SCHOOL BELLS are ringing once again.

Many schools in Belmont County will be in session this week and next. Regardless, another year of learning is set to begin. We wish our students and teachers a successful year, filled with many accomplishments. We remind parents that it is important for them to be a part of their children’s education. Impress on them the necessity to study and to do the best they can. Always remember that parents are the primary educators of their children and home is where the important lessons of life are taught and learned.

The burden of getting the children up and ready for the school day falls on Mom. She must see that the children are well rested, properly dressed, fed and ready for the day ahead.

It is no easy task for Mom. Many times she has to get ready for her day as well, She needs help from Dad and also from the children. We want to make our family life strong once again. It is something which has been lacking in recent years in our country. Perhaps the education process and who and all that it involves, may be a good start in making things right again.

As we prepare our children for the school day, let us resolve to be there for them when they need us. When they get home from school, we must be there to ask them how the day went or if they had any problems. Be interested in their progress and talk to their teachers. If students see that their parents are interested in their education, they tend to do better work.

Make certain they do their homework and show them by example the importance of reading good books. Get them to bed early because a good rest at night is very important.

Make the education process a three pronged project involving parents, teachers and students. Each has an important role to play in the process, and if any one of them falters, the one who will suffer the most is the student. Remember always, that our children are our most precious possession, They deserve the love and care of sacrificing parents.

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SAFETY is high on the priority list of law enforcement agencies as students return to the classroom. They urge everyone to be extra careful especially in school zones and when students are getting on or off the buses.

Practice Safety at All Times is the advice given by law enforcement agencies Motorists are advised to drive with caution in school zones. When the blinkers are flashing, you must observe the speed limit. No one should drive by a school bus when it is stopped or picking up or dropping off students.

Motorists can do their part by starting to think about school bus safety the moment their vehicle is started. They should allow for extra time when leaving home and be prepared for school bus stops.

When backing out of a garage or driveway, watch for children walking to the school bus. Students are urged to look in both directions before crossing the street to get on or off the bus.

Parents should impress on their children to not dart between parked vehicles. They are also instructed to make sure their children know their home phone number and address in case they need help.

If children walk to and from school, parents should sit with them and plan the safest and quickest route. Make sure they know and understand what traffic lights and signals mean. Strongly instruct your children to never accept rides from strangers and to not talk to them.,

Law enforcement officials are united in their wish for children, parents and teachers to have a safe and happy school year.

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A former Barnesville resident recently had heart transplant surgery in a hospital in Birmingham, Ala., and needs help in paying for the costly operation and for after-care she will need for years to come.

Sarah Atkinson Shuman was just discharged from the hospital after a stay of several weeks. She is the daughter of Joe and Patty Atkinson of 321 N. Broadway St., Barnesville, and is a graduate of Barnesville High School. Her mother, and her husband, Randy, have been in Birmingham while Sarah has been recuperating.

Sarah’s father said Sarah is doing very well, but will need a lot of care and treatment for a long period of time.

Donations can be sent to Mr. and Mrs. Joe Atkinson, 321 N, Broadway St., Barnesville, Ohio, 43713.

“We will make certain that Sarah receives the donations and the name of the donor,” Joe said. “We thank everyone in advance for whatever contributions they make for Sarah’s recovery process.,” Checks can be made payable to Joe or Patty Atkinson.

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THE Fifth Annual Brad Detling Memorial Ridge Runner Classic 5K Walk/Run will be held on Saturday, Aug. 29, at Barnesville High School. Race day registration is from 7-8 a,m. at the high school gymnasium. The race begins at Barnesville High School at 8:30 a.m. The route includes Shamrock Drive and Grange Hall Road and ends at the Barnesville Middle School. Downloadable registration forms and online registration is available at www.theracedeal.com. Early registration. Registration is $25.

Proceeds from the race goes toward an annual scholarship awarded to qualified Barnesville High School senior (s), planning to continue their education at the collegiate level. A portion is also donated to cancer research via the Central Ohio Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. There will be awards, door prizes, refreshments and DJ entertainment. For more information, call (740) 238-8040.

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THE Anytime Fitness Glow 5K Run/Walk will be held Saturday, Aug 22, at 8:30 p.m in St. Clairsville. The race will begin and end at the new amphitheater behind the St. Clairsville Recreation Center. Registration and check in begins at 4 p.m on race day. Awards will be given for first, second and third male and female as well as in each age group for male and female runners and walkers.

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THE Toronto Community Band will be the featured attraction at the Warren Township Park in Tiltonsville on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. as the Gazebo Summer Concert Series continues. The park is located at 400 Williams St. Admission is free but donations are accepted. Concessions are available.

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THE Jefferson County Fair will be held in Smithfield Aug. 18-23. It was incorrectly reported in last week’s column that the fair would be held Aug. 12-17.

The Monroe County Fair will be held in Woodsfield Aug. 24-29. The Belmont County Fair is scheduled for Sept. 8-13.

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ORIENTATION To Caregiving, a two hour training session to prepare one for the ministry of volunteer caregiving will be held Monday at 9 a.m., 1:30 p.m and 6 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 38 N. Fourth St., Martins Ferry. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling 304) 243-5420.

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FAITH In Action Caregivers and Kirke’s Homemade Ice Cream will hold the Fifth Annual Clergy Celebrity Scooper Day on Saturday, Aug. 22, from noon to 4 p.m. at Kirke’s, 50505 Rehm Road, St. Clairsville. Proceeds from the event as well as all tips will be donated to Faith in Action Caregivers to support the services provided to the elderly and disabled in Belmont County. You can register to win a free half gallon of ice cream.

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THE Barnesville Pumpkin Festival Car Show will be held Sunday, Sept. 27 with registration taking place from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. The first 200 entries will receive dash plaques and a pumpkin trophy. There will be door prizes, food and music., Pre registration is $10 and $15 on the day of the show. Make checks payable to the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival and mail them to Darrell Baker, 32046, Ohio 265, Barnesville, Ohio, 43713. For more information call Droller at (740) 827-3636 or Judy at (740 317-3414.