Sunday, May 29, 2011

On The Calendar

Today is Graduation Day for WHS. Congratulations to all those getting their diplomas. Enjoy every minute of it and good luck on all your future endeavors.

Tomorrow is Memorial Day, the unofficial start of the summer season. With today's temperature in the low 90s we think Mother Nature got a jump start.

Monday – May 30:

  • Memorial Day Ceremonies – 9 AM at the Veteran's Memorial - 4th Street Square


Tuesday – May 31:

  • Wellsville Council Finance Committee – 2 PM at Village Hall – 1200 Main St.


Wednesday – June 1:

  • Joshua Project Clothing Give-away – 12 Noon to 6 PM at New Hope Community Church - 43152 State Rt. 39

  • Wellsville Volunteer Fireman's Festival Homecoming – 5 PM at Nicholson Stadium Practice Field


Thursday – June 2:

  • Free day – nothing on our calendar except for the Fireman's Carnival


Friday – June 3:

  • WHS Football Boosters Touch Down Club – Hot dog sale at Calcutta Giant Eagle – 11 AM to 6 PM

  • Fireman's Carneval – Day 3


Saturday – June 4:

  • Mason's Breakfast – 7:30 to 10 AM at Masonic Lodge – Main St.

  • Wellsville Sports Physicals – 8 AM to Noon at WHS – 1 Bengal Dr.

  • Wellsville Honor Roll Committee Tag Day – 9 AM to Noon

  • First Baptist Men's Prayer Breakfast – 10 AM at the church – 1401 Center St.

  • WHS Football Boosters Touch Down Club – Hot dog sale at Calcutta Giant Eagle – 11 AM to 6 PM

  • WVFD Festival Homecoming Parade – 3 PM – Call Jamie McMahon at 330-831-9061 for details

  • WHS Baseball Booster Club Wiffle Ball Tournament – 3 PM at Hammonds Park


Sunday June 5:

  • Worship at a church of your choice.

  • River Museum Open House – 1 to 4 :30 PM – 1003 Riverside Ave.


Wellsville's Memorial Day Ceremonies begin at 9 AM at 4th Street. After the opening there will be a parade from there to Spring Hill Cemetery. The VFW is serving breakfast from 7 AM to 8:45 and will also be serving a light lunch after the conclusion. Both will be served at the Post at 359 Main St.

Wednesday is the start of the annual WVFD's Carnival. It will run through Saturday. There will be rides, music, games and those world famous homemade French fries each day. They come from as far away as Georgia just to get a taste of those fries. Your support of our fire fighters is greatly appreciated.

Sunday starts the first day for the River Museum Open House. The museum will be open for tours each Sunday afternoon for the season. Admission is free. Donations are gratefully accepted.

Have a good week everyone...


ole nib

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Wellsville Set for Memorial Day Ceremonies


Wellsville's annual Memorial Day ceremony is set and ready to go. The ceremony will begin at the War Memorial at the 4th Street Square Monday, May 30 at 9 AM with the Call to Order. Following the opening ceremonies there will be a parade that will proceed to the Springhill Cemetery. Once assembled at the Newlin Memorial Chapel the ceremonies will conclude.

Keynote speaker for this year's Memorial Day observance will be Common Pleas Court Judge Scott Washam. First Christian Church Pastor Mark Blakeley will handle the ministerial duties. Brief remarks will be offered by WWII Veteran Robert “Brass” Beresford, Memorial Council President Don Brown, Councilwoman Susan Haugh and Councilman Joe Soldano. Wellsville Mayor Joe Surace will offer the welcome and Memorial Council Member Debbie Koffel will be the Master of Ceremonies. Music will be provided by the WHS Band. High School students Irene Kiser, Jake Reed and Nick DaLonzo will read the Gettysburg Address, Flanders Field and the Hollowed Ground Reading. The 21 Gun Salute will be done by members of the Wellsville Police Dept. and buglars Keila Lombardozzi & Miles McGinnis will play taps. Marshals are American Legion Post 70 and VFW Post 5647.

Breakfast will be served to all ceremony participants at the Wellsville VFW Post 5647 from 7 to 8:45 AM. The post is located at 359 Main Street. They will also be serving lunch at the Post following the closing ceremonies. All ceremonies will be held at the Wellsville High School in case of rain but the weatherman promises a beautiful day. The annual Memorial Day Ceremonies are organized by Wellsville's Memorial Council and are second to none.

From the files of the River Museum pictured above is what is believed to be what the 4th Street Memorial first looked like c1900 – 1903. It was originally built as a Civil War Memorial. There have been many changes over the years to the memorial and the ceremonies. One thing that has never changed over the years is the fact that Wellsville honors all veterans that have ever served. The public is encouraged to attend.

ole nib

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Wellsville Area Chamber Honors WHS Top 10


The Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce honored the Top 10 graduates of WHS Class of 2011 at a luncheon held Tuesday, May 24. The luncheon was held at the Riverside Roadhouse on Wells Avenue Ext.

Introductions were made by High School Principal Linda Rolley and it was the first time the Class of 2011 Top 10 names were made public.

Topping the list as Class Valedictorian is Carli Russell with a 4.000 GPA. Carli is the daughter of John and Christie Russell.

Class Salutatorian is Mark Barton with a 3.962 GPA. Mark is the son of Daniel and Lisa Barton.

Number 3 is Keila Lombardozzi with a 3.938 GPA. Keila is the daughter of Michael and Mary Lombardozzi. Number 4 is Shannon Davis with a 3.828 GPA. Shannon is the daughter of Jay and Alisa Davis. Number 5 is Cayleigh Crook with a 3.811 GPA. Cayleigh is the daughter of Randy and Mary Ann Crook. Number 6 is Mitchell McDowell with a 3.792 GPA. Number 7 is Brittney McIntosh with a 3.784 GPA. Brittney is the daughter of Jeffrey and Joy McIntosh. Number 8 is Taylor Myers with a 3.727 GPA. Taylor is the daughter of Dwight and Sandra Myers. Number 9 is Robert Sullivan with a 3.695 GPA. Robert is the son of Todd and Giovanna Sullivan. Rounding out the Top 10 is Malinda Anderson with a 3.685 GPA. Malinda is the daughter of Richard and Rebecca Kirby.

All 10 are college bound. Three of them have already earned some college credits attending KSU-EL while still tending to their high school obligations. They are a remarkable group considering that less than one-half of one point separates their GPAs. They are pictured above.

Congratulations to the WHS Class of 2011 Top 10. Good luck in all your future endeavors.

ole nib

Wellsville Schools Hold 3.75 Awards Night


Wellsville students from both the Daw Middle School and the High School that maintained at least a 3.75 grade point average throughout the year was also awarded this past Thursday.

Mrs. Lynsey Lyle-Opalenik was the keynote speaker. Opalenik was a Valedictorian of the WHS Class of 2002. She is now an attorney. Her speech was entitled "What I Wish I Would Have Known".

Wellsville District Superintendent Rich Bereschik had the honor of handing out the awards. Middle School Principal John Foley called out the names for the Daw recipients and WHS Principal Linda Rolley called out the high school honorees.

We would love to list the names of all the award winners but we don't have half of them. We do not want to leave anyone out.

Nice job to all. Keep up the good work.

You're all winners...

ole nib

Wellsville High Inducts 10 Into National Honor Society


Ten new members were inducted into the Wellsville High School Chapter of the National Honor Society this past Thursday. The 10 are all members of the Junior Class. They were selected for their scholarship, leadership, character and service.

The 10 new members are Noah Allison, Crystal Bailey, Elizabeth Bickel, Cody Brush, Nick DaLonzo, Dominic Deem, Taylor Hardman, Dominique Jackson, Marcus Mick and Jacob Reed.

Guidance Councilor Mr. Robert Rudder conducted the induction ceremony.

Congratulations to all...

ole nib

K-9 Ryot Steals the Show


The Wellsville Crime Watch Committee had a “Meet the Cop” night at their monthly meeting this past Thursday. President Janet Taggart presided.

The officers in attendance was Chief Joe Scarabino, Lt. Ed Wilson, and Officers Steve Rodgers, Marsha Eisenhart, Howard Williams, James Cannon, Justin Wright, Joe Rayle, Shawn Bloor, Ryot, Tony Mancuso and the newest guy, Ben Taylor. Each officer introduced themselves and gave a brief history of their service in the Wellsville Police Dept.

Then Officer Mancuso brought in K-9 Officer Ryot. Ryot is a Belgian Malonois and stoled the show. The 44 pound K-9 greeted everyone present, some with hugs and kisses. Mancuso is Ryot's handler. The nearly seven month old K-9 has earned her certification in narcotics detection, evidence recovery and tracking. Her next certification will be in bite work, officer protection and building searches.

Macuso reported she is already responsible for five or six drugs busts. She has also helped the Liverpool Twp. PD and the State Patrol. Mancuso also gave a brief description of the special equipment acquired for Ryot for her to do her job. He extended his thanks to Wellsville Feed for donations of food and the Pete Amato Foundation, Wellsville Terminals, Wal-Mart and others for the donations that made it possible to get the equipment. With an on the job expectancy of 10 years Ryot will be around for sometime.

Before the close of the meeting Officer Howard Williams thanked everyone that voted for the police levy that was on the Primary ballot. The Wellsville officers treated everyone to refreshments and a tour of the Police Station following the meeting.

Next Crime Watch meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 16 at 6 PM at Village Hall. The guest speaker will be Cathy Grizinski of the Crisis Center.

ole nib

Wellsville Historical Society


The Wellsville Historical Society held their monthly meeting on May 17. President Robert “Brass” Beresford presided.

After opening the meeting, Mrs. Wanda Boggs Puryear made a very special donation to the River Museum. Mrs. Puryear was accompanied by her husband Richard, her brother Vincent, her son Maurice Wyse and grandchildren Lille & Maurice Wyse, Jr. Mrs. Puryear and her brother Vincent are children of the late Mr. Melvin E. Boggs.

Melvin Boggs was a WWII veteran and following the days of the war African-American veterans were not accepted as members in the Wellsville VFW or American Legion. To counter this injustice Mr. Boggs was instrumental in organizing and getting a charter for the Sgt. Robert Shenault VFW Post 9285. There we 25 African-American WWII veterans that were charter members in that post. That charter was issued on March 20, 1955. That post existed until 2009 when their charted was pulled by the State VFW with less than 10 members remaining in Wellsville. Mrs. Puryear obtained permission to donate the VFW Post 9285 charter to the Wellsville Historical Society to preserve a piece of history in the River Museum.

Pictured above is Lillie Wyse being held by Richard Puryear, Mrs. Puryear, Vincent Boggs, Maurice Jr. and Maurice Wyse.

The program for the evening was presented by Education Coordinator Jennifer Miller of the Greater East Ohio Area Chapter of the Alzheimer's Assoc. Ms. Miller said there are presently 5.3 million Americans suffering with the Alzheimer's disease. By the year 2050 that number is expected to grow to 16 million. It affects one in eight people over the age of 65 and one in two over the age of 85. For more information on the disease visit their web site at www.alz.org.

Also received as a donation were many historical books and papers from the estate of the late Mary Clark given by her children. Mrs. Clark was a long time member who excelled in researching Wellsville history.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery was sent to member Jim Lawrence. Beginning on Sunday, June 5, the museum will be open from 1 to 4:30 PM each Sunday through the summer. On July 2 & 3 there will be a group of Civil War Re-enactors setting up camp on the grounds of the museum. On Sunday, August 28, Wellsville native Steve Clark will have a special program on the life of William Ralston.

Lunch was served by Jane Reese and Walter Hanlon. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21 at 7:30 PM.

ole nib

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Flag Repaired & Under Watcful Eye



Wellsville's Lewis & Clark made another trip up the hill to rehang the flag over looking the Village. One of the trees that was holding it up got blown over. While they were up there they cleared away some of the brush. It is now a lot easier to spot.

Some time or other they were able to zoom in on the hillside goat that is frequently seen up there. Since they were kind enough to share the pictures they got we thought we would share them too.

Thanks guys & gal...

That flag looks good up there.

ole nib

Sunday, May 22, 2011

On The Calendar

The month of May is rapidly coming toward the end. High School graduation is just a week away and Memorial Day is the day after. Hopefully things will stay dry.

Monday – May 23:

  • Library Family Craft Night – 5:30 to 7 PM at the Wellsville Library – Main St.

  • Immaculate Conception Church Parishioner’s Meeting – 7 PM at SOI Club – 327 Main St.

  • Elks 1040 Meeting – 7:30 PM at the Lodge – 723 Riverside Ave.


Tuesday – May 24:

  • Chamber of Commerce Luncheon honoring Wellsville's Graduating Top 10 Seniors – 12 Noon at the Riverside Roadhouse – 565 Wells Ave. Ext.

  • WHS Spring Sports Awards Night – 7 PM at the High School – 1 Bengal Dr.


Wednesday - May 25:

  • Mayor's Breakfast for WHS Seniors – 9 AM at First Baptist Church – 1401 Center St.


Thursday – May 26:

  • WHS Class Day – 1 PM in the Tiger's Den – 1 Bengal Dr.

  • Library Family Craft Night – 5:30 to 7 PM at the Wellsville Library – Main St.

  • Wellsville Magistrate Court


Friday – May 27 :

  • Nothing on our calendar yet. Enjoy the start of a long week-end.


Saturday – May 28:

  • Mason's Breakfast – 7:30 to 10 AM at the Masonic Lodge – Main St. - Cost by donation


Sunday – May 29:

  • Worship at a church of your choice

  • WHS Class of 2011 Graduation – 3 PM in the Tiger's Den – 1 Bengal Dr.


At Monday's & Thursday's Library Family Craft nights everyone will be painting a wooden bird plaque. It is suggest that children wear play clothes and all children must be with a parent or guardian.

Good Luck to all the graduating WHS seniors. Enjoy all the activities in your honor in the coming days. Stay safe. Remember your Prom Promise.

Wellsville's Volunteer Firemen still have pre-sale tickets available for the annual Firemen's Homecoming. The festival starts a week from this Thursday. They're coming from a far away as Atlanta just to get some of those french fries!

The Wellsville Baseball Boosters Club will be sponsoring a Wiffle Ball tournament on Saturday, June 4 at Hammonds Park. Call 330-843-3475 or 330-383-2312 for details.

Have a good week everyone...

ole nib

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Wellsville Village Council

Tuesday – May 17: The Wellsville Village Council held a regular meeting this past Tuesday evening at Village Hall. Present at the meeting was President Pro-Tem Randy Allmon and Council Members Susan Haugh, Joe Soldano, Rosie Goss, John McMahon & Tony Cataldo. Also attending was Village Administrator Jim Saracco, Fiscal Officer Dale Davis, Legal Adviser Andy Beech and Zoning Administrator Rick Williams.

In the Public Speaking portion of the agenda Rick Williams, speaking as a 15th Street resident, requested that the Wellsville Eagles be permitted to block off the parking along the curb on Main Street from the old 356 bar up to the mobile home next door to Quik King for a June 25 motorcycle event. The event is called the “Paws-R-Riding On It” and will benefit the CC Humane Society, the Hancock County, Animal Shelter and Wellsville's Alley Cat Aid Brigade. Parking would be blocked off from 9 AM to 1 PM to accommodate the motorcycles. Council approved that the parking be blocked for the fund run providing proper paper work is completed and it is also approved by both the Police Chief and the Fire Chief.

Jack Cataldo of Riverside, speaking on behalf of the Liberty Theater Renovation group, thanked the 12 people that showed up for last month's clean-up work detail. He said they especially wanted to thank Daileys for donating a dumpster, Rodger Minor for bringing up his front end loader to lift items into the dumpster, Blaine Perry for hauling away recyclable items and Shawn Heiny for the gutter work. Cataldo announced there will be another clean-up party on Saturday, June 11 from 10 AM to 1 PM. He also reminded all of the benefit baked chicken dinner at the Alumni Center on Wednesday, June 22. Proceeds from that dinner go to the theater renovation efforts.

Village Administrator Saracco reported that they haven't quit patching pot holes. However the company that supplies the hot patch got a big order from the State for a different type that costs $100 per ton more then what the Village uses. Since the Village can not afford that type it will be two weeks before any more hot patch is available to resume filling pot holes.

John McMahon asked if that was the only place available to get hot patch. Saracco replied that is the closest place. There is a place in Martins Ferry but it is too far away and the hot patch is unusable by the time it gets to town. Joe Soldano advised there is a company in Weirton called Kelly Paving. He had contact information and believes the cost is about the same as what the Village is paying. Soldano added that Yellow Creek Township gets patch from them. Soldano added “we have to hit this harder than what we're hitting it. Residents have put up with this long enough”. Soldano then inquired if it was possible to get two truck loads at a time to double the amount of patching done. Saracco responded he did not have the people to handle two trucks at a time. Saracco added with the rainy weather lately it's been too wet to patch. Then they argued about the number of good weather days there has been in the past two weeks.

Saracco then reported that a Canfield company called Everflow Eastern has checked out parcels of land owned by the Village and advises Chesapeake is interested in drilling for natural gas. Saracco added he thinks Council should get together, set up a meeting and make up their minds on what they want to do.

Councilwoman Haugh noted that as Property Committee Chair she would like to be informed of any additional meetings of this nature. At a Committee meeting a few weeks ago she suggested Council look into this. Saracco replied he was wondering why she wasn't at the meeting they had. Haugh responded she wasn't informed of any meetings. Later it was learned that both Soldano and Cataldo sat in on these meetings.

Cataldo announced there will be a Finance Committee meeting this Thursday, May 19 at 2 PM to compare 2010 Local Government figures with estimated 2011 figures and other items.

For Streets, Lights & Parking John McMahon noted there was a problem with a Riverside resident opening an alley that is on private property. McMahon advised he did not give permission for this to be done and it is now a civil matter for the land owners to resolve.

Council approved that a $21,279 payment be made to Mike Pusateri Construction for digester work ongoing at the Sewage Treatment Plant. Cataldo remarked that the new digesters are not operational yet. There is still sludge awaiting test results at the plant. For that reason there is still an odor coming from there.

For Personnel Soldano advised that copies of the 2004 Personnel Policy have been made and reminded the Village Administrator that the employees are to read and sign off on.

Councilwoman Rosie Goss inquired about the status of the drug testing policy and whether the Village was going to use a Calcutta company. That is still under consideration.

Goss also offered her help with anything she can do with keeping the Immaculate Conception Church open.

For Legislation Council voted to suspend rules and adopted an ordinance to participate with ODOT in purchasing rock salt for the 2011-2012 Winter Season. That ordinance passed the first reading at the last Council meeting.

For New Business Allmon noted that as Acting Mayor he has received a couple of anonymous letters that were actually pretty good. However since the sender was anonymous they were discarded. Allmon reminded anyone that sends letters must have a valid signature to be considered.

The meeting adjourned at 6:29 PM. The next scheduled regular meeting is Tuesday, June 7 at 6 PM at Village Hall.


ole nib

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Wellsville Board of Education May Meeting

Monday – May 16: The Wellsville Board of Education (BOE) held their regular monthly meeting this past Monday evening. The meeting was held in the School Superintendent's office, Present at the meeting was BOE President Tom Brophey, and BOE Members Ed Bauer, Mike Cook, Karen Dash & Bill Miller. Also attending the meeting was Superintendent Rich Bereschik, District Treasurer Coleen Wickham, OAPSE Rep Ed Swogger, WTA Rep Darlene Allison, Buildings & Grounds Supervisor Joe Traina, WHS Principal Linda Rolley, High School Athletic Director Don Elliott, Garfield Elementary Principal Lisa Ferguson and three of Mr. Meek's Government Studies students.

The Treasurer's Report was approved as read. Mrs. Wickham reported that the General Fund balance at the end of April was $1.8 million. April receipts were $570,806 and expenditures were $599,360. The General Set-Asides balance for April was $719,477. Interest earned on investments for April amounted to $2,999 and Wickham noted that “none of the rates has really changed that much”. The payment of bills was approved and the Five-Year Forecast as prepared by the Treasurer was accepted.

Brophey reported for the Legislative Update that the Biennial Budget Bill has passsed the State House of Representatives and moves on to the State Senate. If it stands as is the overall losses from state and federal funding would amount to more than $3 billion over the next two years compared to FY2011 figures. Another bill in the House “has a significant number of provisions to expand choice and relax the accountability requirements for charter schools”. Also in the House there are several Senate Bill 5 type proposals dealing with teacher compensation, contracts, teacher & principal evaluations by BOE members and lay-offs not being based on seniority. They are still working on changes to employer & employee contribution rates to the retirement systems plus new options on calamity days. Brophey concluded his report talking about the Healthy Choices/Healthy Children program that allows districts to waiver out of the body mass index reporting requirements, which the District is doing. Fresh fruit will have to be available and cafeteria portions must be the same for 4th graders as is offered to 8th grade students.

Building & Grounds Supervisor Joe Traina commended Daw Maintenance employee Ed Swogger for his life saving efforts a few weeks ago during lunch time at the Middle School. There was a female student student choking in the cafeteria. Being familiar with the technique Mr. Swogger performed the Heimlich Maneuver on the student and most likely saved that young girl's life. Outstanding!

For the Good News Report, Mrs. Fugueson reported for Garfield Elementary that approximately 250 students and family recently attended the PTO/Bug Awards. Congratulations were given to winners in the Arbor Day poster contest. First place went to Jayce Sloan, second to Zion Mike-Clark and third to Isaiah Dorsey. Over 200 students and family attended Family Night on May 12.

Mrs. Jeanne Waggoner sent a note reporting that all three 4th Grade Homerooms at Daw Middle attended an one hour science program presented by an Youngstown station WYTV meteorologist. A snapshot of the students was shown the next morning during a broadcast.

For the High School Mrs. Rolley reported that last week's Music Department's show was “absolutely wonderful”. She also reported that the Freshman had a practice OGT test recently and there were 31 out of 77 that passed. That number includes the Special Ed students and Rolley noted there is possibly items on the test that the Freshman haven't touch on yet. Overall the results were considered pretty good and gives an idea where work is needed before the actual tests begin in their Sophomore year.

Mr. Bereschik reported that bids are out for the new stadium seating. Bids will be opened Friday, May 20. Everything in the Phase 1 Environmental testing on the old Sterling China property appears to be in order and the District will be able to proceed with the purchase of the land with the garage.

The Board approved the first reading to approve Drug & Alcohol Testing for Students. We'll have more detail on that later. The testing will start with high school students participating in athletic and extra curricular programs and those applying for parking permits. It will be effective July 1, 2011. Students participating in activities that they are graded on will not be included in the program.

High School Principal Linda Rolley stated she has only been in her job as principal for a short while but she has been in the Wellsville system for 37 years. There is a problem with drug and alcohol abuse among some students. The problem is not unique to Wellsville. She felt it was time to do something proactive in taking steps with helping the students. Rolley empahsized that the testing program is not intended to punish the students that test positive. There will not be any consequences academically. The purpose is the help the students that are already involved in drugs and discourage those that are not using. It is designed to create a safe and healthy environment for students and assist them in getting help when needed.

Work on the new policy began this past April when a 12 member committee was formed to draw up the policy. At their first meeting officials from the East Palestine School District were invited to describe their program. East Palestine has had a policy in effect for six years. The committee was made up of members of the Wellsville school staff, a couple of BOE members, a police officer and members of the community that included medical professionals. Rolley said the policy was revised four times before it was presented to the BOE. Rolley said this is something she has a passion for and truly believes it will help the students. Mr. Bereschik and every member of the BOE extended their thanks to everyone on the committee for their hours of hard work.

In other business the 2012 WHS Prom was approved to be held at the Das Dutch Village Inn. A field trip to Kennywood Park was given the okay for the WHS Band & Choir on Jue 2, 2011. A three day camping/educational experience to Camp Fitch was approved for the district's 5th & 6th grade students, staff and chaperones. Mr. Joe Scarabino was approved as a parent volunteer, field trip chaperone for Daw Middle School if necessary. Mrs. Gabrielle Burns Baker was given a two-year teaching contract beginning with the 2011-2012 school year. Three-year contracts beginning July 1, 2011 were given to WSD Central Office employees Susan Boggs, Julie Moore, Rita Koopman and Joe Traina. YSU student Leslie Monterio was approved for Integrated Science student teaching at Daw Middle for the fall of 2011. C.A.R.T.S. transportation to American Spirit Academy for the balance of the school year was given the okay for one student. Varsity “W” Club adviser Carissa Wilcox's resignation was accepted effective at the end of the school year. An agreement with Lifetouch National School Studios for school pictures next school year was accepted.

A contract with Wellsville's Ohio Assoc. of Public School Employees Chapter 707 was approved as negotiated. The three-year contract begins July 1, 2011. President Ed Swogger said terms of the contract is very similar to the teachers contract that was recently negotiated.

In closing remarks Mike Cook said the drug testing policy will be awesome for not only the school and the district but for the community as well. Bill Miller stated he believes the WSD has always been proactive. As an example he cited the Code of Conduct instituted a few years ago. The drug testing policy is another step in that direction. Karen Dash said a big thanks is owed to the East Palestine people and the members of the local community for all their help in putting this together. Realizing it will be a lot of extra work she believes the efforts will be worth it. Dash added that the Spring musical was great and the Prom Grand March was super. Ed Bauer expressed his displeasure with unfunded mandates being passed down by the state such as the cafeteria food. He noted that he was made aware of the program that WPD Juvenile Officer Marsha Eisenhart presented to the Crime Watch Committee and wanted to insure Eisenhart that the Board is behind her efforts 100%. That program was on bullying in schools. Bauer concluded his remarks stating he was impressed with the Senior recognition for the softball team players. He said he was not aware that a Senior Night was held for the players and thanked Coach Baker for having it. Tom Brophey wrapped up the remarks advising that there is currently legislation in committee in Columbus regarding cyber bullying. Brophey also offered his congratulations to Linda Rolley for placing in her age group in last week-ends Pittsburgh Marathon.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 PM. Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 20 at 6:30 PM in the Superintendent's Office at 929 Center St.


ole nib

Wellsville Natives Attend FOP Memorial Service


There were five Wellsville natives present at the Salem FOP Lodge 88 National Peace Officer's Memorial Service in Lisbon this past Monday. We got four of them pictured here. CC Asst. Prosecutor Tim McNicol got away before we got everyone lined up.

Shown here, from the left, is CC Sheriff Dept. Officer Willie Coleman, Alliance PD Patrolman Duane Thornton, retired CC Sheriff Dept. Sgt. Kenny Biacco and Leetonia Chief of Police John Soldano.

ole nib

Quaker FOP 88 Holds Annual Peace Officer's Memorial Service



Monday – May 16: Once again we were privileged to be invited to the Fraternal Order of Police Quaker Lodge 88's National Peace Officer's Memorial Service. The Salem lodge holds the service every year around this time as part of the National Police Month. The breakfast buffet was held at the Taste of Country in Lisbon. Guess speaker was US Marshall Peter Elliott of the Northern District of Ohio. US Marshalls are appointed by the President and serve as part of the US Department of Justice.

Elliott said he came from a long line of peace officers. His Great Grandfather was the Chief of Police in Alliance, Ohio years ago. His Grandfather and father were also police officers.

Elliott spoke of the “brotherhood” that all peace officers share no matter where they serve. He noted that the first known officer killed in the line of duty was Marshall Robert Forsythe 217 years ago in 1794. As with Forsythe all those years ago, whenever a police officer is killed in the line of duty their fellow officers gather from all over in support of their families. Elliott noted that there is no other “brotherhood” like that of police officers.

A moment of silent prayer was concluded with Glenn Duncan, pictured here, playing Amazing Grace on the bag pipes.

Also pictured above, from the left, is CC Sheriff Ray Stone, CC Sheriff Office Sgt. Ken Biacco, retired, FOP Lodge 88 President, Lt. Don Beeson, Salem PD and US Marshall Peter Elliott.


ole nib

Lady Tiger Baseball Players Wrap Up WHS Careers


Six Senior Lady Tigers wrapped up their WHS baseball careers this past week. Pictured above from the left is Asst. Coaches John Russell & Joe Soldano, Seniors Cierra Powell, Tori Bowling, Carli Russell, Brittany Salisbury, Leah Kelly and Alexis Monte. At the extreme right is Head Coach Gabrielle Burns Baker.

Good Luck Ladies...

ole nib

Registration Required For Library Family Craft Night


The Wellsville Public Library is once again having Family Craft Nights on Monday, May 23 and Thursday, May 26. Both evenings will be from 5:30 to 7 PM. It is open and free to the public.

With room for only so many registration is required. Space is limited. Call 330-532-1526 for more information.

ole nib

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

On The Calendar - Abbreviated

We got into a book the last few days that we couldn't leave alone until we found out who did it. It wasn't the kind that kept us awake at night but it was intriguing enough to keep us at it. Consequently we have been neglectful of other things. That's why we're doing an abbreviated calendar this week.

Tuesday – May 17:

  • Liberty Theater Walk-through Tour – 4 to 7 PM at the theater – Main St.

  • Wellsville Village Council Meeting – 6 PM at Village Hall – 1200 Main St.

  • Wellsville Historical Society – 7:30 PM at the River Museum – 1003 Riverside Ave. - Trustees will meet at 7 PM


Wednesday – May 18:

  • Medical Assistance Program – 9:30 AM to 12 Noon at First Christian Church – 831 Main St.

  • BWD Finance Committee – 10 AM at Administrative Office – 1925 Clark Ave.

  • Joshua Project Clothing Give-away – 12 Noon to 6 PM at New Hope Community Church – 43152 State Rt. 39

  • Wellsville Library Free Movie – 3:30 PM at the Library – Main St.

  • WHS Alumni Activities Committee Spaghetti Dinner – 4 to 7 PM at the Alumni Center – 201 Third St.

  • Wellsville School Annual Art Show – 4 to 7 PM in the Tiger's Den at the High School – 1 Bengal Dr. - Open to the public


Thursday – May 19:

  • BWD Board of Directors Meeting – 9 AM at Wellsville Village Hall – 1200 Main St.

  • Wellsville Crime Watch Committee – 6 PM at Village Hall – 1200 Main St.

  • Wellsville Football Booster's TD Club – 7 PM at Village Hall – 1200 Main St.


Friday – May 20:

  • First Baptist Food Pantry – 3 to 5 PM at the church – 1401 Center St.


Saturday – May 21:

  • Mason's Breakfast – 7:30 to 10 AM at the Masonic Temple – Main St. - Cost by donation

  • St. Francis AWC/Chamber Rabies Clinic – 12 Noon to 2 PM at old Sky Bank – 1210 Main St.


Sunday – May 22:

  • Worship at a church of your choice

  • Baccalaureate Services for WHS Class of 2011 – 3 PM at Central United Methodist Church – 1000 Main St. - Open to the public


The program for tonight's Historical Society meeting will be about the Alzheimer Disease. It is open to the public. It will be presented by a spokes woman from the NE Ohio Area Chapter of the Alzheimer's Assoc.

Wednesday evening's WHS Alumni Activities Committee's monthly spaghetti dinner will be the last one until September. Carry-outs will be available. Call 330-532-9811. If you miss it you'll have to wait three months to get another chance.

The Wellsville School Annual Art Show will feature art works by Wellsville students in grades 4 through 12. Have supper at the Alumni Center and stop by to see some great works of art.

Saturday's Rabies Clinic, sponsored by the Chamber, is put on by the folks of St. Francis AWC. Shots are $10 per animal and will be given by Dr. Michael Sandy and staff from the Community Animal Clinic.

Hopefully it will dry out and everybody can have a great week...

ole nib

Crime Watch To Host Wellsville Police


This coming Thursday evening is "Meet & Greet the Cop" night at the monthly Wellsville Crime Watch Committee meeting. The meeting will start at 6 PM at Village Hall, 1200 Main Street.

It's your chance to meet many of the Wellsville police officers plus the newest officer on the force. K-9 Officer Ryot will be there with her handler, Officer Tony Mancuso. Ryot is now a certified in drug detection and tracking and is already responsible for three drug arrests.

The meeting is open to the public and all are invited. Refreshments provided by the WPD and FOP will be served afterwards.

ole nib

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Wellsville Library Movie Time


This coming Wednesday, May 18, will once again be movie time at the Wellsville Carnegie Public Library. The good folks at the Library will be showing the Justin Bieber :Never Say Never movie starting at 3:30 PM. The movie is G rated.

The movie follows pop star Justin Bieber in the days leading up to his August, 2010, concert at Madison Square Garden. The concert sold out in 22 minutes. It shows scenes from the concert and includes stories about Bieber, the folks around him, his family and friends. It includes stories about his childhood and his original hometown in Canada.

The movie was released in February, 2011 and includes such artists as Boys II Men, Miley Cyrus and others. The movie will be shown in the Meeting Room on the lower level of the Library. Admission is free, courtesy of the Library staff and the Friends of the Library.


ole nib

Liberty Theater News


The Liberty Theater restoration group will be sponsoring another walk-through this coming Tuesday, May 17. It will take place from 4 to 7 PM. There have been many requests for a repeat, especially from folks that had to work during the last one. Electrician Keith Williams from Local 246 has been busy improving the lighting. It is strongly suggested that old clothes and sturdy shoes or boots be worn. No sandals, flip-flops or open toe shoes... Sorry, due to insurance liability issues no one under the age of 18 will be permitted in the building.

The April 23 Clean-up day was very successful with a lot being accomplished by the dozen or so people that came to help. A dumpster was donated by Dailey's Refuse. Clean-up #2 is now being planned for Saturday, June 11. Mark it on your calendar. Your help is greatly appreciated. We weren't informed of the hours but the last one was from 10 AM to 2 PM.

A reminder was given for the baked chicken dinner being put on by theWHS Alumni Activities Committee on Wednesday, June 22. It's the Activities Committee's donation for the benefit of restoring the old theater. The dinner will be held from 4 to 7 PM. It's $10 per ticket. In addition to baked chicken there will be mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, dessert and beverages. Take outs will be available by calling 330-532-9811. The dinner will be held at the Alumni Center at 201 3rd St. The Liberty Theater group will be holding a Chinese Auction and 50/50 at the dinner. Tickets must be purchased in advance. There will only be 200 sold and they will be available at the walk-through on May 17, at Roberts Funeral Home, Center Pharmacy or by calling 330-692-2037. All proceeds go to the Liberty Theater restoration project.

Anyone wishing to make a donation toward the restoration project can do so by mailing it to Liberty Theater Association, P.O. Box 513, Wellsville, OH 43968. Donations are tax deductible. For more information contact Erin at 330-532-1569 or 330-692-2037. Any amount is greatly appreciated.

ole nib

Friday, May 13, 2011

Last Week-end For PPCT Play Jack in the Blue Ridge Mountains


This is the last week-end for the Potter Players performance of the play "Jack in the Blue Ridge Mountains". Show times are tonight and tomorrow at 8 PM and 2 PM for the Sunday matinee.

You won't want to miss it...

ole nib

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Wellsville Sewage Committee Meets on Forced Main Project


Thursday – May 5: The Wellsville Village Council Sewage Committee held a meeting last Thursday afternoon at Village Hall. Present at the meeting was Sewage Committee Chairman Randy Allmon and Committee members Tony Cataldo and John McMahon. Also attending was Councilwoman Susan Haugh, Village Legal Adviser Andy Beech, Fiscal Officer Dale Davis, Village Administrator Jim Saracco and GG&J Project Engineer Nate Wonsick.

Allmon opened the meeting stating it was in regards to property issues with the forced main project. Allmon then turned over the meeting to GG&J Engineer Wonsick. Wonsick stated the main order of business for the meeting was the easements needed for the properties along Riverside Avenue from 9th through 11th Street. He had spoken to Legal Adviser Andy Beech about the Village getting title searches done on those properties.

Wonsick stated that the least expensive way to replace the forced main is an open cut through the grassy area between the sidewalk and the railroad property. For the most part most trees would be missed. With using the open cut method it wouldn't necessarily follow the same route as the existing force main. That route is not exactly known in some parts. He added you can't assume an easement exists for these properties. A permanent utility easement would be needed. A permanent utility easement would insure the right to access that area in the future and to enter that area for any future maintenance.

Tony Cataldo said Village officials were told by former GG&J Engineer Bill Boyle that the sewage maps show that is a dedicated road and still is. Wonsick replied when looking at County tax maps he thought the same thing but their surveyors found the home owner's property lines in those areas show a z-tie. That means at some point in time the Village had either sold or given the home owners that property. Andy Beech added that he didn't believe it was a dedicated road. That area was just looked at recently for another issue. That whole area was never platted. Property between 9th & 11th was sold off in chunks. He never saw a dedicated road through there. It would be necessary to survey the whole area and have the boundaries marked out.

Since the meeting we talked to a couple of property owners along there. One owner told us their deed says they own 50 feet from the sidewalk toward the railroad property. The Wellsville Historical Society had the Riverside Museum property surveyed and the boundaries marked some years ago. That survey confirmed the Society owns the property on that side of the walk to the railroad line.

Cataldo asked if it would be cheaper to insert a new line inside the existing line. Wonsick answered there are two methods to do that. One is called pipe bursting and the other is slip lining. Pipe bursting would use the same diameter pipe as the existing main forcing it through breaking away the old pipe as you go. Slip lining would require a smaller diameter pipe than the exisiting 12” that is currently being used and slipping it through. Either way it would still require digging every 400 feet or so. The ideal thing to do is use at least the same diameter pipe. Pipe bursting costs $90 per foot versus $45 for open cut. Pipe bursting would add approximately $60,000 to the project. You could compensate for the smaller diameter of pipe by using a larger pump. Using either method would have a lot of unknowns about the route of the existing line. GG&J could prepare bids using both methods.

The only benefit using either method would be assuming the Village has an existing prescriptive easement meaning the forced main has been there for 50 plus years and it has always been used for sewage. Beech added if a prescriptive easement is in place the Village would have the right to get in there to maintain and restore the main. Wonsick indicated if it falls under the Ohio Revised Code guidelines prescriptive easement would eliminate the need of getting individual easements from each property owner. Cataldo asked that the law be researched in order that letters can be sent to individual property owners. Andy Beech added that title work would need to be done which would show if a prescriptive easement exists. Wonsick noted that GG&J is recommending that title searches be done for each property. Beech reflected that title work would be expensive but could be added as part of the project cost. He added the names of property owners would certainly have to be ascertained. Questions were brought up about the Wellsville Terminal property. Cataldo noted that a few years ago the Village sold Wellsville Terminals some property which included an easement in the deed. Wonsick stated there are several parcels owned by the company and not all may include an easement.

Wonsick said it has to be determined by the Village which way to go to complete the design phase of the project which is about 80% done. Plans to go alongside the railroad has been eliminated since some spots are too narrow. Cataldo recommended the prescriptive easement route was the way to go and Allmon agreed. Wonsick noted it would probably be best way to go adding it would eliminate the cost of title searches and getting easements which could be very time consuming.

Wonsick said that the project schedule is about two weeks behind at this point. Since it has been decided which way to go GG&J can proceed to get the permit to installed (PTI) ready for submission. He then reviewed the cost of the permit fees that would be added to the contract. The PTI alone is $4,400. The planned bore under the railroad would be $2,100, The control building would require an estimated $700 permit from the state. Boring for installation of the wet well would be an additional $2,000 to $4,000 along with the costs for lab testing services and title work. All are over and above the project cost and is needed to get approval for the project.

The forced main runs from 2nd Street all the way to the Sewage Treatment Plant. The pump and main are in the neighborhood of 50 years old and has been increasing troublesome with costly breaks over the last few years. The new line being designed will basically follow the same route as the existing line except at the Wellsville Terminal area. It will be rerouted in that area to avoid the coal piles.

The Committee went into a brief executive session for legal consultation with Beech. No comments or action was taken when they returned to adjourn the meeting.

ole nib

Monday, May 9, 2011

Wellsville's National Day of Prayer Observance


The National Day of Prayer was observed this past Thursday, May 5. It is a day where members of the community and area clergy come together to offer prayers for the government at all levels, our safety forces, our schools and our community.

In Wellsville the National Day of Prayer is organized and sponsored by the Wellsville Area Ministerial Association. It was held at the Gazebo at starting at 12 Noon. This year's observance was chaired by the Wellsville Nazarene Youth Minister Aaron Smith. The decorations were handled by Mt. Sinai Pastor Darlene Zanders and the sound system was supplied by New Life Worship Center's Bishop Bill Rudder. Musical selections were sung by the WHS Ebony & Ivory Show Choir.

Wellsville Councilman Joe Soldano led the Pledge of Allegiance to open this year's observance. Pastor Mike Dyer welcomed everyone. Councilman Randy Allmon offered a prayer for our national leaders and Supreme Court justices. CC Commissioner Penny Traina led prayers for our state leaders and Aaron Smith prayed for our county leaders, judges and Sheriff Department members. Pastor Darlene Zanders offered prayers for the Village of Wellsville. WVFD Firefighter Marty Thorn, with the assistance of his daughters Avery & Zoe, prayed for our Wellsville police officers and EMTs. WHS Action Club President Brittany Salsberry prayed for all parents, teachers and students. Nazerene Pastor Dirk Hall prayed for our community needs and its economy. Bishop Rudder prayed for relief from disaster and relief from the mess we adults are leaving to our children. First Christian's Greg Newlin offered thoughts for the citizens of Wellsville.

After reciting the Lord's Prayer, led by Councilman Soldano, the crowd released red, white and blue balloons symbolic of sending all the prayers to the heavens to close out this year's observance.

ole nib

WHS 2011 Prom King & Queen Named


The stars of Wellsville's Hollywood Nights pictured here is Queen Kaitlyn Stokes and King Joe Dowling. This lovely couple was selected King & Queen of the 2011 WHS Junior/Senior Prom. Hollywood Nights was the theme of this year's prom.

Members of the Prom Court were Taylor Hardman, Nick DaLonzo, Irene Kiser, Travis MacLean, Rilee Lavolsi, Landon Lyle, Ashley Raffa, Jacob Reed, Marcus Mick and Mikyla Tipton.

The new royal couple were crowned by the 2010 King & Queen Bobby Sullivan & Shannon Davis.

The newly crowned couple began their year of reign at the Red Carpet Romance Prom held at The Fez in Aliquippa, PA.

Congratulations to Kaitlyn and Joe...

ole nib

Hollywood Nights Theme of Wellsville Prom



It's all over now. The only thing left of the 2011 WHS Junior/Senior Prom is the memories. This year's annual rite of spring was held on Friday, April 30.

It started with the Grand March and the crowning of this year's new queen & king in the High School gym. The theme this year was Hollywood Nights. The Tiger's Den was near capacity with everyone wanting to see the beautiful ladies and the handsome gentlemen stopping at each of the four stations. The line waiting for the doors to open extended out to the middle of the parking lot.

Following the ceremonies in Wellsville the couples boarded buses for a trip to The Fez in Aliquippa, PA, for dinner and dancing. The Junior Class under the leadership of advisers Darlene Allison & Nicole Ludewig did an outstanding job on the decorations. All the dazzling couples made it a night to remember.

The collages above are just some of the scenes we captured. It would have taken four collages to get everything. You can right click on either collage to enlarge for a better look.

ole nib

Sunday, May 8, 2011

On The Calendar

Happy Mother's Day to all you ladies! You're special people...

Last week in the ville turned out to kind of busy. At Monday evening's WHS Alumni Activities Committee meeting it was announced that their monthly spaghetti dinner on Wednesday, May 18, will be the last one until September. Gee time flies when you're having fun! That committee meets on the first Monday of the month. After the June 6 meeting they will be taking the rest of the summer off there too. Thanks to all who support the dinners and other activities. See you in September...

The death of bin Laden was big news all around. By 3 PM last Sunday there wasn't a Pittsburgh or Youngstown paper to be had in Wellsville. Normally the stores that carry them have a few left over at the end of the day.

The recent heavy rains these past few weeks have made Wells Avenue very hazardous with water flooding the street in front of the car wash. It's been worse this year than we can ever recall. Village officials have LSW working on it. Last we heard it can't be determined where that storm sewer drains. We're wondering if the outlet went to Little Yellow Creek & is now buried in silt.

Congratulations to the WHS Track team for their showing at the Columbiana County rain delayed meet. The guys came in 9th out of 11 teams. The Ladies placed 5th out of 12 teams. Shartece Taylor took 1st place in the 100 Hurdles and was part of the 1st place 400 Relay along with Mikyla Tipton, Maleya Fultz and Monica Wilson. Senior Shawntae Dillard took 1st in the Long Jump. Until this week's meet the Lady Tigers held title to 6 out of 16 records for the CC Meet. Leetonia's Clarissa Perkins set the new record for the discus with a personal best of 143' 2”. WHS alumni, Dr. Laurie Punch had held that record since 1991.

Monday – May 9:

  • WHS Men's Baseball vs. Crestview – 4:30 in ITCL Championships. Winner plays Tuesday at Springfield Local

  • Immaculate Conception Church Open Meeting – 7 PM at SOI Lodge – 327 Main St.

  • WHS Spring Music Concert – 7 PM at the High School Auditeria – 1 Bengal Dr.

  • Wellsville Elks 1040 Meeting – 7:30 PM at the Lodge – 723 Riverside


Tuesday – May 10:

  • Wellsville Area Ministerial Meeting – 9 AM at Tonda's Place – 400 Main St.


Wednesday – May 11:

  • ITCL Track Championships – 4:30 PM


Thursday – May 12:

  • Wellsville's Singing Mailman Kenny Beaver – 6 to 8 PM at Riverside Roadhouse – 565 Wells Ave. Ext.

  • Knights of Columbus Council 507 – 6 PM at EL Motor Lodge – Dresdan Ave.

  • Wellsville Magistrate Court


Friday – May 13:

  • Potter Players “Jack in the Blue Ridge Mountains” - 8 PM at playhouse – 417 15th St.


Saturday – May 14:

  • Mason's Breakfast - 7:30 to 10 AM - at the Masonic Lodge - Main St. - cost by donation

  • Potter Players “Jack in the Blue Ridge Mountains” - 8 PM at playhouse – 417 15th St.


Sunday – May 15:

  • Worship at a church of your choice.

  • Boy's State Orientation – 2 PM at Glenmore American Legion – Y&O Road

  • Potter Players “Jack in the Blue Ridge Mountains” - 2 PM at playhouse – 417 15th St.


Monday night's Spring Music Concert at the high school with feature performances by the Concert Band and the Ebony & Ivory Show Choir. Admission is by donation only. You won't want to miss these talented musicians.

This week will be Spring Clean-up with extra dumpsters behind Village Hall on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday. It's for old furniture, construction debris, etc. No tires are permitted to be placed in the dumpsters. Sorry, they can't accept old televisions, computer monitors or any other hazardous wastes such as pesticides or oil based paints. No regular household garbage will be permitted. The dumpsters were donated by Dailey Refuse and your Wellsville Village government.

Have a good week everybody...

ole nib

Friday, May 6, 2011

Members of Immaculate Conception Try to Save Wellsville Parish


Some members of the Immaculate Conception Church family are banding together in a “Save Our Parish” effort. The Wellsville Catholic church in all likelihood is going to be shuttered and consolidated with St. Aloysius in East Liverpool. It was announced over a year ago by officials of the Youngstown Diocese that it will be restructuring the diocese and consolidating many parishes.

At that time Bishop George Murry said a decision would be announced May 23, 2010. Since then it's been nothing but silence on any decision about Wellsville's historic parish. Some think it is a poor job of communication from the Youngstown officials. Others have decided to make a concentrated effort to persuade those officials to reconsider. Some have been working on that for over a year. Some remarked that just because most of the Wellsville parishioners are older doesn't mean we're dead. It was collectively decided to make an earnest effort to “Save Our Parish”.

This week an informal meeting was held in the home of one parishioner to gauge the feelings and wishes on how to proceed. About 30 to 40 parishioners attended and decided to actively petition the Bishop to reconsider any decision to close Immaculate Conception. Many of those attending that meeting have been life long members of the Wellsville church. It is with great sadness for many that the Diocese would turn their back on the Wellsville parishioners.

The main reason for consolidating the parish is the lack of priests. The Diocese said many of the Pastors are reaching retirement age and the shortage is going to get worse. On the other hand many of the Wellsville parishioners are getting on in years. One very big objection to closing their hometown church is the lack of parking at the East Liverpool church. It was noted at that meeting you have to get to East Liverpool very early in hopes to find a parking space anywhere close to the church. The only parking available at St. Aloysius is on the street. In Wellsville there is ample parking in their well maintained parking lot. One parishioner remarked he could arrive three minutes before services begin and still be in church on time.

The next step being taken is a meeting Monday evening, May 9, at Wellsville's Sons of Italy lodge. The meeting will begin at 7 PM and is open to anyone interested in Immaculate Conception, whether you're a member or not. The SOI is located at 357 Main St. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the future of Wellsville's Immaculate Conception Church. The public is invited.

ole nib

Calling All Patriots


Memorial Day is just around the corner and Wellsville is second to none when it comes to paying tribute to our veterans. Tomorrow, Saturday, May 7, the Memorial Council plans to place the flags on the grave of veterans interred at Springhill Cemetery. Each and everyone of you are invited to help in this labor of respect. Your help is needed. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

You don't have to be a veteran or a member of the Memorial Council. Anyone, young or not so young, is welcome to pitch in to get this task quickly completed. It's a chance to take pride in showing that Wellsville puts their best foot forward when it comes to being patriotic and grateful to all our veterans.

Weather permitting it will start at 1 PM. Anyone wanting to participate is asked to meet in front of the Newlin Memorial. All you need is a little time to spare. The Memorial Council will take care of everything else. If it's raining it will be postponed for another day.

Hope to see you there...

ole nib

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Wellsville Village Council Meeting

Wednesday – May 4: Wellsville Village Council met last night for their regular bi-monthly meeting at Village Hall. The meeting was postponed one day since Village Hall is a voting precinct. Present at the meeting was Council President Pro-Tem Randy Allmon and Council members Susan Haugh, John McMahon & Tony Cataldo. Also attending was Fiscal Officer Dale Davis, Village Administrator Jim Saracco, Legal Advisor Andy Beech, Zoning Administrator Rick Williams and United Water Sewage Treatment Plant Manager Greg Stewart. Allmon was sitting in for vacationing Mayor Joe Surace.

Clover Street resident Nunzio Lombardozzi questioned why the absence of Council members were automatically excused without stating a reason. Lombardozzi stated that years ago a reason was needed to be given per Council rules before an absence was excused. He said it was embarassing for the Village and he's been meaning to bring that up at previous meetings. Lombardozzi further stated that the present Council members may know the reasons for members missing the meetings. Allmon responded he knew that Councilman Soldano's father was in the hospital and Haugh noted that, although not officially notified, that Councilwoman Goss was working at her regular job.

The Council Clerk advised he would have to check the Council Rules to see if that rule was still included. Allmon suggested that maybe it should be and entertained a motion that the President Pro-Tem be notified why anyone missing future meetings be required. Cataldo requested the motion be held up until they can check what it says in Robert's Rules. Allmon agreed.

For the Mayor's Report Allmon reported that he talked to Surace on Wednesday and he was enjoying himself in Florida. Allmon stated that they are still waiting to hear from the EPA in regards to who turned them in for malfeasance in office, using the money from the STAG funds. Allmon continued that a letter was written requesting the identity of the accuser and he thinks it will be 20 days before a reply is sent to that letter from the latest correspondence he has had with them.

A few years back the Federal EPA billed the Village for undocumented use of STAG funds when Village officials believed there was over $600,000 left over in that grant. The grant was originally awarded to the Village for various sewage projects and plans were being made to use the remaining funds for a storm sewer project on Highland/Ridge Avenues and to upgrade the forced main. Then it was announced that someone had turned the Village in for improperly using the STAG grant funds. After finding most of the receipts needed the fine was appealed and with the intercession of then Congressman Charlie Wilson it was ruled that no malfeasance had occurred. Since then some Village officials have vowed to bring the accusers name to the light of day stating they have the right to know who their accuser is.

We have to question the wisdom in that line of thinking, especially if the accuser is considered a confidential informant. In our line of thinking the accuser's name is protected by law from becoming a matter of public record. The Village officials have been resolved of any taint in that accusation by the EPA ruling. It's water over the dam. Time to move on.

Allmon also thanked the residents that voted in favor of the Police levy and getting it passed. The levy was on yesterday's Primary Election ballot. It was the only issue Village residents voted on yesterday. There were no other contested issues on yesterday's ballot.

For the Finance Committee Tony Cataldo asked for a clarification on the EPA report on the STAG funds that the Village's share was overpaid by 45% and they owed Wellsville $100,000. Fiscal Officer Dale Davis noted that the amount was $90,000. He explained it was not owed as a pay out but that the EPA is allowing $90,000 to be drawn down from the grant. Any other use of STAG funds have to be approved by the EPA before they are committed to a project.

John McMahon noted “it's like beating a dead dog” for the Street Committee but he has been called about the pot holes on 20th Street. McMahon stated he realizes that crews have been patching but 20th Street looked like it had a swimming pool in the middle of the street. Saracco responded that he has to keep up with the grass mowing in the cemetery and in town with three men, plus have them patching the pot holes. He also advised there will be no part time help available this year. Both the MCTA and CC Jobs & Family Services have no funds to hire employees this year. County Commissioner Penny Traina confirmed today that with no more stimulus funds there is no money available to furnish Wellsville with additional help, as has been done in years past.

Before the stimulus funds were available last year both counties joined together in what is known as the Mahoney & Columbiana Training Association (MCTA) to furnish part-time summer help. With the stimulus funds last year CC Commissioners had Jobs & Family Services administer the summer help program. With the recession and Congress not creating additional stimulus funds the money for extra summer help is not there.

Saracco added that in the last 33 days there have been 28 days of rain. He noted he's been told they would need a whole truck load of hot patch just for 20th Street but they are well aware of the condition. Until they can catch up with the grass he's advises people to drive cautiously. Sue Haugh noted they are doing a very good job with the little time available and asked that 11th Street between Center & Commerce be added to the list. It is heavily used by Post Office customers leaving there to go back uptown. Saracco noted they were able to do some patching between Main and Center on 11th Street and assured Mrs. Haugh that “every street in town is on the list”.

McMahon also inquired about the condition of Lisbon Street where the salvage company removed the old train rails. Saracco reported he recently talked with the company owner and has been assured it will be taken care of as soon as weather permits. He added the company just had employees come back to remove some “spikes” that were left sticking out of the ground.

Allmon asked if people working off fines were still being used. Saracco answered that the only people he gets are from East Liverpool Municiple Court and the County. Sue Haugh volunteered to check why referrels from the Village Magistrate are not being given that option. Saracco added he currently has no one working off fines and the last one he did have was delayed until the weather improved.

For Water, Sewer & Refuse Allmon reported he is still awaiting for the bid proposal from United Water on their offer to repair the flood wall pumps with an extended pay back stipulation of five to ten years. At a recent Sewage Committee meeting officials from United Water offered their help with the pumps provided the contract to run the Sewage Treatment Plant be extended to whatever time frame a pay off schedule is arrange to finance the repair the pumps. The Committee asked that United Water work up a proposal for consideration. United has a separate division that specializes in repairing and maintaining big pumps. Allmon said he expects the proposal in the next week or so.

Council voted to place Ordinance 11-3 on first reading. That legislation is to authorize the Village to participate in the Ohio Department of Transportation rock salt program for the 2011-2012 Winter Season. With only four Council members present the ordinance could not be declared an emergency and passed right away. The ODOT program is done yearly for better pricing consideration in a cooperative with several other political subdivisions throughout the state.

The meeting adjourned at 6:14 PM. The next regular scheduled meeting is Tuesday, May 17 at 6 PM at Village Hall.

ole nib

Wellsville Area Chamber April Luncheon


Thursday – April 28: The Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce held their monthly luncheon this past Thursday at Kat's Kitchen on Main St. Chamber President Randy Allmon presided. Member Paul Blevins gave the invocation.

Allmon issued a reminder of the annual Chamber sponsored rabies clinic held with the St. Francis Animal Welfare folks. Community Animal Clinic veterinarian Dr. Sandy and his staff will be returning this year to handle the immunizations. Holly Development has again donated the use of the old Sky Bank property at 1210 Main St. The clinic is scheduled for Saturday, May 21 from 12 noon to 2 PM. Allmon said he thinks the price is $10 per shot.

The public has been invited to attend the annual Chamber luncheon honoring Wellsville's Class of 2011 Top 10 students. The special luncheon will be held at the Riverside Roadhouse beginning at noon on Tuesday, May 24. Allmon said it's his favorite luncheon of the year. The Riverside Roadhouse is located at 565 Wells Avenue Extension. The Top 10 luncheon will be in place of the regular monthly luncheon for May.

Chamber member Jim Saracco issued a reminder of the EL Chamber Sunrise Prayer Breakfast being held at the Motor Lodge on Dresden Ave. The EL breakfast is timed to coincide with the annual National Day of Prayer dedicated to asking the Lord's blessing for community and our different levels of government.

An upcoming event being sponsored by the Chamber and still in the planning stages is a dancing contest that is being likened to the popular Dancing With the Stars television show. Allmon noted it is strictly for amateur dancers with their partners. The Chamber has already gotten the nod to use the Wellsville High School Auditeria for the contest. More details will be forthcoming. Maybe they will invite Hines Ward to judge the contest.

Perkins Detailing was named the Chamber April Business of the Month. See our post below. The vehicle detailing company is owned and operated by Chamber member Bill Perkins.

Pharmacist & Co-owner Joe Amaismeier was the April Luncheon speaker. Shown above, on the left, is Amaismeier along with his partner, Wellsville resident Jim Koopman. The two own and operate Wellsville's Center Pharmacy and the Toronto Apothecary. Center Pharmacy is located at 447 Main St. They bought the business in 2003 and have been active in community involvement from the day they hung their sign.

Amaismeier stated he started out in the business as a pharmacist and is now a pill counter and insurance agent. Unfortunately that is the way the pharmacy business has been going for years now, especially with the chain company drug stores. Being a small community oriented business it is the aim of the partners to serve local residents by catering to their special needs. They have found in many cases they are able to save money for their customers by giving their prescription needs one-on-one attention you don't find in the big box stores.

Since the advent of the Affordable Health Care Act that brought you Medicare Part D they have invested the time to learn all they can on the subject with the goal in giving their customers the best financially affordable medicine they can. They work closely with insurance companies and Medicare to make necessary medications possible. On a yearly average they have documented saving customers 40% to 60% on their prescription needs. Amaismeier invited anyone having problems paying for their prescriptions to stop by for a consultation. With their efforts they have attracted customers from such places as Salineville, Chester and Newell. Nearly 80% to 90% of those customers seeking help on the cost of medications have been able to save money at Center. As an example they have found there is seven alternatives to the popular drug Lipitor that are just as effective and allow for a smaller co-pay than the named drug. They work with most insurance companies and are glad to work with anyone. It doesn't matter who you are currently dealing with. They are willing to give you a free consultation to find you the best price on prescription drugs.

A new development that lit up Amaismeier's eyes like lights on a Christmas tree is compound medications. The partners are currently looking to expand their pharmacy business in this line. By expanding into compound medications they are even better able to tailor their customer medication needs on a more personal level. For example Amaismeier stated that many medical gels are sold by the tube only or have a set amount of patches in a box. Many times only part of that prescription is needed by the customer to treat their medical problem. By mixing their own at the store locally they can possibly cut down on the amount needed saving money for the customer. Cream for skin problems, pain patches, other gels and hormone therapy are a few examples cited by Amaismeier. Some customers have problems swallowing pills. With compounding medications they can devise other ways to work around the difficulty. Amaismeier noted this is what he went to school for and Koopman added that his partner went back to class recently to refresh his training in compounding drugs.

Before closing Amaismeier noted they are looking to expanding the store on Main Street. He announced that they are donating the use of their billboard at 3rd Street to the Wellsville Revitalization Committee in support of that group's “shop local campaign”. He also invited any group or fellow Wellsville businesses that have flyers or announcements that they will be happy to put one in each bag that goes out the front door. They plan to be long time members of the Wellsville community and help in any way they can.

Before closing the luncheon meeting best wishes and prayers were sent out to fellow Chamber member Vicki McCombs.


ole nib

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Perkins Detail Named Wellsville Area Chamber Business of the Month


In business since 1997 Perkins Detailing was selected as the Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce April Business of the Month. Located in nearby Irondale, Perkins Detailing is owned and operated by Bill Perkins.

From vacuuming, washing, and waxing Perkins Detailing will clean your vehicle inside and out. They will pick up your car and return it looking just like new, all sparkling, bright and shiny. For more information call 330-532-3340.

Shown here from the left is Chamber President-elect Diana Spencer, Chamber Member Bill Perkins and Chamber Member Marian Ferlaino who says “ooo, they do a nice job!”

ole nib

Friends of the Wellsville Library Looking For A Friend


The Friends of the Wellsville Library are asking you to be a friend too. They are chancing off a decorative, patriotic, hand made quilt to help raise funds for the many programs they sponsor at the Library. The quilt was made and donated by Mary Jane Frontone and Pat Ready. It is made of fabric that gives it an aged look with stars & stripes. It is suitable for mounting on a wall or draped over a chair back to give any room that patriotic appearance.

Tickets are on sale now through Friday, May 27. The quilt is on display at the Library. Stop by and check it out. You'll want to get several chances once you see it. It's a must have for the home of any red blooded American!

ole nib

Wellsville Crime Watch Committee April Meeting


The Wellsville Crime Watch Committee held their April meeting on April 21 at Village Hall. President Janet Taggart presided. WPD Juvenile Officer Marsha Eisenhart presented a program on bullying in the schools. Eisenhart works three days a week in the Wellsville schools. Shown here is Eisenhart being assisted by off duty WPD Officer Joe Rayle.

Bullying is described as direct verbal, physical or psychological aggression or harassment toward an individual. Bullying is probably worse in the Middle Schools throughout the United States. There are many types of bullying. The most common are verbal, physical, indirect, social alienation, intimidation and cyber bullying. Verbal bullying is the most common. It includes name calling, offensive remarks or consistently making the subject the butt of jokes. Physical bullying is the second most common and includes aggressive hitting, pulling or shoving. Indirect bullying is probably most common with girls. It involves back biting and spreading false rumors about the subject. Social alienation is usually directed to the quiet types, excluding them from groups. Intimidation is any type of verbal threat with the purpose of making the victim give in to the bully's demands. Cyber bullying involves destroying or smearing the victim's reputation via e-mails, blogs, forum posts, texts, etc.

Eisenhart related that the easiest to prove is physical bullying. It is also called assault. The perpetrator can be expelled from school and be charged with assault. The hardest to deal with is psychological bullying. It involves mind games. Eisenhart said boys are the easiest to work with. They usually just fight it out and get it out of their system.

The number one factor causing bullying is the bully's home life. They are likely a victim at home themselves and are looking for a release in the form of bullying when they get to school. For some it can be peer pressure with the bully wanting to be part of the group. Statistics show that nearly 50% of school age bullies in grades 6 through 9 are convicted criminals, having served time in jail by age 24. One young man in the audience said “when you see bullying you're suppose to go get the nearest adult”.

Eisenhart stated that probably the easiest way to stop bullying is with parents working with the schools. Unfortunately many parents are not much involved with their children's lives. Another suggestion was forming a “Students Against Bullying” group with student members working with school staff and parents. Creating after school programs for the students was also suggested.

Before closing her presentation Eisenhart announced that she will be coordinating a drug testing program in the Wellsville schools that will begin in July. It will start with athletes and those wanting to participate in extra-curricular activities. High School football players, volleyball players and band members will be the first tested. It will also later include high school club members. Eisenhart noted that such a program is already being done in East Palestine. Once the kinks are worked out it will include the Middle School.

May is Police Month. At the next meeting the Crime Watch Committee will have a “Meet Your Wellsville Officers” night including the newest officer Ryot. Ryot is the K-9 Belgian Malanois that is now a certified drug dog. Ryot is already credited for three drug busts in the village since being certified. After the meeting there will be tours of the Police Station with refreshments available. The public is invited.

The next meeting is scheduled for 6 PM Thursday, May 19 at Village Hall, 1200 Main St.

ole nib

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Potter Players Open Friday



Shown here are some of the cast rehearsing the Potter Players Community Theatre's newest production. “Jack in the Blue Ridge Mountains” opens Friday, May 6 at the PPCT playhouse. Directed by Mary Beth Morse it's an Appalachian story tale about a good ole boy named Jack.

“He's a one of kind and a real good guy
Getting in trouble all of the time
Helping his momma
Plowing the field
Working everyday to find a good meal
Hey! What'ya think about that?”

Cast members are Nikita Walsh, Joseph Walsh, David Mellinger, Christie Mellinger, Joey Shroads, Kim Winkleman, Michaela Winkleman, Lily Mitchell, Lacey Hutchman, Mason Hutchman, Seth McLaughlin, Zoe McLaughlin, Ashlea Kennedy, Jessica Kennedy, Greg VanDorn, Holey Gorney, Jessi Hull and Paige Mesler.

Show time is at 8 PM Friday, May 7 & Saturday, May 8 and again May 13 & 14. There will be a Sunday matinee at 2 PM on May 15. The playhouse is located at 417 15th Street, Wellsville. Admission is $8 for adults and $7 for students & seniors. For reservations call 330-532-5540.

It's great family entertainment you won't want to miss..

ole nib

Monday, May 2, 2011

Wellsville Historical Society April Meeting


The Wellsville Hisorical Society held their April meeting on Tuesday, April 19 at the River Museum. Historical Society President Robert “Brass” Beresford presided. Robert Durbin, Chief Deputy Engineer from the CC Engineers Office, pictured here, led off with his presentation on covered bridges.

As far as known the first covered bridge was built in China in 780 B.C., nearly 1500 hundred years ago. The first known American covered bridge was built in 1804 over the Hudson River in Waterford, NY. Today there are only 1,600 covered bridges still in existence. Nearly 880 of them are in the U.S. Ohio is ranked second with 140 covered bridges throughout the state. Many of the remaining covered bridges are now on private property.

The first covered bridges were built entirely of wood. Covers, or roofs, were erected to protect the structural integrity of the bridge from the elements. The most common design early on was called the King Post Truss with a central post to support the rest of the structure. Over the years they have been known to host a number of social activities and uses from weddings, political rallies, boxing matches, public meetings and even to hang laundry out to dry. Some referred to them as the “kissing bridge” when a young man would stop his horse and buggy during the darkness of night to steal a kiss from his date!

Today there are five covered bridges remaining in Columbiana County. There is the Thomas Malone Bridge at Beaver Creek State Park. It was originally located over Middle Run in Elkrun Twp. The second one is the Church Hill Road Bridge located in Elkton by Lock 24. The third is the Jim McClellan Bridge just off Trinity Church Road. It was built in 1870 over the west fork of Little Beaver Creek. The fourth county bridge is the Sell's Covered Bridge located at Scenic Vista Park. Orginally over the west fork of Little Beaver Creek it had a metal roof and was built on cut stone abutments making is strong enough to hold five tons. Once nearly destroyed by fire it was rebuilt in 1994 and relocated to the park outside of Lisbon. The last covered bridge is known as the Centennial, or Teegarden Bridge, which was built in 1876. It was eventually replaced with a modern bridge over the middle fork of Little Beaver Creek in Teegarden. The old covered bridge was restored in 2002 and is now part of the Greenway Bike Trail.

In the meeting Beresford reported that he and Trustee Bob Lloyd were invited to review the historical archives on hand at the Wellsville Public Library. Among the items at the library is a 1917 WHS year book in mint condition. The Society is going to donate duplicate copies of year books they have on hand to the library. Year books make excellent research material. While at the Library it was learned that the artist of the mural above the desk at the old 9th Street entrance was a Wellsville High School student by the name of Lanson Crawford. The mural was painted c1929. That mural is displayed at the River Museum.

The River Museum's collection of historical family bibles were reviewed by members of the CC Archives & Research Center for their genealogical information. In return they have furnished the Museum with lists of all the information from each bible for the files. In addition to family lines they have also furnished a list of all known cemeteries, past and present, in the county. There are three cemeteries that they are trying to find the original location of in the county. One is the Methodist-Episcopal Cemetery, the Blackburn Cemetery and a cemetery dedicated to early Afro-American area residents. The Afro-American Cemetery is different from the Wellsville area Spires Family grave yard in Liverpool Twp. Anybody with information on any of these are requested to contact the Historical Society.

The drive to raise funds for the restoration of the bottle kiln located at 3rd & Lisbon Streets is continuing. Wellsville Terminal owners Chip & Jay Muse recently made a generous donation toward the project. In conferring with a local engineer it was confirmed that any work planned for the kiln has to be approved beforehand by the Ohio Department of Transportation. Although an agreement was made for the Historical Society to maintain the historical landmark it is still ODOT's property.

Word from Virginia Glenn was received about a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Mooretown Civil War Monument. The ceremony will begin at 1 PM with a wreath laying, guest speaker Donna George Dunning and a black powder demonstration by Civil War Re-enactors. The monument is located on Jefferson County Road 53 near the intersectin for Jefferson County Roads 53 & 54. There are some Wellsville area residents with ancestors listed on that memorial. For more information contact Glenn at 740-768-2365. Glenn is a renown historian and resides in Jefferson County. The ceremony is to commemorate the start of the Civil War 150 years ago.

Some of the donations received in the past month was a glass photograph of Warren Harsth and a tin type photograph of Miller Harsth. The were given by Mrs. Mickey Hamilton DeSarro, a great grand daughter. A wedding dress thought to be from the 1950s or 1960s was donated by Tina Geary Volino. The William Bush family donated Boy Scout memorabilia, various school awards and a 1912 certificate of membership for the Wesleyan Bible Club.

Bonny & Brass Beresford were presented with a copy of an “historic” newspaper announcement of their wedding from the East Liverpool Review Society pages. The Beresfords were married on May 6, 1954 at the Wellsville Immaculate Conception Church by Fr. James Hennessy. Happy Anniversary Mrs. & Mr. Beresford! Best wishes for a speedy recovery were sent out to Mrs. Jean Broderick. A special thanks was given to all who helped with the preparations for the new season and especially to members Ruth Weekley, Jayne Reese, Carol Smith and Bonny Beresford. Starting Sunday, June 5 the museum will be open for regular hours each Sunday afternoon.

Pam Smith hosted the luncheon following the meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 17 at 7:30 PM at the River Museum. A program on the Alzheimer disease will be presented. As always guests are welcome.


ole nib