New Monroe County Court Facility Completed

After almost 20 years of effort and overcoming a number of financial hurdles, the County Court of Monroe County has completed the final stages of construction of a new court facility. Judge Jim Peters has been the presiding judge of the court since 1989 and had repeatedly met with the Monroe County Commission-ers regarding the need for a new facility; however, funds were never available. After 20 years, enough money was accumulated in the court’s own Special Projects Fund to begin the project. The balance was borrowed and the payments on the loan are paid by the court from the same fund. None of the funds used to finance the project came from the County General Fund.

The new facility features a blend of modern design and the historic dignity of the courthouse. The bench from the old courtroom was salvaged and installed in the new courtroom. The original white oak chairs from the Common Pleas Court jury box were pulled out of storage at the County Home and installed in the new jury box. The counsel table, which has been in use in the court for nearly a hundred years, was refinished by inmates at the Monroe County Jail and put back into service.

The seating in the courtroom gallery is white oak benches with pads which were found on a website featuring used church furniture. Nine 13 foot long white oak pews were purchased from a church in southwest Ohio, at a cost of $125 each and are very similar to the white oak benches in the Common Pleas courtroom. Decorating the walls of the courthouse are large copies of the original blue prints of the Monroe County Courthouse.

While maintaining the historical ambiance of the courthouse, the courtroom features state of the art digital recording software, a flat screen display for viewing exhibits videos and photographs, and the latest probation management software. The Clerk of the court occupies the former office of the County Commissioners while the courtroom and Probation Department are in the space formerly occupied by the Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District. In addition to Judge Peters, the court is staffed by Clerk Brenda Roberts, Deputy Clerk Sunessa Miller, Chief Probation Officer Jason Harter and Probation Officer Mike Young.

Our Readers Write 

Dear Editor,

Many things concern me with the direction our community and world is heading. There is no pride in our towns or communities; a do-as-I-please attitude; no caring for others. the welfare of animals is put before the welfare of our fellowman.

Why doesn’t every business/owner in downtown Woodsfield have to keep their sidewalks clean of ice and snow? How about keeping them in good repair?

How long are we going to have to look at that beautiful orange fence in the center of town? Is it trying to hide the pipe stored there and the mud hole?

I heard schools in one community are delaying school on Feb. 7, so students could stay up to watch the Super Bowl. Really? Sure it wasn’t to give the adults time to recover from their parties? Is this a wise choice for delaying our children’s education?

Why are we treating animals, especially dogs, better than people? I don’t believe in mistreating animals but are we not going overboard -- bake sale for a dog, fundraisers to help pay the vet bills, etc? Why not put our efforts into helping our veterans pay their doctor bills, bake sales for those folks not able to pay for medication? Where  is the old fashion concern for people? Why not check in on the shut-ins - pay them a visit - do a good deed for someone?

I challenge everyone to take a long hard look at themselves. What can you do to show pride in our communities? What can you do to be a good neighbor?

We must all strive to not follow society’s newest craze, or what’s popular. Let’s improve our community pride and create a loving world for future generations.

Martha Potts

Woodsfield

Around the Burnside      

Never fear shadows; they simply mean there’s a light shining nearby.

The measure of life is not its duration but its donation.

Well, the big Super Bowl is over. I’m kind of glad it is. I was getting a tink tired of seeing and hearing Steelers.

Although I am not a fan of professional sports, I did want the Steelers to win and felt they would pull out a win even during the last minute or so. As you know, they didn’t, much to the disappointment of you Steeler fans. No big celebration, just a let down.

A couple of reasons I wanted the Steelers to win. First of all, a number of friends and folks I know are Steeler fans. The second reason was just about all the so-called experts that try to show how much they know and explain what you just saw, picked the Packers to win. In fact, only two that I saw in the pre-game picked the Steelers to win and one of those was Terry Bradshaw, who would have probably gotten shot if he had picked the Packers. I like to see these guys pick wrong. The 55 people the Times Leader asked to predict the outcome, 20 picked the Packers and 35 picked the Steelers. I have to admit it but the elephant maybe had some inside information when it walked over and smashed the Steeler watermelon. Maybe even caused the three turnovers.

One thing I didn’t like about the Super Bowl was the singing of our National Anthem. I probably shouldn’t say it, but I’m going to anyway. To this old veteran, who at the age of 20, was a kid on Iwo Jima, taking care of wounded Marines and spent six months in Japan after the war, it was an insult. I cannot understand why so many of our singers think they have to screek, scream and yell when they sing our National Anthem. To me it’s an insult and to our country. Singing as it was written shows respect.

One other thing I liked about the Super Bowl was the halftime show. I could hardly wait to watch and hear the “Black Eyed Peas” at halftime. Who am I kidding? To me it was about as exciting as sitting on our deck in the rain watching the grass grow and the water flowing down Back Street. I’ll never know or understand what is called music nowadays. Jumping and yelling and singing words that you can’t understand even with new batteries in your hearing aids. I guess I’m just not with it or something. OK I could have turned the TV to a basketball game and not watched the halftime show. Then I wouldn’t have had it to gripe about. I understand that over 111 million people watched the telecast, largest TV audience ever. Maybe a million bucks for a 30 second commercial is worth it? Over 111 people for a buck.

I started out complaining about the Super Bowl hype many days before the event and then here I’ve spent two plus pages complaining about some of the things I disliked about the program. It does you good to complain sometimes even if it doesn’t accomplish much.

Remember: The best safety device in a car is a rearview mirror with a police officer in it.

I had a chance a few weeks ago to ride in a brand spanking new car. Wow! I didn’t realize what a new car could offer. In addition to having a seat warmer to keep your bottom end warm when it’s cold, which could be a job for some drivers, you tell it a phone number and it will dial it, connect and talk to you. It shows you how fast you are going, how much fuel you are using, the miles per gallon if running on gasoline, how far you can drive before stopping to fill up, the time of day, world wide radio, a see-through roof on some, the temperature, to name just a few. In fact, it will do just about everything except go to the bathroom for you and it can be equipped to tell and show you where the nearest restroom is located. Then to top things off it has a camera in the back to let you know what you’ve hit when you back up. I’ve only touched on a few of the things available. They have come a long way since the Model T Ford.

Here I am, nearly finished writing for this week and I haven’t mentioned anything or complained about the weather, and I’m not as February is only a couple or so weeks longer then the good stuff rolls in, I hope.

I kind of hate to tell you this, but things sometimes happen. Turning on our TV about 12:30 Sunday and plopping in my easy chair until near midnight, flipping from post game, OSU basketball game and several trips to you know where it was close to Monday. I stayed till the bitter end and the news. I hustled off to bed and do you know what happened? I wasn’t sleepy. I got up at one o’clock, watched a movie, went back to bed at 2:30 a.m. and slept till 10:30 a.m. So there!

Laugh at yourself first, before everyone else can.

No games Sunday morning; try church.

Participants in the Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE) program were presented with certificates during a short ceremony Feb. 14. Shown, from left, are seated: Patrick, Patricia and Kyle Sandeydiego; first row standing: Tanya Fluharty, Bryana Leasure, Justin Compton, Denis Stewart, Wilma Cline, Charity Holland, Linda Broemsen, Krystal Ruger and instructor Janelle Comstock; back: Monroe County Commissioners Carl Davis, John Pyles and Tim Price. Not shown is teacher’s aide Billie Walters.                      
Photo by Martha Ackerman

ABLE Class Receive Certificates

by Martha Ackerman
Publisher

In celebration of Adult Education Week, a certificate ceremony was held Feb. 14 for participants in the Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE) program. Classes are held at the old Woodsfield High School. 

“These students have continued to make great strides towards a successful future and these accomplishments showcase the hard work and effort they have put forth,” said Janelle Comstock, instructor. “Since I have worked with the ABLE program here, we have had four students pass the GED test. I have worked with the ABLE program for 18 years and have had the opportunity to know 50-75 people pass the GED test.”

“No matter what age or level you are when you come back to get your GED, you can be successful, set goals and work hard to make them happen. Do it for yourself,” said Billie Ann Walters, instruction aide.

Receiving achievement certificates in specific subject areas were: Justin Compton, Charity Holland and Kyle Sandeydiego. Receiving a certificate but not present was Georgia Rohal.

Students who received Basic Skills certificates were Linda Broemsen, Wilma Cline, Tan-ya Fluharty, Bryanna Leasure, Krystal Ruger, Patricia San-deydiego, Patrick Sandey-diego and Denis Stewart. Receiving Basic Skills certificates but not present were Keisha Cope, Joseph Moore, Terry Mowery, Adam Quinn, Sheila Silva and Linda Snyder.

Tanya Fluharty was present to receive her Advanced Skills certificate. Also receiving this certificate, but not present, were Joseph Moore, Terry Mowery and Linda Snyder.

Students obtaining their GEDs were Courtney Hughey, who is attending WVNCC; Tanya Fluharty, who is attending BTC; and Linda Snyder, who is still working with hopes of promotions in her future.

There are four students who will be taking their GED tests in the next few months.

Monroe County Commis-sioners Carl Davis, John Pyles and Tim Price were on hand to help the students celebrate the occasion.

~ Senior Center Receives $1,000 Donation ~

Members of Lydia Temple #199, Pythian Sisters, presented a check for $1,000 to the Monroe County Senior Center. Alice Piatt, center site manager, accepted the check, noting the money will be used for steam table repairs, replacing the coffee maker and whatever the seniors decide they would like to use it for. Shown, from left, are Lydia Temple members Betty Ogden, manager; Betty Weber, executive senior; Alice Piatt; Lydia Temple members Mary Wiggins, treasurer and pianist, and Georgia Brown, secretary. According to the ladies, the money is from the State of Ohio Grand Temple Pythian Sisters. Not shown is Pauline Williams, MEC.          Photo by Martha Ackerman

Monroe County Trails Discussed Public Support Needed for Consideration

by Martha Ackerman
Publisher

Approximately 30 people representing local businesses, organizations and government entities attended a meeting which explored the possibility of trails being developed in Monroe County.

Dawn R. McCarthy, Ph.D., assistant district ranger, USDA Forest Service, Wayne National Forest, Athens Ranger District, and Bill Scripp, trails district manager, answered questions fielded from the attendees. Questions raised included: “Why don’t you have a plan to enhance Monroe County,” “Do we need to make a plan and have something to work with,”  “What form of support do you need?” “Can we get something to get the benefit from Lamping Homestead?” 

“Is there a 5, 10 or 20-year plan?” asked former commissioner Heber Piatt. Scripp replied there is a 5-year plan. To which Piatt asked, “Is there anything in the 5-year plan for Monroe County?”

To this Scripp said that 90 percent of the money is used to maintain what they have.

A map outlining a horse riding trail was circulated by Mike Howell of M&D Horses, Canoes and Kayaks. Questions were raised as to how this trail could be utilized. County Engineer Lonnie Tustin fielded questions regarding a bridge included in the 13 mile trail.

Public support is needed for any trails to be considered, noted Scripp. More meetings will be scheduled to coordinate a support effort.

Classifieds
■  2-17 Classifieds

OBITUARIES   

ROBERT H. BROWN, SR.
Robert H. Brown, Sr., 76, Monroe County Care Center, Woodsfield, died Feb. 9, 2011 at the center. He was born July 27, 1934 at Carlisle, a son of the late Ellis and Bernetta Kinnen Brown.

He was a retired inspector at Ormet Corp., Hannibal; a member of the former St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lewisville; a member of the Knights of Columbus;a former Little League coach and a former president of the Omal Credit Union. After his retirement, he moved to Holly HIll, S.C., where he enjoyed volunteering with high school sports and helping the elderly in the community. He also enjoyed  hunting, fishing and carpentry work.

Surviving are daughters, Renee (Kirk) Ogden of Marietta, Tammie Brown Schaber of Blacklick, Lee Ann (Matt) Carpenter of Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri; sons, Robert H. (Jan) Brown, Jr., of Fredonia, NY, Mark (Joyce) Brown of Marion, Preston (Dani) Brown of Canton; numerous cousins including Shelba Wills of Woodsfield; eight grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; and two aunts.

There was no visitation. A memorial mass will be held at a later date at St. Sylvester Catholic Church, Woodsfield. Inurnment will follow in the Eastern Cemetery, Summer-field.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Monroe County Care Center, 47045 Moore Ridge Rd., Woodsfield, OH 43793.

Arrangements by Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield. 

JUDY K. BLACKSTONE
Judy K. Blackstone, 66, 28300 TR 234, Summerfield, died Feb. 4, 2011 at her home. She was born near Summerfield on Nov. 30, 1944, a daughter of the late Franklin and Dessie Pearl Okey Reed.

She was a homemaker and formerly attended the Center Free Methodist Church, Sarahsville.

Surviving are her husband, Tom A. Blackstone, of Summerfield.

There was no visitation. Inurnment will be held at the convenience of the family at the Mt. Tabor Cemetery, near Summerfield.

Arrangements by Brubach-Watters Funeral Home, Summerfield.

WILMA EUNICE KINZY

Wilma Eunice Kinzy, 91, a lifelong resident of the Beallsville area, died Feb. 11, 2011 at Emeritus at North Hills in Zanesville. She was born June 28, 1919 near Beallsville, a daughter of the late Luther Vernon and Ada C. Farrabee Pittman.

She was a retired employee of the Barnesville Sewing Factory; a member of the Farm Bureau for many years, and a member of the Church of Christ which she faithfully attended at Ozark.

Surviving are a son, Donald D. (Darla) Kinzy of Zanesville; a daughter, Janet K. (Carmel) Murray of Ostrander; a granddaughter, Deanna J. (Randy) Briggs of Zanesville; a grandson, Clay King of Marysville; two great-grandsons, Mark (Aubrey) Briggs, Michael Briggs, both of Zanesville; and a great-great-grandchild is expected in April; a brother, Joe (Barb) Pittman of New Concord; and many special nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carl V. Kinzy, whom she married Aug. 3, 1937; a grandson, Travis Murray; four brothers, Lester, Oscar, Lloyd and Ray Pittman; and two sisters, Vessie Byrd and Wanda Pittman.

Visitation and funeral services were held Feb. 14 at Harper Funeral Home, Beallsville, with Minister Don Thompson officiating. Burial followed in Beallsville Cemetery.

Online condolences may be offered at www.harperfh.net

MARGARET V. EARLEY CHRISTMAN
Margaret V. Earley Christman, 96, 52173 SR 379, Quaker City, (Calais Community) died Feb. 12, 2011 at Selby General Hospital, Marietta. She was born Feb. 5, 1915 near Calais, a daughter of the late John P. and Mary Olga Carpenter Earley.

She spent most of her life as a homemaker and living on a farm near Calais. She was a member of the Seneca Valley Church of Christ near Calais.

Surviving are three sons, Dale (Joan) Christman of Lewisville, Ralph (Karen) Christman of St. Joseph, Michigan, Roger (Janet) Christman of Baltimore; a brother, Carl R. Earley of Canton; two sisters-in-law, Cleo Carpenter of Lewisville, Lucille Block Earley of Kentucky; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lee H. Christman; an infant daughter; three brothers, Wilford, Sylvan and Floyd Earley; and a sister, Genevieve Earley Schultz.

Friends will be received Feb. 16, from 5 - 8 p.m. at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield where funeral services will be held Feb. 17, at 11 a.m., with Frank Love and Kevin Tracy officiating. Burial followed in Calais Cemetery, Calais.

DR. ALFRED OLIVER
Dr. Alfred (Bud, Doc) Garipay Olivier, 89, Sardis, passed away peacefully at the Monroe County Care Center, Woodsfield, Feb. 5, 2011, after living a healthy, brilliant life.

He was born and raised in New Hampshire and he truly held the state’s “Live Free or Die” to heart and believed in equal rights for all men and women no matter your race, creed, nationality, or color. He enlisted in the Army in 1942 to serve in WW II. He was stationed in England and served till the war was over. He went on to college at the University of New Hampshire and completed it in only two years. He was then accepted into the prestigious veterinary school, the University of Pennsylvania (New Bolton Center) where he graduated top of his class - magnum cum laude. He was also a member of his fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho. He then married his wife Dr. Margaret (Peg) Olivier in May 1955, and then went to work for the USDA. Doc (Bud) was then hired by Edgewood Arsenal Proving Grounds to oversee the goat herds at the Wound-bolistics and Biophysics Departments.

In Nov. 1963 he was called in by the Kennedy Administra-tion to investigate the death of JFK. He testified before the Warren Commission and proved his single bullet theory. He also marched with Martin Luther King to Washington, D.C. for the civil rights of all. He was known for his photographic memory and he was so intelligent that they couldn’t put an I.Q. number to his level.

In 1977 he retired and moved to a peaceful, beautiful farm between Sardis and Woodsfield with his wife Peg.

Surviving are a daughter, Catherine Olivier McCullough of Sardis; a son, Alfred Garipay Olivier, Jr., of Baltimore, Maryland; a brother, Dr. James Olivier of Georgia; a grandson, Austin Derrick McCullough; and many nieces, nephews and ever more grand nieces and nephews. He was a font of knowledge and inspiration to  his son and daughter and many others. He was their hero and greatest dad ever to many more than just his children. He will be truly missed by so many.

He was preceded in death by his father Anthony Napoleon Olivier and his mother Gertrude Isabelle Garipay Olivier, his wife, Dr. Peg Olivier; and a brother, Gordon Olivier.

Friends were received Feb. 9 at Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, Woodsfield.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Feb. 10 at St. Sylvester Catholic Church, Woodsfield, with Rev. Fr. David Gaydosik officiating. Burial in the church cemetery.

Vigil services were held Feb. 9 at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.bauerturner.com

NIRA E. BURKHART
Nira E. Burkhart, 73, 37179 SR 260, Sycamore Valley, died Feb. 11, 2011 at Marietta Memorial Hospital. She was born April 30, 1937 near Sycamore Valley, a daughter of the late Arlie and Nettie Anderson Martin.

She was a homemaker and a sheep farmer. She was a member of the Pleasant Ridge Church near Graysville. She enjoyed helping out at the Bethel Community Center, Marr, and also enjoyed piecing quilts.

Surviving are her husband, Robert N. Burkhart, whom she married Oct. 12, 1957; three daughters, Twila (Bob) Dougherty of Lewisville, Judy (Nathan) Moyer of Belmont, Barb Hart of Sycamore Valley; five grandchildren, Adam (Jaime) Dougherty, Samantha (Adam) Farnsworth, Kelly Dougherty, Robby Hart, Olivia Moyer; two great-grandchildren, Corbin and Isabella Farnsworth; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Zaile Martin and a nephew, Stephen Martin.

Friends were received Feb. 13 at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield, where funeral services were held Feb. 14, with Keith Jones officiating. Burial followed in Creighton Ridge Cemetery near Sycamore Valley.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethel Community Center, c/o Irene Clift, 31001 Little Injun Rd., Lower Salem, OH 45745.

JOSEPH E. FETTY, SR.
Joseph E. Fetty, Sr., 46, 220 Oaklawn Ave., Woodsfield, went to Heaven on Feb. 11, 2011 surrounded by his loving family following a long, hard battle with cancer and is no longer in pain. He was born July 9, 1964, a son of Richard and Mary Fleischer Bland of Woodsfield.

He was a painter by trade and attended St. Sylvester Catholic Church, Woodsfield. He was an avid scrapper and loved to spend time with his family.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, are his loving wife of 20 wonderful years, Wendy Sydow to care for their children. He was a very caring and loving father of six children, Nicole (Mark) Bregar, Brandy (David) Crager, Megan (Kevin) Summers all of Youngstown and Marlee, Erin and Joey Jr., all of the home; loving brothers and sisters, James Fetty, Henry (Mary) Fetty, William (Andrea) Fetty, all of Youngstown, Tina Fetty (Mike) Addison of Michigan, Tracy Doss of Texas; and three grandchildren, Madison, Gavin and Keagan.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Emily and numerous family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.

There was no visitation or service. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements by Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield.

LEWIS DEAN HENSEL
Lewis Dean Hensel, 74, Fly, died Feb. 11, 2011 at Wetzel County Hospital, New Martinsville. He was born Sept. 10, 1936 in Brownsville, a son of the late Raymond and Anna Bonam Hensel.

He was a member and Deacon of the Gravel Hill Baptist Church at Fly and a U.S.Army veteran. He had worked as a ferry boat pilot for Sistersville, Jackson Township Trustee for eight years, was a mechanic for Knowlton Ford for over 37 years and was currently the groundskeeper at Rivers Edge Camp Ground and Activity Center.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Garnet Ritchie Hensel of Fly; a daughter, Jacqueline “Jacie” (Fred) Binegar of Antioch; a brother, Neal (Barbara) Hensel of Brownsville; a sister, Sharon (Leonard) Ritchie of New Matamoras; two grandchildren, Heather (Josh) Smith of Reno, Logan Dean Binegar of Antioch; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends were received Feb. 15 at Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, Woodsfield, where funeral services will be held Feb. 16 at 2 p.m., with Pastor Jim Dickey officiating. Burial in Mehrley Cemetery, Fly. www.bauerturner.com 

ETHEL E. EBERLE
Ethel E. Eberle, 98, Ozark, (Beallsville), died Feb. 11, 2011 at the Woodsfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born May 7, 1912 in Bellaire, a daughter of the late Elmer and Mary Steed Truex.

She was a member of Ozark Church of Christ and she and her late husband, Clifford, were custodians of the Monroe County Court House for a number of years.

Surviving are a daughter, Thelma (Buz) Frame of Lore City; two grandchildren, Doug Frame of Lore City, Karen Grindle of North Carolina; five great-grandchildren, Casey Frame, Courtney Frame, Connor Frame, Raeliene Frame, Kyla Milosavljevic; a step-great-grandson, Chad (Libby) Caudill and their son Hunter; and a great-great-granddaughter, Lynzee.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Eberle in 1987; a daughter, Wilda Grindle; and a grandson, Rusty Frame.

Graveside services were held Feb. 15 at Ozark Cemetery with Don Thompson officiating. 

Arrangements by Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, Woodsfield.

Condolences can be expressed at www.bauerturner.com