GMN Receives State Award 

Guernsey, Monroe, Noble Tri County Community Action Corporation recently was awarded the prestigious Best Practices Award.

The statewide competition is sponsored by Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Development.

A panel of judges from the Ohio State University John Glenn Institute based their selection on measurable objectives. To be eligible the program must be structured to be replicated statewide.

This year’s award recipient was the GMN Tri County L.I.F.E. Program (Learning is For Everyone). Prevention Services Director Misty Atkinson crafted and directs the program which is implemented within the Switzerland of Ohio Local School District and funded by the Monroe County Department of Jobs and Family Services.

The program assists students with academic needs through tutoring, cultural and social needs by providing opportunities to explore cultures, art, and diversity, and career needs through establishment of life goals and work readiness.

These students are afforded the opportunity, in many case, to become “first generation” college graduates. An impressive 94 percent of participants in the GMN “LIFE” program raised their grades by a grade point in a specific subject.

The awards ceremony took place at the Columbus Hyatt Regency on Capitol Square’s banquet room with several hundred in attendance. GMN received the only Best Practices Award in the State of Ohio given in Results Oriented Management and Accountability Category 6.

In accepting the award, GMN CEO Gary Ricer concluded, “We're honored and humbled to accept this prestigious award which further exemplifies the quality of my staff and the depth of our services.”

Around the Burnside    

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.

Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

I understand in Washington, D.C. they had scheduled a meeting to discuss Global Warming. They had to postpone it because of cold weather.

If it’s OK with you snowbirds, you can shut down on the snow for awhile. We’ve had nearly two feet and it’s only the middle of February. Save some for a little later on when it won’t last so long.

The TV went wild telling us the storm was on the way, sent reporters all over the place, reported every hour on the hour. I’d say they did an excellent job. Me? I just looked out the window to see if it was still snowing. It was.

Growing up I really enjoyed snow. You jumped out of a warm bed into a room without heat and kneel at the “Peggy”, that’s what Mom called the chamber pot. If I wouldn’t have had to take back then what’s called a water pill I would have had to wear kneepads to bed.

Hurry down stairs and put on barn clothes over the longjohns, behind the Warm Morning heater and head for the kitchen to eat breakfast. Mom never let us go to the barn in the morning. I look outside and how about that? A nice heavy snow fell last night. Hog dog.

Buckle up the four buckle artics and head for the barn. More than likely a stop at the super four holer on the way. I had little choice until I started high school.

Milk the cows, feed the cats, wheel out you know what, climb up to the hay loft, throw down hay, throw it in to the cows, carry water to them, chickens have all taken the trip by now, carry out the ashes, dig coal from under the snow and put on back porch and head for the warm kitchen. Time to drink a glass of warm milk and get ready to go to school. You then hurried to school so you could get to school before it started so you could help lay out a Fox and Geese track.

There were a couple of changes after I started high school. I didn’t wear my longjohns because they made fun of them in phys ed class and I worked things out so I wouldn’t have to stop at the super four holer on the morning trip to the barn. I really enjoyed it when we had a heavy snow. You know something? Kids just don’t know how to have fun nowadays.

Even with these happy snows, I don’t remember catching anything that a blob of or a smearing on of Vicks Salve didn’t take care of.

Here I sit writing and watching another happy snow fall. I’ve only had my shoes on once in the last three days and am singing my favorite song, “Let it Snow, Let it Snow.” Another week with no school. I guess the snow is not all bad. It will give us something to talk about during the hot weather come July.

I guess the football season is over for another year with the Super Bowl. It sure doesn’t seem like its been going for 44 years. This was before we moved to Monroe County.

I understand more people watched the game on TV than any other TV program on record.

Yes, we watched it at our house. I kind of wanted the Saints to win. It was enjoyable to watch a game and not really care who wins. much easier than watching an Ohio State game, even when they win.

I have to say something about the halftime show. I thought the light show was excellent but two old men in the middle screaming and yelling, swinging their arms and shirttail coming out left something to be desired. My hearing aids went on the blink again as I did not understand one word they were singing if that’s what you call it. I call it yelling and screaming.

The TV commercials create a lot of interest as they should for three thousand bucks. My favorite as always is the Budweiser Horse and longhorn calf this year.

All over till next year. I wonder who they will have for the halftime show?

I hope the roads are clear enough for you to attend church Sunday.

A bit of excellent advice: Always drink upstream from the herd.

Our Readers Write

The scenery has been breathtaking, but enough is enough. As the snow continues to fall, scenes like this one are found throughout the United States. It was reported Sunday on the national news that 49 out of the 50 states had snow. Guess which one didn’t ... Hawaii, of course. The ice and snow has made the roads hazardous. School children had the whole week off, but life has gone on at the Beacon. This bridge is located on County Road 15, near Rinard Mills.                                     Photo by Monica Blair

The Wichterman kids have been enjoying the piles of snow. After the first significant snowfall, they built this eight foot igloo. David, Rachel and Aaron, shown above, started out building snow forts but then decided an igloo would be better. It only took them a day to construct this snow structure. David, 16, is a student at Beallsville High School; Rachel, 12, is a seventh grader at Woodsfield Elementary; and Aaron, 15, is home schooled. The little guy sharing the igloo  with the Rachel is Boris. Photo by Martha Ackerman

“Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." Local mail carriers have certainly lived up to the motto this winter. Connie Hines, with a snowflake on her nose, is shown as she carries mail on Andover Road in Woodsfield. Her route is regularly about nine miles but with the piles of snow, it has been longer, she noted, because she can’t take the short cuts. Mail carriers are required to be able to carry a mail bag weighing up to 35 pounds.  Photo by Martha Ackerman

Snow and Ice

by Martha Ackerman
General Manager/Editor

It’s a winter to remember with snow blanketing the Ohio Valley for weeks and ice making travel difficult. It was reported on the national news Feb. 14 that 49 out of the 50 states had snow. Monroe County certainly has its share with more accumulation predicted as the Beacon goes to press. 

Snow and ice have put a strain on roofs, gutters and overhangs. To the right shows the enormous icicle that forms on a building near the Beacon.  

Visibility was sometimes hampered by the very large snowflakes which accompanied the recent storms. With 15-20 inches of accumulated snow already on the ground, another 6-10 is being predicted as the Beacon goes to press.
Photo by Monica Blair

VFD Funding Secured

U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH), a member of the Appropriations and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committees, recently announced he has helped secure $262,200 for the Graysville and Community Volunteer Fire Department in Monroe County from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Sen. Voinovich wrote a letter of support on behalf of the fire department.

“I am pleased the Graysville and Community Volunteer Fire Department was awarded these funds,” Sen. Voinovich said. “Our firefighters need the proper resources to protect their communities. These funds will help Ohio’s first responders carry out their vital missions.”

Garrison Won’t Seek the Democratic Nomination

State Representative Jenni-fer Garrison announced recently she will not seek the Democratic nomination for Ohio Secretary of State.

“I have truly enjoyed meeting Ohioans from all walks of life during the six-month campaign. Ohio is blessed to have a diverse landscape and people. I feel thankful and humbled by the support I have received from my colleagues, labor and Ohioans,” Garrison said.

“While I have determined this is not the right time for me and my family to seek this office, my utmost hope is that the voters will challenge all Secretary of State candidates to explain how they will increase voter participation and facilitate business growth in Ohio.”

Garrison continued by saying, “I ask the next Secretary of State to be committed to the principles of transparent and fair elections and to concentrate on increasing voter participation. House Bill 260, otherwise known as the Elections Enhancement Bill, is a good start. This legislation requires automatic voter registration every time an Ohioan touches state government, whether through renewing a driver’s license or applying for state benefits. This bill goes a long way toward increasing voter participation and reducing allegations of fraud within the voter registration process. I ask both Republican and Demo-cratic candidates to commit their support for this bill.”

Garrison does not plan to seek re-election to the Ohio House of Representatives. 

Garrison was instrumental in securing over $53,000,000 in state funding for six new schools: Beallsville K-12, Woodsfield Elementary K-8,  Skyvue Elementary, Monroe Central High School, a combined Hannibal and Sardis Elementary, Powhatan Elementary and the renovation of River High School.

OBITUARIES

DARREN D. STIMPERT
Darren Dale Edmond Stimpert, 21, Lewisville, died Feb. 8, 2010 at his home. He was born March 13, 1988, Marietta, a son of Jody Stimpert Baker of Woodsfield, and the late Randy E. Stimpert (2003).

He graduated from Monroe Central High School in 2006. He enjoyed dirt bikes, four-wheelers, listening to music and playing video games.

Surviving are his mother and step-father, Jody and Troy Baker of Woodsfield; two sisters, Melissa and Melanie Stimpert; a step-brother, Dylan Baker; grandparents, Winnie (Kate) Stimpert of Lewisville, Dale and Hilda Blackstone of Lewisville, Karen and Wayne Harper of Woodsfield; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a grandfather, Jerry E. Stimpert in 2006.

Friends were received until time of memorial service Feb. 12 at Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, Woodsfield, with Rev. William Graham officiating. Burial was at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Darren Stimpert Memorial Fund, c/o Citizens National Bank, 143 S. Main St., Woodsfield, OH 43793.

Condolences may be expressed at 
www.bauerturner.com

JUANITA V. STALDER
Juanita V. Stalder, 82, Sardis, died Feb. 13, 2010 at the Monroe County Care Center. She was born Nov. 23, 1927 in Woodsfield, a daughter of the late Margaret and Lewis Young.

She was a farm wife who enjoyed quilting, crocheting, sewing and raising calves. She was a member of the Zion United Church of Christ, Sardis. She was the best mother six farm kids could have hoped for. She supported all of their endeavors and whims, and taught them much.

Surviving are her husband of 61 years, Glen Stalder; three sons, Glen (Brenda) Stalder, Jr. of Beallsville, Nelson (Flora Jean) Stalder of Woodsfield, David (Sherrie) Stalder of Sardis; three daughters, Connie (Joe) Frye of Hannibal, Cindy (Dave) Jamison of Kansas City, Mo., Sandy (Bruce) Frey of Phillipsburg, NJ; a brother, Robert (Eleanor) Young of Graysville; a sister, Sue (Mark) Martinka of Pickerington; 16 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Young; and great-granddaughter, Isabella Stalder.

Friends were received Feb. 16 at Grisell Funeral Home, Clarington, where funeral services will be held Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Glen Shedlock officiating. Burial will be in Zion Memorial Gardens, Sardis.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Zion Church of Christ, 50445 SR 536, Sardis, OH 43946 or the Alzheimers Association, Central Ohio Chapter, 3380 Tremont Rd., Columbus, OH 43221.

Sympathy expressions at grisellfuneralhomes.com

DOROTHY D. PADEN
Dorothy D. Paden, 97, 658 James St., New Martinsville, died Feb. 9, 2010 at the New Martinsville Health Care Center. She was born Dec. 14, 1912 at Bens Run, W.Va., a daughter of the late Ed and Cora Ann Williamson Mikes.

She was a former dietary aide from the Wetzel County Hospital, New Martinsville; had worked at the glass house in Paden City; was a member of the Steelton Church of Christ, New Martinsville; and was a member of the Wetzel county Senior Citizens. She loved quilting, sewing, crocheting and flowers.

Surviving are three daughters, Barbara (Dan) Probst of Paden City, Linda (Larry) Zumpetta of New Martinsville, Joyce Wise of New Martins-ville; a brother, Edward Mikes of Canton; three sisters, Helen Storlik of Alliance, Betty Lou Detchon of Alliance, Marjorie Beaver of Paden City; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Paden on Dec. 5, 1989; a daughter, Rosalie Cline; three brothers, Robert Mikes, Roy Mikes, Willard Mikes; two sisters, Mary Buchanon, Doris Smith; two sons-in-law, Bill Wise, Kenneth Cline; and a great-grandson, Drew Cain.

Friends were received Feb. 12 at Jarvis-Williams Funeral Home, New Martinsville, where funeral services were held Feb. 13, with Ed Melott officiating. Burial followed in Paden Memorial Gardens, Paden City.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3901 Briscoe Rd., P.O. Box 4451, Parkersburg, W.Va. 26104.

Arrangements by Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield. Online condolences at www.wattersfuneralhome.com

PAUL MELLOTT
Paul E. Mellott, 77, SR 78, Clarington, died Feb. 8, 2010 at Wetzel County Hospital, New Martinsville. He was born Aug. 9, 1932 in Cameron, a son of the late Elbert H. and Anna Johnson Mellott.

He was a retired millwright from Conalco Corporation; a member of the USWA #5760; Moose Lodge #931, New Martinsville; Sistersville BPOE #333; Moriah Lodge #105 F & A.M., Powhatan Point; VFW Post 9930 Duffy; American Legion Post #760 Hannibal; Osiris Shrine Temple, Wheeling; a U.S. Army veteran and a Protestant by faith.

Surviving are his eldest daughter, Linda (Art) Lude of Sardis, and her children, Justin, Sarah, Joshua, Jeremy and Joe; three great-grandchildren, Serena, Rylee and Cade; his wife Betty Mellott, their three children together, Tom (Debie) Mellott of Clarington, Tammy (Morgan) Givens of Howard and Tim (Chris) Mellott of Clarington; three grandchildren, Bryan, Megan and Abby Mellott; a sister, Patty (Bud) Herndon of West Liberty; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ray Mellott; and a sister, Martha Hill.

Friends were received Feb. 11 at Grisell Funeral Home, Clarington, with Masonic Services and funeral services were held Feb. 12, with Rev. Richard Wilson officiating. Burial was in Cameron Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Moose Lodge #931, 180 North St., New Martinsville, WV 26155 or to Osiris Shriners Hospital Burn Center, 91 Kruger St., Wheeling, WV 26003.

Sympathy expressing at grisellfuneralhomes.com