Monday, February 28, 2011

Wellsville Tigers Finish Regular Season With Two Wins



The Wellsville Tiger's basketball team finished out the regular season this past week on a winning streak. Last Wednesday they played a make-up game with Berlin Center Western Reserve. The Blue Devils kept it close in the first half. At the break Wellsville had a slim lead of 43-40. It was only a 46-40 Tiger lead with 6:59 left in the third quarter when Senior Jalen DeSarro picked up his third foul on the night. It was cause for concern seeing him riding the bench. The referees were calling a tight game. However the concern was all for naught. At the end of the third frame the Orange & Black held a lead of 69-46 and stayed in command until the end of the game. The Tigers put victory number 13 for the season into the record books with a final score Wellsville 83-60.

On the night the Tigers had four players scoring with double figures. Michael Johnston had game high 27 points along with seven assists and four steals. Senior Sean Hudson poured in 17 points. Six of those points were two 3-pointers outside the arch. DeSarro added 12 points along with seven rebounds and four assists. Junior Josh Carter had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Rounding out the scoring was Freshman Nate Scott with three 3-bangers for 9 points, Christian Kapp with seven and Michael Miller with one. Johnston got his legs taken out from under him on a lay-up early in the third quarter and sat out the rest of the game.

The Wellsville reserves dropped the opening match to Western Reserve letting them squeak out the win by a score of 58-57.

On Saturday night the Tigers hosted the Jackson Milton Blue Jays in another make-up game that was postponed twice because of weather. It was Senior Night and we will have more on that later. The Tigers were playing without half of the dynamic duo. Michael Johnston was still hurting from that fall he took Wednesday night. He was in street clothes on the bench.

At the end of the first quarter the Blue Jays held a 19-16 lead only to see that slip away 40 seconds later when the Tigers tied it up at 19 with 7:20 left in the second. At the end of the first half the Tigers took a nine point advantage into the locker room at 41-32.

The third quarter ended with Wellsville holding a slight 53-50 lead. DeSarro picked up his fourth foul of the night with 4:51 left in the third. He came back in the final frame and finished the game without fouling out. Carter picked up his fourth foul with 4:51 left in the final quarter. We thought the refs were tough Wednesday. We believe there were three Wellsville players that finished the game with four fouls.

In the fourth the Jackson Milton team kept it close. With only 0:40.4 seconds left in the game they were within five points, forcing them to commit intentional fouls to get the ball back. Those intentional fouls led to three additional points for the Tigers from the charity stripe. By the final buzzer the Tigers put win #14 in the books with a score of 71-66. The Tigers finished the regular season with a 14&6 record.

Head Coach Bug Thompson was quoted in the newspapers saying “we found a way” adding “the team played harder than I ever seen them play”. Thompson credited Senior Jalen DeSarro, the other half of the dynamic duo as the papers like to call them, of stepping up to the plate. Man! Did he ever. By the end of night DeSarro owned the plate. It was a whole team effort that won the game with hustle, stifling defense and great offense but credit has to be given to DeSarro for his leadership role he exhibited in the game. Without the presence of Johnston, DeSarro played point and did it well.

DeSarro finished the night with 27 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. DeSarro was eight for nine at the foul line. Also stepping up were Seniors Sean Hudson with 13 points and Christian Kapp with 11. Carter tallied nine points. Freshman Seth Bradford contributed another seven and Nate Scott finished out the scoring with four. Three senior players put 51 points on the board and Mike Miller was ferocious on defense. All in all it was an exciting game.

In the first game the Wellsville Reserves ruled with a commanding 59-32 victory. Talk about excitement.

Wellsville returns to action this coming Wednesday evening in the opening round of Ohio Division 4 tournaments at the Struthers Fieldhouse. They will be facing off against Canton Heritage Christian. Game time is 7:30 PM. If you can't make it to the game you can hear it on the WHS Sports Station internet broadcast. Bud, Rodger & Joe will be bringing us all the action. The first collage pictured above is the Jackson Milton game with the Western Reserve game pictured in the second. You can right click on the picture to enlarge for a better look.

Good Luck Tigers! We know you can find a way...

ole nib

Sunday, February 27, 2011

On The Calendar

This past week went by in a flurry for us. Seems like we were running all week covering the happenings we think may interest you. Before catching up with all that we're going to plug in the calendar. Had snow dumped on us this past week. It came down in a hurry Thursday. Got somewhere in the neighborhood of 6” in the ville. The northern part of the county got more forcing schools up that way to cancel Friday. Wellsville had classes but Friday's basketball games got postponed. Now they tell us it's suppose to be near 60 degrees tomorrow. Should get rid of the snow in town. WFD Chief Smith is concerned with the amount melting in the Pennsylvania hills. That water run-off eventually passes us going down the river. Pray that it doesn't raise the levels to flood stage.

Monday – February 28:

  • WHS Freshman Basketball vs Crestview – 6 PM at Clark Memorial Tournament – Mineral Ridge

  • Wellsville Teacher's Association Free Spaghetti Dinner – 6 PM at WHS Alumni Center – 201 3rd St.

  • BPO Elks 1040 Regular Meeting – 8 PM at the lodge – 723 Riverside


Tuesday – March 1:

  • Wellsville Library Story Hour – Ages 3 to 5 – 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM – After School Ages 5 & Up – 3:30 to 4:30 - Main St.

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


Wednesday – March 2:

  • Wellsville Village Council Street Committee - 11 AM at Village Hall – 1200 Main St.

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

  • Wellsville Library Free Movie “Megamind” - 3:30 to 5 PM – Main St.

  • WHS Tigers Tournament Game vs Canton Heritage Christian – 7:30 PM at Struthers Fieldhouse


Thursday – March 3:

    Wellsville Friends of the Library Regular Meeting – 6:30 PM at the library – Main St.
  • Wellsville/E. Liverpool NAACP Meeting – 6:30 PM at Second Baptist Church – 1091 Pennsylvania Ave. - E. Liverpool

  • WHS Touchdown Boosters Club – 7 PM at Wellsville Village Hall – 1200 Main St.


Friday – March 4:

  • Potter Players Comm. Theatre Play “Salem's Daughter” – 8 PM at the playhouse – 417 15th St.


Saturday – March 5:

  • WHS Touchdown Boosters Club Tag Day – 9 AM to Noon

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

  • First Baptist Men's Prayer Breakfast – 10 AM in church's Social Hall – 1401 Center St.

  • Potter Players Comm. Theatre Play “Salem's Daughter” - 8 PM at the playhouse – 417 15th St.


Sunday – March 6:

  • Worship at a church of your choice

  • Potter Player's Comm. Theatre Play “Salem's Daughter” Matinee – 2 PM at the playhouse – 417 15th St.


The WTA free spaghetti dinner Monday night at the Alumni Center is restricted to adults only in the Wellsville School District. Seating capacity is 200. Information will be provided for supporting the teacher's union in their contract negotiations.

The Street Committee meeting on Wednesday is a follow up to last weeks meeting rgarding Tag Days.

Good luck to the Tiger basketball teams in tournament play this week.

Have a good week everyone...

ole nib

CC Area Chamber & Plumber & Pipefitters Local 396 Get Word Out On New Job Availability


Wednesday – February 23: This past Wednesday we traveled to Boardman as guests of the Columbiana County Chamber-of-Commerce and the United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters Union Local 396 for an open house luncheon to Local 396's Training Facility on Bye Road.

After being introduced by Local 396 Business Manager Butch Taylor, Pam Hoppel opened the luncheon and gave a little history on the Columbiana County Area Chamber-of-Commerce. It was started about 10 years ago under the State of Ohio Chamber-of-Commerce's program called “Grass Roots Ohio”. Hoppel is the CEO of the EL Chamber and “by default” coordinator of the County Chamber. The County Chamber members are from Columbiana, East Liverpool, St. Clair Twp., Wellsville, East Palestine, Leetonia, Washingtonville and Salem. Hoppel noted that in 2007 the County Chamber started meeting in support of Baard Energy's proposed Ohio River Clean Fuels plant. That plant will convert coal & biomass into liquid fuels. It will be located in Yellow Creek Twp. just outside of Wellsville. The tour of the Plumbers & Pipefitters facility came about as an idea started with the members of the County Chamber. The main goal of the County Chamber is the economic development of Columbiana County.

Western Reserve Building Trades Council (WRBTC) President Don Crane noted that the training facility was one of the shining stars in the area. He advised the facility belongs to the business owners and contractors. Crane said they not only train new pipefitters they also do refresher training if a particular job contract requires anything out of everyday, ordinary specifications. The WRBTC is made up with members from all construction trade unions in Trumbull, Mahoney & Columbiana Counties. Since 2003 they have been partnering with government agencies and businesses to develop economic growth throughout that three county region. Eight years ago Crane was named a member of the Mahoning County Area Chamber's “Grow Mahoney Valley” program. That is a grading program that conducts studies on the need of newly proposed construction projects. If a study proves a proposed project is definitely needed they then look for funding for the building project. The widening of State Route 170 in Calcutta is just one example of what can be accomplished. Crane noted that CC Engineer Bert Dawson did the study on Rt. 170 to get that project started. Crane said if affordable for them the WRBTC will even fund the study. They put their money where their mouth is.

The WRBTC is a force to be reckoned with when they lobby legislators for funding with the shear number of voters in each of the unions. It goes without saying one of their goals is getting jobs for their members so they can have an affordable living. However, over the years they have developed partnerships with owners and contractors to find solutions to getting construction projects in the region. The WRBTC turned 101 years old on January 18 and adopted a new logo to celebrate their longevity. “Working to build a better community”with union construction, Crane said proudly. He concluded they are very serious in moving the community forward with economic development through the partnerships.

Keynote speaker was McCarl's Vice-President Bill Cornell. Cornell is a former Crucilble Steel employee and has been with McCarl's for 28 years. They are a major mechanical contractor located in Beaver Falls which was started 65 years ago by Austin McCarl, shortly after WWII. McCarl's does construction jobs locally, regionally, nationally and on the international market. The company did the plumbing and heating work for the EL Motor Lodge when that was built. Cornell said McCarl's has an excellent working relationship with the building trades council and all the crafts. In 2010 pipefitters worked 523,000 man hours on McCarl projects. They mainly work in the tri-state area and lately have been working a lot with the Marcellus Shale drilllng companies in western Pennsylvania. Cornell said those companies are just getting started in eastern Ohio and the job potential for both craftsmen and contractors is tremendous. Come the time McCarl's plan to bid on the Baard Energy plant that spells out even more job potential in our region.

Cornell said just with the Marcellus projects and their other projects there is a tremendous potential for job opportunities in the construction field in our region alone. Besides the building trades there is a need for safety professionals, constructional drafting, scheduling, project engineering, project management, cost control and office management. With the American determination to become less and less dependent on foreign energy sources these fields are becoming more in demand almost daily. Training is the key and Cornell said the training provided by Local 396 is an excellent source to prepare workers in the plumbing and pipe fitting trades. As Don Crane observed not every high school graduate is destined for college.

Local 396 Training Coordinator Marty Loney spoke briefly on the training program they provide at the facilitiy. Loney started in the business in 1986 and completed his apprenticeship in 1991. He was put on the apprentice board for the union in January, 1992, when he voiced concern with the Local president about the training the apprentices got. He sat on that board for five years, then became an instructor and is now in charge of the training program. He has a direct involvement with all the apprentices in the Local 396's program. They emphasize building up the relationship with everybody to show they are professionals dressing for success. They teach the students to be responsible, respectful of client's property, to finish jobs on time and under budget.

In the Local 396 program an apprentice is paid as they learn. The tuition is free with only a small administrative fee of $45 per year. Apprentices earn 32 college credits while in the program with over 1,250 hours of training while doing the 10,000 hours apprenticeship in the course of five years. The State of Ohio accredited their apprenticeships for both the building trades and residential certifications. Local 396 is the only training facility with a state accredited residential training program in Ohio.

Loney concluded with the announcement that Local 396 will be accepting applications into the training program for classes starting in the Fall of 2011. Applicants can apply March 28 through April 1 and April 4 through April 8 at the facility located at 493 Bev Road – Building 3 in Boardman. Applications will be accepted from 8:30 AM until 12:30 PM on those dates. For more information call 330-758-4596. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be a high school graduate or have proof of equivalent educational attainment. They will accept applications from high school seniors graduating this coming spring and the process is open to anyone of any age or sex.

Local 396 Business Agent Tim Callion spoke on the public relationships formed with various agencies. He has 22 years experience with the union and was formerly in sales. Callion said they have strived to develop strong relationships and partnerships with both government officials and contractors. Oft times they notify contractors of upcoming jobs in order for them to get bids in on those jobs. They also co-labor with organizations such as vocational schools and even with prison training programs. They attend job fairs and will practically go anywhere to get the word out on what the Local has to offer with both their members and the training program. Callion concluded it's all part of forming those developing relationships such as the ones enjoyed with both the Mahoning and Columbiana Chamber-of-Commerces.

CC Commissioners Mike Halleck & Penny Traina wrapped up the luncheon with a few brief comments. Halleck said he liked hearing the words regionalization and partnering. Politics aside it is encouraging to hear of the efforts to develop new construction in the area to attract new businesses. He said the commissioners are looking at widening Route 62, a $300,000 project, and are resurrecting the Route 30 four lane project that has been on the back burner for ages. A new committee was formed, with Chuck Lane as chairman, to do a study on possibly paying for expanding Route 30 with tolls. Halleck noted Route 30 in Columbiana County is the only part that isn't four lane in the state. Route 30 goes from one side of the state to the other and is a major transportation corridor.

Penny Traina reflected on a few years ago when all the Chambers joined together to form a Columbiana County chapter. Traina observed it was so refreshing to see “the North & the South crossing that Mason Dixon Line” to join together working for the common goal of developing the county along with their individual communities. She said her favorite expression is that it takes collaboration, cooperation and communication among everyone involved to accomplish great things. Butch Taylor remarked it was Traina's suggestion to get together with Pam Hoppel to start a joint effort within the tri-county area. Wednesday's luncheon was one of their first endeavors along these lines.

The luncheon was well attended with approximately 60 people attending. There were elected officials from both Columbiana & Mahoning Counties, businesses, and Chamber-of-Commerce members from all over. The collage above pictures just some of the dignitaries that attended.

For us it was an encouraging event hearing about the job potentials that are already available. It was the second time in a week that speakers talked of new jobs being available right now. All that is needed to fill some of those job spots is well trained individuals. The Local 396 officials stressed that those jobs are available to anyone whether new beginners, just getting into the job market, or displaced workers that are looking for a decent paying job. It's a definite sign that this economy is starting to pick up when job availability is touted. That's not to mention what it means to our local economy with everything from home sales to buying groceries.

Thanks to the CC Chamber-of-Commerce & Local 396 for having us.

ole nib

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Wellsville Library Presents Megaminds


The Wellsville Carnegie Public Library has another great movie event planned Wednesday for children of all ages. It's a DreamWorks 3D animated superhero comedy that was just released November 5, 2010.

The movie was written by Alan Schoolcaft & Brent Simons and was directed by Tom McGraft. Will Ferrell gives voice to Megamind, the superhero alien. Megamind is sent to earth by his parents after their home planet was destroyed in a black hole. Other voices heard are Tina Fey, Brad Pitt & Ben Stiller plus more.

It's timed for being an after school event. Show time is 3:30 PM in the library's Meeting Room downstairs. Made possible by the good folks at the library and the library friends admission is free. Mark it on your calendars. Your children will be disappointed if they miss it.

ole nib

Friday, February 25, 2011

Nicholson Stadium Grandstand Update




Wednesday – February 23: Work crews doing the demolition of the old grandstand at Wellsville's Nicholson Stadium got a major portion of the stands down this past Wednesday. They got snowed out Tuesday. Here are some pictures of what they accomplished in one day. The top two pictures were given to us by our friend Karen Dash, a member of the Wellsville Board of Education.

On Wednesday workers from X-treme Trucking took down nearly everything between the front and back walls. Thursday they returned and knocked down the front wall. We haven't got pictures of that yet. On Friday it appeared they started cleaning out some of the rubble. It is said it will take longer to clean out the rubble than what it took to bring it down.

We'll try to keep you posted on the progress as time permits. See our post “Nicholson To Have A New Look” dated February 13 for why they are taking down the old grandstand.

Thanks for the pictures Karen. Although we couldn't be there Wednesday it made us feel that we were right in the middle of it.

ole nib

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Wellsville Sends Two to State Middle School Wrestling Tournaments



Two Daw Middle School wrestlers have advanced to the State Middle School tournaments. Representing Wellsville will be Seth Bloor and Alex Potts. The tournaments take place in Youngstown beginning on March 12 with the championship matches to take place Sunday, March 13.

Bloor, a Daw 8th Grader, came in first in his weight class in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), the Middle School equivalent of the OVAC. Bloor also took a first in the Districts.

Potts placed third in his weight class at the OVCs and third at the District tournaments.

The top picture is Seth Bloor and the next one is Alex Potts.

Congratulations to both and good luck at the States. You guys did great and Wellsville is proud of you.

ole nib

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Sterling China Demolition Progresses





Tuesday – February 22: As many of you know the old Sterling China buildings are being demolished mainly for the scrap metal. It was the last pottery facility remaining in Wellsville, a village with a history rich in pottery manufacturing. In the course of Wellsville history the pottery industry was one of three main reasons that at one time made this a thriving community. The other two were the river and the railroad industry. Since it's founding Wellsville had many pottery manufacturing facilities scattered all over town. It's sad to say that the very last one will soon be nothing more than a memory and a collection of pictures & stories.

The demolition of Sterling began in January. Morning Journal reporter Jo Ann Bobby-Gilbert first reported on it January 11 and it was well under way by then. They began at the rear of the building in the middle and worked toward Commerce St. The plant had been sitting idle and vacant for many years. Just last summer Village officials were concerned with the weeds and high grass being unsightly. Now all that remains of the main part of the plant are the two side walls and offices.

This week they started on the northern wall, the one closest to 11th St. We watched some of the work yesterday that is pictured above. There was some question about the silos but Mayor Joe Surace informs us that they are coming down too. That part will probably be contracted out according to the Mayor. They're even getting the rails from the spur that were used to bring train cars to the plant.

We started documenting the place with pictures last summer when the story of the high weeds came up. Now we occasionally stop by to get updated ones as the demolition progresses. Those “big boy” toys they are using are amazing to watch. It was also amazing to learn of all the racks & racks of pottery ware and molds that were left behind. The owner of the property was quoted in the papers as saying it looked like they just finished working one day, closed the doors and walked away while still in operation. There was even a coffee pot left behind ready to brew the next pot.

Residents on both the front & back sides are seeing parts of town never before visible from their homes in their life time. When they are finished it will look very different in that location.

ole nib

Ma Nature Sends A Winter Reminder


Perhaps we should have kept quiet when we happily remarked that the spring like weather last week melted almost all the snow & ice in the ville. We no sooner mentioned that when Mother Nature turned around early Monday afternoon and started pelting us with a wet, heavy snow that by mid-night dumped anywhere from 6 to 12” on us. The County EMA repeatedly sent updated text messages Monday afternoon and early evening increasing the amounts of snow to be expected from the snow storm.

The snow fall was heavier in the northern parts of the county. We had a good 6” in our back yard. There were reports of “thunder snow” down in Jefferson County. It fell so fast all over the region that road crews had trouble keeping up with it. Many motorist were caught unawares. There were lots of stories of stuck vehicles and folks in ditches. They started the day forecasting one or two inches of the white stuff. Schools were canceled Tuesday. If this keeps up those students and teachers will be lucky to end the school year by the Fourth of July!

Here are some scenes we recorded on Tuesday. Wellsville's Street crew was out by late afternoon Monday working on our streets and must have worked through the night. By the time we got out Tuesday most of the streets were clear and drying out. Thanks guys.

Bet Ed & Connie are sorry they missed all this...

ole nib

PPCT To Present "Salem's Daughter"




Potter Players Community Theatre will open the 2011 season performing the play Salem's Daughter this coming Friday, Feb 25. Curtain time is 8 PM for the first of five performances of this play. The play will be repeated again on Saturday, February 26, Friday, March 4, Saturday, March 5 and close with a matinee performance Sunday, March 6 at 2 PM. The Friday & Saturday performances all begin at 8 PM.

The play is about a party a group of high school girls have where something terribly wrong happens and how they dealt with years later as adults. The play was written by Craig Sodaro and produced with special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service. The play is not recommended for young children but is recommended as excellent entertainment for high school age and up. It is an adult drama.

The cast is made up with Alexis Rufener, Taylor Reed, Michaela Winkleman, Rachel Mason, Andrea Disch and Jessi Hull. Pictured here are some of the cast in rehearsal Tuesday evening. The play is directed by Kim Winkleman with grand daughter Jocelyn Hull assisting with a very discerning eye.

Admission is $8 for adults and $7 for students & seniors. Call 330-532-4450 to find out to how to get a discount on the price of admission and to make reservations. All performances will be at the PPCT playhouse at 417 15th St., Wellsville, the former Nazarene Church.

It community theater at its best. You won't watch to miss this very gripping play. Your patronage and support will be greatly appreciated. It's an all volunteer cast and crew.


ole nib

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

WHS Tigers Fall To 12&6 In A Squeaker


Saturday – February 19: In a very closely officiated game the WHS Tigers dropped a close one to the Sebring McKinley Trojans last week. The were no gray areas with the men in stripes and the whistles got a work out in the make-up game played Saturday evening in the Tiger's Den.

It was a close, in your face game with the lead changing hands several times. Sebring held a slim one point advantage at the end of the first quarter. The score was 18-17. With 5:25 left in the second Senior standout Jalen DeSarro picked up his third foul and was benched.

The Tigers poured it on in the second quarter out scoring the Trojans 21 to 10 to take a 39-28 lead at the half. Then the guys in the purple uniforms came out in the third, out scoring the Tigers 21-13, to get within three points at the end of that quarter. It was Wellsville 52-49.

With 4:57 left in the fourth Sebring took a 58-55 lead and the battle continued. The lead switched a few more times until Sebring put a lock on it with a 68-66 lead with only 0:39.7 seconds left in the final frame. By that time both DeSarro and Senior Christian Kapp had fouled out and the Tigers were forced into committing fouls for a chance to get possession of the ball. Unfortunately that only added to the Sebring lead. At the final buzzer the score was Sebring 72-69 in a squeaker.

Senior Michael Johnston had team high with 24 points to add to his career total. DeSarro finished with 14 and Sean Hudson netted 12. Freshman Nate Scott got some good looks and hit three outside the arch for 9 points. Josh Carter finished with 8 and Kapp had 2. Wellsville hit five 3-pointers with DeSarro & Hudson getting one apiece to add to Scott's. The Tigers are now 12&6 on the season.

In the Reserve game the Freshman players had to sit out the first half since they played a tournament game earlier in the day. At the beginning of the third quarter the Sebring Reserves were in the lead 26-7. The Freshmen came off the bench and nearly pulled it out in the last two quarters of that game. We thought they were going to do it but the Wellsville Reserve team lost by five. Final score in that contest was Sebring 49-44. Both games were the price of admission.

Wellsville returns to action Wednesday night when they host Western Reserve in the Tiger's Den. It's the second of their three make-up games that was oringinally rescheduled for tonight. Their third and final make-up is scheduled for Friday night in the Den versus Jackson Milton. Both nights are set for a 6 PM start. Friday will be Senior Night with Michael Miller, Christian Kapp, Michael Johnston, Sean Hudson and Jalen DeSarro playing their final home game for the Orange & Black.

Good Luck Tigers. Lets finish out the regular season with a couple of more wins...

ole nib

Monday, February 21, 2011

WHS Freshmen To Play for Clark Memorial Championship


The WHS Freshman basketball team finished out their abbreviated regular season undefeated a couple of weeks ago. At the time we commented that they are a very exciting team to watch. We noted we thought they were playing far and above their expected skill level. We do not want to give them a “big head”. They do have an occasional brain fart! All ball players do, no matter how good they are. Even though that's the time the coaches jump off the bench and sometimes start ranting, it's to be expected. It's only human.

This Freshman team began the season with 11 players. One of them got moved to a starting position on the Varsity. That would be young Nate Scott. When he's in the “zone” he's got a sweet 3-point shot that compliments the upper class Varsity players extremely well. Scott got moved early in the season.

Now the Freshman are down to nine players with Seth Bradford, Tim Thrasher, Cody Barnes, Jordan Sloan, Camden Douglas, Brendon Carr, Sam McIntosh, Jansen Stoakes and Greg Beatty. Some of them fill in on the Reserves and some on the Varsity.

After two games into the 27th Annual Chuck Clark Memorial Freshmen Tournament being played at the Mineral Ridge High School our opinion of them hasn't changed. In those two games the 9th Graders have racked up 137 points while holding their opponents to only 50 points total. In their first game they handed South Range a 68-17 loss. In the second game last Saturday they knocked off East Palestine Bulldogs 69-33.

In the game against the Bulldogs Dakota (Cody) Barnes led the Orange & Black scoring 18 points, followed by Seth Bradford with 12 and Jordon Sloan with 11. The Tigers were 61% from the foul line in that game.

Those two victories at Mineral Ridge earned them the honor of playing for all the marbles in the championship game tomorrow evening. They travel back to Mineral Ridge to take on another team with a 12&0 record on the season. It will be the battle of the unbeatens when the guys from Wellsville face off with Crestview. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:15 PM. Crestview earned a shot at the big trophy by defeating McDonald last Saturday 59-52. It should be a heckuva game.

Good Luck Tigers. We got all our fingers & toes crossed...

ole nib

Daw Middle School Basketball Season Concludes



It was heart break Saturday for both Daw Middle School 8th Grade basketball teams. Both the boys and girls were playing in the championship ITCL Middle School tournament games. Both teams lost by only two points. When the final score is that close... Well, it hurts.

In the girl's tournaments the 7th Graders got eliminated last Wednesday losing to Lowellville 47-15. The 8th Grade girls beat Leetonia 35-24 on Wednesday to move up to the chamionship round. The championship game was play last Saturday at Jackson Milton High School. Their opponent was Lowellville and it must have been a very defensive battle. The young Lady Tigers dropped that 2 point contest by a final score of 17-15. They finished the season with a 12&2 record.

Like the girls the Daw 7th Grade boys also got eliminated last Wednesday. They lost to McDonald by a final score of 48-43 and finished the season with a 12&4 record.

The 8th Grade boys tournament was held at Lowellville. On Saturday, February 12 they put it to Western Reserve in the opening round winning by a score of 46-24. In the semi-final on Wednesday, February 16 they topped the McDonald 8th Graders by a score of 40-14 earning a trip back to play for the championship the following Saturday. That's was the heart breaker. They lost by two to Lowellville. The final score was Lowellville 37-35.

Eighth Grade Coach Randy Thrasher said they played with a lot of heart & determination but fell short at the free throw line. They were only able to connect on two out 10 charity tosses. The Daw 8th Grade boys finished the season with a 13&2 record. They were undefeated up until the next to the last week of the regular season when they dropped their first one to Leetonia.

Win or lose they're all champions in our book. They did an outstanding job representing Wellsville with their hard work, dedication and the sportsmanship they demonstrated all season. We're proud of each and everyone of them that sacrificed their time to wear the Orange & Black. All of you are heads and shoulders above all the others that didn't bother. You did good!

Congratulations to the parents, the coaches and the players on a fine season.

Pictured above are the 8th Grade teams. We hope to see them all back next year in the Tiger's Den...

ole nib

WHS Lady Tigers Start A Winning Streak


This past Thursday evening the WHS Lady Tigers finished their regular season on a winning note, defeating the Jackson Milton Lady Jays at home in the Tiger's Den. It was Senior Night for #22 Shawntae Dillard and she is now able to say she helped getting that win.

The Lady Tigers ended the first quart with a 16-10 lead and never trailed at the end of any quarter after that. They handed the winless Lady Jay's their 20th loss of the season by a final score or 47-13. The win put the Wellsville team at 9&11 on the season. Mikyla Tipton recorded a double-double with 17 points and and 12 rebounds. Shawntae Dillard added another 13 points. Rilee Livolsi had a couple of “spikes” we witnessed with her blocking shots that were exciting to see. The Lady Tigers were without a couple of key players in that game. Both Irene Kiser and Meika Dalrymple were out with injuries.

On Saturday the Lady Tigers proved the win against Jackson Milton wasn't just a fluke when they traveled to Hubbard High School to play in the first round of the Division IV Sectional tournaments. Their opponent was the Lady Devils of McDonald, a team they lost two regular season games to this year.

Still without Kiser & Dalrymple the papers noted that Freshman Shartece Taylor, Sophomore Maleya Fultz and Junior Courtney Cook stepped up to the plate to fill the void. Of the three only Fultz has been a regular starter this season. Taylor mostly played Reserves and Cook split starting games with other players. Taylor & Fultz don't have a lot of height but they can get up there with the tallest opponents we've seen them go against this year.

Mikyla Tipton had team high with 12 points followed by Cook with 8, Fultz with 7, Taylor & Rilee Lavolsi with 6 apiece, Shawntae Dillard with 5 and Monica Wilson with 2. The Lady Tigers finished the first quarter with a five point lead. That grew to a seven point advantage going into the locker room at the half, leading 23-16. In the third quarter the Lady Devils outscored the Tigers by 4 but were never able to take the lead in any one frame. It must have been a nail biter when McDonald tied it up at 35-35 with three minutes left in the game. The Ladies from the ville were able to hang in there and ended the game with a final winning score of 48-44.

With the win this past Saturday the Lady Tigers advance to the second round of the Sectionals. They travel back to Hubbard on Thursday, February 24 to face #4 seed Leetonia. It will be a rubber match. The Lady Tigers beat Leetonia at home and suffered a loss when they traveled up there in this year's regular season.

The pictures above is from the Jackson Milton game.

Congratulations on both wins Ladies. You make Wellsville proud. Good Luck Thursday....

ole nib

WHS Senior Lady Tiger Shawntae Dillard Recognized


Thursday – February 17: Playing her last basketball game in the Tiger's Den, Senior Shawntae Dillard and her parents were honored before the home crowd. Dillard was the only Senior class member on the Lady Tiger's team this year.

Believing that good things come from good people, WHS Principal Linda Rolley told Dillard that the time and effort she has given representing Wellsville High makes that quite evident. Dillard's efforts is something that all can take great pride in.

Shown here is Shawntae and her parents PJ & Jamie Pullie, along with some action shots taken during her last home game against Jackson Milton.

Congratulations to Shawntae. Good luck in all your future plans and dreams.

ole nib

Sunday, February 20, 2011

On The Calendar

Maybe those prognosticators up in Puxatauney were telling us the truth when they said Phil was predicting that spring was just around the corner this year. We got a taste of it this past week with temperatures at near record setting in the mid-60s. It was nice and now most of the lingering snow & ice are gone. It got safe enough for lots of folks to get out and stretch their legs. We're looking forward to more of that.

Monday - February 21:

  • President's Day - No school - Post Office closed

  • WHS Baseball Try-outs - 5:30 PM at Garfield Elementary - Lincoln Ave.


Tuesday - February 22:

  • George Washigton's Birthday

  • Wellsville Public Library Story Hour - Preschool - Ages 3 to 5 - 11:30 AM to 12:30 - After School - Ages 5 & Up - 3:30 to 4:30 PM - Main St

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

  • WHS Freshman Basketball vs Crestview - 7:15 PM at Mineral Ridge High School in the championship match of the 27th Annual Chuck Clark Memorial Freshmen Tournament


Wednesday - February 23:

  • Pumbers & Pipefitters Training Facility Open House for all Columbiana County Chamber of Commerce members - 12 Noon - Building #3 - 493 Bye Rd. - Boardman

  • BWD Board of Trustees Special Meeting - 2 PM at Water Treatment Plant - 17547 State Route 45


Thursday - February 24:

  • Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon - 12 Noon at Kat's Kitchen - 1025 Main St.

  • Wellsville Council Personnel Committee - 2 PM at Village Hall - 1200 Main St.

  • WHS Lady Tigers vs Leetonia - 6 PM at Hubbard High School in Round 2 Division IV Tournaments

  • Wellsville Public Library's "A Night of Family Fun" - 6:30 PM with Storyteller Jocelyn Dabney - Main St.


Friday - February 25:

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

  • Potter Players Community Theatre play "Salem's Daughter" - 8 PM - 417 15th St.


Saturday - February 26:

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

  • Potter Players Community Theatre play "Salem's Daughter" - 8 PM - 417 15th St.


Sunday - February 27:

  • Worship at a church of your choice

  • Black History Program - 3:30 PM at Mt. Sinai FBH Church - 1617 Main St.


Another sure sign that spring is just around the corner is the high school baseball try-outs Monday in the Garfield gym. It won't be long they'll be outdoors.

The WHS Men's Basketball team finish up their regular season with two make-up games this week. They're both home games - one on Tuesday and the final one Friday. The Tigers open up tournament play Wednesday, March 2 at Struthers Fieldhouse.

The undefeated WHS Freshman roundballers play Tuesday evening for the big trophy awarded to the over-all champions. They won their first two tournament games by a combined total of 137 to 50. Good luck fellows. Their game will be preceeded with the consolation game that starts at 6 PM.

The Potter Players Community Theatre open up their first production of the New Year with the play "Salem's Daughter" on Friday evening. There will be a second performance on Saturday evening and again the following week-end. The play will close with a Sunday afternoon matinee on March 6. Admission is only $8 for adults and $7 for students & seniors. Call 330-532-4450 to find out how to get a discount on those prices.

Our friends of Wellsville's Masonic Lodge are having regular Saturday morning breakfasts that are open to the public. The only cost is a donation to be determined by you. If you can't afford that, it's on them.

Sunday's afternoon Black History program at Mt. Sinai is the last of a three part series. It promises to be special with the program being put on by Mt. Sinai's youth group. It too is open to the public. If you can swing it they ask that a donation of nonperishable food items be made instead of money at the offering. The donations will go to the First Baptist monthly Food Pantry.

Think Spring! Have a good week everybody...

ole nib

A Night of Family Fun


It's coming this Thursday at Wellsville's Public Library. Due to space limitations they are asking you call and get registered. Please call 330-532-1526.

ole nib

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Wellsville Village Council Finance Committee

Thursday – February 17: The Wellsville Village Council's Finance Committee held a meeting this past Thursday morning at Village Hall. Present at the meeting was Finance Committee Chairman Tony Cataldo and Committee Member Joe Soldano. Also attending was Mayor Joe Surace, Village Administrator Jim Saracco and WPD Acting Chief Ed Wilson. Committee Member John McMahon was absent.

The purpose of the meeting was to compare revenue figures from 2006 with 2010 and to emphasize the very noticeable difference in revenue income and expenditures between the two years. Cataldo started with comparing the General Fund. In 2006 the carry over from the previous year was $115,000, another $1.2 million in new revenue was brought in and the 2006 expenditures were $1.3 million. That left an ending balance of $104,000 to carry over to 2007. For last year the General Fund carry over from the 2009 was $25,000, income was only $854,000 and expenditures were $842,000. That left a $12,689 balance to start the General Fund in 2011. The General Fund has a multitude of items paid from it. There is such items as salaries, benefits and expenses for the Mayor's Office, the secretary's office, the Fiscal Office, the Administrator's office, the Legal Adviser, maintenance & upkeep of play grounds, Village owned land and buildings.

In 2006 the Street Construction Fund started with $72,000, income was $122,000 and expenditures was $101,000 leaving a balance of $69,000. By contrast in 2010 that fund started with $10,000, income dropped to $110,000 while expenditures totaled $111,000 leaving a balance of $3,900.

The Cemetery Fund started with $7,200 in 2006, brought in $76,000 and spent $83,000 leaving a balance of $4,000. Last year the carry over balance was $3,800, income was $72,000 and expenditures was $83,000. That left the Cemetery Fund with a $1,000 balance to carry over to 2011.

The Permissive Motor Vehicle Fund get its money from Wellsville resident's fees for license plates and renewal registrations. In 2006 that fund started with $53,000, had $54,000 in income, $43,000 for expenditures and an ending balance of $56,000. Last year that fund started with $10,000, brought in $56,000 and spent $62,000. There was only $1,200 left to start 2011. The Street Department payroll is paid from the Permissive Fund along with slag and rock salt for snow removal. With the near record snow fall last year the money spent on snow removal nearly put the fund in the red. Outside contractors were brought in to assist with the snow removal.

The total of all funds to start 2007 was $1.1 million. The carry over total of all funds in 2010 was down to $526,000 and out of that there is $267,000 in two Sewage Department funds.

Cataldo remarked that over the last five years Welllsville has lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in new income. It has to be countered some way and remarked Village officials started at the first of the year with spending cuts in the Police & Street Department. Cataldo commended both departments for their efforts. The WPD was able to cut 80 man hours and recalled the officer assigned to the County's Drug Task Force. Recalling that officer eliminated the cost for five extra shifts. Overtime in the Street Department has been eliminated. Those employees have agree to take compensatory time off in lieu of overtime pay for any extra hours needed. The Village Administrator has set in motion flexible work schedules if heavy snow or freezing rain is forecasted.

Fiscal Officer Dale Davis noted that the biggest expense in 2010 was for snow removal with the extreme conditions. There was also two Sewage projects that cost over $100,000 last year that was spent without any grant funding. One of them had to be replacing the “bear trap” on McQueens Run. Davis also noted that interest rates are at 0.5% at the most for investments. In 2007 the Village earned $70,000 in interest. A Certificate of Deposit was just rolled over for $200,000 invested. It only earned $850 in interest for one month so far. Davis advised the Committee that they are trying to curtail spending as much as possible saying we're only doing what is necessary. For an example he noted there are many things the Police Department needs that are being held off. However, it is essential to keep the Village machinery running to enable the police and street employees do their jobs.

It was noted that for the 16 Village employees the cost of health insurance alone is $22,000 a month. That cost increased 8% this year. Cataldo announced that personally he would never vote to have employees pay anything for that benefit. Although there hasn't been any wage increases in the last couple of years he noted health insurance is one benefit the Village can give the employees. The employees get general health, dental and visual coverage at no cost to them.

The Mayor noted that he estimates the spending has been cut by approximately 50% so far this year adding that the cost of everything is going up. Local Government funding is going to be cut again this year by State officials.

Village Administrator Saracco reported that barring anymore heavy snow falls salt supplies are in good shape. Money is being spent on cold patch for much need pot hole repairs. This winter has been hard on Wellsville streets with the bitter cold temperatures. Saracco also advised the committee that the Village needs at least 75 tons of slag for some street repairs. Slag is currently $22 per ton. Chief Wilson advised cruiser W8 needs a new transmission at a cost of approximately $1,000. Other than a few occasional mechanical problems the Village is in good shape with cruisers, noted Wilson, adding that it is still necessary to plan for the future.

Councilman Soldano reported he found a grant that will pay $30,000 for new cruisers while searching on the internet. He added that the Fiscal Officer wrote the grant application and it has been filed. If awarded it would pay for at least one new vehicle plus allow for leases on additional cars. The cost of a new cruiser runs around $22,000 currently. This grant does not require any Village matching funds.

Soldano also advised that his Personnel Committee will have a meeting next Thursday, February 24 at 2 PM at Village Hall. It will be an informational meeting with Committee Member Rosie Goss bringing in a representative from a local drug testing facility. Goss advised at the last regular Council meeting there might be a cost savings on Worker's Compensation rates available with a employee drug testing procedure in place.

The meeting adjourned at 10:58 AM. The next regularly scheduled Council meeting is Tuesday, March 1 at 6 PM at Village Hall.

ole nib

Friday, February 18, 2011

BWD Board of Trustees Meeting

Thursday – February 17: The Buckeye Water District Board of Trustees held their regular monthly meeting Thursday at Wellsville Village Hall. Present at the meeting was Board President Mike Ryan and Board Members Bob Wines, Dave Lloyd, Cal Carney, Rick Williams, Tim O'Hara & Roy Dray. Also in attendance was District Manger Al DeAngelis, BWD Legal Advisor Fred Emmerling, Fiscal Officer Tony D'Angelo and Office Manager Greg Stanley. Trustees Gene McGaffick and Jack Call were absent.

In the Public Comment Period of the agenda, Vice Chairman of the Madison Township Trustees Gary Williams addressed the Board in regards to the disposition of an invoice submitted to BWD for hot mix used by the township to repair roads in the Yellow Creek precinct. Williams was accompanied by Madison Twp. Trustee Chairman Rodger Walker. Williams noted the trustees consider themselves to be good neighbors to the BWD Board and always try to help as best possible in the water district's efforts to supply water to residents of Madison Twp.

Dated September 30, 2010, the invoice was for 250 tons of hot mix used on Osbourne, Fife Coal, Crews Road and Opal Drive in the amount of $15,500. Walker said the invoice was just for material with no labor costs included. Hot mix is used in the chip & seal program. The invoice was for repairs made after Phase A of the new Salineville waterline was completed. Williams noted that as of February 17, township officials have not received any formal communications as to the disposition of the invoice although there has been some positive feedback. They were present at the meeting asking for a definite answer to the situation.

In response District Manager DeAngelis noted that he, Williams & Walker went out and looked at the roads before the project was completed. At that time DeAngelis asked if everything was all right and they responded that everything was fine. Believing that everything was okay with the township trustees the project was completed. Walker countered that they did not say everything was fine. They said it looked okay. Ryan noted the work was done between October & November of 2009. The contract was signed off in the summer of 2010. BWD needed to know in that period if there were problems. The money is gone for that contract.

Originally the township trustees were concerned with the dirt and mud on the roads. Williams remarked he first looked at the roads in January 2009. When the final inspection was done in August 2010 the roads looked “1,000% better” than they did the previous January. Williams observed that road damage is not always immediately evident. Sometimes it takes years for problems to show up. As an example Williams said problems are beginning to show on Township Line Road between Wells Hollow and Mick Road when a water line was installed two or three years ago. After going back & forth for a while Mike Ryan advised that all the facts will be reviewed by the BWD attorney and the matter will be taken up with the BWD Service Committee. When that is accomplished Ryan advised the township trustees they will get back to them.

Bob Wines reported that the Fiscal Officer has the accounting system converted completely to a cash basis on the accural system that BWD was working with before in the Treasurer's Report. Wines noted it's a lot simpler now. With accounts being frozen by Court order there was a construction bill that had to be paid from the General Fund.

Wines also reported a resolution was needed to approve the District Manager to sign purchase orders. He noted the Fiscal Officer needed an authorized signature on purchase orders. Carney wanted to put a $200/$300 limit on what can be authorized without full board approval. Tony D'Angelo responded he has never seen limits put on amounts of purchase orders in all his years of auditing. He stated the bill for employee insurance alone is around $10,000 a month and many times chemical orders are received that cost $12.000/$15,000. There is normally a request, an invoice and documentation to back up a purchase order or it is not issued. Attorney Emmerling advised the Board would need a resolution drafted but in the meantime can authorize a signature by making a motion until a resolution can be presented. A motion was passed authorizing the District Manager to sign purchase orders and the President of the Board in his absence. The Treasurer's Report was accepted.

The Operations Report showed that 29.6 million gallons of water was produced in January. The Village of Wellsville used 6.9 million gallons of that. The Elkton Prison used 8.5 million gallons. Salineville used 2.2 million gallons. The daily average usage of all BWD customers was 958.367 gallons in January.

There were no Committee reports but it was noted that the new health insurance will be effective March 1. The coverage is a new policy with Athem Blue Cross brokered by Cooper Insurance. The district will be paying $64 per month less than what was paid when dealing through the County. D'Angelo noted that coverage for a single and spouse went up but the there was a big break in family coverage. Family coverage went way down. The health insurance is provided at no cost to the employee.

In the District Manager's Report, DeAngelis reported that RCAP has completed the energy audit and submitted a report detailing some measures that can be implemented to conserve energy.

Also RCAP informed the District that it has been put on the appropriations request for the Army Corp of Engineers for the Route 45 waterline replacement project. There is a moratorium for earmarks on the Corp's budget and RCAP will inform the District of the status of the grant.

AEP has notified the District that their filing for capacity recovery has been denied and that allows the District to receive a better rate on its electrical costs. If the recovery filing is later approved the District will be permitted to go back to the previous electrical rate.

DeAngelis reported that a fourth waterline collar has broken in the Village of Salineville and has to be replaced. That waterline was put in six or seven years ago by Salineville before the water district was on the scene.

In the Project Report DeAngelis reported that the District has been in contact with the contractor to finalize the remaining items on the punch list for the Phase B of the Salineville Waterline. All that remains is the regrading of two residential yards and grouting the floor of the vault. Once completed a final walk through inspection will be done before releasing the final payment.

RCAP needed some pictures of the area where the road is to be rebuilt to the Salineville water tank There will be a public meeting in Wellsville on the road construction to be in compliance with CDBG rules. Once all that is completed the project will be put up for bid. The District had gotten permission to use left over funds from Phase B and no new additional funding will be required.

Bob Wines reported a situation from last summer for Old Business where the Calcuttta & Glenmore Fire Departments requested to place a radio antenna on the Oakmont water tank located on Irish Ridge Road. He had an agreement that needed approval for them to go ahead placing the antenna. In the agreement it is stated that the antenna was to go on the railing only and transmissions must not interfere with the BWD telemetry. Wines noted there are a lot of dead zones with radio communications in St. Clair Township because of the hilly terrain. It is hoped the communications will be improved with the new antenna. Wines advised pre-tests will be conducted before permanent installation. The fire departments will assume responsibility for all installation and electricity costs. The motion to accept the agreement was passed.

The Board then retired into a 48 minute Executive Session for litigation. Upon returning there was no action taken or comments made. The hearing for the garnishment of BWD assets filed by the City of East Liverpool is set for next Thursday, February 24. The garnishment filing was made in attempt to recover the fine imposed by the courts on the breech of contract lawsuit file by that city. The Ohio Supreme Court refused to hear a final appeal in December. Since then the BWD has submitted a partial payment plan to give them time to work out details to fund the balance of what is owed. To our knowledge East Liverpool officials have never responded to that plan. If forced to pay the full amount immediately the water district said would hinder their ability to service their customers. The BWD Board has voted to file for bankruptcy protection if that happens.

The meeting adjourned at 10:24 AM. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Thursday, March 17 at 9 AM at Wellsville Village Hall.

ole nib

DreamSoup Village Offers Link To Wellsville Revitalization Committee

Wellsville's DreamSoup Village blog now has a link to a Wellsville Revitalizaton Committee blog page. It's in its infancy but “blogdawg” has got it started to keep everyone informed about planned activities and for anyone to submit ideas, pictures or stories.

To see the web page go to www.dreamsoupvillage.blogspot.com. Near the top of the page there are the words “Wellsville Revitalization Page”. Click on that and it will take you directly to the new page. There's a list of the officers and contact information. Any submissions can be done through the regular comment posting procedure.

ole nib

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Wellsville Village Council Meeting


Tuesday – February 15: Wellsville Village Council held their regular bi-monthly meeting Tuesday evening in Village Hall. Present at the meeting was Mayor Joe Surace and Council Members Sue Haugh, Rosie Goss, Joe Soldano, Randy Allmon, John McMahon and Tony Cataldo. Also attending was Fiscal Officer Dale Davis, Village Administrator Jim Saracco, Village Legal Adviser Andy Beech and WFD Chief Bill Smith.

In the Public Speaking portion of the agenda, Lisbon Street resident Lori Harmon thanked John McMahon and all the others “for diligently working to rectify the situation with the parking problem and vehicles”. Harmon addressed Council at the February 1 meeting in regards to the hazardous safety problem with all the traffic on 9th Street when Daw Middle School lets out. A WPD officer is now stationed there controlling a traffic signal and eliminate the illegal parking during school dismissal. Harmon indicated it's wonderful to be able to safely cross the street without fear of an accident.

Riverside resident Lonnie Hentzell was seeking Council's approval for the Wellsville Revitalization Committee (WRC) to proceed with their planned Riverside Avenue walk project. Hentzell explained they want to replace all the park benches and make a pathway with pavers. It wll run from the War Memorial at 4th Street and go to 9th Street. The Mayor remarked he thinks it's a great idea but advised there are plans to replace the sewer line forced main along that avenue. Current plans are for that project to start in June and be completed in December. The Village's engineering firm is doing a survey at the present time. Although the forced main runs under the street that area may be torn up during the project. Also he would like to avoid any conflict between the two projects. Hentzell explained the WRC improvement project is contingent on the completion of the sewer line. WRC member Joe Bucher noted that is what they needed to know saying the committee wants to begin making plans if it is acceptable to Council. The pathway is planned along the strip running between the curb and railroad tracks on the river side of the street.

Soldano inquired if it was the same plan the committee proposed three or four years ago. WRC President Candy Bangor explained it is a simplified version than what was originally proposed. The original plan was extremely expensive and cost prohibitive. The revised plan would actually be making a pathway on existing land without including retaining walls and such.

The question was brought up on who actually owns the property in question. Cataldo said at a meeting two years ago it was discovered many of the residents believe they own that strip of land. Many of them maintain the land. Surace said he doesn't believe so. When he bought his house the survey did not include that area and stated it will have to be clarified. Saracco will check into it and the request was referred to the Property Committee. Property Committee Chairwoman Haugh noted she believes it is Village owned but wanted to assure that they work with the residents along Riverside on that.

Broadway resident Dawn Johnston gave a report on the 2010 Tree Board activities. She advised Council that the board has once again sent in for the Tree City USA certification. Last year new trees were planted in Broadway Park, on 5th Street, Commerce, Washington and in Hammonds Park. A total of 21 new trees were planted. Including those done by Village workers there were 11 trees removed and 88 trees pruned. Johnston reported that with all the work done, by the Village, the volunteers, the litter clean up, Arbor Day observance, Tree City USA ceremony, workshops and administrative hours, amounted to $84,881 worth of efforts in 2010 in the Village.

Johnston noted that Joe Russell, owner of Russell Tree Service Experts in Worthington, OH, brought his equipment with him over the Christmas Holidays and along with his brother John and Travis MacLain, pruned all the new trees in Broadway Park for the first time free of charge. Russell is a Wellsville native and takes a keen interest in those trees. His father started the donation campaign for the trees way back when. Every time he is in town visiting he checks on those trees and has offered to do any future pruning as needed. If done properly it only needs done every few years. The Mayor noted he will have to get a proper thank-you off to Mr. Russell.

In the Mayor's Report Surace reported that Village Street workers have started filling pot holes with cold patch on Broadway. They will concentrate on one street at a time unless there is one considered extremely bad elsewhere. Village Administrator Saracco said if he gets a call he will check it out. If determined it needs immediate attention they will patch that one hole and return to whatever street they are working on at the time.

Tony Cataldo reported for the Finance Committee that the General Fund has $5,500, Streets $1,300, Cemetery $1,900, Permissive $8,000, Floodwall $18,000 and the total of all Village funds is $513,000. At the end of December 2010 the total of all funds was $490,957.

Cataldo also announced there will be a Finance Committee meeting Thursday at 10 AM to compare the 2006 budget with last years. In 2006 there was a $1.2 million carry over compared to $500,000 this past year. Everything will be compared for revenue and expenditures item by item.

For the Sewage Committee Randy Allmon made a motion to suspend rules for approval of Application #6 to pay Mike Pusateri Excavating for the sewer digester improvements for $68,420. The Mayor stated the payment is funding money from the OMEGA, Ohio Public Works & STAG funds. The motion was approved.

Also, Allmon stated “three or four years ago, false accusations, a letter was sent to the EPA saying there was malfeasance in your (the Mayor's) office concerning the STAG grant and that came back quickly clean, nothing done wrong and probably cost the city thousands of dollars in waiting, labor time and just time searching everything. I (Allmon) think we should make a motion to ask the Attorney General who these people are and maybe seek monetary damages for making false accusations like this. Delaying us all these years wasn't fair to the village at all. We're probably talking $90,000”. Cataldo stated the estimate was between $50,000 to $70,000. Allmon said he could see it if there was wrong doing but there was no wrong doing what-so-ever. He continued “I would like to make a motion to ask the Attorney General the names of the two people. I know who the one was but, you know, we got to get it on paper. It was a vendetta, all it was”. Allmon said to ask for the information under the Freedom of Information Act and to copy in the EPA. Cataldo seconded the motion.

Haugh asked that when we find out who did this and we pursue this civilly where is this money going to come from? Allmon responded the residents need to know who did this and still thinks they owe an apology. Haugh then asked if all he intends to do is to get the names out and let it go from there? Cataldo added you have a right to know who your accusers are. Haugh agreed but noted pursuing it legally would be expensive. Allmon added lets find out who it is first and a decision could be made later, on down the road, whether to pursue it or not. The motion is only for a letter to be sent to find out who it was. The motioned passed unanimously.

Soldano advised there will be a Personnel Committee meeting next week sometime, depending on Goss' work schedule. The purpose is to have some people come in to explain about drug testing employees. Since then the meeting has been set for next Thursday, February 24 at 2 PM.

For Property, Equipment & Cemetery, Susan Haugh reported she has spoken to Wellsville Terminals co-owner Chip Muse regarding the dirt mound they have along Main St. Muse advised that weed killer was applied last fall and the mound was seeded with a special grass. Muse expects the full effect of the grass to take two or three years but it already has shown signs of success. The mound will be sprayed again in the spring.

In an attempt to bring attention to “Wellsville's potential influx of people” Haugh reported she has been talking to various company corporate offices. To accommodate her contacts Haugh is making a list of all available property in town along with the pertinent contact information. She asked that any owner with property for sale to contact her at 330-532-5762 to add to her list. It doesn't matter whether it has a building on it or is just a empty lot. Admitting she was being vague for confidentiality reasons she noted she is beginning to see some positive results for her efforts.

Haugh also reported “there have been a few of us working with Fire Chief Smith looking into ways to solve the problems with our floodwall”. Smith reported last year the he was informed by the Army Corp of Engineers that with the condition of the floodwall system the Village is no longer eligible for FEMA aid for flood damage. The cost to replace the pumps is more than Wellsville can afford at the present time. However, they have made a list of items, that is affordable, that may get the Village back in the good graces of the Corp of Engineers.

OSHA requires that “confined space entry equipment” be available. That means a tri-pod and a “retract-a-lot” at a mid-line combined cost of $8,972. Also required is a detector that measures gas and oxygen levels at a cost of $1,265 for a middle of the line tester. Megger testing is required on all pump stations and electrical circuits. That tests the integrity of the insulation on the electrical wires and the electrical equipment. A Megger has been located but the cost is not yet known.

The Port Authority needs to replace the “trash rack” on the inlet for Pump Station #4. It's in the lease contract that Village has with them. Surace advised it is being worked on. That rack is located by the Intermodal Park. The flap gates and pump house doors need painted and Spaulding & seam repairs need to be done. Brush and stumps need to be removed and ruts & holes repaired on the levy from the new Port Authority crane on down.

Smith added that there is a meeting scheduled next Thursday with Port Authority Officials to go over what needs to be done on their part. He also noted that Pump Stations 1 & 2 are basically sewage pumps but are considered part of the flood control system. He needs to meet with United Water officials about those pumps. Smith concluded there is a lot of cosmetic stuff that needs to be done but it would show the Corp we are making an effort to maintain the system.

At the end of December the Floodwall Levy Fund had a balance of $18,836. Fiscal Officer Davis reported that year-to-date the levy has brought in another $1,800. Money from that fund is used to pay Smith's salary when he's doing his flood system duties, for Village workers when they are working on the system and supplies. The levy is one-half a mill bringing in $14,000 to $15,000 per year.

Haugh further noted that the cost of these may seem huge to us but to FEMA it is minor. There is a chance they may come back on board. We need to try to protect our citizens from flooding and this is extremely important to get done. It may make Wellsville eligible for some grant funding. Soldano noted that the residents passed the levy last year. He added he realizes there is not nearly enough money in the fund to do all that needs to be done but the Village owes the residents to do all that it can afford.

There is a meeting scheduled on March 8 at 2 PM with ODNR and FEMA. The meeting will be open to the public from 4 to 7 PM to answer any questions for FEMA, ODNR, Village officials or on flood insurance. A second meeting is scheduled for April 4 at 1 PM with the Army Corp of Engineers.

Under Old Business Councilwoman Rosie Goss reported she was able to salvage a piece of the old Sterling China Pottery from the owner for historical purposes. That plant is now in the process of being demolished. The name letters that were on the front of the headquarters office building pictured above were donated by the owner and are now in possession of the Wellsville Historical Society.

Goss also inquired on the status of the street sweeper repair. Saracco replied parts have been purchased and he would get an update.

Although no longer shown on the agenda there are still two ordinances that were tabled last year that have not been acted on. One is Ordinance 10-08 which will authorize the bidding on the sink hole repairs at 17th & Main. The other is Ordinance 10-09 which will repeal the Tree Board ordinance.

The meeting adjourned at 6:40 PM. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, March 1 at 6 PM at Village Hall. That meeting will include a public hearing on the Ohio Bread Company proposed zoning request.

ole nib

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Wellsville Library Presents "A Night of Family Fun"


The Wellsville Public Library presents renown storyteller Jocelyn Dabney and the public is invited to “A Night of Family Fun”. It will be an evening of music and stories in the African-American tradition as part of the library's observance of Black History Month. It is set for Thursday, February 24 beginning at 6:30 PM.

A dynamic storyteller, actress and retired librarian, Mrs. Dabney is the frist African-American to earn a Masters Degree in Storytelling/Reading. A published story writer she is a resident of Youngstown. She earned her Bachelor's Degree majoring in speech and drama from Kent State. Her storyteller/reading Masters in Education is from East Tennessee State University. Mrs. Dabney has presented programs and conducted workshops for schools, universities, libraries, festivals and churches in five different states.

Among her professional associations are memberships in the National Association of Black Storytellers, the Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers, the Western Reserve Association for the Preservation & Perpetuation of Storytelling and the Ohio Order for the Preservation for Storytelling among others. She has played the part of Harriet Tubman in a PBS segment about the Underground Railroad and also has been a narrator for the PBS Ohio Stories segments on women in Ohio history.

Critics say Mrs. Dabney is one terrific storyteller, a step above the rest, captivating audiences with her rhythmic telling. Dr. Olga Nelson, a professor at Eastern Michigan, wrote “Jocelyn excels in participatory stories and is equally strong in delivering stories to both children and adults”.

Jocelyn will be accompanied by her husband Robert Dabney with his fabulous drumming and singing. They are members of Youngstown's Rising Star Baptist Church where she is the director of the church's Creative Arts Ministry.

Mark Thursday, February 24 on your calendar. It promises to be a very entertaining evening for the whole family, courtesy of the good folks and their friends at Wellsville's Carnegie Library. The above picture was borrowed from a Google search.

ole nib

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Wellsville Scholastic Basketball Tournament Schedules Set

Tournament schedules for Wellsville basketball teams are set. The drawing for the WHS Boys Varsity this past Sunday was the last one.

The Daw Middle School teams finished up their regular season last week and their tournaments got started this past Saturday. The girls Middle School teams are playing at the Jackson Milton Elementary Building in North Jackson. The 7th Grade girls defeated Jackson Milton last Saturday and will play the winner of the Sebring-Leetonia game tomorrow, February 16 at 5 PM. The 8th Grade girls drew a first round bye and open their tournament play February 16 against either Sebring or Leetonia at 6 PM. The championship and consolation games will be played Saturday, February 19, at the same location. The 7th Grade consolation game is at 9 AM and the championship at 10 AM. The 8th Grade consolation game begins at 11:15 AM followed by the championship game at 12:15 PM.

The Daw 7th Grade boys were winners this past Saturday. They defeated Jackson-Milton and the 8th Graders,with only one loss for the season, drew a first round bye. They are playing their tournament games at Lowellville. Both teams play McDonald tomorrow, Wednesday, February 16. The 7th Grade game is at 5 PM and the 8th Graders play at 6 PM. Their consolation and championship games will also be Saturday, February 19, all at Lowellville. The 7th Grade consolation game is at 9 AM and the championship at 10 AM. The 8th Grade consolation starts at 11:15 AM followed by the championship at 12:15 PM.

The WHS undefeated Freshman team drew a first round bye. They will play South Range Thursday, February 17, at 5 PM. Their tournament games are all at the Mineral Ridge High School. The winner of that game will face the winner of the East Palestine-Sebring game on Saturday, February 19 at 12:15 PM. The freshman consolation game will be played Tuesday, February 22 at 6 PM. Their championship game will be played on the same date beginning at 7:15 PM.

The WHS Lady Tigers open their tournament play against the McDonald Lady Devils at 5 PM at Hubbard High School. With a win Saturday they will face the #4 seed Leetonia Lady Bears on Thursday, February 24 beginning at 6 PM.

The WHS Tiger men open tournament play at the Struther's Fieldhouse on Wednesday, March 2 against Canton Heritage Christian. Wellsville drew #3 seed in the Div. IV District Tournament. The winner of the March 2 game advances to play Saturday, March 5 against the winner of the Jackson Milton-Hartville Lake Center Christian.

Good Luck to all Wellsville teams. We're looking for some new trophies. Just do it...

ole nib

WHS Newest 1,000 Point Basketball Players Honored



Athletes scoring 1,000 points or more in their high school basketball careers are rare. It's not unheard of but it doesn't happen all the time. Having two athletes in the same season to pass that lofty mark at the same school is even more rare. Wellsville High School has two very talented ball players that have done just that this season. This past Saturday they were recognized in front of the home crowd and honored with commemorative basketballs inscribed with their names and the date they passed the 1,000 point mark.

Senior Michael Johnston passed that mark in a game against Beaver Local on January 15. He finished that game with 1,020 career points. Johnston has been playing Varsity ball since his Sophomore year. As of this past Saturday Johnston now has 1,137 career points by our count. In 59 career games he is averaging 19.27 points per game. With 16 games under his belt in the 2010/2011 season he has a total of 350 points this year with an average of 21.88 ppg. There are three regular season games remaining for the men's team before tournaments begin.

Junior Mikyla Tipton is the second WHS athlete to pass the 1,000 point mile stone. She did that in a game at Lowellville back on January 27. Tipton has been playing Varsity basketball since her Freshman year. In a total of 60 games to date her career total is 1,095 points with an average of 18.25 ppg. For the 2010/2011 season she has a total of 292 so far on the year with a 16.22 ppg average. The Lady Tigers have one regular season game remaining before the tournaments begin. Jasmine Richardson holds the WHS record with 1,492 career points in girls basketball.

Pictured above is Johnston and Head Basketball Coach Dave “Bug” Thompson and Tipton with Head Girls Basketball Coach Ed Swogger.

Congratulations to both athletes. You're both part of what makes Wellsville great.


ole nib

WHS Senior Wrestlers Honored



Saturday – February 12: The WHS Senior Wrestlers were honored between the Reserve & Varisity Games this past Saturday evening. Both Mark Barton and Tim LaClair were thanked for representing Wellsville High School in their athletic careers. Head Wrestling Coach Steve Leasure and Asst. Coach Rick Seevers presented their parents with a framed photograph of their sons and a Tiger corsage.

Pictured here at the top is Senior Mark Barton with his mother Lisa and father Daniel Barton. In the lower photograph is Senior Tim LaClair with his father Tim LaClair and grandmother Diane Priest.

Congratulations guys. You make Wellsville proud. Good luck in all your future holds in store.

ole nib