AN OIL and gas forum will be held Tuesday evening at the Hopedale Social Hall to allow landowners who are thinking of signing leases to become more familiar with the process and what it includes.

The Harrison County Farm Bureau will hold the informational meeting at 7 p.m.

Leaders noted the recent influx of gas companies in the county approaching rural residents asking for access to the land for drilling of wells in the Marcellus shale which is located deep beneath the earth’s surfaces in the area.

According to Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Director Michele Specht, who represents several local counties including Harrison, the purpose of the forum is to allow people to become more knowledgeable about the issues.

Speakers will include Ohio Farm Bureau Director of Energy Dale Arnold and representatives from Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Mineral Resources Management.

The forum is to focus on points to consider when negotiating the leases.

No reservations are required but additional information can be obtained by calling the Harrison County Farm Bureau office at 740-945-0386.

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A STATE loan in the amount of $2.2 million will allow the Freeport Press to continue with an expansion project that will bring 40 new jobs to the area.

The Ohio Controlling Board will provide a 166 Direct Loan through the state Development Financing Advisory Council while local money plus equity from PNC Bank through the Ohio New Market’s Tax Credit will supply a total of $6 million for the company’s expansion. The loan is backed by the Columbus-based Ohio Community Development Assistance Fund. It include an interest rate of 1 percent per annum for 8 years.

The company, which has been a mainstay in the community since 1880, will purchase machinery and equipment with the funds. It also is planning to use the funds to support additional printing capabilities.

Freeport Press is the largest private employer in the village with 150 people on the payroll.

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HARRISON YOUTH Soccer final registration will be held today from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Cadiz Municipal building for players ages 4-18.

For more information contact Teri Pecar at 740-942-2424 or visit the organization’s website at www.harrisonsoccerleague.com.

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Sign-ups are also underway for the Cadiz Cardinal Biddy Football league.

Sessions will be held today from 10 a.m. 2 p.m. at Puskarich Public Library in Cadiz. A follow-up registration will be held next Saturday during the same time period also at the library.

Participants must be in grades three through six during the upcoming school year.

For additional information call 740-942-0635 or 740-937-2489.

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A PEACHY time will be held on August 6 at Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church on U.S. 250 along Tappan Lake.

The annual peach festival will be held that night from 4-7 p.m. and will feature sandwiches, salads, desserts, peaches, ice cream and beverages.

A love offering will be taken.

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THE HARRISON Central Junior/Senior High School will hold a fall sports “Meet the Team” on Tuesday, August 24 at 7 p.m. at the high school stadium. All junior and senior high school team, along with the marching band and cheerleaders, will be introduced.

In addition, fall sports picture day will be held Thursday, August 12 with the following schedule: at Cadiz Country Club: golf 10 a.m., John W. Stephenson Center: volley ball 10:15 a.m., cheerleader 10:30 a.m.; Wagner Stadium: band 4:45 p.m., football 5:15 p.m.; and Sally Buffalo Park: cross country at p.m.

Additional information may be obtained by call 740-942-7703 or 740-827-3991.

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THE NEW Athens Volunteer Fire Department will hold its annual festival and poker run on Aug. 14. Chicken dinner will be ready for purchase at 12 p.m. A parade is set for 7 p.m.

Raffle tickets for a 50/50 drawing are available by contacting any fireman.

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AS A fundraiser, members of the Harrison County Military Support Group are holding a Tastefully Simple catalog party with all profits from the event being donated to the volunteer group.

To place an order call 740-942-3643, 740-658-3771 or see any member before Aug. 16.

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THE THIRD annual community picnic in Hopedale will be held Saturday, August 21 at 11 a.m. at the Hopedale United Methodist Church.

Everyone is asked to bring along a lawn chair and covered dish.

Music will be provided by Four for Him and various local church groups and individuals.

Call Dan Run at 740-937-2208 or Marge Ward at 740-937-2087.

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Sedgmer may be reached at ksedgmer@timesleaderonline.com