Shaw is the new Lawrence Township sheriff deputy

Adam Shaw was introduced as the new Lawrence Township sheriff deputy at the Nov. 14 meeting of the township board of trustees. The township contracts with the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Department to provide police protection through a tax levy previously approved by residents. Shaw has begun actively patrolling township roads in an effort to curb speeding and other illegal activity.

In public comments Fire Chief Shawn Lynch said the department is applying for a federal grant to purchase an ambulance. If funds are granted, the department will pay only 5% of the cost.

In reports to the board, Perry Myers, road supervisor, said crack sealing on damaged roads will begin, weather permitting. Myers also said the salt and snowplow trucks have been prepped and are ready for winter roads and that the township’s used Ford F550 truck, which was sold to the county engineer’s office for $19,500, has been picked up. The sale was approved at the July 11 meeting.

Ron Weekley, zoning inspector, said a board of zoning appeals hearing will be held Monday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. The purpose is to hear a request for a setback variance by the engineering firm hired to build a new car wash on the corner of Edgebrook Road Northeast and Ensley Drive Northeast.

Weekley also said Lawver Built Homes will build an office on the corner of Kerns Drive and state Route 212.

Martina Mann, administrative assistant, reported having submitted the grant application for compost funds from the Joint Solid Waste Management District.

Trustee Don Ackerman asked township residents to observe the 4-foot limit on limbs and light brush when using the compost bin.

Ann Ackerman, fiscal officer, said health insurance premiums for township employees and trustees will increase by 14% in 2025.

The board went into an executive session requested by Trustee Mike Haueter to discuss applications received for the full-time road crew position. When the board reconvened, no action was taken.

Voting

Trustees approved the following:

—The appointment of Sally Storad to a renewed term on the zoning commission.

—The purchase of gift cards for volunteer members on both the zoning commission and the board of zoning appeals.

—Moving the next scheduled meeting from Thursday, Nov. 28 to Tuesday, Nov. 26 due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

—Travel and overnight expenses for Ann Ackerman to attend training in Columbus on Dec. 5.

The Lawrence Township Board of Trustees meets the second and last Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Charles E. Lundenberger Hall, 10867 Industrial Parkway NW, Bolivar. All meetings are open to the public.