Rumors about fire station rental price addressed

At the Nov. 30 meeting of Mineral City village council, Mike Burton, a resident and a member ofthe Little Twist on Mineral Festival committee, had questions about possible changes to rental rates for the Mineral City Fire Station. The station has been used for portions of the festival, which was founded to raise funds after the village was struck by a tornado in 2013.

Reportedly, several rumors have been afloat, one of which is the fire department will begin charging as much as $250 to rent and that even nonprofits will be charged a fee. Mayor Laurie Green said this is simply not the case, and, in fact, no rental fees have been set.

Green said the fire department has been reorganizing their fundraising arm, and in the process, the possibilityof renting out space for birthdays, graduations and similar parties was raised. However, Green said no decision has been made.

Green further explained Village Solicitor Cassidy Wahlie is looking into creating a lease agreement between the village and the fire station’s fundraising arm, and the building will not be leased to anyone until that process is complete. Green also welcomed anyone with questions to attend council meetings and said more information will be made available once the solicitor’s work is complete.

Green then addressed the reorganization of council committee members and chairs for 2024, which takes place every year. She and asked council members to provide any input they may have to her before the next council meeting.

Benefits for Tusky Valley families

A benefit for the Wyatt Mosely family will take place Dec. 10 from noon to 8 p.m. at the TV Tavern. The 18-year-old Tusky Valley senior was killed in the Nov. 14 accident between a semi and a charter bus on which he and other members of the high school band were traveling to Columbus.

A TV Strong Benefit Raffle for all of the families affected by that same tragedy is planned for Feb. 10, 2024 from 1-6 p.m. at the Wilkshire Banquet Center. Council member Darla Daugherty said the benefit is being organized by several fire departments, including Mineral City, Sherrodsville, Bolivar and Fairfield Township along with Regional EMS in Sherrodsville. More details will be forthcoming, but Daugherty said admission will be free and light refreshments will be served.

Street Committee Chair Terry Nill said the Street Department has been working to repair a problem with the storm drain that runs across state Route 800 in the village.

Zoning Committee member Beth Nill said the property belonging to Mark Kellicker at 8485 S. High St. is in the process of being cleaned up by the owner following its demolition.

Nill also reported having received no response from any of the seven property owners who were mailed certified letters on Nov. 6. The letters were sent because the properties are alleged to be inviolation of zoning ordinances by being in disrepair or by storing junk vehicles on the property.

Council was updated the costs of fixing an electrical issue at the library will be paid for by the Friends of the Library.

Mineral City Council meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 7 p.m. All meetings are open to the public.