In the News
(Fairview VFD Photo)
“Rolling Over into the New Year”
“It didn’t take long in the new year to see Fairview Fire and EMS crews back in action”, noted a a member of the department on New Year’s Day.
Fairview Fire and EMS along with Barnesville and Quaker City departments responded to I-70 WBV at the 199 just east of the Belmont-Guernsey County line for a one vehicle rollover.
Two patients were transported by Barnesville and Quaker City with minor injuries.
New Belmont Commissioner Takes Oath
Belmont County’s new Commissioner was sworn into office on Thursday with Judge John Vavra officiated at the ceremony that took place in the courthouse with many in attendance.
Vince Gianangeli will join the two current commissioners, J.P. Dutton and Jerry Echemann, at the commission’s organization meeting this coming Monday morning.
Gianangeli narrowly defeated incumbent commissioner Josh Meyer in the Republican primary election last May. He ran unopposed in November as no Democrat ran for the seat.
In an acceptance speech, the new commissioner indicated it was time to either build the ethane “cracker” plant at Dillies Bottom or release the land for another productive use. Efforts to build the plant over the past decade have met with major obstacles including several financial partners who have withdrawn from the project.
Gianangeli also addressed the situation at the Belmont County Animal Shelter including its status as a “no kill” facility and issues related to volunteers. This was a major campaign issue for the new commissioner.
Bellaire’s Great Stone Viaduct Gains Caboose
“It’s a caboose,” WTRF News reported this past week when it was announced a caboose will be placed at the Great Stone Viaduct Park in Bellaire later this year.
“With the completion of this project, Bellaire will join Barnesville and Holloway in preserving the history and heritage of the B & O Railroad in Belmont County,” the Belmont County Heritage Museum noted.
Dwight Jones, an author and collector, donated an old B & O Railroad caboose to the society.
The caboose was moved to Sugar Creek where it is undergoing refurbishment before it is moved to Bellaire.
The group has set a funding goal of $65,000 to pay for the refurbishment, moves and permanent placement at the park.
Bethesda Home Decorating Contest Winners
The Village of Bethesda recently recognized the winners of the home decorating contest.
- The Tolliver family on Lake Street Rear won the people’s choice award
- Scott and Ashley Blake on Spruce won this year’s Griswold award
- Zach Mason on Second Street won Most Holiday Spirit
- Theresa Starr on Second Street won Prettiest Display
Outgoing Sheriff Honors Gray
(Belmont County Sheriff’s Department photo)
David Gray, left, previous Warden at Belmont Correctional Institute, was instrumental in creating a partnership with Belmont County Sheriff Dave Lucas for inmate labor at the David M. Lucas Dog Park thus helping to achieve completion ahead of schedule. Sheriff Lucas presented him with certificates of appreciation from BCSO and the Dog Park thanking him for his support of both the Sheriff’s Department and the David M. Lucas Dog Park.
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Bluebird Central
(Belmont Soil &Water Conservation District Photo)
Ron King stopped by the Belmont Soil and Water Conservation District office this past week with a donation of 12 handmade Bluebird houses.
King recently attended the district’s Half Acre Homesteading class where participants learn how to build a bluebird house. He enjoyed the project so much that he went home and just kept making them.
