Arlean Selvy and Martha Ackerman

Named Beacon General Manager

Martha Ackerman has been named General Manager of Monroe County Beacon by Murray Cohen, president and owner of the Delphos Herald newspaper group. The turnover in management was effective Jan. 23.

 “I couldn’t be handing the title of Editor over to anyone more dedicated to the Beacon or more qualified to do the job than Martha,” said Arlean Selvy, who retired last week after about 30 years with the newspaper. “She is not only an experienced writer, but a savvy businesswoman,” added Selvy.

For the past five or six years, Ackerman has been doing the job of two-and-a-half people. She not only writes news articles, she pulls together the information and writes all the stories for the Beacon’s special tab sections, is the ace photographer and designs most of the advertising pieces you see in the pages of the Beacon. “She’s a busy gal,” said Selvy, but she always manages to meet her deadlines.

“With the help of our excellent staff, I think we will be able to maintain the quality of the Beacon. As her predecessor Pam Sloan, Arlean has continued to  bring truth and integrity to the pages of the Beacon. I hope I can live up to that legacy.

“I began working at the Beacon in 1974 when I answered a help wanted ad in the Beacon. Hilda, Elmer and Clara Rausch owned and operated the Beacon at the time. I remember the day I brought my resume into the office and Hilda put me to work that very day. After the Delphos Herald purchased the Beacon, I worked as a typist through a number of publishers. 

“In 1988 my husband Fred, my sister Susie Yonak, her husband Tony, bought the former Belmont Grill. We operated  the business, “Katy’s Place,” (named for our mother Katy Madison)  for eight years.

“After we sold the restaurant, Pam Sloan asked me to come back to the Beacon doing free lance feature articles. That began my writing career.

“When Pam passed away and Arlean became publisher, she asked me to come to work in the office. I typed copy, did photography, and worked with the special tab features for several years. Thanks to our former ad setter Michelene Rader, I learned a lot about setting ads. When she discovered how to do something new, she always showed me. I was an apt student. After a succession of ad setters, who I had to train each time, I finally took on the job myself. I have been working full time at the Beacon since December 2004.

“I have worked closely with Arlean over the years learning more and more about the advertising and the general running of the Beacon. She has taught me so much about writing and covering meetings. My first taste of that was covering the commissioners’ meetings. Very interesting.

“Fred, an Ormet retiree, and I have been married over 44 years. We have three children. Stephanie and her husband Curt Valkovic live in Little Rock, Ark. Curt is director of education for Maverick Trucking. Steph works at Maverick in the workers comp department. Their daughter Chante is a senior at the University of Central Arkansas where she will graduate in May as an RN. She became engaged to Daniel Snow of Searcy, Ark. Christmas Eve. Fred Jr. and his wife Kim live here in Woodsfield. Fred is production manager at Aleris’ Friendly and Ravenswood, West Virginia plants. Kim is an RN working at Wheeling Hospital’s emergency room. They have three children Haleigh Ackerman, a junior at Monroe Central, Katherine Fickell, a sophomore at Monroe Central, and Ryan Ackerman, a seventh grader at Woodsfield Elementary. Doug, our youngest, is Wing Command Chief at Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville, N.C. He and his wife Kristyn have a year-old daughter Kaelyn and are expecting their second child in June.

“I hope our readers will not hesitate to let me know what features they would like to see added to the Beacon. As with everything in the newspaper business, advertising supports the number of pages and we hope to expand our advertising base, offer more features and build a larger readership.”

Around the Burnside   

When you talk, you learn nothing, when you listen, you learn what others know.

Never miss an opportunity to make others happy, even if you have to leave them alone to do it.

Seven inches of snow and here I sit waiting for an Ohio State basketball game. As a result of the snow and cold weather, there have been days I didn’t venture outside. I did look out several times.

Because of this, I have been writing Around the Burnside several weeks ahead, so by the time you are reading this the snow may be gone. (I hope).

I don’t know about  you but I like to read news of years ago and compare it to present time. From the Caldwell Journal 70 years ago. “Seven inches of snow covered Noble County in the first heavy snowfall in two years, traffic stalled, roads were blocked with high snow drifts and the weatherman predicted more. Noble County State Highway Supt. was on the job early with his full crew. Four trucks with snow shovels attached were pressed into service. The highway men cleared US Rt. 1 north and south to the county lines. Ashes were spread on the most dangerous curves.” Kinda different today. We’ve come a long way baby. Thirty years later the Roxy Theatre threw a Gala New Years Eve movie party. I quote: “Two shock thrillers, “Eyes of the Cat” and”Corruption,” rated R. Therefore, no woman will be admitted alone to see this super-shock film.”

Went to the store to lay in some supplies in case the weatherman was correct when he said we were in for another sizable snow. In front of the store was a pile of Pepsi products. As I walked by I noticed white cases of pop. On closer inspection I discovered Pepsi was trying something new, Mountain Dew throwback, made with real sugar. I thought, what the heck, I’ll probably be stuck in the house with the coming snow, so why not live a little. Ya-hoo.

They were offering a special 3/$11. This made you think you were getting a real deal. Then you remember last summer they gave you a case free if you bought three cases which made the pop ten cents a can cheaper. Anyway, I bought three cases, including a case of throwback. No party. I couldn’t taste any difference. Then I hear on TV, if I quit drinking soda (pop) I’ll lose 10 pounds, even if it’s only one can.

I’m disappointed the weather man promised snow at one o’clock and it’s not snowing. OK, he just missed the time, it’s two o’clock and it started. I hope he’s wrong about how much, enough is enough and we’ve had enough.

Well, the college football season is over. Once again Corso put the kiss of getting beat on one of the teams. He put the Longhorn headdress on meaning Texas would win, they didn’t. He did the same to Oregon and they didn’t. Which makes him one hundred percent wrong picking the winner of the two biggest games of the year. I wonder what they pay him?

I guess many of you who do not watch much football on TV are getting bored by now. I’m sorry but when you are stuck in the house full time you don’t get out to see what is going on in the big wide world. Although it kind of looks as though the big cities are not the only place that have a drug problem.

I do watch a lot of football on TV, college not professional, except maybe Super Bowl.

I sometimes wonder why. There are a number of things I might change and just sit and watch.

I kind of have trouble listening to the so called experts. Take the college championships. Coverage started at 7 p.m. and there were no less than 11 experts telling us what we were watching. This does provide a chance to visit the bathroom or the kitchen.

One thing makes me laugh is when they tell us what the team needs to do to win. Simple, they need to score more points than the other team, unless its golf.

I would also enjoy watching the band shows at half time. A few bowl games promised to show the bands. One minute at the most and then who wants to see a close up of the bass drum? Then the Orange Bowl had “Kool and the Gang” at half time. I really enjoyed that, Ha. 

Church Sunday? Why not?

A farmer is one who works from day break to back break.

Our Readers Write

~ Beacon Employees Say Good-Bye to Long-Time Publisher ~

Monroe County Beacon  employees bid farewell to long-time publisher Arlean Selvy, who retired on her birthday anniversary Jan. 22. Employees and guests enjoyed a light lunch while reminiscing. Shown, from left, are front: Belva Blackstone, Monica Blair, Kay McMahon, Arlean Selvy, Martha Ackerman, Angie Rice, Carol Hayes; center:  Susan Ferguson, Ashley Schumacher, Sheila McKee; back: Taylor Abbott, Pat Lower, Connie Crowley and Roger Sivard.

Rick Schuerman Named Woodsfield Administrator

Rick Schuerman

by Taylor Abbott
Staff Writer

Woodsfield Village Council named Rick Schuerman as the new village administrator at its Jan. 19 meeting.

“I look at this as a great opportunity to work for the village, the mayor and the council,” said Schuerman. “I’m looking forward to meeting all the department heads and finding out what our priorities are.

“The ground work has been laid for a lot of projects. I’m honored that the mayor and council have entrusted me to put me in this position,” continued Schuerman.

Schuerman has been the Monroe County Emergency Management Agency Coordin-ator for 14 years. “I love this job,” said Schuerman, but he looks at this as a good opportunity.

Since the new administrator took the emergency management position on Jan. 4, 1996, he has worked through 11 presidentially declared disasters. His memories include one of the biggest disasters Monroe County has seen. That was in June 1998 when the county saw three days of storms, high winds and flooding. The aftermath of Hurricane Ivan in 2004 was a memorable experience. Shuer-man also remembers the 1998 gas line explosion near Beallsville and the emergency response it generated.  

“I’m proud to have been a part of building and improving on communications and the 911 system in Monroe County,” said Schuerman. 

“You’re only as good as the people who surround you,” said Schuerman.

He has been a member of the Woodsfield Volunteer Fire Department for 21 years, currently serving as captain. Schuerman has been active with the local youth, coaching several sports over the years. He also continues to serve as videographer at Monroe Central football games.

“I’m always going to be loyal to public safety, that has been my life’s work,” added the new administrator 

Schuerman and his wife, Teresa, who is a teacher at Monroe Central, reside in Woodsfield. They have two children: Liz, a junior at Monroe Central, and Jacob, an eighth grader at Woodsfield Elementary. 

Schuerman will begin his duties as Woodsfield Village Administrator beginning  Feb. 4.

The Switzerland Township Board of Trustees recently announced that the Kindelberger Stone Barn, located in Switzerland Township, was chosen to be featured in the Ohio Township Association’s 2010 calendar. The Stone Barn Farm, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was awarded on Ohio Historic Marker in 2002, is owned by Gary and Marjorie Baumberger.             Photo Submitted 

Featured on Township Calendar

The Kindelberger Stone Barn, located in Switzerland Town-ship has been chosen to be featured in the Ohio Township Association’s 2010 calendar. 

The Stone Barn Farm is located on Monroe County Road 25, off State Route 556. It is owned by Gary and Marjorie Baumberger. The farm is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was awarded an Ohio Historic Marker in 2002.

According to Monroe County, Ohio: A History, written by Stanley and Theresa Maienknecht, Frederick Kindelberger Sr. bought an 80 acre farm from John Lapp in 1846. Additional acreage was purchased in 1885. The farm has been in the hands of the Kindelberger heirs, Frederick Kindelberger Jr., William Kindelberger, J.D. Caldwell, Floyd W. Stine and Gary L. Baumberger, ever since.

Frederick Kindelberger Jr. bought the farm from his father in 1872. A stone mason by trade, Frederick Kindelberger and his son William began building the stone house shortly after he purchased the property. 

The barn was begun in 1833. The stones above the door on one side of the barn have the date 1883 and on the other side 1884. The barn is 40 feet wide, 60 feet long and 35 feet high to the square. There are four 45 foot posts, each 12 inches square, that support the rafters. They were set at a barn raising or “frolic” with the help of 60 men who attended. 

The stones of the walls vary from four to seven feet long, are 25 inches thick at the bottom and gradually decrease to 12 inches at the top. The stones were hoisted into position with a boom made of a 40 foot hickory pole.

Young William Kindelber-ger and his sister Mary hauled most of the stones from the quarry with horses and wagon and also hand operated the boom to set the stones. 

Both the house and the barn were accepted and placed on the National Register of Historic Places on Feb. 8, 1980.  

Red Head Reopens Under New Management

A local landmark has reopened under new management. Matt Longwell has purchased the business, which is now open from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. seven days a week. The Red Head Quick Stop, LLC is located on S. Main Street in Woodsfield.                     Photos by Martha Ackerman

by Martha Ackerman
Beacon General Manager
“While growing up, the Red Head has been a local landmark,” said Matt Longwell. “I decided to preserve this landmark.”

For the convenience of the people of Monroe County, the Red Head, located at 238 S. Main St. in Woodsfield, is now open from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. seven days a week.

“We now have off-road and on-road diesel as well as gasoline at competitive prices,” said Longwell, adding there is no extra charge for credit card transactions.

The Red Head offers delicious DiCarlo’s pizza, beer, pop, tobacco products, sandwiches, snacks and many other items for the customers’ personal and automotive convenience. The icy favorite Slush Puppies and cappuccino are also available.

Need a DVD for that evening at home? A Lady Bug DVD Rental machine is housed within the Red Head. All your favorite movies are available for rent or sale. Just swipe your credit or debit card.

Managing the Red Head is Judy Piatt. She, along with staff members, Lynda Coble, Vickie Pittman and Dave Gibson, will be glad to help with your purchases. “We ask the people to stop by, give us a chance and if we don’t have something they need, we will do our best to get it in for them,” said Piatt. For take out pizza orders or any questions, just stop by or call 740-472-9007.

The Ohio Lottery will be coming soon, noted Piatt.

OBITUARIES

DR. MARGARET “PEG” LOUISE OLIVIER
Dr. Margaret “Peg” Louise Parsons Olivier, 77, Sardis, passed away peacefully at Barnesville Hospital on Jan. 13, 2010 after several years of declining health. She was born Nov. 4, 1932 at Drexel Hills, Pa., a daughter of the late Sidney and Hazel Heuer Parsons, Sr.

She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where she met her husband, Bud. They resided in Bel Air, Maryland, where she worked in the pathology department at Edgewood Arsenal, which led her to medical school. She received her doctorate in 1968, while rearing her children and working. She went on to teach medical school at the University of Maryland in anatomy, physiology and pathology. In 1971 she also went to work for the Campus Ministry. The Maryland Institute of Art, The Peabody Conservatory of Music and the University of Baltimore, where she counseled many aspiring artists and students. In 1977 she and her family relocated to Sardis, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister for St. Sylvester’s Catholic Church in Woodsfield. She devoted her life to making others feel comfortable, loved and accepted. She always had a smile and a hug for everyone she met. She loved life, people and most importantly her savior, Christ, Our Lord, who promises eternal life. She was one-of-a-kind, and will be truly missed, more than she could ever imagine.

Surviving are her husband, Dr. Alfred “Bud, Doc” Garipay Olivier; a daughter, Catherine Louise Olivier McCullough; a son, Alfred Garipay (Gary) Olivier, Jr.; a grandson, Austin Derrick McCullough; a sister-in-law, Adelle Parsons Bedrossian; two nephews, Jeffrey and Charles Parsons and their families, along with everyone who knew her and loved her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. Sidney Parsons, Jr. in 1977.

Friends were received Jan. 15 at Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, Woodsfield, Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Jan. 16 at St. Sylvester Catholic Church, Woodsfield, with Rev. Fr. David Gaydosik officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Vigil services were held Jan. 15 at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed at:www.bauerturner.com

GOLDIE LEE YANTZ
Goldie Lee Kindle Yantz, 59, 2225 North Water St., Uhrichsville, formerly of Graysville, died Jan. 16, 2010 at Union Hospital, Dover. She was born Sept. 8, 1950 at Graysville, a daughter of the late Homer “Cotton” and Margaret Smith Kindle.

Surviving are three daughters, Rachel Norton of South Carolina, Millie Phillips of Weirton, W.Va., Bonny (Tom) Mummy of Zanesville; a step-daughter, Teresa Page of Newcomerstown; a son, Donald (Tina) Muffet of Byesville; two sisters, Bessie (Vernon) Morgan of Graysville, Betty (Jim) Edgington of Graysville; four brothers, George Kindle of Woodsfield, Ben Kindle of Lewisville, Raymond Kindle of South Carolina, Jim (Carolyn) Kindle of Bedford; three grandchildren, Jessie Page, Shocka Page, Breanna Muffet; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Eugene Yantz on Oct. 7, 1997; a son, William Norton; a granddaughter; three sisters, Stella Patton, Viola Mae Kindle, Mary Ethel Belford; and a brother, Jacob Kindle.

Friends were received until time of services on Jan. 23 at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield, with Minister Herb Alexander of Grace Church of Christ, Woodsfield, officiating. Burial followed in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery near Graysville.

Online condolences may be expressed at

www.wattersfuneralhome.com

JOHN J. DAETWYLER 
John J. Daetwyler, 87, Clarington, died Jan. 20, 2010 in Shadyside Care Center. He was born May 21, 1922 in Clarington, the son of the late Albert and Freda Ummel Daetwyler.

He was a retired employee of the Ohio Edison Burger Plant, U.S. Army Air Force veteran of WWII and a member of Immanuel U.C.C.

Surviving are two daughters, Janet (John) Buskirk of Miamisburg, Jane (Victor) Stratton of Clarington; and two grandchildren, Jennifer (Alex) Buskirk Erving and David Buskirk.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Daetwyler; step-mother, Etna Daetwyler Roth; and a sister Esther Bauman.

Private services were held Jan. 23.

Arrangements entrusted to Grisell Funeral Home, Clarington.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 607 Putnam St., Marietta, OH 45750.

Sympathy expressions at grisellfuneralhomes.com