Team Monroe Seeks New Partnership 

by Taylor Abbott
Staff Writer  

Members of Team Monroe were present at the Jan. 11 meeting of Monroe County Commissioners to discuss ways of assisting them with county projects.

Representative Dan Green-lee spoke to officials on behalf of those members of Team Monroe present. He briefly updated them about Team Monroe’s projects and future plans. He also asked for a partnership between Team Monroe and the commissioners to assist  projects and “lighten the load.” 

Greenlee proposed that Team Monroe be placed on the agenda every third Monday of each month at 3 p.m. The meeting will be used to update both parties about projects and happenings. Commissioners granted the request.

Greenlee, along with fellow Team Monroe members Tom Scott, Don Pollock and Dennis Ward, were adamant about working with officials. Greenlee noted that Team Monroe is a separate entity from county offices  and funds itself completely without county appropriations. Greenlee noted the importance of planning ahead and asked if the county had a one, three or five year plan in place as a “road map.” Commissioner Tim Price presented the long range plan with Commissioner John Pyles commenting on current projects in the county that are included in the plan.

Speaking about the future of the Commerce Park were Pollock and Scott. Pollock noted that an access highway to those facilities at the commerce park is vital for growth. Scott added that in order for the commerce park to reach its full potential, it needs   a quality highway to it. Pyles noted that ODOT continues exploring the idea but added the project is several years away from becoming a reality. 

In closing, Scott thanked the commissioners for their letter to ODOT  supporting the commerce park roadway project.

In other business, Dave Kuhn and Teri Knowlton were present to give an EMS update.

Kuhn, EMS coordinator, noted several problems occurring in some emergency vehicles. He commented that some vehicles had experienced electrical and antifreeze problems but have been fixed.

An update was also given about a Woodsfield squad unit. He said that the vehicle was viewed by Martins Ferry EMS personnel. Kuhn reported the possibility that Martins Ferry EMS may purchase the unit. 

Knowlton, EMS billing clerk, discussed having issues with Ohio Billing Service. She said that the county’s contract with the company is up in April. 

In an unrelated matter, Kuhn noted that the county’s EMS contract is up on April 11. He suggested it remain the same for 2010. Officials acknowledged the possibility of extending the contract to two or three years. It will be addressed in April when the contract expires.

Pyles in a phone conversation, reported a one-half percent increase in sales tax for Monroe County.  The tax now sits permanently at 7 percent. With the one-half percent in place, the county can potentially generate an additional $100,000 for the general fund. 

Commissioners will meet Jan. 25 at 10 a.m.

Around the Burnside   

Better to trust the person who is frequently in error than the one who is never in doubt.

Keep company with good people, and good people you’ll imitate.

Ole Santa has come and gone, college football has gone and it seems snow has set in for the winter, although I hope it too is gone by the time you read this. I remember when they put chains on the buses and we kept having school.

I will say I have finally come down over the Rose Bowl football game. I admit I get a tink excited when I watch the Ohio State Buckeyes play football. There are times when I use my favorite little word when they goof.

I sometimes wonder why this happens. Just about every thing Santa has left for me under our tree the last few years has an OSU logo on it. I have over a dozen caps and I can’t wait until I get one of the white caps I saw players wearing after the game.

Times change I guess. I don’t recall being so gung ho when I was attending OSU. I purchased a season ticket one year and I attended one game. Believe it or not the final game was that school up north; I didn’t attend. They even made us have a picture on our ticket so we couldn’t sell it. All for $11.50.

I headed home just about every weekend, riding my thumbs at times. Once, our Hort. professor forced us to stay over the weekend and set out head lettuce. Several roots were pinched off before being put in the ground. What can I say? Go Bucks!

I will say I watched just about all the football and basketball I could handle on New Year’s Day. I started watching after the Rose parade and didn’t quit until bedtime. I actually did sign off on the last game at half time. OK, I did take some time off to chow down on some spare ribs and kraut. By the way, did you know why pork is eaten on New Years? When pigs root in the ground they root straight ahead. This is supposed to mean good luck. I don’t know why kraut. Maybe because it’s good. We always had a large jar of kraut in the basement. Really good to dig into it; now I’m not allowed to eat much of it.

Some dogs really have it made nowadays. We always had a dog or two around. Always a rabbit dog, but none in the house. I don’t remember ever having an animal in the house except maybe a mouse or two now and then. I don’t remember any big deal. I guess we just thought the house was no place for our pets. We also had plenty of cats but none in the house.

I realize that a pet can become a part of the family. I enjoy reading stories regarding animals. I also heard that pet grooming and care is a good field for job prospects. I know a lot of money is spent on pets.

I saw on TV the other day that someone has developed a Dog Pedic Mattress. You know, like the kind made for people except sized for a dog. Let’s face it; a dog with this plus a potty patch somewhere in the house really has it made.

I woke up this morning thinking the song “Let it Snow, Let it Snow”. I looked outside and there it was. I like snow,;the song that is. Only six and one-half inches on our picnic table. The weatherman only promised one to three. Maybe we should fire him.

Have you ever wondered why all the things they advertise on TV and try to make you can’t live without it, all seem to cost $19.95? Add on S&H it comes close to $30. If one is so good why do they offer to give you one free?

One of the things I enjoy during the Christmas holidays is the lights folks use to decorate their houses and yards. We use to put up more lights but not so much nowadays.

We had a couple of outstanding displays in Lewisville and several very good. I’m sure there were many more over the county. I guess we should ride around more to see the displays.

The lights at Wheeling are excellent but haven’t been there for some time. We did get to see the courthouse in Cambridge and can only say awesome.

Don’t forget church during 2010.

A person who is never wrong has guessed right more than once.

Our Readers Write

 Grant Money Helps Fund New Fire Truck

A new fire truck is coming into service at the Lewisville Volunteer Fire Department. The funding was made possible in part through the Summit Township/Lewisville’s $300,000 Neighborhood Revitalization Grant, a  contribution by the fire department and a $12,500 loan. Shown, from left, front: Rick Russell, Jeff Christman, fire chief Greg Baker, Carl Merckle, former commissioner Francis ‘Sonny’ Block, Commissioner John Pyles, Summit Township Trustee Randy Smith, CDBG Coordinator Mary Jo Westfall; back: Jared Merckle, Dane Merckle, Summit Township Trustee Thomas Piatt, Mike Kuhn, Scott Seebach, Commissioners Carl Davis and Tim  Price and John Baker, a charter member of the Lewisville Volunteer Fire Department. Absent was Summit Township Trustee Leo Seiler. Photo by Martha Ackerman  

by Martha Ackerman
Staff Writer

Members of the Lewisville Volunteer Fire Department will soon be putting a new fire truck into service. The  cost for the new vehicle was  $173,000 and with the addition of equipment, the price tag totaled $185,000. The funding came, in part, from a $300,000 Neighborhood Revitalization Grant awarded to Summit Township and Lewisville in 2008.  The rest of the funding came from the fire department and a $12,500 loan.

Commissioners in office at the time the grant was awarded were: present commissioner, John Pyles, and former commissioners, Francis ‘Sonny’ Block and Bill Thompson. 

“This grant is very competitive,” said Pyles. “Thanks to Mary Jo (Westfall) the application was No. 1 in priority. This is great. It helps Lewisville. In a small area, the grant is a great way to get things needed. It’s a once- in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

“I’m so glad we got the grant and we are able to do some good with it. Hopefully we will be able to help another community this year,” said Westfall, who is the Community Development Block Grant administrator.

This is the fourth time in a row Monroe County has been awarded the $300,000 Distress Grant or, as it is now called, the Neighborhood Revitalization Grant. In addition to Summit Township and Lewisville, Westfall has been successful in attaining the large grant for Perry Township, Bethel Township and the Village of Woodsfield. 

“This community gaining the funds through the grant was a highlight of my term in office,” said former commissioner, Francis ‘Sonny’ Block. “The major reason they (Summit Township/Lewis-ville) received the grant was  Read more in the Monroe County Beacon's Jan. 21 Edition

Monroe Central Students’ Artwork on Exhibit at Stifel Fine Arts Center

The work of Monroe Central art students is on display at Oglebay’s Stifel Fine Arts Center through Jan. 30. Shown with their artwork are, from left, standing: Daniel Archer, Lindsay Williams, Emma Betts, Randy Stumbo, Ashley Kindle and, kneeling, Wyatt Groves.                     Photo Submitted 

The artwork of Monroe Central students is featured at Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center, where the Region-al Student Art Exhibition is now open to the public.

For more than 20 years, this popular annual exhibition has showcased students’ artistic achievements and provided a foundation for continued creativity. The exhibit features art in all media and continues through Jan. 30.

Students whose artwork is on display at the arts center are: Daniel Archer, senior, son of Mr. and Mrs. Phil Archer; Lindsay Williams, junior, daughter of Nancy Clift; Emma Betts, junior, daughter of Kristal Coleman; Randy Stumbo, junior, son of Timothy Stumbo; Ashley Kindle, junior, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Kindle; and Wyatt Groves, sophomore, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Groves.

Wyatt Groves received an honorable mention for his painting entitled “Final Fantasy XII.”

 Phillips Productions Joins Chamber

 Charlie Phillips has launched a new business, Phillips Productions. His interest in this new career choice when his grandchildren gave him a new digital camera for Christmas a couple of years ago. Shown with Phillips is Ruth Workman, of the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, who welcomed Phillips to the business community.                         Photo by Martha Ackerman

by Martha Ackerman
Staff Writer

Phillips Productions is a new business located in Jerusalem. Charlie Phillips retired as a maintenance machinist from Ormet Corporation in 2000 after 42 years of service.

Several years ago he received a digital camera as a Christmas gift from his grandchildren. His interest in photography and video production blossomed. He began playing around with the camera and discovered it also did video recording. He had found a new career!

Since that time, he has pur- Read more in the Jan. 21 edition of the Monroe County Beacon

OBITUARIES

ANGELENE  WARNER
Angelene Postlewaite War-ner, 90, formerly of Claring-ton, died Jan. 14, 2010 at Country Meadows, Bridge-ville, Pa. She was born May 31, 1919 in Wetzel County, W.Va., the daughter of the late Ellis and Grace McDonald Postlewaite. 

She was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ.

Surviving are two sons, Dale Wayne Warner of Hilliard, Mark Alan Warner of Logan-ville, Ga.; two daughters, Darlene Brauchler of Jefferson Hills, Pa., Debora Reed of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russian Federation; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne J. Warner; a son, Lyle Martin Warner; four brothers, Derain, George, Woodrow,and Guy Postlewaite; and a sister, Alegra “Midge” Gallaher.

Friends were received Jan. 17 at Grisell Funeral Home, Clarington. Funeral services were held Jan. 18 at Immanuel United Church of Christ, Clarington, with Rev. Glen Shedlock officiating. Burial was in Holly Memorial Gardens, Colerain.

Memorial contributions may be made to MACO Workshop, Woodsfield.

DALE E. HENTHORN
Dale Eugene Henthorn, 61, Wadsworth, formerly of Lewisville, died Jan. 11, 2010 at Wadsworth Hospital. He was born June 18, 1948, a son of the late Everett Henthorn (1986) and Alberta Morris Henthorn (1957).

Surviving are two sisters, Bonnie Grandstaff of Woodsfield, Linda Broemsen of Beallsville; a brother, Vernon Henthorn of Ravenna; five nieces, Rhonda of Canton, Eva of Woodsfield, Alberta, Lovisa of Beallsville, Charlotte of Jerusalem;  a nephew, Charles “Chuckie” of Jerusalem; six great-nieces, Adrianna (Nana), Sandy, Joy, Angel, Nevaeh, Gosalynn; and four great-nephews, Austin, Keith, Bradon, Bradley.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Larry Henthorn (1956).

Memorial services will be held Jan. 23, at 1 p.m. at Beallsville Church of Christ on SR 145 with Jeff Rich officiating. 

ERMA A. THOMAS
Erma A. Thomas, 77, 42065 West Union Rd., Sardis, died Jan. 17, 2010 at Wheeling Hospital. She was born March 19, 1932 at East Bank, W.Va., a daughter of the late Seymore and Cathleen Leek Toler.

She was a homemaker and was a Methodist by faith. She was a very devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Surviving are her husband of 59 years, Carles Thomas of the home; two daughters, Deloris Thomas of Woodsfield, Joan (Shan) Michener of Woodsfield; a son, J.R. (Tina) Thomas of Woodsfield; two sisters, Mary Housch of Circleville, Helen Toler of Charleston, W.Va.; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

There was no visitation. Graveside services were held Jan. 19 at Antioch Cemetery, with Rev. David Hull-Frye officiating.

Arrangements by Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.wattersfuneralhome.com

ETHEL A. WEISEND
Ethel A. Weisend, 76, Carlisle, formerly of Newark, died Jan. 15, 2010 surrounded by her loving family at Genesis Good Samaritan Hospital in Zanesville. She was born Feb. 19, 1933 in Noble County, a daughter of the late M.Z. and Grace Warner Kirkbride.

She had resided at Summit Acres Nursing and Rehab for the last two years. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ in Summerfield, and also attended the Church of Christ in Newark. She enjoyed spending her time with family and friends as well as crocheting and listening to music.

Surviving are three sons, Dale (Kay) Feldner of Carlisle, Melvyn Feldner (Chris Hill) of Carlisle, Mark (Angie) Feldner of Caldwell; a daughter, Alice (Doug) Bond of Carlisle; step-children, Duane (Judy) Weisend of Summerfield, Diann Jennings of New Carlisle; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother Donnie (Linda) Kirkbride of Whipple; two sisters, Lela (Bernard) Hill, Donna (Larry) Mallett, all of Summerfield; and several nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Ed Feldner, who passed away March 22, 1967; second husband, Francis Weisend, who passed away Jan. 7, 1990; and a step-daughter, Darlene Kilburn.

Friends were received Jan. 18 at Chandler Funeral Home, Caldwell. Funeral services were held Jan. 19 at the funeral home chapel with Frank Love officiating. Burial followed in Crum Ridge Cemetery.

Online condolences may be offered at www.ChandlerFuneralHome.net

WILLIAM M. LUCAS 
William Merwin “Bill” Lucas, 74, Beallsville, died Jan. 15, 2010 in Emerald Pointe Nursing and Rehab Center, Barnesville. He was born Nov. 20, 1935 in Freeport, a son of the late Lloyd and Freeda Moore Lucas.

He was a member of the First Christian Church, Beallsville; a U.S. Navy veteran and also a member of the K of P Lodge. He was a former employee of Olin Mathison in Hannibal, North American Coal #6 Mine near Beallsville, and was retired from Jess Howard Electric  in Blacklick.

Surviving are his wife of 49 years, Sandy Stephens Lucas; two daughters, Teri Jo Stephen (Jay Huffman) of Jerusalem, Heather (Don) Hostutler of Moon Twp., Pa.; six grandchildren, Tony (Jodi) Madison and Morgan Stephen, Evan, Olivia and Sidney Hostutler; two great-grandchildren, Ava and Brock Stephen; two brothers, Ronnie (Peggy) Lucas of Beallsville, Roger (Trudy) Lucas of Middletown, Md.; and two sisters, Evelyn (Keith) Ackerman of Somerton and Wilda Schenerlein of Malaga. The greatest pride and joy of Merwin’s life were his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two grandsons, Preston and Uriah Stephen and a brother-in-law, Jay Schenerlein.

Friends were received Jan. 17 at Harper Funeral Home, Beallsville. Funeral services were held Jan. 18 at the First Christian Church, Beallsville, with Wayne Clark officiating. Military honors were presented to the family Jan. 17 by American Legion Post 768. Burial followed in Beallsville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 9031, Pittsfield, MA 01202.

Online condolences may be offered at www.harperfh.net 

DARLENE A. TAYLOR
Darlene A. Taylor, 69, Woodsfield, died Jan. 14, 2010 at Barnesville Hospital. She was born March 20, 1940 in Monroe County, a daughter of the late William and Mabel Highman Hines.

Surviving are a son, Ronnie Mellott of St. Clairsville; four daughters, Kathy Hines of Fort Wayne, Ind., Tammy Taylor of Lewisville, Lisa Carpenter of Amsterdam, Billie Jo Taylor of Stafford; a brother, Danny Hines of Cambridge; two sisters, Rosie Robinson of Woodsfield, Mary Lindamood of Miltonsburg; 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John “Bill” Taylor in 2006; two sisters, Lola Cleveland, Betty Larrick; and a great-grandson, Dylan.

Friends were received Jan. 15 and until time of service on Jan. 16 at Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, Woodsfield, with Paul Ferguson officiating. Burial was in Stafford Cemetery.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.bauerturner.com