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Below are links to portions of this week's news articles. For the full story, pick up a paper at your local newss tand or send $1 with your name/address to P.O. Box 70, Woodsfield, OH 43793.

June 21, 2007 Edition
<“Broken Timber Junior Fishermen” Program Organized for Youth Mike Willis, certified ODNR instructor, casts his line into Sunfish Creek at the boat dock of Broken Timber Park in Clarington. The park is currently being transformed from a junk yard. It will eventually be home to the Broken Timber Junior Fishermen, a youth group being organized by Willis and other certified ODNR instructors.	by Arlean Selvy Publisher My goal for this organization is to get kids from the ages of 12 to 17 years old involved in a fishing program, said Mike Willis, president of the Broken Timber Junior Fishermen. In the program youth will learn how to use different types of fishing equipment, and about the habitat and environment in which they will fish. They will learn fly fishing, fly tying, how to make their own fishing lures, fishing knots, rigging, and how to catch live bait. Youth will also learn the proper handling of fish for a safe release, as well as local information about rules and identification of aquatic life. In the process, participants in the fishing program will earn, through a merit system, fishing trips to various streams, lakes ponds and reservoirs. In previous programs, Willis has taken youth to Lake Erie and into the mountains for mountain stream fishing. In addition to Willis, there are three certified instructors who have completed a course through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Two of those are Toby Willis and Jared Abele. The program also boasts assistant instructors who specialize in different areas of fishing. During fishing trips, there will be one instructor for every two children. They will reap memories theyll never forget, said Willis. How many go to Lake Erie fishing? he asked. He said that, in time, parents can go along and take pictures and videos. To date, ten youth have signed up. The first training was held June 16 at Clarinda Park 9 a.m. to noon, at which time a lunch of hot dogs and chips was provided. Upon completion of the program, participants will be 18 years old and be able to return as instructors and share their knowledge and experiences with their subordinates and communities, said Willis. The program is open to children from Monroe, Belmont and Washington counties in Ohio and to youth in Marshall and Wetzel counties in West Virginia. Willis explained the Broken Timber Junior Fishermen program as a growing program that is going to have the children off the streets and gaining knowledge of the outdoors. He said he expects the youth to be spending anywhere from nine to 20 hours a week gaining knowledge and experience from fishing. He also hopes to raise enough money through donations and fundraisers to build an outdoor recreation/education center in Clarington. Ideally, the center would be located at Broken Timber Park. However, due to flood plain regulations, this may not be possible, so other options are being explored. Willis said the education center would consist of a library, lure making facility, computer, TV and videos for gaining knowledge in hunting, fishing and trapping. He believes that another program will develop in the future, that of bird watching. The village of Clarington as well as ODNR is assisting with the organization of the program. A $500 Step Outside Grant was obtained from ODNR's Division of Wildlife. Willis said it is possible to get two grants a year, depending on participation. My main concern is getting kids off the streets, said Willis. Once they start fishing, they continue, he added. They'll be advanced fishermen when we get done.
<“State, Regional Representatives Tour Monroe County Sites State and local representatives gathered for a tour of Monroe County to discuss economic and community development. The four women in front are Jeannette Harter, assistant director, county Job and Family Services; Ranelle DePaulis of Congressman Charlie Wilson’s office; Debra Haney, county JFS director; and Monroe WIA Director Janet Henthorn. From left second row, County Commissioner John Pyles, Dick Sulsberger, president, County Chamber of Commerce; behind Sulsberger is County Commissioner Bill Thompson; Larry Ullman, County Economic Development Committee; Francis ‘Sonny’ Block, county commissioner; Taten Ayers, contract specialist for the OVER program, Fred Deel, director, Governor’s Office of Appalachia, Jane Forrest Redfern, Ohio DJFS Rural Policy Coordinator, Christi Mash, Region 11 director, ODD, and Dean Gramlich, president, Monroe County CIC.	Submitted by Gwynn Clifford Buckeye Hills Representatives from the Governor’s Office on Appalachia (GOA), the Ohio Dept. of Development, Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services, Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District and the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce gathered June 13 for a tour of Monroe County to discuss economic and community development. Hosted by Monroe County commissioners Frances “Sonny” Block, John Pyles and Bill Thompson and Dean Gramlich, president of the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) a group of nearly 15 representatives from county and state government visited Ormet, Safe Auto, GMN Broadband Center, Monroe Central High School and the Black Walnut Center facilities. “We wanted to showcase what has been accomplished in Monroe County because of economic development, yet share the issues that continue to face our county,” said Block. Fred Deel, director of the GOA, and Christi Mash, Region 11 director for the Ohio Depart-ment of Development, discussed issues facing the region including broadband access, education funding, transportation infrastructure, potential development sites and buildings, as well as how economic development is funded. Also in attendance was Ranelle DePaulis, a regional caseworker from Congressman Charlie Wilson’s office. Dick Sulsberger, president, Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, and Larry Ullman of the Monroe County Economic Development Committee shared perspectives on the higher education feasibility study and the county’s school funding formula and issues facing the Switzerland of Ohio school district. Pyles provided an overview on the recent community forums held regarding school facilities. Representatives from ODJFS included Jane Forrest Redfern, the state’s Rural Policy coordinator. She said it is her responsibility to advise the state director on issues impacting Ohio’s rural communities. From the Monroe County JFS, Director Debbie Haney and Assistant Director Jeannette Harter joined the group. From a workforce development perspective, Taten Ayers, contract specialist for the OVER program and WIA Director Janet Henthorn were present. While at Ormet, Bob Cox, Rod Room general supervisor and interim utility general supervisor, led guests on a step-by-step overview of the aluminum making process. In addition, staffing needs of the Hannibal plant were provided by Lisa Riedel, vice-president/general manager of human resources, industrial and public relations, and vice-president of operations Mike Griffin. Ormet received nearly 2,000 applicants for the close to 800 labor positions filled (about 400 of those live in Monroe County). They continue to work toward adding production of the final potline by September when the plant will be at full capacity. There is still a need for electricians and skilled craftsmen; future needs may include machinists. Guests were provided an update on the plans for and recent grants secured to complete the Black Walnut Center building. From there, a tour of the Safe Auto facility in the Monroe County Commerce Park provided guests with an overview of the local partnership with public and private resource for job training when a new company locates in Monroe County. “We have over 150 employees at the Monroe County Call Center and we continue to maintain a hiring pool,” said Trudy Pyles, senior manager of customer service for Safe Auto. “We shared details on the dollars we received initially and how they opened full-time job opportunities with benefits for area residents.” Safe Auto is headquartered in Ohio and markets insurance in 13 states.
<Alumni Weekend: Memories of the Past and For the Future Friends, relatives and residents lined Main Street as the 2007 Alumni Parade began. The Friday night event brought WHS and Monroe Central alumni from near and far. Alumni from 1942 through 2002 rode on floats, in cars and walked the route which began at the City Park. Here, members of the WHS, Class of 1982, wave and through candy to the delight of the crowd. As always, the Alumni Weekend events included a covered dish dinner Saturday evening at Rubel’s Park, located east of Woodsfield. The much anticipated “Elvis” performance was a huge success. Here, WHS alumni, Mark Decker, his sister Terry Goodson/Chapin and Susan Sulsberger Murray try a little hula dancing as Elvis (Jack Keylor, not shown) sang “Blue Hawaii.” To conclude the 2007 Alumni Weekend, a church service was held at St. Sylvester Church. Guest speaker for the event was 1967 WHS alumnus Mark Decker, left. Introducing Decker was former classmate, Dr. Ray Magorien. The two presented a nostalgic look at their days of growing up in Woodsfield, as they shared some of their personal experiences as well as those at WHS Photos by Martha Ackerman	by Martha Ackerman Staff Writer Alumni from Woodsfield High and Monroe Central came from near and far to attend the 2007 Alumni Weekend events. Festivities began with a concert on the courthouse steps. Performing were the Happy Heart Singers, under the direction of former WHS band director, Bob Podlasiak, and One-A-Chord, a quartet from Barnesville. Brad Wilson, a member of the a cappella quartet, is the son-in-law of 1952 alumni Bill and Thelma Smith Johnson. Friends, relatives and residents lined Main Street as the Alumni Parade began. Alumni from 1942-2002 came in cars, floats and walked from the City Park to the “square.” The Alumni Band, under the direction of Podlasiak, was led by Charlotte Walter Schuerman and Marlene Moose, carrying the WHS banner. It’s been a while since they combined their talents, but the band sounded great! If there’s a will there’s a way as Paul Ring, former WHS principal, played his trombone from the back of a pick-up. After the parade, there was visiting and socializing on the square and at various establishments throughout Woodsfield. Up and down Main Street, windows were decorated. The Class of 1942 window held the prom dress of Margaret Ann Diehl Robinson. Another window was dedicated to the late Rita Drum, Class of 1964. It featured her majorette uniforms and photos. Saturday brought get-togethers by honored classes and then the evening festivities began at Rubel’s Park, located east of Woodsfield. Over 460 people gathered for the covered dish dinner and socializing. Honored class members were recognized and scholarship recipients were announced. Receiving $500 scholarships were: Christina Schumacher, the Church Service Scholarship; Dexter Hughes, the Harlan Billman Memorial Scholarship; Jennifer Masters, the Village of Woodsfield Scholarship; Gabriel Gordon, the Neil O. Turner Memorial Scholarship; Kathryn Schumacher, the WHS Alumni Scholarship; Amanda Johnson, the Women of the Moose Scholarship; Brianna Davis, the Louis Schumacher Jr. Memorial Scholarship; Kyle Singleton, the Alumni Golf Tournament Scholarship; Meagan Baker, Class of 1952 Scholarship; Karissa Martin, Class of 1967 Scholarship; and Amanda Forni, the Carolyn Harper Memorial Scholarship. Then, the much anticipated performance of “Elvis” aka Jack Keylor began. He was accompanied by his entourage, Bob Hissom, Garry Gibbons, Bill Thomas, Tim Monahan and Ed Martin. Elvis sang “Welcome to My World,” Roses are Red My Love,” “Room Full of Roses” and a number of other of Jack’s favorites. As he sang “Blue Hawaii,” Jack pulled alumni Mark Decker, Terry Decker Goodson/Chapin and Susan Sulsberger Murray from the audience for a little hula dancing. The Alumni Church Service, held at St. Sylvester Catholic Church, wrapped up the weekend festivities. Donations will allow two church service scholarships to be given in 2008. Approximately 175 alumni, friends and relatives attended the service. Participants included the Alumni Choir, directed by Jon Haley accompanied by Scott Emrick; Bill Calvert, Class of 1947; Barbara Yost Schumacher, Class of 1952; Cindi Conner, Class of 1977; Heather Robbins Dick, Class of 1992; Robin Ellis Guiler, Class of 1982; Dorothy Frum Ricer, Class of 1950, who read two of her original poems; Jack Keylor, Class of 1962; and Dr. Raymond Magorien, who introduced his fellow classmate of 1967, featured speaker Mark O. Decker. Both Dr. Magorien and Decker entertained attendees with a nostalgic look at their days of growing up in Woods-field. They also shared some personal experiences which sent waves of laughter throughout the church. Decker acknowledged former coach Duane Burton and also former sheriff Tink Sulsberger who he thanked “for knowing the difference between an ornery boy and a criminal.”
< Obituaries (read the full obituary in the paper)	< Sue Ellen Hines, 53, 35467 SR 78, Lewisville, died June 15, 2007, at her home. She was born March 1, 1954, at New Brunswick, NJ, a daughter of Ellis and Vera McGarry Hines, Woodsfield. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wattersfunralhome.com < Dink Brannon, 93, of Woods-field Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Woodsfield, died June 11, 2007, at the center. He was born Jan. 7, 1914, at Ironsburg, Tenn., a son of the late Marron Francis and Artie Carter Brannon. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wattersfuneralhome.com < Virgil E. Shaw, 80, SR 255, Sardis, died June 14, 2007, at his home. He was born Nov. 25, 1926, in Monroe County, a son of the late William H. Shaw and Eleanor Eikleberry Shaw. Online condolences may be expressed at www.bauerturner.com < Leslie D. Hickman, 82, Ravenna, died June 9, 2007, at Robinson Memorial Hospital. She was born Sept. 25, 1924, in Round Bottom, a son of the late Frank and Freda Martin Hickman. < Ronald Lee Janes, 74, Apex, NC, died June 16, 2007. He was born March 29, 1933, in Morgan County, a son of the late Roy and Marjorie Janes. Online condolences may be expressed at www.bauerturner.com < Edna Doris Rodgers, 91, 202 North 4th St., Woodsfield, died June 12, 2007, at Woodsfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born March 18, 1916, near Bellaire, a daughter of the late Albert Ross and Mary Meek Weekley. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wattersfuneralhome.com < Eileen E. Thompson, 85, of Summit Acres Nursing Home, Caldwell, formerly of Summerfield, died June 16, 2007, at the nursing home. She was born Feb. 19, 1922, near Calais, a daughter of the late Ottie and Goldie (Carpenter) Carpenter. < O. Marie Rossiter, 81, 2790 SR 229, Marengo, Ohio, formerly of Summerfield, died June 16, 2007, at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus. She was born July 27, 1925, at Crooksville, a daughter of the late William and Pearl Sexton Lyall. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wattersfuneralhome.com < Leland V. Johnson, 96, 50405 Johnson Rd., Lewisville, died June 16, 2007, at Barnesville Hospital. He was born April 4, 1911, near Lewisville, a son of the late Allen and Nora Carpenter Johnson. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wattersfuneralhome.com
<Around the Burnside	By Denny Easterling Think not on what you lack as much as on what you have. One of these days is none of these days. I didn't get to finish my BB gun story last week because of space. This happened later in my life. When we lived in Malta we raised a garden. The problem was we lived beside a scientific gardener. He planted his garden according to the signs and the moon. Me? I just planted when I had time and the ground was ready. He kept reminding me I planted my stuff in the wrong sign most of the time. I think once in a while he thought my seeds wouldn't even sprout. One other thing, he was out in his garden nearly every morning, pushing his big wheel plow up and down the rows. I kept telling him he was going to wear out his soil by plowing it up that much but he didn't believe me and kept doing it time after time. As a result he had nary a weed in his garden. I will have to admit I had a weed here and there in my garden. He also wanted to be the first to harvest just about everything he planted. I never got into this competition. I did, however, beat him by having a ripe tomato one year. I did it by buying one of those tomato plants like I see at Riesbeck's for $4.98 and planted it after dark. I'm not sure if he figured out what I'd done or not. He did mention that tomato grew very fast. In spite of the difference in our gardening methods, he was one of the best neighbors we've ever had. He even shared some of the produce out of his garden. Now you have the picture of the two gardens. We also had a neighbor down the street who liked cats. She must have liked cats because she had several. For some reason or another some of her cats enjoyed using my garden as a dumping ground. I never could figure out why the cats would pass up a near perfect garden and use mine. Well, rather than complain I decided to have a little fun. I remembered we had a gun safety program during 4-H camp so I brought one of the BB guns home with me along with a supply of BBs. When the time was right, I would sneak out on the back porch and pop me a cat. This worked fine except the cats kept coming back. They were more alert making it a bit more difficult to pop one. In fact, if they heard the BBs roll in the gun they were off like a shot. I did give some thought to adding a couple of air pistols to our 4-H camp program, but the cats finally gave up and did their dirty work somewhere else. You will no longer be able to get lost in Lewisville. A number of street signs have been put in place to let us know the name of the street. Just in case, I live across Back Street where the north end of Eagle Drive joins Back Street. Just kidding, the signs should be helpful for fire departments if we ever have another fire such as we had a few weeks ago. It will also be helpful for the E-Squad if needed. Now if we could get everyone to place house numbers on the front of their house, wed be set. Always follow the example of a duck: Keep calm and unruffled on the surface but paddle like crazy underneath. Are we going to get some rain? Yes, but Im not sure when. I suppose when it comes it will come by the bucketful. I've tried nearly everything to cause it to rain. I left the car parked with the windows down, washed the car, left my gas grill uncovered, set out my rain gauge, watered my little garden several times, did a rain dance (waiting to get into the bathroom) and still no rain. We are promised some this evening and maybe they will come through with it. Well, what do you know? We got a half inch of rain and it arrived as it should and not with high winds and hail. We are fortunate. There was an accident and a man was taken to the hospital. The wife asked the doctor, Whats that youre giving him? An anesthetic, said the doctor. After he has taken it he wont know anything. Then dont give it to him, snapped the wife. He doesnt need it. Since Esther got a new hip joint Ive found myself doing some things Ive seldom done in 57 years. Mopping the floor is one. I got my fill of swabbing during my early Navy experience. I knew it had to be done so like a good husband I kept putting it off for some time. I pretended to believe it didnt need mopped until I spilled some Root Beer on the floor and it doesnt wipe up so good and I had to mop. After a couple of times I got the job done and even got a The floor really looks nice. Our daughter came to my rescue. We came home and a Swiffer Wet Jet was on the kitchen table with a note, it was an early Fathers Day present. Im a bit leery about these new fangled things but I decided to give it a chance. It took a while to get the thing together ready to clean. The directions said not to hold the squirter down longer than three seconds. This proved to be a couple of seconds too long. I started in the bathroom. When I got the proper operation learned, I didnt stop until I had the laundry room and kitchen cleaned. You know it was almost fun - remember I said, almost. It is Saturday and I did my duty, I ran the sweeper over three rooms and Swiffered the three other rooms, with no one telling me to do it. I cant wait to teach Esther how to operate the Wet Jet, when she gets rid of the walker. Plan to attend church Sunday? Might just as well. Bible readings: (Mon.) Psalm 65:1-8; (Tues.) II Kings 15:32-36; From I Isaiah (Wed.) 6:1-8; (Thurs.) 58:6-12; (Fri.) 40:1-5; (Sat.) 1:10-14; (Sun.) 1:15-20.