Oil and gas picks up in Harrison

By Cornelia Grace Harrison News-Herald Reporter

CADIZ — Oil and gas are integral to Harrison County. But what does that look like right now?

Mike Chadsey, director of public relations for the Ohio Oil and Gas Association, recently presented at the Puskarich Public Library about what’s going on in the county.

Chadsey shared a little history of oil and gas in Ohio. The first discovery of oil in North America was by Silas Thorla and Robert McKee in 1814. The two men were searching for salt brine but found crude oil instead. Originally, they soaked it up with rags, put it into bottles, and sold it as a cure-all. The Thorla-McKee well is still a tourist destination just outside Caldwell, in Noble County.

The first commercial oil well was drilled in 1860 and the first commercial natural-gas well was drilled in 1884. Ohio remained the nation’s leader in oil production until the 1920s.

“What’s unique about Ohio and the Appalachian basin, is that we are really producing more natural gas than we have before,” Chadsey said. “We are the third largest producer [in the world] if we became our own country.”

He went on to explain the big picture that Ohio is in the unique position to have the most abundant and most affordable natural gas in the world.

Despite this, most large oil companies have actually left Ohio or are not interested in moving into the area.

“All of the super-majors,” Chadsey said. “Exxon, Shell, Chevron, and BP have all come and gone in Ohio. Whatever they had in Ohio didn’t meet their global portfolio. … A lot of the mid-size companies are still here. So if you hear something about ‘Big Oil did this’ or ‘Big Oil did that,’ Big Oil isn’t here, small gas is here.”

Between Covid dropping the price of oil and gas to administrative changes causing uncertainty and causing prices to rise again, Chadsey said the industry has faced many ups and downs over the last few years.

“That’s the roller coaster,” he said. “I know sometimes you hear the terms boom and bust, try not to think of it like that. Think of it more like an ebb and flow. Because bust means it stops and [this industry] never really stops.”

There are many factors that go into how you, as a consumer, feel that ebb and flow. The cost of heating your home, and the price at the gas pump are two ways most of us notice industry fluctuations.

Don’t miss the ark!

Harrison County ranks second for the most permits for oil and gas drilling. This means there is much more activity in the area through leasing and drilling, which brings economic activity to the county’s villages.

In turn, this means more royalties through mineral rights deals, jobs for locals, and additional tax revenue. The industry also ends up helping with road projects through road usage agreements that require them to maintain and repair roads used by their trucks.

The industry also makes an effort to give back to their communities. OOGA has partnered with Toys for Tots to aid Harrison and surrounding counties. They donated a response vehicle in Belmont County and they’ve assisted with donations to the Smithfield food pantry.

“This is my favorite part of my job,” Chadsey said. “This is the part where the industry gives back. … We do it because it’s fun, we do it because it’s important. If we’ve learned anything, we do it because that’s how you become part of the community. … That’s how you get ingrained in the community … by giving back, being engaged, being known, and being responsible. That’s certainly something we enjoy doing.”

By Ed Banks Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer

MAGNOLIA — Purchasing a ride in style and comfort is no longer a question of how, but more of a question of when.

With a variety of vehicles at his disposal, business owner Mark Eibel of MarksArk Transporting LLC, is just a phone call away. Founded in 2016, this transporting company is located in Magnolia, at 4215 Steeple Dr., and is ready to offer the transport services you need.

The company primarily serves single riders or groups up to 33. MarksArk employs less than five people at this single location but that doesn’t stop them all from serving the community to the best of their ability.

A stationary engineer by trade, Eibel worked as both a boilers operator and a machinist for 37 years before starting his company. The name of his business came while boating on vacation, after he named his boat “MARKSARK.”

“The name MarksArk came to me after I had remembered the gospel by John in chapter 14 verse 6 , where it says: ‘Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one cometh unto the Father but by Me.’ That verse offers hope for everyone, and because of that, I feel that my service help people find the transportation they need.”

He went on to explain, “We currently provide transportation to and from school, to field trips, to doctor’s appointments, ball games, group vacations, and funerals. We will go anywhere! We are available 24/7, 365 days a year.”

While doing business, MarksArk has traveled to and throughout 17 states, Canada, the Outer Banks, and the Smokey Mountains. More local and closer to home, he currently provides services to his neighboring three counties, which are Carroll, Tuscara- was, and Stark. Also, on the local side of things, a portion of the business includes transportation for the Amish to and from work, medical needs, shopping, and more.

The transportation inventory includes three buses, which are all handicap accessible. One of Eibel’s buses has been named the $1 bus. As a matter of fact, all of his vehicles have been named. For example, the large-capacity bus is the “Dolly Parton” bus. The name came from a purchase he actually made from Parton’s business.

“Transportation rates fluctuate depending on the size of the vehicle used for services,” Eibel went on. “That dollar bus is $1 a mile and $10 an hour. The 24 to 33 passenger bus is $1.50 a mile and $10 an hour, and the largest bus is $3.50 a mile and $10 an hour. Overnight services are an option when traveling distances further than local. Accommodation for overnight stays will be included in the rates. Our services are affordable, expertly provided, and comparable to the market.”

Eibel says that he will continue the business as long as he is able. His wife, Cheryl, earned a music degree while schooling in Tennessee. Together they have a daughter named Kassandra. The Eibels and their business can be reached by phone at 330-284-1764. His business is also visible at: marksarktransportingllc.com.