Harrison County voters see modest turnout

Harrison County voters turned out at a rate of 29.9% for this year’s off-year election, which Director of Elections Dion Troiano called “about average for us.” While countywide turnout was steady, several villages will see new faces on their councils — particularly in Cadiz and Adena.

Cadiz Council sees change

In Cadiz, Alice Barr led the council race with 494 votes, while Salvatore Deluca secured second place with 388. Amy Sickle Ossman captured the third-most votes with 279, unseating incumbent John Vermillion, who received 253. Albert Peters retained his seat with 275 votes, earning the fourth spot among the eight candidates who ran.

According to the Harrison County Board of Elections website, a total of 2,230 votes were cast across the two Cadiz precincts.

Following the results, Vermillion expressed his gratitude to residents via text.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who supported me during this election for the village council,” Vermillion said. “While I am disappointed that we did not win, I am truly grateful for your trust over the last eight years. Thank you also to the many residents who took the time to come out and vote! Your vote matters, and your engagement strengthens our community.”

Adena passes levies amid voting changes

In Adena, Mayor Brenda Roski expressed relief that all three village levies passed. She had previously voiced concern about the change in the village’s polling location, one of 19 polling sites removed countywide.

“Our council works in using the tax monies along with grants to keep our village in good financial compliance,” Roski said in a message following the election. “With the cost of utilities and supplies increasing for homeowners as well as our village, we use whatever resources we have to not waste taxpayers’ money.”

Roski noted that grant funding has allowed the village to make steady improvements and will continue to support ongoing projects. She also thanked residents for turning out to vote despite the change in polling locations.

“I was concerned people would not go and vote,” she said. “We needed the renewals for everyday operations, and passing the levies was a must.”

She added that village officials had attempted — unsuccessfully — to have their polling place reinstated.

Council updates across the county

Four council seats were open in Adena, with four candidates filing to run — including one newcomer. Former Mayor Justin Dudzik made a comeback, earning 14 votes, just behind RJ Konkeleski, who received 15.

Elsewhere in the county, several villages had little or no competition for council seats. New Athens, Deersville and Harrisville reported no applicants for open positions, despite voters having the option to select up to four candidates. Freeport had only one applicant, Shelly Patterson.

In Hopedale, three incumbents appeared on the ballot, leaving one open seat. Mayor Mike Pelegreen said the village will likely advertise to appoint someone to the vacant position in January.

Both Scio and Jewett filled their four available council seats with returning incumbents.