Week in Review: Ryan, Lordstown Motors, Main Street Theater
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan’s announcement to seek the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat held by Rob Portman, a Republican, topped this week’s news.
Early Monday morning, Ryan, D-13 Ohio, declared his candidacy for the seat after weeks of speculation. He made the long-expected announcement in an emailed video, which he later posted to Twitter. Click HERE to read the story.
“I am running to fight like hell in the U.S Senate to cut workers in on the deal,” said Ryan.
Analysts say he’ll have an “uphill battle” as Ohio increasingly tilts Republican. While Ryan’s bid makes sense, said Paul Sracic, chairman of Youngstown State University’s department of politics and international relations, winning statewide office in Ohio – which former President Donald Trump won twice by eight-percentage-point margins – is going to be a challenge for any Democrat. Read that story HERE.
Lordstown Motors Late on Tax Payments
Lordstown Motors Corp. will have to fork over an additional $57,000 toward the automaker’s real estate taxes for missing its first half payments for 2020, records show.
According to records from the Trumbull County Auditor’s office, Lordstown Motors failed to pay taxes on time on four parcels totaling $570,958.36, triggering a 10% penalty of $57,095. The payments were due March 5, and the startup electric vehicle manufacturer now owes a total of $628,053 including penalties and interest. Click HERE for more.
ModWash Buys Austintown Site for $875,000
Car wash chain ModWash has closed on the sale of its third Mahoning Valley site, buying the former Skate Zone Fun Center for $875,000.
The skating rink, laser tag arena and arcade at 5420 Mahoning Avenue, which also houses a mini-golf course at the front of the property, closed in March. Click HERE for more.
Group Aims to Purchase, Reopen Main Street Theater
The owner of Main Street Theater has permanently closed the venue, but the Columbiana Cultural Collective has been formed with a goal of raising $1.5 million to purchase and renovate the building, and then reopen it as a community culture and arts center.
Erich Offenburg is spearheading the Columbiana Cultural Collective’s effort to purchase the theater. He is the artistic director of Crown Theater Co. and also the executive director of Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce. Click HERE to read more about the project.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
