Summer Fest Draws Nice Crowd for Entertainment, Games

A nice crowd enjoyed the second Summer Fest of the season. The Not So Rich and Famous band entertained during the July 3 event. Chris, you owe me ...  Photo by M. Ackerman

Entertainment, games, a tour of the Pioneer Cemetery, the Pow-Wow and a huge fireworks display, compliments of the Woodsfield VFD and donors, filled the day July 3 in Woodsfield.

To the right, at the Monroe Central Cheerleader’s booth at Summer Fest, Kim Milhoan, jr. high cheerleader coach, paints Klara’s face as her sister Korah looks on. The girls are daughters of Eric and Darcie Anderson of Lewisville.  

Tax Abatement Addressed

by Taylor Abbott
Staff Writer

On June 28, Monroe County Commissioners met with members of the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), Center Township Trus-tees, County Auditor Pandora Neuhart, community developer Tom Scott, and CIC attorney Jason Yoss. The combined group represents the Tax Incentive Review Committee.

Discussion and debate was held over an issue that has arisen concerning the Black Walnut Commerce Park.

Carol Hehr, representing the CIC, spoke to commissioners about Industrial Paint and Strip which vacated a building at the commerce park before its lease was up. Before leaving, Rich Libby, owner, found another company, Control Design & Integration (CDI), who was interested in relocating into the building for the remainder of the lease.

Libby received a tax abatement from the CIC when he purchased the facility. He vacated it in 2008, before the abatement ended. 

According to Scott, CDI assumed the lease from Libby in 2009. The issue in question was whether or not CDI has any legal obligation for payment of  the tax abatement.

Yoss said that the issue needs further review and would like to discuss the matter further with Monroe County Prosecutor L. Kent Riethmiller. 

According to Scott, “The CIC has no desire to impede or hamper other businesses from moving into the commerce park. We are only making sure that we do things correctly and do not set a bad precedent.”

The ceremonial entrance to the Inaugural Pow-Wow held at the Monroe County Fairgrounds July 3 and 4 was an emotional display of Indian heritage and respect for the flags of the United States of America, its branches of service and the military personnel who never made it home. Head Veteran Ironhand led the solemn procession into the inner circle.           Photos by Martha Ackerman 

Kat Koenig and Shawn Reilly brought their native ancestral dances to the Inaugural Pow-Wow held July 3 and 4 at the Monroe County Fairgrounds. 

An Emotional Display at Inaugural Pow-Wow

by Martha Ackerman
General Manager/Editor

The drumbeat echoed throughout the grounds as the Inaugural Pow-Wow brought representatives of various Indian nations and a sampling of their culture to Monroe County July 3 and 4. The grand entrance, which was held at noon each day, was an emotional ceremony. 

The drumbeat was somber as the Indian voices, in their native language, honored the American Flag, veterans of all branches of service and those who fought for the United States of America but never made it home. Veterans and parents of those serving in harm’s way were asked to come into the inner circle.

The drumbeat and chanting voices during the intertribal dancing gave those attending a sense of rejoicing, of thankfulness and of sadness. The hoop dance brought little Cheyenne to the inner circle to demonstrate what she is learning about ancestral ways.

Tepees, showing the Indian culture, offered a glimpse into the past. Vendors were arranged around the inner circle and offered native Indian crafts and food. 

Organizer Jay Stanley, his committee, Monroe Arts Council and Team Monroe Tourism is to be commended for a job well done in bringing this educational and cultural event to Monroe County.

School Projects Moving Forward
Bids Opened for Beallsville Schools

by Taylor Abbott
Staff Writer

Over a year has passed since the voters of Monroe County approved an 8.9 mill levy that will bring six new schools and a totally renovated seventh to our school district.

Mass amounts of preparation and planning have been going into the design phase of these new facilities. It was reported at the last Switzerland of Ohio Local School Board Meeting that thorough review of each building’s specifications will likely ensure a well done, quality job in the long run.

Currently, each new school has an update. Information was presented to the school board during their July 1 meeting. The following is occurring:

• Excavation work has been completed at the Beallsville and Woodsfield sites.

• Core sampling and soil sampling has been completed at the Powhatan site.

• After extensive review, it has been decided that the combined Hannibal/Sardis building will be located on the campus of River High School.

• Building plans are being developed for the Powhatan building as well as for the combined Hannibal/Sardis School and River High School.

The following revised timeline was introduced to the Board of Education:

• Monroe Central and Woodsfield school bids will be opened Aug. 3. Construction should begin Sept. 1 with an early finish scheduled for Dec. 23, 2011.

• Bids for the Beallsville site were opened Jun. 29. Construction will begin approximately July 29 with an early finish tentatively scheduled for Nov. 21, 2011.

• Early site work for the Powhatan site could begin in September. It is hoped that the site work will be completed by Dec. 27.

According to officials, it is important to note that these timeline are estimates and could vary because of issues that may arise. 

Following the report and update, the school board adjourned into an executive session for matters required to be kept confidential. 

On June 29, bids for the Beallsville K-12 school were opened at a special meeting held at the Woodsfield Elementary School cafeteria. Approximately 35 persons were in attendance. According to project manager John Jefferis, all bids are now being reviewed and evaluated by the school board and program team and will be released to the public after a special meeting scheduled for July 8 at 6 p.m. at central office. The purpose of this meeting is to consider building project issues, tax levy renewal and to act on the bids received for the Beallsville school.

Around the Burnside  

Opportunity will knock three times, but it will sneak right in if you leave the door wide open.

I’m still on the stump and I might as well get it off my chest. There have been a couple of things happen that really disappointed me over the years, since moving to the county.

First was the dropping of the ROE program. Remember it? Resident Outdoor Education. Sixth graders attended camp for two nights with outdoor activities and education was the theme.

Yes, it has been replaced by the Soil and Water District having a one-day learning session for fifth graders, held on the fairground. This is excellent; however, it doesn’t begin to compare to spending a couple of nights at camp with a planned schedule of activities and classes.

My reason for my disappointment?  I have some of the students who attended ROE. They still mention how much they enjoyed the camp and the activities.

I assisted with several of the camps along with teachers and counselors from high school classes, which was also an excellent experience for the selected high school students.

Why were they dropped? Who knows? It was said to be money. Could be, but I think some, maybe a large part, was a lack of interest or probably maybe retirement time. No one seemed willing to step into a leadership role, so cost was given as the reason.

I wonder? If it had been a sport of some type parents and teachers would have turned things over to start or keep it going. Seems like we’ll do anything for a sport or a playing field that is excellent for a small percentage of youth. A nearby school is or has held a football camp for students in kindergarten to sixth grade. Don’t you think football before actually in grade school a bit young? I do.

In my opinion, we hear technology; technology was talked when discussing our new schools. Might be time to think also about an excellent program such as ROE.

The second thing is one you already know if you read Around the Burnside. It was the death of the FFA Chapter in our county. I do understand they have hired or plan to hire a new instructor for the program. Maybe this will bring the FFA Chapter back to life. At least we can hope so anyway. I’ll climb down from my stump, for now.

Sometimes you hear things and really wonder if it is true. I discovered a good use for Koolaid.

We used to have a saying, when I worked as a 4-H agent. You have to drink five gallons of Koolaid to get the 4-H clubs organized. This was back when 4-H met mostly in homes and agents attended the organizational meetings. Times change.

I learned this from a golfer who observed a worker spraying something purple around. It was grape Koolaid. He said the geese do not like the smell of grape. By using the spray it kept them away. I didn’t even know geese could smell except after they had been around and did you know what. Oh well, live and learn.

It seems kind of funny sometimes when a casual conversation stirs up a flood of memories.

I recently met a reader who was a member of the first football team of Beallsville High School. In fact, he was the captain, I think he said.

This was not the same high school football we know today but six-man football. Rules were a bit different and I think maybe the field a bit different; I don’t really remember. He told me, at that time any number of schools in the area played six-man football and there was no problem scheduling games.

The first job I had teaching, the school started six-man football. I ended up in the middle of the playing field, with a watch, keeping the game clock. It was kind of fun for someone that knew nothing about football.

The problem at that time was most schools had changed to 11-man football and it was very difficult to schedule games near home. I think they changed after a couple of years to 11-man. How many of you remember six-man football?

I doubt if you’re interested but I thought I’d let you know after all my experience with the eye doctor. My cataract surgery went well, much better than the one removed in the late 80s. I can watch TV without my glasses. No problem. 

I hope you didn’t lose too many fingers on the Fourth of July.

Summer is the time of year when you try to keep your house as cold as it was in the winter and complained about it.

Don’t forget church Sunday.

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OBITUARIES 

EULA B. ALLEN
Eula B. Allen, 84, Clarington, died June 30, 2010 in Muskingum Valley Nursing and Rehab Center, Beverly. She was born Nov. 7, 1925 at Grantsville, W.Va., a daughter of the late Ruby and Ona Roberts Smith.

A petite woman with a huge spirit, Eula was strong and self-determined, loved equally as well by her family and all those who knew her. With a dazzling smile and pale blue eyes, she could talk to anyone she met, openly and honestly. She and her husband had lived and reared their family near Clarington since 1961.

Surviving are five children, R. Michael (Betsy) Parker of Barnesville, Sharon (Ronald) Randolph of Naperville, Ill., Beverly (Eric) Zimmer of Marietta, Deborah (Charles) Myers of Beallsville, Thomas Allen and partner, Earnest Rubio of Denver, Co.; 12 grandchildren, Michele Velas, Nicole and Ian Randolph, Dana, Adam and Nathan Kinzy, Taylor, Morgan, Jaclyn, Tucker and Sophia Myers; nine great-grandchildren, Megan and Thaddeus Velas, Jordan Randolph, Loralai, Montana, Austen, Jack and Ruby Kinzy and Wendy Engelhardt; three brothers, Dale Smith, Franklin Smith and Don Smith; two sisters, Bonnie Byrd and Freda White Cotton; special friends, Terri Milosavljevic and Brent and Kim Tisher whom she loved as her own children. Her spirit will be missed by all her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Averill “AC” Allen, on March 21, 2010; an infant son, Richard Aden Parker; siblings, Glendle, Denzil, Aden, Beulah and Betty.

Friends were received July 2 until time of services at Harper Funeral Home, Beallsville. Burial was on July 3 at the Smith Family Cemetery near Hur, W.Va.

Online condolences may be offered at www.harperfh.net

ALFRED D. DOUGHERTY
Alfred L. Dougherty, 84, 2 Summit Court, Caldwell, formerly of Lewisville, died June 29, 2010 at Summit Acres Nursing Home, Caldwell. He was born near Woodsfield on Dec. 18, 1925, a son of the late Albert and Rena Cronin Dougherty.

He was a retired oil and gas worker for the Hopewell Oil and Gas Company and was also a retired dairy farmer. Alfred was a member of the Church of Christ where he attended the Hines Chapel near Lewisville, and the Graysville Church of Christ. He was also a U.S. Army veteran of WWII where he served in the 100 Division 397 Infantry and received a purple heart.

Surviving are his wife, Naomi Kirkbride Dougherty, whom he married Nov. 2, 1946; a daughter, Joyce Johnson of Caldwell; two sons, Mark (Carol) Dougherty, Vashti Griffin; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Everett Dougherty; an infant great-grandson; and a special brother-in-law, Cecil Griffin.

Friends were received July 2 at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield, where funeral services were held July 3, with Frank Love officiating. Burial followed in Friendship Cemetery, Lewisville, with military services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Senior Apartments, 40 Summit Court, Caldwell, OH 43724.

Paul E. Hinderlong
Paul E. Hinderlong, 84, 209 Ohio St., Woodsfield, died July 2, 2010 at Woodsfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Woodsfield. He was born April 11, 1926 near Lewisville, a son of the late James and Josephine Neuhart Hinderlong.

He was a 1944 graduate of Lewisville High School with honors in FFA, American Farmers Degree and State Farmers Degree. He was a retired farmer and was a former school bus driver and courier for the Switzerland of Ohio School District. He was involved in many civic organizations including 4-H Leadership Committee, Monroe County Farm Bureau, former member and president on the Policy Development Board where he was a state delegate for 60 years, a life-long member of the Trinity United Church of Christ near Lewisville, where he served on the church council; served 25 years on the board of the Monroe County Health Department, helped to obtain grant money for the building of the Monroe County Clinic, member of the Rolling Hills Ruritan Club, served as a member and past president of the Monroe County Planning Commission, served on the Monroe County CIC Committee, 30 year board member of the Rolling Hills Landmark, member and past president of the O.A.P.S.E. Chapter 41 on the consolidation of the Switzerland of Ohio School District. 

He enjoyed farming and watching newborn calves romping in the pastures.

Surviving are his wife of 35 years, Ann Garrett Hinderlong of the home; a sister, Ruth Hinderlong of Barnesville; four step-children, Jo Ann (Dwight) Brannon, Rebecca (Carey) Bott, Monica (Bill) Long, Charles (Kay) Brooks, all of Woodsfield; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many cousins.

Friends were received July 4 at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield, where funeral services were held July 5, with Rev. Richard Wilson and Rev. Karen Binford officiating. Burial followed in Middle Church Cemetery near Lewisville.

Dalton Ray Ludwig, 16, 435 Village Place, Pickerington, died July 1, 2010 at Grant Medical Center, Columbus, following injuries received in an automobile accident. He was born May 23, 1994 in Columbus, a son of Philip E. II and Pam Archer Ludwig.

He was a junior at Pickerington Central HIgh School, where he was a member of the soccer team. He enjoyed video games and computers, as well as, his dogs, Charlie and Buddy.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, are two brothers, Derek Ludwig, Devon Ludwig of the home; maternal grandparents, Paul and Leoba Archer of Woodsfield; paternal grandmother, Shirley Ludwig of Woodsfield; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Philip E. Ludwig.

Friends were received at Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home, Pickerington, July 6. Friends were received July 7 at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield.

Funeral liturgy with mass was celebrated July 7 at St. Sylvester Catholic Church, Woodsfield, with Rev. Fr. David Gaydosik officiating. Burial followed in the Moffett Cemetery near Woodsfield.

Merle L. “Butch” Swoboda, 69, 49286 SR 800, Jerusalem, died July 4, 2010 at Ohio Valley Medical Center, Wheeling, W.Va. He was born March 28, 1941 in Martins Ferry, a son of the late Allison F., Sr. and Euella Yater Swoboda.

He was a retired employee of Ormet Corporation, Hannibal, and also a retired truck driver. He had attended the Praise Pentecostal Church, Woodsfield,  formerly attended the Jerusalem United Methodist Church. He was a US Army veteran of the Vietnam War and was a member of the American Legion Post No. 768, Beallsville. He enjoyed fishing, boating, traveling and his grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife, Carol Gerdau Swoboda, whom he married June 4, 1961; a daughter, Angela Burkhart of Belle Valley; three sons, Howard F. (Rachel) Swoboda of Johnson City, Tenn., Merle (Nancy) Swoboda, Jr. of Somerton and Daniel Lee Swoboda and his fiance Pam of Woodsfield; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and three nieces.

In addition to  his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Allison Swoboda, Jr. and Richard Swoboda; an infant sister, Louisa; and a grandson, Daniel L. Swoboda.

Friends will be received July 8, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Watters Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held July 9, at 11 a.m., with Pastor David Ward officiating. Burial will follow in Jerusalem Cemetery with military services.

JO ANN STEWART
Jo Ann Raver Stewart, Sardis, died July 4, 2010 holding her granddaughter Selena’s hand at her home. She was born Aug. 13, 1934 in Groveport, a daughter of the late Calvin and Sylvia Schirm Raver. She was surrounded by her family and many friends.

Surviving are four daughters, Debra Jo Stewart- Hennessee-Longwell of Sardis, Penny Lynn (Billy) Caldwell of Webbville, Ky., Nancy Marie (Gary) Hoskin-son of Woodsfield, Carline May Stewart-Callahan of Obetz; a son, Robert Eugene (Marita) Stewart of Columbus; 19 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Edward Stewart of 59 years; six brothers, Charles (Wilson), Randall, James and Calvin (Junior) Raver, all WWII veterans of Columbus, Paul and Donnie Raver, both of Groveport; a sister, Winnojean Raver Harris of Columbus; three grandchildren, Jeremy John Stewart, Charles Daniel (Chucky) Longwell, Joann Karen Callahan; and two great-grandchildren, Luguna Locke Callahan and Skylar Austin Caldwell.

Mrs. Stewart had fond memories of being a teenager during WWII and shared the fun she had wearing her brother’s p-coat and helping with the war effort at home. She was very proud of her brothers that served their country at that time, and of her brother Paul who stayed home and worked at the fire department at Lockbourne Air Force Base and later became fire chief at Groveport. She also expressed grief for her nephew, Charles Raver, age 18, who died in Vietnam.

She was happiest when she was around her family and was playing cards or board games. She will be greatly missed. She was an amazing mother, grandmother and friend. The family cherishes the time God gave them with her. She is with her husband now and they both will live in their family’s hearts forever.

Arrangements are entrusted to CARE Funeral & Cremation Service of Moundsville, W.Va.