Seeking a Clearer Vision in Industry

Industry A Supplement to The Intelligencer, Wheeling News-Register, The Times Leader, Tyler Star News and Wetzel Chronicle Monday, February 24, 2020

Seeking A

CLEARER VISION For generations, industries of various sorts have been the backbone of the Upper Ohio Valley’s economy. Over the past half-century, however, many of the factories and mills that once provided good-paying jobs have been shuttered.

As the number of industrial jobs shrank, so did the pool of potential employees to fill the manufacturing jobs that remained. There are bright spots on the industrial horizon, though, with some decades-old operations continuing to thrive and new arrivals coming on the scene to replace those that have vanished.

From a Wheeling business that got its start in the 19th century as a candy factory and managed to survive a massive fire last year to an Indian company that took over a closed steel mill in Mingo Junction, an array of industrial operations remain active in the area. And, the people working in fields such as the construction industry are striving to ensure that future generations will be ready to step into those jobs in the future.

This section examines the current state of industry in the region and helps to promote a clearer vision of what may be yet to come.

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Progress

Monday, February 24, 2020

Photos by Scott McCloskey

Mark Fitzsimmons, left, and his daughter Katie Fitzsimmons, operate the family’s nearly 150-acre cattle farm off of Irish Ridge Road near Cameron.

Farmers Search for Ways to Stay Profitable in Agriculture Industry

By SCOTT McCLOSKEY Staff Writer WHEELING — As the agriculture industry has faced major challenges in recent years — diversification, technology and working together with the “locally grown” movement are just a few ways area farmers are able to stay profitable, according to local officials.

“We’ve seen some of our beef farms pick up some produce and some of our produce farms move to beef,” said Karen Cox, West Virginia University Extension Agent for Ohio County. “Beef is still probably the most profitable industry for agriculture in our area.”

Cox said the use of “high tunnels” has also been very beneficial for a lot of local farms. High tunnels are unheated greenhouses that can help commercial farmers extend their growing season so they can improve the profitability and productivity of their farms. They are becoming an integral part of local food production systems in many parts of the country.

“Technology is playing a huge role ... even with the small farms we are starting to see technology take hold especially with the high tunnels for season extension,” Cox explained.

She said it allows farmers to increase their profitability by getting to market a little bit earlier and staying longer during the growing season. She said farmers are also using fertigation systems in high tunnels, which is a more

A CLEARER VISION on the Agriculture Industry: ∫ Farmers are working together with the “locally grown” movement that promotes the value and benefits of consuming local food. ∫ Diversification, technology and working together are ways local farmers are able to stay profitable. ∫ Agri-tourism is a new way that local farmers are bringing people out to the see what they have to offer.

cost-effective process of dissolving fertilizer in an irrigation system.

In addition to diversification and technology, more farmers are banding together with the “locally grown” movement, according to Cox. The local movement promotes the value and benefits of consuming locally grown

food.

“A lot of them (farmers) are starting to work together, especially those who are working with agri-tourism and bringing people out to the farm,” Cox explained. “So that’s been a boon, too — seeing people work together to build each other up.”

Mark Fitzsimmons,

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who operates his family’s nearly 150-acre cattle (beef) farm off of Irish Ridge Road near Cameron, along with his daughter, Katie Fitzsimmons, said they have been involved with selling their beef products at more and more locally grown events. They raise about 30 head of cattle at any given time throughout the year, which includes the calves. They are licensed to sell beef. They sell hamburgers, steaks and roasts at local markets.

While Mark is a conservation district supervisor in Marshall County, Katie, a district conservationist at the USDA office in McMechen, works with financial assistance programs for local farmers on a daily basis. Her job addresses assisting local farmers with a variety of obstacles they encounter on the farm.

“I’ve been in touch with a lot of local farmers

... about different, various things,” she explained.

She said more and more farmers a re-working together.

“That’s the thing I’ve seen with my job, where a lot of people are getting together and working together,” she added.

Mark Fitzsimmons is quick to point out that there is no slaughter house in the Northern Panhandle that is state inspected, so they have to transport their cattle to a slaughter house in Shinnston, West Virginia, which is approximately a two-hour drive from their farm.

“We want the beef to be quality. ... I’m not going to put anything on someone else’s table that I won’t put on mine,” Fitzsimmons explained.

Local farmer Eric Freeland, who owns a produce farm near Windsor Heights, said he has noticed a lot of changes in agriculture around the Ohio Valley over the past

several decades.

He said while there has been a decline in dairy farms in the region and it has become more difficult to make a profit from beef farms due to competition and higher cost for equipment, he has adapted by growing berries and using a variety of growing methods for other produce, such as tomatoes.

“The biggest thing I’ve noticed in last 20 years or so, is there are more people now that are interested in buying local (and) knowing their farmer,” Freeland explained.

“There is more and more ‘factory’ type produce at (larger) supermarkets,” he added.

Freeland said he believes many people want “locally grown” products with fresher and tastier varieties of produce. He said the addition of markets like the Public Market certainly provide new and viable options for a local grower.

Progress

Monday, February 24, 2020

The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers – 3

Murray Energy’s Corporate headquarters on Industrial Park Road in St. Clairsville is one of the largest employers in Belmont County.

Photos by Carri Graham

Local Officials Hold Positive Outlook for Economy

By CARRI GRAHAM Staff Writer ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Community officials have high hopes for the local economy’s future throughout the Ohio Valley as industry continues to grow.

According to a study conducted by the state, Ohio ranks fourth in the U.S. in manufacturing gross domestic product and is the seventh largest state economy, with $676.1 billion gross domestic product in 2018.

“Ohio’s manufacturing sector employs 705,900 people. The state’s factories lead the nation in the production of plastics and rubber, fabricated metals, and electrical equipment and appliances. Ohio also is a leading producer of steel, autos and trucks,” the report states.

Officials from Belmont, Monroe, Harrison and Jefferson counties have cited the oil and gas industry as having a large presence in the Ohio Valley.

In Belmont County, Larry Merry, executive director of the Belmont County Port Authority, said oil and gas companies are the most prevalent industries in the county.

“Industries that are tied to oil and gas in one form or another; drilling companies to completion to midstream. ... They are all major employers now,” he said.

Merry said the company Stingray Energy, out of St. Clairsville, is one of the top employers in the county, employing at one time hundreds of workers. The manufacturing and distribution company provides well completion services among other specialties.

“They provide a lot of construction jobs and trade. They’re an important employer in our community,” he said. “Agriculture and coal are also major industries in the county.”

Additionally, Murray Energy, whose corporate headquarters is located just west of St. Clairsville is a prevalent company in the community, Merry said. The company is the largest underground coal mining operation in the nation.

However, there are very few factories remaining in the county, he said since the decline of metal and steel.

Most of the industry in Belmont County lies in its five industrial park areas including two locations in Bellaire, two in Barnesville and one west of St. Clairsville. The parks have seen a lot of activity due to the oil and gas industry.

Merry holds a positive

MarkWest Energy is one of the largest employers in Harrison County. The gas company has three locations throughout the county including its headquarters located on Industrial Park Road in Cadiz.

A CLEARER VISION on the Economy: ∫ Ohio’s manufacturing sector employs more than 700,000 people. ∫ Harrison County is anticipating construction of a 1,085-megawatt power plant in Cadiz. ∫ The Ohio Valley Mall has lost Kmart and Sears in recent years, and Macy’s will close soon. outlook for the county’s future economy.

“I thinks it’s good.

When you look at resources here, we can all get a pretty good idea. If it’s the cracker plant, it will spur a lot of growth, if it’s announced. ... There’s been a big gap since steel went away, but I think oil and gas will fill the void,” he said.

Crystal Lorimor, executive director of the Community Improvement Corporation, said that small businesses employ more than half of the population, between 54 to 61 percent of the employment in Belmont County.

“The industries are changing daily, we are seeing more people wanting to start businesses throughout the county,” she said. “People that have come here have said they are pleasantly surprised by the talent and start ups we have here.

They said we have a lot of hidden gems, which a completely agree with.”

Lorimor said the county has lost a few businesses over the past year including East Ohio Regional Hospital which closed in

Harrison County’s Industrial Park Road in Cadiz where the impending power plant is set to be built this year. The stretch of road currently contains 16 site owners including electric, gas, and water and sewer companies.

September. The county has also lost many retailers over the past few years such as Kmart, Sears, and will soon say goodbye to Macy’s department store after nearly 15 years at the Ohio Valley Mall.

“We’ve lost some businesses, but others are stepping in to alleviate the loses,” she said.

Belmont County may also receive a new cracker plant to be located in Dilles Bottom, south of Shadyside along the Ohio River. The plant would be the largest construction project in the state and require thousands of construction workers to build it.

In Harrison County, Nick Homrighausen, community and economic development director of Harrison County Community Improvement Corp., said the most prevalent industry is MarkWest Energy, a gas company that gathers, processes and transports natural gas. The company has three plant locations throughout the county, including a fractionation facility in Hopedale and condensate facility in Ca-

diz. It’s headquarters is also in Cadiz on Industrial Park Road, across the road from its condensate facility.

“MPLX - that’s what MarkWest is known as now, is the largest employer in the county,” he said.

The energy company employees more than 200, he said.

Harrison County is anticipating the construction of a 1,085-megawatt power plant some time this year in Cadiz and will provide hundreds of local jobs. The project has been in the works for the past few years, however up until recently the plans were not concrete.

Homrighausen said the site was selected and purchased in 2016; however it had to be approved by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency prior to moving forward with the project.

Homrighausen said the economy is the best condition in recent times than it has been in the past 50 years in the U.S. “Overall, I’m cautiously optimistic. A lot of businesses and industries

have learned from the past recession. We’re prepared for the future. If and when a slump comes, if it isn’t catastrophic, we’ll

be ready,” he said.

The $1 billion plant is expected to become a long-term employer and energy producer for the area, Homrighausen said.

“It’s going to be a longterm economic driver for the county with long-term jobs. Power plants run for 50- to 60-plus years,” he said.

“Right now, I have a positive outlook for this year.”

In Monroe County, Jason Hamman, economic development representative for the county, cited oil and gas as the most prevalent industry in the county.

Construction of a numerous plants are set to begin this year. The Mountaineer NGL storage, a new plant that will store natural gas liquids in underground salt caverns along the Ohio River. Permits have been obtained and the project is ready for construction but a date has not yet been set, Hamman said. The 485-megawatt project is being constructed near Clarington, along Ohio 7.

A new natural gas-fueled power plant, Gas Side Power Plant, is currently under construction on the former property of the Ormet Aluminum Corp. in Hannibal, whichclosed its doors in 2014.

The former Ormet property is now referred to as the Center Port Terminal.

“Many people will benefit from these projects,” he said.

The plant is anticipated to employ hundreds of people during the construction phase and 20 full-time positions upon completion.

(Please see Economy, Page 7)

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Progress

Monday, February 24, 2020

Photos provided

Shown here is an aerial view of the JSW Steel plant in Mingo Junction.

JSW Steel Anticipates Growth At Mingo Junction Plant MINGO JUNCTION — JSW Steel’s Ohio facility made a humble beginning in June 2018 by acquiring the Melt shop and Rolling mill of the former Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel plant at Mingo Junction, which has a long operating history dating back to 1872.

The plant currently has a modernized facility with an electric arc furnace, ladle arc furnace, slab caster and 80inch Hot Rolling Mill, according to the company’s website.

The JSW management team took on the daunting task of restarting the complex within the shortest possible time after it sat idled for 10 years.

The Hot Strip Mill was restarted in July 2018 under JSW management, and rolled purchased slabs to begin offering hot roll product into the market.

The EAF/slab caster was started up in December 2018 and began to offer melted and manufactured in the United States to its customer base.

JSW Steel Ohio Plant serves the domestic North American consumers where the demand for hot rolled bands is expected to grow to 28 million tons

A CLEARER VISION on the Mingo Junction Plant: ∫ JSW Steel acquired the Melt shop and Rolling mill of the former Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel plant at Mingo Junction in June 2018. ∫ The Hot Strip Mill was restarted in July 2018 under JSW management. ∫ JSW Steel Ohio Plant serves domestic North American consumers.

A large sign marks the entrance to the JSW Steel plant in Mingo Junction.

while about 3.8 million tons of capacity has been removed from the market.

The mill lies in the heart of Marcellus and Utica gas regions along the Ohio river and is serviced by two railroads, the Norfolk Southern and Wheeling Lake Erie. There are three major highways to access

this property including Ohio 7, U.S. 22 and Interstate 70.

It also has barge handling facility with 150 acres of water front property on the at Ohio River which puts it in a strong position to serve markets with barge access.

JSW Steel is supplying hot rolled bands to coil proces-

sors, cold rolled strip producers, pipe and tubers, original equipment manufacturers and steel service centers. Its strategic location gives it “excellent access” to customers, as well as convenient access to high quality raw material, according to JSW information.

The JSW Steel Ohio Plant

has the capability to produce 72-inch wide Hot Rolled coils in this region. The plant comprises of: hot strip mill and roll shop; electric arc furnace; ladle metallurgy furnace; strand slab continuous casting machine; 80-inch with automatic roll changers, roll bending, and hydraulic automatic gauge control. Additional improvements planned as part of the initial start-up investment; bag house for waste gas cleaning; and laboratory facilities.

Touchstone Laboratories Developing New Products

By JOSELYN KING Staff Writer TRIADELPHIA — Technology to protect rockets from lighting strikes, a fire-proof material made from coal and “the world’s strongest aluminum” all are products in the works at Touchstone Research Laboratory in Ohio County.

Brian Joseph, president and CEO at Touchstone, expects the business to grow throughout the 2020s, and for the company’s specific focus to be the invention of new products from coal.

In the 1990s, Touchstone invented CFOAM, a carbon-based insulation material made from West Virginia coal.

It has become a marketable alternative for thermal insulation, fire-proofing and composite tooling.

In 2016, CFOAM LLC was spun off as its own company, and Consol Energy recently purchased 25 percent of CFOAM LLC, according to Joseph. He is no longer on the CFOAM board.

“If you look at what’s been going on in the mining industry over the industry, we’ve been closing mines across the country faster than we want,” Joseph said. “The question is, ‘What can we do about that?’

“It seems the best thing we can do is find alternative uses for coal.”

CFOAM LLC is one of four research organizations located

A CLEARER VISION

“WE WORK WITH EVERY COMPANY THAT HAS COMMERCIALLY LAUNCHED INTO SPACE.”

on Touchstone: ∫ Touchstone Advanced Composites underwent a $1.4 million expansion last year. ∫ CFOAM LLC is one of four research organizations located on the Touchstone campus at the Millennium Centre in Triadelphia. ∫ Two new laboratories were constructed in Mingo Junction and in Millwood. on the Touchstone campus at the Millennium Centre in Triadelphia.

The others are the Touchstone Research Laboratory, the Touchstone Testing Laboratory and Touchstone Advanced Composites.

Touchstone Research Laboratory is the arm that invents things and spins out new technologies, according to Joseph.

It is at Touchstone Research Laboratory where researchers are working on a next-generation silicon carbide foam made from coal. The work is being paid for through a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Energy Technology Lab.

— Brian Joseph, President and CEO of Touchstone

Photo by Joselyn King

Brian Joseph, president and CEO of Touchstone Laboratories, holds a sample of the Silicon Carbide Foam product developed at Touchstone. It can be used as a fireproof material in high heat situations.

The material remains fireproof in extreme heat situations, and can be used in high temperature furnaces.

Also created in the laboratory was MetPreg, “the world’s strongest aluminum.” The aluminum comes in a duct-tape form, and is used to repair I-beams and cracks on aluminum ships. The end results perhaps makes them stronger

than they were prior to cracks, according to Joseph.

He said MetPreg could be the next spin off company at Touchstone.

Touchstone Advanced Composites experienced a $1.4 million expansion in 2019. A high-temperature autoclave was added there, as was a five-axis milling machine. The metrology quality laboratory

on-site also was expanded.

The molds for a new NASA spacecraft called a “solar sail” were just crafted in the laboratory.

“We work with every company that has commercially launched into space,” Joseph said.

The Touchstone Testing Laboratory, meanwhile, was expanded at its Triadelphia location. In addition, two new laboratories were constructed in Mingo Junction and in Millwood, West Virginia.

Touchstone expects to hire as many as a dozen machinists and composite personnel in the coming months, according to Joseph.

Progress

Monday, February 24, 2020

The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers – 5

Photo by Celeste Van Kirk

Royal Dutch Shell’s cracker plant is under construction in Potter Township, Beaver County, Pennsylvania provides a glimpse into what work may be done near Shadyside if the PTT Global Petrochemical ethane cracker plant comes to fruition.

Future Looks Bright For Construction, Skilled Labor

By ALAN OLSON Staff Writer WHEELING — The Ohio Valley sits at the eye of a perfect storm for construction jobs, which local labor leaders are hoping will spur a new generation to lace up their boots.

With ongoing development at The Highlands, road work along W.Va. 2 and the I-70 Bridges Project continuing until at least the end of next year, construction work in the area is in high demand, and should the proposed PTT Global Petrochemical ethane cracker plant come to fruition in Dilles Bottom, thousands File photo by Scott McCloskey more will be required to build it.

Jack Ramage, executive direcCrews with Swank Construction perform road work on Intertor of the Ohio Valley Construcstate 70, one of several ongoing road projects in the area.

tion Employers Council, said that as the Baby Boomer generation hangs up their tools to enjoy their retirement, the pool of workers to pull from is dwindling. However, Ramage said he’d love to see more students and young adults looking to construction as a career as they leave school.

He described the looming — and constant — demand for workers as a challenge, but “a good problem to have.”

“It means work is good, but constant, and it’s not unique.

All segments of the economy are looking for workers, because the pool of available workers is shrinking,” Ramage said.

(Please see LABOR, Page 7)

A CLEARER VISION on Construction and Skilled Labor: ∫ Construction work in the area is in high demand with new developments at The Highlands and the I-70 Bridges Project. ∫ Thousands of construction jobs will be required to build an ethane cracker plant in Dilles Bottom, if it comes to fruition. ∫ With Baby Boomers retiring, there are openings for new workers in the economy.

Utility Industries Tap Into Renewable Energy Sources

By ERIC AYRES Staff Writer NEW MARTINSVILLE — The Ohio Valley has helped to provide a source of power to areas across a vast part of the nation for many decades with a treasure trove of natural resources that not only help keep on the lights, but also serve as the backbone of the area’s economy.

The coal industry continues to employ thousands of people in the Ohio Valley, and the natural gas and oil industry has exploded in the area over the past decade through the practice of hydraulic fracturing.

While fossil fuels like coal and natural gas continue to provide the majority of power to the United States, there is no question that renewable energy is on the rise, and efforts are at an all-time high to reach a point where supplies can reach the growing demand for green energy.

Locally, renewable energy sources that produce power for the masses are few and far between. The most notable large-scale power generation plant utilizing green energy in the Ohio Valley is located in the city of New Martinsville.

Developed as part of the existing Hannibal Locks and Dam on the Ohio River, the New Martinsville Hydroelectric Plant was commissioned in 1988 with two horizontal turbines installed that can each general 18.7 megawatts of power per hour. Under normal conditions, the hydro plant produces enough power for a city seven times the size of New Martinsville.

The hydroelectric plant is owned and licensed by the city, which has a power purchase agreement in place through

A CLEARER VISION

Photo Provided

The New Martinsville Hydroelectric Plant on the Hannibal Locks and Dam is an example of renewable energy being generated on a larger scale in the Ohio Valley, despite the strong foothold locally extracted fossil fuels — such as coal and natural gas — have continued to maintain. The hydro plant harvests the natural power of the flowing Ohio River and transmits it to FirstEnergy.

2034, according to plant manager Kevin Marciniak, who noted that the power generated at the site is redistributed into a regional power grid.

“It’s sent to FirstEnergy in Greensburg, Pa., and then on to PJM,” Marciniak, noting that PJM is a regional power transmission organization in Pennsylvania that serves 13 states.

Although the power generated at the hydroelectric plant does not serve the city of New Martinsville directly, the local community — and a large portion of the state of West Virginia to the south and east of Wetzel County — is served

by MonPower, a division of FirstEnergy that distributes the power generated from the New Martinsville site and other power generating locations in the region.

“I think it’s a tremendous asset to be able to use hydroelectric power,” Marciniak said.

“It’s a renewable resource that

produces a decent amount of power to consumers. I would love to see more waterways used for hydroelectric power in the future.”

A small group of eight employees operate the New Martinsville Hydroelectric Plant, Marciniak said. Besides being a source of green domestic energy, another major benefit of hydropower generation is the ability to stop and start very easily. While a coal-fired plant may take a long time to shut down when the need arises, hydroelectric plants can handle load changes more efficiently and more economically, he said. In the event that maintenance has to be performed at the plant or power generation needs to be put on reserve mode, a shut down can be initiated quickly and easily.

According to the National Hydropower Association, hydroelectric power has tremendous growth potential. There are more than 80,000 dams

on the Renewable Energy Industry: ∫ The U.S. hydropower capacity is approximately 102 gigawatts, including 22 gigawatts of pumped storage. ∫ PJM is a regional power transmission organization that serves 13 states on the East Coast. ∫Only 3 percent of the 80,000 dams across the United States are fitted to generate electricity. across the United States, but only 3 percent of them are fitted to generate electricity.

The U.S. produces more electricity from hydropower than from any other renewable electricity source, the National Hydropower Association noted. In 2018, hydropower accounted for 39 percent of renewable generation and 7 percent of the nation’s overall electricity generation.

The current U.S. hydropower capacity is approximately 102 gigawatts, including 22 gigawatts of pumped storage, according to NHA statistics. It is predicted that with the right energy, environmental and market policies in place, the industry can add another 50 gigawatts by 2050.

While major wind and solar power generation sites are not prevalent locally, those renewable energy sources are expanding into different areas across of the United States, and power generated by those

sources are becoming a larger contributor to overall supplies for power grids that service customers across the nation.

A subsidiary of American Electric Power, AEP Renewables is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, and operates wind and solar power projects across the Unite States. While those green energy locations are specific to sites where the resources are available, effort continues to expand to more sites as demand for more renewable energy continues to be high.

Presently, AEP Renewables boasts three large-scale solar panel arrays in the desert Southwest and nine active wind turbine farms from eastern Pennsylvania to Texas, Colorado and states throughout the Midwest.

AEP has set its own carbon emission reduction goals for the future, and according to the most current figures, the company is already on track to surpass those goals. The company just last year raised its carbon emission reduction goals from 60 to 70 percent by 2030 (from the 2000 baseline emission figures), and AEP’s goal of 80-percent carbon emissions reduction by 2050 is also expected to be surpassed, with an ultimate, longterm goal of zero emissions.

“We are confident that additional reductions in emissions are probable, as the electric power grid becomes a more efficient optimizer of all resources and advanced technologies,” the company stated.

“We remain committed to our current decarbonization path, and we will continue to review these targets annually as we view them as a work in progress.”

6 – The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers

Progress

Monday, February 24, 2020

Photo by Scott McCloskey

Ziegenfelder CEO Kevin Heller talks with members of the ‘Zieggy Tribe’ during a video chat session with employees from the Colorado and California plants, and company owner Lisa Allen and her husband Barry.

Photo Provided

‘Zieggy Tribe’ Overcomes Major Fire Through Teamwork

Photo by Scott McCloskey

Work continues at the Ziegenfelder Company on 18th Street where fire destroyed a portion of the business in 2019.

A CLEARER VISION on Ziegenfelder Company ∫ The Ziegenfelder Company in Wheeling started making candy in 1861. ∫ The Wheeling facility experienced a multi-million dollar fire at its 18th Street plant on Jan. 31, 2019. ∫ The facility was up and running again

by Feb. 18, 2019.

Photo by Heather Ziegler

A sign on the exterior of the Ziegenfelder Co. plant notes the successful Wheeling company is hiring.

By HEATHER ZIEGLER Staff Writer WHEELING — The Ziegenfelder Company in Wheeling started making candy in 1861 much to the delight of the local communities. Since then, the company has been sweetening the lives of its nationwide customer base with an array of frozen confections — Twin Pops, Monster Pops and more — to please every palate.

The success of this family-owned business located in Center Wheeling has been touted near and far, especially when now-retired CEO Lisa Allen was at the helm. Allen, who remains owner and chairwoman of Ziegenfelder’s, learned the business at her father’s knee.

Charles Lando set the bar high and his daughter did not disappoint. Though she retired in 2019, Allen remains an active voice in its continued success.

During her tenure as CEO, she grew the company to even greater heights with some initiatives that gave employment opportunities to those who found other doors closed to them.

Today, Ziegenfelder’s has factories in Wheeling, Denver and Chino, California, where they produce the Budget Saver Twin Pops in the popular “rainbow array” of flavors. The product line includes Budget Saver Twin Pops and Monster Pops as well as Ice Pops in an assortment of flavors including sugar-free varieties.

Today, Kevin Heller is CEO, leading the team affectionately known as the “Zieggy Tribe” of workers.

(Please see TRIBE, Page 8)

Progress

Monday, February 24, 2020

The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers – 7

Economy

Labor

(Continued from Page 3)

(Continued from Page 5)

Additionally, the Transloading Terminal project is also set to begin construction this year. The project was recently the recipient of a $20 million grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation’s BUILD grant. The total cost of the impending project is $60,000, he said. It will also entail retail site and possible housing.

“It’s a mixed commercial place,” Hamman said.

There hasn’t been any substantial industrial closings in the county in the past few years.

Hamman said the last large industry closing he could think of was Ormet.

He said he is expecting great things from the economy’s future especially with the impending plant’s construction.

“I think it’s extremely positive; between the natural gas plant, PPG, Manaca Plant in Pennsylvania. and Mountaineer NGL, the local salt project. ... There’s going to be long-term development

in the regional economy as a whole,” he said.

In Jefferson County, according to the county’s port authority, the county is located in the epicenter of one of the nation’s richest histories of industrial and energy development.

“Global steel production and mineral extraction technologies have experienced many new dynamics in recent decades, and our county continues to adapt and diversify its economic profile for the 21st century,” its website states.

Tricia Maple-Damewood, president of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, said the top employers of the county include Trinity Health systems, employing 1,933; Walmart Distribution Center, employing 768; Timet-Titanium Metals Corp., employing over 600; FirstEnergy’s W.H. Sammis Plant in Stratton, employing 350; Cardinal Power Plant in Brilliant, employing 320; and JSW Steel, employing 250.

“The Baby Boomers are retiring at an extremely rapid rate, so it creates a real challenge for all segments of the economy.”

Doug Giffin, president and organizer of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 141, said he sees the cracker plant as preceding a boom in the electrical industry as well.

“Whatever boom you see with the cracker, you’ll see that, plus more, in the industry that uses the products the cracker makes,” he said.

Ramage added that he would like to see high school students, and their schools, look at construction as a career path, if college isn’t in the cards for the students.

“We would like to see more young people looking at construction as a career. The benefits — you earn while you learn, enter an apprenticeship program, earn money while you’re learning a trade, and there’s no cost to that training. ... There’s no student loans, and it’s a very good, middle-class career path.”

With road work a near-constant industry in the area, Ramage described employment in the construction industry to be in great shape.

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617 Fulton Street, Wheeling, WV

304-233-7866 WEST VIRGINIA STATE INSPECTION STATION

HUFFNER CONTRACTING 112 Nineteenth St., Wheeling, WV • Custom Built Homes • Kitchen & Baths • Garages • “Age-in-Place” remodeling • Let Us Design/Build Your Next Project!

• Quality Service in a Timely Manner

304.232.6020 WV Lic. #003455

Amish Valley

J. Schultz Excavating P. O. Box 272, Rayland, OH

740-859-4442 Cell: 304-281-4264 ALL TYPES OF EXCAVATING, ALL TYPES OF PLUMBING REPAIR SEWER CAMERA & LOCATOR SYSTEM OVER 44 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

WV & OH Certified & Insured

PETRELLA’S ECONOMY LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPE “Highest Quality & Lowest Prices”

740-275-4039 FREE ESTIMATES BEFORE

AFTER Thank you for Voting us BEST Landscaping/ Maintenance and Best Snow removal!!

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

• LANDSCAPING • LAWN MAINTENANCE • FERTILIZING • AERATION/DE-THATCHING • POISON IVY REMOVAL • GUTTER CLEANING • POWER WASHING • HAULING • MOVING • SNOW REMOVAL • SKID STEER SERVICE • CLEAN OUT SERVICES • OUTDOOR TRIM PAINTING • OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE ...AND MUCH MORE

KOLB & SON EXCAVATING Lansing, OH 740-310-3080

FREE ESTIMATES

No job too big or small

VARLAS TRAILER PARK LLC

• RV & Mobile Home Parts • Mobile Home Doors • Windows • Plumbing Supplies • Heated Water Hoses • Propane Hoses & Regulators • Furnace Units • Korkay Cleaning Products

ROOFING 304-845-3855 Quality Amish PROPANE FILLING STATION & Hassle Free Propane fill ups Craftsmanship QuickLowest price in the Valley!

Here for all your roofing needs!

Licensed Bonded insured

FREE ESTIMATES

We’ve got you covered

Estimators: Brannon (330) 587-8484 Sam (330) 224-9943 Eli (330) 440-3765 amishvalleyroofing.com

New 20, 30, 40, & 100# Tanks

Winter Hours through March 31 Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm • Sat. 9am-5pm • Sun. 11am-2pm

Now Selling HeatStar Wall or Floor Mount LP or Natural Gas Heaters

LAUNDROMAT OPEN 7AM TO 9PM 7 DAYS A WEEK

large washers & dryers

1107 12 St. • Moundsville, WV 26041 th

John Leonard

Aggregate & Concrete Sales Phone: (740) 676-6606 Fax: (740) 676-1880 Mobile (740) 819-3384 Email: trisonconcrete@yahoo.com

5300 Guernsey St., Bellaire, OH 43906

FARM & CHAIN LINK

INSURED PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

**Call for Free Estimates** Servicing Southeastern Ohio

STRAUSS FENCE LLC

740-683-9495 www.straussfence.com Safety Systems Analysis Miners Training Shorty Wehr 40 & 24 Hours 8 Hours Refresher P.O. Box 43, Lafferty, OH 43951

T: 740-968-2470 C: 740-296-3468

seabeeshorty@yahoo.com

CALL US FOR A FREE ESTIMATE AND TO GET INTO OUR SPRING SCHEDULE

FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED

Shingle Roofs Metal Roofs Gutters

330-473-8166 www.qualityexteriors1.com

WV License #WV050638 OHIO License #2123559

Progress

8 – The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers

Monday, February 24, 2020

Tribe (Continued from Page 6)

His expertise, along with dedicated supervisors and workers, found their ability to overcome obstacles tested in a big way on Jan. 31, 2019.

It was on that day, the Wheeling operations experienced a multi-million dollar fire at its plant on 18th Street. It was a bitter cold, windy day that sent workers into the street and city firefighters to battle the blaze for several hours. The fire destroyed the main office and compromised the facility’s ability to make the mix for its frozen treat prod-

ucts. Allen’s said her first concern was for the safety of the employees and the firefighters. No injuries were reported during the fire despite single-degree temperatures at the time.

Another plus was that firefighters were able to protect the tanks of ammonia used at the plant to produce the frozen treats.

Officials with the Wheeling Fire Department’s Bureau of Fire Investigations determined the fire was accidental and started from a heating device being used to unthaw metal piping.

Even before the last flame was extinquished, Allen gathered her team at their offices on 19th Street where they began the task of putting into motion a plan to rebuild the plant and continue operating.

On Jan. 31 of this year, the “team” gathered in that same conference room to revel in the one-year transformation after the fire.

Via a video conference, Heller addressed employees at the Denver and Chino factories as well as Lisa and Barry Allen from their home. With his local team around him, Heller ex-

pressed his sincere gratitude for the hard work that went into the retooling of the Wheeling plant and the assistance provided by the other two locations in keeping the business running without a hitch.

Work continues today on the rebuilding of the portion of the business that was destroyed.

However production at the Wheeling facility was up and running by Feb. 18, 2019.

Heller and other managers also distributed gift baskets to Wheeling firefighters and law enforce-

ment who aided Ziegenfelder’s on the day of the fire.

Brice Mills, vice president of operations, recalled the days that followed the fire. He said the immediate concerns were how to keep the employees earning a paycheck and how to best serve their customers. Both concerns were met head on. Mills said employees were provided education opportunities at West Virginia Northern Community College during the down time, and the plants in Colorado and California stepped up their

production to keep orders filled.

“Every day was different. No one in the room complained. There were no issues. We were taking time, growing together as a team,” Mills said.

While the fire damage took its toll on equipment and freezer capacity, there were millions of dollars in frozen products that needed to be shipped out of the Wheeling facility following the fire.

Eric Milhoan, director of the supply chain, said they had 72 hours to move the product out to retailers.

Seeking a Clearer Vision Business & Service V. H.V.

Asphalt Care CALL NOW... to schedule any Spring Services or Projects for 2020

740-695-0070 www.ponzani.com

ROCK HILL COUNTERTOPS

We manufacture & install custom countertops for residential & commercial kitchen & bath cabinets, office desks & more

• Asphalt Patching • Crack Repair • Asphalt Sealing • Line Striping

We Specialize in Driveways.

Ask about our Senior Discounts

• Tree Trimming • Tree Removal • Stump Removal • Storm Clean-up

Scott 740-695-5949

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE FREE ESTIMATES INSURED

Made In The Shade

Gary Helms Home Improvement Complete Interior & Exterior Home Remodeling Company.

New Home Construction & Additions.

Guaranteed Professional Work at an Affordable Price.

CALL JOE AT 740-260-1894 FREE ESTIMATES CALL 740-782-1344 For All Your Top Needs.

MORE THAN JUST GARAGE DOORS! SOLUTIONS FOR ANY OPENING

Fully Insured • Senior Discounts

Behm’s Auction & Real Estate Service Call us for all your auction needs Serving the tri-state for over 75 years Courteous and Professional Staff

• Real Estate Auctions • Estate Auctions • Equipment Auctions • Appraisal Services • Business Liquidation Auctions • Auctions of Personal Property

Behm’s Auction & Real Estate Service, LLC

Wheeling

Window Tinting

• Auto • Commercial • Residential

Films Available:

• High Performance • Dyed • Ceramic/NANO • Security • Decorative

FREE ESTIMATES • Reference upon request 929 National Road, Wheeling

304-233-1777

Over 26 years of quality service • Sandy Russell

www.madeintheshadetint.com

THINK SPRING! Full Time Auctioneers Licensed In WV, PA & OH

Jim Behm, Broker

CAI, CES, GPPA

9331 East Pike Rd. (US 40) Cambridge OH 740-439-7555 www.waynedoor.com

Land Clearing

n Stone Beds & Mulch cialize i e Beds p s Call Today for Your Free !

We Spring Clean Up Estimate SERVING THE OHIO VALLEY FOR 16 YEARS!

KREITZER LANDSCAPING

GLEN DALE, WV 304-845-2666 WIND RIDGE, PA 724-428-3664

Residential & Commercial

304-231-6839

Fully insured • Eric Kreitzer, Owner/Operator

www.behmsauction.com

Modern Auto & Truck Parts For All Your Landscape Needs

Mike McCoy,

The Original Lehman Company Since 1985

Agent

900 Lafayette Avenue Moundsville, WV 26041-2226 Bus: 304.845.7660 www.mikemccoyagency.com mike.mccoy.nsco@statefarm.com License: WV-0100108817 | Additional License: OH1222131

Thank you for your loyalty. We appreciate you.

800-867-3803

Located near St. Clairsville in Bannock, OH Professional Landscape Design and Contracting, Personally by Carl Lehman

2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! 51660 National Rd. E., St. Clairsville, OH 43950

740-695-3501

Mon-Fri 7:30-5 • Sat 8-1 • Sun Closed

245 E. Market Street, Cadiz, OH 43907

740-942-2153

Mon-Fri 8-6 • Sat 8-2 • Sun Closed

OVER 7.500 SQ. FT. OF FURNITURE SHOPPING FUN. SERVING THE OHIO VALLEY FOR OVER 20 YEARS. OVER 99% OF OUR DELIVERIES ARE FREE

SAVE BIG ON OUR COMPLETE SELECTION OF TWO SIDED BEDDING DOUBLE SIDED MATTRESSES

SAVE BIG! LAY-A-WAY NOW AND PAY WHEN YOU RECEIVE YOUR INCOME TAX RETURN

SOFAS - LOVESEATS - CHAIRS - RECLINERS - LIFT RECLINERS - TABLE & CHAIR SETS - DRESSERS - CHESTS - NIGHT STANDS BEDROOM SUITES - ODD DINING CHAIRS - END TABLES - COCKTAIL TABLES - DESKS - TV STANDS - LAMPS - PICTURES SHEETS - MATTRESS PROTECTORS - BAR STOOLS - BUNK BEDS - KING’S BLINGZ JEWELERY - PLUS MUCH MUCH MORE! We deliver to a very large area including in OH – Woodsfield, Caldwell, Cambridge, Marietta, St. Clairsville, Steubenville; in WV – Wheeling, Moundsville, Parkersburg, Ripley, Clarksburg, Fairmont, & Weirton; in PA – Washington - their surrounding areas and in between. Over 99% of our deliveries are free. If needed, we dispose of your old furniture or bedding at no charge.

717 MAIN STREET, SISTERSVILLE, WV 26175

304-652-4030 • 304-652-3032

Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express Cards. Accepted Lay-A-Ways and financing are also available.

Check us out on facebook.com/kingscornerfurniture

Progress

Monday, February 24, 2020

20 20

The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers – 9

Seeking a Clearer Vision Wheeling/Warwood

ELING SPRING E H W SERVICE Suspension • Drive Shafts • Truck Equipment

304-233-0570 www.wheelingspring.com • wheelingspring@gmail.com 2301 Main Street, Wheeling, WV 26003

FRANK'S HAIRQUARTERS Announces the addition of Randy Scenna

NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH MON-FRI 11AM

Walk-ins Welcome 91 Edgington Lane Wheeling, WV 26003

304-242-5350

Wheeling Island

(304) 233-0729 DELIVERY THRU eatinnow.com

Wheeling Housing Authority has many options

WEEKDAY

for Affordable Housing (services available on each site)

Applications being accepted for all sites: Hil-Dar with 1-5 bedroom units Luau Manor with 0-2 bedroom units Booker T. Washington Plaza with 0-1 bedroom units Riverview Towers (elderly only) with 0-1 bedroom units Garden Park Terrace with 0-2 bedroom units Wheeling Heights with 1-3 bedroom units North Wheeling with 1-3 bedroom units Jacob Street with 1-3 bedroom units Housing Choice Vouchers also available which includes rental on the private market throughout Wheeling.

Call today for an application at 304-242-4447

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

Bridgelin Lunch Buffet

Fine Cantonese Cuisine in Wheeling

WV#023321

OH#11319

PA#089974

• Electrical Wiring • Rewiring • New Construction • Residential • Commercial Electrical Panel Upgrades • Whole House Generators

www.vinnieselectricllc.com

304-215-2956

11 am - 3 pm

76 29th Street Wheeling, WV 26003

304-905-0293 ORDER ONLINE

www.bridgelinwheeling.com

WILDLIFE LEAGUE OF OHIO COUNTY Saturday, April 18, 2020

Dallas Pike - Doors Open at 11:00 AM Free Beverages & Picnic

NOW HIRING AT MANCAN STAFFING

GUN OR CASH DRAWING every 15 min. from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

TICKET REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION

1224 Chapline St. Wheeling

Tickets Available at these Locations

BOSO & SON TOWING, MOUNDSVILLE

304-845-4686

BILLY’S BRICKYARD, TRIADELPHIA

304-909-0176

J & B BAR, DALLAS PIKE

740-243-5619

PETES GUN SHOP, WHEELING

304-233-0430

DIANNAS CATERING, MOUNDSVILLE

304-845-5355

JIM TULLY, VALLEY GROVE

304-593-9404

304-232-0028

www.mancan.com George W. Petroplus Memorial Towers CONSIDER • RENT BASED ON INCOME ELEVATOR SERVICE • COMMUNITY ROOM LAUNDRY ROOM • LIBRARY ROOM • FREE PARKING COMPUTER ROOM • OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL AREA BUS STOPS IN FRONT OF BUILDING CONVENIENTLY LOCATED NEAR SHOPPING PLAZA, STIFEL FINE ARTS CENTER & WHEELING PARK MAINTENANCE FREE LIVING

Custom Framing of: Artwork, Photos, Jerseys, Sports Memorabilia, Needlepoint, Cross Stitch, Canvas, Shadow Boxes and so much more!

(304) 905-0508 • www.braunscustomframing.com

BROOKPARK PLACE Now accepting all income and ages. Newly remodeled units Immediate occupancy

Studio & 1 Bedroom Apartments • Pet Friendly • Balconies • Centrally Located • 24hr Maintenance

304-242-7509 1414 National Road Wheeling, WV 26003

(304) 242-5065

Rent based on income. Includes: water, sewage, garbage/ Pay own electric. Modern one bedroom apartments.

AMENITIES INCLUDE *Appliances • Air Conditioning • Carpet • Computer Room with Free Internet Access • Roof Patio • On-Site Laundry • Community Activities • Maintenance Free Living Professionally managed by

NDC REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT INC., LLC

CALL: (304) 233-7353

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

FULL MENU AVAILABLE DAILY! • Buffet 5 AM-10 PM Daily!

• Breakfast Bar Every Fri. & Sat. at Midnight!

TA Travel Centers of America, Exit 11 Dallas Pike, Just Past Cabela’s

For more information Mon.-Fri. 10am-4pm 940 Market Street, Wheeling, WV

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

THANK YOU

Donors & Supporters of the

OPEN 24 HOURS

304-547-1521

America’s Largest Wholesale Distributor of Roofing - Siding - Windows - Gutters - And More!

1290 National Road Wheeling, WV 26003

Section 8 Housing for Seniors 62 and over and handicapped/disabled (18 and over)

Now Renting

RENT BASED ON INCOME - NEW LIMITS - 1 PERSON UP TO $36,550 2 PEOPLE UP TO $41,750

Affordable Modern Apartment Living 1074 Bethlehem Blvd. Wheeling, WV 26003

MONTANI TOWERS

221 Marshall St., N. Benwood, WV 26031

304-233-7801

WINTER FREEZE SHELTER

THANK YOU OHIO VALLEY

10 – The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers

Progress

Monday, February 24, 2020

As we work toward a world-scale petrochemical complex, we appreciate your patience and your steadfast support.