Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015
Hospitality/Tourism Progress Edition III — Section 1
Lodging, other upgrades planned for Brooke Hills
Contributed
From left, Brooke Hills Park board members Walter Ferguson, John Casinelli and Jason Ferguson study concept illustrations submitted by the Larson Design Group of Williamsport, Pa., the consulting firm selected to do a feasibility study to determine if the market supports a lodge at Brooke Hills Park and if so, its size and accommodations.
By WARREN SCOTT Staff writer
WELLSBURG — After considering many ways to bring more people to Brooke Hills Park, the Brooke County Park and Recreation Commission agreed its first priority should be lodging. But that doesn’t mean the group has dropped other possibilities. Walter Ferguson, board chairman, said the group is pursuing other projects, including a multipurpose building that could be rented for private events and used for indoor sports programs; hiking and equestrian trails; an amphitheater; and facilities for winter sports, such as snowboarding and sledding. Members of the board had many ideas for the park and it took some time for them to settle on the lodge as their first priority. But Janice McFadden, park manager, said lodging has been a frequent request from patrons who
come to the park for reunions, weddings and other events. She said a lodge or cabins would help to bring people to the park throughout the year, a goal she set since coming to the park in 1994. In January the board agreed to hire the Larson Design Group of Williamsport, Pa., at a cost of $50,000 to do a study to determine the market for such a facility, its size and best location at the park and potential facilities. The firm was among 11 consulting businesses that submitted qualifications and was chosen for its experience in architecture and financing. An outline prepared by the board with the help of the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle asks the consultant to consider rooms and suites for a variety of purposes and markets, including conventions and extended stay, with luxury or budget/economy accommodations.
Ferguson said pending the study’s findings, such accommodations could include conference rooms, a health center and restaurant. He noted the development could bring more jobs to the park. The facility’s potential to provide an economic boost to the county was the reason the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle got involved with the effort. Pat Ford, BDC executive director, assisted the park board in reviewing and interviewing potential consultants for it. The Larson Design Group also is slated to aid the park board in identifying funding sources for the project. “They will be involved with the project for quite a
while,” Ferguson predicted. He said at the same time, the park board and Friends of Brooke Hills Park, a fundraising committee formed by the board, will be pursuing other improvements later this year. They include an asphalt golf cart path through the park’s 18-hole golf course, new roofs for three shelters, to be done outside dates when the shelters have been reserved, and restrooms for campers. The park offers water and electric hookups for recreational vehicles and primitive campsites. Last year the Friends of Brooke Hills Park secured a $6,500 grant from the West Virginia Development Office with the help
of former state Del. Phil Diserio and raised a $6,000 match for a grinder pump for the park’s sewage system. Ferguson said the grinder will help pave the way for further development at the park. The Friends group also secured funds from the Northern Panhandle Resource Conservation and Development Council for a chairlift to aid handicapped patrons in entering the park’s swimming pool. Last year the park’s swimming pool experienced an increase in attendance with the installation of a heating system. Ferguson said the pool’s filters and pipes also were refurbished. See BROOKE HILLS Page 3A ➪
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Mountaineer: A year of changes, improvements
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015
CHESTER — Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort, the area’s first racetrack and gaming resort, has had one exciting year full of changes and resilience. 2014 brought a lot of improvements to the property, keeping the casino in the spotlight in the Tri-State Area. The biggest source of the buzz surrounding Mountaineer this year was its merger with the Reno-based gaming family of Eldorado Resort. The newly
founded Eldorado Resorts Inc. boasts a six-property operation spanning five states — West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and Nevada. The formation of a new family in the gaming industry has allowed the properties to combine their talents and support each other as each property finds its wings under the new administration. Some of the biggest and most immediate changes at Mountaineer’s property See MOUNTAINEEER Page 4A ➪
Contributed
Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort General Manager Chris Kern stands by the fountain in the hotel lobby.
Contributed
Gregg Carano, senior vice president of food and beverage, shows off some of the snow crab from Gregg’s Seafood Fest Buffet at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort.
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015
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Brooke Hills Continued from Page 1A
Another ongoing project at the park is restoration of a 180-yearold toll house at the park. The house served as the residence of a toll collector who collected fees from the many traveling a toll road extending from Washington, Pa., to Wellsburg, including sections that later became state Route 27. Records show the travelers included many farmers who paid from 2 cents to 20 cents for livestock transported over the road. It’s said to be the last toll house of about 26 that operated in the Northern Panhandle. Brooke County WVU Extension Agent Norm Schwertfeger secured a $160,000 federal grant to replace the house’s deteriorating foundation and sections of roof, add new wood siding, install new windows and doors and add a small room to serve as a restroom, among other work. More funding is needed for renovations to the interior. It’s been suggested the house could serve as a gift shop for the park or a visitors center for a scenic byway that runs from state Route 27 to Wellsburg’s historic district, Bethany College and back to the park via state Route 88.
The park has received another boost in recent years through the natural gas industry. The board received $750,000 for signing a lease with Appalachia Midstream Services allowing Chesapeake Energy to drill on nearly 100 acres at the rear of the park near Pearce Run Road. The park also will receive 18 percent of royalties on about 90 acres, with other royalties going to descendants of the W.C. Gist family, who retained mineral rights to a portion of the former farm land they donated to the county in the early 1970s. Last year descendants of the Gists visited the park to help the park board, staff and patrons celebrate the park’s 60th anniversary. McFadden said the park board has chosen to invest some of the natural gas revenue for the future and spend some of it on improvements to the park. The improvements have included the construction of a new maintenance building with adequate space to store the park’s tractors and golf carts, the purchase of a new tractor and some new carts, a new playground by Brooke Hills Playhouse, improvements to the regular and miniature golf courses and the addition of a fence between the golf course and entrance road. In 2012 the Brooke County Vet-
Warren Scoo
The Brooke County West Virginia University Extension Service has been working with the park board to restore a 180-year-old toll house at the park. It’s been proposed that the house serve as a gift shop for the park or a visitors center for a scenic byway that runs from state Route 27 to Wellsburg’s historic district, Bethany College and back to the park via state Route 88.
erans Memorial Park was completed by the park’s paddle boat pond. The park honors all Brooke County veterans and memorializes 186 who died while serving their country and 27 who were prisoners of war whose names appear on a polished granite wall that stands behind a symbolic cast bronze statue created by Canadian artist
Timothy Schmalz. The $171,180 memorial was built through the support of residents, groups and businesses and many fundraisers held by the Brooke County Veterans Memorial Park Foundation. (Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)
Warren Scott
With a new heating system in place, Brooke Hills Park’s swimming pool saw an increase in attendance.
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015
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Mountaineer Continued from Page 2A
happened in the food outlets. An exciting new menu has been introduced at Big Al’s, Mountaineer’s 24/7 delicatessen located in the heart of the gaming floor. Big Al’s has taken on a throwback theme by paying homage to the Roarin’ 20s, a decade known for its affinity for speakeasies and renegade gangsters. Where else can you find Dean Martin, Lucky Luciano and Bugsy Siegel residing peacefully under one roof? In addition to the new sandwich lineup, Big Al’s boasts made-from-
scratch side dishes including, Grandma’s potato salad, homestyle chicken noodle soup and homemade coleslaw that would make any lover of old world style cuisine happy. The taste of Reno has made its appearance at Mountaineer’s Riverfront Buffet, the casino’s all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner extravaganza. Gregg Carano, senior vice president of food and beverage, has been pioneering the efforts to revamp the buffet menu by bringing a bit of Reno flavor to the East Coast. His
premiere dish “Tortellini Eldorado,” freshly made tortellini with an alfredo sauce and vegetables, can be found at the lunch and dinner buffets served at the Riverfront Buffet. Other featured dishes included swiss steak with mushroom demi, meat ravioli bolognese, chicken parmesan and baked chicken with rosemary buttery and homemade pizza with a variety of toppings. The Riverfront Buffet also will feature Gregg’s Seafood Fest Buffet. Available on Fridays throughout the month from 4 p.m. to 9
Contributed
Mountaineer’s new smoker is used to smoke meat for the Riverfront Buffet, the Gatsby Dining Room and Mahogany Sports Bar.
p.m., guests can partake in all-you-can-eat crab legs and a variety of seafood options for $29.99. Members of Mountaineer’s INClub, the casino’s rewards card program, are
located adjacent to the gaming floor. Renovations have recently been completed at the Tower section of the hotel. The Tower rooms have been out-
encompassed the entire property from top to bottom. The remaining piece of the renovation puzzle is the “warehouse” section of the gaming
eligible for a special rate of $24.99 when showing their card and valid ID when ordering at the Riverfront Buffet. In addition to new menu items and specials, Mountaineer is also proud to announce the purchase of a state-of-the-art meat smoker. Introduced to the property in January, the meat smoker has allowed for a wide range of new meat products across the casino’s food outlets. Mesquite and hickory wood are used in the smoking of the meat, bringing a mouthwatering smoky flavor to Mountaineer’s ribs, brisket, chicken wings and more. The new smoked favorites will be featured at Riverfront Buffet and as specials at The Gatsby and Mahogany Sports Bar. “The blending of our two companies has brought upon many exciting changes across all of our properties,” said Chris Kern, general manager of Mountaineer Casino. “The Carano family is as well known for their culinary talent as they are for their gaming industry knowledge and the revamped menus across the property are a testament to the start of a beautiful relationship that has come out of our merger.” Guests at Mountaineer Casino also will notice that big changes have taken over the Grande Hotel, Mountaineer’s 354-room luxury hotel conveniently
fitted with new carpeting, wall decor, furnishings and designs, creating a modernized, comfortable atmosphere in each room. The lodge side rooms, located in the original section of the hotel overlooking the courtyard, are in the process of being revamped as well, with plans under way for an extensive facelift for each room. In addition to room upgrades, the free Wi-Fi has been expanded to reach every room at the hotel as well as the gaming floor, allowing guests to stay connected during their getaway at Mountaineer. As of January, Mountaineer has gotten on board with the pet-friendly movement, designating specific rooms in the hotel as “pet-friendly” rooms. Guests wishing to travel with their pets are permitted to bring one dog 75 pounds and under for an additional nominal fee. The fee will help cover the cost of getting the room ready for any guests who may be sensitive to pet-related allergens. Housekeeping will remove and replace all bedding, shampoo carpets and make sure all drapes and upholstery are cleaned. A “pet relief” area has also been designated on Mountaineer’s property and is marked clearly with signage. Mountaineer is winding down on a three-and-one-halfyear renovation process that has
floor, which includes Lucky’s Lounge and its adjacent dance floor. Plans are being made for a complete renovation of this area, including a new look for the lounge. This project is slated for later this year. The allure of the casino has always been filled with the possibility of hitting it big. On average, Mountaineer Casino boasts an average of 40 jackpots hit daily among patrons of the casino. The end of 2014 saw the launch of a new system to celebrate the casino’s many monthly jackpot winners. Mountaineer has started holding monthly “jackpot parties” for any guest who has hit a jackpot of $1,200 or more during the previous month. Patrons are invited on the spot by the casino’s slot attendants who pass out formal invitations during their hand-pays. The guest is invited to come back during a specific evening of the month for a party that includes beverages, food and the chance to win even more. Each jackpot party includes a drawing where 20 winners will be chosen to win a total of $10,750 in free play, money which can be redeemed at slot machines on the gaming floor. The parties have been well attended and have been a huge hit at the casino. “What sets us apart from our competition is the level of care we provide our guests,” said Kern. “We realize that our number one asset is our loyal guests who keep coming back to our facility. We are always looking for new ways to reward our guests and give them even more reason to choose Mountaineer Casino over their many gaming options in the TriState Area.” As Mountaineer heads into 2015 as part of a new family, they will continue to look for new ways to improve their facility and stay ahead of the game in the industry. With the backing of its new parent company Eldorado Resorts Inc., look for many more improvements and exciting new changes in the year to come at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort. For the most up-todate information on renovations, daily promotions and special events, be sure to follow Mountaineer on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/M ountaineerCasino and Twitter at www.Twitter.com/mtrgaming or click over to Mountaineer’s home site at www.MOREatMountaineer.com.
Millsop Community Center launching several new programs, activities
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015
WEIRTON — With a new year, the Millsop Community Center is launching several new programs and some new ideas. “We’re doing some new things for 2015,” Programs Director Kevin Elias said. “We’re stressing ‘fitness and more.’” For years, the community center has offered several
youth sports leagues, the Silver Sneakers programs, swim and fitness classes. A variety of new activities are being added to try and catch the interest of area residents. For local youth, an indoor flag football league will begin in March, and a middle school spring basketball league also is in the works.
Also planned is an indoor dodgeball league and a girls volleyball league. New this year is youth pickle ball, a combination of indoor tennis, badminton and table tennis, which will be open for children in fourth through eighth grades. The employees of ArcelorMittal Steel also will
be continuing their wellness walk program. Card games and other activities for local senior citizens will be available during the day, and the center recently began holding weekly sports card events, video game tournaments and plans to hold movie nights. Elias explained the new activities are aimed at
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bringing people into the community center, and getting them active while also showcasing existing programs and showing that fitness and wellness don’t have to be a “chore.” “We want to break down that mindset,” Elias said. “You want them to get fit and healthy, but you have to do it on their terms.”
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Area parks provide convenient, less expensive chance to get away
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015
By MARK J. MILLER and WARREN SCOTT Staff writers
From a weekend of camping in a quiet, scenic environment to a summer day cooling off at the pool, parks in Brooke, Hancock and Jefferson counties offer convenient, less expensive opportunities to get away. The volunteer board and others behind Friendship Park have been working in recent years to expand the park, which is on county Road 23 off state Route 151 near Smithfield. In 2013 the board added to the 20 campsites at the Pugliese Campground near the park’s lake an additional 20 campsites in an area above the lake, with another 30 possible in the future. Each is large enough to accommodate a recreational vehicle, with hookups for electricity, water and
sewage. A $435,000 wastewater treatment system in 2013 was built to serve the new campsites. “We have 18 additional campsites we’re adding sewer service to this year,” said Jim Branagan, park board member. Branagan said officials are working on a brochure to promote the park to potential campers. “We’re probably going to do some road work this year, but we don’t have it tied down yet,” said Branagan. Held in mid-August each year, the Jefferson County Fair is the biggest event at the park and features a variety of food and entertainment, amusement rides, demolition derbies, tractor pulls and other events. Friendship Park also offers a lake, where fishing enthusiasts can try for catfish, bass, blue gill, carp from dusk to dawn and at night during special
events. Children under 16 fish for free. Boats powered by a single electric motor, as well as canoes and kayaks, may be used on the scenic lake. Bow hunting for deer also is permitted in season in designated areas of the park. There also are many opportunities at the 1,320-acre park for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and birdwatching. “An Eagle Scout developed a walking trail near the park entrance and it’s about a mile long,” said Branagan. “The race track is still open during
the season on weekends.” The veterans are going to be expanding the Veterans Memorial Wall at the park this year as well, said Branagan. Also, memorial bricks for the project still are being sold. The park has three shelter sites, each with a handful of shelters of varSee PARKS Page 8A ➪
Contributed
Tomlinson Run State Park offers a 54-site campground with contact station, boatdock, convenience store, dump station and two bathhouses featuring hot showers and laundry facilities. The park features a variety of attractions, including an 18-hole golf course, swimming pool and 182-foot figure 8-shaped water slide, miniature golf course, several trails and its own disc golf course.
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015
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The seconds or economy quality products room at Nelson Fine Arts and Gifts on Lincoln Avenue in Steubenville has a large assortment of art and gift items.
Nelson Fine Arts and Gifts: A tourist destination
Dave Gossett
STEUBENVILLE — Inside a refurbished elementary school building in Steubenville lies a bustling small manufacturing business. Veiled by its nondescript exterior and seemingly curious location, Nelson Fine Art and Gifts is what Kevin Nelles calls “a hidden gem in the city’s South End.” “This is sort of an odd place, and we are well aware of that, so please don’t feel a need to point it out,” jokes Nelles, the company’s director of sales and marketing. “The truth is,” Nelles continues, “we never set out to be a tourist destination in the first place. It just sort of happened. Actually, this whole building, really, has the same explanation: It just sort of happened.” Nelles refers to the big changes his company experienced in 2008 when owner Mark Nelson attended an auction held by the Steubenville City Schools with the intent to purchase playground equipment for his children, but ended up buying an entire school building as well. “The best part of the story,” Nelles relates, “is that Mark didn’t even end up keeping the playground equipment. He gave the playground equipment to the Finley United Methodist Church next door and kept the school building instead.” At the time, Nelson’s
Dave Gossett
Kevin Nelles, director of market and sales at Nelson Fine Arts and Gifts, stands in the store’s showroom ready to welcome a customer. Nelles said the business is preparing to revamp the showroom and add a new look to the front of the former elementary school building.
thriving art and gift business, styled as “Nelson Woodcraft,” operated out of a pole barn structure on Coal Hill Road, just outside the Steubenville city limits. The access road to the building was narrow and muddy with a significant uphill grade. Getting to the facility was a difficult task for employees and sales reps, so opening the business to local tourism and marketing it as a retail location was completely impractical at the time. “When Mark bought this school building, that changed everything,” Nelles recounts. “We went from being located up a muddy gravel road with only a small serv-
ice entrance to having a large asphalt parking lot and a gated entrance. We went from being outside city limits, off a county road, to being inside city limits and right off a major thoroughfare, Lincoln Avenue.” Nelles continues, “From 1994 to 2008, the business had no local presence whatsoever, and everything was fine that way. This was a manufacturing and wholesale operation and there simply was no need to have a local presence. That wasn’t what Nelson Woodcraft was about.” But with the new, more accessible, more visible location of his facility, owner Mark
Nelson saw the opportunity to launch his family business into new territory. The original plan was to have a large showroom to welcome
out-of-town guests and business partners who wanted to see how the company worked. Nelson knew that many of his wholesale customers, mostly Catholic bookstore owners and distributors throughout the country, already came to and from Steubenville on visits to the Franciscan University of Steubenville.. Nelson knew that he could work the proximity of his business to the university to his advantage. It only made sense that those same bookstore owners and distributors would welcome a visit to his facility while they were in town. “Steubenville is a big hub, whether local citizens here realize it or not,” Nelles explains, “and in large part because of Franciscan University being situated here, people come here from all over the United States and even
all over the world. This is a major hotspot of activity in the Catholic world. If you travel around the country and ask Catholic people what ‘Steubenville’ means, they’ll immediately think of a renowned Catholic university. The two are synonymous as far as most people are concerned. The fact that Steubenville is a town in its own right is usually never considered. We are hoping to change that.” Nelles goes on to explain how the business has experienced a steady increase in tourist traffic during the past seven years. Today, wholesale and retail customers come to Nelson Fine Art and Gifts to see the facility, shop the selection of American-made products and sometimes and even take a guided tour with Nelles or with Mark Nelson himself. See NELSON Page 9A ➪
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015
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Susan Dorsch of St. Clairsville was one of several vendors at the fifth-annual Friendship Wine and Food Festival held in September at Friendship Park. Dorsch is a world-class carver who has won an award at an international carving event. The annual event features area wineries and their products as well as a variety of food.
Shae Dalrymple
Barshoe Wranglers placed second in the horse unit category of the Jefferson County Fair’s Grand Parade Saturday morning. The Jefferson County Fair’s Grand Parade featured perfect weather and almost 40 4-H floats, marching units and horse units this year.
Mark Law
Contributed
Mike Palmer
Camping enthusiasts can spend getaways in several rustic cabins at Tomlinson Run State Park in New Manchester. Each has a grill and picnic table outside.
Katie Ohh entertained visitors to the Jefferson County Fair in 2014. The Powhatan Point native won a $1 million prize on NBC’s “The Winner Is...”
Parks Continued from Page 6A ious sizes and with electricity, restrooms and grills, making it a popular location for family reunions, graduation parties and other gatherings. A gazebo on the Jefferson County Fairgrounds at the park has been used for a number of weddings over the
years. Branagan said anyone interested in renting the shelter or camping sites should call the park office at (740) 733-7941. Also, information on the park can be found on Jefferson County government’s website. Located in New Manchester off state Route 8,
Tomlinson Run State Park offers a variety of attractions, including an 18-hole golf course, swimming pool and 182foot figure 8 shaped water slide, miniature golf course, several trails and its own disc golf course, according to park officials and the park’s website.
Visitors also may rent a row or paddle boat for a leisurely sail across Tomlinson Run State Park or fish for bass, catfish, bluegill and trout at various ponds and lakes at the park. The park has a 54-site campground with contact station, convenience store, dump station and
two bathhouses featuring hot showers and laundry facilities. All sites are suitable for tent or trailer and include picnic tables and grills, and 39 have electric hookups. Also available for rent are three rustic cabins, each with a grill and picnic table outside; and yurts, tent structures comprised of a sturdy, weathertight cover and wood frame and door. The yurts are available at 12 feet in diameter or 20 feet in diameter, with bunks to accommodate two or six, depending on the size. Each also comes with a cooler, propane stove, lantern, picnic table and cookware. The park also is a favorite site for reunions and other large picnics, with four shelters of various sizes. Three have electricity, two are handicap-accessible and all
have restrooms and playgrounds nearby. The park’s 1,398-acre site has seen many changes over the years. Several grist mills operated along Tomlinson Run in the 1800s. Later the Mineral Springs area of the park once was occupied by a dance hall, roller skating rink and rental cabins. In 1935, Walter Gumble of the Hancock County Farm Bureau, purchased some of the land, determined to preserve its beauty, and was followed by several local families with the same goal. The land was donated to the West Virginia Conservation Commission which, with the help of the National Park Service, established it as a state park. One goal park officials have set is to make all park facilities handicap-accessible.
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VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT TDI - BURGANDY, 26K...........................$22,998 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF TDI - BLUE, 39K.........................................$18,995 PASSAT (CPO) WOLFSBURG - SILVER, 16K..................................$17,998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA BASE - WHITE, 11K................................................ JETTA S - AUTO, SILVER, 35K......................................................$12,998 JETTA TDI - MANUAL, WHITE, 91K..............................................$13,995 JETTA LIMITED - AUTO, SILVER, 58K............................................$11,998 JETTA SE - WHITE, 92K.................................................................$8,995 JETTA WOLFSBURG - SILVER, 100K...............................................$7,995 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2.5 - WHITE, 53K........................................$8,998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2.5 SE - GRAY, 49K.....................................$9,998 BEETLE GLS - BLUE, 81K...............................................................$6,995 JETTA GLS TURBO - WHITE, 73K...................................................$6,998
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CHRYSLER 200 LIMITED - RED, 38 MILES.....................................$19,998 CHRYSLER 200C AWD - BLACK, 1K.............................................$27,998 CHRYSLER 200 LIMITED - BLUE, 18K...........................................$20,198 CHRYSLER 200 LIMITED - BLACK, 17K.........................................$19,998 CHRYSLER 200 LIMITED - WHITE, 10K.........................................$19,998 CHRYSLER 200 C - WHITE, 3K....................................................$23,998 DODGE DART SE AERO - RED, 31K.............................................$18,998 DODGE DART SXT - BLACK, 10K................................................$16,998 DODGE DART SXT - BLUE, 30K...................................................$14,998 DODGE DART SXT - SILVER, 22K.................................................$15,998 CHRYSLER 200 TOURAUG - AMBER, 30K....................................$13,598 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY TOURING - GRANITE, 74K..........$15,995 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY TOURING - WHITE, 36K..............$20,995 DODGE AVENGER SE - BLACK, 44K............................................$12,495 DODGE AVENGER SE - COPPER, 22K..........................................$12,998 DODGE AVENGER SE - RED, 26K................................................$12,995 DODGE AVENGER SE - RED, 31K................................................$13,998 FORD FUSION SE - SILVER, 81K....................................................$9,998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN - GRAY, 29K.....................................$18,995 CHEVY IMPALA LT - SILVER, 58K.................................................$11,998 CHRYSLER 200 TOURING - SILVER, 27K......................................$13,598 CHEVY IMPALA LT - WHITE, 46K.................................................$12,998 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY LIMITED - BLUE, 25K....................$20,998 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY TOURING - WHITE, 50K..............$16,998 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY TOURING - BLACK, 30K..............$18,998 CHEVY COBALT LT - RED, 68K......................................................$8,995 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT - WHITE, 63K.........................................$11,598 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERT - SILVER, 56K..............................$10,998 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY TOURING - BLUE, 63K................$12,998 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SE - BLUE, 92K...................................$8,995 CHEVROLET COBALT LS - BLUE, 94K.............................................$6,995 DODGE CALIBER R/T - RED, 117K................................................$4,198 LINCOLN MKZ FWD - RED, 78K....................................................$9,998 PONTIAC G5 SE - BLACK, 103K...................................................$5,995 CADILLAC CTS RWD - SILVER, 90K................................................$7,995 CHRYSLER 300 SEDAN - GREEN, 72K...........................................$8,398 DODGE CARAVAN SE - GOLD, 173K............................................$3,498 CHRYSLER 300 M - SILVER, 107K.................................................$3,995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SEDAN - SILVER, 98K................................$3,998 MAZDA 31 SPORT - BLACK, 74K................................................$10,995 MAZDA 6 V6 - WHITE, 129K.......................................................$5,995 TOYOTA COROLLA S - BLUE, 173K...............................................$6,995 FORD FIESTA SEL - SILVER, 47K...................................................$12,995 CHRYSLER 300 AWD - BLACK, 80K.............................................$13,995 CHRYSLER 300 AWD TOURING - WHITE, 51K.............................$13,998 SUBARU BAJA AWD - SILVER, 207K.............................................$3,998
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015
9A
Nelson Continued from Page 7A
“It’s funny,” Nelles jokes again, “but the tours are one of those things that goes right in spite of us, not because of us planning well. People come here because they’ve heard about us through word of mouth, because they’ve shopped at our websites or have seen our products in stores before, and when they come here, they want to see how we do it all. We never planned on giving tours, necessarily, but we’re sure not going to disappoint people when they ask, and most of the time, the people who do come here and get a tour from Mark or myself can hardly believe what they see.” Is Nelson Fine Art and Gifts really that impressive to see? Nelles continues: “Most people are truly amazed when they walk in the door. They come to this brick elementary school building, somewhat off the beaten path in a rust belt town, walk in the door, and what they find is this beautiful art gallery and retail store that takes their breath away. I can always tell when people are here for the first time — they’re the ones walking around very slowly with open mouths and wide eyes.” “Then, when we tell them about all the services we offer and all the things we do here — custom framing, laser engraving, graphic design, sign and banner printing, custom manufacturing and personalized gifts — people are usually at a loss for words. They ask me, ‘How can you do all this here, in Steubenville?’ and my answer is always the same: ‘You have to know Mark Nelson; then it all makes sense,’” continues Nelles. The owner of Nelson Fine Art and Gifts, Mark Nelson is described by his employees and friends as a restless innovator, pioneer and achiever. “Mark lives on good ideas. I think he has good ideas in his sleep. If you bring a good idea to him, he’ll find a way to make it better, and one good idea usually leads to another. That’s how it works in small business — you have to keep finding new avenues of business, filling new holes in the marketplace you never saw before,” Nelles says. Nelles further explains how Nelson Fine Art and Gifts continues to expand and change its local business model. “We started out just framing pieces of religious art. Eventually, we decided to frame custom pieces for the local populace. Now we have laser engraving and sign and banner printing here as well. Why? Because Mark saw a need for that sort of thing here in Steubenville, and he decided to fill it with his own business. We are constantly changing, adapting and adding to our offerings to give Steubenville more of what it needs.” What does Steubenville need? Nelles acknowledges that Nelson’s probably can’t provide it all, but that the business is doing its own part in its own way. “Mark would say that Steubenville is too used to settling for things that are old, rusty, overgrown, washed out or fading. What Mark is trying to do here is to remind locals that their town is worth investing in. Anyone, regardless of what they do here in Steubenville, can make this city a little more special. We do that here with our retail store and showroom; we show people that this town is worth the effort. When people, especially out-of-towners, come through our place and see laser cutters and giant printing machines and say, ‘Here? In Steubenville?’ our response is emphatic and proud: ‘Yes, here in Steubenville.’” Some would say that what Steubenville needs is more folks like Mark Nelson, who works tirelessly to better the city, one great idea at a time.
Stewartʼs RV Center: Quality service, sales since 1942
Contributed
Bob Stewart stands in front of a park model RV with his mother, Martha Stewart, one of the founders of Stewart’s RV Center in St. Clairsville
ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Stewart’s RV Center, the place to go for recreational camping supplies, has been serving the Tri-State Area since 1942. Stewart’s RV Center sells some of the nation’s most established RV brands, including Coleman, Coachman and Jayco travel trailers. Fifth wheels and tent campers are some of the quality items available at the dealership. Stewart’s also sells Somerset and Aliner folding traveling trailers. Stewart’s RV carries a full line of RV and camping accessories in the dealership’s huge parts store. The dealership’s award-winning service department has registered and certified technicians to take care of service needs
as well as a full-service propane filling station. Stewart’s RV continues to see baby boomers and empty-nesters moving into the time of their lives where they can enjoy the benefits of a recreational vehicle purchase and the freedom of an RV lifestyle. The dealership’s customers enjoy family-oriented activities while enjoying the campgrounds and travel destinations across America. Stewart’s RV also has seen an increase in the parts and service business from the oil and gas industry personnel who use RVs for temporary living quarters. Stewart’s RV is at 50863 National Road East, St. Clairsville. For information, call (740) 695-0918, (800) 627-7848 or go to www.stewartsrv.com.