City of Martins Ferry

Project Forward

Posted on: June 6, 2017

“There are many ways of going forward, but only one way to stand still.” -FDR

Project Forward is a revitalization group in Martins Ferry that is trying to get business owners to help clean up the downtown area and attract new customers. Progress has already begun, which included the cleaning of businesses in the downtown area, the new addition of a farmer’s market this summer, a city food truck, and some other plans and events are in progress as well.

Farmer’s Market will be on Friday’s 10-2 pm, starting June 30th.

Project Forward’s Mission Statement:

“Project Forward is a “think tank” committee comprised of members of the merchant community, civic leaders, and the city’s administration.? We are committed to bringing about economic and community growth through the revitalization of, not only the infrastructure of the commerce in one of Ohio’s oldest cities, but the overall cosmetic and welcoming environment of the downtown area. Our goal is to bring in new businesses and help existing businesses grow first- which will lead to a period of rejuvenated pride for our citizens as well as our merchants. We welcome ideas and volunteers as this project moves forward. This is our city- our community. And, as a community- we can accomplish so much more than as individuals.”

Project member, John Schorr, states,”We’re working on several things to bring a lot of energy back into the area and let the people know that the businesses and the administration are committed to making this a really great place to live and hopefully that’s a contagious thing.”

Our First Farmer’s Markets

Project Forward Social Media Outlets:

 

Tee shirts are available to purchase (pictured below). Please fill out order form below or contact 740-633-1774 for more information.

Fill out tee shirt order form here.

 

 

 

 


MF Chamber of Commerce June Newsletter

Posted on: June 2, 2017

Welcome to June!

 

June is going to be a busy month in Martins Ferry!

Trial Runs for the 25th Annual Soap Box Derby (The Great Race) will be held this Sunday, June 4 starting at 9 a.m. There are 28 cars registered for this year’s race. Inspections will be held at the school bus garage on Wednesday, June 7 starting at 5:30 p.m. And the race will be held on Sunday, June 11 with opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. and racing starting at approximately 10. Come on out and cheer on your favorite racer!! Each driver receives a trophy, t-shirt and certificate with the top 4 finishers receiving a trophy along with 1st place: 4 tickets to Kings Island and $250; 2nd place: 4 tickets to The Wilds and $125; 3rd place $75 and 4th place $50.

The Ohio Valley Street Survivors Car Club will hold a Cruise-in during the Derby between Hanover and Walnut Streets – enter at Walnut Street. They will hold a 50/50 and dash plaques will be presented to the first 50 entrants. The dash plaques are donated by First Presbyterian Church. For more information on the Cruise-In contract Paul Baker at 740-359-3417.

On Tuesday, June 6 First Presbyterian Church will host A Picnic on the Sidewalk at 4th and Walnut Streets from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. They will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers, cole slaw, macaroni salad, baked goods, pop and water. There will also be a raffle for gift baskets and a 50/50.

The Elks will hold their annual Community Day in the Park on Saturday, June 10 from noon – 4 p.m. Free activities include: swimming, pony rides, photo booth, face painting, games for the kids, food, Army Reserve display, concert by Brothers in Song, free smoke alarms from the fire department, Glad Day Observance with you reading their Americanism Essays (3 state and district winners).

On Tuesday, June 13 from noon – 5:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church will sponsor a Blood Drive at The Ladder Company Fire Station at 4th and Locust Streets. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (1-800- REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org and enter: FPCTLC. There will be donated pizza, cookies and refreshments for all donors. There will also be 2 gift baskets that donors will an entry ticket. For more information call the church office at 740-633-6107.

The Annual Salad Luncheon to benefit the Daily Bread Center will be held on Thursday, June 15 from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the St. Mary’s School Gym (20 N. Fourth Street). Tickets are $6 and include salads, chicken salad sandwich, dessert and drink. Tickets are available at all Martins Ferry Churches and at the door – walk-ins are welcome!! Parking will be available on the school playground. Handicap accessible. Tickets will be sold for a Chinese Auction for $1 each or 6 for $5. Hope to see you there!!

The Martins Ferry Chamber of Commerce will host Skyshow 2017 on Friday, June 30 (rain date July 1) on the school’s campus. Gates will open at 5 p.m. There will be inflatable rides, musical entertainment, food vendors, face painting and games for the kids. Tickets for the Skyshow 50/50 are now on sale for $1 each or 6 for $5. The drawing will be held just prior to the fireworks that evening. Admission is FREE with donations being gladly accepted. Many thanks to our Major Sponsors who make this event possible: Belmont County Tourism Council, National Lime and Stone/Lash Paving, The Times Leader, The Citizens Bank, East Ohio Regional Hospital, Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union #33, and Riesbecks Markets.

The Martins Ferry High School Band will be holding a Yard Sale in the Park (feel free to print out the attached flyer) on Saturday, July 1 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. A 12X12 space can be reserved for $10 by calling 740-635-1134.

The Progress Forward Committee will be hosting its first event on Saturday, July 1. It will be a Farmers’ Market at the corner of N. Fifth and Hanover Streets. They will be held on the first and third Saturdays of each month thru October. Other events are also being planned throughout the coming months. This committee will meet again at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 15 at Grace Presbyterian Church.

Don’t forget the Martins Ferry Historical Society (Sedgwick Museum) is currently having their annual membership drive. Dues are $10 for individuals and $15 for couples or organizations.

Betty Zane Days sponsored by the Martins Ferry Fire Department will be held August 1-5.


Street Sweeper Sidelined

Posted on: April 24, 2017

The Street Sweeper will not be running at the present time. ?Citizens do not have to move their vehicles until further notice.


4th Street Returns to Two Way Traffic

Posted on: March 7, 2017

Traffic returned to normal on South 4th Street on Monday March 6th. ?The street had been one way north since a fire destroyed part of the block back in October. ?Motorists are reminded to use caution in the area since some businesses are undergoing renovations. ?


2016 Christmas Parade Route

Posted on: November 25, 2016

2016-parade-route?The Parade will begin at the Liberty Fire Station at 5th and Center Streets and proceed south on Zane Highway to Hickory Street. ?After a left on Hickory Street, the Parade will proceed north on 4th Street to Walnut Street. ?A left on Walnut Street will be followed by a right on 5th Street with the Parade ending at Hanover and 5th Streets.


Thanksgiving Sanitation Pickup Schedule Announced

Posted on: November 15, 2016

Residents who normally have sanitation pick-up on Thursday and Friday are asked to place their garbage cans out on Wednesday next week. ?City offices will be closed Thanksgiving Day as well as the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving!


Trick or Treating Scheduled

Posted on: October 27, 2016

Martins Ferry Trick or Treating will be held on Monday October 31st from 6pm to 7pm. ?Residents who wish to participate by handing out treats are asked to turn on their porch lights. ?Motorists are asked to use extreme caution when driving through our city to insure a safe and fun evening for our children.


Halloween in the Park Saturday October 29th

Posted on: October 27, 2016

Halloween in the Park will be held on Saturday October 29th from Noon until 2pm in the City Park. ?All children must be registered prior to the event at the Police Department located at 35 South 5th Street. ?For more information, please contact the Martins Ferry Police Department at 740-633-2121.


Martins Ferry Seeks Police Levy

Posted on: October 12, 2016

The Martins Ferry Police Department is seeking citizens’ support to pass a 5 mil levy. If passed, the levy would generate $300,000 earmarked directly for the police operations budget.

 

The levy is needed to offset the loss of Local Government Funds which have been reduced substantially over the past several years by the state government. ?A large portion of the Local Government Funds have been a traditional source of funding for Martins Ferry’s safety forces. ?These cuts, enacted by the State of Ohio, have made it impossible to sustain a fully staffed Police Department.

 

Passage of this levy would ensure a stream of funding for the Police Department as well as decrease the amount of money now being used to support the police from the city’s General Fund. ?As a result, the General Fund would be able to support other city departments such as Street and Cemetery.

 

Should the levy fail, deep budget cuts would take place resulting in a reduction in police officers, dispatchers, and ultimately a less safe Martins Ferry.

 

The cost of the 5 mil levy to a property owner is dependent on the value of the property owned. ?For example, a home worth $80,000 would have a gross tax increase of $140. ?When the Homestead Reduction is included, the actual tax would be $96.25. For less than the price of two tickets to a major league sporting event or concert, a citizen can insure police protection throughout their city.

 

Election day is Tuesday, November 8, 2016. ?All precincts in Martins Ferry vote at the Martins Ferry Schools Complex.

For more information about the levy, please contact the Martins Ferry Police Department at (740) 633-2121.


County Commissioners to Hold Town Hall Meeting

Posted on: September 7, 2016

The Belmont County Commissioners will hold a Town Hall Meeting at the Martins Ferry Library Auditorium on Tuesday September 13th at 6:00 pm. ?The public is invited and encouraged to attend. ?The Commissioners will address issues relevant to Belmont County while taking questions from the audience. ?Don’t miss this chance to have your concerns heard.