Damage Minimal 

High winds played  havoc with this house on  SR78 at the east side of Woodsfield. The tin roof was blown off both sides. Note you can see blue sky through the rafters.      Photo - M. Ackerman  

“We fared pretty well on this one,” said Rick Schuerman, coordinator of the Monroe County Emergency Management Agency.

Although thousands of people were without power in some counties, Schuerman reported Monroe County had a few outages in Bethel and Washington townships. Power stayed on in most places and outages were sporadic.

“Damage was minimal,” he said, noting only downed trees and debris.

Schuerman said the only damage known to a structure was the rental on SR78 East, Woodsfield, owned by Dennis Conrad.

Transformer Authorized for Care Center, Assisted Living

by Arlean Selvy
Publisher

Woodsfield Village Council at its Dec. 7 meeting authorized the purchase of a 750 KVA transformer to be placed at Monroe County Care Center. The unit is needed to accommodate the assisted living quarters under construction at the care center. The cost to the village is $11,400.

In a separate matter, Floyd Longwell, Supt., Municipal Power, said a he received a request from the care center to move electric lines for construction on the assisted living facility. 

According to Longwell, permission must be obtained from county commissioners for a right-of-way  for the lines. He said the care center is to pay moving the lines.

Longwell reported one of the power plant’s diesel engines is being repaired. The cost is about $7,400.

Terry Comstock, Supt., water plant, reported that carbon has been installed into the filters at the filtration plant. Concern-ing a recent waterbreak at the water plant, he said a spare motor has been installed and the damaged motor sent away to see if it can be repaired. 

Comstock commended the dedication of his team as they worked on a water leak on South Main Street.

In an aside, Comstock noted the work done by Jeff Woodell as village administrator. “The work done over the last two years has saved [the water] utility for you,” he said.

Council will meet Dec. 21, at 6:30 p.m.

Around the Burnside  

If you must speak ill of someone, write it in the sand at the water’s edge.

If people didn’t say anything unless they knew what they were talking about, a ghostly hush would fall upon the earth.

I really enjoy the cold, windy weather along with a bit of snow now and then. Nothing like it! April fool - who am I kidding? As long as I have electric and the furnace is working I can really enjoy sitting in my easy chair and complain about the weather. I even had my winter tires mounted on our car in order to try to keep it from snowing. I doubt if it works. It never has.

Kind of funny though, I don’t recall disliking winter so much growing up. We just made the best of it and I’d say enjoyed it for the most part. Remember playing fox and geese? We could even throw a snow ball once in a while. Oh well, kids today just don’t have the fun we did growing up.

I had a fellow tell me a few days ago their Thanksgiving turkey was so tough that when they put it in the oven it blew the pilot light out.

This time of year is when you think about things gone by and how they affected your life or something you’ve done and wondered about.

For example, does anyone put icicles on their Christmas tree? For years this was the last thing we did when we decorated our tree. Sometimes we threw them toward the top of the tree. Lot of fun.

I recall setting the table on Christmas eve with a few cookies or something to eat for Santa. The next morning we each had a present on our plate.

Another thing that has been part of my life is group camping. It started years ago when I was a 4-H agent in Morgan County. They’re called educators now.

We divided the campers into Indian tribes. We closed each evening with a campfire and each tribe participating. I even rented an Indian chief headdress for each chief. I have some fond memories from around the campfire. I know they have excellent 4-H camp now-a-days but the time around the campfire with Indian tribes is hard to beat.

When we moved to Monroe County and I started teaching at Skyvue, I caught the fever again. I soon found out FFA camp was an excellent experience for FFA members.

In fact, one year we bootlegged pop out the back door of the shop and made enough money to take a good number of FFA members to camp that year.

Happy to say we continued taking members to camp until the last few years, as we seem not to have an FFA chapter any more.

Believe it or not, it’s a small world. A reader told me the other day he was attending a farm organization meeting. I think it was in Cincinnati. He said he met and was talking with a fellow and my name came up. I kind of wondered why. The man was John Davis, a person who had influenced my life along the way.

When our paths first crossed, John was a State Supervisor for Vocational Agriculture and director of FFA camp, a job his son Todd is presently doing. At that time Todd was a kid running around camp getting into everything.

Advisors attending camp were assigned various duties during camp. I really had it made the first few years I attended camp. I was in charge of the dinning hall. All I had to do was see to it the runners got the tables ready for each meal and cleaned it up after the meal was over. We had fun at times with what we called ORT. Between meals I was free to do as I  pleased. I spent a lot of time in the craft shop and walking around camp sticking my nose in here and there.

This all ended one year when John said to me, “Denny, you are in charge of the archery range.” Wow, what I knew about archery was when a kid I tried to make a bow with a limb and binder twine. We had a few bows, a few arrows and shot them into the end of big round bales. An advisor who knew archery helped me and the archery bug bit me. I was stuck on the archery range every year.

With help and support, an excellent archery range was developed at camp. We shot thousands of arrows over the years.

I recall John saying a long time ago, “Denny, you can come to camp anytime you want.” I must have taken it to heart as I was on the staff for over 100 FFA camp sessions. My grandson Phil was along as my right hand man during many of the sessions.

Sometimes you have to be silent in order to be heard.

Football doesn’t start before church Sunday

Our Readers Write

Dear Editor,

Our pet cats on Center Street are being trapped and taken out of the country and abandoned to starve to death.

These are not feral cats, but the loving pets of the neighborhood, especially children. They were fed tuna fish every day. Ten cats did not wander into the neighbor’s yard but were baited with tuna into the neighbor’s trap.

We were eye witnesses. When asked where she was taking them, she said to a “dairy farm.” We saw one of our cats in her trap and took it out. She screamed “I will get it again.” We asked again where she was taking them. She screamed, “That’s for me to know and you to find out.”

The trapping is still being done. On Sun., Nov. 8, Romeo was taken. In such cases of animal cruelty other cities punish the perpetrator. (See The Columbus Dispatch, June 25, 2009). In Woodsfield this cruelty is condoned by the officials of the village.

Casey, Romeo, Juliette, Snow Ball, Cassidy, Lillian, Meow-meow, Pepeto, Patches and Squee did nothing to deserve to starve to death. Cats are not disposable property. Since when is death the proper penalty for trespassing?

This cruelty must be stopped.

Mavis Young
Woodsfield

Village Searches for Administrator, Increases Parking Violation Fines

by Arlean Selvy
Publisher

Woodsfield Village Council agreed at its Dec. 7 meeting to advertise for a village administrator. Action was also taken with regard to an increase in parking fines, the purchase of equipment for the television cable system and moving a patrolman to full time.

Council agreed unanimously to advertise for a village administrator. Information will be posted in-house and out. According to Mayor Bill Bolon, applicants should have a grant writing background, computer skills, be able to manage a budget, oversee many departments and interact with employees.

The final reading of a proposed ordinance to increase fines for parking violations was passed on a 6-0 vote.

According to the document, the last modification of the ordinance was in 2003. For parking meter violations, the fine  has increased to $3 if paid within one week of the citation; after one week the fine is $10. A person who fails to pay after one week from the citation date is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. 

For non-meter violations such as illegal parking, disregard of a ‘no parking’ sign, car headed in the wrong direction, expired registration, the fine is $10.

Sam McPeek of Woodsfield Municipal Cable spoke to council  about the mandated system testing done annually by the Federal Communica-tions Commission. He said if the village has its own equipment, the testing can be done in-house.

According to McPeek, the FCC Proof of Performance testing was done last year at a cost of $3,800. The cost of a Stealth Meter to do it in-house is $3,500 .

“It’s great for troubleshooting,” said McPeek.

Council authorized McPeek to purchase the equipment. He said it will take four to six weeks for delivery.

In an unrelated matter, McPeek said he’d received several requests for High Definition programming. He noted an e-mail from a company which wants to do a plant assessment with regard to HD. McPeek was directed by the mayor to find out the cost of the assessment and report back to council.

McPeek told council members that the number of subscribers has increased to nearly 1,000.

Council adopted a resolution supporting the 2010 - 2024 Southeast Ohio Joint Solid Waste Management Plan. Although the vote was 6-0. Councilwoman Carol Hehr said she’d vote ‘yes’ but that she doesn’t exactly approve of it. She explained that places like Antioch, Hannibal, Beallsville and Malaga are all losing their recycling.

Upon the recommendation of Police Chief Chuck Hamilton, Josh Erlab was advanced from a part-time patrolman to full time patrolman. Erlab moves from $9 per hour to $10.35 an hour. He replaces Delmas Stewart who retired in  September.

No action was taken following an executive session requested by Solicitor Bill Frank to discuss imminent litigation.

In other business:
• Council granted employees Dec. 24 off with pay. A safety meeting is scheduled for noon Dec. 23 at the firehouse. Pay checks will be distributed to employees attending the entire meeting.

• A request was received from the Ohio Liquor Control Board for a Class B permit for Dick’s Service Center. Council has the authority to hold a hearing on the request or allow it to pass without a hearing. They opted not to have a hearing on the matter.  

~ Sunshine Girls, VFW Ladies’
Auxiliary Donate ~

The Sunshine Girls of Sunshine Apartments in Woodsfield teamed up with the Woodsfield VFW Post 5303 Auxiliary to make Christmas a little brighter for needy children. Dozens of toys, from teddy bears to make-up for the older girls, were collected. They will all be delivered in time for Christmas morn. Shown, from left, are, kneeling: auxiliary member Bonnie Pfeffer, Sunshine Girl Linda Bacon, auxiliary member Toni Elliott; standing: auxiliary members Sherry Wilson and Carol Jones, Sunshine Apartment manager and auxiliary secretary Sunny Weddle, Sunshine Girl Elma Walton, Sunshine Apartments services coordinator Jodee Lude and Sunshine Girl Janet Perzel.
Photo by Martha Ackerman

~ Silent Auction Proceeds Benefit
Food Pantry ~

The items, an electric train set, two Christmas trees with ornaments, a lighted church and a stereo, are part of a silent auction at the SOMA Thrift Shop. Some of the items are shown in this window. Proceeds from the silent auction will go to benefit the SOMA Food Pantry, located at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. According to manager Ronda Piatt, 12 percent of county residents benefit from the food pantry. Two weeks of each month, the first and last weeks are designated as “bag sale” days at the thrift shop. The silent auction will end Dec. 21. SOMA Thrift Shop is open Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and every other Friday until 4 p.m. such as Friday, Dec. 18. Stop by the SOMA windows to view the silent auction items.                  Photo by M. Ackerman

BBB Cautions Against Giving Information to Census Workers 

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious so as not to become a victim of fraud or identify theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race and other relevant data.

The big question is how to tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con-artist.

The BBB offers the following advice:

• If a U.S. Census worker knocks on the door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidential notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, never invite anyone unfamiliar into the home.

• Census workers will soon be knocking on doors in Monroe County to verify address information. Do not give a Social Security Number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.

• Remember, no matter what they ask, residents really only need to tell them how many people live at the address.

• While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, you don’t have to answer anything at all about your financial situation. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is not with the Census Bureau.

• And remember, the Census Bureau will not work with ACORN on gathering this information. No ACORN worker should approach anyone saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.

• Eventually, Census workers may contact residents by telephone, mail or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact anyone by e-mail, so be on the lookout for e-mail scams impersonating the Census.

• Never click on a link or open any attachments in an e-mail that is supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identify theft and fraud, visit:

•  http://www.bbb.org/us/article /bbb-alerts-consumers-about-us-census-workers-be-cooperative-but-cautious-10306

• http://www.bbb.org/us/post/ census-update-will-your-privacy-be-compromised-online-734

• http://www.bbb.org/us/post/ census-may-create-identify-theft-opportunities-795

OBITUARIES

IDA L. BURGA
Ida L. Burga, 97, Barnes-ville, died Dec. 10, 2009 at Barnesville Health Care Center. She was born Oct. 23, 1912 in Guernsey County, a daughter of the late Arch and Sarah Buchanon Bunfill.

She was a member of the Somerton United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women.

Surviving are two sons, Junior A. Burga of Canton, Gene E. (Alice) Burga of Salesville; a daughter, Connie (Guy R.) Johns of Mt. Olivett; nine grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Brady A. Burga (8/23/1997); two brothers, Oscar and John Bunfill; four sisters, Verna Edgell, Edna Faber, Effie Montgomery and Elsie Ward; and a daughter-in-law, Molly (Davis) Burga.

Friends were received Dec. 12 at Campbell-Plumly-Milburn Funeral Home, Barnesville, with Rev. Virginia Geiger officiating. Burial followed in Crestview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Guernsey or Somerton United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be made at www.campbellplumlymilburnfuneralhome.com.

LUCILE E. DALTON
Lucile E. Dalton, 84, formerly of Beallsville, died Dec. 7, 2009 at Scioto Community Retirement Center, Columbus. She was born Nov. 5, 1925 in Epperson, Tennessee, a daughter of the late Arvie and Carl Edwards.

She worked as a teacher, beautician and a bookkeeper. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Beallsville. She enjoyed many, many years of tending flowers, gardening, feeding hummingbirds, and watching her grandchildren grow.

Surviving are four daughters, Becky Perkins of Reynoldsburg, Melissa Coffey of Shelbyville, Tennessee, Emily Dalton of Columbus, Kimberly (Brent) Tisher of Lewisville; a son, Victor (Deb) Dalton of Beallsville; two sisters, Lenis Frerichs of Vonore, Tennessee, Lillian Witt of Logansville, Georgia; a brother, Joseph “Bud” Edwards of Madisonville, Tennessee; five grandchildren, Tony (Steph-anie) Perkins of Pleasant Hill, Calif., Chris (Nicole) Coffey of Lewisburg, Tennessee, Jasmine Dalton of Beallsville, Ramsey (Amy) Tisher of Massillon, Cameron Tisher of Josephine, Pa.; five great-grandchildren, Tyler, Jordan, Bryce, Hannah and Landon.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bryce Dalton; an infant brother, Cecil Edwards; and a grandson, Jeff Perkins.

Friends were received Dec. 9 until time of the funeral service at Harper Funeral Home, Beallsville, with Wayne Clark officiating. Burial followed in Beallsville Cemetery. 

Online condolences may be offered at www.harperfh.net.

ESTHER L. WARD
Esther L. Phillips Ward, 95, died Dec. 11, 2009, at the home of her son, Marvin. She was born July 6, 1914 near Beallsville, a daughter of the late Harry and Ada Taylor Phillips. 

She lived in the house in which she was born all of her life, except for the last few weeks. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandma, aunt, and friend to all. She was a member of the Church of Christ and attended services as long as her health permitted.

Surviving are a son, Marvin (Betty) Ward of Beallsville; a daughter, Marlene Butts of Ozark; a grandson, Jay Ward;  granddaughters, Cynthia Ward (Alan Mead); Vickie Ward; great-grandchildren, Jordon, Jaymi and Taylor; special friends, Steven, Paula, Tracy and Trisha Eikleberry; her caregiver, Connie Brown; several nieces, nephews and many friends; also her special little dog, Lady.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph W. Ward, who died Dec. 7, 1971; a son, Donald H. Ward, who died July 25, 2002; a grandson, Eugene Ward, who died March 14, 2004; a son-in-law, Robert ‘Tom” Butts, who died Nov. 24, 2005; a daughter-in-law, Evelyn L. Ward, who died Sept. 28, 1997; and a sister, Beulah Gibbons, who died Sept. 1, 2005.

Friends were received Dec. 13 at Harper Funeral Home, Beallsville, where funeral services were held Dec. 14, with Donald Thompson officiating. Burial followed in Beallsville Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to www.harperfh.net.

VIRGINIA M. BOUGHTER
Virginia M. Boughter, 69, Ashland, died Dec. 12, 2009 at Grant Medical Center, Columbus. She was born Aug. 16, 1940 in Woodsfield, a daughter of the late Francis and Josephine Hughes Mehler.

She had been employed at the National Latex for numerous years in the printing department. She was a member of the Eagles Lodge Auxiliary and a longtime former member of the Ashland Volunteer Fire Auxiliary.

Surviving are her husband, Robert L. Boughter, whom she married Dec. 12, 1959; they were married for 50 years and she died on their wedding anniversary; a daughter, Sheryl L. (Steve) Edwards of Ashland; two sons, David (Billie) Boughter of Ashland, Steve (Sharon) Boughter of Lexington; six beloved grandchildren, Steven Edwards, Misty Edwards, Robert H. Boughter, Sarah Boughter, Zachary (Lisha) Lewis, Army Sgt. William (Alexandria) Vaughn, who are expecting, and she was really looking forward to the birth of her first great-grandson; a great-granddaughter, Madison; a brother, Harry G. Mehler of Antioch; and numerous other relatives and many friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Debbie Shearer; two sisters, Mary Greer, Margaret Mehler; a brother, Bernard Mehler; and an infant brother, Charles.

Friends were received Dec. 15 at Denbow-Primm-Kemery Funeral Home, Ashland, where services were held Dec. 16, with Rev. James Cassidy officiating. Burial followed in Ashland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of her daughter, Debbie Shearer to the Ashland County Cancer Association, 380 E. Fourth St., Ashland, Oh 44805.

Condolences may be expressed to www.dpkfh.com

CHAUNCEY  MOBBERLY 
Chauncey Vernon Mobberly, 84, 300 Lawton Rd., Marietta, died Dec. 11, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Parkersburg, W.Va. He was born July 16, 1925 in Woodsfield, and was the only child of the late Erret Gale Mobberly and Millia Letha Cline Mobberly.

He was a longtime resident of New Matamoras and had lived in the historic yellow house home from 1948 until Oct. 2009.

He was a Protestant by faith and a member of the Church of Christ.

He spent his childhood years in Graysville. He graduated from Graysville High School in 1943 and attended Ohio University where he majored in journalism and authored several short stories for OU’s student newspaper. Following his freshman year, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and completed his basic training at Camp Wheeler, Macon, Ga. and served there until he was honorably discharged at the end of WWII.

Upon returning to civilian life, Chauncey and his father were partners in several business enterprises including a taxi company (Marietta Cab) and a general store (Red and White) in Old Washington. In 1948 they embarked upon a new adventure when they acquired a contract to deliver mail for the U.S. Postal Service from New Matamoras-Rinard Mills-Graysville twice daily. Chauncey retired in 1992 and made lifelong friends along that rural mail route. He always had candy treats for the children and biscuits for the dogs as he traveled the country roads.

His love of journalism continued throughout his entire life, and he had a unique talent for writing children’s stories and creating craft projects for young children to enjoy. He was a very modest, humble gentleman. Many people did not realize that he was a recognized author and regular contributor to major publications such as: Jack and Jill, Highlights for Children, Ranger Rick, Wee Wisdom, Good Housekeeping, McCalls, Farm Journal and many others.

He had many interests and hobbies and enjoyed collecting antique bottles, coins, books and magazines. He loved animals and the family was never complete without several dogs who shared their home. Living in the country, there were numerous dogs which were dropped off and several of those were fortunate enough to find themselves at the yellow house. Many people fondly remember Chauncey faithfully walking his Norwegian Elkhound “Buffy” for many years. She was among the many strays who strolled onto the family farm over a 60-year tenure and lived there until they passed away from old age. Chauncey used to joke that he nearly became a vegetarian, not by choice, but because the family dogs begged for the meat from his plate.

He was a compassionate man who was a friend to all who knew him. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tell stories to amuse his family and friends. Chauncey had a keen memory and was, in a sense, a living history book with remembrances of several generations of families who had resided in Monroe County during his lifetime Everyone who knew him will surely remember his sweet smile and gentle disposition. He was loved deeply by his family and his passing has created an empty spot in their hearts. Simply stated, “he was a good man.”

Surviving are his loving wife and best friend, June (Weckbacher) Mobberly. They were lifelong sweethearts, dated throughout high school, and were married on May 29, 1943; two daughters who were his pride and joy and whom he always considered his “little girls,” Sharon (Les) Paul of Marietta, and Sonja (Bob) Tallman of Williamstown; sister-in-law, Wilma Smith of Marietta; brother-in-law, Carl Weckbacher of Beach City; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends were received Dec. 14 and until time of service Dec. 15 at McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home, Marietta, with Rev. George Hoskins officiating. Burial was in the Christian Union Church (Low Gap) Cemetery near Graysville.

Memorial contributions may be made in Chauncey’s memory to The Humane Society of the Ohio Valley, P.O. Box 5, Marietta, OH 45750 or the Low Gap Cemetery Fund, c/o Janet Graham, 36075 Harmon Ridge Rd., Graysville, OH 45734.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mslfuneralhome.com