Sunday, May 30, 2010

WHS All-Stars Getting Ready


Wednesday - May 26: The Wellsville High School All-Stars are busy getting ready to open this year's 5 Year All-Class Reunion with two performances at the high school Auditeria. They have been meeting, getting their numbers selected and lined up for well over a month. Now they're ready to take it down to the high school for actual rehearsals.

Incidentally we have been told that there is some confusion on the location of the two performances. Both shows will be performed at the high school. The first is scheduled for Tuesday, June 29, and the second is the following night, Wednesday, June 30. They will be using the big stage in the Auditeria. They will not be performing at 4th Street.

If you're travelling in for the reunion you will want to get to one of the two shows. You will not be disappointed and we guarantee you will be glad you did. All proceeds go to support the Alumni Activities.

Pictured above is, from the left, Earl Campbell, Jim Wilson, Donna Hawksworth & Barry Arbaugh getting an early rehearsal performing "Good Ship Lollypop". Just thinking about these guys doing that number has to tickle your funny bone.

ole nib

On The Calendar

By this time graduation is all over at the high school. Once again good luck to all the new WHS Alumni.

Monday - May 31:

  • Memorial Day - Ceremonies start at 9 A.M. at 4th Street Veteran's Memorial followed by a parade and concluding ceremonies at Spring Hill Cemetery.


Tuesday - June 1:

  • Wellsville Village Council Meeting - 6 P.M. at Village Hall

  • **WHS Athletic Hall of Fame - Media Room - 7 P.M. at the high school**


Wednesday - June 2:

  • Moe & Doe's 48th Anniversary

  • WVFD Homecoming Starts behind Nicholson Stadium

  • WHS All-Stars Lip Sync Rehearsals - 6 P.M. at Wellsville High School


Thursday - June 3:

  • Wellsville - E. Liverpool NAACP - 6:30 at Wellsville Carnegie Library

  • WVFD Homecoming Continues at 20th St.


Friday - June 4:

  • Last Day of School for Wellsville Schools

  • WVFD Homecoming's 3rd night behind Nicholson Stadium


Saturday - June 5:

  • Mason's Breakfast - 7 to 10 A.M. at Masonic Temple on Main

  • Men's Prayer Breakfast - First Baptist Church - 10 A.M. - Center St.

  • St. Francis/Chamber Rabies Clinic - Noon to 2 P.M. at the old Sky Bank on Main

  • WVFD Homecoming's Final Day - Parade starts at 4 P.M. - Fireworks finale at 10:30


Sunday - June 6:

  • Worship at the church of your choice

  • Riverside Museum opens for touring - 1 to 5 P.M. - Open to the public



Monday's Memorial Day ceremonies are one of the best in the area honoring all veterans. Breakfast will be served at the VFW Post from 7 to 8:45 A.M. Luncheons will be served at both the VFW & the American Legion following the conclusion of the ceremonies at Spring Hill. Both the breakfast & the luncheons are free and open to the public.

The 3rd Annual Fireman's Homecoming begins Wednesday evening and runs through Saturday night. There will be carnival rides, concession stands, a 50/50 raffle and some of the best french fries in the country. It concludes Saturday night with a fireworks show.

Friday is a day we always looked forward to in our school days - "no more teachers, no more books, no more teacher's dirty looks!" It's the last day of the 2009/2010 School Year. Enjoy your summer. Be safe. See you in August...

The Historical Society starts the 2010 Season at the River Museum. Brassy tells me that the late Paul Zender use to call it the "hidden treasure". We couldn't agree more. Admission is free and open to the public.

ole nib

WHS Class Day 2010


Thursday - May 27: The Class of 2010 appeared in their caps & gowns for the first time this past Thursday. The annual Class Day awards ceremony was held for the graduating seniors. In all there were over 40 different awards and scholarships given out.

In a village the size of Wellsville it is surprising the amounts given in scholarships and book grants. The WHS Alumni Association Scholarship Committee was established in 1989 and to date they have given $319,250 to 181 students. The Ralph Thorne Black Memorial Scholarship has given $364,260 over the years since it was established. The Beacom Memorial Scholarship has given $217,000 for scholarships since it started in 1951. Those are just to name a few of the many generous donars that lend a hand to the students with their post secondary education.

With the final grading period completed the Class of 2010 Top Ten students were announced. Coming in first is Class Valedictorian Taylor Buzzard with a 4.0 GPA. Salutatorian Emmalee McIntosh is second with a 3.9245 GPA. Third is Zachary Koopman with a 3.9057 GPA. Fourth is Rachel Vallera with a 3.887 GPA. Fifth is Marcus Allison with a 3.755 GPA and sixth is Robert Barringer with 3.709 GPA. Seventh & eighth went to Maleia Roach with a 3.679 GPA & Zoe Delilo with a 3.655 GPA. In ninth place is Seth Holt with a 3.575 GPA and at number 10 is Jessica Albaneso with a 3.551 GPA.

The 2010 Tiger Tales Yearbook was dedicated to Donna Crawford, Bonnie Dourham, and Toni Sawyer. The G.W. McMillan Citizens Award was given to wkmxlive. com. The award was accepted by announcer Mayor Joe Surace.

Academic Awards of Merit was presented to 17 seniors and 10 students were given Recognition of Honor Students/Honor Diplomas and 11 seniors were presented Presidential Awards of Excellence.

Following is a list of the other awards, scholarships and book grants passed out: The OHSAA Scholar/Athlete Awards to Rachel Vallera & Marcus Allison, the Wellsville Athletic Assoc. Sportmanship Awards to Sarah Drysdale & Ron Morrell and the WHS Alumni Assoc. Lifetime Membership went to Jeremy Carter. The Lions Club Rodger Crawford Memorial Scholarships went to Sarah Drysdale, Robert Barringer & Josiah Hull and the Southern Ruritan Scholarship went to Emmalee McIntosh. Emmalee plans to attend The Ohio State and present Lew McIntosh gave her an OSU ball cap with a rousing Go Buckeyes!

The Vincent R. Corbisello Memorial Scholarship went to Marcus Allison. The Rainbow Counseling Center Loren D.A. Brown Scholarship went to Jackie Thrasher. Past President of the East Liverpool Quota Club, Judge Melissa Byers-Emmerling presented Emmalee McIntosh with a scholarship honoring Ms. Luella Thompson. Rachel Vallera, Maleia Roach, Zoe Delilo, Jessica Albaneso, Emmalee McIntosh and Zack Balser were presented with Recognition of College Scholarships.

The Jerome Gitscher Memorial Scholarship went to Nick Broughton and the WHS Hall of Fame Scholarship went to Sarah Drysdale. Nick Broughton won the Mathugh Johnston Memorial Scholarship & Emmalee McIntosh received the Mathugh Johnston Service Scholarship. Presenter Tim Long announced that next October's Dash for Mat will be didicated to the memory of Lindsey Salisberry.

The Lindsey Salisberry book award went to Chelsea Lingenthaler and the WHS Touchdown Club book awards went to Marcus Allison, Nick Broughton & Brandon LaClair. The Wellsville Area Chamber-of-Commerce Scholarship went to Seth Holt and the Roberts Funeral Home Memorial Scholarships went to Joshia Hull, Rachel Vallera, Sarah Drysdale, Emmalee MeIntosh and Taylor Buzzard. The VFW Scholarships were won by Rachel Vallera & Matthew Gibbs and the Science Club Scholarships sponsored by Mrs. Toni Sawyer went to Robert Barringer & Taylor Buzzard.

The Kenny Carr Memorial Basketball Award was won by Jeremy Carter, the Buck Powell Memorial Male All-Sports Award to James "Bubba" Dowling and the Jenny Calhoun Memorial Female All-Sports Award went to Sarah Drysdale. American Legion Post 70 awarded scholarships to Robert Barringer & Britne Thomas.

The WHS Alumni Assoc. Scholarship Committee consists of 14 groups that form the committee. Here are the scholarships awarded by that committee. The Luella Thompson Memorial was won by Matt Gibbs. The C. H. Chuckie Williamson Memorial book grant was was also presented to Gibbs. The first Becky Dysert Watson Memorial Trustee Scholarship went to Sarah Drysdale and the two Alumni Assoc. scholarships went to Christina Pullie and Zoe Delilo. The Marianne Cataldo Dillon Memorial Scholarship went to Maliea Roach and he C.T. "Red" Cartwright Elks 1040 Memorial Scholarship to Seth Holt. The WHS Class of 1949 Scholarship went to Josiah Hull & the USW Local 1212 of Midland went to Celeste Hensleman. The Ruth Irwin Memorial Scholarship wnt to Marcus Allison and the Hazel, J.F. & James King Memorial Scholarship went to Jessica Albaneso. The Lauva Family Memorial Scholarship was won by Nick Broughton and the Henry R. Salter Memorial Scholarship went to Taylor Buzzard. The Julia Jenkins Gurganus Memorial Scholarship was present to Chelsea Lengenthaler and the Nova Heakin Memorial Scholarships went to Taylor Buzzard, Emmalee McIntosh, Zack Koopman, Rachel Vallera, Chelsea Lengenthaler, Seth Holt & Robert Barringer. The Ralph Thorne Black Memorial Scholarships went to Taylor Buzzard, Emmalee McIntosh, Rachel Vallera, Robert Barringer & Zack Koopman. The Ed Pugh Memorial Scholarship went to Jessica Albaneso and the G.W. McMillan Scholarship was won by Maliea Roach. The final scholarship was the Beacom Memorial that was given to Class Valedictorian Taylor Buzzard.

Congratulations to all the winners and a special congratulations to all the graduates. Today is Sunday. By the end of this day you will all officially be Wellsville High School Alumni. Best of luck to each and everyone of you.
Pictured above under the aerial shot of the class is the winners of Ralph Thorne Black Memorial Scholarship. From the left is Robert Barringer, Taylor Buzzard, Zack Koopman, Rachel Vallera and Emmalee McIntosh.
By nightfall Mr. B will be able to say to you all "school is over" with adding the "almost"...
ole nib

Friday, May 28, 2010

WHS Touchdown Club


The Touchdown Club met on the sidewalk in front of DaLonzo's Restaurant this past Sunday. It was announced that due to the Alumni Activity's insistence on charging them a fee there will not be a booth in place for the All-Class Reunion. However, members of the Touchdown Club isn't letting that daunt their fund raising activities to raise money for the student athletes.

Head Football Coach Dave Skinner is once again organizing a golf scramble to be held at Cedar Hills Golf Club. The golf event will be held Friday, June 11. Presently Coach Skinner is seeking sponsors. Anyone interested in sponsoring part of the event is asked to contact the coach at 330-532-5958. Donations are also being accepted and can be mailed to Skinner at 1010 Torrence Dr., Wellsville, OH 43968. Make checks payable to Wellsville Touchdown Club.

Proceeds from the event go to support the WHS football program purchasing new equipment or reconditioning reused equipment to insure they are safe to use. The safety of each and every player is their top priority.

New items available for sale from the club are tee-shirts with the new tiger paw emblem that is on the same as the large magnetic car emblems. The shirts were designed by Jeff Campbell of Campbell Signs. The emblem is pictured above. The car magnets are still available. Tee-shirt sizes from toddler on up to 3X are available. Also available this year is tiger paw stickers about the size of a medium grapefruit. Any of the items are available from any member of the Touchdown Club.

Tag Day Saturday is tomorrow, May 29 from 9 A.M. to noon. Donations can be made at either the Rt. 39/Aten Ave. intersection or the Rt. 45/Wells Ave. intersection. Football players will be on hand at each location. Your help is greatly appreciated.

On Friday, June 11 & Saturday, June 12, the team will be having a hot dog sale in the parking lot at the Calcutta Giant Eagle. The dogs will be cooked on the grill to perfection.

Coach Skinner announced that conditioning will be held three evenings a week "just as soon as school is out". Conditioning will be held at Nicholson Stadium Monday, Tuesday & Fridays from 5 to 7 P.M.

Wellsville has a chance to make the play-offs this year. Members of the Touchdown Club will have a chance at all the inside information on the road to Massillon. Feel free to join us to be in on all the exciting news. Next meeting will be Sunday, June 21, at Nicholson Stadium at 7 P.M.


ole nib








Main Street Merchants Pitching In




Now that the Old Gray Mayor's Basketball Game has been played Wellsville's Revitalization Committee is making plans to proceed with the Main Street USA program. Without waiting for things to get started some Wellsville merchants are deciding to dress up their businesses to approve the appearance of the business district.

First thing we saw was the owners of Center Pharmacy had a derelict building across the street from their business removed. Darlene Porter & Tammy DePalma got new signage for the Dairy Queen. It's surprising a simple thing like that would make such an improvement in the appearance but it did.

The latest improvement we've seen is Pinky Gill's mural for Nick's Pizza. Pinky commissioned artist Gina Hampson to paint a mural on what was previously a concrete block wall painted white. You recall Gina as the artist for Wellsville's floodwall murals. Pictured above, that drab wall is going to be alive with vibrant colors depicting a pizza maker losing his pizza to tiger cubs while Mama Tiger peeks out at them. It's a great mural advertising the business with the tigers in place for the upcoming 5 Year All-Class Reunion.

The Revitalization Committee said the next step for the floodwall murals is waiting on the Wellsville Fire Dept. to hose off the remaining panels for additions to the tourist attractions. They also advise that sometime in the near future they hope to get Jeff's shovel & broom brigade busy in the business district.

In the mean time it is encouraging to see some of our merchants taking matters in hand to get the ball rolling. Maybe it will wake up others...


ole nib

Fireman's Homecoming Next Week


It's time for the Wellsville VFD 3rd Annual Fireman's Homecoming. We old folks still call it the Fireman's Carnival. It's set to kick off at 5 P.M. Wednesday, June 2 and run through Saturday, June 5. Once again it will be held at the football practice field behind Nicholson Stadium at 20th St.

There will be live musical performances every evening. Amusement rides will be provided by Brown's Amusements. Rides will be available until 10 P.M. Wednesday & Thursday and until 11 o'clock Friday night. There will a cornhole contests Wednesday, Thursday & Friday. The Ohio Valley Fire Prevention Trailer will be on site Friday and available to tour. Every night is Wellsville Retired VFD retiree night.

Saturday will provide a full afternoon and evening of entertainment starting with the parade beginning at 4 P.M. There will be a 6 firemen tug-a-war and a barrel contest using fire hoses. The winning Fire Company gets bragging rights until next year. We assume there will be rides available but Jamie was too busy to provide us with details. Pyrotecnico will a provide a fire works display at 10:30 P.M. to close out the four day event. The volunteers will be holding a 50/50 raffle and will be selling chances on both a girl's & boy's bicycle. Winners will be drawn at 9 P.M. Saturday.

Proceeds go to support the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department. Contact Jamie McMahon at 330-831-9061 with any questions. Advanced, discounted ride tickets are still available at the Fire Station, Gibby's Mini Mart, Center Pharmacy and T&T Exhaust.

Hey Karenna, we're betting they'll have those world famous french fries. Better get on up here for your yearly FF fix.


ole nib

"Lets Fly Away"

It's time to get ready for the 17th Annual Marcus Lauva Memorial Golf Tournament. This year's tournament is set for Saturday, June 12, at the Beaver Creek Meadows Golf Course. The tournament is a scholarship fund raiser for the Lauva Family Memorial Scholarship Fund. A scholarship is given each year through the Wellsville High School Alumni Scholarship Committee. Each year a Wellsville High School senior is awarded a $1,500 scholarship in memory of the departed members of the Lauva family. Yesterday at the WHS Class Day was the 17th scholarship given by the Lauva Memorial Fund.

We never had the honor of personally knowing Marcus. From talking to family members, people who grew up with him and other friends, it is evident we missed being acquainted with a friend you'd never dislike or never forget. Marcus was the son of the late Dr. Janis & Mrs. Hilya Lauva. Dr. Lauva was our family doctor when he was practicing in Wellsville. The Lauvas were Latvia natives that escaped from behind the Eastern European Iron Curtain and eventually relocated in Wellsville in the 1950s.

Marcus was a gifted student and athlete. After graduating in 1974 from Wellsville High School he went to Mount Union on an academic scholarship. While at Mount Union he played three sports - football, basketball and baseball. He graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biology. Affectionately nicknamed Fly by brother John, Marcus' true love was the game of golf. Beaver Creek was his favorite golf course and he will always be part of that beautiful 18 hole course. Marcus started golfing in his early teens and was one of the sports most avid fan.

Marcus was taken from among the living in a tragic auto accident in October 1993, at the young age of 37. His many friends, acquaintances and family felt a scholarship in his honor would be a very appropriate memorial to Marcus. It started out as the Marcus Lauva Scholarship Fund and was changed in the year 2000 to the Lauva Family Memorial, after the passing of both Dr. & Mrs. Lauva. The first tournament was played in June of 1994.

The deadline for early registration for this year's tournament is June 5. It's $200 per foursome and $50 per individual. It's a modified shot gun scramble. In addition to 18 holes of great golf each entrant will be treated to a buffet luncheon and awards reception following the golf round. The luncheon is a BYOB affair for those desiring an adult beverage. Everybody will get a $50 gift card for store4golfers.com plus automatic entry in four hole-in-one events. The grand prize is a Hawaiian trip worth $5,000 for the holes-in-one.

Checks should be made out to The Lauva Family Memorial Scholarship Fund and mailed to Doug Rose, 1720 Clark Ave., Wellsville, OH 43968. For more information contact either Doug, Kevin Beresford or Cris McNicol.

Some of Fly's ashes were scattered on part of the Beaver Creek Meadows Golf Course. Although not there in body he'll be there, wishing everyone good luck, in spirit. Please join Fly and his many friends to support this very worthy cause. Doug Rose told us it's the theme of the annual tournament - "It's Time to Fly".


ole nib

Memorial Day Ceremonies Set To Go


After several months of getting things organized, fund raising and other preparations the Wellsville Veterans Memorial Council announced last Thursday they are set to go. The Wellsville group sponsors one of the finest, well deserved tribute to our nation's veterans in our area. Year after year it is obvious a lot of forethought and hard work is put into the annual salute to our veterans. The Wellsville Memorial Council is spearheaded by Don Brown, Debbie Koffel, Dale Barnhart and a lengthy list of other devoted members.

The ceremonies begin at 9 A.M. at the Veteran's Memorial in the 4th St. Square. Following the opening ceremonies there will be a short parade to the foot of 10th St. hill with exercises continuing at Spring Hill Cemetery. Speakers this year will be CC Commissioner Penny Traina and CC Asst. Prosecuting Attorney Tim McNichol. Wellsville native Rev. William Betteridge will offer the invocations and benedictions. Betteridge is Pastor of Riverside Presbyterian. The WHS Band will be on hand for musical selections. Memorial Council President Melvin Boggs will serve as Officer of the Day. Members of Boy Scout Troop 29 and the Beaver Local Jr. ROTC will serve as honor guards.

A free breakfast will be served from 7 to 8:45 A.M. at VFW Post 5647 prior to the start of this year's ceremonies. Luncheons will be served by both the VFW Post and American Legion Post 70 following the ceremonies. Both are free and open to the public.

The Memorial Council wishes to thank Cora Corak, Gibby's Market, American Legion Post 70, Attorney Andrew Beech, Kwik King, Dailey's Refuse, Martin-MacLean-Altmeyer Funeral Home, Eagle's Lodge 772, the Sons of Italy, Robert's Funeral Home, Elks Lodge 1040, Knights of Columbus Council 507, Center Pharmacy and the countless folks that gave on Tag Day for all the generous donations. Your help is greatly appreciated.

All that is left to do is to say a little prayer that the weather holds out. In case of inclement weather the ceremony will be held at the Wellsville High School. We look forward to seeing you...


ole nib

Mayor Treats WHS Seniors To Breakfast

Wednesday - May 19: Carrying on a yearly tradition Wellsville's Mayor Joe Surace treated the Class of 2010 to breakfast last Wednesday. The breakfast was hosted by Pastor Troy Warner and the ladies of the First Christian Church on Main St. Keynote speaker was Ms. Kristen Taylor, Director of Admissions for Eastern Gateway Community College.

Taylor, a Steubenville native, graduated from Jefferson Community College, got her Bachelors Degree from Ohio Dominion and her Masters in Education from Capella University. After serving in a honor's program following college, which at one time landed her visiting the Oval Office in the White House, she returned home. She extolled the virtues of furthering your education beyond high school saying you never know what doors will open along the way. In audition to her job and motherhood Taylor is working on her doctorate. She told all the seniors at the breakfast that even being from a small town the doors to the world are open to each and every one of them no matter what goals they set for themselves. The important thing is to set specific goals and to keep your head on straight.

The Mayor was Master-of-Ceremonies for the breakfast. Pastor Troy offered the opening prayer and benediction, acknowledging his daughter as one of the graduating seniors. WHS's Ebony & Ivory sang a couple of selections. Each senior was presented a W.C. Bunting coffee mug decorated with the Wellsville Tiger as present from the Village.


ole nib



Thursday, May 27, 2010

Wellsville's Crime Watch Committee




Thursday - May 20: The Crime Watch Committee held their regular monthly meeting this past Thursday at Village Hall with President Janet Taggart presiding. It was Meet & Greet Your Police Officer night. It was a nice turn out by members of Wellsville's finest and members of the community. Crime Watch liaison, Officer Shawn Bloor coordinated the event.

Each officer introduced themselves and gave a brief history of their law enforcement careers. There's a lot of years of experience in the department. Following the meeting everyone was invited over to the the Police Department for a tour of the facilities and an informal question and answer session. Thanks to all the officers that participated and made everyone feel welcomed.

Next meeting is Thursday, June 17, at 6 P.M. at Wellsville Village Hall. Officer Marsha Eisenhart will be on hand to explain the DARE program. Eisenhart is Wellsville's DARE administrator. The public is invited.

ole nib


Wellsville's FOP Gets Copy of Original By-Laws


Thursday - May 20: At last Thursday's Crime Watch Committee meeting member Robert "Brassy" Beresford presented an original copy of the Constitution & By-Laws for FOP Lodge 11 to FOP President Justine Wright. Pictured here is Wright and Beresford.


Wellsville's FOP Lodge 11 was founded on Christmas Eve in 1934. The Constitution and By-Laws were revised and adopted in 1935. Beresford was a former Wellsville police officer before moving on to the Sheriff's Office. He retired as CC Sheriff.


ole nib

Village Grass Cutting Behind Schedule

Village Administrator Jim Saracco wanted to get the word out that they are a little behind keeping up with the grass cutting they normally do in town. Currently all hands are working in Springhill Cemetery in preparation for the Memorial Day ceremonies. With no summer help yet available they are a little behind.

Saracco asks that everyone be patient. They will be getting back to their normal grass cutting schedule.

ole nib

Buckeye Water To Flush Hydrants

Starting Tuesday morning, June 1, Buckeye Water District will be flushing water hydrants from Route 45 south. Flushing will begin at 7 A.M. until 5 P.M. and will continue until all hydrants have been flushed.

Flushing will be done on Township Line Rd., Valley Rd., Parshall Dr., Crawford Rd., Mick Rd., Torrence Dr., Esther Ave., John Campbell Rd., and Oakdale Ave. Water customers may experience some temporary water discoloration and low water pressure while flushing is going on.

ole nib

Swimmer Passes Wellsville


Tuesday - May 25: Continuing her journey to bring attention to the disparity in education of women compared to men around the world swimmer Mimi Hughes passed Wellsville early Tuesday afternoon. Her goal is to swim the length of the Ohio River from it's beginning in Pittsburgh, PA, to where it meets the Mississippi River.


It's a 981 mile swim that according to the papers she is taking it in stages of 20 miles per day. She plans to end the swim in Cairo, IL, on July 17. A resident of Taft, TN, Hughes is a college professor at Motlow College in Lynchburg, TN.


After spending a couple of days in East Liverpool Hughes starter her second leg of her journey near Ohioville at the 40 mile marker. We got this picture between 6th & 7th St. on Riverside around noon on Tuesday. It's not the best picture but if you look closely you can see her arm sticking up to make one more stroke toward her goal.


She was making good time passing the ville. Wonder what she did at the New Cumberland locks? Did they open the gates and let her swim through?


ole nib

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Wellsville Historical Society

Tuesday - May 18: The Wellsville Historical Society held their regular monthly meeting at the Riverside Museum a week ago Tuesday. President Robert "Brassy" Beresford presided.

Beresford announced the season's opening date and list of special programs to be presented this year. The Museum will open Sunday, June 6, for the public to tour. They will be open each Sunday afternoon and, as always, admission is free. This year the theme is high school memorabilia in honor of the area's original 5 Year All-Class Reunion. Wellsville was the first community in the area to have all class reunions every five years. It started in 1950 with a dream by Luella Thompson. At first it was just a banquet dinner and has since grown. Today the reunion is five days of all kind of events.

In honor of all the alumni of Wellsville High School there will be display cases full of artifacts from different classes through the ages. A lot of the photographs displayed are one of a kind and are all that is left of their particular era. The people in the pictures and most of the buildings are long gone. Mannequins will be dressed in prom gowns that were originally worn at WHS proms. All of them are beautiful and many are quite elaborately made. There's even a boy's Tom Thumb outfit that was worn by the late Jay Walter Williamson when he was a young lad.

Some other announcements made was that a contribution has been made to the Wellsville Fire Dept. Some brick work on the kiln at 3rd & Lisbon St. will be refaced this summer. Brickers Catering has been chosen to cater the Christmas Dinner once again this year. The Trustees approved that the parking lotbe used by water color artists led by Fred Graf for a reunion event. Eight or nine years ago they use to meet there for painting scenes of the local neighborhood.

The Columbiana County Tourist Bureau is organizing a bus tour that will include a stop at the Riverside Museum and other Wellsville attractions. The newly formed group is just getting started and they are making plans for bus tours all over the area. Lori Kline of the Calcutta Chamber is the contact person for the group. Beresford said they knew about the Flood Wall Murals but were unaware of the museum, the preserved bottle kiln, the historic Ascension Church or Old Fire Station. Anyone in Wellsville that would like to be considered as an added attraction should contact Ms. Kline.

Best wishes and good luck was sent out to member Pam Smith as she graduates to her next step in life. The sidewalk for the caboose will have a new sub base installed when time permits. It is beginning to sink. The bronze plaque for the Mary Clark Room has come in and plans are being made for a dedication date. The plaque was manufactured by the Newman Company from Cincinnati. Pictures for a new advertising brochure are being organized. The brochure is being printed by a local, Ohio company. There will be 2,000 copies ordered.

Two groups will be touring the museum. On June 3 there will a group of Sixth Graders from Daw Middle School to take in the sights. Wellsville history is part of their curriculum. On June 17 the Lisbon Explorer's Club will come to town to see one of the finest museums in the area.

The list of special programs being offered this year are as follows:
Saturday & Sunday, June 12 & 13 - The 4th Armored WWII Re-enactment Group will set up camp around the museum. They'll roll in the day before to set up camp using authentic WWII equipment such as tents, cots, field radios and weapons. They are returning for the third year and usually have a weapons demonstration on the last day.

Sunday - July 11: The History of Acme Craft Pottery will be presented by Ron Bryor. Acme was located on Lisbon Street at the foot of Buckeye Avenue . The 3rd St. bottle kiln still in place today was part of that pottery.

Sunday - July 25: The History of Stevenson Manufacturing. Established in 1836 Stevenson is the oldest manufacturing plant left in Wellsville. It's gone through changes over the years but is still located in the same spot since its beginning.

Sunday - August 15: The History of the Wellsville Fire Department will be presented by WF33 Retired, Bob Lloyd. Mr. Lloyd is the most knowledgeable historian on the department, bar none.

Donations to the museum this month came from the June & Jay Williamson Family. There was a Tom Thumb outfit worn by the late Jay Walter Williamson when he was a toddler. There were several pieces of Weeping Gold ware made by Acme Craft. There were railway passes dating back to 1910 & 1919 in the name of James Arthur Allen. Mr. Allen was Mrs. Williamson's father.

Carol Smith donated a square Hillcrest Floral ashtray manufactured by the W.C. Bunting Company when they were located in town. Bob Lloyd donated a copy of a picture of the 1937 Seagraves fire truck that was taken at the factory when that truck came off the assembly line. That's the same truck that is on display at the museum. Paul Talbot Jr. donated a never used key brick manufactured by the MacLean Brickyard plus blue-print drawings of all the brickyards runned by the MacLean Company.

This month's program was presented by Bob Lloyd on the funeral train of the assassinated President Jame Garfield. Garfield was President for six months before dying of blood poisoning. He was shot twice by an assassin in Baltimore on July 2, 1881. After lingering for 1o weeks he died September 15. His train originated in the nation's capitol on Sept. 25. The New York Times called it the "Last Sad Journey". According to news accounts crowds lined both sides of the tracks to at least get a glimpse of the procession. Big town or small hamlet bells tolled as the train passed through each.

En route to the Cleveland area the train made two stops in the Wellsville area. One was at "Wellsville Junction" to take on water for the steam engines and one at the "Wellsville Station". No one is sure where "Wellsville Junction" was located but it is believed to be around the station located at 3rd & Riverside. With the newspaper reporters description it is felt the second stop was at the 12th St. Station. There was mention of a large manufacturing facility near the station. They were probably talking about the railroad yards that were in that area at that time.

Next meeting will be Tuesday, June 15 at 7:30 P.M. All new members are invited. The program for the next meeting will be presented by Virginia & Curt Glenn. The Glenns are the ones responsible for getting two books about the history of the Yellow Creek area combined and newly republished. The books, Yellow Creek Stories & Tales of Yellow Creek, was originally published in the 1940s and were written by R.W. "Doc" Schilling. The Historical Society has purchased copies of the book and they will be available at the Museum.

The Glenns are bringing with them the painting called Standing Rock painted by Richmond, Ohio, native Dave Barnhouse. The history of the Yellow Creek is an integral part of our area's history back to the days settlers started moving in and before. Standing Rock was a meeting place for different area Indian tribes to hold pow wows.

The Morning Journal had an article on the art work a couple of weeks ago. In it they incorrectly reported the Glenns will be in Wellsville on June 25. If you marked that on your calendar change it to June 15.

ole nib

Monday, May 24, 2010

Notes From Last Week

It's been a while since I did one of these and I missed it. I may be the only one. When I write up meetings or other events I attend I try to stick to the facts without any personal comments. Although we don't receive many comments we try to leave it up to the readers to draw their own conclusions on the reports. We strive on being accurate on what actually went on and what was said.

Seems we were getting bogged down on just reporting meetings or trying to promote different events. Right now we got about six things to write up and we'll eventually get to them. We have been taking time out to do a weekly calender for Wellsville happenings. If we know about them we'll put them in the calender. Sorry, we decided not to include the different Class of ?? meetings. With the All-Class Reunion coming up there are so many of them at different times and different places we're afraid of missing some.

Speaking of the Class meetings we would like to say thanks to all those that do support local, in town businesses to have their meetings at their restaurants. In today's economy even if you only get a cup of coffee your patronage is greatly appreciated, supporting Wellsville businesses.

Wellsville's Zoning Board President Jack Call got "toasted" in the MJ last week for nearly cancelling a Zoning variance hearing when he thought he hadn't complied with the Sunshine Law. That's the law that spells out the notification requirements for meetings of public bodies we tax payers support. He was finally convinced by the newspaper reporter that the law's requirements had been complied with.

Talking to Mr. Call later on we found out he was thinking more about the notification of the general public instead of just those that requested to be notified of such meetings. In Wellsville the Zoning Board does not have any regular scheduled meetings. In line with Mr. Call's thinking a variance hearing is held to give the public a chance for their input before a decision on the variance is made. His feeling is that there should be some sort of notification put out before any such meeting. We have to agree and got the feeling it will be published before there are any more meetings. Attaboy Jack...

Last week's Council Meeting was a disturbing one for us for several reasons. If you go by the attendance at the Council meetings you could easily think there's not many that really cares what goes on with our Village government. It's rare to see more than a handful of citizens attend a meeting. What was more disturbing was that Council went into four Executive Sessions behind closed door with nary one thing mentioned about any of them after returning. The law requires that a reason be given before adjourning behind closed door. They were ready to adjourn for the first one and didn't even know why they were going into a closed session.

Three other things that disturbed us was the "nothing to report" for the Finance, Sewage and Personnel Committees. We've remarked before we think the financial condition of the Village should be a regular item at least once a month. How much did we take in last month, how much did we spend and what did we spend it on should be public knowledge. Some do care and many more would have a better understanding of why such things as paving aren't getting done. What the status on the balance of the STAG funds being held up by the EPA?

The Sewage Committee continues to be quiet and yet just a few weeks ago they were all upset with the Sewage Treatment Plant having two digesters full of sludge once again. They were looking at a $90,000 bill to have them emptied once again. United Water said they would try to help using the drying beds to the max but the weather hasn't been conducive to drying out the sludge. We've had a lot of rain since then. What's going on there?

We've seen a contractor working on sewer lines again. It was announced about the scoping of sewer line trouble spots but nothing has been said about why the jet rodding machine is seen being used once again. It goes on and on... Construction at the Sewer Plant was suppose to begin sometime in June.

It was announced at least three meetings ago that Personnel had something to report on the Village union negotiations but they were holding off until everyone was present at a meeting. If there is a quorum present why hold off? The Village spent a lot of money to have a consultant negotiate a new contract. What's the deal?

Finally, there was a letter in yesterday's ER about the "speed trap" on Route 7. We're guessing it was written by someone pinched breaking the law by speeding. The letter's author said "we deserve better". Those officers patrolling the four lane are being paid from a grant to do just that. If it wasn't for the grant there would be less police coverage for our town. If you obeying the speed law you have nothing to worry about.

ole nib

Circus Tonight

Had to delete this article. Comcast said I got a copy infringement complaint because of it. We used an ad that came with the newspaper and had absolutely no mention of copyright anywhere on it. Normally I only use what is given to me with permission to scan & put it in a post. Then of course I use a lot of my own pictures. That's the last time I'll use anything of anyone elses without express written permission. Someone must consider me a threat. Imagine that...
Wonder if it was the print news media or one of the animal lovers?

ole nib

Saturday Night Fever

One of the items on the last All-Class Reunion schedule we got was the Saturday night entertainment in the 6 P.M. to 1 slot. Up until recently it was listed as "to be announced". The theme for that one is Saturday Night Fever. Put you in mind of disco?

You bet... Lew Shephard proudly announces they were able to book a great band out of Pittsburgh called "The John Parker Band". They will be in the 4th St. Square starting in that 6 P.M. spot. Here's the best part. You get to pick the songs they will perform.

Yep, that's right. You get to pick the numbers. They have a web site you can go to and vote for ten (10) of your favorite tunes from the 1970s. The site has a whole list to choose from and if you don't see your all time favorite you can search it out, plug it in and vote for it. The band has promised to play the top ten vote getters. Just go to http://clients.jpband.com/request/request.asp?ID=wellsvillereunion2010 and cast your vote.

It's a easy as that. Polls are open 24/7 until Wednesday - June 30. It will be a fun way to put a wrap on this year's All-Class Reunion.

One other change to the schedule we learned is the the start time for Friday's Alumni Parade. With no football game the start time of the parade was pushed back to 5 P.M. on July 2. Any class that would like to get an entry into the parade should contact Jack Call at 330-532-3155.

There will be other announcements. There's a meeting coming up June 3.

Look forward to seeing all of you...

ole nib

On The Calendar

Busy week on tap at the high school. It's graduation week. There's rehearsals, getting things set up and last minute details to attend to. Congratulations to all the graduating seniors. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Enjoy all the activities and please be careful. There's lots more to look forward to beyond this week. Graduation is a major accomplishment but it's just one more step into your future. You well deserve to be proud of yourselves. We're proud of you all.

Monday - May 24:

  • WHS Senior Banquet - Bus leaves at 4 P.M.

  • Kelly Miller Circus - Nicholson Stadium Practice Field - Shows start at 4:30 & 7:30 P.M.

  • Wellsville Library Family Craft Night - 5:30 to 7 P.M.


Tuesday - May 25:

  • WHS Class Day Practice - 10 A.M. - Seniors enter at 9:45

  • WHS Spring Sports Awards - 7 P.M. at the high school


Wednesday - May 26:

  • WHS Alumni All-Stars - Lip Sync meeting - Alumni Center - 6 P.M.

  • WHS Class Day Practice - 9 A.M.

  • WHS Senior Picnic - following Class Day practice


Thursday - May 27:

  • WHS Class Day - 1 P.M. - Seniors enter at 12:30

  • Wellsville Library Family Craft Night - 5:30 to 7 P.M.

  • Friends of the Library - Wellsville Carnegie Library - Main St. - 6:30 P.M.


Friday - May 28:

  • WHS Seniors Last School Day

  • WHS Graduation Practice - 8:15 A.M. - Senior Walk Through at 9:15


Saturday - May 29:

  • WHS Touchdown Club Tag Day - 9 A.M. to Noon


Sunday - May 30:

  • Worship at a church of your choice

  • WHS Graduation - 3 P.M.


As you can see most of this week's activities center around the WHS Seniors wrapping up their high school years. It's a time a awe for many of them after 12 years or better in the educational system. If they are like we were it will take a week or two for it to sink in and to begin to accept they are now WHS Alumni.

Monday's Kelly Miller Circus is a fund raiser for the Wellsville Area Ministerial Assoc.

The Senior Class Banquet includes a bus trip to Cleveland and a Lake Erie cruise from 7 to 10 P.M.

Thursday's Class Day is the first time the seniors will appear in full commencement regalia. All senior parents & their guests are invited. It's scholarship presentation time.

If we missed anything you would like to see listed please let me know. We'll plug it in. Have a good week.

ole nib

Wellsville Library Family Craft Nights


Almost missed this one. Sorry Toni... it got buried.

Here's another fun activity for the whole family to enjoy. You can call 330-532-1526 to get registered.


ole nib

Sunday, May 23, 2010

BWD Needs Your Vote

Buckeye Water District is asking for our help. They are in the running for part of a $330,000 Rural Community Assistance Program grant. The grant is for the installation and software for a Geographical Information System (GIS) that maps out all water lines and valves through out the district's system. Once completed it will enable the water district to pinpoint shut off valves and the exact location of the pipelines and valves.

There are several reasons this will be helpful to both the water company and its customers. It will allow maintenance personnel to quickly locate a waterline that has broken such as the one we had recently in Wellsville. With a quick check on a computer they will be able to pin point the shut off, the location of the line and the size of the line that burst. There is a short video on You Tube you can view showing some of the problems faced when a break occurs. Go to http://www.youtube.com/user/efficientgovenow#p/85FCA6090BA7ABD1/7/W80dGpliPny to see it.

For the district it cuts down on man hours used and loss of water to get a break repaired. For us customers it means a shorter shut off time before water service is restored. Here's how you can help: Go to http://www.efficientgovnow.org/. On the bar across the top click on the Vote tab. Follow the instructions and vote for the Buckeye Water group. It's selection D on the list. Pass the word around to your friends, neighbors and other family members. Anyone 13 years of age or older in NE Ohio is eligible to vote. You can pick up ballots at the office on Clark for anyone that isn't on-line.

The top vote getters get the grant. Deadline to vote is Monday, May 31. As of last Thursday we were told the BWD group was running seventh. Your vote is needed and your help is appreciated by Al and the gang.

ole nib

The Long & The Short of It...


After two delays for various reasons the 2nd Annual Old Gray Mayor's Game finally got played this past Friday night. We'll have more on it later, much more. In the mean time we wanted to give a big thanks to all that participated, all that contributed and to the two Wellsville committees that put in all the work planning, organizing and seeing it through.

It was a job well done for two good causes. Pictured above, from the left, is Rosalie Fusco Call, the man, Bevo Francis, and Rose Rivelle Granito - the long & short of it!

Thanks to all...


ole nib



Friday, May 21, 2010

Old Gray Mayors Basketball Tonight

Today's the day...the much anticipated rematch with the golden oldies playing for the trophy and valley bragging rights gets underway tonight. The game will be played in the Tiger Cage at Wellsville High School. It's been post poned twice. The third time is the charm and the geriatric members are ready.

There will be food with home made snacks, a 50/50 and lots & lots of nice things to be raffled off in the silent auction. NCAA record holder Bevo Francis will be on hand to meet & greet and sign autographs. One of the items to be auctioned is a basketball with Bevo's autograph and the man himself donated a couple of special tee-shirts and the latest book published on his basketball career. All of them are autographed.

Proceeds from the game benefit Wellsville's Revitalization Committee and the Alley Cat Aide Brigade. Doors open at 5:30 with the game scheduled to begin at 7 P.M. There will be enough antics to have you smiling for quite awhile. You won't want to miss it.

As pictured above from last year's match-up Bevo will do the honors of tossing up the ball for the tip-off. He's shown here explaining to EL Mayor Jim Swogger what the tip-off is for. With the Mayor's aging memory Bevo will probably have to repeat the explanation.

Please join us to see if the Old Gray Mayors are what they use to be...


ole nib

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Gazebo Renovatons Started




Saturday - May 15: As mentioned at this week's Council Meeting the work renovating the 4th Street Gazebo got started this past Saturday. The project is being sponsored by the Wellsville Chamber-of-Commerce. The work is being done, free of charge, by the Western Reserve Trade Council and their member unions. Business Manager Brian Wallace of Labor Local 809 is spearheading the project.

Wallace advised the Gazebo was built in the early 1980s as a project for members of the CC JVS when he was a senior in high school. He was part of the crew that originally built it and now is helping to rebuild it nearly 30 years later.

The renovation project is expected to take three or four weeks. New wood and posts will be installed and anchored. After the wood work is completed, members of the Painter's Union will dress it up with a fresh coat of paint.

Once completed it will look like a new gazebo and will last for years to come. It's nice to have neighbor helping neighbor once again making Wellsville someplace special.

ole nib


"This Is My Town"







Saturday - May 15: "This Is My Town" was the theme for a litter clean-up that took place this past Saturday in Wellsville. The event was sponsored by the Village Tree Committee and made possible with an ODNR grant awarded to the committee.



We were told there were about 40 volunteers that came out to participate in the clean-up. Most of them were younger members of the community such as Brianna Ross in the last picture above. As mentioned in our post for this past Tuesday's Council meeting, the participants were commended for the great job they did.

Armed with brooms, shovels, gloves and garbage bags the volunteers were spread out all around town. Each volunteer was given a bright green safety tee-shirt. After the clean-up the participants were treated to lunch at the First United Methodist Church. In fact Pastor Ken Malone of that congregation was one of the volunteers.

The last task of the day was to spread newly purchased mulch around the trees in Broadway Park. That's were we caught up with them after helping with the Memorial Council. The clean-up was spearheaded by Tree Committee President Dawn Johnson.

Thanks folks for your efforts. It made a big improvement.


ole nib






2010 Summer Youth Employment Program


Here is the information on this year's program. Jobs will include grass cutting, street clean-up, curb painting and general labor. Applications can be picked up at the Village Administrator's Office, 1200 Main St., Wellsville.

Dead line for applying is Monday, May 24. You can right click on the picture to enlarge.

ole nib

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Wellsville Village Council Meeting



Tuesday - May 18: Village Council met in regular session Tuesday evening at Wellsville Village Hall. Present at the meeting was Mayor Joe Surace, Council Members John McMahon, Rosie Goss, Joe Soldano, Randy Allmon and Tony Cataldo. Also in attendance was Village Administrator Jim Saracco, Village Legal Advisor Andy Beech, Fiscal Officer Dale Davis, WFD Chief Bill Smith, WPD Chief Joe Scarabino & Lt. Ed Wilson. Councilwoman Sue Haugh was excused.

Following the Roll Call Council retired into a 19 minute Executive Session with WFD Chief Smith to discuss a "possible hiring or firing". No announcements were made when they returned.

For the Public Speaking portion a Mr. Carter from Center Street inquired about the status of upgrades for the Sewage Treatment Plant stating with the warmer weather the stench is unbearable. The Mayor advised that the fix is planned to begin pretty quick with construction to start this summer. Surace went on to explain the recent awarding of a $300,000 OMEGA grant toward the estimated $480,000 cost made it possible to proceed with the project. It was last reported that engineering on the project is completed and plans were being submitted for EPA approval. After getting construction bids construction was expected to begin early summer.

Ms. Leola Martin of Johnston Place advised Council she has been trying for five years to get repairs to the alley by her residence with nothing ever being done. As pictured above the alley is in a deplorable condition and with the recent rains deep puddles cover nearly a whole portion of the alley. These pictures were taken Wednesday nearly 24 hours with no rain. Village Administrator Saracco said they can't blacktop the alley with manhole covers in place. The Mayor suggested maybe using gravel to fill the holes. Saracco responded that he will put it on the list for the Street Dept.

Jack Cataldo of Riverside issued an open invitation to anyone wishing to partake, to a luncheon at American Legion Post 70 following the Memorial Day observance on May 31. Post 70 is located on Wells Ave. Also, breakfast is being served at the VFW Post 5647 in the 4th St. Sqaure from 7 - 8:45 A.M. before the annual observance. We've been told it is also open to the public free of charge. Wellsville's Memorial Day Ceremonies begin promptly at 9 A.M. at the Veteran's Memorial.

Cataldo also commended the folks that participated in the "This Is Our Town" litter clean-up day this past Saturday. Cataldo noted that most of the participants were younger members of the community stating that he hopes older members will continue the efforts and emulate the youngsters. The event was sponsored through an ODNR grant awarded to the Tree Board Committee. Saracco added that the clean up was spear headed by Tree Board President Dawn Johnson.

WFD Chief Smith announced he has been advised by County officials that three more dilapidated structures will be put up for bid to be demolished. Money was left over with the unanticipated low bids submitted in the first round of bidding. The project is funded with stimulus money through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Six Wellsville structures have already been approved for demolition. Demolition on those six will begin as soon as questions on an asbestos issue is resolved. Smith added there are 14 more structures on his list that have to go through the Court system.

Smith also reported that the department has been awarded a $132,000 Fire Fighters Assistance grant for equipment. The FEMA grant will be used to purchase new fall out gear and air packs. He then requested Council's approval to apply for a $40,000 grant for next year stating the 5% match would be manageable. The grant if approved will be awarded either late this year or early next. Council gave him unanimous approval to apply for the grant.

Village Administrator Jim Saracco announced the approval of the Youth Summer Employment program has been received and advised the particulars have already been published in the newspapers.

Animal Control Officer Leslie Dean announced that for April she received 30 calls and 12 animals were brought to the dog pound. A grant for $1,000 from the ASPCA has been awarded to install water lines & drainage to the pound. Dean also reminded that she needs to be notified by any residents or rescue groups about any stray animals taken in by them. This is for hopefully reuniting the animals with their owners. The best chances of that being accomplished is in the first 72 hours.

Speaking on behalf of the department, WPD Lt. Ed Wilson asked that Officer Tony Mancuso be appointed full time to replace Glenn LaClair. LaClair resigned from the force last month. The Mayor asked for Council's approval to appoint Mancuso to the position and received an unanimous vote in favor. Mancuso has been a part-time officer since 2005.

For the Mayor's Report Surace reiterated the thanks to all who participated in Saturday's litter clean-up.

For Committee Reports, Finance Committee Chairman Tony Cataldo had nothing to report.

Sewer Committee Chairman Randy Allmon also had nothing to report.

Streets, Lights & Parking Committee Chairman John McMahon did report that the lights in Broadway Park are being looked at. Allmon confirmed work on the Gazebo has started saying it will hopefully be completed in three to four weeks. McMahon stated it should be done in time for the All-Class Reunion.

Personnel Committee Chairman Joe Soldano advised that the Summer Youth Employment Program has been approved. Applications are now being accepted by the County. It is for youths 16 to 24 years of age. Applications are available at the Village Administrator's Office. The deadline to submit an application is May 24.

For Claims, Rules & Ordinance, Committee Chairwoman Rosie Goss got approval to order in legislation regarding mobile homes and to amend signage fees charged by the Zoning Office. Both changes are tweaking the existing ordinances. For trailers the age of mobile homes is being amended for replacements. The one for signage fees pertains to the dimensions of new signs. Cataldo requested that more information in writing be submitted to each Council member before another vote is taken.

For the Property Committee Soldano commended Zoning Administrator Rick Williams for taking the initiative on a couple of trailers "in the lower end" that had the siding removed leaving insulation blowing all over the place. He also commended the two Jennifers in the Mayor's Office for getting pictures to send to the land lord. After many phone calls, letters, threatened court action and the pictures the land lord had them both demolished. Soldano stated it is much improved down there.

Under Legislation a resolution was passed in support of Jack Cataldo's efforts to apply for an ARC OMEGA funding grant for a new by-pass road running from 18th St. to the Intermodal Park area for trucks.

Under New Business there was a lengthy discussion about the handicapped signs removed at the VFW. At a January Council Meeting it was approved to make two additional handicapped parking spaces for disabled veterans and former POWs. That was done by motion. The signs and new poles were purchased by the VFW and they installed them. The VFW Commander checked with Village officials to get an okay to remove them and was told they were VFW property. They could do as they pleased. Unless the motion is changed they still are designated handicapped spots, signs or no signs. Legal Advisor Beech advised since it was designated by motion of Council the police have no enforcement power to ticket or tow violators. The VFW voted to remove the signs. Former Councilman Don Brown stated it's a shame. Wellsville was the first place in the State of Ohio that had designated parking spaces for disabled veterans.

Village Administrator Saracco advised a new handicapped spot on the 4th St. side of the VFW near the ramp has been installed or will be shortly at their request.

Before we had to leave Council was preparing to go into three additional Executive Sessions. One was for compensation for the Animal Control Officer. The second was for litigation according to Legal Advisor Andy Beech and the third was for personnel for the Police Dept. That made a total of four Executive Sessions for one Council Meeting. According to the newspaper accounts no action was taken on any of them.

Starting in June Council will only have one scheduled meeting for the next three months. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 1, 6 P.M. at Village Hall.

ole nib

Old Gray Mayors Getting Ready


A practice rehearsal has been called for Thursday evening in preparation of the much anticipated 2nd Annual Old Gray Mayor's Basketball Game. We were told the practice session will be held at the old McDonald School on 9th St. Friday's game will be played at the Wellsville High School on Tiger Dr. Hope that doesn't confuse those old guys playing. Come to think of it this may be a test to see if all the mental faculties are still functional! Maybe they're just trying to confuse the East Liverpool Celebrity Alumni.

Originally schedule May 1 the game had to be postponed due to a water main break in the Village. It was rescheduled to May 14 before it was learned Wellville "Coach Silver Fox" had another engagement. Wanting desperately to get that traveling trophy back in the ville the game is on for Friday evening, May 21. Tickets purchased for the May 1 date are still valid.

There will be food, a 50/50, and many items for a silent auction. Legendary NCAA record holder Bevo Francis will be hand to meet and greet, sign autographs and attempt to remind the aging roundballers how to play the game. Proceeds from the game benefit Wellsville's Revitalization Committee and the Alley Cat Aide Brigade.

Pictured above is Beverly Hentzell (L), Candy Bangor & Minnie Carmichael with just a few of the of the many donated items for the silent auction. The M&M lawn ornament has a belly full of its name sake candy.

Doors open at 5:30 P.M. Game starts at 7 with Bevo tossing up the ball for the tip-off. See you there...

ole nib

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

You're Invited


The Wellsville Crime Watch Committee has issued an open invitation to all members of the community to meet and greet your police officers. Bring yourself, bring your spouse, your children, your girl friend or boy friend and your neighbors Thursday evening to Wellsville Village Hall.

It is a great opportunity to meet the officers from your Wellsville Police Department and ask any questions you may have. It's a good opportunity to have the youngsters see that the police are their friends.

Hope to see you there...

ole nib

BWD Service Committee

Thursday - May 13: The Buckeye Water District Service Committee met last Thursday at the Water Treatment Plant. Present at the meeting was Committee Chairman Cal Carney and Committee Member Dave Lloyd. Also in attendance was District Manager Al DeAngelis, Trustees Bob Wines, Jack Call & Gene McGaffick and Fiscal Officer Sara Crouch.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss language in the customer service policy manual. The first subject was the R900 radio transmitting meters used in some areas of the district. These meters transmit a radio signal that can be read by a receivers in the reader's vehicle that automatically records water usage. Two of them have recently been destroyed by running over them with lawn mowers. The meters sit in the ground in the middle of an 18" diameter plate. It costs $100 each to replace. It was noted that the language in the policy that once installed they are the customer's responsibility to replace if destroyed through negligence is vague. The language needs to be changed to be more precise to avoid misinterpreting.

The second subject was the policy for prohibiting customers paying bills by check if there are three checks returned for insufficient funds. Currently there is no language setting a time limit for this prohibition. The Committee agreed to recommend to the Board that after three years the ban will be lifted. If one more NSF check is received after that the ban would be forever.

The third item discussed was duplexes with one curb box and two meters - one for each side. In many cases there are duplexes with one side empty while the other is occupied. In many instances there are no shut offs on the lines. As a courtesy, in the past, the Water District has installed a plug in the empty side's waterline so the landlord can avoid having to pay the monthly minimum charge of $29.40. The District wants to get away from that to avoid any claims of damage to the owner's property. The Committee wants to recommend that the policy to require a lockable shut off be installed for each side be reiterated or the owner will be responsible for the monthly minimum charge. There will be no more plugging of the lines. However, that recommendation will be referred to the District's Legal Advisor for his opinion before it is passed on to the full Board.

The regular Board of Trustees Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 20, at 9 A.M. at Wellsville Village Hall.

ole nib

BWD Finance Committee

Thursday - May 13: The Finance Committee of the Buckeye Water District met last Thursday at the Water Treatment Plant. Present at the meeting was Chairman Chuck Bibbee and Members Bob Wines & Gene McGaffick. Also attending was Fiscal Officer Sara Crouch, District Manager Al DeAngelis and Board Member Jack Call.

Discussion was held on various budget adjustments that will need the Board of Trustee's approval at the next regular Board meeting. Crouch noted that the new budget will have to be passed at the Board's June meeting. It appears that the Hibbetts Mill water line replacement will be taking a back seat to the Frederick Heights water line extension. The Hibbetts Mill water line is the main line from the Hibbetts Mill area that runs into Wellsville.

Crouch noted that for now the Water District is holding their own financially but new customers are desperately needed to stay that way in the future. Currently there are around 100 new customers committed to tapping into the system with more expected once work begins with the actual installation. That project is presently being engineered. When Part A of the Salineville Waterline was installed there were only seven new customers tap into the system.

There is $260,069 on hand to pay bills. The monthly summary and receipts from operations for April had nothing out of the ordinary to report. With three pay periods in the month salaries show an increase. Overtime is up with the reclamation work underway for Salineville Part A and the moving of the Hibbetts Mill mobile pump station. The cost to produce 1,000 gallons of water was down. However, Crouch noted incoming revenue was down. Water usage industry wide is down.

For the month of April the District produced 28.2 million gallons of water. Wellsville used 6.5 million gallons of that.

The Board of Trustees have their regular monthly meeting Thursday, June 20, at 9 A.M. at Wellsville Village Hall. On Tuesday, June 8, there will be a Budget Committee meeting at 10 A.M. followed by a Finance Committee meeting at 1 P.M. Both meetings will be held at the Water Treatment Plant.

ole nib

Wellsville Zoning Board Okays Variance

Thursday - May 13: A Zoning Variance hearing was held this past Thursday by Wellsville's Zoning Board. Present at the hearing was Zoning Board President Jack Call and Board Members Gene Beadnell & Jack Cataldo. Also in attendance was Zoning Administrator Rick Williams, Village Administrator Jim Saracco and Council Members Joe Soldano & Tony Cataldo.

LSW Industrial Services owners Doug & Mike Logan submitted an application to move their office to the old McDonald School located at 305 9th St. About a year ago they purchased the old school building from the Wellsville School District. The building sits of 12 different lots according to County deed records.

Member Gene Beadnell noted that schools are exempt from zoning classifications but everything else in the area is zoned residential. The line is the alley that runs adjacent to the eastern side of the building.

Doug Logan noted that the application is only for office use at this time. Saying he is not going to turn away any new business wanting to use space in the building he advised the Board he would make additional applications for anything else. There has been discussion of a bakery going in there but at this point it is not definite.

Member Jack Cataldo said that the only objection anyone has mentioned to him is concern that it will be used as a truck terminal for LSW equipment. Logan stated they are not going to do that and reiterated it will be for office use only. There are no plans to park trucks there.

With an unanimous vote the variance was granted by the Board. Board President Call stated it can be used by LSW for an office and by any other business wishing to open an office there. New applications for anything else, such as a bakery, machine shop or any other use, will be required.

Doug Logan noted they are continuing to work with the School District getting school property out of the building. At the last Board of Education meeting it was stated that plans are to remove the basketball hoops & backboards out of the gym this summer. The bell from the original McDonald School was donated to the Wellsville Historical Society.

ole nib

Wellsville Area Ministerial Association

Tuesday - May 11: The Ministerial Assoc. met last Tuesday for their regular monthly breakfast meeting at Tonda's Place on Main St. President Pastor Troy Warner presided.

Opening prayers around the table were offered by Byron Carter asking to keep Denice Renfro in mind for a speedy recovery. Denice is the wife of Lee's Chapel Pastor Renfro. Bishop Rudder offered prayers for WEllsville. Nazerene Church member Aaron Smith prayed for unity and for the youth of the village. Mt. Sinai Pastor Darlene Zanders asked that her sister be keep in mind for continued recovery. Pastor Warner prayed for all the churches in the village and that his wife's medication is soon regulated. Rev. Betteridge asked that prayers be said for members of the Armed Forces who are asked to deploy three and four times to fight the war on terrorism. He also asked that Jo Ann MacLean be remembered. Prayers were offered for Terry McCuen's mother who had a recent accident. Prayers were offered for all graduating high school seniors for their safety and good luck with their future aspirations.

Lucille Huston said folks need to stand up and be counted in support of the National Day of Prayer or it is going the way of prayers in public schools. In some parts of the country observance is being fought in the courts to have it banned. WAMA will send letters to our politicians asking for their support against such efforts.

Thanks was given to all that participated and contributed to Wellsville's May 6 observance held in the 4th St. Square. See our post dated 5-9-10.

It was announced that WAMA is sponsoring the Kelly Miller Circus for two performances on May 24. It will be held at the practice field at Nicholson Stadium. Posters for the event were distributed. Tickets are available at the Wellsville Pizza Hut, Save-A-Lot, Wellsville Area Churches and Giant Eagle is both E.Liverpool & Calcutta.

Best wishes and prayers were extended to Pastor Bob & Connie Phillips. Central Methodist Pastor Bob is retiring at the end of June. He & Connie are going to relocate to Ravenna to be near family.

Next meeting will be Tuesday, June 8, at 9 A.M. at Tonda's Place.

ole nib

Sunday, May 16, 2010

On The Calendar

Enjoy the beautiful sunny weather today. According to Weather Underground it may be the last sun we see until Thursday. Instead of getting caught up it may be the cause of the last bit of blogging we do today. Wanna go out & play?!!!

Sunday - May 16:

  • WHS Baccalaureate - 3 P.M. - First Christian Church - Main St.


Monday - May 17:

  • Nothing on my calendar so far. Enjoy the day.


Tuesday - May 18:

  • Wellsville Village Council - 6 P.M. at Village Hall

  • Wellsville Historical Society - 7:30 at the River Museum

  • **Modern Striders Track Club registration - 6 to 8 P.M. - Nicholson Stadium**


Wednesday - May 19:

  • **Medication Assistance Program - 9:30 to Noon - First Christian Church**

  • Mayor's Breakfast for WHS Class of 2010 - 10 A.M. at First Christian Church

  • Sports Night - 3:30 to 5:30 at Wellsville Library - see Post below

  • WHS Alumni Spaghetti dinner - 4 to 7 P.M at Alumni Center


Thursday - May 20:

  • BWD Board of Trustees - 9 A.M. at Wellsville Village Hall

  • Village Crime Watch Committee - 6 P.M. at Wellsville Village Hall

  • WHS Alumni All-Stars Lip Sync - 6 P.M. at the Alumni Center

  • Veteran's Memorial Council - 7 P.M. at Wellsville VFW Post - Main St.


Friday - May 21:

  • Old Gray Mayor's Basketball Game - Wellsville High School - Doors open at 5:30


Saturday - May 22:

  • **Modern Striders Track Club registration - 11 A.M. to 1 - Nicholson Stadium**

  • Jake Lunders Benefit Spaghetti Dinner & Auction - 2 to 6 P.M. at First Christian Church - Main St. Wellsville


Sunday - May 23:

  • Worship at a church of your choice

  • WHS Touchdown Club - 7 P.M. at DaLonzo's - Main St. - Public invited


Tuesday's program for the Historical Society meeting promises to be interesting with a bit of Wellsville history as it pertains to a national event. Member Bob Lloyd will present the history of the 1881 President James Garfield's funeral train procession. Garfield was an Ohio native and the second President to be assassinated. He was buried in Cleveland and his funeral train from Washington passed through Wellsville. New members are invited.

Wednesday's WHS Alumni Activity Committee's monthly spaghetti dinner fund raiser will be the last for the season. It'll be your last chance to taste that home made sauce for a few months.

Thursday's Crime Watch Committee invites and encourages everyone to participate. The program this month is "Meet & Greet Wellsville's Police Officers". As many as possible from the WPD will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Here's your chance to get to know that cop that you've seen drive by in a cruiser.

Saturday's benefit auction and dinner for Jake Lunders is to raise money for a van wheel chiar lift. Lunders is the Beaver Local student left paralyzed in an auto accident last year. Jake is home now but is undergoing continual therapy. For more information you can call the First Christian Church at 330-532-1587 or Toni Pastore at 330-532-9014. Jake is a member of First Christian.

**The Modern Striders are having two days of registration for this year's program. Membership is open to children from 4 years old to age 18. Need to bring a copy of the birth certificate and $20 registration fee. That drops to $15 each for the second or more children in one family. For more info call Shelly Abdalla at 330-532-3473 or Kinda Martin at 330-843-8610.**

Have a good week...



ole nib

FOP Quaker Lodge 88 Memorial Luncheon


Tuesday - May 11: The annual Memorial Luncheon to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty took place this past Tuesday at the Taste of Country Restaurant in Lisbon. It was sponsored by the FOP Quaker Lodge. It was a packed house and a somber reminder that law officers are literally putting their lives on the line every time they report to duty.

The luncheon was organized by Sheriff's Office Sgt. Kenny Biacco and retired Salem PD officer John Less served as the Master-of-Ceremonies. The Rev. Monsignor Robert Siffrin offered the invocation and benediction. Siffrin is a member of the Youngstown Catholic Diocese. Guest speaker was Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray.

Cordray said that since first documented there are 732 plagues honoring officers that died while on duty on the wall at the State Police Academy. That documentation goes back to 1832. So far this year there have been four officers killed in the line of duty. The latest was Jerod Dean from Boston Heights that was hit by a car while he was clearing debris off the highway.

The last officer lost in our district was Youngstown Police Officer Michael Hartzell who was shot during a traffic stop on April 29, 2003. Parents Howard & Mary Kay Hartzell and Michael's aunt & uncle Donna & Bill Leskovec were special guests of honor at the luncheon. Keeping the memory of Hartzell alive there is an annual golf outing at Knoll Run Golf course to raise funds for a scholarship. You can contact Sgt. Biacco for more information on the event.

John Less read a roll call of officers in our area that died in the line of duty followed by Mr. Glenn Duncan playing Going Home & Amazing Grace on the bag pipes.

You may recognize some of the Wellsville people in the collage above. It was a somber reminder that although those that died in the line of duty are gone they are not forgotten. As survivor Vivian Eney Cross was quoted on the program "It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived".

Thanks folks for the jobs you do...


ole nib

Wellsville Library Game Day


Got game? Here's your chance to strut your stuff. It's another fun filled afternoon provided by the good folks at the ville's Carnegie Library. Space is limited and registration is required. You can call 330-532-1526 to get on the list.

Thanks again to the Pete Amato Foundation & Wal-Mart...


ole nib

A Tribute To "The Man"




Nunzio Lombardozzi...everybody knows him simply as "Nunz" if you have ever been part of the 'ville. He's a son of Wellsville, born here, raised here and his list of accomplishments over the years is longer than my arm. We're honored that he considers us friends.




It was recently announced that Nunz has been selected to be inducted in the Lou Holtz/Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2010. Being a God fearing, humble man it's an accolade that he is accepting reluctantly. When first approached he declined the honor. We feel it is a well deserved honor and thought this little tribute written by Lonnie Hentzell was fitting.




Nunz will be inducted July 1 at the annual induction dinner being held at the Wierton American Cultural Center. Nunz joins other Wellsville notables such as Tony & Dominic Sgro, Medal-of-Honor recipient Melvin Newlin, John Venesile & Bevo Francis, who are already in that Hall-of-Fame. You can call 330-386-5443 with any questions on the event.




It's certainly an honor that Nunz has earned and another moment for Wellsville to shine. Congratulations Nunz...




ole nib