Carrollton Village Council hears update on Van Horne Building, Eddie Maple tribute

Carrollton Village Council was visited by Randi Bake and Rex Sponhaltz of the Van Horne Building regarding an Eddie Maple sign at the corporation limit of town.

Bake explained she and Sponhaltz purchased the building in 2019, the day her first grandson was born, and since then have been dedicated to restoring it to its former glory. Her goal is to help Carrollton regain some of that vibrancy by restoring the building into a community landmark and visitor destination.

Since 2019, she has opened the Victorian Tea Room, which she emphasized welcomes everyone, and Reminisce Ice Cream Parlor, a 1950s-themed ice cream parlor complete with Elvis memorabilia and music. Looking ahead, she plans to open five themed suites in the upper floors, including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on the second, and Jenny Lind, Harriet Tubman and Cy Young on the third, each inspired by history or local connections.

Bake also discussed her desire to honor Eddie Maple, a Carrollton native and Hall of Fame jockey best known for riding Secretariat in the horse’s final race in Canada in 1973. Though Maple left Carrollton as a teenager to pursue racing, Bake felt his achievements deserved local recognition, noting that nearby towns proudly honor their famous natives, like Dean Martin in Steubenville.

On Sponhaltz’s recommendation, they are naming the Van Horne’s new conference room after Maple and creating a mural of him riding Secretariat, alongside a statue in Secretariat’s signature blue-and-white colors.

Bake and Sponhaltz also suggested installing a town sign that reads, “Welcome to Carrollton, Ohio: Home of Eddie Maple.”

Council responded positively to the idea, and Village Administrator Mark Wells agreed to look into possible signage locations and costs, with Commissioner Bob Wirkner indicating that a county-line sign could be possible through local fundraising.

In an unrelated matter, Chief Shane Thomas of the Fire Department announced two resignations: Preston Jackson and Trevor Zenda, both leaving for career opportunities elsewhere, though both expressed appreciation for their time in Carrollton.

Two new junior firefighters, Hayden Thomas and Edgar Allison, were introduced after completing their Fire Level I certification. Council approved their appointments and they were sworn in.

“The good news is that this year, Buckeye Career Center started a Fire and EMS program,” said Thomas. “It’s a two-year course that students take during their junior and senior years. By the time they graduate, they’ll have their full-time, career-level Fire certification, which is a 240-hour program, as well as their Basic EMS certification. That’s enough for them to begin working in some city fire departments.”

In other business, council:

—HEARD department head reports. Kevin Moore, head of the Sewer Department, reported that all four blower units are operational, though only half of the older ones could be salvaged. New pumps are being stocked to prevent future downtime. Ben Palmer, head of the Street Department, discussed ongoing maintenance, paving work and leaf collection. The Street Department installed a new storm sewer line and one catch basin along Raleigh Avenue, using 240 feet of 15-inch M12 pipe as part of the project.

—AGREED to purchase several Lumex mobility small safety lights for power wheelchairs to provide to residents who use mobility devices on local roads. The lights cost $13.95 each. Councilman Dan Locke suggested they also need a high flag, especially for daylight hours.

—DISCUSSED parade safety ahead of the Christmas parade, citing insurance recommendations against throwing candy from moving vehicles. The consensus was to allow candy to be handed out by walkers instead, keeping children off the street and reducing risk. Council agreed not to ban candy altogether.

—APPROVED donating donuts for the Halloween party. Last year it was 20 dozen for $250, and this was approved again.

—HEARD Wells received an inquiry regarding the installation of a left-turn arrow onto Canton Road approaching eastbound from State Route 39. Wells has priced the installation at $8,415. This has been discussed with Police Chief Tim Timberlake, who is in agreement, and they are waiting on a response from ODOT for authority to make the change.

—LEARNED the Fifth Street Park Pavilion will be delivered and construction will begin tomorrow, with 50 percent of the cost provided by an Ohio Department of Natural Resources grant.

—PAID the bills: $148,724.10 to vendors, $47,892.51 in payroll and $2,929.57 without prior certification.

The next meeting will be held Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall.