S T. CLAIRSVILLE — A pair of former Belmont County residents are providing a match if the 2 county cities comply with fund Wheeling Well being Proper’s actions on the west aspect of the Ohio River.
James and Marlene Everson, former St. Clairsville residents with ties to Martins Ferry, now stay in Atwood Lake, Ohio, and Naples, Florida. They’ve provided $100,000. “Problem Grant” to Wheeling Well being Proper via the James W. and Marlene Okay. Everson Belief in hopes of encouraging the cities of Martins Ferry and St. Clairsville, in addition to others, to take part in funding Wheeling Well being Proper to proceed and probably broaden their companies in Belmont County.
James Everson had a 55-year banking profession at Residents Financial savings Financial institution of Martins Ferry, retiring as Chairman and CEO in 2004. Marlene Everson was a registered nurse working on the Wheeling Clinic. She was additionally instrumental in offering seed cash and ongoing monetary assist for the Each day Bread Middle at Martins Ferry, which is now actively run by the Martins Ferry Ministerial Affiliation, offering meals to these in want.
Kathie Brown, govt director of Wheeling Well being Proper, mentioned the couple approached her with the provide of $20,000 a yr, if matched with funding of $10,000 every from the cities of St. Clairsville and Martins Ferry and the continuation of $25,000 from Belmont County. .
“That offers us robust and constant funding for years to return,” Brown mentioned.
He famous that Wheeling Well being Proper gives free main well being care, dental care and different companies to roughly 1,400 Belmont County residents yearly. Brown mentioned this interprets to $214,400 in free medical and dental take care of St. Clairsville residents and $428,800 in free take care of Martins Ferry residents.
“We offer a lot of companies, each medical and dental and prescribed drugs, and now we have Belmont County residents,” Brown mentioned.
“Due to their understanding and dedication to our mission, the Eversons wish to do extra and wish others to match their dedication.” Brown mentioned in a press release.
There was some concern that Wheeling Well being Proper may finish its companies in Belmont County as a consequence of lack of funding. In September 2022, the Belmont County Board of County Commissioners determined to proceed to allocate $25,000 in annual assist.
Upon studying of the state of affairs, the Eversons despatched a letter to Wheeling Well being Proper providing a $100,000 problem grant with an annual dedication of $20,000 for 5 years preaching within the cities of Martins Ferry and St. Clairsville, every of which he dedicated to an annual allowance of $10,000 for 5 years. .
“We perceive the mission of Wheeling Well being Proper, and thru our Problem Grant, we hope and goal for them to proceed to develop to supply medical and dental care to these in want in Belmont County.” Jim Everson mentioned in a press release.
If the cities agree, Brown asks that they decide by February 1 and that the primary supply be acquired by March. She mentioned the Eversons are able to make their first grant cost.
“I’ll deliver it up at a board assembly on February 1st,” Martins Ferry Main John Davies. “I’ll report the state of affairs to the Metropolis Council and see what they suppose. All of it relies on them.”
Frank Papini of St. Clairsville additionally delivered the proposal to the St. Clairsville Metropolis Council on January 16. Members will evaluate the proposal and tackle it at a future assembly.