Medina County could put brakes on Dragway 42
Renovated drag strip in Wayne County will impact Medina County
County Engineer Andy Conrad makes a point about traffic problems expected on Jeffrey Road when Dragway 42 reopens in Wayne County. Photo by GLENN WOJCIAK
MEDINA – A new owner hopes to reopen Dragway 42 in May but is facing opposition from officials in Medina County even though the business is in Wayne County.
Owner Ron Matcham appealed to Medina County commissioners April 3 for authorization to open the renovated drag racing strip without the blessing of Medina County Highway Engineer Andy Conrad.
The problem in Conrad’s view is a new entry Matcham built to the race track could provide traffic problems once the drag strip opens. True to its name, the drag strip is located on U.S. Route 42 in West Salem. However, the new driveway Matcham built is on Jeffrey Road which forms the border between Wayne and Medina counties.
Since Medina County shares maintenance responsibility on Jeffery Road, Conrad has the authority to withhold approval of a permit required to open the new entry drive which replaces a previous driveway to the property Matcham closed.
Conrad said he would not issue the permit before a traffic study is done to determine if Jeffrey Road and its intersection with Route 42 can handle the additional traffic generated by the drag strip. He asked county commissioners for permission to take legal measures against Matcham.
Matcham said he has invested all his money in rebuilding the drag strip over the last three years and cannot afford to do a traffic study. He also said he has the support of Wayne County officials who want to see his raceway reopen.
Medina Count commissioners said they would discuss the issue further with the county prosecutor’s office and did not take a position on the issue.
Conservation appeal
County commissioners adopted a resolution encouraging the Ohio General Assembly to restore funding for conservation districts in the governor’s proposed biennial budget currently under review by state legislators.
The formal appeal by county commissioners urges the state to provide $1 in matching funds for each $1 the county contributes to operations of the Medina County Soil and Water Conservation District office.
Jeff Van Loon, director of the Soil and Water District office, said the state has traditionally contributed to funding for his office and others like it around the state. However, the level of state support for conservation districts has declined over the years and would drop still further under current budget proposals.
The resolution adopted by commissioners states the technical assistance, services and conservation programs offered by the Soil and Water District are critical components to sustainable economic development, water quality, food production and a safe environment.
Electronic monitors
Ohio Alcohol Monitoring services won a three-year contract to provide the Medina County Adult Probation Department with electronic monitoring and home arrest services for $142,000 per year.
Online auction
Commissioners authorized several department heads to dispose of unwanted or obsolete equipment by Internet auction. Among the items being put up for sale are a 1997 Ford Ranger, a 2003 Ford Windstar, two Ford Goshen Coach buses and a steel case desk.
Personnel expenses
Commissioners authorized the expenses for several county employees to attend a series of out-of-town meetings and training seminars. Among those expenses was $620 for three representatives from the Juvenile Court to attend a two-day program on motivational interviewing in Columbus, $465 for one employee at the Juvenile Detention Center to attend a two-day course on interrogation techniques in Massillon and $385 for an employee in the Child Support Enforcement Agency to attend a two-day symposium in Columbus.
Owner Ron Matcham appealed to Medina County commissioners April 3 for authorization to open the renovated drag racing strip without the blessing of Medina County Highway Engineer Andy Conrad.
The problem in Conrad’s view is a new entry Matcham built to the race track could provide traffic problems once the drag strip opens. True to its name, the drag strip is located on U.S. Route 42 in West Salem. However, the new driveway Matcham built is on Jeffrey Road which forms the border between Wayne and Medina counties.
Since Medina County shares maintenance responsibility on Jeffery Road, Conrad has the authority to withhold approval of a permit required to open the new entry drive which replaces a previous driveway to the property Matcham closed.
Conrad said he would not issue the permit before a traffic study is done to determine if Jeffrey Road and its intersection with Route 42 can handle the additional traffic generated by the drag strip. He asked county commissioners for permission to take legal measures against Matcham.
Matcham said he has invested all his money in rebuilding the drag strip over the last three years and cannot afford to do a traffic study. He also said he has the support of Wayne County officials who want to see his raceway reopen.
Medina Count commissioners said they would discuss the issue further with the county prosecutor’s office and did not take a position on the issue.
Conservation appeal
County commissioners adopted a resolution encouraging the Ohio General Assembly to restore funding for conservation districts in the governor’s proposed biennial budget currently under review by state legislators.
The formal appeal by county commissioners urges the state to provide $1 in matching funds for each $1 the county contributes to operations of the Medina County Soil and Water Conservation District office.
Jeff Van Loon, director of the Soil and Water District office, said the state has traditionally contributed to funding for his office and others like it around the state. However, the level of state support for conservation districts has declined over the years and would drop still further under current budget proposals.
The resolution adopted by commissioners states the technical assistance, services and conservation programs offered by the Soil and Water District are critical components to sustainable economic development, water quality, food production and a safe environment.
Electronic monitors
Ohio Alcohol Monitoring services won a three-year contract to provide the Medina County Adult Probation Department with electronic monitoring and home arrest services for $142,000 per year.
Online auction
Commissioners authorized several department heads to dispose of unwanted or obsolete equipment by Internet auction. Among the items being put up for sale are a 1997 Ford Ranger, a 2003 Ford Windstar, two Ford Goshen Coach buses and a steel case desk.
Personnel expenses
Commissioners authorized the expenses for several county employees to attend a series of out-of-town meetings and training seminars. Among those expenses was $620 for three representatives from the Juvenile Court to attend a two-day program on motivational interviewing in Columbus, $465 for one employee at the Juvenile Detention Center to attend a two-day course on interrogation techniques in Massillon and $385 for an employee in the Child Support Enforcement Agency to attend a two-day symposium in Columbus.