Novotney – A Christmas Wish List from Me to You

Once Upon a Time Ago …

Legendary sports editor for the Wheeling News-Register, Bill Van Horne, always published a fun “Wish List” that included many folks in the valley’s sports world during the 1970s and ‘80s. There were athletic directors, high school and college coaches, student/athletes, officials and referees, and many others on his “List,” and it was an enjoyable read even for those not included.

That’s because Van Horne’s “List” was an example of celebrating a community that huddled together because of our sports, and the same is true today.

With the same intention, below is the sort-of, kind-of listing that includes a plethora of local folks from all corners of our valley.   

Enjoy, and Ho Ho Ho!!

THE WISH LIST:

Scott Schenerlein: Bright neon at the city’s gateway.

Derek Board: Many more veteran tales to tell.

Shaun and Jamie Viles: More.

Denny Magruder: All-Partisan support in the city of Wheeling.

Tim Bishop: A better round than the Bishop’s on Caddy Shack.

Bob Heldreth: A happy paczki season.

Jon Banco: The sounds of a new sax.

Sara Wood Shaw: Another chance at public transportation for Moundsville.

Don Atkinson: More radio commentary.

Rich Brown: A successful supper.

Kristy Ferguson: Many “Thank Yous” from the people of Elm Grove.

Ed Marling: Commercial development in Bellaire.

Chief Jim Blazier: A very safe 2025 for you and your firefighters.

Bob Nutting: A hobby called baseball.

John Davies: A family Christmas.

Bob Herron: Many more years as Wheeling’s city manager.

Jason Jenkins: A new Karaoke song.

Bob Peckenpaugh: A new golf course.

Rod Haley: More of the local dream come true on that hilltop.

Mike Young: If there is a “Good Person Hall of Fame” …

Kathryn Thalman: Population growth St. Clairsville.

Randy Worls (and wife, Betty): A sense of satisfaction.

DJ Abisalih: Another thousand hockey games somewhere.

Kim Miller: Concentration on test day.

Robert Newhart: A big reason for improved property taxes Shadyside.

Michelle Rejonis: One pair of the rarest high-heel shoes in existence.

Don Nickerson: Success during his second term on the Ohio County Commission.

Jeff Crook: Proof of performance.

Ben Seidler: Continued support and thick skin.

Randy Russell: Continued success in Ohio County.

Isaac Basinger: The gig.

Stephanie Hockenberry: Positive people.

Rick Veon: More flavors at Belmont Bewerks.

Corey Murphy: That moment when it’s all worth it.

Bishop Mark Brennan: A World Series in Washington.

Bryan Minor: Sainthood.

Stacey Creely: Peace after 40.

Jason Rine: A bullseye.

John Culler: The next best slogan.

Colleen and Digger Lee: A Happy Anniversary for their DeFelice Bros. Pizza shop in Bethlehem.

Crissy Clutter: Kind and courteous people.

Cody Barack: Network growth.

Jack Regis Sr.: A new position in the local wrestling community.

Josh Resignalo: More fans and more wins.

Janet Scott: A PR person for the City of Glen Dale.

Frank O’Brien: Crowded hotels in 2025.

Jack Cera: Many lessons taught you by toddlers.

Dave Palmer: Many more sauce dogs.

Moundsville Residents: Your rights.

Mike Duplaga: More chances to tell it like it is.

Jessica Barclay: A map to the Fountain of Youth.

Randy Wharton: Our appreciation.

Shawn Schwertfeger: Ful enforcement powers.

Justin Zimmerman: Wished-for growth along Leatherwood Lane.

Ty Thorngate: Much more sandlot flag football.

James Zusack: The eyes and ears of Belmont County.

Johnny O – The “lost” Def Leppard album.

Olivia Litman: The rights to the future movie, “The Adventures of Willie”.

Chef Rocco Basil: “Scoobie Snacks” in downtown Wheeling.

Connie Cain: Progress in all of Ward 3.

Dirk DeCoy: A vote in favor of mandatory scheduling.

Don Dewitt: A new vote on that bus levy.

Bob Contraguerro Sr.: The respect you deserve.

Betsy Bethel McFarland: A guest spot with the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra.

Bishop Darrell Cummings: A completed Dream Center.

Jamie Bordas: A proper “Thank You” from your community.

Pat Morrissey: Official office hours in the Northern Panhandle.

Jerry Sklavounakis: A wider Edgwood Street.

Josey Stern: Bricks and mortar.

Jim Justice: A “Service Dog” permit.

Theresa Russell: Continued retirement fun.

Steve Coon: Lower interest rates.

Adrian Niles: Many more stories to tell.

Greg Thomas: A chance to witness political compromise in West Virginia.

Ingrid Loy: Winning at “walking the walk” at Nini’s Treasures at The Highlands.

Kim Fador: More real-life all-stars at East Ohio Regional Hospital.

Chef Chris Kefauver: Even more culinary creations.

Nelson Croft: Confidence to do what you know how in Ohio County.

Gary Glessner: Fortunes for everyone.

Tony Assaro: A relaxed retirement.

Jeff Stephens: A rung up the ladder in Charleston.

Eriks Janelsin: Continued development at Oglebay and Wheeling Park.

Shawn Fluharty: More noise down south.

Brenda Danehart: All good news.

Rachel McAninch: All A’s in 2025.

Rick Healy: Opportunities for Moundsville.

Julie Ross: Patience and fortitude.

John Gruzinksas: As much public service as you’re willing to do.

Paula Calvert: A great series of Senior seminars.

Kelly Tucker: Sell out after sell out.

Kurt Zende: Continued fostering of local businesses.

Chris Thomas: More dancing.

Derek Army: Much more of the Nailer way.

Jeff Yost: A “Scooged” experience.

Andy McKenzie: Credit.

Janine Varner: More good reasons for your “Yeahs …”

Earl Brown: A tribute to Elvis in your own theatre.

Dolph Santorine: Quality time.

Kevin Price: Black and gold planes.

Bucky Porter: Music and memories.

Herk Sparachane: Mike Anthony’s season tickets to the Pirates.

Dr. Bill Mercer: A field goal.

Reno Diorio: An autobiography.

Lou Vargo: The ability to teach all you’ve seen and learned.

Boogie Johnson: Respect.

Chris Dutton: More visions come true.

Michael Borsuk: A professional nameplate with “Mayor” under it.

Matt VanFossen: The label you’ve been chasing.

Andy Mercer: The best guests for “The Andy Show”.

Carl Carenbauer: A free beer.

David Cantrell: A chance to serve your neighbors.

Andrea Gump: The dream come true.

Laura Wakim Chapman: A leadership role.

Ashley and Tennile Best: What you both deserve.

Laurie Labishak: More gigs at the Victoria Theatre.

Joey Maroon: An “Italian Night.”

James E. Dague: More Wheeling history to record.

Gene Fahey: A Taylor Swift jersey?

Sharon Sleeth: A promotion.

Charlie Sheedy: Travels.

Ryan Allar: A conclusion.

Sharon Kay Bleifus: Front row seats to the show.

Bill Kolibash: A best seller.

Jeff Tappe: All the best gigs.

Mike Howard: Continued energy in 2025.

Dave Lucas: Many sunny days in retirement.

Doug Boston: A new rig and a bigger bus.

Evan Doty: Your peace.

Eric Burkle: A really big trophy.

Rick Thomas: An amazed crowd.

Dean Barath: Entrepreneurial success.

Zach Abraham: More touchdowns.

B.L. Depew: Many OVAC titles.

Tom Hart: Quiet nights.

Erikka Storch: A gubernatorial campaign. That’s right, I said it.

To everyone not on this year’s “List”, please be careful and have a terrific holiday season.