
Woodsfield Mayor Bill Bolon
administers the oath of office to Mike Cox, who replaces
the late Paul Byers on Woodsfield Village Council.
Woodsfield names new council member
by Arlean Selvy
Publisher
A new council member was named at the June 1
meeting of Woodsfield Village Council, which also
named the bid for waterline installation from Rubel
Lake to the village.
Mike Cox was elected to fill the council
vacancy created due to the death of Paul Byers. Cox
was sworn in by Mayor Bill Bolon during the council
session and immediately assumed his position.
Village Administrator Jeff Woodell reported
that three of the four bids received for waterline
installation were disqualified for various reasons.
He said the low bidder did not meet the criteria and
scope of the project, another company did not bid
the entire project and a third came in after the 2
p.m. deadline.
The bid was awarded to Gary Rubel Excavating
of Lewisville with a bid of $447,644
Ferguson Water Works, Marietta, will provide
pipe at a cost of $104,741.17 and valves and
hydrants at $16,776.09. The company was one of five
bidding for the materials.
According to Woodell, the waterline will
stretch from the back of Rubel’s Lake to the
village’s water treatment plant. He said 36,000 feet
of pipe will be used for the gravity-fed system
which will follow Sunfish Creek to the treatment
plant.
The village purchased the 20 acre lake in
February of 2008 at a cost of $448,000.
The village has been under order of the Ohio
EPA to increase its water supply for several years.
Currently there is only 132 day supply and the EPA
mandates a 270 day supply. With acquisition of the
lake, Woodsfield will have a supply for over 500
days.
“There will be no need to ask residents to
conserve or businesses like the car washes and
laundromats to shut down,” said Woodell. “This
project is a huge advantage not only to Woodsfield
in the present, but to the future of Woodsfield and
the businesses to come.”
The waterline project will be paid for with
CDBG and ARC grants. The local match of $56,000 will
be in the form of a zero percent loan from the Ohio
Water Development Authority.
The third reading of an ordinance to adopt
demand meter rates was passed on a 6-0 vote. The
ordinance deals with electric service provided for
commercial and industrial customers that cause the
village to reach peak usage.
In other matters, Woodell reported the
swimming pool at Monroe Memorial Park opened June 5.
Councilman Bill Moore reported a complaint
about the yellow line on West Marietta Street ending
where the road splits at Moose Ridge. He asked that
the line be “extended down over the hill so that
traffic doesn’t cross it.”
No action was taken.
Councilman Dale English reported a complaint
about a line fence on Eastern Ave. Discussion was
held about the reviewing of a village ordinance.
With regard to a possible mosquito problem at
the post office, Woodell said he spoke with the
postmaster and the postal department plans to take
care of the potential problem.
Council entered into executive session for
personnel with regard to hiring, potential
litigation and confidentiality.
Sheriff to Add
SUV to Fleet
by Arlean Selvy
Publisher
At the request of Sheriff Charles Black Jr., his
office will purchase a 4-wheel drive SUV and obtain quotes
for fire extinguishers.
Sheriff Black approached Monroe County Commissioners
during their June 1 meeting and asked about the items.
Black was given permission to purchase a 2000
Cadillac Escalade through the state purchasing surplus
program. The cost is $4,325. Black noted the monies will
come from law enforcement funds (forfeitures). The Escalade
will replace the department’s Explorer, which has been taken
out of service.
The sheriff explained at least one fire extinguisher
in the jail is outdated and no longer has pressure. He
indicated a representative from Dynamic Safety Resources,
Woodsfield, checked the extinguisher. In addition, he was
informed that the basic fire extinguisher located in the
main radio room will do more damage than a halitron
extinguisher, which would smother the fire.
In addition, Black explained there are no
extinguishers in the department’s 10 cruisers. He noted the
cruisers are outfitted with new radios and in-car cameras.
“It would be quite costly to lose a cruiser,” he told
officials.
Commission President John Pyles recommended that
Black obtain three quotes for the extinguishers and
services.
Beth Rose, clerk of courts, told commissioners she
is applying for a $10,000 USDA Community Facilities Grant.
She asked for the required resolution to be attached to the
grant and signatures on the grant application.
The grant will allow the Clerk of Courts office to
replace its server, which is shared with the Common Pleas
Court and the County Court. At a prior session, Rose had
explained to officials the need to update the system.
Officials renewed the contract of Raymond Bauer as
prevailing wage coordinator.
Civil War Encampment
June 13, 14
The sound of cannons will echo around the hills
of the Monroe County Fairgrounds on June 13 & 14 as the
91st Ohio Volunteer Infantry Company B reenactment unit
hosts the 4th annual Woodsfield Civil War Encampment.
Reenactors will come from the surrounding states
to bring life to this fascinating time in America’s
history. Event organizer and reenactor, Kyle Yoho, says
this year will have many new activities occurring. One
of the highlights on Saturday will be the Civil War
Memorial Ceremony where a Union Company will be marching
to the Courthouse where speakers will commemorate the
sacrifices of Monroe County’s soldiers and the ladies
will place a wreath on the Civil War Memorial.
Throughout the weekend, education is blended with
fun for young and old, with the ultimate goal to help
spectators become aware and thankful for the sacrifices
made during the Civil War for us to live in a free
country today. The continued support of many dedicated
local businesses make this FREE weekend designed for
families to come and spend the whole weekend to watch
the program unfold.
Talk with the soldiers of both Blue and Gray.
Come and learn about how the 1860’s woman dressed at
10:30 a.m. and attend Ladies Tea at 11 a.m. Take a step
into the life of the common soldier on both sides of the
Mason & Dixon line and explore their uniforms and
equipment at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and watch the
demonstrations of the artillery and weapons. See how a
surgeon coped with the aftermath of a battle with a
medical demonstration presented by Major Douglas Gill.
Feel as though you are in the Civil War and attend the
battles at 2 p.m. each day. Hear and learn about the
“Songs of the Civil War” throughout the day brought to
you by Bob Welch.
Take a step back in time at the
Monroe County Fair-grounds and relive history! Come to
Woodsfield June 13-14 for the Woodsfield Civil War
Encampment.
The Monroe County Fairgrounds is located on SR 26
in Woodsfield. The event and parking are free. Bunting
Concessions will be set up. Mark the family calendar to
see history come alive June 13, 9 a.m. - 10:30 p.m., and
June 14, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
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Members of the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce
welcomed the new owners of Malaga Greenhouse, located on
SR800, north of Woodsfield. Stan and Joan Roby have
purchased the business from Dan and Sue Greenlee. Shown,
from left, are Ruth Workman, Melissa Smithberger, Dan
and Sue Greenlee, Joan Roby; back: Kiven Smithberger,
Jason Gallagher, Ron Gallagher, Tom Scott and Stan Roby.
Photo by Martha Ackerman
by Martha Ackerman
Staff Writer
“It was time to get self-employed,” said Stan
and Joan Roby, new owners of Malaga Greenhouse,
formerly owned by Dan and Sue Greenlee.
“We’ve always enjoyed landscaping around our
house and I think this will be easy to adapt to,”
added Joan.
“We wanted something new,” said Stan.
The business will remain known as Malaga
Greenhouse. “Our goal is to make the transition as
seamless as possible for customers,” added Joan.
Stan grew up in the Beallsville area. He
worked with computers for a corporation. The couple,
who recently lived in Fairfield, Ohio, always
enjoyed visiting in the summer. “I’m so excited,”
said Joan, who grew up as an ‘Army brat.’ “I’ve
lived in asphalt and concrete all my life. The
country here is so beautiful. It’s fantastic that I
am now living here.”
Dan and Sue Greenlee purchased the greenhouse
in 1973. They will be staying on for the next year
working one-on-one with the couple. As the seasons
change, something is always different in the
business. Dan and Sue will be lending their
expertise to make an easy transition for the couple.
“We have a lot to learn,” said Joan.
Dan keeps a journal which tells him which
plants to start when. That will be a great help to
the new owners.
The couple is not planning to change anything
except to expand the strawberry business. About nine
years ago, Dan began importing unrooted strawberry
tips from Canada. The plants are relatively disease
free. The strawberry plants have become a big
economic boost for the greenhouse and the couple
plans to expand the market.
Currently, the plants are shipped to Missouri,
Wisconsin and other states. They are marketed
locally at Jebbia’s Market in Wheeling.
Malaga Greenhouse is located on SR800 north
of Woods-field. The phone number is the
same–740-472-1116. Hours are Monday thru Saturday, 9
a.m. to 5 p.m.
The roads, the hospitality, the people.
That’s what has brought these motorcycle
enthusiasts to Monroe County each May for
20-plus years. Twenty-eight riders made the
trek this year. They found great
accommodations at the Olive Tree Inn and the
Victorian Rose.
Photo by M. Ackerman
“It’s a male bonding weekend,”
laughed Carl Bergman, one of 28 motorcycle
enthusiasts who enjoy a Monroe County
weekend annually. For 20 years or more, some
of the riders have been coming to the
rolling hills of Monroe County the last
weekend of May.
The riders came from Detroit,
Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indiana and even
Florida. The trip began from “The Place Off
the Square,” a Longaberger-owned hotel in
Newark.
Each year they stay at the Olive Tree
Inn, formerly the Pioneer Motel, and at the
Victorian Rose.
Bergman noted that the late Betty
Hines, who ran the Pioneer Motel, had been
very good to them over the years. “We even
sent flowers to her funeral,” he said.
They love the roads. People treat
them very well and the lady who lives next
door to the motel fixes them a dinner each
year. The law enforcement is considerate of
them, he added.
Bergman said that in motorcycle
lingo, the twisty, turny roads are called “crankin
and bankin’ - all within the speed limit, he
chuckled.
Bergman is retired from the Ford
Motor Company. His daughter is a former
producer of the Jerry Springer Show. His son
Steve, a civil engineer for HDR engineering,
is also a member of the group. Bergman’s
brother was a former American Motorcycle
Association “Rider of the Year.”
For many years Paul “Shooky” Reagan
has joined the group in Woodsfield. Reagan
met the group when they stopped in his
establishment during one of their Monroe
County visits. He had admired one of the
bikes so the owner handed him the keys, told
him to take it for a ride and drop it off
the at motel where the group was
staying. They’ve been friends ever since.
“We always make a stop at Kiedaish Point,”
said Reagan.
The men come from all walks of life.
Bruce Coudill is a Kent Lincoln Mercury
Mazda dealer.
Jimmy Stewart is vice-chairman of
Marketing Associates. Chuck Beuke works in
bulk mail advertising. “I send you all that
junk mail,” he laughed. “I come here because
it’s the best riding and Shooky lives here.
It’s inexpensive entertainment.”
Larry Parcell is a Cincinnati banker.
“I’m the person no one likes right now,” he
quipped.
Randy Hott is a construction company
surveyor from To-ledo. “I like the roads,
the people are hospitable and we have a
wonderful time,” said Hott.
Lou Wetzel is a flooring contractor
from Cincinnati. “It’s excellent riding and
the roads are very well taken care of,” he
said.
Rodney Gray has been riding for 40
years. He owns a towing service. Dicky Ayres
is an electrician. “I come because the
country is beautiful and I like to make fun
of Rodney,” he laughed.
Randy Gray owns Brat Screen
Printing/Embroidery Promotional Products
company in Cincinnati.. Larry Stafford is
retired from Ford Motor Credit.
Bruce Shawver owns a manufacturing
company in Cincinnati. The company makes
specialized filtration systems for
pharmaceutical companies and nuclear power
plants. He lives on the Ohio River in a
houseboat.
Two new members this year are James
Metzger, who owns an Ace Hardware store in
Louisville, Ohio, and Jeff Kragey, who owns
a small engine shop. Bergman met them in
Europe when they rode in the Ultimate Alps
Motorcycle Tour encompassing five countries:
Germany, Austria, Italy, Liechtenstein and
Switzerland.
The roads, the hospitality, the
people! That’s what brings this group of
motorcycle riders back to Monroe County each
year.
D.J. Duke Wins Second Division III Championship

River Senior D.J. Duke gets set to put the shot
during Friday’s Division III state track and
field meet in Columbus. Duke put the shot 68
ft.-8.25 inches to claim the state title.
River High School’s D.J. Duke went to
Columbus June 5 seeking another gold medal in
the Division III shot put. He also went into his
final high school meet with his eye on a state
record, a state meet record and in doing so he
wanted to surpass the 70-foot plateau.
“I came as close as I possibly could,”
said the Ashland-bound Duke.
Duke won his second consecutive Division
III state shot put championship at Jesse Owens
Memorial Stadium, Columbus, with a put of
68-ft-8.25 inches. In the process, he broke his
own state record and also broke the state-meet
record, which had stood since 1991.
Duke, who also competed in the discus but
failed to reach the finals, threw a
state-championship toss of more than 61-feet on
his first throw of the competition and went on
to fight for the 70-ft. mark.
He fell short, but not by much. Duke
wrapped up his second straight state
championship and achieved three of his four
goals: a gold medal, state record and state-meet
record. With regard to the 70-ft toss he’d set
as a goal, he said, “I came in with a goal and I
gave it my best shot,” said Duke. Sixty-eight
feet isn’t too bad at all, but it’s not the big
7-0, but I’ll still take it.”
Duke broke his state record on his third
throw of the competition, 67-ft-8 and a quarter.
No other competitor broke the 60-ft mark.
After the finalists were announced and
warmed up, Duke, the last thrower in the finals,
fouled on his first attempt before unleashing
his mammoth toss to seal the deal.
From the top of the podium in center
field he was amazed at the cheers when his
winning mark was announced.
“Those cheers sent shivers down my
spine,” he said. “I was getting cold chills
because it felt so great. It’s an amazing
feeling that never gets old.”
Duke’s celebrity status at local track
meets has been on-going.
As the marks and distances added up, the
crowds continued to flock to the shot-put circle
to watch the two-time first-team all-Ohio
football player do what he loves the most.
“I’m definitely going to miss [the
crowds] next year,” said Duke. “It’s going to
feel weird not throwing in high school anymore.
I’m definitely going to miss all of my friends.”
Duke will be an immediate challenger at
Ashland, which is the home of the Division II
National Shot Put Champion. Competi-tion won’t
be hard to find.
“There’s going to be competition on my
own let alone everywhere else next year,” said
Duke.
A true student of the shot put, Duke has
put in the necessary work to achieve his status
as the area’s all-time best shot putter and one
of the state’s best ever to go along with the
natural ability, which saw him break the coveted
50-ft. mark as a mere freshman.
“I put a lot of time into this and it
paid off for me,” Duke said.
Despite throwing further than 50-feet
each of his first two seasons, Duke never placed
in the state meet until he busted out a 60-foot
throw in the 2008 state finals. Those two trips
to Columbus served as pure motivation.
“I learned a lot my freshman and
sophomore years,” said Duke. “I wish I had done
better obviously, but it prepared me and taught
me what things I needed to do differently and
those paid off.”
Coach Tim Frye has been with Duke all the
way - through the ups and through the downs.
“Coach Frye has been like a second
father to me,” said Duke. “I’ve spent five years
with him now. He gave up his time during the
winter months to come train with me after school
and took me to every meet this year whether it
was indoors or outdoors. I just don’t know where
I’d be now if it weren’t for Coach Frye.”
Duke currently owns three state
championships. He won the indoor title in
March.
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Obituaries
REV. NOAH J. OXLEY, JR.
Rev.
Noah John Oxley, Jr., 73,
Sheffield
Lake, formerly of
Woodsfield and Amherst, was called home June 9, 2009, at
Cleveland Clinic surrounded by his family. He was born Sept. 24,
1935 in Dillonvale, where he was raised.
He earned his
bachelor’s degree after attending Wash-ington
Bible School, Ohio
University, Gannon College
in Pennsylvania and finally the School of Divinity
in Evans-ton, Ill. He has served the Lord in Coshocton,
Chand-lersville, Conneaut, Bristolville,
Amherst
and Woodsfield, all in
Ohio. After his retirement, he made his
home in Lorain
and Woodsfield residing in
Sheffield
Lake for the last two
years.
Noah served in
the United States Marine Corp. during the Korean Conflict. He
retired after 33 years in the ministry from
Amherst
Old Stone
United
Methodist
Church in 1998. After his
retirement, he carried out a part-time call at the Clarksfield United
Metho-dist
Church. His hobbies in-cluded
fishing and hunting and watching professional sports, especially
baseball and football.
Surviving are
his loving wife of 49 years, Betty Fern Oxley, (nee: Hill);
three sons Noah John Oxley, III, and Mark Oxley, both of
Woods-field, Nathan (Cindy) Oxley of Sheffield Lake; two
daughters, Angela Baron of Huron, Teresa Stull of Ludowici,
Georgia; 13 grandchildren; sister, Mary-anne Oddo of Akron; and
a half-sister, Karen Butler of Rayland.
He was preceded
in death by his parents, Noah John, Sr. and Anna Martin Oxley
(nee Proger); brother, Benjamin Eugene Oxley; and a half-sister,
Eva.
Friends were
received June 11 at Hempel Funeral Home, Amherst and visitation
continued at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield, June 12. Funeral
services were held June 13 at
Woodsfield First United
Methodist
Church, with Rev. Robert Mitchell
officiating. Burial was in Oaklawn Cemetery,
Woodsfield.
Memorial
contributions may be made to Amherst Old Stone United Methodist
Church, 553 South Main St., Amherst,
OH 44001;
or the Woodsfield
United
Methodist
Church, 136 North Main St., Woodsfield, OH 43793, or the National Parkinson
Foundation, 1501 NW
9th St.,
Bob Hope Rd., Miami, FL 33136.
JANETTE
H. DECKER
Janette Hariett
Decker, 95, Beallsville, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2009,
at Woodsfield Nursing and
Rehab
Center. She was born Jan.
24, 1914 near Beallsville, a daughter of the late Henry and Nora
Jean McDougal Smith.
She was a
member of the Beallsville Church of Christ, the Barnesville
Hospital Twig, and the New Castle Home-makers Club. She was
owner and operator of the former Decker’s Market in Beallsville
for 40 years.
Surviving are a
daughter, Cora (Jim) Yocco of Caldwell; two sons,
Vernon
(Sandra) Decker of Hannibal, Joseph (Vivian) Decker of
Beallsville; and four granddaughters, Stacy (Steve) Gallaher and
their children, Megan and Jacob of Ashville, Andrea (David)
Blake and son, William of Hannibal, Adreanna (Erik) Winland of
Cambridge, and Jo-Ellyn Decker of Washington, D.C.
In addition to
her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of over 50
years, Mansel Decker; and a sister, May Edgar.
Friends were
received June 6 at Harper Funeral Home, Beallsville, where
funeral services were held June 7. Burial followed in Beallsville Cemetery.
Online
condolences may be offered at www.harperfh.net
Rev. Noah John
Oxley, Jr., 73,
Sheffield
Lake, formerly of
Woodsfield and Amherst, was called home June 9, 2009, at
Cleveland Clinic surrounded by his family. He was born Sept. 24,
1935 in Dillonvale, where he was raised.
He earned his
bachelor’s degree after attending Washington
Bible School, Ohio
University, Gannon College
in Pennsylvania and finally the School of Divinity
in Evans-ton, Ill. He has served the Lord in Coshocton,
Chand-lersville, Conneaut, Bristolville,
Amherst
and Woodsfield, all in
Ohio. After his retirement, he made his
home in Lorain
and Woodsfield residing in
Sheffield
Lake for the last two
years.
Noah served in
the United States Marine Corp. during the Korean Conflict. He
retired after 33 years in the ministry from
Amherst
Old Stone
United
Methodist
Church in 1998. After his
retirement, he carried out a part-time call at the Clarksfield United
Metho-dist
Church. His hobbies in-cluded
fishing and hunting and watching professional sports, especially
baseball and football.
Surviving are
his loving wife of 49 years, Betty Fern Oxley, (nee: Hill);
three sons Noah John Oxley, III, and Mark Oxley, both of
Woods-field, Nathan (Cindy) Oxley of Sheffield Lake; two
daughters, Angela Baron of Huron, Teresa Stull of Ludowici,
Georgia; 13 grandchildren; sister, Mary-anne Oddo of Akron; and
a half-sister, Karen Butler of Rayland.
He was preceded
in death by his parents, Noah John, Sr. and Anna Martin Oxley
(nee Proger); brother, Benjamin Eugene Oxley; and a half-sister,
Eva.
Friends were
received June 11 at Hempel Funeral Home, Amherst and visitation
continued at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield, June 12. Funeral
services were held June 13 at
Woodsfield First United
Methodist
Church, with Rev. Robert Mitchell
officiating. Burial was in Oaklawn Cemetery,
Woodsfield.
Memorial
contributions may be made to Amherst Old Stone United Methodist
Church, 553 South Main St., Amherst,
OH 44001;
or the Woodsfield
United
Methodist
Church, 136 North Main St., Woodsfield, OH 43793, or the National Parkinson
Foundation, 1501 NW
9th St.,
Bob Hope Rd., Miami, FL 33136.
HARRY
E. KNOWLTON
Harry E.
Knowlton, 84, of Graysville, died June 15, 2009, at the
Woodsfield Nursing and Rehab
Center. He was born in Monroe County
July 16, 1924, a son of the late Lawrence Ray Knowlton and Mary
Louise Smith Knowlton.
He retired from
Washington Electric and worked as a right-of-way foreman. He was
a veteran of World War II, where he received the Purple Heart.
He is survived
by two sons: Larry Knowlton and Bill (Bonnie) Knowlton, all of
Graysville; two daughters: Linda (Heber) Piatt and Cheryl (Rick)
Shook, both of Graysville; two sisters-in-law: Eileen Knowlton
and Imogene Piatt, both of Graysville; five grandchildren: Scott
(Teresa) Piatt, Kathy (Jeff) Brown, Mike (Ashley) Piatt, Keith (Danetta)
Knowlton, Missy Knowlton and her fiance Walter Dean; seven
great-grandchildren: Trevor and Macy Brown, Lexi, Kylie and
Carter Piatt; Hunter and Emily Knowlton; and Cole Dilts.
He was preceded
in death by his wife Maxine Knowlton in May, 2009; and one son,
Roger Knowlton.
Friends will be
received June 17 from 2-8 p.m. at the Bauer-Turner Funeral Home,
Woodsfield, where services will be held June 18 at 1 p.m. with
Ministers George Hoskins and Anthony McSwords officiating.
Interment in the Low Gap Church Cemetery
near Graysville. Military services conducted by the Belmont
Veterans Council.
EVELYN
MAE ARMANN BROOKS
Evelyn Mae
Armann Brooks, 92, of Beallsville, died June 15, 2009, in Barnesville Hospital.
She was born Nov. 27, 1916, a daughter of the late Everett
Armann and Vida Wheeler Armann.
Surviving are
three daughters, Donna (Tom) Hyland, Centreville, Va.; Joyce
(David) Simmons, Jackson; and Terri (Audie) Bednarczyk, Powhat-an
Point; six grandchildren: Stephen (Jennifer) Hyland, Fairfax,
Va.; Timothy (Jan) Hyland, Leesburg, Va.; Lori (Matt) Simmons
Stalter, Schererville, Ind.; Merry Beth (Allen) Hyland Hall,
Mont-pelier, Va.; Amanda (Mike) Simmons Aring, Los Angeles,
Calif.; and Scott Riley, McMechen, W. Va.; and four
great-grandchildren: Matthew and Katy Stalter, Schererville,
Ind.; Brett Hyland, Leesburg, Va.; and Emma Aring, Los Angeles,
Calif.
In addition to
her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband George
Brooks; three brothers: Oscar Wheeler, Roy Armann and John
Armann; four sisters: Lodema
Brooks, Margaret Brooks, Lois Loomis
and Jean Galavich; and two grandchildren: Guy David Simmons and
Melissa Leigh Riley.
Family and
friends will be received on Wednesday, June 17, from 2 to 8 p.m.
at Toothman Funeral Home, Jacobsburg, where services will be
held June 18 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Marian Glass officiating.
Burial in Powhatan Cemetery.
In lieu of
flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Amity United
Methodist
Church, Barnesville Hospital
Foundation or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Memorial
contributions may be made to the
Low
Gap Cemetery
fund, c/o Janet Graham,
36075 Harmon Ridge Rd.,
Graysville, OH 45734.
Condolences can
be expressed online at:www.bauerturner.com
PEARL
E. BECKETT
Pearl E.
Beckett, 83, of Sardis, died June
12, 2009 at the New
Martinsville
Health Care
Center, New Martins-ville, W.Va.
She was born May 11, 1926, in
Sistersville,
W.Va., a daughter of the late
Dewey and Lissie Billiter Henderson.
She was a
member of the Woodsfield Christian Church and a volunteer at Barnesville Hospital
for over 30 years. She loved quilting and gardening.
She is survived
by one son, Steven Beckett of
Sardis.
Preceding her
in death in 1988 was her husband Clifford Beckett.
Friends were
received at Bauer-Turner Funeral Home June 14 where services
were held June 15 with Minister Hubert Alexander officiating.
Interment in the West Union Cemetery near
Sardis.
Condolences can
be expressed on line at: www.bauerturner.com
Around the Burnside
Confidence comes from not always being right, but not
fearing to be wrong.
It is usually easier to do what is right than to
explain why you did wrong.
Well, in case you are wondering, and I doubt if you
are, the unofficial, official rainfall in Lewisville for the
month of May was 5.1 inches. I also estimate the grass and
weeds in our lawn grew over a foot in May, although this is
difficult to measure exactly.
Have you ever noticed or seen something happening you
wish you would have thought of or done? This one goes way
back for me.
We had rather a large lawn at home. Like every lawn
it required mowing every so often. We did not have the
machinery we have today. Now I can sit on my rusty dusty and
have our lawn mowed in a tink over an hour. All I have to do
is turn off my hearing aids and ride on my merry way. The
hearing aids are due to the lack of wearing ear protection
in the school shop or around machinery, but this is another
story.
We had two mowers; you know the kind with a reel that
went round and round and cut the grass against a blade that
was maybe sixteen inches long. Believe me our lawn was
several 16 inches big.
One of our mowers was a heavy built job and did a
good job. The other one was lighter built but did not do as
good a job.
OK, you know which one I had to use. Then to top
this, someone in our family got the bright idea of catching
the clippings and putting them in the chicken yard. So a
grass catcher was hooked on to the heavier mower.
You then had to push a little faster in order for the
clippings to make it into the basket. When the grass catcher
got full, which didn’t take very long, you had to take it
off the mower, carry it to the chicken yard, dump it, fasten
it back on the mower and start pushing again. It didn’t
bother me at all when we had one of those chickens for
Sunday dinner.
All of this was brought to mind while we were riding
somewhere. I noticed a couple of young people mowing with a
reel type mower. One was pushing the mower and the other had
a rope tied to the front and was pulling.
The second I saw this being done I thought, “Why
didn’t I think of doing that?” I knew I had a couple of
friends I could have suckered into doing this. I think I
could have thought of doing something in order to get them
to pull the mower. Maybe even getting them to think they
were a horse pulling team at the county fair. If I could
have done that I would have it made. Too late when you think
of something like this.
Another thing that has bothered me for years I saw
yesterday and some time ago. An adult on a riding mower
along with a small youngster riding along. I do not care; I
think this is a very stupid thing to do.
Something could happen that would not be forgotten for the
rest of a person’s life. I have no idea why anyone would do
something like this.
I’ve always thought that anything that moves with a
rider can be trouble if not handled correctly. If it does
not have a second seat it should never have the second rider
on it. There is no reason for the second rider. It’s an
accident just asking to happen.
While I’m in this mood. During the Hunter Education
class I conduct, if I say it once I say it a hundred times,
“Always keep the muzzle of your gun pointed in a safe
direction.” I don’t think your foot is a safe direction, as
happened the other day.
I guess maybe we have too many ways to have an
accident nowadays. I suppose I was kind of lucky; our
machinery was operated by manpower or four-legged horse
power. Our old mules were rather tame except sometimes tough
to catch. We had to watch old Tony as he was a race horse in
his younger days. Our cows didn’t cause much trouble that a
boot would not cure, unless you were wearing gum boots. I
will say I did chuck a walnut or a small stone at a cow once
in a while. On the other hand they got a good swat at me
with their tail at times, when I was milking. Nothing very
exciting just work. I guess the most dangerous thing I did
around town was play follow the leader on my bicycle with
friends.
I almost forgot. We never had to worry about the
electricity going off when we milked our cows. We had no
milking machine.
I guess you saw the front page of the Beacon last
week. A couple of pictures and the story about the Mini
Relay for Life held in Beallsville, number one in the state.
There are a lot of folks and students need a pat on the
back. It is an accomplishment that can happen only when
everyone pitches in to help. The money raised is very
important; however, everyone working together is perhaps
more important.
I suspect the junior class will have a bit of doing
to hold on to their first place in their cardboard cars. And
a blond basketball coach? Thanks for your excellent job.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could have all the areas in our
county come together for a big activity some time?
I do not take credit for this but something big on
July 8 will happen. OK the 4th is a big day but here is what
happens at exactly five minutes and six seconds after four
o’clock on the 8th.
04:05:06 07/08/09 Now you know.
Remember: The devil doesn’t care how much good you
do, as long as you don’t do it today.
Church on Sunday? Good.
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