West Branch board buys new textbooks

West Branch boardbuys new textbooks
BELOIT -- New textbooks are coming to West Branch schools.
District Treasurer Karen Elsner said the board, at a work session earlier this week, approved buying new textbooks totaling $52,004 for algebra, pre-algebra, business math, calculus and geometry classes at the junior high and high school level. In that package, board members also bought U.S. government textbooks for the high school.
Elsner said the board also approved a course of study for the district's new microbiology and applied mathematics class as well as the extended-day program for Beloit and Knox elementary schools.
The board also approved Dr. Duane Kuentz, whose name became familiar during West Branch's recent meningitis crisis, as the school physician for the upcoming school year.
The board also approved lunch prices: seventh to 12 grades, $1.75; kindergarten to sixth grades, $1.50; and adults, $2.25.
Ice cream social
SHARPSVILLE, Pa. -- The Sharpsville Historical Society will present its annual old-fashioned ice cream social from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, rain or shine, at the Sharpsville Gazebo.
Activities will include music, activities and clown appearances. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Tickets will be available at the gazebo the day of the event.
Summer day camp
SHARON, Pa. -- Some 152 kids registered for Penn State Shenango's fourth annual College for Kids summer day camp program.
The program, which kicked off this week, features classes such as super science, mini-Olympics and "It's Fun Being Me."
Steve Hessmann, director of institutional advancement, said this year's enrollment marked the program's largest. The program runs through July 27.
School resignations
SEBRING -- Resignations, retirement and appointment of personnel was the focus of Sebring's school board meeting.
District Treasurer Pete Hill said the board accepted the resignations of elementary school teacher Laura Witmer, part-time gifted instructor Amy Criss, reserve volleyball coach Michele Imburgia and bus driver Wilbur Hughes.
Michael Will is to assume Imburgia's duties as reserve volleyball coach. Nick Huskins was hired as assistant football coach.
Crime Watch meeting
NORTH LIMA -- The Beaver Township Crime Watch meeting this month will feature a representative from the South Range Council of Church and Community discussing how the program benefits the residents of both Beaver and Green townships.
The meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the activity center of Shepherd of the Valley, 9111 Sharrott Road.
Water conservation
LEETONIA -- Village officials are asking residents to conserve water and boil drinking water until further notice after a waterline break Thursday during waterline construction on Washington Street.
Residents may also obtain potable water at the water plant but must provide their own containers. Officials also advise some discoloration of water may occur over the next several days.
Columbiana teachersreceive pay raise
COLUMBIANA -- Columbiana Board of Education has reached an agreement with the Columbiana Education Association, the bargaining unit for the district's teachers. Superintendent Dr. Joseph Rottenborn said the board agreed to a three-year contract in which teachers will receive a 5-percent salary increase in the first year and three precent raises in the second and third years.
Rottenborn said the board and administrators believe the teachers "were most deserving of a raise" due to the outstanding performance of the district's students, especially in proficiency testing.
Fairground vandalism
LISBON -- With the Columbiana County Fair set to open July 30, village police are investigating vandalism at the fairgrounds.
Fair officials reported no items missing, but paper and broken bottles were strewn around the hay and grain, FFA and dairy boosters buildings.
Vandals also broke the glass in the doors of a forklift and broke overhead lights in the rabbit barn.