Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Wellsville's All-Class Reunion Underway







Tuesday - June 29: With Ray Charles (John Henry Martin) singing America the Beautiful, Sister Kim Fusco Meek asking for the Lord's blessing and a special appearance by the "King" (Rich Johnston) the WHS Lip Sync All-Stars got this year's reunion underway. Sister Kim has Rosalie Fusco Call on her left & Sue McBane Andrews to the right. Sister Joyce Milligan Livolsi did not get pictured in this shot.
Last night's performance was the opening preview of the big show tonight. Show time is 7 o'clock this evening. There's music everyone will be able to enjoy and reminisce over with laughs and warm fuzzy feelings. This talented cast of entertainers put on a show that young and not-so-young can thoroughly enjoy. Admission is free.

Also, things get started in the Square at 4th Street with WHS Class of '55's Rev. Bill Betteridge offering invocation from the main stage at 6 P.M. The Generation Band & 7% Superstar will also be performing tonight in the Square.

Welcome home folks! Your WHS Alumni Activities have been working hard to ensure your trip is enjoyed.

See yuens around...


ole nib



Wyane Maris - Nice Guy


Tuesday - June 29: Usually when you see the ER's Wayne Maris out and about in the area he's drapped with a professional camera or two. There're the kind of cameras that "shutter bugs" drool over.

Yesterday at the unveiling of Wellsville's Memorial Council's proposed Honor Roll location Wayne was on hand to get a picture that was published this morning in the newspaper. Before everyone scattered one of the Council's members asked Mr. Maris if he would take one shot with his camera.

Never in our wildest dreams did we think we would see Wayne using a "throw away" camera. We had to record this for the archives.

Wayne always has a smile & a firm handshake when he says hello and now we can truthfully say he is really a nice guy.

For more on the new Honor Roll see our post dated 6/19/10.


ole nib

Monday, June 28, 2010

2010 WHS Athletic Hall of Fame Class

Thursday evening at the High School nine new selections will be inducted as members of the Wellsville High School Athletic Hall of Fame. The ceremony is included as part of this year's All-Class Reunion festivities.

We promised in February that we would have more later on the selections. They are in posts below starting with the late Mr. James Carter. Mr. Carter & John Euill were selected from the WHS Senior Era and the other seven from the Modern Era. We just included some of the high lights of each. There will be a souvenir program with more detailed biographies available for a nominal donation at the induction ceremonies. The pictures we're showing are for each selections' senior year yearbooks, except for Mr. Carter. Carter graduated in 1942 and the only picture we could locate was in the 1941 book.

Special thanks to Karen Dash, Bud Ceneviva and the rest of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee for all the information they shared. Also, again, thanks to Brassy Beresford and the Wellsville Historical Society for allowing us to use the archived year books at the River Museum.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is set to begin at 7 P.M. at the "new" high school. Admission is free and seating will be on a first come - first serve basis. Join us in paying tribute to some of Wellsville's gifted athletes.

ole nib

2010 WHS Athletic Hall of Fame James Carter


The first selection for this years Class of 2010 is James Carter from WHS Class of '42 for football. He joins fellow team mates Bob Campbell, Ves Jackson & Brassy Beresford. Nick named "Boo" he was the eighth of 15 siblings in his family. Talking to other fellow team mates that played with Mr. Carter, it was generally agreed that you didn't want to be hit by him when he was playing guard while on the gridiron. Bob Campbell said "he could ring your bell"! He earned four Varsity letters during his high school career.

After high school Carter played semi-pro for the old Steubenville Pros football team and also pitched baseball for the Golden Star Dairy team while working for Crucible Steel. Mr. Carter has passed on and is no longer with us. He will be represented by his brother Frank.


ole nib

2010 WHS Athletic Hall of Fame John Euill


The second selectee from the Senior era for the Hall of Fame is WHS Class of '62 member John Euill. He was selected for his accomplishments in football and basketball while playing sports for the Orange & Black. He was a four year varsity letter winner for both basketball & track and two years for football.

Euill recieved a four year football scholarship and was on the 1963 Ohio Univ. Mid-America Conference Championship Team. John went on to a career in law enforcement and retired nine years ago from the U.S. Capitol Police in Washington, D.C. Living in Cheverly, MD, he mentors 5th & 6th grade students.

ole nib

2010 WHS Athletic Hall of Fame John Bobalik



From the Class of '70 basketball standout John Bobalik was selected for his many honors and accomplishments on the hardwood. John scored 914 points in his career at WHS and was second only in scoring his senior season behind fellow WHS Hall of Fame member, the legendary Bevo Francis.

Bobalik once held the state record converting 48 consecutive free throws. He set a national record making 30 consecutive shots against Carrollton, making 8 for 8 from the floor and 22 foul shots. He averaged 26 ppg his senior year and was honored in the Sports Illustrated magazine.

John has been an educator for the past 33 years and remains active in the game coaching and refereeing.

ole nib

2010 WHS Athletic Hall of Fame Garry Allison


WHS Class of '74 member Garry Allison was selected for his basketball play. Playing for Coach Bob Dawson, Garry made All-State Honorable Mention his junior year and First Team All-State his senior year. He also made honorable mention on the Sun Kist High School All-American his senior year.


Garry went on to play four years for Capital Univ. in Columbus. Garry now lives in East Palestine, OH, and owns a trucking business.


ole nib

2010 WHS Athletic Hall of Fame Danny Tice


From the WHS Class of '79 Danny Tice was selected to the Hall of Fame for three sports - football, basketball & track. His list of high school honors in all three sports is proof positive that Wellsville have some of the most gifted athletes in the world. It was his accomplishments on the track that stands out the most. Tice's record of 38.3 seconds in the low hurdles still stands at WHS today. He was a Buck Powell kind of all around athlete for the Tigers.


Danny went on to pursue football at the Univ. of Akron after high school. He now lives in Las Vegas, NV, and works in the gaming industry.


ole nib

2010 WHS Athletic Hall of Fame Lynda Salter


From the Class of '86 Lynda Salter was selected for track & field accomplishments. She was a three sport WHS student athlete, also being a valuable member of the volley ball and basketball teams. During her high school career she brought home a silver medal from the State Track meet for her second place finish in the 300 meter low hurdles.

After college she worked 10 years as a software engineer for Lockheed. Today Mrs. Kelly is a "domestic engineer", very involved in Fort Worth, TX, with her four children.

ole nib

2010 WHS Hall of Fame Class of '93 Members



There are two members from the WHS Class of '93 selected. First was Laurie Punch for her track & field accomplishments. Her record for the discus and shot put remains untouched at WHS. She brought home a bronze metal for the shot put her Junior Year at the State Track meet.

Dr. Punch now lives in Baltimore and is a trauma surgeon at the Univ. of Maryland Medical Center and an assistant professor at that same school.

The second member of the Class of '93 selected is Jason Ours for his football talent. He is best remembered for his hard hitting, aggressive play at middle linebacker and was named First Team All-State his senior year at that position. A team leader he was the starting full back both his junior & senior years on offense.

Jason is a Wellsville area resident, works as an insurance adjuster and is very active with the youth of the community.

ole nib

2010 WHS Athletic Hall of Fame Collin Kinsey


From the Class of '94 Collin Kinsey was selected for his track & field accomplishments. He was the first high school All-American selected from Wellsville High School and still holds 3 WHS track records. He was a State decathlon record holder for 12 years and was the first Ohio male athlete to qualify for the State Meets in four individual events. After high school Kinsey continued his efforts at the college level and to this day remains active in athletics.

Kinsey is Head Coach for St. Catherine's College in Springfield, KY, in both their male & female Track & Field teams.

ole nib

Getting Ready For The Reunion


While going around getting pictures of the clean-up efforts this past Saturday we caught others on the Alumni Activities Committees busy with reunion stuff. Many of the ville's merchants and landlords have stepped up their efforts to get their buildings painted and cleaned up. Shown in the collage is Jeff MacLean & John Buchannon putting a much needed coat of paint on a Main Street business. Committee members have put welcome signs at both ends of town. Tina Pullie Smith & Bud Ceneviva were out in the hot sun getting donations to build up the Alumni Hall of Fame Scholarship Fund. Bill Boyce & Alumni Activities President Kenny DeLauder were busy decorating the awning at the Alumni Center with orange & black flags.

As the sign in the front window at the Carriage House says the ville is "Alive With Tiger Pride". Kudos to all those taking the time and making the effort to make Wellsville truly someplace special. It is not going unnoticed...

ole nib

Sunday, June 27, 2010

On The Calendar

It's Reunion Week, the much anticipated 5 Year All-Class Reunion. Can you believe it? There's lots action on the calendar this week. Lets get started...

Monday - June 28:

  • BWD Personnel Committee Meeting Cancelled

  • Jr. Tigers Football Meeting & Registration - 6 P.M. at Hammonds Park Upper Pavilion


Tuesday - June 29:

  • Make A Splash Summer Reading Program - 10 to 11 A.M. at Wellsville Carnegie Library - Main St.

  • Old Fire Station Open House - 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. - Main St. - Free admission

  • WHS All-Stars Lip Sync Preview - 7 P.M. at Wellsville High School - Free admission - Seating first come - first served


Wednesday - June 30:

  • BWD Engineering Committee Progress Meeting - !0 A.M. at Water Treatment Plant - Route 45

  • Old Fire Station Open House - 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. - Main St. - Free Admission

  • All-Class Reunion Gets started in 4th Street Square - Invocation at 6 P.M.with Generation Band & 7% Superstar to follow

  • WHS All-Stars Lip Sync 2 - 7 P.M. at Wellsville High School - Free Admission - Seating first come - first served


Thursday - July 1:

  • Riverside Presbyterian Sidewalk Cafe - 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. - Riverside

  • River Museum Open House - 1 to 3 P.M. - 1003 Riverside - Free Admission

  • WHS Classes of '43-'44 & '45 Dinner Meeting at 6 P.M. at Alumni Center

  • WHS Hall-of-Fame Private Reception - 5:45 to 7 P.M at High School Band Room

  • WHS Athletic Hall-of-Fame Inductions - 7 P.M. at High School - Free Admission

  • Music starts at 6 P.M. in the Square with Ron Ammon & Daughter, Acme Bros., Route 45 Band & Flashpoints Band - Check schedules for times


Friday - July 2:

  • Class of '55 Meeting Reception - 2 P.M. at E. Liverpool Country Club

  • River Museum Open House - 1 to 3 P.M. - 1003 Riverside - Free Admission

  • Cat Fish Tournament - Registration 4 P.M. behind Kwik King - Not part of reunion

  • Parade - 6 P.M. start at 13th St. coming uptown

  • Class of 2010 Wellsville Legends Reception - Immediately following parade at Alumni Center - Public Invited

  • Class of '65 members asked to meet to be in parade - Reception to follow at Linda & Jeff Weekley's

  • Class of '77 - Meets at 7 P.M. at 123 third St.

  • Induction of 2010 Wellsville Legends - 8:30 P.M. in the Square

  • Legends Band - 10 P.M. in the Square


Saturday - July 3:

  • Cat Fish Tournament Weigh-In - 7:30 A.M. to 8 - behind Kwik King

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

  • **Alumni Activities Scholarship Luncheon - 11 A.M. at Alumni Center**
  • Reunion Antique Car Show - 1 to 4 P.M. - Main Street

  • St. Baldrick's Foundation Fund Raiser - 2:30 at the Gazebo - 4th St. Square

  • Jake & I Acoustic - 3 P.M. at Riverside Roadhouse

  • All Classes Reunion Dinner - 6 P.M. at High School

  • Music in the Square starts at 6 P.M. with Saturday Night Fever DJ followed by The John Parker Band


Sunday - July 4:

  • Independence Day

  • Worship at the church of your choice

  • River Museum Tours - 1 P.M. to 4:30 at 1003 Riverside - Free Admission

  • Class of '56 Meets at Jack & Roe's



The Jr. Tigers Meeting Monday evening at Hammonds Park is for all members whether you're already registered or not. Going over important stuff. Will be able to register too.

The late Paul Zendher, WOHI radio personality, use to call the River Museum the hidden treasure in the Valley. It hasn't changed. Our friends at the Historical Society will be holding two special open house tours for all Reunion attendees on Thursday & Friday. Stop by a see one of the finest museums in the region.

The individual classes shown in the schedule above are the only ones we know anything about. We missed a couple of things that we plugged in with ** notations.

For all the folks traveling in for the reunion we would like to say "Welcome Home"!

ole nib

Riverside Presbyterian Church's Sidewalk Cafe


Here's a Wellsville tradition you'll want to add to the list of things to do next Thursday during the All-Class Reunion. The good folks over on Riverside have been doing this every summer for more years than we can remember. It's a summer tradition in the ville that we look forward to each and every year. It's open to the public.

Also, the pie making crew will have a booth in the Square Wednesday through Saturday serving up slices of their mouth watering and delicious pies from 4 to 9 P.M. each evening. You won't want to miss getting a taste of home with everything homemade fresh from the Riverside Presbyterian kitchens. Only the ingredients are store bought.

Bon appetite!

ole nib

Fund Raising For St. Balrick's




If you know Miz Beatty like we know Miz Beatty you won't be surprised that she is doing yet another thing to benefit children. Mary Beatty runs a day care in her home. Of course she's does it to earn a living but if it came down to it we have a feeling she does it more for the kids. If we were 18" tall, Mary would be the first one we would go to. She simply loves being around children and will do anything to help them. That's why she is going to be shaved bald next Saturday afternoon at the Gazebo. She's taking donation pledges to have it done to raise funds for St. Baldrick's Foundation.

St. Baldrick's Foundation passes out grants to fund research to find ways to fight childhood cancer. They are second only to the U.S. Government in the amount of money they give toward this life saving research. Since being founded in 2005 they have given over $41.7 million in research grants. They are represented in 47 states in the U.S., seven other countries and Guam.

It's not an easy decision for a lady to sacrifice their hair, even for such a noble cause. Not many females will step up to the plate. According to the St. Baldrick's web site so far 36,933 people have raised funds getting their heads shaved in 2010. Out of that number only slightly over 10%, or 3,706, of them have been females.

St. Baldrick's says their primary purpose is to fund research. Out of every dollar 75 cents goes to grants, 22 cents for fund raising and only a little over three cents for salaries and administrative costs. There's not many charitable fund raising organizations that can truthfully say that. There are not too many of them that publish their Federal Form 990, as St. Baldrick's does, for all to see.

The Wellsville event is being sponsored by Center Pharmacy & owner Joe Amaismeier. Mary tells us she's one of several that will be shorn of their locks next Saturday, July 3. It begins at 2:30 P.M. She's doing it for the kids. Won't you give her a call and pledge your support in her effort to raise funds for research. You can reach her at 330-532-9036. Any amount would be greatly appreciated.

Pictured here is Mary as she looks now and the St. Baldrick's badge she proudly wears. She has less than a week before she will "look like a hero for kids with cancer". Your donation is a tax write-off and Mary says she'll even sign autographs.

We're proud of you Miz Beatty. Who knows? You may start a fashion trend in Wellsville. It's an honor to call you friend...

ole nib

Wellsville Memories




Here's three pictures we scanned from an old WHS Yearbook we thought you could trip down memory lane over. You might be showing your age if you can remember that Wellsville's Save-A-Lot was built and first opened as Mason's IGA Foodliner and when the Robert's Funeral Home was known as the Haugh Robert's Funeral when they still had a front porch or Tonda's Place was Miller's Insurance snuggled up to a big old house. Check out the cars in the Mason's picture. They are some of the models you see at today's antique car shows.

The year was 1962. We can recall when all of these places looked like that. Yea, we're getting a little long in the tooth....

ole nib

Wellsville Area Chamber-of-Commerce June Luncheon


Thursday - June 24: The Wellsville Area Chamber-of-Commerce June luncheon was held this past Thursday at Tonda's Place on the 4th Street Square. The meeting was called to order by President Randy Allmon and invocation was offered by Paul Blevins.

Allmon welcomed five new members that have joined since last month's luncheon. The are Tom Brophey, a member of the Wellsville Board of Education, Mrs. Christy Gibas, Foster Care Recruiter for CC Children's Services, Rich Bereschik, Superintendent of the Wellsville School District, the Wellsville Historical Society and Greg Stewart, Wellsville Sewage Treatment Plant Superintendent for United Water. Allmon advised that to date 85% of the Chamber members have paid their dues.

As previously reported the Wellsville Historical Society, owners and operators of the River Museum, have joined forces with the Chamber to promote tourism in the village. Along with the Revitalization Committee they are all working with the newly formed CC Tourism Bureau.

The beer steins being sold by the Chamber for this year's All-Class Reunion are nearly ready and will be available this coming week. If pre-ordered the steins are $10 each and will cost $12 once the reunion starts this coming Wednesday. Anyone wishing to pre-order can call Allmon at 330-843-3475. Orders can be picked at the Chamber booth in the Square doing the reunion.

Allmon reported that unfortunately the Gazebo will not be completed before the Reunion as hoped for. The renovation work is being donated by member unions of the Western Reserve Trade Council who's members are donating time on their days off. Allmon said he is not making excuses but it has rained nine times in the last 10 week-ends. For safety reasons the Gazebo will be blocked off but the surrounding area will be reopened during the reunion. The Chamber donated all the wood and supplies to refurbish the Wellsville landmark.

Allmon also announced that flowers and hanginng baskets have been donated by the Chamber for the 4th Street Square planters and Gazebo. Allmon stated that he & President-elect Diana Spencer have been busy the last couple of weeks planting flowers in the Square.

Allmon commended members of the St. Francis Animal Welfare Center for conducting another successful Chamber sponsored rabies clinic. The clinic was held June 26 in Holly Development's lot at the old Sky Bank with 80 pets being inoculated. Dr. Michael Sandy and staff members of the Community Animal Clinic did the rabies shots once again this year. Chamber member Byron Carter of Holly Development donated the use of the lot for the clinic.

A sneak preview of the Reunion brochures was given at the luncheon. The attractive, tri-fold color brochures will be made available free of charge. It features a full schedule of all the activities to take place during this year's five day event and a map of Wellsville's points of interest. Allmon said the brochure will be available in various Wellsville businesses, The Alumni Center and the different booths in the Square during the reunion. We would scan a picture to show you but it's copy righted by DigiColor, the brochure's creator. You'll want to take one home for a keep sake.

Members of CC Mental Health Services Maureen Boyls & Betty Larkins presented this month's program. Boyls is a Recovery Assistant and Larkins is Director of Vocational Services. Both ladies spoke on the many services available to Columbiana County citizens. Pictured above is Boyls to the left of Allmon and Larkins to the right.

Business of the month is Glasgow Storage. See our post below.

Next luncheon will be Thursday, September 30, at the Dairy Queen on 3rd St. Enjoy the Reunion and have a safe summer. As the old song goes "See you in September"...

ole nib

Wellsville's June Business of the Month


Thursday - June 24: At the monthly Wellsville Area Chamber-of-Commerce luncheon President Randy Allmon announced that Glasgow Storage has been named the June Business of the Month. The Route 45, Madison Township self storage facility has been in business for 18 years now. It is located at 42344 Glasgow Road and is open seven days a week with 24 hour access with security lighting. The business is owned and operated by Chamber member Ms. Doris Adney.


Pictured here, from the left, is Brian Wallace, Chairman of the BOM Selection Committee, Ms. Adney and Chamber President Randy Allmon presenting the Business of the Month plaque.


ole nib

Friday, June 25, 2010

WHS Alumni Activity Committee


Thursday - June 24: With only four days to go until the Alumni Lip Sync All Stars kick off this year's All-Class Reunion members of the WHS Alumni Activities Committee met at the Alumni Center to double check all the last minute details. It will probably be the last meeting before it's show time for the 2010 edition of what has grown from Luella Thompson's dream.

Luella Thompson was a member of the WHS Class of 1924 who went on to college. After graduating from Dennison University she returned to Wellsville to begin her career in the banking industry. When Wellsville celebrated its 155th Anniversary in 1950 she polled many of the visiting former residents about all-class reunions to keep some of those former residents returning to visit the old home town. Many responded that coming back every five years for an All-Class Reunion Dinner was a grand idea. Thus the first 5-Year High School All-Class Reunion idea was born. It started as just a dinner one evening for the much copied event by other area schools. Growing in popularity ever since it grew from one evening every five years to a three to five day reunion event that involves the whole community. It's a huge event that is now anticipated by WHS Alumni from all over the world and in town too.

Some details we learned last night not previously mentioned is that part of the 4th Street Square will be blocked off starting around noon Tuesday, June 29, so committee members can begin to set up the stage and all that goes with it. The stage will be across Main in front of the old 356 Bar. The rest of Main will not be blocked off until sometime Wednesday.

Sheryl Gibson reports that there have been nearly 600 reservations sent in for the All-Class Dinner set for Saturday evening. She and Cris McNicol stated more are expected and that reservations will be accepted up through next Wednesday, June 30. So far the Classes of '56 & '57 have the most reservations made. The dinner will take place in the new High School which is air conditioned. From Wednesday through Saturday there will be food available from vendors in or near the square. Byron Carter will be on hand serving up his delicious BBQ chicken & ribs. The ladies from the Alley Cat Aid Brigade will be on hand with their famous hot dogs and cold drinks. Tonda's Place is located on the Square in the old Miller's Insurance building and they have a full service menu. DaLonzo's in the old Post Office building serves up a full menu specializing in pizza & Italian cuisine. Nick's Pizza is in the same location and still uses Nick Checkler's original sauce recipe. The Riverside Roadhouse in Gladys Meade's old place on Wells Avenue will have specials all week. Kat's Kitchen on Main in the old McGeehan's Restaurant also has a full menu too featuring home style cooking. The SOI will have a fish fry on Thursday and many of the clubs will be serving food too. Darlene & Tammy still got the Dairy Queen on 3rd Street. The only franchise eatery in town is McDonalds across from the Boy-And -The-Boot. Some of these places will have extended hours or 24/7 service during the reunion. You won't have to leave town if you want to go out for breakfast, lunch & dinner. For dessert you won't want to pass up some mouth watering home made pies topped with a scoop of ice cream. The Riverside Presbyterian pie making crew will have a booth set up in the Square from 4 to 9 P.M. Wednesday through Saturday. They'll have apple, Dutch apple, peach, cherry, raisin and rhubarb pies available. You can call Pat Ready with any questions about the pies at 330-532-2181.

Parade Chairman Jack Call advised he's a little nervous about promising it won't rain on his parade with all the wet weather we've been having lately. He announced there are 13 different classes with entries in Friday's parade so far. The 2010 Class of Wellsville Legends will be featured, hopefully, in convertibles along with the Parade Marshalls, Fire Trucks, and Police cruisers. The Class of '53 will be carrying the WHS banner. Call said there is still time to enter the parade. Members of the committee will be on hand in the parking lot of the old Sky Bank to assign spots for the entries. Possibly the new members of the WHS Athletic Hall-of-Fame will be in the parade too. You can call Mr. Call at 330-532-3155 with any questions or information. Members of Jack & Roe's Class of '56 will be meeting at noon next Friday at their place on Lincoln to decorate their float.

Carla Copple has been busy chasing down anyone she sees driving a convertible. She's still rounding them up for the parade. Carla also announced there will be a reception for the newly named Wellsville Legends at the Alumni Center between the end of the parade and the 8:30 start of the Legend's ceremony on Friday evening.

WHS Class of '55 member, Rev. Bill Betteridge, will get things started in the Square with an invocation at 6 P.M. Wednesday evening. Rev. Betteridge retired a few years ago and is now Pastor at the Riverside Presbyterian Church.

The Wellsville Area Chamber-of-Commerce will have some very attractive Reunion schedule brochures available free of charge. These keep sake brochures will be distributed all around town, at the booths in the Square and at the Alumni Center.

The Banquet Room at the Alumni Center was dedicated to the memory of Ms. Luella Thompson. She is shown above in the portrait that hangs in that room.

That brings you up to date with all the information we've learned. The members of the Alumni Activities Committee have put in a lot of hard work and it looks like everything is in control. Are you ready? We can't wait to see all of your smiling faces! :?0


ole nib

Wellsville Reunion Antique & Custom Vehicle Show

The Antique & Custom Vehicle Show will take place only one day during this year's 5-Year All-Class Reunion. Although all the schedules put out show Riverside the show will be held on Main Street from 4th to 5th Sts. With some changes with the street closure the location was changed after the schedule went to the printer. The show will take place from 1 to 4 P.M. Participants are asked to enter via 4th St. off Broadway.

Some spots are still available. Anyone interested or have questions are asked to contact either Janice or Tim Wright at 330-532-1847. Representatives of the show's Committee will be on hand next Saturday for any last minute entries or details.

Stop by and reminisce over the vehicles. You may see one like you used for your prom back in the day.


ole nib

Friends of Old Fire Station Flag Raising







Thursday - June 24: The "Steelhounds" of the National Guard's 583rd Military Police Detachment, represented by Wellsville's Sgt. Todd Farnsworth, presented a flag that is certified to have flown in Baghdad, Iraq, to the Friends of the Old Fire Station. Sgt. Farnsworth and members of the Friends held a flag raising ceremony yesterday evening at the station.

With a little help from the community the Friends have been putting in a lot of work to get the old place spiffied up in time to hold an open house during next week's All-Class Reunion. They have been cleaning, doing a little painting and renovating the premises. Friends President Don Rawlings announced they will be ready for the public to visit during two days of open house on Wednesday, June 30, and Thursday, July 1. The open house will be held from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. on those two days.

The building itself was originally built in 1867 and was the first Catholic church in town. When the members of the Immaculate Conception Church moved down to 11th Street in 1906 the old church was given to the City of Wellsville. The City converted it into a fire station and moved the fire department into the building in 1908. They remained there until the early 70s when the department was moved to it's present location. The building was then used for storage of Village equipment and salt supplies for several years. Then in the mid-1980s Village officials were considering razing the historic structure.

That's when the Friends of the Old Station were formed and petitioned Village Council to take over the old building promising to maintain & preserve this piece of Wellsville history. Led by President Brassy Beresford and a group of other volunteers, they went to work with fund raising to save the place. Earlier this year there was a changing of the guard for the organization.

New officers were selected to carry on the efforts. Today's officers are President Rawlings, V.P. Kris Vallera, Treasurer Steve Vallera, Secretary Greg Stanley, Historian Bob Lloyd and Trustees Jason Smith & Marsha Eisenhart. We believe there is one other Trustee but failed to get the name. Sorry 'bout that. These officers got right to work soliciting donations and making plans to get ready for the open house. Many others stepped forward offering their assistance with pressure washing, cleaning, painting and whatever else was needed. Chief Tim Roush from the Highlandtown VFD even donated time lending a hand. That's mutual aid above & beyond...

The Martin-MacLean-Altmeyer Funeral Home donated the "new" fence railing, former WFD Fire Chief Barry Arbaugh donated the new flag pole and Bill Helfrich gave the cement to anchor the fence posts and flag pole.

Sgt. Farnsworth seeing a flag was needed stopped by to donate one that he brought home from his last tour in Iraq. Seen in the pictures here, that particular fly flew over the Victory Base Complex in Baghdad, Iraq, on July 4, 2008. Farnsworth has served two tours over there and says the Victory Base Complex is Iraq's former dictator Saddam Hussein's palace.

Also shown is the certificate presented to the Friends and Farnsworth doing the flag raising. In the group photo kneeling is Farnsworth & VFD member Kris Vallera. From the left, in the back, is Barry Arbaugh, Bonny Beresford, Rawlings, Debbie Koffel from Martin-MacLean-Altmeyer, Historian Bob Lloyd and Past President Robert "Brassy" Beresford.

Featured in the station is a Village owned 1950 Seagraves Fire Truck and the first truck owned by the Wellsville VFD, a 1941 Chevy. Both trucks have been retired from service. The Chevy is Bob Lloyd's baby. Also on display are many historic pictures and news papers stories. The public is invited and admission is free of charge. If you can spare some cash to drop in the can it will be greatly appreciated. Regardless, everyone is welcome to stop by next Wednesday or Thursday.


ole nib

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Main Street Clean-Up - Part 2

Wednesday - June 23: The Main Street Clean-Up Committee, also known as Jeff's Bucket Brigade, met this evening in Village Hall. Directing the clean-up efforts is Jeff Haugh.

The clean-up is scheduled to take place this coming Saturday morning, June 26. All those participating are asked to meet at the 4th St. Square near the Gazebo at 8 A.M. Anyone who can is asked to bring shovels, brooms, their own work gloves and weed whackers, especially week whackers. Anyone wishing to loan any of this equipment is asked to contact Jeff or Susie Haugh.

The target area for this cleaning effort is the Main St. business district from 3rd to 9th St. Haugh advised this is only the initial effort with other locations in the Village being considered.

Dailey's Refuse has offered the use of a 30 cubic foot dumpster at no charge to aid in the clean up efforts. Any owners of store front property are welcome to dispose of unwanted items. Sorry, no tires, car batteries, paint or other hazardous waste will be accepted. The dumpster will be located between 4th & 5th Sts. and available until 5 P.M.

The ladies of the Alley Cat Aid Brigade will be on hand to serve hot dogs and cold drinks to any of the workers. Air Waves "Disco Lonnie Hentzell" will be on hand spinning the tunes for some entertainment.

Haugh said they are looking at trimming weeds, cleaning up any debris and will even wash windows in any of the stores or any other commercial properties if requested. Some painting may be done on the curves and designated handicapped parking spaces. Any one with questions, suggestions or requests are asked to contact Jeff or Susie Haugh at 330-532-5762.

The goal of the efforts is to improve the attractiveness to encourage people to do business in Wellsville. Councilwoman Sue Haugh said she "would love to see pride kick in with others seeing what is being done and saying let's do our block".

See you Saturday...

ole nib

2010 Wellsville Legend Nominees Introduced







Tuesday - June 22: Introductions of the nominees to be inducted into the Class of 2010 Wellsville Legends were held last night in front of the "old high school". The Legends will be inducted Friday evening, July 2 at 8:30 P.M. in ceremonies in the 4th Street Square. Members of this year's class will be featured in the parade preceding the induction ceremonies. In keeping in theme with this year's 5 Year All-Class Reunion all members of this years class was involved in the education of Wellsville's youth, active in the Alumni Association or contributed in community efforts for our young citizens.

This year's class includes Dr. Frank Rivelle, Johnny Albaneso, Bob Grimm, Richard & Betty Prince, Kenny DeLauder, Howard Gilger, Paul Blevins and James Shephard.

Shephard was instrumental in the Alumi Activities Committee buying the Alumni Center on 3rd St. Dorothy Shepherd said "everyone told him he was nuts" when he first brought up the idea. Undaunted by the negativity Shepherd forged ahead and the Center is a lasting tribute to all WHS Alumni and to Jim himself. Shepherd was member of the Class of '49.

Another alum instrumental in acquiring the building and renovating it was Kenny DeLauder. DeLauder tells us the building was purchased in 1991. Renovations began in 1993 and it is now an attractive banquet hall in addition to being WHS Alumni headquarters. DeLauder is President of the Alumni Activities Committee and a member of WHS Class of '45.

Paul Blevins started his career in education in 1975 and semi-retired in 1998. While working as a police officer in East Liverpool Mr. Blevins got his degree in education and later his administration certificates. He came to Wellsville in 1995 as an Assistant High School Principal and in 1996 was selected to be the School District Superintendent. Blevins is still active in the education field teaching law enforcement classes at Kent State.

Howard Gilger was a graduate of Magnolia High School's Class of '54. His education career spanned 36 years with the last 29 in the Wellsville system. He started at WHS in 1968. He was a Government Studies & Economics high school teacher and was an active participant in Wellsville's sports programs. He coached Jr. High basketball for nine years, Varsity football for 12 years, Track for 25 years and was the Athletic Director for 12 years. Gilger retired in 1997.

Bob Grimm was a very active in community affairs. Retiring from Crucible Steel in 1982 Grimm in his spare time was a City Councilman, a member of the Board of Education and a trustee on the Buckeye Water District Board at the time of his passing. In addition to all that he found time to coach Little League, Jr. High & High School football. His high school sweet heart, Gail, said they were married for over 52 years. Grimm was a member of the WHS Class of '53.

"Doc" Rivelle is an almost retired dentist that was also a very active community member. Following his Army service that included time in the Korean Conflict he went through the Academy and was a State Highway Patrolman. In 1960 he enrolled in "The Ohio State" and earned his degree in dentistry. He hung his shingle in Wellsville in 1966 and practiced for many years. He served on many state, county and local boards too numerous to mention here. He served 20 years on the Wellsville Board of Education with 10 of those as Board President. He also served on the Robert Bycroft Board, the CC JVS Board and the Kent-East Liverpool Advisory Board. To this day he is still on staff at EL City Hospital and an examiner for the N.E. State Region Dental Board. Rivelle is a member of WHS Class of '50.

Dick and Betty Prince were both teachers in the Wellsville system. Betty was a much loved elementary music teacher who's life was cut short when struck down with cancer. She was a Kentucky native who made the ville her home after marrying. Husband Dick served many years as the Wellsville Band Director for the elementary, Jr. High & High School. Before retiring he went back to school for his classroom teaching certificate and taught at the elementary level. Prince retired in 2005 after 33 years in the Wellsville system. He is a WHS Alum.

Rounding out this year's class is the late Johnny Albaneso who is probably best known for his restaurant called Johnny's Lunch. John's legacy includes many involvements in community affairs and was the founder of the Wellsville vs. Wellsville annual series of games between Wellsville, OH and Wellsville, NY. With his sponsorship the Junior Tigers from the two communities played football games in whichever city's turn it was to host the event. John never failed to step up to the plate when asked to donate to this or that cause that benefited Wellsville youth.

In the picture above, from the left in front, representing the late Jim Shepherd is son Scott and Jim's bride Dorothy, Gail Grimm and Doc Rivelle. In the back row from the left, is Paul Blevins, Howard Gilger, Kenny DeLauder & Dick Prince. In separate photos is Betty Prince and Johnny Albaneso in a vintage 1940s picture. John is in the back with his hand on the counter.


ole nib









Welcome Home Banner


Tuesday - June 22: Members of the WHS Alumni Activities Committee unveiled a new "Welcome Home Alumni" banner at last night's Legends introduction that will be hung this week up near the floodwall. It's brand spanking new with pictures of the Wellsville Tiger that is painted on the wall at the Beacom Memorial Gym.

The new banner was designed by Eric "hootch2" Shephard, tweaked by Jeff Campbell of Campbell Signs and sent out to be made. Hopefully it will be hung this week by members of the Wellsville Fire Dept. Shephard said there will another new banner adorning the stage in the 4th St. Square.

Shown here holding half of the new banner are some members of the Activities Committee. From the left is Cris McNicol, Shephard, Carla Copple, Linda Cochran, Kenny Delauder, Sheryl Gibson, Ruth Gibson, Carrie McMahon, Mary Clare McNicol, Carmela Boyce and Shirley Shanks. Carrie McMahon is the fourth from the right. We didn't want to miss her this time.


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WKMXlive Invited To Broadcast Penn-Ohio Football Game


Tuesday - June 22: WKMXlive announcer, Mayor Joe Surace, told us yesterday that the internet broadcasting station has been invited to do the 31st Annual Penn-Ohio Borderline Football Classic. The game is scheduled to be played this coming Friday evening at West Branch High School.

The brain child of WKMX owner/operator Terry Brown, the internet broadcasting team has been bringing games live to listeners all over the world with their broadcasts of Wellsville High School football & basketball games. It started a few years ago and has been growing in popularity ever since. They also film the games and post it later on the Sports Section of Sparky Miller's WHS Alumni web site. All this is made possible with donations to fund the all volunteer crew's efforts to bring a touch of home to Wellsville natives no matter where they might be located. All that is needed is an internet connection.

The annual classic is a show case of some of the premier high school players in the region from both sides of the Penn-Ohio border. Wellsville will be represented by Nick Broughton and Bubba Dowling. A third WHS standout was invited but had to decline.

Pennsylvania teams hold a 21-9 edge in the thirty year history of the Classic but have failed to take home a victory from their last two meetings at West Branch. The last time the game was at that location was in 2008. The Ohio team will be led by Head Coach Jeff Sharkey.

Shown here, from the left is announcers Roger Miller, Surace and WKMX's Terry Brown. Surace & Miller were testing out their equipment in the studio and will be joined in the broadcast booth with fellow announcer Bud Ceneviva. Dave Miller will be the film man and James "Sparky" Miller will be at the controls.

The game is set to begin at 7:30 in the Clinton Heacock Stadium at West Branch near Beloit. Tickets are $6 a head. WKMX will be on the air at 7 P.M. with player introductions.

ole nib

Main Street Clean-Up


There will be an informational & organizing meeting of the Revitalization Committee's Main Street Clean-Up tonight at Wellsville's Village Hall. The meeting is open to anyone wanting to sign on or needing any extra information in the sprucing up efforts of the ville's main business district. In this first effort to get started with the Main Street USA program the goal is clean up Main from 3rd to 9th St. It is being all done with volunteers. The Clean-Up is under the direction of Jeff Haugh.

We'll have more info after tonight's meeting but it is set to begin at 8 A.M., Saturday, June 26. It's an effort to make the ville an attractive place to do business and to get the pride back into our piece of heaven here in the river valley. We have been stagnant too long.

Won't you pitch in and help? Any church or club group or individual is welcome. See you tonight at 6 P.M.

ole nib

Baard's Ohio River Clean Fuels Still Alive

According to a Tom Giambroni article in yesterday's papers the Port Authority has requested another loan extension with the Ohio Dept. of Development. The $4.5 million loan, originally approved in 2009, is intended for the Port Authority to purchase most of the 522 acres for the proposed site for Baard's proposed coal-to-liquid fuel plant. In turn Baard will repurchase the land from the PA, probably on a long term agreement.

The loan arrangement with the Dept. of Development was set to expire June 30. Tracy Drake of the Port is reported to applying for a three month extension on that arrangement. Drake was quoted in the papers as saying Baard expects to have "sufficient equity in July to allow the project to move forward and for them to break ground". Once that happens the Port will be able to move forward buying the hill top land.

When asked what exciting news she had State Rep. Linda Bolen advised us that she was working with Mr. Drake to get the extension. We talked to Rep. Bolan at the balloon launching June 13. Bolen has been an ardent supporter of the proposed plant since the beginning. Bolan stated she feels getting an industry such as the ORCF started would be the beginning of turning the area economy around.

Baard has been on the drawing boards since 2007. Financing arrangements were delayed with environmental group's concern being contested on EPA permits. Then the economy went sour nationwide. We believe that all the appeals file by the environmental groups have been dismissed. One of the first things Baard did was to get approval for all the EPA permits required. They even went the extra step with plans to capture most of the carbon dioxide emissions that would be generated using the process to convert coal and biomass materials into diesel fuel.

ole nib

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

2010 All-Class Reunion Schedule


Shown above is the final revision of the Reunion Schedule except for the car show. The car show on Saturday will be staged on Main St. As noted before the Alumni football game has been scratched. In case you missed it the entertainment on the Square to close out this year's activities is Pittsburgh's John Parker Band. You can right click on the picture of the schedule to enlarge.

If you're traveling into town have a safe trip. We'll see you some time next week.

ole nib

WHS Alumni Center




With the reunion just a week away we thought it would be interesting to show some pictures and pass on a little history of the WHS Alumni Center. As shown here the building at that location has changed appearances greatly over the years. We don't have pictures of The American House that stood at that site in 1891 but in 1903 it was extensively remodeled and renamed the Metropole. With Wellsville's main train station just a couple of doors away we're guessing it was an ideal spot for a hotel. Before the rail line was relocated along the river it was a very busy location for river boat traffic.

In 1927 a fire nearly destroyed the Hotel Metropole. On the day the fire erupted City officials got a first hand demonstration of a new pumper fire truck that a salesman was trying to get them to buy. It was a 1927 Seagraves that is now on display at the Historical Society's River Museum. With the truck being available they were able to save the lower floors of the hotel pumping water from the river.

In 1935 the hotel was bought by Mr. Frederick Wilk and renamed the Riverview Hotel. After Mr. Wilk's death his widow transferred ownership to Rudy Wilk and his sister Marg Phillips. The Wilk siblings operated the hotel until the late 1950s or early 1960s before closing.

After being closed for awhile the building was bought and became the SOI Club. Following that it became the El Toro night club, then the Brick House and finally Monte's Supper Club.

Following another fire in March of 1974 the building sat idle for nearly two decades. The fire in 1974 destroyed the third floor and roof. The fire damaged building was purchased in 1991 by the WHS Alumni Activities Committee and the rest is history. After various energetic fund raising activities the old hotel was once again extensively remodeled with a new roof put on. Today it sits proudly as your Wellsville High School Alumni Headquarters.

This information was originally in a past Reunion pamphlet. Thanks to Linda C & Kenny Delauder for passing it on.

As they say in the ville, look forward to seeing yuens...

ole nib

Monday, June 21, 2010

St. Francis AWC/Chamber-of-Commerce Rabies Clinic


Saturday - June 19: Once again the Chamber sponsored St. Francis Animal Welfare Center Rabies Clinic was very successful. The Clinic was held this past Saturday on the lot of the old Sky Bank. Dr. Michael Sandy and staff from the Community Animal Clinic were on hand to administer the shots. Pam Weekley was on hand selling embroidered dog collars with the pet's name & owner's phone number. The clinic was postponed from a couple of weeks ago with the threat of rain and thunder storms.

There were around 80 pets inoculated at this year's clinic compared to over 100 last year. To show what effects this economy has on us, last year's number was the smallest clinic that Dr. Sandy & his staff ran up to that time. This year with 80 customers he reported it was their largest clinic.

St. Francis member Bobbi Holt reported that each customer was given one chance on either a cat supply or a dog supply give away basket. Brandy Anderson from Wellsville was the winner of the cat supply basket and Pam Jordon of East Liverpool was the lucky winner of the dog supply basket. Having to reschedule this year's clinic from a couple of weeks ago Byron Carter was unable to be there selling his delicious chicken & ribs. He was committed to another event.

Thanks to the Chamber, Community Animal Clinic & the folks of the St. Francis for making this community service available. We feel many of those pets wouldn't have got the shots without your efforts.

ole nib

Sunday, June 20, 2010

On The Calendar

For us last week was brutal with all the meetings we felt compelled to attend. With Wellsville's friend JoBob being off work we knew many of them wouldn't get any coverage if we didn't. With her absence they are making two reporters do double duty on covering some of the things in the ville. We ran into Nancy Tullis who has the Hancock County beat & Mike McElwain who normally covers East Liverpool. Both of them work for The Review and their stories are shared with the Morning Journal. This week's schedule looks to free up some time.

Monday - June 21:

  • First Day of Summer...Enjoy the vacations and be safe with all the summer activities.

  • Ghost Walk at the Platinum Bar - 6 P.M. at 358 Main St.

  • Friends of the Library - 6:30 at the Carnegie Public Library - Main St.

  • **Revitalization Committee - 6:30 at Hentzell residence - Riverside**


Tuesday - June 22:

  • "Make A Splash" Summer Reading Program - 10 to 11 A.M. at the Library


    • Wednesday - June 23:

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

      • Revitalization Committee's Main St. USA Clean-up Committee - 6 P.M. at Village Hall - see below


      Thursday - June 24: Wellsville Area Chamber-of-Commerce Luncheon - Noon at Tonda's Place on the Square

    Friday - June 25:

    • Nothing on our calendar so far. Rest up for Saturday


    Saturday - June 26:
      Main Street USA Clean-Up - More details will be posted after the meeting Wednesday
    • Mason's Saturday Breakfast - 7 to 10 A.M. at the Masonic Temple - Open to the public - Free will donations only


    Sunday - June 26:

    • Worship at a church of your choice

    • River Museum Tours - 1 to 4:30 P.M. at 1003 Riverside - Open and free to the public


    Monday's Ghost Walk at the old Potters Bank & Trust is hosted by the Ghost 12 Paranormal Club. Kim Mitchell tells us she's sure since that was the site of the old Whitacre House there are ghosts lingering about, maybe even Gen. John Morgan's from when he was captured during the Civil War. You can visit their web site at www.ghosting12.com or e-mail Kim at ghosting12@yahoo.com for more information. Boo!

    There will be an organizational meeting for anyone interested in pitching in or wanting more information about the Revitalization Committee's Main Street clean-up efforts planned for Saturday. The meeting is planned for Wednesday evening at Village Hall. It is open to the public.

    Have a good week. We're gonna see what kind of information we can gather for next week's 5 Year All-Class Reunion. We'll be looking for activities and other special events going on with the Wellsville merchants and clubs, etc... that are not listed on the WHS Activities list. Let us know if you have anything to include.

    Get well soon JoBob. Can you believe it's almost Reunion time?!!!

    ole nib

Wellsville Village Council Special Meeting - #2

Friday - June 18: Village Council held their second Special Meeting of the week last Friday at Village Hall. Present at the meeting was Mayor Joe Surace, Council Members Susan Haugh, Rosie Goss, Joe Soldano, Randy Allmon & Tony Cataldo, Fiscal Officer Dale Davis, Village Administrator Jim Saracco, Zoning Administrator Rick Williams, WPD Acting Chief Lt. Ed Wilson and WFD Chief Bill Smith.

In accordance with Ohio Revised Code any Council meeting that isn't regularly scheduled is considered to be a Special Council Meeting and a specific agenda of items to be dealt with has to be listed. Only those items can be discussed for pending action by Council. Friday's agenda had six items to be addressed with the sixth dealing with two zoning ordinance amendments and three resolutions regarding tax issues.

After opening the meeting Mayor Surace announced that a zoning variance for a proposed bakery in the old McDonald School will be eliminated from the agenda. That issue had to be referred to the Zoning Board first.

The second item dealt with was a request for a liquor license from Platinum Enterprises LLC to O S Platinum LLC doing business in the old Potters Bank & Trust building at 358 Main St. The license is currently held by Sharon Gates according to Cataldo and the transfer was requested by Judith McIlvain, Depot Rd., Lisbon, OH. McIlvain was listed as the managing member with 5% or greater membership interest in the corporation.

Before any discussion Councilman Allmon motioned to approve the transfer prompting Councilwoman Goss to ask "did we investigate this? Do we know anything about it?" Soldano remarked that it was the first time he's seen it and Lt. Wilson advised the transfer request was never referred to the Police Dept. Allmon's motion did not get a second and he withdrew his motion. Surace remarked it will be tabled for further investigation.

Council then authorized the Village Fiscal Officer to advertise for bids for 12 new air paks for the Fire Dept. The self contained breathing apparatuses will be funded from a $127,000 FEMA grant awarded to the Village earlier this year according to WFD Chief Smith.

Council also authorized the Fiscal Officer to advertise for bids for improvements at the Sewage Treatment Plant converting the digesters to aerobic digesters. That project was held up awaiting approval by the Ohio EPA of the engineers plans. According to Village officials that approval has been granted allowing to bid out the construction work. When completed it will hopefully eliminate the stench coming from the Sewage Plant.

Council then moved on to the ordinance amendments and resolutions. Motions were made to suspend the rules on all five so the items could be voted on and enacted without farther delay. The first ordinance passed amends the zoning fee for signs from $5 to $10 and an additional $2 from $1 for each additional square foot over 20 square feet.

The next ordinance passed pertains to mobile homes "deemed a nuisance, providing notice to the owner to remove..." Before voting on the changes Cataldo stated that Council needs to add any expenses incurred by the Village will be charged to the owner's property taxes which will be a lien on the property until it is paid. Cataldo suggested tabling the vote on the ordinance until that provision could be added. Soldano stated there is "no need to hold this ordinance up" and motioned to change the line in Section 4 to include that language. The change was accepted.

Council then passed a resolution to exclude the approval of East Liverpool that would otherwise be required for the apportionment of Local Goverment Funds for 2011. Davis indicated that this is a formality dealt with annually as required by the County Auditor pertaining to the distribution of CDBG funds. Davis also advised that at the next meeting Council will be voting on a resolution to accept the per centages of that distribution that were set by the County.

The last two resolutions passed were for the tax levies that will be on the November General Election ballot. Both are requesting that the County Auditor certify Village tax valuation for the anticipated levies. Once this information is obtained Village officials will be able to advise the voters exactly how much the levies will affect a resident's real estate tax. The first levy is a one mill renewal for the General Fund for operating expenses. The second levy is for a seven mill replacement Fire levy. Council had wanted to renew the one mill Fire levy and replace the six mill Fire levy that is now being collected. However Davis advised Council that the County lumped the two levies into one seven mill levy since they are both for the same purpose. The Village can not split the levies as hoped.

Council then retired into Executive Session with Consultant Joe Lencewicz and the Village Administrator to discuss the the union contract that has been in negotiations since early this year. The contract expired 12/31/2009. Lencewicz was contracted last year to negotiate with the union on behalf of the Village. The AFSCME union represents five village employees. In a planning session last year Lencewicz advised the Village Personnel Committee that since Wellsville is classified as a Village State law does not require that the union be recognized.

Upon returning after nearly 45 minutes Councilwoman Goss motioned that lgislation be ordered in to terminate the current collective bargaining agreement between the Village and the union effective July 3. Allmon complimented Soldano and the Personnel Committee for trying to negotiate a contract stating he can not vote in favor of that because of his personal beliefs and respect of the union members. Haugh responded to Allmon "personal beliefs and feelings do not belong here. We (Council) are voted in to do what is best for the tax payers and to be good stewards of the tax payer's dollars". Indicating that she herself was torn with her personal opinions on this matter, Haugh concluded "we are to do the job we're elected to do and save the tax payer's dollars". Allmon responded that last year when he chaired the Personnel Committee he polled all five union members and they all said they want to stay in the union. "That's what I'm respecting", he added.

Goss commented that she was raised in a union family and has the deepest respect for unions. However, she added "you got to make a line whether to respect the union or respect the village. This village is hurting and you know it. We got to get moving on". Haugh commented it is costing the village thousands & thousands of dollars for the consultant to negotiate this contract and Goss concluded the Village can't afford to be stuck in the middle. The union has been reported to have turned down two or three offers for a new contract since negotiations began. Allmon added "nothing is going to change. They are going to get the same money they're getting now". The motion passed by a vote of 4 to 1.

Finally, Goss made a motion to order in legislation to establish wages & benefits for Village employees currently covered by the collective bargaining agreement. Before casting his vote Soldano clarified the neither he nor the Personnel Committee tried to negotiate this contract. All negotiations where handle by consultant Joe Lencewicz and Delauda Islam. The motioned passed on a unanimous vote.

Following the meeting we asked Lencewicz if this action concluded his dealing with the Village. He stated that he is still working on the grievance filed by the Cemetery Care Taker. That grievance is in regards of claimed loss of income when the care taker & his family was forced to move out the Village owned house at Spring Hill.

That grievance was taken to arbitration when Lencewicz contended the merits of the grievance was not arguable. A recent ruling by the arbitrator concluded there are merits for the grievance and now Lencewicz has to file briefs with the arbitrator relative to the remedy to settle the case.

Next regular Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 6 at 6 P.M. at Village Hall.

ole nib

Saturday, June 19, 2010

The New Wellsville Honor Roll


Thursday - June 17: Wellsville's Honor Roll Committee met this past Thursday evening at the VFW Post. A computer generated picture, seen above, was unveiled of the proposed, new Wellsville Honor Roll. On it will be a list of names of all Wellsville area residents that has ever served our country in the military from World War I up to the present day. It will list the names of all the unsung heroes that proudly served in the military, came home and got on with their lives. It will include the names of those area sons and daughters that made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of this great nation.

Years ago there was a bill board size Honor Roll memorial next to the old City Hall on Main St. It was erected in 1943. It is believed that it was removed for the construction of Shoub Towers. No one knows what ever became of it and all that remains are pictures. They are located in the River Museum Military Room, Village Hall, VFW Post 5647 and American Legion Post 70.

It has been the dream of Wellsville's George Crews for a few years now to recreate that Honor Roll. Crews enlisted the help of Debbie Koffel. Together they got other members to join in to make that dream come true. Once they decided to go ahead Crews and Koffel have gotten permission from State and Village officials, plus Greg Thrasher, to have the Honor Roll erected on some of the land in Phyllis Thrasher Park. When built it will be located between the Route 7 overpass and the on ramp to Route 7, facing Route 45. It will be a brick & block structure that will last for hundreds of years declaring for all to see that Wellsville is indeed proud of all of their veterans.

Crews stated the goal is to raise $20,000 to honor all Wellsville area veterans with this memorial. He and Koffel are preparing a letter campaign to solicit funds. A bank account has been established with beginning donations already deposited. Mike Tice of R. Tice Builders has volunteered to dig the footers and pour the concrete. Jeff Campbell of Campbell Signs has donated design work and suggestions. Anyone interested in donating money, their skills or other information can contact Crews at 330-532-3910 or Koffel at 330-385-3061 or 330-532-1553.

ole nib

Wellsville Crime Watch Committee


Thursday - June 17: The June meeting of Wellsville's Crime Watch Committee was held Thursday evening at Village Hall. President Janet Taggart presided. Taggart announced that at the July meeting nominations and election of officers will take place.

WPD Juvenile Officer Marsha Eisenhart presented the program for the evening on Wellsville's DARE program. Eisenhart got involved in the DARE program in 1995 and has been with it ever since. Initially she had to go for three weeks of training that ran from 7:30 in the morning until 5 P.M. It even included homework assignments and being evaluated doing one day of student teaching before she was certified as a DARE officer. She was recertified a few years ago in a three day course to be updated on changes Incorporated into the program.

DARE was started in Los Angelas in 1983. It is a joint community, police and school program to teach children the dangers of drug abuse. DARE stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. In the recent past is has been changed to Define the problem, Assess the situation, Respond and Evaluate for the DARE officers. All curriculum goes through the Dept. of Education for approval before it can be taught in the class rooms. It's an eight week program for the children. DARE is now in 75% of the schools nationwide and in 43 countries.

In Wellsville the program is taught to 5th Graders one day a week at no cost to the school district. Wellsville has been fortunate to have American Legion Post 70 sponsoring our DARE program. Eisenhart related that the late Jack Whitaker was mostly responsible for obtaining that funding. Each year Village Council approves the payment of her wages while she is teaching.

Eisenhart explained that each child gets a work book and are taught the dangers of alcohol and tobacco in addition to the dangers of drugs. They are taught what friendship and peer pressure is all about and eight ways to say "no". The classes involve group exercises and some role playing to demonstrate what they are learning.

Eisenhart said kids that age love to talk and share. One of the first rules of the class is that no names are allowed when they talk about things they have seen or heard. Instead of names the rule is to say "some one I know". Since the class only meets one day a week they have a "DARE Box" that the students can write any questions or notes to be put in. Eisenhart said one of the first things done during class time is to go over the notes and discuss them. Confidentiality is honored if requested.

During the eight week course reports are required and each student has to do a final essay. At the end of the course each student is awarded a DARE tee-shirt. On her days off Eisenhart also teaches the kindergarten and grades 3 through 5 at Southern Local. Eisenhart said that Wellsville & Southern Local are the only schools in the southern part of the county that have DARE. The DARE sign shown in the collage above was painted by Dan Monte. License plate size of that sign are on each of Wellsville's cruisers. The group of children shown were essay winners. More information on the DARE program can be found on their web site at www.dare.com.

The July Crime Watch program will be presented by CC Sheriff's Deputy Brian McLaughlin speaking on the County's SRT (SWAT)team. The July meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 15 at 6 P.M. at Wellsville Village Hall. The public is invited.

ole nib

Friends of Wellsville Library Invited


Wellsville's Carnegie Public Library is one the treasures that make our community a great place to live. We are fortunate to have it as part of our town. It is so much more than just a place that loans out books. Thanks to the directors, management and staff it is integral part of our community with activities for the young to those of us called adults.

With the economy going sour the last few years State funding has been dwindling on a regular basis. Instead of singing the "woe is me" song the Wellsville Library folks have be very proactive looking for way to raise funds to continue to support the programs and activities provided to us at no cost. Last year they formed a group called Friends of the Library. They meet once a month to discuss and make plans for ways to raise funds. All are welcome and invited to join the Friends group. For more information or to apply you can call 330-532-1526.

This month's meeting is Monday, June 21 at 6:30 P.M. Please consider joining...

ole nib

Wellsville Is Columbiana County Football Champs


Shown here is the trophy awarded to the 1923 Wellsville High School Football Team for winning the crown as Columbiana County Football Champs. Back in those days before the Depression schools weren't classified into divisions based on the number of enrollments in a district. In those days the Bengals played Steubenville, Salem and East Liverpool just to name a few of the bigger schools on the schedule.

The names of the players and coach are inscribed on the football. Led by Coach C Zimmerman, team members were F Banks, C Culp, W Ormer, F Snider, R (Pic Sr.) Rolley, W Truex, C Orr, A D'Anito, M Todd, G Pignatore, R Young, H Brooks, D Arbaugh, J Campbell, J Shea, R Rather and W Kinney.

The trophy was donated to the River Museum by Raymond (Young Pic) Rolley in memory of his father. It is one of the many WHS items on display at the museum in honor of this years All-Class Reunion.

Wellsville brought home the trophy. So what if it was 87 years ago...

ole nib