Showpiece Unveiled at
Museum
This
five-foot model of the “Modern Temple of Amusement” was unveiled
at the December meeting of Team Monroe’s River Museum Committee.
From left are John and Glinda Bowman, Wheeling, who restored the
model; Taylor Abbott, Clarington, committee president and owner
of the model; and Barb Rush of Clarington, curator at the
River
Museum. Original
construction of the model was done by the late Bob Thomas of
Powhatan. The River
Museum
is located in the former Ormet Credit Union in Clarington.
Photo by Arlean Selvy
by Arlean Selvy
Publisher
A fabulous five-foot long model showboat was unveiled at the
Dec. 17 meeting of Team Monroe’s
River
Museum committee.
Construction of the model, owned by Clarington resident Taylor
Abbott, was begun by the late Robert Thomas of Powhatan Point,
Abbott’s great-uncle.
Thomas started building the model of the Eisenbarth and
Henderson Showboat “Mod-ern Temple of Amusement” in 1973. It would
be his last. Thomas died in 1978, having built 36 models. The
boat was given to his sister-in-law, Virginia Thomas of
Clarington who later gave it to Abbott, her great-grandson. The
showboat stayed at the home of Virginia Thomas until Abbott
pulled it from her attic six years ago.
About four months ago he decided to have it completely restored.
Details such as replacing broken railing and a life boat, were
accomplished, adding paint and lettering completed the job. The
work was done by model builder John Bowman and wife Glinda who
operate The Antique Parlor in Wheeling.
The Bowmans attended the unveiling. Abbott, who serves as
president of the River
Museum
committee, is extremely proud of the steamboat and said he has
several other items to place on display at the museum.
The
River Museum, not yet open to the public, is
located in the former Ormet Credit Union building on Ferry Street in Clarington.
In addition to the model, Fred McCabe, museum committee
historian, presented a framed picture of Clarington. The photo
was taken from the West Virginia side of the river many years
ago.
Business conducted at the meeting included the appointment of
Jane Williams to the by-laws committee.
According to Museum Curator Barb Rush, the committee will be
accepting donations for the museum on Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. Rush noted that donations may be artifacts to display or
monetary to help with the development of the museum. There is
still much work to do.
Museum committee meetings are held the last Thursday of each
month unless a holiday falls on that date. The next meeting is
set for 7 p.m. on Jan. 28 at the museum.
SWC District Seeks Immediate Funding Support from State
by Taylor Abbott
Staff Writer
With the recent passage of House Bill 1, State Match Funding was
greatly reduced for
Ohio’s Soil
and Water Conservation Districts.
Monroe
County is one of 88
counties facing massive cuts in SWCD budgets, operating hours,
as well as the possibility of office closures.
At the Dec. 21 meeting of
Monroe
County commissioners,
Tammy Jones of Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation brought
forth a resolution expressing the immediate need for funding
support. The resolution details what many fear will occur as a
result of House Bill 1 passing. Jones was adamant about the
need for match funding as well as support from county
commissioners. Jones mentioned further that the State dropped a
disproportional amount with 84 percent match for fiscal year
2009, 72 percent in 2010, and 54 percent in 2011. Accom-panying
these will be a transition into fee based funding resulting in a
35 percent match for some districts in 2010.
The enormous funding cuts are causing panic in some districts
who threaten that massive layoffs are on the horizon. Economic
stability has been scarce in Ohio, particularly Monroe County
where unemployment is well above 10 percent. The loss of funding
could further impact the already unstable economy of Monroe County.
commissioners John Pyles, Carl Davis and Tim Price noted the
importance of such a resolution and quickly adopted it. The
document will be sent to the Ohio General Assembly.
Mary Jo Westfall, CDBG grant administrator, OSU Extension,
reported that two bids were received for gutters at the
Lewisville
pavilion. The low bidder, Stephen Continuous Gutters, Malaga, was awarded the bid for $943.
Westfall talked about eligibility requirements for the $300,000
Neighborhood Revitalization Grant. Those communities that are
eligible for the grant will be invited to attend a meeting with
commissioners on Jan. 25 to discuss community needs.
Westfall reported about problems which have risen at the Lewisville Community Center.
She noted that renovations to the center’s floor were halted
after “compatibility” issues with the paint and varnish. The
paint used reacted with the varnish causing it to bubble. She
said that after the floor was sanded, marks were visible and a
complete restoration will be needed.
Dana Indermuhle, project manager, Swiss Valley Associates, said
that with an extension to the current contract, the floor can be
completed and restored. Westfall quickly noted that if costs
rise due to the additional work, the money will be taken from
the Lewisville Community Fund.
Representatives from Staley Communications,
Wheeling
met with regard to the E911 system. Also in attendance were
Sheriff Chuck Black and Matt Brake, project manager. Black was
concerned about the amount of time it has taking to install
equipment purchased for the sheriff’s office as well as the
backup unit at the EMA offices.
Brake said the equipment has been delivered to the intended
locations. Upgrades to phone lines, equipment, and mapping
technology along with final installation of new equipment will
begin Jan. 4.
In other matters, Pyles noted two seats on the airport authority
board are open. The terms of Edgar McVay and Don Pollock will
expire Dec. 31.
Letters of interest are being accepted for the airport authority
seats until Dec. 28.
On the recommendation of Helen Ring, Monroe County Board of
Developmental Dis-abilities, four individuals were reappointed
to the board: Del-bert LeMasters and Carol Schumacher, both of
Woods-field and Kimberly Houser and Louise Blackstone, both of
Lewisville.
Around
the Burnside
A socialist is an unsuccessful person who figures his last
chance to get something is to get part of yours.
The escape criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.
Well, another year has bit the dust. Now we’ll have to get used
to writing 2010 on everything. It normally takes me about a
month to change over. For some reason or another the years seem
to come around faster and faster. I wonder why?
2009 has been quite a year. A lot of things have happened. Some
good and maybe some not so good.
One that was county wide was the passage of the levy for the new
school facilities. After trying a number of times to improve
school facilities with little success, with one time help from
the state, folks in the county came together and passed a bond
levy for new schools, perhaps the last chance.
A lot of folks from all parts of the county worked hours to get
to the voters the reason for the need of new facilities. Knowing
perhaps the cost would be somewhat more than other plans put
forward. It seems as though all communities will benefit by
having a state of the art facility.
The most benefit will be the students attending the schools
providing the curriculum is up dated and do not forget the need
for a strong Career
Center
at Swiss Hills.
Then there is
Lewisville. Thanks to a nice grant, many
improvements have been made. I think most folks in the county
know of the improvements. I’ve mentioned them from time to time
and the Beacon has mentioned them several times. An active
committee keeps things going. Another example of what happens
when people work together. I’m not sure who all are responsible
but it seems they got a lot of improvements with the grant
including a new fire truck.
What next? I was surfing the TV channels the other day and came
across three men shaving. In that I shave every Wednes-day and
Saturday I stopped surfing and watched. Would you believe, they
were selling an electric razor that you used shaving cream to
shave with it. I assume a battery provided the power to spin the
blades. It looked as though a number of small blades mounted
like a paddle wheel spinning round and round whisking away the
shaving cream and whiskers. Not being interested in owning the
new razor at this time, I did not watch long enough to find out
the cost.
I guess it’s time to make New Years resolutions. Have you made
yours yet? I plan to make the same ones as last year because I
didn’t break any of them. I resolve not to beat my wife, in
addition, I resolve to not smoke, drink hard liquor, not so hard
liquor, and attend Sunday School and church every Sunday
possible. Call it a habit but the week is a mess if I fail to go
to church. I never seem to know what day it is unless I attend.
Probably the biggest thing to happen in 2009 was the swearing in
of a black president. Regardless of how you think it almost has
to be the most thankless job you could ever ask for.
I’m not sure what goes on in
Washington. All I know I hear on TV or
read in the paper and then I’m not sure how much of it is true.
It’s true many are out of work. This is tough on many families.
There seems no quick solution. A lot of ideas but none seem to
be working.
I wonder at times what our men and women running our country are
thinking.
I did learn when I was growing up and raised hogs to butcher,
that if you feed them too much and too long, you end up with a
whole lot of lard. What can you do with a big can of lard?
Seems like every bill that involves spending, our fearless
leadership tacks on pork (fat).
I grew up with little. If we had a quarter we were skipping in
the tall clover. Our high school superintendent told us, “My Dad
gave me a quarter to go to the fair and said bring back some
change.” With as little as we had I don’t remember missing a
meal, not having suitable clothes to wear, a warm place to stay
and sleep even if there was no heat in the bedroom. We made do
and complained very little.
I guess we need faith that some of the problems will work out
during 2010. I’m sure good things will happen.
Have a Happy New Year and do not over party New Years’ Eve.
Good advice: Do not approach a goat from the front, or a horse
from the back, or a fool from any side.
Our
Readers Write
CPL Timothy Price serving in
Kirkuk,
Iraq.
Dearest
Monroe
County,
I am a longtime resident
of Antioch,
Ohio, placed in the heart of Iraq for
deployment with the 303rd Psychological Operations Detachment,
away from all I know. As the holidays are approaching, I can't
help but think of everybody back home and how much they are
missed. Everything from the good people (I've spent long hours
sitting at the contractor counter down in True Value), to the
food (the chow hall isn't ANYTHING like a dessert pizza from
Jerry Lee's, one of my favorites), to the weekend hang out spot
(the Schoolhouse up on Ketzel Hill listening to the "Tales of
Old" from my father, Dave Price, and friends). Memories of the
area that I could ramble on for days about through my childhood
(tagging alongside of my mother, Pat Price, while she taught at
numerous elementary schools and adulthood (coaching, leisure
time, and business with my brother, Rob, through Price
Construction).
I don't know if this will
ever get published, I don't know if this will ever get read, but
I do know one thing. My feelings are documented, and they will
never change. My heart is in Monroe County.
Christmas is the time for
family, loved ones, friends, relatives, and even complete
strangers. So I say this to you. Merry Christmas and may I wish
you an expansive New Year, whether I know you or not! I wish you
all the best and you are ALL in my prayers. Embrace the loved
ones you have around you, try to get back in touch with love
lost, treat somebody you don't even know like they're your best
friend, or simply flash a smile to somebody passing by. You
never know what it might mean to that individual. I treat people
the same way over here, and they smile right back. There are
good people in
Iraq, and for them, I see this
deployment as being very helpful.
Happy Holidays!
Respectfully,
CPL Timothy Price
TPD 3032 PSYOP
Kirkuk, Iraq
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Veterans Memorial
Dedicated

A monument has been prominently displayed in front of
Woodsfield’s VFW Post #5303 by the men’s auxiliary. The monument
was dedicated Dec. 15 in memory of veterans of foreign wars.
Shown, from left, are: post chaplain Vernon Burke, senior vice
Roger Elliott, men’s auxiliary treasurer, post commander Alonzo
Wilson, auxiliary president Greg Wilson, auxiliary jr. vice Eric
Wilson, Randy Gallagher of Randall L. Gallagher Memorials Inc.,
trustee Lewis Jackson Jr. and auxiliary sr. vice Steve Swallie.
Photo by Martha Ackerman
“In Memory of Veterans of Foreign Wars We Thank You” is the
inscription on the monument prominently displayed in front of
Woodsfield’s VFW Post #5303. The monument, placed there by the
post’s men’s auxiliary, honors those veterans who have fought to
make this a free country.
A
dedication ceremony was held Dec. 15 at the post home. On hand
for the dedication was James Neuhart who was the post’s first
commander. (shown at left).
The memorial stone was engraved and graciously donated by Randy
and Lisa Gallagher of Randall L. Gallagher Memorials, Inc.
Emory Rothenbuhler & Sons Trucking donated the stone for the
landscaping portion of the project.
“This community effort was put in motion and completed out of
the love of our country and a deep appreciation for the living
and deceased soldiers that made our way of life possible,” said
Greg Wilson, president of the men’s auxiliary. “As we approach
the holiday season, let us count our many blessings.”
A luncheon was served by the post’s ladies auxiliary following
the dedication.
Colors of Christmas
Winners
Winners
in the Beacon’s Colors of Christmas coloring contest picked up
their prizes at the Beacon on Dec. 22, Winners from left include
Dylan Kernen, 12, son of of Eric and Clarissa Kernen of
Jerusalem; Morgan Andersen, 8, daughter of Chris Andersen of
Sardis and Michelle Phillips, Sistersville; and Kevin Nalley,
11, son of Carlos and Ruth Nalley of Woodsfield. The contest was
judged by two local artists.
Photo by Arlean Selvy
Seventy-five entries were received for the Beacon’s Colors of
Christmas coloring contest. Three of the entries were
disqualified because the wrong coloring pages were submitted.
Two late entries were from Camille, age 6; and Wesley, age 2,
which did not qualify.
Morgan Andersen, 8, Sardis, was
winner in the 6-8 year old group; Kevin Nalley, Woodsfield, was
winner in the 9-11 age group and Dylan Kernen, 12,
Jerusalem, was the winner in the 12-14
age group.
Winners received a tote bag, frisbee and pencil compliments of
Ohio University Eastern, and $20 cash, pens, and other small
prizes from the Beacon.
Children entering the contest included, in the six to eight year
old group: Logan Biedenbach, Wyatt Goodrich, Katie Lively, James
Potts, Bryan Johnson, Korah Anderson, Katelyn Huck, Madison
Huck, Jared Kernen, Xavier Hannahs, Cheyenne Wilson, Bristol
Sligar, Ashlie Louden, Heaven Harris, Breanna Tonkery, Samantha
Tonkery, Marissa Steele, Cheyenne Riley, Elaina Swallow, Summer
Mahoney, Kirby Schumacher, Breanna Thompson, Dillon Miller,
Alayna Wells Ethan Pack, Eddie Church, Livi Rose, Jake Rose,
Jasmine Caldwell, Malachi Rose-Burton, Bran-dan Nalley, Brooklyn
Craw-ford, Rachel Snyder, Gage Modra, Branden Longwell, Chloe
Tucker, Elizabeth Schnegg and Eric Schnegg.
Entrants in the 9-11 age group included: Derek Baker, Donovan
Vianelli, Shawn Johnson, James (no last name given), Jacob
Palmer, Ashtin Austin, Nicole Templeton, Denise P. Heath, Jimmy
Nalley, Lakelyn Monahan, Adria Lyn Snyder, Brittany Modra,
Brianna Binni, Grant Alexander Copley, McKayan Dimmerling,
Olivia Gauding and Jeremy Milhoan.
Those in the 12-14 year age group included: Alex Austin, Saloma
R. Schlabach, Katrina Paulus, Michele Hoskinson, Wessly Hagan,
Kylie Milhoan, Nick Petho, Ashlyn Grose, Cory Quillin, Tommy
Harris and Josie Mahoney.
Congratulations to all entrants. You did a fine job and it
wasn’t an easy task for the judges to select the winners.
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OBITUARIES
DALE L. YONTZ
Dale L. Yontz, 72,
45534 Sugartree Rd., Woodsfield, died
Dec. 24, 2009 at Genesis Hospice and
Palliative
Care Center,
Zanesville. He
was born March 8, 1937 near
Lewisville, a son of the late William and
Nellie Ritterbeck Yontz.
He was a retired laborer and farmer; a member of St. Sylvester
Catholic Church, Woodsfield; a 51 year member of the Laborers
Union Local 639, Marietta. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing
in his spare time.
Surviving are four sons, Mark (Jane) Yontz of Antioch, Jeff
Yontz of the home, Michael Yontz and fiancee Lora Cox of
Lewisville, Doug (Jeannie) Yontz of Woodsfield; a
brother, Raphael (Rita) Yontz of Jerusalem; two grandchildren,
Megan and Carley Yontz; a special friend, Gertrude Burkhart of
Norwich; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his
wife, Sandra Reich Yontz; two brothers, Joseph Yontz, Ronnie
Yontz; and three sisters, Leona Michel, Thelma Hohman and Bertha
Michel.
Friends were received Dec. 28 at Watters Funeral Home,
Woodsfield,
Funeral liturgy with Mass was celebrated Dec. 29 at St.
Sylvester Catholic church, Woodsfield, with Rev. Fr. David
Gaydosik as the celebrant.
Burial followed in St. Sylvester Catholic Cemetery, Woodsfield.
Memorial contributions may be made to Genesis Hospice and
Palliative Care, 713 Forest Ave.,
Zanesville,
OH 43701.
Vigil services were held Dec. 28 at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.wattersfuneralhome.com.
HARRY RICHARD ICE
Harry Richard Ice, 88,
Mound St.,
Sardis, died Dec. 22, 2009 at
Woods-field Nursing and
Rehabilitation
Center after a lengthy
illness. He was born Jan. 20, 1921 in New Martinsville, a son of
the late Glen and Leora Barker Ice.
He was a retired construction worker with the Laborers Local in
Marietta; a member of the American Legion Post 651 in
Fredricksburg; a Protestant by faith; and a U.S. Army veteran of
WWII where he served with the 643rd Signal Service Battalion in
Alaska.
Surviving are his loving wife of 61 years, Marilyn Reusser Ice;
two sons, William (Kathi) Ice of Orville, Mark (Jackie) Ice of
Clarington, two daughters, Mary Jane (Roy) Clegg of Sardis,
Donna (Tom) Lubic of Paden City, W.Va.; 11 grandchildren; and 14
great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a
sister, Ruth Ice.
Friends were received Dec. 26 until time of service at Grisell
Funeral Home, Sardis, with Kenneth
Indermuhle officiating.
Burial was in
Cameron Cemetery where the American Legion Post
760, Hannibal, conducted military graveside services.
Sympathy expressions at grisellfuneralhomes.come.
JANETTE R. ISALY
Janette “Tip” R. Isaly, 74,
German Rdg. Rd., Powhatan Point, died
Dec. 24, 2009 at Liza’s Place, Wheeling. She was born Oct. 19,
1935 in Duffy, a daughter of Florence Frye Longwell of
Woodsfield, and the late Albert Longwell.
She was a homemaker.
Survivors are a son, Devin (Lisa) Isaly of Powhatan Point; a
daughter, Donette (Jeff) Sickels of Worthington; two
grandchildren, Ayla Dawn Isaly and Cody Devin Isaly.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her
husband, Donald Isaly.
Friends were received Dec. 29 at Grisell Funeral Home,
Clarington, where funeral services will be held Dec. 30, at 1
p.m., with Rev. Carla Webshall officiating.
Burial to follow in St. John’s United Church
of Christ Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Valley Hospice, 10686 SR
150, Rayland, OH 43943.
Sympathy expressions at grisellfuneralhomes.com
JOHN D. MELLOTT
John Dietrich Mellott,
Willow Springs,
Illinois, died suddenly while
doing lawn work at his home on Oct. 20, 2009. He was born July
12, 1931 in Woodsfield, a son of Homer F. and Ruth Lucille
Dietrich Mellott.
When John was 18 months old his mother passed away and he was
reared in the home of his grandparents, Cam
and Allie Loper Mellott at the NE corner of
N. Main St.
and Maple Avenue.
Cam and Homer Mellott owned and operated Mellott’s Jewelry Store
on the square of Woodsfield for over 50 years.
John graduated in 1949 from the
Woodsfield
High School. He was a
member of the 1949 WHS Redskins basketball team that holds the
school’s greatest tournament record, losing as one of the final
eight in state play. He was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in
radio, speech and English by The Ohio State University in 1953.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army where he encrypted codes
during the Korean War, serving in Okinawa and
Osaka
Japan.
Mellott’s career was two-fold. First in business and commerce
with Union Electric and Alton Box Board and The Perry Public
Relations Firm, all in St. Louis, Mo. His first government
service was an appointment as Illinois downstate administrative assistant
for U.S. Senator Ralph Smith. From that position he was employed
by the United States General Services Administration and he
retired in 1994 as a regional director in the United States
Department of Labor.
Surviving are his wife, Ruth; daughters, Susan Mellott Hinck,
Dawn Mellott Sirianni; a son, David Mellott and their extended
families. Monroe
County cousins are Donald William
Pollock and William L. Moore III, his basketball teammate and
cousin is Robert Taylor McAndrews of
Cambridge. His lifetime friend and high
schoolmate is John Anthony Shannon of Columbus.
Mellott’s interment was at the Abraham Lincoln National
Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.
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