Stefka Pleads Not Guilty

Woodsfield resident Jerry Stefka leaves the Common Pleas Courtroom following his Oct. 1 arraignment, He is charged with 39 counts of rape.

A Woodsfield man entered a plea of not guilty to rape at his Oct. 1 arraignment.

Jerry Stefka, 50, 415 High Street, is charged with 39 counts of rape which cover 27 separate acts. His bond was set at $750,000 cash or surety. According to Common Pleas Judge Julie Selmon, bond was set at $750,00 due to the level of severity. She noted there are other complaints by three other children

Of the 39 counts of rape, Stefka is charged with four counts of rape with specifications, felonies of the first degree; 22 additional counts of rape, felonies of the first degree, and 13 counts of gross sexual imposition, felonies of the third degree.

Of the 26 counts of rape,  four carry specifications because the alleged victim was under 10 years of age. Of the other ten charges there is an account of alleged force or threat of force.

Judge Selmon explained to Stefka that if he is found guilty of any one of the charges with specifications, he faces a potential prison term of life without parole, a fine of up to $25,000 on each count,  mandatory DNA testing and would be deemed a tier 3 sexually oriented offender.

If he is found guilty of rape with or without force, the potential prison term is 25 years to life, up to $20,000 fine and would be deemed at tier 3 sexually oriented offender for life.

On each of the 13 counts of gross sexual imposition, if found guilty, he would face one to five years on each count, a fine of up to $10,000 on each count and would submit to DNA tests. He would be deemed a tier 2 sexually oriented offender, which carries a mandatory post release term of five years.

Stefka was found to be indigent based on forms completed for the Court. Judge Selmon appointed Attorney Mark Morrison to help with Stefka’s defense.

Commissioners in Quandary,
Budgets and Hours Being Cut 

Commissioners and Jeanette Harter, who oversees the county budget, spoke to department heads last week about the individual budgets. Here, Harter, Commissioners Tim Price and Carl Davis talk to Sheriff Chuck Black.          Photo by Myrtle Smith

 by Myrtle Smith
Staff Writer

Budget cuts totaling $60,000 are slated for Monroe County departments with a recommendation being made for county offices also to reduce hours.

Letters dated Oct. 1 were sent by county commissioners to all department heads listing the reductions discussed  in meetings last week.

The possible deficit expected this year isn’t the only financial problem being faced. A projected deficit for next year is $327,000.

Concern among the department heads caused some heated discussions at the regular Sept. 28 meeting. A review of budgets was the agenda topic  and commissioners visited several departments. Also attending the meetings was Jeanette Harter, who handles the county budget.

The county’s budget is in trouble and to reduce costs, many departments are asked to reduce to a 32-hour week.

County Auditor Pandora Neuhart asked commissioners if the judges are going to be included in the cuts. “Their employees are no more important than our employees; they should share in the cut and you should take them to task.They need to pay, too,” she said. 

Neuhart asked what departments would be be taking cuts, and asked if commissioners had talked to the judges to see if they would have money left over at the end of the year. Commission President John  Pyles said departments affected are the auditor, treasurer, recorder, clerk of courts, prosecutor, sheriff, jail, buildings and grounds, probate, juvenile, and common pleas courts and county commissioners.

Effective Oct. 16, the office of county commissioners will be reduced to 32 hours.

Officials pointed out that a possible deficit in the general fund is projected by Dec. 31. In their letter to department heads, commissioners noted that they moved on Sept.. 30 to impose additional cuts and appropriation reductions will be made.

Budget cuts outlined in the letter include: commissioners, $4,686.24; sheriff, $22,100.78; auditor, $3,004.77; common pleas court, $3,396.80; buildings and grounds, $5,284.56; recorder, $2,433.77; treasurer, $3,004.77; jail, $2,523.74;  clerk of courts, $2,373.85; juvenile court, $2,089.22; probate court, $1,489.70; prosecutor, $4,858.38;  county court, $2,502.05; jury commission, $130.55; and personal property, $120.82

During the Sept. 28 meeting, commissioners voiced concern that the judges may court order their budgets.

Clerk of Courts Beth Rose noted, “The Supreme Court says courts have to be open five days a week and be accessible to all people. I have two people so I would have to schedule them so the office could be open five days.”

There was discussion on what else could be done, and Harter said, “We wouldn’t be in the situation we’re in now if we had done something sooner. There is not enough time to do it now. It’s hard asking people to take cuts, especially with the holiday season upon us, but we can’t put it off. It would get us so far in the hole ... we can’t run in the red.”  She addressed commissioners saying, “That’s your job, to make sure we don’t.”  Davis agreed, “It’s our responsibility to make it happen.” 

On another issue, Pyles reported that the CIC made an agreement with school contractors for a two-year lease with a possible extension of six months on the CIC offices. The contractors will lease the office for $750 a month plus utilities.They do not plan to lease the office equipment.

Ruth Workman, CIC secretary, will work from the chamber of commerce office. The CIC phone number has not changed.

Workman serves as secretary for both the CIC and county chamber of commerce.

Harter submitted for approval an application for GMN for the Safety Net Dental Plan.

She reported that she received a letter from the state saying the amount of administrative costs for child welfare used out of the TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) money will be limited to 15 percent. This will be a financial hit to the county since most of the TANF money is being used for child welfare administrative costs. This became effective Oct. 1, the start of the fiscal year. Harter said she is waiting for more information and will keep the board posted.

An executive session was held with Harter for personnel with regard to compensation.

Harter also submitted a letter for approval to be mailed out about the Secret Santa program which will be handled this year by GMN.

According to the letter, applications would be on Nov 20, 23, and 24 and will be available at the Neighborhood Family Service Center. Pandora Neuhart and other caring citizens run this program to help the needy children of Monroe County.

Les Kuzior and Mike Parden were present and asked commissioners once again for permission to put up a line fence on the easement on Section 27 in Bethel. Kuzior and Parden said they talked to J.D. Wiley in the engineer’s office who told them it was no longer a township road..  Wiley referred them to the commissioners. Pyles said that he had not received a petition regarding removal of the township road, and believed it to be a typographical error. Pyles directed engineer’s office to check road mileage records from 2000 forward to see why and when the township road was taken off the records.

Mr. River and Miss River 2009

Troy Haslam, son of Terry and Paula Haslam of Clarington, was named Mr. River 2009 at halftime festivities during the River vs. Caldwell football game Oct. 2. Desi Hinkle of Sardis, daughter of Franklin Hinkle and Cheryl Volin, was chosen Miss River 2009.
Photo by Sheila McKee

Eastern Ave. Residents can Expect Water Interruptions

by  Arlean Selvy
Publisher

A waterline project on Eastern Avenue, Woodsfield, is expected to be completed by the end of October. In the meantime, residents living in the areas where work is underway can expect to see interruptions in water service. According to Village Administrator Jeff Woodell, there have been more interruptions than expected. “Every time we dig something up in this town, we find something we didn’t know we had,” said Woodell. He noted three waterline ruptures in one day because the line wasn’t where it was expected to be.

According to Woodell the crew working on the waterline is currently in an area where, as far as they go each day, they will install a water stop and then energize the new lines to the homes involved.

Anyone on Eastern Ave. who sees work being done in front of their house can expect to be without water for about an hour beginning about 3 or 4 o’clock. During this time, they are being connected to the new line, according to Woodell.

The administrator said it may be only five or six houses at a time, on both sides of the street. Any line they find that is not copper, the street department will come back later and replace.

The new eight-inch main trunk line started at the end of Olin Drive and is moving westward to Paul Street at the Bauer-Turner Furniture store. 

Woodell reported that Terry Comstock, water superintendent, is making a map as the new lines are being installed. “Each unforeseen event is being recorded on paper and pictures are being taken,” he said..

Concerning another water line, Woodell reported the waterline from Rubel Lake is completed with the exception of final seeding.

Woodell also reported that the $250,000 ARC grant for the project has came in and the village has submitted a request to draw down the money.

Councilman Bill Moore, reporting for council’s parking committee said the committee is developing a plan for long-term parking at the village parking lot.

Moore said he watched the traffic conditions at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ during food distribution. He said the recent safety complaint brought to council was well taken. Moore said that in his opinion, permission  by a former council to allow parking on South Main St. at the church during distribution should be reversed.

On a motion by Council-woman Pauline Delbrugge, the second reading of the cat ordinance was passed on a 6-0 vote.

Councilwoman Carol Hehr moved to accept the low bid submitted by Fetzer’s Carpet, Woodsfield, to install carpet in council chambers. The  cost is $2,421.68. According to discussion, a price will be sought to run the carpet through the hallway from council chambers to the entrance area at the front door.

Mayor Bill Bolon was authorized to set the date and time of the next council meeting due to a possible conflict. If it is not held on Oct 19, it will be held the 20th beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Around the Burnside

Kites rise only against the wind; adversity enables souls to soar.

After all is said and done, the wife has said it and the husband has done it.

I’m sorry. I did not buy a small Big Ben alarm clock. It was a Baby Ben alarm clock that gains five minutes every 24 hours.

Once again, just when you think you’ve seen it all, something new comes along. Esther found some mouse scat around and decided we needed a mouse trap. She purchased a couple of traps that do not require a bait of cheese to trap the mouse. The trigger is a rather large yellow plastic pad that even has small holes in it. I guess it is to make the mouse think it is a hunk of swiss cheese. Any mouse that gets caught in this trap must really be hungry. I’ll let you know if they work. It’s hard to think a little mouse is that stupid.

Some weekend. A lot of things to do but the weatherman did not cooperate. The Soakem Festival almost lived up to the soakem name. Not from high price whiskey but some rain on Saturday. I didn’t make it on Saturday as great-grandson Cooper was a year old and I got to watch him tear open his presents. I think he likes to tear paper. He is also good at working on a birthday cake.

I always have enjoyed the Soakem Festival over the years. I used to attend both the Soakem and Pumpkin, however, the last several years only the Soakem.

From the displays, old time gospel songs, the excellent storytellers to a bowl of bean soup from the big iron kettle, all remind me of things I loved growing up. However, the little building out back is a bit more modern. At least they stood out by themselves so they are not too tough to find. I don’t know; there might be another way to locate the little building out back.

Hey, I caught one stupid little mouse without any bait. How about that? Maybe more.

Have you noticed the beautiful golden fields this year? Filled with golden rod. I think this seemed to be a good year for golden rod and pumpkins. I think a record for both. Everywhere I go I see pumpkins and golden rod. I guess some folks do not enjoy golden rod as it causes allergies. I read somewhere that those of us who grew up on a farm and worked with animals did not have allergies as badly as others. I guess I’m lucky since about the only allergy I have is work.

Kind of seems as though winter is trying to move in early this year. The last of September and we turned our furnace on already. A lot of things going on these later weekends and the weather hasn’t been the most cooperative as of late. I hope it’s a bit better for the Walnut Festival. I understand they are having a chili cook-off this year. I know one person who would never be a judge at this kind of an event. I wonder if hot has anything to do with how good chili really is?

Oh well, we can do very little about the weather except talk. We do plenty of that! I guess, weather is not the only thing we can’t do anything about.

I read in the paper where the FFA Chapter at Union Local High School is celebrating their 50th year anniversary. It doesn’t seem possible but our Swiss Hills chapter could be celebrating 33 years of existence if it had remained active.

Looking forward to quite a few things the next few days of this week. Chicken barbeque at Swiss Hills on Thursday, Shenandoah FFA hog roast on Friday and finally a benefit for a friend on Saturday at Shenandoah. I should get plenty to eat. I don’t know if I can make it to Bethel after church Sunday or not. I might be safe as I have a doctor’s appointment on Monday.

The chicken was good and it was good to visit again although after all these years it almost seems as this is a visit to a new school. Many of the staff have changed since I retired. I did walk around a little while but my old stomping grounds, Farm Management lab and classroom, were locked up tight. Maybe I left too soon. Who knows?

I hope with all the excitement of the new buildings getting underway we do not forget about the vocational school, now called a career center. I could never understand why the big thinkers changed the name. Isn’t your vocation the same as your career? Name changes nothing. More later.

Did you know the famous Alpine Burger is almost 33 years old? This burger was developed when the Swiss Hills Alpine Room was operational that first year. What a year!

While I was eating chicken I was given a new menu for the Alpine Room developed by the students.

They have a special every day at a decent price. The sandwich list is also very reasonable and one you find at just about any restaurant, as well as other good food.

In case you didn’t know it the Alpine Room is operated by the Restaurant Management Class at Swiss Hills.

They do an excellent job and can even bake you a cake for a special event. Their special meal during the holidays is a feast.

Treat yourself every so often from 11:07 to 12:30 at the Alpine Room. You can call 472-0722, Ext. 14 to find out the special of the day in case you’re interested in the Alpine Burger.

If you saw yourself as others see you, you wouldn’t believe it.

Don’t forget church Sunday.

Millers Host Blonde d’Aquitaine Association’s Annual Meeting

Blonde cattle producers from all over the country  will attend the American Blonde d’Aquitaine Association’s annual meeting set for Oct. 10 in Monroe County. 

 Aaron and Charlene Miller and Brad and Jane Miller will host the event, which begins with a business meeting on Saturday at 9 a.m. at Grace’s Banquet Hall in Clarington.

 Featured speakers will be Marty Clark of Washington County Career Center, Mari-etta, speaking on Farm Analysis and Betsy Andersen, regional director, Ohio Farm Bureau, speaking on Issue 2.

Following the meeting, a noon luncheon will be served at the Clarington Masonic Hall by ladies of the Eastern Star.  The menu includes baked Blonde round steak. Reserva-tions are required.   The afternoon will be spent touring three farms where purebred and fullblood  Blonde  cattle will be featured. At the conclusion of the tour, light refreshments will be served at the Mellott Ridge farm of Aaron and Charlene Miller.

Any cattle producer interested in attending the affair should contact either Aaron Miller at 740-458-1791 or Brad Miller at 740-934-2087.

OBITUARIES

LAWRENCE HUBBARD, JR.
Lawrence “Junior” Hubbard, Jr. 79, Woodsfield, died Oct. 2, 2009 at Monroe County Care Center. He was born Jan. 22, 1930 in Beech Bottom, W.Va., a son of the late Lawrence “Red” Hubbard and Bea McFarland Hubbard.

He moved to Monroe County after retiring from the U.S. Military in 1978 with 27 years of service. He served on the Ohio HIlls Health Services Board in the 1990s. He was also a member of the VFW and the USS Columbus Alumni Association.

Surviving are two sons, Larry G.. (Sally) Hubbard of Culloden, W.Va., Jim (Shelly) Hubbard of Alexandra; two daughters, Barbara A. Hubbard Cunningham and special friend Don of Romney, W.Va., Sarah M. (Gary) Baldwin of Lancaster, Pa.; and four grandchildren, Leah, Ryan, Holly and Lauren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lilo Hubbard in 2007; and three sisters, Peggy A. Cross, Irene Beaver and Gertrude Zink.

Friends were received Oct. 5 at Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, Woodsfield. Private services were also held Oct. 5 with Pastor Anthony McSwords officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

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

RICHARD  P. BELLEFEUILLE
Richard P. Bellefeuille, 57, Woodsfield, died Sept. 26, 2009 at WVU Medical Center, Morgantown, W.Va. He was born April 5, 1952 in Albany, New York, a son of the late Paul Eugene Bellefeuille and Alberta Louise Arthur Bellefeuille.

Surviving are his wife, Cynthia Ann Lee Bellefeuille of Woodsfield; four daughters, Angela (Jason) Miller of Clarington, Tabitha (Joshua) Carpenter, Woodsfield, Monique (Donnie Daugherty)  Bellefeuille of Clarington, Kimberley Evans of St. Petersburg, Fla.; two sons, Jodi (Boz) Bellefeuille of Renesslaer, NY, Jamie Bellefeuille of Syracuse, NY; two brothers; two sisters; 11 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter and a brother.

Friends were received until time of service Sept. 29 at Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, Woodsfield, with Minister Brent Roth officiating. Burial was at the convenience of the family.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.bauerturner.com.

HAZEL M. PETTY
Hazel M. Petty, 67, 45342 SR 800, Woodsfield, died Oct. 2, 2009 at Ohio Valley Medical Center, Wheeling. She was born Aug. 23, 1942 near Woodsfield, a daughter of the late Roy and Dorothy Beardmore Christman.

She was a homemaker and a former co-owner of the Ashland Fuel Distribution/Woodsfield Bottle Gas, Woodsfield; a lifetime member of the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Woodsfield; member of the Order of Easter Star #268 Woodsfield. She enjoyed bird watching, reading, cooking, flower gardening and her cats, Ralph, Tommy, Tiny but most importantly her family.

Surviving are her husband, Raymond E. Petty, whom she married Nov. 27, 1960; two daughters, Kimberly (Carl F.) Whitacre of Graysville, Krista (Michael) Mann of Springfield, Va..; three brothers, Charles (Rosalie) Christman of Woodsfield, Paul R. (Lucille) Christman of Woodsfield, Mark (Kelly) Christman of Woodsfield; two sisters, Betty (David) Young of Loudonville, Mary (Kerry) Hartline of Cameron; three grandchildren, Carl Edward Whitacre, Caleb Michael Mann, Addison Leigh Mann; one great-grandson, Tyler Edward Whitacre; several nieces and nephews and special kittens, Ralph, Tommy and Tiny.

Friends were received Oct.. 4 at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield, where funeral services were held Oct. 5, with Rev. Frank Lehosky officiating. Burial followed in Oaklawn Cemetery, Woodsfield.

Eastern Star services were held Oct. 4 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Caring Ministry, 303 South Main St., Woodsfield, OH 43793 or to the Monroe County Humane Society, Stonehouse Rd., Woodsfield, Ohio.

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

BEVERLY M. MARMIE
Beverly M. Marmie, 69, Barnesville, died Oct. 4, 2009, at her home after a long battle with cancer. She was born Oct. 20, 1939, on Jackson Ridge, Monroe County, a daughter of the late Charles Huffman and Ruth Norris Huffman.

She was a homemaker, a member of the Barnesville First United Methodist Church, and the Barnesville Senior Citizens.

Surviving are her husband of 51 years, Robert H. Marmie; a son, Robert (Monty) Marmie of Somerton; two daughters, Letitia (Steven) Temple of Barnesville, Rae Jean (Daniel) Nameth of Wolfhurst; six grandchildren, Brandon (Stacy), Tabitha (Justin), Tiffany, Shawnee, Shane, Danielle; five great-grandchildren, Jadyn, Katy, Dillon, Ajay, Ethan; a sister, Velma (Bill) Guess of Columbus; two brothers, Wayne (Karen) Huffman, Ronald (Billie Jean) Huffman, all of Woodsfield; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter Kimberly Marmie.

Friends will be received 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.  Oct. 7 at Kelly-Kemp-Braido Funeral Home, Barnesville, where services will be held Oct. 8, at 11 a.m., with burial in Crestview Cemetery, Barnesville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the 3Cs Cancer Support Group, or the charity of the donor’s choice.

LAVONA A. WEBER
Lavona Anne “Bonnie” Weber, 77, 216 Eastern Ave., Woodsfield, passed away Saturday morning, Oct. 3, 2009 at Woodsfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Woodsfield. She was born Oct. 18, 1931 in Barberton, a daughter of the late Harry (in 1969) and Hazel Hill Dye (in 1988).

She was a 1949 graduate of Coventry High School. She was former librarian at the Woodsfield Elementary School and a retired clerk for the former City Loan & Savings Company, Woodsfield. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Woodsfield; a member of the Garden Club and also served as president of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 5109 Woodsfield. In recent years, she did volunteer work including the local food bank, women’s center, and elementary school. She was also a Sunday School teacher. Her hobbies were gardening, reading, traveling, doing crossword puzzles and spending time with her family.

Surviving are a daughter, Anne Wade of Circleville; two sons, Alan (Wendie Wertz) Berry of Massillon, Gene (Carolee Rafn) Berry of Roanoke, Va.; seven grandchildren, Kate Wade (Jeremy) Addy of Burien, Wash., John Wade of Columbus, Allison Berry and Ashley Berry, both of Canal Fulton, Melissa Berry of Charlottesville, Va., Stephen Berry of Winston-Salem, N.C., Eric Berry of Roanoke, Va.; a great-grandson, Preston Addy of Burien, Wash.; a sister, Dorothy (Edward) Pavkov of Norton; aunt Marie Dye Hensel of Doylestown; husband, Urban W. “Midge” Weber of Woodsfield; two step-sons, Bill (Donna Dillon) Weber of Jerusalem, Ed Weber of Woodsfield; two step-grandchildren, Jennifer Weber (Jeff) Wise of Barnesville, Carly Weber (Jeremy) Evans of Galena; four step-great-grandchildren, Ethan and Brody Wise, both of Barnesville, J.J. and Carson Evans, both of Galena; and two nieces and a nephew. 

There will be no calling hours or graveside service. There will be a Celebration of Life service on Oct. 8, at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Woodsfield, with Rev. Susan Lehosky officiating, followed immediately by a reception at the church. Private inurnment will be at Ring Mills Cemetery, near Jericho.

Arrangements by Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield. 

LORETTA V. MARTY
Loretta V. Marty, 88, Bailey Lakes, died Sept. 29, 2009 at Hospice House. She was born June 29, 1921 in Sardis, the daughter of Felix and Cristina (Ludy) Shindler. 

She was an Ashland County resident for over 20 years. While in Ashland County she was a homemaker. She was a member of the Ashland Homemakers and was an avid card player and enjoyed crafts.

Surviving are two sisters-in-law, Margie Schindler of Hannibal, Patricia Marty of Woodsfield; and lots of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Marty in 1998; three brothers, Lester, Carl and Clarence Schindler; and two sisters, Alberta Tisher and Irene Schindler.

Friends were received until time of service Oct. 1 at Heyl Funeral Home, Ashland, with Chaplin Jerry Gess officiating. Burial followed at Ashland County Memorial Park.

Online condolences at www.heylfuneralhome.com.

KATHY A. COUTURE
Kathy A. Couture, 60, Woodsfield, died Oct. 1, 2009 at Barnesville Hospital. She was born July 23, 1949 in Zanesville, a daughter of the late William and June McClellan.

Known to all as Katy, she was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was also a very devoted and active member of St. Sylvester Catholic Church of Woodsfield.

Surviving are her husband of 30 years, Edmund Couture of Woodsfield; a daughter, Stephanie (Albert) Novena of Lancaster; two sons, Steven (Anne) Kirkland of Cleveland, Bryan (Suzy) Kirkland of Chicago, Illinois; a sister, Stephanie Fuller of Duncan Falls; four grandchildren, Ethan and Haley Novena, Ellie and Lucy Kirkland and a grandson on the way; niece, Jessica Fuller and nephew, Mitchell Fuller.

Friends were received Oct. 4 at Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, Woodsfield. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Oct. 5 at St. Sylvester Catholic Church, Woodsfield, with Rev. Fr. David Gaydosik officiating. Burial in the church cemetery. Vigil services were held Oct. 4 at the funeral home.

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

JANICE J. KUZIO
Janice J. Kuzio, 61, Barnesville, died Oct. 5, 2009 at Heartland Nursing Home, Bridgeport. She was born Sept. 9, 1948 in Massillon, a daughter of Kathleen Conley Church of Bethesda, and the late Austin T. (Dick) Church.

She was a graduate of Ohio University, a retired teacher from the Switzerland of Ohio Schools after 30 years of service, a member of the Hunter Christian Church, and a volunteer with the Barnesville Hospital.

Surviving, in addition to her mother, are a sister, Louise Grimwood of Bethesda; a brother, Thomas (Margaret) Church of Georgia; a niece and three nephews; a great-niece and two great-nephews.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her husband Jeffrey Kuzio.

Friends are welcome to a graveside service Oct. 9, at 11 a.m. at Ebenezer Cemetery, Bethesda.

Arrangements by Kelly-Kemp-Braido Funeral Home, 322 North Main St.., Bethesda.

ALMA MAY HASLAM
Alma May Haslam, 92, Clarington, died Oct. 5, 2009.

Friends will be received 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Oct. 7 at Grisell Funeral Home, Clarington, where funeral services will be held Oct.. 8, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Richard Wilson officiating.

Our Readers Write

Letter to county residents:

On Nov. 3 we will be voting for the replacement levies for OSU Extension and the Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District. We would like to share some facts with you about these levies.

* This is not a new levy. It is a replacement levy to continue funding for OSU Extension and Monroe County Soil & Water.

* You, the voters, have supported these levies since 2000.

* These services provide research based information and programs that meet the needs of this county..

* For every $1 you pay in taxes, these agencies bring $8.50 into the county. That’s a lot of “bang for your buck”!

* OSU Extension provides services and education that empowers youth and adults through 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Family & Consumer Sciences, Community Development, and Family Nutrition Program..

* Monroe Soil & Water Conservation District provides services and education in Wildlife Management, Forest Management, and classroom presentations.

For more information visit www.monroeserviceslevies.org or call OSU Extension 472-0810 or MSWCD 472-0833. The staff will be happy to assist you. Please vote for the OSU Extension & Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District replacement levies.

John and Bess Lusk

Woodsfield