Training center still open

CADIZ An anonymous phone tip that the Mine Safety Training Center in Cadiz had permanently closed Friday proved to be false.

The building located on Industrial Park Road in Cadiz was under threat of transition to Guernsey County from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). According to ODNR, the building was not up to code and it had suggested that the training center could be moved to another location.

Ohio senator Lou Gentile, who met with various Harrison County officials and members of the United Mine Workers Association back in September at the facility to show support for the training center stated that he could not comment on the negotiations, "Any official word on the future of the facility would come from Bethany McCorkle, Chief of Communications at the ODNR."

"The Ohio Department of Natural Resources continues to work with Tappan Holdings on an agreement that would allow ODNR to occupy the current office space and two training rooms in Cadiz," McCorkle released a statement. "A temporary extension on occupancy has been agreed upon while these details are being discussed."

"I can confirm that they are still open and still in the building," said Michael Sliva, president of the Cadiz Community Improvement Corporation (CIC). "While there is no word from the state on the future training plans, the offices are going to remain there for the time being."

We have been in negotiations for a year and currently are waiting to hear from them as to their decision."

"I appreciate the willingness of everyone to work together collectively to preserve the facility and the jobs in Harrison County," said Gentile emphasizing that having the Mine Safety Training Building in Cadiz provides a great economic impact for the county. "It is important that we maintain the highest quality, state of the art training facilities here in the heart of coal country."

Palmer can be reached at mpalmer@timesleaderonline.com.