Village Council took the first steps toward a one-half percent income tax increase Monday night, quietly observing the first reading of an ordinance to place the measure on the May 4 ballot.

The Lodge and Conference Center at Geneva-on-the-Lake survived a challenging year and turned a small operating profit: $145,035. That profit was $20,000 less than what the lodge made in 2008 but still a significant accomplishment, considering the state of the economy and revenue challenges facing the operation.

If 6 degree weather, 14.2 percent unemployment and postholiday credit-card bills are not enough to make you depressed, just wait until you get your electric bill.

A new tower may be constructed on city property to assist the multiagency radio communications system in filling in "blackout spots" in the county's emergency radio system, Geneva Fire Chief Doug Starkey said.

Whatever the method of plunging and running, plunge organizer Chandra Brode will stand on the beach with a towel for you.

Village council will consider putting a one-half percent income-tax increase on the ballot at a meeting Feb.

Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday in 2010. This allows for a full Valentine's Weekend! Start the celebration on Friday and really enjoy a long and lovely holiday.

Eliminating the county's Information Technology Services Department will save $158,463 in the first year, according to a spreadsheet provided by Commissioner Daniel Claypool.

City Manager Anthony Cantagallo wants city employees to take unpaid days off to help balance the budget in the wake of a projected $862,000 deficit.

The city has already used 225 tons of road salt, which is one-fifth the city's salt supply, City Manager Jim Pearson said at Monday's City Council meeting.

Seventy years after it was first published, a novel written by an Ashtabula County author, humanitarian, lecturer and administrator continues to garner five stars from readers.

For years, Geneva-on-the-Lake Councilwoman Wilma Reppert has put her heart into her votes - and her famous apple bars.

Family members of William Johns sat silently in Judge Richard Stevens' courtroom Monday afternoon, waiting for charges in the fatal crash that killed a Geneva woman and critically injured two Geneva-on-the-Lake residents.

MARGIE PAGE / Star Beacon R.J. STOLTZ, 4, of Harpersfield Township, puts green beans into a box for the needy as volunteers pack boxes of food and gifts Monday night at the Northwest Ambulance District headquarters during the Share-A-Christmas program.

The Geneva-on-the-Lake couple injured in a crash that killed Carri L. Shehan are listed in critical condition at Cleveland MetroHealth Medical Center, Ashtabula County Coroner's Investigator Rich Mongell reported Sunday, and both face life-threatening injuries and complications.

WARREN DILLAWAY / Star Beacon THE INTERSECTION of Route 534 and Maple Avenue in Geneva Township was the site of a fatal two- vehicle crash t 9:40 p.m. Friday that claimed the life of a 40-year-old Geneva woman.

The Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners approved a list of appointments to county boards during its agenda meeting Tuesday.

Strike up a carol and bring on the feast. Elizabethan Yuletide Feaste performers display the courses that the Lodge at Geneva-On-the-Lake presents to participants at the biennial early December celebration.

It is a telephone call Buckeye Schools Superintendent Nancy Williams hates to make.

There was a moment, one shining moment for 2-year-old Matthew DiBease, when his mother was just sleeping in a strange bed, just dreaming, just about ready to wake up.