In the News

Area Experiences Minor Earthquake

Most area residents slept through a minor earthquake that shook up eastern Ohio early Tuesday morning.

The 3.1 magnitude earthquake was centered near Pleasant City in Guernsey County.   

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the earthquake occurred at 3:12 a.m. Eastern Time, with the epicenter located about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) east-southeast of Pleasant City and at a depth of 5.0 kilometers (3.1 miles).

Smith Township Receives Illegal Dumping Grant

COLUMBUS, Ohio — In recognition of Earth Day, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has announced nearly $1 million in grants to help local governments clean up and prevent illegal dumping across the state.

The grants are part of Yost’s “Shine a Light on Dumpers” initiative, launched in 2023 to address illegal dumping through enforcement, education, and funding. The money, secured through environmental settlement agreements, is aimed at removing solid waste and demolition debris from existing dump sites and installing deterrents like gates, signs, and barriers.

“Illegal dumping isn’t just an eyesore — it’s a health hazard and a public betrayal,” Yost said. “These grants give communities the funding needed to reclaim places where they live, work and raise their families.”

Local governments could apply for up to $100,000 for cleanup projects and an additional $20,000 for prevention equipment. Grants have been distributed to more than two dozen projects across all regions of the state.

In Southeastern Ohio six grants were awarded including one in Belmont County to the Smith Township Trustees. They will use the grant for “cleanup and equipment”.