COLUMBIANA CO. Officials seek funds for county monument

The fund-raising project is getting off to a slow start.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Nobody can accuse Columbiana County Commissioner Jim Hoppel of being a pessimist.
It's been nearly two weeks since he and commissioners Sean Logan and Gary Williams announced a fund-raising campaign to build a courthouse monument, and, so far, contributions are only trickling in.
Hoppel said he has confidence, though, that giving for the bicentennial/veterans marker will accelerate in coming weeks.
"It'll start happening. I'm not worried," Hoppel said.
When Hoppel was asked what will happen if the $20,000 needed to build the monument can't be raised, he exuded optimism.
"I haven't thought of that," Hoppel said. "We're going to make it."
Raising the money
To help pay for the monument, commissioners are selling nearly 400 bricks for $50 each.
The bricks, which will form a pad in front of the monument, may be inscribed with words or names designated by the donor.
So far, fewer than 10 bricks have been ordered, Hoppel said.
Those interested in having inscribed bricks must order them by June 2 if they want them to be in place for the monument's dedication this summer.
Orders may be made through the county commissioners office at the courthouse.
Commissioners will be promoting the brick sales during upcoming speaking engagements, Hoppel said.
He added that area businesses and individuals have pledged several hundred more dollars in contributions that are separate from the brick orders. That money has yet to be provided, though.
Richardson Monuments of Lisbon is doing the work and has agreed to start in the next few weeks and to be paid once the money is raised.
Commissioners announced May 7 that they were embarking on an effort to raise money to build a granite monument in front of the courthouse.
The nearly 9-foot-by-9-foot structure will hold a bell to be cast this summer in honor of the state's bicentennial.
The monument will also contain a plaque bearing the names of Medal of Honor winners who either are from the county or are buried here.
Plans call for dedicating the monument during a Fourth of July celebration that will coincide with festivities commemorating Lisbon's bicentennial.
Lisbon, the county and the state are all marking their 200th anniversary this year.
leigh@vindy.com