Lawrence Township needs cars off the streets on snow days

Lawrence Township is asking residents to be attentive to weather forecasts and remove any vehicles parked along roads snow is expected. At the Dec. 11 meeting of the Lawrence Township Board of Trustees, Road Superintendent Perry Myers asked people to park vehicles in driveways instead of on the street. This allows for proper snow removal and to avoid having their cars hemmed in during heavy snowfalls.

Myers also reminded residents to remove basketball hoops that are in the street and those placed behind the curb if the hoop hangs out over the road.

“Our trucks sit up pretty high, and basketball hoops can damage the trucks or be damaged themselves,” said Myers.

Residents can help bring in grant funds

Ann Ackerman, fiscal officer, said she and Myers had discussed applying for a grant that could help pay for some of next year’s paving. Trustees discussed the preparation needed to submit an application for a Community Development Block Grant from the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation.

The application will require the cooperation of residents in providing information, which could make it possible to pave Kerns Drive in 2026.

Zoning news

Zoning Inspector Ron Weekley reported that the Zoning Commission has made minor changes to the parking section of the zoning manual and also removed a sizeable portion of the same section that was neither needed nor pertinent to the township.

Weekley said the revisions will be brought before trustees for a vote in January and that the commission will move on to other sections of the zoning manual in an effort to reduce its size and scope.

Breakfast with Santa

Trustee Don Ackerman announced that the Bolivar Sportsman’s Club will hold its annual Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 21 from 8 to 10 a.m.

The full breakfast includes eggs, bacon or sausage and potatoes for $5 per adult. Kids 12 and under eat free and can choose a pancake breakfast. All children will receive a goodie bag from St. Nick.

Compost service will continue 

Trustees signed a contract with Bull Country Compost at a cost of $140 per exchange. The contract means township residents will be able to drop off biodegradable material like branches, brush, grass clippings and leaves. The service is only for residents. No commercial debris is permitted.

Trustees voted to 

—Accept an anonymous gift of $2,500, which the donor specific should be used for improvements to the township. Trustees decided to allocate the $2,500 to the parks fund where it can be used for improvements rather than routine maintenance.

— Amend the budget to include revenue greater than anticipated in 2025, including $10,000 in lodging tax, $2,100 from Fort Laurens Cemetery, $1,400 from zoning and other amounts generated by motor vehicle and gas taxes.

—$200,000 in temporary appropriations to cover operating expenses for the beginning of 2026.

—An additional three-year term for Roxanne Kane on the Zoning Commission beginning Jan. 1, 2026 and ending Dec. 31, 2028.

Bolivar Fire Chief Shawn Lynch said he is working with Ann Ackerman on a grant application seeking funds from the Ohio Department of Commerce State Fire Marshal to purchase equipment.

The board met in an executive session requested by Haueter for the purpose of discussing personnel and end-of-year raises. After the session, trustees reconvened and voted to approve the following raises: Myers $1.50 per hour, Weekely 50 cents per hour, and Cemetery Sexton Todd Reynolds $1.50 per hour effective Dec. 15, 2025.

Due to the holidays, the meeting scheduled for Dec. 25 will instead be held Monday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. After the first of the year, regularly scheduled meetings will resume on the second and last Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. All meetings are held at the Charles E. Lundenberger Hall, 10867 Industrial Parkway NW in Bolivar and are open to the public.