< Obituaries

C. VIRGIL ROTH
        C. Virgil Roth, 88, Doylestown, died April 6, 2009, at his residence. He was born May 26, 1920 in Woodsfield, a son of the late Ettson Guy and Arlie Drum 4256.
        Online tributes may be made at www.robertsfuneralhome.com.
SHIRLEY E. DELONG
        Shirley E. Delong, 92, 32262 Harper Rdg. Rd., Woodsfield, (Calais Com-munity) died April 7, 2009, at Summit Acres Nursing Home, Caldwell. She was born Dec. 2, 1916 at Calais, a daughter of the late Abel and Emma Dailey Hayes. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wattersfuneralhome.com.
ZACHARY JAMES RUBLE
        Zachary James Ruble, 19, Maysville, Ky., died April 2, 2009, in Washington County, Utah, near Zion National Park. He was born Oct. 25, 1989 in Paducah, Ky., a son of James and Paula Ruble.    Condolences may be expressed at knoxbrothersfuneralhome.com.
JANET M. GORDON
        Janet Gordon, 79, Colum-bus, formerly of Woodsfield, died April 3, 2009. Condolences may be expressed at www.ohiocremation.org.
NANCY L. LUCAS
        Nancy L. Lucas, 57, Woods-field, died April 1, 2009, at her home. She was born Oct. 20, 1951 in Beallsville, a daughter of Marjorie Hutchison Foltz of Beallsville.     Condolences can be expressed at www.bauerturner.com.

<Our Readers Write:

Dear Editor,
        Based upon information/formula given to me by the auditor’s office, the levy would increase my taxes by 29 percent. That is not insignificant.
        I don’t think students should go to a school that is deplorable but neither are they “entitled” to a state of the art school. I think the current school can be rehabilitated for less than $35 million; the courthouse was. The Board could have used the $50,000 it will spend on this election to make repairs.
        At a meeting years ago, I asked why estimates were not sought for repairs. I never got an answer, but I know the answer. The Board does not want decent or “okay” schools. The Board and administration want state of the art schools. It will sit and do nothing while the schools fall apart because it wants new schools.
        Can students do well in “deplorable” schools? Yes, every week the Beacon carries stories about Monroe graduates who have earned awards, scholarships, and other achievements.
        Upon every opportunity the last few years I have asked students how they felt about their schools. The most common answer was “it’s okay.”
        Might the old high school be used again? Well, actually it is, for everything except school. The Board (with changing members over the years) has closed schools, bought trailers, complained about the trailers it bought, watched the buildings deteriorate, neglected repair and upkeep, and called for special elections to try and force the voters to buy their new schools.
        I think necessary repairs could be made to existing schools for a lot less than the 35 million over 28 years that this levy will cost.
        The State is getting billions in federal aid so a better deal is possible. If the voters once again say no means no perhaps the next special levy will finally be for building repair.
David Zehnder
Clarington

Dear Editor,
        The following is in regards to the proposed school bond issue. It seems some people are failing to grasp the big picture. This is not just about our schools; this is about our communities.
        These schools are cornerstones to each and every community. Without these cornerstones, the community falters.
        Invest a little now, and reap the rewards in the future. To obtain the future jobs we need, and to retain the ones we already have, this is a first step.
        This is also a step in retaining the residents or our communities that choose to go elsewhere due to the condition of our schools.
        This is a monumental crossroads for our area. Either embrace the future and flourish or grasp on to the past and languish.
        This decision rests squarely on all of our shoulders. At least think it over, get the facts, and make an educated vote. As the cornerstone says on old WHS, “The Youth Our Hope”. They knew it then; let’s show we still know it now.
Casey Bott
Woodsfield

Dear Editor,
        As the temperatures warm, the fields begin to green and new life springs around us, celebrating National Donate Life Month seems fitting. There are currently 91,000 men, women and children on the waiting list for a life-saving transplant. This year, four times as many people are on the organ transplant waiting list than will be transplanted. On average, 17 Americans die each day due to a lack of available organs. Did you know that one donor can save the lives of seven people and enhance the lives of 50 others?
        Because of God’s grace and a very generous decision from a loving family, who had just lost their 14-year old daughter, I am alive today. Born with Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease of the lungs and digestive system that slowly, but surely, does its best to zap every breath you take, I was told that my only hope of survival was to have a double-lung transplant. Six years and eight months ago I was given the gift of life and received new lungs. Since that time, I have lived a life that I never dreamed I would even live to see, let alone live so fully. I have gone from not being able to walk across the room without getting short of breath to being able to complete the Ogden 20K in Wheeling in May of 2007. Daily activities that most people take for granted like taking a shower, climbing stairs and carrying in groceries required so much energy and oxygen that I would become fatigued. I felt like I was failing in every aspect of my life, from being a good
 wife, daughter, and sister to being a good aunt to my nieces and nephews whom I loved dearly and wanted to spend as much time with as possible. Praise God, since transplant, I have a new life. Oxygen tanks and three times a day breathing treatments are a thing of the past. I have energy to complete daily tasks, play, exercise and even run a business. I am thrilled to share my story with others and appreciate every opportunity to encourage others to make the most of the time they have been given through proper nutrition and exercise. Transplants never come without some complications, precautions, and medications, but the life I am enjoying now far outweighs any negative consequences of transplant. I daily praise God for the lungs he is allowing me to use and care for. Having a transplant makes one appreciate the little things in life. We too often forget that good health is one of the greatest blessings of all.
        Being an organ and/or tissue donor is one of the most generous things you can do. All major religious groups support organ and tissue donation as a generous act of charity. People of all ages and medical histories can donate life. I am proof that transplantation works! The good news is that each year more than 27,000 lives are saved through the kindness of organ donors. It is worth noting that in a world where we hear so much negativity and seem to have so many problems, there are still many loving, kind people who are willing to help others. Perhaps if we could all stop counting our troubles for just a moment, we might realize the blessings we have. Receiving new lungs has been a blessing beyond what I ever deserve, but one I cherish with every breath. I hope you will consider saying “yes” to organ and tissue donation. You can register your wishes at the BMV and sign up in the Ohio Donor Registry. Tell your family of your wishes. Wearing or
 displaying a green ribbon signifies support of organ and tissue donation. For more information, contact www.lifeofohio.org or call 1-800-525-5667.
        I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone to the Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis Walk on Sat., May 16. The walk will begin at 2 p.m. and will be held at Deerassic Park, just outside of Cambridge. Please help us find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. Of every dollar donated, .90 is used to fund the vital programs of the CF Foundation. Recently, the CF Foundation received recognition in Smart Money as the number one health related charity in the country.
        Thank you and God Bless.
Janet Reed
Woodsfield
Dear Editor,
        In response to many of the past letters to the editor about Economic Development, Job and Family Services, the County Commissioners and Jeanette Harter:
        Isn’t it sad that the truth is not sought by those who write letters that accuse and attack the things that others do? How many of you have been a Commissioner? How many of you were previously a Director at Job and Family Services? How many even understand County government?
        There are those who have stepped up and taken on great responsibilities for this County but not one of those letters says thanks. Not one of those letters was written after a genuine attempt to seek out the truth. They are merely lame accusations and hurtful remarks. If the letter writers think that these people are doing such a poor job, why don’t they do something positive or step up to the plate? Instead, they hide behind their negativity and ignorance.
        Jeanette Harter continually gets attacked for having more than one job. Yet, no one acknowledges that she was approached by all of the entities that she works (worked) for because of the good work that she does.
        The Monroe County Airport was facing problems and poor record keeping. She pulled them out of this, leaving the current secretary/treasurer with excellent records. Center Township suffered the loss of a clerk and the resignation of another and she helped them through a time that not too many would have been able to do. When she left the Auditor’s office, she was asked by the Commissioners to continue working with the budgets. She has educated and helped several new and many seasoned Commissioners over the last 14 years, and as of Jan. 1, requested to volunteer her time since the county was facing so many budget problems.
        How many of the letter writers have actually seen the amount of work that Jeanette has done? How many of them would even want to spend the hours that she does? Look around at your friends, family and co-workers. How many of them has an extra job or runs a business besides working a full time job? How many of them have retired  and come back to work, possibly taking that job from a young college graduate? Jeanette is not the only one in this County that holds more than one job and yet she is the only one that gets letters written about it in the paper.
        In reference to the abolishment of the Economic Development position, just what would you have done? Jeanette Harter has an agency to run that is facing many tough times ahead and budgets are being slashed. The Commissioners are only able to contribute a small amount of money to Job and Family Services, yet are completely responsible for bills that keep children in the County safe. Did anyone ask other Job and Family Services in the state if they had an Economic Development position within their agency and if they are paying a salary and fringe benefits?
        Obviously they did not because they would be hard pressed to find even one. If you fell on hard times and needed assistance or had an unfortunate situation arise with your child, would you like to be told that you cannot be served because the agency had to pay an Economic Developer and laid off two others who could have helped you? Probably not.
        Tom Scott has impressed a few of the “friends of Team Monroe”. I for one will be glad when I see more than just meetings and spreading goodwill. Perhaps a few jobs, filling the Black Walnut Center, strengthening the businesses that are located here, grant awards, and improved infrastructure will soon measure Tom Scott’s success instead of putting together committees.
        The citizens of this County are very capable and can do anything with hard work and dedication. We did not need a man that wasn’t from Monroe County to help us see that. If we would put our energies into working together in tough times instead of seeing how quickly we can cut each other down, we can succeed.
        Regardless, if this County wants to employ a Communi-ty/Economic Developer, then everyone needs to take a little stock in it instead of hanging it on one entity.
        There was a comment made about Jeanette not working at Job and Family Services and spending all of her time in executive session with the Commissioners. If you had ever spent any time at all in the Commissioners’ office, matters of personnel are confidential. A job abolishment isn’t exactly something that a professional takes lightly out of respect for the employee. Imagine being one of the two new Commissioners and having to face such a difficult decision so early in your term.
        I wonder what outsiders think when they read our local newspaper? Do you suppose that we look enticing to a business owner who may want to locate here? I think all of us need to ask ourselves that question and remember that when you are pointing the finger at someone, there are four more pointing back at you.
        Some of you know me, and yes I am Jeanette Harter’s mother-in-law. I have had the privilege of getting to know her as a human being, a wife to my son and a mother to her children. How many of you have seen her struggle with family gatherings, sports activities and time that you take for granted, so that she can service this county, calls interrupting dinner or time with friends. She has been accused, verbally assaulted and had her name drug through the dirt, through it all she holds her head high and still does the bet job she can do. Yes, she has held many positions in this county, and yes she does a great job and Monroe County should feel lucky to have her after the way she has been treated. I am very glad she is a part of my community and my family.
Sue Wills
Woodsfield

       

<Around the Burnside
Be prepared to spend an hour with anyone who asks, “Got a minute?”
        You have to do your own growing up no matter how tall your grandpa was.
        Wow! Smokers are really taking a hit, fifty bucks plus for a carton of cigarettes. How time changes. I can remember when overseas, paying fifty cents a carton. I’m sure glad I quit smoking nearly 45 years ago. Did hear someone say, “No new taxes”?
        I happened to be looking over some information regarding the bond issue and discovered that if you owned property worth $100,000 the extra cost would be a little over a pack of cigarettes a week.
        In spite of everything I’ve tried, we are bound to have snow near Easter regardless of what time of year it comes around. I remember one year I couldn’t get out of Lewisville to attend Sunrise Service at Skyvue. On the other hand, by church time most of the snow was gone and we were able to attend church. My kind of snow.
        The planning group for the Monroe County Retired Teachers Association met a few days ago to plan their meeting coming up the 28th. They indicated their support of the bond levy.
        I mentioned above how time changes things. For example, I read in the Journal in their 70 years ago news the following: “Caldwell council passes ordinance prohibiting the opening of a pool room on Sunday or to stay open later than 11 p.m. in the evening. The owner who permits a minor under the age of 18 to play is subject to a fine of $40. Council took this action in order to curb petty thefts and the loitering of school children in pool or billiard parlors.” Remind you of the good old days? I remember a pool hall in Barnesville. I always wondered what went on inside.
        Pool halls are not the only thing that has changed. Last week I mentioned attending a two room school house and we worked on “Readin’, ’Ritin’ and ’Rithmetic” plus some other things. That did us well at the time. Remember manual training?
        With the development of technology over the years it is kind of scary to an old man like me. I’ve said many times, “I’m glad I retired before computers moved in.” We didn’t even know what an adding machine was and now kids have cell phones that can do anything except go to the restroom for the owner.
        What I’m trying to say, I guess, the educational needs of students these days cannot be compared to our needs fifty or more years ago. Our facilities met our needs.
        The truth is the facilities in the Switzerland of Ohio School District do not meet the needs of the students in our district.
        To be honest, I haven’t been in many of our schools in the last few years. I didn’t really know how bad some of our facilities had become until I watched the DVD showing many of the problems. Our students need better and they deserve the type of facilities other nearby students enjoy.
        It was kind of interesting at the boys’ state high school basketball tournament this year regarding a final four team. They made quite a thing about one of the teams in the final four not having a gym. Their players needed to travel eight miles to a church gym to practice and 11 miles to a grade school gym for home games. Does Monroe Central High School have a gym? How far is it from Swiss Hills to Skyvue? Bet their roads were better, too.
        I spent 16 enjoyable years as a teacher in the Switzerland of Ohio Schools. Eight at Skyvue and eight at the Vocational School, now known as a Career Center. We had the  tools needed to provide the education the students required, for the most part.
        I’ve been retired for nearly 25 years and educational needs and technology development during this time has really increased many fold. Fifty year old buildings and temporary buildings do not provide the needs.     
        I have a bit of a challenge I’d like to throw out. In last week’s Beacon there were several pages of information regarding the Master Plan for facilities. This included what the new schools and renovation will include, plus a picture of a possible room. If you can, take this with you to a school of your choice and compare. Then honestly answer this question, “I would prefer to attend this school (select your choice) five days a week during the school year.” This is just building preference and does not include the educational equipment and needs the new building will contain.
        As I said last week, find out the correct information regarding the plan and then make up your mind and vote.
        I’m not sure if you have followed the NCAA trip to the final four college basketball teams take every spring. Teams just want to be selected even if thy lose their first game like my team did this year.
        Monday evening, I settled in my easy chair, a Mountain Dew, some popcorn and I was ready. I turned in a bit early because I kind of enjoy the hype from the so-called experts.
        Near tip off time, two of the experts were put on the spot to predict the winner.
        I will say I kind of wanted Michigan State, even if I shiver every time I hear anyone say Michigan, win because three players on the starting five were from Ohio. I really doubted if they had a chance.
        Both experts threw out their reasons and picked Michigan State to win. North Carolina must not have heard them. Now you know the rest of the story.
        Remember: When you are asked for help, an ounce of yes is worth a pound of maybe.
        Bible readings: (Mon.) John 14:8-14; (Tues.) Isaiah 57:14-21; From Psalm (Wed.) 6; (Thurs.) 41; (Fri.) Jeremiah 3:19-23; (Sat.) Psalm 30:1-5; (Sun.) Acts 9:32-43.