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740-472-0734 ■ P.O. Box 70, Woodsfield, OH 43793 ■ monroecountybeacon@sbcglobal.net
Below are links to portions of this week's news articles. For the full story, pick up a paper at your local newsstand or send $2 ($2.50 if the issue is over 3 months old) with date of paper requested, your name and address to P.O. Box 70, Woodsfield, OH 43793 and we will send you a paper.
Feb. 25, 2010
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Monroe County Commissioners passed a resolution in emergency
session Feb. 17 proclaiming a state of emergency in
by
Martha Ackerman
Monroe County Commissioners, John Pyles, Carl Davis and Tim
Price, met in an emergency session Feb. 17 to pass a resolution
proclaiming Monroe County in a state of emergency due to the
heavy snowfalls that have blanketed the county since Feb. 5.
As
the county's snowfall now exceeds 31 inches, the county has been
at a level 2 road snow emergency seven out of 14 days. Schools
have been closed six out of the eight days.
Phil
Keevert, interim director of the Monroe County Emergency
Management Agency, brought to the board preliminary estimates
totaling $450,000. The estimates included the "The
biggest issue is the blowing and drifting," said Keevert. "There are only a few townships
that have full time employees. Most of the trustees have full
time jobs and, he added that they are trying to keep the roads
passable."
He also said that a lot of the work being done is volunteer.
Pyles noted that several counties bordering
Keevert will submit the declaration to the Ohio Emergency
Management Agency and the Governor Strickland will receive a
copy. With contiguous counties declaring a state of emergency,
it is hoped state help would be forthcoming. Fear of flooding is a concern. "One of the biggest things we are looking at right now," said Keevert, "is the melt rate of the packed snow; not so much of what is here, but what is north of us."
Suicide Coalition
Formed:
by Taylor Abbott
On Feb. 18, county officials, residents and family members, who
have lost loved ones to suicide, met to form Monroe County's
first suicide prevention coalition.
Cheryl Holton, Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation program
administrator, spoke to those present about the organization and
how
Before Holton began, Pandora Neuhart, county auditor, thanked
everyone for attending and said, "Too many wonderful residents
of this county have been lost to suicide. I lost two friends
last year to it. I do not want to see this happen again. With
all of us here today, we can make this program work."
Holton, a native of
Ohio's suicide prevention plan centers on three main aspects:
Awareness, Intervention, and Methodology. Holton said that
public awareness needs to be increased.
Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t never gonna happen
anyhow.
A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.
What does the word responsible mean to you? If what I read in
the paper is true, many have forgotten what it means.
I think just about everyone knows their driver’s and car
licenses are to be renewed on your birthday, car license every
year. Driver’s licenses are probably easier to forget as they
are good longer.
As I understand things you can renew both a month before they
expire. This gives you a full month to remember to renew.
I guess quite a few were renewing the licenses late so the wise
men passed a law or regulation it would cost an extra $20 if you
were over seven days late.
This act set off a boat load of excuses and complaints that
would put a school boy’s excuse for not having his homework to
shame. It’s amazing how many different excuses (reasons) for
missing a deadline there are.
The point I’m trying to make is not forgetting to renew but
making an excuse. It’s easy to forget, I know. I think I’ve
forgotten my driver’s license a couple of time, once a day or
so before I would have needed to take a driver’s test. Just
last year I drove around maybe a month or more on an old
sticker. I don’t know when I would have thought of it until
Phil called my attention to it. Who knows how long I would have
driven around with old plates.
Anyone can forget. My question is, Whose fault is it if you
forget? You forgot and no one forced or caused you to forget.
Even if you tell someone not to let you forget, that is a weak
excuse.
So if you forget and it’s an extra $20, pay it and do what I
did this year. I pasted my 2010 sticker on my license plate
nearly a month before my birthday. I could get 13 months out of
it if I wanted.
I think too many of us make excuses for something when we are at
fault. Even
The thing that makes you wonder is, I heard the wise thinkers in
Have you talked to anyone lately and the subject of snow hasn’t
come up? Here I sit looking at 12 inches plus on our picnic
table. I hope it doesn’t break down.
As a kid I remember we would make ice cream from good white
snow. Tasted mighty good. We steered clear of snow that had a
yellow tint. I even remembered when I was nine years old the
temperature dropped to minus 24.
One good thing about a big storm or snow on the way. It seems as
though just about everyone goes to the store to stock up. I
swear I think Esther and I could hold out until after spring
sets in. One thing enjoyable about going to the store at this
time you get to see and talk to a lot of people you haven’t
seen for a good while. I did hear things were going to warm up
in March.
I guess I’m to the point that the snow doesn’t really bother
me anymore.
First of all, we were fortunate to have electricity all of the
time. I do not mind sitting in my easy chair and watching TV. I
gives me a chance to watch a number of old TV programs I had
forgotten. Only two must do trips in February and two doctor
appointments in March and an excellent afternoon with a couple
of our great-grandkids. One has developed into quite a story
teller. So tell me what have I got to complain about? Plus the
fact I’ve had my share of snow experience. Even all our bills
are paid for the month with a tink left over and I can’t get
out to spend it. What more could I want?
Remember when you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
Head to church Sunday; beat the snow storm that's on the way.
Dear Editor, Just a note to tell you how much I enjoy
reading the Beacon weekly. I know you will do a good job in your
new role. I enjoyed your first column and always enjoy those of
Verylnn, Denny and Mary Valentine
Never having lived in Woodsfield I only
know most of those mentioned in the Beacon from reading about
them. I grew up in New Matamoras but have lived in the
I do, however, have some distant ties. My
great-great-grandfather, James Cunningham (1797-1860) was an
early settler in your area and is buried in the
Please pass on our best wishes to Arlean in her retirement. She
did an excellent job for many years. Thanks for a “good read
each week. Best wishes in the future to you and your
staff.
Jack Cunningham
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Honored at the 11th annual Joined Hearts in Giving, hosted by
Ohio First Lady Frances Strickland and the Ohio Department of
Aging were local couple Aaron and Charlene Miller of
Beallsville. The Millers, center, are shown with Barbara E.
Riley, left; and Ohio's First Lady Frances Strickland.
Photo Submitted
Millers
Honored at Valentine's Day Observance in
Aaron and Charlene Miller of Beallsville were one of those
couples.
The Millers have been married 52 years and are long-time
volunteers with
The couple serve together in the American Blonde d'Aquitaine
Cattle Association, where Aaron has been on the board of
directors for 15 years and was recently elected vice-president.
They recently hosted the association's annual fall meeting at
their farm in
For two years Aaron and Charlene have been involved with Team
Monroe, a local development partnership of
Charlene also serves on the tourism and river museum committees,
as well as the Monroe County Business Incubator Committee. Aaron
is currently vice-president of the Monroe County Farm Bureau.
For 22 years Charlene has been a member of the Woodsfield Garden
Club and has served as treasurer/secretary. "Friday
was a very special day for us,"
said Charlene. The reception at the Governor's Mansion hosted by
First Lady Frances Strickland and Barbara Riley, Director of
Ohio Department of Aging, was warm and personal. We were honored
to be one of the 22 couples receiving recognition. "There
were many opportunities to speak with the media, the First Lady
and the Director of Aging. Those of us who spoke about our
volunteerism and long married life received a special gift from
the First Lady. "We
emphasized promotion of our county through Team Monroe and
especially tourism. We were permitted to ask two guests and we
chose our two 19-year-old grandkids Heather Miller and Ozzie
Thomas. They also had opportunities to talk with the First Lady. "Heather is a student at The Ohio State University majoring in design and was asked for some decorating suggestions by the First Lady! Ozzie told her of his dreams of becoming a musician."
Joined Hearts in Giving honors Ohioans at least 60 years old who
have been married 40 years or longer and who share a commitment
to volunteerism. "Ohio
is a better place because of the efforts of these great people,"
said the First Lady. "Through the hours they volunteer and the
hard work, they embody all that makes this state exceptional." "The devotion of these couples is truly heart-warming," said Riley. "Their commitment to each other and their passion to help others is a model we can all take to heart."
An informal appreciation get-together for former Emergency
Management Agency Director Rick Schuerman was held Feb. 17 at
the Woodsfield Emergency Squad facility. Shown awarding a plaque
of appreciation to Schuerman is Rick Shipp, president of both
the Monroe County Emergency Squad Association and the Monroe
County Fire Association. Photo by M. Ackerman
Schuerman Recognized
for Service
by Martha Ackerman
"It's all about you guys; the people in the field who are out
there when the bell goes off," said Schuerman.
"I'm extremely humbled. Walking away from the EMA job has been
difficult. You are the county's first line of defense for this
county. That's made my job successful. I really truly appreciate
this. I'm right across town. I didn't leave. I will always be
here involved in public safety. Everyone has my cell phone
number. Iwill continue to work with Phil (Keevert, interim EMA
director). "Hats off to everyone here who has worked so hard."
Attending the event were representatives from the six emergency
squads-
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RALPH E. YOSS
He graduated from
Surviving are his wife, Elena, whom he married April 14, 2007;
three daughters, Jane (Ray) Hobson of Jeromesville, Kate (Brad)
Long of Ashland, Julia Yoss at home; a son, Charles (Ann) Yoss
of Dayton; five grandchildren, Jon and Ben Hobson, Jenni Long
and Elizabeth and Juliana Yoss; and a sister, Susie Baker.
Friends were received Feb. 20 at
Memorial contributions may be made to the
Crosser Funeral Home, Port Clinton was in charge of
arrangements.
VELMA E. KINNEY
She was a homemaker and a member of the Graysville Church of
Christ and enjoyed reading cook books and traveling.
Surviving are three sons, Brent Kinney of
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her
husband, Harold B. Kinney, Jr. on March 29, 2009; three infant
children, Keith David Kinney, Sharon Eileen Kinney, Bruce Harold
Kinney; two sisters, Fanchion and Violet; and a brother,
Clifford Heddleson.
Friends were received Feb. 19 at Watters Funeral Home,
Woodsfield, where funeral services were held Feb. 20, with
Jeremy Kinney officiating. Burial followed in
Memorial contributions may be made to the Graysville Church of
Christ, c/o Jeremy Kinney,
Online condolences may be expressed
at www.wattersfuneralhome.com
She was an avid bowler and enjoyed sewing and quilting.
Surviving are a son, Samuel (Selina) Dillon of Va.; three
daughters, Donna (William) Cunningham of Canal Fulton, Cynthia
(Daniel) McKenzie of N.C., Tana Jarc of
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Clarence "Toad"
Dillon and David L. Lumbatis.
Memorial service was held Feb. 23 in the Mausoleum Chapel at
Memorial contributions may be made to the
Arrangements by Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, Canal
MAXINE F. VASIL
She was a veteran of the Army during WWII. She worked at Twin
Star Lanes for many years in
Surviving are a son, James M. (Linda Knippenberg) Vasil of
Gainesville, Fla.; a daughter, Sylvia Bowen of Beallsville; two
grandchildren, Joey Bowen of Frisco, Texas, Wendi Pinkerton of
Woodsfield; and four great-grandchildren, Mandi Rosen of
Florida, Corey Truax of California, Kristopher Pinkerton of
Woodsfield and Cameron Bowen of Woodsfield.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her
husband, James M. Vasil; son-in-law, David J. Bowen; two
sisters, Vida Butcher, Mereta Butcher; and two brothers, Rexford
and Gifford Persing.
Friends were received Feb. 21 at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home,
Kent, where funeral services were held Feb. 22, with Rev. James
Jones officiating. Entombment will be in
Arrangements by Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, Woodsfield.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.bauerturner.com
Surviving are a daughter-in-law, Carolyn Rinard of
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her
husband, William Denver Rinard, Oct. 2005; a son, Gary Denver
Rinard; a brother, Larry Crawford; and a sister, Bernace McGarry.
Friends were received Feb. 20 until time of funeral service at
Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, Woodsfield, with Rev. David Hull-Frye
officiating. Burial was in
Condolences may be expressed at
SUSIE JANE WHITLOCK
Surviving are a daughter, Karen (Michael) Murdock of Clarington;
a son, David Whitlock and Kathy Gentry of Vandalia; two sisters,
Beatrice Hall of Lizemore, W.Va., Thelma Drake of Falling Rock,
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a
brother, Samuel P. Mullins; and three sisters, Hattie Townsend,
Edith Midkiff and Juanita Davis.
Memorial services will be held at the
Arrangements by Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, Woodsfield.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.bauerturner.com
He was a member of the
Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Zelda Harding Cline of
Sardis; a son, Roger Cline of Sardis; a brother, Gayle Cline,
Jr., of Malvern; also his adopted family: two sons, Mark (Barb)
Williams of Woods-field, Randy (Emma) Williams of Graysville;
five grandchildren, Melissa (Dale) Williams Gardner, Kevin
Williams, Jonathan (MJ) Williams, Travis (Kate) Williams, Jacob
Williams; two great-grandchildren, Owen Dale Williams, Wesley
Howard Williams; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two
brothers, Francis and Wilbur Cline.
Friends were received Feb. 21 at Bauer-Turner Funeral Home,
Woodsfield, where funeral services were held Feb. 22, with Tim
Fleeman officiating. Burial was in
Condolences may be expressed at www.bauerturner.com |
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