Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Introducing the Daw Middle School Lady Tigers



The Daw Middle School girl's basketball teams open the 2010/2011 season tomorrow afternoon on the road. They travel to Leetonia to take on Lady Bears. Game time is set to begin at 5 PM with the 7th Grade team followed by the 8th graders.

Next Monday the Daw Middle School teams travel to Columbiana on Monday. Their home opener is scheduled for Wednesday, December 8, at Beacom Memorial against United Local.

Pictured above is the Daw Middle School teams. The 7th grade have the girls in the black & white uniforms. They are coached by Jasmine Richardson. The 8th Grade girls are in the orange uniforms and are coached by Alan Dingey. We haven't gotten a roster of the players yet.

Good luck ladies...

Go Tigers!

ole nib

Potter Players Present "Scooged Up!"



It's community theater at its best. You won't want to miss this rib tickling, belly laughing rendition of Charles Dicken's Christmas Carol. Dan Roberts wrote a script that looks a little differently at what could happen when there is not enough actors to fill all the rolls when they try to put on this classic Christmas play.

Call 330-532-5540 and make your reservations early. With a cast of mostly young, talented actors seats will be going fast.

ole nib

Wellsville Library Christmas Cookie Contest


This one sorta snuck up on us & we apologize for the short notice. All you cookie bakers have until 6 PM tomorrow, Wednesday, December 1, to get signed up for the annual Wellsville Carnegie Library's Christmas Cookie Contest. You have six chances to win! The winners will be selected and prizes awarded at the Open House next Monday evening.

We're looking forward to it. There were some mighty tasty entries last year. There's no such thing as a bad cookie. So, hustle on down to the library, get your entry in and warm up the oven.

ole nib

Monday, November 29, 2010

Introducing The 2010/2011 WHS Lady Tiger's Basketball Team


The WHS Lady Tigers basketball team open the 2010/2011 season Tuesday evening at home in the Tiger's Den. They take on the Lady Potters from up the river with JV action starting at 6 PM. East Liverpool opened their season last week with a close win.

Seated from the left is Meika Dalrymple, Irene Kiser,Shartece Taylor, Kallee Powell, Taylor Cameron & Monica Wilson. Standing from the left is Asst. Coaches Mike Cook & Bob Swogger, Maleya Fultz, Mikyla Tipton, Shawntae Dillard, Brittany Clendenning, Courtney Cook, Rilee Livolsi, Lexis Cook, Manager Amanda Coles, Asst. Coach Tom Gualtier & Head Coach Ed Swogger.

The Lady's first two games of the season are both at home. Tuesday it's the Potters and Saturday the Toronto Lady Knights come to town. Tip-off for Saturday's game is 1 PM. It's going to be an exciting season of basketball. You won't want to miss it.

Season basketball tickets will be on sale Tuesday through Friday in the Athletic Director's office at the high school from 8 to 9 AM & 3 to 4 PM. Passes for both the Ladies & Mens will be available. Passes will also be available at the home openers for each team. The men open at home December 14.

See you at the Den. Go Tigers...

ole nib

Sunday, November 28, 2010

On The Calendar

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving and are now enjoying the turkey left overs. Lets see, there's hot turkey sandwiches, turkey casseroles, and lots of other good stuff. Sometimes we think the left over dishes are better than the traditional Thanksgiving dinner if you can tolerate having turkey another day!

We got a busy week coming up with the tree decorating and light-up. Basketball & wrestling get started this week for the high school players. The middle school boy's teams open next week. Then there is a hilarious Christmas play this coming Friday and Saturday you won't want to miss. The best part of it all is that most of it is happening right here in the ville.

Monday – November 19:
-Wellsville Library Craft Night – 5:30 to 7 PM at the Library – Main St.

Tuesday – November 30:
-It's back to school for all Wellsville School District students. The Thanksgiving break is over.
-Harvest House Soup Kitchen – Doors open at 12 noon – 1329 Main St.
-WHS Lady Tigers vs East Liverpool – 6 PM in the Tiger's Den – Bengal Dr.
-Wellsville Takedown Boosters Club for Wrestlers – 8 PM at Village Hall – 1200 Main St.

Wednesday – December 1:
-Joshua Project Clothing Give-away – Noon to 6 PM at New Hope Community Church – Rt.39
-Wellsville Community Tree Decorating – 3:30 at the 4th Street Square
-Wellsville Carnegie Library Gaming – Ages 4 & up – 3:30 PM at the Library – Main St.
-Daw Middle School Girls Basketball at Leetonia– 5 PM

Thursday – December 2:
-Jewish Hanukkah Begins
-Wellsville Library Craft Night – 5:30 to 7 PM at the Library – Main St.

Friday – December 3:
-WHS Mens Basketball at Beaver Local
-Potter Players Community Theatre Play “Scrooged Up” - 8 PM - 417 15th St.

Saturday – December 4:
-Mason's Breakfast – 7 to 10 AM at the Masonic Temple – Main St.
-Daw Middle School Breakfast with Santa – 8 to 11 AM at the Middle School – Center St.
-Lions Club Care & Share Tag Day – 9 AM to Noon
-First Baptist Men's Prayer Breakfast – 10 AM at First Baptist Church – Center St.
-WHS Wrestling at Union Local – Time unknown
-WHS Lady Tigers vs Toronto – 1 PM in the Tigers Den – Bengal Dr.
-Community Christmas Tree Light-up – 6 PM in 4th Street Square
-Potter Players Community Theatre Play "Scrooged Up" - 8 PM - 417 15th St.

Sunday – December 5:
-Worship at a church of your choice
-Potter Players Community Threatre Play "Scorroged Up" - 2 PM - 417 15th St.
-Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens – 8:20 PM

The Carnegie Library is having two craft night sessions this week – Monday & Thursday. With limited space, registration is required. Call the Library at 330-532-1526. Children will be painting a wooden bird plaque and a parent or guardian must accompany the children.

Tuesday's Soup Kitchen at the Harvest House is open to everyone. On the menu this week is spaghetti & garlic bread. The public is invited.

Saturday morning's breakfast with Santa at Daw Middle School is only $3 for children and $5 for adults. Children will receive a special treat from the jolly old elf and a photographer will be on hand to take pictures.

Have a good week...

ole nib

Friday, November 26, 2010

Getting Ready For Christmas


Last week Village Street Department employees put up the holiday banners up and down Main Street. This past Monday they went and cut down the Village Community tree and put it up in front of the Gazebo in the 4th St. Square.

As noted in our report of the Village Council meeting below the tree was a community effort spearheaded by the Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce and a slew of others. The tree pictured here is one of 54 offered to the Village according to Chamber President Randy Allmon. The one selected was donated by Gary Lyle.

Next Wednesday, December 1, students from Wellsville High School will assist in decorating the tree starting at 3:30 PM. As mentioned in an earlier news article the Chamber has purchased new decorations to adorn the tree along with the memorial Christmas tree bulbs they sold.

Light-up night will be Saturday evening, December 4, starting at 6 PM. Students from Garfield Elementary & Daw Middle School will be on hand singing Christmas carols. A photographer will be on hand taking free pictures with Santa. Allmon said folks are welcome to bring their pets for pictures with Santa too.

The annual Chamber sponsored Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 11. It is to begin at 6 PM at the old Sky Bank in the 1200 block of Main. The parade will come up Main to the 4th Street Square. Santa will be on hand to hear Christmas wishes at the Gazebo following the parade. For more information contact Parade Chairwoman Vickie McCombs at 330-532-4149.

Yes sir, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

ole nib

Thanksgiving Dinner Was On Them




For many, following the word of God in this fast paced, demanding and stressful world is more of an after thought. It's in the mind of many but for some it is more a subconscious thought in the back of the mind. Good folks know they have to follow the Golden Rule but too many don't have the time to outwardly display their good intentions. Any more it's a rush, rush world that overwhelm a lot of people full of good intentions.

Wellsville is fortunate to have such people as Donna & Bill Rudder, Kat, Jake & Jo Hanna Andrews and all the folks of New Life Hope and Kat's Kitchen. Holiday or not, they all found time Thanksgiving Day to make sure the traditional dinner was available to all. It didn't matter whether you just didn't want to cook yesterday or couldn't afford a turkey and all the trimmings at this late date in the month. The good people of New Life Church and Kat's Kitchen teamed together to make that traditional Thanksgiving dinner available to anyone who came in the door. Bishop Rudder said they cooked 13 turkeys in preparation for yesterday's feast that was served at Kat's Kitchen on Main St. The whole counter was full of pies and cakes of all kinds. The plates were piled high with mouth watering turkey, noodles, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. Not a thing was asked in return. It was just their way of saying “Happy Thanksgiving”.

Pictured here at the top, from the left is Mrs. Donna Rudder, Bishop Bill Rudder, Chef Jake Andrews and Kat Andrews, owner of Kat's Kitchen. These a just a few of the folks that prepared and served the dinners. The rest were bustling about taking care of this and that.

While we were there Bishop Rudder announced that starting next Tuesday, November 30, the Harvest House Soup Kitchen will be back in operation. The Soup Kitchen is a pot luck lunch served to anyone that shows up in the Harvest House dining hall at the New Life Church located at 1329 Main St. The pot luck part depends on what is available on any given Tuesday. Next Tuesday's entrée is a spaghetti and garlic bread lunch. It's made available to everyone and anyone. Donations are welcome but not necessary. Any donations go to restocking the kitchen's shelves. Doors open at 12 noon.

Bishop Rudder also told us that come Saturday, December 18, they will be serving a Christmas dinner with ham and all the trimmings. The Christmas dinner will be a fund raiser to help those less fortunate than ourselves on Christmas Day with toys and gifts. Rudder said it's an effort to compliment the Lions Club Care & Share, saying some folks miss signing up for whatever reasons. The dinner will only cost $7 for adults and $3.50 for children 12 and under. All the proceeds will go toward Christmas presents. The dinner will be served at the New Life's Harvest House. For a spread like those folks put on it's cheap at twice the price. All are welcome.

The folks at Kat's and Harvest House are just another reason that Wellsville is someplace special.

Ole nib

Wellsville Takedown Club


A booster club for the Wellsville Middle School & High School Wrestling Teams has been formed. It is called the Wellsville Takedown Club. Taking one's opponent down from a standing position on the wrestling mats is a way to score points in a match. The Takedown Club is sponsoring teams from both schools.

Organizer Shawn Bloor advises they have created web pages on both Face Book & Yahoo for the Takedown Club. Currently they are looking for fund raising ideas and welcome any and all ideas and suggestions.

Membership is open to any wrestling enthusiasts, all parents or anyone who is willing to support our youth. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 30 at 8 PM at Village Hall. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Pictured above is the coaches and 2010/2011 Wellsville Wrestling Team members.

Ole nib

Wellsville Village Council

Tuesday – November 23: Wellsville Village Council met in regular session this past Tuesday evening at Village Hall. The meeting was postponed from last week to give Village officials time to have a recommendation ready for an engineering company for the sewage forced main project.

Present at the meeting was Mayor Joe Surace, Councilmen John McMahon, Randy Allmon, Joe Soldano & Tony Cataldo. Also attending was Fiscal Officer Dale Davis, Village Administrator Jim Saracco, Legal Advisor Andy Beech and WFD Chief Bill Smith. Councilwomen Rosie Goss and Susan Haugh were excused.

Mayor Joe Surace asked for a moment of silence in memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Gibson, mother of Coucilwoman Goss.

In the Public Speaking portion of the agenda, Jack Cataldo of Riverside Avenue, announced that the grant application for a new street was turned down by OMEGA. The proposed new street is from 18th along the railroad tracks for trucks to enter and exit near the Intermodal Park instead of going Main to 17th to Clark to get on Route 7.

Jack Cataldo had applied for the grant on behalf of the Village and received recent notification that it had been denied. Cataldo advised that the grant application will be held open in case more funding from ARC is received or another project is unable to move forward. Council passed a motion in favor of having Cataldo reapply next year for Fiscal Year 2012 grants. Cataldo said he would provide the postage for the grant application out of his own pocket.

Daniel Freeze of Center Street addressed Council on a number of issues and was invited by the Mayor to visit sometime to discussed his individual issues.

For Administration Reports, Jim Saracco commended Cemetery Caretaker Mike Lombardozzi for taking the initiative to follow up on unpaid grave plots. Lombardozzi advised he was never informed about the situation and only learned about it when he found a file folder of “odds & ends”. In that folder was a list of people that had made down payments on grave plots and then just stop making payments for one reason or another. There was approximately $17,000 outstanding.

Last week Lombardozzi began sending letters to those individuals advising them they had one year to pay the balance. Plots must be paid in full before an internment. If the individuals don't comply, the down payments will be forfeited. In less than a week's time $850 has been collected.

Councilman Joe Soldano remarked that issue was brought up at the last Council meeting and it was felt the only recourse was to turn those accounts in for collection. Soldano stated he was glad Lombardozzi was able to find an alternate way so the purchasers would not lose their down payment money.

For the Mayor's Report, Surace gave kudos to a list of people who took part in getting the Village Christmas tree and putting it up on Monday. The tree is in front of the Gazebo in the 4th St. Square. Those mentioned by Surace was Brian Wallace, George Crews, John Abdalla and Mike Pusateri. Randy Allmon added the City workers, noting that Kevin Fullerton went “above and beyond the call of duty”. It was originally intended to place the tree in the middle of Main Street but that was decided against for safety concerns.

While on the subject Allmon noted there were 54 offers of trees after the Chamber of Commerce notified the newspapers of the need for one. The tree selected was donated by Gary Lyle. Allmon announced the tree will be decorated on Wednesday, December 1, starting at 3:30 P.M. Students from Wellsville High School will assist with the decorating. Saturday evening, December 4, will be light-up night with students from Garfield Elementary & Daw Middle School singing carols. A photographer will be on hand to take free pictures with Santa and pets are welcome. The light-up ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 6 P.M. Saying it was a community event sponsored by the Chamber, Allmon concluded that “it was team work right down the line from the Village to the Chamber of Commerce” as a community service. Allmon is President of the Wellsville Area Chamber in addition to his Council duties.

For Sewage Committee Reports, a motion was passed authorizing payment to Mike Pusateri Excavating for the Sewage Treatment Plant digester conversion project. The payment is the third one and was for $87,270. Fiscal Officer Dale Davis advised the payment will be made using money from the OMEGA grant received for this project.

Another motion was passed selecting GG&J Engineers of Eastlake, OH, for the Pump Station #1 & Sewer Main Improvements (forced main). Mayor Surace advised three firms bid the job. Each firm was evaluated using a point system based on such things as years of service and job evaluations. Davis advised a five member Engineering Committee reviewed the bids after Surace noted GG&J scored the highest.

To wrap up the Sewage Committee report Allmon asked for and received approval for Village officials to contract LSW to clear four storm sewer lines. At a meeting last week with LSW Allmon asked for a list of the four worse areas that should be considered first. Those areas are Route 45 at Ridge, 7th & Wood St., Commerce between 12th & 14th and 16th & Main. The estimated cost is $14,000 providing LSW doesn't need to use their cameras. LSW advised at that meeting last week they are acquiring a new head for the jet-rodding/clean out machine that will enable them to tackle tougher blockages.

For the Personnel Committee, Joe Soldano announced an Executive Session would be held at the end of the meeting to consider compensation for Cemetery Caretaker Mike Lombardozzi. Soldano stated no announcements or action by Council will be taken following the session. Lombardozzi, Dale Davis, and Andy Beech, along with the Mayor and Council members was in that session.

Tony Cataldo had no report for the Finance Committee. As of October 31 the Village books show a total balance of $608,526. Out of that amount there was $1,203 in the General Fund, $298,388 in the Sewage Update Fund and $50,612 in the Sewage Disposal Fund.

No mention or action was taken on the two ordinances that are tabled. One is for advertising for bids to repair the sink hole at 17th & Main. The other is for the repeal of Ordinance 06-34, the Tree Board ordinance. When we last asked the Mayor advised they are still working on arranging a meeting with the Village, Wellsville Terminals & Marathon Oil to review the costs of repairing the sink hole. According to Surace Marathon had already expressed a willingness to help pay for the repairs.

Next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, December 7 at 6 PM at Village Hall.

ole nib

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Wellville Council Sewage Committee

Wellsville Council's Sewage Committee met last Thursday to be briefed on the results of having some storm sewers jet rodded and inspected. Present at the meeting was Sewage Committee Chairman Randy Allmon and Committee members Susan Haugh & Tony Cataldo. Also attending was Councilman Joe Soldano, Village Administrator Jim Saracco, Fiscal Officer Dale Davis, WFD Chief Bill Smith, United Water's Greg Stewart and LSW's Doug Logan, Brad Long & Debbie. The meeting was held at the Fire Station.

LSW was contracted to inspect storm sewers, especially in areas that experience flooding after a heavy rain. The heavy rain experienced in June of this year caused flooding in those trouble areas plus many others. There are some places in town that accumulate rain water whether it's a heavy rain or not. LSW was contracted to initially check six areas but that grew out of necessity trying to get some of the lines open.

LSW's Brad Long reviewed a day-by-day log of all areas that was worked on and what was found. The job started on October 21 and was wrapped up on November 16. Generally speaking Wellsville's
storm sewers and man holes are clogged up and unable to move the rain water from our streets to the river.

Long noted that most of the debris found in the man holes, catch basins and sewer lines are road dirt. In one area at 10th & Center, 36 bottles, a gallon jug, dirt, rocks and gravel were removed. Some man holes were filled to the brim with debris. The same is true with some of the catch basins that Logan advised is indicative of a line collapse. Many of the lines are so clogged that the company could not get through with the jet rod. Two areas were found with a strong odor of fuel or oil. One was near the old Sterling China and another area at 15th Street. The cause of the odor was undetermined.

It is now up to Village officials to determine what to do. Consensus was that it has to be determined what is causing the blockages in the main lines. It could be impacted dirt and debris or, with the age of most of our storm sewer system, collapsed lines. Many of the lines in place are ones originally installed made of clay pipe or brick.

Councilman Tony Cataldo dropped a bomb shell on nearly everyone present when asked if, after the proposed forced main project and the Highland Avenue project, there is money available to take on another sewage project. Cataldo announced that Highland Avenue was not going to get done due hidden costs in the Sewage Treatment Plant digester conversion project.

When started it was planned to pay for the digester project using grants from OMEGA and the Ohio Public Works with no money coming out of Village coffers. The other two projects were going to be paid for using the recently released funds from the State Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG) and the Sewage Update Fund. The STAG funds are nearly $600,000 and as of the end of October there was a little over $298,000 in the Sewage Update. That was estimated to be enough for the forced main and Highland Avenue projects.

According to Cataldo Engineer Bill Boyle, formerly of the GGJ Consulting Engineers firm, had hidden $112,000 in funds from the STAG money and applied that to the digester project. At the time this was done the STAG funds had not been released by the EPA. It came to light when GGJ President Rob Jurs supplied the Village with a cost schedule for the digesters. Cataldo said the Fiscal Officer brought it to his attention a couple of weeks ago when Jurs supplied the cost schedule. Even the Sewage Committee chairman said he knew nothing about it until Cataldo announced it at Thursday's meeting. Boyle “retired” from GGJ earlier this fall. With having to use that $112,000 the Highland Avenue project is once again put on the back burner. Cataldo said there are still enough funds to go ahead with the forced main replacement project.

ole nib

Wellsville Honor Roll Benefit


This coming Wednesday, November 24, the Brothers & Sisters of Elks Lodge 1040 are having a benefit spaghetti dinner to raise funds for the new Wellsville Honor Roll. There use to be several in the area honoring all Wellsville area veterans that served in the Armed Forces. There use to be a big one next to the old City Hall near 5th & Main that was removed when they built Shoub Towers. No one knows what became of it or the one in Hillcrest or near Koontz Avenue.

Fortunately Wellsville has such people as George Crews in the community. Crews said it has long been a dream of his to have a new Honor Roll built. This past spring he enlisted Debbie Koffel to get things started in making that dream come true. Together they made up plans with blue prints, a location, enlisting others and an artist's rendition of what it would look like. That picture is shown above.

Once they got all that together the question was "how are we going to pay for it?" Original cost estimates are $20,000 for the brick and mortar memorial to all Wellsville area veterans. They established an account at CF Bank and set out on a fund raising campaign. Part of the campaign was contacting all area organizations asking for donations.

That's where the Elks came in with the benefit dinner on Wednesday night. The Elks are going the extra step to make it a fun night. The dinner is from 4 to 7:30 P.M. with a dance to follow. Music will be provided by the Acme Brothers and there will be a Chinese Auction. The cost of the dinner is only $7 for adults, $4 for children age 7 to 12 and children under the age of 7 eat free. The dinner and dancing is open to the public. The Lodge is located at 723 Riverside. All proceeds go to helping with the new Wellsville Honor Roll.

Stop by and help support this community event for a great cause. Skip and the members of BPOE 1040 promise you will have a great time.

ole nib

On The Calendar

We're a couple of days late this week. We're going to blame it on our neighbor's tree! Between football and that tree we were kept busy. That tree was one of the ones that held onto its leaves until it rained last week. Usually all the leaves are cleaned up by now.

There was absolutely nothing on our schedule of events for Monday. So, we procrastinated.

Tuesday - November 23:

  • Wellsville School's Parent-Teacher Conferences - All Schools - 3 to 9 P.M.

  • Wellsville Village Council - 6 P.M. at Village Hall - 1200 Main St.


Wednesday - November 24:

  • Wellsville School District Thanksgiving Break Begins - No School the rest of the week

  • Elks Benefit Dinner for Wellsville Honor Roll - 4 to 7:30 P.M. at the Lodge - 723 Riverside


Thursday - November 25:

  • Thanksgiving Day

  • Kat's Kitchen/Harvest House Complimentary Thanksgiving Dinners - Noon to 2 P.M. at Kat's - 1025 Main St.


Friday - November 26:

  • Senior Golden Links - 1 P.M. at Shoub Towers - 500 Main St.


Saturday - November 27:

  • Breakfast at the Masonic Temple - 7 to 10 A.M. - Main St. - Donations only

  • "THE" Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan - 12 Noon in the Horseshoe in Columbus - ABC


Sunday - November 28:

  • Worship at a church of your choice

  • Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills - 1 P.M.


Tuesday night's regular Council meeting was rescheduled from last week. We were told it was postponed to give Village officials time to get a presentation ready on the engineering company bids. The bids closed on Friday, the 12th.

Wednesday's spaghetti dinner at the Elks is a fund raiser for the new Wellsville Honor Roll listing all of the area veterans. The Brothers & Sisters have a great evening lined up with dinning, music & dancing. It's open to the public.

Once again the good folks at New Hope's Harvest House and Kat's Kitchen have joined forces to serve a Thanksgiving Dinner for anyone with an appetite. It starts a noon on Thursday and is open to the public. The dinner is on them.

If you're an Ohio State football fan, Saturday's game is the one you've been looking forward to. It's the Buckeyes versus "the school up north" as Woody use to say. It's the last scheduled game of the season and team records are thrown out the window when these two schools meet. Go Bucks...

If you're traveling be safe and everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving and a good week...

ole nib

Sunday, November 21, 2010

BWD Board Of Trustees

The BWD Board of Trustees held their regular monthly meeting this past Thursday at Wellsville Village Hall. Present at the meeting was Board President Mike Ryan, Board members Bob Wines, Rick Williams, Cal Carney, Jack Call, Gene McGaffick and Tim O'Hara. Also in attendance was District Manager Al DeAngelis, Office Manager Tracy Allen, Legal Advisor Fred Emmerling and Fiscal Officer Tony D'Angelo.

Following approval of the minutes from the October meeting the Board went into Executive Session for 32 minutes to discuss pending litigation with Legal Advisor Emmerling. There was no action taken or comment made on what was discussed when they returned.

McGaffick reported the Finance Committee met the day before and noted the Fiscal Officer is working on moving as much as possible to the SSI accounting system to eliminate some of the duplicate accounting practices. The Committee found everything balances and he recommended the Treasurer's Report be accepted. For the month of October the district sold 943,069 gallons of water. There was a profit of $81,156 for the month of October.

For the Insurance Committee, Jack Call reported that he & Mr. Carney met recently with County officials about next years health insurance costs. Call reported that the cost will increase 9% which was negotiated down from 15%. BWD employees are insured through the County's mutual, self funded, financial group and are part of over 400 people covered. In a recent newspaper article it was noted that at least one-third of the increased premium cost is a result of the new federal health care bill.

For the Computer Study & Purchasing Committee, Bob Wines confirmed they are working with SSI to determine which program level would be the best fit for the district. Fiscal Officer D'Angelo advised the system update will take effect after the first of the year. D'Angelo remarked that he is on the phone with IT personnel two or three times a day familiarizing himself with the SSI system. Office Manager Allen reported that the lease contract with Zerox for a new copier will result in a $40 per month savings.

For the Records Retention Committee, Rick Williams reported the District is waiting for the State's approval on the document disposal/retention schedule. DeAngelis advised the Ohio Historical Society has already given their approval.

For the District Manager's Report, DeAngelis advised RCAP presented information on their Energy Audit for the District and the final report will be sent within the month. The audit was done looking for possible savings in the cost of energy, such as electricity.

DeAngelis reported that Software Solutions (SSI) has three different packages of upgrades for the District's billing and finance system. Additionally the Fiscal Officer is awaiting a response from inquiries made about the Uniform Accounting Network.

The environmental impact study for expansion into Frederick Heights has been approved by the USDA. A public hearing on the project will be scheduled for a later date.

The Oakmont water storage tank is back on line. That tank provides an additional 200,000 gallons of water storage for the Calcutta area. The new road for the Salineville tank is awaiting approval to use left over funds from Part B of that new water line project. The EPA demanded that a new access road to that tank be constructed before the final inspection. DeAngelis also reported that the old Salineville Water Treatment Plant is no longer tied into the village's system.

Under Old Business, Jack Call inquired on the status of returning the Wellsville reservoir back to the village. Attorney Emmerling advised a meeting has to be scheduled with Wellsville officials to finalize all the details. DeAngelis remarked that the electricity has been shut off and insurance on the property will not be renewed. Insurance coverage will expire in a month. Wellsville's reservoir and water treatment plant was handed over to BWD when the district was first formed. The District retained control of it as a back-up until the new system was felt to be entirely reliable. Wellsville still owned the property.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 A.M. Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 16 at 9:A.M at Wellsville Village Hall.

ole nib

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Wellsville Historical Society


The Wellsville Historical Society held their regular monthly meeting this past Tuesday evening at the River Museum. President Robert “Brassy” Beresford presided. Recording Secretary Joan Davidson read the minutes of the October meeting. The Treasurer's Report was given by Pat Lawrence. Financial Secretary Jim Lawrence reported he received 2011 dues from four additional members.

Trustee Tom Davidson reported River Museum will be receiving a baby bed made of walnut wood from Toronto resident Mary Belcher. The bed was originally in the Whittacre House, which use to be in the 4th St. Square. It was handed down through the Cartwright family.

Beresford advised the museum was gifted with the original charter of the first Afro-American VFW Post in the state of Ohio. The post was located at 9th & Wood Street in Wellsville. The charter and other historical documents was given by Wanda Boggs Coopier, the daughter of the late Melvin Boggs. Boggs was instrumental in the organization of that VFW Post and one of the founding members of Wellsville's Memorial Council.

Davidson also announced that there will be a work party hosted by the Trustees under the direction of Bonny Beresford on Monday, December 6, to prepare for the annual Christmas Party. Mrs. Beresford announced that 33 reservations have been received so far for the Christmas Party.

A second reading of the pending by-law changes was read by Committee Chairman Jeff Weekley. Changes will increase the yearly dues from $5 to $10. Also, the number of trustees will be reduced from seven to five. Section VIII will be changed to read that the Society will not accept requests to return donated articles. Once donated, the items become the sole possession of the Society. Should the Society decide to relinquish a donation every attempt will be made to contact the original donor for the right to reclaim the donation. Also added was that donations are tax deductible but the declared value of any donation is the responsibility of the donor. Any items not in keeping with the general philosophy of the Historical Society may be put to good use such as fund raising.

Brassy Beresford reported that work has been completed to repair the walk to the caboose using five tons of slag to level off the sink hole on the front side. Hand rails to both ramps have been replace with a composite decking material and the rest of the wood work has been treated with a clear wood finish.

Under Sickness & Distress it was noted that member Jane Reese is now home. Best wishes for a speedy recovery was expressed by all.

Beresford also reported that he has been contacted by Memorial Council VP Don Brown in regards to the Cuppy Cemetery in Yellow Creek Twp. The old cemetery dates back to the 1800s and is located on land that the proposed Baard Energy plant will be located. There was concern as to what would happen to the cemetery once construction began. Beresford noted that if necessary the graves will be relocated to a required “green area” near its present location. At the recent Chamber of Commerce dinner Mr. John Baardson, CEO of Baard Energy, advised us that currently they are planning to work around the old grave yard leaving it undisturbed. If necessary to relocate they will bring in experts to locate each grave to insure the dignity of the deceased. New headstones will replace ones no longer readable where identities can be determined. That grave yard is the final resting place of some Civil War veterans or even earlier dated grave sites.

Officers for 2011 will be President: Robert Beresford, VP Bonny Beresford, Recording Secretary: Joan Davidson, Corresponding Secretary: Carol Smith, Treasurer: Pat Lawrence, Financial Secretary: Jim Lawrence and Parliamentarian: Walter Hanlon. New Trustees will be Robert Lloyd & Mike Lynn. Trustees Tom Davidson, Jim Lawrence & Jeff Weekley are serving unexpired terms.

Donations to the River Museum in the past month was a copy of a picture of the posse formed in the area to track down Pretty Boy Floyd in 1934. It was received from Albert “Skip” Beech (WHS Class of '42) from Florida. Mary A. Heddleson from Adamstown, MD, sent a copy of a chapter out of a book entitled Loyal Hearts – History of Civil War K-9s which is about the 104th Ohio Volunteers. That company of volunteers was made up with mostly men from Wellsville. Beresford remarked that his grandfather was a member of the 104th.

Harriet “Honey” Winland sent several items that were from her mother's estate. Windland's mother was Edna Migliore and the items included several crochet items from clothing to table dollies. There were many lady's garments made of silk and lace, hand fans and even a parasol as shown above. Other items included an Algebra Problems & Solutions book dated from 1872 and copy of the American Constitution that was compliments of the MacLean Funeral Home.

The luncheon was provided by Pam Smith & Bonny Beresford. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 17, 2011, weather permitting.

ole nib

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Wellsville Board of Education




Monday - November 15: The Wellsville BOE held their regular monthly meeting this past Monday evening. Present at the meeting was Board President Ed Bauer, VP Tom Brophey and members Karen Dash & Bill Miller. Also in attendance was Superintendent Rich Bereschik, District Treasurer Coleen Wickham, Garfield Principal Lisa Ferguson, WTA President Darlene Allison and approximately 40 members of the Wellsville Teachers Association. The meeting was held in the Daw Middle School cafeteria.

For the Financial Report, Mrs. Wickham reported that as of the end of October the General Fund had a balance of $1.9 million. October receipts were $330,510 and expenditures were $859,125. There was $309,510 moved from the General Fund to the General Set-Asides for text books and capital outlays. The General Set-Asides has a balance of $734,549. Interest earned in October was $4,339.47.

For Legislative Update Tom Brophey announced he attended the OSBA Capital Conference last week. It is estimated the shortfall in the State budget for the next bi-annum will be $7/$8 billion. With the campaigning and elections not much has been done by our legislators since this past June. The new budget has to be in by March 15, 2011.

Governor-elect Kasich has already met with the OSBA lobbyist. Brophey reported the governor-elect believes in shrinking government and services including school funding. Ohio ranks 49th with money going into the classrooms. Kasich wants to increase vouchers to private schools and believes in consolidation of services, possibly consolidation of school districts. However the new governor wants to eliminate unfunded mandates. Brophey related that rumors at last week's conference was that Kasich may push for increasing teacher's contributions to their retirement funds in SPERS and making 35 years the minimum for full retirement. Saying "we really don't know what's going to happen" Brophey said that local school districts may even lose control by their school boards.

With a show of solidarity in a sea of blue "We Stick Together" t-shirts, WTA President Darlene Allison announced "we found out today, we're well disappointed, that the Board is not going to be able to meet with us to negotiate until December 14. We were hoping to have reached an agreement by this point in the school year but unfortunately we have not been able to." Contract negotiations have been going on since this past July. From what we have been able to learn increased cost of insurance and 0% pay increase is at issue. Wellsville educators rank near the bottom throughout the state in compensation. We have since learned that a meeting has been scheduled next Monday for negotiations.

Garfield Principal Lisa Ferguson was the only one with a Good News Report. There were nearly 200 people to attend the Garfield open house in September. In October nearly 40 people attended the PTO meeting and 265 family members attending Grandparents Luncheon in the four days that was held. There were 27 attending the October Parenting Skills sessions. Fall scores for the 3rd Grade reading achievement tests are due at the end of the week. There were no reports submitted from the Middle School or the High School.

A list of 41 volunteers for Garfield Elementary was approved. Dana Pucci was approved as a short hour lunch prep/server for Daw Middle School. Matt Disch was given the nod to be an Intervention Tutor for the remainder of the school year. Kayla Adams was approved as a substitute cafeteria employee. Jayne Ewalt was approved as a substitute as an Early Childhoood Generalist from pre-kintergarden to Grade 5. General Education substitutes approved were Greg Sabbato, Kendra Wetzel & Janice Palmer. Effective November 30, the resignation of tutor Christina Cusick was also approved & Marie Foster was named to replace her.

A motion was passed to add a kindergarten student to the list of students for transportation in lieu of payment to St. Aloysius. A field trip to Grave Creek Mound in Moundsville, WV, for Grade 4 students was approved.

Jimmy Malone & Charles Fisher were named volunteer wrestling coaches for the season. Dave Thompson Jr. was named Head Varsity Baseball coach.

In closing comments Bill Miller thanked all the WTA members for attending. Mrs. Dash complimented Miss Barlow and the performers in the Halloween Concert. She said she really enjoyed it. Tom Brophey wished good luck to all the winter sports teams and congratulated all that participated in fall sports. Ed Bauer congratulated the Volleyball team for their exceptional showing this year. Bauer also noted that the football team did very well saying he enjoyed the games because they never gave up.

The meeting adjourned at 6:52 P.M. Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 13 at 6:30 P.M. in the Superintendent's Office. Pictures are from Monday's meeting.

ole nib

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Business Pride Award Unveiled


The first annual Business Pride Award was unveiled yesterday and presented to Wellsville's Center Pharmacy. The award is sponsored by Wellsville's Revitalization Committee (WRC) and was designed and manufactured by Stevenson Company. It's a unique bicycle rack.

In presenting the Business Pride award to Center Pharmacy co-owner Joe Amaismeier, WRC President Candy Bangor said the committee selected the Main Street business for their community involvement and pride in maintaining the appearance of their business. Although many others were considered, Center Pharmacy was noted for their contribution in the Village clean-up event held last spring. Co-owners Jim Koopman & Amaismeier had Center employees participating in the sweeping and cleaning.

Called "city art" the idea was gleaned from a picture seen in a magazine. The picture was taken to Stevenson co-owner Todd Lynch with two questions. The first was can you make this and the second was will you donate it? Lynch gave an affirmative answer to both questions and set about drawing up plans to be used. Lynch confided yesterday the hardest part was designing something to resemble the magazine picture.

Stevenson co-owners Todd & Tim Lynch are generous contributors to the Wellsville community when called upon. Over the years they have done many projects for the Memorial Council and last summer they even designed and manufactured a stand for the Friends of The Old Fire Station. The stand holds what is believe to be Wellsville's first fire alarm. It's a bell believed to have originally hung in the market in the center of town. Stevenson is the oldest surviving business in town going back to its start in 1836.

Bangor remarked the best part in presenting the award is that two of Wellsville's businesses were involved in making it possible. Both were thanked for their contributions to the community. Amaismeier said what they give to the community can't begin to compare to what the community has done for them since buying the drug store in 2003. Mayor Joe Surace noted the pharmacy has been good for the community and were deserving of the award. CC Commissioner Penny Traina offered congratulations to Center Pharmacy,Steveson and the WRC for their collaboration and cooperation in the Wellsville. Saying there is no place like home, it is exciting to see everyone come together in their efforts to make Wellsville improvements.

The Business Pride Award is part of the WRC's Main Street USA project. Shown above are some of the many folks on hand for Monday's presentation. In the picture in the lower right corner, from the left, is Mayor Joe Surace, Commissioner Traina, Bangor, Amaismeier, Lynch and Steveson machinists Bob Jones, Jason Keyes & Denny Wright. Councilwoman Sue Haugh was there representing Wellsville Village Council along with many members of the WRC.

ole nib

WHS Basketball Gettin' Ready



It's not time to start playing opposing teams yet but the guys and the gals that wear the orange & black are working hard to be ready. It won't be long and we know both teams will offer up some fierce competition again this year.

The men open the season at Beaver Local on December 3 and the Lady Tigers open at home November 30 against East Liverpool. The home opener for the men isn't until December 14 when the Leetonia Bears come to town. Also the men's team will play November 26 & 27 in a preview at St. Clairsville's Ohio univ. Eastern.

It's going to be an exciting basketball season. Are you ready?

Here's a couple of collages from practices last week. You can click on the collage to enlarge for a better view.

ole nib

Veteran's Day 2010


Wellsville's annual Veteran's Day Observance was held this past Thursday at the high school. This year's observance was the traditional combined efforts of Wellsville's Memorial Council and students & staff of WHS.

Memorial Council VP Don Brown gave the welcome and member Debbie Koffel served as Mater of Ceremonies. The Korean Veterans Color Guard presented the colors and WHS Senior Class President Katie Hardman led the Pledge of Allegiance. Oak Ridge & Yellow Creek Presbyterian Pastor Derek Marotta offered the invocation and benediction.

Honored guests were Iraqi War Army veterans Specialist Zachary Bowling and Specialist 4 Daniel Brown. Bowling is the son of Melissa Miller & Gary Bowling. Brown is the son of Bill & Kelly Brown. Both veterans recently returned from serving their first tour in Iraq and are Wellsville area residents. Bowling is a member of the National Guard Unit based in Ravenna, OH. Brown is in the Army Reserves stationed in Wheeling, WV.

Key note speaker was USAF Tech. Sgt. Craig Williams, WHS Class of '93. Sergeant Williams has served two tours of duty in Iraq and is currently a recruiter in Steubenville. He is an 18 year veteran of the service. Williams said there are two things service members fear - death & public speaking. He went on to say that most veterans don't want to sound like they are tooting their own horn and some prefer to not speak about their war experience. Before wrapping up his notes Sgt. Williams thanked all the vets present for their sacrifices in the service of our country.

Mayor Joe Surace spoke about late WWII veteran and Wellsville resident William F. Bratt. Cpl. Bratt was 17 years old when he entered the Army. By age 18 he was a prisoner of war in the Pacific. He was a member of the infamous Bataan Death March in the Philippians and survived 33 months captivity on just a half cup of brown rice a day. He was liberated by US forces the night before he was to be executed for getting caught stealing a piece of fruit. His wife Vivian remarked that Bill never talked of his war experience much until they took a reunion tour of that 66 mile march 50 years later.

Rev. Marotta remarked that all should appreciate America's fighting forces for their commitment and willingness to serve. Marotta noted it was their sacrifices over the years that made freedom of religion possible in the USA. Korean Veterans Association President George Piggott noted that this year is the 60th Anniversary of that war. He reminded all assembled that our freedom was paid in full by an American veteran. Debbie Koffel paid tribute to another WWII veteran, the late Melvin Boggs. Boggs left us a few months ago and was one of the founding members of the Memorial Council. He remained active in the Council for nearly 50 years.

WHS choral group Ebony & Ivory sang musical selections as part of the ceremony. All participants were invited to a luncheon following the ceremony. The luncheon was at Tonda's Place on the 4th St. Square.

ole nib

Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce News

With Thanksgiving being the last Thursday of the month there will not be a monthly luncheon held in November.

The annual Christmas Holiday dinner and installation of officers is set for Thursday, December 9 at 6 P.M. This year's theme is "Rising Star Award". The dinner will be held at Wellsville's Riverside Roadhouse. As announced at the October luncheon there will be no fee for this year's dinner. Those attending can select any item on the menu for their dinner. Reservations can be made by calling Chamber President Randy Allmon at 330-843-3475.

The Chamber is selling memorial Christmas tree bulbs for the village's community tree. The bulbs will be have the names of the ones being remembered attached - only one name per bulb will be permitted. Cost is $5 each. Orders can be placed by calling Dolly Brophey at 330-532-1807 or mailing them to the Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce, 1514 Lincoln Ave., Wellsville, OH 43968.

Seen in this morning's newspapers was an article with Allmon saying the Chamber is now in desperate need for a tree to be placed in the 4th St. Square. Allmon was quoted as saying they had one donated but it was decided it was too big. Now they have new decorations with nothing to put them on. A plea was issued for anyone wishing to donate a 20 foot live evergreen. All the donor has to do is point it out. Chamber members will handle the cutting and transportation of the tree. Donors are asked to call Allmon at 330-843-3475.

In that same article it said the Chamber is planning a light up night and other Christmas activities to be announced at a later date. Vickie McCombs announced at the last luncheon that the annual Christmas parade will be held on Saturday, December 11. The parade is set to begin at 6 P.M. Anyone wanting more information can contact McCombs at 330-532-4149.

New members welcomed since the last luncheon are McDonalds, George Crews and William Reiner.

ole nib

Friends of The Old Fire Station


Wellsville's Friends of The Old Fire Station held their regular monthly meeting this past Thursday. President Don Rawlings presided. Greg Stanley read the minutes of the last meeting and Steve Vallera gave the Treasurer's Report.

With the cold season fast approaching plans were made to winterize the building. The water was to be shut off this past Friday.

Discussion took place on future plans to repair and dress up the old building. This past summer the first level was given a thorough cleaning and the floors in the truck bay was painted. Next on the agenda is repairs to the hose drying tower in the spring. Two of the four windows at the top will be closed off and the other two will be blocked with screening. They are being left open to let air pass through but blocking ingress to the pigeons. If enough funds can be raised it is hoped to have the outside of the building painted next year. Various fund raising ideas were talked about.

President Don Rawlings submitted his resignation from office effective immediately. Rawlings said he has held that position for one year. Vice-President Kris Vallera will assume the presidency in the interim. Nominations of officers for 2011 will be held at the next meeting with elections in January.

The next meeting is scheduled for December 8 at 7 P.M. at the old station. The picture shown above is from Historian Bob Lloyd's digital collection.

ole nib

Monday, November 15, 2010

WHS Football Team Honored


Last Wednesday evening the Wellsville Touchdown Club honored the members of the 2010 WHS Football Team. The annual banquet was catered by Connie's Corner and held at the WHS Auditeria.

Head Coach Dave Skinner served as the Master-of-Ceremonies. Skinner said coaching at Wellsville is "awesome" because of the parents, fans, the staff and most of all the young men that make up the team.

This year's team was short on experienced players but not on determination. Even though their record was 4&6 on the season Skinner noted the fact they "never quit". That determination to not give up paid off in the last weeks of the schedule. Going into Week 8 the team was 1&6. With two away games and one home game left it would be understandable if morale was at an all time low. However, the Fighting Tigers never tucked their tail between their legs and put three straight victories in the record books to finish out the season. As the coach noted it was awesome!

Skinner profusely thanked everyone involved in the football program and noted the efforts of WHS Sports Station which brought the play-by-play each and every week to everyone. WHS SS is a group of volunteers that are completely independent of the school. With Mayor Joe Surace, Roger Miller and Bud Ceneviva in the booth they broadcast every game over the internet, supported by donations. James "Sparky" Miller takes care of the technical stuff back in his studio and Dave Miller films the games for later viewing on www.whsalumni.com. With a lap top and an air card these guys bring Wellsville sports live to a world wide audience. Then the next day a video of the game can be seen on the web site. League rules prohibit televising the game live.

The Mayor said they are ready to start doing the same with basketball once the season gets started. They have enough funds to get started but can always use more to bank and finish out the season. In addition to regular expenses the league gets $50 per game. It cost $500 in league fees to broadcast the football games.

At this year's banquet all the Freshman players were given a travel bag. Upper classmen were given WHS Tiger hoodies and the Seniors were their game jerseys. Even the coaches got a present from the Touchdown Club.

Pastor Dirk Hall offered the invocation and benediction for the banquet. Hall is pastor of Wellsville's Nazarene Church. In reminding everyone present that the Good Lord does answer prayers, Pastor Dirk said he is praying for a 10&0 record for the 2011 season.

Wouldn't that be something?

ole nib

Lindsey's Christmas Drive Is On


It started out as Christmas project to make sure every patient in Pittsburgh's Childrens Hospital Cancer Unit had at least one toy for Christmas morning. The effort started by Mr. & Mrs Richard Salsberry in memory of their late daughter Lindsey.

Young Lindsey Salsberry was a college freshman when her cancer was discovered in 2005. While enduring nearly two years of surgeries and treatments at the hospital Lindsey always worried about and cared for the younger patients in the unit. At Christmas time she thought every child in the unit should have at least one toy to unwrap on Christmas morning.

Lindsey was taken in the spring of 2007. In honor of her concern for her mates in the unit her parents started Lindsey's Christmas that year. Over the years it has grown and last year they were able to make sure every child in the Pittsburgh hospital got at least one toy. We recall Lindsey's dad telling us they nearly filled up their house storing the presents waiting for the holiday. Through the generosity of Lindsey's family and friends they had over 600 toys for the children last year, enough for every child in the hospital.

You can be part of Lindsey's Christmas. For just $1 you can get a "Christmas Frog Card" with your name on it at either Tonda's Place in Wellsville, Craig's Tire in Calcutta or the Beaver Local Middle School. If you can afford more it will be greatly appreciated. Donations of toys are also being accepted at those locations. Every penny collected goes for the gifts to Childrens Hospital patients. The cards will be displayed at each location.

Lindsey is no longer with us but her spirit lives on, especially on Christmas Day.

ole nib

First Christian Contines Support for Lions Care & Share


As they have for the past seven years the good folks at Wellsville's First Christian Church continued their support of the Lions Club Care & Share. This past Wednesday they hosted a fund raising dinner to support the Christmas project.

For 26 years the Wellsville Lions Club have annually raised money to furnish Christmas dinners and toys for the young ones of families that are less fortunate than ourselves. Last year they furnished 180 Christmas dinners and over 200 toys to children. This year is no different. Lions Club member Gary Malone told us that the First Christian Church have been having a benefit dinner to annually support the Care & Share project.

This year's menu was creamed chicken over biscuits, salad, "smashed" potatoes, green beans and dessert. The members of First Christian cook and serve the dinners and the church picks up the tab for the food. The money for every ticket sold goes to Care & Share.

Donations are still being gratefully accepted for the Care & Share project. Contact any member of the Lions Club.

Shown in the collage above are pictures of last Wednesday's benefit dinner. It's a picture of neighbor helping neighbor in a good demonstration of the Christmas spirit. Although not everyone pictured is a member of the Lions Club, everyone that was there was showing their support.

ole nib

Sunday, November 14, 2010

On The Calendar

We could take the weather we had last week just about year round. It don't get much nicer than that.

Monday - November 15:

  • Wellsville Board of Education - 6:30 P.M. in Superintendent's Office - Center St.


Tuesday - November 16:

  • Wellsville Historical Society - 7:30 P.M. at the River Museum - 1003 Riverside

  • Tiger's Takedown Club - 8 P.M. at Wellsville Village Hall - 1200 Main St.


Wednesday - November 17:

  • Medical Assistance Program - 9:30 A.M. to Noon at First Christian Church - 831 Main St.

  • BWD Finance Committee - 10 A.M. at Administration Office - 1923 Clark Ave.

  • Joshua Project Clothing Give-away - Noon to 6 P.M. at New Hope Community Church - Route 39

  • WHS Alumni Activities Committee Baked Chicken Dinner - 4 to 7 P.M. at the Alumni Center - 3rd St.


Thursday - November 18:

  • BWD Board of Trustees - 9 A.M. at Wellsville Village Hall - 1200 Main St.

  • Wellsville Crime Watch Committee - 6 P.M. at Wellsville Village Hall - 1200 Main St.


Friday - November 19:

  • Nothing on our schedule


Saturday - November 20:

  • Lions Club Care & Share Tag Day - 9 A.M. to Noon

  • "THE" Ohio State Buckeyes at Iowa - 3:30 P.M. on ABC


Sunday - November 21:

  • Worship at a church of your choice

  • Pittsburgh Steelers vs Oakland Raiders - 1 P.M. at Heinz Field - Pittsburgh

  • Thanksgiving Community Service - 7 P.M. at Riverside Presbyterian Church


The Wellville Village Council meeting normally held on the third Tuesday of the month has been rescheduled for the following Tuesday, November 23. There was no reason given for the delay on the e-mail notification.

The WHS Alumni Activities Committee's monthly spaghetti dinner has been changed to a baked chicken dinner with all the trimmings. It's a change of pace from all the other spaghetti dinners prepared with you in mind. Take outs are available. Stop in or call 330-532-9811.

Thursday evening's Crime Watch meeting will feature "Ryot", Wellsville's newest member to the Police Dept. Stop in to meet our soon to be newest canine officer. The meeting is open to the public.

Have a good week...

ole nib

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Koontz Motors Gets A Lift




Here's something you don't see everyday. About a month or so ago the office building of Koontz Motors was hit by an automobile. The result of the accident damaged the foundation of the building. To the untrained eye there was not much evidence of the damage visible. When we heard of the accident we couldn't see anything worth taking a picture.

That all changed this past week when owner Tom Koontz had a local contractor start the repairs. The two story structure itself was in good shape and worth salvaging. The big question was - how?

When originally built in the mid-1970s it was built from the bottom up. All the weight of the two story building was bearing down. The question this week was, would it hold together when the contractor lifted it off the old foundation?

After consulting the original contractor it was decided that by nailing pieces of sheet wood in the midsection, it should hold the structure together. There were four pieces, two on each side, applied and it worked.

Good neighbors, Stevenson Foundry, allowed the contractor to use their big fork lift for picking it up off the old foundation. We were impressed with the ingenuity used to salvage the building and allow the repairs. There's still some minor details to finish up but it will soon be ready for use once again.

Now it's safe and sound, almost good as new. Koontz Motors is located at 3rd & Broadway in Wellsville.

ole nib

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Wellsville Area Ministerial Association


Tuesday - November 9: The Wellsville Area Ministerial Association (WAMA) held their regular meeting today at Tonda's Place. President, Pastor Troy Warner presided. There were 12 members present at the breakfast meeting. At his final meeting as President and a member of WAMA, Pastor Warner offered devotions followed by prayer around the table. With no secretary present Warner recapped the minutes of the October meeting and Deacon Terry McCuen gave the Treasurer's Report.

Under Correspondence Pastor Warner also recapped a letter for the Moore's Youth With A Purpose Home. The home, located in Salineville, is a place for troubled boys as a Christian alternative to detention centers. Effective January 1, 2011 the home will sever all ties as a government funded organization and will depend solely as a faith based supported mission. With 17 years experience the home has been struggling the last few years with steady cut backs in government funding during the recession. The change will free up the home from costly expenditures required by government regulations. Calling it a pivotal point in the home's existence, Warner implored the other pastors to continue their donations in support of the home's mission. Warner was a member of the home's advisory board. Members of WAMA voted to make a donation to the home.

Rev. Bill Betteridge reported on the annual Thanksgiving Community Service to be held Sunday, November 21. The Riverside Presbyterian Church will host this years service. It is set to begin at 7 P.M. with Pastor Eddie Renfoe giving the message and other area pastors participating. Aaron Bunfill and the First Christian Church's choir will lead the musical selections along with guest organist Clark Wilson. There will be a hospitality reception following the service. The church is located at 525 Riverside and the annual service is open to the public. The members of WAMA voted to donate the offering from the service to the Chaplian's Department that serves the Columbiana County Tobin Center. Installation of the 2011 WAMA officers will also take place at the service.

Plans were made for the annual WAMA Christmas party to be held Friday, December 3. More information will be forthcoming once details are confirmed.

As announced at last month's meeting Pastor Troy Warner has accepted a new assignment as pastor of the Paris First Baptist Church in Paris, Illinois. He will conduct his last Sunday service on November 14 at Wellsville's First Christian Church. The Warner family will be departing for Illinois following a Thanksgiving/Farewell Dinner to be held immediately following the combined 10:45 A.M. service next Sunday. Warner has been the First Christian pastor for over five years.

Pictured above is Rev. Roosevelt Thompson, WAMA VP on the left, Warner in the center and retired Pastor Jay Nightengale on the right. Nightengale will be installed as the new WAMA President at the Thanksgiving Community Service.

The annual Christmas party will replace the regular meeting in December. The next scheduled, regular WAMA meeting is Tuesday, January 11, 2011, at 9 A.M. at Tonda's Place on the 4th St. Square. Aaron Smith will offer the devotions.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish Pastor Troy and his family good luck in their new home. Wellsville will miss you...

ole nib

Monday, November 8, 2010

Rollin' On The River Auction A Roarin' Success


Last Saturday evening Wellsville's Revitalization Committee sponsored a very successful auction. It was hosted by Sell's Auction Service with Bob Sell himself conducting the sales. The special auction was a fund raiser for the Committee's projects such as the maintenance, upkeep and completion of the flood wall murals.

In addition to the murals the Committee is attempting to revive the village's business district in conjunction with their membership with Heritage Ohio. That project is called Main Street USA. Their goal is to work with local businesses and building owners in renovating and fixing up their areas. Recently the Committee has offered their assistance to the Potter Players Community Theatre group in fixing up and getting the old Liberty Theater reopened as a cultural center. It's been the dream of the PPCT since being given the deed to the place. They are hoping with renewed interest the old theater can once again be a Wellsville gem, in spite of the recession.

Last Saturday's auction featured a whole gamut of items that was all donated. The civic minded donars are too numerous to list here. Merchandise was donated by area businesses and members of the private sector. There were antiques, useful everyday items and unique memorabilia. Even Bob Sell got into the spirit and now has to wear a Steeler hat & jersey for the next two Wednesdays when his challenge was met.

Runners for the auction volunteered their time. The runners were Tonda Ross of Tonda's Place, Steve Salisbury of Save-A-Lot, Beverly Hentzell of Airwaves, Diane Dinch of Cinn-Less Tanning, Pat George of Floors By George and members of the Committee.

WRC President Candy Bangor thanked everyone for their generosity and time in making the fund raiser such a success. Membership in the Revitalization Committee is open to anyone. It is an all volunteer committee who's goal is to make Wellsville a more attractive place to shop and conduct business. Anyone interested in joining or with suggestions can stop by Air Waves at 464 Main St. or call 330-383-2208.

ole nib

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Wellsville Flood History


Last Thursday evening, November 4, Wellsville historian Bob Lloyd presented his program entitled The Floods of Wellsville. The program was sponsored by the Carnegie Public Library.

Lloyd is a retired railroader and a long time history buff. He's a member of the Wellsville Historical Society and the historian for the Volunteer Fire Dept. Lloyd noted when he retired from the railroad he decided to pursue his passion on collecting historical pictures of the ville and investigating their history.

Recorded history of Wellsville floods goes back to 1832 when a flood called the "Pumpkin Flood" occurred. There is no record of the depth of the flood but it was noted for the numbers of pumpkins floating in the flood waters. The flood occurred in the early fall before the pumpkins were harvested.

It wasn't until 1884 that statistics on floods were first recorded. The 1884 flood was the worse in history up to that point. The waters crested 44 feet above flood stage causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in loss of property.

Pictured above is the Mission Evangelical Church when the flood of 1884 started to recede. The church was located at 3rd & Lisbon Streets were the BP gas station is today. The picture is one of the photos in Lloyd's collection. There is a telephone/electrical pole on the far left with a darkened area at the bottom. We believe that darkened section depicts the high water mark in the 1884 flood.

The grand daddy of Wellsville floods happened 52 years later in 1936. Flood waters crested at 51.5 feet. It was estimated that 700 to 800 homes suffered flood damage in Wellsville. The Pittsburgh newspapers named the 1936 flood the St. Patrick's Day Flood. However, it was two days later the flood crested in Wellsville on March 19th.

With the flood damage running into millions of dollars all up & down the Ohio Valley Congress decided it was time to take action. As a result Wellsville was selected to get a flood control system consisting of flood walls, dikes, gates and pumps.

Before the system was fully erected and used there were two additional floods equalling the 1884 flood. Both were in 1937. In late January of that year the water crested at 44 feet. Nearly three months later the water crested at 43 feet on April 27.

The flood control system was first put to the test in late December of 1942 when flood waters crested at 47.5 feet. Although there were leaks found at the base of the gates it didn't amount to too much trouble. The system held the water for the most part. The pumps were able to take care of the water seeping in under the gates.

There have been 14 floods since 1942 where the flood control system has done it's duty. Approaching its 70th birthday the system today needs help that will required at least a couple of million of dollars worth of repairs. Village officials have been working on getting financial help especially with replacing the pumps.

It's been said that those who don't know our history are doomed to repeat it. Fortunately Wellsville has citizens like Bob Lloyd who have documented our flood history and is willing to share it with anyone.

Thanks to Bob and the good folks at Wellsville's Library for a most interesting program. The pictures are like traveling in a time capsule...

ole nib

On The Calendar

Did you set your clocks back last night? Daylight Savings Time started today. If you didn't you better get 'round to it. You'll be losing an hour of sleep.

This past week saw a Republican sweep for all the candidates we voted on in Columbiana County. Wellsville's two levies passed with very good margins. They were worried about the fire levy since it was a replacement. With the economy the Village officials were actually concerned with both. Money will still be tight next year. The levies don't kick in until 2012.

Monday - November 8:

  • Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati - 8:30 Monday Night Football


Tuesday - November 9:

  • Wellsville Area Ministerial Association - 9 A.M. at Tonda's Place - 4th St. Sq.


Wednesday - November 10:

  • BWD Budget & Audit Committee - 2 P.M. at Administration Office - Clark Ave.

  • Care & Share Dinner - 4 to 6:30 P.M. at First Christian Church - 831 Main St.

  • WHS Touchdown Club Football Banquet - 6 P.M. at High School Auditeria - Bengal Drive

  • Friends of the Old Fire Station - 7 P.M. at Old Fire Station - Main St.


Thursday - November 11:

  • Veteran's Day Program - 1:50 P.M. at Wellsville High School Gym - Bengal Dr.


Friday - November 12:

  • Senior Golden Links - 1 P.M. at Shoub Towers - 500 Main St.


Saturday - November 13:

  • Wellsville Library Card Making - 12 Noon to 2:30 - See post dated 11/5

  • "THE" OSU Buckeyes vs Penn State - 3:30 P.M. in the Horse Shoe - Columbus - ABC/ESPN


Sunday - Novermber 14:

  • Worship at a church of your choice

  • Pittsburgh Steelers vs New England Pats - 8:20 P.M. at Heinz Field - Pittsburgh


Tuesday morning's Wellsville Area Ministerial Association's meeting will be Pastor Troy Warner's last. Warner is the President of WAMA and he & his family will be soon departing Wellsville for a new assignment. Sunday, November 14, will be his last day at First Christian before leaving for Paris, IL.

Wednesday's Care & Share Dinner at First Christian is for the Lion's Club annual fund drive to provide Christmas for children & families less fortunate than us. They are serving cream chicken over biscuits and all the trimmings. Cost is a very reasonable $5 for adults & $3 for children age 12 & under. All proceeds go 100% to Care & Share. Lion's Charter Member Gary Malone tells us the good folks at First Christian has been sponsoring this event for about eight years now. Carry outs will be available.

Due to an OSBA meeting this year the regular Board of Education meeting for the Wellsville District is pushed back one week to November 15. They normally meet the second Monday of the month.

The time for the Veteran's Day Program (1:50 P.M.)was set due to times of class schedules. The observance is open to the public.

Have a good week...

ole nib

WHS Volleyball Lady Tigers Eliminated


Unfortunately it was one & done for the 2010 WHS Volleyball team once they worked their way out of Columbiana County. With winning the District OHSAA Div. IV tournament championship in Lisbon the previous week the Lady Tigers earned a date to take on Norwalk's St. Paul Lady Flyers. They traveled to Solon, OH, this past Wednesday for the opening match in Sectional play.

Since it was in 2003 the Lady Tigers last won a district championship no one on the Wellsville team had any experience playing on that level. Even Shawntae Dillard, the lone senior on the team, was still in Middle School seven years ago. The Norwalk team were state runner-ups last year. Out of the last nine years they were in regional tournaments eight times. Except for their Freshman players they were all veteran tournament players and they left no doubt about it.

As talented and well coached they are, the Lady Tigers were given a lesson this past Wednesday in the game of volleyball. Aptly named, the Lady Flyers were "flying" Wednesday night. They were flying high, they were nose diving, digging balls out of the wood and they were flying fast. It took less than an hour to win the match 3-0. The ladies from St. Paul were on fire Wednesday night and they were relentless attacking the ball.

It's never easy losing but it was good experience any way you look at it for the Lady Tigers. They finish the season with a 19&8 record and that's not shabby. It's something to build on for next season. With only one senior on the starting six they have a solid team to build on in 2011. Walk proud Ladies. You did good and all of Wellsville is proud of you.

The Wellsville faithful should be congratulated too. There were three full buses of fans plus untold numbers that followed in individual cars to cheer the team. It was proof positive of the pride the folks from the ville holds in their hearts for the Lady Tigers. A big thank you should go out to the Volleyball Boosters for providing the bus transportation. It was greatly appreciated.

Before closing we want to note that the St. Paul team is now finished for the season too. The second match Wednesday night at Solon High School had Dalton facing Kirtland. Dalton won that match 3-0. Yesterday they knocked out St. Paul 3-1. With a record of 22&4, Dalton takes on New Philly Tuscarawas C.C. (25&1) next Saturday. The winner of that match will play either Sidney Lehman Catholic or Toledo Christian for the Div. IV state championship next Saturday.

Now it's on to basketball...

ole nib

Friday, November 5, 2010

Now & Then



Here's another snap shot that was recently donated to Wellsville's Historical Society with very little information. It's an old black & white picture that only notes that it's the Nazarene Church. There was no date noted about when the picture was taken.

The old church is now the home of the Potter Player's Community Theatre located on 15th St. There's not much difference in the church itself. The wooden front steps were replace with concrete ones with iron rails. There was a side door added for the ramp and the air vent at the top was eliminated.

The house to the left is the same one. The front porch was changed, it's been sided with shutters now added. In the old picture you can see a piece of a car that makes us think the picture goes back to 1930s or 1940s.

The street sign has been replaced with a stop sign. Whenever this picture was taken it was in the days before the brick street was paved over. At any rate it qualified as a then & now subject.

ole nib

Card Making At The Library


Back by popular demand just in time for the holiday season, Wellsville's Carnegie Library is offering another card making program for adults 18 years old and up. Here's you chance to learn all the ins & outs of card making that Hallmark wishes they would keep secret.

Registration is required so they can order all the supplies. It's only $10 and that covers the cost of lunch. For more information call 330-532-1526. Fees are due at the time of making your registration.

It's another fun learning activity sponsored by the Friends of the Wellsville Public Library...

ole nib