< Governor Strickland Visits Monroe, Hears Citizen Concerns

Gov. Ted Strickland was guest speaker at the Monroe County Democratic Barbecue. Among those attending the event, from left: Mark Forni, executive director of farmland preservation; Ohio Dept. of Agriculture;  State Rep. Jennifer Garrison, Herman Zerger, Monroe County Democratic Party Chairman; the Governor; and Ann Block, regional field representative for Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner.                         

Bringing their concerns for The Dally Memorial Library to Governor Ted Strickland (center) were, from left, Janet Conn, librarian; Donna Dally Day, founder of The Dally Memorial Library; Lila Jones, president, Riverfront Library Association; and Kay Curtis, Dally Library board member. The Governor was the guest of honor at the August 11 Monroe County Democratic Barbecue held in Clarington.   Photos by Martha Ackerman      

“This is fabulous!” announced Ann Block, Regional Field Representative for Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner. “As a record keeper for the local Democratic committee for 10 years now, we’ve never had a sitting governor attend our barbecue. It is doubly wonderful because this is the largest attendance ever to mark this special occasion.” The event was held August 11 at Local 5724 Union Hall in Clarington. Among the dignitaries attending was State Representative Jennifer Garrison who reminded those present of a new law which will reduce property taxes for senior citizens, 65 and older, who own their own homes. She will be attending a meeting at the Monroe County Senior Center with County Auditor Pandora Neuhart August 15 to answer any questions. She noted that seniors not currently receiving a Homestead exemption must register by Oct. 1 to receive the reduction. On the school issue, Garrison noted that there is a feasibility study going on for deconsolidation and when that issue is resolved, “then we can work for your local share.” Monroe County Democratic Chairman Herman Zerger introduced his “long-time friend,” Governor Ted Strickland. As the Governor began his remarks, he noted that his visit is a director result of Herman’s friendship. “When Herman says jump, I say how high on the way up,” joked the Governor, who recognized Zerger as a veteran and former prisoner of war. It was noted that the first time Zerger voted it was for Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was in a foxhole in a far-away country at the time. The Governor recognized all veterans saying, “We don’t say thank you often enough. These are quiet heroes going through life each day who don’t ask a lot, but give a lot. We honor them for their service.” After thanking Monroe County residents for helping to put him in office, Gov. Strickland reviewed his first seven months in office. His first duty was to form a cabinet. “Government is best when guided by the heart and led by common sense,” he said. The Governor recognized Ann Block and Mark Forni, who were appointed by his administration. He noted that the $52 billion biennial budget had to be in place in the first three months. “I believe that how we use the resources available reflects what we value as people. We wanted to live within our means and invest in what really matters.” The Governor said he put more resources in the youngest children for early child care and education. He also noted that the budget puts a stop to the higher education increases. “There will be zero percent increase in college tuition in Ohio,” he said as he noted that higher education in Ohio is 47 percent more costly than the national average. In his budget there is a two-year tuition freeze. Gov. Strickland also reviewed the new property tax cut and urged senior citizens who qualify to sign up by Oct. 1. He stressed that there are no income guidelines to this cut. According to the Governor, some of the challenges facing his administration include the cost of electricity to facilities like Ormet, affordable health care, and, very important to Monroe County residents, schools. “I’m convinced that how we gather and distribute funds for schools is unconstitutional and needs to have significant changes,” said the Governor, who received a standing ovation from the crowd. He noted that changes must be made. “The regime in Washington, D.C. has absolutely no idea what life is like for most Americans. We must have a change in the presidency.” He added that he voted against the war that is going on and said that the country is not providing what these soldiers need or what they have been promised. He added that he recently visited the Empire State Building in New York City. “It took 14 months to build,” said the Governor. “The war has been going on for five years and we still don’t have adequate equipment there for our troops. We need new leadership in this country to turn it around.” Some of the issues brought before the Governor as he greeted constituents, shook hands and kissed babies, were health issues, veterans concerns, schools, jobs, the Jericho Bridge, the Dally Library in Sardis and some personal issues.

<Water Sought for Moore Ridge
by Arlean Selvy
Publisher
As the need for water continues to be a issue for many households in Monroe County, a second petition
for that necessity has been submitted to county commissioners.

“It seems to me that every road we’ve gone down, the door has been slammed in our faces. We’ve been given
some outlandish stories as to why we can’t have water.”
That comment, and a petition bearing 20 signatures, was brought to the board’s August 7 meeting by Bette
Gadd. “This petition is a plea for water down Moore Ridge Road,” said Gadd. “We have dealt with this way too long.”
Gadd explained they had gone to Switzerland of Ohio Water District and Barnesville about water. She said a
third water district told her to go back to the Switzerland District. According to Gadd, water is
piped to just two miles from her home. She has been told that the waterlines are too small to extend.
“If the pipes are too small, put in bigger pipes. We need help - and soon,” said Gadd. She said she and her
husband are willing to donate a piece of land for a water tower.
Moore Ridge Road is located in Malaga and Center townships. It was noted during discussion that Moore
Ridge is in the vicinity of Grizzle Ridge, another area requesting water service. Both are in the
Switzerland of Ohio Water District service area.
Commissioner Bill Thompson said he plans to present information to the Switzerland Water board at its
August 21 meeting. He will report on sources where funding could be available for water projects if the
water association board is willing to apply for it. He will also supply contact names. Thompson indicated
he’d talked previously about water extension projects with Misty Casto of Buckeye Hills -Hocking Valley
Regional Development.
Reviewing a map showing the various waterline locations, Commissioner John Pyles said it would be
nice to see the lines networked. He said it would increase real estate taxes, new homes would be built
and jobs would be created since the lines would have to be maintained.
‘Within Monroe County are six sewer and water districts:
• Switzerland of Ohio Water District
• Switzer Water Association
• Ohio and Lee Water - Sewer Authority
• Monroe Water System
• Clarington Water
• Woodsfield Water.
Clarington village officials recently broke ground to extend water to the Fishpot area, south of the village
on Sunfish Creek, and west on Sykes Ridge Road. In a related matter, commissioners, with the approval
of County Engineer Lonnie Tustin, gave permission for Clarington’s Sykes Ridge water project to cross Sykes
Ridge Road in eight locations before the county’s paving project begins on that road. Officials
expressed their concern and noted the road cuts should be made prior to the $479,874 resurfacing project.
Paving is expected to begin prior to October.
Gary Ricer, CEO, GMN Tri-County CAC, visited officials to talk about the Jericho Bridge and Broadband.
Ricer said he is willing to volunteer his time to write a grant application for the Jericho Bridge. He noted that his grandfather Ricer helped build the bridge.
Gary Ricer wrote an ISTEA (Intermodal Surface Transporta-tion Enhancement Act) grant, which was awarded, for the Knowlton Covered Bridge improvements project.
With regard to the expansion of Broadband, Ricer said he is in need of a 15 percent match for a USDA federal grant.
A total of $8.9 million in USDA grants is available for communities without broadband service to provide residential service and connect facilities such as police and fire stations, health care, libraries and schools.
Ricer wants to apply for $298,000 - he will have to match that amount with $44,700.
Commissioners approved the purchase of a valve for Antioch VFD’s new fire truck. According to Mary Jo Westfall, grants administrator, OSU Extension, the valve was not originally ordered for the truck.

Kristi Paolina, field representative for District 6 Congress-man Charlie Wilson, met with commissioners to find out what’s going on in Monroe County.
Officials listed a number of activities and meetings, both held and scheduled to be held.
Paolina said a meeting is set for August 21 at which time Congressman Wilson will meet with county and
state officials and economic development groups to discuss the revitalization of Jefferson, Belmont and
Monroe Counties Paolina said there are “grand plans” for the notion of agritory - organic farming. “There’s great
potential there,” she said. Explained also was an interest in the Ohio River Scenic Route by the
congressman’s new chief of staff.
It was noted that county commissioners will hold a half day meeting at the county fair on August 21.
However, after further discussion, Commissioner Thompson said the meeting at Wilson’s office “sounds pretty important for our area.”
It was decided that one of the commissioners will attend the Bridgeport meeting while the other two will conduct business at the regular session set at the fairgrounds. The regular meeting will conclude by noon.

<Judges Award Scholarships
County Court Judge James Peters and Common Pleas Judge Julie Selmon awarded $500 scholarships to
Anthony Marcum and Danielle Weddle. The scholarships are awarded from the William D. Harris Memorial
Scholarship fund. The scholarship fund was initiated by the late Common Pleas Court Judge William D. Harris
and Judge Peters and renamed after the death of Judge Harris.

by Martha Ackerman Staff Writer
Two students were awarded the Judge William D. Harris Memorial Scholarships on August 6. The scholarships were presented by County Court Judge James W. Peters and Common Pleas Court Judge Julie R. Selmon. A scholarship fund was initiated by Judge Peters and the late Common Pleas Court Judge William D. Harris a number of years ago. Judge Selmon is now a contributor to the fund and it has been renamed the William D. Harris Memorial Scholarship. Recipients are chosen from entries submitted to the annual Voice of Democracy contest which is open to juniors and seniors in the Switzerland of Ohio Local School District. Freedom’s Challenge was the theme for the Voice of Democracy contest. This year the $500 scholarships were awarded to Anthony Marcum and Danielle Weddle. Anthony is a Beallsville High School graduate who will attend The Ohio State University this fall to pursue a degree in political science. He is the son of Cliff and Pat Marcum of Beallsville. Danielle is a graduate of Monroe Central High School and Swiss Hills Career Center. She is enrolled at Belmont Technical College to pursue a degree in nursing. Danielle is the daughter of Danny and Donna Weddle of Lewisville.

< Obituaries
(read the full obituary in the paper) 

< Dale C. Carpenter, 70, 3362 Lynn Dr., Zanesville, formerly of Summerfield, died Aug. 4, 2007 at his home. He was born July 11, 1937, near Lewisville, a son of the late Alfred D. and Verna Wehr Carpenter. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wattersfuneralhome.com.

<Myrtle C. Hardesty, 94, 40317 Bettinger Rdg. Rd., Caldwell, died Aug. 12, 2007, at Arbors of Marietta. She was born July 9, 1913, near Harriettsville, a daughter of the late William Clark and Bessie C. Morrison Love. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wattersfuneralhome.com.

<Jimmy Clyde Love, 56, of Columbus, died August 9, 2007, in Columbus. He was born Oct. 13, 1950, in Columbus, a son of the late Theodore (Ralph) Love and Lela Marie Smith Love. Online condolences may be expressed at www.bauerturner.com.

<Jean Wilt, 78, of Ashland, died Aug. 10, 2007, at her residence. She was born in Red House, W.Va., a daughter of the late Arthur Renfred and Wilma Beatrice Carney Mallett. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.dpkfh.com.

<John M. Hamilton, 88, Massillon, formerly of Shadyside, died Aug. 8, 2007, at Massillon Community Hospital. He was born Sept. 23, 1918, in St. Joe, Ohio, a son of the late David D. and Bessie Hendershot Hamilton. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.altmeyer.com

<Dwight D. Handschumacher, 63, Muskingum Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Beverly, formerly of Lebanon, died August 10, 2007 at the center. He was born May 2, 1944 at Lebanon, a son of the late Talmadge V. and Edith Mae Cline Handschumacher. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wattersfuneralhome.com.

<Around the Burnside

By Denny Easterling

What a shame, what a folly, to give advice before listening to the facts! Intelligent people are always open to new ideas. In fact, they look for them. I expect those of you who are 65 years old or over have heard of the Homestead Exemption that will save you money come tax time. You have until on or before Oct. 1 to file an application. The application is a one sheet deal you can complete in 10 minutes or less and is available at the County Auditor’s office. The auditor’s office has scheduled meetings in several parts of the county to help complete the application and answer questions. I understand a disabled person and a surviving spouse are also included. If you have questions you can call or stop by the auditor’s office. Help spread the word, I’d hate for anyone to miss out. Remember, on or before Oct. 1. Wow! Our little red tomatoes are getting ripe so quick I can’t keep up with eating them. The lineup and planned activities for our county fair has something for everyone. Even if you don’t care for the grandstand shows like a sloppy mud bog, the smack’em up demo derby, rodeo, a motorcross, whatever that is, tractor and truck pulls, there will be plenty of groups doing their thing in the entertainment tent each evening. I counted a total of 10 different groups will be providing entertainment during the late afternoons and evenings. I assume you know our Monroe County fair gets underway on the 20th through the 25th of this month. You may even want to take an evening off and go to a football game on Friday as the season kicks off for our county schools. Attend Sunday evening services for sure. Wow, my rain gauge just kicked up to two and a third inches of rain and heading toward the three and nine tenths it collected all last month. Now, I won’t need to water our tomato plants for a while. I’ve said all along wait until the county fair and football season rolls around and we’ll get plenty of rain. I almost forgot, school starts soon, yuck. Back to the fair. County fairs hold a lot of memories for me as I was closely involved in fairs for probably 50 years or more. Believe me they have had many changes over the years. Like many fairs, our fair does not have a lot of things going on during the day unless you are interested in livestock, poultry judging, 4-H and FFA activities, horse racing and the other activities such as eating all the junk food available. The only thing I didn’t see listed was a cornhole tournament. Probably next year. Wednesday is Senior Citizens Day when seniors get into the fair free. It looks as though a number of things of interest to senior citizens are planned, even a chance to scream and yell at your husband or wife. One thing planned is a Story Telling Contest. I would like to see more of you seniors or anyone for that matter, tell a story. I’ll bet just about everyone reading this has a story to tell. Many of you have told me you enjoy reading some of the things I write about some experiences growing up. Why not share some of your stories. There’s no big prize, maybe a ribbon, the thing is the fun telling. Try to make an effort to share a story, please. The Guernsey County Fair was the fair I was first involved with but not until I was in high school and a member of the Oxford Livestock Boosters 4-H Club. The club for years had the same spot in the livestock barn to tie the club members projects, all dairy, mostly jersey. For some reason the stalls were not marked ahead of time, you picked your spot when you brought your calf to the fair. No 4-H agents back then. To make sure our club got the same spot in the barn, our advisor, we only had one, started hauling our projects to the fair several days before it started. His son and I were good buddies, older and more reliable than the other members of the club, so we got to take care of the projects before the fair started. This was a good deal. School was in session so we could walk over the hill and attend school and still take care of the animals. His dad would check up on us every day and bring us food. This was before it was important to take a shower every morning. We managed anyway and thought we were living high on the hog. We could also pick out the choice sleeping spot which usually ended up in the advisor’s truck where it was a little tougher to check up on you at night and you could slip out if you wanted. I didn’t sneak out much as I was still kind of afraid of girls then. On the other hand, I remember as an Ag. teacher in Logan County one night the kids didn’t settle down at night like we thought they should so we flipped the lights on in the barn early the next morning and the cattle started calling for their feed and woke’em all up. They quieted down early the following night. Kids just don’t have fun anymore. I’ll bet you would never guess I played trumpet in our high school band during the Guernsey County Fair. Big deal, I never worked up nerve enough to ever ride the ferris wheel, merry-go-round was my speed. Can you believe it? 3.5 inches. Experience is one thing you can’t get on the easy payment plan. If you want to flutter somebody, just look serious and ask him what he thinks of the general situation. Attend church Sunday? If not, why not? Bible readings: (Mon.) I Timothy 2:1-6; (Tues.) Psalm 18:20-24; From Ezekiel (Wed.) 33:12-20; (Thurs.) 18:1-4; (Fri.) 18:5-9; (Sat.) 18:19-23; (Sun.) 18:25-32.

< Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I will once again ask why Jeffery Daniel Woodell missed these sections of the drinking water notice that was compiled by the EPA! Under the heading “what should I do?” you do not need to use an alternative water supply, as well as under “what does this mean?” the levels detected do not pose an immediate risk to your health. I did not compose these statements, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency did. Jeffery Daniel also stated that he wanted a third party non-biased opinion; I wonder why he did not contact the Ohio EPA, who issued the notice of violation in the first place. I have read many articles and books on drugs and medical procedures but I am not foolish enough to think I am a doctor, or knowledgeable enough to dictate to someone in that field how to perform his or her job. I wonder when we will see a letter on the dangers of riding in a car. The health risks are far greater than drinking or bathing in water, and everyone participates. If there is a way to control the danger of negligence by the “other driver”, I hope it will be made “public” soon. I find it odd that Jeffery Daniel Woodell would not recognize me as I have stopped by his previous residence several times. Jeffery Daniel made the statement that I insinuated he was “attacking” all the people I mentioned in my closing. This is not true, I was alluding to the fact that most public employees are overlooked and rarely given credit for the effort they put forth to insure our communities are safe and comfortable. As for “diverting the heat”, I was raised in a different time. I was taught to be responsible for my actions. I have never run from or tried to divert blame for any action that I took, whether I was right or wrong and I have been both. There are four individuals employed by the village who have certificates issued by the OEPA, I am one of these. To obtain a certificate we are required to take courses and pass tests to prove our competence in our field of work, just as any other professional in the state of Ohio. To insinuate that TTHM’s are a contaminate that village employees put in the water shows a lack of understanding about the formation of these byproducts. Trihamethanes are formed after long term contact of chlorine and residual organics with low flows in a water system. For this very reason, the OEPA requires that we test the parts of the water system with the lowest use, and greatest distance from our water storage tanks. Because Woodsfield’s water supply is a “surface source” we have high levels of organics in our “raw” water. Depending on the test results over the next couple of years additional treatment processes may have to be added to our treatment plant. I encourage all citizens that have been frightened by the notice issued by the Village of Woodsfield to call the water plant at the number listed, or to contact Randy Smith, OEPA at 740-385-8501.

Terrell D. Comstock, Supt. Water and Wastewater Village of Woodsfield