‘Old Guard’ Selected for Council Seats

Monday night, after “closed session” interviews with five of six candidates for two open village council seats, Barnesville council members selected two former members for the positions for the remainder of 2025.  

Present at the meeting were Tony Johnson, Robyn Misner and Les Tickhill while council member Terry McCort was absent.

Tim McKelvey was selected to fill the open seat of former councilmember Steven Hill and Brad Hudson was selected to fill the open seat of Brian Yarnall. 

The three did not comment in the meeting on why McKelvey and Hudson were selected over the other contenders.  

Candidates who were interviewed in executive session were Brad English of West Main Street, Jonathan Flood of North Lincon Avenue, Zach Leach of Morgantown Avenue, Mark Lucas of North Lincoln Avenue and McKelvey of Grace Avenue.

Interestingly, former council member Brad Hudson of E. Pike Street, who was not present for an in-person interview, was selected.

Mayor Jake Hershberger thanked all the candidates who stepped forward for consideration and reminded those who were not selected that they may file as Independents for any of the four council positions up for election on the November ballot. Petitions are due at the Belmont County Board of Elections by May 5.

Both new council members will be sworn in at the beginning of the next council meeting, Village Solicitor Richard Myser said.

Council will reconvene at 7:00 pm Monday, March 10.