Village Recognizes Wrestlers, Coach

(Diane Reynolds photo)

by Diane Reynolds, Barnesville Area News

The Village of Barnesville Monday night formally recognized the three Shamrock wrestlers who placed at the State Division III Tournament last month as well as their coach Jayson Stephen who was named Ohio Division III Coach of the Year at the beginning of the council meeting.  

The quartet included (l-r) Colt Carpenter, Ayden King, Hines Ford and Stephen.  

At the State Tournament two weeks ago, King notched his 200^th win, the highest of any Barnesville Wrestler in history. During his second run for the state title in the 165-pound class, he came in as Division III Runner up.  

Ford claimed 4^th place in the Division III 175-pound class while Carpenter came in 5^th at 138 pounds.    

In official business, the village council acted upon several measures.  

Safe Routes to School application gets green light

The Village Council unanimously approved applying for funding for the Safe Routes to School Project, a federal government program to improve sidewalks and walking routes to schools. The total cost of the project is estimated at $584,500. The council approved spending up to $600,000. If the state approves the project, as is expected, costs will be 100 percent reimbursed. If the state does not approve the project, it will not go forward. 

Southeast Ohio Building Department (SEOBD) to oversee plumbing codes

The council approved village attorney Richard Myser to prepare a resolution to allow the Southeast Ohio Building Department to handle plumbing codes enforcement in Barnesville. Currently, the department enforces structural, electric, and mechanical codes for commercial buildings in the village. Consolidating plumbing under the department’s umbrella will make inspections easier. A memorandum allowing this is expected to be approved by the council and signed by the mayor at the next council meeting.

Village Administrator’s Discretionary Spending Fund to be increased

Village Administrator Roger Deal asked that the manager’s discretionary spending authority be increased to $50,000 for standard operating procedures and $75,000 for emergencies. The council proved this and will amend the existing ordinance at the next meeting. Deal also mentioned that he is continuing to seek seasonal cemetery help.

Council approves moving ahead on spending $126,000 to update CTI design plans

Mayor Jake Hershberger requested that the council approve updating CTI design plans for the village’s water water funding. With these new plans, the village can apply for WPCLF loan funding, a zero-percent loan program, through Ohio EPA.  Once the plans are approved the village can roll  the $126,000 into the construction loan. 

Construction Administration Service will inspect building projects

The council unanimously approved a resolution to allow the Construction Administration Service to inspect building projects to ensure they conform to what was approved. The company will receive a 10 percent fee based on the cost of a project. 

The council also approved a request to enclose a back porch at 719 Wiley Avenue.

Fire Department Report

Fire chief Tim Hall reported the fire department responded to 79 medical emergencies, provided four transports from WVU Medicine/Barnesville Hospital to other facilities and answered 15 fire calls in February.

Council approves tennis court repairs

 Local contractor Rich Bostic lowered his estimate to replace the surfaces of the village’s tennis and pickleball courts to just under $77,250, so that the project would not have into go out to bid. The council, however, decided instead to follow Councilman Les Tickhill’s suggestion that they repair the cracks in the courts and leave it at that. Jon Thornton, who is spearheading the effort to replace the courts, said he would look for donations for the project.

Movie Magic on Main Street gets council support

The Barnesville State theater group, represented by Sally Johnson, received council approval to close the 100 block of West Main Street from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday, July 26 for the group’s planned “Movie Magic” event. A new event this year will be golf cart cruising. The council also approved the theater group’s plan to set up bleachers and use the W. Main Street parking lot for a hot dog eating contest. Johnson noted that judges are needed for the golf cart and hot dog eating contests. 

Airport Day date moved

Airport Day, normally staged the first Saturday in June, will take place this year on Saturday May 31, from 10 am to 3 pm at Barnesville-Bradfield Airport.

Terry McCort gave a shout-out to teacher Devin Blair and the students for the recent high school musical, saying he thought it was fantastic.

The mayor and council commended the police department for its recent drug busts and keeping the community safe.

Water Project Details will be Shared at Meetings 

In a press release this past week, the Village of Barnesville posted additonal informtion on the proposed Hendrysburg, Fairview Mt. Olivet water project.

Barnesville, OH – After years of relying on private wells and hauling water, residents of Hendrysburg, Mt. Olivet Road, and the Village of Fairview will soon have access to a dependable public water supply, thanks to the Village of Barnesville.

The Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) is collaborating with Barnesville to secure grant funding for the construction of a waterline extension from the I-70/SR 800 interchange to serve these communities. Funding is expected to be secured by mid-2026, with construction set to begin shortly thereafter.

Additionally, the Village of Fairview and Belmont County will participate in grant applications to support construction costs and assist residents with connection expenses. To determine eligibility for specific grant funding, residents of Hendrysburg and the Mt. Olivette Road area will be asked to participate in an income survey.

Public meetings will be held in May 2025 to provide project details and answer community questions. Residents will receive notifications with meeting dates and locations.

For more information, please contact Mayor Jake Hershberger at (740) 425-3444.