At a recent meeting, Hiram Township Park Board member Tom Franek shared information he gathered at a Buckeye Trail conference. As all are aware, the Buckeye Trail traverses through Hiram Township, and Franek suggested enhancements to help increase tourism to both Hiram Township and the Village. His suggestions included trail enhancements, rerouting or protection to maintain this valuable resources in the community.
In addition, he proposed working with the Portage Park District to connect Hiram Village with the Headwaters Trail (where the Buckeye Trail can be accessed); a project that was discussed roughly a decade ago but had since been set aside. In discussing the matter, the Trustees suggested the potential of including a connector trail to the Headwaters Trail in the new Portage County Park property that was previously the Carlisle Farm on State Route 82. Franek also noted that the Village of Mantua is working on enhancements to their portion of the Trail.
In other news, Road Supervisor Tom Matota and Fiscal Officer Eric Hankinson attended the lunch meeting in Freedom Township to learn more about Spectrum’s Rural Broadband project. The project is funded by a Federal Communications Initiative, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). This program is focused on bridging the digital divide by increasing and improving broadband networks in rural America. The program began in 2021, and by 2028, is set to improve connectivity in rural communities in Ohio and across 24 states. For more information, residents are encouraged to visit www.spectrum.com/cp/build?cmp=ruralbuild
Lastly, Hankinson noted that the NOPEC Community Event Sponsorship information was submitted online. It was noted that funds from this annual grant will be provided to the Hiram Fire Department to be used for a community event. Hankinson noted that he’ll also be applying for the NOPEC Energized Community Grant on behalf of the Township.
The next regularly scheduled Hiram Township Trustee meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 21st at 7 pm at the Township Complex at 6352 State Route 82.
