~ Buckeye Grove Cheese Wins 3 Medals In World Competition ~

Al and Renae Scheiderer of Buckeye Grove Cheese Farm, LLC received notice that they have won three medals at the World’s Best Jersey Cheese 2010 competition. Cheese makers from 10 countries were  invited to participate in this world competition. The Scheiderers walked away with three of the 38 medals awarded! Their Bouren Kaas Gouda earned a silver medal, the Hill Folk Jersey and Jersey Emment each received bronze medals. “We are very happy with our results and to have been given the chance to participate,” said Al. The inset shows their cheese being rated.

Our Readers Write... 

Dear Editor,

Who would have thought it could happen here? Saturday morning June 19, I had taken my daughter to the Farmer and Merchants Bank in Caldwell to help with a bake sale that her Sunday School class was having. As we approached the bank, I noticed that in addition to her friends and teacher there was another young woman with a clipboard talking with individuals and asking them to sign something as they entered and left the bank. I did not recognize the woman, so being the typical protective parent, I thought that it might be good to talk to the woman and find out who she was and what she was working at. I introduced myself and asked her what she was doing. She told me that she was gathering signatures on a petition for helping with “animal abuse”. Most would think this cause was quite worthy just like the bake sale that my daughter and her class were having for a mission project; however, her petition was for much more than just animal abuse. I asked the young woman where she was from and she told me Fresno, California. I also asked her name but she said, “I don’t feel comfortable giving out my name.” Because I am actively involved with Noble County’s Farm Bureau, I knew immediately that the petition that she had is part of an attempt by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to dictate how farmers in Ohio must care for their animals and remove authority that was given to the newly formed Livestock Care Board last year with Issue 2. Not to be confused with our local Humane Societies, this animal rights activist group is based in the Washington, D.C. area and has an annual payroll of around 38 million dollars.

Even though I do not agree with the cause that this woman was working for, I certainly respect her right to gather signatures. What I think is very sad is that she was using deceit as her primary method for getting her signatures. I spoke with a few other folks that signed the petition because they did not take the time to inquire any details other than what they were told by her. When I explained what the petition actually did, they were very upset that they signed it. Please do not make the mistake of giving up your signature without knowing what you are signing. I think it is very telling that the very person that was asking me to give out my name and address was unwilling to provide me with just her name and that she did not even reside in the state that she was working to change the law in.

Please be careful when giving out your signature. Want to know more about HSUS? Spend just a few minutes on Humanewatch.org, a web site designed as watchdog to HSUS and you can learn a great deal about the people that want to change Ohio law.

Jason Feldner

Noble County Farmer

Charlene Miller of Team Monroe discusses the upcoming Pow Wow set for July 3 and 4 at the Monroe County Fairgrounds in Woodsfield. This educational and cultural event features Native American dancing, music and demonstrations.                     Photo by Martha Ackerman 

Pow-Wow Set for July 3 and 4

Honoring those who walked the woodlands before us ... Before the white men came to America, the Native American Indians roamed the hills and plains of what later became the United States of America. It was a time when the Cherokee, Shawnee, Blackfoot, Munsee, Mingo, Seneca, Onondaga and Choctaw Indians, among others, have either lived or passed through Monroe County. 

According to Jay Stanley, organizer of this educational and cultural family event, the Seneca was the dominant nation in Monroe County.

That heritage is being brought to the Monroe County Fairgrounds July 3 and 4. The Monroe Arts Council and Team Monroe are presenting an authentic Native American Pow-Wow featuring dancing, singing, crafts, food and demonstrations of traditional ways.

“With so many people in this area who have Native American ancestry, the Pow-Wow is a way of exploring the heritage and sharing the Indian traditions,” said Stanley, who is a descendant of the Onondaga nation. He has been involved in the Pow-Wow events for about 20 years.

The sound of drums will echo over the grounds as, in the Indian culture, the instrument is believed to be the heartbeat of Mother Earth. There will be ceremonial regalia (dress).

“This event will give people firsthand awareness and knowledge of the heritage and culture of the Native American Indians,” said Tom Scott, community developer.

According to Stanley, there will be bison meat and Indian fry bread for those who would like to try them. There will also be standard food fare available at the two-day event. There will be traders and crafts people coming in from Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia as well as different areas of Ohio.

Gates open each day at 10 a.m. The ‘grand entry,’ which is a ceremonial procession, will be at noon both days.

A Gospel Sing will also be featured during the event.

And just a bit of  trivia, according Stanley, there were no Seminoles living in or passing through Monroe County when the Indian nations lived  and traveled America.

Summer Fest, Pow-Wow, Fireworks 

by Martha Ackerman
General Manager/Editor

It’s time to celebrate the birth of our nation! Summer Fest returns on July 3 with lots of fun and entertainment on the square in Woodsfield. It was a huge success last year and organizers hope it will be again.

Entertainment will be by Not So Rich and Famous, a well-known local group. There will be baked goods, produce, flowers, jewelry, raffles, crafts, food, baskets and more. 

The Monroe County Com-munity Garden Committee and Gardeners will host the first of  series of Garden tours and tips will be shared during the Summer Fest, July 3, 5-8 p.m. The Monroe County Historical Society will be giving tours of the Pioneer Cemetery also. Special markers will be placed at the graves of early settlers and prominent leaders of Monroe County. For more information, there will be a table set up during the Summer Fest festivities.

The inaugural Independence Day Pow Wow will be held July 3 and 4 at the Monroe County Fairgrounds. See related article.

Woodsfield Volunteer Fire Department will host a barbecue chicken dinner beginning at 4:30 p.m. and a great fireworks display, set by local shooters through Pyro Technoco of New Castle, Pa., will be held at dusk. The display will be held at the Monroe Central football practice field, Monroe Memorial Park, as it has been in previous years.

According to Mike Young, Woodsfield Fire Chief, the fire department signs off on the contract for the fireworks but the display is financed through donations. The Woodsfield Moose donates $8,000 to the festivities with other donations from the Woodsfield Eagles, Riesbeck’s Food Market and the Woodsfield VFW Post 5303. All these donations are earmarked for the fireworks, which draws hundreds of people to the county seat.

Young noted that for several years the village did not have a fireworks display because fire department members, who have to raise money for needed items, couldn’t see $9,000 going “up in smoke.”  

Kevin Davis, of the Woodsfield Moose, ap-proached the fire chief and offered the donation through the lodge’s 501C3 program. Other donations followed. Young stressed that no fire levy and no tax money are used for the fireworks. It’s all donation.

“It’s through a lot of hard work from contributing organizations and businesses,” said Young, adding that they have received nothing but praise and thanks for the display. 

“We appreciate what the businesses and organizations do and we support the ones that help support us. We hope the help never stops because we can’t do it alone.”

So come, join the fun and festivities at the 2010 Summer Fest and Fireworks Display set for Saturday, July 3!

Trials Set for RHS Principal and Guidance Counselor

by Taylor Abbott
Staff Writer

River High School’s principal Dr. Vincent Monseau and guidance counselor Linda Josefczyk will go before a jury of peers during two separate trials set to begin in August and September.

The charges stem from a phone call received by School Resource Deputy Terry Stewart. The anonymous caller advised that a threat had been made to River High School earlier in the day and school officials had failed to notify law enforcement.

After the phone call, Stewart confirmed that officials had failed to report a threat. Following this, the Sheriff’s office began investigating the allegations. 

Through the investigation, details emerged that a bomb threat was discovered on wall inside the high school.

Further investigation re-vealed the threat was discovered by school officials and never reported to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

While the investigation was conducted, Monseau and Josefczyk continued working. Charges against the two were filed on May 25. The offenses occurred on April 28. Superintendent Larry Elliott would not comment citing, “It would be premature for me to comment on the situation until all the facts are known.”

Following a review of the investigation and consultation with Monroe County Prose-cutor L. Kent Riethmiller, both Monseau and Josefczyk were charged.

According to court documents, Monseau is being tried for failing to report a crime to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Josefczyk is charged with making a false statement to Stewart during his investigation. 

Josefczyk’s trial is set to begin Aug. 20 at 9 a.m. Monseau’s trial has been scheduled for Sept. 13 at 9 a.m. Judge James Peters will preside over the proceedings. 

Both defendants are currently represented by St. Clairsville attorney Charles Bean. 

Around the Burnside  

There’s no fun in medicine but there’s lots of medicine in fun.

The state of happiness is in the state of mind.

I wonder; does anyone plow corn any more? I drive by all these cornfields and never see anyone plowing corn. Times change. By this time I think we would have had our corn plowed and hoed at least once and thinking of starting again before long.

Plow close to one row, turn and come down the same row, this time closer to the other row of corn. You got in plenty of walking and on days like we had over Father’s Day weekend you drank plenty of water. We, or at least I, were happy when our corn was “laid by”.

You might remember several weeks ago I mentioned the egg thing-a-ma-jig. You put an egg in it, squeeze the handles and bingo the egg lands in the skillet free and clear of the shell. I see it advertised on TV any number of times and I also indicated I didn’t think it would work.

Well, I was wrong, not that it’s new I’m wrong. It’s just once in a while but getting more often. I have received word from a very reliable source it does work, much to my surprise. I think because of this, it has almost doubled their egg consumption. There was a bit of warning expressed about the egg scrambler that is part of the deal. It takes some practice to insert the needle scrambler without busting the egg. I was also warned that it didn’t work the best with their home grown boiled eggs. The shell didn’t come off so easy. I’m not sure how it worked with the boiled run of the mill eggs you buy at the store. See, I wasn’t completely wrong.

I haven’t mentioned this much and it has been an important milestone in our lives. On June 8 this year Esther and I celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary. Man, that seems like a long time when you think about it. I really don’t understand how Esther has put up living with me all these years.

We realized it was an important event in our lives but didn’t want a big thing made of it. We had a little get-together with our family; they bought our meals and Esther and I celebrated a little bit on our own.

On the 8th I took Esther to McDonald’s and we split a Big Mac and a large Coke. Actually, we went to a nice restaurant for a meal.

As I look back, we’ve had our ups and downs as all married couples. I started teaching at a salary of $2400 a year which included my work as a Vo Ag teacher during the summer. Needless to say we didn’t have much left over at the end of the month. We received our December check before Christmas and needless to say it really seemed like a long time until our January check rolled in.

Regardless of the not so pleasant things. I’m not sure if I’d make any changes. I got to spend most of my life working with young people. We have a family we’re proud of including our grandkids and great-grandkids. Also the probability thousands of young people I hope I have been a good influence and helped them along the way. You just can’t do any better than that.

Aside from Esther’s help and my parents’ guidance growing up, there is one thing responsible for my life. I don’t want to sound as though I am preaching; however, I am a firm believer that when I was in the service, God put into my head I wanted to be a Vocational Agricultural teacher. The rest is history.

OK, I’ve strayed and not given Him credit. He can do things that guide you where He wants you to go or do. For example, we moved to Monroe County. Why? I had only been to the county twice. Once when in Extension to visit Ormet when it was starting and once on a joy ride with a friend and our girlfriends to the big city of Fly. One of the best moves that happened to me, but tough at the time of our move. Sixty years is still a long time.

In addition to the egg thing I learned something else while waiting for the alumni parade to start.

You know what I think of rhubarb? Well, a nice lady told me what rhubarb actually was. I’m really not sure if this is correct as I didn’t write it down. She said, “Rhubarb is celery with the frizzler” I think. I still like rhubarb when I get it.

Now for a little English lesson, if possible, from someone who had to take the dummy English course at O.S.U. I’m sure many of you know about a collective noun. If I knew what it was I had forgotten. 

I’d like to share a few collective nouns.  I’ll bet you may not have heard of some.

How about a warren of rabbits, a parliament of owls, a descent of woodpeckers, a chattering of goldfish, a crash of phenoceros and how about a hurtie of sheep. The list goes on and on, so now you know.

Maybe you’re not overweight. You could be a few inches short for your weight total.

Church is always available during the summer.

~ Kids Eat Free With This Program at Woodsfield Elementary ~

With the Switzerland of Ohio Local School District’s Summer Nutrition Program, kids 18 years and younger, can get a free lunch served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Woodsfield Elementary School Monday thru Friday. According to cafeteria director Tina Hogue, 75 to 100 children have been taking part in the program, which runs through the summer. Lunches feature hot dogs, tacos, pizza, ravioli, burgers and more. There are daily door prizes and there are no income guidelines to participate in the program. The lunches are free to all children. The students working in the JTPA program have been coming for lunch, noted Hogue. Shown, from left, are: cooks Chris Glotfelty and Kathy Seefert, Jordan Joy, Tina Hogue and Danielle Crooks. Jordan and Danielle are summer JTPA help at the school, along with six other students. Photo by Martha Ackerman

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OBITUARIES 

WALTER GENE STRODE
Walter Gene Strode, 60, 41135 Lawrence Davis Rd., Caldwell, died June 22, 2010 at Marietta Memorial Hospital. She was born June 28, 1949 in Caldwell, a son of Mary Poulton Strode, Caldwell and the late Delmer Strode.

He was a retired long distance truck driver. He enjoyed collecting pig figurines and loved being surrounded by his family and friends and also his dog, Peeps.

Surviving are four sons, Walter Gene (Jana) Strode, Jr., Todd David Strode, Mickey Lee (Angela) Strode, Daniel Allen Strode, all of Arkansas; 11 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Friends were received June 24 at Brubach-Watters Funeral Home, Summerfield, where funeral services were held June 25, with Frank Love officiating. Burial followed in the Eastern Cemetery, Summerfield.

MAGUY SPRINGER
Maguy Springer, 70, Antioch, died June 23, 2010 at her home. She was born March 31, 1940 in Morocco, a daughter of the late Roger and Lucienne Bourrel Bonnaud.

Surviving are her husband, Glen Springer of Antioch; daughter, Lorraine (Dennis) Colasanti of Detroit, Mich.; a son, Carl Somppi of Alameda, Calif.; sister, May Bonnaud of Athens; brother, Eric Bonnaud of Athens; step-daughter, Nicole (Steve) Majstorovic of Medina; step-son, Michael (Dana) Springer of Cleveland; and five grandchildren, Billy Snyder, Benjamin Snyder, Natale Colasanti, Ashley Majstorovic and Michael Majstorovic.

Friends were received June 26 until time of memorial service at Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, Woodsfield. Burial was at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Monroe County Humane Society, 41383 Stonehouse Rd., Woodsfield, OH 43793.

Condolences may be expressed at www.bauerturner.com.

Linda Louise Kissner
Linda Louise Kissner, 70, passed peacefully on June 15, 2010. She was born March 5, 1940 in Monroe County, a daughter of Hershel and Esther Keylor.

She was always proud of her Ohio roots. She graduated from Lewisville High School and left to see the world joining United Airlines as a stewardess which was a bold move for a young woman from rural eastern Ohio at that time. She traveled and lived abroad with her first husband Dean Culnan, and their daughters, Liz and Laura. She and Dean eventually settled the family in Texas, where she spent the past 30 years. She had several hobbies. However, her passion was spending time with her grandchildren; Sullivan, Courtney and Madeline. She cherished every minute with them. She taught them to appreciate and protect nature, how to make pancakes, how to be a good Ohio State University Buckeye fan, and that Nana doesn’t go anywhere without putting on lipstick first. She was a certified Master Gardener, P.E.O. International Sister, an amateur environmentalist, avid reader of National Geographic, excellent chef, crossword puzzle enthusiast, dignified, diverse, gracious, elegant, the best listener, kind, loving, thoughtful and beautiful. 

Surviving are her husband, Ronald Kissner of Rosehill, Texas; two daughters, Elizabeth M. Culnan (Ben) Frazier of Tomball, Texas, Laura L. Culnan of Magnolia, Texas; step-son, Steve (Sally) Kissner of Denver, Colorado; three grandchildren, Sullivan Frazier, Courtney Frazier, Madeline Gares; nieces and nephews, Randy Keylor, Brent Keylor, Annette Hallam, Danette Ward.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and beloved brother Vernon Keylor.

Memorial services were held June 19 at Salem Lutheran Church, Tomball, Texas.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Star of Hope Mission, 6897 Ardmore, Houston, Texas 77054.

Angela “Angie” Pyles
Angela “Angie” Pyles, 32, Pittsburgh, Pa., formerly of Clarington, died June 26, 2010 at UPMC in Pittsburgh. She was born Jan. 13, 1978 in Glen Dale, W.Va., a daughter of Richard and Linda Christy Pyles.

She was a respiratory therapist in Pittsburgh; a 1996 graduate of River High School; and a 2002 graduate of WVNCC.

In addition to her parents, surviving are a brother, Christopher Pyles of Clarington; maternal grandmother, Audrey Christy of Sistersville; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Charles and Lucille Pyles; and her maternal grandfather, Denzil Christy.

She was an organ donor, giving to people in need. Her final gift, her final deed.

Friends were received June 29 at Grisell Funeral Home, Clarington, where funeral services will be held June 30, with Evangelist Edward Melott officiating.

Sympathy expressions at grisellfuneralhomes.com.