2016 News
 

Dec 31 a We're saying good-bye to 2016. For many, the 12 months was a disaster

Dec 31 a Between elections, flooding, home loss and such, it has been fairly rotten

Dec 31 a 2016 did bring a big plus. After 20 some years of outrageous family dealings at Clay Development, the entire management team was removed from duty two days before Christmas.

Dec 31 a What a nice silver lining

Dec 31 a We're also saying good bye to 6 years of good performance by Sheriff Garrett Samples.

Dec 31 a This site and the Communicator was very much against Mr Top Badge as were others.

Dec 31 a All of us were wrong. Samples set a high mark for moral Badge work

Dec 31 a Also with six years of service, Arlene Tucker leaves her perch on the County Commission.

Dec 31 a With Fran King returning to the CCC, 2017 is earmarked for interesting public meetings

Dec 31 a Communicator comes out Tuesday mid day. Dead line for submissions will be Monday around 5pm. Please email over your chatters, obits, articles, complaints ASAP

Dec 31 a We're taking a couple days off to celebrate the new year.

Dec 31 a No updates til late on Monday unless something dumb happens

Dec 31 a Thanks for making 2016 a great news year.

Dec 31 a Happy New Year from the staff of Delta Communication

 

Dec 30 a Winter has finally arrived. In Clayberry. We've got a one inch dusting with another couple on its way. That white stuff covers up a bunch of our blemishes. The place looks better today

Dec 30 a Frontier Tele has about the worst name recognition in the county. For most, horrible is most often described when the company name is mentioned.

Dec 30 a Phone service for a big chunk of Maysel and Varnytown went silent just after Christmas.  Many are still without service today.

Dec 30 a  Susan Small with the WV PSC reported yesterday that Frontier had issued a statement which included: A power surge blew up their panel that serves the community; the terminal has to be rebuilt;  new parts have been ordered; a few customers already have service restored; and, most others should be back in service late today

Dec 30 a No reports of power outages yet.

Dec 30 a How about a CDC update!

Dec 30 a We talked with acting  CDC director Romana Stanley Wed. Ms Stanley provided, her team will be in place next week to start the heavy lifting effort.

Dec 30 a Great!

 

Dec 29 p  Jonathan Foster Brown, 53, see OBITUARY page

Dec 29 a Here's the MetroNews write up on the demise of of the Ramsey clan at Clay Development.

Dec 29 a For everybody that wrote emails and made phone calls, it's time for a victory lap.

 

Dec 28 early a  Hester Aileen (Price) Mink, 84, of Bickmore, see OBITUARY page

Dec 28 early a Alice Virginia Brannon, 83, see OBITUARY page

Dec 28 early a  Last night the Lady Panthers went down the tubes in a  real last second squeaker, Nicholas 65 to our 64

Dec 28 early a Don't miss a bunch of CHS home court basketball action this afternoon when Scott comes to town

Dec 28 early a Clay County's black eye began Nov 9th with an off the cuff moment of jubilation after Donny J's second place finish. In the social media celebration, Pam Taylor and Bev Whaling both got caught with racist posts.

Dec 28 early a Bev did the right thing by resigning from her Mayor's position in the Town of Clay.

Dec 28 early a Pam Ramsey Taylor did not. Instead she first started with, someone hacked my account followed by an half baked apology.

Dec 28 early a For two weeks Clayberry took it on the chin from folks around the world.

Dec 28 early a Thousands of emails and phone calls weren't enough to get her fired.

Dec 28 early a Over a week ago, CDC Board Chair Eunice Thomas made public their plans to bring Taylor back in the fold on Dec 23rd.

Dec 28 early a The second round of public outcry was enough to get the Gov's attention.  With a change of Governor coming just around the corner and many underlings wanting to keep their jobs during the next administration,,, When Earl Ray told em, clean up this mess, they did in short order. Just a brief peak on Dec 14th and a Federal investigator's look see  one daily earlier, that's all it took.

Dec 28 early a If you read the official postings on local sites, the reason for Taylor's firing was problems with the CDC operation and books. Here's the Charleston Gazette's online article.

Dec 28 early a Those of us in the community have known first hand of the "issues" surrounding their family run empire.

Dec 28 early a Let's help the formal investigation what say ya

Dec 28 early a If you have first hand information on the underbelly of the CDC operation, now's the time to make it known.

Dec 28 early a  Not sure which home page number to call, but maybe the Gov's office would be a good place to start.

Dec 28 early a Back when this whole mess got started, no one in County Clay felt that the Taylor dynasty could be toppled

Dec 28 early a  It took a while but it happened today.

Dec 28 early a Received this email late on Tuesday:  I live in California now, but am a former West Virginian who spent every summer of my childhood in Clay County.  I solicited $$$ from friends for flood relief last June.  Many of them were so shocked by PRT’s racist social media posts they told me they would never donate to any cause in Appalachia ever again.  This story was international, and has hurt the image of the county and state immeasurably.  It is no use repeating that most West Virginians are very good hearted people when an (overpaid!) public figure has license to spout off.  I hope the lesson is learned, and someone sensible with the welfare of the community (and not just her family) takes over the position.  Clay deserves better! Cindy Watter

Napa, CA

Dec 28 early a Received this one from Sylvia Solis (if that's a real name): May the Holy Spirit cleanse your heart.

Dec 28 early a That email received this reply: May the Holy Spirit and a Fed Prosecutor clean out CDC  Happy New Year  AW end

Dec 28 early a It's time for a happy dance!

 

Dec 27 p It's official Clay Development (CDC) Director Pam Ramsey Taylor has been fired. Her termination letter was given her the middle of last week

Dec 27 p This morning public statements were made that in addition to Taylor, her two sisters, Faye and Wanda were also removed from the private non profit social service agency.

Dec 27 p We'll provide the entire run down after tonight's ballgame.

Dec 27 p In the mean time, here's work up fromWV Metro News andTV-3 .

Dec 27 p A little late but still, what a wonderful Christmas gift for County Clay.

Dec 27 a Got a CHS Lady Panther ball game tonight over in Nicholas County. Early start time is 7pm.

Dec 27 a To listen online click here for a page of links.

Dec 27 a This morning at 8am, the Clay Development Corp (CDC) office complex was open for business. Interesting enough, three of the usual vehicles did NOT park out front. Outside, one marked state vehicle and maybe a second Big Cheeze mobile but unmarked, were on hand.

Dec 27 a Not sure how the reorganization is progressing but it looks to be seamless as promised a couple weeks back by Charleston funders.

Dec 27 a Great!

Dec 27 a We're still looking for some kind of official notice.

Dec 27 a Notice last Friday, a couple news crews were set up on Main Street. They didn't know that CDC works on the school schedule and was closed down for the holiday.

 

Dec 26 p  Hope your  holiday went well. While we were all recovering from indigestion and replacing batteries in our new toys...

Dec 26 p  Mid day Monday, a red van parked in front of the CDC building on Main Street. Looked like each of the front doors were fitted with new locks.

Dec 26 p Just before the Christmas break we speculated that the three sisters in the Land of CDC had all been terminated from their day jobs.

Dec 26 p Changing the locks sure adds to the speculation of a house cleaning.

Dec 26 p No official word yet clickers but it sure looks like County Clay got a long overdue Christmas surprise.

Dec 26 p So what happens when you been in charge of the family empire forever and then get tossed out?

Dec 26 p Yelp, it's time for em to lawyer up and start yelling: I WILL SUE YOU!!!

Dec 26 p Be sure to email if you see something Monday morning around 8:30

 

Dec 23 p The buses are off the road, rug rats have been home for three days, and the Christmas tree is already looking a little saggy.

Dec 23 p After two months of Christmas songs blaring in every store, the season is finally here.

Dec 23 p This will be our final post until after Christmas.

Dec 23 p Today we were devoid of any irate phone calls and emails. We haven't even had any borac acid laden letters in several weeks!

Dec 23 p Today was suppose to be the day Clay Development Corp (CDC) Board Chair Eunice Thomas said was the first day back to work for Director Pam Taylor. That notice from Eunice came last week and  brought the world back down on the county and state. Had it not been for Ms Thomas' decree, Pam Taylor would have been free and clear.

Dec 23 p  You know you're in trouble when the Gov gets involved. That happened earlier this week. Tomblin said, he would not put up with racisim and racist remarks by someone sucking up tax dollars. We think, by the time he made that statement on Monday, he had already made a phone call to state level funders and said: Make the problem go away and do it now!.

Dec 23 p  With some time on our hands and hearing from several in the community, let's add some more speculation on the Pam Taylor controversy.

Dec 23 p The coffeehouse crowd openly summizes: with her two sisters also on the CDC gravy train, cutting off the head of the snake ain't going to be enough.  After some thought, we agree.

Dec 23 p For CDC to have a fresh start and survive, Pam  and sisters Faye and Wanda must also be removed from their perch.

Dec 23 p Based on early morning social media posts, we think that has already happened. We now think, all three have been told, we don't need you anymore.

Dec 23 p What a wonderful Christmas present for the entire county and state.

Dec 23 p  While cleaning house, the oversight group  (groups) that will be put in charge of CDC, have a big job ahead of em. Most likely Appalachian Area Agency  and or Putnam Aging will be involved as well as a some near to Clay, operating professionally, other senior service provider.

Dec 23 p With the new year kicking off next weekend, our guess, strictly a guess, official word will seep out around the 28th.

Dec 23 p Whomever is put in charge, it's going to take em months to clean out the stinky stuff left over from the Pam Taylor quagmire.

Dec 23 p In addition to removing the family clan, nepotism issue, then there the issue of the Board of Directors. To get things straightened up, the Board has to be reformatted, trained, and start meeting during this crisis.

 Dec 23 p We hope one of the first things the new Board does is, introduce , include,  State Open Meeting Law into the new By-Laws. Sunshine goes a long way toward eliminating the mess the CDC has been in since Sept 2007.

Dec 23 p After the Board gets itself organized, it's the Board that has to agree to clean up the by laws, office practices, tighten up book keeping standards, and restore a more appropriate work schedule... to name just a few.

Dec 23 p  Down below, two days ago, we also speculated on a possible criminal investigation of the entire enchilada.

Dec 23 p For that to be successful, all the Feds need is one of the sisters to start spilling her guts and the other two will fall. Once one rolls over .....

Dec 23 p We don't have a prediction on will wind up in orange nor even if a Fed case will develop.

Dec 23 p  Bet this is one Christmas season where the family clan is not sleeping too well

Dec 23 p For our clickers from around the world, a note: We're on week seven  of a racist in charge of the Clay Development Corp. It now looks like Pam Taylor is actually going to be removed from her $80 K / year job. For everybody that did, thanks for the emails and phone calls to the oversight bodies. They now appear to be doing the right thing and removing Ms Taylor from the public trough.

Dec 23 p For everybody else, the very best of Christmas Wishes

Dec 23 p  A happy Kawanza and Hanukah as well

Dec 23 p For anybody else, enjoy your time off from work!

Dec 22 a  If you  were a flood victim or in some way impacted by the June 23rd Great Wash Out, check out the EVENTS page for a nice happening tonight.

Dec 22 a Men, if you think buying a gift for the sweety at Go Mart will work this Christmas, you are wrong. Go shopping today and be done with sleeping in the garage Christmas night.

 

Dec 21 late p  Stephen “Steve” Shelton, 71, of Bickmore,    see OBITUARY page

Dec 21 late p You know you're in for a bad day when 60 Minutes knocks on your door

Dec 21 late p You know you're in for a bad day when the Feds knock on your door

Dec 21 late p You know you're in for a bad day when state regulators com a knockin.

Dec 21 late p In each of the above instances, before you hear those knocks, the big boys have alreayd done their homework and you're in deep doo doo.

Dec 21 late p One week ago today State funders and oversight groups started their investigation of Clay Development  Corp (CDC). Today before lunch time, a smaller team  returned for more.

Dec 21 late p After a few days of thinking (wishing maybe), we've come up with our best guess on what's happening and going to happen, behind the scene.

Dec 21 late p With CDC in a 24 carat cluster mess, it's going to take more than a new Director to  get the place straightened up.

Dec 21 late p Our guess,  a couple existing seniors service providers will come into Clayberry and take over the CDC operation.

Dec 21 late p As for Pam Ramsey Taylor, our guess, she's already out of there and finally out of there for good.

Dec 21 late p Those two or three out of county senior service providers will work their butts off for at least 90 days , maybe 6 months, to get the mess cleaned up

Dec 21 late p During that time, new job duties will be established, work schedules will be restructured, a new Board of Directors will be installed, and the search for a new Director will be completed.

Dec 21 late p For those using CDC services, we already have assurances from the State Top Dog , Robert Roswall,  locals will not see any interruption of services.

Dec 21 late p The Coffeehouse crowd is already asking, will criminal charges be filed against the CDC leadership?

Dec 21 late p Beyond reasonable doubt is a tough bar to reach.

Dec 21 late p In this county,  finding 12 jurors without first hand knowledge and opinion, that's going to be a tough task. Maybe the Federal Court system would be a more impartial avenue

Dec 21 late p  Remember , we're just putting forward our best guesses

Dec 21 late p If any of this dribble happens, what a great way to start a new year clickers.

 

Dec 21 p In the latest Communicator is the write up on the Dec 7th Special Meeting. That's the public's gathering where Sc Bd Chair Dave Mullins showed his butt big time

Dec 21 p In our coverage comes mention of a long standing (and never mentioned before in public) conflict of interest problem discovered by the Auditors

Dec 21 p Rules of governing demand checks and balances of finances

Dec 21 p Having close family members on both sides of the process is a no no

Dec 21 p Be sure to pick up a copy of The Communicator for details

Dec 21p The news is, School System Chief Financial Officer Kevin Isaacs has resigned his position.

Dec 21 p Interesting is the way , actually the place, is job opening is posted

Dec 21 p True the Pentagon is horrible with maintaining their website, but most of the time, job listing can be found on the page called JOB POSTINGS

Dec 21 p Not so with Mr Isaacs position.

Dec 21 p Yesterday was noticed the listing in small print on the home page.

Dec 21 p Need a job? Got a college degree? Know someone at the Pentagon? Now's the time to apply

 

Dec 20 p  Mary Imogene (Mullins) James, 82, of Bentree, see OBITUARY page

Dec 20 p 24 pages of great information is now available via your locally owned and operated source of news, The Communicator.

Dec 20 p Lead story covers all the many Felons that walked away from charges last month. If you're interested in County Clay, pretty interesting reading

Dec 20 p Schools let out today for a long winter break. Kids are back in the custody of their parents. Let's see how that goes!

Dec 20 p If you're planning to use the Courthouse Wed, ain't going to happen. Repair crews are fixing a main line leak in front of Clay Elem and wa wa will be cut off until repairs are completed.

Dec 20 p No Courthouse tomorrow.

Dec 20 p As a matter of fact, the county is pretty much shut down until after Christmas and Hanukkah.

 

Dec 19 p  CHS Coach Jason Nichols emailed us to say, the $$$ for the repair work (see morning post) were NOT from Linky's Relief Fund. Nichols: the funds to complete the project (that is the steps to the locker room) are coming from donated money given to CCHS football by other schools, etc after the flood.

Dec 19 p Didn't know there were two Relief  Funds but guess there are

Dec 19 p Just getting word this morning that some Clay Development Corp (CDC) employees are attending a meeting over in Beckley today. Maybe just a Christmas party but we doubt it.

 

Dec 19 a Due to the Holiday schedules, next week's regular School Board meeting will be held tonight up at Big Otter Elem. The online agenda includes an action to do repair work at Clay High  and purchase the needed materials from the flood relief fund set up by Linky Poo.

Dec 19 a Communicator comes out Tuesday if all goes well. Deadline for submission it today around 5pm. Email over your whatever's now.

 

Dec 18 a Yesterday we saw temps around 65 degrees. This morning it was soggy and  wet until around 9 am. Within a few minutes we dropped from 49 to 34 degrees and the rain turned to ice crystals. Yesterday's mud changed to crunchy slush. The ice is here.

Dec 18 a The last seven days or so was a week of promise

Dec 18 a A public outcry was heard around the country as Clay Development (CDC)  made public their delusional plans to keep Pam Ramsey Taylor at the helm of the family run, CDC.  The phone lines lit up, social media went wild , and emails poured in

Dec 18 a  Pam doesn't seem to know, there are consequences to hate speech. If she was a great leader and CDC actually provided excellent service, Taylor still has to go.

Dec 18 a Monday evening our new School Superintendent Joe Paxton took his seat at the front table. Paxton showed that he had done his due diligence before hand as he provided factual answers.  Compared to  a few days earlier when he showed his arss big time during a Special meeting, Sch Bd Prez Dave Mullins was on good behavior. Mullins was new and improved. We hope he stays that way for a while.

Dec 18 a  Wed morning the County Commission did the right thing and took out a half million dollar bank loan to pay local contractors for their work removing debris after the June 23rd Great Wash Out. The CCC  remarked that Fed funders can take up to 4 years to pay their bills.

Dec 18 a By mid day Wed, state regulators marched into the Clay Development Corp (CDC) office and started their long time in the coming, financial investigation.

Dec 18 a Big "CLOSED TODAY" signs were taped to the front doors as reporters and the public were told to leave the building.

Dec 18 a Just before their arrival, Pam Taylor who is suppose to be on leave, was seen running out the back door as she made her get away.

Dec 18 a Our hope is, a professional person takes the helm of CDC and restructures the place into an agency that actually serves the County of Little. We have hope.

Dec 18 a For the week of promise, Friday evening a bunch of people showed up to take part in the first time ever, night time, Christmas parade. Although it was chilly willy, with hot chocolate in hand, no one seemed to shiver as floats and even the Clay High Band, traveled down Main Street America.

Dec 18 a Christian Elliot was the volunteer behind the welcome addition to the holiday season.

Dec 18 a A bunch of us have real worries with Jan 20th just a round the corner.

Dec 18 a For us, there is one last great hope when the 50 Electoral Colleges meet and cast their votes on the 19th for the next Prez. . This the last shot for someone with experience and understanding to become the next Prez of the USA.

Dec 8 a We have our fingers crossed.

Dec 16 a We've got a couple things posted over on the EVENTS page.

Dec 16 a Tonight is the first ever, Parade of Lights on Main Street. Why not decorate your dog, car, trucks, horse or wife and be apart of the CHristmas season in Clayberry.

Dec 16 a Last night's season opener didn't go well for the Clay High Panthers. The Webster Co. Lumberjacks chopped us down, 64 to 53.

 

Dec 15 p   Nancy Gladeline Pritt, 75, of Clay, see OBITUARY page

Dec 15 p   Larry Crawford Truman, Sr., 68, of Maysel,  see OBITUARY page

Dec 15 p With the CDC drama fully engaged Wed and since, we neglected the County Commission meeting held Wed morning.

Dec 15 p After the June 23rd Great Wash Out Flood, this county has depended on FEMA $$ to replace stuff washed away or otherwise damaged.

Dec 15 p One of those big ticket  items was debris removal. Everything from house trailers, to vehicles, trees, roofing and every thing in between had to be hauled out. Moving such is expensive

Dec 15 p During Wed's CCC meeting, the group voted to apply for a nearly half million dollar loan in order to pay local contractors for debris removal.

Dec 15 p After the vote, CCC Prez Fitzwater forwarded a conversation from the Govt.  In a nutshell, it can take up to four years   for the reimbursement.

Dec 15 p That's a lot of interest and a lot of waiting.

Dec 15 p There's a lot of stuff those friendly FEMA folks didn't tell us.

Dec 15 a  Tonight the Clay High Panthers are taking on Webster County in home court basketball action. Game begins at 7:30pm. Put on your gloves and come out and support the home team.

Dec 15 a For those that can't make it over there, non profit WYAP will air the match up via your internet connection. Here's the scoop on how to connect.

Dec 15 a A normal day for this website is around 2000 visitors and a few less on the weekends. In Nov., clayberry traffic soared to 1,065,624. We averaged 1480 hits per hour and 35,520 per day. The biggest day in Nov was the 15th with 129,549 hits.

Dec 15 a Yesterday, the 13th, we saw 106,630 hits. One day earlier, there came 109,836 viewers interested in you know who.

Dec 15 a While we have a national audience....

Dec 15 a  Racism is not prevalent in County Clay. Just as there is elsewhere, we have a few dumb arsses that put their mouth in gear before their brain, but not many

Dec 15 a Be sure to read last night's post for the latest on Clay Development and Pam Taylor.

Dec 15 a  After reading thru the various newspaper, website, and TV reports, here's what we think is, has, happened.

Dec 15 a Long before the State regulators came to Clayberry yesterday, they already had done their homework, had enough evidence to remove Pam Taylor from her position, and had a replacement agency ready to take over the reigns.

Dec 15 a  Putting two and three together and coming up with seven, we think, the new CDC management will come from Putnam County Aging  Committee that already operates a senior's nutrition site in nearby Two Run.

Dec 15 a Just a guess but we hope it comes true in short order.

Dec 15 a Commissioner Greg Fitzwater made TV-3 News last night concerning long term flood relief in Clayberry. Notice, there is no mention of the now disbanded, "Jerry's Kids" committee that bit the dust.

Dec 15 a While in town yesterday, TV-3 stumbled right into the investigation of CDC just across from the Courthouse on Main Street. Here's that news report.

Dec 15 a For the Charleston regulators, CDC folks were seen coming and going from their building last night as late as 6pm.

Dec 15 a Around 10pm, the Ace Cub Reporter made a drive-by to see if anything was shaking over there. Nope is the answer and no upstairs lights were on either. On Main Street was one tall skinny lad walking  upriver with his eyse glued to his phone.

 

Dec 14 8:45p  With super chilly temps expected Thursday morning, Clay County Schools will be operating on a 2 hours delay Thursday morning.

Dec 14 p  In small town America a bunch of us listen to  police scanners. Tonight, with the snow coming down, an ambulance crew came across with: there's three white horses, two dark horses and a donkey are standing in the middle of  Teaberry Curve.

Dec 14 p   This morning before 9:30am more than a dozen Suits and Heels assembled at the Clay Nutrition site in Two Run to get their strategy together before ascending on Clay Development Corp (CDC) for a surprise visit.

Dec 14 p During the Nutrition site assembly, someone alerted CDC Director Pam Taylor who scurried out the back door of the CDC Empire building and made her get away on Back Street in downtown Clay..

Dec 14 p Once at CDC Central, a financial investigation commenced. Before noon the doors to the facility were locked. By noon, big hand written signs were taped to front doors stating: CLOSED TODAY.

Dec 14 p From those of us on the outside, it looks and feels like, the Family Clan may be on the way out. State Oversight Groups are providing assurances, senior services will not be interrupted.

Dec 14 p Based on the latest Charleston Gazette article, and the swiftness of the investigation, we can't help but think, the plan is already in place for another agency to immediately take over the operation. Secondly, it feels like another , earlier, investigation has turned up irregularites.

Dec 14 p  Just about everybody has skeletons in their closest. If regulators look  enough, short comings will be found. For the CDC agency, it shouldn't be too hard to find the shoddy dealings of Pam Taylor

Dec 14 p Let's help the big boys out.

Dec 14 p If you have solid evidence on money issues, start making your calls Thursday.

Dec 14 p For the TV cameras and print media, the spokesperson today was Robert Roswell, Commissioner of the Bureau of Senior Services. His and other contact numbers are posted on our homepage.

Dec 14 p You might know something solid on the for profit Pam's Flower Shop located in the non profit's building. Maybe you've seen CDC employees delivering flowers while on CDC time. You might know something about the rent and utility arrangement between Pam's Flower Shop and CDC.

Dec 14 p  Maybe you know something about the $1000's in unpaid employee payroll taxes a few years ago. What about the $75,000 bank loan that was suppose to be used to remodel the Senior Center but instead was used to pay off some of the  $128,000 overdue withholding taxes.

Dec 14 p Maybe you know first hand of the many Senior Citizen beach trips paid by the taxpayer where nearly the entire CDC road in the vans to Myrtle for nothing while the one senior was forced to pay over $200 per trip.

Dec 14 p  Maybe you know what happened to building materials paid for by CDC that may have ended up elsewhere. Don't want to forget about Soup Kitchen food stuffs and generators brought to the CDC just after the June 23rd Great Wash Out.

Dec 14 p  Whatever you know, it's time to spill your guts.

Dec 14 p For our clickers from around the world, there is more going on in the 342 square mile county than the CDC.

Dec 14 p But! Hands down, this is the best chance we've had in 20 years to remove a real blight on the county and a racist to boot!

Dec 14 p We'll get back to the regular stuff soon.... maybe

 

Dec 13 p  Gov Earl Ray has now made a statement concerning the official return to work of CDC Director Pam Taylor

Dec 13 p For those reading this site,  our entire county has been affected negatively by the words of Pam Taylor. If you're wondering, there have been many complaints called and emailed to the list found on our homepage. How about helping out this tiny county by taking a few minutes to call those numbers and make a complaint.

Dec13 p NBC News just picked up on the racist posts made by CDC Director Pam Taylor.

Dec 13  a The Pam Taylor uproar continues as national media outlets again highlight the pitiful thoughts of Clay Development Corp (CDC) Director Pam Taylor. Here's the Huffington Post update.

Dec 13 a TV-8 update came Monday.

Dec 13 a  The much needed rehash got started when the Charleston Gazette provided background details on the long and sordid CDC past under the direction of Ms Taylor. See online link below.

Dec 13 a In this age of sitting on our thumbs and unwilling to get involved... it's refreshing to see so many individuals take a few minutes to make phone calls and email their thoughts. Thanks

Dec 13 a Here's a couple more from the email bag:

Dec 13 a    I'm a concerned citizen of the United States of America. I believe all people are free to express themselves. However, those expressions are subject to consequences. In this case, CDC  Director Pamela Taylor  should be dismissed from her job for a blatant racial slur toward FLOTUS Michelle Obama. CDC Director Pamela Taylor as shown herself  unworthy of her position within your county.  She is unfit to make decisions that may require her to deal with people of different races and ethnicity's.  Thank you  Kendrick Highsmith

Dec 13 a  Your decision to reinstate Pam Taylor is deplorable.  She is an ignorant, hateful, racist, human being and she be no where near any sort of state agency.  Your decision is beyond idiotic.   Lynda Steinwand

Dec 13 a From a tipster and dated Dec 12th:  She is still working she was there today in her husband white Chevy  truck has Tim on the front. She is on Facebook as Namps Ramsey.

Dec 13 a Are you people serious?  Her cheerleader gets fired and she doesn't? A teacher's aide gets fired and she doesn't?  An Alabama officer gets fired and she doesn't?   - FOR the SAME OFFENSE!- making public racist, derogatory slurs against the seated First Lady of OUR Country!

     And you all are going to let HER keep her job and get away with that, and leave her in the position to continue to disseminate racism throughout your community? Should we say then that you all agree with her bigot attitude?  How about we call for a mass "house cleaning" and get rid of you?!    Leticia Roquemore

Dec 13 a  One feller came in the office Monday to report, he called Senator Smokin Joe's office and they sounded like, they had never heard about Pam Taylor's racist comments.

Dec 13 a A couple call in folks reported, Pam Taylor was on the job Monday mid day.

Dec 13 a Looks like she ain't waiting (or never waited) to keep on keeping on.

Dec 13 a We need something readers. We need in house evidence or something along those lines to show preferential treatment given to Director Taylor. Just email over anything you may have

Dec 13 This new uproar is most likely our second and final chance to remove from authority the giant blemish on County Clay and the State of West Virginia.

Dec 13 a Last night was Joe Paxton's first public meeting as School Superintendent, the guy in charge.  With a bunch of people in the peanut gallery, he held up well .

Dec 13 a We'll post coverage from last night's Sch Bd meeting later today, as soon as the phone calls slow down a bit.

 

Dec 12 p We've got a new button over on the home page. What we're trying to do is provide the world with actual audio from various public meetings.

Dec 12 p So far we have several recent Town Council meetings .  The local radio station airs public meeting content in its entirety as well

Dec 12 p Our system isn't perfect yet so keep checking back as we get better.

Dec 12 p  As predicted in the morning post, the emails and phone calls are starting to roll in. The issue is CDC Director Pam Taylor keeping and staying in her top position at the government paid for , social service agency.

Dec 12 p The very worst potty mouth emails will not be posted on Clayberry. Here's goes with the a few of em  received before 9am this morning.

Dec 12 p  You did the right thing when you suspended your racist Development Director, Pamela Ramsey Taylor. Allowing her to retain her position is unforgivable. Her assertion that her intent wasn't racist, is simply laughable. When a White woman calls a beautiful, gracious black woman "a ape in heels"(sic), that is clearly racist. I know you're in West Virginia, but come on. She is a stain on your honor, a disgrace. If you allow her to continue in this position you bring SHAME on the whole organization. The whole World is watching! Roy Anderson

Dec 12 p   Just to let you know, I’ll never spend one penny in your city however I may stop by and take a huge s*** sometime.  Mike Glatt

Dec 12 p  I read on Facebook that your lovely inhabitant, Pamela Taylor, will be getting her old job back despite her despicable and uncalled for comments about Michelle Obama. First, the comments were totally absurd as Michelle Obama is an elegant, educated and sophisticated woman, unlike Pamela, and to put something like that on FB tells you how dumb Pamela is also. I hope this isn’t true because if it is, this tells me a lot about Clayberry and Clay County. It is obviously a town that doesn’t care what type of person they put in a position of influence. I will be encouraging all my FB friends to stay away from Clay County unless you tell me this isn’t true. Thank you. Sharon  Barnes

Dec 12 p   They do not need to have their jobs back! This is not right at all! Not even American! You do not have to like Michelle Obama but you do not say things like this!  Keep them both out of office!!! I will not for get and will share this with those who need to know and address this issue!?     Jacqueline Martin

Dec 12 p   For those calling 304 587 6007 to complain, that's the tele for The Communicator and this website.

Dec 12 p The tele number for Clay Development Corp and other numbers to file a complaint, they're  over on the homepage

Dec 12 p One more note for tele callers, as soon as you start using potty mouth, we hang up

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Dec 12 Happy rainy Monday morning. Tonight the School Board holdstheir public meeting at the Pentagon. Anybody can ask a question as well as be put on the agenda for discussion purposes

Dec 12 a Following yesterday's Charleston Gazette follow up article on Clay Development Corp (CDC) Director Pam Taylor's racist facebook post back in Nov., a follow up was posted on a national news outlet, RawStory.

DEc 12 a Be ready for another round of nasty emails and irate phone calls.

Dec 12 a Thanks again Ms Taylor.

Dec 12 a Last week a local lady blasted out, the problem is not Taylor but that ##@@!! media.

Dec 12 a How dumb!

Dec 12 a The WVU Extension office now has 2017 Garden Calenders available in their office, the County Clerk's office and over in the Top Badge's office.

 

Dec 11 a  Charleston Gazette's Ali Schmitz has done her research and come up with a pretty  in-depth article on Clay Development Director Pam Ramsey Taylor and the sordid history behind CDC .  Darn good reading.

Dec 11 a Since Nov 10th many reporters provide, Ms Taylor has been off work. Since we and half the county have seen her there nearly every day, we dispute she lost any $$$

 

Dec 10th  Happy Birthday Rachel Spencer!

Dec 10  Charles Lee Jones, 84, of Lizemores,  see OBITUARY page

Dec 10 p Today is the first day group's can decorate utility poles during the BDA's  North Pole Decorating Contest. CHair Mitch DeBoard said everything's a go during their last monthly meetings. The idea is to dress up the place with home made  seasonal decoration. Whom ever has the best dressed pole will receive a $100 first place award.

Dec 10 p In previous years, the rules stated, the decoration is to be attached to the pole by rope, belts, or about anything but nailing or screwing to the pole.

Dec 10 p During Monday's BDA  meeting, the Chair would not name the date entries would be judged.

Dec 11 p Cold weather hit us this week. From the last few days....

Dec 11p  For us ole farts, the week started off with a Charleston Gazette article on the Pocahantas County Scout Camp, Buckskin Council AKA Dilly's Mills. For over 50 years  a bunch  of Baby Boomers called Buckskin home and benefited from a great program there. Since 1960 when the place opened, greedy adult leadership siphoned off profits from timber sales to boost their own paychecks.

Dec 11p Now mothballed, it's a darn shame

Dec 11 p  CAEZ held their Dec meeting where Director Big Lup told Boardsters, FEMA had NOT come thru with $$$ to rebuild their Lodge building at Dundon

Dec 11 p  Under the new leadership of Jason Hubbard, the Mayor grasped public meeting duties with ease. The elected body had a full agenda and get this, in addition to discussing the Town's business, they actually made decisions.

Dec 11 p  Something to put in memory banks. Since his gaining public office last Summer, Hubbard has voiced a need to cut back expenses, get a better handle on purchases, and controlling excessive overtime. In 2017, we hope Hubbard and Council work together to accomplish those goals

Dec 11 p  During a properly called Special Meeting of the Sch Bd., some good news. Instead of their 2015 budget year being all screwed to the tune of $240,000. Suits around the table agreed, the difference between audit findings was only around $10k.

Dec 11 p Also made public was a conflict of interest between two family members in the accounting side of the Pentagon.

Dec 11p Near the end of the meeting and before anyone left the meeting room, Board Chair Dave Mullins showed very shallow judgment and  his butt at the same time. Mullins told the world, School Board meetings are not public meetings but rather his meeting. As for the public part of public meetings, nope, they ain't public for ANYONE that has a different opinion than Mullins

Dec 11p We're hoping Dave Mullins was just having a bad day. IF not, it's time for the aging guy to relinquish his already limited authority.

Dec 11p  For this week, the best part was seeing  curtain climbers from around the county decorate Christmas trees on Courthouse Square. Courthouse and Town leadership provided the annual treat.

Dec 11 p This time around, on Friday, the temps dropped way down and even a few snow flakes were in the air. The urchins were wired to the max. The hot chocolate and cookies added to their energy level.

Dec 11 p In addition to decorating trees, kids traveled upstairs to see the Courtroom and holding cell. Sadly one kid reported: I've been here before in juvy. Another provided: My Mommy's been in this cell.

Dec 11 p Exactly one month ago today, County Clay and the entire state for that matter got a huge black eye as a result of racist comments made by CDC Director Pam Taylor on her Facebook page. Ms Taylor remains on the job as if nothing ever happened. She's able to do that due to her family empire run Board of Directors.

Dec 11 p Program funders may believe, her dismal remarks on social media have nothing to do with her job. They are wrong, dead wrong.

Dec 11 p With her hand shown, the world now knows, there is not such thing as equal opportunity without regard to race and color at Clay Development Corporation, CDC.

Dec 11 p Pitiful.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Dec 9 p We've got a correction for the morning post. Please reread.

Dec 9 a Now without the boat anchor of "Jerry's Kids" hanging around, the Greater Clay is making much better progress with flood recovery. During their Thursday night meeting, TV-3 and the Charleston Gazette were on hand to record the accomplishments including a couple new trailers  to washed out families..

Dec 9 Many of our cars have been mangled by deers running in front of your vehicle. Just wait til those 700 pound Elk roam the hills and valleys. From WV Metro News.

Dec 9 a Not everyone enjoys reading this online journal. Here's one that came in Thursday: You have your opinions and I have mine.  We know yours.  You keep rattling on and bad mouthing people.  You are as bad as the one you recently printed about.  You may have been right, but shut up.  Print some news.  Run for office to get someone out.  Quit badmouthing. ,  Bill Canfield

Dec 9 a We're not sure if Mr Canfield was referring to our coverage of Pam Taylor or Davey Mullins.

Dec 9 a Our response was something along the lines of, maybe watching the weather channel would be more pleasing.

Dec 9 a Enjoy the weekend one and all.

 

Dec 8 p For any of this to make sense, drop down and read the school board post from Dec 7th

Dec 8 p We'll wait...... still waiting...... Ready? OK

Dec 8 p   During Wed's Special School Board meeting, Dave Mullins had his shorts bunched up big time. He was (maybe is) a 24 carat horse's butt to say the least.

Dec 8pm  After a night's time to ponder...

Dec 8 p  Davey M is unable to control his mouth and thought process because he's mad at the Ace Cub Reporter. Somewhere in his rant yesterday, he yelled out that Kenneth Tanner is a good man and we keep ragging on him. Well. KT is a good guy and we've never said any different.

Dec 8 p What we're talking about is dumb bunny Dave Mullins.

Dec 8 p The burr is under Davey's saddle because we keep nailing him on his pee poor leadership and his thought that, he's in charge

Dec 8 p Recently, Mullins wanted his way on a vote, put it on the agenda, and then was unable to get anyone to make the motion on his behalf. How embarrassing for the Grand PooBah

Dec 8 p There was his charge to run off a couple sub bus drivers recently. Once again Mullins lead the rally to oust the Sams without luck. We printed that too.

Dec 8 p Davey had plans to make sure Michelle Paxton made it to the Pentagon three months ago. When we found and printed state code that forbids the spouse of a Superintendent (Joe Paxton) from having his family members working in the central office, with his shorts all bunched up, Mullins was again in the news when they had to demote Ms Paxton back to Clay Elem.

Dec 8 p We found out and printed the back room plans to give Michelle Paxton a $10K bonus to make up for the demotion. Wittle Davey was stomping his feets.

Dec 8 p We got wind that Ms Paxton was in contention for yet another raise ($7K) to become a preschool director and work out of the Elem . When we made that notion public, they backed off.

Dec 8 p On that back pay bonus $$$, we reported, instead of going back years and years and paying employees, accepted business practice only demands 2 years of back pay. KT and Mullins went ballistic during the Nov 14th Board meeting while agreeing with everything that we printed as true

Dec 8 p What may have been the big enchilada was when they were forced to put that $10K extra  pay vote on a public agenda for all the world to see.

Dec 8 p With all that festering over the last 4 months, Mullins exploded yesterday during and after the special Board meeting. He was so torqued up, he was short of breath. His neck went from red to blue.

Dec 8 p The Ace Cub Reporter was prepared for the impending encounter.

Dec 8 p How?  Back on Nov 14th, when the Sch Bd meeting was held at Clay Elem, we overheard Wittle Davey tell at least one Board member, he would never allow the reporter to ask a  question again. Ever!

Dec 8 p Dave Mulllins has slithered thru life operating in the backroom or other hush hush  means, to get his way.

Dec 8 p For the last  4 months or so, Dave's plans have become public and he hates it in the worst way

Dec 8 p Hating something can make you as dumb as a box of rocks. That's what has happened to the aging Wittle Davey

Dec 8 p If anyone is reading these feeble posts, someone take Dave off to the side and explain to him a few things...

Dec 8 p School Board meetings are public meetings

Dec 8 p Anyone, everyone, has a 100% right to show up a couple minutes before any public meeting and be put on the agenda to speak

Dec 8 p At the end of each meeting when he asks if anyone has a question, he cannot discriminate based on skin color, lack of hangy down, or pure hatred

Dec 8 p  Please tell him, he does not have control over other elected School Board members and they too can ask questions and accept answers from the public.

Dec 8 p And finally, if Dave Mullins is unable to conduct himself in a professional manner and follow the oath of office he promised with one hand on the bible, it's time to go or at least, time for someone else to be Prez of the Clay County School Board.

Dec 8 p What a nice Christmas present that would be for the county.

Dec 8 p Next posting will cover his policitcal dealings in the last 20 years .

 

Dec 7 late p  Our Lady Panthers put it all over Braxton County tonight with a tough fight in the last quarter to garner a 6 point win.

Dec 7 late p This evening  long time head Coach Mary Ramsey was not at the helm. Instead Cristy Fitzwater was in charge.

Dec 7 late p If you check the school system web site, Ramsey's job is up for replacement. Ms Ramsey is one of the winningest coaches in the state. Until the just the last few years, girls' sport coaches were paid less than their male counter part.

Dec 7 late p Behind the scenes, bet the fight is on for the head coach slot.

 

Dec 7 p Back in the Summer, maybe before that, Sch Board members asked Superintendent Tanner for more info on the 2015 Budget year. At issue was the last year end audit where the CPA folks reported in 2015, that year, ended with a $10K surplus. All along,  Tanner told his bosses, the audit was wrong, in fact , 2015 ended  with a $250 K surplus.

Dec 7 p Meeting after meeting, the Board asked for the CPA's to show up and talk.

Dec 7 p Meeting after meeting, month after month came and went. No Auditor's and no answers

Dec 7 p Today at 1pm  two group's of CPA's showed up for a properly called and noticed special meeting of the School Board.

Dec 7 p For a little over an hour , answers came. Near the end KT said he wanted the meeting before his retirement so as no one will think he slid out the door with any $200,000 issue

Dec 7 p The discussions brought out: the 2015 Audit findings were not off by $200,000 as KT had  reported.

Dec t p Instead, the Board's Auditor and a second group (a checks and balance group) came up with an ending balance just $10K different. Both audit findings were close to ending the 2015 year with around a $240,000 surplus.

Dec 7 p When you're off $10K when dealing with a 20 million dollar budget, that's fairly reasonable and common. Moving one debt to the wrong column or one bill marked unpaid when it really was paid,  making a double entry, anything can explain being just $10k off.

Dec 7 p  With that issue behind em, here's the big story clickers.

Dec 7 p When it was time for questions to be asked, Board Chair Dave Mullins said he was never ever again allowing the Ace Cub Reporter  ask a  question during a school board meeting. Never!!!

Dec 7 p Additionally, he said a School Board meeting was a not a public meeting , it was THEIR  Board meeting

Dec 7 p  Here's the best part folks....

Dec 7 p  Very firmly, Dave Mullins said he would not let anybody never ever talk that speaks out against a school idea, notion, plan.

Dec 7 p  Always operating with compassion... The Ace Cub Reporter asked Mullins if someone had crapped in his oatmeal that morning. That didn't help much  clickers.

Dec 7 p  With him still steaming out both ears,  we asked if his blood pressure was OK.

Dec 7 p Oh Boy  Oh Boy, Mullins was not a happy camper

Dec 7 p As he was getting more aggressive with his words, the Reporter merely made a statement: Dave , You've been watching too many John Wayne movies.

Dec 7 p Maybe his shoes or shorts were too tight.  Maybe he had one crosswise. Maybe his meds were off

Dec 7 p Or, maybe it's time for a Highland Hospital tune up.

Dec 7 p Other Board chairs have done stupid crap in the past.

Dec 7 P Back before JD Morris went to prison and was School Board Chair, he too thought he could win by telling the Communicator they had no place at Board meetings. He lost that battle

Dec 7 p  Back when Jerry Linky Poo was School Superintendent and trying to arm twist the Ace Cub Reporter to support the Excess School Levy, without luck, we told him, we wouldn't be in favor of feeding every kid on earth if it meant adding another penny in taxes.

Dec 7 p Long time School Bd Chair RB Legg often had harsh words for the media if they said anything contrary to an official School System explanation.

Dec 7 p For the all humped up Dave Mullins, as we told Linky 17 years ago, let the games begin.

 

Dec 7 a The Communicator made it to news stands across the region Tuesday afternoon. For the many that receive their dose of news via the US mail, due to the power being off Tuesday afternoon, The Communicator did NOT make it tot he Post Office for the mailing. That means, your paper will show up one day late.

Dec 7 a The lead story handles the info on a local Green Shirt getting put on administrative after blasting a Robo Deer on the back side of Town.

Dec 7 a It's not the first write up on Green Shirt Aaron Nichols who was sued on sexually intrusive warrantless arrests not so long ago. Here'sthe link for online reading of that now case which cost the taxpaper well over $100,000 to settle.

Dec 7 a The Pentagon is hosting a special meeting this afternoon at 1pm. Topic is financials.  They might be discussing the 2015 audit where the Superintendent says they finished the year with 1/4 million to spare and the CPA's say , nope, just $10K to the good

Dec 7 a  CHS Basketball action tonight beginning  at 7:30 pm when Braxton County comes to Town.

Dec 7 a For those that want to listen online, here's the link.

Dec 7 a Town Council held their first monthly meeting under the direction of new Mayor, Jason Hubbard.  The one hour plus gathering went smooth with lots of earnest discussion and decision making.

Dec 7 a Get this, when going over the bills, they actually asked questions on several items and made suggestions on how to make cuts. How refreshing!

Dec 7 a The Charleston Gazette editorial board provided an op/ed in Tuesday's regional edition. Their topic was racism since Donny J was selected as Prez of the Divided States of America.

Dec 7 a Unfortunately the editorial staff got it wrong wrong they  provided their readers, Pam Taylor had been fired from Clay Development Corp (CDC).

Dec 7 a Wrong Wrong Wrong. Ms Taylor has never lost a penny since the Nov 9th racist controversy   erupted and remains on the job.

 

Dec 5 a  With the new month upon us, it's time for the next round of govt. agency public meetings

Dec 5 a Tonight at 6:30 the Business Development Authority (BDA) holds their Dec meeting and dinner over at the Senior / Nutrition site in Two Run. Their agenda looks pretty tame but Hey, you might get some free munchies if you attend.

Dec 5 a Tuesday afternoon offers a couple chances to govt. in action.

Dec 5 a Town Council meetings have been pretty lively recently. That elected body meets at 5pm in Town Hall, AKA WaWa Plant on Main Street

Dec 5 a  CAEZ schedules their monthly offering the first Tuesday of  the new cycle beginning at 4pm with an economic development meeting

Dec 5 a Doctor Michelle Herron from out West made national news last week after her facebook posting used terms like monkey face to describe the first lady.

Dec 5 a That Dochas now lost her job and position in the community.

Dec 5 a    Ms Pamela Taylor made equally troubling Facebook posts Nov 9th. on Facebook and remains in the building and life is good.

Dec 4 p The Clay High Basketball Schedule is now posted on t he ADVISORY page

Dec 4 p Looking back, we've had a pretty interesting last seven days.

Dec 4 p A rumor became public on a long time Green Shirt getting caught shooting the DNR's Robo Deer. None other than County Clay's own Aaron Nichols is the guy front and center with the finger pointing his direction.

Dec 4 p Officially, from the Headquarters in So Charleston, they're just confirming a "hunting incident".

Dec 4 p Because this is a small county where everybody knows another's business...

Dec 4 p Just before Thanksgiving, near the corner of Linda Rhodes' farm, near the old dump, the First Sergeant got caught blasting Mr Robo. Via emails and the coffeehouse crowd, word came, on the 28th, Mr Nichols turned in his resignation

Dec 4 p We can't confirm that or any thing else, but we are certain Nichols is in the grease big time.

Dec 4p We keep checking the Magistrate's office for a hard copy ticket on the infraction.. Not there yet either.

Dec 4p By mid week, it was official, the County Commission inspired group designed to destroy the Greater Clay Long Term Recovery Committee's effort to assist flood survivors, we call the new group, Jerry's Kids, they had been disbanded.

Dec 4 p  Our sources say, the close it down demand came from no less that the Gov's office.

Dec 4 p Later in an email from the Greater Clay group, sounded like, good faith attempts are being made to bring into the fold, those appointed to Jerry's Kids.

Dec 4 p After talking to Greater Clay Chair Rhonda McDonald, new funds totaling $100K have came their way along with a commitment to purchase new single wide trailers for those in need.

Dec 4 p Instead of starting a second group to assist in flood relief, Commissioner Linky Poo showed what's really in his heart, to keep his thumb on funds and who gets help after the June 23rd Wash Out.

Dec 4 p His thing is in the wringer and rightly so.

Dec 4 p Behind the scene, concerning racism at Clay Development (CDC), we're getting word that your telephone calls to funders may be working

Dec 4 p Just after the world wide blow up on Ms Taylor's racist comment on Facebook, the nutrition site contract which was already signed by CDC, that contract has been pulled

Dec 4 p We're just starting to hear stories of other Federally funded programs operated by CDC may also be taken away.

Dec 4 p TV crews are still coming around trying to get a comment from the already back on the job (actually she never left her job), Pamela Ramsey Taylor.

DEc 4 p Great!

Dec 4 p  On Saturday, Santa came to the Lion's Club building on Main Street. In addition to crafts and munchies, a  bunch of rug rats grinned from ear to ear as they passed their Christmas wishes on to the man in red.

Dec 4 p One boy showed his Christmas catalog to Mr Claus as he pointed out each item of interest

Dec 4p Parents beamed as they snapped pictures of the curtain climbers

Dec 4p It was a great time full of hope. Such is important after the last 6 months of rotten that came our way.

Dec 4 p We're down to just 3 weeks till Christmas. So far we haven't seen snow. Weathercasters are calling for a dusting layer this week.

 

Dec 3 p  Rebecca Lurlene Doss, 90, of Ovapa, see OBITUARY page

 

Dec 1 late p  Jackie Burl King,  see OBITUARY page

Dec 1 late p Welcome to a new month

Dec 1 late p For those wanting to do something nice this season of giving, be sure to check out the ADVISORY page.

Dec 1 late p   We'd like to thank the Charleston Fraternal Order of Police for donating a bunch of kids' toys to the county. Some of the toys also came from a PA based FOP group. Town Mayor Hubbard was the go between for the distribution.

Dec 1 late p Thank you

Dec 1 late p Dance the night away Friday night up at the Big Otter Community Center

Dec 1 late p The Lady Panthers are in home court action Friday night.

Dec 1 late p If they can get enough sponsors, the local radio station plans to sportscast 20+ games this season. So far, they've only got four sponsors. Help Help Help

Dec 1 late p For parents and kids alike, Santa is coming to the downtown Saturday morning. Be sure to load up those rug rats and bring em over to the Lion's Club building on Main Street

Dec 1 late p Much needed donations to the tune of $100K have come into the Greater Clay organization this month. That's great.

Dec 1 late p We understand, at least one new single wide has been ordered and is coming to a needy family thanks to the Greater Clay efforts and great supporters

Dec 1 late p One feller told us today, there's going to be a Santa parade on Main Street on Dec 16th. If someone has info, please let us know. Shame for the organizer to go to all that effect and then no one know about it.

Dec  late p   Hillary has now the election by over 2.5 millions votes. Strange? Donny J is still claiming victory. Here's the economy of the last election.

Dec 1 late p Here's the Metro News work up on Green Shirt Aaron Nichols blasting a Robo Deer up on the hill behind the Town of Clay

Dec 1 late p Although a little dated, Betty Lewis has a good write up on life in Widen West Virginia.

Dec 1 late p Think its a pipe dream to operate a vehicle on home grown alcohol? Brazil has already converted a big percentage of their cars to alcohol. No not corn drippings, but much of the rediscovered fuel from trash dumps. One interesting note. When using alcohol as the go juice, there is zero pollution thrown in the air. Bet gas companies are crapping their pants about now.

 

Nov. 30 p Get your coffee cup clickers. Here comes some juice!!

Nov. 30 p Our local non profit FM radio station is planning to sportscast a bunch of the Clay High boys and girls basketball games. The first game for  101.7FM is slated for this Friday Dec 2nd.

Nov. 30 p If they don't get a bunch of sponsors, the season and our athletes' good deeds will not be on the radio. Check out their web site and pay pal button today.

Nov. 30 p  Area news outlets like MetroNews  and  The Charleston Gazette (today)  have now picked up on our exclusive coverage of locally born and raised Aaron Nichols getting suspended from his Green Shirt position down in South Charleston. The official statement is listed below in the Nov. 29th posting.

Nov. 30 p Gazette coverage (sorry not online) page 6 C includes mention of transgressions made by Nichols over the years behind the badge. Their reference included Nichols arresting a half nude lady while using potty mouth. CHarges were all dropped against the woman. A costly lawsuit followed. The Gazette article did not mention a damage award or even who won the thang.

Nov. 30 p If we remember right, taxpayers coughed up around $100K to get things settled.

Nov. 30 p Not too long ago, we remember Nichols getting in trouble arresting a couple guys for standing outside a beer garden smoking cigarettes. That might have happened in Wirt County. Turns out , it's still legal to smoke a torch in public!

Nov. 30 p Back during his Dad's run for the House of Delegates (1996) , we reported Nichols trying to wreck an opponent's family car and truck and making promises : "I'm going to kill that little fat arss" while in front of  the old CDC Senior Center with a hunting rifle in his back seat.

Nov. 30 p Aaron was referring to the plump rump of the Ace Cub Reporter.

Nov. 30 p Shortly after that reporting in The Communicator where we called the guy a nut for his actions, he sued the near award winning newspaper of record.

Nov. 30 p  Those local incidents happened a short while before Aaron Nichols was accepted into the Green Shirt Academy in Institute.

Nov. 30 p After getting accepted to the Academy, several, many, in the county wrote letters (that was before emails) badmouthing the selection of Nichols to the training center. He still got in.

Nov. 30 p Monday evening we started posting all the hearsay, rumor, coffeshop talk on Nichols.

Nov. 30 p Those original comments included a part about Nichols NOT receiving a ticket for shooting Mr Robo Deer. He got off easy until a Facebook posting boasted of getting away with everything,

Nov. 30 p As we said on Monday, that's what we're hearing and as of tonight at 8pm, we think it's still true. After the FB posting, Brown Shirt Stuart Sims issued at least one ticket for the transgressions.     We hope one of the tickets is for being a 24 carat dumb bunny

Nov. 30 p Anyway you look at it, Nichols is in deep stuff and rightly so.

Nov. 30 p  How about some happy news for a second....

Nov. 30 p Town Council leaders  accepted a $250,000 streetscape grant from the Governor Tuesday mid day. This grant comes without a need to match state $$$ with  local funds.

Nov. 30 p Long time readers will remember 5 years ago when Commissioner Fran King (not Big Lup) secured a $200,000 streetscape grant for the Town. That grant was never used because  Town Council was disorganized, without leadership,  and could not come up with the local matching funds ($40,000 or so)

Nov. 30 p  What's streetscape? The idea is spruce up a run down block in the downtown area with period lighting, benches, fancy trash cans, and trim out new sidewalks with brick.

Nov. 30 p Now back to dark side of Clayberry

Nov. 30 p Late last week, we started hearing a rumbling that the newly formed  County Commission backed recovery committee was going to get the axe from the Gold Dome

Nov. 30 p This morning, with all three Commissioners sitting on their bench, the whispering was loud enough to hear em say, the new group, Jerry's Kids as we call it, was gone, disbanded. That's news seemed to shock Commissioner Arlene Tucker

Nov. 30 p If the purpose of the new agency was to add resources to groups already working to help people after the June 23rd Great Wash Out, that would have been great

Nov. 30 p It wasn't

Nov. 30 p Instead, Commissioner LinkyPoo worked behind the scenes to stop the efforts of  the Greater Clay Recovery Committee and publicly stated, he wanted their money and designation as a long term recovery group.

Nov. 30 p Look for a few members of Jerry's Kids to be a part of Greater Clay.

Nov. 30 p The only thing left is for Linky to come up with some statement that makes his loss of power more palatable, wording to that reduces the egg on his face.

Nov. 30 p How embarrassing for the aging guy

Nov. 30 p  For those wondering if CDC Director Pam Taylor is still coming to work. The answer is Yes. She was in the building Tuesday.

Nov. 30 p For those wondering, did all those tele calls to CDC funding agencies made a difference. The answer is Yes

Nov. 30 p CDC had just signed a contract to operate the Senior Center / Nutrition Site at Two Run.

Nov. 30 p Everything was in black and white until Pam Taylor's racist FB remarks flew around the world via about every news outlet.

Nov. 30 p It is our understanding, the nutrition site contract has now been pulled from CDC.

Nov. 30 p As for other funds being pulled from the family run empire, we don't know yet

Nov. 30 p For those that didn't make the phone calls to complain, how about taking a few minutes today and voice your feelings on Pam Ramsey Taylor's racist thoughts on FB and those utterings affected the entire county.

Nov. 30 p Here goes one more time:

Nov. 30p W Va Bureau of Senior Services, Commissioner Roswell 304 558 3317

Nov. 30p  Ramona Stanley with Appalachian Area Agency on Aging, 304 425 1147.

Nov. 30 p  Governor Earl Ray Tomblin  304 558 2000

W Va's U S Senator Joe Manchin 202-224-3954

W Va's  U S Senator Shelley Moore Capito 202 - 224- 6472

Nov.  30p And of course, the employer of Pam Taylor, Clay Development Corp, 304 587 4251  or 304 587 4996

Nov. 30 p Today Courthouse employees hand counted every ballot from the Nov. 8th election.

Nov. 30 p That was mandated a Republicrat Senatorial candidate demanded a recount in each county of the 12th Senatorial District.

Nov. 30 p How accurate was the ballot counting machine used on Nov. 8th? Before we answer, the actual back up tape record was also visually inspected.

Nov. 30 p Glad you asked. After today's hand count, the machine was off just 1 ballot.

Nov. 30 p Up to the minute news, right here on clayberry.org. In depth coverage in The Communicator,

Nov. 30 p Come Feb, we'll be doing our annual online begging campaign. Keep all this info in mind when we start the begging in a few months

 

Nov. 30 a This morning the County Commission is over seeing the recount of the 12th Senatorial District ballots.

Nov. 30 a Before they got underway, up front, Commissioners were talking in hushed tones. From that quiet talk:  the counter group formed by Linky Poo to oust the Greater Clay Long Term Recovery Committee, Jerry's Kids as we're calling them, has been disbanded.

Nov. 30 a It's our understanding, Link and the gang was told to shut it down with that message coming from the Gov's office.

Nov. 30 a That's what happens when you form a group every so quietly and form it with one intention, to destroy the already up and working, Greater Clay Committee.

Nov. 30 a Instead of fighting, maybe the county can get back to helping those in need. Good!

Nov. 30 a A better update coming this afternoon including an update on the escapades of Clayberry's very own, Aaron Nichols

Nov. 29  From  Green Shirt Lt M. Baylous, 2:15pm     The West Virginia State Police is aware of a hunting related incident involving First Sergeant A. D. Nichols and another individual which occurred on Wednesday, November 23, 2016.  First Sergeant Nichols was immediately placed on administrative leave once the Superintendent learned of the incident.  In accordance with established policy and procedure, the West Virginia State Police has begun an internal investigation.  Internal investigations are conducted completely independent of other potential or pending investigations.  In this case, the West Virginia Natural Resources Police will investigate any potential hunting violations which may have occurred; therefore, the West Virginia State Police will not be commenting further about the incident.    Background for the media:    First Sergeant A. D. Nichols is the same Trooper who was suffered multiple injuries including a traumatic brain injury on December 31, 2012, in St. Albans, West Virginia, when he was struck by a vehicle being driven by a shoplifter.  He is currently assigned to the Planning and Research Section of the West Virginia State Police.

Nov. 29  a School Superintendent Kenneth Tanner will actually be on the clock thru the end of December. Now sucking up his unused vacation time, for intent and purpose, that regime is over.

Nov. 29 a Much time was spent during last night's Sch Bd meeting telling old stories and laughing over things of old. Each speaker last night boosted of our outstanding school system.

Nov. 29 a KT read from some chart showing County Clay Schools ranked in t he top ten in the state. Smiles were broad

Nov. 29 a There was no mention of our F rated school and other rankings just released from Charleston

Nov. 29 a Leadership had to be in place for the new Super, Joe Paxton. He got his pick of Jarrod Fitzwater as sidekick Superintendent

Nov. 29 a In the changing of the guard, last night, Leslie Pierson Go was moved from the classroom to administrative work as Assst Principal at Clay Middle

Nov. 29 a The great scheme of things is: OKP3 is at the helm with Joan Haynie is a hold over from the KT administration.

Nov. 29 a Joan will retire in Dec 2017.  Jarrod will move up to Asst. Super.

Nov. 29 a With Jarrod's spot then open, Leslie gets the nod to move to the Pentagon

Nov. 29 a All just guessing of course  but put the prediction in your gray cells.

 

Nov. 28 p Noticed something this morning at the Courthouse

Nov. 28 p Before 11 am, Commissioners Linky & Fitzwater, and  United Way's John Ballengee  were chatting in the main hallway. Nothing uncommon about that since the County Commission and United Way teamed up to form the Jerry's Kids organization a few weeks ago. Jerry's Kids as we call it, was formed solely to do away with the Greater Clay Long Term Recovery Committee.

Nov. 28 p In the County Commission room was Greater Clay Chair Rhonda McDonald.

Nov. 28 p After a several minute wait and after a lady from Greenbrier showed up , Fitz called for McDonald to gather with them in County Clerk Connie Workman's office.

Nov. 28 p With a group of seven or more, normally, the get together would be held in the spacious County Commission room.

Nov. 28 p Keeping things secret appear to be most important right now

Nov. 28 p We're not sure what Team Linky is up to but since they held their huddle in secret, our guess, something is NOT going Link's way and he needs quiet time to iron out wrinkles or a tidal wave.

Nov. 28 a Our Natural Resource Badges uses a mechanical deer to entrap night time blasters.

Nov. 28 a  Shooting Robo Deer is serious business and leaves the spot lighter or vehicle hunter with a much lighter wallet.

Nov. 28 a We're getting a story of a law enforcement feller getting caught shooting Robo last week.

Nov. 28 a The story goes, once caught, DNR did the fellow Badge a favor, yelled him for a while and then let him go. No ticket

Nov. 28 a Still just a story mind ya, being a 24 carat dumbarss, the Robo blaster got on Facebook boasting of his getting off easy

Nov. 28 a If all the speculation is true, Mr Blaster has now been issued a  multi-ticket

Nov. 28 a Good!

 

Nov. 27 p It's been nearly 20 days since the racism remarks From CDC Director Pam Taylor and the follow up reply from ex Mayor Bev Whaling went around the world.

Nov. 27 p For those 20 days, the school of public sentiment was loud, strong, and clear. This county, this state, this world, does not condone racism.

Nov. 27 p For those that don't know, none of our postings are deleted. Instead they are stored on the past news page. The link to that page is down below.

Nov. 27 p Bev Whaling did the right thing and resigned from her elected position. That's not the case for Pam Taylor who remains at the helm of her family empire and fully in charge.

Nov. 27 p Unless some new revelations are exposed, the county and state will suffer the blight while Ms Taylor's serfdom continues.

Nov. 27 p  While the ace cub reporter was in Morgantown, in a big box store, while chit chatting in an aisle, the stranger asked, where you from?

Nov. 27 p The response was Clay  West Virginia

Nov. 27 p The chit chat ended with  raised eyebrows as the guy walked the other direction.

Nov. 27 p People will remember for a long time. The years of effort to grow tourism in County Clay, it's all gone

Nov. 27 p  As we move thru these last few days of November..

Nov. 27 p With just 100 votes or so separating the Republicrat challenger in the Senatorial 12th District from incumbent Senator, Doug Facemire, the election recount begins this week. With our machine counting all ballots, expect few changes in the total count.

Nov. 27 p Major contention most likely will be the 50 challenged votes. On election night, it was determined, just 15 of the ballots would be counted. The remainder either did not live in Clayberry or were not registered here.

Nov. 27 p Monday evening, the School Board meets at the Pentagon. Their posted agenda brings to reality, school system cutbacks mandated by the Governor. For this tiny county, they have to trim back $86,000+ during the last 6 months of this year. That's a bunch and it's just lucky that all the Pentagon personal was hired into place just before the long known budget cuts were made public.

Nov. 27 p Now with the Pentagon top heavy, if cuts are made, they will come from classroom teachers and school service personnel

Nov. 27 p How bad is it? Without a correct audit, no one knows how much $$$ there really is left in the checkbook. Last year's audit is off $200,000+. That's the audit the School Board has asked for for 6 months. So Far, Superintendent Kenneth Tanner has been unable to get the CPA's to attend a public Board meeting.

Nov. 27 p With Monday night's Board meeting most likely his last before retirement, KT has managed to slip out the door unscathed by the $200,000 controversy.

Nov. 27 p

Nov. 27 a Daniel Lee Hundley, 57, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page

Nov. 27 a  Where are the worst drivers in America? For once, our state is not the worst at something.

 

Nov. 25 p  A night's sleep and a roll of Tums, Turkey Day is behind us. Deer Camp continues with moderate temps providing for a no excuse time in the woods.

Nov. 25 p Since Nov. 10th, this site and the latest Communicator have spent tons of time covering the dismal thinking process and racist post made by CDC Director Pam Ramsey Taylor.

Nov. 25 p For those wondering, Ms Taylor is still on the job.

Nov. 25 p For those thinking she should have been ot should be fired for her dimly lit facebook comments, might not be over yet for the Taylor lady

Nov. 25 p Noticed Charleston Gazette did a follow up piece on T Day concerning Ms Taylor getting fired 20 years ago.

Nov. 25 p The Communicator provided a full page on the history of the family empire in the latest edition.

Nov. 25 p It's our understanding others are working behind the scenes to apply pressure on funding agencies to affect her removal

Nov. 25 p While those folks are working quietly to remove that blight, and while covering the black eye we've received from those racist comments, we've managed to ignore other serious issues in Clayberry

Nov. 25 p Cold weather finally came our way Saturday, seven days back. For many June 23rd flood survivors without adequate shelter, things are now real serious. The Greater Clay Committee's work has gotten tougher without the support of the County Commission.

Nov. 25 p  Greater Clay managed to bring in truckloads of building supplies and provide some labor to winterize homes. Additionally, new funding has come their way to help keep the lights turned on and provide for unmet needs.

Nov. 25 p  A few weeks back the County Commission took it on themselves to withdraw all support from Greater Clay and start their own committee.

Nov. 25 p We're calling that new group, Jerry's Kids. After  holding a couple meetings, the new folks have set up by laws and established officers but little else.

Nov. 25 p Instead of jumping in and providing support from day one, nothing has been accomplished. They haven't managed to pick up one case file for the needy. With winter fast approaching, Jerry's Kids has done nothing more than gum up the works and slow down  legitimate efforts by the Greater Clay Committee.

Nov. 25 p  Surely to goodness, some State oversight committee will step in and tell the ring leader of the mess, Linky Poo, stop behaving like a kid and take care of serious problems before someone, some people, freeze to death.

Nov. 25 p Hope the funders are still taking notice and do something soon, real soon.

Nov. 25 p For the rest of us, we turn up the thermostat, run thru the TV channels,  eat left overs and pay little attention to the many in need.

Nov. 25 p If you can lend a hand in some way, call Greater Clay Long Term Recovery Committee at 304 587 4700.

Nov. 25 p Happy Thanksgiving Link.

Nov. 24 a With family and friends around, we hope each and every have a wonderful Indigestion Day

Nov. 24 a Enjoy every morsel, hug, and hand shake then....

Nov. 24 a Get back in the woods and blast every one of those four legged tomato eating varmints with antlers!!!! And if you don't think you'll get caught, even the ones without antlers!

 

Nov. 23 a The Communicator made it to news stands across the region Tuesday afternoon, 24 pages of solid information second to none

Nov. 23 a County Commission meets this morning at 10am

Nov. 23 a  For most in America,  two days off to celebrate dead turkeys.

Nov. 23  a That includes us. Unless somebody does something stupid, limited updates til after the day of indigestion.

 

Nov. 21 late late p While you're sitting their on your thumbs, TV-13 provided viewers with a pretty good write up on the hate filled letters that came into Clayberry today as well as the one filled with white powder.

Nov. 21 late late p We're working on the latest bestest yet Communicator. No update til we get that puppy to bed.

 

Nov. 20 late p Back on Nov. 3rd, on this site, we wrote: When state outfits said to do something their way, Greater Clay said, naaaay, we'll set up our own organization and do it our way.....  It always looks good for United Way of Charleston to be on Board. For that agency managing things, they charge a fee. Greater Clay said, no thanks, we'll set up our own non profit and handle our own money.

Nov. 20 late p John Ballengee is head cheeze for the local United Way. The feller called the office last Wed and had his shorts all bunched up big time.

Nov. 20 late p  Well, if you remember how the Grinch that stole Christmas, the narrator speculated why the Grinch was such a grump butt, that guy thought Mr Grinch's shoes didn't fit right

Nov. 20 late p John B , who reads this website, was torqued up saying his agency does NOT collect a fee for administrating an account like Greater Clay; we should get our facts correct; and he demanded a full retraction. If his shoes are too tight, he showed. He went on tell us about pee poor spelling, grammar, and how the ace cub reporter pronounces words.

Nov. 20 late p Before we go any further, a retraction ain't happening

Nov. 20 late p Our explanation was along the lines, we attend public meetings and cover what those in charge have to say and report just that. How often have you heard a politician fib? For this site and The Communicator, our goal is to let the world know what they said. We don't know if their words are correct, we just have to make sure we report what they say.

Nov. 20 late p We informed Ballengee, the part about United Way charging a fee came during one of the Greater Clay meetings.

Nov. 20 late p  Commenting, he sounded pretty tightened up, that didn't help.

Nov. 20 late p  Changing gears just a little...

Nov. 20 late p During one of the recent County Commission meetings, the Link Meister told  the peanut gallery, United Way would serve as the fiscal agent (see John, it doesn't start with a ph) for the new group we're calling Jerry's Kids.

Nov. 20 late p After our tele conversation with Big B, we asked County Commissioner Greg Fitzwater about fees and such with their agreement with United Way. Fitz replied, there is no agreement that he knew of, they are still negotiating with Ballengee, and those negotiations include costs.

Nov. 20 late p After the conversation, we emailed the Johnster with the disputing info

Nov. 20 late From John:  No agreement?  I have a signed copy of a memorandum of understanding between United Way of Central WV and the Unmet Needs & Resource Committee.  Terse not becoming of a director?  You are correct!  When people or the media share information that is incorrect and unverified like you did recently! I do get terse. Report accurate and true information and you will never hear from "terse" people. BTW, "reading" has an "I" in it and "trusted" is a stretch.

Nov. 20 late p Not sure what Mr B means when he writes unverified. When you get your info right from the CCC Prez and during a Greater Clay meeting, that sounds pretty straight from the horse's mouth.

Nov. 20 late p  A follow up email reads:  And please do not question my intentions or information. If I am wrong, I will admit the mistake...unlike you. Please produce evidence to your readers that what you spout is truthful and accurate.....or apologize. Your choice.  John Ballengee

Nov. 20 late p  We think John Ballengee is wearing shoes that are too tight.

Nov. 20 late p John, we have our annual online fund raiser in Feb each year. We hope to receive a big donation from you and no we don't charge a fee.

Nov. 20 late p We'll have the full accounting in Tuesday's Communicator

Nov. 20 late p Here's another email on Pam Ramsey Taylor's racial slam that went around the world reflecting on this county and state in the worst way:   I am a retired Grant Writer. Pamela Taylor has publicly declared that she lied on all the grant applications she submitted stating that "CDC promises to be an equal opportunity outfit free from racism". She is unfit to continue either submitting or overseeing any grant she submitted that was awarded. I respectfully request that this racist liar be removed from her position.  She is a disgrace! Sincerely, Carolyn Moser  Tucson AZ

Nov. 20 late p One more email before the paper comes out: Have this bigot fired! She's embarrassed your town, county and state! Is she really worth you being the hate capital of West Virginia? She's not worth everyone being thought of as the stereotypical uneducated, bigoted, toothless West Virginia idiots        Calen Wolson

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Nov. 20 p   Chester Keith Legg, 40, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page

Nov. 20 p From the last several days....

Nov. 20 p Clayberry saw temps in the mid 70's on Friday. Yesterday, everything changed with snow coming down. Today we started off  around 31 degrees and specks of the white stuff coming down.

Nov. 20 p That's perfect for the first day of buck season but for the rest of us, Brrrrr.

Nov. 20 p Today over at the High School, area group's are hosting a free Thanksgiving for all. Based on past dinners, the place will be packed. Great food, great comaradory and Gospel music will ring out for the attendees.

Nov. 20 p  Doubt if there will be one mention of the blight  of racism which is now blanketing the county and state.

Nov. 20 p Racial comments ended the political career of Town of Clay Mayor Bev Whaling on Tuesday. She resigned that day before the public meeting of the governing body.

Nov. 20 p With cameras rolling from nearly every regional media outlet, it's just as well she was a no show. Ditto for the throngs of expected protesters (rioters). Instead a handful from around the county came to express their concern that racism is alive and well in our outback county.

Nov. 20 p The instigator of all this is Clay Development Corp (CDC) Director Pam Ramsey Taylor who remains on her job. For  her to be the job of a social service agency that pledges to be free from racism, it's horrible.

Nov. 20 p  Ms Taylor's Facebook remarks has brought this county to its knees. Our years of trying to improve our image, it's all gone. The black mark left by Taylor will take years (if ever) to erase.

Nov. 20 p The fall out is just beginning.

Nov. 20 p This week a B Ball coach called Clay High stating, he was not bringing his team to play in a racist place.

Nov. 20 p Nothing has gone worldwide like the "ape in heels" choice words. Not when our local banker and state School Board Chair plead guilty to stealing from kids... not while our local Sheriff from a few years back kept putting his foot in his mouth and making us look sooooooo bad.  Not even the years of Murder Mountain escapes.  Nothing has put us on the map like Ms Taylor

Nov. 20 p Normally, this site receives around 2000 lookers a day. This week: Nov. 13th 42,822; 14th 97048; 15th 129,549; 16th 82,252; 17th 48,004; 18th 45, 286

Nov. 20 p Those clicks are good for our advertisers but not one wants the embarrassment of the world looking down on us for the current reasons.

Nov. 20 p While there's still several looking at County Clay from afar, one more time

Nov. 20 p If you truly want to do something to help County Clay rebuild, please call the following oversight agencies and ask that racism stop and they remove Pam Ramsey Taylor from public position.

Nov. 20p W Va Bureau of Senior Services, Commissioner Roswell 304 558 3317

Nov. 18 a   Ramona Stanley with Appalachian Area Agency on Aging, 304 425 1147.

Nov. 20p  Governor Earl Ray Tomblin  304 558 2000

Nov. 20p  W Va's U S Senator Joe Manchin 202-224-3954

Nov. 20p  W Va's  U S Senator Shelley Moore Capito 202 - 224- 6472

Nob 20p And of course, the employer of Pam Taylor, Clay Development Corp, 304 587 4251  or 304 587 4996

Nov. 20p Thanks for your help.

Nov. 20 p The Communicator comes out Tuesday. Email your chatters, classifieds, obits, etc. , today

 

Nov. 18 a Was your home destroyed, flooded, during the June Great Wash Out?  There's a deadline today. Better check out the ADVISORY page right now

Nov. 18 a National and regional news is all but gone from Clayberry. Instead of getting 140,000+ hits a day on this site, we're back down to the more normal 2000 or so.

Nov. 18 a While that's back to normal, Pamela Taylor remains on the job and her racist comments are now starting to hurt in other ways.

Nov. 18 a Suppose your a high school coach with kids of color on your team. Suppose you're a black coach of that team, are you going to bring your team to a county marked with racism, a county that allows the purveyor of racism to remain in her $80K  Director position?

Nov. 18 a The fall out is just beginning. The high school has already received a call from a b ball coach saying, nope, we ain't coming.

Nov. 18 a Efforts are underway to change the coach's mind and we hope it works but this could be just the first of many.

Nov. 18 a If games, scrimmages, are canceled because teams won't come here, that certainly demoralizes our students, has a big affect on school finances like concessions, gate receipts and the like.

Nov. 18 a If you're interested in removing the racial blight affecting this County of Little, here's the complaint numbers again:

Nov. 18 a   W Va Bureau of Senior Services, Commissioner Roswell 304 558 3317

Nov. 18 a   Ramona Stanley with Appalachian Area Agency on Aging, 304 425 1147 or email. stanleyromona@citlink.net

Nov. 18 a  Governor Earl Ray Tomblin  304 558 2000

Nov. 18 a  W Va's U S Senator Joe Manchin 202-224-3954

Nov. 18 a  W Va's  U S Senator Shelley Moore Capito 202 - 224- 6472

Nob 18 a And of course, the employer of Pam Taylor, Clay Development Corp, 304 587 4251  or 304 587 4996

 

Nov. 17p For those that think the racism problem is over at Clay Development Corp (CDC) ... For those that think Ms Pam Taylor has resigned or otherwise left the non profit social service provider, you are wrong.

Nov. 17 p Several in the area have seen Pam Ramsey Taylor in the building today.

Nov. 17p It ain't over

Nov. 17 p Without the advantage of  a high school diploma, Ms Taylor takes in a little over $80,000 according to her IRS Form 990. Here's a link to the online version of the mandatory form. Check out page 7.

Nov. 17 For those happy with racists on the govt dole, do nothing, you're covered

Nov. 17 p For everybody else, here's the contact info again:W Va Bureau of Senior Services, Commissioner Roswell 304 558 3317

Ramona Stanley with Appalachian Area Agency on Aging, 304 425 1147 or email. stanleyromona@citlink.net

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin  304 558 2000

W Va's U S Senator Joe Manchin 202-224-3954

W Va's  U S Senator Shelley Moore Capito 202 - 224- 6472

Nov. 17 p We need to get caught up on local happenings. Here goes...

Nov. 17 p West Virginia Senator Doug Facemire won his district election last week by just 70 some votes. His Republicrat challenger has now called for a recount.

Nov. 17 p That means all the Clayberry votes will be recount including the provisional ballots.

Nov. 17 p Look for the lengthy process to begin sometime around the 29th or 30th of this month

Nov. 17 p We received a call from a parent telling us, at Big Otter Elem, if your parent or guardian does not attend the Thanksgiving Dinner (today), the child will have to eat his holiday meal in the classroom, away from the rest of the student body.

Nov. 17p Outgoing Superintendent, Kenneth Tanner confirmed the accuracy of the parent's words and added: The children who had parents coming in were able to get their children from the classrooms and line up in the hallway.  Due to the huge number of parents and family, it took 60 minutes waiting in line with the kids (I timed it).  Parents and family members reported that the meal was excellent.  There were too many people to all be seated in the cafeteria.  Those children who did not have parents or family members coming, ate together in their classrooms with their teachers.  Those children did not have to wait the 60 minutes in line, but got to go to the front of the line.  After they ate, they got extra recess time while the others were waiting in line.......I spoke to lots of people today at Big Otter.  No one complained about the long wait.  I heard some kids begging their parents to let them go eat in the classrooms so they could get a tray quicker and get more play time (really did).  If you know of a way to do it better, please send a suggestion to Mr. Boggs    OK clickers, got any ideas on to better serve the needs, please email. We're all ears.

Nov. 17 early early a For years County Clay has wanted press time. We wanted the world to know about us, our location, and our values. Sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for.

Nov. 17 Beginning Wed night Nov. 9th, when we received our first email and for the last seven days, it has taken all we can muster to try and keep up with the worst news cycle to hit this county,  state.

Nov. 17 a Of course we're talking about the total disgrace brought to our 342 square miles from the CDC Director Pamela Ramsey Taylor and now ex Mayor, Bev Whaling.

Nov. 17 a Their brief but destructive racial prejudice exposed on a Facebook post, well, almost every news outlet in this Nation and many from around the world picked up on the shear stupidity of the two community leaders.

 Nov. 17 a Since day 2, telephone lines and email boxes have been jammed shut due to the volume. About 99% of the volume comes condemning the two dumb bunnies and rightfully so. In one  wide swath, everybody else in the county has been brought down as well.

Nov. 17 a More recently, the phone calls ( to this site anyway) as well as the most recent emails have turned violent and laced full of derogatory terms and for instances.

Nov. 17 a In a nutshell, Bev Whaling did the right thing and resigned her position Tuesday Nov. 15th around 2pm. Not so with the main culprit Clay Development Corp Director Pam Ramsey Taylor.

Nov. 17 a A crafty statement from CDC at first blush made it sound like Taylor was gone.

Nov. 17 a She's not according to ABC NEWS two nights ago and now by regional news outlets.

Nov. 17 a For our "clickers' still interested in helping this tiny outback place rid itself of racist  leaders, check out the contact numbers listed below on Nov. 16th

Nov. 17 a With enough pressure from the world, some day soon, we hope to receive a simple one line statement from Clay Development Corp: Pam Taylor no longer works for this agency and will never work there again.

Nov. 17 a Help us clickers. You wouldn't want such crap in your neighborhood and we don't either.

Nov. 17 a Speaking of numbers, this site became swamped by interested folks from around the world. Clayberry.org saw  129,549 visitor hits on the 15th; 97,048 on Monday the 14th; and 42,822  this past Sunday.  Our norm is around 2000 hits per days.

Nov. 17 a What we're getting at, there's a bunch of other news ( not racist crap) that needs to be made public. As soon as we get some shut eye, we hope to start posting our normal local content stuff again

Nov. 17 a From the email bag: Thanks to everyone in Clay County who stood up against the racism of Whaling and Taylor.  Mrs. Obama is a lovely, dignified and intelligent first lady who has done so much good!  She and President Obama have been the soul of Christian kindness during the transition to the new Trump administration. Although I did not vote for President-Elect Trump, I applaud the Obamas for taking the high road and welcoming the Trumps so cordially. The Obamas are a beautiful family that raised their kids up right. What more can you ask of people?  And how can anyone insult them just for the color of their skin?  Thanks again!  Dana Delibovi Lake Saint Louis, MO

Nov. 17 a    After hearing and reading the comments made and the disrespect administered to the First Lady Mrs. Obama I was glad to see the rapid way the situation. I commend you on your handling of the situation. It pleases me to see that there is hope, and that there are people who believe there is no place for bigotry and prejudice in the world.  At the end of the written article there was given an invitation to visit your great County and see how people respect one another and how life is conducted. I would like to take you up on that invitation and visit. Harold S Jones

Nov. 17 a  And,  Thanks for showing a little about the local activities in WV.  I worked in WV for a summer in 1974 and had the opportunity to visit some parks and play around in some of your very beautiful State.  I was saddened to see this news and glad you are taking a stand against racism.  Michele Obama has been a very classy First Lady.  I cannot fathom how anyone could see her as anything else.  She is beautiful, well-spoken and smart.  She is a good wife, mother and citizen.  What more could we want in a First Lady?   Melania Trump will have huge shoes to fill.  Perhaps she will do so with grace and dignity. Diana Rigg

Nov. 17 a Also,  Just want to tell you how much I appreciate your internet presence.  I first found you when I was looking for details on the flooding earlier this year.  I'm sorry Clay has hit the news  today during the post-election decompression;  I wish the national media would balance things out by reporting a story showing the warmth and friendliness we encountered in Clay. Quite a while ago my husband and I worked in Clay for a year and lived in a mobile home along the Elk between the Junction and the Dundon-Widen Bridge; we rented the mobile from grocery store owner Andy Starcher who lived next door to us with his wife. The river came about up to the home's supports in the Spring that year.  I imagine this year that area would have been even more "soggy".  Both the town and the county have remained near to our hearts ever since our short residence there.  With affection,  Rio Buehler

Nov. 17 a We appreciate all emails  and thank you

Nov. 17 aAfter all this is said and on the web, one thing, the original problem, CDC Director Pam Taylor,  is still employed as Director of that non profit agency.

Nov. 17 a If you can help get rid of the blight, thanks in advance.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Nov. 16 p An older gent once told us, to kill a snake you have to cut off its head

Nov. 16 p For the still on the job CDC Director Pam Ramsey Taylor, the head of the snake would be the govt agencies that fund (99.7%) the local social service provider for the poor and elderly

Nov. 16 p Early this morning, down below, we posted the contact numbers for the two West Virginia Senators

Nov. 16 p To further attempt to remove a racist from from your tax burden dial ....

Nov. 16 p W Va Bureau of Senior Services, Commissioner Roswell 304 558 3317

Nov. 16 p Ramona Stanley with Appalachian Area Agency on Aging, 304 425 1147 or email. stanleyromona@citlink.net

Nov. 16 p Governor Earl Ray Tomblin  304 558 2000

Nov. 16 p Let's fix the problem once and for all, Pam Taylor has to be removed from the Clay Development Corp (CDC) operation 100%

Nov. 16 p  Welcome to Wednesday in the Land of Little where a racist is still on the payroll of a Federally funded social service provider, Clay Development Corp (CDC)

Nov. 16 a  After the Town Council meeting where racist Bev Whaling did the right thing and resigned as Mayor of the Town of Clay that peaceful feeling  changed when ABC Nightly News reported: Mayor Bev Whaling resigned but CDC Director Pam Ramsey Taylor had taken a leave of absence.

Nov. 16 a Leave of absence!!!

Nov. 16 a  She has NOT left  the CDC organization and her mean spirited racist based deeds will continue as soon as the national media moves to some other topic.

Nov. 16 a How did this sneak by?

Nov. 16 a Since the beginning of their existence, Clay Development Corp (CDC) has been a secret family run empire that is adapt at deception. We know that by the number of court cases they've been involved in and brought themselves.

Nov. 16 a One day ago, an artfully worded statement was written to deceive the reader and the world. At first blush, it appeared, Pam Ramsey Taylor had left the building and her post.

Nov. 16 a Now a few days later, we know that artfully worded statement was  a smoke screen to side track national media  for  maybe a day or two, and then, when the big cameras are gone,  Ms Taylor will be right back at the helm and positioned to spew her hatred to any person of color CDC comes in contact with.

Nov. 16 a For those around the world that have called, emailed, responded to the online petition, now's the time to renew your effort to make sure Taylor is gone, permanently removed  from the govt dole and from a position where she can deny services based on skin color.

Nov. 16 a With any means available including mass protests in downtown Clay, now's the time to demand and receive a statement from CDC: Ms Taylor has been fired and will never be employed there again.

Nov. 16a During the last 5 days, about every caller was seeking a telephone number that would get the job done.

Nov. 16a Here in Clay, local phones were taken off the hook. Email boxes stopped working due to volume.

Nov. 16 a  It's time to get the job done and remove the long standing blight from CDC and County Clay.

Nov. 16 a CDC has two public numbers 304 587 4251 or 304 587 4996

Nov. 16 a W Va's  U S Senator Joe Manchin 202-224-3954

Nov. 16 a W Va's  U S Senator Shelley Moore Capito 202 - 224- 6472

Nov. 16a  While the poker is hot, now's the time to make sure this slimy puke embarrassment is stopped and put out to pasture once and for all.

 

Nov. 15 late p  With tension mounting and after school activities curtailed to keep students away from  potentially irate protesters, tonight's Clay Town Council meeting was held.

Nov. 15 late p Instead of a full  meeting agenda, Town Recorder Joe Coleman read the one line, typed,  resignation letter received this afternoon, Mayor Bev Whaling resigned her position  effective immediately.

Nov. 15 late p Council person Jason Hubbard made a statement apologizing to the world on the resigned Mayor's racist remarks. "“First and foremost, the council would like to condemn the horrible and indecent post that was the center of the controversy,” Hubbard said. “This kind of racism and intolerance is not what this community is about. This community is a hopeful and helpful, empathetic and god-loving community, and we are tolerant. Please don’t judge the community for one or two individual acts.”

Nov. 15 late p With his fellow Council persons nodding in agreement, Hubbard made certain to include the First Lady in the apology statement.

Nov. 15 late p His message was well received, heart felt and eased the tension in the room.

Nov. 15 late p With the Recorder ready to bolt for the door,  from the peanut gallery, citizen's began to speak.

Nov. 15 late p There was no yelling or rock throwing.  Two commented they had driven many miles to attend the meeting. All that spoke thanked the Council for killing the notion that racism was OK in Clayberry.

Nov. 15 late p  For those that don't know, it ain't all right... anywhere.

Nov. 15 late p Regional camera crews stayed after the meeting capturing comments from those around the conference table and  concerned citizens.

Nov. 15 late p On the drive home, it felt like a great burden had been lifted. That, County Clay would return to life in the slow lane devoid of 100,000 more emails and hateful phone calls out the whazoo.

Nov. 15 late p We can expect Council to hold  a special meeting sometime soon and select a new Mayor to complete the unexpired term of Ms Whaling .

  Nov. 15 late p Our guess, Jason Hubbard will be appointed Mayor with one time Council person Josh Shamblin getting the nod to be back at the table. Both or either would be good choices.

 

Nov. 15 6:15 a Big Otter Elem is closed today due to a nearby fuel spill.

Nov. 15 a Media outlets across the nation are reporting that Pam Taylor of "Ape in Heels" fame is no longer Director. For those  looking in from around the world, the family run empire is well known for tricks and underhanded management.

Nov. 15 a  From the Washington Post coverage: ...Taylor told the news station [WSAZ]  that the public response had become a “hate crime against me,” explaining that she and her children had received death threats. She said she is planning to file a lawsuit against people who have slandered or libeled her....  A representative of Clay County Development Corp., a nonprofit funded with state and federal money, said the board “removed” Taylor from her position as director and appointed Leslie McGlothlin to take her place.

Nov. 15 a  When they report, no longer director, no longer in that post, no longer in that position, that leaves the door open for her retaining her salary and being employed with some other title.

Nov. 15a We're not saying that is happening, but we are saying, crapola like that happens at Clay Development (CDC) on a regular basis.

Nov. 15 a The School of Public Opinion has accomplished what years of lawsuits, regime changes, and bad press couldn't. The Dark Empire known as Clay Development is crumbling.

Nov. 15 a   We don't know Ms McGlothlin but hope the change will be an improvement. It won't be too hard

Nov. 15 a After years of Clayonians getting short changed and left by the wayside, we are thankful for the change in leadership.

Nov. 15 a Ms Taylor was out of  her office shortly after lunch on Monday. She had an employee bring her vehicle around to the front of the building from its hiding spot and quickly jumped in the awaiting vehicle and sped off. Good!

Nov. 15 a Bev Whaling is still Mayor of the Town of Clay.

Nov. 15 a Whaling is employed at a local bank. It is our understanding, mid day, Monday Nov. 14th, bank officials removed Whaling from her position citing security issues.

Nov. 15 a Clay Town Council meets this afternoon at 5pm. Green Shirts have been requested to be on hand for the public gathering.

Nov. 15 a One of our callers yesterday told us to expect hundreds of protesters to be on hand for the meeting. The long distance caller was told, the WaWa plant  /  Town Hall location would only hold 50 people at the most, it didn't seem to matter to him

Nov. 15 a For those interested, a quick web search with "ape in heels" will reveal, almost every news agency in the nation and some from around the world, provided coverage of this ugly incident.

Nov. 15 a Pam Ramsey Taylor and Bev Whaling's writings have left a bigly black spot on County Clay that will tarnish us and be remembered for years to come. Thank you.

Nov. 15 a That online petition is now reporting 90,000 comments against racism. Good!

Nov. 15 a We continue to receive hundreds of irate emailers . Their message is, get rid of the racists. Many of the emails are filled with potty mouth and rotten innuendoes. We won't print those

Nov. 15 a We do have a few more worth noting....

Nov. 15 a From England: Congratulations, you have made it to the front page of the BBC news website. Years in the future, even after people stop asking who really shot Kennedy, Clay will still be famous, you need to start preparing for the tourist influx now. yours, satirically, Lord Barmy

Nov. 15 a From Maine:  I was pretty shocked to read about the comments from the Mayor of Clay, WV, supporting some of the most extreme, disgusting comments I have ever heard, let alone about the first lady of the United States.  Personally I think it feeds into terrible stereotypes about West Virginia, but I can assure you, I will go out of my way to bypass Clay when I'm driving through the area.   Shame shame shame.  I hope you pass this on to your Mayor, and act quickly to make her your EX mayor. Lyn Rosoff   Kittery, Maine 03904

Nov. 15 a If these mental midgets are an example of people in wv, count me out Ely Gimore

Nov. 15 a Please know that are travels include West Virginia, and we will forever avoid Clay County. What a disgusting mentality and and place to live. The good people have our sympathy, hopefully there are enough to do something positive about this injustice and blatant racism. Regardless, we will never have anything to do with you, and will strongly encourage any and everyone we meet to do the same. Clay is deplorable  Rod Severns

Nov. 15 a Could anything brighten a day more than denigrating people because of their skin color? Yeehaw, political correctness is dead! Unlimited abuse against minorities is A-OK in Trumpland. Stay classy, West Virginia - your true colors are showing....

Nov. 15 a From Indiana:   I don't know your name, but I wanted to commend you on your thoughtful remarks critical of your mayor and the other public official who have so

embarrassed your town.  As a former Mayor of Greenwood, Indiana, a community of 50,000 just south of Indianapolis, I can appreciate how difficult it is when local officials create this type of impression with offhand, ignorant remarks. Your comments, as well as the comments you posted from other members of the community condemning those hateful words, will go a long way toward showing people that your mayor's and your CDC director's hateful words are not indicative of how most other residents feel. I hope this unfortunate situation is resolved quickly before too much damage to the town's reputation occurs.  Your comments on the website, plus the comments of others, will help the situation.  Good Luck, Margaret M.

Nov. 15 a This web site had 50,000 visitor "hits" on Sunday alone. Thanks

Nov. 15 a Hope you visit again under better circumstances, and to be clear, Whaling nor the ousted Taylor, neither, represent the feelings of most of us.

Nov. 15 a Come visit County Clay, Remotely Beautiful.

Nov. 14 p One emailer said he was unable to find the TV-3 online coverage of Teflon Taylor and Mayor Bev Whaling. Here's the link once again.

Nov. 14 p As of 4 pm today, that online petition has been steam rolling. Now showing over 14000 against the racist remarks made by both.

Nov. 14 p And now, the national media is picking up on the blight that has hit County Clay. From Raw Story, the opening volley across the world.

Nov. 14 p Thank you Pam and Bev. That's exactly what we needed.

Nov. 14 p As for protests in front of the CDC building, didn't happen today.

Nov. 14 p At 4:30 pm today, it is our understanding, Director Pam Ramsey Taylor has left the building.

Nov. 14 p Really no other info except, she is no longer Director

Nov. 14 p Tuesday's Town Council meeting should be interesting.

Nov. 14 p Better come early for that 5pm meeting and bring your own popcorn!

Nov. 14 a School Board meets tonight at Clay Elem. beginning at 6pm. With lame duck Superintendent Kenneth Tanner down to his last couple public meetings, the reigns have been turned over to the newbee, Joe Paxton.

Nov. 14 a For Paxton to take charge, he has to start getting his team on board.

Nov. 14 a Item 15 on the meeting agenda calls for the start of the transition process. Paxton wants his buddies to be at his side. This step is the Director of Student Services.

Nov. 14 p Our guess, just a guess mind you, that will be Jared Fitzwater with Joan Haynie heading to the number 2 spot as Assistant Super.

Nov. 14 p Why Mr Fitzwater? Jared cannot go from a school position to a top spot in one swoop. The idea , well, our guess anyway, is to get Fitz at the Pentagon and then wait on Ms Haynie to retire in 2017 . With that opening, Jared is then poised to become the Asst Superintendent.

Nov. 14 p All specualtation on our part.

Nov. 14 p If you look at the agenda, there is now a public vote on the extra $1000's  and $1000's  that were provided Michelle Paxton  in secret time a couple weeks ago. It appears, the public has gotten to some of the Boardsters. Great!

Nov. 14 p One more from the email bag:  So Sad these comments were posted on social media let alone crossing ones thoughts today.  More than likely, during the 50th & 60th I was in school with both Pam & Beverly’s families members.  With both holding the position they have in Clay are they so dumb not to know once posted on Face book & other media they can remove their face book posting but it will remain on face book itself.     I hope Clay & Clay County as a whole

will be able to mend the damages done by one stupid posting.  After Clay High & Glenville State I got a job through Civil Services.  First position 16 & 19th street in DC.  Some of the employees in the Government building then were colored and everyone was treated equal as they should have been. I have been back in WV for years.  Perhaps both Pam & Beverly should stand in front of a big mirror & take a good look at what they see and what a lot of others are seeing today.      D. James Minney
 
 

Nov. 13 p Our county, the nation, we've had a pretty rotten week. Here's our look back from the last 6 days or so

Nov. 13 p  Once again, the person with the most votes didn't win the Presidency. With 100's of 1000's more votes than Donny J, Hilary came in second

Nov. 13 p  The vast majority of voters in this state, marked their ballots for the Trumpster. Within days of his second place finish and becoming the Prez elect, Trump's tune changed bigly. Instead of a big beautiful fence, well.... not really; On a special prosecutor going after the Clintons, well, they're good people; on day one, I'll get rid of Obama care.... no not really; and the mass deportations.. that was just campaign retoric.

Nov. 13 p How's it feel to to be duped voters? Real loooooosers!    If he can get past the criminal cases coming his way in Nov., he might really get seated as Prez in a couple months!

Nov. 13 p Our County Commission created a new social committee Nov. 1st. The group, we're calling em Jerry's Kids in honor of their creater, Commissioner Linky Poo, held a meeting this week. With just 7 or so sitting around the conference table and devoid of any workload, it was a slow start. While they organize, those in need have to wait for services

Nov. 13 p Also this week, the real long term recovery committee met and got themselves organized after Linky's coup attempt four + weeks ago. The Thursday evening meeting of the Greater Clay Committee was smooth as they moved away from the lighting rod, Brandy O'Brien who resigned as Chair of the group. With new leadership and after overcoming the problem of agencies that left the fold ,  Greater Clay got down to business.

Nov. 13 p Now sporting over 40 case files and committments of additional funds coming soon, after flood survivors waited four + weeks , it looks like recovery will continue this week.

Nov. 13 p By Thursday evening, all H broke loose when a Pam Ramsey Taylor Facebook post went viral. Clay Development Corp Director Pam Ramsey spewed racist comment for all to see.

Nov. 13 p Dragged into the slime was Mayor Bev Whaling's Facebook reply which supported Taylor's racist views.

Nov. 13p Emails have poured in from across the country. 100% are against the two community leaders and rotten image they've given the entire county

Nov. 13 p Sunday evening, TV-11 made the two dimly lit leaders the lead off story for the 10pm regional broadcast..

Nov. 13 p An online petition quickly gathered over 2000 signatures against racist comments made by Taylor and Whaling

Nov. 13 p The Charleston Gazette and CNN are now looking at the pathetic example of what's wrong with Clayberry.

Nov. 13 p For decades this site and sister newspaper have said, people don't think bad of County Clay, they just don't think about us at all

Nov. 13 p That's all changed now. Thank you Pam and Beverly

Nov. 13 p from our email bag:  I am an elementary school teacher in Colorado and am so disgusted and shocked that such racism was public and posted by Clay Development Corp director Pamela Ramsey Taylor on Facebook and collaborated by Mayor Beverly Whaling. Who are they accountable to for such hateful remarks?    Please let her know the millions of women and men she offended with her racist remarks. Please let her know that our First Lady Michelle Obama is revered by millions in this country and that she needs to self reflect on her deplorable words.  The hatred these women posted is palatable and I hope they find it in their hearts to apologize to all they insulted. I am glad they were exposed so they can make a change. I will not stoop low like so many did and insult them for what good does that do? Perpetuate hatred.  This is the kind of hate that needs to be exposed so it can be turned around to tolerance of our differences. Thank you for your time.   Lisa DiMento

Nov. 13 p  I noticed that you have the evidence from the Facebook post that your two officials participated in. I have not seen a formal statement from your county office or any formal apologies, that should be a requirement of the termination of these two women. Mrs Ramsey's and Mrs Whaling's behavior are appalling to say the least, and while I am not without sin, I would never, at this point in my life, display myself in such manner. These women need to be terminated immediately and I ask that you respond to the public on this situation. Thank you in advance.

Nov. 13 p      I am writing to you today because I am appalled at the blatant racism displayed on Facebook by your Mayor, Beverly Whaling and another woman, described as a leading Clay County official, Pamela Ramsey Taylor.  Ms. Taylor described First Lady Michelle Obama as "an ape in high heels".  Even more disturbing was the response of Mayor Whaling who posted, " Just made my day".  I can only hope that that is not typical of the people who hold elected positions in this county.  That sort of language has no place in a civilized society. Their comments are morally repugnant. Please be swift in your public condemnation of this hate speech, and hopefully, in bringing about serious consequences for those two women.  Shame on them. Tammy Thompson, Round Rock, Texas

Nov. 13 p Email:  I must register my horror at seeing Pam Taylor's remarks about Michelle Obama.  Michelle is the epitome of class, grace, beauty and intellect. What a terrible comment to make.  Sincerely Sandi Kubert

Nov. 13 p We're getting conflicting stories on a demonstration get organized for Monday in front of the Clay Development corp building on Main Street.

Nov. 13 p As for anybody getting reprimanded or fired, we've heard nothing of the sort ... so far.

Nov. 13 p Our senior center at Two Run serves as a nutrition site for many seniors (see page 14). By the first of the year, Clay Development will take over that operation.

Nov. 13 p What a  sad thought if Ms Taylor retains her position and spews hateful racism over there.

Nov. 12 p Racism is not wide spread in County Clay. But when two local leaders spread it via social media, we all look bad, real bad.

Nov. 12 p Clay Development Corp is a private non profit social service provider that lives 100% on Federal dollars to exist. Up above we commented two local leaders.

Nov. 12 p Although CDC is a secret family society (they do not allow the public into their Board meetings for instance) , they have been listed for years in the local govt listings of the phone book, the blue pages. For the outside world, that makes CDC a govt agency

Nov. 12 p  Pam Ramsey Taylor's racist comments appeared three days ago on Facebook

Nov. 12 p Since then the anti racism comments have been rolling in.

Nov. 12 p Because CDC's Board is hand picked by the Ramsey clan, do not expect her Board to say one whimper.

Nov. 12 p The public arena is a different matter.

Nov. 12 p Surely to goodness, the Fed's that supply both CDC and the Town of Clay with funds, surely those folks will step in and force them out of power.

Nov. 12 p  A web based petition is now online to the public. This morning the thing had 78 signers. By 7 this evening, the number has grown to 279.

Nov. 12 p Here's a sampling of our most recent email bag findings...

Nov. 12 p  .....Thank you so much for exposing the "dirty, unbelievable politics in Clay County. I am not only angry, but very sad.  I was born and raised in Swandale and am about to be ashamed to say I am "from Clay County".....

Nov. 12 p  ....I commend you on the courage you have to call out illegal government action, and now, exposing overt racism within the local government and calling for the ouster of the offenders ....

Nov. 12 p .... My prayer for Ms. Taylor is this: Dear Lord, I praise you God for giving us freedom, freedom to worship you, freedom of speech and freedom to make mistakes. I pray that you will fill Ms. Taylor's heart with love where there may be hate, that you will fill her with understanding where there may be confusion and I pray that you will fill her life with blessings where there may be terribly empty spaces. I pray for her to have peace where there is tumult. I also pray for her safety as thousands upon thousands seek to destroy her because of their hate towards her due to the words of hate she shared via Facebook. When hate begets hate, I cry and I know you cry too Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.  Thank you for allowing me to say my part.....

Nov. 12 p ....I just read the information from Pamela Ramsey Taylor and was completely appalled.  Anyone who feels the way that she has shared on FB should not be in a position of public trust.  I felt sick reading her comment ...

Nov. 12 p  ... I Truly take offense to the Facebook posting.  Clay county will never improve because of ignorant, small minded people.

Nov. 12 p While we appreciate all emails, they may do more good if emails relating to Pam Ramsey Taylor to be sent  to DHHR, Social Security, Aging and Senior Service agencies

Nov. 12 p As for Mayor Whaling, the middle man for money bags is Regional Council, maybe whomever runs the Small Cities Block grant program, Dept of Agriculture who also fund and require signatories to be equal opportunity employers free from discrimination.

 

Nov. 11 a We'd like to think each and every veteran who served this land.

Nov. 11 a Enjoy the one day of the year where you are appreciated

Nov. 11 a  Facebook has captured the true racist feelings of CDC Director Pam Taylor

Nov. 11 a She and Mayor Whaling have put a black mark on the face of every person that calls Clayberry home.

Nov. 11 a From the email bag:  .... It made me incredibly happy to see the screenshots you placed on the home page of your website calling the FLOTUS a "monkey in heels", and the Mayor of the town of Clay, basically agreeing with her!!   What a horrible thing to say and the people of Clay County should be incredibly ashamed of what was said!!!!!  This is the reason the rest of the country looks down on the state as a whole.  There is great potential for the state of West Virginia if they would just embrace change and move into the real world instead of trying to go backwards!!    Love the fact that you are willing to speak up!!! Keep up the great work!!

Nov. 11 a  From the email bag  I truly hope these 2 do not reflect on the rest of your community, and I also hope they are truly being dealt with... it's a shame

Nov. 11 a From the email bag:  .... There are people in the community of Clay County who have overwhelmingly asked for help to expose her behavior. I have also been made aware that Beverly Whaling supported these remarks. This woman does not represent Clay County, please let everyone know that.

Nov. 11 a  From the email bag: ....  This woman does not represent Clay County, please let everyone know that.

Nov. 11 a From the email bag:  .... The connotation of anyone black being a monkey, ape or chimp has a long deep seated history.

Nov. 11 a  From the email bag:  ....  If she could openly speak in hateful and racist manner, her beliefs could influence the care people of color receive from organization established to help seniors and cast a bad light on your community.

Nov. 11 a It is truly a sad day in County Clay

 

Nov. 10 p Findings from this week's Grand Jury

Nov. 10p Robert Patterson, burglary conspiracy

Nov. 10 p Jokwin Schoonover II  burglary grand larceny x 2

Nov. 10 p Harold Shanafeller burglary grand larceny x2

Nov. 10 p Adrian Thompson burglary grand larceny x 2

Nov. 10 p Jonathan Stephenson forgery uttering

Nov. 10 p Allen Nelson grand larceny

Nov. 10 p Bobby Nichols prohibited from firearm possession

Nov. 10 p Zachary Boggs sexual assault 2nd degree

Nov. 10 p Jerri Harlow  puter fraud x 4 taking identity of another person x 4

Nov. 10 p Jerri Harlow  burglary, petit larceny

Nov. 10 p Allen Nelson Jr DUIA 3rd

 Nov. 10 p  9 days ago the CCC set up a new committee, under their thumb, to handle duties being performed by the Greater Clay Recovery Committee. We're calling the new agency, Jerry's Kid's because the CCC maintains full control of the group.

Nov. 10 p Full details in the Communicator

Nov. 10 p Greater Clay had a bunch of case management files. Those files were taken by the Dark Side  just before Linky announced the formation of the new group.

Nov. 10 p  In addition to stealing the files and refusing to return em, they took valuable Lowe's gift cards intended for flood survivors. Those have a monetary value.

Nov. 10 p Greater Clay mailed out notice: thievery will not be tolerated and launched a Green Shirt investigation.

Nov. 10 p Realizing the trouble they could get into, Dark Side members (Jerry's Kids) have taken the files back to the people that filed for help. Nope, not back to Greater Clay Committee but the survivors.

Nov. 10 p That was done yesterday

Nov. 10 p Today, without a public announcement, Jerry's Kids, the Dark Side, are holding their first meeting out at the Valley Fork Grade School building at 5pm

Nov. 10 p  As the files were being returned sure have to wonder,  were the people were told, don't go back to Greater Clay but be sure to come to this afternoon's meeting of Jerry's Kids.

Nov. 10 p Just as  guess but the well laid plan sure has all the marking of Linky Poo

 

Nov. 9 p   Lowell ‘Tom’ Thomas Price, 79, see OBITUARY page

Nov. 9 p The newest bestest yet Communicator is on most news stands. We had a mix up late this afternoon and a couple distributors came up short. That shortage will be corrected Thursday.

Nov. 9 p How good is it this time?

Nov. 9 p Tight wad Johnny Woofter was seen coughing up 80 cents for this edition. When he opened up his wallet, a moth flew out.

Nov. 9 p The Greater Clay Committee, the organization that the County Commission wants out of business, is holding a giveaway Thursday afternoon. See EVENTS page for details

Nov. 9 p We're calling the coup group, Jerry's Kids because Linky organized the effort

Nov. 9 p Jerry's Kids meets Thursday afternoon, 5 pm, out at the old Valley Fork School Bldg.

Nov. 9 p  Also slated for Thursday, the Greater Clay Committee holds their public meeting beginning at 6pm in the Spread Park digs.

 

Nov. 9 5 a  Town Council meets today at 5pm in the Wa Wa Plant. Might be a good one!

Nov. 9 5a Full election coverage in today's Communicator

Nov. 9 5a Who said, "They're [Greater Clay] are in a vacuum like Isis?

Nov. 9 5a You'll have to pay the 80 cents to know that answer

Nov. 9 5a Time for a nap

 

Nov. 8 p  As of 11 am this morning, County Clerk Connie Workman reports: all polling places opened on time; all polls are fully staffed, and the Secretary of State's office made their rounds thru the county with no issues reported.

Nov. 8 a  Clayberry or at least govt agencies and schools, are closed down today for ELECTION 2016.

Nov. 8 a  Not so long ago, after the polls closed, Clayonians would travel to the Courthouse to watch election results come in. It was a great way to spend an evening.

Nov. 8 a With communications much quicker these days, and no contested local races, expect a quieter evening as election results come in at the Courthouse.

 

Nov. 7 late p Flood victims notice: Check out the EVENTS page for a Greater Clay Committee give away planned for Thursday Nov. 10th up beside Spread Park.

Nov. 7 late p Fox (it ain't news) Entertainment came to town last week with film crew in tow. What they managed to capture was a very poor picture of what Clayberry isn't all about. Actually, Fox's efforts were deplorable with the message coming across as: here's what has happened to Appalachia since Obama came into power.

Nov. 7 a The message and images were so vile, the short segment video has now been removed from their server. It's a pity such was displayed on their tiny entertainment channel.

Nov. 7 p Forget the election for Prez, Gov and such.  Election time is exciting for us ole pot heads.

Nov. 7 p No less than five states have recreational use of the green wonder plant on their ballots Tuesday.

Nov. 7 p Thebiggy one is California. Should those voters make it legal to grow and use, that will have a big influence on the rest of the straggler states including W Va

Nov. 7 p Every border state of W Va has medical use of some kind. The trend to make pot legal began in 1996.

Nov. 7 p This is really bigly!

Nov. 7 a  With the time change over the  weekend, our hours are all messed up. Some clocks were reset while others got neglected. What time is it anyway?

Nov. 7 a The deadline for Communicator items is today around 5pm.

Nov. 7 a We are holding it up one day so as to include election results.

Nov. 7 a A couple meetings this afternoon of note

Nov. 7 a The Health Dept Board meets today beginning at 4pm.

Nov. 7 a The Business Development Authority (BDA) meets tonight at 6:30 over in the old State Road garage in Two Run.

Nov. 7 a The  election that just won't end and went on for two years, it's down to one day. Thank God for that.

Nov. 7 a Here's our guess, come Wednesday morning, talking heads will start talking about the 2020 Prez election.

Nov. 7 a How about some good news... maybe good news

Nov. 7 a Fed up with snail pace Frontier DSL service, Barry McCune made an effort to get SuddenLink to come into downtown Clay last year. Suddenlink said Nope, not enough customer base.

Nov. 7 a This fall McCune is at it again. This time around McCune is working with DC elected officials. Here's the good part, he's getting some attention.

Nov. 7 a Full details in the Communicator.

Nov. 7 a 40+ million have early voted.

Nov. 7 a Polling Places haven't changed in a while but

Nov. 7 a The complete list of Clayberry Polling Places is posted over on the ADVISORY page

 

Nov. 6 early early a Our County Commission's plan to rally the good ole boys and start their own long term recovery committee to replace the Greater Clay outfit, it just made the Sunday Gazette.

Nov. 6 a Don't stop reading . They got another article highlighting, with winter coming, several familes still have nothing after the June 23rd Great Wash Out.

 

Nov. 5 p  By Noon today over 1000 voters had voted.

Nov. 5 p That's a new record for this County.

Nov. 5 a Last night the Panthers held off a last minute advance and beat Webster 8 to 7. It was a heck of a good game. That win makes for a 5 and 5 season. Not too shabby for first year head coach Jason Nichols

Nov. 5  a Today's the last day to cast your vote early. Why take a chance on being sick Tuesday, get out today and let em know what you think

Nov. 5 a Since Trump has a solid lock on this state with a 65% handle, instead of holding your nose and voting for a person that doesn't have the truth in her or a maniac, why not look at the third party offerings.

Nov. 5 a  There's a lot at stake this year including the many down ballot races for W Va House, Senate, and Attorney General.

Nov. 5 a With two Republicrats running for Gov., again, why not take a look at Charlotte Pritt.

Nov. 5 a  Our mailboxes are stuffed for of campaign literature this time year

Nov. 5 a  Many of those shiny flyers highlight Republicrat Delegate Roger Hanshaw who serves about 2/3's of Clayberry.

Nov. 5 a Laced with bullet points highlighting the Legislature's accomplishments while he's been office.

Nov. 5 a One of the bullet points reads: Fix the business environment

Nov. 5 a He must be talking about the recently passed Right to Work For Less legislation

Nov. 5 a Another point notes: Grow good paying jobs

Nov. 5 a Yelp! Getting rid of prevailing wage is a great way for of us to have more money

Nov. 5 a Yet another, improve high speed internet connectivity.

Nov. 5 a Lordy Lordy we can't even comment on that BS

Nov. 5 a It's time to mark your ballot

Nov. 5 a 27 million have already beat you to the polls

 

Nov. 4 a Taking a break from the crapola that holds back the County of Little....

Nov. 4 a Tonight the Clay High Panthers travel to Webster County for the final football game of the season. with a 5 and 3 record, Webster will work hard to improve their playoff bid tonight

Nov. 4 a WYAP and WTUB will air the match up with pregame beginning around 7:20

Nov. 4 a  To listen online try tunein.com or here's several media players tuned for WYAP

Nov. 4 a Go Panthers

 

Nov. 3 p People are scratching their heads for a reason why the County Commission would take the huge step to start their own committee to replace the Greater Clay Long Term Recovery Committee.

Nov. 3 p On this side of the screen, our answer is: the ole boys club can't take a chance that a group out from under their control would have the power for real change

Nov. 3 p Cheryl White was at a training meeting for the Greater Clay Board and provided a different answer.

 Nov. 3 p  According to the Ms White: I spoke with Commission President Greg Fitzwater and was told that their decision was based on the many complaints received about the Greater Clay LTRG's organization.  Complaints were received from WV VOAD, Governor's Office, National Guard, Home Land Security, Catholic Church and St. Paul's.  The Commission has never attended one of our meetings but accepted the complaints to be fact.

Nov. 3 p  With that being said, something is odd.

Nov. 3 p During the last Greater Clay meeting, a Sergeant / Admiral from the National Guard was present, spoke briefly on water well testing and gave no impression that anything was wrong.

Nov. 3 p We understand there's a problem with WV VOAD. During  a recent meeting, when big cheeze WV VOAD's Jenny Gannaway was trying to spread rumor and innuendo, she was shut down with words along the lines of: :  you can't advance third and fourth party rumors at this table. If there is a complaint, the person with an issue should make the complaint.

Nov. 3 p Gannaway's face turned red, she quit flapping her jaws, and hasn't been seen since.

Nov. 3 p  Whatever the reason for the formation of Jerry's Kids, it's going to take time to get it up and running and right when services are needed the most. More delays!

Nov. 3 p Instead of assisting the Greater  Clay group, our elected reps, all three of em, took the unprecedented step of thinking they can do something better than the current volunteers

Nov. 3 p How did it go so bad for the less than three month old Greater Clay Committee?

Nov. 3 p Well, they installed a Chair person that isn't in the fold with local blue bloods. Also, it's very important to the good ole boys for the Chair to have a hangy down.

Nov. 3 p They put their funds someplace other than the Clay County Bank

Nov. 3 p They rented space from someone other than old line slum lords in downtown Clay

Nov. 3 p  When state outfits said to do something their way, Greater Clay said, naaaay, we'll set up our own organization and do it our way.

Nov. 3 p It always looks good for United Way of Charleston to be on Board. For that agency managing things, they charge a fee. Greater Clay said, no thanks, we'll set up our own non profit and handle our own money.

Nov. 3 p Very sad day in County Clay

Nov. 3 p Changing gears....

Nov. 3 p  Let's get back to the School Board and Pentagon backdoor actions

Nov. 3 p  We've already posted about the $10,000 give away for Michelle Paxton as a gift for being removed from Pentagon work. The next day we added yet another cough up, an additional give (away from the public) that  an additional $7000 was being twisted her.

Nov. 3 p We believe both are , were, being executed behind the scenes so the public could not get wind of such stuff just a couple months before the big Excess Levy vote in Jan 2017.

Nov. 3 p What we haven't talked about is another controversial decision to let Jimmy Samms into a secret session two Monday's ago.

Nov. 3 p  On the Oct 24th School Board meeting agenda, item's 17 and 18 called for terminating substitute bus drivers James Sams and Beverly Cleavenger.

Nov. 3 p We thought the James Sams they were talking about was Jimmy Sams who used to be a county commissioner. Wrong-O! The James Sams getting axed was Jimmy Sams son, Jamie. Note: Beverly is another one Jimmy's grown kids.

Nov. 3 p Jamie Sams was not present for the Oct 24th Bd meeting.

Nov. 3 p When the Board voted to go secret, Beverly Cleavenger and Dad, Jimmy, went behind closed doors.

Nov. 3 p Beverly and Jamie are both adults. What the heck was Jimmy allowed back there? A courtesy among old friends?

Nov. 3 p After secret time, Dave Pierson made the motion to table the termination.

Nov. 3 p So what happened?

Nov. 3 p Our best guess, Board Chair Dave Mullins made the push to get rid of dead weight sub drivers because both refused to come out to work when called.

Nov. 3 p Truth is, both are employed with the Kanawha County School Board and are only on the sub list awaiting a full time job in THIS county.

Nov. 3 p With Jimmy Sams being around the horn a couple times, the threat of a lawsuit was most likely made.

Nov. 3 p  What are we talking about? Here goes.

Nov. 3 p  The Pentagon has a policy on the books that makes it clear, if you don't come out when called to work, your name can be stricken from the call out list.

Nov. 3 p Makes sense except, the School System has never followed their own law. They often pick and choose who they want to remove from substitute service personnel lists.

Nov. 3 p For instance, Dave Mullins himself worked construction full time while on the substitute bus driver's  list. He never accepted a call out except the once a year, one day ,  mandatory assignment

Nov. 3 p Jimmy Sams and the entire county knows that and there's little doubt Sams would take such thru the Court system in a trial as well as our one time Sheriff who stayed on the call out list for  years without working a single day. Some would call that favoritism big time.

Nov. 3 p The problem with rules, if you don't follow em, they can trip you up.

Nov. 3 p Those trip ups make it easy for lawyerly suits to make fodder of our not so slick School Board and Pentagon in a court of law

Nov. 3 p  Let's see now, we've peed off  KT, Joe Paxton, Michelle Paxton, Dave Mullins, the County Commission,  and embarrassed WVOAD (whatever that is) and it's not even Friday!

Nov. 3 p Full details in the next edition of the near award winning, Communicator

 

Nov. 3 a Congratulations to Jan and Dave Derby celebrating 47 years this week

Nov. 3 a It's time to Vote

Nov. 3 a Proper update coming this afternoon.

 

Nov. 2 p  All this posting stuff would make a lot more sense if you have read the Communicator.

Nov. 2 p Having said that...

Nov. 2 p Yesterday we posted about the $10,000 cash pay out being provided Michelle Paxton.

Nov. 2 p In our opinion, that announcement was provided the School Board during secret time last week. In passing, KT just mentioned, as a matter of factly, the blow out news.

Nov. 2 p The public knew nothing about it!

Nov. 2 p Feeling certain, by law, the Board can only go back 2 years for the bonus $$$, they ain't done yet

Nov. 2 p The idea is get Michelle $20,000+ which was the salary increase she would have received if they didn't have to boot her back to Clay Elem. No, she wasn't doing badly at the Pentagon, but someone advised the Board about School Law 18-2-A which plainly states, a relative of the School Superintendent (that would be hubby Joe Paxton)  can not be employed in the Main office

Nov. 2 a OK, ever so quietly, KT organized the $10K. But he's not done

Nov. 2 p Behind the scenes, the boys at the top are trying to figure out a way to get Michelle more, to get her closer to the $20K threshold

Nov. 2 p Here's what they're floating... Make Ms Paxton the pre school director and give her an additional $7000 as an extra duty contract. Add the $10K and the $7k, and KT is getting close to the $20K wish list

Nov. 2 p There is a problem with that scheme too. A Pre School Director is normally a Board office position. Since she's still the wife of the new Superintendent, no can do

Nov. 2 p Option two is to give her the $$$, leave her at Clay Elem. where in addition to being the Principal, she would serve as the Director.

Nov. 2 p Sound like a clever work around to skirt  18-2-A?

Nov. 2 p A county in the W Va coalfields tried that same approach just a few years back.

Nov. 2 p A costly lawsuit down there resulted in the School Board coughing up court costs and lawyer fees plus the removal of the close relative to that Superintendent.

Nov. 2 p With lame duck  Kenneth Tanner on his way out, it looks like he doesn't give a hoot about the law and is working hard to pass out favors, H or high wawa.

Nov. 2 p   With back room plans like this one, maybe it's time for KT to go ahead and retire out early.

 

Nov. 2 a Flood Survivor? House destroyed? Read ADVISORY page now

 

Nov. 1 late p Before we get started ,a note:  As of 3pm Tuesday, right at 600 people have cast votes at the Courthouse during early voting. Don't take a chance on being sick and unable to vote Nov. 8th. Vote Now!

Nov. 1 late p  This morning, called by Greg Fitzwater and Linky, the County Commission held a special meeting where they voted to start a new long term recovery group to oust the Greater Clay Long Term Recovery Committee.

Nov. 1 late p What? A month ago a group on the dark side mounted a coup to take over the newly formed Greater Clay group. As has happened many times in the past, an outside independent group can not be allowed by the ole boy's club in Clayberry.

Nov. 1 late p That first coup attempt failed miserably (Link didn't spend enough time planning it).

Nov. 1 late p This morning's vote to form a thumb's on new organization is the second attempt to stop the Greater Clay group

Nov. 1 late p  What's their purpose? According to County Clerk Connie Workman, to direct agencies (and $$$) away from the Greater Clay group.

Nov. 1 late The name of the new committee is Clay County Unmet Needs /  Resource Committee.

Nov. 1 late With everything planned out ahead of time, the committee members are: Angela Brown, Father Rene', Connie Lupardus, Stacy King, Mike Scott, and Mike Carper.

Nov. 1 late p During the Tuesday evening CAEZ meeting, Director Connie "Big Lup" Lupardus admitted to being on that new committee and found no reason to mention any conflict for being on both opposing groups at the same time.

Nov. 1 late p Here's the skinny. Greater Clay has around $13,000 to their name. Here in the Land of Little, the blue bloods think that's a bunch of money and want it. Also, Linky Poo needs control of who gets help and who doesn't.

Nov. 1 late p  Everything works better when you have  all the resources in your corner.  To H with everybody else in need!

Nov. 1 a Hazel Stover has passed. See OBITUARY page

Nov. 1 a Town Council meets today at 5pm in the WaWa Plant  on Main Street.

Nov. 1 a CAEZ convenes two meetings this afternoon in the Courthouse. Eco Dev commences at 4pm followed by a full Board meeting at 6.

Nov. 1 a Both meetings are open to the public.

Nov. 1 a It takes a while for stinky news to filter thru the channels. We try our best to provide factual info that affects every taxpayer. Here comes another one of our best guesses.

Nov. 1 a Here's what happens when elected leaders stay too long behind closed doors

Nov. 1 a Before closing the door on sunshine, KT said they would discuss two personnel items. With sub bus drivers Jimmy Sams and his daughter Beverly in the meeting, something else came up beyond those two items.

Nov. 1 a During the 60 minutes of secret time on Oct 24th, School Superintendent mentioned a need to provide Michelle Paxton with a big pay out... to the tune of $10,000

Nov. 1 a Our best guess: when Michelle was booted back to Elem. level, she lost out on a hefty pay increase, $20,000+.

Nov. 1 a As a way to soften that blow and suck up to the new Superintendent, KT provided something along these lines: Oh Lordy Lordy we just realized, we have been underpaying Michelle all these years (based on years of service) and it's time to make things right.

Nov. 1 a  To make things right, we're giving her $10,000 in back pay.

Nov. 1 a When the Board heard this, no one blinked an eye and the secret time moved right along

Nov. 1 a  For us on the outside looking in, sure sounds like a backroom deal costing the taxpayer, levy payer,  a bunch of $$$

Nov. 1 a  For shirts and giggles, let's say, the payback for years of service is correct and the Pentagon actually did short Ms Paxton for the last 17 years.

Nov. 1 a We checked with a well trained human resource guy about paying back wages.

Nov. 1 a According to that person, law only requires and allows a pay back for 2 years not 17.

Nov. 1 a Our Pentagon has a way about doing things in secret.

Nov. 1 a Doing such only smells worse when it's made public.

Nov. 1 a More coming Wed

 

Oct. 31 a Got some great news this morning

Oct. 31 a After nearly two months of  hospital and rehab center time, School Boardster Morgy Triplett made it back to Clayberry  Friday evening

Oct. 31 a Still hobbled a little, he's making his recovery quick.

Oct. 31 a No cards, No dinners, No presents, Just a bunch Boo!

Oct. 31 a With the weather cooperating, tonight is Halloween night in County Clay.

Oct. 31a Scary fun begins at 6pm

Oct. 31 a Watch out for the small fries folks

Oct. 31 a Just one week left before Election Day. It can't come soon enough for most of us.

Oct. 31a Early voting continues today at the Courthouse

Oct. 29 a For leaf peepers, color is as good as it's going to get. Come visit Clayberry

Oct. 29 a It was a close game last night but the CHS Panthers squeaked past Calhoun, 45 to 6

Oct. 29 a the answer is YES, you can early vote Saturday til 5pm

 

Oct. 28 a Last home game of the season tonight when Calhoun County comes Schoonover / Bradley Field for a 7:30 pm match up. It's also Senior night for the Panthers. Expect that celebration to start shortly after 7pm

Oct. 28 a Weathercasters are calling for a sun filled day and temps tonight down in the 40's. Perfect for Friday night football

Oct. 28 a To listen online try tunein.com or here's several media players tuned for WYAP-LP.

Oct. 28 a For those unwilling to get their tail cold on aluminum bleachers, Big Otter Community Center offers great food, dance and song. See ADVISORY page for details.

Oct. 28 a Get your coffee cup this is going to take a while.

Oct. 28 a Last Thursday night, during the away game with Spencer, reports came of their players stabbing our Mustangs with pencils. TV-8 reports include a photo of one of the pencils laying in a field side mud hole.

Oct. 28 a  Even with marks and scratches on their arms and torso, officials are reporting, nothing happened.

Oct. 28 a During the Oct. 24th Sch Bd meeting, not a word was mentioned of the incident.

Oct. 28 a  Wed was the first day of early voting. 101 voters marked their ballots at the Courthouse

Oct. 28 a By Thursday afternoon, well over 100 more scratched their ticket.

Oct. 28 a  Since July 1st, Clayberry had over 130 new voters on the roles.

Oct. 28 a Every national poll shows fact less Trump poised to take this state with a 60+% vote.

Oct. 28 a Sounds reasonable too. In 2008, a huge percentage of West Virginia voters supported a felon lodged in a Texas prison for President.  Many of our voters felt a money laundering felon would do a better job in DC than a black man

Oct. 28 a Take your second sip of coffee....

Oct. 28 a Volunteers have always made a big difference in County Clay. Often volunteers are the only thing we can count on for help.

Oct. 28 a Not so for Llyn Drake.

Oct. 28 a Ms Drake works (worked) for the Clay 911 Center. As a rep of the 911 Center, Drake started attending Greater Clay Long Term Recovery Committee meetings just before the big attempted coup a few weeks back.

Oct. 28 a Every member of that Board serves voluntarily.... well, all but one

Oct. 28 a County employee Drake was clocking in work time hours while attending Greater Clay meetings.   That report by a confirmed by a local elected official.

Oct. 28 a Ms Drake recently quit her 911 job. Her resignation was accepted by the County Commission Wed morning.

Oct. 28 a  Llyn Drake was in attendance and sat at the Board table  during last night's Greater Clay meeting. Not sure who she was representing last night

Oct. 28 a Take another sip of coffee...

Oct. 28 a  Continuing on the volunteer theme

Oct. 28 a  For a number of years, Jerry Hubbard has been the Panther announcer during many sporting events. This year Hubbard was ill at the beginning of the CHS football season. B J Smith volunteered to be the Voice of the Panthers. We're sure, some one said please help us and Smith said OK.

Oct. 28 a BJ is owner of the local funeral home and preacher on the side.

Oct. 28 a As for his efforts as the Voice of the Panthers, from the git go, Smith's done well.

Oct. 28 a While on the mic and just after the National Anthem, Smith added something this season, everybody stand and follow him in prayer.

Oct. 28 a No one told the guy, in this country everybody is free to pray any prayer they want, every kid or kid's group is allowed to say any prayer. BUT, the Govt can NOT command a captivated group to stand and pray during an official school function.

Oct. 28 a That would be no different than a Govt official coming into a church and telling the congregation to follow a govt prayer only.

Oct. 28 a Our guess, BJ Smith didn't know the law and no one every provided any guidance on what can and can't be done by a CHS announcer.

Oct. 28 a A couple weeks back a parent went to Superintendent Tanner and raised the concern of school sponsored prayer with the out going leader. Back then, KT said he would look into it.

Oct. 28 a Yesterday afternoon the person went back to Tanner and asked for a follow up on the matter.

Oct. 28 a Tanner said he had not taken the time to even ask volunteer Smith about school sponsored prayer by an  adult during a school activity.

Oct. 28 a Showing little concern about what happens when an obvious law is broken, the concerned person asked: Tanner, have you been trained in separation of church and state? Tanner: I believe so.

Oct. 28  a Concerned taxpayer: Mr Tanner, will you at least call BJ and tell him what the rules say about school sponsored prayer?

Oct. 28 a Sadly , we report, Kenneth Tanner said he would NOT do that.

Oct. 28 a Tanner was actually saying, he is leaving  a perfectly good volunteer, BJ Smith,  out on the limb, alone.

Oct. 28 a If he's willing to do that to a volunteer, he'd do it to anybody

Oct. 28 a Tanner has been bitter and terse since he didn't get his way a couple months back. At issue was the hiring of the CHS Principal for Pentagon chores. During secret time, after the Board said they would not honor KT's request, Tanner turned in his resignation. His last day of work is slated for Dec 31st.

Oct. 28 a  There's no reason for the disgruntled Kenneth Tanner to stay on the taxpayer's ticket if he's not willing to do his job and follow the law.

Oct. 28 a It's time to leave Kenneth and now.

Oct. 28 a Finish off that cup of coffee and get back to work.

Oct. 27 a Tonight at 6pm, the Greater Clay Recovery Committee meets in their Spread Park Headquarters. Open to the public, everyone is invited

Oct. 27 a Several local agencies in the county worked (work) hard to provide much needed help after the Great Wash Out. Each agency has made their own footprint and done so separate from the others. Often, they stepped on each other's toes. There has been NO coordination of services.

Oct. 27 a We have referenced that dilemma many times on this site and in the Communicator during the last 120+ days.

Oct. 27 a Yesterday during the CCC meeting, a lady brought up the co-ordination of service issue during the meeting. She expressed a need for someone to make sure public announcements let everyone, not just a few, know, what is available and when. Her topic referenced specifically, Greater Clay, the Catholic Church ay Maysel, and  Advantage Home Care.

Oct. 27 a Commissioner Linky replied to the citizen request with something along the lines of: Something is going to be done and very soon.

Oct. 27 a Knowing Linky poo's propensity to do things behind the scenes and not always above board, one big Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

 

Oct. 26 late p  Ted Lambey, 86, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page

Oct. 26 p  During last night's Mitigation meeting, we heard: all the flood survivors that went ahead and tore down their flood ravaged homes and  carted away the debris.... you're screwed and will NOT receive any FEMA buy out $$$.

Oct. 26 p Because the guy wasn't on a PA system and maybe somehow our ears failed us, during this morning's Commission meeting, we asked if we heard right to Commission Prez Greg Fitzwater, did we hear right and are the people screwed?

Oct. 26 p In response, Fitz said he heard the same thing. How sad.

Oct. 26 p Also from the morning CCC meeting, a feller was there demonstrating and hyping a new instant alert system that the county could be apart of.

Oct. 26 p Sounded good, maybe great, until we heard, the system uses DSl internet, cell phones, and such. Here in the Land of Little, there's a 21st Century alert system that sounds great but would do little for many in the county.

Oct. 26 p Early voting is now in progress at the Courthouse. As of noon today, the pace was brisk and continuous. Great!

Oct. 26 a Today's the first day for early voting at the Courthouse. Don't put it off, Vote today and every day

Oct. 26 a The Communicator made it  out the door yesterday afternoon. 20 pages of great info second to none.

Oct. 26 a We've got coverage from Monday night's Sch Bd meeting where a new superintendent was announced to replace Kenneth Tanner

Oct. 26 a We've also got the very latest on a second coup of the new agency, Greater Clay. Interesting stuff

Oct. 26 a Held at the High School, last night a mitigation meeting was held beginning at 6pm

Oct. 26 a Mitigation amounts to govt intervention to reduce their risks in the future of paying out flood dollars

Oct. 26 a Most in the peanut gallery had that confused look on their face

Oct. 26 a That confused look comes from layer upon layer of govt agency creating hoops that must be jumped thru in a  certain order.

Oct. 26 a On top of that comes the stuff that a recipient has to adhere to for the rest of their life.

Oct. 26 a It's a darn nice notion to have the Fed's help after a disaster. Unfortunately, they've screwed it up with entanglements one after another

 

Oct. 24 a  On this sun filled day...

Oct. 24 a School Board meets tonight at 6pm. According to their agenda, the Boardsters plan to hire  Kenneth Tanner's replacement for Superintendent.

Oct. 24 a The likely choice will be Joe Paxton but who knows

Oct. 24 a If you look at the agenda , notice, here we are ready to finish the third month of the school year and their still shuffling around teachers and other personnel.

Oct. 24 a Here's a look at  West Virginia County Courthouses. Enjoy.

 

Oct. 22 a  Donald Leroy “Buggs” Cottrell, 60, see OBITUARY page

Oct. 22 a With mud and yuck up to their butts and nearly icicles hanging from their helmets, last night the Panthers came from behind in the last few minutes to put it all over Shady Side, 18 to 6

Oct. 22 a Sometimes we don't get everything posted online. An example of that is the Health Clinic now in progress down at Elkview Middle School.

Oct. 22 a After reading in the Charleston Gazette that 3000 or more will show up for the two day free clinic and treated like cattle as they wait in line as early as 3am to get a ticket, we chucked the posting

 

Oct. 21 a What a yucky gray, wet, Friday morning. With temps hovering around 50 today, just when the colors were peaking, they're gone. Crap!

Oct. 21 The Panthers have a chance for a win tonight when they travel to Shady Springs for a football match up. Kick off is set for 7:30 .  The local radio stations plans to air the contest with pregame around 7:20.

Oct. 21a  For those afar, tunein.com is a third party provider of the airwaves or click this link for multiple player hook ups. Go Panthers!

Oct. 21 Most will agree, Frontier Tele is a very crappy  DSL service. The last four days have been especially rotten speed wise with up time also tanked.

Oct. 21 a This morning , in Maysel, on the new and improved DSL service, to upload the first three posts on this site, it took a full 2 minutes. 2 minutes for just text? As for uploading pictures... forget it for now.

Oct. 21 a With no alternate choices available for most of the county, Frontier has no incentive to upgrade service. If you're talking long term recovery from the June Great Wash Out, internet service should be at the top of the list.

Oct. 21 a  TV-3 is reporting Clay High kids earned a big win during the 13th Annual Punkin Drop held in Charleston. Here's the link from the boob tube.

Oct. 21 a  A win is always a good thing.  Congrats!

 

Oct. 20 p  From Greater Clay Chair Brandy O'Brien: Our meetings are [now] every two weeks.  The next one will be on Thursday November 10, at 6pm.  All of our meetings take place at our headquarters,  4086 Ivydale Road.

Oct. 20 p  Got some good news for this afternoon

Oct. 20 p After six weeks or so in CAMC, School Boardster Morgy Triplett has been moved to a rehab nursing home to get him back up on his feet.

Oct. 20 p Great news!

Oct. 20 p Noticed a film crew in the county Wed afternoon. As best we can figure, the producers are documenting the aftermath from the June 23rd Great Wash Out

Oct. 20 p When you see the lens, smile!

Oct. 20 p  For those in the traveling and leaf peeping mood...

Oct. 20 p Lunatic asylum tours now in progress

Oct. 20 p How about a nice train ride thru the orange, red, and yellers.

Oct. 20 p If you've got clean underwear and willing to wear socks, don't forget the Harvest Fest at the Greenbrier.

 

Oct. 20 a 45+ years ago, John and Dave Morris hosted Morris Brothers Old Time Music Festivals on the family farm near Ivydale. Many attended the weekends of fun including the ace cub reporter

Oct. 20 a  Back around 1970, the unlicensed Mel Gibson look alike got his Mother to drive him to the event one soggy wet Saturday for the festival.. After parking with two wheels on the pavement and walking up the muddy hollow, with his Mother in tow, about the first thing they saw was a naked lady playing in the creek. A couple more steps was a couple guys bare naked in chase of the girl.

Oct. 20 a That was all it took for the Mom to grab her kid by the ear and march themselves back to the car.

Oct. 20 a  Got word last night, Dave Morris has died.

Oct. 20 a From an Ohio State University notice dated Saturday Oct. 15th:  Early Friday morning, we lost David Morris - folk artist, veteran, beloved husband of Professor Christine Ballengee Morris. The Carter Fold Family expresses heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the friends and family of David Morris who passed away recently. David was a prominent old time musician from Ivydale, West Virginia. David was part of the Morris Brothers Band  and played at the original A.P. Carter Store and at the Fold building many times.  David and Janette Carter were close friends. Janette considered him an adopted son and when she passed away, David was honored to sing at her funeral. Janette met David through a mutual friend, Howard Klein (current Carter Family Music Center President), who brought him to Hiltons for the first time.  David's passing leaves a hole in the old time music community that cannot be filled. Elizabeth Cotten was quoted as saying "Now I know what heaven will sound like. It will sound like David Morris"

Oct. 20 a 15 years ago, the wifey and I  had lunch with David and his wife up in Gassaway. Over  tacos and beer, Dave confided, his greatest loss had been, he was never invited to play during an Apple Festival.

Oct. 15 a A couple years back, the Apple gang invited Dave to sing during the Big Apple. Mr Morris brought the house down.  We're glad his wish came true

Oct. 15 a Dave Morris will be sadly missed

 

Oct. 19 a This Hump Day Wed is overcast but still very warm. After a slow start, Fall colors are now showing

Oct. 19 a Straight, playing by the rules, meetings are not as exciting as the out of control events often found in these parts BUT they often get more accomplished. Like....

Oct. 19 a Last night Clay Town Council convened a special meeting. In a   little over an hour business was completed and completed without yelling, rock throwing and such

Oct. 19 aWhy a Special meeting?

Oct. 19 a Down at the  Log Factory, one of the collector units was uplifted and cracked. With Winter coming as well as a raise in river height, the repair job (paid by FEMA we hope) has to get under way post haste.

 

Oct. 18 p A feller on the radio reminded us, today is the last day to register to vote . Sick and tired? Happy with everything? Now's the time to speak your voice in the voting box. Register at the Courthouse today before 4pm

Oct. 18 p Campaign literature is starting to flood the mailboxes.

Oct. 18p One of the first colorful flyers came from Alex Mooney? Do you even know him?

Oct. 18 p Mooney is our 2nd District Congressional rep in Congress. The Maryland resident came to office two years ago during the Republicrat wave. It was so bad 24 months ago, if Jesus had a D on his back, he couldn't have gotten elected

Oct. 18 p Mooney has been so bad, for the first 18 months in office, he didn't even list contact info on his website. Following along with Koch brother demands, Mooney has been a disaster for this state in many peoples' opinion.

Oct. 18 p Another out of stater made it to office two years ago, our Attorney General, Republicrat, Patrick Morrisey. With over $4 million coming from out of state "PAC" funds, Morrisey is also doing the mailer thing around the state. It's important for Corporate Suits to maintain control of this office

Oct. 18 p Thinking back on the last two Legislative season, we really like the signs going up around the state which read: Remember in November

Oct. 18 p From yesterday's Charleston Gazette, excerpts: Business groups in West Virginia and some of the state’s largest corporations are organizing to head off any new “religious freedom” laws, which opponents say allow discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. But while the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce and several companies that joined the new anti-discrimination group Opportunity West Virginia continue to oppose such legislation, campaign finance reports show some are incidentally helping to fund lawmakers who sponsored and voted for the 2016 “Religious Freedom Restoration Act” or RFRA.

The Chamber PAC, the group’s political spending arm, has given at least $28,000 to 38 lawmakers in the West Virginia House of Delegates who are running for re-election and voted for the controversial bill, which has come under fire after other states lost millions of dollars after passing similar legislation.  The Chamber’s spending includes a total of $3,000 to five of the delegates that sponsored the 2016 bill. That includes Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay; Terry Waxman, R-Harrison; Rupie Phillips, D-Logan; John O’Neal, R-Raleigh; and House Speaker Tim Armstead, R-Kanawha.

Oct. 18 p If you're not registered to vote, today's a good time to make a difference

 

Oct. 18 a After four days of dry weather, the fall colors are just beginning. For leaf peepers, this may be the peak color time for Clayberry. A great place to enjoy the color is out at Lake Sampson where hiking, boating, practice shooting are available.

Oct. 18 a Town Council has scheduled a Special meeting of the elected body for this afternoon at 5pm in the WaWa Plant on Main Street. In recent months the elected body has changed its ways and began to actually do the public's business in public.

Oct. 18 a How refreshing!

 

Oct. 17 Normally by this time of year we've had our first frost and Fall colors would be in full dress.

Oct. 17 a Not so, no frost and as for the Fall oranges and reds, at this elevation, just a few of the sycamores and elms are showing yellow.

Oct. 17 a We've got a few more CD sets of the 2016 Great Flood and the recent Apple Fest  available. Stop by the office

Oct. 17 a Thinking of something from last week....

Oct. 17 a Last Monday during the School Board meeting. without discussion or comment in public, the Board voted to remove Michelle Paxton from the Pentagon back to Clay Elem.

Oct. 17 a This site and The Communicator have speculated, Michele had to be demoted back to her old job at Clay Elem if her husband plans to replace KT as Superintendent , at the Pentagon,  later this Fall

Oct. 17 a That's out speculation

Oct. 17 a As far as official word on her ouster, none from Team KT before during or after last week's meeting.

Oct. 17 a As far as the world knows, Ms Paxton did a crappy job and was forced back down the ladder after just three weeks in place.

Oct. 17 a We're sure that's not the case but without a public explanation....

Oct. 17 a What a rotten thing for KT to do or at least allow to happen without an explanation.

Oct. 17 a What a rotten thing for Bd. Chair Dave Mullins to do or at least allow to happen without an explanation.

Oct. 17 a Speaking of rotten things....

Oct. 17 a During that same meeting last Monday, there was a vote to hire Britini Ramsey for Lizemore Elem

Oct. 17 a With five Boardsters participating but one (Dave Pierson) abstaining, only two voted in public, Dave Mullins and Morgy Triplett (via phone)

Oct. 17 a Susan Bodkins and Cheryl White kept their heads down and never uttered a peep

Oct. 17 a We elect leaders to make decisions even the tough decisions.

Oct. 17 a Both Bodkins and White side stepped their duties during the tough vote

Oct. 17 a  Staying on the public fence is a rotten thing.

Oct. 16 p   Paul F. Samples, 74, of Nebo,  see OBITUARY page

Oct. 16 p With early voting starting soon, from Ben Franklin: We've created a Republic  and it's yours if you can keep it.

 

Oct. 14 p The Panthers pulled off a big win against Lincoln County tonight.

Oct. 14 p With only a couple first downs in the second half, the yardage came when we needed it. Final score 13 to 10 in the come from behind victory

Oct. 14 p Go Panthers!

Oct. 14 p For watermelon lovers, the local IGA has some of the sweetest of the season rounds now in stock.

 

Oct. 13 p CHS Panthers play at home Friday night when Lincoln County comes to Schoonover Bradley Field. Kick off at 7:30. Weather even looks like it will cooperate

Oct. 13 p For those afar, non profit community radio plans to air the contest. tunein.com is a third party provider of the airwaves. Click this link for multiple player hook ups.

Oct. 13 p  During Wed's County Commission meeting, Linky Poo made mention of a new trailer load of "nice" stuff that was unloaded out at the Valley Fork Grade School. Household furniture, appliances, and bedding are now available. Check the Greater Clay group for your share of the bounty.

Oct. 13 p For those needing another day or two for discarding flood debris and such, according to Brandy Love O'Brien of the Greater Clay Committee, it's in the works now.

Oct. 13 p  The Procious Post Office was under five feet of water during the June 23rd Great Wash Out. After remodeling, the place opened again Oct. 1st

Oct. 13 p Well sort of opened. There's nice dry wall and new paint. But, the computer isn't working, nor weighing scales, nor tables to sort all the mail, AS far as storage cabinets, bot there either.

Oct. 13 p See the ADVISORY page for the Grand Opening date.

Oct. 13 p Down below is an update and more questions raised from Monday night's School Board meeting.

Oct. 13 p We mentioned Chair Dave Mullins "controversial"  decision to make a motion himself. Controversial because that rarely happens.

Oct. 13 p Is it true that a Chair can only vote to break a tie? How about, after a quorum is established and someone leaves, can the meeting continue?  Do absentee votes count?  Is it possible to undue a resignation after the vote?

Oct. 13 p  All the correct answers from Robert's Rule of Order online.

Oct. 13 p  Here's the entire Roberts public meeting book. Might be good to bookmark this one.

Oct. 13 p Sometime these ole ears don't work right....

Oct. 13 p We only heard two Aye votes during the hiring of the new Lizemore Elem Principal. Thinking maybe we missed a third vote, we asked the Superintendent about that vote.

Oct. 13 p Kenneth Tanner confirmed, he only heard two votes.

Oct. 13 p With Boardster Dave Pierson abstaining that left four voting members of the School Board.  A majority of the four would be three. We only heard two Ayes. Hmmmmmm...

 

Oct. 13 a We've waited a couple days before posting this update. For this  lunker to make sense, it's important that you've read the School Board article in the latest Communicator. Here goes first with some background

Oct. 13 a 6 or 7 years ago, Larry Gilliepie (the Somber Super)  retired as School Superintendent with Kenneth Tanner (KT) take over the reigns. After accepting his retirement, on a meeting agenda, was the rehiring of Gillespie as a substitute teacher.

Oct. 13 a RB Legg was the Board Prez. At his side was KT along with Boardster Dave Mullins

Oct. 13 a The time came to vote on Gillespie, Legg asked for a motion to hire. He waited.. and waited... and finally, RB Legg made the motion himself to hire Gillespie. The motion failed.

Oct. 13 a Mullins along with Gene King were the ring leaders to rub Gillespie's nose in the brown stuff.

Oct. 13 After the meeting KT said he had just learned a lesson, to never take any Board vote for granted. He added, had he known  Gillespie didn't have the votes to get the position, he would have pulled the name and not embarrassed the guy in public.

Oct. 13 a Fast forward to four days ago with Dave Mullins serving as Board Chair and KT readying to retire.

Oct. 13 a This time around, before the meeting and most likely during secret time, Mullins politic'd hard to get Britini Ramsey hired as Lizemore Elem. There were several others bidding on the job but for some reason, Mullins was determined to get Ramsey hired.

Oct. 13 a  Mullins asked for a motion to hire Ramsey, there was a pause, he asked again without a response from his Board. Finally, in a questionable move, Mullins himself made the motion to hire Ramsey as Lizemore Principal.

Oct. 13  a Each motion demands a second. With Dave Pierson abstaining from the vote (that's the same thing as not being there) Mullins asked for a second to his own motion. No response, Again a request for a second, more silence. Finally, on the other end of the telephone, from his hospital bed, Morgy Triplett made the second.

Oct. 13 a During the vote, Only two Ayes were heard, Dave Mullins and Morgy Triplett. At the table, Cheryl White and  Sue Bodkins said nothing and had their heads down looking at the conference table.

Oct. 13 a With two votes , Ms Ramsey, who was sitting in the peanut gallery, was hired.

Oct. 13 a  KT had to know the split vote or maybe a "no" vote was coming.

Oct. 13 a Ramsey is a qualified person with all the credentials needed to be a Principal. Why was Dave Mullins damned and determined to seat Ramsey. How did it come about?

Oct. 13 a Our guess and strictly a guess...

Oct. 13 a KT got shot down over a month ago when he wanted Melinda  Isaacs moved from Clay High to the Pentagon. With Mullins successfully leading the charge to keep Isaac at CHS, KT lost the skirmish and turned in his resignation letter during secret time.

Oct. 13 a As a favor to KT, as a way to show support, as a way to keep KT around a little longer, as a way to make amends, Mullins engineered the controversial Ramsey vote.

Oct. 13 a  The fall out from KT leaving has been immense. There have been several power shifts at the main office, the Pentagon, with many more coming.

Oct. 13 a What we're' getting at is, KT knew the hiring of Britini Ramsey was controversial and allowed it to happen. With the new Principal sitting there during the meeting, KT forgot what he learned  6 years ago when Gillespie was turned out to pasture with egg on his face.

 

Oct. 12 p  Larry R. Deitz, 75, of Lizemores, see OBITUARY page

Oct. 12 p For the last many decades, Mildred McKenzie has been a scriber of history. Over the years, Mildred published many pictures from years gone by.

Oct. 12 p As a columnist for the Communicator, she would stop in the office to talk.

Oct. 12 p Last Summer along with her sister Cybil, Mildred sat in the rocker chair and told stories on her way to the Thursday luncheon held over at Ginos.

Oct. 12 p On that hot day, she commented on why she had long pants on.

Oct. 12 p According to Mildred, she wore long pants so all the men at Gino's wouldn't oogle at her legs. She grinned broadly as did everybody else in the office.

Oct. 12 p Tuesday, Mildred passed away.

Oct. 12p For her nearly 90 years, her smile, her wit, and her writing will be remembered fondly.

Oct. 12 p Mildred, we already miss you

Oct. 12 a Presidential campaigns come and go and the country moves on. Rarely is there much excitement  about either choice .   8 years ago Obama De Bama raised the excitement bar as did Bernie this year.

Oct. 12 a Now just 14 days til early voting commences, it's obvious, Hitlary Clinton will get the nod for Prez.

Oct. 12 a Both top candidates are devoid of the truth.  It just isn't inside either of em.

Oct. 12 a With his mental capacity in question, Donny J is flat out scary.  There is little doubt the guy would smack the red button at every opportunity.

Oct. 12 a In the battle of which is the worst contender and the worser Prez, we're glad the Trumpster is behind by a solid 10 points and spiraling downward.

Oct. 12 a Best of all, it looks like his tail spin will also pull down Repuclicrat leaders through out the nation

Oct. 12 a With our knuckle draggers solidly in support of the whack job in West Virginia, time will tell if the coat tails to the bottom will prove true in this state.

Oct. 12 After all the Legislative crapo during the last two years Republicrat control, sure hope the national trend comes true in this state.

 

Oct. 11 p County Commission meets Wed morning at 10 am. Their posted agenda includes the hiring of a brand new Black Shirt Deputy.

Oct. 11 p The Communicator is now available across a four county region.

Oct. 11 p For our Rx folks, due to ownership statement requirements of the Postal service, delivery (once a year) has to go thru a secondary post office. Translation: Your paper will be delayed one day. Sorry but that's the way it is

Oct. 11 p We were able to include Monday night's very interesting Sch Bd meeting in this edition

Oct. 11p How often does the Board offer a split vote, a very split vote where only two Aye's were heard and Chair wasn't even able to get anyone to make the motion!

Oct. 11p If you want to know what's really going on in Clayberry, read The Communicator

 

Oct. 9 p  Hester Ellen McKinney, 79, of Widen, see OBITUARY page

Oct. 9 p  John C. Hill, age 89, see OBITUARY page

Oct. 9 p  The BOIL WATER ORDER from the Town of Clay continues for the next few days.

Oct. 9 p Areas affected include the downtown area, Pisgah,Two Run, and Ivydale,

Oct. 9 p Boil it first clickers

Oct. 9 p For many of those with a job, Monday is a day off of work, a holiday

Oct. 9 p Monday night , the Sch Bd meets at 6pm in the Pentagon

Oct. 9 p The meeting agenda calls for the resignation of Superintendent Kenneth Tanner and taking him back in as a substitute teacher.

Oct. 9 p Michelle Paxton  was voted to head to the Pentagon a couple meetings back. State Code issues came to light which prevents a Superintendent's wife from being employed in the main office. With Joe Paxton likely to be the next Superintendet, it makes financial cents for wifey Paxton to return to the Principal position at Clay Elem

Oct. 9 p Also on the agenda is hiring a Principal at Clay Elem

Oct. 9 p  With the rehiring of Mike Mullins for Pentagon duties, should make for a good meeting

Oct. 9 p Last Friday's Special meeting of Clay Town Council was canceled due to lack of interest.

Oct. 9 p Not sure of a rescheduled date at this time

Oct. 9 p This is Communicator week in Clayberry. Deadline for submission is Monday at 5pm. Email your classifieds, obits, classifieds , now

Oct. 8 a Didn't go so well for the Panthers last night.

Oct. 8 a Roane County barely sneaked past the Panthers, 45 to zip

Oct. 8 a Remember, the wawa is off today in many sections of the county as Town of Clay workers install a new fire hyrdant

 

Oct. 7 a  With rain in the forecast, the Clay High Panthers will be in action over in Roane County. Game begins at 7:30.

Oct. 7 a The local non profit radio stations will air the match up beginning at 7:20 or there abouts.

Oct. 7 a To listen online, click tunein.com or use this multi players page to listen in around the world.

Oct. 7 a Go Panthers

Oct. 7 a For those seeking a dry environment, good food and music returns to the Big Otter Community Center tonight at 7pm. Interested in line dancing, get over there a little early.

Oct. 7 a Big water outage coming for wawa customers in and around the Town of Clay. See ADVISORY page for more.

Oct. 7  a   During last night's Greater Clay Committee meeting, before during and after the election of officers, you could feel the tension in the air. Afterwards, one of the attending guests spoke on the topic of keeping things together and not letting the skirmish get in the way of progress

Oct. 7 a When the dust settled Chair Brandy Love O'Brien remained at the helm of the new group.

Oct. 7 a Not so was Kathy Linkinoggor who was not reelected to her perch.

Oct. 7 a With the good ole boy network defeated in the power grab, one feller said his group was based on Christian values and it would no longer be participating in t he Greater Clay Long Term Recovery Committee.

Oct. 7 a Full details in the next Communicator.

 

Oct. 6 a Greater Clay Committee meets tonight for their annual meeting and election of officers. Not sure of the future for Chair Brandy Love O'Brien.

Oct. 6 a  Operating out of the old Peach's Bar and Grill building beside Spread Park, action starts at 6pm

Oct. 6 a Over in Two Run is the Clay County Senior Nutrition Center. The building is owned by the County Commission, governed by the Golden Age Club, and operated Putnam County Aging.  For all intents and purposes, the Golden Age Club is in name only

Oct. 6 a Daily a handful of seniors partake of the Lunch time meal. A deliver driver hands out more meals around the county. The building is also rented out (cheap too) for receptions, parties, and meetings. It's a busy place.

Oct. 6 a For a number of years, there was a war between Putnam Aging and Clay Development Corp (CDC) over the name,  Senior Center. at one point, they went to court to settle their differences. A court decision did little to improve things.

Oct. 6 a CDC is a dark agency devoid of public scrutiny nor Board meetings open to the public. CDC is on record as govt paid for agency that does not follow Open meeting Law

Oct. 6 a So bad is the agency, not so long ago, they called Badges to a monthly and removed the only member of the public there

Oct. 6 a  Claiming to be loosing money, Putnam Again is getting out the Senior Center business in Clayberry. Their contract ended in Sept.

Oct. 6 a The only outfit that has shown any interest in keeping the place open is, you guessed it, the super secret, Clay Development Corp (CDC).

Oct. 6 a If you or know some agency willing to take over the operation, check with the Clay County Commission on how to bid on the much needed program.

Oct. 5 a  Yesterday's Don Fitzwater email raised the hackles of a few.

Oct. 5 a For those wanting to provide feedback to Mr Fitzwater, his email address is  donfitzwatersr@suddenlink.net

Oct. 5 a All emails appreciated

Oct. 5 a Last Friday night came a report of a shooting in the Dille area of the county.

Oct. 5 a We received several emails on the topic

Oct. 5 a Having seen nothing on other media outlets and no new Clayberry faces on the jail website, we asked our Top Badge

Oct. 5 a  Garrett Samples said he really didn't know anything about the incident but questioned whether there was a shooting at all

Oct. 5 a Black Shirt Tyler Caruthers commented that he thought the incident occurred in Nicholas County.

Oct. 5 a Gleaned from the Tuesday CAEZ meeting, the first 12 people have been hired for the stream clean up effort. Another 12 will soon be on the payroll. Good pay too

Oct. 15 a Interested in a job? See JOBS page.

Oct. 5 a During the last four Town Council meetings, we've seen change

Oct. 5 a Like during last night's gathering, when one of the elected wanted to vote on something, Jason Hubbard: It's not on the agenda

Oct. 5 a Old guard Dwana Murphy: It don't have to be

Oct. 5 a Jason: Let's put it on t he next agenda

Oct. 5 a Nice!

Oct. 5 a When Council was deciding on a needed Special Meeting, Mayor Whaling asked about having one the next day, today.

Oct. 5 a from the peanut gallery: Now that you're trying to do things legal, do you need a three day notice for a special meeting?

Oct. 5 a Council agreed and a special meeting will be properly posted

Oct. 5 a How refreshing

Oct. 5 a  Council person JP Helms: How come the Town of Clay office was closed during the Big Apple?  Response: When the office was in downtown Clay, parking was so bad, everyone was given the day off.

Oct. 5 a JP: Since we're up here at the Wawa Plant now, that's not a problem

Oct. 5 a Get this clickers, Council voted to take away that Big Apple paid holiday from Town workers.

Oct. 5 a  The most hated Council person just added another notch

Oct. 5 a  Hand down, the biggest change while discussing the need to purchase a new town vehicle.

Oct. 5 a With all in agreement to purchase something for the Sewer Plant operation, Jason Hubbard: How you going to do that? There's only $2000 in the account

Oct. 5 a For the first time EVER, instead of stumbling blindly into another debt (that equals another rate increase down the road), Council considered their financial posture and di so in public.

Oct. 5 a By the way, how far in debt is the Log Factory? $29,000+ would be the correct answer.

Oct. 5 a From that very troubling and pesky Hubbard lad: The Sewer made just $50 last month ... We lost a bunch of customers [after the flood]

Oct. 5 a Full details in the next Communicator, but for now, as the long meeting was winding down, word came on problems with meter readers. According to Joe Coleman, there have been many, repeated errors coming from two meter readers including one comment: one reader doesn't even get out of the vehicle to read the meter!

Oct. 5 a Mayor Whaling said she would take care of the problem

Oct. 5a  It's taken a long time, but hopefully, Town leadership has rounded the corner in a good way

 

Oct. 4 a Important Saturday  wawa info on ADVISORY page

Oct. 4 a With their agenda posted last week, tonight Clay Town Council meets at 5pm. What has made those meetings so interesting in recent months is open discussions on the quirks of life in the slow lane. We hope it continues

Oct. 4 a Also this evening and at the Courthouse, the CAEZ holds meetings at 4 and 6pm.

Oct. 4  a   Starting in July, road crews went around Clayberry and ground off the top two inches of broken, pothole laced, black top. The process leaves a ridges behind better for accepting the new asphalt.

Oct. 4 a The scrapped off roadway is much  "rougher"  and noisier to drive on. The process is used through out the state. Over in Roane County the old stuff was scrapped off and then paved over one week later.

Oct. 4 a Not so here in the land of little where new potholes are appearing in what's left of our pavement . With just a few weeks of paving season left in 2016, no new pavement to be seen in these parts

Oct. 4 a  A lightly attended Business Development Authority (BDA) was held last night.

Oct. 4 a Something of note from that gathering.

Oct. 4 a Chair Mitch DeBoard felt strongly that FEMA would supply enough $$$ to rebuild the washed out sections of the Buffalo Creek Trail.

Oct. 4 a With our future based in tourism, that trail is essential to our long term  financial health

Oct. 4 a  While the BDA has a lease on the spur line, DeBoard says that ain't enough to develop a long term business plan for the asset

Oct. 4 a According to the guy at the helm, efforts are under way to either have the 22 mile line 60 foot wide parcel donated or purchased by the BDA  or  a long term lease set up before any real construction can begin

Oct. 4 a  From the email bag and relating to our comments on how Clayberry shoots itself in the foot at every turn in the road: Your Sep 29 news posting describes the Clay County Cess pool to a T. I grew up listening to the folks saying the same thing. There is very little to no good that comes from that place. I was born and raised in Clay county and left on the first car that stopped for my thumb the first Monday after graduation from CCHS.  I haven't looked back. The people are so afraid they will lose their welfare checks if they stand up and vote for the best candidates or that the so called "Powerful" have them afraid for some other reason and of course some are just party voters. Sorry but i wouldn't live in Clay County unless I was paralyzed and somebody dragged me there. And why you may ask did I not return and help straighten it out. Some places are lost causes from the border and Clay County is one of them. I see people on Facebook and  other places glorifying Clay County and it makes me wonder if they have ever been out of the county. If I have offended anyone so be it.     Don Fitzwater

Oct. 4 a All emails are appreciated

Oct. 4 a  For the ace cub reporter, the wifey has been gone for a week. She even took the dog on vacation.

Oct. 4 a With her return coming tonight, it time to get the house and life back normal.

Oct. 4 a The crud has to be scrapped off dishes, the jon to be flushed and the seat to be lowered, not to mention shoveling the dirt off the floor and washing clothes for the first time in seven days

Oct. 4 a By this time Wed, the quiet will have disappeared for another year. With no clean socks to be had, just as well too.

 

Oct. 3 a   Arthur Dean Holcomb, see Obituary page

Oct. 3 a  Business Development Authority (BDA) meets tonight at 6:30 in the old State Road garage in Two Run

Oct. 3 a Had a couple colors reports of a shooting , maybe in the head, in the Dille neighborhood late Friday night.   Sometime close to 10pm we  did hear a call for Black Shirts in the Dille area.

Oct. 3 a We've checked the various jail websites and didn't notice anyone locked up from this area. Will keep  checking.

 

Sept. 30 a Don't let this chilly rainy Friday morning keep you at home on this last day of the month

Sept. 30 a While the Big Otter Community Center is closed for another week or so, there's other good stuff going on

Sept. 30 a Big Otter Fire Dept is hosting a Bingo session tonight. See EVENTS page

Sept. 30 a It's homecoming tonight during the Clay High home game against Independence.

Sept. 30 a  Game starts at 7:30. Pregame on the radio gets underway around 7:20 with TG Griffith behind the mic

Sept. 30 a For internet listeners, there's a third party provider, tunein.com as well as this multi player link

Sept. 30 a  One update from the radio world. A third County Clay radio station serving the Big Otter are was suppose to go on the air  last week. Didn't happen. The brand new $2500 transmitter did not work. With shipping time back and forth to the factory, it's going to be a while before 104.3FM gets on the air.

Sept. 30 a With one win under their belt, Go Panthers

Sept. 30 a People behave differently when regional media crews are recording the action as well as a State Senator.

Sept. 30 a Such was the case last night during the Greater Clay Recovery Committee meeting held beside Spread Park where seven days earlier, the meeting got real steamy

Sept. 30 a With recorders rolling and cameras snapping, there was no rock throwing nor walk outs of members and guests.

Sept. 30 a There was some entertainment

Sept. 30 a A crap stirrer from Charleston was on hand advancing all these un-named people from the Gov on down who told the crap stirrer, there's all kinds of problems with the new group and changes have to be made. She went on and on before....

Sept. 30 a On the other side of the conference table was a female pastor who displayed great charm as she tore the opponent a new butt hole

Sept. 30 a As for the un-named folks with concerns,,, it's not your place to provide third party disparities. Instead, as a matter of policy, those with issues should address them with this group.  As the Preacher lady was cutting the crap stirrer down to size, a look around the room revealed many grinning at the action at hand

Sept. 30 a  With a smile on her face, Ms Pastor was able to politely say, Lady, this is an independent, stand alone agency not related to any of your story telling nor under your control.

Sept. 30 a It was wonderful action. Based on the faces around the table, it looked like about 50% of the attendees were frowning, those that were backing the crap stirrer.

Sept. 30 a Up front, the Greater Clay Chair handled the aggressions in good order most of the time. It was a tough assignment to keep the meeting moving in a straight line but Chair Brandy Love handled the meeting.

Sept. 30 a  The backroom war to topple Ms Love and the get the wayward group back in the fold of the Clayberry thumb, it ain't over

Sept. 30 a An ultimatum has been made of Love. Either give up the Greater Clay volunteer work or loose your daytime Prestera employment

Sept. 30 a For Clayberry Bluebloods, it's important that someone more controllable be in place. Others elected to office there include, Lyyn Drake and Cathy Linkinoggor

Sept. 30 a Love has to make her decision by the end of the work day today.

Sept. 30 a Being poor herself and with an out of work coal miner husband at her side, she has little choice.

Sept. 30 a Enjoy the weekend clickers

 

Sept. 29 early a  Clayberry has a way of shooting itself in the foot. The hammer is cocked now.

Sept. 29 early a Since the beginning of time, this Appalachian county like many others, has sucked the hind teat. Truth is there's little more than a couple dollars in the whole place and we fight over who gets to handle the small amount.

Sept. 29 a If some group comes up with some loot, the war begins. Who gets their hands (control) on it often leaves us no better off than before it arrived.

Sept. 29 a  The backroom negotiations are notorious. For this hamlet, our bluebloods try to keep a thumb on anything  and everything. The first question that comes up in the smoked filled room is: What's in it for me?

Sept. 29 early a  For the rabble to have any control means, the bluebloods have lost control. They can't allow that at any cost.

Sept. 29 a Example.  Several years ago, a  guy from Tuxedo Park NY showed up with a plan to manufacture lighted outdoor street number signs. Whenever someone was in distress, the light would be turned on so emergency service workers could see where the problem is. The guy said he had read about our  poverty and just wanted to provide jobs.

Sept. 29 a One of his first stops was the one local bank back then. There he was met with resistance  and given his walking papers which included: we don't want those jobs here.

Sept. 29 a One year later, somewhere else of course, the guy started manufacturing the signs which are now used in many parts of the country.  Our bluebloods proudly stopped the plant in its tracks to keep everything in check. The big thumb had got its way.

Sept. 29 a One prominent business man once proclaimed, he didn't want new money, new jobs,  in County Clay. His reason? Since they were so poor, they had to shop there and run a line of credit at his store . With that set up, Clayonians were his wards, especially at election time.

Sept. 29 It was nice to see all those old CHS grads returning to their roots during the Big Apple. Those folks  provided a picture of Clay in days gone by when it was prosperous.

Sept. 29 a True there were more stores and gas stations 40 years ago, but Clay was NOT prosperous for the masses. To have a meager job here, you kept your mouth shut and voted the way you were told.

Sept. 29 a Had it been prosperous, the grads would not have left home for a future in sweltering plants up North. The only way they have a nice car today to come home in, was a union scale labor job.

Sept. 29 a We're about to see the next version of maintaining control to keep locals at bay

Sept. 29 a  A couple months back, a national group came to West Virginia. Under the auspices of that, the local chapter of the Greater Clay Long Term Recovery Committee was formed. Their idea is to think out of the box for a brighter future.

Sept. 29 a  Having heard there was $$$ coming to the group, about as soon as they got underway, the bright thinkers sparred with dimly lit locals. Some locals walked out of the meeting.

Sept. 29 a  Others battled over where to store any funds and even where the group would hold meetings

Sept. 29 a Now with the Bright Thinkers pressing on with new ideas and new possibilities, wantabee Blue Bloods are laying plans to regain control of the Greater Clay group.

Sept. 29 a Old timers know, the way to kill a snake is chop off the head. That's what is in progress today

Sept. 29 a  The person at the head of the Greater Clay table is Brandy Love. She's the problem and has to be eliminated.  Although she spent time here as a kid, she left. Brandy does not have the right last name, She has to be put out to pasture before her group with their independent ways, gets a foot hold.

Sept. 29 a We don't know much about Ms Love other than, in our 21 years of keeping Magistrate Court records, we don't see a criminal complaint or charge. Being a Town drunk, not that either.

Sept. 29 a The biggest problem with Ms Love is, she keeps thinking outside the box. Instead of getting in the gutter with the locals, she presses on with a loftier goal.

Sept. 29 a Here in the outback, empowering locals can not be tolerated.

Sept. 29 a Clayonians have to be treated like mushrooms. Kept in the dark and fed crap.

Sept. 29 a  The backroom crowd plans to come up with an angle and topple Love soon, maybe this week.

Sept. 29 a Someone has to be in that top perch that will bow to the powers that be in Clay, They have to keep their mouth shut and do as they are told.

Sept. 29 a Once the new leader is in place, before the meeting, meetings have to be called to get everybody on the team in line. That practice is usually followed by, Open Meeting Laws? Nope, we don't have to follow any of that stuff!

Sept. 29 a  Locals are  aligning now for the coup. Greater Clay has to be brought back into the inner circle of no hope. That brighter future notion will be gone as it has so many times in the past.

Sept. 29 a Those out of towners trying to make a real difference in the Land of Little, will never know what hit em until after it's over. By then, they'll just take their ball and go somewhere else.

Sept. 29 a The next meeting of the Greater Clay Committee vs the Bluebloods comes Thursday night at 6:30pm in the old Peach's Place Bar  beside Spread Park.

Sept. 29 a  Already many have been helped by Greater Clay. With ideas still in the works, more common Johns and Plain Marys could benefit.  Shame those people never show up  at public meetings to say: Stop the Crap?

Sept. 29 early a The Living Museum of Disparity is taking another gigantic leap backward.

Sept. 29  a Finally, from Martin De Vries: The hinge of the future is on the door of the present.

 

Sept. 27 p  Clay County's locally owned and operated newspaper, The Communicator is now available for your edification

Sept. 27 p We included a few pages with color pics from the recent Big Apple

Sept. 27 p All the details from Monday night's School Board is included in this edition

Sept. 27 p Including Superintendent Tanner's confirmation that he turned in his written resignation letter during secret time 15 days ago.

Sept. 27 p Before your get excited and run over to the Pentagon to turn in your resume, he ain't going anywhere soon. KT told the assembled, Dave Mullins asked him to hang on to the resignation for a while

Sept. 27 p Also in the write up is Tanner's explanation on the "snafu" as he called it, on bidding the Clay Elem Principal position.

Sept. 27 p Pretty interesting stuff and darn good reading

Sept. 27 p TV-8 news crews were in Clay Tuesday covering the closing of the Camp Creek bridge on Wed. Many locals are upset over the span shutting down to vehicular traffic leaving them long commutes just to pick up a loaf of bread.

Sept. 27 p Need legal help? See ADVISORY page for the return of the Legal Aid Society in County Clay.

Sept. 27 p We've got a new advertiser on the homepage. Just click the logo for the company's web portal. Need someone to investigate the wayward and horny husband? Now you've got a local resource.

 

Sept. 26 p After all that morning posting stuff....

Sept. 26 a How about some guessing.

Sept. 26 p Last school board meeting, the secret time went on for 2 hours

Sept. 26 p Here's the question clickers: How long do you think secret time will last tonight?

Sept. 26 p Email your guess now

Sept. 26 a  Thurman Thomas Ratliff, 95,of Duck, formerly of Widen, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 26 a  Things are not smooth and easy in School Board land

Sept. 26 a Two weeks ago, Superintendent Kenneth Tanner turned in his resignation during a 2 hour long Board meeting secret time. The resignation was confirmed during a TV-8 news segment a couple days later.

Sept. 26 a Tonight's Board meeting agenda makes no mention of his resignation.

Sept. 26 a During that same meeting, Boardsters voted Michelle Paxton in as an Asst Superintendent.

Sept. 26 a With KT leaving, the next in line for the Top Spot would be Joe Paxton

Sept. 26 a  We reported on a state law forbidding a Superintendent having a close relative also working at the Pentagon. That sent the school system in a tail spin

Sept. 26 a  Michelle worked as the Clay Elem Principal. With Ms Paxton assigned to the Pentagon, Team KT did the normal thing and posted a job bid for her former position

Sept. 26 a When news came of the just discovered state nepotism law, claiming there was an error in the original job posting, they posted the same identical job description a second time, on Sept. 22nd

Sept. 26 a  If Michelle keeps the Pentagon job, Hubby Joe can not move to the top

Sept. 26 a Since no one was talking (knowing) about the state law until the first principal bids were nearly over, Michelle was out of the running for her former position.

Sept. 26 a The original bid was rebid to allow Michelle to get her former position back

Sept. 26 a  With all that under our belt, what if Michelle says, I plan to keep the Pentagon job

Sept. 26 a Couple with that mess up, school funding is anticipated to go down this year due to fewer students, state budget short falls, and such

Sept. 26 a Is there even a need for new positions in the already top heavy Pentagon?

Sept. 26 a Real dilemma  with all the markings of a dandy Board meeting tonight beginning at 6pm

Sept. 26 a Deadline for Communicator submissions is tonight at 5pmish

Sept. 26 a Now's the time to email your stuff

 

Sept. 24 a  Lindy May Myers, 69, of Glen, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 24 a Our CHS Panthers played a heck of a ball game for three quarters against Liberty down in Raleigh County. That last quarter killed us. Final score, 38 to 33

Sept. 24 a Ramsey's Dairy Bar down at Fola added sugar free ice cream to their offerings

Sept. 24 a Ever tried it? Think sugar free would have less flavor or taste?

Sept. 24 a Wrong-O!

Sept. 24 a Instead, the sugar free stuff has a creamier flavor than the regular stuff

Sept. 24 a We're taking down the Big Apple pics on Sunday. If you'd like a CD of the pics, just let us know. $8 plus tax.

Sept. 24 a We mentioned something wasn't smelling right at the Pentagon during yesterday's morning post

Sept. 24 a Here's a note. Asst Superintendent Mike Mullins retired back in June. He's been away from the place since then

Sept. 24 a Gone until yesterday when he was seen out directing bus traffic.

Sept. 24 a There was no mention of bringing Mullins back during the last Board meeting nor on the agenda for the upcoming meeting.

Sept. 24 a Here comes on big Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

 

Sept. 23 a  Margaret Ann McCracken Moore, 89, of O’Brion, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 23 a Tonight the Panthers take on Liberty in away field action. It's the first time Clay High has played this team.

Sept. 23 a 101.7FM plans to air the game. For those afar, try listening on a third party provider, tunein.com or try this to use your own player window. Go Panthers.

Sept. 23 a WYAP has been helping to get WULL , 104.3 FM in Big Otter to get on the air. Last night the volunteers tested the new transmitter and antenna. Didn't work.

Sept. 23 a For over 20 years, The Communicator was owned and operated by Lindy Myers, Terry Kerns, and the Mel Gibson look alike. Last Dec, Lindy retired

Sept. 23 a Lindy worked tirelessly for 20 year to make the paper grow and supported the notion: the more voters know about the dealings of government, the better off we are

Sept. 23 a Additionally, Lindy served on the local Demorat Committee, was a Mother / Grandmother, and was an active supporter of H E White Elem

Sept. 23 a Lindy Myers died Wed. We've lost a keeper

Sept. 23 a We keep checking the Matic's Funeral Home web page for funeral arrangements but without luck.

Sept. 23 a Ever just have a feeling something is awash?

Sept. 23 a  Two weeks ago we had that same feeling . A day later School Superintendent Kenneth Tanner (KT) turned in his resignation letter during secret time. There was no mention of the resignation during the public part of the public meeting held Sept. 12th. Not a peep.

Sept. 23 a We got word of the resignation and started spreading the news.  A TV-8 news report confirmed the bail out last week.

Sept. 23 a  Yesterday the Pentagon posted the meeting agenda slated for Sept. 26th. The agenda makes no mention of a vote to accept the resignation. Does anyone else think that's odd?

Sept. 23 a And there's something else. During the Sept. 12th meeting, the Sch Board added new people to the Pentagon staff. Michelle Paxton got the as Attendance Director / Asst Superintendent; Tina Burnette as Nutrition Director / Asst Superintendent.

Sept. 23 a Paxton and Burnette served as Elem Principals prior the tap to move up the pay grade ladder.

Sept. 23 a  With them out of Clay Elem and Lizemore Elem (respectively), it was time to bid those Principal jobs.

Sept. 23 a The Pentagon website provides, those two carefully worded job descriptions were posted Sept13th. All that's normal. Get replacements in place as quickly as possible so those that are moving up and do so.

Sept. 23 a But then... those same two Elem Principal positions were placed online to rebid , yesterday.

Sept. 23 a KT not leaving after all?

Sept. 23 a Ms Paxton and Ms Burnette not getting to move up the ladder?

Sept. 23 a Something ain't smelling right.

Sept. 23 a Big Otter Community Center remains closed for another couple Friday nights

Sept. 23 a Tomorrow is a big auction in the Northern end of the county on Walker Road. All the particulars and directions are in the Communicator. Still just 80 cents.

Sept. 23 a Pick up a copy today.

 

Sept. 21 a In the most recent Communicator came word of a bunch of new jobs coming our way from the Federal Gov. Called disaster clean up workers,  top pay for supervisors at $20 / hour, check out the JOBS page for contact info.

 

Sept. 20 a School Boardster, ambulance driver, Morgan Triplett has been hospitalized for three weeks. Before that, he spent four weeks at home prior to seeking med treatment.

Sept. 20 a The MRSA infection in his leg just won't go away.

Sept. 20 a Prayers are in order for Morgy

Sept. 20 a Last year, the County Commission balanced the budget by not paying the jail bill for several months. Again this budget year, there wasn't enough money to go around for the entire 12 months.

Sept. 20 a West Virginia Commissioners just got a new directive from the West Virginia Big Robes telling em, Yes, you will pay the jail bill.

Sept. 20 a Also from the Big Robes under the Gold Dome, from last week, another decision will affect Clayberry this Election Day.   Clayonian Tom Gorgone will mount a write in campaign seeking the Top Badge position.

Sept. 20 a The Pentagon has to get their ducks in a row to keep things together.

Sept. 20 a During the last Board meeting they voted in Michelle Paxton as a top dog on the hill. Michelle is the wifey of Asst Superintendent Joe Paxton.

Sept. 20 a  Before any votes were made, the Board went secret for two hours. During that time, Superintendent Tanner resigned from duty. Feeling he didn't have the support of his Board, Tanner quit after being told CHS Principal Melinda Isaacs would NOT be moved up to the Pentagon

Sept. 20 a With Joe Paxton air apparent to the Top Spot when KT leaves, it was very important to get the wifey in power right away.

Sept. 20 a Why?

Sept. 20 a State Code : §18A-2-1: ....The principal [superintendent] may not recommend for employment an individual who is related to him or her as father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, nephew, niece, husband, wife, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, stepfather, stepmother, stepson, stepdaughter, stepbrother, stepsister, half brother or half sister;

Sept. 20  a  Michelle had to be placed before Joe Paxton gets the Superintendent spot in the near future

Sept. 20 a Last week, Boardster Cheryl White commented that others would make a good Superintendent. Names included Pam Mullins and Mike Mullins, both recently retired Pentagon duties

Sept. 20 a There's others around well qualified. Like, one time CHS vice prinicpal Dr Michelle Samples who now works in Charleston

Sept. 20 a We have another special person to consider.

Sept. 20 a County Commissioner Linky Poo served as Superintendent a number of years. Since being on the Commission, the county has nearly gone broke inspite of his campaign promises to bring in millions of grant dollars to our county.

Sept. 20 a To keep the county from going completely bankrupt, maybe the Sch Bd should consider Linky as the interim Superintendent of Schools and give the rest of us a break.

 

Sept. 19 a  For this area, Labor Day is not the end of Summer. For County Clay, The Apple Fest marks the end of Summer.

Sept. 19 a  There's always complaints before during and after the Big Apple. The younger volunteers ae doing things different. Some things are working, some ain't

Sept. 19 a When people came up to us last weekend saying something sucks, our response was, are you ready to volunteer and make it better?

Sept. 19 a Not one person showed ANY interest in doing anything but complain.

Sept. 19 a The 46th Big apple is in the history books.

Sept. 19 a We've got about 125 photos from the affair on our home page. To grab one, just hover on the image, right click and save as.

Sept. 19 a In addition to those shown, we've got any 200 or so more. If you're interested in the whole shebang in living color, CD's are available for $8.  For shipping, add another $2.

Sept. 19 a Enjoy your Day

Sept. 17 a Everyone stand up and applaud!!! Our Panthers have their first big win over Valley!!!

Sept. 17 a  We're off and running!

Sept. 17 a  The radio station's silent auction ends today. Great fundraiser for a needed non profit and you could end up with a nice piece of local craftware. Stop in the Clay Library to place your bid.

Sept. 17 a So far , this morning, weather looks good for the GRand Parade which begins at 1pm today. Get out and have some fun today. You deserve it.

 

Sept. 16 a  Vera Lea (Ramsey) Vance, 74, of Lizemores, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 16 a In addition to the second day of the Big Apple festivities, tonight the Panthers take on Valley in home field action.

Sept. 16 a  101.7FM will sportscast the game with a pregame show beginning around 7:20pm

Sept. 16 a For those too far away to hear the broadcast, tunein.com streams WYAP.  If you use winamp as your online player, click here.   If your  internet service is weak, you're out of luck.

Sept. 16 a Big controversy came before the last home game at Schoonover Bradley Field where CHS Principal Melinda Isaac tried to stop the  tailgate party fun. When the School Board intervened, the party went on.  Some are saying, Isaac just wanted the food giveaway curtailed.

Sept. 16 a Since most everything is kept secret in School Board land, we may never know what the truth is.

Sept. 16 a Over 9 million FEMA dollars have come into Clayberry since June 23rd. With those dollars flowing, this should be the most prosperous Big Apple in years.

Sept. 15 p Tonight's the first night for the Big Apple

Sept. 15 p Downtown Clay has filled with vendors on both sides of Main Street

Sept. 15 p We haven't seen much in the way of a schedule this year. There are some in the Sheriff's office. For the complete schedule, pick up a copy of the Communicator. In the downtown area, The Communicator is sold at Go Mart Clay and Rite Aid. Enjoy

Sept. 15 p Tonight beginning at 8pm is the Karaoke contest, always a laid back fun time.

Sept. 15 p  The big news is Kenneth Tanner bugging out as School Superintendent

Sept. 15 p Something to note. Each Superintendent picks his or her own Asst.

Sept. 15 p When the Superintendent bails out for whatever a reason, there is no assurance that the Asst will be moved up to the top slot.

Sept. 15 p For now, Asst Super, Joe Paxton is hanging out there in limbo

Sept. 15 p School Boardster Cheryl White was enjoying the Big Apple today. When asked, White commented, she would like to have a strong  Superintendent to pull the Pentagon together.

Sept. 15 p With several hanging around, as for KT's replacement, Ms White suggested another first for the county, a female, just retired from service, Pam Mullins. White offered another name to put in the hat, retired in June, Asst Superintendent, Mike Mullins.

Sept. 15 p If all the School Boardsters have choices of their own, it could be real interesting to see who comes out on top.

Sept. 15 p As for Kenneth Tanner, the pressure is off. With his decision made, he can take a breather this weekend and enjoy the Apple Fest's family fun.

Sept. 15 a Robert Eugene “Bobby” Holcomb, 57, of Bickmore, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 15 a Once a year, downtown Clay comes to life. Today is the first day of the Grand Daddy of em all, the three day long, Clay County Apple Festival.

Sept. 15 a Family fun second to none Enjoy

Sept. 15 a  We knew something was up after the 2 hour long secret time at the beginning of Monday  night's School Board meeting. After the secret time, Superintendent Kenneth Tanner was a different person, devoid of comments on new hires and those leaving jobs.

Sept. 15 a  After the meeting, he was terse, much firmer with his comments, like, you're wrong, dead wrong and there's no other view but his own.

Sept. 15 a We now know what brought the change.

Sept. 15 a During secret time, Superintendent Tanner (KT) resigned from his top perch.

Sept. 15 a After Monday's meeting, KT let his staff know of his bail out on the entire school system and the kids' of Clayberry

Sept. 15 a The change in mindset, the written resignation penned for a Dec 30th departure are fact. Only in his mid 50's, he's out a here!

Sept. 15 a Here comes the speculation based on street talk and conjecture

Sept. 15 a  KT is dedicated to his staff. With key, long time,  Pentagon officials retiring last Summer, Tanner wanted CHS Principal Melinda Isacs moved up to the Pentagon for a cushy duty there.

Sept. 15 a Last weekend a conference for state wide school boardsters was held. KT was in attendance and one on one, our top lad went to each of our Boardsters and made a heavy push for the Isacs upgrade. In each case, the answer was no.

Sept. 15 a By the end of the conference / training session, KT used the trump card, if I don't get my way, I'll take my ball and go home.

Sept. 15 a Caution was urged to think  and rethink long and hard on such a pee poor approach to getting his way.

Sept. 15 a He didn't

Sept. 15 Instead of realizing you don't get everything you want all the time, 6 years in the seat, Kenneth Tanner, presented his written resignation letter to the School Board.

Sept. 15 a Instead of a chorus of Please Oh Please Change Your Mind, KT heard, Ok and thank you.    That amounts to, you made your bed and now sleep in it

Sept. 15 a Loyalty to employees (or anything, anybody) is a noble trait. Knowing which battles to fight and which to leave alone, is another great trait. Tanner knew, he didn't have the votes to get his way but continued down that path

Sept. 15 a  Back when Tanner was first in the top seat, after not getting a former Superintendent hired as a substitute teacher,  Tanner told the ace cub reporter, he had learned a lesson. According to KT, the lesson, don't take anything for granted when it comes to a School Board decision

Sept. 15 a Guess Kenneth Tanner forgot that lesson.

Sept. 15 a Is Asst Superintendent Joe Paxton a shoe in to fill the void.

Sept. 15 a The wolves are gathering at the door..

 

Sept. 14 a County Commission meets this morning at 10am. 2 page agenda to work thru too.

Sept. 14 a The Communicator is out and about answering all of life's little questions and providing answers that many never think about. 20 pages of great information and for just 80 cents cheap

Sept. 14 a  Monday night, our Sch Board  went secret. Not any secret time either. This one lasted over 2 hours. During that away from the public huddle, a couple, you could hear loud voices from outside the closed door.

Sept. 14 a Something was different after the closed door time.

Sept. 14 a Superintendent Kenneth Tanner was red faced. Bet his blood pressure was over 200

Sept. 14 a During the public meeting, Tanner was without comment. When he did speak, he was as terse as KT could muster.  The change was obvious.

Sept. 14 a Something is going on and the public hasn't been told... yet

 

Sept. 12 a 15 years ago today, our country was in shock. There were no funny stories nor jokes told. We spoke in hushed tones. Around Clayberry, "How bad can it get" was the refrain.

Sept. 12 a Today 9/11 is just something in history books

Sept. 12 a Tonight the Business Development Authority convenes at 6:30pm in the old State Road garage. The agenda doesn't look too exciting but you never know what will come up.

Sept. 12 a We're now four weeks into the new school year. Back in early Summer a couple key members of the administrative staff retired. Since then the Pentagon has been in free fall trying to replace em.

Sept. 12 a Tonight the Sch Bd meets in the Pentagon. The online agenda calls for the hiring of three new positions. Often the online agenda changes the night of the meeting. Not suppose to do that but it happens on a regular basis.

Sept. 12 a Three top dog positions will be costly. With student roles down due to the Great Wash Out and corresponding state funding to be reduced, adding top heavy positions, might not be the best move for KT and School system gang.

Sept. 12 a  A few months back, during a Board meeting, KT apprised the group, due to pee poor performance, H E White and Clay Elementary schools would be receiving curriculum coaches to improve test scores.

Sept. 12  a On tonight's agenda, only the coach for Clay Elem is listed for filling. Why no teaching coach at the school with the lowest scores in the state? We might know something after tonight's meeting

Sept. 12 a   Behind the scenes, there is a battle going on over who gets those new jobs and whether there's even a need for three new Pentagon positions.

Sept. 12 a Over the weekend, Boardsters attended a state training conference. Superintendent Tanner normally attends those meetings.

Sept. 12 a That time away from prying eyes would be a great opportunity for them to get their heads together or widen the gap & firm up battle lines.

Sept. 12 a There's another factor. Boardster Morgy Triplett is a sick lad. He's been in CAMC for over two weeks. With one surgery under his belt and another one expected, there is some doubt that Triplett can participate in the process even by phone.

Sept. 12 a For such important, it would be better if all five elected reps were on hand for the weighty decisions

Sept. 12 a  Tonight's meeting might bring to light the behind the scenes issues

 

Sept. 11 a Sleepy eyed Clayberry flipped on the Boob Tube. Around 8:45a  American Airlines 11 slammed into the North World Trade Tower.

Sept. 11 a  It was 9:03am when the United Airlines 175 struck the South Tower

Sept. 11 a  American Airlines 77 hit the Pentagon  35 minutes later

Sept. 11 a United Flight 93 hit the ground in PA around 10:30am

Sept. 11 a  Which day of the week was it?

Sept. 11 a We have kids in Clay High who weren't even born in 2001. The attack on America is just something in a history book.

Sept. 11 a By the way, it was a Tuesday morning.

Sept. 11 a As we have said for 15 years now, the problem is not guns, it's mental health.

Sept. 11 a  Take a second, a pause, this morning

Sept. 9 p  Clarence “Sonny” Eugene Runion, 72, of Maysel, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 9 p  Glen Dale King, 74, of Maysel, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 9 a This an open for the Clay County Panthers. No game tonight

Sept. 9 a Our County Commission is holding an emergency meeting this morning at 10am. The one item agenda calls for securing a bank loan of $500,000 as a stop gap pool for Pierson Lumber Co

Sept. 9 a Pierson was the main contractor that provided most of the clean up and hauling of flood debris.

Sept. 9 a Although a main business for this tiny county, in the great scheme of things, having to wait another 30 days + for FEMA to come thru with a check, it would bankrupt the company and the sub contractors as well.

Sept. 9 a We're going to save all the other details from the troubling Town Council meeting for the Communicator which comes out Tuesday.

Sept. 9 a Well, one more tiny snippet...

Sept. 9 a Look for a  back room push to remove Council person JP Helms from elected office.

Sept. 9 a With the Constitution applying even in the Town of Clay, it should be one more opportunity for the dark side of Clay to get egg on their face yet again

Sept. 9 a Because newbee Council person Jason Hubbard kept asking questions and made the heavy push for Town leadership to get on the right side of the law, Hubbard may also be in the push to remove those rocking the boat in the municipality

Sept. 9 a Last night the new Greater Clay Recovery Committee met in their new digs beside Spread Park, the old Peach's Bar and Grill.

Sept. 9 a It was quite the contrast from most other local meetings.

Sept. 9 a 20 or so showed for the weekly Thursday night gathering. At the helm is Brandy O'Brien.

Sept. 9 a 2o a The hour long gathering serves as a n update session on progress of short term goals.

Sept. 9 a From a rocky start where several walked out after not getting their way, the group may actually make it. Why?

Sept. 9 a Glad you asked.

Sept. 9 a Around the table were mostly outsiders, people from outside of Clayberry, people without a personal axe to grind, people without a beholding to local politics.

Sept. 9 a It was refreshing

Sept. 9 a One big from the gathering. There's new jobs money coming to the disaster areas that includes 20 or more hires for County Clay for stream clean up.

Sept. 9 a Those 20 + strong backs all get paid over $11 per hour with the Supervisors taking home around $20  an hour

Sept. a Sure sounds like a great opportunity for the Buffalo Creek Trail to get a much needed facelift.

Sept. 9 a When for the jobs? Real soon. Vans are already being purchased to haul the crews to job sites

Sept. 9 a Full details later tonight

Sept. 8 a Clay Middle School plays this afternoon over on Schoonover Bradley Field. With no High School game this week, why not come out and support the Mustangs tonight

Sept. 8 a  Yesterday we started our posting on Tuesday's Town Council meeting. Be sure to drop down to the Sept. 7 post before reading this update

Sept. 8 a Sitting in on meetings and knowing how Clayberry works, we are often  able to offer the inside scoop or at least what something looks like or feels like.

Sept. 8 a As for the relocation of the wawa tank for the Blue Knob extension project, much of the info before the meeting came thru Dwana Murphy's Facebook postings and responses.

Sept. 8 a With that being said, we received this much more informed email yesterday afternoon: I read the coverage of Clay City Council Meeting. The tank site on the King farm was in an initial application but has not been in our plans. This was not a new revelation and had been discussed at prior council meetings and a public meeting. We looked at five or six sites including two on the King farm but selected the one towards the far end of the project because it was at equal elevation and provided benefits to the current project and possible extension. We did not become aware of who owned the property until a public meeting held about a year ago.     We are working to provide the Town and the potential customers with the best service at the least possible cost. We are evaluating the site mentioned last night (it was one we also looked at initially) by comparing costs of getting the road and line to the tank sites.  The difference in pressures provided at all the sites evaluated only varied by a few psi and all served the residents that existed in the original service area.   Eric J. Coberly, P.E.    Project Manager   E. L. Robinson Engineering

Sept. 8 a  all emails are appreciated

Sept. 8 a Here's our second posting from the Tuesday meeting.

Sept. 8 a Several Town vehicles received damage during the June 23rd flood. The Town's insurance policy covered the losses including a backhoe, service truck, sewer line log jam blaster.

Sept. 6 a  A settlement value for each was determined. Then, then, employees decided they wanted to buy back the flooded items at a discount. One wanted the backhoe while another wanted the truck for parts and so forth. With insurance company OK, the deal was hatched

Sept. 6 a During the recent Council meeting, that pesky Councilperson, Jason Hubbard asked, who gave the OK for these inside deals? And, this is another perk right after we gave em all pay raises? And, If you buy back this stuff, it has to be auctioned off to the public. And, This stinks!

Sept. 6 a That turkey Hubbard!!!!! Bringing all this out in public!!

Sept. 6 a With egg on their faces, Hubbard led the fight to call the insurance company, ask for the full amount valued on each item and return the buy back checks

Sept. 6 a And then that same guy got into it again during the the vote to hire Shane Morton to do  repair work on exposed log factory supply lines.

Sept. 6 a The newbee on Council asked a simple question. From Hubbard: Did you bid this job? followed by, when did Council approve this?

Sept. 6 a The response was, no the repair job was not bid and No, Council did NOT give the OK to do the work.

Sept. 6 a After lengthy discussion, two others bids will be secured.

Sept. 6 a  Jason Hubbard is a star from Tuesday's meeting. Why? he read the agenda, gathered background info before the meeting and then asked questions during the public meeting. The issues he raised have often been slid under the table in the past. It's good to have a new face on Clay Town Council

Sept. 6 a During the entire 2 hour and  43 minute meeting, Council persons Jerry Stover and Denise Holcomb asked zero questions. Both may have made one comment each during the monthly meeting. Worse yet, JP Helms was a no show and that's after adding items to the agenda!

Sept. 6 a  Based on terse comments made by the Mayor and Dwana  during the meeting....

Sept. 6 a JP was suppose to bring to Council an issue of employee kids and or grand children hanging around the water plant. His concern was safety of the rug rats and liability

Sept. 6 a With no JP present, the issue was not discussed.

Sept. 6 a That's a shame. Anytime there is a safety issue, it must be brought up and handled immediately, without fail

Sept. 6 a For Mayor Whaling and employees Dwana Murphy and Dream Thomas to be peed at Helms over an obvious infraction of ALL industrial rules, it shows their childishness.

Sept. 6 a More from the Council meeting during the next post

Sept. 6 a Things are worse at Tallhouse. That black snake has not be seen in two days. The sticky paper in the closets has not netted any slithering creature

Spet 6 a Now the problem is, is the snake, snakes, gone or are they still there and at the ready for a 4 am pee trip to the jon?

Sept. 6 a For now,  lights remain lit 24 hours a day.

 

Sept. 7 a Town Council like many other govt agencies trys hard to keep juicy stuff away from the public meeting setting. For many years, decades actually, anything of real interest, instead of a discussion, Council would start whispering and then abruptly turn to another topic.

Sept. 7 a At other times, text messaging (during the meeting) was employed to steer an agenda item away from public knowledge.

Sept. 7a Ever been to a family reunion when an ex showed up and things got fired up? How about at some other occasion when when you could see the steam boiling out.

Sept. 7 a When stuff is made public, that's when a Council meeting comes alive. Last night was one of those gatherings that came alive and lasted well over two hours.

Sept. 7 a It's going to take a while to cover all the barbs from last night but for now

Sept. 7 a Residents of Blue Knob have needed potable water forever. A couple years back word came that the Town would be  the agency to get such a water line extension up and running.

Sept. 7 a For the last 10 months, the plan called for a 60,000 gallon storage tank to be set on a high point on the King farm along Blue Knob Road.  Last week word percolated around, that site had been moved to Mike Pierson's farm

Sept. 7 a Because Mike Pierson used to be in elected office, immediately, red flags went up.

Sept. 7 a During last night's meeting, several thirsty residents of Blue Knob showed up to have their say.

Sept. 7 a In the end after a 30 minute discussion, after extolling the benefits of having the tank in the middle of the extension line instead of at the end (Piersons), the project engineer agreed to take a look at a third site on the Scott property.

Sept. 7 a When a tank is moved, it often leaves customers, other customers, with low wa wa pressure and a need for the private customer to buy and maintain a booster pump and 100's of feet of wa wa line.

Sept. 7 a Here's the kicker clickers. To get the project off the ground, another $1.3 million is needed from a Small Cities Block Grant (SCBG) program. Without that grant, the project is a no go. A question was raised last night: What if the grant is not provided.

Sept. 7 a In response, the engineer advanced, other pools of $$$ may be found

Sept. 7 a  That usually means, instead of free grant money, a costly loan would have to be secured and paid for by ALL Town of Clay customers for the benefit of the 50 or so Blue Knob customers.

Sept. 7 a  On to other Town business....

Sept. 7 a Ryan Clifton left the Mayor's seat 13 months ago. Since then the new Mayor, Bev Whaling, has mentioned during several Council meetings, Clifton kept in his possession the Town pistol and the title for a Badge mobile. Note: that was a vehicle donated to Clayberry from the Town of Glasgow.

Sept. 7 a  Since the August Council meeting, a certified letter was mailed to Clifton demanding the return of the semi automatic weapon and the vehicle title with a lawsuit threat included to get the lad's attention.

Sept. 7 a Ryan Clifton was on hand for the Sept. 6th meeting.

Sept. 7 a Clifton informed all, Mayor Bev Whaling had NOT contacted him about the return needs, attempts on Facebook for the return is not an appropriate contact method, and to waste money on certifying a letter shows wastefulness.

Sept. 7 a During the discussion, one time Town Recorder Dwana Murphy admitted that she had asked Clifton to keep the gun  for safe keeping.

Sept. 7 a After all those earlier public meetings, Dwana never mentioned anything about her request for Clifton to hang on to the gun.

Sept. 7  Clifton handed over the sidearm to Mayor Whaling but not the title to the Dodge Charger. He said he had lost the piece of paper but would attempt to get a copy of the bill of sale and title.

Sept. 7 a During that agenda topic, you could feel the friction between the old administration and new Mayor.

Sept. 7 a More  from that meeting late tonight

Sept. 7 a It's Day 2 of a Snake in Tallhouse

Sept. 7 a A mouse is bad enough but a snake, albeit a black snake, is worser.

Sept. 7 a Trying to sleep with all the lights on is next to impossible.

Sept. 7 a Anytime the normally quiet dog barks, it means the ace cub reporter has to get up and see if the pooch has found the slithering creature.

Sept. 7 a In the way of getting rid of the snake, the aging lad has placed sticky paper in various closets without luck.

Sept. 7 a  Suggestions would be appreciated

Sept. 7 a Until the thing is caught, daytime naps are in order

 

Sept. 6 a Feels like a Monday but it isn't.

Sept. 6 a For this Tuesday, Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone (CAEZ) will convene its annual meeting (6pm) complete with free munchies beginning at 5pm over at the Campground in Dundon.

Sept. 6 a As required by the group's by laws, once a year, the public is encouraged to attend and hear of their accomplishments during t he previous 12 months.

Sept. 6 a In quite a change of course, this evening at 5pm, Town Council has  a big long agenda to deal with during their once a month gathering in the WaWa Plant on Main Street.

Sept. 6 a  Of the two meetings, this one has all the markings of being the most interesting.

Sept. 6 a Nice home complete with 3 decades of family history, pictures, love, harmony...

Sept. 6 a And then...

Sept. 6 a Out from under the staircase slithered a black snake as it wiggled around the corner and out of site.

Sept. 6 a In the bathroom was wifey. At the glimpse of the creature all H broke loose with loud screams of HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!

Sept. 6 a By the time the Mel Gibson look alike got there, the snake was gone.

Sept. 6 a  A snake in the house. There could be hundreds more.... They could be up in the bedroom...   What about those middle of the night pee runs, what if you step on  a snake...

Sept. 6 a A snake has been seen. Life will never be the same at Tallhouse

 

Sept. 5 a From the email bag: ESPN will be showing their special that they did on the CCHS football team on Monday, Sept. 5 at 10:30 am.  The special will be shown as part of ESPN's SportsCenter show

 

Sept. 4 p  Omie Evelyn Neal, 77, of Indore, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 4 p  We're allowed one day each year to celebrate our good deeds

Sept. 4 p With warm dry weather expected, Enjoy Labor Day

Sept. 4 p By the way, Harbor Freight has some great deals Monday along with some 25% off coupons.

Sept. 4 p Fellers, drop her off at the Cross Lanes WalMart and then head over to HF for a look see at everything you don't have.   Also in Cross Lanes, not far from HF, the new place to see is Rural King.

 

Sept. 2 late p  Braxton smashed us tonight, 28 for them and 2 for the Panthers.

Sept. 2 latep Back to the drawing board for the home team.

Sept. 2 a  Feels like Fall this morning with perfect weather for tonight's CHS football game against Braxton County. The away contest will be sportscast on 101.7FM and 106.7 FM in the Lizemores area.

 Sept. 2 For those too far away to attend, the game will be webcast on tunein.com. It's easy to do. Once you get there, just type in wyaplp

Sept. 2 a If that link doesn't work, try this one.

Sept. 2 a Go Panthers!

Sept. 2 a  For the last few years, before each home game, Clay County Bank has hosted a tailgate party for early arrivers and students that stay at school waiting the for the game to start. It's real hoot with hot food, games, and music. On occasion, there's even a live band

Sept. 2 a Last week was the season opener for the Panthers. Behind the scenes, the CHS Principal worked to stop the tailgate party. After so many years, not sure why they effort was raised this year but it was.

Sept. 2 a Behind the scenes, things got hot after the Sch Bd got wind of the assault on fun stuff to do. Boardsters got their heads together and took their message to the Superintendent, You tell her to pull in her claws or we will.

Sept. 2 a  Superintendent Tanner is a big fan of the Principal but did as his Board told him to do

Sept. 2 a The tail gate party continued as usual.

Sept. 2  a Another behind the scenes action that few will ever hear about. Thanks for stopping by Clayberry this morning. There's no place like home

Sept. 2 a The Big Otter Community Center remains closed tonight.

Sept. 2 a For those not attending the ballgame, instead of dancing the night away, how about trying out some BINGO action over at Big Otter Fire Dept.

 

Sept. 1 6:45 a Over the scanner, a report of a  man laying in the middle of the road on Rt 4 around Spread Park

Sept. 1 a Sept. is starting off right where Aug left off

Sept. 1 a 7:15 a  Ambulance crew and Green Shirt coud not find the sleeper.

Sept. 1 a Courthouse workers are not paid well. In recent times, even the coveted benefits have been cut back. There's a job opening at the Sheriff's office for an office worker.

Sept. 1 a With the deadline passed for applying, 40 people including some with college degrees applied for the lone position.

Sept. 1 a That's how tough things are in Clayberry

Sept. 1 a In years past, trying to get warm bodies to take the Black Shirt Badge test, like pulling teeth

Sept. 1 a This time around, a dozen people applied and took the written test Tuesday evening

Sept. 1 a Middle School football tonight over at Schoonover / Bradley Field. Come out and support the Mustangs.

 

Aug. 31 a Steve and Mikey are back behind the 101.7FM mic each Wed morning beginning around 8am. Enjoy.

Aug. 31 a On this last day of August, there's but one question. Where the H did Summer go?

Aug. 31 a Furthering your edumacation, The Communicator is now on news stands in five counties.

Aug. 31 a Our above the fold story provides the juice behind the latest Grand Jury indictments from  last week.

Aug. 31 a With 8 weeks to go until the Election, TV watchers are having a hard time getting truth from either main candidate. Most of us just shake our heads when either of the fibbers get in front of the camera.

Aug. 31 a There is one tried and true source for truth on what Hitlary or Donny J are saying and that PoltiFact. While you're screwing off today, check it out.

Aug. 29 p  From the Clay County Ambulance Service: Saturday's CPR Class has been canceled for now

Aug. 29 p Get well wishes extended to Morgy Triplett

 

Aug. 29 a On this last Monday of the month, we're busily typing away on t he upcoming Communicator. Our  lead story will provide the public with the just released Clayberry test scores from last Spring.

Aug. 29 a  For instance, how about a grade school where not one student was learning at grade level in math; how about at Clay Middle, Lizemores, and HE White where a full 50% of the kids were not at grade level in English; and, at Clay High where 84% of the 9th graders are unable to do basic math proficiently.

Aug. 29 a In one word, dismal comes to mind.

 Aug. 29 a The full run down comes Tuesday afternoon when the latest bestest yet Communicator makes news stands across the region.

Aug. 29 a If you have  a chatter, event, or some other item you need in the newspaper of choice, now's the time to email your info

Aug. 29 a In the mean time, no updates unless something dumb bunny comes up

Aug. 29 a Who was really the first lady to run for President? The correct answer is Victoria California Claflin who ran for that office before women were even allowed to vote. While you're goofing off at work , here's the write up on the first crack in the glass ceiling.

 

Aug. 28 a  Esther May Adkins, 99, of Duck, see OBITUARY page

 

Aug. 27 a  Even with new goal poles in place, it didn't go well for the CHS Panthers last night

Aug. 27 a Final Pirates 28 Panthers Zip

Aug. 27 a There's a bunch of diabetics in Clayberry.

Aug. 27 a Some group donated a bunch of new diabetic  lace up, shoes to the county. There's  a least two large cartons of em still over at CHS. According to AD Mary Ramsey, the contact point to pick up a pair  is Advantage Home Health on Main Street

 

Aug. 26 a  Tonight is the season opener for the Clay High Panthers. Nothing draws more to the bleachers than football action. With perfect weather slated for tonight, it's time to come out and support our athletes. Admission is free tonight with kick off coming at 7:30pm

Aug. 26 a Last call clickers. The local radio station is looking for sponsors to get the entire 10 game season on the air.  $50 is the asking amount. Great way to g et your message out to the world. If you're interested, email em at wyaplp@hotmail.com of if you see the ace cub reporter, let him know.

Aug. 26 a For Panther fans around the world, you can listen to the game over the internet. Just go over to tunein.com and type in WYAP-LP. Note: if you don't have a good DSL connection, it won't work right. Sorry about your luck.

Aug. 26 a  Summer Grand Jury was suppose to meet the first part of July. Didn't happen due to the number of flood victims making a jury pool next to impossible.

Aug. 26 a For the very short Summer session, Grand Jury results include

Aug. 26 a Jason Hall, Burglary

Aug. 26 a  Ashley Stapleford failure to register as a sex offender x 14

aug 26 a Sean Andrew Thacker, failure to register

Aug. 26 a Yelp that's all the alleged felons Prosecutor Samples could find this time around

Aug. 26 a  Arraignment day comes Sept. 1st before Robe Jack Alsop. Action starts at 9am sharp.

Aug. 26 a With Fall fast approaching,  people under 40 something must take DNR's hunter education class before buying a hunting license. Check out the ADVISORY page for details.

Aug. 26 a Thanks MS for the info

 

Aug. 25 p Right at 16,000 cubic yards of flood debris have been removed from the county dump sites. At $68 a cubic yard, that's a bunch of $$$. For all intents and purposes, FEMA stopped paying for getting rid of the junk, yesterday afternoon.

Aug. 25 p Some are saying, their residence was condemned. Clayberry does not have a building inspector nor does our local government condemn squat. Instead, W Va Guard units are handling those duties for this county.

Aug. 25 p FEMA has paid several in the county for their muddy homes. That's the homes, NOT the property.

Aug. 25 p As soon as a contractor tears the place down, property owners can build right back albeit, they're suppose to follow local flood zone ordinance mandates

Aug. 25 p  A couple weeks back , this site posted that Superintendent Kenneth Tanner (KT) was unwilling to make public, standardized test scores. We gave him H over the denial because, during a School Board meeting, he said the results were public.

Aug. 25 p He was so peed off, he emailed us in length

Aug. 25 p We admit poorly worded postings, horrible spelling, grammar, inuindos, and rotten sentence structure.

Aug. 25 p If he was peeturbed over that, keep reading today.

Aug. 25 p For months, School Boardsters have asked to see last year's Pentagon audit. To date, including as recently as the last Board meeting, Superintendent KT has not complied with their requests. We'll call him, unwilling once again, to provide info.

Aug. 25 p A couple weeks back, KT told his employer (Sch Bd): they ended last year $240K in the black ALTHOUGH , the Pentagon's CPA firm found just $10K to the good. $230,000 is in limbo.

Aug. 25 p Also, through out the year, Board members ask for plain black and white figures to show the financial posture of the county' largest employer.

Aug. 25 p The 2014 2015 audit has been posted for months over on the W Va Auditor's website for all to see.

Aug. 25 p We think we know why KT does not want to provide the audit. Here's an example

Aug. 25 p Page 82: We note errors in the Board's assets, liabilities, revenues and expenditures... Various general ledger balances were not properly reconciled to the supporting documentation such as cash, receivables, salaries.....  One of the objectives of an internal control system is to provide management [Sch Bd] with reasonable assurances that the transactions are recorded properly ....

Aug. 25 p  This results in an inaccurate and incomplete presentation of the financial position and results .. is unable to produce financial statements...

Aug. 25 p The CPA folks, paid for by the School Board, are saying exactly what our elected Boardsters have been sayin' regularly, they don't know how we're doing financially

Aug. 25 p  Page 83  .. several instances where duplicate payments were made for goods and services.... Effective procedures have not been implemented to prevent duplicate payments ...

Aug. 25 p 2015-004: Expenditures are overstated by the amount of duplicate payments.

Aug. 25 p  No one is saying anyone swiped funds. BUT....

Aug. 25 p With duplicate entries and errors in general ledger reportings, it's beginning to look like a shell game where funds are kept from the public and Board for future use, down the road.

Aug. 25 p To see for yourself, here's the link to the Auditor's Chief Inspector page. Once you get there, just type in "Clay". After the new page loads you can view all the audits from the Town, Commission, Health Dept and  several years of School Board audits.

Aug. 25 p Enjoy

Aug. 24 a  County Commission meets this morning beginning at 10 am.

Aug. 24 a If you're coming into Clayberry, allow some extra travel time. Road paving is in progress from Maysel to Two Run, some patching in downtown Clay, and other crews are up around Big Otter heading to the county line with fresh asphalt.

Aug. 24 a It's our understanding, before the Big Apple, there will be new blacktop down to the high school

Aug. 24  a If you haven't heard Steve and Mike are back behind the  101.7 FM mic each Wed morning from 8 to 10 am.

 

Aug. 23 a 64 degrees outside. With the windows open, that's a cool breeze coming thru. We're trying to hold on to Summer as long as we can, but none the less, it's slipping away. The hostas have already bloomed and mums are showing first buds

Aug. 23 a This morning, the first school bus transmission went South down on Grassy Creek. Flood waters got into some of the trannys during the June 23rd flood. Don't know if that's the problem or not, but the first break down came before 6 this morning

Aug. 23 a Instead of one Bus Czar in charge of the show as has been the case for decades, this year we've got Superintendent Tanner and Asst. Joe Paxton. With just a couple of school days under their belt, it didn't take em long to realize, they didn't want to handle the 4 am call outs for subs.

Aug. 23 a On the Pentagon's website, on the 19th, came the posting for  a Bus Driver to handle the early morning call out duties thru an extra duty contract.

Aug. 23 a It's time for Clay High Football action. The first game of the season comes this Friday night over at Schoonover Bradley Field.

Aug. 23 a There was a bunch of media hoopla when all new football outfits were donated to Clay High after the flooding .    With the first game free for all to enjoy, the Panthers will not be wearing the new outfits.

Aug. 23 a Instead, after Gardner's Dry Clothing agreed to clean the old gear for free, the Panthers will open the season in the old stuff.

Aug. 23 a The local non profit radio station plans to air all ten varsity CHS match ups. To do so,  a bunch of sponsors are needed.  They're asking for $50 donations. Not a bad shake since you get your name and message mentioned four times during each game.

Aug. 23 a If you can help our athletes get their good deeds on the radio, call WYAP at 304 587 8353 or email at wyaplp@hotmail.com. Another easy way to support community radio is to go to their website and use the PayPal button on the homepage.

Aug. 23 a We'll provide coverage from last night's school board meeting later this morning.

 

Aug. 22 a As a follow up to Friday evenings shoot down a nd blow up, from TV-8 news:  West Virginia State Police arrested Denver Rucker Friday night after they said he fired at troopers in Clay County. Rucker is in the hospital being treated for burns and will likely face several attempted murder charges. Friday evening troopers went to Little Queen Road in the Bomont area to check on marijuana they had spotted during a helicopter search. When they got there, troopers said Rucker was inside a shed and fired a shot at them. While negotiating, troopers said Rucker lit a propane tank, causing an explosion. He was severely burned and three state troopers were knocked over by the explosion.

Aug. 22 a Tonight the School Board meets in the Pentagon. With school already up and running, the Bd is still trying to find warm bodies to fill many positions. Here's the agenda for the 6pm gathering.

Aug. 22 a Speaking of jobs, don't forget to check out the JOBS page where there's a couple Fed jobs available and a secretarial position in the Sheriff's Dept.

Aug. 19 p Not quite as exciting as a CHS football game but beginning around 4:30 this afternoon, the 911 scanner lit up after a Badge called for back up

Aug. 19 p One of the first to answer for backup and the shots fired call was Top Badge Samples followed by about every Badge in the county.

Aug. 19 p Up until 5:51, the scanner traffic referenced shots fired at a Badge. Everything changed then to respond to an explosion in the Little Queen section of the county

Aug. 19 p With Badge mobiles racing from all around the county, directions to the scene got real screwed up. Maybe adding to the dilemma, the  Valley View access road was one of the most heavily damaged arteries during the June 23rd flood and remains in bad shape.

Aug. 19 p Ambulances and Fire Trucks were staged at the Queen Shoals bridge by 6:15p,

Aug. 19 p 6:26p : We're bringing out one subject now.

Aug. 19 p TV-8 down in Charleston, was first to report:   A SWAT team is responding to Clay County after dispatchers said someone fired shots at West Virginia state troopers. The shots fired call came in about 4 p.m. Friday in the 800 block of Little Queen Road near the Bomont area. Dispatchers said no injuries have been reported. The SWAT team is being brought in from Parkersburg.  Eyewitness News has a crew headed to the scene and will have the latest information as it is released.

Aug. 19 p 6:55 Notify the Magistrate and Prosecutor that we need warrants signed

Aug. 19 p By 7:25 most emergency responders were out of there

Aug. 19 p We heard Top Badge Samples mark off the clock around 8pm

Aug. 19 p 8:15   Scanner: Subject was out back of the new Courthouse

Aug. 19 p TV-8's latest update includes:  West Virginia State Police said one person has been taken into custody after firing shots at troopers. Troopers said the suspect was taken into custody at around 6 p.m. in the Bomont area.  State police on scene said the suspect set off an explosive device in his home, which is now on fire. No troopers were injured during the incident.

Aug. 19 p  TV-3 at 7:30 reported:  A man is in custody Friday evening after firing shots at West Virginia State Police troopers and then barricading himself in a garage and detonating an explosive device, state police say.  That man suffered serious burns. The incident happened about 4 p.m. Friday in the 800 block of Little Queen Road near Bomont, prompting a SWAT team to respond. No troopers were hurt in the incident. We have a crew headed to the scene.....

Aug. 19 p Little Queen Road is in the Bomont area of Southern Clayberry

Aug. 19 p And the weekend is just beginning!

 

Aug. 19 early a  Birthday greetings extended to long time columnist, Mildred McKenzie.

Aug. 19 early a Federal jobs generally pay at a  higher rate than local jobs. For instance, over at the FEMA center, those security jobs paid $27 per hour. Not too shabby in anybody's book

Aug. 19 early Check out the JOBS page for temporary Fed. jobs available now.

Aug. 19 early  a West Virginia's online encyclopedia offers some pretty good reading on Clay County of old.

Aug. 19 early a From the overview, to Doc White, to Sylvia O'Brien, Widen, Booger Hole, and a whole bunch more.

Aug. 19 early a A great way to spend a couple hours instead of working

 

Aug. 18 late p   William Lee Fisher Sr., 73, of Procious, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 18 p Bernard Gene Horner , 77, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 18 a Parents are breathing easier this morning. After a long Summer break full of rain, flooding and disaster, the urchins are back in school

Aug. 18 a Big Yeller buses are back on the road. Be careful out there drivers.

Aug. 18 a Scanner listeners heard the sound of a new early morning Bus Czar as Joe Paxton took over the mic as Mobile One handling all the usual snafus.

Aug. 18 a Summer is done for all the wittle curtain climbers.

Aug. 18 a Tuesday's Communicator included a good write up on pitiful standardized test scores from last Spring. Superintendent Kenneth Tanner was unwilling to provide county results when asked last Friday. He said they were embargoed.

Aug. 18 a Charleston Gazette was on the job Wed looking at statewide results.

Aug. 18 a In another write up, we found out which two counties had the best dismal scores in the state.

Aug. 18 a  From the Gazette:.... Counties are now free to publicly release the proficiency rates for individual schools, education department spokeswoman Kristin Anderson said, and the state plans to release school-level information....

Aug. 18 a Sometime next week we'll try to get the Clayberry results for the next edition of the Communicator.

 

Aug. 17 a NOTE: The deadline for West Virginia storm survivors to register for federal assistance has been extended 14 days to Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted the extension at the request of West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, citing a continued flow of new applications for federal assistance in the wake of the June 22-29 severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides.

Aug. 17 a The Communicator made it out the door Tuesday afternoon. In depth reporting on the CCC, Town of Clay, School Board, and a whole bunch more, that's what we're all about. Enjoy

Aug. 17 a  We've got a new business opening Sept 1st in Clayberry.

Aug. 17 a Speedy Title Service gets underway at 139 Main Street. Their ad is now posted over on the ADVISORY page

Aug. 17 a Welcome!

Aug. 16 p Douglas F. Osborne, 74, of Bickmore, see OBITUARY page

 

Aug. 15 p Even you if received a broken fingernail during the great Wash Out in June, time is running out to apply for FEMA benefits. The last day for the local effort is this Wed. See ADVISORY page

Aug. 15 p  Sign up now or forever hold your peace.

Aug. 15 p No new updates until we get The Communicator out the door Tuesday afternoon.

Aug. 15 a  Teachers did not sleep well last night.

Aug. 15 a Today is the first day back to school for the room wardens

Aug. 15 a Thursday is the come back day for the curtain climbers. Summer is all but done for the kids. Parents are rejoicing.

Aug. 15 a For some that were hired as untrained, uncertified newbees, Poof! All of a sudden, they were converted to full fledged teachers in the last couple days. Amazing how things change

Aug. 15 a Were down to the Wallback dumpsite and that one will close this Wednesday. By the 24th, all the closed sites are suppose to be shoveled away.

Aug. 15  a   Got a basement in need of clean out? How about that out building? Now's the time to take advantage of FEMA paid for service.

Aug. 15 a Latest on the FEMA office closing is now posted over on the ADVISORY page.

Aug. 15 a Communicator comes out Tuesday afternoon. Now's the time to email over the items you want included in this edition.

Aug. 15 a Three weeks ago during a School Board meeting, Superintendent Tanner told the world, last Spring's standardized test scores are back and are public.

Aug. 15 a Friday afternoon, that all changed as KT advised, the county scores are not public, they are "embargoed".

Aug. 15 a Sometimes it's hard to talk about something rotten. That might be the case this time with test scores

Aug. 15 a For instance, according to 2016 statewide scores released by the State Superintendent, 70% of all 10th graders are unable to do math on grade level.

Aug. 15 a If Clayberry 10th graders are in that same range, it's not wonder scores are being kept away from the public.

Aug. 12 p For this bright and sunny Friday, finally some good news

Aug. 12 p FEMA paid $553,975.50 on invoices submitted back in June.

Aug. 12 p Lots more is due but that 1/2 million+ will stave off the wolves for a few more days.

Aug. 12 p County Clerk Connie Workman commented this morning, three more batches of invoices have already been submitted to the Feds with the last round turned in on Thursday.

Aug. 12 p Lots going on this weekend. Tonight Big Otter Community Center offers food and dance beginning at 7

Aug. 12 p  Over at the High School, there's a FLOOD FEST fundraiser and includes good music. Good cause and a great way to pass a Saturday afternoon.

Aug. 12 p Noticed some Kayakers gassing up at Go Mart this weekend.

Aug. 12 p Come out and enjoy the beautiful Elk River this weekend.

Aug. 12 p Enjoy Summer while we've got it.

Aug. 12 a   As of yesterday, FEMA has coughed up $4,242,634.70 for individual housing assistance in Clayberry. For housing needs, there's another $3.8m coming here plus in the other needs column, add $419,087.30

Aug. 12 a The only other county that has reaped more is Greenbrier County with $12,604,659.70 for individual and household programs.

August 12 a According to TV-3: FEMA's disaster recovery center at Clay County High School officially closed, the organization announced Thursday in a press release. FEMA staff will still be on site in the mobile command vehicle located in the parking lot of the school at 1 Panther Road in Clay. You can register for assistance and submit any documentation regarding your registration at the mobile center.  Staff will be on site from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 15. The last day FEMA staff will be available is Wednesday, Aug. 17 at 5 p.m.

Aug. 12 a That media outlet did not put two and two together yesterday when stinky high test floor stripper was so bad at Clay High, the recovery center closed down inside the Mini Auditorium.Two workers were taken to CAMC for treatment where a contamination center was set up.

Aug. 12 a  Clayberry may avert bankruptcy if promises are kept. At issue is long overdue FEMA  $$$ and the Feds dragging their feet paying the county and contractors

Aug. 12 a Several locals went to work on the phone and emails trying to clear the log jam.

Aug. 12 a From School Boardster Cheryl White, promisers say, a $545,000 check and a second a little over $700,000 has been mailed to the land of little.

Aug. 12 a We hope that's the case

 

Aug. 11 a Got some important stuff this morning.

Aug. 11 a After the Great Wash Out, FEMA agreed to pay for debris removal, God love their little  hearts. Around the county, 7 dumps were set up. Since June 23rd, residents have been hauling tons of crap for proper disposal.

Aug. 11 According to OES Director Greg FItzwater, yesterday, during the CCC meeting, the Big Otter and Widen dumps are now closed.   ALL DUMPS WILL BE CLOSED AUGUST 18th.

Aug. 11 a Between the 18th and 24th, all the stuff will be removed from remaining Wallback and Procious dumps.

Aug. 11 a Debris removal contractor Dave Pierson said yesterday, they will still come around and take stuff  from curbside sites if you give him a call . That also ends on the 18th.

Aug. 11 a Sounds good, right? Here comes the bankruptcy part of our future

Aug. 11 a Not one FEMA penny has come to the County Commission. Ditto for the Town of Clay nor the School System

Aug. 11 a Since the dumpsites were set up, over 10,000 square yards of materials have been removed. That translates into  $745,000 that FEMA has to pay. They haven't. By the 24th, that figure is likely to grow to well over $1.25 m for junk removal

Aug. 11 a The County Commission was nearly broke before the Flood. They don't have much in the way of reserves. Pierson may be a large employer here but in the real world, he's a small business.

Aug. 11 a After hauling for a few weeks, Pierson went to the CCC to get paid. Without a check from FEMA to cover the invoices, Pierson didn't get paid.

Aug. 11 a In an attempt to make ends meet, the CCC borrowed $200,000 and made a partial payment. That lasted a few days and then Pierson had to get a loan to keep the big trucks rolling.

Aug. 11 a Now those $$$ are spent  and FEMA has not provided one red cent for already turned in invoices.

Aug. 11 a  Not a penny!

Aug. 11 a When all this was made public during Wed's CCC meeting, four FEMA reps sat in the peanut gallery but never spoke a word. Not even a "we'll check on that for ya." Not a word

Aug. 11 a  Many wash out survivors are just now starting to tear down structures and are in need of hauling services. Others have been told by their insurance companies NOT to tear anything down. Others are waiting for other settlements or a buy out before removing all the damaged stuff

Aug. 11 a You read in yesterday's post (below) about FEMA giving the green light to replace the H E White Elem bridge (cost $45K) and then offering a measly $8000 in compensation.

Aug. 11 a If FEMA does likewise  to the Commission and contractors, there's a big problem.

Aug. 11 a FEMA could easily bankrupt this place.

Aug. 11 a For all those reading this and considering a donation of a book bag, clothes, water, or such, forget it. We've got all that stuff (10 times over and counting) and don't need anything more

Aug. 11 a If you really want to help this county and its people, do something important. Make a call to Sen Manchin and or our state Senators, Facemire and Romano, and tell em, Get FEMA off their ARSS and come thru with their promises

Aug. 11 a  It's nice to hear all the feel good stories about someone , some agency, came thru with trinkets but, what's happening now could actually bankrupt the county, contractor Pierson Lumber, and all the sub contractors.

Aug. 11 a Regional TV outlets are still coming to Clay every other day or so and telling  sweet happy stories. It's time they stepped up to the plate and provided a real story on FEMA's in action in a big way and how they've got us by the short hairs.

 

Aug. 10 a County Commission meets this morning beginning at 10 am. Great place to find out the latest info

Aug. 10  8:25 a Water is off in parts of Maysel due to to a main line break in front of Stump Morton's residence.

Aug. 10 a How about a couple follow ups from the Monday's School Board gathering

Aug. 10 a David Copperfield must have had a hand in posting the Board agenda. The agenda posted ahead of the meeting has no mention of accepting the resignation of Bus Czar Mike Mullins. When the meeting opened, the agenda magically included that action item.

Aug. 10 a For over a decade we've been complaining about the Pentagon being top heavy with personnel. During Monday's Board meeting, Superintendent Tanner said he was not replacing the Bus Czar nor the Curriculum Director now. KT says others at the Pentagon will double up on duties and get the job done.

Aug. 10 a Those are usually code words for, behind the scenes, there's a battle going on to get the "right person" in the slot. Because its taken so long to fill either position, that normally means, the fight is between who the School Board wants and Tanner's pick.

Aug. 10 a Even after saying all that conjecture, it's great to hear, Tanner say they can get along without two high dollar employees. One great big Happy Face for Kenneth Tanner for finally being tight with the purse strings.

Aug. 10 a Also from Monday's School Board meeting....

Aug. 10 a The price to repair the H E WHite Elem bridge is right at $45,000. FEMA has agreed to pay just $8000.  Superintendent Tanner was puzzled about the low Federal pay out. What happened?

Aug. 10 a  Here's our guess. Sometime after the Great Wash Out on June 23rd, Tanner met with FEMA reps at H E White. From that preliminary meeting, Tanner was under the impression, FEMA would pay the total bill for repairs , totally well over $100 K

Aug. 10 a Tanner went ahead and bid out the bridge repair contract under the assumption, FEMA would pay. Local contractor Darris Barker was selected for the culvert replacement job. Barker got the job done in record time.

Aug. 10 a During construction, FEMA came back with a $8K settlement offer for the bridge (culprit).

Aug. 10 a Our guess, there is nothing in writing from FEMA on the original $100K + verbal agreement.

Aug. 10 a If this scenario is anywhere near correct, Wow! what a great story for regional media.

Aug. 10 a TV crews will have a field day! Can't you read the headline: SCHOOL CLOSED BECAUSE FEMA WON'T PAY

Aug. 10 a  Now on to the Town Council meeting held last night

Aug. 10 a Our only municipality suffered great losses during the Big Wash Out in June.

Aug. 10 a With forms all turned in, as of yesterday at 6pm, the Town of Clay has received ZERO FEMA dollars for recovery.

Aug. 10 a Nothing!

Aug. 10 a More coming later today.

Aug. 9 late  a Clay Town Council meets today with a new start time of 6pm. Meetings are held in Town Hall AKA the Wa Wa Plant on Main Street.

Aug. 8 late a If you're interested in hearing the entire School Board meeting, non profit 101.7FM plans to air the 60 minute public gathering this afternoon around 6pm.

Aug. 9 late a For those that lvie too far to hear the FM signal, Tune In web service provides an internet feed of the station 24/7. Here's the link for some great community radio programming.

 

Aug. 9 a  For those wondering when all the free debris pick up will end.. According to contractor Dave Pierson, they've been told, to stop the pick up on August 24th.

Aug. 9 a For all the warm and fuzzy stories on how wonderful FEMA is doing, School Superintendent Tanner isn't in that same boat. Down at H E White Elem where the playground and culvert, bridge washed out, FEMA has only agreed to pay $8000 for repairs. The contractor just turned in his bill for the replacement. Cost: $45000

Aug. 9 a And then there's the problem of getting paid, Clayberry contractors are still waiting

Aug. 9 a  Last night's Sch Board meeting was interesting

Aug. 9 a The Pentagon has had a person in charge of the school bus operation for decades. Most recently was Mike Mullins , Larry Legg, Russ Harper and so forth

Aug. 9 a During last night's gathering, KT said they would not be hiring a Bus Czar right now and instead, he and Joe Paxton would add their duties to their plate.

Aug. 9 a Who's the guy that gets those 4am calls about needing a replacement bus driver? That will be Joe

Aug. 9 a The whole idea for the school system is to educate the ankle biters. To do that, teachers new and old need directives, classroom additions, and sometimes, a kick in the butt. The person that's in charge of that is the Curriculum Director.

Aug. 9 a During Summer months, that Director organizes and provides training to get ready for the new school year. Clayberry has been without a Curriculum Czar since late June.

Aug. 9 a  With benefits, those two jobs including benefits, that adds up to right at $200 K per year.

Aug. 9 a Instead of  someone over the whole program, the Supertendent may station a curriculum person at failing  standardized test schools like H E White and Clay Elem.

Aug. 9 a  Pesky School Boardster Dave Pierson keeps asking about audit reports. D Pearson says the Board hasn't seen last year's 2014-2015 report. More recently even Dave Mullins has asked about the financial health document.

Aug. 9 a Last night, head honcho Kenneth Tanner provided some unofficial figures from the 2014-2015 school year. That's right, no CPA affirmed figures were given to the Board. Instead, Team Tanner's documents were handed out. That summary showed Clayberry Schools ending the 2015 year $250,000 in the black.

Aug. 9 a During discussions, a problem was mentioned.

Aug. 9 a KT says their own CPA firm, the one they pay for, those guys show only a $10,000 + balance

Aug. 9 a Tanner assured his Board that his figures are correct and the highly paid CPA firm is wrong - o by $240,000 or so

Aug. 9 a Tanner's 2015 - 2016 figures show a surplus of around $750,000.

 

Aug. 8  a  Birthday wishes to now retired from duty, Nada Waddell

Aug. 8 a The School Board meets tonight at the Pentagon. Their online agenda is interesting.

Aug. 8 a Back in June, long time Curriculum Director Pam Mullins retired.

Aug. 8  a She was responsible for everything from getting teachers to teach the right topics at the right time to reteaching dummy teachers on the art of getting the job done.

Aug. 8 a Here we are a couple weeks before school starts up again, and no Curriculum Director is in place nor even bidding for the top position

Aug. 8 a Activity buses are already running. All of em will be on the road August 18th hauling those curtain climbers to school. With flood damaged roads every whip stitch, there's a bunch of important decisions that have to be made.

Aug. 8 a Bus Czar Mike Mullins bowed out at the end of July.

Aug. 8 a With 10 days left before the first day of school, Clayberry Schools are without a bus czar and once again, no bidding process is in place

Aug. 8 a  Might make for a super long secret time during tonight's Board meeting

Aug. 8 a  Does the USA provide $$ for high value hostages?  "In the famed mid-1980s Iran-Contra scandal, President Ronald Reagan secretly sold arms to Iran to secure the release of American hostages held by Iran, while diverting money from the sale to fund the Contras, a rebel group in Nicaragua." The answer is, on many occasions, YES.

Aug. 8 a  Clinton repeatedly said she did not have any classified information whatsoever in her email, marked or unmarked. After the FBI investigation, including the interview with Clinton, Comey said she unequivocally did. We rate her claim Pants on Fire.

Aug. 8 a Is Hillary a fibber. You bet your sweet arss.

Aug. 8 a  Is Donny J a fibber? Pathological 100%.

 

Aug. 7 2016  Larry Dale Rogers, 68, of Dog Run, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 6 a Told you wrong-o on Friday

Aug. 6 a The big live music deal at the Swimming Pool is on for tonight. But, that's not the end of the Summer for the pool.

Aug. 6 a The Clay County Swimming Pool will be OPEN next week.

Aug. 5 p  Drizzle for five minutes then steamy hot sun poked thru the clouds

Aug. 5 p Dog Days are here

Aug. 5 p  FEMA and SBA reps will be interviewed this afternoon on 101.7FM. The hour long community service piece will be encored Saturday at 10am followed again at 5pm.

Aug. 5 p Lots of great music and dance tonight up at the Big Otter Community Center

Aug. 5 p Lots of free clothes available. See ADVISORY page.

Aug. 5p Tomorrow, in addition to the free clothing, they've got hot dogs. Yum Yum

Aug. 5 p Also on Saturday is a "Clay Meet and Greet" at a Dille Church. See EVENTS page for more.

Aug. 5 p Also for the 6th, it's the last day for fun at the Clay County Pool.  To polish off the season, they've got a live band in the evening

Aug. 5 with the steamy days come bright red to the center home grown tomatoes. It's time for tomato sandwiches until your jaws break out with those little blisters

Aug. 5 p ENjoy the weekend.

Aug. 3  early a Need a job? Check JOBS page now

Aug. 3 p The signs on the front door of the Courthouse read, Front Doors Broke, Use Back Door

Aug. 3 p In reality, while Court was going on this morning, the Courthouse was in lock down mode. A tip has been received that someone was peturbed big time and ready to do a bad deed.

Aug. 3 p By going around to the rear entrance we thought we'd see Badges left and right or some kind of metal detector.

Aug. 3 p We didn't see anything, just walked right in as normal.

Aug. 2 late p The Communicator made it out the door this afternoon on time. Ditto for getting it over to the Clay Post Office.

Aug. 2 late p the very latest on what's happening in Clayberry plus a whole bunch more and all for just 80 cents. Cheap!

Aug. 2 late p Not sure why but the Clay Town Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening, it was canceled

Aug. 2 late p The CAEZ held their monthly meeting over at the Campground in Dundon. The Lodge was flooded with about 4 feet of stinky yucky flood water on July 23rd

Aug. 2 late p With all the insulation and drywall removed from the floor up to the light switches, the place is going to take a long time to rehab. The nice hardwood flooring is all bowed up.

Aug. 2 late p  According to CAEZ Director Big Lup, FEMA is considering using the campground for 10 of the temporary housing units. Details were sketchy during the meeting

 

Aug. 2 early a Complete coverage from Monday night's BDA meeting in today's Communicator

Aug. 2 early a  CAEZ will held their Aug. meeting today over at the flooded out campground in Dundon. 4 and 6 are the start times

Aug. 2 early a With a bunch on their table, Clay Town Council meets today beginning at 5pm.

Aug. 2 early a For your brain. Peanuts are used in dynamite. They are used in the glycerol part of dynamite's nitroglycerine. Coconuts or soybeans can also be used.

Aug. 2 early a See how much smarter you are for reading this site!

 

Aug. 1 p   Steven Allen McCullough Sr., 66, of Clay, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 1 p There's just 11 days before school personnel return for a new year

Aug. 1 a Many have resigned. The process of pluggin in ANY warm body is now in progress.

Aug. 1 p H E White Elem is in a rush to recover from flood damage

Aug. 1 p   Our flood damaged roads are so crippled, plans have to be made to use small vans to transverse many side roads.

Aug. 1 p the Pentagon's Curriculum Director  spot has been vacant for over a month and the job hasn't even been bid yet

Aug. 1 p  Superintendent Tanner told his Board last week, with all the flood related stuff going on, they haven't gotten ready for the new year of rug rats.

Aug. 1 p   to add to all that , this morning, the 58 year old Bus Czar,  Mike Mullins,  retired from duty.

Aug. 1p   It's going to be a good Communicator on Tuesday

 

Aug. 1 9am:  Oppps, we miss read the Civil Service Review meeting agenda. That gathering will be held Wed morning Aug. 3rd

Aug. 1 a Behind the scenes, Sheriff Samples has been having a hard time hiring a new Black Shirt Deputy. The Black Shirt Civil Service Review Committee seems to be at the center of contention with split votes or at least votes contrary to what the Top Badge wants done.

Aug. 1 a  To hire a Deputy, applicants must be on the Civil Service Roster. Right now, there are no names on the roster.  To get on a roster, applicants must pass tests etc. That roster has to be voted on by the Review Committee.

Aug. 1 a Suppose to be a meeting of the Civil Service Committee this morning

Aug. 1 a Tonight, the Business Development Authority convenes at 6:30p in the old State Road garage building in beautiful Two Run. Their agenda is posted online.

Aug. 1 a Communicator comes out tomorrow. Deadline for submissions is this afternoon around 5pm. We're still looking for more Great Flood stories. How about yours

Aug. 1 a For those outside the area and wondering about clean up and rebuilding efforts...

Aug. 1 a Many homes, trailers, have already been demolished. About as many more are still standing and appear untouched. The fear is, those property owners have already left the county for dryer ground.

Aug. 1 a For the most part, the big tractor trailer loads of water and such have now stopped coming. Ditto for the volunteers who helped out a bunch.

Aug. 1 a Road wise, the State Road crew and tractors are putting out a H of an effort to restore travel before school starts August 18th. But, with so much damage, side roads are still in bad shape.

Aug. 1 a August is the month for gardens to kick into high gear and canning for winter. For many in Clayberry, those gardens and canned goods help to make it thru the winter.

Aug. 1 a With many gardens under flood water, the canning ain't going to happen this year.

Aug. 1 a Brain food: Was Philadelphia brand cream cheese created and first produced in the City of Brotherly love?

Aug. 1 a Nope

Aug. 1 a Several business men from Chester New York created and sold the cheese in the late 1800's. It had nothing to do with Philadelphia.

Aug. 1 a And something else to waste  brain space.

Aug. 1 a  A quarter has 119 edges.

Aug. 1 a Sun's out. Enjoy the day every chance you get.

July 29 late  a  Phyllis Marie Noe , see OBITUARY page

July 29 a With many gardens flooded last month, the Clay County Farmer's Market took a hit this Summer. Around flood time, there were no vendors to be seen on Courthouse Square

July 29 a Those not hit by the flood, are starting to come back

July 29 a One day early, Warren Mullins is set up on Courthouse Square this morning. Quarts of honey and fresh produce is his forte. Mullins will be there til around 1pm

July 29 a  According to FEMA's Deanna Frazier, as of yesterday, there are 802 registered with FEMA in Clayberry; $35.2 million has been handed out in West Virginia; $3.9 million distributed in County Clay; and , it's last call time for those seeking assistance of any kind. Deadline is August 24th

July 29 a   SBA's Adrianne  Lenev (can't spell or pronounce her name)  $27 million has been handed out to West Virginia homeowners so far by her agency.

July 29 a The Clay County  FEMA disaster sign up office at Clay High is now open Monday thru Saturday, 8 to 6pm

July 29 a It takes a while for those FEMA single wide trailers to get set up. With none in this county as of today, if you're wanting that housing assistance, it's going to be a while

July 29 a FEMA prefers to have several of the units side by side on public property.

July 29 a Here in the land of little, the problem is, FEMA requires each trailer to have municipal water and sewer hook up as well as power.

July 29 a Finding a flat place with those utilities in place, well, it doesn't exist in this county

July 29 a Possible sites include Clay County Park out past the Howard Knotts building and the flooded out, JG Bradley Campground

July 29 a Although flooded, the campground is not  listed as being in the flood zone on the current maps and therefore, can be a site for the FEMA units.

July 29 a On this last weekend of July, it's tomato sandwich season. Those bright red mortgage lifter tomatoes are ripe and ready to be sliced an inch thick, lathered with mayo, and smashed between two slices of fresh bread.

July 29 a It's yum yum time in Clay

July 28 a  Reps from FEMA and the SBA will be on 101.7FM beginning at 2pm. One of the topics to be discussed will be County Clay qualifying for free FEMA trailers. Be sure to listen in at 2 today.

July 28 a Here's couple snippts of info that should be of interest to many

July 28 a Many in Clayberry receive "food stamps" now known as SNAP these days.

July 28 a Due to the June 23rd Great Flood, Clayonians of any stripe may qualify for THIS free food.

July 28 a After reading the DHHR handouts, sounds like,  they check your checking and or savings account balances and subtracting your flood losses that FEMA didn't pay for, you may qualify.

July 28 a For a family of three, the pay out max's at $511. Your allowable income is $2334.  Not trying to defraud anybody but.... might want to keep your $$$ in your pocket.

July 28 a If you read the last page of the info packet, they can prosecute ya if they catch you fibbing.

July 28 a  Find out more?

July 28 a  DHHR Reps are now in the Main Street Clay, Welfare office thru Sunday.

July 28 a Saturday's hours are 9 to 5pm. Sunday's are 1 to 6pm

July 28 a Time is running out to apply. Why not you and why not now!

July 28 a Here's another program. This one is  available to businesses, even those NOT in the flood.

July 28 a Business grants up to $10,000 are coming our way (maybe) by simply filling out a one page application.

July 28 a Criteria includes: the company must have been in business prior the June 23rd flood, not owe any back taxes etc., be located in the disaster zone, and have a good plan to use the loot.

July 28 a And once again, apply today. The online application can be found here.

July 27 a This Wed morning, the humidity is thick enough to cut with a knife

July 27 7:45am  Camp Creek Hill  is blocked. Tree limb over the road.

July 27 a That Curbside pick up schedule is posted over on the ADVSIORY page. Better take advantage of it while we got it.

July 27 a  County Commission meets this morning at 10am in the Courthouse.

July 27 a  The Health Dept has been trying to fill the Sanitarian position for several weeks without luck. See JOBS page for more

July 27 a We know have a link to Clendenin. Rt 4 has reopened. Before you try it out, be warned, it's one lane in several places with lots of traffic delays.

July 27 a So what does the School Board do when they go secret? Monday evening Superintendent KT said they would be discussing hiring a new Director to replace retired Pam Mullins.

July 27 a Our guess for the secret time, the Board will decide who they want in the spot and KT will write the job description to eliminate many who might be interested. Best guess, top two applicants: Dr. Mary Ann Triplett and CHS Principal Melinda Isacs.

July 27 a  ENjoy the humidity today

July 26 late a The morning post has been corrected. Please reread and thanks TH for keeping us straight.

July 26 a About 95% of all criminal cases are settled, plead, before trial date. As of yesterday, the J Collins trial ws set to start at 9am this morning

July 26 a as of Monday morning at 8am, all  Queen Shoals PSD customers were back with water service. With fingers crossed, that's the first time for the wet stuff in 32 days

July 26 a Still in need of clothes?  The big metal building out at Clay County Park has been turned into our own version of a WalMart. the place is open weekdays,  9 to 5pm

July 26 a Last night's School Board meeting will be aired in its entirety on 101.7FM this morning beginning at 9am. An encore of the public meeting will aired around 6pm tonight.

July 26 a Jack Fields works over at the Health Dept. The guy is more than miffed. Why?

July 26 a  He's seen tons of volunteers and leaders come and go since the Great Flood and still there's people in need of help. Here's one...

July 26 a  70+ year old lady with stage four cancer, upper end of the county, in need of help. She asked FEMA, Big Otter Fire Dept, Clay First Baptist, nobody came.

July 26 a With her home flooded up to the floor, all she needed, all she asked for, was for a volunteer to come and lay down a new vapor barrier under her home. The idea was to try and keep the black mold away. With her health issues, she didn't want to add anything else

July 26 a No one came.

July 26 a If you're thinking, the need is over, Wrong.

July 26 a Mr Fields says, there are others with other needs today.

July 26 a Want to do some good, stop over and see Jack Fields at the Health Dept., he's got other much needed projects in the wait. His home number is 304 286 3773.

July 26 a Last night's School Board's public meeting only lasted 30 minutes or so before they went secret. Did pick up some nuggets

July 26 a  A bunch of personnel has resigned. Going other directions: CMS music teacher Rachel Burge, Elizabeth Simmons, Rachel Schoolcraft, Erica Kearns, Gina Thomas, and from the Board office, Mary Katherine King

July 26a  The devaluation of teachers continued with plans to hire any living body as replacements. Teacher credentials? Nayyyyyyyyyyy, Don't need those pesky college degree's

July 26 a Clay Elem became a clothes warehouse after the flood. Superintendent Kenneth Tanner says the last of the stuff has been moved to Clay County Park.

July 26 a  Three older school buses were lost during the flood. The others that got wet (water in the transmissions and locked up brakes) appear to be usable

July 26 a Around three of bus routes have such bad roads to transverse, instead of Big Yeller running the route, sounds like, vans may be  leased, rented, to get the rug rats to school at the start of the  new year.

July 26 a  As for a bunch of families with kids leaving the county for higher ground, according to KT, he hasn't seen a mad dash exit yet.

July 26 a The Pentagon has been minus a Curriculum Director since Pam Mullins retired back in June.  Last night the Boardsters went secret to discuss their pick for the top spot. The idea is to write the job requirements so only the candidate of their choice can apply.

July 26 a As for other stuff needed before school starts in 20 days of so, it hasn't been done this Summer. KT and Associate Superintendent Joe Paxton admitted, with all the flood duties, they haven't had the time to prepare for the 2016-2017 school year.

 

July 25 a Our School Board meets tonight over at the Pentagon. The agenda calls for hiring a gazillion new personnel.

July 25 a  WorkForce WV is the over sight group handling a bunch of new temporary jobs in the disaster zone. Interested?

July 25 a Did you loose your job due to the June 23rd storm? have you been laid off? Have you been unemployed for more than 27 weeks? Are you a veteran?

July 25 a If the answer is Yes to any of those questions, you may be able to grab a job.

July 25 a For more info, dial 1 877 967 5498

July 25 a Making long range plans for college. Number One party school? Best liberal arts program?

July 25 a Here's the Forbes list.

July 25 a  Back to that party school question. WVU is no longer the number one school.

July 24 p  Carl Donnelly (Don) Moore, see OBITUARY page

 

July 24 a Got a good FEMA report via an email:  FEMA  came, photographed, and paid our claim in less than a week. Culvert from house to main road eroded so that it would be unsafe to leave .

July 24 a Hope the funds keep coming in

July 24 a Car looking  a little shaggy these days? Billy Hayes is set up in the old Bickmore Tire Shop across from the Clay County Bank, and is offering car washes and detailing.

July 24  a The Communicator still has a few copies of the Great Flood edition of the rag of choice available. Ditto for the 2 CD set of all the color pics from around the county. Either or both make a great present for a Clayonian living afar.

July 24 a It takes real effort to pull off a fair or festival. The make it successful, to get the most bang for the buck, the event has to be promoted. For the outback, the norm is, newspaper PR pieces, brochures placed at area convenience stores, maybe some posters and such

July 24 a The Ag Fair was held this weekend.

July 24 a NONE of those public relations vehicles were employed. NOTHING, not even a last minute email request to put something on this site nor the radio station.

July 24  a Very sad.

 

July 23 a One month today, by 9am, a heavy downpour had passed thru the county. Electric service had blinked off and back on. We thought the worst was over.

July 23 a Wrong O !

July 23 a As of Friday morning, the SBA has approved $18 million for West Virginia

July 23 a As of Friday morning, FEMA has awarded $36 million for West Virginia . Of that, $3.7 million is coming to Clayberry. Note: those figures are the awards getting into our hands and does not include the overhead from the operation

July 23 a There are 950 FEMA workers operating in the state.

July 23 a Dave Pierson got the contract to haul away the flood debris.

July 23 a AS of Friday morning, 5654 cubic yards of trash has been hauled to the Kanawha City landfill.

July 23 a There are still thousands of gallons of bottled wa wa setting around the county. Many, most of the plastic bottles remain outside or at best, half way under a tarp or canopy

July 23 a Plastic bottles, once they've been in the sun or frozen, can be harmful to humanoids.

July 23 a On the bottom of each bottle is a single digit code number.

July 23 a It seems everyone is asking me about plastic water bottles lately. For the most part people are concerned about the safety of drinking out of plastic bottles.

July 23 a Some bottles are soft and flexible and crunch when you squeeze it when empty. Some are hard and firm and sturdy and sound hallow when empty. Are they all the same? Do they all have these harmful chemicals? The answer is complicated but the number on the bottom of the bottle can be used as a general guide as to what chemical plasticizer is in the bottle

July 23 a Here's a link for info on those water bottles left out in the sun for days.

July 23 a You're looking for a bottle with a 2 or 4 on the bottom.

July 23 a The School Board held an emergency meeting Friday at High Noon where they selected contractors to begin work on H E White Elem

July 23 a  Dave Pierson submitted bids on each project. His bids were tossed due to being a sitting Boardster with conflict of interest front and center

July 23 a Barker and Sons LLC got the nod to rebuild the entrance road and bridge leading into the school

July 23 a To engineer the rebuild of the school's septic system, Capitol Engineering will handle the load for around $8000

July 23 a The problem with the school's log factory is, it does not meet current standards. The tank itself is intact but the leach field is all gone. With the drain lines destroyed, the 3500 gallon tank will fill up every couple days or so when school is in session.

July 23 a For the place to open for business on the first day of school, the existing tank will be used and get pumped out each Tuesday and Thursday

July 23 a  Mitch DeBoard will be the head poo sucker at $275 per day.

July 23 a During the emergency meeting, first word came on the condition of roads and the possibility of using small contract buses to meander the hollers instead of heavy big yellers.

July 23 a Heat wave coming our way for the next few days.

July 23 a It's time to go to the pool!

July 22 late a The Clay County Bored of Edumacation will convene an emergency meeting today at high noon. The agenda includes getting approval for  a redo of H E White  Elem School.

July 22 late a  Mernie Ann Osborne, 79, of Clay, see OBITUARY page

July 22 a Karen Walker says Happy Birthday to Kelly Fulkerson today.

July 22 a Keep something in mind this Friday morning. The Great Flood happened 29 days ago and most of us have almost forgotten the disaster.

July 22 a Down in the Southern part of the county, MANY of the 225 Queen Shoals PSD wa wa customers are still without service. Large swaths of system, especially those beyond HE White Elem. are experiencing main line breaks every time the wet stuff is turned back on. Many breaks and many more repairs are necessary.

July 22 a FEMA and SBA reps will be back on 101.7FM this afternoon beginning at 3pm. Got questions? Submit your questions during the interview session 304 587 8353.

July 22 a Very important message on our ADVISORY page concerning curbside pickup of flood debris. It won't last forever so, while we've got free pick up, now's the time clickers to use it.

July 22 a  Hot hot weather is coming our way for the next few days. Tonight, dance the evening away in air conditioned comfort at Big Ottter Community Center. Don't forget, the Clay Swimming Pool is open for business. And, the Elk River is back to Summer pool and awaiting your kayaking, canoeing adventure.

July 22 a Several people have asked for additional copies of the Great Flood edition of The Communicator. We've found a dozen or so . If you're interested in the historical document, stop by the office, 2278 Main Street today. Asking price is $1.

 

July 21 a Around the county, road berms have given away. Instead of a gravel path beyond the pavement edge, in many places, there are abrupt drop offs. Some of those drop offs go down 10 feet. Very dangerous situation.

July 21 a We've got low spots in the middle of the pavement. That's another indication that the June 23rd Flood washed out the road bed under the pavement.

July 21 a Those conditions and others offer treacherous conditions for school buses next month

July 21 a There's still a bunch to do as we recover from the flood of a lifetime.

July 21 a For prescribers of The Communicator, it finally made it out the post office door Wed afternoon at 4pm. It's on the way. This edition includes a bunch of pics from the big fire two weeks ago on Main Street.

July 20 a  Howard Lee Samples, 84, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page

July 20 a Happy Wednesday morning to one and all.

July 20 a The latest edition of The Communicator is now on news stands across the region.

July 20 a Pretty good edition with lots of fresh disaster relief info.

July 20 a We're back to a black and white edition... you'll have to color the pictures yourself this time around.

July 20 a Terri Kerns has been the Editor of the near award winning rag for 20 years. With her retirement, we had problems getting post office forms properly filled out and mailed. Translation, The Communciator will not be mailed until today. Sorry but we're in learning phase

July 20 a Clayberry is approaching one month since the Great Flood of the Century.

July 20 a  Supplies are still coming in. FEMA, SBA, and other Fed agencies are still on the scene. Every other day or so, some private group comes to town and provides hot lunches. Work groups are now arriving and starting to coordinate their effort with local officials.

July 20 a National news has already forgotten about us. It's NOW when the recovery, rebuild, starts. It's now when those workers are really needed. If you're considering a donation, we're now in need of building supplies, plywood, 2 x 4's, screws, wafer board and such.

July 20 a A tent city is being set up at Clay County Park to handle the expected volunteer workers.

July 20 a  Often FEMA notices are written in double speak and legalese. Just got one penned in plain English and important. Here goes: READY FOR SOME GOOD NEWS? ACCEPTING DISASTER ASSISTANCE FROM THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY – FEMA – WILL NOT IMPACT ANY OF YOUR GOVERNMENT BENEFITS.

FEMA ASSISTANCE IS NOT COUNTED AS INCOME, SO IT WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR INCOME TAX BILL OR AFFECT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR MEDICAID, WELFARE, FOOD STAMPS OR AID TO FAMILIES WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN.
THE DISASTER ASSISTANCE YOU RECEIVE WON’T AFFECT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY OR MEDICARE EITHER, AND IT WON’T COUNT AGAINST YOU IN ANY BENEFIT PROGRAMS FUNDED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT.
 

July 18 a Down below we listed a meeting notice sent by Delegate Hanshaw last week. The meeting site has been moved to the CHS mini auditorum, tonight at 7pm. Might be a good one.

July 18 a Had a couple emails on the June 23rd flood damaging their river bank... IE: the yard near the river is now all gone.

July 18 a FEMA does NOT cover river banks.

July 18 a Deadline for Communicator submissions is today at 5pm.

 

July 17 a There have been 721 FEMA applications so far. The deadline for submitting info has been extended 30 days. If you have the least bit of damage, why not fill out the paperwork today. Yes, today.

July 17 a Quite different from earlier disasters, several local residents have said stuff like, they got their check! Of those receiving assistance, they're happy to get something albeit, it's not enough to fully rebuild.

July 17 a Thursday's storm which knocked out utilities in Clayberry, made us gun shy

July 17 a  It wasn't storming, thundering nor windy Saturday morning but still, the power went off around 11am and stayed down for around 7 hours. Phone service still trying to come back from Thursday's outages, remained elusive for many thru Saturday evening

July 17 a We are watching the weather more closely these days.

July 17 a Communicator comes out Tuesday. Email your chatters, event notices, etc., early if you can. We're especially interested in storm and FEMA stories.

July 17 a This Sunday morning, most of the county has utilities restored and the sun is out. Hope it stays that way.

July 15 p  Nancy Ann Herold, 68, of Procious, see OBITUARY page

July 15 p   Johnny Dale Drake, 69, of O’Brion Creek, see OBITUARY page

July 15 a  Non profit 101.7FM will be hosting a live interview session with FEMA and SBA reps this afternoon beginning around 3pm. Dale Mullins will be the host and moderator. Listen in for the latest this afternoon.

July 15 a Not sure what we did to deserve it but, Mom Nature dumped on Clayberry Thursday at 3:45pm.  The 10 minute wind and rain storm blast followed by another cloud burst a couple minutes later, County Clay went dark again. Much of the county was without power until well after midnight.

July 15 a Phone serve was available for most but not so the Frontier DSL service.

July 15 Observers in downtown Clay said it was like a tornado with wind pushing tree sideways.

July 15 a Beside the Middle School, a big tree took out a utility power leaving lines dangling and a transformer laying in the center of the street

July 15 a On Main Street two other trees brought down the overhead supply lines to the world.

July 15 a Coming down Rt 4 from Ivydale, two  slides, trees, had the lines and cables pulled down to the pavement

July 15 a The storms are here in July making double duty the norm for emergency service workers and utility companies.   That sucks!

July 15 a Since the June 23rd Monster Flood, member of our Legislature have been in the county on a regularly. Examples are Senators' Facemire and Romano who arrived early on and have returned on a regular basis. The Gov and his top Dept Heads have even shown up. Not sure what they've accomplished but at least they've showed an interest in their constituents

July 15 a  Conspicuously absent has been Clay County's very own, Delegate Roger Hanshaw.

July 15 a As for the ace cub reporter, Hanshaw has not been seen at any of the organizational meetings, at the distribution sites,  nor in public at the Courthouse or on the streets. We asked others if they had seen the lad. Nope came the responses

July 15 a Now nearly a month after the flood, here's an email from our Delegate Hanshaw: Representatives of many state and federal agencies involved in the flood response effort will be at Clay County Middle School this coming Monday, July 18, at 7:00 pm to directly respond to questions from Clay County residents about response efforts.  Many agencies have been providing information to residents individually, but on Monday evening residents will have an opportunity to speak directly with many agency representatives at once.  Confirmed attendees are:  FEMA, West Virginia National Guard, Small Business Administration, Senator Shelley Moore Capito's Office, Clay County Health Department, Town of Clay, and Clay County Commission.  Other agencies are being added to the list daily.   Please make this information available on your websites and through other outlets that may be available to you.

July 15 a Better late than never.

July 14 a   Elizabeth Suzanna Trimble, 63, of Maysel, see OBITUARY page

July 14 a Clay Roane PSD meets this evening in the Procious Wa Wa Plant beginning at 6:30pm. Employee pay raises are on the agenda for tonight.

July 14 a The local radio station's Board of Directors convene their gathering tonight beginning at 5:30pm at the station, #6 Carr Street. Everyone is invited and Yes, volunteers are needed

 

July 13 a Need info on hauling away flood debris? The latest Health Dept info is now on the ADVISORY page.

July 13 a County Commission meets this morning at 10am in the Courthouse

July 13 a While many remain without water service and others without a roof over their head, there's a big time media circus coming today over at CHS. Well meaning coaches with West Virginia roots will fly into Clayberry and hand out new football uniform promises.  The photo op starts around noon.

July 13 a You want to do something?  Volunteer your back, hammer and time.

July 13 a Don't send more wa wa food, clothes. We have ten times too much of that. As a matter of fact, we're out of places to put it and are now readying to start sending the overflow to a warehouse in Belle.

July 13 a During Tuesday's Town Council meeting, FEMA rep Phillip Hammersla spent a bunch of time explaining how the Govt is here to help us. Reality is, FEMA and the SBA  will  provide the bulk of their assistance to government agencies.

July 13 a Maybe the most important thing he provided, these first couple weeks after a disaster, they are providing $$$ for Safety and Sanitation relief; FEMA is not an insurance policy: and their funds will not build back a new house.

July 13 a Around the county comes stories on meager settlements. FEMA explained the many step process for Govt and individual pay outs.

July 13 a You loose your home, the max pay out is $33,000.00  Hammersla was reluctant to mention that max payout. Council person Jason Hubbard read the fine print and found the $33,000 figure.    Go Jason!

July 13 a There are strings attached to much of the handout. Not the emergency handouts but , in the rebuilding grants and or loans, MOST will be required to sign up for costly flood insurance.

July 13 a There was no mention of FEMA trailers coming to County Clay.

July 13 a For those affected by the flood, something very important. You have to apply for benefits NOW. The window for the first application is closing quickly. Even if you think there is a remote chance or need for $$$, fill out the application NOW.

July 13 a The disaster recovery center remains open at Clay High

July 13 a All the extra Green Shirt Badges have now left the county. Ditto for the last few Guardsman, they're leaving ASAP.

July 13 a  Things are happening in Clayberry.

July 13 a Most notable are the number of roads falling apart. Big sink holes are appearing in the payment. In other places, the pavement is cracking away due to the wash out of fill material underneath.

July 13 a Bus Czar Mike Mullins commented, he's more concerned about the unsafe roads than anything else leading up to school reopening on  August 18th. When the heavy buses start running, the pavement may further degrade.

July 13 a If you're trying to get to Clendenin on Rt 4, you can't. Near Barron Creek, the road ain't there. Between Queen Shoals and Clendenin, at least two washouts have reduced the artery to one lane only.

July 13 a Many Queen Shoals PSD customers remain without the wet stuff.

July 12 p Town Council meets this afternoon at 5pm in the Wa Wa Plant / Town Hall

July 12 p On the agenda is mention of using personal vehicles.

July 12 p Wed morning the County Commission meets at 10am. If you have questions, the CCC meeting is the place to be tomorrow

July 12 p Suppose to be a presentation Wed, High Noon, over at Clay High.

July 12 p Sounds like,  supporters of West Virginia from around the East are bringing in replacement football gear.

July 12 a  Norman Keith DeMoss, 60, of Clay, see OBITUARY page

July 12 a We forgot a birthday wish yesterday. Great big best wishes to all around good guy, Dave Derby.

 

July 11 p Got a big fat Opppppppppppps

July 11 p The Health Board meeting was actually scheduled for next Monday, July 18th.

July 11 p Our bad

July 11  a Greetings and top of the morning to ya

July 11 a  Don't forget, we're selling a CD set with all the 2016 Great Flood pics from the first 9 days of the wipe out. $10 is the asking price. We can snail mail for a couple bucks more. Just let us know via email an your history lesson will be on its way

July 11 a Here in the outback, gardening is important. Besides offering healthy vittles, those small plots provided a winter's worth of food.

July 11 a Noticed last Saturday, the Farmer's Market was not held at the Courthouse.

July 11 a The Health Dept has put out an advisory for gardens that were under the flood waters. Basically it says, if your garden was under water, do NOT consume the produce. No ifs, ands or but's about it, don't take the chance.

July 11 a Another hit on County Clay.

July 11 a During the last 10 years there has been a real push to grow tourism in this county of little

July 11 a We've had to tug and pull our leadership along the way but, at the start of the season this year, the new Buffalo Creek Trail was open to hikers, CAEZ's campground offered 3 rental rooms, at the other end of the trail, Mitch DeBoard's Campground served as a great place to spend the night.

July 11 a The BDA planned the Elk River Fest. The local radio station planned the Don't Sweat, Get Wet Float trip down the Elk. Word was getting out, Clayberry had something to offer.

July 11 a Before the June 23rd flood, every weekend, SUV's, trucks, and vehicles pulling trailers, brought in canoes and kayaks. Those folks enjoyed the Elk, Lake Sampson, and trout fishing on Buffalo Creek. Like it or not, that was fresh $$ coming into the county.

July 11 a With the Trail and bridges washed out in many places, the Buffalo Creek Trial is closed, the Dundon Campground Lodge building was under 4 feet of water, all the freshly stocked trout are now down in the Ohio River, and Mitch's Campground washed away, Tourism 2016 in County Clay is closed for the season.

July 11 a The Health Board meets this morning at 9am in the NH Dyer building on Main Street

July 11 a Our School Board is having a social this afternoon down in Charleston.

 

July 10 a On this Sunday morning, most of the extra Guardmen and Green Shirts have headed back to their regular life. With those folks gone, we're starting to fend for ourselves once again. Like, the flood debris

July 10 a During Wed's County Commission meeting, three bids were opened to contract out hauling trash from curbside and a second, to haul the wet stinky stuff from the 6 dump sites. Pierson Lumber the low bidder for each

July 10 a  Clayonians, you have a chance to get rid of all that old crap, wet or otherwise.

July 10 a In the next week or so, the CCC will come out with a directive to stop curbside pick up.

July 10 a Then, shortly after that, your chance to drop your junk at the dump sites will also end.

July 10 a  Look around clickers, get rid of that stuff before the free service is gone.

July 10 a Voters don't actually have a say in who gets to be the Demorat and Republicrat Prez nominee. In reality, delegates to each party's convention make the selection. Wonder who represents the mountain state? Here's the complete list for the Demorats and commitment if any.

 

July 9 a From FEMA's  Deanna Frazier: We would like publicity for our Disaster Recovery Center at the Clay County High School where disaster survivors can register for assistance, get questions answered, and apply for low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

July 9 a The Communicator has 8 pages of color pictures covering the June 23rd Great Flood

July 9 a During the first 9 days, we captured a bunch more images from the storrm of the century.

July 9 a If you would like a CD (actually two CD's), email us or stop by the office.

July 9 a Being the purveyor of bad news, we've got some more

July 9 a The Business Development Authority and the Watershed Association has worked their arsses off in the last four years to secure and grow the Buffalo Creek Trail. During that time , volunteers have built and rebuilt bridges, cleaned the 60 foot right of way, stocked trout, put up trail markers, and started the marketing for the tourism draw.

July 9 a It's not spectacular  like the Grand Canyon of course but very pretty, very outbackish, and something nice.

July 9 a Not no more

July 9 a The June 23rd flood tore the guts out of the 20 mile trail. Bridge gone. Other bridges washed down stream 100 feet. Rails twisted like pretzels. In places where there was a nice stream bank beside the hiking trail, is is neither a stream bank nor track nor trail.

July 9 a Very sad news for the future of County Clay.

 

July 8 4:30p  Weathercasters are calling for high winds and rain this evening for areas South of Clayberry.

July 8 4:30p State Road folks are being cautious. Over the scanner, we're not taking any chances, make sure all the equipment is on high ground.

July 4:30p  Keep your eyes pealed clickers

 

July 8 a The W Va Fire Marshall's office showed up to investigate the old IGA fire on Main Street. Once source raised questions about some odd things that happened before the blaze. One of em was, a couple box trucks normally parked up against the building had been moved the night before. Another possible eyebrow raiser, some items inside the building had also been removed before the outbreak of flames.

July 8 a Nothing for certain and not a Hmmmmmm, but interesting none the less.

July 8 a The local Health Dept is making a bunch of info available.

July 8 a Gleaned from one notice: There are legitimate FEMA inspectors in the field, beware ot people posing as FEMA Inspectors or "FEMA approved" repair contractors. FEMA makes no such endorsements...... Legitimate FEMA Inspectors will have the applicant's 9 digit case number and will always carry FEMA Identification badges with a photo. Inspectors are not authorized to ask for personal financial information....

July 8 a During the Thursday afternoon huddle at the Pentagon, a Big Cheese FEMA Chief told the group, they have distributed $3,876,000.+

July 8 a While it's true government agencies will reap big benefits from FEMA, locals are telling a different story.

July 8 a So far all our contacts are saying, the FEMA folks were nice but settlements are none existent. For instance, one lady wiped out in Camp Creek was offered a mere $2500.00 for cars, porches, HVAC, and under the floor insulation. $2500 is better than nothing but the strings attached included, they have to sign up for flood insurance at $1800 per year.

July 8 a If you have a not so happy FEMA experience or even a good one, let us know. Email us today

July 8 a  Over the last three weeks, we've been reporting on all the stuff coming into, about ten times too much stuff for flood victims to EVER use. Yesterday during the huddle, OES Director Greg Fitzwater admitted, it's hard to tell people no.

July 8 a With many Guard units and extra Green Shirts pulling out shortly(last night patrol is Sunday) , what happens to all t he unused stuff? Plans call for the 100's of tons of good to be taken  some warehouse in Belle.

July 8 a Parents, you looking for back to school stuff? The Catholic Church over in Maysel is Back to School Central.

July 8 a If you don't get it, some greedy Bas!!!! will pull out a truck load and set up a yard sale

July 8 a Was your garden inundated with flood water. The  Health Dept is coming out with a what to do with your flooded garden notice soon.

July 8 a To cut the smell or to make your hay field perform better, free 50 pound bags of lime are available.

July 8 a And finally for this second Friday of July, sounds like Guard units are taking it on themselves to help out in a big way with the destroyed H E White Elem septic system. Crews will be handling the engineering stuff for starters.

July 7 p Clay County PSD's Boil Water Order has been lifted as of last night

July 7p The Office Manager reports that just four homes remain under the the BWO restriction

July 7 p Our Business Development Authority will not have a Board meeting this month

July 7 p Ditto for the Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone

July 7 p Our Health Dept has tried twice to hold their mid Summer Board meeting . they will try again July 11th, Monday morning at 9am.

July 12 p Clay Town Council rescheduled for Tuesday July 12th at 5pm.

July 7  p Think you're ready to be indicted? The Summer Grand Jury was suppose to happen last week but didn't. Look for that process to happen in August.

July 7 p Problem? Yelp, In the aftermath of the flood and with many still in a daze, they can't get jurors and in many cases, don't know their temporary housing location

July 7 p The Library is back open but only til 3pm daily. It's also book amnesty time. No fees for overdue books, dry or soggy

July 7 p  As of mid morning today, Elk Power has all their customers reconnected except for one in the Camp Creek area still needing a power pole set.

July 7 p  Beckley newspapers has a good write up on FEMA offers. Click here for more.

July 7 p Normally in County Clay, there's just a couple structure fires each year.

July 7p Yesterday morning was the old IGA building fire followed by a house fire in the Hartland neighborhood  in the afternoon and yet another  blaze around 2am this  morning.

 

July 6 p One structure fire ain't enough for today. Around 1:50, a call came in on  a house fire just down river from the Hartland bridge. Fire crews are on the run again.

July 6 p Town of Clay's Boil Water Order for the Maysel service area has been removed.

July 6  After 6:10 the first calls came across the scanner of a structure fire at the old IGA store on Main Street It currently housed a thrift store on the main floor.

July 6 6:50am From Unit 701: Call Pinch Fire Dept and tell them to bring their ladder truck.

July 6 7:15 am Send an EMS unit up here on stand by only

July 6  By 7:30 all local fire departments were on scene. Dark tan smoke seeped out at the roof line while flames could be seen at the front double doors.

July 6 7:34  Firemen used a metal saw to cut thru a metal back wall to gain access.

July 6  7:40  The first flames made their way thru the rood near the center of the building

July 6   Around 7:45, the billowing brown smoke turned to black as the petroleum based roof material ignited. The heat from the inferno could be felt 200 feet away

July 6 Attempts were made to keep the flames away from overhead utility lines and transformers

July 6 7:55 A Clendenin Fire truck arrived and started using a water canon

July 6  Maybe the best decision 701 (Greg Fitzwater) made was calling for the Pinch Ladder truck. Around 8:15 that unit showed up and began hammering the flames from 3o feet above at the end of the ladder boom.

July 6 almost immediately the fire was cut back substantially

July 6 a By 8:30 the biggest part of the fire was out or at least under control.

July 6 No nearby buildings were damaged and didn't look like anybody was injured

July 6 The Guard units on hand for flood duties sure came in handy with traffic control, moving combustibles,  and assisting firemen

July 6  On the 23rd, the place was under water. Since the Great Flood, everything in basement had been pulled out as well as all the wall coverings and ceiling. The flood ruined the place and would have required $1000's in rehab. With the fire wiping it out, no one has to worry about the flood problems.

July 6  The building is best known as RT's Grocery Store on Main Street.

July 6  RT is long gone and now, so is the building.

July 6 a  Alma Nellie Cottrell, 92, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page

July 6 6:16 a Calls for Fire Depts to respond to M&M Thrift Store on Main Street, Structure Fire

July 6 a We plan to leave on all the flood pictures till Thursday evening before removal. If you want one, it's easy, just right click and hit the save as button.

July 6 a If you want all of em, let us know and we'll burn em to a cd for $10. There's over 200 available.July 5 a  We made it. Last night's high wind and rain storm, well, it petered out.

July 5 a Communicator should be on news stands mid afternoon today

July 5 a Sort of a commemorative edition with tons of flood pics. No not just the usual pictures that you have to fill in with crayons. Not going to belief this but, actual color pictures!

July 5 a Another first for the county's locally owned and operated newspaper of choice.

 

July 4  Vergie M Jackson, 92, see OBITUARY page

July 4 Beginning around 4:30 today, the pace in Clay picked up

July 4  Word came that severe weather was coming our way with reports South of us, of tornados touching down.

July 4 For Clayberry, the high wind, heavy rain and possible tornados are slated here around 6pm.

July 4 Should hit Widen 20 minutes later

July 4 Scanner Dispatcher call for everyone to get home and stay put

July 4  Over the scanner aroun 5pm came calls for Guardsmen serving in County Clay to get back to base.

July 4 This could be a doozy

July 4 Will update as DSL and power allows

July 4 Good Luck

July 3 late p We're a little skidish right now in Clayberry

July 3 late p Weathercasters are predicting heavy rains coming our direction Monday. Some are saying 4 inches could hit this flood ravaged county in the next 24 hours.

July 3 late p We got lucky on the 23rd with no loss of life, let's keep is that way as the new weather comes our way.

July 3 late p As for the upcoming Special Edition Communicator, we're interested in your flood stories, emergency stories, and Govt agency efforts so far. Email those by Monday at 5pm. Remember, you have to include your name and contact number if you're emailing a chatter.

July 31 late p Thanks in advance and be safe the next 24 hours

July 3 p Some areas of the county have been under served. Elkhurst is one of em.

July 3 p Today, beginning around noon, a group from Charleston will be set up at the Procious Water Plant with hot meals and supplies.

July 3 p Communicator comes out Tuesday afternoon. Now is the time to email over your stuff.

 

July 3 a Jeffery Alan Salisbury, 48, of Clay, see OBITUARY page

July 3 a Before the big storm, the ace cub reporter was having puter troubles. Changing out for another old unit, those issues are resolved for now. During the switch over, our Events and Advisory pages went all to crap. If you don't see your listing, please email again.

July 3 a Ditto for emails in general, they too got lost in the shuffle

July 3 a Every other day or so, responders hold a huddle at the Pentagon. The last one we attended was Friday afternoon. From that gathering....

July 3 a  Thursday evening June 30th, five black males posed as responders, passed bogus $100 bills at both local Go-Marts.

July 3 a  As Green Shirt Head Honcho Keiffer says, if you see something, say something

July 3 a  Many many in the county that were untouched by the June 23d flood are hauling away tons of freebee everything from mops, to water, drinks, food, dog food, free hot meals and clothes.

July 3 a The generosity of the nation has brought ten fold too many freebees. And, that may be too small a guess! With no one willing to say, no thank you, the truck loads of unneeded  goods continue.

July 3 a As of Friday, Clayberry is in transition

July 3 a Instead of  consumables, leadership is now telling the callers, we need rebuilding supplies like paint, plywood, OSB board, roofing and the like.

July 3 a When those supplies start arriving, our hope is, the products actually go those affected by the flood waters

July 3 a Clay County PSD is 100% up and running again

July 3 a As for the seven dump sites... the ones less used will be closed down . The one or two left open will be around until the debris supply slows down.

July 3 a  Instead of trash police at each site, a roving Badge will monitor

July 3 a The relief fund set up last week at the Clay County Bank has netted right at $35,750.

July 3 a During Friday's meeting, discussion came on how to distribute the $$$

July 3 a Sounds like, first priority will be the actual flood victims with each receiving $500. With the funds on hand, in that scenario, that's only 71 families x $500

July 3 a 100 homes are completely gone with another 500 greatly affected.

July 3 a Needless to say, more $$$ is greatly needed.

July 3 a Remember last week when all the big cheese leadership came to County Clay after Obama De Bama declared us a disaster zone?  Turns out when the Prez makes such a  decree, that's just the first step.

July 3 a Before the funds actually start flowing, there has to be some other kind of declaration.

July 3 a Friday afternoon at 3pm, that second, most important decree, hasn't been made

July 3 a  Down at H E White Elem, tourists see the playground and culvert bridge are torn up or missing. There's a bigger problem

July 3 a  School can be held there without a playground. It can't without a costly sewer system

July 3 a KT:  There is an issue with reopening

July 3 a  Turns out, it takes a bunch of money to install a new system which was located under the playground.

July 3 a The county's most under performing school may never reopen.

July 3 a Top Green Shirt Badge Keiffer put out another warning on unknown stuff is containers and drums. There is a crew available to take care of those "mystery" containers.

July 3 a In the transition process, the Pentagon is looking for someone, someone's, to operate the distribution center at Clay High.

July 3 a Bunches of rumors on CHS Principal turing people away from the site. Ms Issac: We are NOT turning people away.

July 3 a The finger was pointing at Mayor Bev Whaling as a purveyor of rumor.

July 3 a Facebook continues to be little more than a rumor mill

July 3 a As for the slimy pukes taking goods intended for those wiped out by the rushing water, it continues. We have house, after house  in the county stacked to the ceilings with handouts.

July 3 a Others are taking the truck loads of good to WalMart and asking for refunds

July 3 a It is disgusting to say the least

More this evening

 

July 1 p  How about something to do July 4th?

July 1 p The Clay Swimming Pool will be open and admission is FREE!

July 1 p Mark your calendar and head over to the pool on Monday.

July 1 p Sometime Thursday, the Town of Clay got their sewer plant up and running. Now with the log spew stopped, the DEP should be happier. The only question is, how much of a fine will the Town be burdoned with.

July 1 p Now on day 8 of recovery, there are distribution sites all over the county with supplies coming out the whazoo times 10. Most of the donated items are in an outside environment without shelter. We're talking tons of the stuff and much of it, all of it , will be ruined if it rains

July 1 p Weather casters are calling for a 50/50 shot at rain today with a heavy downpour slated for July 4th.

July 1 p And still the flood of donations continue. As for the goods, thanks everyone, and it's time to stop.

July 1 p For the many thinking FEMA is going to help em, past practices from the Feds are a good indicator, locals will receive nothing.  For those wanting to help, donations may be the best avenue. Send those dollars to : CLAY COUNTY EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND;  C/O CLAY COUNTY BANK; PO BOX 239; CLAY, WV  25043;  TELEPHONE (304) 587-4221

July 1 p There's a real need for a labor pool for rebuilding homes and lots. Instead of  $$$, how about strong backs.

July 1 a Received a message early this morning, Bentree Community Church is now set up with giveaways for flood victims. Hours today are 8 to 3. They're also accepting donations for those damaged by the June 23rd flood. If you need something or want to donate something after 3 today, dial 304 632 2163 or 304 632 1070

July 1 a Special meeting of the  Dept. of Health this morning at 9am

 

June 30 late p Snakes

June 30 late p Snakes

June 30 late p Snakes as long as garden rakes, in the....

June 30 late p For those sorting thru the dump sites, something to remember.

June 30 late p Copperheads and Rattle snakes have both been seen in the various dump sites around the county. Be warned.

June 30 late p  Had some pretty interesting scanner traffic most of the afternoon as Badges were down near the Camp Creek bridge. Whatever was going on, they didn't want any mention over the public's airwaves.

July 30 late p We did hear something Premier Bank being full and the rest going to the Green Shirt resort.

June 30 late p Everyone. All together now, Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....

June 30 2:14 pm  Boil Water Order lifted for Town of Clay residents.

June 30 2:24 pm Boil Water Order remains in place for residents of Maysel

June 30 a One week ago today, around 6am, the first of the heavy rains hit. By early afternoon, the full blast wiped out County Clay.

June 30 a Remember, Boil Your Water before using any of it.

June 30 a Tetanus shots are free at the Health Dept. 300 people have already taken em up on the offer

June 30 a Gov. Earl Ray told us Wed., the FEMA team would be in place within a  day or so

June 30 a  IMPORTANT: FEMA will set up at Clay High TODAY from 9 to Noon.

June 30 a Maybe other times and place will be added, but as of yesterday afternoon, 9 to noon today is all we know

June 30 a The Guard units continue to haul flood victim trash to the seven dump sites. They will NOT come on your property for pick ups. The junk MUST be at curbside.  NOTE: do not piled the crap on top of fire hydrants nor near utility pole guy wires.

June 30 a If you see barrels, drums of "mystery"  stuff, report it. If you don't know what's in it, don't touch it.

June 30  a the Northern end of the Clay County PSD service area is back with running water. On the Southern end, there are still a few places without the wet stuff around Lizemore Elem. One of their tanks still needed filled as of yesterday afternoon.

June 30 a Early assessment: 500 buildings are totaling trashed out and another 100 will be added to the official list.

June 30 a The Town's sewer plant and system continues spewing logs into the Elk. DEP officials have expressed major concerns with the problem. Yesterday afternoon a military helicopter flew in a replacement transformer. Flooding was so bad there, they're not sure what can be saved from the $8m plant.

June 30 a Word came during Wed's huddle, there may be a major issue with one of the big holding tanks.

June 30 a The Town of Clay's water plant is keeping up with demand and had 22' in the main storage tank

June 30 a The VFW Hall is a total loss.

June 30 a The city of Wheaton Md donated a dually wheeled ambulance to Clayberry. Not four wheel drive but in great shape and ready for use.

June 30 a The Courthouse will reopen Tuesday July 5th.

June 30 a Those 24 donated generators remains under lock and key awaiting distribution.

June 30 a The out pouring of donations continues. Every minute or so comes another trailer load of everything from mops to shovels to roof coating, food, clothes, and more

June 30 a Some of those most impacted b the June 23rd flood are out donating time and muscle at the distribution centers. The volunteer spirit of helping is alive and well in County Clay.

June 30 a Truth is, Clayberry has received much more than any flood victim could possibly use.

June 30 a Then there's the rotten side

June 30 a There's a reason why victims could not, would not, spend a night in a shelter.

June 30 a Looting is rampant in the county. Before flood waters receded, thugs and other arssholes were out stealing anything and everything from homes, out buildings, and vehicles.

June 30a Guns, jewelry, appliances, what ever was left in those places , were stolen and are being stolen

June 30 a Then the greed set in.

June 30 a Our welfare mentality residents are going to each distribution site and gathering truck loads of goods. No, not flood victims, but low life skum bags untouched by flood waters!

June 30 a What do they do with all the mops, buckets, toilet paper, towels, new clothes, bleach, cleaning supplies and such?

June 30 a They're taking them back to stores for return $$$$

June 30 a Guarantee you, there are houses, trailers,  in Clayberry with truck loads of bottled water and supplies.

June 30  a Early on, one lady told a volunteer: I want some dog food. At the time, there was none available

June 30 a As the lady was getting belligerent, the question came: Are you a flood victim?

June 30 a The response was: No, I just want some dog food.

June 30 a See it as open season for hand outs, it's like a swarm of bees as non flood victims go around demanding goods and services as an entitlement

June 30 a Very sad times in Clayberry.

June 28 p Fola Church fed well over 375 people on Monday and a nearly like number on Sunday. With just a few workers available, they're shutting down their operation as of lunch today

June 28 p Our two major manufacturers  Gould Electric and Amron Truss, sustained heavy water damage during last Thursday's flood

June 28 p As you drive around the county, it's interesting to see one area of total destruction and one mile away, almost no damage.

June 28 p Big rumor spread like wild fire this morning that FEMA was going to be at the Courthouse today at 1pm to take applications.  That was bogus social media bologna

June 28 p At 1pm today, County Clerk Connie Workman was beside herself because, when locals call a FEMA telephone number, those on the other end told the caller to dial the Clay County Clerk's office

June 28 p  At the same time, no FEMA rep was on hand and no one had provided Workman with forms nor info.

June 28 p According to Connie Workman, right now, they are taking victims' names, contact info, and a brief statement on what losses were involved.

June 28 p As of 1pm today, FEMA had NOT declared Clayberry a disaster site

June 28 p The county library is a wreck. Their volunteer Board is cleaning out the yuck from the basement.

June 28 p If you want to do something, how about bringing over a power washer for the scrub down and several strong backs to move the soggy mess to curbside.

June 28 p The struggle to recover continues today.

June 28 a Boil ANY water before use.

June 28 a Emergency response leadership had a huddle June 27th, Monday afternoon,  at the Pentagon.

June 28 a From the table, one big piece of advice for those thinking FEMA , insurance providers, will come to the rescue with big checks... do something now. Take pictures. Take pictures of everything. Take lots of pictures. You have to prove to the foreigners what you lost

June 28 a   As far as being included in the nation disaster declaration, hasn't happened yet. But, those around the Pentagon table felt 99% certain, County Clay will receive that decree shortly.

June 28 a Reflection: Four years ago after the Derecho, everybody thought they would receive govt assistance in the form of a check.

June 28 a That didn't happen. About the only pay outs went to govt agencies.

June 28 a For those of us that still have a house, about every five minutes we go to the sink and turn on the spigot. Now we don't even hear air coming thru the line.   Water remains elusive this Tuesday morning. Other than downtown Clay, there's no running water.

June 28 a Turns out, much of the underground piping has been damaged. With each section of PSD line, as soon as they turn it on, there's another leak.

Jne 28 a Maybe, that's the key word, maybe, by week's end, most will have water service restored

June 28 a Noticed this in this morning's Gazette:  Around 150 unemployed West Virginians may soon be able to find temporary work in helping to clean streams and river banks littered with debris from recent storms and flooding. The Human Resource Development Foundation, an AFL-CIO affiliated nonprofit organization based in Morgantown, announced that it has received $1.89 million from Workforce West Virginia and the U.S. Department of Labor that will be put toward paid positions for the cleanup effort. Those who qualify for the jobs — including military veterans and their families who are out of work — will receive between $9.50 to $11.50 per hour and will help with needed cleanup in 16 counties in the state, including Kanawha County. Those chosen for the positions will also receive safety training from the American Red Cross, including CPR and first aid certification. The participants will also receive job search assistance by Regional Workforce Investment Boards in the state, according to a press release sent out by the Human Resource Development Foundation.

June 28 a Clayberry has a WorkForce  W Va office in the old Valley Fork School building.

June 28 a Around noon Monday, big thunder boomers pounded above. At noon:30, the sky opened up with a heavy downpour. This time, the deluge only last 20 minutes.

June 28 a Thank you God.

 

June 27 later p The Birdie Dell (Rose) Phillips funeral has been rescheduled, see OBITUARY page

June 27 Begining in the early evening hours came scanner chatter on one of the military crews in the county out of fuel somewhere in the county.

June 27 As the evening wore on, fireman, Badges, and others, got involved in the search.

June 27  A little before 10pm, a second HumVee on Twistabout Rd was ready to start looking before being turned back to Clay. Translation: they didn't want two crews lost in the  backwoods of Clayberry.

June 27  Around 10:30 came sort of word that the lost unit and crew had been found.

June 27  "Sort of" because, when one emergency responder asked for clarification, response, " We'll explain when you get here."

June 27 p Little steps...

June 27 p Last night the electric came back in downtown Clay. For those that feed off that trunk,  service may be back before much longer. For those that get electric coming up from Procious, you may be screwed for a while

June 27 p  9am this morning, another tractor trailer load of bottled water arrived. The drop off point is Clay High

June 27 p  With the Clay Water Plant running, some people already have the wet stuff at the tap.

June 27 p The entire county is under a Boil Water Order. You should take it serious this time

June 27 p There's a 90% chance of heavy rain today.

June 27 p Just what we need!

June 27 early early edition...

June 27 Nearly the entire county has mountains of soggy wet mud covered items from the flood. County leadership is providing 7 drop off points to get rid of the unhealthy items. See home page for the locations

June 27 Tetanus shots, you need em. The Clay Health Dept is offering them for free.

June 27  Maysel Baptist Vacation Bible School scheduled to begin tonight, has been cancelled.

June 27 Military rations are now being given away at the Clay Health Dept.

June 27 Got some encouraging words today

June 27 A County Commissioner from Braxton was in Town Sunday evening. According to that guy, although the CCC does NOT carry flood insurance, their liability and property insurance provider should cover the losses.

June 27  If that's true, we may make it thru this disaster

 

July 26 p Tetanus shots are available at the Clay Health Dept

July 26 p Do NOT drink the municipal or PSD water. Boil everything first

July 26 p Potable water is available at Big Otter Elem, the Health Dept., and Lizemore Firehouse

July 26 p Hot food remains available at Big Otter Elem today.

July 26 p With no one using the overnight shelter at Big Otter, it has closed down.

July 26 p Frontier Phone and DSL service has returned to some sections of the county

July 26 p People are asking, when's the power coming back on?

July 26 p During yesterday's huddle at the Pentagon, sounds like, AEP, the supplier for local electric, MAY have juice flowing Monday evening to downtown Clay

July 26 p The rest of the county has to wait til contractors set many many new poles and hang the infrastructure. That's going to take a while

July 26 p In the mean time, 100's of families are starting the cleaning process. For that many more, it's a case of starting over with salvaged , flooded materials.

July 26 p On Day 4 of the Flood of the Century, it's a sad one.

 

July 26 early a Birdie Dell (Rose) Phillips, 88, of Clay, see OBITUARY page

 

July 25 late p With a generator roaring, and a little DSL available, here's what the Big Storm day June 23rd, 24th and 25th looked like in Clayberry

Judy 25 By 9am, through out County Clay, those that had anything left, were trying to find it. For many trailers, double wides,  out buildings, vehicles, farm implements, all gone, washed away.

July 25 There were no smiles in our 342 square miles

July 25 9:30am over the scanner, two victims of carbon monoxide poisoning. Emergency service workers determined, a Generac generator was blowing exhaust under the residence. The parts per million count was 200.   Above 35 can be lethal

July 25  Water has not been produced at the new ultra modern Clay Water plant since the storm hit. The plant is situated on the banks of the Elk and had several feet of river water and yuck in the basement where all the electronics are housed.

July 25  The control panel located in the basement in a  flood zone. Does that make sense to anyone?

July 25  On this Saturday morning, the only means to communicate is via cellphone or emergency 911 radios. Land lines were laying on the ground or gone all together.

July 25 The local power company purchases electric from AEP. The AEP sub station is at river side near Hartland. Before any repairs can be made, a new road and bridge had to be cut in.

July 25 By 11am, the corrugated bridge culvert was in place and heavy equipment was tamping in rock and gravel. That's a good sign!

July 25  The words on everybody's lips, "It came so quick!"

July 25  Emergency Services Director Greg Fitzwater confirmed that flood waters had damaged the Procious Water Plant. At 9am, the place was locked down with no one there

July 25  Back to the Clay Water Plant, sometime Saturday morning, with only 2 feet of the wet stuff in the storage tank,  a small amount of water was being pumped to the tanks.

July 25  For those that don't know, all water is to be considered dangerous and MUST be boiled before consumption

July 25  By 10am Saturday, there was no water running in the pipes at Maysel

July 25  Ditto for the Clay Go Mart, which smartly, rented porta potties for customers and anybody else in need.

July 25  By mid day, the temp was rising. Clayonians were desperate for drinking water. That message came across the scanner. "It's getting desperate at Elkhurst."

July 25   By noon out of county contractors were seen cutting away limbs. Gas companies were on hand to shut valves and see to washed away main lines. Water remained off in ALL of the county.

July 25  The Health Dept team was ready all day to receive planned water shipments. Locals, some with nowhere else to go, were for the most part, patient.

July 25  2:25 scanner: family on Punkin Ridge  without transportation needs food and water

July 25 On Main Street shovels were being employed to remove 3 inch thick goo.

July 25  Store owners brought in big sludge pumps to remove crusted residue. Others starting tossing out all the wet stuff.

July 25 3pm, still no water supplies norfood  rations to be had at the Health Dept.

July 25 Over at the Clay Sewer Plant, another of the high tech facilities located in the flood plane, was shut down and locked up tight. The whole place had been under water including the control room. Five high dollar portable air compressors had floated and were strewn about.

July 25  Down beside the sewer plant, the Town's new Badge cruiser showed mud line marks up to the roof. The Town's white truck with a dump bed, it to had been under water and showed water in the oil. The great big "white elephant" poop sprayer truck had mud in the cab. The engine was also full of mud and flood water.

July 25  Here's the biggy, since Thursday's flood, raw sewage has been spewing into the Elk River from each of the pump stations and the plant itself.

July 25  Ahhhh,, some of that 4 inches of river mud might be more than just mud

July 25  At 3pm sharp, up at the Pentagon, Emergency Response Heads, Green Shirts, Military units, a state health dept official, school system administrators and others gathered to get their head together. Basically, where do we start and who does what, was the theme of the 45 minute meeting.

July 25  Chairing the gathering was County Commissioner and Emergency Manager, Greg Fitzwater. Fitz was peterbed big time over completely bogus Facebook posts. He said that crap was causing confusion and worse.

July 25 Plans are coming together to set up bulk trash sites around the county beginning Monday.

July 25  Already many are pulling crap out into the roads. That's a no no according to Fitzwater

July 25  Just before 4pm Saturday, the first tractor trailer load carrying gallon jugs of cold water arrived at the Health Dept on Main Street. As soon as they opened their doors, needy people created the biggest traffic jam since last Apple Festival. Water was handed out to any and all that needed it. The first trailer was empty in short order. A second truck was at the waiting.

July 25 Green Shirts, Brown Shirts, firemen, and volunteers from  all walks of life helped with the distribution.

July 25   By dark, things slowed down a bit except for idiots and other criminals that kept the Badges ont he run well into midnight

July 25 So far, the 1000 year flood cost no lives.

July 25 The monetary loss is ten times worse than the June 29th 2012 Derecho.

July 25 For many, for all that lived close to the banks of the Elk or any tributary,  tonight, they have no roof over their head. For many more, the clean up is just starting.

July 25 As of 4:30 today, no relief cleaning supplies had been delivered.

July 25  Clayberry has been beat down. The Elk just kicked out collective arsses.

Here's what Day 2 , June 24th of the Big Storm looked and felt like

June 24 Day two June 24th

June 24  7:50a  Scanner: We need a wrecker, our ambulance is under water

June 24 8:00am  Scanner, Belt , Camp creek bridge and Rt 4 is under water

June 24  When Elk Power worker was asked, how long?, he laughed and said it will be several days for MOST of the customers to have juice again. Something about the AEP station at Hartland being flooded and repairs will be needed there.

June 24  By Noon on Friday, Earl Ray had declared a State of Emergency for 44 counties in W Va

June 24  Friday morning, Clayonians across the county were out assessing damage. There were no smiles to be seen. Where there had been creek banks, they weren't there no more.

June 24   10am Friday morning, the calls went out to start looking for two or three seniors in a tan colored S-10 truck in the Bomont area.

June 24   Around 11 am Friday, scanner traffic:   Anybody seen Greg Fitzwater, he needs to be at the big huddle now in progress at the Pentagon.

June 24   Sounded like some military  unit, all fire chiefs, State Road , Green Shirts, our Top Badge, and a rep from each ambulance services were gathering to assess the mess and come up with a game plan.

June 24  By noon on the 24th, 66,000 West Virginians were without electricity.

June 24   The place to be after the storm was the Clay Go Mart. Outfitted with a monster size generator during their last remodel effort, the gas pumps were working, the beer was cold, and the A/C was working. Loads of people filled their gas and diesel jugs to keep the portable generators running. About as many went there to get the latest scuttle butt.

June 24   Completely different from during the Direcho 4 years ago, the county's only franchised grocery store, Clay IGA, was fully stocked, open for business compliments a generator. Employees made sure everything was in order. It’s a lot less scary when you know , the  staples of life are available close by.

June 24  Many vehicles were out driving the passable roads Friday mid morning. What the rubber neckers saw was mass damage much worse than the late June  29th, 2012, Derecho.

June 24   The Dundon ball field which has been serving kids for decades, it’s all gone. No bleachers, no dug outs, and no concession stand. Instead of a ball field complex, the only thing left were the gnats , four light poles, and Lake Dundon

June 24   Across the old railroad tracks, at the J G Bradley campground, total destruction. Near the just remodelled Lodge building, two days earlier, was a 30+ foot pull behind camper and the nice looking white pick em up truck. Both were nowhere near. 300 feet down Buffalo Creek, the upside down carcass of the trailer was a twisted wreck.  A dog inside the camper perished. A little closer to the Lodge building, the white truck was on the creek bank pointed up stream.

june 24  A sharp looking motor home was on site when Buffalo Creek turned into river. With people inside, they alertly moved it to higher ground close to the McKinney home. Unfortunately, that wasn’t good enough. Buffalo got up into that floor while damaging a generator, wiring, and everything in the below board storage areas.   They were very lucky. Had they been sleeping, this would have been a much sadder story.

June 24   As for the nearly new Campground Lodge, it’s probably a total loss. The huge back deck was completely ripped from the block foundation. The remaining porches  were covered with debris including a large chunk of a power pole. Based on the water line on the visible inside walls, storm water was up to the wall switches.

June 24   What happened in Dundon? Why the total loss of everything? We have an answer. Might not be the correct one but here goes.

June 24  Just three weeks ago, the new concrete over steel bridge was completed. Beautiful and strong it is.  During the heavy downpours, trees and stumps piled up forming a damn. Instead of the wet stuff ragin’ on toward the Elk, the bridge throttled everything back. Had the old wooden span still been in place, it would have quickly collapsed and let the water pass on. Progress!

June 24  All utility poles and wires in that Dundon area are gone. Completely gone.

June 24  12:42p  Friday, scanner: The couple in the S-10 truck have been found and are being taken home.

June 24   The Courthouse, the one we call new, received about 5 inches of river water. By mid morning Friday, county employees were busy with wet and dry shop-vacs sucking the goo up. The big generator outside was supplying the power. Inside, everybody was wet as they cleaned. It was a dangerous time in the building.

June 24    Something to note. For decades,  at least since we’ve had 100 year flood maps, that area of  Main Street where the old IGA, Judicial Annex, and Courthouse set, that has always been shown to be in the flood zone.

June 24  Some how, some way, a few years back, when the revised and approved by the County Commission new flood maps were made public, low and behold, as if by magic, the old IGA, Judicial Annex building and Courthouse, were NOT listed as being in the 100 year flood area.

June 24  It must have been a Miracle!!! Or, back room politicians worked a deal so they didn’t have to pay flood insurance premiums.

June 24  Friday 7pm. From the 911 scanner, are there any shelters open? In response, the only one for sure is at Big Otter Elem; for those needing medical treatment, they can shelter in the Clay County Ambulance Service in the Health Dept building; and, the Camp Creek Church at the top of the hill.

June 24  By mid afternoon Friday, the smell of chili and cornbread was in the air at Big Otter Elem. Oddly, there were no occupants in need of shelter at that time. Even more odd, the place was deemed an emergency shelter even with water service shut off there.

June 24  Seems a major leak, geyser in Ivydale, was the culprit.  At 4:15, the lights starting blinking off and on at the school.

June 24  Around 5pm Friday, on the scanner, We’re starting health and welfare checks. About that same time, the great big drops of rain started coming down again.    Every one looked up to the sky and under their breath, ##@@!!!.   Fortunately, it only lasted a few minutes.

June 24  Scanner traffic changed late Friday. Instead of frenzied calls to respond to people in immediate distress, a much calmer pace came. Calm was coming back to the County of Little.

June 24  Through out Friday the State Road gang was on their frequency working the county from top to bottom with heavy equipment.

June 24    7:30 p Friday, scanner: Call for law enforcement for a fight across the Pisgah bridge with knives involved. A second call went out, this time added: it’s with a Carte and Dwier subject involved. Green Shirts responded.   With every Badge on duty in the county, what a stupid time to start a rumble. It didn’t last long. 4 Badges were there in short order along with Mayor Bev Whaling.

June 24    Friday was the day for the 4H kids to come back from camp. The normal return time was set for after dark. Considering road conditions and damaged bridges, a Pentagon request was made to bring them back in the afternoon or at least before dark.

June 24 That didn't happen.

June 24  With many parents unable to come out and pick up their wards, a couple 4Her's  were taken to Big Otter Elem where there was no wa wa available for sanitation needs. Instead of arriving mid afternoon, buses didn't leave the camp until dark.

June 24  On the scanner, around 8:30pm, one bus driver said she was there and still waiting on the rug rats to finish

June 24   7:35pm scanner, calls came asking to know when “ a water buffalo” would arrive at Big Otter Elem. The Dispatcher replied, he hadn’t heard.

 

June 23rd   5am Full blast of the storm is roaring thru Clayberry.  By 5:45am, the first main storm had moved thru   Somewhere in there the lights went dark. Then came the scanner traffic

June 23rd  scanner: 6:32 Tree and power lines down on Triplett Ridge

June 23  scanner:  6:32a “Your lines are down, we’ll be running your calls for now”

June 23  scanner: 6:35 DOH has markers out on Triplett Ridge

June 23 6:35 a , 911 “They are in storm mode and they don’t know when they will get there”

June 23 7:01 a  Tree down between Go-Mart and Clay

June 23 scanner 7:05 a Gas line on fire

June 23  scanner 7:10 a Tree and lines down in Hartland near the HVAC place

June 23   7:18 a From Top Badge: Tree down on Procious side of Elkhurst

June 23  7:30 a The potato wagon rumble comes thru again

June 23  scanner 7:33 a  That gas line fire is actually a meter on fire. Gas Co is here and says no way to shut if off right now. Will let it burn

June 23 scanner: 7:35 a   Need DOH up here with a loader, part of a garage structure is blocking the road

June 23 scanner:  7:45 a “be advised, there are several trees down from Duck to Ivydale”

June 23 scanner 7:56 a Multiple trees down on Nebo Road

June 23  8:35 a  Concerns raised for all the food being stored at Big Otter Elem. “Power may be off for 24 hours”

June 23 scanner: 8:35 a  Male, “We’ve got major power lines down. The power may be off for a couple, three days. I’m just guessing. Not sure”

June 23 9:45 a Power returns to Maysel area Huraaaay! We thought the worst was over. The storm was done. WRONG. Then came the real storm. All afternoon came buckets of rain, thunder and lightning .  Trees starting sliding. The Elk came over its banks. Small stream became vicious. By 3:30 County Clay was in disaster mode. Emergency responders went into over load mode. Roads were blocked. Fragile Clayonians became vulnerable. The Big Otter Go Mart closed, no electric.  All of Clay is without power.

June 23 mid afternoon: From Wall back to Clay, no way, flooded. In front of Triad, it’s a 2 foot deep river. From Big Otter exist of I 79 to Clay, no way, multiple mud slides with trees blocking Rt 4. From Clendenin up Rt 4, no way. Truth is, Clendenin is totally wiped away! Main Street Clay is under water and closed to all vehicles. No electric, no landline telephone,  no DSL and no roads in or out of Clayberry.  Back to the scanner

June 23  4pm Big Otter Fire Dept tanker blocking the road in front of the Big Otter Go Mart   turning motorists back.

June 23  5pm Scanner: Trees on top of car at Dana Holcomb’s old garage

June 23 5:15p scanner Vehicle being pushed by mud into the river at Camp Creek, Porter Creek

June 23 scanner 5:20p  Varney Town is flooding, propane tanks floating

June 23 scanner 5:30p Woman trapped in her house

June 23 scanner 5:45 p Big trees blocking Rt 4 at Scott Legg’s house

June 23 scanner 5:54 p  Report of man being swept away on Hansford Fork

June 23 6:20 p Already getting dark. Responders being pelted by heavy down pour , one blast after another. Every access point into County Clay is blocked. By 7:30 p scanner mentions of the need for an emergency shelter

June 23  scanner 9:30 p Rt 36 is again passable but caution urged

June 23 9:45 p From 911 Center: Not sure how much longer we’ll be in this center, river is rising

June 23 9:55 p “The county is shut down” came across the scanner

June 23 10:07p  From Gary King (we think), the river road is passable

June 23 New to scanner listeners came the words, “swift water rescue”.   Places like Fola Road  had not seen flooding in decades. It came June 23rd. Deep, swift, dangerous water.   By 10pm Thursday evening there was a couple inches of wa wa in the 911 Center. When the equipment started sparking, it was time to close it down. They did.  By the time of that closing, there was already five inches of water in the new Courthouse.

June 23  On day one, the volunteers had done an excellent job as did everybody. At each bend of the road, neighbors were out checking on others. Before dark, with the rain pouring down,  chain saws were already heard ripping away at the road blockages.

 

July 22 p  Joseph Vincent Borg, 62, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page

July 22 p From the National Weather Service:  HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK   ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON...

July 22 p    FLASH FLOOD WATCH. IN ADDITION...NUMEROUS SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE TONIGHT.  THE GREATEST THREAT FROM THESE STORMS WILL BE WIDESPREAD WIND  DAMAGE.

July 22 p Clickers be warned. You're on your own for the next 24 hours.

July 22 a Parents do a bunch of important things. At the top of the list is teaching those curtain climbers how to swim.

July 22 a Clay County's public swimming pool begins swimming lessons next week. The classes are free but pre registration is requirement.

July 22 a See ADVISORY page now

July 22 a The newest Communicator provides information on the just passed Clay County PSD rate increase. Our last edition covered the sensitive issue of transgender rest rooms in the school system

July 22 a Unisex rest rooms are common  in many settings. There about to get more common not just in schools, but everywhere

July 22 a New York City Council on Tuesday approved a law requiring single-stall public bathrooms to be gender neutral in a show of support for transgender people. Read more right here.

 

June 21 late p  Clay County's only locally owned and operated newspaper, The Communicator, is now available for your edification

June 21 late p  With a big long agenda posted on the meeting house door, County Commission meets Wed morning at 10am

June 21 late p The old Camp Creek bridge has been scheduled for replacement for about four years. The old iron span is so crusted over, school buses are not allowed to haul cross it. Kids have to take a long way around to school.

June 21 late p For the last 12 months its been stalled over a property dispute with a Samples lady. She's the Mom of Prosecutor Jim Samples and a retired, long time Postmaster in the Procious area.

June 21 late p After reading the court documents, it looks like the State wants to pay $13,500 for the lady's front yard while she's after something closer to 4 times that amount.

June 21 late When completed, bridge traffic noise and right of way will render her home of little value

June 21 late p Locals want the bridge big time

June 21 late p Word just came that Charleston news crews will be over there around 11am Wed morning to talk with those that think Prosecutor Samples  and the Judge  are the reason for the hold up with construction. Some are claiming back door politics is the culprit.

June 21 late p Often, eminent domain cases take a while.

June 21 late p Watch for county coverage Wed evening on regional  TV markets

June 20 late a Watermelon alert.  Went over to Walmart and saw huge boxes of the rounds of joy. Their price was just $3.99. One problem, the things tasted like crap and smelled perfumey

June 2o late a Not so with the  local IGA round ones. True they cost $5 but the taste is Summer great.

June 20 late a  Sometimes it pays to shop local.

 

June 20 a Back when we had 23 inches of snow on the ground, back last month when it was near freezin', we didn't think this day would arrive

June 20 a Welcome to the first day of Summer. Suppose to be 87 degrees today. Enjoy

June 20 a The Courthouse is closed today for West Virginia Day

June 20 a Everything else should be up and running including the mail service.

June 20 a No School Board meeting tonight. That's been rescheduled for Thursday, June 23rd. Interesting, according to the agenda, the Pentagon's budget deficit is completely eliminated.

June 20 a Communicator comes out Tuesday. Deadline for submissions is today at 5pm. Email your stuff right away.

June 20 a We're working the stories on: the 10% wa wa rate hike; what happens when you tell Judge Alsop one thing and then do something different; Town employee wage increases; and such.

June 20 a Should be a good one and still 80 cents cheap

June 17 late p Got a mess up on the EVENTS page. The Bentree Church Cornhole tournament is Saturday June 18th!!!

June 17 late p Also, we've added a big yard sale on Center Street for tomorrow. Sorry for the late notice

June 17 p  Lookin for a job? We've got two brand new listings over on the JOBS page. Check it out today.

June 17 a Fellers, if you want this Father's Day to be a good one, you've got a job to do.

June 17 a  None of us want a another necktie,  pair of socks, or work gloves.

June 17 a You know , we know, you've got to suck up to the sweetie and get the family to just by accident, drive over to the Harbor Freight Store.

June 17 a Before you get em in the  vehicle, be sure to take a look at the HF Dad's Day Specials.

June 17 a Check out their ratchet tie down straps, spray gun for $9, 3 ton jack and more.

June 17 a Get your plan together this morning and start working on your plan, maybe drop some hints. Don't forget there's a WallMart in Cross Lanes and that might be the perfect diversion to get her at least close by.

June 17 a Don't miss the fun tonight up at the Big Otter Community Center.

 

June 16 a For the ace cub reporter, a well behaved puter is important. His ten year old black box took a dump last week resulting in a slow down in web updates, researching stuff and life in the 2st century.

June 16 a With the first round of replacement parts installed, it looks like life is getting back to normal. After a new video card gets installed this weekend , we should be good to go.

June 16 a Note: If you don't see your listing on the EVENTS or ADVISORY page, that means we've lost it. Please resend.

June 16 a Thanks for your patience

June 16 a As a note, the hardware will not improve our spelling, punctuation, grammar nor overall attitude.

June 16 a No sleeping kids on the back seat... no lost kids.... quiet scanner this morning.... yesterday was the last day of school for the crumb snatchers. For the next 7 weeks, big yellers are shut down for the school year.

June 16 a That noise you hear all over the county is coming from bus drivers doing the Happy Dance.

June 16 a Parents, grandparents, guardians.. they're all yours!

June 16 a Don't forget, the best baby sitting deal in the county is the Clay County Swimming Pool.

June 16 a Town Council held a Special Meeting Tuesday afternoon to approve their revised budget. During the last 21 years of reporting, that was the first ever budget revision meeting to close out the books. Other than changing the Town Recorder, not sure what brought the change

June 16 a Hold your pants! Also from Tuesday....

June 16 a Clay County PSD voted unanimously to raise wa wa rates 10%.

June 16 a With their accountant on hand to explain the increase and with Clay County PSD having some of the highest rates in the state, look for minimum usage bills to go up around $5 per month

June 16 a The process of PSC approval will take a few months to work thru, but, it's coming clickers.

June 16 a  With dollars in short supply, Commissioner Fitz used his own riding mower and his own time to cut the flat land over at Spread Park.

June 16 a The CCC DOES have enough $$$ to pay someone $120 or so to weed whack the place.

June 16 a  Our guess, it will take around 10 hours to weed whack the whole place. Not counting fuel and line, that seems like decent money for an enterprising teen or someone in need of pocket jingle.

June 16 a The problem is, couch potato-itus in Clayberry

June 16 a Call the County Clerk's office if you're interested.

June 16 a   Sun's out now but rain is on the way.

June 16 a Enjoy your day.

June 13 p  Nancy Lea (Wayne) Collins, 64, of Wallback, see OBITUARY page

June 13 a School doors are open for a couple more days. Education stopped three weeks ago. These last few days, teachers are just trying to maintain order

June 13  a Been getting emails along with talk on the street concerning expensive school roads trips to such educational venues as the wave park in another county.

June 13 a Such talk comes about this time each year.

June 13 a  No change can come until the topic is brought to the School Board. Don't like it? Think education should continue for the entire 180 days?

June 13 a Talk where it counts, during a School Board meeting

June 13 a News channels continue their around the clock coverage of the Orlando night club massacre.  Scenes of the massacre were looped over and over again for the first 24 hours.

June 13 a  Remembrances of a movie theater shooting, a rock concert, newspaper office, and now a night club, we're all at risk.

June 13 a Now on day two, it's time to hype up gun control and the fault of Congress

June 13 a Gun control No, fault of Congress, Yes

June 13 a  As you set there glued to the boob tube, remember, the real common denominator is evangelical mental health

June 13 a  Yes evangelical mental health!  One of Webster's definitions:  having or showing very strong and enthusiastic feelings

June 13  a It's the brain that is out of whack in each shooting.

June 13 a  Congress has done nothing to fund mental health coverage at the same level as any other disease in need of serious medical care.

June 10 p It's Watermelon Season!!

June 10 p Clay IGA has some monsters weighing in at least 25 pounds.

June 10 p The taste is not the sweetness of an end of the season model but darn darn good none the less.

June 10 p Need something to do tonight? The Big Otter Center is open with good food and great music. Enjoy!

June 10 a State government is required to auction off all its used stuff. Much of it goes thru an agency called Surplus Properties down in Dunbar. A bunch of us have found the place to be a gold mine for everything from vehicles, to printing equipment, puters, and office furniture.

June 10 a Not sure how they got it budgeted but the facility is getting a huge new office space and warehouse.

June 10 a Until everything is completed, Surplus Properties is closed to the public until June 17th. The week after that, they close down again to complete the change over

June 10 a One old fart asked: What is the Electoral College and do we actually get to select the next President?

June 10 a Most of us have heard that each state and DC has a certain number of votes in the selection process. West Virginia has five votes while large states like California carry  55.

June 10 a To answer the guy's question, no we do not elect a president. Truth is, it's all hype without substance.

June 10 a  If you're over 40, you will remember when Al Gore received  half million more votes than Dubbya II but still lost the White House. That's actually happened four times in the history of this Republic including a controversy when Henry Clay ran for the Top Spot.

June 10 a There's your history election for today and tell that old, fat, bald guy, over at Tudor's, thanks for asking.

 

June 9 p  Glenn “Dan” Harrison of Duck, see OBITUARY page

June 9 p Delmer B. ‘Bud’ McGlothlin, 72, see OBITUARY page

June 9 p Still having puter troubles but plan to have a replacement up and running by Sunday. Guess what we're asking for during the Feb begging fund drive?

June 9 p  Town Council voted to provide pay raises for each employee during tonight's Council meeting. All received at least a  quarter on the hour

June 9 p One of the big storage tanks is leaking and should be repaired on June 20th or so. During repairs, the County will deal with  half capacity for around 3 days.

June 9 p There are many steam train rides around the nation. There are few , maybe one, rail bus ride. One of those in West Virginia is called a Salamander

June 9p We tell ya that because....

June 9 p  During Monday's BDA meeting, it was announced, a feller (think his company is RailTec) donated a set of rail wheels to the group. Know what we're talking about?

June 9 p Yes you do. You've seen those utility trucks on railroad tracks running up and down the rails doing repairs. What if the BDA could find one of those  1930's buses and convert it to rail use.

June 9 p Sure would be much cheaper to operate  than an engine and without the maintenance associated with steam power

June 9 p Might be a real draw for the tourist trade.

June 9 a After 8 years using the same home puter for everything, the tired box of electronics has laid down. Reduce updates until a replacement unit is in place and running

June 9 a The Communicator made it out the door Tuesday afternoon. The lead article covers the touchy issue of transgender rest rooms in school land. Tanner says he will quit his job before adhering to recent decrees and judicial decisions. Pretty good reading

June 9  a Neither the CAEZ nor Town Council held monthly meetings Tuesday afternoon

June 9 a  Town Council plans their gathering today at 5pm in the Wa Wa Plant on Main Street

June 9 a Clay Roane PS meets as well tonight

June 9 a  No Elk Fest has been held this year due to lack of a volunteer to be the head honcho.

June 9 a Bev Whaling affirmed that she will take the top spot and organize the fun fest this Summer. We've got a leader now for the volunteers. How about you clickers.

June 9 a Now if we can talk her into handling the Lazy River Fest in August!

June 9 a We've got some growth in County Clay.

June 9 a Glen Feed Store opened a few months ago as did a restaurant in Big Otter

June 9 a Down in Procious, Big Rock Feed is now operating in the old Little Country Feed Store building

June 9 a In downtown Clay, Billy Hays has the Clay Auto Center open for business for mechanic stuff as well as cleaning up your chariot

June 9 a If you drive out Triplett Ridge, you can see the foundation work for yet another feed and farm supply store set to open later this Summer.

June 9 a Heck ! We're going to be the feed store capitol for the region before long!

June 9 a Retired school teacher and all around nice guess, Dave Derby, is having health issues and will be in a Charleston hospital today for surgery. Get well soon Dave Derby

June 9  a With our main puter on the fritz, reduced updates this week.

June 9 a Get out of that house. Sunshine continues today

 

June 7 p   Linsey Jolene Cruickshanks, 31, of Clay, see OBITUARY page

June 6 p  Phillip "Joe" Wilson, see OBITUARY page

June 6 p If all goes well, The Communicator will be out Tuesday afternoon around 3pm. Get your 80 cents ready and enjoy!

June 6 a If you're looking to call the school system this morning, you can't . Phones and DSL are down.

June 6  a The BDA meets tonight as does the School Board. The Links are to the respective agendas

June 6 a  While traveling in Pocahantas, Nicholas, and Greenbrier Counties this weekend, noticed small plastic signs reading, "REMEMBER THEM IN NOV."

June 6 a Not sure what the message means or who is putting them up, but, our guess, our hope is, they're talking about the W Va Legislature.

June 6 a The only thing the elected folks are required to do is set the budget for the new year. That's it.

June 6 a The regular 60 day session came and went without a budget getting passed.

June 6 a A $35,000 a day Special Session costing 100's of $1000's came and went without a budget that the Governor is willing to sign. From back in Jan 2016, the Earl Ray has made it clear, he will NOT sign a new year budget that wipes out the State's Rainy Day fund.

June 6 a Instead of actually governing, House and Senate Republicrats spent their time playing politics for their corporate bosses.

June 6 a Sad day under the Gold Dome with yet another costly Special Session due to pick up next week.

June 6 a In the mean time, the Corporate Legislature is killing the State.

June 6 a High School graduates are unable to make college commitments without word on Promise Scholarship grants.

June 6 a College students often secure Summer jobs to make $$$ for the Fall. That ain't happening this year.

June 6 a About the only thing we have left in the state is tourism. Attention getting Park and Forest programs are on hold til the Budget is finalized.

June 6 a Paving plans for this Summer/ Forget it

June 6 a  With the new year starting just 3 weeks from now, for those on the Gov payroll and those using Gov insurance plans, it's getting pretty scary

June 6 a Remember Em in November!

June 4 late p Over in Communicator land, it's birthday time for the Mel Gibson look alike and his long time partner, Terri Kerns.

June 4 late p It's a well earned day off for the birthday twins.

June 3 p There's a 50 50 shot at sunshine Saturday.

June 3 p That bodes well for Clayberry being Yard Sale Central with deals around every other corner. See EVENTS page

June 3 p We've got a story for ya

June 3 p Long time local defense attorney Kevin Duffy hasn't been seen much in 2016.

June 3 p Beginning in Jan., Mr Bean Pole as some of us call him, Duffy stopped showing up for court cases. On several occasions, Judge, jury, Prosecutor, Reporter, Bailiff,, all were in place and no Duffy.

June 3 p Hearings and such were rescheduled over and over until all cases were taken from the guy. Some of those cases involved defendants sitting in the slammer awaiting their first court appearance.

June 3 p Some no shows are very costly

June 3p We started hearing stories of the Bean Pole taking up residence with some sweetie in Ohio. Those were followed by stories of serious medical problems.

June 3 p  Inspite of his costly no shows, concern was raised for Kevin's well being

June 3 p We now know, all the stories was a bunch of crapola

June 3 p This week, Kevin Duffy's law license was suspended by the W Va Supreme Court

June 3 p Turns out the lad has been on a five month drunk!

June 3 p Here's a case of hitting rock bottom

June 3 p Back in Feb., Duffy was so drunk a Speedway clerk wouldn't sell him anymore beer.

June 3 p  According to the Court record, Mr Bean Pole grabbed beer, lip balm, a big bag of Doritos and toilet paper as he made a mad dash to the car and out of the parking lot he did go

June 3 p It didn't take  but a minute for Ohio Badges to find him

June 3p Duffy was parked in the left lane of highway munching down on the snacks and drinking beer

June 3 p That's the left lane, the passing lane of a highway!!

June 3p  Between not showing up for hearings, making up fibs,  other criminal charges, going wild during a domestic hearing....   Our Big Robes took Kevin Duffy's law license on June 2nd

June 3 p Guess what's going to be out lead story? We'll have all the juicy details in Tuesday's newspaper of choice

June 3 p For this weekend, head to the Clay Pool, go to yard sales, have a picnic.

June 3p Get out of the house and have some fun!

2 p  Special Notice:  Orphaned & in need of permanent homes, three cute-as-a-button blue eyed kittens.  Hope to have them eating solid food soon, and ready to leave.  If you are interested in adopting one of these babes, please call 304-587-7753.

June 2 p Local non profits depended on Budget Digest grants thru the Legislature for many years.  Later the name of those small grants was changed to Governor's Partnership Grants.

June 2 p  For small groups like fire departments, community centers, and such, those small grants made a big difference in keeping much needed local services up and running.

June 2 p When the Republicrats took control of the Legislature two sessions ago, about 99% of those grant awards came to a halt.

June 2 p As noted on today's homepage, Delegate Roger Hanshaw was a part of the presentation down in Clendenin where $25,000 was given to a non profit. Although that group serves outside Kanawha County, Delegate Hanshaw's district does not include Kanawha County.

June 2 p Guess no group in County Clay is in need of equipment funding.

June 1  a How about spaghetti for lunch? Check out a real meal deal on the EVENTS page

June 1 a  The hurherald website has been one of the most accurate inside looks at this region for 20 years. Every day, 1000's of clickers walk over there for a glimpse at what's right and wrong in this crumbling state. Bob Weaver is the driving force behind the online operation.

June 1 a Yesterday was his last day behind the monitor. He's retiring from duty.

June 1 a He and the site will be greatly missed.

June 1 a Minus coal severance taxes, Clayberry and many other counties are broke.

June 1 a One of the worst ways to waste remaining tax $$$ is to go to court where the only winners are the Suits from Charleston

June 1 a We feel another court case comin' Behind the scenes, here's what's happening

June 1 a The Sheriff's office is short on staff. Top Badge Samples has enough $$$ to hire one Black Shirt. That process of testing is normally a ho hum process. Not so this time around.

June 1 a Applications were accepted two months ago. Four were received . Of those four, one made it over the first hump, the written test.

June 1 a The hiring process is overseen by the County Civil Service Board made up of a Pentagon rep (KT), Arlie Fulks, and the just defeated big time during the Primary Election, the Poopster

June 1 a The recent meetings of that Board have been fiery to say the least.

June 1 a Our Top Badge wanted the rules changed so those under 21 years of age could apply.

June 1 a That was shot down last week.

June 1 a The Sheriff wants to have more names on the list for future hires.

June 1 a That too has been shot down.

June 1 a  Maybe still licking his wounds from the election or still feeling the big pants syndrome, behind the  scenes, it's the Poopster gumming things up while this county is in need of more Badges on duty

June 1 a Can Arlie Fulks be on the Civil Service Board while serving as a volunteer Badge?

June 1 a How come Superintendent Tanner refuses to attend the Civil Board meetings?

June 1 a Does the County Commission have any control over the hires?

June 1 a Watch for these issues and more to turn into a costly suit in Circuit Court in short order

June 1 a  But WAIT! There's More!

June 1 a Gary King serves as a process server and bailiff. Been at it a few years. In the Courtroom and assisting the Probation Officer, King has the same powers, including arrest power, as a full fledged, fully trained Badge.

June 1 a In a pinch, he is often heard on the scanner assisting in other duties. Here in the outback, that extra set of hands is an excellent back up during "tough" times. King is paid less than a Black Shirt Deputy too.

June 1 a On Friday, Top Badge Samples received a formal letter from Charleston regulators with mandates on King, not dressing as a Black Shirt, No Badge, No Gun, No riding in a cruiser with a blue light, and more

June 1 a Truth is, stand Gary beside, Garrett, Robert, and Tyler, from ten feet away, they all are dressed the same.

June 1 a Close up, King's Badge and shirt patches are different. Our Top Badge even says King's britches are different

June 1 a That formal letter came after an anonymous tip was sent to the regulators under the Gold Dome.

June 1 a It has all the markings of yet another behind the scenes retaliation foray of none other than that wittle round ex Sheriff, the guy that could only muster 280 or so votes, the PoopMiester.

June 1 a There's a reason why County Clay voters mark their ballots the way they do.

June 1 a We're seeing the reason rise up again right now in the Land of Little where court cases are killing us.

May 31 a  No meetings this last day of May

May 31 a For a couple years, the BDA made a big push to grow tourism in Clayberry. Three years ago the volunteers came up with an Easter event, Elk Fest, Fall Elk Fest, Decorating Leonard Poles, and Winter Fest.

May 31 a With a change in BDA volunteers, those fun events are gone

May 31 a Two months ago, the BDA asked around for a head honcho to take charge of the Elk Fest and keep it going. Around the table they looked and no one was willing to take on the weighty task.

May 31 a Last week, Mayor Whaling said she would happily take the top spot and organize the Fest for Summer 2016.

May 31 a For the thang to  happen,  Bev is going to need some help. How about you. You can reach the Mayor at Town Hall. Call today

 

May 30 a Welcome to the first day of Summer

May 30 a Even here in Poorsville, it's a time celebrate with family picnics and games

May 30 a  For us pale white people, it's also a time to turn bright red after too  much sun

May 30 a Enjoy the Holiday

May 30  a We have a complex  in Clayberry, we want to park right in front of the door. Most won't even walk two car lengths to shop.

May 30 a  There's two times during the year when our roads get congested, Apple Festival weekend and Clay High Graduation morning.

May 30 a In prep for Saturday's CHS graduation, for about the third year, the Pentagon provided shuttle service from four nearby parking spots. hey picked up graduation goers, dropped them off at the front door, and then returned everyone back to the parking lots.

May 30 a  The idea was to cut down on the congestion and reduce the chance of accidents when parents parked along the main two lane in front of the school. Often the curb parking results with two tires over into the driving lane.

May 30 a Very nice idea right? Something that makes sense from the Pentagon!

May 30 a  Saturday morning at 10:15, there were a grand total of three vehicles parked at Pierson Lumber, 4 at Clay Middle and zero at the Pentagon.

May 30 a  Once again near CHS, cars and trucks parked along the main drag making driving treacherous.

May 30  a  That string of parked cars spanned from the school half way up river to the Town of Clay. That makes for about a 1/4 mile walk instead of the shuttle bus to the front door

May 30 a Go figure

May 27 p Great news parents.

May 27 p  The Clay pool opens Saturday at noon. Great place to drop off the rug rats for a few hours of peace and quiet.

May 27 p The pool will reopen on Memorial Day from noon to  6pm.

May 27 p With temps above 90 degrees... Just in time !

May 27 a Clay High graduation comes Saturday morning at 10 am. Parking is always a mess for that big event. Often cars park half way out on the two lane and restrict traffic flow while making for dangerous driving in the area..

May 27 a This year, The Pentagon is offering Shuttle Bus service to Graduation

May 27 a Beginning at 8 am attendees will be picked up from four locations and taken to CHS.

May 27 a The locations include, Clay Middle, The Pentagon, Peirson Lumber Co, and the bus garage.

May 27  a  And Yes, they plan to bring you back to your vehicles afterwards.

May 27 a Things happen in Clayberry and are never, hardly ever, mentioned in public

May 27 a Like, the Town of Clay was fined $120,000 for a faulty Log Factory operation during Mayor Clifton's reign.  The DEP cited all kinds of infractions including, dumping logs directly in the Elk River.

May 27 a That fine was later reduced to  a still outragious $60,000.00.

May 27 a Not one mention was made during Town Council meetings back then.

May 27 a The DEP is suppose to come to a soon to be held Council meeting. We've got our fingers crossed that they don't bring their ticket book again.

May 27 a  Those fines, including the $50,000 DEP fine during the Mayor Jarrett administration, have to be paid. Customers do the paying.  Those fines make up part of the operation expense and are included during rate increase proceedings.

 

May 26 p  Ruby Lane, 98, of Bickmore, see OBITUARY page

 

May 25 a Big long agenda posted for this morning's County Commission meeting which begins at 10am.

May 25 a The Communicator made it out the door yesterday around 2pm. Distributors in four counties sell the newspaper of choice. Get one today

May 25 a The National Spelling Bee spotlights some pretty remarkable kids. Here's some interesting background on the contest.

May 25 a For your edification: Finnish babies sleep in cardboard boxes.

May 25 a  Make it a good day

 

May 23 p  Erma Rada McCune, 92, of Ivydale,  see OBITUARY page

May 23 p Communicator comes out Tuesday afternoon. No new posts to we get that rascal out the door

May 23 p Tonight's School Board meeting including updates on the April 20th near massacre will be included.

May 23 p Should be good reading

 

May 22 p  From CHS Track Coach Matt Sticker: Trevor Armes is the new WV AA state champ in the 400m dash.  He competed yesterday in the state meet and lived up to the prediction and won the 400m dash race.  He set his new personal record with a run of 50.64 seconds.    Trevor is only a junior and will be back next year to defend his state title.

May 22 p By the way, that's the first ever Track and Field Champ for Clay High. Congratulations Trevor!

May 22 p Got this a little too late for the EVENTS page:  U.S. Senator Joe Manchin’s office will be Clay Monday morning,  May 23rd from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the Clay County Courthouse, 246 Main Street, Clay, as they launch their eighth “Commonsense Connections” week. Representatives from his office are traveling across the state making stops throughout to bring federal government to West Virginians, hear their commonsense priorities and concerns, and to take information back to the senator.  Sen. Manchin will not be there.

May 22 p School Board meets Monday evening beginning at 5pm in the Clay High Library. Here's the agenda for the festivities.

May 22 p  32 days ago, Clay Middle School was to have been the scene of a massacre. Fortunately, it didn't happen.

May 22p With three arrests made, Green Shirt statements indicate the investigation is about over unless some new tip is provided them.

May 22 p Now it's up to  the Court system to render justice.

May 22p Unless the Judge decides to make this an adult case, which could happen , or at least has happened in other states, the public will hear nothing more.

May 21 a Suppose to be a car show in downtown Clay this soggy Saturday.

May 21 a For all those seeking to make some extra money this Summer, the Town of Clay plans to go after property owners that don't cut their grass and cut it for em. If you're a grass cutting, weed whacking person in search of work, stop by the Wa Wa Plant and sign up on the call out list. They plan to go down the list until someone agrees to do the contract work. See JOBS page for details.

May 21 a John Perdue came to town giving away $$ to various agencies. The funds came from the unclaimed property fund his office oversees.

May 21 a Pay out went to the Pentagon, Clay Development, Clay Ambulance, Faith Mountain.

May 21 a Interesting observation. During the hand out presentation, Sheriff Samples came thru the Courthouse with a young lad in cuffs. Bad timing on the Top Badge's part. So much for juvy secrecy in Clayberry.

May 21 a We received quite a few guesses during the mystery photo contest Thursday and Friday.

May 21 a  That mystery guy on the home page is Jimmy Miller who lives out Wilson Ridge. The photo is from his 1955 graduation album where his nick name was listed as "Punk Miller"

 

May 19 p   The Clayberry School website reports:   Thursday, May 19, 2016 - The West Virginia State Police announced today that a 3rd juvenile has been charged in connection with the Clay County Middle School Threat Investigation. Additional information may be found on the websites of the major statewide news media outlets.  Clay County Schools may not lawfully release the name or additional identifying information about the juvenile.  Clay County Schools Administrative Officials were expecting this 3rd arrest might well happen.  Clay County Schools will continue to work with law enforcement officials as this case moves forward.  Thank you very much.

May 19 a Looks like we may have a dry day with temps around 70. Great

May 19 a Our mystery person on the home page drew a bunch of responses.

May 19 a From her 1955 year book entry, that's Gravel Gurdy as she goes by in the Brother Bill articles, or Evelyn McLaughlin to the rest of the world.

May 19 a This evening at 7pm the local emergency planning group meets in the conference room of the Health Dept on Main Street.

May 19 a Their goal is to come up with protocols at the ready just in case something bad happens.

May 17 a Every guess in the Mystery Person contest has been wrong-o. Here's a hint. This lady spent decades teaching school and currently is a near famous writer in the county's locally owned and operated newspaper. Email your guess

May 17 a  Several years ago, Smoking Czar, Septic Tank Inspector, Emergency response guy, and RN Jay Carper was fired from the Health Dept after viewing porn on an office computer.

May 17 a Since then Carper has gone thru the civil service process followed by the Court system to get his job back .

May 17 a We use to say, allegedly viewing porn on an office computer.

May 17 a In Court records, in the finding of fact sections, Judge Alsop left no doubt about the viewing part on company time.

May 17 a When this site published, If Carper was doing such on company time and equipment, he would be a dumb bunny. Carper sued us along with several government agencies and individuals. In the suit he sought millions.

May 17 a In Circuit Court land, the case was tossed after one hearing.

May 17 a Most thought everything was settled until summons were issued for a Federal Court case.

May 17 a When that Judge tossed everything, we thought the case was finally over.

May 17 a Nope

May 17 a An appeal was issued to the Big Robes.

May 17 a  Yesterday the Robes tossed the appeal.

May 17 a For defense attorneys, each case (state, federal, appeal) demanded a $10,000 up front fee before county insurance coverage kicked in.

May 17 a  After Jay Carper  "costed" the county $1000's upon $1000's in attorney bills, the case is finally over.

May 17 a  Moving on....

May 17 a  Many counties and municipalities in the state have laws on the books which demand homeowners keep their lawns mowed, vines cut back, trash picked up, and no junk vehicles setting around.

May 17 a Last night Clay Town Council discussed such measures and the existing ordinance on the books.

May 17 a With the Mayor leading the charge to clean up the hamlet of little, sounds like, letters will be penned this week giving property owners five days to clean things up. If that doesn't work, the Town will contract out the maintenance duties followed by demands to pay the clean up bill.

May 17 a Also discussed last night was some feller driving and parking his big log truck on Back Street. Seems the weight of the rig has destroyed the pavement leaving pot holes and leaving little room for motorists to travel the one lane artery.

May 17 a  The get tough notions are probably needed but there are problems.

May 17 a On the log truck issue, the Town does not own the street. Several years ago, Council gave all the local streets to the state

May 17 a As for improving the looks of Clay, it sure needs it

May 17 a But....

May 17 a The local government needs to set the example for others to follow

May 17 a Like, real close to the trail head for the Buffalo Creek tourism trail, the Town has a weed grown over and vine covered place that use to serve as a sewer plant.

May 17 a Setting the example would make tough measures more bearable.

 

May 17 p With the rain coming down, today is the last day of school for the Class of 2016.

May 17 p They know little of what's coming their way.

May 17 p In the morning post we provided three links to area media outlets with info on arrests of the two students that planned the CMS blood bath

May 17 p THis morning's Gazette has better details. For the latest, click here.

 

May 17 a With Town Council back fully seated, there's a Special Meeting this evening beginning at 5pm. With the agenda properly posted last week, might be a good one to attend

May 17 a Mayor Whaling has a new job over at Premier Bank in Two Run

May 17 a LEPC is holding a meeting this Thursday in the Health Dept conference room beginning at 7pm.

May 17 a Both gatherings are open to the public

May 17 a The Buffalo Creek Watershed group received  a DEP award for their efforts to clean up and turn the tributary to the Elk into a tourism draw for Clay County. Click on the link for something reaal special. Notice, Moon Mullins all dressed up. Now that's something you don't see every day!

May 17 a  Beginning around noon yesterday, regional TV-3, TV-8 and MetroNews media outlets starting posting two arrests from the April 20th near massacre at Clay Middle School.

May 17 a  In the TV-3 coverage comes mention that other students are being held out of school and more arrests maybe coming

May 17 a The un-named juvys are charged with making terroristic threats, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation to commit murder.

May 17 a  As of 6:30 this morning, a  quick look at the Clay County Schools web site makes no mention or provides any update on the subject.

May 17 a  During the May 9th School Board meeting, Superintendent Tanner said he would keep the public up to date. It could be, the Pentagon was kept in the dark on the arrests.

 

May 16 a Primary Election 2016 is in the history books. For the most part, voters made the right choices and elected the best person for the job. See the Communicator for all the  complete results.

May 16 a The one that puts the biggest smile on many a face is in the Sheriff's contest where the Poopster came in a distant third place.

May 16 a The smiles come after the one time Sheriff once told Clayonians, I am the most popular guy in the county and can win any race I want to

May 16 a He's eating those words now

May 16 a  Last Monday a whole gaggle of parents showed up for the School Board meeting held Monday night. One of the speakers was Sheriff Garrett Samples who spoke on quick response times because his office is within a few seconds of Clay Elem and the Middle School.

May 16 a His words were terse which ain't very common for the Top Badge

May 16 a Later this week we asked the guy about the street talk, Black Shirts were left out of the Almost Massacre on April 20th. Samples provided , the rumors are true. The Sheriff's Dept was kept at arm's length

May 16 a As for the Black Shirts' presence at last Saturday's CHS Prom, Garrett said it was very apparent, the Pentagon wanted no part of local Badges there. It was only after a quick chat with the CHS Principal that the normal duties were resumed.

May 16 a In this one horse place, we're trying to figure that out.

May 16 a The best we can figure, the Pentagon is still smarting from a court case several months back where a female driver passed a lights on school bus but asked Black Shirt Robert Belt to drop the case. He didn't

May 16 a With the bus drivers and the Pentagon mad at Belt, that could help explain his distant 2nd place finish in the Sheriff's race five days ago

May 16 a Suppose to be dry today. Get out and enjoy it while you can

May 12 a  Wetzel Neal, 84, of Indore, see OBITUARY page

May 12 The Communicator is now available . 20 pages of great information including election coverage on all the local contests. Just 80s cents and worth every penny

May 12 a The Panthers lost their first game in Sectional Tournament play Tuesday evening

May 12 a In the double elimination tourny, tonight at 6pm is their second and last shot at moving on up

May 12 a 101.7FM will air the contest on an encore basis around 9:30pm. Go Panthers

May 12 a

 

May 10 p According to County Clerk Connie Workman, all polls opened on time this morning

May 10 p We suggested that the 804 early voting number was down from other years.

May 10 p  Workman checked the numbers and said the 804 figure was down just a little bit, maybe by 75 voters or  so

May 10 a In Small Town America, the place to be on election night is the Courthouse to listen as the votes are called out on the PA system. Sometimes, things get excited!

 

May 10 a It's Election Day in West Virginia.

May 10 a If you plan to gripe anytime down the road, now's your chance to have a say in your future. Vote early Vote often

May 10 a Looks like the weather is going to hold for tonight's Sectional Tournament game up at Clay County Park. 6pm is the start time for the Panther match up with Herbert Hoover High School.

May 10 a Go Panthers!

May 10 a  The game will be recorded and aired this evening on 101.7FM most likely around 9pm.

May 10 a Around 150 or more attended last night's School Board meeting held at Clay Middle School (CMS). The hot button issue was the near massacre three weeks ago at CMS.

May 10 a Around a dozen spoke up during the well orchestrated question and answer session.

May 10 a No rocks were thrown. It's tough to do such after  nice looking young people started it off with Kum Ba Ya singing followed by preachers telling the group the problem was not kids, parents,nor administrators but instead, Sin. Lots of Amens were heard

May 10 a Full write up in Wed's Communicator

May 9 p There's been a change of location for tonight's School Board meeting.

May 9 p Instead of being held in the Pentagon, the new location is the Middle School cafeteria

May 9 p You might like to take a second look at the meeting agenda where several more names have been added to the list of speakers.

May 8 p The 5:30pm public hearing on coloring books for education has also been moved to Clay Middle School

May 8 p Might be a good one!

May 9 a Tough day this Monday with schools reopening after a five day cool down period

May 9 a  Last Friday we interviewed Kenneth Tanner.  At that time, KT felt 3 arrests were coming in short order.

May 9 a We thought arrests would be made before schools reopened this morning. With our ear to the ground, we don't think that has happened.

May 9 a School Board meets tonight at 6pm in the Pentagon. A couple parents are noted on the posted agenda. Consensus has it, several will attend the public meeting looking for answers.

May 9 a Before the main event, there's a public hearing on how coloring books will do just as good during on a snow day as a regular day in school.

May 9  a The Lady Panthers are out of Sectional Tournament action with a single elimination loss to Nicholas County Friday evening

May 9 a Panther Sectional Tournament play begins Tuesday evening at 5pm out at Clay County Park

May 9  a  In politics land...

May 9 a  A little over 800 voted during early voting period. That number is down from previous cycles

May 9 a  Candidates are putting the finishing touches on their campaign with last minute calls to backers and making sure their campaign signs are up near each polling place. It's been a long season since Jan 20th but thank goodness, it's just about over.

May 9 a Election Day is tomorrow.

May 9 a A couple people have told us there's an online push to shut down Clay County's locally owned and operated newspaper, The Communicator.

May 9a We don't do social media but word has it that the underworld is telling the simple minded, don't buy it, don't shop where the paper is sold, and boycott advertisers

May 9 a That's great news!!!

May 9 a In every other similar attempt during the last 20 years, such only grows sales

May 9  a We've noticed during the last 3 months, The Communicator has nearly sold out at each store.  For several of those editions, we even added copies to meet the demand

May 9 a In an attempt to help the event to end free speech in the land of little, remember, whatever's in that rag of choice, you don't need to know!

 

May 6 a With the stormy week behind us (maybe), did you know, Buffalo Creek was stocked with another 5oo + pounds of trout on Monday

May 6 a The Lady Panthers have yet to get their first sectional tournament softball game in due to rain followed by rain and then more ...

May 6 a This afternoon at 5pm the Lady Panthers will try again  for a win over in Summersville. WYAP will broadcast the match up

May 6 a The biggest night of the year for teen age girls comes Saturday night when the festive Clay High Senior Prom kicks off

May 6 a The Courthouse will be open tomorrow for early voters 'til 5pm.  Don't take a chance on being sick or some other calamity that could keep you from exercising your voice

May 6 a The Communicator is suppose to come out Tuesday mid day.

May 6 a To include election results, we've changed the publication date to Wed May 11th.

May 6 a It's not too early to email over your ads, classifieds, obits and such

May 6 a Have a good weekend rain or shine

 

May 5 a With ball season over, it's time for sectional tournament play. Only problem is, the weather ain't co-operating. For the Lady Panthers, this afternoon ( in Nicholas County) will be the third attempt at getting the tournament underway.

May 5 a With the rain coming down and a 90% shot of the wet stuff for all of today, no official word yet, but, we doubt if the games will happen

May 5 a Back to the near butchery at Clay Middle School two weeks ago. I's time for the Pentagon to be coming up with changes in school system security.

May 5 a Hands down, without exception, book bags, back packs, must be mandated to be clear or see thru mesh. Parents will pee and mown abut coughing up $$$ for such . Too bad. That change has to be made before school starts up on Monday. If parents refuse to go with the see thru bags, kids can carry books in their arms which was the case for decades not so long ago.

May 5 a With that April 20th attack almost pulled off without management knowing about it, here's another idea if anybody is paying attention.

May  5 a All school personnel must interact with kids before and after school and during breaks. Teachers, Principals, custodians, everyone, must off the cell phones, i pads, and personal texting and actually  talk to the curtain climbers.

May 5 a Ten years ago, security systems were installed on many schools. Today, many times during the day, a door stop is used to prop open outside doors. That has to change too before Monday when classes resume.

May 5 a Those ideas cost the Pentagon nothing and can make a big difference

May 5 a Some have suggested metal detectors. Forget that notion. One they are costly to purchase and use. Most important, they don't work due to all the rug rats coming thru the doors at the same time. Forget having Badges on hand too. Truth is, there are enough adults in each school if those adults will get off their duffs and actually interact with their wards.

May 5 a Now off the soapbox and with the rain coming down, it's time for a nap.

 

May 4 a  Gary Wayne Adkins, 52, of Clay, see OBITUARY page

May 4 a Last night's sectional tournament game with Nicholas County was canceled due to the wet weather

May 4 a This evening around 5pm, the Lady Panther v Nicholas game will be tried again.

May 4 a If the Lady Panthers win tonight, their second game comes Thursday at 5pm over in Summersville

May 4 a  If they lose tonight, they will play a second match up tonight as well

May 4 a 101.7FM plans to air each contest.

 

May 3 p  Update on all we know before 11pm tonight. We're still piecing things together

May 3 l l p We were going to tell you about the invitation only Senator Capito meet and greet photo op  this afternoon followed by lack luster Town Council and CAEZ meetings. But.......

May 3 11p  Clay County Schools will be closed Wed Thurs Friday of this week

May 3 11p  Superintendent Tanner posted Monday afternoon on the school system web site :  A quiet day thus far at Clay County Middle School.  Investigation is proceeding.  The school system has received no information about a "bomb threat" that some students are using social media to talk about.  There is no bomb threat, nor a weapon either.

May 3 late p Followed by this this afternoon:  Due to additional information gleaned from the on-going "School Threat Investigation", and due to the heightened concerns of students and parents/guardians,  all Clay County Schools will be closed on Wednesday, May 4, Thursday, May 5, and Friday, May 6, 2016.  While no evidence of a threat has been received relating to any other school, school officials have determined it is in the best interest of students and parents to close all schools for this 3-day period.  School Administrators will be present at all schools to answer telephone calls and conduct business.  Barring any extraordinary circumstances, classes will resume on a regular schedule for Monday, May 9, 2016.  Thank you very much for your patience and understanding.

May 3 late p Piecing things together as best we can...

May 3 late p Social media went abuzz this morning with talk of another incident. When parents starting believing the non truths, they called for an assembly in Clay. Many parents showed up with strong concerns for the kids' safety

May 3 late p Thinking they were calming fears, four Green Shirt mobiles and six Badges showed up at Clay Middle School to assure students and staff, everything was OK and secure.

May 3 late p As soon as the hyped up parents saw the cruisers, they felt, the social media bologna was true.

May 3 late p Things got fired up.

May 3 late p With tension mounting, the Pentagon felt a cool down period was in order and notified all, three days of down time was coming our way.

May 3 late p Parents have every right to be on high alert but to base that on social media, things go South real quick

May 3 late p We're hearing the original investigation continues with Green Shirt visits to students as late as Sunday May 1st.

May 3 late p As for bombs, a second planned attack, etc, as far as we can gather as of 10:15 tonight, it's all social media buzz without merit

May 3 late p There is one other nugget we're getting...

May 3 late p Sometime this morning a Green Shirt was talking with a parent and spouted something along the lines of: I wouldn't send my kids there, it's not safe

May 3 late p If that utterance is true, that was the final blow that sent parents to Clay this afternoon.

May 3 late p It's a multi faceted cluster that continues to grow

May 3 late p A cool down period is the best way to let the dust settle

May 3 late p Of course, those days most likely will be made up in June.

May 3 a   The CAEZ group os scheduled to hold their two monthly meetings tonight in the Courthouse. Eco Dev commences at 4 with their full Bd at 6pm

May 3 a Town Council also meets this afternoon beginning at 5pm where they plan to appoint Jason Hubbard to replace Councilman Josh Shamblin who resigned from office April 1st. Should make for a good meeting

May 3 a They've also called for a 4:45 public hearing

May 3 a Sectional tournament play gets underway over in Summersville at 5pm. 101.7FM plans to air the matchup with Nicholas

May 3 With a 50 / 50 shot at rain today, there may be delays

May 3 a Clayberry has never had a Supreme Court justice. Barrister Wayne King hopes to change that this election cycle.

May 3 a His under funded campaign went 21st century with his You Tube video which is a real hoot.

May 3 a Also on You Tube , you can find his forum debate with the other candidates. In that, the Waynster lays waste to the other candidates including what's wrong with the W Va Supreme Court.

May 3 a Both are great ways to screw off a few minutes while at work.

May 3 a Enjoy another rainy Spring day.

May 2 p About the same time as the sun broke thru the clouds, a wide swath of Clayberry went black.

May 2 p By noon:15, electric was off for nearly every Elk Power customer.

May 2 p The problem was a tree down on the Appalachian Power Co main line which provides the juice for the local provider.

May 2 p There was around a 2 hour delay of repairs while AEP waited on Asphudl crews to cut out the tree carcus.

May 2 p Making it tougher on repair crews, the rain came back big time around 5pm.

May 2 p Without power and electric needed phones, for over 6 hours we were back in the 19th century. Close to 6:30 tonight, life returned to Clayberry.

May 2 p Such makes it very rough on business in the land of little

 

May 1 p  Clay County's BDA meet Monday evening beginning at 6:30pm. The gatherings are held in the old State Road garage in Two Run and are open to the public

May 1 p For official word on last week's  scuttled shoot out plans by Middle School kids, check out the Pentagon's website.

May 1 p For your edumacation...

May 1 p  Giraffes have the highest blood pressure in the animal kingdom. The blood has to make it up that long neck

May 1 p  Bird cannot survive in outer space because their digestive systems require gravity to function

May 1 p Three dogs survived the sinking of the Titanic.

May 1 p The CHesapeake Bay was formed from a meteor impact crater

May 1 p And finally for this installment of important information: If Charles Lindbergh's father hadn't changed the family's last name, the famed aviator would be known as Charles Manson

 

May 1 a  After keeping our ear to the ground for a couple more days, we've got a little more conjecture from the much planned and nearly pulled off Middle School massacre plan hatched by a couple middle school boys

May 1 a  How would you go about killing  a bunch of teachers and students?

May 1 a What about security procedures already in place or those that would be put in place as soon as the first bullet was fired

May 1 a These 13 year old's plan included a work around for every classroom door being locked after the first shot was fired

May 1 a Step one was to kill the CMS custodian to gain access to the key ring. With those keys, every room would be available to the attackers

May 1 a Would you have thought to go after the custodian first?

May 1 a Scary Yes but even scarier...

May 1 a Had the duo gone ahead with their April 20th plan to attack, no one at the Pentagon would have known ahead of time.

May 1 a It was only after the students held up the April 20th scheme to grow their band of killers, did the Administration get word

May 1 a Had one student not spilled the beans, every news crew in the nation would be here today with cameras rolling

May 1 a Hug your kid, hug your teacher, hug the janitor, we, everyone, got lucky this time

 

April 29 1:15p   the 12:13p post has been revised, please reread

April 29 12:13p  Clear some time, get a cup of coffee and start reading

April 29 p This time of year, kids should be, normally are, thinking about baseball, Spring gobbler season, and such. For the boys, they normally are checking out the little sweety with the new push bra. Not every kid in the Clay School System are normal.

April 29 p TV-8 news was first to make public a report this morning on a scheme to pull off a Columbine school massacre over at Clay Middle School.

April 29 p  After reading that online account and then pulling together all the social media postings plus local coffee-house ramblings, here's what we've come up with so far.

April 29 p  Keep in mind the sources and as Ernie Sirk use to say, You're getting it just as I  got it..

April 29 p  Two Middle School students hatched the massacre  idea

April 29 p They plotted out who they wanted to kill including teachers and a service personnel

April 29 p One source said the two  went as far as to do a "dry run" before the shooting day.

April 29 p After the dry run test, the kids realized they needed some help pulling off the  mass execution set for April 20th. Instead of getting only half the job done, they held up the slaughter day and enlisteded other CMS students.

April 29 p  One, some, of the those new recruits spilled the beans and the Pentagon found out about the proposed carnage.

April 29 p It is our understanding that the one accused as the master mind was taken out of the system before the start of the school day

April 29 p One student told us that Asst Bus Czar Mike Mullins was on a bus the next morning. Our guess, Mullins was making the ride so as to prevent the second conspirator kid from getting on or making it to school

April 29 p Why would a kid (s) consider such  butchery? We don't know, may never know for that matter

April 29 p Was this a serious threat, our sources, all of em, say yes. It wasn't just a couple kids talking or mad at some teachers.

April 29 p Today is an early out day for curtain climbers. With the social sites abuzz last night, that  may explain why so many kids never showed up today for short classes.

April 29 p Ditto for the employees that had their names on the hit list, absent.

April 29 p More as we get it.

 

April 29 a We've made it . It's Friday, the last one in April and the sun is out!

April 29 a House of Delegate candidate Dave Walker will be interviewed this morning on 101.7FM beginning at 10am sharp.

April 29 a Better enjoy the music and dance at the Big Otter Community Center tonight because the place will be closed down the entire month of May. See ADVISORY page for more

April 29 a There's been a  real strong early voting turn out so far this cycle. In years past, a full 1/3 of all votes cast are done so before Election Day

April 29 a If you're looking for a handyman , we've got a new listing on the JOBS page

April 29 a Hard to believe but PeeWee sign ups are now in progress. Full details on the ADVISORY page

April 29 a Got a call from CAEZ  yesterday who informed us, the first of the apple trees are being planted today with the balance put in t he ground on Saturday.

April 29 a Wondering where the new orchard will be located? Big Lup says signs will be in place guiding you to the spot. Still no word on a much needed 8 foot tall fence for the place.

April 29 a Plenty of yard sale opportunities today and Saturday. See EVENTS page now

April 28 p Got a correction from yesterday's post concerning the apple trees the CAEZ plans to plant this Saturday on an old strip mine site. The correct quantity should have read 2000 trees being planted Saturday.

April 28 p Big Lup did not make any mention of when the fence around the proposed orchard would be erected. Many in the county know, those new young shoots won't last anytime unless the deer are kept at bay.

April 28 p Come Sunday, instead of a new young apple orchard, it might be a new stand of stubs.

April 28 p As of noon today , the County of Little remains without a Frontier tele or DSL link to the world. If you're trying to operate a business in these parts, you ain't today.

April 28 p Fortunately for The Communicator office, we receive high speed internet via satellite service which remains working just fine.

April 28 p One other note, some people will say, internet phone service won't work if you use a satellite internet connection

April 28 p That's not true IF you have at least 8 megs down from your provider.

April 28 p Remember John Habjan who use to operate residential natural gas service in Clayberry?

April 28 p Habjan stopped in the office today to let us know, he's running for President of the USA.

April 28 p After we quit laughing, turns out, he means it. No not a Demorat nor a Republicrat but on the Constitutional Conservative party.

 

April 28 a The Tuesday evening storm followed by last night's heavy rain have left Frontier tele and DSL service down, as they say.

April 28 a The local radio station sends it audio via Frontier DSL to the transmitter site. With no DSL, no radio for now.

April 28 a The late to start Panther baseball game did not go our way

April 28 a During Wed morning's County Commission meeting, CAEZ Director Big Lup told the elected ones of all the good works created by the CAEZ including, they plan to plant the first 2000 apple trees on an old strip mine site  near the Clay Nicholas County line in the Southern section of Clayberry.

April 28 a When asked for directions to the site, Big Lup was unable to give em

April 28 a Each year, each county in the state is eligible to receive a $30K grant from the state for economic development

April 28 a Normally, the BDA, Clay Development and the CAEZ compete for the funds.

April 28 a This year, the CAEZ was awarded the loot without competition from the other two groups.

April 28 a  Doesn't look like the grass around the old Courthouse has been cut this year. The green is up about a foot tall with dandelions spores blowing left and right.

April 28 a Magistrate Jeff Boggs was on hand for the CCC meeting where he asked the group to cut the grass around the old Courthouse.

April 28 a Assurances were given for the facelift

April 28 a At 9am, for the first time in two days, the sun is shiing thru the clouds

April 28 a Great!

 

April 27 a Big storm Tuesday evening brought lots of rain, thunder boomers and lightening. Dogs cats and politicians spent the night cowering under the bed! Frontier Tele DSL service remains unavailable  in parts of this county.

April 27 a Suppose to be a CHS baseball game this afternoon at 5pm. Roane County is the opponet. With all the rain last night and a 70% chance of the wet stuff today, not sure if the game will get played. Will post if we hear anything.

April 27 a The Communicator made the news stands Tuesday afternoon. 24 page of great info on beautiful County Clay.

April 27 a Lead story provides the details on the newest lawsuit in the county, Cindy Duffield v 911 Director Denise Holcomb / County Commission. Pretty juicy stuff with mentions of backdoor crap often associated with what's wrong with this place.

April 27 a County  Commission meets this morning at 10am.

April 27a With everything saturated, the meeting is a great place to get out of the weather and enjoy free entertainment

April 27 a Later today 2nd Congressional District candidate Harvey Peyton as well as Family Court Judge candidate Brad Dorsey will be interviewed live on WYAP radio in downtown Clay. Action begins at 4pm sharp.

April 25 late p The Panthers took it on the nose in the 7th inning tonight. Final, Nicholas 7, CHS 6.

April 25 p  As a public service to Clayberry voters, live candidate interviews continue this afternoon on 101.7FM beginning around 3 pm with Mark Hunt.

April 25 p Tuesday afternoon, Angela Walker Cantrell at 5pm followed by Peter Triplett at 6pm

April 25 p For Wednesday  on WYAP HArvey Peyton at 4pm followed by Brad Dorsey at 5

April 25 p Also on tap is a CCHS Panther game when they take on Nicholas County in Summersville. WYAP and WTUB will sportscast the match up live beginning around 5:15

April 25 p Go Panthers!!

April 25 p The Communicator comes out Tuesday mid afternoon.   Deadline for submissions is TODAY. Email your stuff now please

April 25 p Should be a good edition with the lead story covering the new lawsuit against 911 Director Denise Holcomb and the County Commission brought by ousted employee, CIndy Duffield.

April 22 p With election season here, WYAP on 101.7FM in Clay will be  interviewing those seeking office.  The sister station WTUB-LP (106.7FM) will also air the sessions.

APril 22 p This afternoon at 3pm, County Commission candidate Fran King will be in front of the mic followed by House of Delegate office seeker, Greg Crist at 4pm

April 22 p At 5pm today. the Demorat Committee will be hosting a meet the candidate night beginning at 5pm over at the Lion's Club building on Main Street

April 22 p Good band tonight up at the Big Otter Community Center. Put on your dancing shoes!

April 22 p Enjoy your weekend!

 

April 20 a  Eileen Ernestine (Willis) Holliday, see OBITUARY page

April 20 a Big CHS softball game this afternoon beginning around 5pm or so. WYAP plans to air the contest on 101.7FM.

April 20 a Not very long ago, Clay Town Council had a coming together. During that meeting, Council persons opened up as did the Mayor. They spoke of changes they needed to make. How they could overcome problems. The Mayor made public short comings they were having as elected officials. The group came together in March.

April 20 a As the meeting was ending, one lardy in the peanut gallery told the group, that was the best, most open, meeting, in a long time. We thought it was a new beginning for the county's only municipality

April 20 a We were wrong

April 20 a Last night, Council persons Joyce Gibson, JP Helms, Jerry Stover,  and Denise Holcomb voted unanimously to appoint town employee Joe Coleman to succeed ousted from office Dwana Murphy, as Town Recorder.

April 20 a The vote came on the heels of discussing and agreeing with W VA Ethics Commission opinions which forbid municipal employees from serving as elected officials in the same town.

April 20 a That vote came on the heels of Jerry Stover saying during a recent meeting, the group should steer away from such a hire, like they have had to deal with for many years. He was referring to Dwana Murphy.

April 20 a During the lead up to the appointment, Council was provided with no less than three W Va Ethic Commission opinions on the subject of using employees as elected officials.

April 20 a That vote came on the heels of JP Helms bringing up the long standing controversy of having a town water plant operator serve as Recorder, Dwana Murphy.

April 20 a The vote was unanimous.

April 20 a As a note, one day after Dwana Murphy turned in her resignation, we received an email which included: after Dwana resigned, she told the group,  SHE would be the person to appoint her successor. The email added the next Recorder would be Joe Coleman.

April 20 a Remember  that email came over two months ago.

April 20 a Before your dander raises and think we're bad mouthing Joe Coleman, think again.

April 20 a Facts are facts and Mr Coleman is not and was not illegible to be Town Recorder

April 20 a Just when we thought progress was being made in Town leadership and thinking a brighter future may be on the way, it went South again.

April 20 a Once again, the Town has opened itself up to public ridicule and exposed itself to unbridled lawsuits.

April 20 a It's a sad day in Clay.

April 19 p The  most important thing you can do as an American is to vote

April 19 p If you don't vote, don't complain

April 19 p Today is the last day  to register to vote.

April 19 p Get your big fat butt out of bed , head over to the County Clerk's office before 4pm, and get registered.

April 19 a Town Council will convene a Special Meeting today at 5pm where agenda items include appointing a a replacement Recorder, consider a pay raise for employee Joe Coleman, and replacing resigned Council person Josh Shamblin.

April 19 a Very important meeting

April 19 a This afternoon's Lady Panther v Braxton game ain't happening

April 19 a The School Board's meeting agenda says the show will begin at 6pm. Wrong O.

April 19 a The Board meeting will get underway at 5:30 followed by Honor Society induction's. The action happens at Clay High and the world's invited

April 19 a  We've also got an LEPC meeting at the Health Dept at the same time.

April 19 a Pick your fun and enjoy

April 19 a Sunday afternoon just before 4pm, volunteer fire fighters were called to task for a log cabin structure fire at  294 Little Beechy Road. The unoccupied building went up in smoke real quick as has 50 or so acres around the place.

April 19 a That was Sunday. Since then, volunteers went back Monday at 2:05pm to suppress a flair up as well as another repeat later on Monday.

April 19 a  Be sure to read yesterday's post on the new lawsuit before continuing with this update

April 19 a Did you go below and check it out ? OK

April 19 a The whistle blower suit centers around 911 Director Denise Holcomb and her "pay back" actions toward Cindy Duffield.

April 19 a In addition to Duffield seeing and reporting "double dipping", others have brought the allegations to the attention of local government

April 19 a Last year, a private citizen made a presentation to a Grand Jury alleging, Holcomb was getting paid as a Town Council person while on the 911 payroll. Copies of Holcomb's  time sheets for 9 months as well as her Town Council meeting minutes showing her presence (at the same time) was made to the jurors.

April 19 a Back then, the jury did not believe the facts and did NOT return a true bill

April 19 a As a follow up by a private citizen, a request for the West Virginia Ethics Commission to intervene came and went without positive action by the folks down in Charleston.

April 19 a  It is our understanding that a second W VA  Ethics request was made on the allegations of Denise Holcomb double dipping while a school system employee and working at the same time for the 911 center.

April 19 a Also behind the scenes has been an investigation by some kind of Legislative Investigation Committee.

April 19 a So far, nothing has "stuck" against Denise Holcomb.

April 19 a The interesting part of this civil suit brought by Cindy Duffield is the mention of Commissioner Linky fully knowing of the concerns and then motioning and voting to install then 911 Dispatcher  Denise Holcomb into the Director's position

April 19 a More coming in the next post.

 

April 18 a Was going to provide a flashback for last week but, instead ... Get yourself a cup of coffee

April 18 a In the current edition of the Communicator comes what we knew on the hearsay, criminal case that might be coming on Magistrate Jeff Boggs. Get yourself a copy of the paper to make sense of this online post.

April 18 a Friday afternoon, Prosecutor Jim Samples confirmed, a Special Prosecutor and Magistrate has been assigned to the investigation. It's official now!

April 18 a Samples added, many times, such attention is given a public official, and the investigation concludes, not enough for a criminal complaint to be carried thru.

April 18 a We think, when the investigation is complete, the report will read, both Boggs and Poopy need a time out and be sent to the blackboard to write a 100 times: I will not be behave like a five year old, I will not behave like a five year old....

April 18 a Moving away from childish behavior

April 18 a The count is getting sued again.  Filed late last week, 16-C-8 is Cynthia Duffield v Clay County Commission, Denise Holcomb. Denise is the full time 911 Director, employee of the School System, and remains elected to Clay Town Council. Of the County Commission, only Jerry LinkyPoo is named specifically.

April 18 a The whistle blower case alleges that Duffield got fired by Denise in retaliation for having the goods on Holcomb.   From the facts of the case, some excerpts...

April 18  a In Sept 2014 Duffield and Holcomb applied for the 911 DIrector position...

April 18 a  "Thru the application process, Duffield learned that Holcomb had been "double dipping" working simultaneously for the County Commission and for another entity"...

April 18 a Duffield informed the CCC specifically Linky Poo of the issue....

April 18 a  Holcomb was promoted to the Director's position....

April 18 a On that same day (Sept 14 2014)  Denise Holcomb approached Cindy Duffield and threatened to terminate her employment in retaliation for reporting Holcomb's "double dipping"...

April 18 a Holcomb learned that Duffield had spoken to the [Ethics] investigator and made comments that she would take down Cindy....

April 18 a  Shortly thereafter Holcomb terminated Duffield's employment...

April 18 a Sound juicy? Even though everything is just the opening volley of a protracted and costly court case, it sheds light on what many consider is really going on, and has gone on, in Clayberry for decades....

April 18 a We'll provide inside stuff on that mention of the Ethics Commission investigation tonight.

April 18a  Got Ta Wuv Clayberry!

 

April 17 p Emma Jean Wilkinson, 78, of Duck, see OBITUARY page

 

April 15 2016  Jerry Clayton Fields, 72 of Clay, see OBITUARY page

April 15 2016  Hard to believe but one week ago today, snow was coming down

April 15 p Big win tonight out at Clay County Stadium as the Panthers win it, 5 to 4

April 15 p There's plenty going on this weekend

April 15 p Haul in your junk day at Pierson's Log Yard

April 15 p Super Saturday for the Little League

April 15 p Lake Sampson FIshing Derby starts at 8am

April 15 p Big Auction down at the old Little Country Feed Store

April 15 p Yard Sales out the Waaaazooo

April 15 p See EVENTS page for details

April 15 p Enjoy this Spring weekend one and all

 

April 15 a Inez Oleta Westfall, 90, of Ivydale, WV, see OBITUARY page

 

April 14 p One of the best ways to keep control of our government is to attend public meetings.

April 14 p One such meeting comes tonight down at the Procious Wa Wa Plant when the Clay Roane PSD convenes their monthly get together beginning at 6:30pm

April 14 a After a night or two of rest, it's time to get back in the groove

April 14 a Communicator is out and about. Pretty good one too. If you like to read about criminals and their actions, it's even better

April 14 a  Ever hear of getting arrested on body attachment charges? The hurhearld has that story.

April 14 a We know the official name for the & symbol is ampersand

April 14 a What's the official name for @. Find out here.

April 14  a For decades Jerry Fields has been one of the guys you see walking on the streets of Clay. Winter or Summer, Jerry was seen walking around town with short pants on while puffing a cigarette. For many years, he made his rounds in flip flops!

April 14 a War Vet Jerry Fields did yesterday after a short illness. Condolences extended to his family on friends

 

April 11 p Sometime around 8am, the School Board finally posted their agenda for tonight's meeting.

April 11 p Give em an F for tardiness but at least it's there now

 

April 10 p  Time to Gripe

April 10 p the School System schedule's Board meetings for the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. State Code mandates the Pentagon to post meeting agendas three business days in advance of the gathering.

April 10 p Compliments a W Va Ethics Commission opinion several years ago and as agreed to by Superintendent Tanner a couple years ago, they're suppose to post the agenda online as per state code

April 10 p Why? Open Meetings law is very clear, the public has every right to know what the elected (and appointed) officials are up to and what they plan to vote on... ahead of time

April 10 p As of 10:15 Sunday night, the meeting agenda is NOT posted.

April 10 p It's not too early to talk about next weekend.

April 10 p In return for our tax dollars, county government gives back little. One of the good things we get is the annual clean up collection day each April and hosted by the Clay County Solid Waste Authority..

April 10 p That day happens on the 16th.

April 10 p You've got a full week to gather up all that junk laying around the house, yard, near the creek, near the roads, and get it ready for next Saturday.

April 10 p See EVENTS page for more

April 10 p Deadline for Tuesday's Communicator is, Monday at 5pm.

April 10 p For candidates seeking office, there's only two editions before election day. Now's the time to get your ads together as well as, anybody else... chatters, classifieds, obits., articles and such

April 10 a    Patrick Stephen Perdue, 46, of Ovapa, see OBITUARY page

April 8 a Gloomy outside but with just a 30% chance of the wet stuff, the Lady Panthers might get their 5pm softball in. Webster County is coming to Schoonover / Bradley Field this afternoon for the muddy match up.

April 8 a For those that enjoy Spring Ball, 101.7 FM will be airing the game beginning at 4:55 or close to it.

April 8 a DOn't forget the music fun tonight at Big Otter Community Center. Good food too.

April 8 a On the Boob Tube, we keep seeing primary elections, caucuses  and such. For the first time in memory, the local Demorats are planning a delegate meeting tomorrow. Want ta make a change? Get involved. See ADVISORY page for more

April 8 a Also for Saturday, down at H E White Elem., you have a chance to meet those seeking office during their Chili Cook Off Fun. See EVENTS page

April 8  a  Clayberry's very own Angela Walker Cantrell now has her Family Law Judge campaign ad on the home page. Check it out and best of luck to Angela and County Clay having its very first Family Judge.

April 8 a

April 7  1:15p   Tonight's Clay High Ball games have been canceled. Too darn wet!

April 7  just before noon today, the heavy rain turned into hail which blanketed roofs and vehicles.

April 7 p Come on Spring!

April 7 a We posted a goof up yesterday. Now standing corrected, Granny's Restaurant has re-opened in the same location it's been for years. According to  Kayo Starcher, the new restaurant at Big Otter is up and running  but not connected the original Granny's.

April 7 a  Oppppps.

April 7 a The world lost Merle Haggard yesterday. Here's a write up on his life and time on earth.

April 7 a During each arraignment day, each judge asked the bad guy, can you pass a drug / alcohol test? Without fail, the accused stand up and say yes sir Mr Robe, I don't do that kind of stuff.

April 7 a Tuesday Leonard Burdette was asked that question. In a firm, sincere, truthful sounding manner, he said, sure can your honor. He didn't fidget, weave about, or nothing of the such

April 7 a  Test results came back, he was there in Court with a blood alcohol level above the state standard for being drunk.

April 7 a Some can hold it better than others but he's in the slammer now

April 7 a Elections bring out the best and worst in people. We have our fair share of signs / banners /  placards being torn down and every once in a while, bad mouthing.

April 7 a   In recent days, those that drove by the old IGA Store on Main Store noticed what looked like a blockade across the driveway. That building is now owned by members of the Nichols family.

April 7 a  A couple guys tell us, earlier this week, Clinton Nichols drove over a big Republicrat's Circuit Judge sign located on the old parking lot. Smashed it big time.

April 7  a Yesterday afternoon , after some kind of verbal battle, Mary Nichols was arrested on battery charges brought by Clinton Nichols.

April 7 a Clinton is the old guy that was once elected to public office and for a brief period of time  owned  that wittle newspaper over on Main Street. Not sure of that rag's name or if it's still in business

April 7 a  Does any one understand the Super Delegate, Delegate, end of the 2016 Presidential race? He's a good page on that topic.

April 7 a  Tonight the CHS Panthers play over at Clay County Park beginning at 6pm. The local radio stations will tape delay the game later tonight IF the rain doesn't cancel the contest.

 

April 6 a For those that savor ramps, just posted is the annual H E White Elem. Ramp Feed, over on the EVENTS page.

April 6 a A couple notes from Monday night's BDA meeting....

April 6 a  The Business Development Authority (BDA) took the reigns of growing tourism five years ago. They came up with draws including the early Summer Elk River Fest in conjunction with Bill Dunn's Elk Triathlon.

April 6 a This year, the BDA hasn't found anyone to the lead in organizing the event (s). Some stepped up and said they will help, but they've got to find a person to be in charge. Without such a volunteer, one more good thing will be lost in the county

April 6 a Each year, every county in the state is eligible to receive state backed grant funds for economic development. The LED grant ( a little over $30K) is awarded by local county commissions

April 6 a  Monday night the BDA decided, they can't get their act together for consideration this year.

April 6 a With the BDA out of the running, that means the Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone (CAEZ) will again be awarded the loot. In years past, the CAEZ has received the $30K with few results.

April 6 a Last night Clay Town Council met in regular session. The agenda called for selecting a new Town Recorder. Didn't happen. Council whittled down the candidate list to three applicants including Town employee Joe Coleman.

April 6 a The hold up  is whether the new Recorder has to meet bonding requirements. Someone at the big table commented: Maybe we should see what the law says.

April 6 a How refreshing!

April 6 a Council plans to meet in special session on the 19th and make the appointment.

April 6 a Attorney Jeff Davis is hanging his shingle across from the DHHR building on Main Street

April 6 a That's a new or at least returning business for downtown Clay. On the down side, Bickmore Tire Co, across from the Clay County Bank, closed its doors yesterday. Word has it, they will set up business in Calhoun County.

April 6 a  Finally, Granny's Diner has operated in Braxton County for many years. That Mom and Pop restaurant has moved to Big Otter across from the Exxon station. Welcome!

 

April 5 a Today's arraignment day for the newest batch in the court system. Today, it's expected, all of em to say, "Not me Judge Oh Buddy Oh Pal" when asked if they did the crime.

April 5 a Action starts at 9am this morning in the main Courthouse. Judge Ric Facemire will be behind the bench for the action

April 5 a The Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone (CAEZ) convenes a 4 and 6pm monthly gathering today in the Courthouse

April 5 a The biggy for the today will come during  the 5pm Town Council meeting where the remaining 3 Council persons will select a new Recorder for the municipality. We said 3 council persons since laid up with broken bones, JP Helms, will most likely be away from action.

April 5 a With the resignation of Josh Shamblin last Friday from his Council person slot,  Council now has to go thru the selection process for that position.

April 5 a Cold this morning. 26 degrees in Maysel. Brrrrr....

April 5 a The Lake Sampson Fishing Derby is just around the corner. See EVENTS page.  The volunteers are still in need of donations to make the annual event a success.

April 4 a On this gorgeous sun filled morning, we've got a couple notes of interest

April 4 a We've got a young child in the county that has gone thru treatment after treatment. It's been a  tough battle for him.

April 4 a This afternoon at 5pm, the Make a Wish Foundation is planning a nice get together at Tudor's in Two Run followed by a  ride on a  fire truck back to his house.

April 4 a Sure would be nice for the public to show up around 5pm ad and give the lad high fives and good wishes.

April 4 a The Clay County Business Development Authority (BDA) meets this evening, 6:30, at the old State Road Garage. the online agenda looks like a good one for tonight.

April 4 a With the new month comes the normal cycle of govt agency public meetings.

April 4 a For Tuesday, there's a Town Council meeting at 5 plus a 4pm and a 6pm CAEZ gathering at the Courthouse.

April 4 a Come out and watch what the elected and appointed folks are up to. It scares em to death when the public watches in the peanut gallery.

 

April 2 a Is it OK for a Badge to lie? Can they tell or do one bogus thing to get you to do, say, something else. One Federal Robe just said, Yelp, they can lie.

April 2 a Note: Some clickers leave their web browser open during the day in hopes of viewing updates as they come. Ahhhh. Doesn't work that way with this site. You have to refresh or manually reload each page for the latest.

April 2 a Josh Shamblin has been elected twice to Town Council. His temperament is to ask questions , get the facts, and then make a decision. A couple years back when Town finances were in the gutter,  Shamblin was the only elected official to give up his salary to help makes ends meet

April 2 a He has another trait. When he screws up, at the next meeting, he made amends. Like...

April 2 a  A couple months make after the long time Recorder was forced to r esign from office because she didn't meet residency requirements, Josh motioned and got approved, a reduction in the next Recorder's salary. Before the next meeting, a copy of state law was presented the lad. That passage of code made it clear, reducing a salary in mid term, that's a no no

April 2 a  At the next meeting, Council person Shamblin was first to say, he didn't know there was such a law, he wasn't being mean spirited, and, he only wanted to save some hard to get, $$$$

April 2 a The Town Council meeting agenda was posted Friday. One of the items listed is the resignation of Josh Shamblin from Council.

April 2 a It's our understanding, Mr Shamblin has moved from the municipality and can no longer serve

April 2 a His likes will be missed and even harder to replace

April 2 a  For local Town government, that leaves Joyce Gibson, Denise Holcomb, JP Helms, and Jerry Stover on Town Council.

April 2  a JP Helms is laid up after a vehicle wreck two weeks ago.

April 2 a Joyce Gibson has been absent from duty due to family medical issues

April 2 a During next Tuesday's Council meeting, the dwindling group has to appoint a new Recorder and start the process of selecting a new Council person.

April 2 a They've got their hands full

March 31 a It's 62 degrees and the sky is red. Hope you got your spuds in yesterday

March 31 a For those watching the Hanover Eagle Cam, both eggs hatched last week but it looks like , one of the eaglets didn't make it. Mother Nature can be cruel.

March 31 a  Jeff Lilly got in some trouble last year when he attacked a TV reporter. The incident happened on the Lilly farm as Bob Arron was trying to cover a bogus story on animal cruelty

March 31 a Lilly plead guilty tot he criminal stuff

March 31 a Yesterday, Howard Jeff Lilly was back in Court on the civil side of things brought by the reporter.

March 31a Jeff is now responsible for coughing up around $13,000 for damages plus court costs.

March 13 a That court costs item could reach up around $1800.

March 13 a H of a nice guy that will pay for the rest of his life for five minutes of dumb thinking

 

March 30 a There's a nip in the air but the sun is out and temps are suppose to be in the 70's today.

March 30 a On this Wed, get out of the house and enjoy a beautiful Spring Day

March 30 a The Communicator made it out the door around 2pm Tuesday. 20 pages of great reading, second to none.

March 30 a Our lead story provides details on the latest Grand Jury findings.

March 30 a We've also got an interesting reader supplied article concerning the actions or no action, of the Clay County 911 Dispatch Center. According to Booger Hole W Va's Ronald Morris, the local center dropped the ball big time.

March 30 a Enjoy

MArch 30 a How amny of ya are NOT registered to vote? Here's the W Va Sec of State's online link to register without moving from your easy chair.

March 30 a Each year the Clay County Solid Waste Authority hosts a get rid of your junk day for free. All the details are now posted over on the EVENTS page .

March 30 a Here's another deal.

March 30 a  How about free blood testing? The Health Dept's annual vampire event is posted on the ADVISORY page. And, Yes, you have to put down the Ho Ho's and Twinkies after midnight on the 6th.

March 30 a For those that like to get out of the house and have fun, the April Big Otter Commuity Center Music Schedule is now posted on the ADVISORY page

 

March 28 p  Beckie Ellen (Morris) Johnson, see OBITUARY page

 

March 28 a  Kids, teachers, and service personnel are off work for Spring break this week

March 28 a For those of us partaking in ramps, we stink

March 28 a  Brighton New York High School is scheduled to be at Clay County Park for a match up with the CHS Panthers today at noon:30. Not sure if the weather will cooperate but if they get the game in, 101.7FM plans to air the recorded sportscast at 7pm tonight

March 28 a By the way, the station is still in need of sponsors to get all their broadcasts on the air.

March 28 a By the way, if you're wondering why wyap.com is not being updated, that Feb 2nd ransomware glitch is still a problem. Why, after cleaning out the puter of the bug, the radio guru can't remember the passwords to get into that site

March 28 a Communicator comes out Tuesday afternoon. Deadline for submissions is today at 5pm. Email now.

March 28 a Thinking back on Easter:  Chocolate manufacturers in the U.K. have removed the word "Easter" from the holiday egg candy that has delighted millions of children for generations. Read more right here.

March 28 a While the Republicrat candidates for Prez muck it out in the ditch, quietly, Demo Bernie continues to rack up the wins.

 

March 24 a  Last night the Lady Panthers softball team took it on the chin when Nicholas County came to town.

March 24 a The Spring Grand Jury worked all day Tuesday to bring back seven true bills

March 24 a Roger Dale Rogers driving revoked

March 24 a James Criner driving revoked 3rd offense

March 24 a Brad Jason Haines grand larceny, conspiracy

March 24 a Jason Michael Henry  grand larceny, conspiracy

March 24 a Roger Elliot prohibited person with a firearm x 3

March 24 a Leonard Delvon Burdette grand larceny

March 24 a Steven Truman sexual assault 1st degree, sexual abuse by a parent guardian

March 24 An 8th presentation came back, not a true bill

March 24 a Arraignment Day comes next week

March 24 a We start another round of time in court then

March 24 a Details in the next Communicator

March 23 a Clay County's Spring Grand Jury convened yesterday. At 3:40, they were still in session.

March 23 a Prosecutor Jim Samples provided, all the presentations would be complete in that one day.

March 23 a Sometime early afternoon, today, we plan to post the names of those transgressors.

March 23 a Most likely there will be several busted on drug charges and those arrested for stealing and uttering checks to maintain their drug habits.

March 23 a Sometimes there are a couple juicy ones to perk us up.

March 23 a In the last couple months there was Black Shirt Kyle Ware resigning for manhandling a student.

March 23 a Sometime around Christmas, on a  TV report, the Prosecutor promised to bring a subject to Grand Jury over a McColgin Low Gap fight

March 23 a And every once in a while, there's a clinker that makes jaws drop.

March 23 a Today is the first game of Spring ball that non profit WYAP plans to air.

March 23 a Unless they pick up about 10 more sponsors, it's going to be a short year for getting our athlete's good deeds on the radio.

March 23 a Sun's out today, be sure to head over to Schoonover Bradley field for the Lady Panther match up with Nicholas County. action begins at 5pm. Go Lady Panthers.

March 23 a This state is well known for corruption. On Monday, one county over, a Govt worker was busted for mishandling of county $$$$.

March 23 a From around the nation...

March 23 a  Colorado made pot smoking legala three years ago. Since then, that state has brought in tons of tax dollars from the sales. Border states are jealous and took Colorado to Federal Court. On Monday the Feds said, tough stuff border states.

March 23 a

March 22 a For those stuck in the office today, you can pretend you're outside by watching the Hanover Eagle Cam where both eggs have hatched.

March 22 a  Last night's Board of Ed meeting was held at Clay Middle School. The elected folks approved each item on the agenda without questions.

March 22 a Before the public meeting, the board held an early gathering to discuss the upcoming school year calendar.

March 22 a  During the regular meeting, Kenneth Tanner provided , everything is in a holding pattern until the fallout from the 2016 Legislative Session is decided by the Governor

March 22 a Stuff like, can "bank time" (extra minutes from each day of school) be used to make up entire snow day

March 22 a  Most interesting, a new bill which allows kids to count stay at home ,  snow days as edumacation days. How so?

March 22 a Give the curtain climbers coloring books to do while at home.

March 22 a We made up the coloring book part. Officials are calling the materials, take home packets.

March 22 a Now that's a great way to school the brats!

March 22 a With Common Core AKA Smarter Balance testing (five year contract)  tossed out the window, the real question is, how many millions did the Legislature waste this year?

March 22 a As for the new county calendar for 2016 - 2017 , looks like

March 22 a  School will get underway August 15th

March 22 a  Dec 21st will start the Christmas break

March 22 a Spring break will include a full week off for the yard apes

March 22 a And, according to survey results, responders want snow days made up at the end of the 2016 - 2017 year and not by taking the Spring break.

March 21 p County Commission meets Wednesday morning at 10am. The meeting agenda is a big long rascal. Good soft seats and lots of entertainment fun. Be there or be square.

March 21 p Still chilly but Spring is in the air. So is Clay High Baseball and Softball.

March 21 p The local radio station plans to air 10 of the contests beginning this Wednesday at 5pm.

March 21 p To get the season on the air , taped and live, the non profit station needs sponsors.

March 21 p The asking price for a season sponsor is $50. Businesses, individuals, candidates seeking office (hint hint) get their name and brief message mentioned several times during each contest and during the week when broadcasters are behind the mic.

March 21 p  Give em a call at 304 587 8353 or email em at wyaplp@hotmail.com

March 21 p Go Panthers, Go Lady Panthers

 

March 20 p  The School Board gang will hold their public meeting at Clay Middle School Monday night beginning at 6pm. Everyone's invited.

March 20 p Old age affects old people like the ace cub reporter

March 20 p This morning's post on Jeremy was not accurate. Sorry

March 20 p Speaking of old age,  the Mel Gibson Look Alike took the wifey out for a dinner Saturday evening. They tried out Alfredo's Italian . Darn good taste and a bunch of it.

March 20 p  It didn't take long for the pasta to turn into a gigantic gas factory ready to fume WalMart, Tractor Supply and Lowes

March 20 p Squeezing out one while waiting in line forced two loaded shopping carts behind him to escape  two lanes away.

March 20 p  Out Tractor Supply way, the young lady behind that counter, was vocal: Something is wrong here!!" as she hosed the place down with Lysol

March 20 p Saturday night was pretty chilly with the windows down over Peach Orchard Road.

March 20 p Try out Alfredo's but do so when you can drive back in comfort with the windows down.

March 20 a  We're not sure what happened early early Saturday morning but one thing is for sure. After looking at the remains of JP Helms old truck, he is lucky to be alive.

March 20 a We're hoping the next seven days is a happier lot.

 

March 18 p News was in short supply this week until this afternoon

March 18 p Sometime before 3pm a young man hung himself in the Spread Park section of the county. Why some people struggle to fight thru the evils of cancer and other deseases, here's one that cut ended it all before the age of 30.

March 18 p Very Sad

March 18 a  Velva Iris Morrison, 95, see OBITUARY page

 

March 17 p Paramedic? See JOBS page today

 

March 17 a Watch out for Leprechauns and don't step on any shamrocks

March 17 a Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

March 17 a If you're looking for any juicy news this morning, there ain't none.  Might check the weathercaster tho, snow is in the forecast for the weekend.

March 17 a About the only thing the Legislature is mandated to do is, pass each year's budget for the state. The 2016 Legislative session is over and guess what, no budget. With tax increases coming due to few coal dollars coming their way, look for the Gold Dome folks to wait until AFTER the May Primary election for such unpopular increases.

March 17 a  Hillary Clinton says in a letter to Sen. Joe Manchin that she was mistaken in her remarks on national television that she was going “to put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business.”

March 17 a With it looking more and more like the Don will be our next Prez, we understand his first move will be to change the slogan to:   In Trump We Trust.

March 17 a Between Trump and our Republicrat Legislature, it's  truly is  a scary time.

 

March 16 a The Communicator made it out the door Tuesday afternoon. 20 pages of interesting reading including front page coverage on the Craddock, Cummings and Jarvis guilty pleas in front of Judge Jack Alsop

March 16 a  With the big wins Tuesday, looks like the next President will be either the business as usual lady or plum crazy as a bed bug, Trump. In either case, sadly,  the country is doomed

March 14 a  From the email bag:  The Clay County Health Department will have no nurses available on Wednesday March 23rd.

March 14 a While we're all to sleepy due to the time change, we can sit and watch the eagle cam on PA.

 

March 13 late p Did you know that there hasn't been one felony arrest in the last two weeks?

March 13 late p True

March 13 late p We're in newspaper mode gathering and gleaning nuggets of knowledge for the printed word

March 13 late p   Time is now to email over classified, death notices, chatters, or anything else you can think of. Deadline is Monday evening at 5pm

March 13 late p There hasn't been a case of voter fraud for decades. Instead of working on our roads, bridges, water lines, and other infrastructure stuff, our Legislature spent time making voter ID a big part of voting. The Tea Bagger operations manual says to reduce the number of Demorats coming to the polls. Our local Republicrat puppets are obliging.

March 13 late p Naaaaayyyy, we don't need end of year testing to see how our kids are doing. Use same link above

March 13 late p So how much Wall Street and Bank $$$ is Hillary really receiving. Check it out here.

March 11 late a The Gold Dome crew have been busy passing legislative demands brought by their corporate backers.  Those outside the state funders have little interest in mundane things like roads, bridges, and health care coverage for government workers.

March 11 late a Here's an example of what happens when Republicrat pawns  are in charge

March 11 late a Invokana is a very affective diabetes drug. Up until now, PEIA covered employees needing it paid a $35 co-pay. Not so no more

March 11 late a   Instead of $35, the co pay just raised to $780.00 a month.

March 11 late Our Corporate controlled puppets in Charleston just said, Screw the working person again!

March 11 a Gardeners are busy turning over the sod. Spring flowers are busy bringing color to the area. Kids have already switched to short pants. We're busy getting over Winter.

March 11 a It's a good time to be above ground. Well, until you look at what the Legislature is doing to the State of West Virginia. They've been busy too.

March 11 a  Every morning since the Republicrats took over the Gold Dome, every morning in the Charleston Newspapers, during the 60 days of destruction period, comes front page e coverage of the demise of our state. For instance....

March 11 a The corporate puppets feel education is so important, the rules have been changed to read: give the kid a coloring book and call it a day of edumacation during snow days.

March 11 a Before utility rates can increase, the provider has to submit a request to the W Va Public Service Commission for review.  As a gift to corporate electric providers, not so no more. Thanks to their efforts this week, power suppliers can raise rates all they want if they say they need to update their facilities.

March 11 a  School officials massage pitiful test scores in search of finding a bright spot. Instead of improving school time, our Legislature just tossed out standardized testing that allows us to see how we rank with other states.

March 11 a The Senate took yet another step to erode a woman's right to choose.

March 11 a  As the session winds down this Saturday (Thank God) , funding for another year is not in order. The Governor's effort to balance the budget have been shot down. If you're thinking roads and bridges will be repaired this year, you're wrong. The Republicrats have kicked the can down the road.

March 11 a In many cases, the tried and true Gov Earl Ray has vetoed the outlandish extreme actions of the Republicrats. With their vast majority, the kids with their hands in the cookie jar Big R's , have overridden and enacted the outlandish.

March 11 a We have an election coming this May. Your vote is important to stem the tide of out of state money running the Big R puppets in the Legislature.

March 11 a  Clayberry's Dennis Legg made statewide media Wed for being the first West Virginian to contract Zika .

March 11 a It's Friday with rain coming down. Get out and do what you can.

March 10 a Last week was our online beggin campaign. We appreciate all that helped us keep this web poral up and running for another year. One thing we added this year was the PayPal button. You can use that service anytime to send $$$ our way.

March 10 a Our longest distance contributor was MBC from California.

March 10 a From all of us at Delta Communications, a great big Thank You

March 10 a The Sheriff is accepting applications for a new Black Shirt. Pay is around $17,800 plus benefits. So far, there's only been one applicant.

March 10 a What usually happens is, the new Badge gets trained, works a few months here and then moves over to a much higher paying job.

March 10 a Clayberry is a great place to start.  How about you!

March 10 a It's hard to open a new business and even tougher to keep it afloat

March 10 a One year ago this weekend, the Pizza and Cream operation on Tanner Holler rd opened for business. If you haven't tried their products, you aughta

 

March 9 a Every Spring, the County Commission comes up with a budget for the new fiscal year. Before doing so, they receive input from each Dept. in the Courthouse. Sometimes, those budget talks get fired up. Two years ago fiery talks between the CCC and Prosecutor Samples ended up in a lawsuit before Judge Facemire. Several months later, Circuit Clerk Mike Asbury joined in the suit demanding proper funding levels for each of those departments.

March 9 a With the CCC taking it on the nose in court, and maybe learning a lesson or two, yesterday afternoon, they met with Jim Samples. Instead of thorny issues and such, everything was a bed of roses

March 9 a Rats!

March 9 a  After sitting thru thousands of meetings, the ace cub reporter has seen the cover ups, the secret stuff, and down right deceit. about 90% of the time, those public meetings are anything but public and for the most part, boring as H.

March 9 a In the vein of keeping things away from the public, in providing little info, and in shying away from an upfront operation, Clay Town Council has been a poster child for what's wrong with local government.

March 9 a Last night, a quorum of Council and Mayor Whaling met to interview candidates seeking to be appointed Town Recorder. They did the interviews. Several of the candidates for office would make a good selection

March 9 a A week ago, Council voted to reduce the pay for the Recorder. Since then, we've been hammering them online. State Code demands, pay can NOT be cut during a term of office

March 9 a Last night, the guy that made that motion to cut wages, Council person Josh Shamblin, had a copy of the code with him and said stuff like: I wasn't trying to be mean. I was just trying to save some $$$$.

March 9 a He was sincere with his words. The vote to cut wages will not be adhered to and the new Recorder will be paid the same salary as the ousted from office Recorder, Dwana Murphy

March 9 a That frankness opened the door for Councilman Jerry Stover to open up on a variety of topics including conduct of Council, things done that were embarrassing to him, changes needed for the Town to grow.

March 9 a His  wise words were listened to with those around the table nodding in agreement

March 9 a  With Council persons Denise Holcomb and Joyce Gibson absent from duty, the small group opened up and put the problems out in the open.

March 9 a The old Recorder was also an employee of the water plant. Several W Va Ethic Commission opinions make it clear, a town employee can NOT hold an elected office in the same municipality.

March 9 a Last night, those assembled together agreed, such an arrangement can make things "messy"

March 9 a In a nutshell, they agreed, they don't want to get back in the rut where one person (Dwana) had such a lock on every facet of the Town operation.

March 9 a All in all, last night's Town Council meeting was the most open, earnest, sincere, meeting the ace cub reporter has ever witnessed.

March 9 a Based on their new convictions, we may honestly have a new beginning in the County of Little's only municipality

 

March 9 a Keep your fingers crossed clickers!

March 8 a Even with barely enough for a quarrel, last night's BDA meeting was pretty informative

March 8  a For nearly two years the economic development agency has been trying to sell the old Filcon Industrial site at Valley Fork.

March 8 a Looks like the Sheltered Workshop (Clay County Services Unlimited) will sign the land contract deal and cough up the first $30K payment this morning at 9am

March 8 a With the new funds in hand, the BDA is poised to get in line for the 2016 Lead Economic Development grant which requires a 50 /50 match. With the new funds, they are once again in the running

March 8 a The BDA's presentation for the $$$ will come sometime in April. Currently the group is trying to come up with that presentation which has to include, how they plan to spend the grant dollars AND their local match

March 8 a As for the Buffalo Creek Trial, inmate work crews will carry a big part of the clean up load this Spring. New  half mile markers will be installed later this month with the historic wayside panels coming in April.

March 8 a How about a covered bridge for the county?

March 8 a A couple more bridge projects are needed before the trail is fully done. Last year BDA Chair Mitch DeBoard announced one of the spans would be a covered bridge affair which could serve as a shelter in bad weather for hikers.

March 8 a Now, sounds like anyway, a second bridge, the one right along the road at Cressmont will also be a covered bridge  and serve as a tourist attraction.

March 8 a  Spring is lookin up in BDA land.

MArch 8 a Suppose to be in the mid 70"s today. Get out and enjoy!

March 8 a In mid March, snow could return at any time.

March 7 p  Malissa Ann Swift, 36, see OBITUARY page

 

March 6 p On this side of the screen, the last seven days have been pretty crappy.

March 6 p Power outage Monday delayed the Communicator by one day and our website updating software took a dump right in the middle of our annual online beggin campaign.

March 6 p Other than that Mrs Lincoln, how was the play?

March 6 p We receive lots of emails and have many stop by the office discussing many topics

March 6 p This week, the center of conversation zoomed to Clay Town Council where the elected group voted to reduce the salary of the new Recorder's salary (when that person is appointed) by 2/3rds.

March 6 p The part about cutting the salary for the new Recorder, we think the group just didn't know that can't be done mid term.

March 6 p As for hiring a current employee as the new Recorder and for that matter, the many years that the resigned Recorder served as an employee and elected leader, with absolute certainty, some in that group knew and have known for years, you can NOT be a worker and a manager in the same organization.

March 6 p It will be interesting to watch during the next Town Council meeting

March 6 p School Board meets in the Pentagon Monday evening at 6pm. On the agenda is rehiring the Superintendent for another three years.

March 6 p Also Monday evening , at 6:30pm in their Two Run digs, the Clay County Business Development Authority will hold their monthly get together. Much of their itinerary of action looks the same this month as in the last man months

March 6 p Today's the last day of our online drive to raise funding for this website.

March 6 p Making it easier than ever, we added a PayPal button on the black bar to the left.

March 6 p For those still using the post office, our snail mail address is Delta 2278 Main Street  Clay WV 25043

March 6 p Temps near 70 this week. Enjoy! Spring is just around the corner.

 

March 5 a Some one asked, why so few pictures in the last couple weeks. Answer: We added a very strong security program (bitdefender) to each puter followed by a remote control program (teamviewer11) in the last 15 days. The idea was to tighten up security. Unfortunately, one of the programs is conflicting with stuff like the thing we update files to the server.

March 5 a Until we figure out what went wrong, things are whacky in web land

March 5 a While we can do it, here goes with a real post

March 5 a We,'e down to the last couple days of our online beggin campaign. Truth is, we need $$$ to keep this rascal up and running for another year.

March 5 a We added a PayPal button over on the homepage at the bottom of that black ribbon on the left. Now it's easier than ever to make a donation. While you're sitting there scratching your whatever, just click that donate button and pay with PayPal or any credit card.

March 5 a Thanks in advance.

March 5 a 15 years or so ago, Dwana Murphy took over as Clay Town Recorder.

March 5 a Back then questions came up over Murphy working as a town employee as well as in an elected position. At one point, when the question cam up,  Dwana responded by saying, she had a piece of paper saying everything was kosher and she could do both at the same time

March 5 a No one actually saw whatever paper she had and no one challenged the arraignment

March 5 a On March 1st, Council accepted resumes from several seeking the unexpired term once held by Murphy. Without a resume in hand, Town employee Joe Coleman spoke up and said he would like a go at the $480 per month Recorder spot.

March 5  a Before interviews are held on the 8th, some insight

March 5 a Most of us can see the conflict with being on both sides of the table when it comes to pay raises, discipline, work duties, and assignment

March 5 a  There's no need for us to scratch our heads or reinvent the wheel, the West Virginia Ethics Commission has already answered the question on several occasions

March 5 a  As for an employee also being an elected leader, no is the correct answer.

March 5 a The Ethics folks do not make law. What they do is , huddle a bunch of lawyers and come up with  an official opinion and make it public. If the elected folks follow an Ethics Commission opinion, they are shielded from any and all lawsuits relating to such.

March 5 If they go against an opinion, all kinds of bad stuff can happen.

March 5 a Here's a couple

March 5 a A small W Va town, an elected mayor wanted to work as a paid police man for the same town. In this case, the town was having trouble finding someone for the job. Ethics said Heck No.

March 5 a  In  another case, a mayor wanted to get paid doing part time maintenance work for that town. Again, the Ethics Commission decided , doing so would be a violation of West Virginia Ethics.

March 5 a OK Ok ok... more directly to the issue here in Clayberry.... Here's yet another where the elected official was working as  a water plant operator while serving in elected office.

March 5 a Guess what Ethics said? You're right, Ain't No Way!!!

March 5 a You don't have to follow an Ethcis Commission opinion. It's just dumb not to!

 

March 4 a Winter won't go away this year. This morning, 32 degrees with a new dusting of the white stuff with slicky roads for sure.

March 4 a  Sometime before 5:30am Thursday, a passing motorist didn't make it past the Health Dept building on Main Street.

March 4 a Instead, the reported pick up truck wiped out the Clay Ambulance sign as well as the 5 foot tall Health Dept sign.

March 4 a Other than the truck was found parked nearby, no other details

March 4 a Proper update coming this pm

 

March 3 early a  On this 23 degree Thursday morning, note the EVENTS page for the many things going on this weekend

March 3 early a Tuesday evening Town Council decided to reduce the $480 per month pay check of the new Town Recorder, when they select a new one next week, down to $125 per month.

March 3 early a That $480 number has been around forever. The $480 number has been ousted Recorder Dwana Murphy's salary for a number of years.

March 3 early Town Council is a powerful lot. One thang they can't do is bust the State Constitution by voting to do something unlawful.

March 3 early a  For instance, take a look at State Code 8-5-12 which states, the salary of a municipal official can NOT be increased nor deceased during the term of service.

March 3 early a  Dwana was reelected to office 7 months before she moved out of town and disqualified herself from collecting the $480  a month income.

March 3 early a Her term, no matter who is appointed to replace her, remains in affect for another several years. Whomever Council picks to replace Murphy, that person is filling the unexpired term of Murphy.

March 3 early The thang about Clayberry, the part about saying, We've always done it that way, works, until those actions get out to the public.

March 3 early a Based on our reading of the law of the land, a Town Recorder's salary may NOT adjusted during that term of office.

March 3 a  That part about getting the info out to the public is where we come in. "We" means the fourth branch of government, the media. We do out best to attend public meetings and scribe the eyebrow raising stuff we see following all that up with our opinion on what's not right about a decision.

March 3  You know what's comin don't ya?

March 3 early a  If you like getting a thumbnail sketch brought to you via the net daily, it's time to support the clayberry portal of knowledge.

March 3 early a To mail your check or million dollar bill, use this address:  Delta, 2278 Main Street, Clay WV 26043

March 3 early a How about a teaser before the next post

March 3 early a Town Recorder Dwana Murphy also is an employee of the town as a wa wa plant operator. During Tuesday's meeting, town worker Joe Colemen threw his hat in the mix as a candidate for Recorder.

March 3 early a During Dwana's 15 years in office, the question came: is it legal to be an elected official in the same town that hires you in some labor capacity ?

March 3 early a  Answers or at least earnest speculation, coming next time around

March 3 early There has never been a more furtile place for the media!

 

March 2 a First some housekeeping

March 2 a  The local radio station got hacked by the ransomware bug in Feb. The results of that invasion were very bad and included loosing a bunch of music files. Over there the bitdefender software was added to beef up security.

March 2 a For this site, we decided to add bitdefender as well. During that installation, something changed for the worse with our registry. The result was, several of the programs no longer worked. That problem included the software (cuteFTP) we use to upload new files. It no longer worked

March 2 a For the last three days we struggled with a work around. We have a workaround by using the free version of filezilla.. for now.  It works pretty good but until we get the old software up again, there will be limited additions . Sorry about that but those web weasels are rotten %%$$##@@!

March 2 a The Communicator comes out this afternoon, one day late. The power outage all day Monday set us back big time.

March 2 a The lead story covers the details of Black Shirt Kyle Ware out the door as a Badge in this county.  Other juicy stuff included: the new lawsuit against the County Commission, Sheriff Garrett Samples, and Black Shirt Robert Belt

March 2 a For just 80 cents, you get real news!

March 2 a A bunch of us knew Laurance Jones from over in Roane County who passed away last Thursday. The newspaper coverage is now posted on the OBITUARY page

March 2 a Last night Town Council met in regular session.  The big topic was replacing Town Recorder Dwana Murphy who resigned from elected service after moving out of town.

March 2 a Five people applied for the $480 a month part time job. During discussions, town employee Joe Coleman asked that his name be added to the list. Council agreed to do just that as soon as Joe turns in a resume

March 2 a That $480 a month pay has been on the books for  years, maybe decades. It's the salary they advertised the Recorder job for.

March 2 a Last night, Council voted to reduce the pay to $125 a month.

March 2 a Citing budget constraints and the need to replace  or repair a town service truck.. something still ain't quite right.

March 2 a When asked if state code mandates a minimum salary, Mayor Whaling replied,  No.

March 2 a Interviews for the Recorder position will be conducted March 8th beginning at 5pm at Town Hall, AKA Wa Wa Plant

March 2 a The last day to sign up your curtain climber online  for Little League baseball and softball is this Sunday. See ADVISORY page for link.

March 2  In the midst of power outages and software issues, we've had a time doing our annual online begging for dollars campaign to keep this site up and running

March 2 a If you like having a daily dose of life in the slow lane, it's time to support the effort

March 2 a Our mailing address is Delta 2278 Main Street  Clay WV 25043

March 2 a Thanks and we'll quit bugging you for another year  Sunday night.

Feb. 29 late p Clayberry is still experiencing software issues limiting our ability to upload much in the way of new info. We did manage to add one new pic over on the home page

Feb. 29 late p Electric was restored to the county mid afternoon today. One of the main power lines that cross the Elk broke and had to be hung again. Took some doing with the Elk power gang pulling it across the river in a small john boat.

Feb. 29 late p Looking for a job? Sheriff Garrett Samples is looking for a Deputy. See JOBS page today for more.

Feb. 29 late p The Communicator will NOT be coming out Tuesday afternoon. That 7 hours without juice or DSL set us waaaay back.   Expect the near award winning newspaper Wed afternoon. Sorry for the delay

 

Feb. 29   9:30am Electric is off in the downtown Clay service area. Over the scanner: CLayberry schools are shutting down at 11am this morning. They're coming home parents!

Feb. 29 a On this last day of the month, we have limited connectivity to the clayberry site.

Feb. 29 a Since 2007 we have updated this site using the cuteFTP software.

Feb. 29 a Some time Sunday, that software or some conflict with that software, took a dump.

Feb. 29 a Re installation (twice) didn't help.

Feb. 29 a Not sure what's the problem but until we can figure it out, little can be added, changed, etc...

Feb. 29 a Do want to thank our California clicker and C W for their generous donations to keep this site up and running. Those funds may be needed to get everything back to good.

Feb. 29 a  Demorats meet this evening in the Courthouse for a meet and greet with candidate hopefuls. Start time is 7pm

Feb. 29 a Last chance to get your classifieds, obits, chatter, and candidate announcements in tomorrow's Communicator is tonight at 5pm. Email now. Thanks

Feb. 29 a While we're trying to figure out the problem, few updates or anything else for that matter.

 

Feb. 28 p Right in the middle of our online begging campaign and the lead up to the latest Communicator, something happened

Feb. 28 p Not sure what went wrong but we are unable to provide timely updates and no picture  uploads.

Feb. 28 p While we're busy typing the rag of choice, no clayberry updates until we figure the problem out.

Feb. 28 p You're on your own clickers

 

Feb. 27 a  Tonight the Panthers are in Sectional Tournament action beginning at 7pm. The local radio stations will air the match up. Go Panthers

Feb. 27 a For those that enjoy the eagle cam. ,  here's one down in Georgia where a Great Horned Owl has a fluffy little owlet at her side. Enjoy.

Feb. 27 a  Many enjoy such links to the world. Others enjoy those up to the minute newsy items. Some just take a trip to Clayberry for the pictures.

Feb. 27 a Whatever your reason, we appreciate you stopping by.

Feb. 27 a To keep this thang afloat, it takes $$$   Each year we go online and beg for $$$. It's that time of year again.

Feb. 27 a  Whether it's  a million dollars or a buck, all donations are appreciated and spent wisely.

Feb. 27 a Our snail mail address is Delta  2278 Main Street   Clay WV 25043

Feb. 27 a Thanks in advance

 

Feb. 25 p It's too darn cold to be outside unless you're a bald eagle.

Feb. 25 p The PA eagle cam is up and running once again.

Feb. 25 p So far, Momma Eagle has two eggs in the nest.

Feb. 25 p Bookmark and enjoy for the next couple months

Feb. 25 9:54pm  Clayberry Schools will be operating on a two hour delay Friday!!

 

Feb. 25 p By 7pm tonight, Nicholas County reported 3 inches of snow. Here in the outback, 7pm, about an inch or so of the heavy wet stuff

Feb. 25 p 911 scanner was hopping by 8:15 with a transformer fire on Little Italy Road followed by a vehicle over the hill on Tanner Hollow. Responders urged icy road caution to others.

 

Feb. 25 a Much chillier this morning and Yes, snow is coming down at 6am.

Feb. 25 a The season ended last night for the Lady Panthers with a stunning defeat to Poca High School. The opening game of Sectional tournament went well the first half. Not so the second. The Lady Panthers weren't in the game. Final score 48 to 35.

Feb. 25 a Not a bad season with their record, 16 wins, seven losses.

Feb. 25 a Tonight the Panthers play a home game followed by their first round of Sectional Tournament action Saturday night at 7pm.

Feb. 25 a In the works for at least three years, Clay County Commission wants to set up a  Day Reporting Center in the old CAEZ building on Main Street.

Feb. 25 a During yesterday morning's CCC meeting, we got one step closer as the elected bunch signed an agreement to partner with Braxton County to get the ball rolling.

Feb. 25 a  Such a program is suppose to cut monthly jail bill costs. The already in operation Braxton County facility charges the criminal $100 a month for the service and offers 4 or 5 classes to clients . Currently there are around 19 or so in the Braton County program. Clayberry should expect about the same number of enrollees.

Feb. 25 a For those wondering about paying the $100. For those unable to pay the $100, reduced and $0 rates are available.

Feb. 25 a The savings comes from the county not having to pay $48.25 per day to the jail system per bad person and.... The Day Report Center will handle all the pee testing.

Feb. 25 a DHHR will pay the county for those services. For Braxton County, pee testing brings in upwards of $6000 a month. Ka Chng!

Feb. 25 a What makes this place so special came out again during those public discussions yesterday.

Feb. 25 a In attendance was one time Commissioner Mike Pierson. While in office, Pierson discussed getting a center for this county.

Feb. 25 a Yesterday, his questions centered around employee qualifications. When the Braxton rep said a college degree is required, frowny lines appeared on the guy's forehead.

Feb. 25 a Pierson let slip, they (the old CCC configuration) had already picked their choice for a Director.   Sounded like, their choice, did not have a college degree

Feb. 25 a  That's what makes County Clay so special. The program was not even set up and behind the scenes, Larry Darryl and Darryl  had already selected who they would hire.

Feb. 25 a Got ta love this place

 

Feb. 24 p community media plays a big role in providing important local information. Such was the case last week when this site broke the story on the Bob Morris / Kyle Ware incident. Up front we added the ramifications and fall out. You got it here first.

Feb. 24 p On a regular basis we also post weather advisories, safety alerts, flooding notices, and the normal dumb bunny political crap we see almost every day.

Feb. 24 p Each year we go online and beg for bucks to keep this web rascal up and running.

Feb. 24 p If you can help us out, send your $$$ to Delta 2278 Main Street Clay WV 25043

Feb. 24 p TV-8 news made it to town yesterday to cover the Ware / Morris incident mentioned above.  Here's the link to see their coverage of Clayberry.

Feb. 24 p Yesterday we mentioned the nasty brown wa wa running thru the pipes in the Two Run area of Town. Were you informed that there's a Boil Water Order in place? Neither were we.

Feb. 24 p A worker over at Gino's told us they received word Tuesday afternoon of the BWO.

Feb. 24 p In this day and age it's an easy and quick thing to email local media outlets and provide the important info for ALL to know.

Feb. 24 p The water provider, the negligent party,  is the Town of Clay. Over and over they have been asked to make public , Boil Water Orders. They don't

Feb. 24 p Maybe other action is needed.

Feb. 24 a  At 6:45 this morning the wind was whipping up with a few drops of rain in the air. It feels like the weather is changing and not for the good. Don't put away that winter jacket just yet. Snow is in the forecast for Friday.

Feb. 24 a  Most likely, next Tuesday, Clay Town Council will appoint a new Recorder to replace the resigned Dwana Murphy. Be sure to get your resume in this week. See JOBS page for more.

Feb. 24 a The hurherald website has the latest on one time Black Shirt Kyle Ware's  abrupt resignation.

Feb. 24 a Ever use baby powder? Might want to take a gander at this new lawsuit settlement.

 

Feb. 23 late p One H of a nail biting game Tuesday night when the Panthers came out on top against Nicholas County, 69 to 66

Feb. 23 late p Wed evening at 7pm the Lady Panthers are in first round Sectional Tournament action when they take on the Lady Dots in home court action. Go Lady Panthers!!!

 

Feb. 23 late p  In the Two Run area, the water looked more like swamp wawa than clear drinkable stuff. What's going on? One thing is for sure. The supplier, Town of Clay, provided no notice of bad conditions to the local radio station, The Communicator, email, faxed, nor carrier pigeon message.

Feb. 23 a  Made some corrections to last night's post.  The short round guy was half asleep while typing

Feb. 23 a Please reread.

Feb. 22 p  Herbert Hoover did in the Panthers tonight with an easy win , 48 to 38

Feb. 22 p The CHS Panthers head over to Nicholas County Tuesday evening for a match up beginning at 7:30pm. Go Panthers

Feb. 22 p The biggy meeting tonight fizzled out.

Feb. 22 p We thought there would be some kind of secret time huddle during tonight's School Board meeting over Bob Morris' resignation from coaching duties. Didn't happen

Feb. 22 p During the vote to remove Morris and Kyle Ware, there wasn't even a call for discussion. From motion to second to vote. bam bam bam and it was done

Feb. 22 p  The smart way to handle touchy subjects is for the Board Chair to call Boardsters individually and receive consensus away from the public meeting.

Feb. 22 p State law says such is completely lawful as long as less than 3 Sch Boardster are included in the conversation

Feb. 22 p With consensus in hand, Superintendent Tanner could then move ahead knowing he has the support of the elected body

Feb. 22 p Not sure that happened but it's likely

Feb. 22 p  The big fun came during the Panther game over at CHS

Feb. 22 p  Charlie Osborne is an old guy that once served on the School Board.  Back in the day O made the news for living over in Nicholas County while serving on the local Board. Voters turned him out to pasture back then.

Feb. 22 p Most recently the feller was mentioned during coverage of the resignation of Town Recorder Dwana Murphy a couple weeks back.

Feb. 22 p Charlie is Dwana's Dad

Feb. 22 p Charlie O came unhinged when he saw the ace cub reporter walk into the gym. O slid forward in his seat and started pointing his boney finger as he yelled out, "If you put my name in that newspaper one more time, I WILL PULL OUT EVERY HAIR ON YOUR HEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Feb. 22 p When the Reporter asked if Charlie would be mailing a Christmas card this year... that didn't help O's temperment too much

Feb. 22 p Nor did it help when AW said O can expect special mention in the next printed Communicator.

Feb. 22 p Now leaning waaaaaaaaay forward in his seat and wagging his finger more wildly, he reiterated that he would come thru with his threats of bodily injury

Fed 22p  The poor Mel Gibson look alike doesn't have much hair to start with, shouldn't be much of a job for ole Charlie Osborne

Feb. 22 p This is a good time to mention we're doing our annual online begging campaign to keep this site alive for another year.

Feb. 22 p Some would think it would get easier after more than a  decade of up to minute Clayberry info. It doesn't.

Feb. 22 p Where else can you get chuckles from dumb bunny local antics like Charlie Osborne.

Feb. 22p  If it's worth anything to ya, how  about a few bucks to make it happen for another year or so. Mail your hard earned $$$ to Delta; 2278 Main Street  Clay WV 25043

Feb. 22 p Doubt if Charlie reads this website.

Feb. 22 p  Would someone please make him a copy . We're sure he wants to help this journal of Clayberry knowledge.

Feb. 22 p Thanks in advance

 

Feb. 21 late p School Board meeting is Monday night at H E White Elem., 6pm. This gathering has the potential for being a reaal winner.

Feb. 21 late p  New job listing over on the JOBS page. Check it out.

Feb. 21 late p We've got a full week of High School basketball action this week. Something is going on each night with Monday night being Senior Night for the Panthers.

Feb. 21 late p Clayberry had a very crappy time  during the last seven days.

Feb. 21 late p We lost long time local defense attorney, Jerome Novobilski.

Feb. 21 late p Jerome had a running thing with the ace cub reporter.  Whatever was asked, what color's the sky.... is the world round.... Jerome's reply was always, No comment.

Feb. 21 late p Novo was in the Courtroom four days before his death. That morning , his hair was unkept and he kind of slumped over in the pew. When the Ace Cub Reporter walked by with his usual, Hey Man, for the first time in decades, Jerome did not reply with his normal, No Comment. We should have known something was seriously wrong.

Feb. 21 late p Novo will be missed

Feb. 21 late p Kyle Ware was a bright,  good lookin young man, with a bright future. As a Black Shirt, he recently completed Badge academy and was off for a career in law enforcement.

Feb. 21 late p Five seconds of out of control action  has changed all that. There is a real chance that one time Deputy Ware may go before the Grand Jury in March.

Feb. 21 late p On the down hill skids is also Bob Morris who was a part of the same incident with Kyle Ware. As a Clay High administrator, certain professional actions and responsibilities are demanded of leadership.  Once again, a five second lapse in judgment could leave a huge black mark on the guy's  record and one that could prevent any further advancement in the school system.

Feb. 21 late p Shakey Legg was a common guy that was quick with a story or joke. During a radio station June Jam, Shakey recited several Red Skeleton comedy stories.

Feb. 21 late p One weekend he took an old mini truck and camouflaged the thang. It was  a feder flopping beater for sure but he thought he had the best thing since canned soup.

Feb. 21 late p Shakey would have no part of Jim Haynie  as Legg tried to cast his vote one elction cycle.  Inside the Middle School polling place,Legg trew a chair at Haynie and managed to get arrested. Afterwards he said he probably shouldn't have done that that way was felt it was important to get his point across. Shakey was right.

Feb. 21 late p Mr Legg knew how to die too. Early early Friday morning he was feeling bad. He drove to Go Mart and purchased some Tylenol and headed back home. When the illness did not subside, an ambulance was called. Before arrival, he died.

Feb. 21 late p No long hospital stay, no long dwindling demise, he just died. What a great way to go

Feb. 21 late p after that rotten week, maybe this one will turn out a little more cheerful.

Feb. 21 late p We hope anyway.

 

Feb. 19 p  Jimmie “Shakey” Legg, 75, of Maysel, see OBITUARY page

Feb. 19 p  Thomas Alfred Auxier, 49,  see OBITUARY page

Feb. 19 p Sometimes news isn't easy to publish. Here comes one of those that's a head shaker

Feb. 19 p Kyle Ware is just out of Police Academy and serves as a Black Shirt in County Clay. He's also an asst wrestling coach at Clay Middle.

Feb. 19p Nice enough young guy with  bright future until this week

Feb. 19 p As best we can piece together....

Feb. 19 p After responding for an assistance 911 call in Two Run,  the late for pratice Ware returned to Clay Middle to serve in the coaching capacity. Inside the building and still dressed in uniform and carrying his weapon, a couple wrestlers were getting in a scuffle. Ware grabbed one kid and dragged him into the  locker room.

Feb. 19 p While street talk says he slapped the kid, we think he shuck the stuffins out  of him and some how, the wrestler's head  knocked a pretty big hole in the locker room wall.

Feb. 19 p After that incident, practice continued with Ware still in uniform.

Feb. 19 p Head Coach Bob Morris did NOT notify the Pentagon as is absolutely required by school policy.

Feb. 19 p A couple days festered and the already serious incident swelled into a full grown civil rights case. When the Pentagon found out, as required by law, they contacted state agency, DHHR for a full and complete investigation.

Feb. 19 p Stop here. Why did they call for investigation? One, it's a matter of policy and Two, they're trying to reduce exposure, AKA: protect their own butt

Feb. 19 p  A Green Shirt from Spencer was called in for a criminal investigation early this week.

Feb. 19 p Best we can surmise, a Special Prosecutor will be called in to present Kyle Ware to the Spring Grand Jury if the investigation can be completed in the next three weeks.

Feb. 19 p It's standard procedure for a Badge to be put on light or office duty followed by time off without pay until the problem or case is settled.

Feb. 19 p On Thursday, Ware still had his badge and gun but stayed in the upstairs Courtroom at  the Courthouse

Feb. 19 p The School Board agenda was posted Thursday including the resignations of Kyle Ware and Bob Morris as coaches.

Feb. 19 p As a senior administrator in the school system, Morris could be in real grease.

Feb. 19 p It appears, at the very least, Morris is facing an unpaid suspension for not following common sense policy (and state code mandated) to notify Superintendent Tanner immediately.

Feb. 19 p Stop here. It was just two years ago that a Charleston Principal failed to notify Badges and DHHR for less than 24 hours. That guy is now out of the Kanawha County system. For him, he had enough time in to take retirement. Not so with Bob Morris

Feb. 19 p It is our understanding, Black Shirt Ware turned in his Badge and weapon this afternoon and walked out of the Courthouse a civilian.

Feb. 19 p  In an instant, life changed for Kyle Ware. If they pull his certification, he will never be in law enforcement again. The worst case scenario would be, he gets indicted next month and goes to trial. For that goes bad, jail time could be in order.

Feb. 19 p Ware has been out of the academy for just a few months. The County paid for that costly training. Both the County Commission and School Board will be included in a most likely civil lawsuit. Lawyers ain't cheap and there will be plenty of em for all the parties.

Feb. 19 p Insurance providers, if they decide to cover the case, require big deductables.

Feb. 19 p That's more hard to find $$$ , leaving the county

Feb. 19 p  Bob Morris who serves as the Clay High Vice Principal in the Vo-Ag building and  has been around a long time. Back when he was a Vo-Ag teacher, he was the responsible party on numerous field trips and far away competitions.

Feb. 19 p As teacher and now Vice Principal, after years of training, he knew better and should have stepped up to the plate and used those skills.

Feb. 19 p He didn't

Feb. 19 p If it turns out Morris played down the serious incident or worse yet, tried to hide it, he needs fired Monday night during the Board meeting.

Feb. 19 p All together now, "WHAT WERE THEY THINKING????"

Feb. 19 p Sad sad week in Clayberry

 

Feb. 18 p  Jerome Richard Novobilski, 69, of Clay, see OBITUARY page

Feb. 18 p What color should healthy pee be? Read more right here.

Feb. 18 p Whenever some project receives funding, there's always s big ceremony where the elected got their mug shots on front pages. Free money is good

Feb. 18 p  Very few projects are ever totally free. Most wa wa , sewer, building, projects include some kind of fill in the gap loan to complete the new whatever.

Feb. 18 p Such was the case when the old Maysel low income housing project was torn down and the new three story, low income unit was built 30 years ago.

Feb. 18 p After those 30 years, wouldn't you think, a big chunk of the loan would be paid off.

Feb. 18 p The correct answer is  No

Feb. 18 p  In Oct. 1985, the Rural Development loan was for 1,306,286.22 at 7.5% interest

Feb. 18 p  For 2015, the monthly payment was $2818.47 of which $1982.57 was interest.

Feb. 18 p The payments were all made in 2015. In that year only $10,382.88 was paid on the principal

Feb. 18 p After 30 years, guess how much of the original $1,306, 286 is left owed?

Feb. 18 p The balance on the 30 year old building is $1,196,977.08

Feb. 18 p Long after the cameras are put away, the debt has not

Feb. 18 p It's not just Maysel Manor / Anderson Heights

Feb. 18 p If you look  at each PSD in the county, much of what you're paying each month is not for current operation or the cost of the wet stuff.

Feb. 18 p Much of your bill, our guess is over 30%, goes toward paying on debt from decades out extensions and upgrades. Those old loans are NEVER paid off with the Feds receiving huge interest income

Feb. 18 p One exception to debt laden just turned into a huge debt

Feb. 18 p The old Clay Wa Wa plant was paid off ... maybe $18,000 left to go and by gummies, a perfectly good, working, debt free plant wasn't good enough

Feb. 18 p A gazillion dollar plant was built, called an upgrade, and today, the Town struggles with debt load even after two rate increase.

Feb. 18 p So much for what's wrong in Clayberry

Feb. 18 p Change subjects please....

Feb. 18 p The Pentagon's website does not include the meeting agenda for Monday night's Board meeting. That agenda is posted on the meeting house door

Feb. 18 p For vote is the resignation of the Middle School Wrestling Coach Bob Morris AND Asst Wrestling Coach, Kyle Ware

Feb. 18 p Both at one time and in the middle of a school year?

Feb. 18 p In years past when one or more were tossed at the same time, that means something happened behind the scenes

Feb. 18 p   Mark this a developing story with an update coming sometime Friday afternoon

Feb. 18 p You know what today is? It's the first day of the annual begging campaign to keep this site up and running for another year.

Feb. 18 p This place ain't for everybody but if you're one of the 1800 a day that stops in for an update on the dumb bunny crap that goes on here, please help us out with a donation

Feb. 18 p Mail your donation to Delta, 2278 Main Street, Clay WV 25043

Feb. 18 p Thanks

 

Feb. 17 late p   The Panthers burned out early . Braxton 48, Clay 41

Feb. 17 late p  Guilty of armed robbery and more, Bruce Bird and Isaiah Murphy were both sentenced to 100 years.

Feb. 17 late p Sweetie Lyndsey Nottingham was also arrested with Murph and Bird. Before the court this week, all charges against Nottingham were dropped. Turns out Green Shirt B E Young is overseas serving in the military and unable to be in Court.

Feb. 17 late p Lyndsey just got a pass

Feb. 17 late p Lawsuits are expensive. Many times the county's insurance provider doesn't cover  a case. Even if they do, the first $10,000 is on the taxpayer's back.

Feb. 17 late p You know where we're going don't ya.

Feb. 17 late p This time around, Danny Brown is taking Sheriff Samples, the County Commission and Black Shirt Robert Belt to Federal Court on an American with Disabilities Act complaint.

Feb. 17 late p We've got a couple Danny Browns in the county. This one is the guy that lives over in Two Run.

Feb. 17 late p Sounds like an arrest by Belt some how violated Brown's rights.

Feb. 17 late p If not tossed by Judge John T Copenhaver Jr, more $$$ leaving the county.

 

Feb. 17 a The Panthers travel to Braxton tonight for a 7:30pm basketball game.

Feb. 17 a With one win under their belts, let's make it 2 tonight

Feb. 17 a The local radio station continues to fight off and repair damage from the ransomware attacks. If all goes well and the FM station stays on the air, 101.7FM will broadcast the event

Feb. 17 a Can't help but think about Jerome Novobilski who passed away Tuesday morning.

Feb. 17 a Did you know he loved fireworks and was a pyro tech himself.

Feb. 17 a On more than one occasion, it was Jerome that showed up for a radio station party, show, and set off the commercial grade Ka Booooms and sparkles.

Feb. 17 a The county is going to miss that New Jersey lad that talked funny and who set up shop here around 1982.

 

Feb. 16 p  20 solid pages of hard hitting info on the inner workings of Clayberry are now available via The Communicator. Pick one up today

Feb. 16 p Jerome Novobilski spent decades in County Clay as a defense attorney.

Feb. 16 p Never one to command the spotlight, Jerome was reserved. His dress clothes were a pair of tan pants held up with suspenders, long sleeve dress shirt, and tie.

Feb. 16 p With his digital camera, Jerome took pics of every festival, fair, event in the county. He especially enjoyed taking photos during the Big Apple.

Feb. 16 p Last Thursday morning the guy was seated in the Circuit Courtroom before the Isaiah Murphy trial. His normal slicked back white hair was not combed and sticking out all over. He didn't talk. Quietly he slowly made his way out the double doors. No one thought anything about that exit.

Feb. 16 p This morning Jerome was heading to the Courthouse but never made it.

Feb. 16 p Jerome Novobilski was found dead in his parked Buick on Main Street.

 

Feb. 15 p  For the first time in several days, the National Weather Service's hazardous weather advisory says, there ain't one

Feb. 15 p Tonight the temp will stay above freezing. Great!

Feb. 15 p Sleety rain and a chance snow flakes should make Tuesday afternoon driving a little greasy. Careful please

Feb. 15 a Ridge tops have  about four inches of beautiful snow on the ground this morning. Underneath it is a thin layer of ice sure to make you bust your butt after about the third step. Caution urged

Feb. 15 a Beautiful now but if this repeats itself in March, it will be that $$##!!! snow

Feb. 15 a No word yet on the CHS ball game tonight. Should hear something by noon. Check back then

Feb. 15 a Unless we're flooding Tuesday, and that's a real possibility, The Communicator will hit the news stands around 3pm. Deadline for email submissions is today at 5pm.

Feb. 15 a If you're a candidate and haven't submitted your free announcement article yet, now's the time. If you'd like to comment with  a signed chatter, email today

Feb. 15 a If you don't have to go out, don't. We start our online begging campaign Thursday and we need all the help we can get to keep this portal of knowledge up and running for another year

 

Feb. 14 8:47p Clayberry Schools will be closed Monday Feb. 15th

Feb. 14 Right now we have a little over an inch of new snow with weather predicamentators calling for sleet, rain, snow, and then more of that stuff  for most of Monday

Feb. 14  Sleep in and enjoy the holiday one and all

Feb. 14 p Many of the local basketball games have been rescheduled due to winter conditions.

Feb. 14 p Yesterday afternoon's Panther v Roane game was one that many people didn't know about.

Feb. 14 p Because it was our first win of the season, WYAP is doing an encore broadcast of the game beginning at 7pm tonight. If you know any of the players, let em know so they can hear their good deeds tonight, 7pm, 101.7 or on the web

Feb. 14 p Bet they win again tonight!

Feb. 14 a 3 degrees this morning. The bright sun at 10 am helps a little but with ice and snow slated for this evening and another day of it Monday, be careful out there

Feb. 14 a The CHS Panthers had a win Saturday against Roane County. The hard fought W ended, 58 to 36. With their first win under their belt, so far, that makes their season 1 and 14

Feb. 14 a Go Panthers

Feb. 14 a  Naysayers: They just turn em loose! Heck, the criminal is back out of jail before the Badge gets back from CRJ

Feb. 14 a Sometime yes, but not so for Isaiah Murphy this past week

Feb. 14 a Born with a silver spoon in his mouth and after spending his 27 years in trouble with the law, Isaiah was sentenced to 50 years followed by another 50 years in prison by Judge Jack Alsop on Thursday.

Feb. 14 a Justice may be slow and they do have to follow constitutional muster, but the justice system does work in Clayberry

Feb. 14 a During thr 2015 Legislative season, the new corporate puppets tried to follow orders but were unable to accomplish their marching orders. They didn't know the rules.

Feb. 14 a This year the Republicrats have their act together and are tearing down the state with repeal of tried and true standards like prevailing wage and implementation of right to work for less laws.

Feb. 14 a We were proud of our rep Delegate Hanshaw for voting against both during regular votes.

Feb. 14 a That big happy face turned to mush when he voted in favor of curtailing civil rights with his Yes vote on the poorly named Religious Freedom Act which smashes Christian values and opens the door to legalized hatred

Feb. 14 a Sad day in the Mountain State

Feb. 14 a With such (and more) becoming law in Charleston, getting out to vote  in May has never been more important

Feb. 14 a Two years ago, corporate money bags came to W Va and spent enough to turn the Legislature into Republicrat controlled.

Feb. 14 a We are suffering thru that change while on the national level, Bernie and Trump are calling for another kind of revolution.

Feb. 14 a Bernie Sanders:  "Making public colleges and universities tuition free, that exists in countries all over the world, used to exist in the United States."

Feb. 14 a For that don't know, his words are true.

Feb. 14 a Trump keeps saying, "I'm self-funding my own campaign."

Feb. 14 a Is that true? Well not exactly.

Feb. 14 a Ending on a happy note... Spring is justa round the corner. Little League Sign Up information is now posted on the ADVISORY page

 

Feb. 13 a  We've got a make up ball game this afternoon at 3pm when Roane County comes to CHS

Feb. 13 a Many in the county say, Judge just turn em loose.

Feb. 13 a That wasn't the case for Isaiah Murphy friday morning when Judge Alsop sentenced the troubled lad to 50 years behind bars followed by another 50 years. Running side by side with the  100 years in the big house is a 1 to 10 year sentence.

Feb. 13 a There's another sentencing awaiting Mr Murphy for the armed robbery down in Kanawha County where he and BJ Murphy sought $$$ the easy way at Shaffer's Super Stop

Feb. 13 a Complete details in Tuesday's Communicator

Feb. 13 a 12 on the thermometer this morning.

Feb. 13 a Sun's out brightly but man oh man, it's darn chilly this weekend

 

Feb. 12 late a  Valentine's Day is this Sunday. If you think it's cold now, wait till you show up without a present!

Feb. 12 late a Here's the answer.

Feb. 12 late a  The Library is selling Valentine Kisses with all proceeds going toward keeping the Clay County Public Library open.

Feb. 12  a This evening the Panthers take on Calhoun County with Homecoming activities included in the fun night. The local radio stations will air the match up tonight

Feb. 12 a Big cold front moving thru the next couple days followed by a real chance for another major snow storm. 12 degrees this morning. Suppose to feel like minus 12 Saturday morning!

Feb. 12 a With such words, many will instantly head out the door for a trip to the Clay IGA

Feb. 12 a Over there, they've got a many items devoid of high fructose corn syrup.

Feb. 12 a Know what that is? True sugar is not good for ya but HFCS is considered to be death for your body. For those that suffer from diabetes, HFCS triggers much higher levels of the bad stuff.

Feb. 12 a If you look around at the IGA, they've got no HFCS Smuckers Jelly, Whitehouse Apple Sauce without that poison, Log Cabin syrup minus the stuff and a bunch more.

Feb. 12 a Bread is another one of the food stuffs that does little good for the body. Wheat bread spikes blood sugar faster than many candy bars!

Feb. 12 a  Bread with HFCS is even "worser". The IGA has a brand of Sara Lee bread without the bad stuff.

Feb. 12 a Eating healthy makes a big difference.

 

Feb. 11 p  Eddie E. Keenan, 57, of Bickmore, see OBITUARY page

Feb. 11 p There was another wonderful win tonight by the Lady Panthers over Nicholas County, 60 to 48!

Feb. 11 p Don't forget, tonight the CHS Lady Panthers take on Nicholas County in home court action beginning at 7:30

Feb. 11 p For those without warm socks and coat, 101.7FM will be sportscasting the game beginning around 7:20

Feb. 11 p Cold cold tonight. Be careful every chance you get

 

Feb. 10 5:45p  Clay County Schools will be operating on a two hour delay Thursday morning

Feb. 10 p The feels like factor should be down around zero. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Feb. 10 p  County Commission met this morning for 30 minutes or so

Feb. 10 p One of the items brought up was a fed grant to purchase a new $90,000 four wheel drive ambulance for the county.

Feb. 10p    The grant, any grant, means free money. That's good.

Feb. 10 p   This grant would cover around $30K of the total bill

Feb. 10 p With the county broke, don't expect a new ambulance any time soon

Feb. 10 p  Suppose to get an inch of snow today and another inch this evening.

Feb. 10p Right now, 11 am, just a few flurries in the air

Feb. 10 5:35 am  CLAYBERRY SCHOOLS ARE NOW CLOSED WEDNESDAY. Go back to bed

Feb. 10  We've had what looks like just a couple more inches of the white stuff but, it's the wet heavy kind that's laying and sticky on everything including the roads.

Feb. 10  Be careful out there every chance you get

 

Feb. 9 8:45 pm CLAYBERRY SCHOOLS WILL BE OPERATING ON A TWO HOUR DELAY WED

 

Feb. 9 p  Ingfrid Karin Canfield, 74, Ivydale, see OBITUARY page

Feb. 9 p  Melodie Kay McCune, 59, see OBITUARY page

Feb. 9 p The Boil Water Order for the Ivydale service area was lifted around 2pm today

Feb. 9 p  Tonight's CHS v Nicholas County game has been canceled.

Feb. 9 p More snow is expected about dusk. Get your beer early and get off the roads

 

Feb. 9   8:40am  Clayberry schools will close today at 1pm.

Feb. 9  Bigger snow flakes are now falling

 

Feb. 9 early a Temp is right at 26 degrees with around an inch of snow on the ground in the Maysel area, schools are open today.

From the National Weather Service, Winter Advisory in part:  WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST WEDNESDAY... * HAZARD TYPES...SNOW.  * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...3 TO 6 INCHES. * TIMING...SNOW SHOWERS WILL BE FREQUENT TODAY THROUGH TONIGHT BUT   MAY EVEN LINGER INTO WEDNESDAY. * IMPACTS...TRAVEL MAY BE DIFFICULT AT TIMES.WET SNOW LAST NIGHT    MAY MAKE FOR ICE BENEATH THE SNOW...MAKING THE ROADS THAT MUCH    MORE TREACHEROUS. VISIBILITIES WILL BE LIMITED AT TIMES.

Feb. 9 early a  Scanner traffic sounds like the roads are greasy with at least two school bus drivers sporting chains this morning. Many of the side ride kids will not be picked up by big yeller this morning

Feb. 9 early a We checked over at Town Hall Monday afternoon on the number of applicants seeking the $480 / month Town Recorder position. Sadly we report, just one application has been turned into the office.

Feb. 9 early a In this town of 500 or so, isn't it sad, only one person wants a part time, indoor, non time consuming, job.

Feb. 9 early a That may also be an indication that locals know how screwed up and back doorish the Town of Clay really is

Feb. 9 early a Isaiah Murphy was NOT sentenced yesterday.

Feb. 9 early a Once again, his attorney, Kevin Duffy, was nowhere to be seen.

Feb. 9 early a That makes three times the Bean Pole has not showed up for duty. By the way, Duffy , in this case, is NOT a court appointed attorney, he's being paid by the Murphy family for his efforts... or lack there of

Feb. 9 early a Guess Judge Alsop is fed up with Duffy.

Feb. 9 early a  Kevin Hughart was appointed to replace Duffy yesterday. A status conference will be convened Friday morning at 10:30. Our guess, a  new sentencing date will be set then.

Feb. 9 early a In the mean time, Isaiah Murphy remains on our jail bill at $48.25 per day. The cost is growing daily.

Feb. 9 early a We don't have a clue what Duffy is up to. Truth is, we haven't seen the lad in two months or maybe a little longer.

Feb. 9 early a During one of his most recent non appearances, Duffy managed to call in to the Judge with his explanation. What was it? He couldn't find an alternator for his vehicle.

Feb. 9 early a Another time,  late word came the Duffmaster was in Cleveland.

Feb. 9 early a On another occassion, the defense attorney was reported sick.

Feb. 9 early a  What ever the reason, Duffy may be in big trouble. With the Murphy case already pulled from him, others, maybe all of em, may be given to other attorneys who show up on time.

Feb. 9 early a Bsed on the amount of time Duffy spends on court appointed cases, if those are formally taken from him, that's a big ouch.

 

Feb. 8 early a  After years of criminal conduct Isaiah Murphy will be sentenced today at 2:30 if attorney Kevin Duffy shows up for duty.

Feb. 8 a Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Murphy was troubled from an early age. Many years ago, the lad broke into the new log factory and stole the brass / copper contact points in the electrical system. With friends on Council, charges were not pressed.

Feb. 8 a It was all hush hush of course .    Life went down hill from there.

Feb. 8 a With his accomplice receiving 100 years behind bars 10 days ago, but with Murphy snitching on a bunch of his fellow thugs, he might be treated to less prison time.

Feb. 8 a Tonight at 6pm over at Clay Elem, the Bd of Ed gang meets for a rescheduled meeting. Big long agenda too.

Feb. 8 a  Tuesday's  Clay County PSD meeting has been reschuled to Feb. 16th at 11am

Feb. 8 a From the hurherald web site:    Boone County School Superintendent John Hudson announced this week he would recommend the cutting of 77 positions in the county school system in the coming year. Among the positions to be cut are 60 teachers or administrators and 17 service personnel. The revenue losses are only part of the story in Boone County where coal mining or jobs tied to the coal industry have long been the county’s biggest employer. The county is experiencing an unprecedented decline in enrollment.

Feb. 8 a  Also from hurherald:  Fayette Superintendent Terry George says the county will reduce staff by 9.5 professional positions and 8.5 service jobs next school year. Positions set to be eliminated will end June 30.

Feb. 8 a and if the truth was known, we haven't seen anything yet.

Feb. 8 a Delegate Hanshaw's weekly column is now posted over on the ADVISORY page

 

Feb. 7 p The Library's volunteer support group, the 914 Committee, has been preparing great big Valentine Kisses as a fund raiser for the only public library in the county.

Feb. 7 p Nice little present for the sweetie and all going to a great cause.

Feb. 7 p For those wondering about snow days and changes in the Clayberry School schedule, Feb. 15th is now a full day of edumacation; Good Friday March 25th, is now day of school but with a two hour early out; and June 6, 7 & 8, the brats are at their desks.

Feb. 7 p As we look back at the last seven days, the biggy was the resignation of Dwana Murphy as Town Recorder. For the Murphy clan, it's the end of an era.... or is it?

Feb. 7 p Without fail, there's always a backroom plan to keep things under wraps. Not sure if that will pan out this time around, but ... just thinking out loud

Feb. 7 p Since the beginning 20 years ago, the old guard, has always hated The Communicator. they've tried various tactics of  which none worked.

Feb. 7 p Even to this day as the county's only locally owned and operated newspaper, when asked many will reply, Heck No ,  not me!, I don't read that thang. At one point, this web site of knowledge was even blocked from school system computers. They too thought it would wither on the vine

Feb. 7 p Truth is, a bunch of folks sneak into area grocery stores and quietly brown bag a copy the night the latest edition is released.

Feb. 7p  Last week, the ace cub reporter was up at the Pentagon gathering info. He just happened to look around the corner and none other than Mary Holcomb was at her desk reading the paper.

Feb. 7 p The Mel Gibson Look Alike yelled out: Ahhhhhhhh, where is my camera when I need it?

Feb. 7 p  With  startled look and with her jaw dropping open, Mary Holcomb, I was just throwing it in the trash where it belongs!!!!!!!!

Feb. 7 p Caught!

Feb. 7 p By the way, if you're looking for a part time job with excellent pay, don't forget to apply for the Town Recorder postion. See JOBS page today

Feb. 7 p We have a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Get out and enjoy it

 

Feb. 5 a   Ronald Boggs, 70, of Clay, see OBITUARY page

Feb. 5 a   Last night, the Lady Panthers topped the very young Webster County team by 50 points.

 

Feb. 4 early a   Live in the Town of Clay and need an extra $480 per month? See JOBS page today.

Feb. 4a  W Va election changed this year. Like, Magistrates, other Judges are now non partisan affairs where the May vote is the deciding vote

Feb. 4a We knew Magistrates were divided into districts. We didn't know Circuit Judges were also broke into districts

Feb. 4 a In the most recent Communicator, in the Election 2016 article, we mentioned a Republicrat candidate had just signed up for a Circuit Judge position.

Feb. 4 a That was true but we didn't know the part about districts

Feb. 4 a The article should have said, that Republicrat is vying for Judge Jack Alsop's spot on the bench.

Feb. 4 a The Lady Panthers are traveling to Webster County tonight for basketball action.

Feb. 4 a Non profit WYAP will be there too.

Feb. 4 a For those can't make the trip, tune to 101.7 FM around 7:20 for the pregame show

Feb. 4 a The sportscaster, TG Griffith, was just crowned Person of the Month by the Clay County BDA.

Feb. 4 a When you see TG, congrats are in order!

 

Feb. 3 p First a correction. Clay Town Recorder is paid $480 a month for showing up at a  meeting and keeping the minutes.

Feb. 3 p Power went off this morning around 7:15. School was canceled around 9 am. Damage was found just below Pierson's Sawmill with repairs made by 2pm.

Feb. 3 p  Life returned to Clayberry

Feb. 3 p The new Communicator came out Tuesday afternoon. Front page article details the sentencing of 29 year old Bruce Bird. After a lengthy criminal career, Bird was sentenced to two 50 year jail terms back to back.  Even with good time, BJ Bird is out of our hair for a long time.

Feb. 3 p Be sure to pick up a copy for the details and the upcoming sentencing of his side kick, Isaiah Murphy

Feb. 3 p  Town Recorder Dwana Murphy resigned from her elected position during Tuesday's meeting of Town Council. To be a Recorder, you have to live within the municipality. Murph does not. She actually moved over to Pisgah back in Dec. Public outcry forced her resignation

Feb. 3 p  On hand for her resignation was her Dad, one time School Board member, Charlie Osborne.

Feb. 3 p  After the meeting, Charlie was upset. And after pointing to the ace cub reporter and Council person JP Helms, Charlie "firmly" questioned whether the pair was happy with their efforts to remove Dwana from office.

Feb. 3 p For the Ace Cub Reporter, the answer came Yes!

Feb. 3 p Long time followers of Life in Clay will remember it was Charlie who got in trouble when he too moved out of his elected district but continued to receive $$$ as a School Board member.

Feb. 3 p Guess such actions run in that family

 

Feb. 2  5:45pm BOIL WATER ORDER issued for the Ivydale area due to a main line break, Boil the wet stuff before using

Take Wed off from work. The DNR stocked Buffalo Creek with 590 pounds of trout before lunch today.

Feb. 2 The Communicator made it to news stands across the region this afternoon. 16 great pages of info including the 100 year sentence issued to Bruce BJ Bird. Information found no other place can be found in the Communicator

Feb. 2  After two months of battling, tonight, during the Clay Town Council meeting, Recorder Dwana Murphy resigned from office.

Feb. 2 The search is on for a replacement. At $600 a month for one meeting and keeping track of the meeting minutes, not a bad job if you can get it.

Feb. 2 While deciding to run an ad seeking a new Recorder, discussion came on job requirements

Feb. 2 The Mayor and old Recorder spoke, that any applicant must be a registered voter.

Feb. 2 If you look at State Code 8-5-7, candidates for municipal office do NOT have to registered to vote. Here's what the Secretary of State's office has to say about candidate qualifications:  Effective after the 2005 Legislative Session, state law changed to reflect the Supreme Court

decision in Marra v. Zink, which that stated that the West Virginia Constitution did not authorize
the establishment of qualifications for municipal offices in excess of Article 4 § 4. Specifically,
the change removed provisions that required the payment of taxes the year before. Therefore,
officers must be a minimum of 18 years of age, be a resident of the municipality and not be
under conviction of a felony or other disqualification.
 

Feb. 1 a There's a special Health Bd meeting today at 4pm (I think) to discuss what's the Legislature is doing to em They meet in the NH Dyer Health Dept building on Main Street

Feb. 1 a And, tonight the Business Development Authority convenes their monthly get together at 6:30pm. They meet in the old State Road garage building in beautiful Two Run.

Feb. 1  a  Filing for office concluded Saturday at midnight. Candidates can mail their applications as long as it's postmarked by midnight Jan 30th.

Feb. 1 a That means some stragglers could show up in the mail bag today or maybe even Tuesday.

Feb. 1 a Judge Jack Alsop and Rick Facemire filed to keep their jobs early in the filing window.

Feb. 1 a Up until this season, voters knew which party Judges were associated with. Both our sitting Robes were registered Demorats.

Feb. 1 a Sometime on Friday a third candidate signed his name on the form and launched his campaign for Circuit Judge, 14th District.

Feb. 1 a In contests past, that lad filed as a Republicrat.

Feb. 1 a Here's the run down for those offices from the Sec of State's web site. You have to scroll waaaaay down the page for the 14th Judge District.

Jan 31 a Friday morning, Sheriff Samples responded to a dead person call over in an apartment at the old Prestera building.

Jan 31 a   William Charles Henson, 54, of Clay, see OBITUARY page

Jan 31 a One week ago today, Clayberry was blanketed in 20 inches or more of snow during the the Great Snow of the 21st Century.

Jan 31 a This morning, it's already 50 degrees and the sun is bright and warming us up. What a Winter!

Jan 31 a  Yesterday was the last day to sign up for a run at govt office. The COunty Clerk's office was open til 4 pm accepting contenders.

Jan 31 a We now have a race in the County Commission race in A District.

Jan 31 a Dana Holcomb tossed his name in the hat for that contest.

Jan 31 a With Dana and Fran King in the race, should make for a great campaign cycle.

Jan 31 a This time around, there are no challengers for the incumbent Magistrates, County Clerk, Circuit Court, and Prosecutor.

Jan 31 a There are also no Republicrats on the local ballot.

Jan 31 a For now...

Jan 31 a Law allow for mail in applications if they are post marked by midnight last night.

Jan 31a There is a slight chance that stragglers could show up in Monday or Tuesday's mail.

Jan 31 a In the Sheriff and Assessor races where are there are four contenders in each , as well as the School Board match up, may we suggest....

Jan 31 a All candidates get a free candidate announcement ad in the Communicator.  Candidates are allowed four or five paragraphs and their mug shot for free. Email over today.

Jan 31 a Deadline for those and any other offering is Monday at 5pm for this edition.

 

Jan 29 p  Willard Falls, 75, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page

Jan 29 p We've got a new School Board candidate registered for a run. Connie Ramsey is the new challenger

Jan 29 p  Clay High Panthers continued their perfect season tonight when they traveled to Webster County. Final score Clay 40, Webster 81

Jan 29 a For this last Friday in Jan., it's the first full day of school in over a week.

Jan 29 a Around 6:30am , bus drivers alerted others, very "greasy" this morning.

Jan 29 a  Translation: Many slick spots.

Jan 29 a Tonight the CHS Panthers head over to Webster County for basketball action.

Jan 29 a Local non profit radio plans to make the trip with pregame action beginning around 7:20 tonight

Jan 29 a For those sick of winter weather and needing a happy nudge, Clayberry's own Terri Lively Allen and hubby Harold (we use to call him the Water Man) will be performing down at Taylor Books on Capitol Street in Charleston Saturday night. Music begins around 7:30.

Jan 29 a Great way to spend an evening and free too

Jan 29 a So what did Don Trump prove last night? A couple things

Jan 29 a One, hands down, he's bigger than FOX Entertainment

Jan 29 a Two, the right wing evangelical tea baggers are very lackluster when in the spotlight.

Jan 29 a All in all, it says something about the GOP.  If this crew of candidates is the best they can muster, they're in real trouble.

Jan 29 a Good!

 

Jan 28 p  Billy Tracy, 73, of Clay, see OBITUARY page

Jan 28 p A lot of Clayonians have trouble finding someone that knows how to plumb, do quality carpentry work, and masonry jobs.

Jan 28 p We've got one that fits the bill very nicely. Check out Cliff White over on the JOBS page.

 

Jan 28 a Welcome to a down right chilly Thursday morning. 16 degrees on one bank clock at 8:30am. Brrrrrrrr

Jan 28 a  The little darlings are out the door for the first time in over a week.

Jan 28 a Sch Bd meets tonight at 6pm in the Pentagon

Jan 28 a From yesterday's Commission meeting....

Jan 28 a  The county owns two housing projects, High Street Apartments and Anderson Heights in Maysel. The Clay County Housing Authority (appointed by the CCC) oversees the low income rental units.

Jan 28 a  The Authority uses a management agency to make everything work. Over the years, those management agencies have been less than stellar in performance.

Jan 28 a Encore was one the management firms that wasn't worth a diddly. In 2009, Encore made front page news when the Feds came in, seized all their records and brought up the notion of fraud with Federal payouts.

Jan 28 a  Encore is no more but for many years, Encore managed our local public housing projects.

Jan 28 a In 2008, they  were so bad, the Housing Authority refused to sign a contract for them to continue for another year in Clay. In Dec 2008, the Authority met in the Courthouse and invited Commissioner LinkyPoo to the meeting. There they told the aging sagging lad of all the issues and why they refused to use Encore any longer.

Jan 28 a Linky turned his head and all but said, you have to

Jan 28 a With a Dec 31st contract deadline near, the Authority, a majority anyway, refused.

Jan 28 a Sometime after the meeting,  without Board permission or approval, Housing Authority Chair Connie Lupardus went ahead and penned her name to the new contract. Within a month, that Board resigned from volunteer duty.

Jan 28 a During the Jan 27th Commission meeting, Encore's name came up. Some in the room  just laughed at things of old.

Jan 28 a So much for history

Jan 28 a  We're taking all the snow pictures off the home page on Friday. If you want a copy, put your mouse on the pic, right click, and save as.

 

Jan 27 p Parents you got your wish or at least part of it

Jan 27 p Clay County Schools will be operating on a two hour delay Thursday.

Jan 27 a Many are back at work. While there and in need of something to do, here's Chris Regan's web portal full of info on what the corporate puppets in the Legislature are really up to.

Jan 27 a Big Otter Community Center will be closed this Friday night because their parking lot is still snow covered big time.

 

Jan 26 p We had a snafu at the office today which made updating the News page impossible. Sorry about that folks. Now at 10pm....

Jan 26 p As you read on the home page, no school continues on Wednesday

Jan 26 p County Commission meets Wed morning beginning at 10am. the world's welcome to attend.

Jan 26 p Delta Communication, publishers of The Communicator have a deal going on over at the office in Two Run. Hammermill copy paper, white, 8 1/2 by 11, $2 per ream while supplies last (they've got 8 reams right now).

Jan 26 p Hammermill white copy paper, 14 inch, legal size, just $3 per ream while supplies last. (they've got 10 reams right now).

Jan 26 p Someone will be at the office Wed afternoon and til 4 on Thursday

Jan 26 p The Legislature has important work to do during the next 50 days. If for no other reason, how about figuring a way to resurface roads and repair the bridges.

Jan 26 p Instead of important stuff, the Corporate side, the Republicrats, just handed out a bill to further limit work rights of pregnant workers.    Get a load of the name: Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act.     The idea is for Big Business to cut back on employee rights.  Got ta love those names that amount to the exact opposite of what it sounds like!

Jan 26 p In another piece of Legislation, this sponsored by our very own Delegate Hanshaw, provides for Muslim, Buddhists, and the like to have increased religious presence and accommodation in the State.

Jan 26 p  Called the West Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act, their intentions were to remove separation of church and state requirements on their take for an inclusive West Virginia. When they open the door to one religion, they open the door on all.

Jan 26 p Many are real happy with sweet Miss Peachy providing good Baptist teachings in a school but just wait to Ms Weinstein or Ms Abi Babi Alli decides to evangelize their brand of what this State should be providing students.

Jan 26 p Dumb Dumb Dumb

Jan 26 p Right now, the drizzle is coming down, the the snow has turned black and brown; and the first of the seasonal mud ruts are showing their depth.

Jan 26 p Come on Spring!

 

Jan 26 a From Great Snow of the 21st Century to the Great shovel out of the 21st Century now in progress

Jan 26 a Instead of light fluffy stuff, those that waited to shovel are now facing packed down heavy stuff

Jan 26 a Got up to 50 degrees Monday and likewise  expected today. People were out in shirt sleeves with the bright sun feeling very nice

Jan 26 a Won't even mention the snow slated for later this week

Jan 26 a This the last week to register for the 2016 Election. Deadline for filing is Saturday at midnight. Earlier this month County Clerk Connie Workman said her office will be open this Saturday, Jan 30th until 4pm for late signers.

Jan 26 a Republicrat Delegate Roger Hanshaw finally signed up for a second term in the House of Delegates on Monday, Jan 25th.

Jan 26 a Instead of griping and complaining, why not get involved and make a difference in County Clay.

Jan 26 a So far there are no challengers in local races including, County Commission, Prosecutor, County Clerk, Circuit Clerk, nor Magistrates. There's also no Republicrat candidates so far in the lcoal contests. We still think that's going to change.

Jan 26 a All make good $$$ and have even better benefits.

 

Jan 25 p We have bad news parents. It is with much sadness we report, County Clay Schools will be closed Tuesday. You've got em again

Jan 25 p According to School Boardster Morgy Triplett, tonight's Board meeting was rescheduled to Thursday evening at 6pm. The rascal was suppose to be held at Clay Elem to hear from the LSIC group. The rescheduled affair will be at the Pentagon on Gump Street.

Jan 25 p Roads are starting to get cleaned up in the county. Parking remains in short supply in downtown Clay. The sun baking down on the main roads really helped clean up the mess

Jan 25 p We received an email from State Road Head Honcho TJ Legg: The DOH thanks for the understanding with the snow fall. We have had equipment broken down all throughout the storm and are guys have worked 12 hr shifts to try and get as many people a more travelable roadway. Again thanks to the public for understanding that this was and is no easy task. Thank you,T.J. Legg

Jan 25 p The next time one of those House of Delegate corporate backed puppets tells you , he's working for you, you might want to remind him, you spent no time nor $$$ on State Road equipment upgrades last session.  Why not do something beneficial for the state this year and forget the corporate mandates on prevailing wage downgrades and right to work for less agenda.

Jan 25 p Does your snail mail come thru the Clay post Office?

Jan 25 p  If you're wondering what happened to your mail, the truck didn't make it Saturday and was a no show early this morning  because the unloading dock at the building was blocked with snow.

Jan 25 p No mail delivery service today. That rain sleet nor snow thang ain't what it used to be.

 

Jan 24 p Clayberry schools will be closed on Monday

Jan 24 p FYI: Many spots on the main roads are still snow and slush coated in spots. Be careful out there

 

Jan 24 a After three days of over eating, two naps a day, a few sips of strong stuff, we're a little slow getting back to web posts.

Jan 24 a The sun is out in full force today. Big snow gobs are dropping from trees. Just 23 degrees but the sun is drawing out of our cocoon.

Jan 24 a Just posted is an artfully worded column from Delegate Roger Hanshaw.

Jan 24 a Dimly lits elected em to the Legislature and we get what they sow. This week, the Senate passed the Work for Less law. With the same sentiments in the House, we hope Gov Earl Ray steps up to the plate and stops big corporate money from destroying what jobs we do have in West Virginia

Jan 24 a A bunch of oldies remember history like John Kennedy's assassination, the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, John Glenn's space flight, moon landings, the space shuttle disaster and such.

Jan 24 a We now have something else for the history books, the Great Snow Storm of the 21st Century.

Jan 24 a Right at 20 inches of the dry powdery white stuff came down in about 36 hours.

Jan 24 a Even without the $$$ needed for working equipment, the Sate Road gang work hour after hour to keep the main rods open. Emergency crews stayed right with it too. Fireman did their part by clearing driveways  and assisting ambulance crews retreiving patients.

Jan 24 a With everything shut down by noon Friday, remarkably, electric and communications stayed on making for a much nicer three day weekend.

Jan 24 a This Sunday, curtain climbers are wondering, will they get another day of school on Monday. With snow blocking many school bus turn around spots and parking lots still sporting the full snow drop, the kids may get their wish.

Jan 24 a With temps expected to be in the mid 40's Monday, the next issue facing us may be rapid  snow melt and flooding

Jan 24 a School Board is suppose to meet Monday night at Clay Elem. The Pentagon managed to get their meeting agenda posted before the big snow shut em down.

Jan 24 a  Here's a pretty cool link to a nifty tourism draw. Although it will never make it to these parts, wouldn't that be fun coming down some mountain up Buffalo Creek.

Jan 23 p At 9am this morning, big thick fluffy snow flakes still coming down big time.

Jan 23 p Authorities are asking people to stay off the roads. There's a reason or two

Jan 23 p This morning I-77 is shut down until 200 tractor trailers can be moved off the four lane. They're stuck right in the middle of the road!

Jan 23 p  While you're home bored out of your head, here's some U Tube stuff

Jan 23 p Young people know how to have fun in deep snow.

Jan 23 p  Black ice kills more motorists than all other acicdents combined. Take a look.

Jan 23 early  a   How about some pictures with snow measurements. Clear ones will  be posted on this site. Include date and time for reference

Jan 23 a     1/10th of a mile visibility in Baltimore on Saturday morning due to heavy snow.

Jan 23 a  Eight people dead nationwide (Six fatalities were in North Carolina, one in Virginia and one in Kentucky.)

Jan 23 a   10 states declared states of emergency. They are: Georgia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Kentucky, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Virginia and West Virginia. Washington has declared a "snow emergency."

Jan 23 a  18-40 inches of snow possible in some areas, according to meteorologists.

Jan 23 a  55 mph wind gusts possible in Norfolk, Virginia.

Jan 23 a  989 traffic crashes and 793 disabled vehicles responded to by Virginia State Police as of late Friday night.

Jan 23 a  9,290 flights were canceled from Friday through Sunday, according to FlightAware.com.

Jan 23 a  159,162 customers in 13 states are without power because of the storm, according to various energy companies. More than 150,000 of them are in the Carolinas.

Jan 23 a  33 million people are under blizzard warnings.

Jan 23 a   And right here at home, we have electricity. It's still on for most everybody

Jan 23 a Now that's quite a change from  storms gone by.

Jan 23 a  State Road's been at it all night but with six or more new inches of snow overnight and another 4 four inches today, it's an uphill battle

Jan 23 a Our local weathercaster, Fitzweather, has a good write up and is first to call this , the Great Snow Storm of the 21st Century.

Jan 23 a If you don't have to travel, you ought not

 

Jan 22 6:25p  Out of breath came across 911 scanner asking for law enforcement and ambulance

Jan 22 6:25p  When asked a question, out of breath reply " I NEED LAW ENFORCEMENT NOW!"

Jan 22 6:26 p  The caller  asks for a buddy to bring a gun

Jan 22 6:26 p Caller says one is laying in road not moving and three heading up Otter Lick Rd

Jan 22 6:30p Second caller provides update: We've got  a bunch of intoxicated in the road

Jan 22 6:32p Ambulance crews canceled. Law enforcement requested again

Jan 22 6:30p Turns out the drunks' car got stuck and the drunks started walking up Otter Lick with their beer in hand

Jan 22 6:35 p With Badges on the way, two of the drunks heading out of Otter Lick on foot, or is that feet?

Jan 22 6:40p Everything sounds 10-4 and scanner traffic slows down

Jan 22 p Clayberry has right at a foot of new snow on the ground as of dark.

Jan 22 p Best news of all, no reports of power outages.... so far

Jan 22 p Note: we received an email thanking us for using larger type and for making this page easier to read for those with impairments.  For the next few days we'll experiment with the 18 point type. All emails appreciated

Jan 22 p Noon:30  Clayberry has a solid 3 inches of snow on the ground and the flakes are turning into bigger units. No end in sight

Jan 22 p  Just noticed over on the Sec of State's web site, our very own Wayne King has signed up for a West Virginia Supreme Court run in 2016.

Jan 22 p Also noticed, 33rd District Delegate Roger Hanshaw has NOT signed up for another run. So far, Dave Walker is the only candidate in the House race

Jan 22 p  On the local level, No new candidates in a couple days.

Jan 22 p From Earl Ray:  "Because winter weather conditions are expected to become more severe over the next few days, I have transitioned the State of Preparedness declaration into a State of Emergency to continue deployment of key resources from the West Virginia National Guard, Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety, Department of Transportation and other necessary agencies.   "As these conditions intensify, I continue to encourage you to check on the elderly and your neighbors."  A State of Emergency declaration does not restrict travel or mandate the closing of schools or businesses.  In addition, a State of Emergency declaration does not mean the state will receive federal assistance.    West Virginians needing assistance should contact their local offices of emergency management. ..."

Jan 22 p Our local emergency head is Stacy King at 304 587 2849

Jan 22 p DAY IN HISTORY:   On this day in 1998, in a Sacramento, California, courtroom, Theodore J. Kaczynski pleads guilty to all federal charges against him, acknowledging his responsibility for a 17-year campaign of package bombings attributed to the “Unabomber.”

Jan 22 p

 

Jan 22a Gov. Tomblin declared a State of Emergency early this  morning. That order frees up military equipment to help out the State Road and local emergency service providers.

Jan 22 a That's a good thing since much of the State Road's equipment has gone years' without replacement and upgrades according to a recent Legislative report

Jan 22 a Big snow is good for some businesses like the Clay IGA where the bread shelves were  nearly empty before an early morning truck made it in with fresh supplies.

Jan 22 a Not so the milk cooler where shoppers have wiped out the inventory.

Jan 22 a As predicted, around 9:45 am the first snow flakes started falling. By 10:15 this morning,  heavy snow was falling and covering the roads.

Jan 22 a It's not those big fluffy snowflakes but the ittle bitty ones that make for real slick conditions.   This could be the big one for the season.

Jan 22 a Best of luck out there clickers.

Jan 22 a Our advice: stay home if you can.

 

Jan 21 late p   Friday night's CHS Basketball game has been canceled

Jan21  4pm COUNTY CLAY SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED FRIDAY JAN 22nd

Jan 21 5:25am CLAYBERRY SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED TODAY.

Jan 21  From the National Weather Service for CLAY- BRAXTON- LEWIS- NICHOLAS- WEBSTER- UPSHUR- BARBOUR- POCAHONTAS- RANDOLPH-  WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM FRIDAY TO 1 AM

EST SUNDAy  HAZARD...HEAVY SNOW. MAY MIX WITH SLEET FRIDAY. BLOWING AND   DRIFTING SNOW  ESPECIALLY ACROSS EXPOSED HIGH TERRAIN.   SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...18 TO 24 INCHES.  DEVELOPING LATE FRIDAY MORNING OR MIDDAY. DIMINISHING SATURDAY EVENING.   WINDS...GUSTS 25 TO 35 MPH...MAINLY ACROSS HIGH TERRAIN.

Jan 21 a We will update as electric and Frontier DSL allows.

Jan 21 a

 

Jan 21 early a Andrew “Bud” Ferrebee, 84, of Wallback, see OBITUARY page

Jan 21 early a  Big Otter Community Center will be closed Friday Jan 22nd due to the weather

Jan 21 early a Be careful out there clickers. The roads are pretty treacherous

Jan 20 7:32pm  Clayberry Schools will be operating on a 2 hour delay Thursday!!!!

Jan 20 7:32p We've only got a couple inches of snow on the ground but it's our understanding that the State Road folks are having mechincal problems with their rolling stock.

Jan 20 7:32pm  With a biggy expeeted on Friday, this could be bad bad bad

 

Jan 20 p Tonight members of the BDA were suppose to get together and receive a grant. That meaning has been canceled

Jan 20 p Weather casters were on the mark this afternoon with the first snow flakes coming down around high noon

Jan 20 p By 1pm, the kids were all off the buses and the first car wrecks came over the 911 scanner

Jan 20 p  Instead of getting prepared for Winter last Fall, as the roads were getting snow covered , half the county was at the various stores stocking up.

Jan 20 7:15 a  It's official, Clayberry Schools will close  at 11am today.

Jan 20 a The Bus Czar has already put the word out, expect those curtain climbers to be heading back home early today. 11 am is the expected early out.

Jan 20 a 7 degrees this morning at 6:30 this morning.

Jan 20 a Pretty interesting to look at the various weather caster sites. The National Weather Service site is still reporting  an inch or so today while on Friday, maybe  one more inch of the white stuff.

Jan 20 a Weather Online is quite a different picture where several  inches is in the offing for Friday.

Jan 20 a Clayberry's own Fitzwater Forecast which is tailored for Central W Va, has us listed for 6 inches of the white stuff on Friday.

Jan 20 a We'll see which is most accurate but for now, grocery stores and Go Mart are over run with shoppers buying everything left and right.

 

Jan 19 p  We've got a heck of deal on a 3 phase generator over on the ClASSIFIED page. New. Never used and large enough to operate a large size commercial building. Think about that Friday when the snow hits and electric is all gone

Jan 19 p The Communicator made it out the door around 2pm. 20 pages of top notch info on life in the land of little.

Jan 19 p Good reading during the big snow and even better fire starter for the stove.

Jan 19 p 20 cents cheap. Can't beat it!

 

Jan 18 5pm Clay County Schools are on a two hour delay Tuesday morning. Sleep in kids!

Jan 18 p  Judy Carol (Alley) Kincaid, 68, of Bentree, see OBITUARY page

Jan 18 a 8 degrees at 7:30am. Now 11:15 am, a balmy 10 degrees.

Jan 18  a Many places are closed down today for the Martin Luther King's holiday. Did you know his real name was Michael King Jr? True. The name change came when he was five years old.

Jan 18 a  Nearly fivety years ago, MLK spoke on the triple threat to this country, racisim, poverty, and the military complex.

Jan 18 a Today those serious threats remain and have grown

Jan 18 a Imperfect but a good man

Jan 18 a While web surfing last night, noticed a new site promoting the Buffalo Creek Trail. Pretty interesting reading right here.

Jan 18 a Tonight's our all nighter to get the Communicator put together. Deadline for submissions is roday at 5pm. Email now

 

Jan 17 late a   Barbara Jean Thacker, 64, of Duck,  see OBITUARY page

Jan 17 a The scariest thing each year is when the Legislature convenes. It's happened last week.

Jan 17 a What's the first thing they did? The corporate controlled Republicrat puppets introduced a bill repealing prevailing wage law in West Virginia. To rub it in, they named the legislation, the Workplace Freedom Act.  Then came bulk mailed, colorful flats telling us, lower wages are good for the working class.

Jan 17 a Right to Work for Less states only benefit Corporate profits. When you have a Legislature controlled by out of state money bags, that's what happens.

Jan 17 a Here at home, Clay Town Council rethought their Ordinance 15 proposal which would have gutted residency requirements for elected Town leaders. Instead of hurrying thru the hot button controversy, the Tuesday meeting was canceled for now.

Jan 17 a By the way, back in the 50's Council voted in an Ordinance 15 which dealt with loud "jute boxes" and provided a $25 fine and five days in the slammer for offenders. That ordinance is still on the books and in force.

Jan 17 a  On Monday, candidates for office started paying their filing fees and got their campaigns up and running. It looks like we have a real race in the Assessor and Sheriff offices.

Jan 17 a First to get a sign up was Connie Workman for the County Clerk race.

Jan 17 a First to get magnetic signs on their vehicle? It was a tie between Teresa Davis and feller Assessor candidate, Peter Triplett.

Jan 17 a First to get their ad on the local radio station, Teresa Davis. First to get an ad on this website, Peter Triplett.

Jan 17 a You still have 12 days to file for office. Why not you!

Jan 17 a  Clay County PSD voted unanimously to seek a rate increase for their wa wa customers.

Jan 17 a Rug rats got their first "two hour delay" off schools when the threat of white roads made weathercaster predictions

Jan 17 a  Finally, it looks like winter may be here in the middle of Jan. Nov and Dec came and went with temps and sunshine in the 50s and 60s. Nice!

Jan 17 a  As  a way to cut expenses, the CCC provided an update that the long stalled Day Reporting Center for non violent offenders may be inching closer to reality. They announced a mid week meeting with Braxton County officials.

Jan 17 a The two county solution may have a road block before it gets started. Sounds like, this county has to cough up a $10K match to meet grant guidelines

Jan 17 a With a court order already on the books requiring the CCC to fund Constitutional offices before anything else, the great idea may be dead in the water before it gets started.

Jan 17 a Last night the Lady Panthers worked their butts off trying to defeat yop rated Sissonville. Didn't work. Final: 57 to 45

Jan 17 a And from the last seven days, we lost a childhood friend when cancer claimed Grizzly Adams.  Many watched the big screen and then TV wishing to be just like him.

Jan 17 a Some of us always wondered, how did Ben the bear feel when he saw Grizzly coming his way wearing a bear fur trimmed coat? Might have been a real motivator to do as told.

Jan 17 a Some much for life in the C;ayberry slow lane. It's start week three in the new year

Jan 16 a  We're starting to get a pretty interesting slate of candidates for the Primary Election in May. As of Friday around 2pm, here the slate of contenders already signed up for battle

Jan 16 a The incumbent Jeffs have signed up for another four years of electoral consent. Both are registered Demorats.

Jan 16 a Connie Workman is the only candidate for the County Clerk's race

Jan 16 a We're selecting two for Sch Board this time around. Contestants include: Dave Pierson, Beth Cercone, and newcomer, Anthony P Helms.

Jan 16 a Mike Asbury is again seeking the Circuit Clerk's perch

Jan 16 a So far, no challengers for Prosecutor Jim Samples.. yet

Jan 16 a  One time Commissioner Fran King has thrown her hat in the ring for another shot at the CCC position

Jan 16 a  We might have a real contest in the Sheriff's race with Robert Belt, Donny Triplett and that wittle round Poopster lad seeking the Top Badge job

Jan 16 a Ditto for the Assessor slot being vacated by Teresa Lane. Up for public approval are Morgan Gibson, Peter Triplett, Davy Samples and Teresa Davis.

Jan 16 a So far, all candidates are registered Demorats.

Jan 16 a There's something new this time around in the Magistrate race. Now it's non partician with the winner getting the nod in May!

Jan 16 a Also, the Magistrates are running per district. Boggs is signed up for District 1 . Rider is trying a bid in District 2

Jan 16 a Let's say Boggs did something stupid or you're mad at some decision Rider made.

Jan 16 a This time around you can find a candidate and run em against the Magistrate you're mad at thus leaving your favored Judge without challenge.

Jan 16 a There's another factor too, since the contest is non partician, Republicrats have a voice in the race. Forthe first time ever, the teabaggers have a say in the Magistrate and all Judge, races

Jan 16 a Many in the county whispered, they thought the Poopster would run against Jeff Boggs to settle a long standing dispute from years ago. With Poopy in the Sheriff's race (again), Jeff Boggs is probably sleeping a little easier these days.

Jan 16 Last day to sign up for a run is Jan 30th. The Clerk's office will be open til 4pm that Saturday for filers.

Jan 16 a How about you!

 

Jan 14 a  Davey Samples (son of Mickey Boggs) signed up for the Clay County Assessor race as did Morgan Gibson

Jan 14 a County Commissioners have been in a budget crunch for a number of years. Lack of income (coal severance tax reductions) is the chief culprit. One of the bigger expenses is the monthly jail bill

Jan 14 a During Wed morning's CCC meeting, the public got an update on a long stalled day report center for county's convicted

Jan 14 a The idea is to keep non violent offenders out of jail and instead, have em do community service projects for govt and non profit agencies.. Each day in the can costs the county $48.25

Jan 14 a From the elected folks yesterday: CCC is meeting with Braxton County officials today; a grant is being prepared to include Clayberry in the Braxton County program; it appears our two Magistrates and Judge Facemire would make use of the program if it gets set up here in the home county; Judge Alsop is not in favor of such a program; and, then the bad news....

Jan 14 a  Up front thoughts included, Clayberry may have to cough up $10K to meet those grant dollars.

Jan 14 a With $$$ real tight, the $10K might be a game changer for us.

Jan 14 a Years ago, one guy commented " We can't afford any more of that free money"

Jan 14 a That may be the case now with the day report program.

Jan 14 a In other news

Jan 14 a For those seeking wa wa from Clay County PSD, the Pack Fork extension project has slowed way down due to land easement issues with all the heirship properties along the route. From the Project Engineer, "It may not go to construction this year"

Jan 14 a How do they fix the problem? Eminent Domain is the correct answer.

Jan 14 a Clay County PSD purchases its wa wa from the Town of Clay.

Jan 14 a On Tuesday, the PSD voted to seek a  rate increase to cover the cost of increased expenses from those purchases.

Jan 14 a Town increases amount to 76 cents for every gallon the PSD buys.

 

Jan 13 a 9 degrees this morning at 7:45. Brrrrrr...

Jan 13 a Clay County PSD met Tuesdy morning where thet voted unanimously to seek a wa wa rate increase for all their customers. Happy New Year.

 

Jan 12 late p Two hour delay Clayberry rug rats for Wed morning!!

Jan 12 late p County Commission meets Wed morning at 10 am.

Jan 12 late p Tonight's E911 meeting was called off due to the weather

Jan 12 late p Not so with that Special meeting of Town Council. We stopped over at Town Hall mid afternoon and asked , why no meeting

Jan 12 late p Response, Josh Shamblin phoned in and said the meeting was canceled. One of the workers said they confirmed the call with the Mayor.

Jan 12 late p Maybe they've rethunk their notion of changing the residency requirements of the W Va Constitution

Jan 12 late p Donnie Triplett has signed as a Demorat Sheriff candidate

Jan 12 late p Here's something interesting

Jan 12 late p Shirley Love served in the Senate for many years and was considered a guy imposbbile to beat. For Clayberry, Love brought home the bacon.

Jan 12 late p Now out of retirement, Shirley is running for a House of Delegates slot in the 32nd District that serves the Southern Corner of County Clay. Here's the Sec of State's run down of candidates.

Jan 12 late p You might notice, no one has signed up for a run in 33rd District which serves most of Clayberry.

Jan 12 late p We're starting to have a race this time around.

 

Jan 12 6:30pm Clayberry Schools will be on a two hour delay Wed morning

Jan 12 6:30pm Sleep In !

Jan 12  CLAY COUNTY SCHOOLS WILL DISMISS AT NOON TODAY. Parents beware! They're coming home early today.

Jan 12 p Just got word that tonight's Special Town Council meeting has been canceled.

Jan 12 p Not sure the reason but according to one Council member, it ain't going to happen tonight

Jan 12 p Did they have a change of heart? Did someone advise them on the law or at least a work around to the law?

Jan 12 p We think the latter would be a good guess.

Jan 12 p  Here's our guess... only a guess mind ya

Jan 12 p  Instead of going thru the controversy of adding a new town ordinance allowing anybody to run for municipal  office, how about something you can't get caught doing

Jan 12 p  Here's our guess, Recorder Dwana Murphy will tell anybody that asks, Oh, sure, I live in town while all along her abode is outside of city limits.

Jan 12 p How? She gets one of her buddies to back her up by saying, Dwana lives with me

Jan 12 p Its worked before. Back when School Boardster O Gene King movd out of his District A and into District B, Gene would answer, I'm havin my house painted and that's the only reason I'm not there each night.

Jan 12 p In Gene's case, that avoiding the law answer lasted for well over 18 months until the Pentagon could find an opening (Scott Legg resigned to run for Sheriff) in District B where King had called home for those 18 months

Jan 12 p Only in Clayberry. Got ta luv em

 

Jan 12 a There is excitement in the air. No not politics but snow

Jan 12 a  Around 9am the first few snow flakes started falling in Clayberry. School kids, teachers, bus drivers, all of um, started smiling with the thought of an early out in the works.

Jan 12 a Weather casters are now calling for just an inch or two of the white stuff during the next 18 hours.

Jan 12 a Those smiles may turn to droopy lips

Jan 12  Last night the School Board approved Jason Nichols as the new CHS Head Football Coach replacing Steve Ware

Jan 12 a Something cute from last night's meeting...

Jan 12 a Long time clickers know we harp a bunch when public agencies violate the easy to follow, State Open Meetings Law

Jan 12 a Last night's Sch Bd meeting was held without benefit of a posted online agenda.

Jan 12 a Something happened to the school system website over the weekend. By Sunday evening all the agendas for Dec disappeared. Poof. All gone

Jan 12 a Superintendent Tanner handed out agendas before last night's gathering. From the peanut gallery came, "Those are hard to find!"  With a little red on his face, KT explained, he didn't know what happened to the online postings.

Jan 12 a In the peanut gallery was a well dressed feller present as part of his annual  audit of the school system. When asked, he said he was making sure the Board was following the law.

Jan 12 a Laughter erupted. All eyes were on Tanner when one guy yelled out something along the lines of, you've got some explaining to do Tanner!!

 

Jan 11 p   Philip N. Pennington, 79 of Clay,  see OBITUARY page

Jan 11 p For those interested in getting out in the snow and having some public meeting fun.....

Jan 11p Clay County PSD meets at 11 am Tuesday. Their agenda makes mention of a rate increase

Jan 11 p  At 5pm is the E911 Board meeting in the County Commission room at the Courthouse

Jan 11 p  In an attempt to keep Recorder Dwana Murphy in her perch, Town Council is holding not one but two special meetings to change the law allowing for the variance

Jan 11 p Tuesday afternoon at 5pm Council will make public their document that if approved, will allow out of town, county, and out of state folks for that matter, to hold the paid Town Recorder position.

Jan 11 p Think we're kidding. The agenda notice reads: Ordinance to permit Town Recorder to be a non resident of the municipality.

Jan 11 p Instead of keeping Dwana, some think, they aughta contact Donald Trump and see if he would like the position! He certainly would qualify

Jan 11 p State law provides, the public with two chances to voice opposition to such changes

Jan 11 p To speed things up, at 5:15 Tuesday, Council will hold their first reading of the ordinance.

Jan 11 p With snow expected, few people will make the journey to speak their mind.

Jan 11 p Today was the first day to file for a run at political office.

Jan 11 p By 10am the following had coughed up their dough and signed their name: Teresa Davis for Assessor; Peter Triplett for Assessor; Jeff Rider, District II Magistrate; Mike Asbury Circuit Clerk; Robert Belt for Sheriff; Jeff Boggs District I Magistrate; and, David Pierson Sch Board.

Jan 11 p By mid morning, the well prepared Teresa Davis had her campaign sign ladden vehicle parked out front of the Courthouse in the choice position.

Jan 11 p Election 2016 is up and running.

Jan 11a  The School Board is suppose to hold their meetings on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. Today's the 2nd Monday of Jan

Jan 11 a They're also required to post their meeting agendas three business days in advance of the  gathering on their website. Well, at least they promised to post em there

Jan 11 a As of 8:15 this morning, there is no such posting on the Pentagon's website. as a matter of fact, they haven't informed the public since Nov of last year

Jan 11 a Very sad and a poor way to start off the 2016.

 

Jan 10   10:15 p   Roads are getting slicky as snot. Be careful out there clickers.

Jan 10 p Most of us got all excited yesterday at the thought of winning $900 million. Keep something in mind. Those games of chance have been rigged in the past.

Jan 10 p With just a dusting of snow on the ground, kids are all excited tonight at the notion of getting a snow day Monday.

Jan 10 p Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... don't think so kids. Better go ahead and do the homework.

Jan 10 p You know what time it is? The merriest time of all! It's election time in Clayberry

Jan 10 p With snow specks dotting the area, politicos are indoors tonight making phone calls

Jan 10 p The behind the scenes effort to get the right person to run for the right office.

Jan 10 p No not to win but to pull votes from a favored candidate!

Jan 1o p Monday morning is the first day to file for office in the County Clerk's office.

Jan 10 p Not sure who will be the first in line but Robert Belt confirmed he's running for Sheriff. Theresa Davis is mounting a campaign for Assessor.

Jan 10p Peter Triplett has also thrown his name in the Assessor race.

Jan 10 p Another race to watch is the Prosecutor contest. Incumbent Jim Samples has never had a competitor. He might have a Republicrat challenger this time around

Jan 10 p Look for a Republicrat candidate in the County Commission race. We haven't had a Republicrat in office since Ronnie Haynes over 15 years ago.

Jan 10 p How about you? Why not give a shot at changing the county.

Jan 10 p The County Clerk's office has all the paperwork at the ready.

Jan 10 p If you need a metal office desk, The Communicator office has one on the cheap. Stop in for a look see.

Jan 9 a  Mark Edward Griffith, 62, see OBITUARY page

Jan 9 a Webster County comes to Clay High tonight to take on the Lady Panthers. Start time is 7:30 according to the schedule

Jan 9 a You're on your own clickers. the local radio stations are not airing that match up.

Jan 9 a Go Lady Panthers

Jan 9 a 45 degrees this morning. Not too shabby for Jan!

Jan 9 a We keep harping about Town Council's action to start a bogus process of circumventing state law with a new ordinance that would allow a non resident of the Town of Clay to serve as Town Reorder.

Jan 9 a They may be successful with that effort but then the door's open for anybody to be in office even if they lived in some far away place

Jan 9 a  Now think about.. That might be a dandy idea!

Jan 9 a With the world to draw from, the Town leadership gene pool may grow exponentially.

Jan 9 a It's a new day in Clay!

 

Jan 8 late p  The CHS Panthers looked good for 3 1/2 quarters in the nip and tuck battle with Braxton.

Jan 8 late p Those last few minutes went the wrong way for the Panthers leaving them short. Final score 62 to 57

Jan 8 late p Bummer!

Jan 8 a With a big turn out in the stands, Our Lady Panthers had a nice big win over Roane County last night. After trailing the entire game, the Lady's opened up a can of whoop butt and finished the game with a win, 52 to 46

Jan 8 a Those heading to the game last night were treated to watching the destruction of about the ugliest sign in the county. Around 6pm Thursday evening, the great big brown and white Rite Aid sign near Main Street, went up in flames. The bushes around its base also were ablaze.

Jan 8 a An hour later, the neon sign was all gone.

Jan 8 a If someone has a good pic, email over and we'll post on the homepage. thanks

Jan 8 a Tonight Braxton County comes to Town to do battle with the Panthers. Action begins at 7:30 tonight.

Jan 8 a The two community radio stations start coverage at 7:20pm

Jan 8 a Go Panthers

Jan 8 a Each year, many groups organize and pull off meetings, festivals, gatherings. They work hard to make the event a good one. They often drop the ball in one category. They don't advertise the event

Jan 8 a Such is the case once again when a public Meet the Delegate get together takes place tonight

Jan 8 a In County Clay there are several avenues for free PR

Jan 8 a We have the well read locally owned and operated Communicator, two non profit radio stations, this clayberry web site, a scrolling marquee at the Health Dept to name a few.

Jan 8 a An email is about all it takes to take advantage of those resources.

Jan 8 a Instead of using those resources to bring front and center tonight's Republicrat gathering, the host used that little out of county newspaper with an office in downtown Clay. 20 years ago some people read that rag, today, not so much

Jan 8 a Sad to put that much effort into an event and then not properly make notice

Jan 8 a 6 weeks ago, Frontier Tele / DSL was forced into a settlement due to their pee poor internet service in W Va. The terms of that settlement include lowering monthly rates to $9.99 per month until minimum DSL speeds get over 6 mbps. Currently many customers pay high dollar monthly bills and then receive less than 1 mbps.

Jan 8 a Other customers can't even access slow poke DSL

Jan 8 a All the customers receiving the discount rate are now being notified via recorded messages.  Many in Clayberry got their notification in the last five days. Hope you got yours!

 

Jan 6 p Most Clay County businesses have the little swipe card readers to accept credit and debit purchase payments

Jan 6 p To have one on the county, there are a  lot of tag along fees that the business owner has to pay for usage

Jan 6 p Thursday morning at 10am, Steve Petito will be at Clay Auto Parts demonstrating his new contraption. After talking with him on the tele and getting a good report from a local banker, it sounds like, the new machine and service will be cheaper to have on site than several other offers out there in the market

Jan 6 p For anyone interested at a look see at what's available, be there at 10am sharp

Jan 6 p  Some stories generate a lot of interest. Such is the case with Town Council efforts to side step state law and allow Dwana Murphy to serve as Town Recorder while living outside the hamlet.

Jan 6 p For more on that, it's going to cost ya 80¢ plus tax

Jan 6 p The thing about life is, the more you dig at something, the more you find. For instance....

Jan 6 p  Dwana Murphy works as a town wa wa plant operator as well as being elected Town Recorder. She's paid for both positions

Jan 6 p  With two hats on, Murph along with the Mayor and Council have a vote on how much employees earn, what hours they work, what benefits they will have, as well as hiring and firing employees

Jan 6 p If you think sitting on both sides of the table  sounds like a conflict of interest, you are right.

Jan 6  Over on the W Va Ethics Commission website, that group heard a very similar case where the water plant worker was elected Mayor. The Town of Monogah in Marion County asked the ethics folks if the Mayor could continue with that arrangement. The answer was heck no, that violates about a gazillion ethics rules. read for yourself. They did allow the Town several days to find another water plant operator.

Jan 6 p In that opinion came explanations that an exemption to State Code should be granted because it's hard to find water operators. During last night's Town Council, those in favor  of adopting an ordinance to allow the Recorder to live outside the town limits said,  what amounted to, Gosh, we can't find anybody else to be Town Recorder

Jan 6 a In the Town of Beech Bottom, the paid Mayor also drew $$$ from other jobs within the municipality  for landscaping and a couple other paid positions.    Once again, the W Va Ethics Board said Nope, there's too much conflict of interest because you can't have the group handing out raises and work conditions, and personally benefiting from that vote. Read for yourself.

Jan 6 p  In the Town of Mabscott  decision, the Mayor asked Ethics if he could be in an elected position and have two other paid Town jobs. Once again, the folks in Charleston came back with a great big Heck No.

Jan 6 p We think there are many other binding decisions that basically say, Dwana Murphy can NOT be Town Recorder and be employed by the same town.

Jan 6 p  Based on those official opinions, sounds like Dwana Murphy can NOT work as a water operator and serve in an elected capacity.

Jan 6 p When that very topic came up several years ago, Ms Murphy said she had some kind of letter granting her permission to do just that. If Council wants to really start the new year off  right, maybe more inquiries should be asked. Like, Ms Murphy, may we see that letter you keep referencing?

Jan 6p Now back to the issue of Murph moving out of Town and remaining in her elected position

Jan 6 p What ta do What Ta Do......

Jan 6 p Although completely underhanded and contrary to the spirit of the law, the easiest work around is for Dwana to get one of her in Town buddies to say something like, Oh Heck folks, Dwana lives with me. Sure she lives here!

Jan 6 p That cover would mask the Recorder actually living elsewhere. Well, it would be cover until she gets caught.

Jan 6 p  Penalties in that scenario and getting caught could include paying back her $600 a month salary for many months, years, it was til she got caught.

Jan 6 p Will Durant once said:  The political machine triumphs because it  is a united minority acting against a divided majority.

Jan 6 p The foist continues for now

Jan 6 a Welcome to this Hump Day Wed morning where the temp is 18 degrees. Brrrr

Jan 6 a Normally The Communicator hits the news stands Tuesday afternoon around 3pm.

Jan 6 a Not so yesterday. We held it up so as to include  Town Council and CAEZ meeting coverage.

Jan 6 a We're glad we did. You will be too

Jan 6 a A majority of Town Council voted last night to adopt a special ordinance to circumvent black and white state law which requires elected officials to actually live in the place they serve.

Jan 6 a Only in Clayberry

Jan 6 a About this time last year, we knew the local franchise grocery store was in trouble. The shelves were nearly empty and selection of merchandise was cut in half. Owned by Drema Clifton, the local Piggly Wiggly finally closed its doors leaving the county without a franchise operation for much needed vittles.

Jan 6 a Seems Ms Clifton and crew ran up some still unpaid debts before closing their doors. Here's the Charleston Gazette's update on a new suit agsinst the former business leader..

 

Jan 5 early a  Our Panthers looked good last night against Herbert Hoover for about 3  1/2 quarters. We fell apart at the end with the final score 68 to 57 and not in our favor

Jan 5 early a Lady Panthers are at home tonight with action starting at 7:30pm. The local radio stations are not broadcasting this match up

Jan 5 early a Also tonight is the 4pm and 6pm CAEZ public meetings at the Courthouse

Jan 5 early a Monday morning around 10am scanner traffic had something about a fire at the CAEZ's Valley Fork building. With first responders on hand, our guess, it was a false alarm but not before it sounded like evacuations were made to be on the safe side.

Jan 5 early a  With all those pre school rug rats there, think how tough it would be to get them to safe surroundings on such a cold morning.

Jan 5 early a Also Tuesday night is a potentially exciting Town Council meeting where an agenda item raises the issue of Town Recorder Dwana Murphy no longer living within the municipality. That's a no no for her elected position

Jan 5  early a Also the agenda calls for action on a new Town Badge and repairing the cruiser

Jan 5 early a That comes on the heels of Council considering cutbacks to make ends meet just a  couple months ago.

Jan 5 early a We're holding up today's Communicator until Wednesday to have room for  the Council meeting coverage.

 

Jan 4 p  Dottie Dortha Miller Cardillo, 62, of Procious, see OBITUARY page

Jan 4 p None at Christmas time but Clayberry received around an inch of the white stuff overnight. Looks kinda nice too

Jan 4 p Tonight the CHS Panthers travel to Herbert Hoover for a basketball match up beginning at 7:30pm Go Panthers.

Jan 4 p Note: If you're looking for old obituaries,everything for 2015 is now behind that little button at the top of the OBITUARY page.

 

Jan 3 p State Code requires each County Commission to meet on the first day of business of each new year.

Jan 3 p Such is the case for the CCC which convenes at 10 am MOnday morning. Purpose of the gathering is to select a Commission Prez and set meeting dates and times for 2016. Commissioner Tucker is the only sitting official who has NOT served as Prez. She's long overdo.

Jan 3 p Also on the CCC agenda is selling off the timber around the old Ivydale dump site which they own.

Jan 3 p  Monday night the BDA meets over at Two Run. Their agendaseems pretty tame with start time set for 6:30pm.

Jan 3 p After turning down at least one cash in hand offer in 2014, the BDA decided to sell the old Filcon site to Clay County Services Unlimited, the sheltered workshop for disabled persons.

Jan 3 p For the last 11 months, it's been one hold up after another. Monday night, once again, the Filcon Industrial Site sell off is on the agenda.

Jan 3 p The BDA has all their eggs in one bsket but... if they could get it sold, the new cash could be used as match $$$ for upcoming grants like the Lead Economic Development grant which brings in a little over $30K annually.

 

Jan 2 a  Maxine Katherene (Lyons) Drake, 74, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page

Jan 2 a A bunch of Clay County workers earn minimum wage. Compliments a  W Va Demorat Legislature two years ago, W Va's minimum wage was increased from 7.25 per hour up close to $8.75 an hour. Although not livable, for our many, it's great news.

Jan 2 a Republicrats fought the increase all along the way.

Jan 2 a  Including top Republicrat Prez hopefuls, they said stuff like,  higher rates will cripple the country... Don't do it!!!   Corporations will take care of their employees.

Jan 2 a  A citizen ran organization is working to get minimum wage up to  $15 an hour nationwide. That effort has been successful in many locales. Here's the states with the highest minimum wages. Before you email and say those rates are out of date, Seattle's $15 minimum is for the town not the whole state. Here's the current and projected wage rates acorss the board.

Jan 2 a As is the case since 1938 when the minimum wage law was first enacted, every time the bottom earners get an increase, the economy improves.

Jan 2 a Staying chilly today but enjoy the bright sunshine! Happy New Year one and all.

 

Jan 1 a Welcome to 2016. Doesn't feel much different from 2015 but the next 12 months are now here

Jan 1 a Did you make a resolution or two?

Jan 1 a For the ace cub reporter, for 2016, his resolution is, to quit being so kind to the dumb bunnies that lead our land of little.

Jan 1 a But for now, it's a holiday. We're taking the day off of work.

Jan 1 a Need something to do tonight? Don't forget, the Big Otter Community Center will be up and running tonight with some pretty good music and vittles.

Jan 1 Welcome to 2016!!! Hope it's a good one