<Block Appointed to
State Duties

Ann Block

Read more in the Jan. 18, 2007, edition...
Monroe County's Deputy Director of the Board of Elections, Ann Block,  has resigned that post to accept  a position with Ohio's new Secretary of State, Jennifer Brunner.
"I will be a Regional Field Representative for a seven county region," said Block. Those counties will include Monroe, Belmont, Noble, Jefferson, Washington, Harrison and Morgan. Block will serve as one of the department's 15 regional representatives across the state.
Based from her home in Monroe County, Block will serve as a liaison with the county boards of elections and represent the Secretary of State at events in the region when Brunner is not available.

<Memory of Local Youth Lives On Through Organ Donations

Jordan Arbogast

Members of the Beallsville High School class of 2006 remember Jordan Arbogast who was killed in an automobile accident in November 2005. In his memory, they donated the bench to the school.
 From left are: Kaylan Isaly, Clarissa Milhoan, Erin Doughty, Jennifer Reisz, Carrie Tyo, Jessica Dunn and Whitney Trigg.   
                                            Photo Submitted

by Gwynn Clifford
Staff Writer
The life of one Beallsville youth, Jordan Arbogast, is being remembered in many ways-through the memories
of friends and family, through memorials at Beallsville High School and Jerusalem United Methodist Church and perhaps, most importantly, through the lives he touched in his wish to be an organ donor.
Jordan was killed in an automobile accident on Nov. 26, 2005. But long before that, he had completed the
organ donor request when he got his drivers license.
"It was his decision," said Jordan's mother, Diane Arbogast. "We really didn't know he had made that choice until his accident. We found out later that he had discussions with his aunt about it."
Jordan's thoughts were that once you are gone, you don't have a need for the organs that might offer others a chance at a better quality of life.
In his death, that is just what Jordan gave others a better quality of life. His corneas now help a 56-year-old woman and a 64-year-old man to see. Bone grafts, lower leg blood vessels and soft tissue donations are helping countless others who have experienced disease, burns and heart conditions.
Recently, the Arbogast family was part of a Family Circle Garden event hosted by Lifeline of Ohio, in Columbus.
"We were there among the other donor families whose loved ones lost were children," said Diane. "When one
mother hugged me, she said you just can't realize the gift he gave-he gave life to others."
Diane wants people to be aware of the organ donation process and to consider the decision before something
tragic happens.
"I didn't want to think about all of this at first," she shared. "John was the one who encouraged me and who took the time to talk with the organizations about the details."
They explained that they once had a narrow vision of what organ donation meant. They did not realize all of the ways this process could help others.
"Some people have a phobia of organ donation. I am just amazed that Jordan at his young age knew that it was something he wanted to do," said Diane.
His father explained that through his faith, Jordan knew Christ at a young age and because of his faith, the family has hope that he is in heaven. But, through their loss, others have gained.
"We get strength through our faith. It's hard to believe how many lives were touched through this tragedy," John shared. "But, at the same time, it
makes the verse (Romans 8:28) have true meaning-we know that all things work together for good to those
who love the Lord."
He went on to list the many donations made in Jordan's honor to the Jerusalem United Methodist Church. A pew will be placed in the new building in his memory. Others gave donations that made the new building process possible with little debt.
"We don't want his memory to die," said Diane. "He was just such a good kid, and even in this tragedy, he made it so that others were helped-the letter said 'your child is a hero'-to me, that says it all." His parents are working with AK Apparel and Lifeline of Ohio to craft a memory square for Jordan that will be included in the organization's donor family quilt project. As quilts have long been an art form capturing spirit and emotions, the quilt project is a visual testament connecting past and present and honoring the human spirit of the individuals who chose to give life. More than 94,000 Americans currently
await life-saving organ transplants with 18 people dying each day due to the shortage of donated organs.
Every year hundreds of thousands of people need donated tissue to prevent or cure blindness, heal burns or save limbs.
Answers to questions about organ donation and signing
up in the Ohio Donor Registry can be found at
www.lifelineofohio.org.
 

<Jerusalmen UMC to
Celebrate Building
Dedication Jan. 21

Jerusalem United Methodist Church will celebrate another milestone in its 150-plus-year history Jan. 21 when they dedicate their new building. Shown above is the new sanctuary. In the photo inset below, is the church's side door emblazened with the UMC logo. The
previous building, at the same location, was destroyed by fire in the early morning hours of Nov. 16, 2005.

Read more in the Jan. 18, 2007, edition...
by Gwynn Clifford
Staff Writer
There's something special about worshipping in Jerusalem--the Ohio version of the historic city in Israel known as the "Holy City" of Christianity. That is the sentiment of John Arbogast, a member of the Jerusalem United Methodist Church.
Members will celebrate another milestone in the church's 150-plus-year history Jan. 21 when they dedicate their new building.
Their previous building was destroyed by fire in the early morning hours of Nov. 16, 2005 in what was recorded as an electrical fire.
"By the time I arrived, the fire trucks were on the scene, but the church was a total loss," said church leader Ken Phillips.
"We all had to be reminded that the structure where we meet isn't the true church, it's the people," he added. Phillips is 63 years old and has been a member of the congregation all of his life. He remembers when the church relocated to the SR145 location in the mid-1960s.
Like any small congregation, members pulled together and did a lot of the work themselves, raised funds and donated items to get the church back up and running in as short a time as possible with as little debt as
possible.
"We had so many people donate things and provide monies, they would be too many to list," said
Phillips.
Among the list of items provided by the community are a piano, the unique alter rails with hidden trays for the communion cups, a new sound system and the Eucharist Table.
Westwood Landing resident, Martha McIntire, who knows about the church from its ministry there, donated the unique artwork of Christ shown in the sanctuary above.
Local builder T.J. Jeffers of Barnesville was responsible for the primary contracting work. The
heating, cooling and plumbing was installed by Brian's
Refrigeration.
Church leaders worked with architect, Monroe County native Dave Haught, to create a new building on the existing foundation.
"We tried to think about making the best use of our space," shared Arbogast. "The sanctuary (which will hold nearly 150) used to face the opposite direction and the entrance was at the other end of the building.
This way, we have a nice foyer and the steps leading to the basement which were once external are now enclosed."
The church's basement features a fellowship hall, kitchen and restrooms.
In addition to the temporary loss of their building, this year the church has also faced the temporary loss of their minister, Robert L Phillips due to a severe
stroke.
Many of the certified lay leaders at the church have stepped up to fill in and share the duties of the
minister as he recovers.
"We want to encourage young people and families to join us. There are plenty of folks who don't attend church anywhere routinely, and we hope they will
consider us and find that our church has something to offer," said Phillips.
Members of the Board of Trustees who spearheaded the
building efforts include: Jim Smith, chairman of the project; Richard Miller, Bill Davis, Vernon Ebert, Blaine Smith and John Arbogast.
The community is invited to share with the church in its special celebration on Jan. 21. The dedication service will be held at 9:30 a.m. by Rev. Wanda Wilson, Superintendent of the Southern Hills District of the East Ohio Conference, with a special luncheon following. A celebration song service will be held at 2 p.m. The church is located on SR145 in Jerusalem.

< School Board Rescinds Salary Increases for Administration

 

Read more in the Jan. 18, 2007, edition...
by Arlean Selvy
Publisher
Two-and-a-half hours of talking in executive session concluded with the Switzerland of Ohio School Board rescinding a motion made at its Dec. 21 meeting which increased the administrative salary schedule by
one-and-a-half percent.
On a motion by board member Jeff Williamson, the Dec. 21 motion to accept the personnel package was rescinded. The vote saw affirmative votes by board
members Teresa Gallagher, Ed Carelton and Williamson.
Board president Ron Winkler abstained. Winkler originally voted against the personnel package as he did not agree with the administrative increase.
Williamson, Gallagher and Carleton had not understood
that the administrative increase was a part of the  personnel packet.
Scott Dierkes, who was absent from last week's meeting, voted against the increase on Dec. 21.

< Interim Director Hired
For Monroe Co. JFS

<MRDD Board Meeting Held to Address Bus Incident,
Measures

Monroe County Board of MRDD held a special meeting Jan. 10 to discuss an incident in which a physically and mentally handicapped 20-year-old was left on a bus for about six hours.
Several parents spoke at the meeting, including Paula Prince, foster mother of Dina, who was inadvertently left on a bus. Others speaking during a public comment period included Bill Frank, board president; Barb Williams, a program bus driver and Francis
'Sonny' Block, county commissioner.
MRDD Supt. Helen K. Ring described the Jan. 2  incident to the Board. She said immediate measures were taken to assure the student's health and safety, and noted that Dina was not injured. Ring informed the Board that Dina returned to school the following day and has continued to attend since the incident. Ring
also informed board members that appropriate reports have been filed with local and state agencies.

< Our Readers Write: Letters
to the Editor

Dear Editor and Job and Family Services,
Yes, I also think that we should not give away our tax money if that did happen.
When I was in business in Monroe County in the eighty's and ninety's the business people were asked to give a donation to help get something for the
county employees at Christmas.
Now I am retired I am still working part-time to make enough to pay for a living and pay taxes and then I see that the money is given to people that we are paying good wages to.
Then I see that W.F. Carter thinks we should go out of the county to get someone to run the Monroe County
Job and Family Service. I guess that he thinks the people of Monroe County are not smart enough to run our county but I do think myself that there should be one person in the county smart enough to run that job.
I would think that we should be able to find that one and not have to go to Columbus, Cleveland or Pennsylvania or anywhere else to find the one.
I do know we have lost a lot of people from Monroe County but I do know we still have enough to keep our county working.
Clyde D. Patton
Woodsfield

Dear Editor,
Full Accountability: A new concept to Monroe County?
If you ask for accountability you are called a "barking dog" among other things. If you point out things that are not being done "by the book" or as
they should be, people get upset. If people are getting upset over accountability, maybe you should ask yourself why?
Just because something has been done that way for a long time doesn't necessarily mean that it is correct.
As tax payers, we all work very hard for our money, at least most of us do, and we should be concerned about
how our tax money is being spent. After all, we pay many taxes; local, state, federal, sales, property and
more. Do you think that our hard earned tax dollars should be wasted, misspent, fraudulently paid out, etc. Why would people that spend our tax dollars be afraid of being accountable for our money? When you put your money in a bank, credit union, etc. do you not hold them accountable for it? Of course you do.
Why would someone be afraid of accountability? "We the People of the United States." such very bold
words said so long ago by our forefathers that penned our Constitution. Remember, you are one of "The People." Do you want full accountability? Then let your voice be heard!
Ed Vargo
Woodsfield

Dear Editor,
I read in the Jan. 5 issue, the front page article by someone, namely, "school board members confused by vote allowing salary increase" telling us that the increase would be rescinded. It would seem by some, these board members may have gotten the information, contained in my letter to the editor, dated Dec. 30, which appeared in Jan 11 edition, before they issued the statement contained in the Jan. 5 edition.
Nevertheless, they got the message from somewhere.
Taxpayers are fed up with the way business has always been done, and want a change. We want "needs"
fulfilled before wants are even placed upon the table.
That is what we "want," and will take note come next election.
Same goes for all others that have a voice in how you spend "our" money.
Hilbert Ault
Woodsfield

Dear Editor,
The recent article by Susan Pollock entitled "People Who Care" has created quite a stir in our county. The
people listed in the article have been labeled "Barking Dogs' and "Watch Dogs" simple because they have the audacity to ask questions in an attempt to protect the citizens of this county.
I cannot believe there is not more than a dozen citizens in this county that feel it is time to stand up and protect our tax dollars. Many people fail to
come forward because they are a part of one and feel their voice will not be heard. You are a taxpayer and
the county officials work for you the taxpayers. Yes, you are their employer. Each taxpayer has a voice in what goes on in this county and local community. It is time for you to step up and raise your voice to ask why things are being handled in such a deplorable manner. Our county elected officials need to be
reminded they are not exempt from the scrutiny of their employer, you the taxpayers. Our county elected officials need to stop displaying arrogance and
displeasure when asked questions by their employers.
They need to answer the questions, in a respectful manner, even when the answers may not be what the citizens want to hear.
"Barking Dogs" and "Watch Dogs" what a label to give the "People Who Care" of our community. Is it not true, that farmers living out in the country and families in our city jump to their feet when they hear a "Barking Dog?" Is it not true that our  military and police across the country, even around the world use dogs on patrol to sniff out the villains in our society? Has it not been proven that a barking dog is
one of the great alarms we have to protect ourselves against those who wish to harm us, steal our money or
even abduct a child from their front yard? If it were not for the "Barking Dogs" and "Watch Dogs" in this country people like Richard Nixon would have gone unpunished for breaking the law. Yes, people are
watching the barking but they are doing this to help protect your rights and the rights of generations to come.
John Kennedy once said, "It is not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."
It is time to ask yourself are you doing everything you can to protect the future of your county? We cannot wait for the next election to make a difference. We must stand together and hold our leaders accountable for their actions.
If you are interested in being part of the group standing up and asking questions or are just interested in sharing your thoughts with us please
feel free to contact me at 472-5503 so we can talk.
William F. Carter
Beallsville

by Denny Easterling
Those who are short-tempered do foolish things, and schemers are hated.
It is a sin to despise one's neighbors, blessed are those who help the poor.
I read Dear Abby and Ann Landers every so often. It's surprising what you learn every once in a while.
Sometimes their advice pulls my chain. Times change, do they ever change?
A lady several years ago complained to Ann, her in-laws kept bringing her son toy guns and telling him to shoot different things. She was afraid he would pick up a real gun in a neighbor's house and cause an accident.
As you might guess, Ann is against toy guns for boys and told the lady, "Throw away all the toy guns and
tell the in-laws, in no uncertain terms, to quit bringing toy guns to her son."
This started me to thinking. We used to play Cops and Robbers and I'm sure we had toy guns and "bang, bang
your dead," was yelled when we shot someone. We took turns being a cop or a robber. We played Cowboys and
Indians, too. This really wasn't much different except some of us rode an extra fat stick horse when we played this game. I'm sure most of us had toy guns. We called them cap guns. If we were lucky and had some caps we really shot things up. I guess it was
fortunate we didn't have paint ball guns and paint balls when we were growing up. We would have made a real mess of the neighborhood. But then, none of us could have afforded one anyway.
We made guns that shot a band cut from an old inner tube, back when inner tubes were actually made from
rubber. These were good to kill flies on a wall. But you could still zing someone if you got close enough.
The old inner tube served another purpose. We could make us a slingshot. A slingshot gave us more fire power but we didn't shoot at each other - birds were our main target. As you might expect, the birds were
safer than you know.
I do remember one evening I was out behind the barn with my trusty slingshot when I spotted a robin
perched on a wire and I thought I'd take a pop at it knowing I'd probably miss it any way. My aim was right
on and the robin fell to the ground ker-plop. Now I knew I was in trouble because someone said it was against the law to kill a robin. I hurried up and
threw the robin away over in the weeds so no one would find it and then worried for a week hoping no one
would know I killed a robin.
Like the film "Toy Story" several of us had BB guns.
This was a little tougher on the sparrow population in town. I'm sure we were much more careful with our BB guns than we were with our other weapons, although a buddy has been carrying around a BB in his cheek for
the last 65 years or more. They were also good to zing a stray cat once in a while.
I put my BB gun to good use. Vines had grown up on the side of our large brick house. These vines were a favorite roosting place for sparrows. I would take my trusty BB gun and a flashlight and harvest several sparrows for our cats nearly every evening. The
sparrows always kept coming back.
My point in this whole thing is, in spite of our blood thirsty games and actions, we all turned out OK or at least so it seems. Actually, none of us really
took much interest in hunting after we got older. Of course, WWII came along and changed many of our plans.
I wonder if any kids today know what a cap gun is?
In our Sunday School lesson Sunday, John 8:54 states in part "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing."
Our two TV stations pay no attention to this. I really get tired of hearing how good they are time after time, after time, after time. I also get tired of
hearing the same bad news over, and over, and over, some are used in their bragging promos. An award winning sports program with a three minute or less blurb during the news? If they lack news they could get a newspaper and read something from it. OK, I
could turn to another channel but with our Suddenlink Cable there's not a whole lot worth while turning to.
I understand a lady called our cable system regarding Fox Channel, trying to get to the top, asked the lady
on the other end where she was located. She answered "Texas." What does someone in Texas care about little old us? Just miss a payment and see what happens. They care!
Bible readings: (Mon.) Ephesians 3:14-21; From John (Tues.) 6:16-21; (Wed.) 6:25-34; (Thurs.) 6:35-40;
(Fri.) 6:41-51; (Sat.) Isiah 49:7-13; (Sun.) John 7:37-41.

< Obituaries
(read the full obituary in the paper) 

denotes veteran

<Wadna P. Bishop, 80, of 801 Monroe Manor, Woodsfield,
died Jan. 14, 2007, at Woods-field Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Woodsfield. She was born Feb.
3, 1926, near Browns-ville, a daughter of the late Jason and Bertha Ridgeway Moore.
She was a former aide at the Monroe County Care Center, Woodsfield, and was a Protestant by faith.

<Elverna Boltz, 91, Forest Hill Care Center, St. Clairsville, formerly of Clarington, went to her eternal home with the Lord on Jan. 1, 2007. She was
born Aug. 4, 1915, in Clarington, the daughter of the late Clyde and Mamie Maury McKelvey.
She was a farmer's wife and homemaker, she especially enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening and
was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Clarington, where she was a member of the women's
group, The Golden Links.

<Sandra J. Crawford, 67, New Martinsville, W. Va., died
Jan. 14, 2007, in Washington, Pa. She was born Oct.
16, 1939, in Glendale, W. Va., a daughter of the late
John Wilson Landers and Lottie Marie Nollge.
She was a homemaker and a Protestant. Friends were received Jan. 16 at Iams Funeral Home,
New Martinsville, with services Jan. 17, at 11 a.m. Burial in Northern Cemetery.

<Marvin Addison Burton, 78, New Martinsville, died Jan.
13, 2007, in Wetzel County Hospital. He was born Oct.
1, 1928, in Proctor, W. Va., a son of the late Wilson
and Winnie Beatrice Butlet Burton.
Friends were received jan. 15 at Iams Funeral Home,
New Martinsville, where funeral services were held
Jan. 16, with Rev. Mike Atkinson officiating, with
full military and Masonic services.