Community A Supplement to The Intelligencer, Wheeling News-Register, The Times Leader, Tyler Star News and Wetzel Chronicle Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Seeking A
CLEARER VISION Students, retirees, teachers, pipeliners, truck drivers, attorneys, journalists, retail workers, medical professionals and individuals from all walks of life come together to make up the communities we call home here in the Upper Ohio Valley. These people draw from decades of local traditions as they plan their day-to-day activities, such as their commute to work or their family entertainment for a Friday night. But they also are seeking a clearer vision of the future of life in our region as technology evolves and the economy changes. This section includes a look at many things that define the quality of life in our area. Some communities are hoping to upgrade their public safety facilities, while others are hoping to attract more tourists by preserving and highlighting their many attractions. Special activities and events aim to keep customs alive. From parks and recreational facilities that provide opportunities to get away from the daily grind to clubs for youth and historical preservation organizations, there is a little bit of something for everyone who lives here or comes to visit.
2 – The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers
Progress
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
4-H Clubs Changing Focus of Programs By MIKE JONES Staff Writter When most people think of 4-H, they probably imagine farms and animals. While agriculture is still an educational staple for the organization, the clubs today are focusing on other challenges young adults will face with more programs highlighting personal finances and STEM classes. “Most people think of 4-H as animals, the county fair,” said Jane Keyser, the extension educator for 4-H Youth Development in Belmont County. “It’s not just that. It’s more. It’s about bringing real life experiences to people. 4-H is based on hands-on learning regardless (of the subject).” One of those handson experiences is a “real money, real world” class that helps young adults learn about money management. The Belmont County students in 4-H Club are given a persona, budget and career, which they then use to calculate how much they could to afford to spend on rent, car payments and utilities. “They have to go around and spend money like they’re paying their monthly bills,” Keyser said. “No matter what it is, it’s all hands-on (learning),” she added. “We’re trying to broaden that perspective. We’ve been doing outside community club work. A lot of people see us as that (farming) program, but we really are a lot more than that.” The Belmont County 4-H Club has partnered with schools in the county with its 21st Century (Please see CLUBS, Page 12)
A CLEARER VISION on 4-H Clubs: ∫ Belmont County
4-H offers a new “real money, real world” class that helps young adults learn about money management. ∫ Marshall County’s club has been focusing on STEM classes with the help of various grants. ∫ The “Sky’s The Limit” program features various aeronautics classes, and they’re also teaching coding.
Photos by Scott McCloskey
Alyssa Strope of St. Clairsville hangs some of her fair ribbons after winning grand champion market lamb and reserve champion market steer during the 2018 Marshall County Fair.
Above: Autumn Clark assists in displaying auction items for the crowd during the Marshall County Dairy Club Auction in 2018. Right: Students from Washington Lands Elementary perform experiments during the 2019 Agri-Days event at the Marshall County Fairgrounds.
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Wednesday, February 26, 2020
The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers – 3
Oglebay Institute Marks 90 Years By HEATHER ZIEGLER Staff Writer WHEELING — When prospective companies and private citizens are considering Wheeling as a place to work and live, many factors come into play. Oglebay Institute President Danielle McCracken said the 90-year-old arts and nature organization offers many diverse programs that make Wheeling an attractive place for people of all ages. She said visitors often remark about the quality of life resources Oglebay Institute provides in a city the size of Wheeling. “We offer the resources that create awareness and puts this area in a positive light ... adding to its economic development,” McCracken commented. From its humble beginnings in 1930, the non profit Oglebay Institute has served as the cultural hub of Wheeling, providing countless opportunities for people to engage in creative pursuits. It also provides gathering places for all people to enjoy, appreciate and experience the arts and nature. OI will celebrate its 90th anniversary in July. This year, OI will continue to expand its reach into the communities and schools with programs for teachers and students. “We have seen the power and impact of arts and education programs. We plug in what we do with teachers ... offering opportunities for professional development for teachers,” McCracken commented. Expanding those ideas is what is behind the Rural Arts Collaborative Spring Institute 2020 that will happen March
A CLEARER VISION on Oglebay Institute: ∫ Oglebay Institute began with 110 associate members who donated $100 each in the early 1930s. ∫ In 1987, Oglebay Institute was officially recognized as the oldest arts council in the nation by the Arts Reporting Service. ∫ The Rural Arts Collaborative Spring Institute 2020 will happen March 22 at Wheeling University’s Recital Hall.
Photos Provided
Above: Oglebay Institute dance instructor Kim Kafana works with children and their families in her ‘Exploration of Movement’ program at the Augusta Levy Learning Center. The program engages children with autism and other sensory processing disorders. Students listen to music, process patterns and then dance. Along the way, they are practicing the skills they learn each day in therapy sessions. Right: Rick Morgan, director of the Stifel Fine Arts Center, teaches numerous pottery classes. He is pictured here demonstrating the Raku style of pottery.
22 at Wheeling University’s Recital Hall. This program will be a daylong collaboration with 150 educators and artists networking and learning from various speakers and one another. (Please see OGLEBAY, Page 15)
Enjoying Oglebay Institute’s Alzheimer’s Poetry Project where poetry was read aloud at Elmhurst, The House of Friendship, are Phyl Kosar, resident, and Triadelphia Middle School student Brody Cox. The poetry project was created by Gary Glazner in New York.
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Progress
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Photo Provided
The Brook Park Place high rise is shown here in Wheeling.
Renovations Preserve Affordable Housing Communities From Staff Reports BRIDGEPORT — Major renovations have helped to create a clearer vision of the future for two affordable housing communities in Belmont County, which is expected to improve the lives of dozens of seniors by providing them with new amenities and modern updates in their apartments and community spaces. A $4 million renovation project at Barnesville Manor and a $3.1 million rehabilitation of Bridgeport Manor were completed in the fall. Both projects restored the 51-unit communities for seniors ages 62 and older by extending the useful life of the buildings.
A CLEARER VISION on Senior Housing Facilities: ∫ Renovations were performed in the fall to preserve two affordable housing facilities in Belmont County. ∫ High rises and other affordable living communities provide safe, sanitary housing for area residents. ∫ Such communities on both sides of the Ohio River offer private living spaces, community rooms, laundry facilities, fitness areas and more for their residents. Photo by Shelly Hanson
Above: shown here is the Wayne Hays Towers in Martins Ferry. It is owned by the Belmont County Metropolitan Housing Authority.
(Please see HOUSING, Page 14)
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Wednesday, February 26, 2020
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Photo by Scott McCloskey
Workers tear concrete and steel from bridges on Interstate 70 as part of an ongoing bridge replacement project.
Area Bridge Projects Center of Attention
By SCOTT McCLOSKEY Staff Writer WHEELING — Several area bridge projects have been the center focus for many residents of the Wheeling, Moundsville and Wellsburg areas of the Northern Panhandle over the past year. While two bridges were completed in 2019 as part of the W.Va. 2 road widening project in Moundsville, others, like the I-70 Bridges Project in Ohio County and the Wheeling Suspension Bridge and Wellsburg Bridge projects, are ongoing. ∫ As the long-awaited I-70 Bridges Project got underway in Ohio County this past fall, motorists have found new ways to get around town as they (Please see BRIDGE, Page 13)
A CLEARER VISION on Area Bridge Projects: ∫ A complete ninemonth closure of Interstate 70 west between the Oglebay Park Exit and 16th Street/W.Va. 2 South Exit began in February. ∫ The historic Suspension Bridge was closed last year when a Coach USA Lenzer bus exceeding the bridge’s 2-ton weight limit crossed the bridge June 29. ∫ The “Wellsburg Bridge” is a $131 million project that is being constructed across the Ohio River between Wellsburg and Brilliant.
Photo by Scott McCloskey
Gaping holes are left behind where concrete once carried lanes of traffic along I-70 in the Wheeling area. Multiple bridges are being replaced as part of an extensive construction project.
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Progress
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Blame My Roots Fest Preparing for 2020 Show By CARRI GRAHAM Staff Writer MORRISTOWN — As another summer approaches, Blame My Roots officials have a clearer vision of the future of country music in the region and their upcoming show, set to take place later this year. Shortly after the country music festival made its debut in July, officials announced the concert would return in the summer of 2020. The threeday event is set for July 1618 at the Valley View Campgrounds along National Road outside of Belmont. Around 30 artists and bands are expected to perform on three stages at this year’s event. At the inaugural concert, there were also 30 performers on three stages. The main stage, also known as the Bud Light stage, and the Root stage feature Nashville country music stars, while the third stage, also referred to as the Busker stage, showcases all local country music talent. Blame My Roots was launched to serve as a replacement for Jamboree In The Hills, which took a “hiatus” in the summer of 2019 after more than 40 years of bringing country music stars to the hills of Belmont County.
A CLEARER VISION on Blame My Roots: ∫ The country music festival will return in July for its second year of bringing country music stars to Belmont County. ∫ More than 30 acts are expected to appear on three stages during a three-day span in July. ∫ Organizers hope to attract at least twice as many attendees to this year’s concert.
Chris Dutton, BMR organizer, said his vision was always to have constant music going during the festival. The headliners for the upcoming event include Justin Moore, Neal McCoy, Tracy Lawrence, Jo Dee Messina and Gone West featuring Colbie Caillat. “We’re really excited,” Dutton said of the impending event. “We’re super excited to have Neal McCoy back.” The schedule is similar to the previous year’s slate of activities, he said. The maximum
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T-L File Photo
The Blame My Roots Country Music Festival inaugural event last year attracted more than 2,000 attendees, officials estimate.
capacity of the campgrounds is more than 6,000, he noted. “We have a 6,500-person capacity at the campgrounds. ... That’s our target. We’d love to have that many this year,” he said.
The festival was founded by Dutton and his sister, Nina Dutton. Their mother’s family, the Gentiles, owns the campgrounds where the festival was held last year. The campground contains 65 acres, 9 of which
are used to house the stages while the remainder are used for camping. Chris Dutton said there were approximately 2,000 attendees at last year’s festival. (Please see BLAME, Page 14)
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Wednesday, February 26, 2020
The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers – 7
Parks and Recreation Facilities Attract Visitors and New Residents By LENNY WITTENBROOK Staff Writer BELMONT — Opportunities resulting from oil and gas exploration and related industries are bringing new residents and visitors to the area who will find a host recreational activities and adventures at nearby parks and lakes that longtime residents have been enjoying for years. Belmont County Tourism Council Executive Director Barb Ballint stressed the important role that local parks play as local leaders develop a clearer vision of the changing economy and populace. “Parks and recreation districts and state parks do attract families, and with a lot of new families moving to our area that’s one of the things the parks focus on is the school systems as well as providing recreation for the families,” she said. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, community parks and local park districts are always looking to improve programs and facilities so that the enjoyment they provide can be maintained into the future. Statewide, ODNR last year completed over 60 infrastructure and construction projects at state parks totaling $214 million, according to its annual report. That report also touts the new Reservation and Registration System, which seeks to better serve the camping and boating community by merging the parks reservation system with the watercraft information and registration. The new system also provides for point of sale information, dock management capabilities, gift card pur-
chases, and a customer loyalty program. The report also notes that 2019 saw 56 percent of online registrations being made from mobile devices. Locally, the 1,005acre Barkcamp State Park provides visitors with 116-acre Belmont Lake for fishing or paddling, a variety of trails for experiencing the park’s second growth forest on foot, as well as the Antique Barn, Pioneer Village and Nature Center, which hosts programs during the summer months. Of Barkcamp’s 146 camp sites, 120 have electricity available, three are handicap accessible, and designated sites allow for pets. Four Photo by Lenny Wittenbrook Sherman Cabins with Three Sherman Cabins that feature sleeping for three, refrigerator and microwave are available for rental for sleeping for three, heat- those who don’t have a camper or wish to enjoy a stay at Barkcamp State Park without “roughing it.” ing, air conditioning, refrigerator and microwave are available for rental as well. on Ohio State Parks: There are 27 equestrian camp sites, providing ∫ Multiple state parks and other recreational riders access to Bark- facilities can be found in Eastern Ohio. camp’s 24-mile bridle ∫ Tourism officials say such facilities help trail, which Ballint cited attract visitors and new residents to the region. as a major attraction that ∫ The Ohio Department of Natural Resources brings visitors from out 21 S. Huron Street continues to invest in its parks across the state of the area to the park. Wheeling, WV 26003 and in the local area.
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(Please see PARKS, Page 12)
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Progress
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Festivals Abound in the Ohio Valley The Ohio Valley is no slacker when it comes to festivals. Nearly all year long there are festivals and other large events to attract visitors to the valley’s rich waterfronts, downtowns, churches and park venues. Here is a compilation of some of the most popular local events for 2020. Some dates may be tentative as of Feb. 1.
A CLEARER VISION on Local Celebrations: ∫ Ethnic-themed festivals celebrate the diverse heritage of local residents. ∫ Concert-filled days and weekends feature a variety of genres from country to the blues. ∫ The region’s natural beauty and historic sites provide the perfect setting for a number of popular events.
March: ∫ Wheeling Celtic Fest at River City Restaurant, March 7 ∫ Music and Art at Oak Glen Festival – New Cumberland, March 20-22 ∫ Wheeling Polka Fes∫ Ohio Valley Rib & tival, Oglebay Park’s Wil- Chicken Cook-Off, Herison Lodge, March 27-29 tage Port, Wheeling, June 19-20 April: ∫ Baby Bison Days ∫ Happy Cow Festi- Charity Pow Wow, Caval, Palace of Gold, New diz, June 20-21 Vrindaban, Moundsville, ∫ Wheeling Wine April 25-26 Festival, Heritage Port,
Wheeling, June 27 ∫ St. Joseph the Worker ∫ Back Home Festival, Festival, Weirton, July 19 Main Street, New Mar∫ Grecian Festival, tinsville, June 26-28 Wheeling, July 22-25 ∫ Upper Ohio Valley July: Italian Heritage Festival, ∫ Monroe County Heritage Port, Wheeling, PowWow, Hannibal, July July 24-26 4-5 ∫ Brew and Food ∫ Weirton Greek Fest, Truck Festival, RichJuly 9-11 mond, July 25 ∫ St. Michael Parish ∫ Betty Zane Days, Festival, Wheeling, July Martins Ferry, July 289-11 Aug. 1 ∫ Wild Wonderful Lock 13 River Fest, McAugust: Mechen, July 10-12 ∫ Sacred Heart of ∫ Follansbee Commu- Mary Church Polish Fesnity Days, July 10-12 tival, Weirton, Aug. 2 ∫ Ratha Yatra Festival ∫ YSS Celebrate of India, Heritage Port, Youth Festival, Wheeling Wheeling, July 11 Park, Aug. 6 ∫ Epworth Park Chau∫ Bellaire Firefighters tauqua Homecoming Festival, Bellaire, Aug. Days and Bethesda Festi- 7-8 val, Bethesda, July 11-12 ∫ Heritage Music ∫ Blame My Roots Bluesfest, Wheeling, Country Music Festival, Aug. 8-9, Heritage Port, Belmont, July 16-18 Wheeling ∫ Weirton Food Truck ∫ Mahrajan Lebanese Festival, July 18 Festival, Oglebay Park,
Aug. 8-9 ∫ Christ United Methodist Church Corn Festival, Weirton, Aug. 9 ∫ Town & Country Days, New Martinsville, Aug. 10-15 ∫ Mountaineer Brewfest, Heritage Port, Wheeling, Aug. 15 ∫ Scio Fall Festival, Scio, Aug. 19-22 ∫ Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta, Heritage Port, Aug. 28-30 ∫ Fort Henry Days, Oglebay Park, Wheeling, Aug. 29-20 September: ∫ Wheeling Heritage Port Sternwheel Festival, Sept. 10-12 ∫ Festival of Colors, Palace of Gold, New Vrindaban, Moundsville, Sept. 12 ∫ Barnesville Pumpkin Festival, Sept. 24-27. October:
∫ Wellsburg Applefest, Oct. 2-4 ∫ Oglebayfest, Oglebay Park, Oct. 2-4 ∫ Red Hot in Hancock Chili Cook-Off, Weirton, Oct. 10
November: ∫ Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights, Nov. 6-Jan. 2 ∫ Martins Ferry Winterfest, Martins Ferry, Nov. 27-29 ∫ Steubenville Nutcracker Village, Advent Market & Christmas Wonderland, Steubenville, Nov. 27-28, Dec. 4-6, 11-12 and 18-20. ∫ Elizabethtown Festival, former W.Va. State Penitentiary, Moundsville, Dec. 4-5, tentative dates. ∫ Steubenville Nutcracker Village, Advent Market & Christmas Wonderland, Steubenville, Dec. 4-6
May: ∫ Ohio Valley Pride Festival, Heritage Port, Wheeling, May 8-9 ∫ Wheeling Feelin’ Chili Cookoff and Car Cruise, Heritage Port, May 30 ∫ Hungarian Festival – Martins Ferry, May 16 June: ∫ Bluegrass in the Hills, Hopedale, June 3-3 ∫ Flushing Heritage Day, Flushing, June 5 ∫ Strawberry Festival, Martins Ferry, June 6 ∫ Holy Trinity Grecian Food Festival, Steubenville, June 9-12 ∫ Summer Artisans and Music Fest, Moundsville, June 12-13 ∫ Tri-State Pottery Festival, East Liverpool, June 11-13 ∫ Dean Martin Festival, Steubenville, June 11-13
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Above: The Festival of Colors at the Krishna community’s Palace of Gold at New Vrindaban near Moundsville will be held Sept 12. Left: The Ohio Valley Pride Festival at Heritage Port in Wheeling on May 8-9 will include a parade as in previous years.
Progress
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers – 9
File Photo
The site of a vacant warehouse at the corner of 19th and Jacob streets is being considered as a potential location for a new Wheeling Public Safety Building. An environmental study is underway, and figures related to the cost of remediation of any contaminants at the site and demolition of the existing structure likely will play a factor in determining whether the site will be a good option for the new building.
Plans for Wheeling Public Safety Building Move Forward By ERIC AYRES Staff Writer WHEELING — When 2020 kicked off, the city of Wheeling officially began collecting funds that will be used to pay for its new Public Safety Building. The city will borrow funds to build the new facility intended to house the police department and main headquarters of the fire department, but officials are still seeking a clearer vision about the best location for the structure. As of Jan. 1, people who work in the city must pay a user fee that generates money that will be used to pay off the debt incurred by the city to acquire land and build or purchase and renovate an existing building in order to house the new Public Safety Building. Plans are still materializing for the facility,
and this year the city is expected to get past one of the biggest hurdles to progress on work to bring those plans to fruition: site selection. Once a location for the building is determined, the city can move forward with finalizing designs and taking steps toward construction. According to City Manager Robert Herron, the Public Safety Building is expected to be a 50,000to 55,000-square-foot facility that would house the Wheeling Police Department in its entirety and the headquarters for the Wheeling Fire Department (currently housed in a Center Wheeling parking garage), as well as shared spaces for the two departments. Six other fire stations throughout the city will remain at their present locations. City officials emphat-
ically have maintained that the current police department headquarters at the City-County Building on Chapline Street downtown is outdated and severely lacking in space needed to operate efficiently. “Right now, the police department has 4,500 square feet,” Herron said. “We don’t have a women’s restroom. We don’t have lockers. We don’t have an evidence room. We don’t have work spaces for officers. We don’t have a conference room. We have no training facility. “It’s woefully inadequate for the police department.” The current fire department headquarters has developed water problems, Herron said, noting that the facility provides enough space, but that
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space is not ideally configured. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to move our fire department maintenance facility into this facility and consolidate that,” he said. In the Public Safety Building, the police and fire departments would be separate, but they would share conference rooms, information technology, a main lobby area and other spaces. “All of those shared areas creates efficiencies between the two departments,” Herron said. The city’s new user fee currently charges people who work in the city $2 per week. It is estimated that $1 of that $2-perweek fee will be going toward the cost of the Public Safety Building. The other $1 will go toward other infrastructure projects throughout the city,
Herron explained. “Right now, the budget for the Public Safety Building is just under $15 million,” he said. “We’re estimating the user fee will generate between $800,000 and $900,000 per year. That will become more in focus in July, and then it will become really more in focus in October. It just started Jan. 1, and the first remittance isn’t until April.” Herron said the user fee will sunset whenever the debt service on the Public Safety Building expires, although a future city council could opt to reinstitute it. The actual term of the debt service is yet to be determined, according to the city manager, who said it could be 20 years but more likely around 25 years. (Please see SAFETY, Page 12)
A CLEARER VISION on Wheeling’s Public Safety Building: ∫ The city of Wheeling officially began collecting user fee funds that will be used to pay for its new Public Safety Building. ∫ An environmental analysis of a 19-acre property will determine if that is an appropriate site. ∫ Police and fire department headquarters lack the necessary space and amenities for efficient operation of those departments.
10 – The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers
Progress
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
West Virginia Tourism Growing By MIKE JONES and ROBERT DeFRANK Staff Writers WHEELING — West Virginia’s tourism industry grew for the second consecutive year in 2018 — the last year full figures were available — with a two-year growth trend that reversed years of decline and outpaces national growth by 58 percent. The research, compiled by Travel Impacts Study, shows traveler spending in West Virginia grew at a rate of 6.5 percent, totaling $4.55 billion in 2018. “Tourism is a bright spot in West Virginia’s economy right now,” West Virginia Tourism Commissioner Chelsea Ruby said. “Our marketing budget was tripled last year, which has allowed us to really expand our market and make our message louder and clearer in all of our target markets. We’ve seen great results with that.” She said traveler spending in West Virginia has grown 9.9 percent in the last two years. “We believe this is just the beginning,” she said. Locally, tourism has been booming
A CLEARER VISION on West Virginia Tourism: ∫ Traveler spending in West Virginia grew at a rate of 6.5 percent totaling $4.55 billion in 2018. ∫ Local tourism tax revenue has grown every year – besides 2008 during the recession – since 2006. ∫ Attractions at the Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, Capitol Theatre and Oglebay Park have fueled local growth. for the past decade, according to the Wheeling-Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Frank O’Brien. He said local tourism tax revenue has grown every year — besides 2008 during the recession —since O’Brien began his position in 2006. (Please see GROWING, Page 12)
Photo by Scott McCloskey
Photos provided
Denny Reynolds, a part-time electrician, rewires part of the dinosaur display be- Tourists from Washington, D.C., took a surprise trip to West Virginia last fall and were treated to a view of the Canaan Valley. fore last year’s annual Winter Festival of Lights.
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We will be conducting our Spring clean-up at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Wheeling, W.Va., weather permitting, beginning March l and concluding March 15. All items will be removed throughout the entire cemetery (graves and mausoleums). Items in vases on the graves will be removed too. Please remove any items you wish to keep by February 28. After February 28 all items will be removed. Please do not place any items in the cemetery until March 16th. Further information is available at Mount Calvary Cemetery Office by calling (304) 242-0460. Copies of the rules and regulations are available at Mount Calvary Cemetery’s Main Office.
Monthly First Friday Mass at 5:30 p.m. Celebrated at the Bishop’s Chapel located in Mount Calvary Cemetery. All are welcome.
Burial of the faithful and care for their final Catholic resting places with dignity, honor and respect.
Mount Calvary offers grave space, mausoleum crypts, niche space and a full line of monuments, grave markers, benches and cameos.
Progress
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers – 11
Belmont County a Tourism Destination By ROBERT A. DEFRANK Staff Writer ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Belmont County continues to offer tourism destinations for visitors from near and far and for residents who are unaware of the interesting sites in their own backyards. Belmont County Tourism Director Barb Ballint said her office is always working to spread word and create a clearer vision of what Belmont County has to offer. In recent months, she has been reaching out to some Ohio’s metropolitan areas. “I have been participating in many travel shows. We were recently at the Cleveland Home and Garden Show, where we passed out over 2,700 brochures, and the Triple A Travel Show in Columbus where we were able to distribute over 1,000 brochures, and so we are getting the word out beyond our boundaries that Belmont County’s a place to visit,” she said. “We have been working hard on marketing our area to
some of the larger communities in the state because we’re looking for them to come for a day trip or a weekend trip. Because of this marketing effort, we believe you’re going to see an increase in attendance at our attractions and our events.” Ballint said she also has been cooperating with the Moundsville Convention and Visitors Bureau in Marshall County and the Wheeling CVB in Ohio County during the Cleveland Home and Garden Show. “We all shared a booth and promoted the upper Ohio Valley together,” she said. Now coming off the end of winter, Ballint said the next series of festivals and events will begin in spring. In addition, Ballint said she is inviting local communities to promote themselves April 3-4. “We’re kicking off the tourism season by having our communities expo at the Ohio Valley Mall, where we’re asking unique attractions and businesses — like only in Bel-
mont County businesses — to participate and set up a booth, just to bring awareness to all,” she said. “It’s the first time having something like this. We’re really looking forward to it and hope it will be something that we can do annually. We’re working with the local chamber of commerce offices,” she said. Ballint said the year’s events are usually marked in May with the National Road Yard Sale. Stretching 824 miles across the nation from Baltimore, Maryland, to St. Louis, Missouri, and passing right through the center of Ohio and across the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia, the six-statelong yard sale is reportedly the longest continuous garage/ yard sale in the country. The National Pike Wagon Train is another popular event, where people travel in the style of a traditional wagon train along U.S. 40. The event is set for May 30-31. Ballint mentioned the sec-
ond Blame My Roots Country Music Festival, set during the same time period in July as the nationally known Jamboree In The Hills, which has been on hiatus and was not held last year. The Dutton family is utilizing the property across the road from the Morristown site where Jamboree In The Hills once played. “We expect a very large attendance at that event,” Ballint said, adding excitement was high last year, and Jamboree In The Hills had Belmont County on the map for decades as a traditional destination for country music lovers. “Word is spreading that there is still country music in Belmont County the third weekend in July, definitely. Their social media platforms are growing, and we are asking more people to look them up.” Another growing event is the Belmont County Schools Staying Clean Car, Bike, & Truck Show, held in September for the past three years at the Ohio
A CLEARER VISION on Belmont County Tourism: ∫ Tourism officials are traveling further from home to spread the word about the region. ∫ Area businesses and communities are being invited to promote themselves at tourism council events. ∫ Belmont County features numerous events and attractions to draw tourists to the area. Valley Mall to raise money to promote a drug-free outreach to area youth. In addition, Belmont County features numerous parks, museums, scenic routes and other attractions, in addition to ample lodging at camp sites and hotels.
File photos
Left: The National Road Yard Sale is a popular tourism event that runs through Belmont County. Above: Tourists continue to celebrate the pioneer roots of Belmont County with the National Pike Wagon Train.
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Progress
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Parks (Continued from Page 7)
Piedmont Lake, which lies in Belmont and Harrison counties, and Tappan Lake in Harrison County offer contrasting experiences for anglers and boaters. Piedmont is considered to be one of the most scenic of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District lakes, being set in hilly wooded terrain with few buildings visible
from the water. Boat launching, food, gas and other services are available at the marina, along with nearby camping. Tappan Lake, with U.S. 250 running along 7 miles of its shore and a number of township and state roads crossing and passing nearby, is open and accessible to boat and shorebound anglers alike.
Tappan also boasts a 399 horsepower limit for boats, allowing for water skiing, tubing and wake-boarding. Tappan Park has over 500 campsites and 11 vacation cabins available, along with a nature and activity center. Seneca Lake in Guernsey and Noble counties is 3,500 acres of water with a 45-mile shoreline and has boat launch-
ing and other services and camping available off of Ohio 313. Ohio’s largest state park, Salt Fork, lies northeast of Cambridge, Ohio, in Guernsey County and boasts a lodge and conference center, an 18-hole top-rated golf course, two marinas, miles of trails, and a 2,900-acre lake with no horsepower limit for
boats and a swimming area at one of the longest inland beaches in the state. Besides these larger parks and recreational areas, activities and recreation of different varieties are available to those looking to spend some time outdoors at the many municipal parks in which local communities take enormous pride.
days. That will identify what the environmental issues are and how to remediate those.” An estimated cost of remediation also is expected to be determined, which is a key factor in determining if use of this location for the Public Safety Building will be deemed feasible. The Phase II environmental study is being paid through a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant, which allows them to consider the
property as a potential site for the new building. “We have not acquired the property. We just have it under an option agreement,” Herron said. “If council reviews the report (on the environmental analysis) and makes the determination that’s where they want to put the building, we will know what the cost is going to be.” If the warehouse site is selected, the existing building will
have to be demolished and removed. That site could accommodate a new building with approximately 52,000 square feet of space, Herron said, noting that a timetable could depend on the level of remediation if that site is selected. Other options are still being explored while city leaders await result of the environmental analysis at 19th and Jacob streets. “We’re also considering
other buildings and sites that may present themselves within the geographic area that we need,” the city manager said. “Until we identify the exact site, we can’t really proceed with designs. When we have a site, then we’ll hire an architect or engineer, give them the site specifications and say ‘here’s what we need.’ Once a site is selected, the goal would be to begin right away with either demolition or renovation.”
and the state high school football championships. “Oglebay remains one of the top — if not the top — economic impacts related to tourism. The Festival of Lights remains a very strong economic driver. So we can complement each other to keep them coming to the area,” O’Brien said. “Because they reinvent themselves, they continue to grow,” he added. Meanwhile, Ruby said
their activities include amplifying their voice in existing markets and looking at new target markets to spread the message of West Virginia. “People don’t always think about West Virginia as a vacation destination,” she said. “We’re a four-season destination. We’re a place with unmatched outdoor recreation, southern hospitality and some of the friendliest folks on Earth.” But the state’s tourism
department also has been turning its attention closer to home with a presence at the recent Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce Home and Garden Show. “A lot of times we have great success at these local events because people in West Virginia don’t always think about what’s in their own backyard, so we go to those events to remind them of the beauty that is West Virginia and the things
that they can do here in the state,” she said. Ruby said tourism was making progress with the use of media and social media. She mentioned working regularly with travel writers and meeting with such publications as Southern Living or Outside magazine. “We also bring in travel writers and social media influencers to West Virginia on a regular basis,” she said.
Belmont County. Marshall County’s club has been focusing on STEM classes with the help of various grants from area natural gas producers, according to Lisa Ingram, the 4-H extension agent for Marshall County. The “Sky’s The Limit” program features various aero-
nautics classes, and they’re also teaching coding. “Most of the programs started with a home economics and agricultural base,” Ingram said. “But we do a lot of hands-on learning here as well. That’s a nationwide push.” In fact, some of those hands-on learning projects
through its STEM programs were put on full display at last year’s Marshall County Fair with exhibits explaining the science behind bubbles, ultraviolet light and even slime. “Really, just about anything you can think of, we can turn it into a 4-H project,” Ingram said. “Skills that we hope translate into the skills they
will need to be successful in their post-secondary lives and eventually with their jobs as adults.” But all of that doesn’t mean agriculture isn’t still a centerpiece for 4-H clubs. “We still have a large number of farming categories,” Ingram said. “That’s still a large project base for us.”
Safety (Continued from Page 9)
Wheeling officials presently are looking at an old warehouse property as a potential site for construction of the new Public Safety Building. “The city currently has an option agreement for just under 19 acres of property on 19th Street in East Wheeling,” Herron said. “Right now, we’re undergoing environmental Phase II analysis of that property. We anticipate that being completed within the next 60
Growing (Continued from Page 10)
“Tourism business is really strong in the Northern Panhandle, and Wheeling specifically, for all the tourism drivers we have,” O’Brien said. He alluded to attractions at the Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, Capitol Theatre and Oglebay Park, along with sporting events, such as the Beast of the East baseball tournament, Mountain East Conference basketball tourney
Clubs (Continued from Page 2)
Grant through the Educational Service Center to create more interactive learning programs. That has helped to boost the programs participation in Belmont County, Keyser said. “We’re trying to do a little more with the schools in ways we haven’t been able to in the past,” Keyser said. And that extends beyond
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Progress
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers – 13
Bridge (Continued from Page 5)
follow local and “through” detours set by the West Virginia Division of Highways as part of the project. The project includes the rehabilitation or replacement of 26 bridges on I-70 in Ohio County between the Marion Street interchange in Bridgeport and Middle Creek over more than a two-year construction schedule, with the full replacement of two bridges that span Wheeling Creek near Tunnel Green known as the “I-70 Fulton Bridges.” The rehabilitation work includes building new decks or overlaying an existing deck and making any necessary steel or substructure repairs. A complete nine-month closure of I-70 west between the Oglebay Park Exit and 16th Street/W.Va. 2 South Exit began earlier this month, allowing crews to perform demolition work and renovate a number of bridges in that area. Prior to that time, the DOH established a local detour on National Road and a “through” detour on I-470 West at the I-70 Elm Grove split. The complete closure for the eastbound side of I-70 where the Fulton Bridge is located is set to take place from Feb. 1, 2021, until Nov. 1, 2021. A 45 mph speed limit has been set throughout most of Ohio County, with the exception of crossover and construction zones where the speed limit is lower. A large section of the highway has also been narrowed to one lane between Elm Grove and Oglebay Park exits. Shortly after general contractor Swank Construction was awarded the $215 million project late last summer, they immediately began site preparation in many areas around the city. Since that time, motorists continue to cautiously navigate around orange barrels and through congested areas of town. ∫ Since the closing of the historic Suspension Bridge last year, the future use of the structure for the motoring public is still uncertain , according to West Virginia DOH officials. It was in the fall when
West Virginia Secretary of Transportation Byrd White announced a permanent closure of the structure to vehicular traffic after it was first closed to traffic on June 29, when a Coach USA Lenzer bus exceeding the bridge’s 2-ton weight limit crossed the bridge causing damage to the structure. Last month, more than 75 people turned out for a town hall meeting on Wheeling Island as the Wheeling Island Community Association sponsored the meeting with officials from the West Virginia Division of Highways as a way to start a proactive conversation about the future of the structure. DOH officials couldn’t say for sure whether the span would ever be opened to vehicular traffic again, but they told the crowd that under the current plan, work on the structure is suppose to be contracted in the fall. Tony Clark, District 6 acting engineer for the DOH said the rehabilitation may not start until spring 2021, depending on the contractor’s schedule. Clark emphasized to the crowd that even with the completion of the rehabilitation project, the weight limit for the span will not increase. In the meantime, the span continues to be open to pedestrians. ∫ What’s being referred to as the “Wellsburg Bridge” by DOH officials is a $131 million project that is being constructed across the Ohio River between Wellsburg and Brilliant. The completion date for the structure is expected to be late 2021. Flatiron Corporation crews of Broomfield, Colorado, began assembling segments of the 830-foot tiedarch span in a yard along the river last fall, just north of the actual bridge site. Eventually be five bridge piers will be constructed across the river to support the upper sections of the structure. Flatiron plans to lower the tied-arch span onto piers from 80 feet in the air using jacks positioned on barges sometime in the fall of this year. With an estimated weight of
Photo by Scott McCloskey
The Wheeling Suspension Bridge remains closed to traffic despite continuing construction on Interstate 70 in and around the city.
4,000 tons, the tied-arch span is expected to be the heaviest structure to be lifted in such a way in the United States, according to DOH officials. Flatiron will have a window of 72 hours to hoist the tiedarch span in to place high above the Ohio River. All river traffic will be shut down during that period. West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice was on hand with Brooke County officials when ground was broke for the span in July 2018. Justice said the bridge is a collaboration of the West Virginia and Ohio departments of transportation, and both have drawn on federal highway money to finance it. The states have signed an agreement in
which West Virginia, which owns the river, will pay 65 percent of the span’s cost. Ohio will pay the remaining 35 percent. When complete, the bridge will extend across the river from W.Va. 2 about a mile south of Wellsburg to the intersection of Third and Clever streets near Ohio 7 in Brilliant. ∫ Following a $15 million road widening project that began in early 2018 on the section of W.Va. 2 that stretches from Monarch Stadium in Moundsville to the U.S. 250/ Jefferson Avenue extension, motorists are now able to enjoy a much smoother drive through that stretch of roadway after dealing traffic pattern changes and detours for
many months. In addition to creating two lanes that run the full length of the construction zone on both sides of W.Va. 2, a middle turning lane was created and two road bridges and culvert drainage pipes were replaced as part of the overall project. Water and sewer lines were replaced in the designated work zone as part of the project contract, while gas and electric companies also moved or replaced utility lines within the work zone to accommodate the overall project, according to DOH officials. Triton Construction Inc. of St. Albans, W.Va. was the general contractor for the project, which completed near the end of 2019.
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14 – The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers
Progress
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Housing
(Continued from Page 6)
“Both of these senior communities had been well maintained and managed by National Church Residences; however, the 40-plus-yearold buildings had never undergone a substantial rehabilitation,” said Vice President of Affordable Housing Amy Rosenthal. “We’re excited that the results will improve safety and accessibility for our residents, by preserving more than 100 affordable senior housing apartments for this region.” Extensive renovations were made to each apartment, as well as to the main entry lobbies, community rooms, laundry facilities, business centers, fitness rooms, outdoor patios and more. The overhaul enhanced visibility throughout the inside of the buildings with brighter colors and additional lighting. Building services and amenities were upgraded and tailored to residents to promote a more vibrant community. In addition, the community spaces were rearranged to house a new transportation office and a dedicated health clinic
at Barnesville Manor. National Church Residences’ Foundation has operated a transportation program on-site since 2012, providing handicap accessible transportation to residents and to more than 200 low-income seniors within the county. The rehabilitation of Barnesville Manor also improved energy efficiency of the building to exceed the minimum Enterprise Green Communities standards. Both subsidized housing communities were built in 1975 and purchased by National Church Residences in 1999. Belmont County also is home to several other complexes and high rises for both seniors and families. The facilities are run by the Belmont County Metropolitan Housing Authority. “The basic thing we do is provide safe, sanitary and affordable housing for residents of Belmont County,” said Jody Geese, executive director of the Belmont County Metropolitan Housing Authority. “We’ve been a high performer for as many years
they have had a grading system. I’m proud of the job we do.” Some of the high rises maintained by the authority include the John Laslo Apartments, Wayne L. Hays Towers, Hartman Manor and Selby Apartments, all in Martins Ferry. There is also the Wayne Hays Colony in Flushing and Rose Hill Tower in Bellaire. Meanwhile, the city of Wheeling and Ohio County also are home to several private high rises. They include the G.W. Petroplus Towers on National Road, Brook Park Place on National Road, Windsor Manor in the downtown and Montani Towers on Market Street. High rises owned and maintained by the Wheeling Housing Authority include Riverview Towers on Main Street, Luau Manor in Center Wheeling, Booker T. Washington Plaza on Chapline Street and the Garden Park Terrace Apartments in Warwood. Staff Writer Shelley Photo provided Hanson contributed to A kitchen is shown inside a unit at the Bridgeport Manor in Bridgeport. this report.
Blame (Continued from Page 6)
“We’re hoping to at least double that this year,” he said. Dutton said the organizers have been working tirelessly to prepare for the show set for this summer. He said that some things were a bit easier during preparations this year on their second go-around and others, a bit more difficult. “Last year, we had a little bit of ‘ignorance is bliss.’ This year we want to make sure the experience is as good or better,” he said. Unlike last year when organizers only had a few months to prepare, they have had nearly 12 months to plan for the upcoming show. In addition to time restraints, it was difficult to book some of the larger acts because the event was relatively unknown, Dutton said. “Going from a year ago, no one wanting to
deal with us, to now them reaching out to us ... all of this stuff has been a lot easier,” he said. Dutton said bands that wanted to participate in the next event began contacting them right after the festival concluded last year. The unique aspect of festival-style concerts, Dutton said, is the intimate experience. “The cool thing about the festival is everything is pretty intimate on the grounds,” he said. Dutton reminisced about Trace Adkins borrowing one of the organizer’s golf carts at last year’s event. “He (Adkins) drove it around the grounds during the festival,” he said. Performers and attendees are in close proximity to one another during the festival, he added. “It’s really cool, these guys are just walking through,” he said.
T-L File Photo
Blame My Roots Country Music Festival founders Chris Dutton, left, and his sister, Nina Dutton, prepare for the second annual event to take place this summer.
Progress
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers – 15
OGLEBAY (Continued from Page 2)
RAC programs, funded by the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, the Rural Arts Collaborative enables professional, practicing, teaching artists to be in rural school district classrooms for yearlong residencies to enhance the existing arts curriculum. RAC is a project-based learning program where students have hands-on experiences that promote a broad range of thinking skills, develop social skills, motivate students and support a positive school environment. Often, the projects end with a public performance and installation of student artwork in a public space in the local community in which the school serves. For the 2019-20, there are teaching artists in seven area schools in four counties in two states: St. Paul Catholic School, St. Joseph the Worker, Weirton Madonna High School, Paden City High School, Bridgeport High School (Ohio) and Wheeling Park High School and Wheeling Park Alternative School A prime example of an OI program that provides an educational experience for students while collaborating with the elderly is “Pres-
ence: An Exploration of Aging Through Art.” Recently, some local middle and high school students used poetry to interact with people experiencing memory loss. Misty Klug, director of marketing and communications for OI, said the initiative is just one of many programs that expands the footprint on which Oglebay Institute was founded. She noted that OI utilizes its various visual arts, dance and more to the Augusta Levy Learning Center whose staff works with autistic children, and Russell Nesbitt which provides services to people with cognitive and physical limitations. “Inclusiveness and adaptability are what we stress, and in 2020 when we celebrate 90 years, we look back and look ahead,” Klug said. Klug said the organization offers six venues for the public to participate in and appreciate “exceptional programming in performing and visual arts, dance, history and nature.” The venues include the Stifel Fine Arts Center; Oglebay Institute School of Dance; Towngate Theatre; Schrader Environmental Education Center; and the Mu-
20 20
seums of Oglebay Institute — the Mansion Museum and Glass Museum located at Oglebay Park. “By taking arts-rich programs and experiences beyond our walls into classrooms and communities, we hope to increase reach and strengthen impact to under-served and at-risk populations by breaking down barriers to participation.” Klug said. As OI evolved, it has listened to the wants and needs of the community. “The community is at the heart of Oglebay Institute. We are constantly paying attention to relevant topics that affect our community and asking how we can create and adapt programs to enhance the lives of those we serve. As our 90th anniversary approaches, we at Oglebay Institute continue to honor our mission set forth nine decades ago, while striving to deliver programs in fresh and innovative ways,” McCracken said. Over the years, community members have come to embrace OI as something for everyone. Klug said the OI facilities serve as gathering places for people to appreciate, learn and enjoy the arts
and nature. “Most cities and towns have museum, a theater, a nature center, art galleries, dance studios, etc. But they are typically separate entities. OI is unique in the fact that the organization doesn’t focus on just one discipline — it incorporates a broad spectrum of arts, cultural and nature education programs,” Klug noted. “OI was formed by the community for the community. We belong to the community. We strengthen the community,” she added. Programs offered by OI range from dance for all ages to nature programs for children and adults. The nonprofit Oglebay Institute brings these experiences to the public at reasonable prices that rival offerings in larger metropolitan areas. A little history: Oglebay Institute began with 110 associate members who donated $100 each in the early 1930s. This is an incredible fact, considering the country was in the midst of a depression, unemployment was reaching 25 percent and the average family income was less than $1,400 per year.
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Progress
Wednesday, February 26, 2020