As I explained last year, legendary sports editor for the Wheeling News-Register, Bill Van Horne, used to release a holiday-spirited “Gift List” at this time of year that included many folks in the valley’s sports world during the decades of his decorated career. Athletes. Coaches. Athletic directors. Civic leaders. Community leaders.
Van Horne’s listings became a tradition that was enjoyed by everyone who read them, so, in his honor, I posted one of my own. And yes, I have heard from some of the people on my List, but not from every individual included.
For example, did the City of Wheeling’s Michelle Rejonis get her rare pair of high heels, or has someone given Gene Fahey a Taylor Swift jersey? I. Don’t. KNow. (Margo!).
So, here it is again – for everyone to check The List twice – so I’ll know how to go about it this year. I mean, I don’t want to offer anyone more Elvis tributes, free beers, and field goals if those below have been bestowed already.
So, let’s make sure!
THE GIFT LIST – 2024:
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.
