In efforts to address nuisance problems within Columbiana County, Prosecutor Vito Abruzzino has announced on Tuesday that on March 8, 2022, Columbiana County Common Pleas Court Judge Megan Bickerton accepted a settlement to keep a building on Wood Street boarded up until March of 2023.

The temporary restraining order granted in May of 2021 has now become permanent, meaning 219 Wood Street will remain boarded up until March 8, 2023.

Property owner Paul Kern agreed to the court declaring the property a nuisance as being dangerous and harmful to the health and safety of the community.

Kern admitted to all facts contained in the complaint filed by Ohio detailing the property as the location where numerous drug offenses were being committed from 2019 to 2021.

The East Palestine Police Department and the Columbiana County Drug Task Force have responded to the property multiple times, including two drug overdoses. One of which was fatal.

The Prosecutor's Office thanked the East Palestine Police Department along with the Columbiana County Drug Task Force for their efforts in making the county safe for all citizens.