Lawrence commissioners discuss beaver problem

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Lawrence County commissioners are looking for a licensed fur trapper to take care of a beaver problem on the newly refurbished Stavich Bicycle Trail.

Doniele Andrus of the Lawrence County Planning Department said that beavers are damming up a culvert along the trail near the border of Union and Mahoning townships. She asked commissioners to hire a local pest-removal business which would charge a $250 set-up fee and $75 per call to check traps.

However, Commissioner Steve Craig said he would prefer to find a licensed trapper to remove the animals at no cost.

“I’m a little averse to paying money to have them removed if we can find someone who would do it for free,” he said.

In other business at their meeting Tuesday, commissioners also appointed John DiMuccio and John Fulena, both of New Castle, to the Lawrence County Industrial Development Authority for four-year terms. They also appointed Angelo Pezzuolo of North Beaver Township to the Children and Youth Services Advisory Board for a three-year term.

Commissioners said several workers from the Senior Employment Program will help with filing in the prothonotary’s office. The workers, who are senior citizens, will be paid by Lawrence County Social Services, and there will be no cost to the county.

Lawrence County Treasurer Richard Rapone reported that county property tax bills have been mailed out, and they are slightly different from those of previous years.