Monday, January 31, 2011

Special Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon Upcoming


Announced at last Thursday's Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon was the upcoming Special Luncheon for all CC Chamber of Commerce members at the Plumbers & Pipefitters Union training facility. The Special Luncheon is being hosted by the union according to Business Agent Butch Taylor at their $2 million training facility in Boardman.

Taylor remarked that “with the upcoming boom of advanced energy construction in our area there is going to be a tremendous amount of opportunity for young people who want to get into the program.” The facility is located at 493 Bev Road, Building #3, in Boardman, Ohio.

The program will include economic development in both Columbiana & Mahoning Counties, the Marcellus Shale development, advantages of green energy and the facility's training programs. Taylor said a representative of one of the 10th largest contractors in the country will be there to talk about the fabrication they're bringing to the area. He noted there are a couple of different companies relocating to our area.

The Special Luncheon will be held Wednesday, February 23, starting at noon. All area Chamber members are invited to take advantage of this unique opportunity to network with the union and learn about the trade. Any member planning on attending are asked to RSVP through their local Chamber by February 16. Wellsville Area members can RSVP with Randy Allmon either by calling 330-843-3475 or e-mailing rallmon@hotmail.com. The Plumbers & Pipefitters Union are members of the Western Reserve Trade Council.

Pictured above from the left is Chamber President Randy Allmon, Ohio & Vicinity Region Council of Carpenters Business Agent Mark Bayless, EL Chamber Executive Director Pam Hoppel and Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 396 Business Agent Butch Taylor.

ole nib

Wellsville Chamber Business of the Month


The Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month is Floors by George. Located at 555 Wells Avenue the business is owned and operated by Mr. & Mrs. Patrick George. They have been open in Wellsville for two years now.

Chamber President Randy Allmon encourages everyone to come visit the local guys for all your flooring needs. Allmon said they are very competitive in price and do a great job.

Pictured here is co-owner Pat George with Chamber members Paul Blevins to his left & Margaret Gill.

ole nib

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Wellsville Freshman Improve to 9&0


Thursday – January 27: The Wellsville Freshman basketball team continues to roll. This past Thursday they entertained the Lowellville freshman team with a basketball clinic in the Tiger's Den. It was an impressive demonstration of what “Wellsville basketball” is all about.

The Tiger Frosh jumped out to a 21-7 first quarter lead and never really looked back. They had a 15 point lead going into the locker room at the half and by the end of three quarters was still up by 12 points. It was the closest the Rockets got when the buzzer sounded to end a quarter. Final score was 67-52.

The Tigers were playing “Thompson ball” all the way, Dave Thompson Jr. ball that is. They were stifling on defense and it was run & gun when they had their hands on the ball. Camden Douglas had a game high 19 points with Dakota Barnes & Sam McIntosh each recording 12 points of their own. The win improves the Tiger Freshman record to 9&0 on the season.

The 9th Graders return to action Wednesday at Beaver Local. Congratulations fellows on a super season so far. We're proud of each & everyone of you. Just two more to go.

Good luck Tigers...

ole nib

On The Calendar

Wow! Normally the fourth full week of the month is a kind of quiet time for meetings and such. Didn't happen this month with all the "special" meetings that were called. The Ohio Sunshine laws calls any meeting that is not regularly scheduled a "special" meeting. This past week Wellville Village Council, the Board of Education and Buckeye Water all got into the act. Top that with the winter cold weather and the daily fresh coating of snow...

Monday - January 31:

  • Wellsville Village Council Special Meeting - 2 PM at Village Hall - 1200 Main St.

  • WHS Lady Tigers vs Western Reserve - 6 PM in the Tiger's Den - Bengal Dr.


Tuesday - February 1:

  • Wellsville Village Council Regular Bi-monthly Meeting - 6 PM at Village Hall - 1200 Main St.

  • WHS Tiger Basketball vs Western Reserve - 6 PM in the Tiger's Den - Bengal Dr.


Wednesday - February 2:

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

  • May Primary Election Ballot Petitions and Local Issues & Questions Filing Deadline - By 4 PM at CC Election Board - Lisbon

  • WHS Freshman Basketball at Beaver Local - 6 PM out in farm country - State Rt.7

  • Daw Mid. School Boys at Crestview - 5 PM

  • Daw Mid. School Girls vs Crestview - 5 PM at Beacom Memorial - Center St.


Thursday - February 3:

  • WHS Lady Tigers vs McDonald - 6 PM in the Tiger's Den - Bengal Dr.

  • WHS Wrestling Team at Magnolia Quad Meet


Friday - February 4:

  • WHS Tiger Basketball vs McDonald - 6 PM in the Tiger's Den - Bengal Dr.


Saturday - February 5:

  • Men's Prayer Breakfast - 10 AM at First Baptist Church - Open to the public - 1401 Center St.

  • Wellsville Public Library Card Making Program - Noon to 2:30 PM - Main St.

  • WHS Lady Tigers at Toronto - 1 PM


Sunday - February 6:

  • Worship at a church of your choice

  • Super Bowl XLV - Steelers vs Green Bay Packers - 6:30 PM in Irvine Texas


The Wellsville Village Special Council Meeting on Monday is for Council to consider placing the proposed new WPD levy on the May Primary ballot. They're up against a filing deadline to get the paper work to Lisbon by Wednesday afternoon. Also there may be a discussion on the STAG funds included on the agenda.

Wednesday is also the filing deadline for all partisan candidates that wish to run for office and be on the May 3 Primary Election ballot. Anyone wishing to declare themself as a write-in candidate has to file by February 22. If you're not registered you have until April 4 to be eligible to vote in the Primary. In addition to the possible police levy Wellsville voters will be selecting candidates for a Mayor and four Council members.

It's McDonald week for the WHS basketball teams, weather permitting. They're coming to play in the Tiger's Den. It's time to support our Tigers big time for these games. On another note, dates have been set for the weather postponed Jackson Milton games. The Lady Tigers host Jackson Milton on February 17 and the Men do the same on February 25. Both games kick off with the Reserves at 6 PM.

Saturday the folks at the Library are having another popular card making program. Preregistration is required. The $10 cost is due at the time of registration and covers all supplies and a lunch. Call 330-532-1526 for all the details.

While you're worshipping at a church of your choice on Sunday morning slip a little prayer in for our Pittsburgh Steelers appearance in the Super Bowl later in the day. They're playing for the "stairway to seven". May the cheese in those cheese hats turn rancid!

Have a good week...

ole nib

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Wellsville Council Special Meeting

Tuesday – January 25: Wellsville Village Council held a Special Meeting at 2 PM this past Tuesday to act on two agenda items. Present at the meeting was Mayor Joe Surace, Council Members Susan Haugh, Rosie Goss, Joe Soldano, Randy Allmon, John McMahon and Tony Cataldo. Also attending the meeting was Fiscal Officer Dale Davis, Zoning Administrator Jim Saracco and Zoning Administrator Rick Williams.

The first item on the agenda was to approve the Mayor's recommendation to appoint Commerce Street resident Jason Moore as a Call-Paid Firefighter. Moore is a journeyman pipe fitter, a paramedic and a Captain with the Liverpool Township Volunteer Fire Dept. Mr. Moore has all his Fire Fighter training and was first recommended for hire to the Mayor by WFD Chief Bill Smith. At the last regular Council meeting Smith advised the Mayor that Moore would be available to work day light hours helping to fill a void he has had for that particular shift. With a motion by Soldano and a second by Haugh the recommendation was unanimously approved.

The second item on the agenda was two resolutions ordered at the last meeting regarding the information gathering for a 1-mill or possibly a 1.5-mill levy for the Police Dept. Fiscal Officer Davis explained that the legislation is to “certify to the County we would like them to to tell us how much each of these mills would bring in if we so choose to proceed”. Council is considering a Police levy be put on the ballot for the May Primary elections.

Cataldo then read Section 1 of both resolutions which says “The purpose of the tax is: Providing and maintaining motor vehicles, communications, other equipment, buildings and sites for such buildings used directly in the operation of the Wellsville Police Department, and the payment of salaries of permanent police personnel, including the payment of the police officer employer's contribution required under R.C. 742.33”. Davis went on to explain that R.C. 742.33 pertains to the requirement for the pensions.

Allmon then inquired about the actual cost that each amount would be. Davis replied when the County certifies how much each amount will bring in they will also provide a cost list based on property values. If a resident's property is valued at “X” amount their taxes will increase this much with the levy approval and so on. Prior to the meeting Cataldo was estimating that a 1-mill levy would only increase the resident's tax by approximately $15 to $17 per year. Both resolutions were passed under suspension of rules. Cataldo noted that a new levy would not have any effect on the two permanent levies Wellsville residents have been paying that goes toward police salaries and pensions.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:37. The next regular meeting is schedule for 6 PM on Tuesday, February 1, at Village Hall.

ole nib

Wellsville's Daw Mid. School Splits With Lisbon


The Daw Middle School basketball teams took on the Lisbon Blue Devils this past Wednesday, January 26. The boys traveled out to Lisbon while the girl's teams played at home in Beacom Memorial. Unfortunately both teams split with Lisbon with the 7th Grade teams losing and the 8th Grade teams winning.

In the girls game we saw the 7th Graders lost 37-21. They gave it their all but just came up short in the scoring department. The 8th Grade girls improved to 9&2 on the season, winning the nightcap by a score of 32-24. Daw's Angelica Scarabino took game high honors with 14 points. Ashley Joy contributed 6 points quickly followed by the Birthday girl, Sabrina Thompson, with five.

Out in Lisbon the 7th Grade boys lost to the Blue Devils 29-20 with Alik Bradford getting a game high of 13 points. In the second game the 8th Graders left there with their season record unblemished, handily defeating the Lisbon team 50-17. The 8th Grade boys remain undefeated on the year improving to 11&0. Congratulations fellows.

The Daw Middle School teams return to action next Wednesday, February 2, when they take on the Crestview Rebels. The boys travel to Crestview and the girls play host at home in Beacom Memorial. Both games are scheduled to begin at 5 PM.

AD Darlene Allison advised the weather canceled game with United will not be made up. As of this past Wednesday no date has been set for the postponed Jackson Milton games. Pictures above in the collage are from the girl's game.

Good Luck Tigers....


ole nib

Some Recent Wellsville Notes

Nice tribute to the late Don Lowe by the Buckeye Online School for Success this past week. They dedicated a meeting room, renaming it the Donald A. Lowe Professional Development & Board Room, in his memory. Mr. Lowe was a lifelong Columbiana County Resident, a teacher, Superintendent in both the Wellsville & East Liverpool School Districts and a CC Commissioner at one time or another.

Morning Journal reporter Tom Giambroni announced some good news and not so good news in separate articles this past week. The not so good news was his report that the CC jobless rate is stalled at 11.2% or 5,900 folks still out of work. The good news was his report that Baard Energy has begun buying land for the proposed Ohio River Clean Fuels plant. It's not only good news, we consider it to be great news and proof positive it's going to happen. So far, according to Giambroni, they have bought 130 acres from three different owners up there. It's a move that's been stalled due to today's economy and difficulty in getting financing. Now they are working on getting financing for the remaining 392 acres to make up the tolal of 522 planned for the coal-to-liquid fuel plant. It's not happening as fast as we had hoped but it is happening. Maybe the unemployment picture will improve when they do get going.

Congratulations to Garfield Elementary Principal Lisa Ferguson on her selection to the Southern Local Athletic Hall of Fame. Ferguson is a member of the SLHS Class of 75 and participated in both basketball & volleyball back in the days before the Title IX program. Her basketball squad went 40&0 in her career and were champions of three Lion's Club Invitational tournaments, in the days before there were female State championships. In addition to her ball playing she was also a cheerleader and still today she is frequently seen at WHS sporting events cheering the hometown teams. We would like to add we believe she is one super lady.

The Wellsville Board of Education had a Special Board meeting this past Tuesday, held in Executive Session, to discuss the on-going negotiations with the teacher's union. It was only Board members and Superintendent Rich Bereschik in the meeting. There were no announcements or action taken following the meeting.

Before the door closed we inquired about the piece of Sterling China property they have expressed interest in for some time now. The property is located behind the high school with a large steel building that would make an excellent garage to store and work on school equipment. Bereschik responed that they are currently negotiating for the property with the owners and remarked that they aren't going to be giving it away.

Finally we would like to say kudos to the Wellsville Police Department for some quick heads up action with solving and making apprehensions in a couple of armed robberies recently in the Village. Arrests were made the same day of the robberies in both cases. Wellsville is fortunate to have these dedicated, professional officers.

ole nib

Thursday, January 27, 2011

RIP Edgar


Wellsville lost an icon this past Tuesday morning. Edgar H. Rockenhauser passed on to his eternal reward around 9 AM Tuesday at Calcutta Health Care Center. Edgar was only 75 years old. Many of you may have known him as "Edgar Peck" but Peck was his mother's maiden name. Edgar suffered a massive stroke several months ago and his recovery was a steep up-hill battle that proved to be just too much.

For those of us that knew Edgar knew that he was cut from the fabric of old fashion values. Edgar believed in giving a fair day's work for the money he was paid. No job was too demeaning, too hard or too messy for Edgar to tackle. Up until the day he was stricken he was willing to tackle any job that men half his age would back away from. Edgar would bring down a house single handedly, piece by piece. His only tools would be a hammer, crow bar and ladder. All the owner needed to do was order the dumpsters to dispose of the waste. He would top a tree only using a hand saw and ladder.

Edgar was the type of man you hired for a job to be done and knew he would do a good job at that. He required no supervision once he knew what had to be done. He was dependable, reasonable and thorough. In our opinion he was a heck of an amazing guy. He may have marched to a different drummer but he was a good man.

After posting this last night we have since received a call from a representative of Robert's Funeral Home stating that Edgar or his family had made prearrangements for his life end details. Financially everything was taken care of for his funeral and his wishes are being followed per his request and directions. Our anonymous commenter was ill informed and wrong. We apologize for the wrong information. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Edgar's memory can make one to his family or a charity of their choice. Please do not send it to Robert's.

Rest in peace old buddy...

ole nib

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Shawntae Dillard Crowned 2011 WHS Winter Homecoming Queen


Drawing the orange colored rose Miss Shawntae Dillard was crowned the 2011 WHS Winter Homecoming Queen. Shawntae is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. James Pullie, Jr. The senior is involved with volleyball, basketball and track. She is a member of ACTION, Varsity W Club and the Leo Club. After graduation Shawntae plans to further her education in the medical field.

Shawntae was crowned by last year's Winter Homecoming Queen, Miss Christina Pullie. Michael Johnston served as Homecoming King. He was crowned at a pep rally held last Thursday.

This was the 34th Annual WHS Winter Homecoming. The crowning ceremony was postponed from being held Friday at the basketball half-time due to a winter weather cancellation. The newly crowned King & Queen reigned over the Homecoming Dance held in the high school Auditeria. .

Congratulations to Queen Shawntae Dillard...

ole nib

WHS 2011 Winter Homecoming Court


The Queen was selected by the luck of the draw. Each candidate on the court selected a long stem rose sealed in a box as they were introduced. The member of the court that selected the orange color rose was named the 2011 Winter Homecoming Queen. Varsity W Club Treasurer, Miss Leah Kelly, presented the boxed roses to each candidate. Leah is the daughter of Karen & Tim Kelly.

This year's Winter Homecoming Court was Miss Shawntae Dillard, daughter of Mr. & Mrs, James Pullie, Jr. Shawntae was escorted by her father. Also on the court was Miss Anna Marie Drago, daughter of Frank & Lori Drago. Anna was escorted by her father. Next came Miss Katie Hardman, daughter of Jamie & Paula Hardman. Katie was escorted by her mother. Fourth candidate was Miss Marissa Reynolds, daughter of Jim Reynolds & Lesley Gaffney. Marissa was escorted by her stepfather Mike Gaffney. Next was Miss Carli Russell, daughter of John & Christie Russell. Carli was escorted by her father. The final candidate introduced was Miss Andrea Williams, daughter of Howard & Tammy Williams. All candidates are Seniors at WHS.

The introduction and the crowning ceremony was originally scheduled to take place at half-time Friday evening at the Wellsville vs Jackson Milton game. It was postponed to Saturday when the game was cancelled due to winter weather.

ole nib

WHS 34th Annual Winter Homecoming


This past Saturday evening was the 34th Annual Winter Homecoming Dance at Wellsville High School. With the temperatures in the low teens outside and snow covering the ground the theme for the homecoming was appropriately called Winter Wonderland.

The dance was held in the high school Auditeria with music provided by DJ Greg Pullie. The crowing of the Queen was held prior to the dance.

Pictured here are as many as we could fit in one collage. From what we saw we're convince that Wellsville has the sharpest gentlemen and the prettiest ladies in the world.

ole nib

On The Calendar

Glad to see this past week done with. It was minus 5 degrees in our back yard yesterday morning and a couple of days before we got another few inches of snow. Today they're forecasting a high of 15 even with the bright sunshine. It's winter in the ville. Tonight we're looking forward to our Steelers giving us that warm feeling...

Monday - January 24:

  • WHS Lady Tigers at Leetonia - 6 PM

  • Wellsville Elks Bi-monthly Meeting - 8 PM at the Lodge - 723 Riverside


Tuesday - January 25:

  • Wellsville Council Sewage Committee - Cancelled

  • Wellsville Council Special Meeting - 2:30 PM at Village Hall - 1200 Main St.

  • Wellsville Board of Education Special Meeting - 3 PM in Superintendents Office - Center St.

  • WHS Tigers Basketball at Leetonia - 6 PM


Wednesday - January 26:

  • Wellsville Historical Society Trustees - 3:30 PM at River Museum - 1003 Riverside

  • Daw Mid. School Boys at Lisbon - 5 PM

  • Daw Mid. School Girls vs Lisbon - 5 PM at Beacom Memorial - Center St.


Thursday - January 27:

  • Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon - Noon at Tonda's Place - 4th St. Square

  • WHS Freshman Basketball vs Lowellville - 6 PM in the Tiger's Den - Bengal Dr.

  • WHS Lady Tigers at Lowellville - 6 PM

  • Wellsville Wrestling Booster's Takedown Club - 8 PM at Village Hall - 1200 Main St.


Friday - January 28:

  • WHS Tiger Basketball at Lowellville - 6 PM


Saturday - January 29:

  • Annual Buck Bailey Wrestling Tournament - All day in the Tiger's Den - Bengal Dr.

  • WHS Lady Tigers at East Liverpool - Noon in the Potter Fieldhouse on the hill

  • WHS Tiger Basketball at Toronto - 6 PM


Sunday - January 30:

  • Worship at a church of your choice


Council's Sewage Committee meeting Tuesday is now cancelled. Far as we know the Special Council meeting is still on for 2:30 Tuesday.

Newspapers said the Board of Education Special Meeting Tuesday was to discuss negotiations. We presume that is for the WTA union negotiations. They have been working on a new contract for several months now.

All basketball games scheduled this week are weather permitting. It played havoc on the games scheduled for last week.

Saturday's Buck Bailey Tournament is the first chance to see the WHS wrestlers in action at home this year. Next month they wrap up the season with a couple of matches at home.

Have a good week...

ole nib

Saturday, January 22, 2011

BWD Board of Trustees Meeting


Thursday – January 20: The BWD Board of Trustees (BOT) held their regular monthly meeting and their annual reorganizational meeting all rolled into one this past Thursday at Wellsville Village Hall. Present at the meeting was Board President Mike Ryan and Board members Bob Wines, Dave Lloyd, Rick Williams, Cal Carney, Jack Call, Tim O'Hara and Roy Dray. Also attending was District Manager Al DeAngelis, Fiscal Officer Tony D'Angelo, Legal Adviser Fred Emmerling and Office Manager Greg Stanley. Board member Gene McGaffick was not present.

The first order of business was the nomination and election of Board officers to new two year terms. See our post below.

The Board then retired into a 26 minute Executive Session with Legal Adviser Emmerling and District Manager Al D'Angelis. There was no comment or actions taken when they returned.

Ryan advised he is working on Committee assignments and will have that accomplished in a few days.

For The Treasurer's Report, Wines first commended D'Angelo and all the members of the office staff for getting everything done to close out the year and supplying reports for the litigation proceedings in Common Pleas Court. Everything was accomplished while switching the accounting software program. D'Angelo advised the Board that all funds are now set up as requested by the State Auditors.

Wines also reported that a new check writing printer has been purchased and installed for the Budget & Audit Committee. Finally Wines reported there were no County meeting this month for Liaison Committee.

Jack Call reported that the Insurance Committee will be meeting with several insurance brokers to see where they can go with hospital insurance for the BWD employees. As of March 1 BWD will be dropped from the group plan previously provided through the County. Call noted there will probably be three committee meetings next week and possibly a Special Board of Trustees meeting at the end of the week. Ryan added there is a time constraint to make sure the employees have an insurance plan and indicated an extra BOT meeting will be needed.

For the Rate Study Committee, Call noted he was considering himself as an individual but he has been questioned by several people about all the litigation and water rates. It was his personal opinion that with people not being able to work and pay their water bills he would have a no vote if any surcharge or increase in rates were proposed. Ryan was quoted in the newspapers after the meeting to accept the proposed payment plan to the City of East Liverpool as saying BWD is not looking at any rate increases. The payment plan was for the $4.8 million awarded to East Liverpool for the breach of contract law suit.

District Manager D'Angelis reported that with the holidays there was nothing out of the ordinary to put in the District Manager's Report. With no projects going on there was no Project Report.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 AM. The next regular meeting is scheduled for February 17 at 9 AM at Wellsville Village Hall.

Pictured above is your BWD Board of Trustees present at the meeting. From the left is Bob Wines, Dave Lloyd, Rick Williams, Cal Carney, Mike Ryan, Jack Call, Tim O'Hara & Roy Dray.

ole nib

New Officers Elected To BWD Board of Trustees


New officers for the BWD Board of Trustees were elected this past Thursday at the annual reorganization meeting. Mike Ryan was returned as Chairman of the Board, Jack Call was newly elected as Vice President and Bob Wines was newly elected as Secretary/Treasurer. All three will serve two year terms. Ryan & Call are Wellsville residents and Wines is a St. Clair Township resident.

The newly elected officers were duly sworn in by BWD Legal Adviser Fred Emmerling. Pictured above from the right is Call, Ryan, Emmerling and Wines.

ole nib

Friday, January 21, 2011

Wellsville Rid of One More Eyesore



This house that was located at the corner of 18th & Commerce Streets is gone. It had been abandoned, condemned and for years declining into steady disrepair. Last year the Village purchased this property for a little over $5,000 at a Sheriff's Sale. It had been foreclosed on for of nonpayment of real estate taxes.

The Village is considering using this corner lot to make the turn wider on that corner for tractor trailers to use as a possible alternate route for trucks going to and leaving the Wellsville Terminals and Marathon Oil at the lower end of town. Currently trucks leaving or going to the Nevada Street businesses travel back and forth on Main, 17th and Clark Ave.

The picture of the house above is nearly two years old. Since then the house began leaning to one side.
Village officials felt it was increasingly becoming a safety hazard and the Mayor declared it an emergency. A contractor was hired to bring it down. The second picture is what the lot looks like as of yesterday.

Except for additional cleaning up and filling in the basement this lot is ready to go. The demolishion of this house was not part of the Neighborhood Stabilization program.

ole nib

Wellsville Freshman Roundballers Remain Undefeated


Wednesday – January 19: The WHS Freshman Basketball Team traveled upriver this past Wednesday and put a whooping on the East Liverpool 9th Graders. This is only the second time this year we have been able to catch a Freshman game. We were impressed the first time and our opinion hasn't change after taking in our second game.

The visiting Tigers closed out the 1st quarter leading 12-8 and took a 24-17 lead into the locker room at half time. At the end of three that lead had increased to 40-25 and by the time the buzzer sounded at the end of the game the score was Wellsville 57-38. The win improves the Freshman record to 7&0 on the year. Congratulations guys. We like the way you play the game with all the hustle.

The 9th Grade team is coached by Dave Thompson Jr. and Assistant Coach John Stoakes. The team was suppose to have traveled to Jackson Milton Thursday afternoon but that game was canceled with the icy weather conditions. It is uncertain if that game will be made up. Weather permitting they should get back to action next Thursday, January 27 hosting Lowellville in the Tiger's Den. Game time is 6 PM.

The 9th Graders remain undefeated along with the Daw Middle School 8th Graders. Did we ever mention that the future of Wellsville basketball looks very promising?!!!


ole nib

Wellsville Village Council

Tuesday – January 18: The Wellsville Village Council held their regular bi-monthly meeting this past Tuesday evening at Village Hall. Present at the meeting was Mayor Joe Surace, Fiscal Officer Dale Davis, Council Pro-Tem Randy Allmon and Council members Susan Haugh & Joe Soldano. Also attending was Village Administrator Jim Saracco, Village Legal Advisor Andy Beech, Zoning Administrator Rick Williams and WFD Chief Bill Smith. Council members Rosie Goss & John McMahon were excused.

Allmon announced his selection of committee assignments for 2011 as follows: Finance – Tony Cataldo, Chairman along with Joe Soldano & John McMahon: Personnel – Soldano, Chairman along with Rosie Goss & Tony Cataldo; Streets, Lights & Parking – McMahon, Chairman along with Soldano & Susan Haugh; Claims, Rules & Ordinances – Goss, Chairwoman along with Soldano & Haugh; Property, Equipment & Cemetery – Haugh, Chairwoman along with Allmon & Goss; Sewage - Randy Allmon, Chairman along with Cataldo & McMahon; EMS Committee – Cataldo & McMahon; Liaison for Police & Fire – Allmon & Haugh and Fire Dependency Board – McMahon & Allmon. There are only a few minor changes from last years committees. All Chair people remain the same and Allmon noted it was his fourth year to chair the Sewage Committee.

For Administration Reports, WPD Chief Smith reported he is still working on summarizing 2010 but noted fire calls were down 50% last year and he “has no idea why”. Smith said apparently everyone is paying more attention to fire prevention.

Smith reported that the 2009 FEMA grant awarded to the department is nearly completed. With that grant they were able to purchase 29 complete sets of turn out gear from head to toe, 12 air paks with all the bells & whistles, 12 extra air bottles to go with the air paks and 29 sets of extrication gloves. There is a little money left that has to be used for fire prevention and he is working on a couple of programs to put into the Wellsville school system. Application for the grant was made in 2009 and it was awarded last year.

Smith also advised that along with the help of the Fiscal Officer he has applied for a no match required State Fire Grant. Council voted to retroactively approve applying for the grant.

Soldano reminded everyone that this is the time of the year a lot of grant applications are due. Many grants have to be applied for early in the year and if deadlines are missed it takes another year to even be considered. He asked that everyone check on any grants they may be aware of for application deadlines. Soldano noted he wants to get together with the Hammond Park Commission to see if they want to move forward with a grant that was being considered last year and, also, he will check with the Village's grant writing firm for any additional information.

Susan Haugh inquired on the status of the grant awarded to furnish the Police Department with bullet proof vests. The Fiscal Officer responded that the vests have been in for a couple of months now.

Wrapping up his report Smith presented an application for a paid volunteer with the request that it be expedited. Smith noted that the applicant is available to work day-light which is where he is short on available personnel. The application was turned over to the Personnel Committee and will be on the agenda for a Special Council Meeting next Tuesday. The Mayor advised the Chief that he received a check from Marathon Oil earmarked for the Fire Department. Smith replied that it is badly needed.

Zoning Administrator Rick Williams reported that $3,900 was taken in by the Zoning Office for 2010. New zoning maps for the proposed change have been completed by Dallis Dawson Associates and distributed to all Council members. The new maps reflect the changes requested by LSW to change the old MacDonald School from residential to light industrial. The change is needed for the proposed Ohio River Bread Co. to proceed with using part of the old building for their operations.

Village Administrator Jim Saracco reminded Village residents “it's illegal to throw snow out in the middle of the street” and asks that they pile it on top of the curb. He stated that with funds being short they really can't afford to go back to clean up and put more salt down. Violators can be cited into Magistrate Court.

Finance Committee Chairman Tony Cataldo reported at the end of December, 2010, the General Fund had $12,689, Street Construction, Maintenance & Repair $3,911, State Highway $11,957 and Cemetery $1,041. The Sewage Up-date Fund is down to $220,066. Total of all funds is $490,957.

Cataldo then asked the Mayor to arrange a conference meeting with GG&J and the EPA in regards to the STAG money to make sure everyone is on the same page. GG& J is Wellsville's engineering firm for the Sewer Treatment Plant digester conversion project. The Fiscal Officer advised he had just spoken to Rob Jurs of GG&J Tuesday afternoon on that subject. Davis reported the EPA has still not replied to the formal request to extend the deadline on using the STAG money. Secondly there is still some debate to fully using the $113,000 that was applied to the project. Right now the EPA is only allowing part of that amount and there is still the issue that amount was built into the bid for the project before the money was technically released. Unbeknown to Village officials a former engineer with GG&J applied that $113,000 of STAG money as part of the financing package for the conversion project. Davis noted that GG&J is working with the EPA on behalf of the Village and urged that diplomacy be used on this matter.

Cataldo motioned to order in legislation for a 1-mill police levy, to be on the May ballot, authorizing the Fiscal Officer to request a County Auditor certification required for any levy. The Mayor inquired if that would be enough. Legal Adviser Beech noted there is a time constraint involved in getting anything on the May ballot and suggested certifications be requested for different amounts for Council to consider. The motion was seconded by Soldano.

Allmon then made a motion to order legislation for a 2-mill police levy which Cataldo seconded in order to get a discussion on the motion. Cataldo noted he would vote for the motion to get the information but felt 2-mill was too high. Allmon responded that the estimated $27,000 for a 1-mill levy isn't much money. Cataldo then said “we're going to be raising sewage rates here”. You can't go to the voters with that much more. Cataldo added that a full-time policeman now costs $32,000 a year which includes benefits. The Fiscal Officer advised ordering in the legislation is just an information gathering process to compare rates and decide which amount should be placed on the ballot. Getting the information is not binding whether it's 1, 1-1/2 or 2-mills. Allmon replied he hasn't had time to consider the levy and his request is only to get the information. He then changed his motion to make the amount a 1-1/2 mill which was approved. When asked fter the meeting if the levy was for a new hire or raise salaries Cataldo replied the exact language will be determined later. With the wages being one of the lowest in the area his intent is to try to help the department if approved by the voters.


Personnel Chairman Soldano said being early in the year he thought a reminder that any legislation should be first referred to the various committees for their recommendations. Stating that although he trusts the judgment of the Chiefs on their recommendations for new personnel the Personnel Committee is being by-passed. Now the routine is for the Chiefs is to go to the Mayor with their recommendations for someone and the Mayor submits it to Council. Many times Council members know nothing of a proposed hiring until the night of a meeting when they are asked to apporve it. There are times members of Council don't know the person or anything about them. If procedure is followed it gives time for consideration before voting. Case in point is the Fire Chief's request presented earlier in the meeting. Soldano said he thinks “it's a good idea” to follow procedure and Haugh added she agrees. The Mayor said he also agrees and turned the application over to Soldano.

Sewage Committee Chairman Allmon announced there will be a meeting for the Committee for Tuesday, January 25 at 2 PM. The reason for the meeting was not announced. Allmon then got a motion approved for application for payment in the amount of $55,208.30 to Mike Pusateri Excavating for the sewage conversion project. Soldano reminded everyone that the payment is still coming out of the grants the Village was awarded for the project. The payment is Draw #4.

Property Chairwoman Haugh reported she has made inquires on the Sterling Pottery property but is waiting for a response. The Mayor added there is talk that once the buildings are removed and the site cleaned up the owners are going to give the property away. Surace commented he had talked to one of the co-owners earlier in the day to put dibs in for the Village. Saracco reported he expressed the Village's interest in the property with the other co-owner who indicated he had no problem with turning the land over to the Village. Haugh commented “there's nothing in stone but we're working on it”.

Under Old Business Cataldo got a motion passed to order in legislation to amend the planning and zoning plan to the change for the old MacDonald School from residential to light industrial for the proposed Ohio River Bread Co. A second motion passed on this subject was to schedule a public hearing for the change at the regular Council meeting on March 1 and authorizing the Fiscal Officer to mail the required notices to surrounding property owners. Beech noted that the law requires 30 days after the notice is published in the papers and notifications sent before the public hearing can be held.

For New Business, Councilman Allmon asked that consideration be given to reducing Council members pay after missing two meetings in a calendar year. Allmon noted that members are paid $200 a month and felt that should be reduced to $100 after missing more than two meetings, stating that Washingtonville does something similar. Sue Haugh took umbrage to that, stating she does not get paid for coming to meetings. She gets paid for what she does “Monday through Sunday every week spending hours and hours on the phone” researching and talking to constituents. Just because you don't come to a meeting due to other commitments or illness doesn't mean you're not doing your job. Allmon responed “this is like a job too”. Haugh agreed saying she calculates she's working for about 18 cents an hour and doesn't feel Council members should be punished for missing a meeting. Haugh recanted following the meeting saying that amount should be 34 cents an hour. Allmon said he is just asking it be considered. They are asking Village employees to make sacrifices and going to the residents to vote on giving more money he felt it should start with Council.

Wrapping up the meeting the Mayor called for a Special Council meeting for next Tuesday at 2:30 PM or immediately following the Sewage Committee meeting. Items to be considered are the two Cataldo resolutions on the zoning change and the Fire Chiefs recommendation for a new hire.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:36 PM. A lot of ground was covered in just 36 minutes. Next meeting is the Special Meeting for Tuesday, January 25 at 2:30 PM or earlier if the 2 PM Sewage Committee meeting adjourns before then. The next regular scheduled meeting is for Tuesday, February 1 at 6 PM at Village Hall.

ole nib

Thursday, January 20, 2011

WHS Lady Tigers Slip To 7&4 On Season


Just before Christmas the WHS Lady Tigers went out to farm land and played the Lady Beavers of Beaver Local. It wasn't a run away victory but the Wellsville ladies brought home a victory that night. This past Tuesday night the Lady Tigers returned the favor and let the Beavers win one in the Tiger's Den. After watching the game we have to say the ladies from Beaver Local look like a better team than their 3&8 record indicates. Even though we believe the Beavers looked like a better team that one with eight loses just over the mid-point in the season we're not convinced they are better than the Orange & Black.

Wellsville took their first lead of the game with 7:05 left in the 2nd quarter by a score of 15-14. Unfortunately that was the last time they saw a lead for the rest of the night. They went into the locker room at half time down by six. At the end of three they were down seven points.

They really got down to business in the fourth quarter and at one point got within three points before the Beavers finished the game winning 56-49. The Lady Tigers were playing good defense all night. They were running and gunning but the shots were falling short or bouncing the wrong way off the rim. We thought they just couldn't buy a basket at times. In the last minutes of the game the Tigers were forced to committing intentional fouls in hopes of getting possession of the ball. Of course the dismal foul shooting and failure to use the back board on easy shots near the bucket played a big role in the Wellsville loss. Senior Shawntae Dillard had three out of four from the charity stripe for the only bright spot in that category. The 23 turn overs didn't help either.

The loss drops the Lady Tigers to 7&4 on the season. Mikyla Tipton had a game high 22 points followed by Meika Dalrymple with 13. Dalrymple hit on three 3-pointers and Irene Kiser had two. Defensive standout Rilee Livolsi had eight rebounds and we don't know how many blocked shots. Dillard recorded four steals.

On a brighter note the Wellsville Reserves won the first game by a score of 34-26 with Monica Wilson netting 10 points for the team high.

The Lady Tigers will try to turn things around this afternoon when they host the girls from Jackson Milton. Tip-off for the Jvs is 6 PM.

Good Luck Ladies...

ole nib

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Ryot Up-date




We swear this dog is getting bigger by the day. We ran into Officer Mancuso and Wellsville's newest K-9 officer at the game last night and was taken by a noticeable difference in her growth from just a week ago. Mancuso told us she's growing like a bad weed! No doubt in our mine. She'll probably be at least knee high by next week.

She's a beautiful dog and still draws a lot of attention, even though the young lad is camera shy.

ole nib

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Wellsville Celebrates Martin Luther King


Yesterday Wellsville celebrated the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. at Village Hall in a very meaningful, thought provoking ceremony. The Rev. Dr. King is the icon of American equality who was assassinated 42 years ago for his endeavors. He was the father of the Civil Rights movement that he began in Atlanta years before his tragic death.

Wellsville Ministerial liaison Rev. Darlene Zanders served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Rev. Jay Nightengale, Retired, offered the opening prayer and Mayor Joe Surace welcomed all in attendance. Canton Middle School music teacher, Sandy (Gibson) Larsuel, came home and provided musical accompaniment and sang two solo songs. A dance performance was performed by children from the First Baptist Dance Troupe. Dancers performing were Aamiyah Johnson, Josiah Santigo, Olivia Dorsey, Zion Clark, Menina Jackson, Danyon Gallegher, Demonte Coles & Rasheeda Kalam. Other members of troupe assisting were Nevaeh Johnson, Isaih Dorsey, Faith Spann and Dylise Williams. Christina Thompson directs the troupe.

Speakers for the day were Wellsville Councilwoman Rosie (Gibson) Goss who told of the part that Dr. King plays in her life. She said she feels fortunate to have a job based on her skills, not the color of her skin. Children of the Pullie family read a tribute to the Rev. Doctor. Taking part in the tribute was Malik, Demetrius, Jacob, DeVonte & Indiah Pullie. Wellsville native Ernest Gibson III explained his visual model of MLK. EG said, to him, King was Dedicated, Righteous, Kind & Intelligent man who Negotiated God's plan. Gibson said we have come a long way since the early days of Civil Rights but reminded everyone there is still a ways to go.

Byron Carter told the history of his great-grandfather, Daniel Spires, who was one of the earliest black settlers in Wellsville. Spires was a former slave from West Virginia that worked as a farm laborer until he earned enough to buy his freedom. After obtaining his freedom he started one of the first dray businesses in Wellsville transporting goods to and from the riverboats and later the trains. Spires son Phillip was a Constable and the first black elected official in Columbiana County. Phillip was Byron Carter's grandfather and the father of his mother. Carter shared his memories of growing up in Wellsville saying there were moments of uncertainty but usually everyone got along.

Mrs. Larsuel read a poem she wrote years ago telling of trips to the deep south with her parents as a child. She said her daddy always had two or three drivers along so they wouldn't have to stop and witness the widespread segregation. He was shielding his children from the ugliness of racial inequality that dominated most areas of the southern states back in those days. Larsuel related she never experienced any of that growing up in Wellsville.

We believe Mayor Surace summed it up best for Wellsville when he said “We are color blind in this room. We live together and we work together”. We live together in a spirit of equality as neighbors and friends in this river valley village. It's part of what makes Wellsville special. We're sure the Rev. Dr. King has a smile on his face when he casts his glance toward Wellsville.

ole nib

Wellsville Wrestling BoosterTakedown Club Looking For Volunteers


The Wellsville Tiger Wrestling Booster Takedown Club is looking for help. In the only chance to see the Tiger wrestlers in action at home is a week from this coming Saturday. It's the annual Buck Bailey Tournament on Saturday, January 29, hosted by Wellsville.

The tournament has teams from all over northeastern Ohio and begins early and runs all day. The Takedown Club is looking for volunteers to help run the annual event. If you can lend a hand please contact Coach Lasure or any of the other coaches. You can also e-mail them at tigerstakedownclub@yahoo.com or on Face Book at Tigers Takedown Club. You can also call 330-362-0470 for more information. Lots of help is needed.

The Takedown Club will be holding their regular monthly meeting Thursday, January 27 at 8 PM at Wellsville Village Hall. The public is invited. This coming week-end the Tiger wrestlers will be participating in the OVAC Tournament that starts Thursday evening at the WesBanco Arena in Wheeling.

Good Luck Tigers...

ole nib

Wellsville Public Library Story Hour Returning


The Wellsville Carnegie Public Library is gearing up for the next round of Story Hours. There will be two sessions each Tuesday starting February 8 and running through April 26. One session is for preschool in the mornings and the other in the afternoons is for After School ages.

Registration is required for the youngsters. Please stop by or call the library at 330-532-1526 to register the children. Space is limited and this free activity is very popular.

ole nib

Wellsville Daw Middle School Basketball


Our next stop last Saturday was the Beacom Memorial gym to take in the Daw Middle School boy's basketball games. The guys from Daw were taking on the Lisbon Blue Devils. Both the 7th & 8th Grade games were good ones. It's exciting watching the high school teams but it's ensuring to see what's in store on down the road. We feel you get a fairly good idea of what's in store for the next few years of Tiger basketball.

The Daw 7th Grade came out one point short of winning the opening match-up. In a tightly fought contest they lost by a score of 27-26. Wellsville's Demetrius Pullie had game high points with 11. It's only the second loss of the season for the 7th Graders according to Coach Brewer.

The Daw 8th Graders remain undefeated on the year knocking off the Blue Devils by a score of 45-19. The guys came out taking a commanding lead to open the first half and never looked back. Zack Mellott had team high of 10 points in that game.

Meanwhile out in Lisbon the Middle School Ladies were playing the Lady Blue Devils. According to the papers, Wellsville's 7th Grade girls lost the opener by a score of 23-8. The 8th Grade ladies won by a score of 28-20. Angelica Scarabino got a team high 13 points in that one. The 8th Grade is now 7&2 on the season.

The Middle School teams return to action Wednesday, January 19, against the Southern Local Indians. The girls travel out to Southern and the boys play at home in Beacom Memorial. Game time is 5 PM for both.

According to AD Darlene Allison the weather canceled games versus United Local will probably not be made up. United is not a league opponent for the Tigers.

Congratulations on a great season so far for both the ladies & guys. We would say the future of Wellsville basketball is very encouraging.

Go Tigers....

ole nib

Monday, January 17, 2011

WRC's First Pajama Pancake Breakfast Does Good


Saturday morning found us at Tonda's Place enjoying the all you can eat pajama pancake breakfast put on by Wellsville's Revitalization Committee (WRC) and the staff at Tonda's. For a small stipend customers got three huge pancakes, sausage and a beverage of your choice. That was enough to fill us up but if you had the appetite you could have had all the pancakes you desired. You were even encouraged to come in your own pajamas. Not too many customers did but Ebeneezer Scrooge was there in his cap and night gown. One young lad came in his Batman jamies.

Rick Ross was out in the kitchen mixing up the pancake batter while twins Tonda & Rhonda were flipping the flap jacks on the griddle. Servers were there in in their jamies and robes giving fast, friendly and courteous service. They were all members of the WRC which included Connie Bauer, Sharon Buswell, Ruth Ensinger, Beverly Hentzell, Joyce Lynn, Connie Carmichael, Mary Lynn Hunter, Candy Bangor & Dale Chanault.

The breakfast was put on as a fund raiser for the WRC. Proceeds will go toward maintaining and finishing up the floodwall murals, the Main Street USA project and other improvements to our fair village. A spokesman for the WRC told us it was a very good turn-out for their first endeavor of holding a pajama pancake breakfast. The Committee wished to thank Tonda, Rhonda, Randy and staff at Tonda's Place plus all the wonderful customers.

It was a fun event for a good cause. You won't want to miss the next one. For more information or questions and suggestions for other projects for the WRC call 330-532-9064. The WRC is there to move Wellsville forward for everyone. They would even be willing to work with other organizations to help achieve their goal.

ole nib

WHS Tigers Go To 8&2 At Midway In The Season


Last Friday “T H E” Wellsville Tigers played host to the unbeatened Southern Local Indians in the den. Both the Southern reserves and varsity came into town with nary a loss on the 2010/2011 basketball season. According to what we've been reading it's the best start in Southern basketball history at 8&0. It was nearly a packed house with loud, enthusiastic fans on both sides of the gym. The School District Band Director even had a pep band there to add to the atmosphere. Nothing against the Southern followers but Wellsville fans put on a lively demonstration on how to back the hometown team. It was one of the best crowds I've seen in two years. And it worked...

It wasn't an easy game for the Tigers. They were up by six at the end of one quarter only to go into the locker room at the half trailing by a point at 31-30. At the end of three Southern had a 42-36 lead. Then the guys in orange & black went to work, out scoring the team in blue 20-10 in the fourth quarter, posting a 56-52 win on the score board when the time ran out. It always seems to be that 3rd quarter in tough games the Tigers get us worried. Wish they would get over that!

Sharp shooter, Senior Michael Johnston had a game high 31 points on the night. Only three points of that total came from outside the arch. If they won't let Johnston shoot out in the 3-point range he'll take it to the basket or somewhere in between to get his shots. He's not a ball hog. If he spots someone open he'll dish it off just as quick.

Playing like a man possessed Senior Jalen DeSarro recorded another double-double with 17 points and 17 rebounds to go with his five assists. DeSarro & Johnston combined for 48 points out of the 56 total. Junior Josh Carter had 10 rebounds and Senior Christian Kapp another six for the night.

The Wellsville Reserves won the opening match by a score of 45-42 with Jordan Sloan hitting a team high 16 point in that game. That bus ride back out Route 39 must have been a quiet one for the Indians. The Tigers travel out there February 11 for a rematch.

Wellsville basketball legend Bevo Francis was in the stands Friday night. He's the guy that still holds the NCAA record for most points scored in a single game that goes back to the 1950s. Francis went to high school in Wellsville but lives out in Southern Local territory. His children and most of his grandchildren attended Southern Local. Being nibby we asked him between games who he was rooting for in this one. He replied “I'm neutral in this one”. He could have gone into politics...

On Saturday night the Tigers were back on the hardwood hosting the Beaver Local Beavers for their second match up of the season. The winless Beavers dropped their ninth one of the season loosing to Wellsville 99-72. With the Steelers in the play-offs we didn't get to the basketball game but we did catch the second half listening to WHS Sports Station. Even though the Fighting Beavers are still looking for that first win the broadcasters were complimenting them for not quitting and giving up.

In the Saturday game both Johnston and DeSarro shared game high honors. Both scored 30 points each. DeSarro recorded his second double-double in two nights adding another 17 rebounds with five more assists. Christian Kapp poured in an additional 13 points. However, the night belonged to Wellsville #23, when Michael Johnston passed 1,000 points scored in his high school career. We'll have more on that later. By the end of the night Johnston is up to 1,020 career points.

The Tiger Reserves also won by a score 52-42. Seth Bradford and Cody Reese both recorded team highs with both having 15 points a piece. The Wellsville varsity moves to 8&2 on the season. The Tigers return to action this coming Friday, January 21, when Jackson Milton comes to town. After that they are on the road for three games. The pictures above are from the Southern game.

We been seeing some great basketball thanks to the Tigers. They're running, gunning and playing in your face ball. Join in and support your Wellsville Tigers. See you Friday.

Go Tigers!

ole nib

Sunday, January 16, 2011

On The Calendar

There's still lots of snow on the ground but getting the temperature a little above freezing sure felt good on Saturday. You could hear ice melting and dripping all around the ville. That sun looks good today but with the snow it's just bouncing off the surface, especially with a blazing 21 degrees.

Monday - January 17:

  • Martin Luther King Day Observed - All public offices will be closed

  • Celebrating the Life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King - 9 AM at Village Hall - 1200 Main St. - Public invited

  • WHS Alimni Lip Sync organizers - 6:30 at Alumni Center - 3rd St.


Tuesday - January 18:

  • Wellsville Village Council regular meeting - 6 PM at Village Hall - 1200 Main St.

  • WHS Lady Tigers vs Beaver Local - 6 PM in the Tiger's Den - Bengal Dr.

  • Wellsville Historical Society regular monthly meeting cancelled due to weather conditions. Next meeting scheduled for February 15 - weather permitting


Wednesday - January 19:

  • Joshua Project Clothing Give-away - Noon to 6 PM at New Hope Community Church - 43152 Route 39

  • Wellsville Public Library Free After School Movie - 3:30 to 5 PM - Main St.

  • WHS Alumni Activities Committee monthly spaghetti dinner - Cancelled due to weather

  • Daw Mid. School Girls Basketball at Southern Local - 5 PM

  • Daw Mid. School Boys Basketball vs Southern Local - 5 PM at Beacom Memorial - Center St.

  • WHS Freshman Basketball at Potter Fieldhouse - East Liverpool

  • WHS Football Boosters Touchdown Club - 7 PM at Village Hall - 1200 Main St.


Thursday - January 20:

  • BWD Board of Trustees Regular Monthly Meeting - 9 AM at Village Hall - 1200 Main St.

  • Daw Mid. School Girls Basketball at Jackson Milton - 5 PM

  • Daw Mid. School Boys Basketball vs Jackson Milton - 5 PM at Beacom Memorial - Center St.

  • WHS Freshman Basketball at Jackson Milton

  • WHS Lady Tigers vs Jackson Milton - 6 PM in the Tiger's Den - Bengal Dr.

  • WHS Wrestling 1st Day at OVAC Tournament


Friday - January 21:

  • WHS Wresting 2nd Day at OVAC Tournament

  • WHS Tigers vs Jackson Milton - 6 PM in the Tiger's Den - Bengal Dr. - Crowning Winter Spots Homecoming Queen


Saturday - January 22:

    Wellsville Public Library Scrapbooking Class - Noon to 4 PM at the library - Main St. - See our post below for details
  • WHS Wrestling last day of OVAC Tournament


Sunday - January 23:

  • Worship at a church of your choice


Monday is Martin Luther King Day and the annual celebration will be held at Village Hall. See our post dated January 13 for all the details. It's a touching, inspirational and heart warming event you won't want to miss.

The WHS Lip Sync All-Stars are lining up a new show beginning with a meeting Monday evening at the Alumni Center. Anyone interested in being a part of the new show in any way is asked to attend. If you can't be there call Linda at 304-387-1461.

The monthly meeting of the Historical Society has been cancelled because of too much snow & ice in the parking lot and on the walks at the River Museum. Mother Nature permitting the next meeting will be February 15.

The after school movie at the library will be "Legend of the Guardians - The Owls of Gahoole". It will be in the Library Meeting Room on the lower level and snacks will be provided.

The library is still taking reservations for Story Hours each Tuesday starting February 8 and running through April 26. There will be both a Pre-School and After School sessions. Registration is required. Call 330-532-1526 for details.

WHS Alumni Activities monthly spaghetti dinner has been cancelled due to the winter weather. Will try again in February.

You basketball fans will probably take in a Freshman and Daw Middle School games this week. Both the 8th & 9th Grades teams are undefeated on the season.

Wednesday's Touchdown Club meeting at Village Hall will have election of officers for the 2011 season. All Junior Hi & High School fans are invited.

Half-time at the WHS Tigers game Friday evening will feature the crowning of this years Winter Sports Homecoming Queen. The newly crowned Queen will presided over the Homecoming Dance in the Auditeria on Saturday night.

Have good week...

ole nib

Wellsville Public Library Offers Scrapbooking Class


Here's another chance to sharpen your skills or learn from scratch for new beginners. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Stop by or call the library to get your spot reserved.

It's another free activity brought to you by the good folks at your Wellsville Public Library. Don't forget to label your entries with the who, what, where & when. Inquiring minds want to know!

ole nib

Friday, January 14, 2011

WHS Lady Tigers Squeak By For Win #7


With just 1.8 seconds on the clock Wellsville's Rilee Livolsi intercepted a Southern Local inbound pass at the Southern end of the court to insure a 1-point victory for the Lady Tigers. In a game that was mostly Southern Local for three quarters it turned into a very exciting finish as the Lady Tigers battled back in the second half.

The Lady Indians opened with a 15-10 lead at the end of one. By half time that lead was increased to 32-20. Wellsville was able to cut that lead down to only six points difference at the end of three. Then it was a fight to the finish as the Lady Tigers took back the lead making it 51-50 with 3:35 left on the clock. Their last lead was a one point advantage midway through the first quarter. Livolsi increased the Tiger's lead with a couple of quick baskets making it 55-51 only to see Southern pull with one on a 3-pointer. Losing the ball at the visitors end of the court gave the Lady Indians what appeared one last chance to pull out a win until the Livolsi interception. Holding onto the ball until time ran out, that heads up play gave the WHS Lady Tigers win number 7 on the season with a score of 55-54.

Both teams drained five 3-pointers each. Sophomore Meika Dalrymple had four of them for the Tigers with Irene Kiser putting in the fifth. Mikyla Tipton had team high with 20 points. Dalrymple finished with 14 points totatl. Livolsi had 12 total for the night. Kiser finished with three points and Shawntae Dillard added two of her own. We didn't get the number of rebounds and assists recorded in the game.

The Wellsville Reserves lost a heart breaker in overtime in the opening game by a score of 28-26. Shartece Taylor had a team high 10 points for the Lady Tigers in that game.

Both games were exciting basketball that had folks in the stands on both sides of the gym on their feet cheering their teams. Way to go ladies... We're proud of all of you.

The Lady Tigers return to action this coming Tuesday, January 18 hosting the Lady Beavers of Beaver Local. The Ladies beat the Beavers by five points back on December 20.

See you in the den...

ole nib

Wellsville Area Ministerial Association


Tuesday – January 11: The Wellsville Area Ministerial Association (WAMA) held their first regular monthly meeting of the new year this past Tuesday at Tonda's Place on the Square. Rev. Jay Nightingale, President, presided. Aaron Smith of Wellsville's Nazerene Church offered the opening devotions.

Minutes of the last meeting was read by First Baptist Deacon Terry McCuen. McCuen also gave the Treasurer's Report.

A thank-you note was read from First Baptist Pastor Roosevelt Thompson for the prayers and get well wishes. Thompson is at home recovering from hip replacement surgery. Riverside Presbyterian Pastor, Rev. Bill Betteridge reported that Lucille Huston is also at home recovering from two shoulder replacement surgeries. Both Thompson and Huston are doing well. Please keep them in your prayers.

Information was distributed for the CC Continuum of Care “point in time” count to help determine the extent of homelessness in each community. The US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development has set Tuesday, January 25 as the date of the count. The CC Continuum of Care is a group of organizations and individuals who work collectively to prevent and eliminate homelessness in our county. For more information on the program call 330-424-4013.

A thank you letter was read from Bob & Kate Moore for the continued prayers and donations to the Youth With A Purpose Home during their transition period. The home is going from depending on government funding to independent, private funding. The home is located near Salineville and cares for troubled young men in a family atmosphere. For more information call 330-679-1013.

Guest speaker at the meeting was Chaplain John Hersh. Hersh and his wife Daryl administer the Tobin Center Chaplaincy Ministery. The Tobin Center is the CC juvenile correction facility located on County Home Road in Lisbon. The Chaplaincy is staffed by representatives from both Columbiana and Carroll Counties and the various ministerial associations. They offer one on one counseling and guidance for the juvenile inmates. Hersh noted that he sometimes dresses his Yorkie-poodle mix dog in a tuxedo and takes him to visit the children. Saying it was a very popular activity he observed that some children miss their pets most of all.

Hersh thank WAMA for their support. The collection from the WAMA's Thanksgiving Community service was donated to the Tobin Chaplaincy to help with some of their unfunded programs they provide. For more information about the program or to arrange a tour of the facilities contact Hersh at 330-424-9800. Pictured above is Hersh with Wellsville Nazerene Pastor Dirk Hall to the right. Hall stated he started his ministry career at the Tobin Center 11 years ago.

Mt. Sinai FBH Church Pastor Darlene Zanders passed out flyers inviting all to join in celebrating the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 17 at Wellsville Village Hall. The program starts at 9 AM and there will be singing, readings and numbers performed by the First Baptist Dance Troupe. Pastor Dirk Hall will offer the opening prayer and Rev. Mike Dwyer will lead the closing prayer. Zanders is the ministerial liaison for the Village and organizes this event annually for MLK Day. Refreshments will be served.

Under New Business discussions and preliminary plans were made for various activities and events conducted by WAMA throughout the year. To start off the year, Rev. Betteridge volunteered to chair the Lenten Services Committee. Betteridge will be assisted by Terry McCuen. More information will be forthcoming on all the activities once plans are firmed up.

The breakfast meeting adjourned at 10:26 AM. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 8 at 9 AM at Tonda's Place.


ole nib

Pancake Breakfast Tomorrow At Tonda's


Don't forget the Pancake Breakfast tomorrow at Tonda's Place. They start serving at 8 AM. It's an all you can eat pancakes with sausage and a beverage. Come in your pajamas and you'll be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift certificate. The cooks and servers will be in their pjs. It's only $8 for adults and just $4 for children 12 & under. They'll wrap things up at 12 noon.

It'll be a fun time to benefit improvement projects in the ville by Wellsville's Revitalization Committee. You can fill up on comfort food and feel good you supported a great cause.

Pictured above is the WRC members practicing their waitressing for two of Wellsville's finest. From the left is Connie Carmichael, Sharon Buswell, Beverly Hentzell, Connie Bauer and Candy Bangor. Seated at the table on the left is WPD Officer Greg Smith and Lt. Ed Wilson.

See ya tomorrow at Tonda's...

Wellsville Library To Show Legend of The Guardians


The Wellsville Public Library will be showing the movie “Legend of The Guardians – The Owls of Gahoole" this coming Wednesday, January 19. It's an after school event provided free by the library. Snacks will be provided.

Show time is 3:30 PM. It'll be a fun activity for the children and you will enjoy it too...

ole nib

Thursday, January 13, 2011

WHS Lady Tigers Improve To 6&3 On Season


After the BOE meeting we had enough time to catch the last half of the Lady Tigers home game as they got back to their winning ways. The ladies took a couple of hits last week on road trips to Western Reserve & McDonald. Monday night they were hosting the ladies from Sebring which was their third ITCL game in a row. The outcome was more to our liking with the Lady Tigers recording win number six by a score of 53-41.

According to newspaper reports the ladies in Orange & Black jumped out to a 16-4 first quarter lead which set the tone for the rest of the game. Mikyla Tipton recorded 15 points for game high and added two steals. Courtney Cook had a double-double on the night with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Meika Dalrymple contributed 10 points along with two assists. Irene Kiser got nine points and had four assists. Kiser hit two 3-pointers. It's exciting to see her get that 3-point range back. Rilee Livolsi had six points and nine rebounds. The newspaper didn't mention blocked shots Livolsi had but we saw at least one that was executed with authority. You could hear that smack of the ball high in the stands at the other end of the gym.

Congratulations Ladies. Keep up those winning ways. The Lady Tigers return to action tonight hosting backyard rival Southern Local. Tip-off is set for the Reserves to begin at 6 PM in the Tiger's Den.

ole nib

WPD K-9 Ryot Topping Growth Charts




Our last stop on our way home Monday evening was at the Tiger's Den to check out the Lady Tiger's game. WPD Officer Tony Mancuso was there with his new buddy Ryot, Wellsville's newest K-9 officer.

The last time we saw Ryot was at the December Council meeting when she was officially named the newest member of the WPD. She's still a playful, lovable pup but it looks like her growth since we last saw her has almost doubled her body size. For us it was a noticeable difference.

Mancuso tells us she's now expected to be larger than the average female Belgian Malanois. Out of her litter she already out weighs her brothers and sisters by four pounds. Now they expect her to be slightly larger than the average female at 60 pounds. Fully grown she'll be a force to be reckoned with.

Pictured here Ryot is shown with Officer Mancuso. Ain't she “purdy”?

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Wellsville Board of Education



Monday – January 10: The Wellsville Board of Education held their regular monthly meeting this past Monday evening. Prior to the regular meeting the annual organizational meeting was held. Tom Brophey presided. Both meetings took place in the Daw Middle School cafeteria.

For 2011 Tom Brophey was elected President and Karen Dash, Vice President of the Board of Education. The Board also approve the schedule of meetings for the year. Starting in March the regular meetings will move to the third Monday of the month for the remainder of the year. District Treasurer Coleen Wickham was given authorization and granted the flexibility to provide benefits of discount purchases and timely investments. Wickham was also designated as the district's representative to the Ohio Public Records Training session. Brophey was also approved to remain the liaison to the OBEA. Brophey announced that committee assignments will be announced at a later date once he confers with his selections. Mrs. Dash was named as liaison to the Student Achievement Leadership Team.

Present at the regular meeting was President Tom Brophey, VP Karen Dash and Board Members Ed Bauer and Bill Miller. Also attending was Garfield Principal Lisa Ferguson, Superintendent Rich Bereschik, Treasurer Coleen Wickham, Buildings & Grounds Supervisor Joe Traina, WTA President Darlene Allison and 25 WTA members.

For the Treasurer's Report, Wickham reported the General Fund finished December with $1.9 million and the General Set-Asides had a balance of $717,708. Interest earned in December on $4.6 million in investments was $5,013. For Calendar Year 2010 the District earned $80,416 in interest on those investments. Interest rates range from zero to 3.44% with an average of 1.34%.

Mr. Brophey reported there was not much to report for the Legislative Update. All was quiet with a lame duck session and the holidays. Brophey quoted an Indiana study in regards to consolidation that found the average test score results with districts that had 1,000 or less students were higher. It has been reported that Ohio Gov. Kasich is reported to be an advocate of school district consolidations.

Bereschik reported the only Good News Report received was from Daw Middle which announced that 4th Grade student JacquelineMcKinnon was named Student of the Month. Jacqueline is the daughter of Mrs. Christina Francis. Bereschik also noted that Quaker State representative Ron Deem donated enough toboggans for every student at Garfield Elementary and nearly all at Daw Middle. Deem is a Wellsville resident.

The tax budget for FY2012 was approved. Superintendent Bereschik was authorized to hire staff members and accept resignations that come up between Board meetings. Participation in the DARE program was approved for the school year. Garfield 3rd Graders & chaperones were given the okay for a February 28 field trip to the Pittsburgh Antonian Theatre to see the Ellis Island Musical.

In personnel moves Karolyn Walgate, Brian Stoddard and Angela Brown were added to the substitute lists. Coaches and volunteers for baseball and track were named. For baseball John Stoake, Tom Dalrymple & Bug Thompson were named as volunteers. Robbie Long was named Assistant Coach. Coaches named for track were Randy Thrasher, James Malone, Mary Wilson, Brenda & Bug Thompson and Lonnie Fields.

In closing remarks Ed Bauer noted that since 2008 to present the Wellsville School Distirct lost over $100,000 in state funding. The new administration in Columbus is talking of cutting school funding another 5%. For Wellsville that equates to $240,000. Bereschik noted following the meeting that Wellsville's annual budget is 85% funded from the state.

On a happier note Mrs. Dash congratulated WHS wrestler Alex Potts for being named MVP at the recent South Range Wrestling Tournament. Dash also congratulated Garfield Principal Lisa Ferguson on being selected to the Southern Local Athletic Hall of Fame.

Brophey read a newspaper article from The Intelligencer entitled “Minimize Ohio School Cuts”. The Wheeling, WV newspaper was referring to steps anticipated in closing the $8 billion gap in the Ohio budget in which it is speculated that that school funding will be cut an additional 20%. Such cuts would force districts to put new levies on future ballots to make up the difference in lost funding. Such levies in these economic times have proven extremely difficult to get approved at the polls. Consequently it would be forcing school districts to “slash services even more which would be a recipe for reversing whatever education reform progress has been made in the state during the past several years”.

Pictured above is Tom Brophey and Karen Dash as they were sworn in by Mrs. Wickham.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:41 PM. The next scheduled meeting is set for Monday, February 14 at 6:30 in the Superintendent's Office.


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Martin Luther King Day To Be Celebrated In Wellsville


The public is invited to celebrate the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 17, at Wellsville's Village Hall. The celebration begins at 9 AM.

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