ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Belmont County Board of Commissioners reviewed construction projects Wednesday and heard 2016’s report from Tourism Director Eugene “Doc” Householder.

Householder discussed the accomplishments of 2016, including financial support for the restoration of the Great Western Schoolhouse roof and the exterior of the Sedgwick House Museum in Martins Ferry, participation in various expos and the awarding of 36 grants for a total of $103,000, as well as awarding the Morristown Historic Preservation Association $50,000 for the Black Horse Inn restoration project. Householder also noted the deaths of tourism council members Al Molnar and Floyd Simpson.

“Although their seats can be filled, their passion and knowledge are irreplaceable,” Householder said of the pair. “They both are sadly missed.”

Richard Hord of Martins Ferry suggested, as he has in the past, that the tourism council consider starting a Belmont County Hall of Fame to showcase notable citizens. Hord also inquired about the loss of two anchor stores at the Ohio Valley Mall.

“I think it is a little concerning when you see two anchors leave,” Commissioner J.P. Dutton responded, adding that new construction projects are anticipated. “I think, overall, there’s a positive future to the mall.”

Commissioner Mark Thomas pointed out that numerous retailers have closed stores across the country.

In other matters, the commissioners approved a payment of $7,581.03 for professional services associated with the Belmont County Courthouse restoration project. Thomas noted that the commissioners have been in contact with the architect, project manager and the building and grounds superintendent regarding the project.

“It’s moving forward very well,” he said. “The scaffolding in front of the courthouse has been installed, and within the next week the remainder of the building will be scaffolded. It will probably take a good 30 days if not more, and work will continue on grinding some of the old mortar out of the building and preparing if for spring when new mortar will be installed.”

He added that this week, weather permitting, many of the slate roof tiles will be replaced.

“We’re putting guards on the roof of the building to catch ice, to prevent ice from falling off the building onto the ground below on people who are walking into the building,” Thomas said.

In mid-March when the weather breaks, there will be additional painting on top of the building.

“The project is proceeding very well. It is on time, it is on budget and, if everything goes well, the whole project should be completed sometime this summer,” he said.

In addition, the commissioners also reported on a recent tour of the new Senior Services Center. It is about 95 percent complete with finalization of furniture, fixtures and equipment in the works. The kitchen equipment has been installed, and staff training with the new equipment is being discussed. The health department will inspect the facility and provide a certificate of occupancy. The Senior Services Department staff can then be moved in.

“Our intent is to be there early in the spring,” Thomas said, crediting the architects as well as the staff. He said the center should stand out among similar centers throughout Ohio. “It’s a beautiful building. The architects did an amazing job.”

In addition, Commissioners Dutton and Joshua Meyer were named to the Bel-O-Mar Regional Council executive board as voting member and alternate voting member, respectively. They also were named to the full board, both as voting members. County Engineer Terry Lively was also named to the executive and full boards as an alternate voting member.

Thomas will remain on the boards as a voting member until the end of his term.