Big Orange Machine Returns

The new Wellsville "Big Orange Machine" will make it's public debut this evening in the Tigers Den.  It is scheduled to be introduced to the home crowd when the the WHS Tigers Men's Basketball Team takes on the East Liverpool Potters.  It's the home opener for 2012-2013 Basketball Season.

You won't want to miss this opportunity to witness one of the most exciting events for years on the Wellsville High School sports scene.  Reserves tip-off at 6 PM. 

Good Luck Tigers!

ole nib

Wellsville Chambers Announce December Plans

From left Chamber President Randy Allmon, Member Diane
Lenkey and Member Pastor Mark Blakely (far right) present traveling
Buiness of Month Award to Bill Roberts shown holding th plaque.

The Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce met at Tonda’s Place for their November luncheon.  Chamber President Randy Allmon presided.  Plans were announced for the annual Christmas Parade and Light-Up Night were announced.

Allmon advised that the 3^rd Annual Light-Up night will be held Thursday, December 6, at the 4^th Street Square.  Ceremonies begin at 5:30 PM.  The Daw Middle School group called the Harmonics will be performing. The tree was once again donated by Cope’s Nursery and has been put in place.  Members of Wellsville’s First Christian Church youth group will help decorate the tree.  The tags for the memorial bulbs have been sold out.  Santa will be present to hear all the Christmas wishes and will pose for pictures.  Everyone is encouraged to bring their cameras. 

The Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, December 8, starting at 6 PM.  The parade will line up near Village Hall and proceed to 4^th Street.  Parade Chairwoman Sheryl Gibson advised the parade entries will be lined up in the order that they signed up. 

Cross Roads Assisted Living is the newest member for the Wellsville Area Chamber.  Allmon extended well wishes for the newly combined East Liverpool – Calcutta Chamber.  The Wellsville Chamber declined to join.

Member Diane Lenkey reported on a new fund raising project in the works for the Chamber.  It will be a new discount card for business members offering different sorts of discounts.  Owner Al Cuneo of Ark Wood Products is donating the first 100 cards which will have spaces for advertisements on one side and discount deals on the other side. 

Roberts Funeral Home was named November Business of the Month.  Located at 631 Main Street in town, Roberts is the oldest family owned funeral home in the village.  Owner Bill Roberts father started working in the home in 1936 when it was owned by the Haugh Brothers.  “Red” Roberts acquired the business in 1972.  Roberts was noted for his strong belief in supporting Wellsville businesses. 

Southern Columbiana County United Way Board Chairwoman Diana Allmon was the guest speaker.  Mrs. Allmon gave a brief history of United Way & its goals for this area.  Their primary goal is to raise money to help support area volunteer social service agencies.  This year’s goal is $110,000 and to date 25% has been met.  There are 13 member agencies in the southern Columbiana County area.  Except for annual dues to United Way any money raised here stays here for support of those agencies.  Debbie Koffel is this year’s Fund Raising Chairwoman.  Diane Johnston is the local office manager.  There will be an end of the year dinner on December 6 at the East Liverpool Country Club to honor past chairmen.  Tickets are $20 each for the dinner that begins at 6 PM.  Anyone interested is asked to contact Johnston at 330-385-2082.

In other business President Allmon complimented the members of First Christian for all their community service they perform.  Funds raised at the Rabies Clinic will be used to purchase supplies for the Wellsville Animal Pound.  The pound is looking for a donation of two new doors for the pound.  Anyone that can help is asked to Animal Control Officer Heidi Pecorelli.

The Chamber’s annual Christmas party will be held at the Riverside Roadhouse on December 13 beginning at 6:30 PM.  This years “Rising Star On The River” will be announced.  Those attending are asked to bring a gift wrapped exchange gift to be auctioned.  There is a $10 maximum limit on exchange gifts.

The next monthly luncheon will be held in January at a location to be announce later.    

ole nib

Wellsville Library Plans Christmas Open House

 

 

The public is invited to bring their young ones to Wellsville Carnegie Public Library’s annual Christmas Open House.   It begins at 6 PM.  There will be refreshments for all and a bed time story for the children at 6:30. 

Bring your cameras to capture the magic moment with the looks of wonder when they see Santa arrive at 7 PM.  Santa will pose for pictures and listen to all the special wishes for things they hope to find under the tree on Christmas morning. 

It all takes place on Monday, December 3 at the library.  It’s just as much fun to see all that happy excitement on the children’s faces.  You’ll be glad you went.  The library is located in the 800 block of Main Street in Wellsville.  For more information call 330-532-1526.

 

ole nib

 

Mayor Haugh Addresses Wellsville Crime Watch Committee

Mayor Susan Haugh speaking to Wellsville
Crime Watch Committee

In their last meeting of the year the Wellsville Crime Watch Committee had the honor of having Mayor Susan Haugh doing one of her favorite things.  The Mayor was the guest speaker for the November meeting. 

For her topic the Mayor spoke on a subject that has been near and dear to her heart, even before entering the Wellsville political arena.   Since becoming a Village official that passion has only intensified.  Since becoming Mayor, at the beginning of the year, the Wellsville drug scene has become one of her top priorities.  She has devoted countless hours in enlisting help to supplement the efforts of our local law enforcement.  With a limited budget the Wellsville Police Department is restricted for funds for their drug fighting resources.  Their determination to fight the Wellsville drug problem is fraught with other demands on their time and money.   It’s a determination that Mayor Haugh has embraced whole heartedly even at the risk of putting herself in peril.

She has personally put herself at the forefront of the drug fighting effort doing things that many men would be leery of trying.  She has personally knocked on the doors of suspected drug dealers in town to present the occupants a letter of warning.  She has personally told suspected dealers and users face-to-face that the party is over; it’s time to get out of “Dodge” or face the consequences.    In her first few months in office she has left no doubt that she is lady that takes Teddy Roosevelt’s advice to “walk softly and carry a big stick” very seriously. 

Even before taking office she initiated meetings with other County, State and Federal officials begging for whatever assistance they could render in fighting the Wellsville drug problem.  She has not let the complexities of our legal system slow her down or discourage her efforts.  She encouraged members of the Crime Watch Committee not to give up. 

It’s a very slow process but it is beginning to show positive results.  In January of this year there were 27 suspected drug houses in town.  In August that number was down to 19 and now it down to 10.  Put quite simply dealers don’t like being hassled and will move on to avoid it.  That is especially true for suspected dealers that have warrants out on them for minor misdemeanor offenses, suspended driver’s licenses, etc.  That unexpected knock on the door can come at any time.  They don’t want that extra attention. 

The Mayor said any and all efforts by everyone are greatly appreciated.  All calls and tips are immediately passed on to the authorities.  All calls are kept confidential and the caller’s identity is never disclosed.   Another angle Village officials are working on to enforce is aimed at landlords or property owners that knowingly rent to known drug dealers and users.  Doing so is in violation of Ohio Revised Code 2925.13.  Anybody found complicit will be prosecuted to the limit. 

Before closing the Mayor thanked all the agencies who are making efforts fighting the illegal drug scene.  Those agencies include the Wellsville Police Dept., the CC Drug Task Force, the CC Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio State Patrol, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the US Marshalls.  Haugh said they’re all committed to fighting the drug problem and have been extremely generous in helping our Village.  Even though they may not be visible their efforts are continuing and it is something she promised to never give up on.    

The Crime Watch Committee next meets Thursday, March 21, 2013. 

ole nib

Wellsville Ladies Open With Big Win

WHS #12 Shartece Taylor tips off new
basketball season in the Tigers Den

Kallee Powell dishes off underneath to
Monica Wilson

The WHS Lady Tigers opened their 2012-2013 Basketball Season with a very impressive win over the visiting Heartland Christian Lady Lions last night.  It was Wellsville all the way after a bit of a slow start in the opening minutes of the 1^st Quarter.  Heartland Christian jumped out to something like a 4-0 start in the first only to see it turned around in short order.  At the close of the first frame the Lady Tigers jumped out to a 20-5 lead.  After that Wellsville never looked back.  It was Wellsville 34-8 at the half and they continued to outscore the Lady Lions the rest of the evening.  Final score was Wellsville 64-18 in the lopsided win.   The game was played on the Wellsville home court.

Wellsville's Shartece Taylor lays up two
of her game high 17 points
 

Wellsville returns to action tomorrow evening when they take on the East Liverpool Lady Potters at home.  Tip-off will be approximately 7:30 PM following the Jr. Varsity game. 

Good Luck Ladies! 



 ole nib

WHS Lady Tiger Reserves Fall to Leetonia

Reserve Coach Tom Gualitier (far left) looks on from the bench
while two Lady Tiger defenders work on a Lady Bulldog.  Notice
EL Lady Potter Coach Allen Dingy scouting in the stands.

 

 

 

 

The WHS Lady Tiger Reserves opened their 2012-2013 season last night.  It was a rough start on the new season.  At the end of the 1^st quarter it was the Leetonia Lady Bulldogs leading by a score of 14-6.  Unfortunately that eight point spread was the closest the Wellsville team got for the duration of the game. 

The Leetonia reserves steadily built on their lead to finish the game winning by a score of 53-23.  Athletic Director Don Elliott said that since Heartland Christian did not have a reserve team the Leetonia team was invited to play the opening game.  The Columbiana school was the scheduled opponent but didn’t have enough players to fill a roster. 

The Lady Tigers return to action Thursday, November 29, at home against the East Liverpool Lady Potters.  Tip-off is at 6 PM. 

Good Luck Tigers!

ole nib

First Christian's "Caring" Tradition

These ladies not only enjoyed the meal they had a good time
chit-chatting!

First Christian Pastor Mark Blakely
got the clean-up detail!

 

 

 

A week ago this past Wednesday, November 14, members of Wellsville’s First Christian carried on an annual tradition that they have been doing for years.  That tradition was the creamed chicken over biscuits dinner that benefits the Lions Club Care & Share program. 

For the life of me we can’t find our file on Care & Share.  We wanted to pass on a little history of the First Christian family’s annual creamed chicken dinner.  Like the Lions Club Care & Share program the members of the church have been doing the benefit dinner for years. 

The Care & Share program we’re talking about is the Wellsville Lions Club annual Christmas drive to furnish families in need with a food basket & toys to those with young children.  To contribute toward that effort the church members have the annual dinner.  All the proceeds go to Care & Share.  The dinner tradition was carried on this year.

It’s a delicious, filling way to help support Care & Share.  Not only did you get the chicken over biscuits you got a generous helping of smashed potatoes, green beans, a salad, a beverage and dessert.  To top it off you got served the dinner by members of the congregation.  It was better than eating at home!

It’s neighbor helping neighbor.  It is something the members of First Christian and Wellsville’s Lions Club do so well.  It’s a Wellsville thing…

ole nib

WAMA Offers Generous Support

In their regular monthly breakfast meeting the Wellsville Area Ministerial Association (WAMA) gets prepared for the upcoming holiday season.   The meeting was held Tuesday, November 13, at Tonda’s Place located in the 4^th Street Square.   WAMA President Aaron Smith presided. 

Joshua Project member Toni Pastore reported on the recent drive for donations for victims of Tropical Storm Sandy.  Ms. Pastore told members that the project was in conjunction with a Brother’s Keepers mission and said Wellsville area donations filled up a 17’ U-Haul, two pick-up trucks and one car with 372 cases of water that was being sent to Hilllside, NJ. 

Pastore added that another load of donations will be gathered for the storm victims, noting that they are in contact with Staten Island ministers to determine just what is needed.  Once that is determined a second drive will commence.   Apparently the Red Cross has requested that clothing items not be sent according to another WAMA member.  Pastore is looking a donation of a tractor trailer with a driver for the next trip.  The amount charged for mileage for a rental is exorbitant.  Pastore added they do have money to pay for the fuel.   Members of WAMA voted to donate $500 toward the relief effort. 

A deposit to bring the circus back to town was approved.   It is the same company that performed in Wellsville two years ago.  It will be booked to perform in Wellsville on May 27, 2013.  More details will be released at a later date. 

Save Immaculate Conception Parish Committee Member Beverly Hentzell reported that Youngstown Diocese Bishop George Murry has advised the former Wellsville parishioners that the church will be opened once a week for individual devotions and Mass will be offered one time a year beginning in December 2013.  The former parish was consolidated with the Catholic parish in East Liverpool over a year ago and the Wellsville members were locked out of their church.  Former Immaculate Conception members formed a committee and appealed the Bishop’s decision to close the church.  Vatican officials in Rome sided with the Wellsville parishioners.  Additional appeals can be expected if Bishop Murry doesn’t start acting more like a clergyman instead of a cold hearted businessman. 

First Christian Church will host the annual Community Thanksgiving Service, Sunday evening, November 18 beginning at 6 PM.  The next Community Prayer Service will be held at Mt. Sinai FBH located 1617 Main St.  Pastor Darlene Zanders will lead the service which is scheduled for Sunday evening, December 6 beginning at 6:30 PM.  The Community Prayer Service is held monthly with member parishes rotating locations.  Both services are open to the public. 

First Baptist Food Pantry will be having a turkey give-away for the Thanksgiving holiday.  For details call the church at 330-532-2654.  New Life Ministries pastor, Bishop Bill Rudder, announced that they will be having a free Thanksgiving Dinner for anyone that cares to partake.  The dinner will be held at the Harvest House at 1329 Main Street on Thanksgiving Day from 2 to 4 PM.   WAMA members donated $200 to help defray the cost of the food. 

Another $200 was donated to the Youth With A Purpose boy’s home out near Salineville.  A while back the officials of the home withdrew from accepting any government financing in order that they may keep Christian doctrine as part in helping of their residents.  They are presently helping 11 young men and are entirely supported by faith based donations. 

Instead of a regular meeting in December WAMA members and invited guests will be treated to a Christmas Dinner at Tonda’s.  The next regular meeting will be held January 8, 2013 at Tonda’s Place, 400 Main St.

 

ole nib

Wellsville High School Salutes Area Veterans

WWII Vet Jack Stewart (center) probably
telling war stories

With teacher Robin Weeda & Principal
Rolley looking on Francesca Colella reads
her letter written to her late grandfather.

This past Monday, November 12, Wellsville High School paid tribute to all those in the district that served in the U.S. Armed Forces.  It was a meaningful tribute in honor of Veteran’s Day.  The program began with a luncheon served by members of the WHS National Honor Society.   There was approximately 40 veterans and friends that enjoyed the lunch severed in the High School library decorated in patriotic colors.  There were vets present that served in WWII and every other skirmish up to today’s time.

Following the lunch a program was continued in the gymnasium with the full student body in attendance.  The veterans were welcomed by Wellsville School District Superintendent Rich Bereschik and the National Anthem was sung by Ebony & Ivory.  Eric Hardman led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance and Wellsville First Christian Pastor Mark Blakely offered invocation. 

Korean Vet Dale Barnhart (with Navy Cap)
is thanked for his service by one of the students

WHS Alumni Richie Sloan was the keynote speaker.  Sloan graduated in 2000 and started his military career in the Army in his senior year of high school.  He served tours overseas in both Iraq and Italy and is still today in the Army Reserves.  High School Principal Linda Rolley introduced each veteran that attended the program.   A medley of theme songs for each branch of the service was sung by Melany Martinez and readings were read by students.  Especially touching were the reading of letters personally written by some of the students thanking a vet.  High School Band member Miles McGinnis played taps saluting veterans that are no longer with us. 

Closing out the program students came out of the stands to individually thank the veterans for their service.  Being a Viet Nam vet it was very gratifying to see that taking place. 

Thanks to all the students and staff that organized and took part in the program…

 

ole nib

 

BWD Board of Trustees Pushes For Settlement With East Liverpool

Buckeye Water District held two Special Board of Trustees meetings this week.  The first meeting was held at the Administration Offices Tuesday to pass a resolution certifying that the district will be in compliance with minority business participation stipulations required by the Ohio Public Works Commission.  The district is in the process of applying for an OPWC grant to extend water service along Duke Road in the Calcutta area.  If awarded the grant will be part of the funding to extend that water service to a mobile home park and to any other customers along that St. Clair Township road.  Water district officials stated that the affirmative plan action is always part of any project they undertake.  The special meeting was called to correct an unintended omission in the original application to OPWC. 

The second Special BOTs meeting was held Friday morning in the Conference Room at the Water Treatment Plant.  The purpose of the meeting was the on-going litigation with the City of East Liverpool and went into a 53 minute Executive Session.  The on-going litigation pertains to the amount to be paid to East Liverpool to satisfy the court ordered settlement in the breach-of-contract lawsuit.  The money was awarded as a result of the Courts finding Buckeye Water District in the wrong terminating the purchase of water from East Liverpool.  The Court finding has stood up under several appeals.  The water district has agreed to pay the settlement but the lawyers for that City keep asking for larger amounts in the name of interest they allege was earned on the amount of the original award. 

At this morning’s meeting a motion was passed by the Board to proceed and add the $1.5 million being loaned to the district by the Columbiana County Commissioners. The Commissioners offered the loan to help settle the lawsuit.  District Legal Advisor Fred Emmerling explained the motion is authorizing the District to sign any legal documents necessary to use the County’s money in the settlement.  The total settlement being offered to the City of East Liverpool is $5.935 million.  Emmerling remarked a motion has been filed in CC Common Pleas Court asking that the settlement be enforced by the Court.  A hearing has been scheduled for Monday, December 10 to take the latest motion into consideration.

ole nib

TS Sandy Goes Easy on Wellsville

Monday - Oct. 29

Wednesday - Oct. 31

Friday - Nov. 2
 

Tropical Storm Sandy had a lot of folks sitting on the edge of their seats watching reports of what was happening in the Northeast and taking in the forecasts for the local region.  It started raining in the Wellsville area on Sunday and kept right on going for nearly four and half days.  There was reason for serious concern.  It all depended on the whims of nature but the blustery old gal took it easy on the ville.  We got over 4" of rain in about as many days according to WTOV.  From our vantage point the rain was steady but never the real heavy kind.

By Wednesday morning it appeared the worse of it was over.  The National Weather Service reported river levels at New Cumberland Dam at 24.7' at 5 AM Wednesday.  They expected the river to crest by 8 o'clock Wednesday morning.  Flood stage at New Cumberland is 36'.   Today the water level appears to be going down.  It is predicted to be back down to 16' by Sunday. 

Wellsville was ready with steady monitoring of the water levels and keeping a close eye on what was happening in the hills of Pennsylvania that contribute their run-off water to the Ohio River.  Several village officials were praying and keeping their fingers crossed that our flood control system would get us through if called upon.  Although they are constantly working on getting pumps repaired or replaced, keeping the flood walls in good condition and advancing plans to spiff up the flood levies there are still several questions about the system's effectiveness. 

Thankfully the Good Lord took us under his wing once again and had Ma Nature go easy on us.  Hopefully that will continue until we get that flood control system in good enough shape and be able to say "Bring it on.  We're ready!"

Pictures shown here are on Little Yellow Creek at nearly the same spot just east of the Wellsville Avenue Bridge showing the progression of the water level.

ole nib