The West Liberty Opera House is open and available for community events. From bridal showers to family reunions, the space, which has undergone tens of thousands of dollars in renovations already, offers area residents a unique opportunity for gathering in the space located in the second floor of the Town Hall.
This week at their regular meeting, the West Liberty Village Council received an update about the opera house from West Liberty Historical Society board member Andrew Blount.
While much of the work has been completed, the Society is seeking additional help, specifically to finish the stage, curtains and lighting.
“We need someone to step up for that,” Blount said. “We don’t want to abandon (what needs to be done), but we need assistance.”
Blount told the council they estimate the curtains, stage and lighting will cost approximately $50,000.
For more information or to make a donation, contact the Historical Society at WLHistoricalSociety.Ohio or call (937) 650-1869.
Other decisions at Monday’s meeting:
• The council passed a resolution to continue with paving work on State Route 508, which is completely funded by the state.
• Ordinances for water rate increases and adjustments to police department salaries received their second readings.
• Council member Jayne Griffith presented plans to create a West Liberty calendar for 2023 to feature the town’s historical landmarks and events such as Veteran’s Park, Marie’s Candies and the annual Labor Day Festival. They also plan to include important dates and times. Proceeds will go toward renovating the Columbus Street bridge.
• Plans are underway to sell T-shirts with the new Splash Pad logo to cover the cost of water. In 2021, the Splash Pad used 2.3 million gallons of water, which cost about $10,000. An average of 83 children a day pushed the button last year. It will open Memorial Day weekend.
• Efforts are still underway to reopen the Columbus Street bridge, which has been closed since 2014, to pedestrians and bicyclists. This will cost about $2.1 million, $278,000 of which needs to be covered by the village. They are pursuing various ways to raise these funds. The council is also waiting to hear about a Transportation Alternative Program grant.
• After more research, the council approved the purchase of new 32GB, 10-inch tablets for council members at $229 each.
• The mayor’s office received a petition for a pride parade in June. The mayor has requested an alternate parade route due to a large softball tournament at Lions Club Ball Park that weekend.
• The Union Township trustees have asked Macochee Joint Ambulance District, which currently covers most of Union Township, to take over servicing the Riverside EMS area at a cost of $1,500 for the rest of year. At that time, the board will reevaluate if this is to continue.
• A previously ordered squad vehicle had to destroyed when it fell into disrepair due to bugs and rodents while waiting for a part. Fortunately, a newer model will be provided at the same cost.
• The council expressed concern regarding a tree stuck under the bridge over Mad River on Pickrelltown Road. They hope the Logan County Engineer’s Office will be able to remove it this week, before any rain leads to flooding issues.
• The council reminds residents that all on-street parking is controlled by the West Liberty Village Council according to ordinance 351.19. The ordinance guarantees people can park where they want within the restrictions placed by the council.
• This summer, West Liberty will remember Marshal Sherman Ricketts, who was slain in the line of duty in 1962. On the 60th anniversary of his death, June 29, 2022, Ricketts Park will be rededicated in his honor. The park will have three garden areas and a new shelter house at that time.
The next council meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, March 14.