Progress 2015 Part V Section 01-02 by Herald-Star

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015

Business/Industry/Transportation Progress Edition V — Section 1

Please Drink Responsibly 2680 Commercial Ave, Mingo Jct., OH

New, existing bridges key to transportation, economy

Warren Scott

A new Ohio River bridge and improvements to the area of state Route 7, University Boulevard and the Veterans Memorial Bridge have been named the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission’s top two priorities. The Ohio Department of Transportation has announced plans to create two new turn lanes from Route 7 to the boulevard and widen on-ramps for the bridge in an effort to ease the flow of traffic and reduce accidents.

By WARREN SCOTT Staff writer

State and local officials are pursuing the development of a new bridge between the southern ends of Brooke and Jefferson counties and measures to improve access to the Veterans Memorial Bridge in an effort to expand opportunities for economic development and to improve transportation patterns in the two counties. In October, Paul Mattox, West Virginia commissioner of highways, and Lloyd MacAdam, Ohio Department of Transportation district director, came to Wellsburg to announce plans for the new bridge to be built in 2016. Plans call for it to extend from an area about a mile south of Wellsburg to the intersection of Third and Cleaver streets in Brilliant. An interchange from the intersection to provide a more direct link to state Route 7 has been proposed but not approved yet by ODOT, which has cited funding concerns. In January, WVDOT and ODOT reached an

agreement over the division of costs for preliminary designs and other pre-construction expenses. It calls for West Virginia to pay 53.3 percent, or $1,549,240, of the estimated $2.8 million cost and Ohio to pay 44.6 percent, or $1,250,760. The agreement notes the dollar amounts may change as they are based on the estimated cost for a simple span tied arch bridge, and the bridge’s style may be changed. That’s because potential contractors will be invited to submit the design they believe will be the most cost-feasible within certain conditions. The contractor also will be called to front the project’s cost, which will be reimbursed with a mix of federal and state funds as they become available. Mike Paprocki, executive director for the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission, said the arrangement will be one of a growing number of public-private partnerships through which government and private entities

team to finance a project. Paprocki said examples for other upcoming private-public partnerships include the Portsmouth Bypass, a 16mile four-lane highway to be built in Scioto County, Ohio; and the four-lane expansion of U.S. Route 35 in West Virginia’s Mason and Putnam counties. The cost for the new bridge has been estimated at $90 million to $120 million. Core drilling on both sides of the river to determine the placement of piers and abutments is slated for spring. Plans call for a contractor to be named in early 2016, with construction tentatively slat-

ed for summer of that year. Officials have estimated it will take up to five years to complete the project. Paprocki said the fact the long-talked about bridge project is moving forward “is a credit to West Virginia and Ohio being very creative and committed to this project.” The two states’ transportation departments have funded studies commissioned by BHJ that stated the need for the new span and explored the best location for it. Overseen by a committee of 30 area officials and community members in 2000, the first study found a new bridge was needed to meet traffic

demands in the event both the Fort Steuben and Market Street bridges were closed. Citing deterioration from advancing age, the Ohio Department of Transportation since has closed and demolished the Fort Steuben Bridge, which had been built in 1928. In 2012, the Market Street Bridge, which was built in 1904, underwent $17 million in renovations, including repairs to its towers, its Ohio approach spans and trusses, re-painting in blue and gold and additional lighting. Prior to the improvements, West Virginia See BRIDGES Page 3A ➪

Fort Steuben Mall: Where it all happens

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015

STEUBENVILLE — From watching the annual Pinewood Derby Contest to shopping for just the right pair of shoes, the First Steuben Mall, 100 Mall Drive, is where it all happens. The mall has become one of the places where community activities and events are constantly happening, along with being a onestop shop for everything imaginable, according to Stephanie McVicker, general manager and marketing director. “It’s a safe, very clean and comfortable environment, and we pride ourselves on having a local flavor,” said McVicker. “It’s really a close-knit community, and we work with the

community as much as possible. It’s also a one-stop shop. People can shop, go see a movie, sit and hang out with their friends, and there’s always something going on.” The mall has become known for its sponsorship of locally centered events, including the bridal fair, the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Expo, the Ohio Valley Wings Motorcycle show, the annual Pinewood Derby, Heartland, the Mom to See MALL Page 6A ➪

Contributed

The Fort Steuben Mall and Trinity Health System team up annually for Heartland, a wellness fair featuring different health care providers in the area.

Mark Miller0 Contributed

The Fort Steuben Mall respects area veterans by sponsoring a service every Veterans Day at center court.

HELP FIGHT CRIME. STAY IN SCHOOL. BE SOMEBODY.

Jane M. Hanlin PROSECUTING ATTORNEY

Jane M. Hanlin

Paid for by Jane M. Hanlin - Prosecuting Attorney of Jefferson County, Ohio

The game faces were on and the competition fierce during the first Ohio Valley GamerShowdown held in March at the Fort Steuben Mall. The event featured more than 70 gamers trying to best each other playing “Call of Duty: Ghosts.”

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015

Bridge Continued from Page 1A

highway officials hinted the span might not remain in service for another 10 years. Since then the prognosis has been more positive, but they declined to estimate its lifespan and have conceded the bridge one day will close. The committee and engineers with Edwards and Kelcey of Charleston noted in the event the two older bridges are closed and the newer Veterans Memorial Bridge would be closed for repairs or an emergency, anoth-

er river crossing isn’t available for 25 miles north or south of the span. The committee and engineers also suggested a new bridge from Brilliant to an area south of Wellsburg would encourage economic development in the southern ends of Brooke and Jefferson counties and allow access by emergency vehicles and others during emergencies, such as land and rock slides that have caused state Routes 2 and 7 to be closed at times.

But the same committee behind the study supporting the need for a new bridge also called for BHJ to set another priority — improving access to the Veterans Memorial Bridge and the flow of traffic at the intersection of Route 7 and University Boulevard. Officials with the Ohio Department of Transportation have made plans to replace the short turn lane from state Route 7 at the intersection of University Boulevard with two lanes extending from an area just north of Garfield Elementary School, under the railroad bridge and through the Brettell property at the southeast corner of the intersection. The project also will involve widening and resurfacing University Boulevard and the onramps for the bridge. It also will involve extending Labelle Avenue, the access road for the Steubenville Marina, to the area where the new turn lanes will begin. The move addresses the current hazard of vehicles, particularly large Warren Scott trucks, being stopped on the railroad tracks as they wait to reIn October Lloyd MacAdam, Ohio Department of Transportation district director, enter Route 7. joined officials from the West Virginia Department of Transportation, including state Commissioner of Highways Paul Mattox, in announcing plans to build a new The estimated cost is $8 milOhio River bridge between Brilliant and an area just south of Wellsburg. Plans call lion, with the city of Steubenville for a contractor to be named in early 2016.

contributing about 2 percent of the cost. Asked about its status, Roxanne Kane, ODOT’s liaison to BHJ, said negotiations for easements are under way with six affected property owners, including the Norfolk-Southern Railroad. At NorfolkSouthern’s request, ODOT has agreed to build a retaining wall to support the embankment over which the railroad runs. Paprocki noted the steelworker statue that sat near the intersection has been moved to the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County’s main branch on South Fourth Street. He said utility lines in the area will be relocated temporarily while the project is under way. Kane said plans call for bids for the project to be opened on Oct. 19, with construction expected next spring. In addition to easing access to the bridge, the changes are intended to better facilitate traffic through the busy intersection, which has appeared frequently on ODOT’s top 200 frequent collision areas in the state.

Warren Scott

The Ohio Department of Transportation is planning to create new turn lanes from state Route 7 onto University Boulevard and widen the boulevard and on-ramps to the Veterans Memorial Bridge to improve access for large trucks and other vehicles onto the bridge.

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015

SVRTA: Getting area residents where they need to go in a cost-effective way

Photo courtesy of Em Media

James Swearington, known as “Chico” to most of his passengers, has operated a Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority bus for several years and enjoys the daily interaction with area residents.

STEUBENVILLE — With an average of 182,669 passenger trips per year during the past three years, Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority continues to get Ohio Valley residents where they need to go in the most efficient, costeffective way. “We’re one of the few transit agencies that have not done reductions in services,” SVRTA Transit Manager Frank Bovina said.

The service officially began operating in 1995, several years after the city of Steubenville and the village of Mingo Junction banded together to form a regional transit authority that currently logs roughly 200,000 miles a year. “We’re actually providing more trips than the total population of Jefferson County on an annual basis,” Bovina said. “We feel we’ve done a pretty good job providing service to

the area.” SVRTA offers two fixed routes throughout Steubenville, one through Mingo Junction, and a flexible service route between Wintersville and Steubenville. SVRTA’s Wintersville flexible service route can be utilized by calling (740) 282-6145 and telling SVRTA staff your desired pickup and return times. They recommend calling 24 hours in advance to

ensure your request can be met. These requests are on a firstcome, first-served basis. According to Bovina, in the peak hours, generally between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., there is a bus leaving downtown or the Fort Steuben Mall every 15 minutes. During regular hours buses depart every half hour. SVRTA also provides connecting service to Weirton Transit and collaborates with agencies such as Prime Time Office on Aging and C.H.A.N.G.E. Inc. through the Regional Access Mobility Partnership. Additionally, they offer paratransit service for those who qualify. In 2010, SVRTA secured grant money to explore a Wintersville service extension and then used stimulus funding to offer free rides for a 14-month period ending in December 2011. “As a result of the

free fare program, our ridership doubled,” he said. “We did over 200,000 passenger trips for calendar year 2011, of which about 13,000 were for the village of Wintersville.” Wintersville is the agency’s newest member community and now a permanent fixture in SVRTA’s schedule, thanks to voters in every precinct of each of the three communities, Bovina said. SVRTA is governed by a sevenperson board — three appointed by Steubenville and two each by Mingo Junction and Wintersville. Free fares ceased in 2012, and now SVRTA offers an annual pass for $30 a year. “It may be the cheapest in the country for a fixed route transit service, and the more you use it, the cheaper the fare actually is,” Bovina said. Standard fare is 50 cents per trip and only 25 cents for seniors, which is half the price

it was in 2010. “As long as we’re stable in our funding, we see no reason to increase our fares,” Bovina noted. SVRTA is funded in part by a transit levy, which was renewed by voters in November. “We do have a few other things that we do. We sell advertising on our buses, to mention one, and those funds again are used to maintain our lowest fares possible,” Bovina said. SVRTA operates on an annual budget in the $1 million range, funding Bovina said they need to maximize so the community reaps the biggest benefit possible. But SVRTA, as with most transportation and service organizations, could not function without federal funding as well. “That’s the biggest thing that will affect Steel Valley Regional Transportation system See SVRTA Page 5A ➪

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015

SVRTA Continued from Page 4A

in future, what’s going to happen on the federal level,” he said. “It’s the biggest portion of our funding. We have our local levy, but the biggest portion is from the federal government.” Federal funding currently accounts for about 60 percent of SVRTA’s $1 million annual budget, and the state of Ohio also has been helping to keep buses on the road. “The major thing that Ohio is doing is providing additional transit dollars to the RTA because federal dollars have basically been flat over the last 10 years or longer. So it’s not new, but with their ability to reallocate federal dollars they can make more available for us to use in operations. But you still have to have the local matching dollars, which is where we rely on the levy, not only for operating costs but for capital, for buses, whatever we need to do,” Bovina said. “Hats off to the Ohio Department of Transportation for making those efforts.” Each Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority bus on the fleet seats 22 passengers with standing room for more. Although the use of them is optional, each bus is outfitted with safety belts. They also are equipped with wheelchair lifts and can accommodate two wheelchairs at a time. Bovina said they are looking into making the vehicles more accessible for parents traveling with infants or young children. Four new buses will be coming into service in 2015, Bovina noted. SVRTA is in the preliminary steps of equipping all buses with free Wi-Fi mobile Internet connections. “Hopefully we we will be getting started on installation within the next few months,” Bovina said. The agency also is working on a mobile app to make it easier for passengers to view schedules on the go. Regardless of what the future holds, SVRTA is here now to fill the area’s transportation needs. “We’re there when you need us. We’re cheap. And we appreciate your support,” Bovina concluded. “There’s value in public transportation that goes beyond just the actual public transportation, and we’d like for people to realize that.”

Photo courtesy of Em Media

Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority’s offices and bus garage are located at 555 Adams St. in Steubenville. Services include routes in Steubenville, Mingo Junction and Wintersville.

Photo courtesy of Em Media

Each Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority bus on the fleet seats 22 passengers with standing room for more. Although the use of them is optional, each bus also is outfitted with safety belts.

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015

Mall Continued from Page 2A

Mom Mother’s Day Expo, a stock car show, Christmas and holiday events and lots more, according to McVicker. “Easter is coming up, so we are planning that right now. We have everything anyone could want for Easter baskets,” she said, adding other upcoming events include a Dr. Seuss Birthday party and the JB Green Team’s annual Trashy Art Contest. “We’ll also be hosting a psychic and metaphysical fair.” There have been several success stories on businesses locating to the mall as well, McVicker continued. “The Homemade Buffet (Chinese restaurant) opened next to

J.C. Penney recently, and they are doing very well,” McVicker said. “The Texas Roadhouse and the Scent Shop are celebrating anniversaries this year and are doing very well. The Ville (restaurant) and Country Crafts From the Heart have been with us for many years.” The mall boasts an impressive array of national and internationally known stores, including J.C. Penney, Macy’s, Sears, Wal-Mart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Texas Roadhouse, Carmike Cinemas, Eat’n Park, Kay Jewelry, Verizon, AT&T, Bath and Body Works and more. “We have a lot of national ten-

ants, but we also have a lot of local tenants as well who do very, very well,” McVicker said. “We’ve had a lot of interest in leasing spaces at the mall, so I look for a big increase in tenants in the next year or two.”

There’s also the Ville, the Social Security office, the Armed Forces Career Center and more. The mall is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. For information, call (740) 264-7781 or go to www.ftsteubenmall.com.

Contributed

There’s fun for all ages during the Fort Steuben Mall’s annual sponsorship of the Pinewod Derby.

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015

Mark Miller

Marty Hauser, owner of Hauser’s Furniture and Carpeting on Sunset Boulevard in Steubenville, believes the personal touch, honesty with the customer and outstanding personal service are what have made the business a success for more than 60 years.

Hauserʼs Furniture and Carpeting has rich history

Mark Miller

Hauser’s Furniture and Carpeting on Sunset Boulevard in Steubenville has been satisfying its customers needs with good, old-fashioned quality services and brands since 1950.

STEUBENVILLE — The 16 showrooms at Hauser’s Furniture and Carpeting on Sunset Boulevard have a rich history rooted in the days when salesmen went door to door to sell their merchandise. Current owner Marty Hauser is quick to point to the contributions from his father, Paul Hauser, and uncle, Sid Hauser, who worked for the Office of Consolidated Home Equipment based in Pittsburgh, which morphed into Hauser’s Furniture. “In those days my father and uncle were part of a group of salesmen who would canvass an area. For example they would go to Mingo Junction and literally walk door-to-door selling sheets, blankets, pots, pans and towels and other things of that nature. There was a warehouse here in Steubenville but they essentially worked out of the warehouse and spent their days selling door to door,” cited Hauser. “It was very much like the milk or bread delivery men and the Fuller Brush Co. salesmen. They all worked different territories going door to door,” he said. “In those days the customers would pay 25 cents or 50 cents a week on their accounts. That same philosophy was carried into the store when my father and uncle founded Hauser’s store. We

have a customer account program here for approximately 900 customers. We do offer an extra discount if someone pays cash for a purchase, but we do our own financing,” noted Hauser. “Unfortunately my uncle Sid died young from lung cancer. My father and uncle had purchased the property on Sunset Boulevard and started their store in 1950. In later years my father would add more showrooms, so we now have 16 total showrooms, including four rooms dedicated to flooring,” said Hauser. “We offer every type of flooring. We have carpet by Shaw, Mohawk, Aladdin by Mohawk, Beaulieu, Coronet and Hollytex. Our wood flooring includes Certified, Mohawk and Shaw products. And we offer Metroflor, Linkwerks, Moduleo, Tarket and Mohawk vinyl tile and planks. Our laminate products are from Alloc, Berry and Quick Step and we have ceramic floor treatments from Interceramic and Lint. Our showroom also has samples of sheet vinyl from Tarkett and Armstrong,” related Hauser. “I started working in the store when I was 11

years old. I enjoyed being in the store

and I still enjoy coming here today. I like talking to the customers and making them happy,” Hauser pointed out. “I took over the store after I returned from college in 1976. It was going to be a temporary move on my part. I had met my future wife, Donna, and I thought we would stay here and build a nest egg and then move on. But life can change. I renewed friendships and made new friends and I got involved in the community. I love this city and enjoyed living here and we are just a short distance from Pittsburgh, which is also a great city,” commented Hauser. “My wife Donna is the treasurer and secreSee HAUSER’S Page 8A ➪

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015

Carriage Inn Home Care: Keeping you safe with Telehealth, home safety monitoring tools Carriage Inn Home Care is proud to be a preferred home care provider for so many families throughout the Ohio Valley. Carriage Inn Home Care has offices in Wintersville and Weirton and has been dedicated to serving the people of the

Ohio Valley for the past 32 years. They were voted the 2014 Best of the Best in home care and continue to exceed state and national benchmarks for quality outcomes and patient satisfaction. The team of Car-

riage Inn Home Care provides a variety of in-home services to those living in and around the Ohio Valley. In Ohio we serve Jefferson, Belmont, Harrison, Columbiana, Monroe, Guernsey and Carroll counties, and in West Virginia, we serve Hancock, Brooke, Ohio and Marshall counties. Regional Administrator Shari Jo Watkins says the team at Carriage Inn Home Care is continually working toward improving the quality of care and quality of life for all those who choose to receive services from them. “It’s a privilege to be invited into your home,” she said. Trusting someone you don’t know to provide care for you or your loved ones is a challenging experience and can even be downright frightening if you have no idea what is available, what to expect or even what home health is. One of the ways Carriage Inn does this is through a readmission reduction program. With each admission, a hospital risk assessment is completed. Depending on the outcome, Carriage Inn Home Care may provide, at no cost to the patient, a variety of tools to increase their probability of remaining at home. These tools can include Telehealth monitoring, personal emergency response systems, fall pendants, medication monitoring and alerts, frequent phone and inperson contact and our “Call the Nurse First” program. Home health care is a short-term service designed to assist in recovery from an illness or injury. This type of care focuses on healing, regaining or maintaining personal functional abilities and remaining self-sufficient in the home. Services provided can include skilled nursing care; physical, occupational and speech therapy; and medical social services. At times assistance with bathing and dressing can be provided by a home health aide. Services are available 24 hours per day, seven days

per week. A nurse is on call after hours, evenings and weekends. Home health care is provided at your home. Home health skilled care is short term and usually lasts from three to six weeks in duration. There are times when it may last longer and times when it does not last quite as long, all depending on the speed of healing and recovery. With the trend in health care leaning toward shorter hospitalizations and quicker discharges, the need for at-home care has never been greater. In addition, home care may be utilized to prevent premature or unnecessary hospitalizations. A variety of services can be provided with at-home care, including patient education related to new or changed medical diagnosis, medications and treatments; laboratory blood testing; urinary catheter changes and maintenance; IV therapy; physical therapy; medication management; and assistance with bathing, dressing and other activities of daily living. While Carriage Inn Home Care provides top-notch care to individuals of all ages, they have very specific tools available at no cost to the Medicare population. “There is so much focus being put upon reducing rehospitalizations across the nation and right here in the Ohio Valley that we feel it is very important to have added measures to help keep people safe at home. So much can happen in such a short period of time and without the right monitoring systems in place, it’s easy for anyone to end up back in the hospital,” Watkins said. Any Medicare recipient who qualifies for home health and has a diagnosis of chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypertension and multiple medications would qualify for some or all of the Telehealth and Home Safety tools that Carriage Inn Home Care can provide. These tools include

vitals monitoring and Telehealth, medication monitoring, fall detection pendant and personal emergency response systems. When you choose Carriage Inn Home Care as your home care provider, they will automatically determine if you would qualify to have the added peace of mind and safety of any or all of the tools. “There is no added cost to any Medicare recipient,” said Watkins, “It’s just that important to help you stay out of the hospital, that the agency picks up that cost.” Not only can you have the equipment to help keep you safe while you are receiving care, but you can even keep some or all of them and pay out of pocket if you choose to keep that added peace of mind. Carriage Inn Home Care specializes in physical and occupational therapy and skilled nursing. It also provides non-skilled services such as personal care, errand services, meal preparation, laundry and homemaking. Skilled care is provided by a licensed professional such as a nurse, licensed practical nurse, physical therapist or occupational therapist. While these skilled services are often covered by third party payers such as Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance, these services also may be offered on a private pay basis. Personal care includes the basic activities of daily living — eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring and continence. This level involves hands-on care

and requires a higher level of training than companion care. Companion care includes meal preparation, light housekeeping and assistance with daily activities such as letter writing, reading and entertainment. This level of care is designed to provide peace of mind for the client as well as the family. The rule of thumb in home care is that the worst situations only occur nights, weekends or on holidays. Home care is a 24/7/365 business. The staff members at Carriage Inn want you to know that they have a very clear process for managing problems outside of regular business hours. No matter what the need or when the need arises, you will always reach a live person. Every home care company has good quality people and you should expect great care no matter who you choose to provide it. Inviting people into your home to provide care can be a great experience for you, your family and the caregiver. You will become an interdependent group of people who each has a role. Carriage Inn Home Care Administrator Shari Jo Watkins invites anyone to give her a call at (740) 2648815 or toll-free at (800) 676-2106. “I want to be your personal champion. Just give us a call. Even if we can’t be the team to help you, we’ll help you get the assistance or care you are looking for. You may not need me now, but I want to be able to help you when you do,” she said.

Hauser’s Continued from Page 7A tary, and we have eight employees working here. Our customers are the most important people to walk through our doors. We make everyone feel welcome during their visit and purchase and after we have delivered their item,” stated Hauser. “So we stayed in Steubenville and continued to build the store. And I continue to enjoy being here. We stay on top of the latest trends and to offer the best value and service. Sometimes a name brand isn’t the best value. We look at quality and price,” Hauser noted. “And for us, service is critical. If there is a problem we will take care of it. We have a service department and that is critical. I have learned over the years that the big box store experience isn’t always a pleasant experience. When someone comes in here we don’t push them. We are always available to answer questions and we will satisfy their needs. But we want our customers to feel relaxed and able to take their time to look around,” explained Hauser. “Hauser’s Furniture and Carpeting has been proudly serving the Ohio Valley since our opening. We offer a huge selection of topquality furniture, carpeting and appliances with many name brands for your entire home. We offer a number of

different furniture lines, including AICO by Amini, Ashley, Anthony, Millenium by Ashley, Craftmaster, Carolina Furniture, Tempur-pedic, Vaughan-Bassett, Woodcrest and many, many more,” stated Hauser. “We also offer appliances. Customers can look through our catalog to find the best fit for their needs. We have Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Philips and Sony televisions. And our appliances are from Frigidare, Crosley, General Electric and Samsung,” he said. “Hauser’s Furniture and Carpeting is truly the place to shop for your home needs. We welcome visitors to stop in. Our store is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays,” said Hauser. “I also urge people to look at our website at www.hausersfurniturestore.com to look at the different flooring, appliances, furniture and carpeting we have available,” said Hauser. “Our roots are in Steubenville. From the days when my father and uncle went door to door through the years where we have expanded our store to what it is today we have grown with Steubenville,” Hauser commented. To reach Hauser’s, call (740) 264-1615.

J&D Waterproofing Home Improvements: More than 75 years of quality work Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015

CANONSBURG, Pa. — J&D Waterproofing Home Improvements Inc. has the experience that comes from being in business for more than 75 years, but refuses to rest on its laurels. The home improvement company offers waterproofing, full wall anchors, roofing, windows, gutters, siding, flooring, excavation, cement work, driveways and bathroom and kitchen remodeling. It operates in Eastern Ohio, the West Virginia Panhandle, Western and Central Pennsylvania, Fairmont, Morgantown and Northern Maryland. It has two divisions — waterproofing and home improvement. The waterproofing division offers foundation repair, retaining walls and stabilization. “The most obvious difference is we install 84-inch anchors,” Installment Manager Charlie Post said. “When you have 84inch (anchors), the amount of support is substantial. Other places will install their anchors in the wall, we install them in the foundation.” The company has researched, developed and patented its own wall anchor system, which is twice as large than industry standard anchors and also is attached at the wall’s footer, allowing more stabilization. The home improvement division does any home improvement or repair project from replacing gutters to building additions to building new homes.

Contributed

J&D Waterproofing Home Improvements Inc. employees Mark Barone and Charlie Post, installment manager, meet to discuss new home improvement techniques and technology. The business offers waterproofing and home improvement services throughout the Tri-State Area. “We are known for doing our own work, for not having subcontractors,” Marketing Manager Shawn Raneri said. “We want to stay on top of the work and we want it to be done correctly. If you have subcontractors, then the client has to deal with two people instead of one. We pride ourselves on how long we’ve been in business and it’s very important that we stand beside our work and our warranty. We’ve been around so long that people know we will be around and that our warranty is as strong as any in the business. Our success comes from our pride in our

work and our people.” J&D Waterproofing wants to ensure that all work is done to its own high standards, so employing its own workers enables them to ensure that and to provide a rock-solid guarantee on their craftsmanship. In addition to years of experience in doing things the right way, J&D Waterproofing continues to stay on the cutting edge of new construction techniques and technology. Employees meet several times each year to discuss new methodology, technology, safety protocol and product lines. “Our employees do a

Contributed

Office Manager Cindy Gzikowski is one of a family of dedicated employees at Canonsburg-based J&D Waterproofing Home Improvements Inc., which has been offering waterproofing and home improvement services for more than 75 years.

lot of research and are very knowledgeable,” Raneri said. “We want to offer our clients both experience and the best possible way to do the work and the best products. (Employees’) experience allows them to know whether the new technology is going to work. At the end of the day, it’s our clients who have to live with the product, it’s their homes and businesses, so we want to do the best job possible. Good customer service

is the main key to successfully staying in business.” J&D Waterproofing offers free estimates and stresses the importance in giving honest, complete estimates. “If they don’t need anything (done), we tell them that,” Raneri said. “It’s very important to tell the truth and respect the client. We’ve had times where we told people they didn’t need something done or something that didn’t cost very much, but they remembered us when they needed something else done. Call us. We’ll get you the right answer for an honest price and the best solution to your problem.” J&D Waterproofing offers multiple product lines — many more than available through most home improvement companies — and 12-month financing in order to offer financial flexibility for their customers. “We want to work with you,” Raneri said. “We have the research, financing and product lines to offer you the quality you want at a price you can afford.” The business’ main offices are located at 560 W. Pike St., but there are representatives in Steubenville/Youngstown, Wheeling and Monroeville. J&D is a familyowned company, founded 76 years ago by Joseph Billante in

Mount Washington and is now run by his daughter and grandson. Giving back and being an active member of the community are the foundation of the company’s three generations in the business. The company is part of several area chambers of commerce, including Wheeling, St. Clairsville and Jefferson County and the Southpointe Marcellus Shale. The company also supports the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Allegheny Valley School, which provides services to those with disabilities including autism. In addition to being a good corporate neighbor, J&D Waterproofing puts an emphasis on being a good employer as well. Promoting a positive work environment and making employees feel valued makes the company an attractive place for talented, hardworking, dedicated employees — which allows the company to continue to hold itself to high standards. “It’s important for any successful business to have good workers,” Raneri said. “We have good workers employed here who are proud that we give back and are involved in the community.” For information, visit the website at www.JDWaterproofing.com or call (800) VERY DRY.

10A

Lashley Tractor Sales: Quality sales and service for 67 years

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015

QUAKER CITY — Sixtyseven years in business has made Lashley Tractor Sales Inc. a well-known and respected industry in a wide area covering west of Zanesville and extending almost to Licking County, going into the states of West Virginia and Pennsylvania and up and down the Ohio River. Two more stores were added over the years, and Lashley Tractors can be found in Zanesville and St. Clairsville as well. Bill Lashley started up the tractor sales and farm equipment and general repair garage in 1948, his grandson, Chris Lashley explained. This included the sale of agriculture equipment, turf equipment, lawn care equipment and the general repair of all equipment sold. His business started with the Kubota line that originally was Ford tractors, it was noted. Kubota has equipment needed for light chores, heavy duty projects and everything in between, a spokesman said. Bill Lashley passed his expertise and the business down to his son, Dennis, who took over Lashley Tractor

and Sales, continuing with the same type of sales and service as his dad. Chris Lashley now is owner of the agriculture, construction and turf equipment business. It clearly is a familyowned business. Within the business, there is Vermeir brand hay moving equipment, Land Pride and Woods brands, and all three of the locations have garages for repairs.

“We are an extensive repair facility. Service is available at all our locations,” the third generation Lashley said. Among the three locations, there are 25 employees working on sales and repairs of small and large equipment. “Our equipment isn’t all for agriculture or construction any more. There are many small and large tractors being used for home gardening, lawn care and general proper-

ty maintenance,” Lashley explained. A visit can be paid to one of the local Lashley Kubota dealerships for a test drive of the all-purpose B3200 model. This is an all-purpose tractor that packs power and versatility and comes with all the safety features. Call the Quaker City business at (740) 679-2141; Zanesville, (740) 455-2141; or St. Clairsville, (740) 695-2141

or go on the web at www.kubota.com. “Lashley Tractor Sales has been in operation for so many years that we are a kind of staple in the community. Everybody knows us and knows about our work. We treat the work on a small lawn mower quite the same as we would a big piece of construction or agriculture equipment,” Chris Lashley explained.

Main Street Bank was founded in June 2001, and officials are proud the bank is locally owned and managed. “We know that a locally based bank staffed by seasoned banking professionals has a greater understanding of what local people need.

Our customers know that the best bankers in the Ohio Valley work at Main Street Bank. We make decisions quickly and respond rapidly to advancements in the banking industry, always remembering that technology can never replace sincere, personal service,” officials said.

Main Street Bank is a locally owned community bank. “Our goal is to be the most customer-friendly, most reliable provider of financial products and services. We will provide in a timely, proactive manner excellent, relationship-oriented finan-

cial services to the business community, professionals and those individuals who wish to develop a personal banking relationship,” officials said. Main Street Bank, a West Virginia chartered commercial bank, offers product lines to its customers,

including free checking, free online banking, loan products, certificates of deposit, money markets, ATM services, debit cards, credit cards, 24/7 phone banking and safe deposit boxes. The bank has four locations — Wellsburg, Elm Grove, Wheeling and Moundsville.

Contributed

Lashley Tractor Sales Inc., with locations in Quaker City, Zanesville and St. Clairsville, has been in business for 67 years. It was started by Bill Lashley and now is operated by his grandson, Chris. They have a full line of Kubota products for sale and a garage for repairs. Tractors now are purchased for the home, along with farming and agriculture work.

Main Street Bank: Locally owned, managed

JSWCD offers variety of services to farmers, landowners, homeowners

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015

STEUBENVILLE —The Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District provides a variety of services to farmers, loggers, landowners and homeowners. The district was organized in 1944 as a political subdivision of the state of Ohio with the mission to protect the county’s natural resource base. Wendee Zadanski, soil and water conservation district natural resources specialist, said assistance is provided to help landowners manage their property and its natural resources, whether it be a farm or wooded lot. The district works with the agriculture industry in Jefferson County on conservation plans for livestock, such as rotating grazing pastures, and helps farmers with identifying soil types. The soil and water conservation district also helps to coordinate the farmers’ market held once a week during the summer on Wednesday evenings at Eastern Gateway Community College. Zadanski said farmers, who have other jobs during the day, were in need of an evening market to sell their produce. Irene Moore, soil and water conservation district administrator, said another area of service is sil-

viculture, the practice of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health and quality of forests. She said it is the responsibility of soil and water conservation districts in Ohio to address any pollution caused by agriculture and silviculture. An unplanned harvest of timber can cause soil erosion and pollution, and the district works with the logger to install best management practices to protect the water quality in the watershed. The district works in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Forestry Association to assist with erosion and pollution control education and training. The district also stepped forward to save governments in the county thousands of dollars by

preparing the urban stormwater program, as mandated by the federal and state Environmental Protection Agencies. Individual governments would have spent thousands of dollars to write a plan, but Brandon Andresen, district water quality coordinator, prepared the plans at a less costly amount. The district also provides education outreach and services to youths and adults that includes stream monitoring activities, the annual Fernwood State Forest Outdoor Days program for fifth-grade students and an annual bus tour that highlights the county’s natural resources and agriculture industry. District specialists also monitor the quality of water in watersheds throughout the county. Zadanski is the coordinator for the Envirothon, a nationwide com-

petition on environmental issues, including wildlife and aquatic life and soil. Each school in the county sends a couple teams to the competition. Moore said the district also information available to landowners about entering into contracts for gas pipelines. With the Jefferson SWCD recent move to the county-owned Towers Building, the board and staff have the space to offer customers a computer work station where they can be assisted with securing helpful information regarding the oil and gas industry. Historic aerial maps dated as far back as 1939 are also available for viewing, as well as topographic maps and plat maps. The district will be hosting an open house from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on March 27 at its new location, 500 Market Street, Mezzanine Suite 4. County residents, agencies and businesses are invited to attend to view the new facility, meet the building’s tenants and to become familiar with the many services offered by the Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District. The office is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and staff may be reached by calling (740) 264-9790.

Project BEST offers the best in Tri-State Area construction trades

Project BEST is a construction industry, labor-management organization encompassing more than 500 contractors and 6,000 building trades craftsman and apprentices serving the Upper Ohio

Valley region. The region includes from Steubenville to Wheeling and approximately 60 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. Its primary purpose is to promote jobs for its participants by pro-

viding quality and safety conscience craftsmen and on-time completion of projects within budget to its commercial and industrial customers and encouraging economic development through-

Contributed

Project BEST is a consortium between the Upper Ohio Valley Building and Construction Trades Council and the Ohio Valley Construction Employers Council to offer the best construction trade members the Ohio Valley has to offer. For information, go to www.projectbest.com or call (304) 242-0520.

Good Luck To All Area Teams! Full Service Law Firm

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out the region it serves. The Upper Ohio Valley Building and Construction Trades Council and the Ohio Valley Construction Employers Council have joined their resources and col-

11A

lective membership to create a realistic synergistic relationship for labor-management decisions — Project BEST. Their aggregate efforts are aimed at economic growth and increased job opportu-

nities for the labor force in the Upper Ohio Valley. Headquarters for Project BEST is at 21 Armory Drive, Wheeling. For information, go to www.projectbest.com or call (304) 242-0520.

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015

Business/Industry/Transportation

Progress Edition V — Section 2

Airport runway could hold key to areaʼs economic development

Photo courtesy of Kevin Sell

The runway at the Jefferson County Airpark was extended to 5,000 feet long and 75 feet wide. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in October where local, state and federal officials said the runway is key to economic development in the county.

FAA may not allow jets to use extended part of runway until study completed By MARK LAW Staff writer

WINTERSVILLE — The extension of the runway at the Jefferson County Airpark was expected to bring economic development, but the Federal Aviation Administration may not allow jets to use the extended part of the runway until a lengthy approach study is completed. The county’s regional airport authority believed the FAA still would allow the extended runway to be used by pilots of jets. The FAA has informed the airport authority the 600-foot extension of the runway will have to be marked as closed until an

approach study is completed. The approach study is needed to certify instrument-assisted landings on the 5,000-foot runway. The regional airport authority assumed the FAA would allow pilots to use a visual approach while the study is completed. The approach study alone will take 12 months to complete. It will involve aerial pictures surrounding the airport, both when leaves are on and off trees. Airport authority Secretary Gary Folden said the study will make sure nothing will interfere with an approach to the runway, such as a

structure or tree. The FAA then will take another 12 to 18 months to approve the study. The Ohio Development Services Agency and the Ohio Department of Transportation each contributed $750,000 for the runway extension, with the Jefferson County commissioners putting in $500,000. The Federal

Aviation Administration gave the airport $226,000 to put an asphalt overlay on the entire runway. Brandon Reese, Jefferson County Regional Airport Authority president, said the runway was extended to 5,000 feet long and 75 feet wide. He noted 5,000 feet is known in aviation

as “the magic number.” He said, with the runway at 5,000 feet long, 75 percent of the airplane fleet in the country flying at 60 percent of useful load can land on the runway. “This will open the airport and the county for economic development,” Reese said. See AIRPORT Page 2B ➪

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015

Airport Continued from Page 1B

He said the extended runway also increases safety for pilots. Reese, who has been on the airport authority for the past 10 years, said the project got started with people talking and getting the support of local, state and federal agencies. “Support is where it all came from — getting people talking and excited,” he said. Reese said 120,000 cubic yards of dirt were moved and more than 12,000 tons of aggregate and 10,000 tons of asphalt were laid. New lights along the runway were installed and a turnaround was built at one end of the runway. The project included earthwork for a parallel taxiway the entire length of the runway. That project will be completed in the future. Jefferson County Commissioner Tom Gentile, a pilot, said a 5,000-footlong runway was just a dream five years ago. “I sure didn’t think we would see it in this short period of time,” he said. Gentile said the increased airport traffic is associated with the oil and gas industry. He said extended runway is the best and longest in the five-to-sixcounty area, he said. The next longest runway is in Zanesville but that is close to being outside the gas and oil drilling. Belmont, Columbiana, Carroll, Harrison, Jeffer-

“This (runway extension) will open the airport and the county for economic development. Support is where it all came from — getting people talking and excited.” – Brandon Reese, Jefferson County Regional Airport Authority president

son and Monroe counties are currently seeing the most activity in the oil and gas drilling. “North to south, Jefferson County is in the middle,” Gentile said. Evan Scurti, Jefferson County Port Authority executive director, said the extended runway will be included in a new countywide comprehensive marketing brochure. The marketing tool will highlight the strong infrastructure available in the county, including railroads, the Ohio River, roads and highways. “The runway will be featured,” Scurti said. “It is just one more piece of infrastructure that makes us even stronger.” Scurti said it is sometimes difficult to determine what asset tipped a company into relocating in one area as opposed to others. He said he often sees the question about a county airport and the length of the runway on questionnaires from companies interested in expanding or relocating. He said company execu-

tives want the option of flying into an area on a company jet as opposed to landing elsewhere and driving. Jefferson County Commissioner Thomas Graham said economic development experts talk about the big three in attracting investors — water, rails and runway. “We already have the water and rail, now we will have the air capability,” Graham said. He said corporate executives want to quickly get in and quickly get out of a place they are visiting. “They don’t want to waste time,” Graham said. He noted the improvements at the airport in the past and the amenities offered have turned the airport into a “very nice facility.” Jefferson County Commissioner David Maple

said the continued expansion of the airport is directly related to its use. He said the airport is becoming a spot where corporations can have access to their businesses, quicker and easier than using other facilities. “It makes the county a better site (for economic development) as

and gas industry. He said businesses in the not so distant past had to rely on flying parts and equipment into Pittsburgh, resulting in a drive to and from Pittsburgh and a longer downtime for the business. “Now they can use the

compared to other areas not having (an airport). We will see more corporate traffic, which makes Jefferson County a better site for potential employers,” Maple said. He said the airport is attracting businesses that quickly need to move parts and equipment into the region, especially with the oil

county airport,” he said. Maple said it may be difficult and not tangible for a lot of taxpayers to see the direct economic results of the county airport. “As far as economic development, it is a great asset to have a useful airport. We need to continue to grow it,” Maple said.

“It makes the county a better site (for economic development) as compared to other areas not having (an airport). We will see more corporate traffic, which makes Jefferson County a better site for potential employers.” – Jefferson County Commissioner David Maple

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015

At Ace Optical, theyʼve got your look

Mark Law

Raymond Agresta, Ace Optical owner, works on a display of eyewear at his store, 153 N. Fourth St. The Ace Optical Co. has been serving the area since 1949.

STEUBENVILLE — Optics and fashion sometimes collide in the optical eyewear industry and the folks at a city business work hard to guide their customers through this process. The Ace Optical Co. has been serving the area since 1949. The firm is located at 153 N. Fourth St., a site it has occupied since 1973. “We can fill any doctor’s prescription, providing that it is current. It’s like a drug prescription, you can price shop, then have it filled wherever you like” said Raymond Agresta, the business owner. “You do not need to get your eyes examined here to purchase eyeglasses from us, however we have offered eye exams for eyeglasses and contact lens by an independent doctor of optometry for over 20 years.” Agresta was quick to point out, “I am not a doctor. I am a licensed optician as required by the state of Ohio.” Over the years, the optical industry has evolved into a fashion industry. Like numerous other businesses, the industry has found itself experi-

encing a “what goes around comes around” situation. “We sell Ray Ban frames and some of the most popular styles have a very strong 1960s influence in their design. Ace Optical carries the WileyX high performance line of sunglasses and safety glasses. Agresta noted that these products are great for bikers, hunters and anyone with an active lifestyle. WileyX is a prime supplier to the U.S. military. “We have been doing business in downtown Steubenville since the 1940s and we are proud of that. I think the personalized attention customers receive from downtown merchants is second to none,” said Agresta. “The cost of eyewear has risen over the years, and consumers need to know they can bring their prescription to Ace Optical and save money.” “At Ace Optical, we’ve got your look!” Ace Optical can be reached at (740) 283-2461 or on the Internet at www.aceopticalco.com.

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015

SVRTA Continued from Page 4A

Photo courtesy of Em Media

Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority’s offices and bus garage are located at 555 Adams St. in Steubenville. Services include routes in Steubenville, Mingo Junction and Wintersville.

Photo courtesy of Em Media

Each Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority bus on the fleet seats 22 passengers with standing room for more. Although the use of them is optional, each bus also is outfitted with safety belts.

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015

6B Mark Nelson, owner of Nelson Fine Arts and Gifts, sits at a conference room table in his business facility in the former Lincoln Elementary School on Lincoln Avenue. Nelson purchased the closed school building at an auction in 2008 and then moved his Nelson Woodcraft business that was operated in a pole barn on the Nelson farm on Coal Hill Road to its new home where it was re-branded as Nelson Fine Arts and Gifts. The business soon will be known as Nelsons as it continues to grow and change.

Different sizes and different colored Tshirts are stored in the shipping area of Nelson Fine Arts and Gifts at the facility on Lincoln Avenue. The T-shirts have been placed in different sections of the wooden cubes to allow employees quick access when filling orders for shipping to customers.

Nelson Fine Arts and Gifts: A growing industry in the cityʼs South End Dave Gossett

STEUBENVILLE — No tall smoke stacks or loud noises come from the manufacturing business on Lincoln Avenue. But the Nelson Fine Arts and Gifts business in the former Lincoln Elementary School in the city’s South End has been growing into a major local business during the past few years. Owner Mark Nelson purchased the closed school building at an auction in 2008 and then moved his Nelson Woodcraft business that was operated in a pole barn on the Nelson farm on Coal Hill Road to its new home. “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 imprac-

tical at the time,” according to Kevin Nelles, director of sales and marketing for Nelson Fine Arts and Gifts. “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. Nelles has been working for the Nelson’s for four years. “Mark was one of my clients when I was a sales rep for a local radio station. I can tell you it is invaluable when you find a work place that is in sync with your own values.

HIGHLAND WOODS Archer Hill Road Between Follansbe & Weirton Call Ed DiPino 304-748-8273 eddipino@comcast.net

Dave Gossett

Kevin Nelles, director of sales and marketing for Nelson Fine Arts and Gifts. points to different sizes of Pope Francis photos that can be placed on cardboard for sale at the store and online. The prints include a life-sized photo of the pope. Part of the reason I left the radio station was because I was becoming uncomfortable with the music coming out of Nashville. The values of this business are in the right places, and the products we produce, due to our work in the religious market, engender faith and inspire people” Nelles said. “Family and faith are important here. If someone is having a baby or going through a major illness, Mark will work with them. Mark is the first person to tell you to take care of your family if they’re in need, and that’s because he looks to his own family the same way. The

work we do here matters and the culture here, though disorganized at times, is a gem. This is not a cutthroat corporate business, but a family.” stated Nelles. Nelles personally witnessed the business transform into an even larger business with plans for near future expansion. “We’ve grown by about 30 percent since I started here just a few years ago, and there is so much more potential. The steel industry that was so much a part of Steubenville for so many years is now gone, but Steubenville will reinvent itself and grow just like we will

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2011 JETTA TDI - MANUAL, WHITE, 91K..............................................$13,995 2010 JETTA LIMITED - AUTO, SILVER, 58K............................................$11,998 2008 JETTA SE - WHITE, 92K.................................................................$8,995 2007 JETTA WOLFSBURG - SILVER, 100K...............................................$7,995 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2.5 - WHITE, 53K........................................$8,998 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2.5 SE - GRAY, 49K.....................................$9,998 2004 BEETLE GLS - BLUE, 81K, 1 OWNER..............................................$6,995 2002 JETTA GLS TURBO - WHITE, 73K...................................................$6,998 2015 CHRYSLER 200C AWD - BLACK, 1K.............................................$27,998 2015 CHRYSLER 200 LIMITED - BLUE, 18 MILES....................................$20,198 2015 CHRYSLER 200 LIMITED - BLACK, 17 MILES.................................$19,998 2015 CHRYSLER 200 LIMITED - WHITE, 10 MILES.................................$19,998 2015 CHRYSLER 200 C - WHITE, 3K....................................................$23,998 2014 DODGE DART SE AERO - RED, 31 MILES.....................................$18,998 2013 DODGE DART SXT - BLACK, 10K................................................$16,998 2013 DODGE DART SXT - BLUE, 30K...................................................$14,998 2013 DODGE DART SXT - SILVER, 22K.................................................$15,998 2013 FORD FIESTA SE - WHITE, 14K....................................................$13,995 2013 DODGE CHARGER SXT AWD - BLUE, 52K, 1 OWNER..................$23,995 2012 CHRYSLER 200 TOURING - AMBER, 30K.....................................$13,598 2012 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY TOURING - WHITE, 36K..............$20,995 2012 DODGE AVENGER SE - BLACK, 44K............................................$12,495 2012 DODGE AVENGER SE - COPPER, 22K..........................................$12,998 2012 DODGE AVENGER SE - RED, 26K, 1 OWNER...............................$12,995 2012 DODGE AVENGER SE - RED, 31K................................................$13,998 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN - GRAY, 29K.....................................$18,995 2012 CHRYSLER 200 LIMITED - RED, 25K, 1 OWNER...........................$15,498 2012 FORD FIESTA SEL - SILVER, 47K...................................................$12,995 2012 CHRYSLER 300C AWD - WHITE, 1K.............................................$30,998 2011 CHEVY IMPALA LT - SILVER, 58K.................................................$11,998 2011 CHRYSLER 200 TOURING - SILVER, 27K, 1 OWNER.....................$13,598 2011 MAZDA 3I SPORT - BLACK, 74K.................................................$10,995 2010 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY LIMITED - BLUE, 25K....................$20,998 2010 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY TOURING - WHITE, 50K, 1 OWNER.....$16,998 2010 CHEVY COBALT LT - RED, 68K......................................................$8,995 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT - WHITE, 63K.........................................$11,598 2009 FORD FOCUS SES - BLACK, 78K...................................................$9,998 2008 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERT - SILVER, 56K..............................$10,998 2008 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY TOURING - BLUE, 63K, 1 OWNER. .$12,998 2008 CHEVY HHR - WHITE, 120K..........................................................$7,999 2008 SUBARU WRX - RED, 86K..........................................................$15,998 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT LS - BLUE, 94K.............................................$6,995 2007 DODGE CALIBER R/T - RED, 117K................................................$4,198 2007 LINCOLN MKZ FWD - RED, 78K, 1 OWNER..................................$9,998 2007 PONTIAC G5 SE - BLACK, 103K...................................................$5,995 2007 CHRYSLER 300 AWD - BLACK, 80K, 1 OWNER...........................$13,995 2007 CHEVY IMPALA LT - WHITE, 110K.................................................$6,998 2006 MAZDA 6 V6 - WHITE, 129K.......................................................$5,995 2006 CHRYSLER 300 AWD TOURING - WHITE, 51K.............................$13,998 2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER - WHITE, 52K............................................$9,998 2005 CHRYSLER 300 SEDAN - GREEN, 72K, 1 OWNER..........................$8,398 2005 DODGE CARAVAN SE - GOLD, 173K............................................$3,498 2005 TOYOTA COROLLA S - BLUE, 173K...............................................$6,995 2003 SUBARU BAJA AWD - SILVER, 207K.............................................$3,998 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY SE - BROWN, 236K...........................................$2,998

reinvent ourselves and grow. We all are in a state of change and Nelson’s is part of the new Steubenville,” declared Nelles. The first floor of the former school building includes a showroom for walk-in customers, and former classrooms serve as smaller showrooms. In one corner of the building are the offices for Nelson Fine Arts and Gifts. The second floor serves as the home for the manufacturing and shipping operations. “On this side of the hallway is the manufacturing process where paintings are framed, clothing apparel is designed and printed and gifts are created. We specialize in essentially four different types of products. The first is art, the second is gifts, then apparel, including T-shirts, hoodies and hats, and the fourth is our customized items such as signs, posters and banners,” Nelles explained. “On the other side of the hallway is our shipping center where we store a variety of our items and where we package items to be sent out. A conveyor

belt runs the length of the building, through several former classrooms, to allow our pickers to gather together orders and move them to the spot where they receive their final paperwork and are sent for shipping,” continued Nelles. “Mark saw a need for more space, so at one point he built a second floor above the gymnasium and opened a wall to allow access to that space. We are continuing to grow and to expand. Right now we have 30 employees but we are going to be very busy later this summer due to the papal visit to the United States, so we may have to hire on additional help. We are now manufacturing items for the World Meeting of Families that the pope will be attending in Philadelphia,” noted Nelles. “Locally, we now offer so much more than art and gifts, so from now on, we’re just going to go by the name ‘Nelson’s,’ which is what many people already call us anyway. We are here to stay and will grow as we move forward,” declared Nelles.

“Business and professional people working together to make your community a better place for everyone to live and work.”

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No job too big, too small for Tom Brown General Contractor and Handyman Service Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015

WELLSBURG — General contractor and handyman Tom Brown built a loyal clientele through his willingness to do a variety of jobs, large and small. Some contractors specialize or only accept work they know will make them money, but Brown is willing to do smaller jobs because it helps build a relationship with customers. “They’ll get to know us on a smaller project and remember us when a bigger one comes along,” Brown said. He has operated his contracting and handyman business for 25 years, and, during that time, he has performed interior and

exterior work for residents and businesses from Weirton to Wheeling and Wintersville to Avella, Pa. Aided by a large and ready crew of experienced, honest and courteous craftsmen, Brown adopted the slogan “one call does it all” because he and his crew can repair, replace, renovate, remodel and build anything at a home or business, inside or out. Based at 1140 Charles St., Tom Brown General Contractor and Handyman Services has built, installed or replaced roofs, walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, decks, sheds, landscaping, fixtures, cabinets, lighting, bathtubs

and sidewalks. Brown offers annual maintenance contracts, through which he and his staff offer gutter and windowcleaning, yard work services and putting up and removing Christmas lights. “We have a lot of contracts with out-oftown homeowners because they need someone they can trust,” he said. Brown offers free verbal estimates and written estimates for a small fee and enjoys offering free handyman advice. “I look forward to speaking with anyone who might have a home or business need,” he said. Brown strives to be accessible to all his

customers by regularly visiting each worksite at least once each day until the job is completed. He takes pride in being an honest businessman and his business has benefited through clientele who respect his opinion. “If they don’t need a new roof, just repairs, I’ll tell them so,” Brown said. The son of a Methodist minister who served various churches in California, Brown called many places home as a

youth. Since meeting his wife, Heather Hamilton, a Wellsburg native, he’s called the city home. “I’ve lived here more than anywhere else,” he said. “I like it. I’m proud there are so many good people and it’s such a beautiful place.” He is a member of the Wellsburg Lions Club, and has served as president and

coordinated the snocone trailer fundraiser that benefits various community projects. He also is a member of the Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau. For information about services provided by Tom Brown General Contractor and Handyman Services, call (304) 737-3518.

Pytash Tractor: Offering quality sales and service since 1973

TORONTO — Pytash Tractor Sales and Service is a lawn and garden equipment and ATV dealer that only handles the best products in the industry, according to owner Tom Pytash. As a Polaris Star Dealer, Pytash carries the Polaris line of ATVs and Rangers. Customers also can find Kubota tractors and equipment with financing as low as 0 percent available.

Pytash keeps a number of recognizable brand names in stock, including Honda power equipment; Toro landscape and commercial equipment; STIHL chainsaws, trimmers, blowers, cut-off saws and more at the store. It boasts one of the largest selections of zero-turn tractors in the area and also carries Gravely tractors and equipment. “Kubota tractors are our

most popular item,” Pytash said. “We offer the best service around.” Zero-turn mowers have been growing in popularity because they’re easy to handle, highly maneuverable and precise when cutting closely around obstacles like landscaping, saving effort on weed whacking later. Pytash also offers used equipment and repair services. A family-owned-and -

Shae Dalrymple

Pytash Tractor Sales and Service in Toronto carries a variety of brand name equipment with financing options available. Kubota’s top-selling Z122E Kommander zero-turn lawn mower offers commercial-grade performance that’s easy to use and easy to own, according to owner Tom Pytash.

operated business since 1973, Pytash Tractor Sales has been voted the No. 1 Best ATV/Tractor Dealer in the region numerous times in local media, he noted. The business was founded by Tom’s parents, Frank and Delores Pytash and has stayed in the family ever since. Tom’s sisters, Cheri and Pat, continue to help out with the business today, alongside about 10 experienced employees.

Pytash Tractor Sales and Service is located at 8003 state Route 213 in Toronto, about 8 miles north of Steubenville. It’s open Mondays through Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Sundays. Contact the expert staff at Pytash Tractor Sales and Service by phone at (740) 544-5620 or visit PytashTractorSales.com for more information about its products.