Bids Opened for Voith Hydro Project; Bridge Bid Awarded 

by Arlean Selvy
Publisher

Seven Bids for the Voith Hydro renovation project were received and opened during the Dec. 14 meeting of Mon-roe County Commissioners, who also took action to award a bid for bridge replacement.

Base bids for the first phase of a Voith Hydro project were received from:

• Balsa LTD, Belpre, $410,228.93;

• Pioneer Pipe, Marietta, $381,095;

• Schneider Construction, Parkersburg, $361,671;

• JD&E Construction, St. Clairsville, $427,406;

• Mondo Building, Reno, $330,109;

•Lepi Enterprises, Zanes-vile, $346,838;

• Lang Masonry, Waterford, $426,574.

Bids are being reviewed by David Haught, Lee and Haught Architects, Marietta. 

The Voith Hydro facility is located in the building  formerly housing the Ormet rolling mill near Hannibal.

The renovation project will be funded with a $500,000 grant from the Ohio Depart-ment of Development.

About 40 jobs are expected when the new hydroelectric generation manufacturing facility starts up.

County Engineer Lonnie Tustin noting all bids received for a bridge on CR42, Stone-house Road, were more than 10 percent over estimate, said ODOT had made a recommendation. They suggested the bid be adjusted based on the six bids received. The cost of pre-stress concrete members was adjusted from $14,000 each to $20,500 each; the cost of another item had been inadvertently missed. With the adjustments made, the engineer’s estimate came to $428,477, which is higher than the lowest bid received.

On Tustin's recommendation, the low bidder was awarded the job. A contract will be signed with Suburban Maintenance, North Royalton, in the amount of $426,778.35.

In other business:

• ODOT announced a $161,328 grant has been awarded to the county for the Rural Transit program. Commissioners signed a contract accepting the grant, which includes $117,574 in federal funds, $32,054 in state funds and $11,700 in federal funds for capitalized maintenance.

• Brian’s Refrigeration, Inc., Sardis, was contracted to do an electrical upgrade, per South Central Power, at Monroe County Airport. The cost is $1,868.50.

• Commissioners were authorized via adoption of a resolution to enter into an agreement with Washington County for the enforcement of the Ohio Building Code. Washington County Building Department will enforce authority, accept and approve plans and specifications and make inspections necessary in accordance with the provisions of the Ohio Building Code.

Around the Burnside  

The smile you give a stranger may be the only sunshine he or she sees all day.

An unusual amount of common sense is sometimes called wisdom.

Remember the old Christmas tree lights? If one bulb burned out, all the rest went off. You then had to take a good bulb and keep checking the other bulbs until you found the burned out bulb. It was really fun if you happened to have two burned out bulbs or your test bulb was shot.

Then there was the aluminum tree. We had one complete with a color wheel to change its color as it turned around. I think we loaned ours to the school for a Christmas program and never bothered to bring it home. One thing about it was, it was easy to put up, take down and was different.

I’m not sure how or who measured this, but I read the average person grows 6.5 feet of nose hair during a lifetime. Wouldn’t that make you snort?

Oranges. I remember it seemed as though oranges only would show up around Christmas time. This seemed a real treat. Now you can get them any time you want.

For a number of years we got our supply from Skyvue and then Swiss Hills FFA. The sale of oranges was a money making activity. At Swiss Hills a semi would back up to the shop door and soon the shop would have oranges and other fruit everywhere.

I remember one year, school had been called off because of the weather. Wouldn’t you know it, the semi loaded with fruit showed up at the back door. I think four maybe five unloaded the truck. More fun.

This year, as we have done the last few years, we purchased our end of the year oranges from the Shenandoah FFA Chapter. We also purchased some grapefruit and apples.

I was writing about 4-H camp last week and glanced up to our mantle. There are two small plaster of Paris Santas on each end. These are probably the only thing we have left from long ago Christmas decorations.

One year at 4-H camp we planned to have painting plaster of Paris figures as one of the crafts. I got the bright idea that campers might enjoy painting Santa in July. I was right; they all wanted to paint Santa, although I will admit some of the Santas looked a little different than the normal Santa. Esther painted two and they are still on our mantle as part of our Christmas decoration. I will admit they are showing a little bit of wear; after all I expect they’re nearly 50 years old or so. I’d guess they’ll be around a little longer.

Things change. Our 4-H campers came on Monday and went home Friday evening. Believe it or not the charge for attending camp was $12. We debated quite some time later on to raising the fee a couple of dollars.

We did operate a canteen once a day which helped with expenses. I also had a little trick; I used to add a little money. Our pop came in bottles. The camp kept track of the pop we sold and charged a deposit for each bottle. When clean-up time came at the end of camp, I broke out a box or two of suckers I had put back. I then offered a sucker for every bottle turned in. Most camps we made an extra few dollars on money from bottles.

Yes things change. As I look back we did a number of things you can’t do now. For example, we served only white milk at meals. We put a jug on each table and the campers went from there. We even had tables have a milk drinking contest. I had one mother ask how we managed to get her daughter to drink milk. I told her she didn’t have you to fuss with. Now milk must be served in little boxes. Although milk is available at FFA camp, campers seem to prefer or drink the Kool-Aid type of junk in the pitcher on the table. I normally went to the fridge for something better or settled for water.

I hope you have completed your Christmas shopping. If you haven’t you’d better get with it. I remember spending all day the day before hunting for bargains. We didn’t have black Friday back then and looking for bargains was a must.

It’s kind of a shame we allow a few even one dictate how we celebrate Christmas. One town nearly cancelled a parade because it was called a Christmas parade.

One thing, they can’t stop us from attending church even if some only attend one Christmas and Easter. They know the reason for the season. 

Have a Merry Christmas!

Our Readers Write

Do You Believe In Miracles? We Do!

Gavin Matz and Family

Ayden Russell and Family

 Karley Williams

Do you believe in miracles? When you look at these three children, you just have to believe. Karley Williams, Ayden Russell and Gavin Matz – three miracles!

Karley Sue Williams was born Oct. 29, 2005 with Carnitine Palmitoyl Translocse II (CPT2) deficiency. Her body is without the gene that carries fat out of the blood. This deficiency was not diagnosed and treated until after her little heart was extremely damaged due to the deficiency disorder. In April 2007 Karley underwent a heart transplant.

Doctors at Children’s Hos-pital in Pittsburgh informed the family that Karley is the only baby with this disorder that has ever lived past five months. Karley celebrated her fourth birthday Oct. 29.

According to her parents, Jimmy and Becki Williams, Karley has only spent one night in the hospital since the transplant.

A recent biopsy and cardiology check-out found Karley is doing very well. She is looking forward to Santa’s visit.

Do you believe in miracles?

“It’s the holiday season once again and our family would like to share an update on our daughter Ayden,” said Jaya and Rick Russell. Ayden is a cancer survivor. 

“In addition to our family being very thankful for having Ayden with us this Christmas season, we are also delighted to announce that on Feb. 8 Ayden will be in remission for three years. Although in August of this year, doctors had to perform tests that led to finding Ayden has a tricuspid valve leak in her heart. The current state of the leak is to follow up with echocardiograms and possible further testing. At this point Ayden is growing and developing like a normal five-and-a-half year old. She is currently attending Skyvue Elementary as a kindergarten student and is loving every minute of it. 

“Along with her accomplishments at Skyvue, she has also become a big sister and has taken on that role perfectly with her little sister Kennady.

“Sharing her love and warmth with those around her seems to be her goal. Ayden is full of love and laughter and continues to strive in strength and with courage.

“Through this holiday season, we would like to say thanks to everyone for all of the thoughts, prayers and kind words that have been passed our way. From our house to yours, Happy Holidays!”

Do you believe in miracles?

Although his daily play is closely monitored and he goes through periods when he cannot take food by mouth, Gavin, two-year-old son of Lisa and Lewis “Ogg” Matz, is a happy and pleasant child, although he has spent much of his young life in hospitals.

Gavin is a victim of VACTERLS association.

VACTERL is an acronym in which each of the letters stands for one or more types of malformation.

“He is such a blessing to us,” said his mother. “It  has opened our eyes to what is important. We try to make his childhood as normal as possible but we use extreme care.”

Gavin was discharged from the Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) on Nov. 19 after a 10-week stay. The hospitalization was due to post operation complications–his esophagus developed a leak or tear. The tear is being allowed to heal on its own to hopefully avoid the esophagus strictur- Read more in the Monroe County Beacon's Dec. 24 edition

OBITUARIES

HILDA E. ABBOTT
Hilda E. Abbott, 74, Woodsfield, died Dec. 13, 2009 at Barnesville Hospital. She was born Dec. 1, 1935 in Monroe County, a daughter of the late Alvy and Laura Holmes Berry.

She was a member of the Church of Christ.

Surviving are two sons, Roger (Jenny) Abbott of Clarington,, Doug Abbott of Woodsfield; a daughter, Debbie Abbott of Marietta; and 13 grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward L. Abbott - 2005; two sons, Brad and Gary Abbott; a grandson, Brandon Abbott; a great-grandson; two sisters, Betty Swallie, Wilma Swallie; a brother, Elmer Berry and an infant sister, Nellie.

Friends were received Dec. 15 at Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, Woodsfield, where funeral services were held Dec. 16, with Minister Jeff Rich officiating. Burial was in Jerusalem Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Monroe County Emergency Medical Services, 374 Lewisville Rd., Woodsfield, and or MACO Workshop, 47013 SR 26, Woodsfield, OH 43793.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.bauerturner.com.

WALTER BURKHALTER
Walter S. Burkhalter, 78, Woodsfield, died Dec. 14, 2009 at Barnesville Health Care Center. He was born Dec. 11, 1931 in Woodsfield, a son of the late Walter F. and Josie Stewart Burkhalter.

He was a retired architect and a graduate of The Ohio State University. He was a veteran of the Korean War, member of the first United Methodist Church of Woodsfield, adult Sunday School teacher, member of Gideons International, President of the Monroe County Area for Aging for AARP, and a member of the American Legion Post #87.

Surviving are his adopted grandchildren, Dr. Kenneth and Karena Cooper of Woodsfield.

Friends were received until time of service Dec. 18 at Bauer-Turner Funeral Home Woodsfield, with Pastor David Hull-Frye officiating. Burial was in Oaklawn Cemetery, Woodsfield. 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.bauerturner.com. 

HAZEL G. LALLATHIN
Hazel G. Lallathin, 95, Naples, Fla., died Dec. 8, 2009 under the care of Avow Hos-pice at Harbor Chase Assisted Living. She was born Dec. 9, 1913 in Sardis, the daughter of the late Albert and Mary Anne Rohrbach Bertschy. 

She grew up on a farm in southeastern Ohio then moved to Cadiz after her marriage to Wilson Lallathin. Married for 71 years, they lived together in the same house for nearly 60 years before moving to Naples in 2003. Wilson died July 22, 2007 at the age of 94. Hazel was a homemaker and worked for the Cadiz Co-Op for some 20 years. She was a member of the Christian Church of Cadiz and was known as a very kind and sweet lady by all who knew her. 

Surviving are her son, Tom (Janet) of Naples; three grandchildren, Scott (Teresa) Lal-lathin of Kernersville, N.C., Paige (Danny) Kokovich of Ostrander, Wade (Darcy) Lallathin of LaRue; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Sara Craig, Helen Reef; and special friends, Carol, Doris, Helen and Marilyn.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by siblings, Charles, Mary, Clara, Samuel, John, Pearl and Lawrence.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial at Holly Memorial Gardens in Pleasant Grove.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Hazel to Avow Hospice of Naples, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.

Online condolences may be expressed at:www.fullerfuneralhome.com

SCOTT A. CHRISTY
Scott A. Christy, 42, of Delaware, Ohio (formerly of Graysville) died Dec. 19, 2009 at the James Cancer Center, Columbus. He was born at Marietta on March 8, 1967, a son of Frances Schmidt Christy Hixson and the late James E. Christy.

He was a 1985 graduate of Skyvue High School near Graysville, and a graduate of The Ohio State University, Columbus, with a degree in civil engineering. He was a civil engineer employed by Continental Building Systems, Columbus; a member of the Stafford Lodge No. 300, F&A.M., Stafford.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his step-father Don Hixson; his wife Cathy Wilson Christy, who he married on Oct. 9, 1999; two daughters: Michaela Christy and Faith Christy, both of the home; a son: Morgan Christy of the home; two brothers: Greg (Carol) Christy of Lewisville, and Vaughn (Pam) Christy of Woodsfield; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Richard and Eleanor Wilson of Jerusalem; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Mitchell Christy.

Friends were received at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield, Dec. 21 where funeral services were held Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Richard Wilson and Gardner Curtis officiating. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery.

Masonic services were held Dec. 21 at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed at:www.wattersfuneralhome.com

BETTY BAUER HOLTZ
Betty L. Bauer Holtz, 87, of 5415 Yorkshire Terrace Drive, Columbus (formerly of Woodsfield) died Dec. 18, 2009 at Grant Medical Center, Columbus. She was born in Clarington Sept. 28, 1922, a daughter of the late Wesley F. and Bertha Fulton Bauer.

She was a retired registered nurse after 29 1/2 years of active service and five years of reserve duty in the U.S. Army, serving during World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. She was a graduate of the Ohio Valley General Hospital School of Nursing, Wheeling, W. Va.; a member of the World Harvest Church, Columbus; a member of the Retired Officers Club and participated in an Honor Flight in Washington, D.C.

Surviving are several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Mildred Bauer; and three brothers, John, Wayne and Frederick Bauer.

Friends will be received at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield from 1 p.m. until time of services at 2 p.m. Dec. 27 with Pastor Danny Bauer officiating. Burial in the Oaklawn Cemetery, Woods-field, with full military services.

Online condolences may be expressed at:www.wattersfuneralhome.com

RICHARD “LARRY” BURKHART
Richard “Larry” Burkhart, 69, of the Woodsfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Woodsfield, died Dec. 19, 2009 at the center. He was born in Woodsfield Oct. 22, 1940, a son of the late Peter and Marcella “Sally” Archer Burkhart.

He was a retired aluminum worker for the Ormet Corporation, Hannibal; a U.S. Army veteran serving during the Vietnam Era and was a member of St. Sylvester Catholic Church, Woodsfield.

Surviving are a step-daughter: Michelle (Randy) Bifolchi of Akron; a step-son: Greg (Stacy) Reed of Columbus; three sisters: Sue O’Regen of Jersey City, New Jersey; Regina (John) Swarthout of Winter Haven, Florida; and Patricia (Charles) Rosenburg of Tampa, Florida; four grandchildren: Karenna, Jacob and Brooke Reed and Anthony Bifolchi.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother David Burkhart, a sister Mary Ann Burkhart.

Friends were received at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield, Dec. 21. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Dec. 22 at St. Sylvester Catholic Church, Woodsfield, with Rev. Fr. David Gaydosik, as celebrant. Interment followed in St. Sylvester Catholic Cemetery, Woodsfield.

Vigil services were held Dec. 21 at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed at:www.wattersfuneralhome.com