PIKETON, Ohio — A Christian ministry with ties to the nuclear industry plans to convert the recently auctioned Zahn’s Corner Middle School into a STEM-based Christian charter school, sparking outrage and concern among local residents and activists.
The sale of the radioactive-contaminated school was first reported by The Guardian on Saturday, leading to widespread criticism. During a live-streamed church service on Sunday, Pastor Wayne Conley and Assistant Pastor John Howard of Vanguard Ministries addressed the controversy, stating that they believed the contamination levels at the school were within acceptable limits. They shared that they felt divinely inspired to purchase the property, intending to establish a Christian charter school focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with the potential to lease out additional space.
In response to the congregation’s concerns about the contamination, the church leadership sought to provide reassurance, despite their connections to the nuclear industry raising further questions. Vanguard Ministries is led by Pastor Wayne Conley and his wife, Jan Conley, who previously worked for Fluor-BWXT in Piketon, a government contractor involved in the decommissioning of the nearby gaseous diffusion plant. Assistant Pastor John Howard is also employed as a senior lead radiological technician for the same company, according to his social media profile.
Over the years, Vanguard Ministries has sought a new facility to fulfill what they describe as a divinely inspired vision. Several members of the church’s leadership team, including Jan Conley, are employed by WAICG, a construction company with a history of contracting for the Department of Energy. WAICG’s owner and CEO, Steve Moore, awarded a $25,780 grant to Vanguard Ministries in 2019 through a separate foundation, which was used for a food pantry program and a new building fund. WAICG has also been involved in renovating and repurposing the old Piketon High School.
The sale of Zahn’s Corner Middle School has intensified the ongoing debate over religious ideology and radioactive contamination in the community. The American Nuclear Activist Alliance expressed concern about the implications of individuals with ties to the atomic plant and the nuclear sector being involved in the purchase of the school.
Vanguard Ministries has until October to complete the $250,000 purchase of the school. During their Sunday service, the church leaders expressed faith that God would miraculously provide the necessary funds to finalize the sale.
As the controversy continues, the connections between Vanguard Ministries and the nuclear industry remain a focal point of concern for residents and activists alike.
