BY NIKKI BURKHAMER
Examiner Contributor
Rodney Brower was sworn in for his new council seat by Mayor Brad Hudson at the most recent West Liberty Council meeting this week.
Brower serves as the pastor of West Liberty United Methodist Church, and he leads the congregation of Lewistown Trinity United Methodist Church as well. When he heard that there was an open council seat, he immediately felt that he wanted to interview for the position.
“I’ve been living in West Liberty since October of 2023, and it was an immediate love affair. I’m just really happy being here, and I’m excited about being part of the council,” Brower said.
“I want to bring some opportunities, particularly, for the older members of the village. I’d like to provide social opportunities where they can come together… do things together.”
Following Brower’s oath of office, the council discussed some old business, including the soon-to-be closed alley located between the West Liberty Branch Library and Dorsey’s Flowers.
In two weeks, there will be closed signs posted at each end of the passageway.
The council plans to work with the Downtown Business Association to make the alley inviting. The Business Association received a $2,500 grant that they plan to use to add lighting that is similar to what is lining Main Street. It’s possible that they could install solar panels on top of the library building to offset the electrical cost.
The board accepted the resignation of local firefighter Derrek Thurman, who is moving to another community. His resignation left an opening for a new firefighter, and West Liberty Fire Chief Darin Leach recommended Erik Weeks, who has former experience in fire-fighting and paramedics, to the council for their approval.
Council members approved Weeks as Thurman’s replacement.
Chief Leach also expressed his appreciation for the new equipment that his department will soon be receiving. A Bureau of Workers Compensation Safety Grant was received, and this allowed for the purchase of six new sets of turnout gear.
Additionally, efforts are continually being made to restore the bridge on west Columbus Street, near the old high school.
Previously, the biggest concerns for the bridge’s repair was the funding, However in 2024, the State of Ohio granted the village $1.265 million for its repair through the “One Time Strategic Fund.”
Now, the challenge for the restoration is the easement, or the allowance, that is needed from The Heritage Company to begin the work.
Heritage owns the properties that support the bridge on each side and the railroad tracks underneath. The company is worried that the bridge will fall on their tracks during the bridge’s improvements. This could cause damage to the tracks while also halting product transportation for their company.
West Liberty Village Administrator Richard Ford has asked to speak to the board of Heritage at their next meeting. Certain insurance policies and procedures that could be put in place might allow the company and their board members some ease with their worries.
“If we put in these protective measures, I am hopeful that they will listen,” Ford said. “I am thankful that the CEO is willing to present all of our information to the board if they do not allow me to speak. They are a very generous organization, and I hope they give us a fair shot with an agreement that protects their interests.”
The current monies from the state are due to expire in June of 2026. These funds can be reapplied for if there is a need for the village to do so. The council remains determined to find a way to restore the bridge.
The Pink Out event in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is planned for Oct 8 in the village.
West Liberty’s Village Council has approved a change to meeting once a month starting in October — the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. The next meetings are Oct. 21, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16.
