Williams is Commissioner Candidate

by Jimmy Williams
Candidate for Commissioner

“I have more than 10 years of public service here, through the Monroe County EMS System, the fairboard, and the sheriff’s office,” said Jimmy Williams, candidate for Mon-roe County Commissioner. Although I’ve lived in Tennessee and Arizona, I have lived most of my life in Monroe County.

“Thanks to the prayers of many friends and strangers, our daughter Karley has overcome a life-threatening illness; that experience has transformed my life and inspired me to do whatever I can to make Monroe County the best place to live, work and prosper. Children are our future, they should have a future in Monroe County, and it is my goal to provide that future.

I have been a small businessman. My family and I opened Farmers Feed and Supply. It has been sold, but is still in business in Woodsfield. I started the Monroe County K-9 division that is still operational today, and personally raised over $10,000 to start that program. I was a country singer who opened for many national acts, including Randy Travis, Conway Twitty, Reba McIntire and Lee Greenwood. Took my country single to #63 nationally. I spoke and stood up for our coal industry in front of 100,000 people in Washington, D.C. at the Sept. 12 event this September. I am a born again Christian, a member of the Woodsfield Church of Christ, and count on the prayers of many fellow believers here in Monroe County.

“My vision for Monroe County: We would secure funding to support or employ a County Economic Developer; We would start the process to work with the State of Ohio Department of Transportation to develop SR 7; We would start working to set up a tax credit for businesses; We will start discussions with major hospitals in the valley to see if any of them would be willing to put a small bed 24-hour emergency room hospital/ quick care facility in the Woodsfield area; Have a three to five year plan for the county; Stand up for our kids by going after those delinquent real estate taxes by collecting $619,394.01 in back taxes; stand up for the county by going to Columbus, and Washington, D.C. to get what we deserve and bring it home; most of all giving our government back to all the people, not just a select few,” continued the candidate.

“I love this county. I cherish this opportunity. And I want to have opportunity for everyone, not just the “cherished few,” concluded Williams.

Thompson Vying for Representative

Submitted by Andy Thompson Andy Thompson is a conservative Republican candidate for the 93rd District of Ohio.

He is the publisher of Bird Watcher’s Digest, a family-owned business based in Marietta.  He is currently serving his third term on City Council where he has dedicated himself to economic development, eliminating red tape, bureaucratic consolidation, and fiscal restraint. At times unpopular for his conservative views, Thompson is no stranger to demanding fiscal discipline on council.

Thompson’s family traces its roots to Ohio since the 1850s. After completing college and spending a few years working for the Competitive Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C., Thompson and his wife and newborn daughter returned to Marietta where Andy worked for the family business.

Andy and Jade Thompson have been married for nearly 25 years and have three children, ages 10, 18 and 20.  Jade is a Spanish teacher at Marietta High School.

Thompson is an active member of the Marietta Rotary Club and St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. He is an avid golfer, musician and reader.  He is unabashedly conservative and a vocal supporter of patriotic causes and the small business community.  He is also a proud concealed carry license holder and an active member of Fort Harmar Rifle Club.  

In February, Thompson was given the honor of giving the keynote address at the League of Ohio Sportsmen annual banquet.

The National Federation of Independent Business, the Associated Builders and Contractors, Ohio Right to Life, the Ohio State Medical Association, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Farm Bureau, the Ohio Society of CPAs and the Ohio Manufacturer’s Association have endorsed Thompson in this race because of his approach to limited government and his small business experience. 

Why Andy Thompson?  Can you recall the last time you were inspired by government?  Neither can Thompson.  What inspires him are the triumphant tales of entrepreneurship, American exceptionalism, and self-reliance.  Thompson’s approach to governance is simple: follow the roadmap our founding fathers gave us, the most important element of which is limited government. 

Thompson believes that government is most often the key to mediocrity, if not failure.  No matter the issue, when you inject government into the equation you have lost the initiative and the incentive to succeed. Government’s role is necessary but limited to those things which individuals, families and communities truly cannot accomplish for themselves. 

He believes the solutions to most situations are best left to local communities, individuals, families and businesses.  Columbus should not dictate the best solution for a situation suffered in Marietta or Medina.  Only those problems that call for a uniform statewide approach should be addressed in Columbus. 

The principles that guide Thompson’s beliefs are the same principles that our founders bestowed on our great nation: love of God, country and family; limited government; states’ rights; and respect for individual liberties. 

The Beacon affords local candidates the opportunity to introduce themselves to our readers. 

Homecoming Royalty Selected

During halftime festivities of the Monroe Central vs. Magnolia football game Oct. 1, Monroe Central royalty was honored. 

At a bonfire Thursday evening, Jonathan Muntz selected the ‘king’ card to wear the crown of the 2010 Monroe Central Homecoming King. Others vying for the crown were king candidates: Tye Dimmerling, son of Darren and Kathy Dimmerling of Woodsfield; Brock Jones, son of lester and Lisa Jones of Miltonsburg; Zac Lindemood, son of Todd and Shain Lindemood of Woodsfield; and Tim Oxley, son of Mark Oxley and Mary Coulter of Woodsfield; and Marcus Schumacher, son of Deana and Andy Schumacher, also of Woodsfield.

~ Monroe Central 2010 Homecoming Queen ~

During halftime festivities of the Monroe Central vs. Magnolia football game, Jennifer Hayes selected the golden rose to become Monroe Central’s 2010 Homecoming Queen. She is the daughter of Heath Hayes of Cambridge and Susan Huffman of Graysville. Photo by Martha Ackerman

Jennifer Hayes, daughter of Heath Hayes of Cambridge and Susan Huffman of Graysville, selected the golden rose Friday night to become Monroe Central’s 2010 Homecoming Queen. Candidates choosing red roses were: Emma Betts, daughter of Krystal Coleman of Woods-field and Steven Betts; Lauren Harmon, daughter of Troy and Bobbi Harmon of Graysville; Alexandra Kuhn, daughter of Chris and Jodi Kuhn of Graysville; Elizabeth Schuer-man, daughter of Rick and Teresa Schuerman of Woodsfield; and Melissa Stimpert, daughter of Jodi and Troy Baker of Woodsfield and the late Randy Stimpert. 

~ Monroe Central 2010 Homecoming King ~
Jonathan Muntz chose the ‘king’ card to wear the crown of Monroe Central’s 2010 Homecoming King. Jonathan is shown with his parents, Robert and Sherry Muntz of Miltonsburg. 
Photo by Haleigh Ackerman, MC Yearbook Staff

River High School will be celebrating Homecoming 2011 Oct. 8 and 9. Candidates and the court are shown, from left, are: seated: Ms. River candidates Rachel Stewart, Kylie Brown, Erica Duvall, Jordan Ramsay, Alexa Isaly; standing: freshman attendant Landyn Ramsay, Mr. River candidates Tyler Stewart, Dillon Burnett, Zach Wichterman, Jordan Potts, James West and junior attendant Taylor Hill. Not shown is sophomore attendant Brittany Harrigan.        Photo by Martha Ackerman

River High Homecoming Set for Oct. 8 and 9

River High School will celebrate homecoming festivities Oct. 8 and 9. The 2010 Ms. River will be crowned at a halftime ceremony during the River vs. Bridgeport football game.

Ms. River candidates are Kylie Brown, daughter of Dana and Sharon Brown; Erica Duvall, daughter of Doug and Mona Duvall; Alexa Isaly, daughter of Rick and Carla Isaly; Jordan Ramsay, daughter of Mike and Kenda Ramsay; Rachel Stewart, daughter of Harry and Lori Stewart. 

Mr. River candidates are Dillon Burnett, son of Ron and Jane Lamp; Jordan Potts, son of Francis and Marla Potts; Tyler Stewart, son of Danny and Stacy Stewart; James West, son of Dan and Barb West; and Zach Wichterman, son of Dean and Pam Wichterman.

Attendants include freshman Landyn Ramsay, daughter of Mike and Kenda Ramsay; sophomore Brittany Harrigan, daughter of James and Rebecca Harrigan; and junior Taylor Hill, daughter of Joe and Christy Hill.

The Homecoming Dance will be held Oct. 9, 7 to 10 p.m.

Blazing a Trail for a Cure Car Show

It’s time again for the third annual Blazing the Trail for a Cure Car Show, which is set for Oct. 9 in the parking lot of the Woodsfield Church of Christ, SR78 west of Woods-field. All proceeds will benefit the Gas Cards for Cancer Patients program.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. and will continue until 1 p.m. There is a registration fee. Dash plaques will be awarded to the first 50 registrants. Kids 12 and under can enter their die cast cars for a small entry fee. Many trophies will be awarded at 3 p.m. 

The event includes a country store, refreshments, music, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing Schwan’s Truckload Sale and food.

For more information, contact Shirley Brown at 740-231-3079 or Anita Howell at 740-359-8914.

Around the Burnside   

Old age is like a car-paint can conceal the exterior, but the lines reveal the age.

The misfortunes hardest to bear are those that never come.

Over the years, I’ve tried not to get involved in letters to the editor while writing Around the Burnside. I do, however, because I’ve let it be known how disappointed I was over the loss of our FFA chapter. In fact, I mentioned it almost every week for a time and still feel that way. A few of my thoughts ...

The school board hires teachers on recommendations of the superintendent. Boards have been known not to follow the superintendent’s recommendation.

The state department determines the certification of teachers. The certification of certain vocational teachers is different from a regular teacher. College courses are required to be certified and to remain certified. If I remember correctly, we had five programs in the shop area when Swiss Hills opened. Of the 10 teachers, the second year only three of us had a college degree.

I do not know how many or who applied for the Agricul-ture Mechanics teacher at Swiss Hills. I do know that a young man was selected for the job and is on the job. He is certified for the job and is presently enrolled in OSU to retain  and complete his certification. The how or why, the selection of who gets the job is really not my concern other than can they do the job. I can have my own idea but that does not really matter.

Now the 15 days extended time has seemed to be a question. I don’t know if it was a misunderstanding and was said to help with required school courses. The 15 days are NOT to help with college courses, but to carry out the work required for an active FFA Chapter. FFA is an important and necessary part of the agriculture education program. Extended days are allowed for the summer program, not to help with needed college courses. Fifteen days are a bare minimum to do the job and probably not enough days.

For example, when I taught at Skyvue, I was given 60 days plus mileage. At Swiss Hills it was later changed to 30 days and no mileage. Believe me I used all my days and sometimes more.

As I see it, and I know some will maybe disagree, what has happened in the past I can do nothing about or can I change. I like to look toward the future. A young man has been hired to teach agriculture mechanics at Swiss Hills. He is certified and enrolled in required courses at Ohio State. I know for a fact he clearly understands what is expected of an agriculture mechanics instructor and is willing to accept help and suggestion if needed.

Right now I think the most important thing for our school system is the passage of the renewal of the levy coming up for a vote in November. It’s a vote for our youth in the county.

I was reminded how they can really cook chicken at Swiss Hills. I just returned from their barbecue. It was well done.

While I was there, I took a tour of the shop area to bring back memories. The agriculture mechanics lab (shop) was full of equipment being worked on, the paint booth has been used and the tool room has a good supply of tools hung neatly on the walls and on the shelves. A fruit sale is planned in the near future and broken, lost or stolen equipment is being replaced or repaired. Starting to look like old times. It doesn’t happen over night.

Okay, I’m off my soap box. I live in my own little world, but it’s okay. Everyone knows me here.

Do you remember being told Sleep tight and don’t let the bedbugs bite? I’ve heard it several times although I never knew what a bedbug was. I understand they are tough to get rid of. Not having the experience of bedbugs,  wonder if it compares to the lice I used to get while cleaning out the chicken house. How I hated that job. I guess the lice didn’t harm the chickens all that much as we had eggs every morning and I really like fried chicken. We didn’t think anything about harvesting a chicken, scald it in hot water, pluck the feathers, prepare for cooking and having a good chicken dinner. Talk about eating high on the hog. I guess maybe it was worth putting up with the lice.

Think of what most of us miss doing now days. We can go to the store, pick up a whole chicken or different parts of a chicken, depending upon our tastebuds, take it home and fix it the way we want. On the other hand, if we don’t want to mess around this way, we can go to KFC and buy the chicken parts we want, chomp away and not really do anything but eat. Think of all the fun we miss out on. No more cotton pickin chicken pluckin.

I almost forgot. I read where Ohio is one of the top states with bedbug infestation. Quite an honor, huh? 

Remember: Gratitude is always the right attitude also attending church is a good habit.

Our Readers Write 

Dear Editor,

Please post this note as a warning to all Belmont, Monroe and Washington County subscribers who have recently been approached for leasing their acreage for drilling of the Marcellus Shale gas. The land men are working these and other counties, while in many instances, practically stealing the valuable leases for "O" to 100 dollars per acre, when that is only a fraction of their value 

Having been a student of the Marcellus Shale Gas areas of five states for quite some time, as well as extensive experience in contract creation, execution and interpretation, I suggest residents form their own community groups or get help from persons like myself. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 740.458.1771. 

Three weeks ago, a land man leased acreage from a couple in their nineties for "0" dollars per acre and that is ROBBERY. That little situation is now in the hands of a Belmont County Attorney, according to my sources in neighboring Belmont County. Likewise, I have heard recent horror stories of utterly ridiculous offerings from 25 to 40 to 100 dollars per acre. 

This is a Wake Up Call to talk to your neighbors and get educated on what your leasing acreage may be worth, as well as how to properly secure equally fair compensation for same via formulation of neighboring landowner groups with contiguous acreage block values.

Respectfully, 
Rodger "RL" Burgess
Switzerland Twp. Monroe County

To the Editor,
In the small town of Sardis, there is a little preschool known as Sardis Head Start. The whole community wonders what is going on at this preschool. The Sardis Head Start of GMN Tri-County Community Action was opened in 2005. From 2005-2010 there have been four managers, five center directors, seven teachers and several other staff changes.

One center director was in the Monroe County Beacon last year and received a Step Up to Quality Award in the amount of $5,000 and this year as a teacher she was terminated? Why? 

Who is investigating the cause of all these resignations and terminations? In a community with so much unemployment, how can this be positive? This is a school that is a federally funded program. How much money is being spent on retraining and taken from these children’s education?

The mission statement, is “GMN strives to stimulate and encourage opportunities which enhance conditions for which people live, learn and work through public service and assistance.” Is this true in Sardis? How is this affecting the children at the Sardis Head Start? Is this stability for these children and a safe environment? How is this affecting the students at this school? A community wonders ...

Jeffrey Hallack
Sardis

Classifieds
■  10-7
Classifieds
■  10-7
Classifieds - 2nd page

OBITUARIES  

ROBERT E. YOUNG
Robert E. Young, 71, of 34719 Spence Hill Road, Graysville, died upon arrival Oct. 3, 2010 at the Barnesville Hospital, Barnesville.

He was born in Miltonsburg, on June 10, 1939, a son of the late Lewis Oscar and Margaret Schaub Young.

He was a retired employee for the Ohio State Department of Liquor Control, Woodsfield, and former owner/operator of Robert E. Young Memorials, Woodsfield, and was a former employee of Dailey Monuments, Akron. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Woodsfield, and was a U.S. Army Veteran. He enjoyed farming and the outdoors.

Surviving are his wife, Eleanor Taylor Young whom he married on Feb. 22, 1988; two sons: David (Loretta) Heath of Congress, Ohio, Michael Young of Woodsfield,  two daughters: Kim (Tony) Presti of Lowell, Terri Young of Columbus, one step-daughter, Trina Cecil of Columbus, one step-son, Aaron (Kelly) Cecil of Middlebourne, W.Va., four grandsons, one great- granddaughter, one step-granddaughter; a sister Janet Sue (Mark) Martinka of Columbus; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia Ann Workman Young in 1979; one brother, Donald Young; and one sister, Juanita Stalder.

Friends were received at Watters Funeral Home Oct. 5, Woodsfield, where funeral and military services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6 with Rev. Frank Lehosky officiating. Inurnment will be held at the convenience of the family at the Miltonsburg Cemetery, Miltonsburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethel-Graysville EMS c/o Ramona Weckbacher, 39483 TR 297, Lewisville, Ohio 43754 or to the Miltonsburg Cemetery Association, c/o David Lande-feld, 49890 Keylor Hill Rd., Woodsfield, Ohio 43793.  

ETHEL RAMSER
Ethel Datkuliak Ramser,  of German Hill, Powhatan Point, died Oct. 1, 2010 in Columbus, at the home of her daughter Justine.

She was born Sept. 8, 1913 in Bramwell, W. Va., a daughter of the late John and Elizabeth Wasco Datkuliak.

She was a member of St. John United Church of Christ.

Surviving are three children: Elizabeth Stouffer, Justine Ramser and Glenna Texler; two brothers: Elmer and Clyde Edwin; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

In addition to her parents, Ethel was preceded in death by her husband Ralph in 2000, two brothers: George and John, four sisters: Ellen, Mary, Elsie, Clara and Edith and a foster daughter, Rosetta Drown. 

Friends were received on Oct. 5 at the Bauknecht Altmeyer Funeral Homes and Crematory, 186 Main Street, Powhatan Point, until time of services at 1 p.m. Oct. 6 at St. John United Church of Christ, 51705 German Ridge Road, Powhatan Point, with Rev. Carla Wobschall officiating.

Burial followed in Powhatan Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John United Church of Christ. Online condolences may be extended to the family at:www.altmeyer.com

CLARENCE E. EVANS
Clarence E. Evans, 79, of New Matamoras, died Oct. 3, 2010, at Marietta Memorial Hospital. He was born March 12, 1931 in Monroe County, Ohio, a son of the late Richard and Della Bruce Evans.

He was retired from Corning Glass Works in Paden City, W. Va., a veteran of the Korean War and a member of the Unity Baptist Church.

He is survived by a daughter: Kathy (Glen) Schwaben of Sardis; a brother, Orvel Evans of New Matamoras; a grandson, Joshua Dalrymple, of Woodsfield, a granddaughter, Vicki Morris, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; two great-grandsons, Cameron and Cole Morris, of Colorado; one great-granddaughter, Kjersten Morris, of Alabama; and a great-great-grandson, Benthey Kale, of Alabama; and several nieces, nephews and in-laws.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Louise Ritchie Evans, on May 26, 2009; one sisters: Gladys Evans Koher; four brothers: Ralph, Kenneth, Warren and Myron Evans.

Friends were received at Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, 100 S. Paul St., Woodsfield, on Oct. 5 where funeral services were held  Oct. 6, with Pastor Anthony McSwords officiating. Interment in East Lawn Memorial Park, Marietta. Military services were conducted by the Belmont Veterans Council.

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

JAMES CONGER
James (Jim ‘Toad’) Conger, 86, of Woodsfield, passed away Oct. 1, 2010 at the Woodsfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center .  He was born in Woodsfield Dec. 18, 1923, a son of the late Simon William and Nellie Lowe Conger.

He was a carpenter and a laborer.

He is survived by six sons:  John Conger of Donnerville, James (Geanie) Conger of Woodsfield; Henry, David and Ike Conger, all of Woodsfield, and Everett Conger of California; one brother:  Denzel (Eileen) Conger of Canton, and one sister Rosemary Conger Jones of Barnesville; several grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Becky Parks Conger of almost 49 years of marriage;   a son Robert Conger, and a daughter Annabelle Hupp, two brothers Edward, and Charles Conger and a sister Betty Dodd.

At the request of the family memorial contributions may be made to Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, 100 S. Paul St., Woodsfield, OH 43793. There will be no visitation.   Arrangements by the Bauer-Turner Funeral Home Woods-field.   www.bauerturner.com 

WILLIAM P. MORRISON
William P. “Bill” Morrison, 90, of 39114 T.R. 293a, Lower Salem, died Oct. 3, 2010 at the Marietta Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Marietta.

He was born at Sycamore Valley on Sept. 19, 1920, a son of the late John and Eliza Dillon Morrison.

Bill was a retired custodian for the Switzerland of Ohio School District at the former Skyvue High School near Graysville and was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII.  He was a Protestant by faith and a member of the American Legion Post No. 0888, Columbus.

Surviving are two daughters: Donna Reynolds of Williamstown, W.Va. and Sue (Philip) Carpenter of Quaker City; two sons: Paul Morrison and friend Debbie Stellfox of Lower Salem, and Roger (Myrna) Morrison of Lower Salem; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren; and several step-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Martha McConnell Morrison on June 24, 2004; two sisters: Elizabeth Franks and Nyla Warren; four brothers: James, Charles, Chauncey, and Wilbert Morrison; a daughter-in-law, Teresa Guiler Morrison and a son-in-law, Ronald Reynolds.

Friends will be received at the Watters Funeral Home, 37501 S.R. 78 West, Woodsfield, from 2-8 p.m. Oct. 7 where funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 8 with Rev. Gary Fitzgerald officiating.  Burial will follow in the Creighton Ridge Cemetery near Sycamore Valley, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethel Community Center, c/o Irene Clift, 31001 Little Injun Rd., Lower Salem, Ohio 45745.