School Board Gets Update on School District Facilities

Lumber has been harvested and a significant amount of earth has been moved at the future site of Woodsfield Elementary and Monroe Central High schools. This photo was taken from the Woodsfield Fire Station on Airport Road. At Beallsville, workers are in the process of stump grinding and chipping. A well and a hidden cistern were found on the Beallsville property and have been capped off.                      Photo by Martha Ackerman 

Gary Balog, architect, explained site concept information during a meeting of school administration and members of construction and engineering teams working on the school district’s new school facilities. Here, he points out the concept for Powhatan Elementary.. “It’s a nice site,” said Balog, “It’s adequate and relatively level.” The school site is located on Mt. Victory Road. Balog also reviewed the Hannibal-Sardis Elementary site, which is near River High School. The schools will share the main entry road and officials discussed possible traffic problems with regard to busses and vehicles. According to discussion, work at the Powhatan site, referred to as the Mt. Victory site, is about three weeks behind work at the Hannibal-Sardis site.     A. Selvy Photo 

by Arlean Selvy

Publisher

An update on the progress of school facilities was heard at the Oct. 15 meeting of the Switzerland of Ohio School Board, which also recognized Monroe Central cheerleaders.

Gary Balog, architect,  reported that design concepts have been sent to Ohio School Facilities Commission but he has not heard back from them as yet. They are reviewing other plans as well.

Design development is currently on the table, according to Balog. He said floor plans are being developed with administrative staff and principals, who will help design interiors. “You’re not going to get everything you wish for,” he said, noting the budget. He said they will achieve as much as they can.

He said an early site package will probably be ready for the Powhatan (Mt. Victory) site late next spring or early summer. He said the barn on the site represents, to him, a neat opportunity. He said the site is a lot less challenging, as far as grading, than the site near the Nazarene church.

Balog said the major challenge at the Hannibal-Sardis site is circulation of traffic, including high school bus traffic, K-8 bus traffic, student, teacher and parent traffic. He noted discussion was held during the morning Core meeting and said he believes they will be able to work it out with a combination of creative ideas being put into place.

He noted also the ball field will be moved slightly to the southwest without a problem.

With regard to the Hannibal-Sardis building, he said it will be smaller than the Woodsfield Elementary building but the floor plans are similar.

Scott Dierkes, board president, said he’d received complaints about contractors from out of the area being awarded the contracts and asked if that is being looked at.

It was noted by Elliott that PCS, project managers, Wheeling, is the watchdog put on the job by Ohio School Facilities Commission to look at the bids and make sure the lowest and most responsible bid is awarded.

Elliott said the one thing the school board did in the project labor agreement was stipulate that 50 percent of the workforce would be local people. “They have a vested interest to make sure it’s done right,” said Elliott. “They live here and their children will go to school here.” Elliott explained that that “local” means workforce from areas where the school district is located, Monroe, Noble and Belmont counties.

Balog noted there are many more bid packages to be awarded.

Monroe Central cheerleaders were recognized for winning blue ribbons each day at the UCA Camp as well as the UCA Banana Spirit Award the first night of  camp. Cheer-leaders are, Brett Mathews, Shayna Wilson, Kaleigh Downing, Liz Schuerman, Maggie Cox, Brittany  Gallagher, Paige Cunningham,  Anissa Marmie, Lindsay Williams, Brianna Gauding, Krystal Jones and Richelle Ricer.

Derek-London Dierkes, was recognized as the Student Board Member of the month. He reported on events at Monroe Central High School.

 In his school maintenance report, Marc Ring, interim director of support services, said stump grinding and chipping has been completed and earth moving is in process at the Woodsfield Elementary – Monroe Central High school site. At Beallsville, workers are in the process of stump grinding and chipping. A hidden cistern was found and has been capped off as has a well that was on the property.

Ring said he’d taken some photographs of the house and barn located on the Powhatan Elementary school site. He said discussions need to be held with regard to what will be done with the structures. He said they are too nice to tear down.

Read more in the Monroe County Beacon

Our Readers Write

Dear Editor:

The Monroe County Farm Bureau is asking for support in passing Issue 2 on Nov. 3

Issue 2 will modify the state constitution to establish a state 13-member Livestock Stand-ards Board of Ohioans who will set policy for farm animal care and food safety statewide.

The Ohio Farm Bureau and our members understand that regulations are an important part of farming practices. Our support for Issue 2 is based up-on our belief that these regulations should be determined by our fellow Ohioans, not by organizations outside of our state.

Issue 2  has the support of many state and local leaders.

Opposition to Issue 2 comes mostly from organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States who would prefer to impose regulations that would eventually lead to the elimination of all livestock production.

A highly respected group, the Ohio League of Women Voters, also opposes Issue 2 but it is important to understand why this group is in opposition. They opposes Issue 2 not because they oppose Ohioans setting animal and food safety but because “the amendment contains too much specificity to be in the Ohio Constitution. The League’s opposition is based on its stated position that the Ohio Constitution should be a clearly stated body of fundamental principles.”

We urge each reader to study Issue 2 carefully. Information can be found online at www.ohiolivestockcare.com or please feel free to contact your local Farm Bureau at www.4countyfb.com. If you do not have access to the internet you can contact the four county Farm Bureau office at 740-425-3681 and arrange for a Farm Bureau member to answer any questions you may have about Issue 1.

Please vote yes on Issue 2 on Nov. 3.

Thank you!
Dennis Ward, president
Monroe County Farm Bureau Trustees

To Monroe County Voters:
I, on behalf of the members of American Legion Post 87 of Woodsfield, would like to make you aware of an Ohio constitutional amendment that will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Sparked by an inquiry from an Ohio soldier serving in Iraq, Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray proposed a constitutional amendment to provide compensation to Ohio veterans of the conflicts in the Persian Gulf, Afgahanistan and Iraq. The Ohio House and Senate voted to put the amendment on the Nov. 3 ballot.

In the past, Ohio has issued bonds through four separate voter-approved amendments to the state’s constitution in order to provide compensation to its veterans of WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

Veterans who served in Afghanistan, Iraq or the Persian Gulf would receive $100 for each month of service up to a total of $1,000. Veterans who served elsewhere during those conflicts would receive $50 a month up to a total of $500. Family members of those killed in action would receive $5,000 in addition to any other allowable compensation. These figures are in line with previous service bonuses, updated for inflation.

Issue I continues a longstanding Ohio tradition of supporting Ohio’s servicemen and women. Please consider a “yes” vote on Issue I.

Bob Welsh
American Legion post 87
Woodsfield    

Board of MRDD Name Changes

The official title of the former MRDD has been changed to Monroe County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DD), as required by law.  Shown, from left, are: superintendent Helen K. Ring, Min Zheng, Troy Hickman, Yvonne Craig, Stephen January, Kevin Kraft, Michael Kanzigg and workshop director Dan Lollathin.         Photo by Martha Ackerman 

On July 8 Governor Ted Strickland signed into law a change that removed the words “mental retardation” from the name of the state department that administers services to more than 80,000 Ohioans. The law also renames all 88 county boards of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities as County Boards of Developmental Disabilities..

A small group of individuals with developmental disabilities from Athens County successfully spearheaded a movement to remove the term “mental retardation” from the laws of the State of Ohio, as well as service agencies throughout the state.

State legislators unanimously agreed that the term “mental retardation” has long been used in a negative way and has been a hurtful description to individuals with developmental disabilities. Forty-four other states in the United States have already taken steps to remove these words from official documents, buildings and service agencies.

The Monroe County Board of MRDD officials signed a resolution Sept. 24 removing the term “mental retardation” from its name. Helen K. Ring, superintendent of the Monroe County board, told the commissioners recently that it is important for everyone to understand that this law only changes the name of the agency. She reminded them that “the law does not change who we serve and the services we provide, and eligibility for services has not changed. It is the same agency, but simply has a new name, as required by law.”

“We will still be the same agency and will continue to serve and support more than 200 Monroe Countians and their families with developmental disabilities,” said Ring. “The official title is now Monroe County Board of Developmental Disabilities or Monroe County Board of DD.”

HerSpace.gym has New Owner

The Monroe County Chamber of Commerce recognized the new owners of HerSpace.gym recently.  The gym offers a clean and friendly place to improve personal cardiovascular health. Shown, from left, are: employee Jessica Lumbatis, owner Holly Dick, chamber secretary Ruth Workman, employee Christina Dick; in the background are HerSpace.gym members Monica Long and Peg Beymer.                 Photo by Martha Ackerman

by Martha Ackerman
Staff Writer

Celebrating the grand opening of HerSpace.gym Oct. 17 was the new owner Holly Dick. Employees include manager Christina Dick and Jessica Lumbatis, who are available to acquaint  members and visitors with the gym equipment.

“The gym is a clean, friendly space to improve personal cardiovascular health, muscle skeletal strength and over-all fitness,” said Dick, who has been a nurse for 25 years. 

Now that the weather is getting colder, the gym offers an indoor exercise routine with the indoor walking ellipticals, Nordic treadmill, FitExpress hydraulic resistance circuit, video library and plenty of space for tae bo, pilates, hiphop abs and more.

Working throughout the community as a nurse, Dick is well aware that health and fitness is the main gift each person can give to themselves. She wants to help by providing this comfortable exercise space, located at 204 Lewis-ville Road, below the Duke and Duchess. Trial memberships are available.

In recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month, HerSpace.gym is offering free joining fees in October with the proof of a mammogram within the past one year.

Teachers and school staff will be recognized with free joining fees during the month of November. 

The gym will be open with treats for the little goblins during Woodsfield’s Trick or Treat, set for Oct. 29, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The gym is open Monday thru Thursday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-7 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-6 p.m.; Saturday, 8-11 a.m. For more information, contact HerSpace.gym at 740-472-5756. Management invites those interested to stop in.

Around the Burnside

Don’t judge. You can’t tell how far a frog can jump just by looking at it.

Dieting is something we do religiously. We eat what we want and pray we do not gain weight.

I almost forgot. I found out what the blue star with a ball on each point is that you know who picked up at the recent Health Fair. It is to rub around on your back. It really feels good! Now, if I could find someone to rub it around on my back a couple of times a day, I’d really have it made. When I was growing up, we would just back up to a tree to scratch our backs.

I read this somewhere and I don’t know how they figured. They claimed it requires 5,000 gallons of water to produce one pound of meat. No wonder I had to carry so much water to the old cows when we were forced to keep them in the barn a day or so.

It’s getting that time of year again for a special question. What do you call a meatless hot dog? By the way, did you know the hot dog was invented in Ohio back in 1900? That makes it 109 years old. I remember when they were hooked together in a string. Answer later if I don’t forget.

With Dish network, you can see just about anything you might want to watch. I guess the same on cable. The other evening I went searching the cable a couple of minutes before going to bed. I accidentally caught a lady taking a bath. Scared the heck out of me.

I enjoy watching some of the old TV programs as they sometimes bring back memories. The other night, I’m not sure the name of the movie now, had an auto that had a rumble seat. How many of you remember the rumble seat?

A buddy of mine owned a car with a rumble seat. We thought we were eating high on the hog riding around in the rumble seat. Maybe if we could have had a girl sitting beside us in the rumble seat, we would have really rumbled. Sorry, I was still afraid of girls at the time.

I enjoy reading the outside message boards in front of churches. Some of them make you think and are good advice. One in front of a church in Woodsfield tops them all in my book. It is a message from God. “A dam holds water. It is not my last name.” I only slipped once during the last Ohio State football game. I’ve changed to another four-letter word starting with a letter farther down the alphabet.

What’s this old world coming to? I expect you’ve read or heard about the six-year-old first grader who will probably be sent to reform school for a month and a half. 

What did he do that caused such punishment? He carried his scout camping knife to school. His mother indicated he really enjoyed the Boy Scouts and ate his meals at home using the knife. The camping knife contained a fork and spoon as well as a blade.

Since writing the above, I read in the paper this evening the school board has backed off the zero tolerance policy and the first grader will not be required to attend the alternate school. Good for them.

I said earlier times have changed. I don’t remember when I started to carry a knife in my pocket. As a matter of fact, I carried a knife until a few years ago after I misplaced it. I even slipped it into my pocket when I changed to go to church.

I’m not sure if our school system does not allow students to carry a knife while attending school; however, I think they do. I must confess I carried a knife in my pocket the whole time I was teaching. Couldn’t count the times in shop it came in handy.

As I said, times changed. I remember at times we carried two knives–one for trading and a good one for use. We even played what we called “mumbly peg” with our knives. I don’t remember how many ways we had to try to stick our knives in the ground. I still remember the loafers in front of Bond’s Store whittlin’ on a stick or the bench they were sitting on, a spittin’ and a lyin’. Oh, well, such is life.

I don’t know how or why I think of these things but I have a question. How many of you have poured your coffee in a saucer and drunk it from the saucer? I recall Dad and others doing this. I never questioned why at the time but I did wonder. I understand it was to cool the coffee before drinking. I guess it worked as several did this. What do you think folks would say if you went into Traditions and asked for a saucer so you could cool your coffee, then drink it out of the saucer? I remember at one time I enjoyed soaking soda crackers with coffee and a little sugar. mmm..good.

I almost forgot. A meatless hotdog is a hollow wiener. Get it?

I have scheduled a hunter education class for Nov. 16-19 to be held in the Woodsfield Elementary School cafeteria. The time is 5:30-8:30 p.m. There is no age requirement and prior registration is not required. If you have questions, call me at 740-567-3453.

Ha! I fooled you. I bet you thought I was going to say something about not have an FFA chapter this week.

Church Sunday? Okay.

A wise person has long ears, big eyes, and a short tongue.

OBITUARIES

SYLVIA CUNNINGHAM
Sylvia R. Cunningham, 99, of Mound Street, Sardis, died Oct. 14, 2009 at Wetzel County Hospital, New Martinsville, W. Va. She was born April 4, 1910 in Hannibal, a daughter of the late Edwin and Mary Baumgartner Tisher.

She was a member of the Sardis United Methodist Church, Order of Eastern Star #533 in Clarington, the Sardis Community Club and Sardis Methodist Women’s Society.

Surviving are a son Marlyn (Gladys) Cunningham, Sardis; two grandchildren: Danny (Jolinda) Cunningham and Brenda Lucas; three great-grandchildren: Brett Cunning-ham, Scott Lucas, Renee Lucas; and several nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death on June 24, 1986 by her husband Ronald Cunningham, whom she had married on Oct. 27, 1931.

Family received friends on Oct. 16 at Grisell Funeral Home, Sardis, where Eastern Star services were held. Funeral Services were held at the funeral home on Oct. 17 with Rev. Richard Wilson officiating. Interment in Sardis Cemetery, Sardis.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sardis United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 85, Sardis, OH 43946 or to Clarington Order of Eastern Star #533, c/o Gloria Miller, 51907 SR145, Beallsville, OH 43716.

Sympathy expressions at: grisellfuneralhomes.com 

RUTH E. HOGUE
Ruth E. Hogue, 85, of Woodsfield, died Oct. 13, 2009

at the Monroe County Care Center. She was born in Antioch July 24, 1924, a daughter of the late John William Dougherty and Josie Mayfield Dougherty.

She was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Woodsfield, Eastern Star Lodge 268, member and past president of the VFW Aux-iliary 5303, member of the Monroe County Chamber of the Ohio Genealogy Society and a member of the First Families of Monroe County.

She is survived by a son Norman W. (Bill) Hogue, Woodsfield; three daughters: Kaye Hogue, St. Clairsville; Carolyn (Joe) Livorno, Fair-born; Patricia (Bob) Hissom, Denver, N.C.; a sister: Phyllis Haught, Malvern; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Norman G. Hogue on March 25, 1997.

Memorial services were held Oct. 17 at the Woodsfield Pres-byterian Church with Pastor Susan Lehosky officiating. Interment in Antioch Cemetery, Antioch, at the convenience of the family. Arrange-ments by Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, Woodsfield. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Monroe County Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 641, Woodsfield, OH 43793..

Condolences may be expressed online at: www.bauerturner.com

SHIRLEY ANN SILLS
Shirley Ann Sills, 69, of Edwina Road, Lewisville, died Oct. 14, 2009 at her home. She was born at Quaker City on June 13, 1940, a daughter of the late Earl and Elva Stallings Bishop. She was a former coal miner, assembly line worker and former truck driver.

Surviving are a daughter Beverly Shultz, Glen Rock, Pa.; a son Chris Sills, Lewisville; two brothers: Jim Bishop, Zanesville and Don Bishop, Cambridge; one sister Mary Truelsen, Newark; three grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Sills in 1969; two brothers: Wayne and Glenn Bishop.

Friends were received Oct. 17 at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield, until the time of services with Keith Jones officiating. Burial in the Friends Cemetery, Quaker City.

Online condolences may be expressed at: www.wattersfuneralhome.com

TRACY D. COLVIN KNIGHT

Tracy D. Colvin Knight, 39, of 2649 Camelot Way, Green-wood, Indiana (formerly of Antioch) died Oct. 11, 2009 at the Community Hospital South, Greenwood, Indiana. She was born at Barnesville on April 16, 1970, a daughter of Richard “Rick” and Mary Dalrymple Colvin, who survive of Antioch.

Mrs. Knight was a 1988 graduate of River High School, Hannibal; an honor graduate of Cumberland College, Williamsburg, Kentucky, where she received a bachelor’s degree in health administration. She was a member of the Plainview Church of Christ near Woodsfield; was a team mom for the Whiteland Youth Football League, Greenwood, Indiana. She was a devoted wife and mother.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband Major Kenneth M. Knight, whom she married on July 27, 1991; three daughters: Kelsie Knight, Asia Knight and Tatum Knight, all of the home; one son Cannon Knight, of the home; a sister Teena (Jeff) Cummings of Olive Branch, Mississippi; five nephews: Jeffrey Cummings, Terrell Knight, James Smith, Nathaniel and Calvin Knight; four nieces: Kacee Cummings, Tammy and Jamie Smith and Ciara Pena.

She was preceded in death by an infant son Trevor Knight; her paternal grandparents Victor and Faye Colvin; maternal grandparents Clarence Raymond “Rip” and Inez Dalrymple.

Friends were received at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield until time of services Oct. 15, with Sam Bartrug officiating. Burial in the Plainview Cemetery, near Woodsfield.

Online condolences may be expressed at: www.wattersfuneralhome.com

CHARLES C. ANDERSON

Charles C. (Charlie, Chuck, Chas) Anderson, 77, of Napoleon, Ohio, died Sept. 25 at the Veterans Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was born Feb. 3, 1932 in Pandora, Ohio, the son of Mary Bernice (Krohn) and Charles C. Anderson.

At age 12 he lived with his Aunt Janet and Uncle Dale E. Snavely and their children. He graduated from Holgate High School in 1950 and attended The Ohio State University. He was stationed in Berlin with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He had a life-long career in the construction field, building residential and commercial buildings and supervising construction with construction and architectural firms. 

He was a licensed auctioneer and realtor. On Aug. 13, 1976 he married Nancy (Bonar) Wright. He was a member of the Holgate United Methodist Church, a past church trustee and Sunday School superintendent. He was a member of the Rufus Putnam Masonic Lodge, Ohio Auctioneer Association, National Auc-tioneers Association, Ohio Horse Council and Zenobia Shrine and Mounted Patrol.

He is survived by his wife, his sons and their families: Steven and Liam Anderson, Florida; Michael, Melissa, Christian and Mackenzie An-derson, Michigan; Matthew, Michelle, Jenna and Kevin Anderson, Virginia; and Paul, Michael and Christopher An-derson, Ohio; a half-sister Betty (Owen D.) Newell, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held on Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. in the Holgate United Methodist Church with Rev. Deb Berry and Rev. Tom Ketzler officiating. 

Friends will be received in the church from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A Masonic service will be held at 1:30 p.m. A luncheon will be served in the church basement.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideons International or the Holgate United Methodist Church. Zachrich Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Holgate were entrusted with the arrangements

STEVEN E.J. BILYEU

Steven E.J. Bilyeu, 19, of Railroad Street, Lewisville, died Oct. 15, 2009 at the Southeastern Regional Medical Center, Cambridge, following injuries received in an accident in Byesville. He was born at Cambridge on Sept. 6, 1990, a son of Gregory and Carol Glasgow Bilyeu, who survive of Lewisville.

He was a 2008 graduate of Monroe Central High School and Swiss Hills Career Center, near Woodsfield. He was a laborer for the Meadowbrook Tire and Muffler Co., Byesville. He enjoyed his friends and also guitar playing.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, are one brother Mathew Bilyeu, of the home; a sister Michelle Farley of Woodsfield; two nieces: Hartlee and Jayden; maternal grandmother Shirley Glasgow of Quaker City; paternal grandparents Lewis and Kath-erine Bilyeu of Beallsville.

Friends were received at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield, Oct. 18 where funeral services were held Oct. 19 with Rev. Betty Merckle officiating. Burial followed in the Friendship Cemetery, Lewisville.

Online condolences may be expressed at:www.wattersfuneralhome.com 

BETTY J. LARRICK
Betty J. Larrick, 83, Cam-bridge, died Oct. 19, 2009, at Red Carpet Health Care Center. She was born Sept. 14, 1926 in Monroe County, Lewisville, a daughter of the late William T. Hines and Mable C. Highman Hines.

Friends will be received Oct. 22, from 4 - 8 p.m. at Bundy-Law Funeral Home, Cambridge, where service will be held Oct. 23, at 1 p.m., with Pastor Steve Leathley officiating. Burial will follow in Guernsey Memory Gardens.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.bundy-lawfuneralhome.com