Carl Smith/Hobart Drive construction to begin in early 2015
By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press
Highland County Engineer Dean Otworth met with county commissioners Wednesday, Sept. 24 to provide an update on the Carl Smith/Hobart Drive project that has been in the developmental stages for the past few years.
Otworth informed commissioners Shane Wilkin, Tom Horst and Jeremy Shaffer that of 18 property parcels needed, all but three have been acquired.
"We have three parcels we will need to appropriate (through eminent domain)," Otworth said. "Two of these parcels we are not able to negotiate through."
A third parcel still may be acquired without eminent domain, pending the project's deadline requirements.
"One is not a major concern," Otworth said. "On others, we could end up in court."
"Just because we would appropriate something, it doesn't necessarily mean it's adversarial," Wilkin said. "It's just the timeline."
Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins said "Anything we can negotiate out just gets dismissed and we move on. We can dismiss the judgment after the paperwork."
The county is working through the corporate offices of one local business that is in support of the road project, but has had issues with the parcel appropriation.
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Otworth explained that there are three phases of the project, with construction to begin in February or March of 2015.
The three phases are:
• State Route 73 to Homestead Avenue;
• Homestead Avenue to U.S. 62; and,
• Careytown Road to Harry Sauner Road near Wal-Mart.
Otworth said the county has a deadline of Oct. 2 for the parcel acquisitions to be cleared. The right-of-way certification letter is due by Oct. 17 to District 9 of the Ohio Department of Transportation. ODOT will then file the right-of-way certification and project plans by Oct. 20, he said.
Among those who have donated parcels to the project are: Southern State Community College, First State Bank, Hobart Corporation/ITW Food Equipment Group and the city of Hillsboro.
"These people are very supportive of the project," Otworth said.
Commissioners said a resolution would be prepared this week for a vote at the board's Oct. 1 meeting.
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Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The Highland County Board of Commissioners proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month at their Wednesday, Sept. 24 meeting.
As Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October is a time for all communities to learn about domestic violence, promote laws, policies, and programs to improve services to victims, hold offenders accountable, and do their part to help prevent domestic violence within their communities. It is vital that communities raise awareness of domestic violence and also reflect on the cost of this crime to society.
Alternatives to Violence Center Director Julie Brassel said this year's fourth annual Trivia Night fundraiser for the center is scheduled for Oct. 3 from 7-9 p.m. at the Hillsboro Elks.
With a 1990s theme, the trivia night contest is open to teams of up to 10 people. The cost is $20 per person. There is a $1,000 first prize for the trivia contest winners. For information, call Brassel at 393-8118.
A community forum also is scheduled for Oct. 28 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Southern State Community College.
The Alternatives to Violence Center has several events planned to commemorate and observe National Domestic Violence Month, beginning with its annual ladders display which is currently under way.
For more information, email Dara Gullette at dggullette@co.highland.oh.us.