< JFS Denies Charges of Sex Discrimination by Agency Officials
 

by Arlean Selvy - Publisher
      An unsigned, undated letter written on letterhead indicating it came from the Columbus legal firm of Downes, Hurst & Fishel was submitted to the board of county commissioners at its July 17 meeting. It was
brought to the board's attention by Vaughn Smith, director, Job and Family Services. Mark Fishel is attorney for JFS.
     The letter refers to an article in the June 8 issue of the Beacon, Discrimination Charges Filed Against Job & Family Services. The letter denies the claims mentioned in the article as well as accusations about time-theft.
     The June 8 article named the charge, filed by three JFS employees, as "discrimination based on retaliation and sex."
     In the letter, JFS denies receiving "documents from the Ohio Civil Rights Commission on or about June 5."
According to the letter, "JFS management just received those documents from the Ohio Civil Rights commission --- for the first time ---on July 13, 2006"

<Discrepancies Concern at Airport
 

 Read more in the July 27 edition...
by Gwynn Clifford Staff Writer
     The Monroe County Airport Authority met July 18 in part to discuss a letter of service termination, from Air BP Aviation Services. BP is the company that provides the airport's fuel.
    The Airport Authority's newest member, Wayne Forshey, was present as well as the new airport manager, David Board, who began his official duties July 1.
     According to the letter, technicians from Air BP identified risks through annual on-site inspections dating back to 2002. Discrepancies were identified that do not meet industry standards established by the FAA, Fire Codes and the airline industry.

Pilots Impacted by Airport
Fuel Stoppage at County Facility

Wingett Run resident and licensed Mechanic Al Paul of J&S Flying Service works on a Mooney airplane flown in from Youngstown and valued at around $300,000 used and about half a million if purchased new.               
                    Photo by Gwynn Clifford
 

Read more in the July 27 edition...
     A few local pilots attended the recent Airport Authority meeting with an interest in finding out what will happen with the airport's fuel supply. As reported, service termination from Air BP Aviation Services, the company that provides the airport's fuel, is looming July 30.
     "I have been a pilot for nearly 25 years and have owned a plane for over 20," said local resident and pilot Gary Cook. "It's really a shame to see that the airport may lose its fuel supply. You would have to fly 30-40 miles to get fuel. It's expensive enough to own and maintain a plane and this is just not worth the hassle." Cook indicated that he has used his Cessna 182 plane for community service on many occasions including supporting emergency efforts during flooding, air investigations and for rides at the county fair and Black Walnut Festival.
     "There are eight or nine planes housed at the airport and it's been a great place to be until all of these recent issues," Cook added.

< Relay For Life Nets $51,000

The Dream Team turned "Platinum" at 2006 Monroe County Relay For Life, raising over $10,000 for the American Cancer Society. Team members worked all year to earn the top level. Shown from left, are: Roger Gilmore, Kathy Sulsberger, Charlene Goddard, Cheryl Gilmore, Eva Starkey, Jane Yonaley, Debbie Hohn, Linda Holliday, Pat McDougal, Charles Yonaley, Kelly Starkey, Sam Hammel, Connie Hammel, Paul Durig. Not shown, Dean McDougal.    
Photos by Martha Ackerman

Read more in the July 27 edition...
by Martha Ackerman - Staff Writer
     According to Julie Ellenwood of the American Cancer Society, it was another successful year for Monroe County's Relay for Life which netted $51,000 this year.
     Several hundred Monroe County residents were on hand for the opening ceremonies for Monroe County's 2006 Relay For Life. Hannibal resident Dennis Sawyers told of his six year journey through continuing bouts with the dreaded disease. In 2003, the worst year, he noted, Sawyers underwent surgery, 36 radiation treatments and chemotherapy for colon cancer; 2004 brought more treatments and medical retirement; 2005, the same; 2006 he continues his battle with faith and determination.
     "I'm thankful for the support of my wonderful wife, my family and The Almighty, who have walked with me through it all." said Sawyers.

< School District Income Tax Eyed
by Board of Education
 

By Arlean Selvy- Publisher
New lighting at Beallsville High School's athletic fields and an earned income tax to place before voters were on the  July 20 agenda for the Switzerland of Ohio school board. Although no action was taken, school board members acknowledged and will review a school district income tax, which would generate over $1.8 million a year. The tax could be placed on the November ballot if filed with the board of elections  by August 24. Collection would start in January.
     According to discussion, the board is looking at a one-percent tax on income earned by individuals residing in the Switzerland of Ohio School District.
     The tax would also apply to income earned on the estate of a deceased person who resided in the district. (Except for income taxes under the tax base created by H.B. 66.) The tax revenue would be used for operational expenses. Kevin Robertson, district treasurer, said  the district is facing a deficit of $897,000 by May 2007.

< Obituaries
(read the full obituary in the paper) 

       < Pauline Graybill, Brewster,Ohio
            (formerly of New Martinsville, WV)
            (June 28, 1956-July 19, 2006)

       < Evelyn Grace Emigh, Sardis
            (Jan. 19, 1926-July 21, 2006)
            www.grisellfuneralhomes.com

       < Nellie B. Keylor, Caldwell
            (Feb. 10, 1914-July 22, 2006)
             www.mcvay-perkins.com

       < William Saffell, Jr., Beallsville
             (June 29, 1972-July 22, 2006) 

By Denny Easterling, Lewisville
Riches won't help on the day of judgment, but right living is a safeguard against death. Upright citizens bless a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.
     I don't know why, but I enjoy reading the news of a hundred years ago. Maybe just because I think some things are interesting. At the Sallowville Market eggs were 15 cents and butter 12 cents. one ear of corn costs more than that today.
     You won't read something like this in many papers today. On the farm of Silas McLaughlin in Seneca Township is a Tetfsky apple tree 96 inches in circumference, bearing a crown of over 42 feet across.
     It is a prolific bearer, exceedingly early, hardy as a crab and the fruit is of great beauty and excellent quality. I never heard of this apple variety and didn't know crabs were hardy.
     Some of you may have been students in this building. The Board of Education contracted W.W. Patton for the erection of a new school house for Woods-field at a cost of $12,459. The contract for the heating and closet system was awarded to Bartlet Bros. of Cleveland for $1161.64 making the total cost of $1614.64.        The building is to be completed by Oct. 1.
     Finally, they had hot weather back then too. The hot days are now here. If you need anything in summer goods it will pay you to read Quick's ad this week. I'm not sure what apy means. Perhaps it is a misprint and should be apt which means: exactly suitable or appropriate.
     So much for 100 years old news. I picked up a flyer the other day of the Monroe County Fair to be held Aug. 21-26. I think we all should remember it is a county fair and we all should support it.
     In looking over the program, it seems they have planned something for just about everyone. there is plenty of activity in the entertainment tent for those who do not care for the grandstand shows. In fact, I counted six special groups in the entertainment tent in the late afternoon and evening plus Ricochet in front of the grandstand on the 21st. The big Junior Fair Parade is at 6 p.m. Monday evening with a rain date for Friday. I predict good weather the week of the fair although I'm not always correct in predicting weather. Neither are the meterologists.
     Senior Citizens day is on Wed., Aug. 23. All the senior citizens need to attend the fair on Senior Citizens Day - a big smile.
     There are a number of interesting things planned for Senior Citizens during the afternoon and evening starting at noon. All that is needed is more of you Senior Citizens to participate it's time to cut loose.
     A husband/wife calling contest starts at noon. Callers will be needed, if you can't take part, talk someone else into doing it; no age limit.
     A Story Telling contest at 1 p.m. would be very interesting if there were more story tellers. We have hundreds or even thousands of stories floating around the county that we would like to hear, so join us with a story. Here again, no age limit.
     The popular Euchre Tourna-ment at 1 p.m., Banjo and Fiddle contest at 2 p.m., Happy Heart Singers at 3 p.m., Good Ole Boys at 5  and 7 p.m. and the Long Reach Band at 6 and 8 p.m. A full day!
    In addition to all of this the bang, bang shows
featuring trucks, tractors, and the like in front of
the grandstand.
     Why not plan now to attend the fair? We haven't mentioned the displays, livestock and poultry judging and the work completed by our youth, they need our support. Plan to attend and find out I'm not kidding.
     Well, the big Jamboree in the Hills is over and all that was left was a mountain of trash and beer cans. A group from our MACO Workshop helped clean up the mess on some of the hottest days we've had this year. It's unbelievable what is left behind. Once again I had a ringside seat to watch the Jamboree. In front of the TV with the remote in my hand. Only one thing wrong. It seems like every year they run an advertisement that just about drives me up the wall. Doctor Z did it this year.
     After being shipwrecked for three years on an island, he was overjoyed to see a ship in the distance and a small boat coming ashore. The naval officer handed him some newspapers and said, "The captain suggested that you see what's going on in the world and see if you want to be rescued."
     Have you been down the hill out of Lewisville of late? Are they really changing the lay of the land? It's really starting to change things. It's tough to tell just what they are doing and how things will shape up but I'm sure they know and will hit SR 78 somewhere down the hill. I'll miss seeing those orange barrels against the guardrail. This was always a sign I was getting close to Lewisville.
    The only person who makes a success in running other people down is the elevator boy.
Why not try Church Sunday? There's nothing to lose.
Bible readings: (Mon.) I Corinthians 14:6-12; (Tues.) I Timothy 6:13-19; from I Corinthians (Wed.) 12:1-6; (Thurs.) 12:7-11; (Fri.) 12:12-30; (Sat.) 12:21-26; (Sun.) 12:27-31.