COAL GROVE — Lawrence County Developmental Disabilities appointed three new members to its board at its meeting last week.

LoRena Cahal, Joel Utsinger and Mike Gore were sworn in by Country Recorder Sharon Gossett Hager on April 9 to fill terms that are currently vacant.

“They serve for a four-year term,” Tim Nunnery, communications and resource development director for LCDD, said of the new members, appointed by the Lawrence County Commission. “They can serve up to three terms for a total of 12 years.”

Cahal is a South Point mother of a son with autism who has received services from Lawrence County DD throughout his lifetime. She works as a family advocate with Head Start.

Utsinger is an Ironton father of twins who have developmental disabilities that attend Open Door School. He has over 20 years of experience in education.

Gore is an Ironton resident and law enforcement veteran with over 30 years of experience in his field. Formerly a patrolman for the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Gore brings years of public leadership to the LCDD Board.

The board conducted a search that began in January of 2019 with a call for letters of interest from qualified candidates mindful that the position requires time, effort and commitment to Lawrence County DD and to the community.

Also, at last week’s meeting, the board passed a resolution, concerning an additional county levy for 2.5 mills for a 10-year period. This will fund for the operation of programs and services authorized by county board of developmental disabilities, and for the operation of LCDD facilities, Nunnery said.

“This will go on the November ballot,” Nunnery said.