Hall of Fame Inductees Revealed

WHEELING -- A dozen people are set to be inducted into the Wheeling Hall of Fame in June for their many and varied contributions to the community.

Robert DeFrancis, chairman of the Hall of Fame Board, announced the names of the 2019 inductees at a press conference Wednesday in Wheeling City Council chambers.

"It is one of the largest classes we've had in many years and one of the most diverse," DeFrancis said. The hall's first class was inducted in 1980.

Honorees are being recognized in six major categories. This year, each category has two honorees, which is the maximum number allowed under the hall's charter, he said.

The new Hall of Fame members, by category, are as follows:

– Donald W. Mercer and the late William Burrus, Business, Industry and Professions;

– Sue Seibert Farnsworth and Harriette Shull "Hydie" Friend, Public Service;

– Everett Lee and the late John Joseph "J.J." Owens, Music and Fine Arts;

– Sister Joanne Gonter and the late Rev. Willie F. Stinson, Education and Religion;

– Ronald G. Peyton and Susan D. Vail, Sports and Athletics;

– The late Albert F. Schenk III and his wife, the late Kathleen Hogan Schenk, Philanthropy.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony and banquet will be held at 6:30 p.m. June 7 at WesBanco Arena. Tickets are on sale now online at wesbancoarena.com and etix.com.