety services and township needs while easing the financial burden on residents, according to the planning commission.

Officials said Fee’s collaborative planning efforts further advanced recreation and public health initiatives, including support for a conditional $45,989 Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks grant to develop a multigenerational outdoor exercise station at a future township park site.

Zachary Steiner, planning coordinator for the commission, said beyond his trustee service, Fee’s decadeslong career with the Trumbull County Sanitary Engineer’s Office and his leadership with Champion Rotary Club and the Champion Youth Soccer League reflect a lifelong dedication to civic stewardship and community well-being.

MECCA TRUSTEE

Officials said Chopko is recognized for his leadership and vision as an outgoing Mecca trustee, bringing a business-driven, resident-focused approach to township governance.

As a trustee, Chopko helped expand emergency response services through regional EMS collaboration with Bazetta Township and Cortland, providing 24 / 7 coverage and improved response times for residents.

Chopko also supported the first comprehensive update to the Mecca Township comprehensive plan in more than 30 years, aligning local planning with modern standards promoted by the American Planning Association.

Ongoing planning efforts under Chopko’s leadership include development of a new township hall with dedicated meeting space and accessible child care services, advanced in partnership with the planning commission.

Chopko’s public service extends beyond township government through his work with the Red Cross Disaster Action Team and decades of conservation leadership. Chopko’s efforts with state and federal partners have resulted in the planting of more than 20,000 trees and the preservation of natural resources across the region, the planning commission stated.

Officials said Chopko’s advocacy for long-term infrastructure planning, including public water and sanitary sewer expansion, reflects a commitment to protecting Mosquito Lake State Park and safeguarding water quality for residents and downstream communities.

“Both honorees exemplify the spirit of the ‘Something Good’ Initiative, which highlights individuals making meaningful, positive impacts throughout Trumbull County through leadership, service and collaboration,” Steiner said of the two recipients.