COLUMBIANA CORNER Despite 666 extension, recorder isn't superstitious

Columbiana County Recorder Jeff Hochadel says he's not superstitious, which is a good thing considering that the extension for his courthouse office is 666.
"I don't even like to give it out," Hochadel joked, noting that he takes a lot of ribbing over it.
Appropriately, his office is in the courthouse basement.
"It gets a little hot down here," Hochadel said, which he attributes not to any satanic influences but to the steam pipe that passes through the office, just below the ceiling.
Hochadel offered assurances that the demonic extension hasn't affected him.
"There are no numbers on my forehead," he cracked.
Citizen of the year
Columbiana County commissioners recently congratulated John Tolson on being named citizen of the year by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce.
Tolson, a Salem businessman, was a key supporter of the county's proposal to improve its 911 system.
He also lobbied for approval of a 50-cent monthly telephone surcharge to help pay for the upgraded system. Voters approved the surcharge measure in the general election earlier this month.
Commissioner Sean Logan related that Tolson had joked before the election about the surcharge issue's impact on his getting the citizen of the year award.
"If it fails, do I still get the award?" Logan quoted Tolson as asking.
XCONTRIBUTOR: Norman Leigh, Vindicator Salem Bureau.