Bethesda Seats Council Members, Park commissioner
Residents Pitch Project to ‘bring Bethesda back’
Three seasoned Bethesda Village Council members renewed their oaths of office this month while one new councilwoman joined their ranks and a new park commissioner was appointed.
Meanwhile, two community residents shared information about a movement they are organizing that aims to “bring Bethesda back” and make the village more vibrant.
Re-elected to their seats on council were Carol Merritt, Jay Van Horn and Ruth Saffell. Shirley Lucas was elected to council for the first time, and Ashley Brooke Davis was appointed as a member of the park commission. Solicitor Michael Shaheen swore all of them in during the Jan. 14 council meeting – the first session of 2026.
Also present were Councilwoman Jordan Castello, Fiscal Officer Ricky Burkhead, Mayor Robert Flanagan, Administrator Dirk Davis and Police Chief Christopher Storm. Councilman Colby Rinehart was absent.
After members were sworn in, Shaheen presented Resolution 2026-01 approving a temporary construction easement for 402 N. Main St. Saffell, Van Horn, Merritt and Castello voted in favor, while Lucas abstained because she had not yet seen the resolution.
Administrator Davis explained that the lot is commonly known as the “old Quinlin place” at the “four-way stop” and is now owned by Kerry McKeever of St. Clairsville. The easement gives the village permission to remove dirt and cut the bank back some so that semi-trucks traveling from Belmont to Morristown will have a better turning radius and stop encroaching on the property. He said the hope is that filling that area with stone will help prevent large trucks from dragging mud and dirt out onto the street.
In a related matter, Shaheen asked council to approve revised language for a property acquisition.
“We’re getting a deed … We obtained a property at the four-way stop,” Shaheen told council, noting there was an issue with the language of the agreement.
The property in question previously was home to a gas station, and a large metal pylon stood at its edge for many years to deter traffic from encroaching on it. The Belmont County Port Authority obtained the property some time ago from a private owner to facilitate an intersection widening project. Now, the village is obtaining the property from the county. Dirk Davis said the hope is to erect a welcome sign there.
Council then entered executive session to discuss personnel. Upon returning to regular session, council took no action on the matter, and Shaheen excused himself and left the meeting early to attend to another obligation.
When members of the public were invited to address council, American Legion Post 90 Commander Gordon Price announced that the Ladies Auxiliary will host a Sweetheart Italian Dinner from 5-8 p.m. Feb. 13 featuring a choice of lasagna or chicken Alfredo with salad, drink and dessert. Walk-ins are welcome, or people can call 740-238-0807 or 740-359-4425 for tickets. More information on the event is posted on the Barnesville Area News Calendar of Events page.
June and Dave Diehl, who own a cottage at Epworth Park but reside in St. Clairsville during the winter months when those cottages cannot be occupied, told council they are working to form a committee to improve the village. June said they had met with likeminded people in September and October, finding enough interest that the group hosted a meet-the-candidate event prior to the November election. She said they hope to build on the successes of nearby communities such as Barnesville and St. Clairsville to attract businesses and residents to the village.
Stressing that Bethesda is just 4 miles from “a major interstate” in the form of I-70, she said they aim to create a strategic plan for five to 10 years of growth. She mentioned the Orrison building, a large, early 20th century structure in the center of the business district, as a potential location for future businesses. She said the ultimate goal is to create a “Depot Diner” at or near the site of the original railroad depot in the community.
Officials also discussed General Fund appropriations, a three-year deal for American flags that will be flown throughout the village, and metering and perhaps replacing holiday lights. There was also talk of seeking grants to improve the dam and spillway at Epworth Park.
Van Horn was unanimously elected president of council, and members also approved of Chris Emory rejoining the fire department as a volunteer firefighter. Council also unanimously approved paying bills for the month.
Bethesda Village Council will next meet at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at the municipal building.
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