By BOB COUPLAND

Staff writer

BRACEVILLE — A group made up of local officials and members of the historical society is being considered for formation to review options for a historic log cabin located off Nelson Mosier Road.

Terry Shavers, with the Braceville African American Heritage Museum and the Braceville Community Foundation, said he and other area historical society members, including Cindee Mines of Champion, want to see about getting the log cabin listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Shavers said if the cabin can be put on the register, it would help it qualify for funding.

Shavers said historical society members should be on the committee, as well as the local zoning inspector, a county commissioner and a township trustee.

“We need to meet and see what our options are with the log cabin and if anyone is interested in doing anything. We have a lot of local history here, and the cabin should be included,” Shavers said.

Trustee Dennis Kuchta said he heard there was talk of demolishing the cabin, which is owned by the Trumbull County MetroParks, but he would like to see it rehabbed.

Shavers said he spoke with MetroParks Director Zachary Svette, who said the park district does not want to operate the cabin if it is restored.

Trustee Jeff Tucker suggested the cabin be rehabbed and moved to a new location, possibly near the township center.

“I would like to see something done with it,” he said.

NATURE TRAIL

Shavers reported that a $370,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources was received for a community nature trail from Church Street near the township hall to state Route 5 along a former railroad bed.

Shavers, who also is involved with the local America250 committee, said a large grand finale of the 250th is planned for July 11 at the township center.

He also said the committee is planning a Christmas celebration 5 p.m. Dec. 14 at the town hall.

2025 PROJECTS

Trustees reviewed the accomplishments of 2025, which included a drainage project on Barclay Messerly Road, improvements to the dog park, a kickoff of America250 with local events, demolition of several condemned homes and a motel, lowered railroad crossings, resurfacing of Benedict Leavittsburg Road, tar and chipping of Bailey Anderson Road and getting a new Christmas tree for the center.

POLICE CHIEF

In other business, trustees discussed the retirement of Chief Chad Bernard, who served 20 years with the department and five as chief.

Trustee Todd Garland said David Fay is serving as interim police chief and trustees are in the process of finding a part-time chief.