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

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.

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.