Feb. 5, 2009

<~ Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder ~

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder ...  the ice and snow covered roads, power lines and trees last week to create a virtual winter wonderland ...  It was beautiful if you didn’t have to travel those roads, which reached a level 2 for several days in Monroe and surrounding counties. State, township and village road crews, as well as power crews, worked tirelessly to keep the roads passable and the power lines, which were ice covered, repaired. Spring is only 43 days away!!
                                                                         Photo by Martha Ackerman

 <State Americanism Winner

Gerald White, director, Americanism and Youth Activities for the American Legion of Ohio, is shown with Flint Postle, who is a state winner in the 2008 Americanism and Government contest. Also shown, from left, are Flint’s parents Amy and Brad Postle, Robert Spear, county chairman for the Americanism program; back: Jim Miller, Cecil Smittle and Charles Clegg, members of the American Legion Ohio Valley Post 760.                                

 Photo by Martha Ackerman

Flint Postle and his parents Brad and Amy look over photos from previous Americanism trips to Gettysburg and Washington, D.C. As a state winner, Flint will be enjoying the five-day, all-expense paid trip March 9-14.

by Martha Ackerman
Staff Writer
        It’s off for the trip of a lifetime for Flint Postle, a sophomore at River High School. Flint is a state winner in the Americanism and Government Test taken by 70,000 sophomores, juniors and seniors in 2008.
        “I don’t think of this trip as a reward,” said Gerald A. White, director, Americanism and Youth Activities for the American Legion of Ohio. “This is something you’ve earned,” he told Flint Feb. 2 at River High School
        The trip consists of a five-day, all-expense paid trip to Gettysburg and Washington, D.C.  Flint will spend March 9-14 on a whirlwind, educational trip which, according to White, has a value of $20,000. Some of the stops will be the new Gettysburg Visitor’s Center and battlefield, Washington Cathedral, the Kennedy Center, Washing-ton, D.C. memorials and Arlington National Cemetery where the group will participate in the laying of a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier.
        Flint’s test made its way through local, county and district competition to be chosen as one of six state winners from this district - two sophomores, two juniors and two seniors. The district is made up of seven counties.
        On hand for the announcement were Flint’s parents Brad and Amy Postle; American Legion Ohio Valley Post 760 members Robert R. Spear, chairman of the Americanism program; Jim Miller, Cecil Smittle and Charles Clegg; and Dr. Vincent Monseau, principal of River High School.
        Noting that the group will be well chaperoned, White assured the Postles of their son’s safety.
        “Flint is setting a great example for those who follow him,” said Monseau, who was referring to the sophomore’s five siblings.
        Flint participates in the football, wrestling and track programs at River High School.
        According to Clegg, this is the third state winner from Monroe County in the last 10 years.    

<~ Student Council Helps Others ~

        St. Sylvester Central Catholic School’s student council displayed the true meaning of helping others as they raised money which was donated to three organizations.  Pandora Neuhart, Warm the Children coordinator, received a check for $250 from Anne LaFollette, student council president. The money will help purchase new warm winter coats and boots for needy children. According to student council advisor Diane Burkhart, the school also donated $400 to Models for Veterans and $150 to an orphanage. Shown with Pandora Neuhart and Anne LaFollette are, from left, front: Hannah Jones, Kaleigh Marley, Brooke Dick; back: advisor Diane Burkhart, Micah Roberts, Lindsey Froehlich, Abby Swallow and Justin Saffle. Absent was Christa Russell   

<County Eyes Study for Railroad

by Arlean Selvy
Publisher
        Discussion concerning a feasibility study for a revived railroad along the riverfront was held at the Feb. 2 meeting of  Monroe County commissioners, who also met the new Wildlife Specialist officer.
        Tom Scott, economic developer  and Bill Long, Job and Family Services workforce supervisor, discussed the idea of re-opening the railroad tracks both north and south of Ormet, which owns the rail northward to Powhatan Point.
        Scott said he planned to set up a meeting for all those involved who wish to attend.
        According to Scott, a feasibility study would probably cost in the neighborhood of $15,000 and would take eight weeks to 60 days to complete.
        Meetings are set to be held this week with two separate consultants.
        Scott said he wants to speak with representatives of Artco Steel and Murray Energy as well as Norfolk Southern Railroad.
        According to discussion, Scott would like to have a two-phase feasibility study: first, to learn what may be done right now to accommodate Artco and secondly, extending the rail south.
        In another matter, Commission President John Pyles read a letter from Buckeye Hills - Hocking Valley Regional Development with regard to a list of water and sewer projects for inclusion in the economic stimulus list It was noted that congressional representatives are asking for prioritized list of the county’s top three projects.
        Scott said he would review the information and draft a response for review by commissioners.
        According to discussion, a Lee Township water/sewer project and a water project on Grizzle Ridge are viewed as priority. Pyles also mentioned the possibility of a sewer/water project for Monroe Water Authority.

        Tammy Jones, project manager Monroe Soil and Water Conservation District, introduced Dave Schott, recently hired as the Wildlife Forestry Specialist.
        Schott replaces Chad Hammond, former wildlife specialist, and Carl Davis,
        Schott comes to the position with experience, being one of the first wildlife specialists hired in the state. He has 11 years experience and worked in Guernsey County until coming to Monroe.
        Schott said he is the person countians should call in the case of damage caused by animals such as geese and deer. He also deals with forestry management.
        Jones said the agricultural related duties of Davis, who now serves as county commissioner, will be split between herself and Schott.
        “I’m glad to be here and serve Monroe County,” said Schott.
        Jeanette Harter, director, JFS, reported the agency’s policy manual has been completed.
        In another matter, commissioners adopted the JFS Credit Card Policy submitted by Harter and approved by Prosecuting Attorney Lynn  Riethmiller.
        Harter requested and was granted an executive session for matters of confidentiality. No action  was taken following that session, which lasted from 11:21 a.m. to 12:03 p.m.
        Harter returned to the meeting during the afternoon session for matters concerning the county’s general fund budget. She reported general fund bills amounting to about $40,000 and said officials will have to borrow. She suggested $30,000 should cover the amount needed.
        A request for advance of property taxes in the amount of $19,938.66 was approved.
        Concerning a bank loan, Harter indicated she would arrange for a bank representative to meet with officials on Wednesday, Feb. 4.                       Commissioners plan to continue session beginning at 10 a.m. Feb. 4.

< Woodsfield Cable Ready for Digital Conversion Feb. 17

by Arlean Selvy
Publisher
        Customers of Woodsfield  Television Cable Co. need not go out and purchase a converter box to receive digital transmission.
        This information was reinforced at the Feb. 2  meeting of Woodsfield Village Council.
        According to Jeff Woodell, village administrator, the village cable system is ready to accept digital when the conversion is made.
        It was noted that some TV  screens have gone black during test periods conducted by  channels 7, 9 and 4. Woodell explained that those stations are currently using analog and the village cannot change to digital until the stations convert.
        Testing has been going on for about three weeks and usually is done at noon.
        In other matters, Woodell reported on water, street and light plant crews and the work done due to extreme weather conditions.
        Councilman Dale English mentioned that vehicles are parking on the streets in areas where they are not supposed to park when it snows.
        Police Chief Chuck Hamil-ton said he will coordinate with Donnie Weber, street department superintendent, to make sure the vehicles are moved before clean-up crews arrive. It was noted that this will also save some ticketing.
        English expressed thanks to departments for their work. “They did a great job.”
        Councilwoman Carol Hehr echoed English’s commendations. “The guys did a tremendous job,” she said.
        Hehr announced all invoices for the walking trail have been received. She said the village should soon get a reimbursement check of about $60,000.