~ Sheriff, Village Police and BCI Conduct Meth Lab Bust ~

In a coordinated effort the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Woodsfield Police and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation conducted a meth lab bust on Guilford Avenue Nov. 19. According to a source, three people were arrested at the Guilford Avenue residence. According to information received, there was a coordinated raid with Belmont County Sheriff’s Office on a Beallsville residence following this one. With the early press time, no further information was available. More next week.       Photo by Martha Ackerman

~ New Prosecuting Attorney Appointed ~

James L. Peters, right, was appointed Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney by the Democratic Central Committee on Nov. 10. Peters will fill th unexpired term of Lynn Kent Riethmiller, who retired on Oct. 29. That term expires Jan. 5, 2013. Peters had been employed by the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office since Aug. 27 as an assistant prosecuting attorney. The new prosecutor was administered the oath of office on Nov. 11 by his father, James W. Peters, Judge of Monroe County Court.       Photo Submitted

Around the Burnside    

The more you count your blessings you have, the less you crave the luxuries you haven’t.

Smile when you pick up the phone, the caller on the other end will hear it in your voice.

OK, I did it again. I know Fairview is located along I-70, not 40 or 77. Just don’t ask me for directions. However, I did give directions to a lady coming to Woodsfield for a meeting and she told me, “Your directions were perfect.”

Whatever happened to Thanksgiving? It seems that we jump from spooks to Christmas. The next thing you know we will have spooks riding around on a sled in the show.

Why is it Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving? Someone eat too much turkey? Why do we have to eat turkey on Thanksgiving? I prefer ham.

I always looked forward to Thanksgiving. Our family always got together at this time. Dad always planned to butcher a couple of hogs as he had help at this time. We went rabbit hunting and had a good visit. We also had a feast like liver and onions, tenderloin and maybe some fresh side. I haven’t had any fresh side for years and I really did like it. I wouldn’t call it Black Friday when you get a couple days off school and a deer day on the following Monday. Some do not even get a deer day off any more. I remember we were told to pile on some extra work if a student took off more than the one day to hunt deer. Made more work for the teacher. I had enough work.

A tink more for those born 1945. For just one nickel you could buy an ice cream cone, ride a street car, make a phone call, buy a bottle of pop, stamps enough to mail a letter and two postcards. You could also buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600, but couldn't afford it. A shame because gasoline was 11 cents a gallon.

How about the gasoline prices? Wow! Five dollars worth of gasoline would take you quite a distance and at one time seemed like a lot of gasoline. Today, even if you owned one of those little buggies that gets 60 miles to the gallon, you would have a tough time getting to Columbus without running out of gas if you only had five bucks for gasoline. I can’t even fill up my riding mower tank for five bucks.

I think maybe I have mowed our lawn for the last time this year. I debated for some time if I should mow or just wait until a wind came along and would blow the leaves on to a neighbor’s yard. We share leaves in Lewisville. With the recent excellent weather. I thought maybe I should whack up the leaves with our mower. I did and it looked OK. This morning I looked out and unless we get a good wind I’ll need to mow just a bit more once again. I would do most anything to keep from raking leaves and building fame.

How many of you can remember going or taking part in a 10 cent supper? I looked forward to then when the church held one. The ladies would fix several different foods and it cost you a dime for a serving. If you happened to have 50 cents to spend you could really eat high on the hog. Even if you had a quarter you could get a good meal. Some things cost only a nickel. Can you even think of getting a chunk of apple pie for a dime?

Then there was the cake walk. You paid a little something to walk around in a circle and when the music stopped, the person or couple at the winner’s spot got a cake.

I guess there was an activity where a lady would fix a lunch and the fellows would bid on the boxes and get to eat with the lady. I never got in on one of these deals. I guess they were called a Box Social. I guess there’s not much of this kind of activity going on nowadays.

All you need to do is watch some of the  new TV programs. I guess maybe you’re getting old when you feel this way. What’s more exciting than watching a man and woman who are considerably overweight laying in bed talking? I’d rather watch an NCIS rerun. Times change.

I hope you have an enjoyable Thanksgiving with your family, friends and take it kind of easy. I know I missed a couple of Thanksgivings, one of which we had Spam to eat. Somehow the cooks messed up and the turkey spoiled.

When I was in the service, at home they somehow got a young turkey. They told me my sister made a pet out of it. She was even able to lead it around on a rope. How could you do this and still have turkey for Thanksgiving dinner? They did.

Take some time and enjoy yourself over Thanksgiving. Even during the toughest time we all have something to be thankful for.

Build up good memories in the minds of the young in your midst.

Don’t forget to attend church.

Tom Scott is shown at the new Team Monroe office located on Oaklawn Avenue, Woodsfield. Scott and Team Monroe members are currently working on several projects.

Photo by Martha Ackerman

Scott Receives Award

Tom Scott, local economic development specialist for Team Monroe, is the recipient of the 2010 Excellence in Volunteerism Award presented by the Ohio Economic Development Association. 

“I am humbled by this honor,” said Scott.

Team Monroe’s Economic Development Office has moved to Oaklawn Avenue, now located in the former Nick Fuscardo barber shop.

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and Team Monroe will be hosting a presentation of Profit Mastery: Get Control of Your Business on Dec. 2 and 9 at Westwood Landing, 37950 Airport Rd., Woodsfield. 

The two-part program, which will be a hands on seminar dealing with action steps for improviing profitability and efficiency to keep a business strong and competitive, will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days.

Some of the topics covered in the seminar are: How can I get more useful information out of my financial statements? How can I use them to manae more effectively? How can I avoid cash crunches in my business? How can I manage growth or recession? How much can I afford to grow in good times? How can I survive the bad times? If I need financing, exactly what does my banker expect of me? How can I make sure the bank understands my business?

For more information on this seminar, contact Leslie Dunn at 740-593-1790.

~ Erica Donates ~ 
There are not many children out there who really take time to help the needy of Monroe County. Erica Logston is that one among many. For a number of years she has raised money throughout the year. This year the young lady donated $240 to Warm the Children. She is shown presenting the money to Pandora Neuhart, WTC coordinator. Pandora gave Erica the following framed poem which, she noted, is what Erica does ...

 THE  STARFISH  POEM
Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing.

He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer.

He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up. As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn't dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.

As he got closer he called out, "Good morning! What are you doing?" The young man paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish in the ocean."

"I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?"

"The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don't throw them in they'll die."

"But, young man, don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can't possibly make a difference!"

The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said- "It made a difference for that one."

And that’s exactly what Erica does!

Our Readers Write

Dear Editor,

One of the fundamental values, as a society, we have too teach each new generation is that there are consequences for your actions. These are based on established rules, regulations and our laws. It is our duty to do this and necessary to the continuation of our way of life.

With that said, let’s look at an example. Take two boys, both the same age and background. Both fundamentally good boys, who through various pressures made a first mistake, both become unruly. One is found with drug paraphernalia, charged with delinquency. That child admits the wrong, receives supervised probation, fine, random drug testing, mandatory AA meetings, and community service. This seems perfect to me. The other is found with marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and is also delinquent. This child is allowed to continue without any punishment what so ever, with the exception that “this will be held over you till you’re 18.” No probation, fine, drug testing, nothing.

What kind of message does this send to our youth?

The only difference between the two you ask? One’s white, the others not.

Gregg Alls

Woodsfield

Dear Editor,

On Nov. 1, there was a groundbreaking for the new Woodsfield Elementary School and the new Monroe Central High School. The K-8 went and all the high school went to the groundbreaking. They presented the superintendent with an American flag.

There were about all the teachers there. There were 15 shovels for important people. We have to thank all the people that voted for us to get these new schools and the people that are building our new schools. People say our new schools will be done in December 2011 or Dec. 2012. Everybody was glad we are getting new schools. 

Coach Jay Circosta was very happy that we are getting new schools. All the teachers and students are also happy that we are getting new schools. We all think we have needed new schools for a couple years.

We get to keep our football field and baseball field but we are getting a new practice field for football. The girls are getting a new softball field. 

The new schools are going to be pretty close to each other. But again we really appreciate everybody that voted for us to get a new elementary school and a high school.

W.E.S. Jarett Hooper

Dear Editor,

I went to the groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 1. It looked like almost everyone wanted a new Woodsfield Elementary School. I am positive that Jay Circosta really wanted a new school. He teared up with happiness, now we are getting a new school.

We sang the National Anthem. We also said the Pledge of Allegiance. We also had juice and cookies.

There were a couple of war veterans at the ceremony. There were 15 golden shovels and two shovels were not used. I really wanted a new school for a long time. The Monroe Central cheerleaders did a cheer for all of the grades.

Sincerely, Anthony Howell

Dear Editor,

Nov. 1 is the day we went to the groundbreaking for our new school. It was a very great day for not only me, but for my whole school, the high school and the Jr. high kids from Skyvue.

We had speakers and the MCHS marching band was there to play songs for us. First, we said the pledge. Second, our principal, Mrs. Anderson, led us in a prayer. Next, Coach Circosta gave a speech about a team that never made it to the playoffs, then they finally made it and all of a sudden a semi pulled up and said “It’s not a dream anymore.” Then the coach got tears in his eyes. Finally, we went back to school. I will never forget that day.

W.E.S. sixth grade student, Sydney Schuerman 

Dear Editor,

On Nov. 1 we went to the groundbreaking. All of the grades were there including some kids from Skyvue. 

We all listened to speeches. The one that touched me the most was Mr. Circosta’s speech, he talked about a small school that had a team that made it to the playoffs and they had a semi with a sign on the side that said “It is not a dream anymore.” 

The Monroe Central band was there. They played a couple of songs including the National Anthem. A war veteran gave Mr. Elliott the flag. Mrs. Anderson said a prayer to everyone there. To commerate the start 13 people dug a shovel of dirt each. It symbolized the start of the buildings.

W.E.S. sixth grade student,
Zachery Siegal

Dear Journal, 

I feel great about the new school. We need new schools. I can’t wait until we get the school. We have needed the new school for the last 50 years. I hopw we get new schools soon.

Sincerely,
Patrick Stephens

~ Getting Woodsfield’s Little Oglebay Ready ~

Plans are underway for the Dec. 4 Woodsfield Christmas Festival. In connection with the festival, it’s been customary for the last few years to decorate the Woodsfield City Park. Norm Workman and Fred Ackerman have been working to get all the displays set up in the City Park, Woodsfield’s little Oglebay. Supervising the project is Woodsfield Municipal Power superintendent Floyd Longwell. Shown, from left, are Longwell, Workman and Ackerman, kneeling. See Page 10 for related article.          
Photo by Martha Ackerman

Classifieds
■  11-25 Classifieds

OBITUARIES   

CHARLES A. MEYER, SR. 
Charles A. Meyer, Sr., 88, Boltz Hill Rd., Clarington, passed peacefully Nov. 15, 2010 at his home. He was born Dec. 27, 1921 in Clarington, the son of the late John and Alice Roth Meyer.

He was a graduate of Salem High School; a retired machinist at Consol; a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ and American Legion Post #228, both in Powhatan Point; Moose Lodge #931 in New Martinsville and a U.S. Army Air Force veteran of WWII. He was passionate about farming, hunting and fishing.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Julia Brkich Meyer; two sons, Charles (Connie) Meyer, Jr., Robert (Deanna) Meyer, both of Clarington; a daughter, Diana (Richard Yoho) Ensinger of Powhatan; a sister, Helen (Ken) Strohmeyer of Chicago, Ill.; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Kenneth, Clyde, John Jr., Ray, and an infant brother; and two sisters, Marie Mlynek and Frances Stegena.

Friends were received Nov. 17 and Nov. 18 with military services at Grisell Funeral Home, Clarington, where funeral services were held Nov. 19, with Rev. Carla Wobschall officiating. Burial was in Powhatan Cemetery, Powhatan Point, where American Legion Post 228 conducted military graveside services.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ, 51736 German Ridge Rd., Powhatan Point, OH 43942.

Sympathy expressions at grisellfuneralhomes.com.

JAMES E. MORRIS 
James E. Morris, 76, Newport, died Nov. 14, 2010 at his residence. He was born May 1, 1934 in Bloomfield, Washington County, a son of the late Floyd N. and Ada Sine Morris. 

He was Catholic, was a well known building contractor and served in the U.S. Army. He was an avid hunter, baseball fan and enjoyed working with wood and being with his family.

Surviving are his wife, Shirley Lollathin Morris; children, Sandy (Rick) Taylor of New Matamoras, Judy (Sam) Rutherford and Teri (Chuck) Wise of Newport; grandchildren, Shawn Taylor, Tabitha (Chris) Bosinger, Tori Taylor, Nicole (Eric) Pritchett, Mollie Wise, Jessica Stout, Keri Stan, Samuel Rutherford and Dakota Rutherford; great-grandchildren, Olivia Stout and Emmalee Pritchett; brothers and sisters, Louis Morris of New Matamoras, Charles Morris of Marietta, Paul Morris of Lowell, Ruth Kehl of Reno, Mildred Steinhoff of Belmont, W.Va., Vivian Farnsworth of Beverly, Janice Arnold of Reno, Dorothy Ogaz of New Matamoras, Barbara Berry of Marietta, Mary Ann Thornton of Beverly, W.Va., and Shirley Haessly of Newport and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Wilfred Morris.

Friends were received Nov. 16 at Ingram Funeral Home, St. Marys, W.Va., where services were held Nov. 17, with Monsignor John Michael Campbell officiating. Burial was in Newport Cemetery, with military graveside rites.

Online guest register is available at www.ingramfh.com.

ROBERT N. SAWYERS 
Robert N. Sawyers, 84, Woodsfield, formerly of Powhatan Point, died Nov. 15, 2010 at the Monroe County Care Center in Woodsfield. He was born Jan. 21, 1926 in Jacobsburg, a son of the late John and Bessie Weekley Sawyers.

He was a retired employee of the Army Corps of Engineers, a Methodist by faith and a member of the VFW Post 5565 in Powhatan Point and the American Legion Post 521 in Shadyside. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII.

Surviving are three sons, Ronald (Judy) Lanch of Moundsville, W.Va., James (Rose) Sawyers of Columbus, Robert (Iolene) Sawyers of Woodsfield; a daughter-in-law, Marilyn Sawyers of Hannibal; a sister, Elizabeth Kopyar of Glencoe; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Mae Lively Sawyers on Oct. 17, 2005; a son, Dennis Sawyers; a brother, Frankie Sawyers; three sisters, Nora Hudson, Mary Sawyers, Freda Burdine; and a great-granddaughter, Cody Stoneking.

Friends were received Nov. 18 at Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory, Powhatan Point, where services were held Nov. 19, with Rev. Anthony McSwords officiating. Burial followed in Powhatan Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the VFW Post 5565 and American Legion Post 228.

American Legion Services were held at the funeral home on Nov. 18.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Relay for Life, Dennis’ Menaces, Box 208, Hannibal, OH 43931.

WENDEL V. JEFFERS
Wendel V. “Jim” Jeffers, 90, Creston died Nov. 14, at the VA Medical Center in Cleveland following a brief illness. He was born Aug. 12, 1920 in Beallsvile, a son of the late Albert E. and Jessie Hoopes Jeffers. 

He married Margaret Emerson on Jan. 31, 1953 and she survives. He was a 1938 graduate of Seville High School and served in the U.S. Army during WWII from 1942-45. He was engaged in farming and had been a lumber dealer having owned and operated a saw mill for many years. He was a member of Creston United Methodist Church and was a member of Creston Moose Lodge 1224 and the K of P lodge. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed playing cards. Family was his greatest joy.

Surviving are his wife, Margaret; four children, Mary Lynn Jeffers of Tampa, Fla., Eric Jeffers of Colorado Springs, Scott Jeffers of Tampa, Fla., and Sandra (Abel) Jeffers-Rano of St. Petersburg, Fla.; two grandchildren, Jordan Jeffers, Maggie Jeffers-Rano; four sisters, Wanda Pyers of Louis-ville, Selma Royer of Thorn-ville, Ruth Pekar of Pensacola, Fla., and Winifred (Russell) Ferguson of Galloway; a brother, Bernard (Ivaleen) Jeffers of Lewistown; a step-brother, Harry (Dorothy) Earle of Saratoga Springs, NY and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents,he was preceded in death by two sisters, Wilma Winkler and Naida Larsen.

Friends were received Nov. 20 at Murray Funeral Home in Creston where funeral services were held Nov. 21.

Memorial contributions may be made to Creston United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1111, Creston, OH 44217.

Tributes may be shared at www.Murray-Funeral-Home.com.

Vietta M. Williams 
Vietta M. Williams, 89, of the Arbors Nursing Home of Marrietta (formerly of Woodsfield) passed away Friday, Nov. 19, 2010 at the nursing home. She was born near Harriettsville on Oct. 26, 1921, a daughter of the late Clark and Bessie C. Morrison Love.

She was a homemaker most of her life and in later years worked as a cook at the Marietta Convalescent Center and the Women’s Home, Marietta, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She was a member of the Woodsfield Church of Christ, Woodsfield.

Surviving are one son, James (Sue) Williams of Woodsfield,  three daughters: Nora (Harold) Carpenter of Lowell, Norma Jean “Debbie” (Bill) Burkhart of Lowell, Betty (Gerald) Handschumacher of Belpre; one sister-in-law, Marie Ball of Waterford; nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, one very dear niece, Shirly Ann Smith of Caldwell and several other nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Nelson Williams on Oct. 1, 1987; two brothers, James and Maywood Love, and a sister, Myrtle Hardesty.

Friends will be received at the Watters Funeral Home, 37501 S.R. West, Woodsfield from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 23 where funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 24 with Sam Bartrug officiating. Burial will follow in the Stewart Cemetery at the corner of the family farm near Harriettsville.   

Edith Pebble Brooks 
Edith Pebble Brooks, 86, Monroe County Care Center, Woodsfield, died Nov. 17, 2010 at the center. She was born May 13, 1924 near Arnoldsburg, W.Va., a daughter of the late Ira and Martha Marks Parsons.

She was a homemaker and a Protestant by faith.

Surviving are three daughters, Margie Davis of Bethesda, Thelma Sindelar of Woodsfield, Connie Lindell of Lewisville; a son, Leonard Leroy Scarbro of Rinard Mills; three sisters, Maple Chubb of Parkersburg, W.Va., Goldie Britton of Caldwell, Ernestine Browning of Faulk, Ark., several grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two daughters, Jean Carpenter, Loretta Scarbro; four sons, Daiton, Lester, Everett, Chester Scarbro; five brothers and six sisters.

Friends were received Nov. 20 until time of service at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield, with Pastor Greg Fish officiating. Burial followed in the Salem Cemetery, Lower Salem.

Robert A. (Bob) Clift 
Robert A. (Bob) Clift, 69, Barnesville, passed away Nov. 20, 2010 at his home following his battle with cancer. He was born Dec. 24, 1940 in Boston, a son of the late William (Bill) Clift and Ruth Sampson Clift.

He was retired from the Ohio Valley Coal Company, a faithful member of the Barnesville Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses where he served as an elder. He enjoyed gardening, remodeling, his grandchildren and his ministry.

Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Wanda Robb Clift; three daughters, Melissa (Brian) Swallie, Karen (Steve) Foster, Mandy Clift; a son, Tony (Faye) Clift; two brothers, John (Sheryl) Clift, Chuck (Paula) Clift; four grandchildren, Caden and Abby Foster, Tyler and Trevor Swallie; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to  his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Richard (Dick), James (Jim), Roland; and a sister, Billie Ruth Keiser.

Friends will be received Nov. 27, from 11 a.m. until time of memorial service at 1 p.m. at Barnesville Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, SR 800 North, Barnesville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Barnesville Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, c/o Ken Hennebert, 38030 Barnes-Bethesda Rd., Bethesda, OH 43719.

Bob’s favorite Bible verses were from Corinthians 1:3&4.

Share a memory with Bob’s family at:kkb347@sbcglobal.net.

Kelly Kemp-Braido Funeral Home, Barnesville, was in charge of arrangements