< Obituaries

WESLEY C. McDOUGAL
        Wesley C. McDougal, 97, Woodsfield, formerly of Fish Pot Rd., Clarington, died April 1, 2009, at Monroe County Health Care Center, Woods-field. He was born Dec. 8, 1911 in Clarington, the son of the late John K. and Rebecca J. Haslam McDougal.     Sympathy expressions at grisellfuneralhomes.com

FREEDA LUCAS
        Freeda Lucas, 95, Barnes-ville Health Care Center, formerly of Beallsville, died april 4, 2009, at the Center. She was born Oct. 14, 1913 in Illinois, a daughter of the late Ray and Elizabeth Shriver Moore.
        Online condolences may be offered at www.harperfh.net
ROBERT “BOB” WAIN
Robert “Bob” Wain, 88, Woodsfield Nursing and Rehab Center, formerly of Beallsville, died April 5, 2009, at the Center. He was born April 14, 1920 in East Liverpool, a son of the late Percy and Bessie Mellott Wain.
Online condolences may be offered at www.harperfh.net
EULA KATHRYN STRAUB
Eula Kathryn Straub, 83, went to be with the Lord April 2, 2009, at Doylestown Health Care Center, following a short illness. She was born May 2, 1925, a daughter of George and Clara Kernen.

<Our Readers Write:

Dear Editor,
        I have been reading local articles about the impending school bond issue, which I understand is to be on your ballot in May. Over the past few years, I’ve watched squabbling over the location of new schools and issues that appear to have little to do with quality education and have seen several improvement initiatives rejected.
        I graduated from WHS in 1961, at that time we were in the top percentage of the state for quality education and had labs, libraries, on-site sports, music capability and a safe, well-maintained school. Around the county, other schools had similar resources, but this is no longer the case. I don’t understand the territorial squabbling that’s been occurring among what appears to be three distinct areas, i.e., Beallsville, River and Woodsfield. The day of small rural schools has passed, and a quality education in a new or renovated school should be the paramount consideration of all voters.
        One thing that brought the aluminum plants in the 1950s into the county was a good school system. If there are not good schools in Monroe County, there will never be any chance of attracting new industry and new growth. This ballot issue appears to meet the concerns of everyone and with passage there will be modern and well-equipped schools for the young people and a safe and secure learning environment.
        I will be moving back to Woodsfield later this year and can do this because I am retired so I will be helping to pay for this improvement. The reduction of the district’s share from 52 percent to 37 percent is a remarkable opportunity for the county. Yes, it will slightly increase taxes, but look at the investment in young people and what this could mean for the future of the entire county. The local children and grandchildren of family and friends deserve a good education, and the dedicated teachers deserve a modern, state-of-the-art facility so I would hope county residents will support the new schools and the bond issue needed to obtain them.
        Long time county friends have said to me, “It would be nice if my children could find a good job locally. They would like to return after college and raise their families here, but they cannot because of the sagging local economy and lack of jobs.” It would be great to see a resurgence of local business. I know some of you remember when the county was a thriving place to live and work, and I think it could happen again. Vote yes for this school improvement issue and enhance opportunities for tomorrow’s leaders.
John D. Ogden
Alexandria, Va

<Around the Burnside

             One thing we have left in America is the right to choose.
        As I see it, voters in the Switzerland of Ohio School District have perhaps the most important vote coming up in May. It is probably the most important vote ever for the future development of our school system, the future of our youth and the entire Monroe County.
        If you haven’t guessed what I’m talking about, it is the master plan for improving our school facilities within our school district. Included are six new buildings and renovating one building.
        Yes, I know it will cost money. The state has offered to pay 63 percent of the cost if the district will provide 37 percent. If you are like me, when they start talking in millions it is out of my territory. On the other hand, when I took my tax statement and figured what it will cost me, it’s a different story and not as bad as it sounds.
        You know from my past writing how I plan to vote. I’m not going to try to tell you how to vote. It’s your choice. What I am asking you to do is learn all you can about the Master Plan and the need for the improved facilities and vote. It is important you vote.
        I would suggest you get your information “straight from the horse’s mouth.” I have read some mis-information already, don’t be led astray.
        The central office has a list that answers 26 questions regarding the Bond Issue. I’m sure you could get a copy for the asking and there is also a “The time is Now” folder available at several businesses. They both tell the true story.
        I know it’s difficult for many voters to visit our schools to see the need for improved facilities in our district. Last evening I watched a DVD, I understand made by students in Beallsville, showing why the need for new facilities. At the end of the DVD iarea few scenes from nearby districts that have new facilities. Doesn’t make you very proud of our facilities. I think every voter should see it. The most important thing is  you learn the straight facts and vote the way you decide.
        Through the many years of writing “Around the Burnside” I tend to write what I think, not expecting everyone to agree, as it should be. Many of you have mentioned to me how you enjoy reading about some of the things that happened and how we lived in the “good ole days.” I don’t know about you, but as good as it was I wouldn't want to go back and live like that.
        I was fortunate I attended a two-room school, which meant four grades in each room. This meant twice the class time than a one-room school. We had books, yellow tablets and penny pencils. Later on we got to use a pen. This was it. A long cloak room down on side of the room, no running water, outside restrooms, a coal fired stove. Who would want to go back? On the other hand, considering what was needed we received a decent education.
        It doesn’t seem possible, but this fall it will be 40 years since our family moved to Monroe County. We’ve had two sons, a daughter, two grandsons, and two granddaughters who graduated from Switzerland of Ohio Schools. Presently we have two great-granddaughters attending grade school and a great-grandson, Cooper, who will need to wait a couple or three years to start school. It’s easy to understand why I am interested in the schools. I almost forgot; we have a step-great-granddaughter attending our school.
        I started teaching Vo Ag at Skyvue. My income the first year, according to my income tax return, was $10,909.02 which included 60 days extended service to work with students during the summer. I will say my time teaching at Skyvue was one of the most enjoyable times I’ve taught.
        Over the years the facilities in the district are about the same as they were 40 years ago. OK, we closed several of the smaller schools. I remember several folks really stomping because they were losing “their” school. What happened? Look around.
        Folks in the communities took over the buildings and now have a community center available for use. Actually all are in better shape than when classes was held in them.
        During the middle ’70s the voters approved the building of Swiss Hills Vocational School. This was a big improvement to our school district. Many students were able to learn a trade and many attended further training. Many would not have accomplished what they have without our own vocational school. Probably the reason we built our own was the cost of having students travel to vocational schools in another county. You will remember, the state said you must provide vocational education for your students.
        Later, Woodsfield and Skyvue were combined. A bit of remodeling at Swiss Hills and the construction of temporary buildings, later called trailers, next to Swiss Hills and called Monroe Central. I kind of wondered when they were being constructed why would they need to put 12 inch blocks under a temporary building.
        That’s about it, a temporary building here and there. Our facilities are such, that in the opinion of many, is the poorest in the state. Vinton County once had this distinction but they built a new school.
        To me the whole thing boils down to this:
        A number of meetings were held to determine needs and plans. All were invited to express any thoughts they might have. From these meetings a Master Plan was developed. Our State Representa-tive, Jennifer Garrison, was able to get legislation passed to reduce our share from 52 percent to 37 percent. This is a one time thing. The plan seems to include about everything each area wanted.
        In my opinion, agree or not, it boils down to one thing, what do we want for the future of our youth in the county? I know what I would like for our great-grandkids.
        Study the plan and vote.
        Remember: Giving your best today is a good recipe for a much finer world tomorrow.