Football field to get upgrades

NEW MIDDLETOWN -- Springfield High School sports fans will have new surroundings when the varsity football team takes the field in August.
Treasurer Ed Sobnosky said the board approved bids for an all-weather track surface, heating and ventilation, electrical work and fencing for the football field.
The work is part of a $1.8 million renovation project already in progress, he said.
Bleachers on both sides of the field and a band shell are under construction. Replacing the bleachers on the "home" side of the field also meant replacing the press box, concession stand and restrooms, Sobnosky said.
J.T. Martin Construction of Poland is the general contractor with the low bid of $304,210.
R.T. Vernal Paving Inc. of North Lima has the $385,075 bid for paving and the all-weather track.
Aerotech Mechanical of Boardman has the heating and ventilation contract for $25,900.
B & amp;J Electrical of North Lima was the low bidder for electrical work at $42,822.
Hodge Construction of New Waterford will install fencing for $59,700.
Sobnosky said the plumbing work will be rebid because of errors in the low bid, there was about $46,000 difference between the low bid and the next lowest.
He said the work is to be completed by the first football home game in August.