CLEANUP WAS the prevailing theme at Tuesday’s Martins Ferry Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Mayor Phil Wallace announced the city has received a $300,000 grant. Half of that amount is earmarked for the Habitat for Humanity Program while the remaining $150,000 will be used to raze dilapidated structures in town.

Wallace said that possibly six houses could be razed this year, with up to a total of 20 likely through the funding award.

Councilman Paul Riethmiller, meanwhile, reported that the annual citywide cleanup was a huge hit. This year marked the initial time that crews collected items from residences, yielding great reviews. He also noted the street sweeper is in operation.

Riethmiller said the recreation center is in line for a professional paint job. He said the center is doing well and is heavily booked for social functions. The councilman added the city pool is in good shape and will open on time for the summer season.

Riethmiller also gave a report on the continuing good work the newly established Lions Club is doing in Martins Ferry. The Lions have undertaken an ambitious city-beautifying agenda. The club has scripted some 83 civic-minded projects, the majority centered in the park.

In closing, Riethmiller said that Martins Ferry students have voted to name the back road leading into the school complex. It will now be called Rider Alumni Road.

There is nothing wrong with the road’s name, it is appropriate, but I always prefer to honor deserving people with such designations. Nick Stankovich Way would have been more fitting since the superintendent was the major player in making the $50 million complex become reality.

In other school news, Chamber President Dorothy Powell said that 261 students have qualified for the Academic Awards Banquet set for WesBanco Arena on May 4. She said tickets are going briskly, as of Tuesday more than 600 had been sold for the event.

OHIO?PRIMARY

MAY 4 is just nine days away. Campaigning for the Ohio Primary is in the homestretch. As we have reportedly noted each day on the editorial page, Tuesday is the final day we will run election-related letters to the editor. That being the case, the letters must be in my possession by Monday at noon, either delivered to the newspaper or e-mailed. No exceptions, so please no complaints.

BUBBA’S BITS

FORMER SHEHANDOAH High and Mount Union football standout Jesse Wells has been named as new head coach at Meadowbrook High. He replaces Mitch Bendle. Wells has been serving as an assistant at Mount Union.

THE MAGNITUDE of the fire which struck Yorkville a week ago is hard to fathom, as more than 2 million gallons of water were used and more than 100 firefighters were needed to battle the blaze.

IT WAS refreshing to hear that the Wetzel County Board of Education voted to keep Paden City High School open. The passion of the Wildcat Nation had much to do with that unanimous board vote. The community has boundless pride in its school and work tirelessly to raise money to keep it afloat.

OHIO IS doing quite well with 2010 Census return rates. The Buckeye State currently sits fifth in the national rankings with a better than 75 percent return rate.

THE NCAA made a wise move in expanding the college basketball tournament to only 68 teams. Adding three teams makes more sense that ballooning the field to 96 as was expected. Each region will now have a Tuesday play-in game which is fair.

THE BROWNS and Steelers both did well going with Florida Gators in the first round of the NFL Draft. The Browns got the best cornerback available in Joe Haden while Maurkice Pouncey will be an offensive line mainstay for years in Pittsburgh. Both teams, however, still have quarterback issues.

I am also not sold as overall top pick Sam Bradford as being the savior in St. Louis.

CONGRATULATIONS go out to OVAC President Danny Doyle. The superintendent of Noble Local schools completed his doctorate work this past Monday.

Kapral may be reached at bkapral@timesleader online.com.