Tuesday, June 19, 2001
Wilmington schools plan
NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. -- The Wilmington Area School Board has approved its 2001-02 general operating budget, which is $50,000 more than expected. The school board, which introduced a $13.321 million spending plan in May, approved a $13.371 million budget at its Monday meeting.
Superintendent Michael Hink said the additional $50,000 is needed to pay into a retirement fund that is dispersed to all district retirees. The tax rate will remain at 84 mills in Lawrence County and 163 mills in Mercer County. The school district encompasses parts of both counties. Last year's millage increase was 0.8 in Lawrence County and 1 mill in Mercer County.
Waterline grants
HILLSVILLE, Pa. -- Low- to moderate-income residents may be eligible for grants that would pay for all or some of the cost of installing waterlines. From 6:30 to 8 tonight and Wednesday, applications for Community Development Block Grants will be taken at the Mahoning Township Municipal Building, U.S. Route 422. Other meetings will be made by appointment only.
Banner touts success
GREENFORD -- South Range School District will receive a display banner from the Ohio Department of Education for being rated as one of the top school districts in the state.
Superintendent James Hall told the board of education at its meeting Monday that because South Range scored 27 out of 27 possible points on the state report card designed to rate school districts, the special banner will be awarded.
Hall said the banner would be hung in the presence of all of the students so they would be aware of the significance of the accomplishment. Only a few of Ohio's 611 school districts obtained perfect scores.
The board also announced it will meet in special session at 7 a.m. June 26 to modify appropriations for the fiscal year that ends June 30 and adopt temporary appropriations for the next fiscal year that begins July 1.
Tax abatement renewed
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- After a brief public hearing, Neshannock Township supervisors renewed a township tax abatement ordinance, which established a five-year tax abatement program for businesses setting up shop in the township's industrial areas. That area includes the North Gate Industrial Zone off Pulaski Road. The measure calls for businesses to receive 100-percent tax abatements the first two years of operation; a 75-percent tax abatement the third year; a 50-percent tax abatement the fourth year; and a 25-percent tax abatement the fifth year.
In other business Monday, supervisors agreed to pay Seigworth Road Supply of Knox, Pa., $9,999 to replace a bed in one of the township's dump trucks. They also agreed to pay Zambelli International of New Castle $6,000 for a township fireworks display July 4.
Volant boy missing
VOLANT, Pa. -- Police are searching for a missing 16-year-old Volant boy. Dwight David Short Jr. was last seen by his parents at 1 p.m. Sunday near their home. He was reported missing to police Monday. He is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 135 pounds with short black hair, brown eyes and light brown skin.
Auction to aid horses
BAZETTA -- An auction and rummage sale to benefit Heavens Hope Horse Rescue & amp; Refuge will be June 30 at the Trumbull County fairgrounds.
Bidding begins at 10 a.m. on items such as pottery from the Workshops of Gerald E. Henn, collectible Beanie Babies, two new Western saddles, a Magic Chef grill, a chinchilla cage, golf clubs, china and much more.
To donate, call Loretta Gibson at (330) 637-5966 or Pam Karousis at (330) 638-6245. All donations are tax-deductible.
Proceeds are used to rescue and rehabilitate abused, neglected or slaughter-bound horses.