The Lawrence County Commissioners heard from the director of Third and Center at their meeting on Tuesday and were provided with an overview of the nonprofit’s programming over the past year.

Amanda Cleary said the commissioners were “generous enough to donate $15,000” to the group’s funding in 2024 and they wanted to share with the public how those funds were spent.

A large portion of the group’s funding goes toward operation of the Ironton Senior Center, located on the second floor of the Park Avenue apartments, Cleary said.

Among programs offered there are book clubs, Bible studies, bingo, senior classes, holiday celebrations and a collaborative kitchen.

Cleary said they have also launched a digital literacy program, educating the members on technology.

“This is to help our seniors in the digital age,” she said.

Cleary said another aim of the senior center is to connect members with resources, such as the HEAP and SNAP programs.

She said they have also organized outings, such as trips to the Tuesday Night Concert Series at the Ironton Farmers market, a trip to Jackson and a community bean dinner, done in collaboration with Lawrence County Clerk of Courts Mike Patterson and the county’s common pleas court.

Cleary said the center has provided more than 3,000 meals in the past year to seniors.

They had a line item in their report to the commissioners for $15,000 this year. Cleary said the county’s contribution helps them to secure funding for meals through Area Agency on Aging District 7.

The commissioners congratulated Cleary on the center’s work and approved the $15,000 for this year.

Cleary also outlined other programs Third and Center offers, outside of the senior center, such as arts programs, a fishing event, the Summer Solstice Music and Arts Festival, and community beautification projects, which include murals and the crosswalk artwork in Ironton.

In other business, the commissioners:

• Heard from Lawrence County Department of Job and Family Services, who reminded the public that April will be Child Abuse Prevention Month, and that the department has received an $8,000 grant to use toward those efforts.

• Heard from the executive assistant to the commissioners, Dylan Bentley, who said the window has closed on the county’s Big Buck contest and that they will be compiling results soon.

• Approved the meeting minutes from Jan. 10, as corrected.

• Approved floodplain permits submitted by the Soil and Water Conservation District.

• Approved the increase for budget appropriations and transfers from $50,000-$75,000.00, requested by Dylan Bentley, acting administrator.

• Approved appropriations and transfers dated Jan 21, under $75,000., requested by Bentley.

• Received and filed the Certificate of County Auditor that the total appropriations from each fund do not exceed the Official Estimate of Resources.

• Approved (and commission president Colton Copley signed) the requested release of funds for Grant Agreement Number BX-24-1BN-1, Pump Station #7 Recommission/flood & Drainage Facilities.

• Approved the First Amendment to Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Grant Agreement between the Ohio Department of Development and Lawrence County Commissioners (Macedonia/Hecla Water Project).

• Received and filed the Annual Summary of Statistical Records/Calendar Year 2025, requested by Robin Heaberlin, Probate-Juvenile Court Clerk.

• Received and filed all zoning regulation letters for all Lawrence County Townships with the Lawrence County Recorder’s office, requested by Lori Morris, Lawrence County Recorder. 

• Met in executive session with Bentley and Lawrence County CAO regarding legal contracts and real estate.