The Journal & Noble County Leader

10/20/2025

Shenandoah's Ida Estadt is the East District Champion of the OHSAA, winning her race Saturday with a time of19:05.00. See the story for all the details on how area athletes fared!
https://www.journal-leader.com/2025/10/20/estadt-is-east-district-champion/

10/20/2025

MWCD Releases Winter Draw-Down Schedule for Area District Lakes
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District has released its annual winter drawdown schedule, a critical part of the organization’s flood-control and maintenance operations.

While MWCD lakes attract millions of visitors each year for boating, fishing, camping and hiking, their primary purpose is to protect the Muskingum Watershed region from flooding.

Each winter, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers temporarily lowers lake levels to provide additional flood storage capacity for snowmelt and spring rains. This process also allows MWCD staff to complete shoreline stabilization and other maintenance projects.

“Our engineering team works closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to coordinate drawdowns and project schedules,” said Dave Lautenschleger, chief of engineering. “The winter drawdown gives us valuable time to inspect and maintain infrastructure while lake levels are low. By addressing shoreline erosion and dredging in strategic locations, we’re ensuring the lakes remain safe, functional, and sustainable for years to come, while keeping communities downstream protected from potential flooding.”

The 2025-26 drawdown will begin in early November, with water levels expected to return to normal by February.

Reservoir Normal Pool Winter Level Total Drawdown (feet) Begin 2025 Drawdown Release Duration (days) Suggested intermediate refill schedule by
March 15, 2026
Atwood 928.00 920.00 8.0 November 15 42 926.00
Charles Mill 997.00 992.00 5.0 November 1 35 995.00
Clendening 898.00 893.00 5.0 November 15 35 896.00
Leesville 963.00 958.00 5.0 November 1 35 961.00
Piedmont 913.00 905.00 8.0 November 1 42 911.00
Pleasant Hill 1020.00 1014.00 6.0 November 15 42 1018.00
Seneca 832.20 824.20 8.0 November 15 42 830.20
Tappan 899.30 894.30 5.0 November 15 35 897.30

Shoreline Projects Planned for Winter 2025-26:

MWCD will complete several projects during the drawdown period to enhance water quality, improve boating access and protect shoreline infrastructure:

Atwood Lake: Excavation and dredging to remove about 975 cubic yards of sediment from the bay in the Atwood Pines Cottage Area at Elgin Drive.

Charles Mill Lake: Shoreline stabilization along the roadway leading to the beach. Rock riprap will be placed on both sides of about 500 feet of roadway to prevent future erosion.

Piedmont Lake: Excavation and dredging to remove about 12,750 cubic yards of sediment from Essex Cove, the bay between Hilltop Drive and Lake Ridge Road, and the bay near the Akron Boat Club. The work will improve water depth and navigation for boaters.

About Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District

The MWCD, a political subdivision of the state, was organized in 1933 to develop and implement a plan to reduce flooding and conserve water for beneficial public uses in the Muskingum River Watershed, the largest wholly contained watershed in Ohio. Since their construction, the 16 reservoirs and dams in the MWCD region have been credited for saving over $9 billion worth of potential property damage from flooding according to the federal government, as well as providing popular recreational opportunities that bolster the region’s economy, garnering more than 5 million visitors annually. A significant portion of the reservoirs are managed by the MWCD, and the dams are managed for flood-risk management by the federal U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org and follow the MWCD on Facebook and Instagram.

Hike, camp, boat, bike, swim, kayak, and more in one of 14 lakes and reservoirs situated in the Muskingum Watershed. Come conserve and enjoy Ohio’s beautiful landscape!

10/20/2025

Happy Monday! The Journal is now available in our office and at our regular retail partners.
Want to subscribe? Call 740-732-2341, or visit www.journal-leader.com. Print and online options available.

10/20/2025

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
In accordance with O.R.C. §121.22, notice is hereby given, the Board of Education of Noble Local School District will hold a special meeting in the Media Center at Shenandoah High School located at 49349 Seneca Lake Road, Sarahsville, Ohio 43779, beginning at 7:00 p.m. on October 22, 2025.

The purpose of the meeting is as follows:

Review, discuss and vote on the RFP/RFQ for Phase 9 renovations to include controls and door projects at both Shenandoah High School and Elementary School;
Review, discuss and vote on the naming of the high school gym floor in honor of Dan Schwieterman;
Review and discuss standing and administrative board committees.

The meeting is called by order of the Board President.

Andrea Hannum, Treasurer/CFO

Noble Local School District

10/20/2025

Cumberland News
From: John E. LePage, Jr.
On Saturday Nov 8, the Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department will have a breakfast at the firehouse. The breakfast begins at 7 a.m. and runs until it’s sold out. The firehouse is located at the intersection of Main and Cambridge Streets in Cumberland.

From 5-7 p.m. on Saturday Nov 1, Cumberland Trick or Treat is scheduled to take place. Following Trick or Treat, a hot dog roast hosted by Celebrate Cumberland will take place at the village park.

On Nov. 1, a spaghetti dinner and gospel sing is scheduled to take place at the Cumberland United Methodist Church. The dinner begins at 5 p.m. The Gospel Sing starts at 6:30 p.m., featuring the Love Quartet. The church is located at 441 W. Main Street in Cumberland.

10/20/2025

Obituary for Jo Ellen Ferguson
https://www.journal-leader.com/2025/10/20/jo-ellen-ferguson/

10/17/2025

Obituary for Shirley M. Rayner
https://www.journal-leader.com/2025/10/17/shirley-m-rayner/

10/17/2025

10/14/2025

Obituary for Karen Susann Mallett
https://www.journal-leader.com/2025/10/14/karen-susann-mallett/