Obama to stump in area Wednesday

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio - Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has scheduled a campaign stop outside Smithfield, Ohio on Wednesday.

Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla said he was in contact with the Secret Service during the weekend concerning a picnic Obama is scheduled to attend at the farm of Ray Piergallini on County Road 10, Smithfield, around 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Piergallini said today he was busy Monday making preparations for Obama's visit.

"It is something that doesn't happen every day," Piergallini said.

He said barbecue pork and chicken will be on the menu, including other traditional picnic items.

Abdalla said the Obama campaign was to release information about how the public can get tickets to attend the event. He said about 350 to 500 people will be able to attend.

Abdalla said he will be asking for security assistance from the sheriff's departments in Belmont, Harrison and Carroll counties.

Abdalla said it will be an exciting day for Jefferson County.

"At least they (Obama campaign) are noticing Jefferson County and this part of Ohio," Abdalla said.

Wednesday's visit will be the second in a week, as presumptive Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain spoke in Washington County, Pa., Saturday.

(Law can be contacted at mlaw@heraldstaronline.com)