Participates in White House Meeting

Gary Ricer, GMN CEO was recently invited to attend a meeting with the President’s White House Staff, Office of Public Engagement in Washington, D.C. Tony Sarmiento, Senior Services of America (SSA) Executive Director selected six executives from throughout the United States, two from Ohio, one Tennessee, one Pennsylvania; one Chicago and a Baltimore representative

After flying into Dulles International in D.C., Ricer was briefed and received security clearance. The small select group then met and addressed national older American issues. The Senior Services of America topic of discussion was “Implementing SCSEP in Rural Communities”.

After touring the White House the group sat down with Jeffrey Cruz, President Obama’s White House Staff Deputy Director for the Office of Public Engagement.

SCSEP is currently funded nationwide at $825 million dollars. Ricer suggested the President meet with a group of successful seniors who have secured permanent gainful employment through GMN’s SCSEP training program in southeastern Ohio. Perhaps an electric media launch could be conducted to heighten education and awareness.

Guernsey, Monroe and Noble Community Action currently has over 40 Older Americans enrolled in its Training and Job Placement Programs. The newest endeavor is the Digital Inclusion Initiative (DII) where as seniors learn computer and internet skills in this “electronic age.” One final suggestion was made to White House staff OPE Deputy Director Cruz, “Launch a campaign to educate seniors more on the National Health Care Reform Act.”

“In my opinion I don’t believe our senior citizens fully understand it, and I know I don’t”, concluded Ricer.

Status of SOLSD Building Projects

In an effort to keep our readers informed, the Beacon is printing the entire article which was submitted by the Switzerland of Ohio Local School District ...

Since the passage of our bond in May 2009, the School Board and Administration of the Switzerland of Ohio Local School District (SOLSD) has been actively involved in the planning and design process of its $86.4 million Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) Classroom Facilities Assistance Program (CFAP) building project. They are aware of the issues that have occurred in recent months that have caused the project timeline to slip and are very concerned about the impact of the delays. They have requested that a detailed explanation be provided by the Construction Manager - Project and Construction Services, Inc. (PCS), and the Architect - Balog, Steines, Hendricks and Manchester (BSHM). The following is that explanation:

The Master Plan for the program, which was developed jointly between the OSFC and SOLSD after obtaining community input, includes the construction of six (6) new school buildings and the total renovation of River HS. The new facilities are Beallsville PK-12, Hannibal-Sardis K-8, Monroe Central HS, Powhatan K-8, Skyvue K-8, and Woodsfield K-8. The timeline that was presented to the community during the bond campaign was developed from the information available at the time, which was limited because detailed site investigations could not be conducted due to time and cost constraints. This timeline showed design and construction of a facility in each community beginning immediately upon passage of the bond in May 2009 with the other buildings to follow. The initial buildings chosen were Beallsville PK-12, Monroe Central HS and Woodsfield K-8, which were to be constructed on the same campus site, and Powhatan K-8. The timeline indicated an early site work package to be performed in the Fall of 2009 for each of these facilities.

Several issues occurred as the design progressed that have resulted in the timeline being changed for nearly every facility. As will be presented below, these issues vary but are all tied together by one common thread - cost. Each building has an established budget within the Master Plan that must be met. Funds set aside for one building cannot be used on another building. We are jointly tasked with keeping each building within budget even if that requires delaying the progress of design to do so.

PCS provides cost estimates for each building at each of the three phases of design. One or more components of a building may cause the estimated cost to exceed the budget, which means that either the cost of the other components within the building have to be reduced or that component needs to be modified. Examples of components of the buildings are: site work (site prep, utilities, drivers and parking); building envelope (exterior walls, doors, windows, and roof); interior finishes (walls, floors, ceilings, casework); plumbing systems; Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems; electrical systems; and technology systems (phone, data, sound, and security).

A summary of the issues, by facility follows:

Beallsville PK-12 - The good news is that an early site work package did occur in the fall of 2009 as originally planned. Delays in completing the clearing of the existing trees and revisions to the storm water management system prevented the work from being completed until just recently. More good news is that the building project has just recently been given approval by the OSFC to award contracts after a successful re-bid of the General Trades and Plumbing bid items. (see additional information on this below).

Although the building construction is roughly three months behind the originally projected timeline, we are confident that the reasons/decisions for the later start will ultimately prove to be in the best interest of the Switzerland of Ohio Local School District.

The District’s decision to modify the Master Plan by properly locating additional Special Education student population at this building delayed the design. Additionally, the investigation and the ultimate decision to connect to an off-site lift station, in lieu of a gravity fed sanitary sewer line impacted the site design schedule as well.

Another significant delay resulted from a new OSFC policy, which minimized the use of Bid Day Savings, which forced us to take a different approach to the bidding strategy relative to bid alternates. Alternates are specific items of work that are built into the design to give districts options to use different building components should there be favorable bid results. This new policy significantly limited those options and made the process of keeping the design on budget more difficult and more time consuming.

This project was eventually bid in late June and the results are mixed. At the time the project was 8.3 percent over the Master Plan budget. Although contracts could have been legally awarded at this time, doing so would not have been prudent from a financial perspective and so the decision was made to recertain bid items. The re-bid results in early August were favorable and reduced the over budget condition by 60 percent, which will allow us to proceed with the project with nearly 75 percent of the original change order contingency in place to cover any unforeseen conditions encountered during the construction phase.

Monroe Central HS/Woods-field K-8 - A decision was made very early in the process to combine the bidding of these two buildings into one building package to take advantage of the economies of contractors working on side-by-side facilities. An early site work package was begun in the fall of 2009 as originally planned and work was progressing on schedule until a large area of buried yard waste was discovered. The removal of this waste pushed the completion of the site work into this year. That work will be completed shortly.

After the design o these facilities had begun, the District’s decision to shift Special Education students to the Beallsville facility reduced the student population at the Woodsfield K-8 building. This reduced the area of this building which required modifications to the proposed floor plan that had been developed. A short time later, the District made a decision to increase the population of the Monroe Central HS to accommodate a likely shift of Career Tech students to this facility. This increased the area of this building which likewise required modifications to the proposed floor plan. Although both of these changes were made very early in the design process, which minimized the impact to the design schedule, there was still a delay associated with these decisions.

Additionally, the OSFC Bid Day Savings Policy change noted above also impacted the design schedule for these two buildings.

Bids were received in early August for these buildings. All of the information obtained from analyzing the bid results from the Beallsville bids was applied to the bid documents for these two buildings. It was only the General Trades bid was over the Master Plan budget and this bid item will be re-bid in September. The OSFC has given preliminary approval for a budget adjustment for this building if necessary, based upon market conditions, and the OSFC and the District are researching ways to finance the District’s 37 percent portion of the adjustment. Under this scenario, contracts should be awarded and construction commence in October on the Monroe Central HS and Woodsfield K-8 buildings.

Powhatan K-8 - The site originally identified for this building during the bond campaign, on the west side of Route 7 adjacent just south of SR 149, was determined to be unsuitable after soil borings and land survey work was completed. The anticipated delays in finding a suitable site resulted in a decision to adjust the project timeline by taking the Powhatan building out of the initial group of projects and moving forward with the Hannibal-Sardis K-8 building in its place.

The Mount Victory Road site that was eventually selected for this building was just recently determined, after a geothermal test well was installed, to have poor conductivity and subsequently less than an ideal site for geothermal. Based on the test well results, it was determined that 33 percent more geothermal wells will be needed to meet the HVAC requirements of the proposed building. The increased cost for these additional wells will likely require that an alternative HVAC system being selected for this building. The system selected will be more economical to help keep this building within its budget but it will also be an OSFC approved energy efficient system that will yield similar energy savings when compared to geothermal.

The Powhatan building design, although in its preliminary phase, has undergone significant modifications involving all the other components in an effort to bring design within budget. Additional surveying, electrical utility, and water line extensions have influenced revisions to the site plan concept. These modifications have and will continue to consume design time and will result in a later start of construction than anticipated.

Hannibal - Sardis K-8 - The original concept for this buildings, which was developed during the bond campaign, was to construct this building on River HS site on the baseball field and move the baseball field to the south. The initial cost estimate for this concept was considerably over the Master Plan budget due to several reasons, including a significant amount of unsuitable soils identified after soil borings were taken. Additionally, members of the community expressed displeasure with having to move the baseball field and so an alternative location was chosen directly south of River HS after a formal presentation to the community. This location requires the removal of the current District bus garage. The delay that has resulted in the design from this series of events has resulted in a decision to package the Hannibal-Sardis K-8 building with the renovation of River HS into a single project. Due to budget concerns as well as space requirements on the site, the geothermal HVAC system will need to be changed to an alternative system as is being done on the Powhatan building.

River HS - This project is in the middle stage of design and is on budget and on schedule for a start of construction in late spring 2011. The complete renovation of this building will occur in a phased plan that will occur throughout the school year with major areas worked on during the summer months. The phasing plan will be approved by the local building authority and fire departments before being implemented. The phasing plan includes specific requirements to segregate the construction activities from school operations to insure that the safety of the students and staff is not compromised. In anticipation of the spring start, hazardous materials abatement was performed in July and August so that it would not delay the renovation work.

Skyvue K-8 - This project is in the early stage of design and is tracking on schedule. The initial cost estimate will be completed by mid-October. Since the new facility will be constructed on the site of the existing building, the location of the new building is being developed to minimize the impact on the operation of the existing building.

In closing, we want to bring to your attention the Purpose Statement that was developed by the Core Team at the very beginning of the project. Because we were given the opportunity to work with the District during the bond campaign and witness the tremendous sacrifice you as community member made to pass the bond. The “Building our Legacy SOLSD” statement was created as a reminder to us of the commitment you have made and our commitment to provide SOLSD with the best possible facilities, which will be our legacy to you.

World War II Vessel Makes
Historic Trip to Pittsburgh

by Taylor Abbott
Staff Writer

LST-125 exits Hannibal Locks heading for Wheeling, W.. Va.

With an average speed of 13 miles per hour, LST-325 is shown above passing the former Lock 15 site below Duffy on August 21. The vessel attracted much attention on its way to Wheeling, W. Va. By the time LST-325 was just below the New Martinsville Bridge, hundreds of people had already gathered at Hannibal Locks and Dam to witness the spectacle.    Photos by Taylor Abbott

History buffs, veterans and the merely curious alike converged on Hannibal Locks and Dam at 7 p.m. on Aug. 24 to witness history in the making.

Prior to its entry into the dam, the 328 feet long LST-325 was already attracting large crowds of spectators who happened to be driving by when catching a glimpse of the large battleship gray vessel. By the time LST-325 was just below the New Martinsville Bridge, hundreds had already gathered at Hannibal Locks and Dam to witness the spectacle.

During World War II, LST- 325 was launched on Oct. 27, 1942 in Philadelphia, PA. Not only were these types of vessels built in Philadelphia but also at the Dravo Shipyards below Pittsburgh. Many LSTs were commissioned in Pittsburgh and shipped down river to the Gulf of Mexico. From there, each went to its respective destinations. In LST- 325’s case, to Algeria, the Mediterranean Sea, Italy and eventually became a part of large convoy of ships destined for England.

On Nov. 21, 1943 the convoy was attacked by German bombers that used its new remote-controlled glider-bombs. Numerous transport ships were sunk. At least one passenger aboard LST 325 was severely wounded by shrapnel. LST-325 arrived safely in Plymouth, England on Thanks-giving Day, Nov. 25, 1943.

On D-Day, June 6, 1944, LST-325 took part in the largest amphibious assault ever made by the hand of man. During the invasion of France, LST-325 served as a back-up force for the troops going ashore on Omaha Beach. 

It was then on Dec. 28, 1944 that LST-325 took part in rescuing over 700 men from the troop transport Empire Javelin. The vessel had been torpedoed off the coast of France by a German U-Boat.

Following the invasion of Normandy, LST-325 made 44 trips between France and England from June 1944 to April 1945. It unloaded its cargo at Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Utah Beaches and at the city of Rouen, France on the River Seine on several occasions.

In May 1945, LST-325 sailed with a convoy from Belfast, Ireland for a return to the United States. After being out to sea for a day, the convoy  of ships were hit by an intense storm. The storm pushed the ships apart, separating them. While in the storm, LST-325 slammed bow first into a large wave, resulting in a large crack across the main deck. Shipfitters on board were able to save the ship by welding steel plates across the fractured hull. On May 31, 1945, LST-325 arrived in Norfolk, Virginia, all in one piece.

The years following the World War found the vessel serving in many different capacities. Finally in 1964, LST-325 was recommissioned by the Greek Navy and used until 1999. It was decommissioned for a third time following its service. 

With great excitement, LST-325 was acquired by the USS Ship Memorial, Inc. For one last time, it was sailed across the Atlantic to Mobile, Ala.

Today it is one of only two LST vessels in existence in the United States. With an all volunteer crew with an average  age of 71, these dedicated men take great pride and care of their vessel. 

Locking through Hannibal Locks and Dam proved challenging. Securing the vessel inside the lock chamber halted the process but was soon remedied. After locking through, the vessel began to exit the chamber with speakers blaring patriotic music. On the bow of   the boat, an early American flag with 13 stripes and a serpent with the slogan “don’t tread on me” fluttered in the wind. The large crowd assembled followed the ship, many taking pictures or running above the dam to get a better view of it as it began its upbound journey.

Before entering the main channel of the river, a crew member, standing on the stern of the vessel, fired several blank rounds through a mounted anti-aircraft gun.

Among the veterans of Monroe County are several who served on LST crafts, including Walter Dierkes and Lemuel Tschappat.

Dierkes entered World War II in 1942, serving two years on the European front. During those years, he was stationed aboard YMS-62, a mine sweeper.

In 1944, Dierkes boarded LST-55, the flagship vessel of all LSTs, in New York City. 

“After boarding in New York, we sailed to Florida then through the Panama Canal, over to Hawaii and on to Sai Pan and Guam,” said Dierkes.

LST-55 made several trips, mostly “island hopping” with supplies and ammunition for Allied troops in the Pacific. Following the atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Dierkes and other American troops toured the ruined cities.

“When we got to Nagasaki, we were allowed to tour it. It was about six weeks after the bomb had been dropped. Nagasaki was wiped out... Radio towers were melted right down to the ground. Roads were cut through the debris using bulldozers.”

According to Dierkes, LST-55 made numerous port stops along the coast of Japan. He remembers one stop that is in history books around the world.

“After Japan’s bombing, they surrendered. Our LST, number 55, was the flagship LST. Captain Gardner pulled us right alongside the battleship Missouri. On the decks of the Missouri, General Mc-Arthur and other commanders participated in the peace treaty signing that ended the war,” said Dierkes.

Following the war’s end, Dierkes remained on active duty. 

“I had to stay after the war ended. It was a short while but I stayed until 1946. I was the master of arms on board, a chief of police in comparison,” remarked Dierkes. 

Today Dierkes and his wife reside in Powhatan Point.

Tschappat, 92, of Claring-ton, served on LSTs on the European front, including crossing the Atlantic and the English Channel following the invasion of Normandy.

“When we landed in Glasgow, Scotland, I remember getting off the vessel after crossing the Atlantic for two weeks. A couple of guys around the dock were using sticks with nails on the end of them, poking at pieces of paper and trash on the ground. When I asked them what they were looking for, they said playing cards....I couldn’t believe it. I told them to wait there and went back on the boat and grabbed three decks of cards. When I gave them those cards I thought they were going to kiss me!” laughed Tschappat. 

After orders were given, Tschappat would find himself on another LST crossing the English Channel.

“We would start out across the channel and be quite a ways from the coast when we would be called back. The seas would get so rough that the boat would just be tossing,” said Tschappat.

Eventually the vessel would make a landing in Normandy, just days after the initial invasion was complete. Tschappat would go on to serve under General George S. Patton, participating in the liberation of Paris, Battle of the Bulge and closing in on Berlin, only to be halted 30 miles from the German capital because the Russian Red Army had already captured it.

“Times were rough over there. I’m lucky to be here and get to golf when I want to. Its a great country we have here,” said Tschappat.

Around the Burnside  

If you saw yourself as others see you, you wouldn't believe your eyes.

Give yourself a better chance of living to see 90; don’t try to reach it on a speedometer.

Well, the county fair is over until another year rolls around. It seems faster than ever it’s fair time again. Before I get started on the fair I want to share something I read on a bumper sticker while Esther was picking up the Beacon. I don’t normally include things like this but this was too good not to share. Folks in Southeast Ohio understand. The bumper sticker read, “Nuttier than a squirrel turd”. Does this describe someone you know?

A nice group gathered in the entertainment tent Sunday evening for the gospel sing. A lot of folks participated in the program and hymn sing. An excellent way to get the fair underway. This has been going on about as long as I can remember.

If there happens to be a fairboard member reading this, please note. It was the consensus of those present that it start earlier than seven o’clock, as it makes it kind of late for we old codgers getting home. Probably 6:30 maybe even six were suggested.

Fair time! My interest and attending, working and enjoying fairs started when I was in high school and a member of the Oxford Livestock Boosters 4-H Club. Then they didn’t assign space in the barns and our advisor always wanted the same spot in the barn every year.

As a result of this, we always took several of our projects early in order to claim our spot. Being the oldest of the club members the advisor’s son and I had the responsibility of taking care of them. School was going on so we could walk to school and stay all night looking after the cattle. This was really living high on the hog for a couple of farm boys. His dad brought us food and looked after things during the day. We lived at the fair. I recall once a buddy of mine woke up saying some very unkind words to a fly that kept bothering him all morning. I woke up early that morning and found a straw.

I got a rather tough introduction to the Monroe County Fair. We moved to the county in July and it wasn’t long until I was involved in fair. Joe Reed, somehow, suckered me into judging the open class poultry show. He said, “We only have a few chickens show up. You won’t have any trouble.” Ha.

Many of you remember the old poultry building behind the grandstand. Well, it was full of chickens on top of cage after cage.

I had never judged chickens in my life. I had taken a poultry course at OSU so I actually knew what a chicken was and looked like. I also knew there are brown eggs and white eggs.

Regardless of my little knowledge of poultry judging, I started to work. They started bringing me chicken after chicken to be judged. A little break for lunch and back at it again. The first thing I knew it was getting close to supper time. They were still bringing me chickens to judge. I had just almost had it. I suggest we quit and come back in the morning. If Joe had been around I would have thrown a bucket of you know what at him.

We finished up the next morning and I guess maybe I did OK as I didn’t hear any complaints; however, I probably didn’t fool anyone. I don’t even remember ever getting paid for my judging poultry. I was elected to the board that year so I wouldn’t have to judge poultry ever again.

Another excellent Jr. Fair Parade this year. If my memory serves me right, this was the forty-first parade since we moved to the county. I can recall only missing the parade once during this time. I guess there are times we do not appreciate the time and effort the 4-H advisors and members spend with their projects.

As I sat there watching the parade I couldn’t keep from thinking, “Who says we do not have outstanding youth in our county?” Float after float and club after club had youth we can be proud of. All they need is the opportunity

It was also good to have Betty Ward carrying the American flag to lead the parade.

I sometimes wonder; we old duffers stand when the flag goes by in a parade. I felt as though I was standing alone.. I didn’t look around but I do think a good many joined me. It doesn’t seem to me that standing as the flag goes by is not much to ask when we have thousands of men and women putting their lives on the line in order for us to be able to sit in the grandstand and enjoy the fair as well as all we have going for us.

Then again it’s easy to sit and make suggestions or maybe complain about something. It would be nice if the fairboard could build a handicap ramp into the grandstand. Some of we old duffers have a problem with steps.

I make it to the front row seat as I prefer to stay in front. I thought maybe because of this the sound system left something to be desired. Maybe it was my hearing aids. I had trouble hearing what was being said during the parade. As I said it’s easy to make suggestions.

Nothing makes one feel more at home than a big snowstorm.

Want to feel welcome? Attend church Sunday.

Our Readers Write 

Illegal immigration is a hot button topic in this country and while it may well be a national security issue, one of the main arguments is the loss of jobs to those in the country illegally. Some argue that these are jobs that the citizens of this nation will not do, because of type of work and compensation. I don’t know how to prove either side of the latter question.

I do, however, know that hundreds of thousands of good paying jobs have been lost in the paper industry. This has occurred by companies in China and Indonesia selling their government subsidized paper products at less than fair market value prices.

These acts are illegal; they are in opposition to the rules agreed to by the World Trade Organization and they hurt our nations’ working families. This is truly foreign people taking our jobs here in the United States.

So please contact your U.S. Congressman Charlie Wilson and your U.S. Senators, George Voinovich and Sherrod Brown and ask them to make sure that this illegal paper dumping stops.

Jerry Ackerman, Vice-Pres.
Union Steelworkers, 
Local Union 5724
Clarington

Classifieds
■  9-2 Classifieds

OBITUARIES  

ROBERT J. ARMSTRONG
Robert Joseph Armstrong, 38, Reynoldsburg, died Aug. 26, 2010 at Mount Carmel Hospital East in Reynoldsburg. He was born April 19, 1972 in Westerville, the only child of Robert and Ethel Armstrong of Westerville.

He was a graduate of Westerville South HIgh School and Toccoa Falls College in Toccoa Falls, Ga., where he was a communications major. He was employed in IT Security at Huntington Bank in Columbus. He attended Messiah Lutheran Church. His hobbies were playing the guitar, riding his motorcycle and playing with his children. He was a wonderful husband and father.

In addition to his parents, surviving are his wife, Danna Rubel Armstrong; two children, Joel, who will be five in October and Gwennan, who is three; father-in-law and mother-in-law, David and Connie Rubel; a brother-in-law, Kevin (Christina) Rubel; sister-in-law, Angela (Roger) Birnbaum; three nephews, Weston Birnbaum, Adam Birnbaum, Jayce Rubel; two nieces, Kia Birnbaum, Lucy Rubel; several aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends.

Friends were received Aug. 31 at Moreland Funeral Home, Westerville, where services will be held Sept. 1, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Karl Hanf and Rev. Denver Dodrill officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the James Development Office, 660 Ackerman Rd., P.O. Box 183112, Columbus, OH 43218-3112.

JOSEPH W. HARTLINE 
Joseph Wallace Hartline, died Aug. 25, 2010 at home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in 1931 a son of Joseph and Margaret Wallace Hartline of Cameron.

He was a graduate of Woodsfield High School in 1949. He was a veteran of U.S. Air Force. He was a retired employee of Ormet Corp-oration, having worked there for 34 years. He loved his life in Monroe County and the Ohio Valley. He served in many organizations, giving back his many blessings. He was a Past Master of Free and Accepted Masons, Clarington #597; 32nd Degree Mason; Knight of York Cross of Honor; member of Order of Eastern Stars, Clarington, #533; member of Clarington United Methodist Church; Township Clerk for 28 years; First President of Cameron PTA; member of National Imperial Glass Collectors Society.

He represented both hard work and a charitable heart. He will be missed greatly by his family and friends. “I have fought a good fight. I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:7.

Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Carolyn Brague Hartline; sons, Joe (Sarah) of Atlanta, Randy of Cameron, Kerry (Mary) of Cameron; daughters, Diana (Fred) Wolf of Granville, Mindy (Marvin) Cannon of Columbus; he greatly cherished his 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; brother, David (Hilde) of Marion. 

Friends were received Aug. 27 at Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, where services were held Aug. 28 with Rev. Richard Wilson officiating. burial was in Cameron Cemetery. Masonic Lodge service was held Aug. 27.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cameron Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 31, Cameron, OH 43914 or 118th District Masonic Scholarship Association, c/o Richard Miller, 51907 SR 145, Beallsville, OH 43716.

Condolences may be expressed at www.bauerturner.com.

ABIGAIL M. HUNTER
Abigail Marie Hunter, stillborn daughter of Nathan and Jessica Fierst Hunter, 39600 SR 26, Graysville, died Aug. 28, 2010 at Marietta Memorial Hospital.

In addition to her parents, she was survived by paternal grandmother, Linda Hunter of Lewisville.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Liz Kasler.

Graveside services will be held Sept. 1, at 11 a.m., at the Pleasant ridge Cemetery, Graysville, with Rev. David Hull-Frye officiating.

Arrangements by Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield.

MARY LOU REES
Mary Lou Rees, 81, Woodsfield, died Aug. 22, 2010. She was born the daughter of the late Louis and Marie McMullen Gurtner. 

She was a long-standing member of St. Sylvester Catholic Church and the Switzerland of Ohio Country Club.

“Gurt” was the loving and dedicated mother of three surviving sons, Lous Rees and Deborah Sanborn of Akron, William (Kathy) Reese of Beallsville, Robert (Laura) Rees of Apache Junction, Arizona; sister-in-law, Delores Rectanus of Perryopolis, Pa..; ex-daughter-in-law, Cyndi Ruehl of Apache Junction; and three grandchildren, Joseph Sanborn Reese, Nathan Ruehl Reese, and Samantha Peterson.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Reese in 2000, whom she married in 1949.

She will be missed by her family and friends.

There was no visitation. Burial will be at the convenience of the family at Oaklawn Cemetery, Woodsfield.

Arrangements by Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, Woodsfield.

Condolences may be expressed at www.bauerturner.com.

DANNY E. BAKER
Danny E. Baker, 60, Woodsfield, died Aug. 25, 2010 at Ohio Valley Medical Center, Wheeling. He was born May 14, 1950 in Monroe County, a son of the late Robert and Eureylee Saffle Baker.

He worked for the Tri-County GMN Weatherization Program and was a former mechanic for Knowlton Ford.

Surviving are his daughters, Vicki Baker of Woodsfield, Deanna (Chris) Simon of Sardis; two brothers, Larry (Pauline) Baker of Woodsfield, Leroy (Rusty) Baker of Beallsville; and four grandchildren, Tyler and Justin Cline, Miranda Baker and Cody Simon.

There was no visitation.

Arrangements by Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, Woodsfield. www.bauerturner.com.

Juanita B. Clift
Juanita B. Clift, 92,  31990 Long Run Rd., Sycamore Valley, died Aug. 30, 2010 at her home. She was born July 17, 1918 at Graysville, a daughter of the late William and Lillie Cree Winland.

She was a retired cook for the Switzerland of Ohio School District at the Bethel School in Marr. She was a member of the Lebanon United Methodist Church; and a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Lodge 584, Lebanon. She enjoyed crocheting and cross stitching quilts.

Surviving are three sons, Charles Clift of Graysville, Robert (Glenda) Clift of Palatka, Fla., Dennis (Elaine) Clift of Sycamore Valley; three daughters-in-law, Irene Clift of Lower Salem, Sharon Robinson of Woodsfield, Peggy Smith of Caldwell; 22 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Forest Maxwell Clift on March 11, 2004; three sons, William E. Clift, Clyde “Butch” Clift, and Max Franklin Clift; four sisters, Myrtle Williams, Doris Wittenbrook, Dorothy Decker, Grethel DeVore; four brothers, Clesson, Clarence, Vernon, Cecil Winland; a daughter-in-law, Sandra Clift; and two grandsons, Nathan and Darrin Clift. 

Friends will be received Sept. 1, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield, where funeral services will be held Sept.. 2, at 1 p.m., with Rev. Richard Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the Masterton Cemetery, Lebanon. Eastern Star services will be held Sept. 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

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