Domestic violence shelter, museum, school are recipients

The Lawrence County Commissioners met on Tuesday and donated to three local organizations.

They approved the donation of $2,000 to the Lawrence County Domestic Violence Task Shelter, with $1,000 coming from the commissioners and $1,000 from the clerk of courts.

They also approved a $5,000 donation to the Lawrence County Museum, half from the commissioners and half from the clerk of courts.

Lastly, the commissioners are donating $300 to the Lawrence County Vocational School from Project First Impression.

Commissioner Deanna Holliday explained that all schools in the county are participating in Project First Impression. She said the donation will be used for materials to support the educational aspect of the Project First Impression.

Holliday said she met with school representatives last week.

“I was so inspired by the level they have already reached. There will be curriculum in the school this year that teaches the importance of the overall health and well-being of our landscape and atmosphere here in Lawrence County,” she said, adding there will be a contest amongst the schools on recycling and litter pick up. “They will be creating sculptures that will be judged at Ohio University Lancaster.”

After the sculptures are judged this fall, they will go on display at the Lawrence County Courthouse.

In reports to the commissioners, Sheriff Jeff Lawless said he has been negotiating contracts with the Fraternal Order of Police and the Teamsters.

“I believe we have come to an agreement and we just need your signatures for approval of these two contracts,” he told the commissioners.

Citizen Mike Lewis said that a fire hydrant will be installed, which he called necessary fire protection.

Hamilton, Elizabeth and Green township trustees and fire departments decided the fire hydrant was needed and voted to buy and install one right by the old Union Furnace.

“This is going to be a real help to Green Township and could affect a lot of peoples’ insurance,” he said.

The estimate was given to the commissioners as was a letter from the Green Township trustees that Route 128 East be opened to public use.

“As far as we are concerned that route is open,” said Commissioner Freddie Hayes.

The commissioners accepted the letter of support so it can be recorded into the commissioners’ journal.

In items on the agenda, the commissioners:

• Approved a $8,020 contract for the demolition of the old 10th Street Market building at 0 S. 10th Street in Ironton to Southern 52 Excavating.

• Approved a subdivision variance requested by the Lawrence County Planning Commission.

• Approved a request that the commissioners release full responsibility for the Woodland Veterans Memorial Plot to Lawrence County Veterans Service Commission so that agency can maintain it.

The commissioners will not meet next week and their next meeting will be on Aug. 27.