Jan 07 Past News

Jan 31 pm   Cold this morning. Single digit temps were reported in many areas of the county. aren't you glad you have a nice furnace and
warm house.
  Jan 31 pm That wasn't the case this morning for many Wagner and Valley gas customers in the Ivydale community. Many went without
warmth this morning and other mornings this week as gas service was none existent. It appears that as soon as the local elementary school
fires up its big furnance, others lose service. One customer said his home gas pressure gas came back on around 10 this morning.
  Jan 31 pm That's nothing new for those customers. Last month  many irate customers showed up for a public meeting and voiced their
displeasure after years of low or no gas pressure during cold snaps.
  Jan 31 pm During that meeting, WV PSC reps encouraged customers to file a complaint with the regulatory agency. Most didn't.
  Jan 31 pm Since that meeting, an attorney for the PSC informed Congresswoman Capito that they planned to force Habjan into
receivership in the Clay County Court system. That same saber rattling was expressed a few years back and nothing came of it.
  Jan 31 pm While much of America grows and prospers, Clayberry is still waiting on basics like potable water and dependable utilities.
  Jan 31 am  Eugene Ray Fitzwater, 84, see OBITUARY page
  Jan 13 am  William Lee Rhodes, 27, see OBITUARY page
  Jan 31 am  Talk about a great year!     All around great person Terri Lively was awarded the Clay County Person of the Year Award Jan
1 2007. She was recognized for her long standing commitment to the county of Clay and her ability to organize and lead the effort to grow
a $100,000 Skate Board Park.
  Jan 31 am Seems more than us few know a good thing when they see it!
  Jan 31 am  In Charleston on Jan 25th, Ms Lively was awarded the Distinguished West Virginian award by Gov. Joe Manchin. Think
that's just  ho hum? The Distinguished West Virginia award is the highest award the Gov can bestow and it  went to a Clayonian.
  Jan 31 am Congratulations Terri Lively, you deserve it !
  Jan 31 am During the summer months Joe and Shea Roberson came to the county in a beat up ole truck. Just regular lookin guys in
shorts and T shirts.  They said they were film makers and wanted to do some "shooting" in Clayberry. Having been down that road many
times in the past, most  shrugged off the hype and went back to swatting flies.
  Jan 31 am That wasn't the case for Mitch DeBoard. Seeing an excellent chance for Clay to "get on the map", DeBoard escorted the two
around the county, showed them the best hunting and fishing spots, housed them in his home, and generally, rolled out the red carpet.
  Jan 31 am The Father/son team came back for a ride on the BC&G RR plus deer, bear, and bow seasons. Clayberry remained skeptical
and at arm's length.
  Jan 31 am  We have an update clickers.
  Jan 31 am Joe and Shea Roberson now have a contract with the Men's Channel to air their new TV show, Trophy's Only. Both satellite
networks now carry the Men's Channel.  Trophy's Only will begin broadcasting in late Spring.
  Jan 31 am Web site did you say? Sure and here's the link. Bookmark it so you'll know when they're airing the Clay County episodes.
  Jan 31 am Return float and hunting trips are planned
  Jan 31 am Wouldn't it be something, sometime soon, the county with an excursion train ride, a public campground with a two story
Welcome Center and lodge, and lots of out of towners coming in here spending brand new dollars!!!!
  Jan 31 am Oh about that new Welcome Center, this morning, around 10am, they break ground on the footers. The builder ( Damon
Grose) said he would have the place under roof in 30 days.
  Jan 31 am Thursday afternoon at 5pm the county's lead economic development agency, the BDA, will meet in the Courthouse beginning
at 5pm. They will be going over much of the same stuff they have for years. Here's our guess: No one has found the property corners at
the old Filcon site; that same place still needs fenced; between the kids on ATVs and cows, they can't keep grass growing out there; and,
Nope, still no tenants for the place.
  Jan 30 am Update coming. In the mean time
  Jan 30 am  There were three little old ladies sitting on a park bench having a quiet conversation when a flasher approached from across
the park.  The flasher came up to the ladies, stood right in front of them and opened his trench coat. The first lady immediately had a
stroke. Then the second lady also had a stroke.  But the third lady, being older and more feeble, couldn't reach that far.
  Jan 29 am 7:50 am  CLAY COUNTY SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED FOR MONDAY JAN 29th.
  Jan 28  11:06 pm  CLAY COUNTY SCHOOLS ARE ON A TWO HOUR DELAY MONDAY Jan 29. Sleep In!
  Jan 29 am We're winding down the first month of the new year. Can you remember what you got for Christmas?
  Jan 29 am Sunday brought winds howling followed by huge snow flakes. At times, Clayberry was a white out.
  Jan 29 am Sunday evening kids watched for those streaming weather banners at the bottom of TV screens. For that matter so did
teachers and others in the school system. Those with puters kept refreshing the Clay County School web site hoping for an early notice.
Didn't happen. Other counties announced delays and closings.
  Jan 29 am  With the temperature holding at 16 degrees, all went to bed hoping for that late night call, School's closed or 2 hour delay. As
of 11pm Sunday night, Clay County schools will be operating as usual today.
  Jan 29 am Fayette, Calhoun, Braxton and even Kanwaha county announced early delays. Nicholas shut down completely,
  Jan 29 am Be careful out there!!!
  Jan 28 pm  Jesse W. Hamrick Jr., 66 of Procious, see OBITUARY page
  Jan 28 am First, something new. Jim MaQuire over at Work Force WV is now providing a jobs report. He said that the listing includes
openings not found on the WV Employment office site. We added a new button on our home page, JOBS, for the important info. We
expect to update that page as new job availability's are provided by Mr MaQuire. Check that page often.
  Jan 28 am  There has been a shift in the last seven days.  Much like 35 years ago during the Vietnam mess, 10s of 1000s took to the
streets to protest the oil war this week.   They told Dubbya and Congress, send no more troops and bring those already there home now.
  Jan 28 am From the AP:  The U.S. military reported the deaths of seven more soldiers Saturday, while Sunni insurgent bombers struck
yet another market in a predominantly Shiite district
  Jan 28 am  There have been 3,318 coalition deaths -- 3,065 Americans, two Australians, 130 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, six Danes, two
Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, one Hungarian, 32 Italians, one Kazakh, three Latvian, 18 Poles, two Romanians, five Salvadoran, four
Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians -- in the war in Iraq as of January 26, 2007, according to a CNN count.
  Jan 28 am  Remember in his speech, Dubbya said there had been an upturn in violence last year? Truth is, the upturn began in 2003 and
there was a tremendous spike in the violence in 06.
  Jan 28 am  Anytime W gets in a mess he goes back to safe territory, it's time to clean up the environment. He did that during his prime
time speech. This time the tree huggers aren't believing a word of his plans for cleaner emissions. According to those guys, Bush's plan will
make things worse.
  Jan 28 am  Anytime W gets in a mess..... He told us over and over, we have to do those unconstitutional domestic wiretaps to keep
America safe. Last week he changed his tune.... ahhhhh, OK, We'll follow the law as long as those pesky commy ACLU thugs stop their
lawsuit. How dare those people challenge our Prez!
  Jan 28 am  What mark of the beast? The Congress passed last year and we're ALL subject to it beginning in 2008. Finally one state has
said no to such marking of all Americans.
  Jan 28 am Closer to home, Monday night the School Board met in regular session without giving the public notice of their meeting.
School Super Larry Gillespie said they didn't have to follow Open Meeting Laws according to the WV Ethic Commission. Everybody else
that read that same decision thought otherwise.
  Jan 28 am During Monday night's meeting Coaches, athletes, past coaches and Athletic Director came out in force in support of Coach
Frank Kleman decision to add a kid to the line up late in the season. It looked like the only person challenging the decision was Jay Carper.
Just a couple days later  a newbee wrestler was on the  mat with an arm broken in two places.
  Jan 28 am Also at that meeting, the Board gave the A OK to naming a new school's mascot. Without guide lines on what was acceptable
and what wasn't, the happy choice was: The Valley Dale Braves. All smiled with joy. Seems no one there has heard you're not suppose to
make fun of other people!
  Jan 28 am County Commission met Wed. The county smoking ban came up again after the local Smoke Czar approached the Sheriff to
stop two men from smoking in or near the Courthouse. In response, the Top Badge said the rule wasn't his to enforce and for the Czar to
use the power granted his position to take the civil case to Magistrate Court.
  Jan 28 am The CCC also voted in a new flood ordinance that will affect every Clayonian whether you in the middle of Elk River or on a
mountain top. After a second reading (Feb. 14th), every person building about anything will have to pay additional fees and wait for
approval from the Courthouse before building that chicken coup.
  Jan 28 am   In a letter to Shelly Moore Capito, a WV PSC attorney told the Congresswoman, the PSC plans to force all three of John
Habjan's gas utility companies into receivership.  They've promised that before and didn't follow thru. Receivership or better supply and
service, most don't care either way.
  Jan 28 am Town of Clay decided not to tell anybody about their upcoming election or the last day to file for office. We did.
  Jan 28 am  Saturday, the last to file for office, brought out several contenders. Candidates  for Mayor: Arthur Jarrett and Jack Brown.
Town Council:  Joyce Gibson, Jerry Stover, Betty Murphy, Glen Nichols, Llyn Drake, Okey Burroughs, Mary Lou Clark, and Jeremy
Hanshaw.
  Jan 28 am So far Councilman Frank Childers is the only incumbent that did not file for reelection. So far? Yes, there could be additional
candidates that file by snail mail. Dwana Murphy will be uncontested during the June election.
  Jan 28 am   Clay Co PSD held yet another special meeting this week. That makes three meetings this month. The WV PSC provides for
PSD Boardsters to be paid for their efforts and paid even more for Special meetings.
  Jan 28 am  This past week, both the Panthers and Lady Panthers were victorious. Lots of folks from all around the state came to take
part in the Bobby Stover Wrestling Tourney held at CCHS Saturday at CCHS.
  Jan 28 am Saturday evening we talked about rain ice and snow returning to Clayberry. Our one grocery store filled up with blue haired
ladies buying three loaves of bread, gallons of milk and dozens of eggs. The rest of us bought beer and rented DVDs in hopes of a long
weekend.
  Jan 28 am   A man and his wife were driving home one very cold night when the wife  asks her husband to stop the car. There was a
baby skunk lying at the  side of the road, and she got out to see if it was still alive. It was,  and she said to her husband, "It's nearly frozen
to death. Can we take  it with us, get it warm, and let it go in the morning?"  He says, "OK, Get in the car with it." The wife says, "Where
shall I put  it to get it warm?" He says, "Put it between your legs. It's nice and  warm there." "But what about the smell?" said the wife.
"Just hold its  little nose" said the husband.  The man is expected to recover, but the skunk she used to beat him with, died at the scene.
  Jan 27 am  Reva Ellen Walker, 78, of Clay, see OBITUARY page
  Jan 26 pm  Clay county sucks the hind teet on about everything. There is good reason for much of the criticism. For instance....
  Jan 26 pm The Town of Clay is holding an election for Mayor, Recorder, and Council reps in June. The last day for filing for office is
Saturday, tomorrow.
  Jan 26 2007. The pay is pretty good too. Mayors' get $500. The Recorder gets $400 per month and Council members receive $100 per
month. Not bad for attending one meeting per month which normally last less than one hour.
  Jan 26 pm  Are you running for office? Didn't think so. Few others are either. Why? The Town hasn't let anyone know. It's all a secret.
  Jan 26 pm  So far only Jack Brown is running for the slot now held by King Arthur Jarrett. Dwana Murphy has no challengers.
  Jan 26 pm  We asked town employee Drema Thomas if the town had advertised for people to run for office. She said "they" told her,
No
  Jan 26 pm We asked Mayor Jarrett if the public had been  notified that they could run for office. He said he had been telling everybody
and he thought Dwana Murphy had advertised in that little paper over in Clay.
  Jan 26 pm  This afternoon Dwana Murphy said she gave the ad to that little paper, put it in the owner's hand.
  Jan 26 pm  There is NO ad in any paper, there was no mention of any election reference during the last two Council meetings, and there
are no posters or flyers posted around town in windows or on utility poles. None.  No nothing anywhere.
  Jan 26 pm Keeping the public in the dark is nothing new for the Town of Clay. Just a few years back they held an election and never told
anyone the date of the election! Needless to say, back then, all the incumbents were easily reelected to office. Talk about job security for
the incumbents.
  Jan 26 pm  During the most recent election (when the public knew about the election), lots of people ran for office. On election night
many people stood around and waited for the election returns.
  Jan 26 pm Anything that looks like impropriety , is impropriety. Not telling the citizenry about the opportunity to run for office doesn't
pass the rotten fish test. It stinks!
  Jan 26 pm  The filing fee for office is just $5. They will be open and accepting the applications until 5pm tommorrow. You can also mail
your application to Town Hall as long as it is postmarked tommorrow.  One important note: The filing papers have to be notarized.
  Jan 26 pm   How about you? Do you know anybody that would make a good elected official? The time is now. Run for office!!!
  Jan 26 am Clay County Schools are on a two hour delay Friday Jan 26. Sleep In Time!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  Jan 26 am Tonight around 6pm  the Coal Mt Coonhunters will be appearing at the WYAP radio station in downtown Clay. They have
room for around a dozen listeners. Darn good music and free!
  Jan 26 am A couple notes from Wednesday's County Commission meeting
  Jan 26 am A few back, over the wishes of many, the Health Bd voted in a smoking ban. Shortly thereafter, the Town approved an
ordinance that allows business owners to decide whether their operation would be smoker friendly or smoke free. The battle of personal
freedoms is still a thorny issue in Clayberry.
  Jan 25 am During the CCC meeting (luncheon especially) it came to light: County Smoke Czar Jay Carper had gone to the Sheriff to get
him to stop a janitor and a Bailiff from smoking in and around the Courthouse. Our top badge told the Czar he had no control over the
janitor.
  Jan 25 am At issue is the troublesome smoking ordinance which does not provide for criminal penalties. According to the Sheriff, if the
Health Dept. wants to enforce the ban, then the Czar should take the offenders to Magistrate Court with a civil case.
  Jan 25 am  More importantly from Wednesday.  The Commission voted a first reading of a new tougher, more costly, Flood Plane
Ordinance.
  Jan 25 Live on a Mountain top? How about miles from  creek?  The new ordinance will affect you.
  Jan 25 When implemented, everybody that wants to build something will have to have the new $25 permit. No permit? Then your
utilities cannot be turned on according to the soon to be in effect law.
  Jan 25 am Live  close to a creek or close to the existing 100 year flood plane? Then every time you build anything substantial, you'll pay
another $25.
  Jan 25 am It's just $25? It gets worse. You also will have to hire a surveyor to come and make sure your elevations are out of a flood
plane.
  Jan 25 am Copies of the new ordinance are available at the County Clerk's office. If you think this won't affect you, you're wrong.
  Jan 25 am  Before becoming law, the CCC has to vote a second time. That's on Feb. 14th at 10 am if you're interested.
  Jan 25 pm  Terri Lively was named the 2007 Clay County Person of the Year for her work as a committed volunteer. Her most recent
project is developing a skate board park in the county.
  Jan 25 pm Tonight at 9 pm, WV Public Television will air a segment on Team Lively's efforts during their Outlook program.
  Jan 25 pm Today at 4:30pm, Clay Co PSD is holding another one of their special meetings at the Main Street Clay office.
  Jan 25 pm  Bronce Morgan Belt, 65, of Clay, see OBITUARY page
  Jan 25 am  for those complaining about about high Rx drug costs, bundle up and head to downtown Clay. today, in front of the Lion's
Club building, there's suppose to be bus a pull into town ready to help you find ways to cut prescription costs. Be sure to bring your Rx's
with you.
  Jan 25 am From the Braxton Citizen's News:  The routine examination of logs, retailers are now required to keep, has led to the arrest of
two individuals with more pending, according to Sgt. John Bonazzo of the Sutton Detachment of the West Virginia State Police. Troopers’
review of logs at the local Rite Aid and CVS resulted in the issuance of a search warrant for Duck, WV couple. Officers from both the
Sutton and Clay Detachments served the warrant at 2220 Flat Fork Road on the Braxton/Clay line, the home of Karen Sue and Michael
Dwayne Tanner. Officers seized a large quantity of illegal prescription pills and a methamphetamine lab.   The pair was taken to Clay
County Magistrate Court by Trooper J. D. Jordan for arraignment. A warrant has also been issued for the arrest of Samantha Jones. Other
arrests are pending the completion of the investigation, according to authorities.  Sgt. Bonazzo praised the cooperation of CVS and Rite
Aid in leading the arrests. He explained that through such cooperation and records kept by the State Board of Pharmacy those conducting
illegal activities will be easier to locate. He stated that as of January 1, 2007 those selling drugs that contain sudefed, a key ingredient of
methamphetamine, must record the name of anyone making such purchases. “The buyers must present a drivers license to make these
purchase, so there is no question regarding their identity,” says Bonazzo . “We will be watching these new sources of information carefully
for indications of those who may be manufacturing illegal drugs.” Anyone with information pertaining to illegal drug activity is encouraged
to call the State Police at 765-2101. All information will be kept confidential.
  Jan 25 am Back in 04 we ranted and raged over alleged misdeeds of election workers in Ohio. No one seemed to listen. The questioned
election returns gave the Presidential race to Dubbya. Yesterday two of those election workers were found guilty of felony offenses. Guess
it ain't alleged anymore.
  Jan 25 am  Last night the Lady Panthers put it all over Braxton County, 75 to 27. Go Clay
  Jan 25 am Wagner Gas customers raised H over no and low gas pressure conditions  a little over a month ago. Someone must have been
listening.
  Jan 25 am  Beechy and Valley Gas customers, you need to pay attention too.
  Jan 25 am In a letter dated Jan 19 2007, it looks like the WV Public Service Commission will be ordering the Habjan companies into
receivership.
  Jan 25 am Here's an excerpt from the letter sent to Congresswoman Shelly Capito from the WVPSC: Because of the severity and history
of the problems with these gas companies, the Commission Staff is advocating that after hearing the Commission direct Staff to file a
petition in the Circuit Court of Clay County to place these utilities in receivership and appoint a competent receiver to put the operations of
this utility on sound footing.
  Jan 25 am  There are few more complaints against the under performing gas provider.
  Jan 25 am Here's the WV PSC page on the most recenthistory of Wagner, Becchy and Valley companies. Once you get there, type in
wagner in the case name box.
  Jan 25 am Before you get all excited.. keep in mind, the operation was ordered into receivership a couple years back and well, nothing
happened.
  Jan 24 am  Isn't there any young person out there looking for some pocket change? Make a few bucks while learning. Doesn't that sound
good? It is. According to County Commissioner Fran King , late last week, no high school kid has expressed an interest in the Young
Leader Program. See the Advisory page now. Time is running out. Apply today
  Jan 24 am  Talk about a shellacking
  Jan 24 am Last night the Panthers lost to Single A Sherman 97 - 79.
  Jan 24 am During Monday's School Board meeting, Larry "Somber Super" Gillespie announced the name of the new mascot for Valley
Dale Elem. With all the best reasoning they could muster, the mascot will be a brave, an Indian brave.
  Jan 24 am With lawsuits flying in the pro leagues over the use of such  race dishonors, sure seems like elementary school would be a
great place to practice respect for others.
  Jan 24 am Also last night, Dubbya continued down the rhetoric road leading nowhere. After words Senator Jim Webb ended his response
with: “When comes the end?” asked the General who had commanded our forces in Europe during World War Two. And as soon as he
became President, he brought the Korean War to an end.  These Presidents took the right kind of action, for the benefit of the American
people and for the health of our relations around the world. Tonight we are calling on this President to take similar action, in both areas. If
he does, we will join him. If he does not, we will be showing him the way.
  Jan 24 am Really liked the part about showing him the way.
  Jan 24 am   TEACHER: George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry tree, but also admitted it. Now, Louis, do you
know why his father didn't punish him?      LOUIS: Because George still had the ax in his hand?
  Jan 24 am  TEACHER: Now, Simon, tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating?    SIMON: No sir, I don't have to, my Mom is a
good cook.
  Jan 24 am  TEACHER: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?   DONALD:  H I J K L M N O.   TEACHER: What are you
talking about?   DONALD: Yesterday you said it's H to O.
  Jan 23 am The Communicator made it to the news stands Monday afternoon. 20 pages guaranteed to answer all life's most important
questions and more
  Jan 23 am Tonight the CCHS Panthers take on Sherman in home court action. Take in one of the last home games of the season
beginning at 7:30pm. Go Clay!
  Jan 23 Tonight Dubbya is going to tell the world blah blah blah. Since he has fibbed to us on more than one occasion, it's not what he
says that counts.  What is important is, what he doesn't say. We've been told he is adding 21,500 more soldiers to his Oil War. Wonder
how many he REALLY is planning to add? 70,000 comes to mind along with  a direct route to Iran. Maybe not tonight clickers, but it's
coming none the less!
  Jan 23 am The County Commission will hold their meeting beginning at 10 am on Wednesday. Then it's lunch with the big boys and
girls. Yelp, something new.
  Jan 23 am After Wed's CCC meeting the public and elected officials are invited to the Commission room for "Lunch n Munch" time with
the gang. Bring your  brown bag lunch and discuss ideas and issues with the wise ones. Another first in Clayberry.
  Jan 23 am Actually... earlier this month, the new guy, ole... Ah.... What is his name????..... thought it would be a good idea for the CCC
to sit down with other elected officials and have a secret time to discuss in private the public's business. Our County Clerk reminded the
newbee such meetings would be illegal.
  Jan 23 am Last night the School Board met at Clay Elem. There was the usual, we have the best school system in the world talk and if
you pass the Levy all your kids will grow straight teeth and become rocket scientists, and then  some good stuff.
  Jan 23 am Like, School Superintendent Gillespie said the Board of Education does NOT have to follow WV Open Meeting Law. He said
he received a letter from the Ethic Commission saying such, there is nothing that says the Board has to tell the public what they plan to do
at a public meeting ahead of time. When he was shown a copy of that decision ( decisions from Ethic's are public record) that said just the
opposite, he said Nope, his letter was different. Unlike his dumb bunny predecessor, Gillespie said he would sit down and talk about the
two letters.
  Jan 23 am Like. last night, Jay Carper was listed as a discussion item before the Board. Carper was not there to discuss his day job,
Smoke Czar, Poop systems checker,  and Sanitarian at the Health Dept. When asked if he wanted a hearing, he said No. Instead the
young lad provided Boardsters with copies of a memo penned by Link some time back. He said they could do what they wanted with the
info including nothing at all. He said one other thing. He said that the "issue" was gut wrenching and he had lost 10 pounds worrying about
it. Weighing in at 85 pounds, Carper cannot afford to lose any more weight!
  Jan 23 am Since Wrestling Coach Frank Klemans, several wrestlers, the aged CCHS Athletic Director, and CCHS Principal were in
attendance along with a bunch of parents, we think the gut wrenching issue has to do with the Coach's action to add a wrestler to the
program with the season nearly over and the team ready for state competition.
  Jan 23 am The most obvious question: After the team has worked out and competed for weeks, is it fair to add a kid for the states? The
reality is: If the kid is the best shot for a win, why not add him?
  Jan 23 am  A cannibal was walking through the jungle and came upon a restaurant opened by a fellow cannibal.   Feeling somewhat
hungry, he sat down and looked over the menu...  Broiled Missionary: $10.00   Fried Explorer:        $15.00     Baked Politician:   $100.00
The cannibal called the waiter over and asked, "Why such a price difference for the politician?"   The cook replied "Have you ever tried to
clean one? They're full of S***"
 
  Jan 22 am CLAY COUNTY SCHOOLS ARE ON A TWO HOUR DELAY MONDAY JAN 22nd. Sleep in Kids!
  Jan 21 pm  With snow and ice blanketing the roads, today is the day to own stock in the local wrecker business. Stay home unless it's an
emergency.
  Jan 21 pm In the most recent Newsweek poll, more than half of this country do not believe or trust Dubbya. Wonder why?
  Jan 21 pm Surge my butt. Who in this country does not see 21,500 additional soldiers as an escalation of war? But what are we doing
with em? Our soliders are  heading to Iran according to Reuters News service. No not just air strikes in the powerhouse country, but in the
dirt hand to hand combat. With efforts in Afghanistan and  Iraq going so well, and now Iran. That's our "Peace" Prez!
  Jan 21 pm At mid week, Washington announced that they changed their minds on allowing Judges to OK domestic wiretapping of
American citizens. That was just one day before Congressional hearings on t he matter with Patrick Leahy at the helm and ready chew
Gonzales' hiney.
  Jan 21 pm Isn't that nice. I peace of our civil rights returned. With the other hand, something even more scary from the membership
restricted Between the Lines Radio newscast:  In a legislative maneuver that largely slipped below the media radar screen, Congress passed
-- and President Bush signed into law in mid-October -- a measure that will make it easier for American presidents to declare federal
marital law. Congress revised the Insurrection Act, bypassing existing prohibitions there and within the Posse Comitatus Act that had
prevented the president from deploying U.S. military troops within the nation's borders.
      The Defense Authorization Act of 2007 signed into law by Bush in a private White House ceremony, empowers the president to
declare a "public emergency," station troops anywhere in America and take control of state-based National Guard units without the consent
of the governor or local authorities, in order to "suppress public disorder." U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont warned that "the
implications of changing the (Posse Comitatus) Act are enormous." "There is good reason," he said, "for the constructive friction in
existing law when it comes to martial law declarations. Using the military for law enforcement goes against one of the founding tenets of
our democracy."  The new law authorizes police to detain and imprison "illegal aliens," "potential terrorists," protesters and other
"undesirables." Ominously, in January, Congress awarded $385 million to Kellogg, Brown & Root, a subsidiary of Halliburton, for the
construction of temporary detention and processing facilities in the event of an emergency influx of immigrants into the U.S.
  Jan 21 pm   In other words, the American tradition of separation between the military and police is one of the bedrock foundational
elements of our democracy, and in one swipe of the pen, Bush has obliterated the intent of the Constitution.
  Jan 21 pm  With the ACLU and PETA already thought to be terrorists, now Dubbya can declare anybody an "undesirable" and call in the
military! Paranoid and now with even better reason, the terrorists just won the war!
  Jan 21 pm Working under our new military strategy in Iraq, only 21 American soldiers were killed Saturday.  Dads, brothers, sons....
Isn't that nice, just 21 and all for corporate profit and oil.
  Jan 21 pm   There have been 3,280 coalition deaths -- 3,028 Americans, two Australians, 129 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, six Danes, two
Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, one Hungarian, 32 Italians, one Kazakh, three Latvian, 18 Poles, two Romanians, five Salvadoran, four
Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians -- in the war in Iraq as of January 19, 2007, according to a CNN count.
  Jan 21 pm Just when you think things are looking better in Clay... A look from last week.
  Jan 21  pm Last week China shot down a weather satellite for the heck of it and Iran began war games featuring mid range missiles
capable of hitting Israel.
  Jan 21 pm  On Tuesday, the cash strapped Clay Co PSD decided to hold a Special Meeting where they conducted less than special
business. Their agenda called for a vote on officers for the new year. Each time the PSD meets, the Boardsters get paid.  Specials demand
additional pay. Special meetings are allowed for those items just can't wait, stuff that crops up unexpectedly. Board elections are routine
business.
  Jan 21 pm Wednesday morning during the County Commission meeting, our newbee Commish said he was the person that put up the In
God We Trust sign picture in the CCC room. He added that his religious display could not be taken down by anyone!  True, the words In
God We Trust is a national slogan and found on $ but that's not the reason he put it up. According to Slinky, the new picture was put up
as a religious display, not historical, to show his love for God.
  Jan 21 pm  Back in Dec the School Board bowed to public pressure and began posting their meeting agendas as required by state Open
Meeting Laws. They did so to avert any legal challenge over the issue that may hamper their efforts to get the Feb Excess Levy before
school employees and a Yes decision. The Agendas were properly posted at their regular meeting place plus the school where the actual
meeting would be held AND, on the school web site. How refreshing.
  Jan 21 pm On Jan 9th the Board asked the WV Ethics Commission for a written, binding answer to the question of when they have to
post meeting agendas. The Ethics Commission decision came last week. According to the oversight boys in Charleston, Yelp, just as we all
knew, the School Board has to make the agenda  public three days in advance of the meeting. The decision also mandates making the
media aware of the agenda.
  Jan 21 pm  26 hours from right now, the School Board will hold their next meeting. Here's the link to the school system web site. See
any mention of an agenda? At the bottom of the Ethics decision, there is mention, if you follow our advice, you cannot be personally liable
for any suit.
  Jan 21 pm  A brave man:   Son asked his mother the following question: "Mum, why are wedding dresses white?"  The mother looks at
her son and replies, "Son, this shows your friends and relatives that your bride is pure."  The son thanks his Mum and goes off to
double-check this with his father.  "Dad why are wedding dresses white?"  The father looks at his son in surprise and says, "Son, all
household appliances come in white."
  Jan 20 am  Brooklyn Elizabeth Holcomb, 5, see OBITUARY page
  Jan 20 am We're slowly getting the puter back up and running at something other than the speed of a herd of turtles. The Communicator
was delayed until Monday due to the puter crash.  Web posts are coming back ASAP.
  Jan 20 am Former POW Jessica Lynch became a mother on Friday, giving birth to a girl whom she named in honor of a fallen comrade.
  Jan 20 am Working for minimum wage? Wanting that wage hike the Demorats are talking about? Don't hold your breath. The
Republicrats are messing with you.
  Jan 20 am Last night the CCHS  Freshmen, JV, and Varsity took on the Roane County B Ball team.
  Jan 20 am The JV and Varsity teams walked away victorious. That wasn't the case after some poor officiating brought the Freshmen
game fans to their feet and more. The fans garnered one technical  along with Coach Meckley  getting tossed from the game after two
technicals.
  Jan 19 pm  Doris Ann Thomas, 73, of Indore, see OBITUARY page
  Jan 19 pm Today is Kathy Taylor's birthday. Want to do something nice? Give her a call at 587- 2407.
  Jan 19 pm We learn more each day. Our newest discovery. Every one of those puter windows that say there is nothing harmful in this
download, ... well sometimes they're fibbing!  AS soon as we get the home puter up and running, we'll finish the Communicator, get it out
the door, and provide some updates on this site.
  Jan 19 pm  It's doing something we haven't seen much of in Clayberry. It's snowing. No, nothing sticking on the ground, but outside our
office window in downtown Clay, snow blowing every whichamaway.
  Jan 19 pm Tonight the CCHS Panthers are in for the battle of the season when they take on Roane County in home Court action. Come
out and support the Panthers tonight. Junior Varsity at 5:30 and Varsity action beginning around 7:30pm. For those afar, WYAP-LP will
be providing the play by play over the internet. Go to their web site and click the blinking ON AIR button. Should start up in about 20
seconds or so depending on your connection speed.
  Jan 19 pm  How Do You Catch a Unique Rabbit?  Unique Up On It.
  Jan 19 pm  How Do You Catch a Tame Rabbit?  Tame Way, Unique Up On It.
  Jan 19 pm From today's HurHearld web site:  Grantsville state policeman Sgt. C. J. Ellyson accidentally shot himself in the calf of his leg
Wednesday while off-duty at his residence in Kanawha County.  The gun was Ellyson's personal weapon that he has just purchased and
was putting together, according to Sgt. Dale Fluharty, the detachment commander.  Ellyson was taken to Charleston Area Medical Center
were he was treated and released.  "The bullet entered and exited his leg", said Fluharty, indicating he would likely be off-duty for about a
week.  Sgt. Ellyson replaced Sgt. Darrin Campbell at the Grantsville detachment after he fell from a ladder at the State Police barracks last
summer. He reportedly suffered a back injury and has not returned to duty.
  Jan 19 am We've got big problems in the land of Bill Gates. Something is whacky with the Mel Gibson Look Alike's puter. The
Communicator will be delayed!!!!! Few if any updates until we figure out why this thing is running soooooooooo slow.
  Jan 18 am How many families have been affected by some form of cancer. That's right about everybody.
  Jan 18 am  Researchers have found an old, dirt cheap, drug that appears to stop, that's  STOP, cancer from growing. If that ain't good
enough, the drug is already out of patent meaning, big Rx companies can't jack the price up. There is a down side. With the big Rxers not
being able to make a gazaillion dollars on it's sales, they're not supporting the needed research and development to get it on the market.
  Jan 18 am  When Americans lost their right to a trial ( thank you W), we lost it all!. There is some good news, Bushy has decided to give
up on some of his domestic spying operation.
  Jan 18 am  On Dubbya's Oil War in Iraq, finally Congress appears to be growing some gonads and showing resistance to another 21500
soldiers heading off to the Mid East.
  Jan 18 am  And now to little ole Clayberry...
  Jan 18 am  New County Commissioner Jerry Linkinoooooger has been on the job for three meetings. Sporting a Masters Degree plus
additional hours of college credit, many would say, he's no dummy.  Others say paper training means little.
  Jan 18 am During his second meeting, the Linkster said he would meet with the Prosecutor about jail inmates staying on the county bill
long after being sentenced to penitentiary custody and off our checkbook.  Yesterday during the CCC meeting, Slinky was asked about his
negotiations with Prosecutor Samples and, was there any long term deal worked out to save the county $1000s..
  Jan 18 am  His lips tightened up kind of like when you got to take a dump and there's no bathroom near by and then. He turned away
from that pesky questioner. Nope he never answered the question.    As for not answering a legitimate question, much like: I'm elected
now and I don't have to answer anything I don't want to!
  Jan 18 am  During his campaign for office he told voters he would be different from all the others, he would listen to their concerns.
What he didn't promise was to provide answers. Slinky is living up to the second part.
  Jan 18 am   Hey we've got musical pictures at the Courthouse!
  Jan 18 am    Sams put up the 10 display. Upon leaving office, someone took em down. To fill the spot, someone put up an original
drawing of the new Courthouse. Yesterday during the CCC meeting, the drawing was gone and replaced by  a full color picture of IN
GOD WE TRUST.
  Jan 18 am When asked, Slinky said the picture was his, he put it there and  NO ONE could do a thang about it!!! When he said No ONE
could take them down he added,  not even the ACLU.
  Jan 18 am   His action and voice reminded some of a little kid out in the playground shouting, you can't catch me!! Naw Naw e Naw
Naw!!
  Jan 18 am  Even those with college degrees, can always use additional education.  President Reagan once told America, his handlers
cautioned him to never say never about anything.
  Jan 18 am   Speaking of 2 bit politicos, check this out on the small town of Durbin just two borders away in Pocahantas County.
  Jan 18 am  People have yelled for years, teachers should be pee tested. All of em!  Delegate Perry plans to introduce a bill in the
Legislature to do just that. There is a small problem, in his bill is the inclusion of alcohol. drink alcohol the night before and out the door
you go!
  Jan 18 am Next thing you know, they'll want to take four wheelers off the road!
  Jan 18 am We're going into hibernation until we get The Communicator out the door Friday evening. No updates until then.
  Jan 17 pm Not just Clay County but all counties were so egregious  in the 60's, the Legislature enacted Open Meeting Laws AKA
Sunshine Laws. The purpose was to make government and government backed agencies operate in public and subject to taxpayer
scrutiny.
  Jan 17 pm There was the normal peeing and moaning and stuff like, " We can't operate like this!!" Not long afterwards they found out,
they really could operate "legally". Truth is, with more eyes watching , more oversight, government bodies could actually do a better job.
  Jan 17 pm Last night Clay Co PSD held a  Special Meeting of the Board with the written purpose being, elect officers and any other
business that comes before the Board.
  Jan 17 pm  During their regular Jan 07 meeting, the group decided to hold off the annual vote until they could talk..
  Jan 17 pm  Special meetings are allowed under WV law for business decisions that absolutely can't wait until a regular meeting. Stuff
required to happen right now, something that pops up and has to be dealt with now.
  Jan 17 pm Routine , annual election of officers is NOT allowed as a reason for a Special Meeting.
  Jan 17 pm Another no no is an agenda item like: any other item that may come before the Board.
  Jan 17 pm PSD Board members are paid for each meeting they attend. The pay, $75 to $150 is determined by how many customers
they serve. For Special Meetings, the Boardsters receive additional $.
  Jan 17 pm  The cash strapped water provider ends each month barely breaking even. They often have to do without needed tools and
inventory just to make it thru the month.
  Jan 17 pm Not passing the rotten fish test, we can now see where some of the wasted $ end up.
  Jan 17 am Deadline for this week's Communicator is tonight at midnight. Email over those classifieds, notices, events etc ASAP
  Jan 16 pm Hello Linda in Maryland. Glad you got your AOL set up!
  Jan 16 pm We sat in Circuit Court over 2 hours waiting for a Kevin Duffy butt chewing. Didn't happen.
  Jan 16 pm Last week local attorney Duffy was a  no show for a hearing. In attendance were a  couple folks from Ohio who were ready
to take Duffy's client as soon as the Clay hearing was complete. They had driven for hours.  Judge's aren't big fans of no show attorneys.
Judge Alsop ordered the wayward Duffy to attend this morning's hearing to explain his dead beat ways.
  Jan 16 pm On the missed hearing, Mr. Beanpole said his wifey had been sick, with a doctor,  the kids were barfing and he just plain
forgot. After some quiet, Robe Alsop said that the excuses were reasonable. Duffy was off the hook. Duffy should receive an Academy
Award for this morning's performance. It was outstanding.
  Jan 16 pm In years past, attorneys have had their behinds rendered in hot grease, paid fines for such conduct and best of all, received a
public hiney chewin!    Always fun to watch but this time, Duffy came out unscathed.
  Jan 16 pm  Rats!
  Jan 16 am  With snow in the offing and the holiday behind us... Tuesday is motion day in Circuit Court. All kinds of stuff goes on from
sentencing to organization tasks for upcoming cases. Never know what might happen. Soft seats, warm furnace, the roof doesn't leak, and
admission is free. What more could you ask for on a rainy Tuesday in Jan.
  Jan 16 am Tonight the Panthers take on Calhoun County in home game action beginning around 7:30pm. Go Clay!!!!
  Jan 16 am Sadly we report the first of Bush's planned 21,500 new troops have arrived in the Hell hole called Iraq. How pitiful.
  Jan 16 am At least 78 died Sunday in Iraq.
  Jan 16 am For those looking, you tube does not have an images of the latest hangings as of 7:15 pm Monday.
  Jan 15 am It's a gray overcast Monday morning in Clay. With clouded over skies and wind whipping it up, kids are once again asking,
where's the snow.
  Jan 15 am >
 

Transfer interrupted!

y and a holiday.  Much slower pace in the county. Unless something important happens, we're taking today off.
  Jan 14 pm   Noah David Sears, 55, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page
  Jan 14 am  Looking back ......
  Jan 14 am  Some months back a few people spoke that Dubbya was out of control. Now from the White House, no matter what
Congress says or votes, W is sending more troops to Iraq. 21,500 is not enough to make a difference and too many more to lose.
  Jan 14 am  This past week, Bush told us what we have known for years, he's an out of control screw up but, "We liberated that country
from a tyrant. I think the Iraqi people owe the American people a huge debt of gratitude and I believe most Iraqi's express that."
  Jan 14 am  There have been 3,268 coalition deaths -- 3,017 Americans, two Australians, 128 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, six Danes, two
Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, one Hungarian, 32 Italians, one Kazakh, three Latvian, 18 Poles, two Romanians, five Salvadoran, four
Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians -- in the war in Iraq as of January 12, 2007, according to a CNN count.
  Jan 14 am  For all you file swappers, there may be hope.
  Jan 14 am With the common person's salary stagnant for years and we watch top executives bringing in gazaillions for lack luster
performance, that may be changing. Out of control exec salaries may be under more scrutiny this Spring.
  Jan 14 am If lose of personal freedoms, loss of good American soldiers, and Czar Bush acting like he has the country walking with him,
isn't bad enough..... The WV Legislature is back in session.  Already over 200 bills have been introduced and ready to bite us in the butt.
Now that's scary!
  Jan 14 am   In Clayberry, it was quiet. Still no word on whether Wayne King's law license will be pulled.
  Jan 14 am  Thursday evening Clay Roane PSD did something unheard of in years. They finished their monthly meeting in less than 60
minutes. During that gathering there was mention of applying for a water rate increase.
  Jan 14 am All three of our PSDs are ranked in the opt 10 most costly water providers in the state, with Clay Co PSD coming in in the
number two spot. The race is on for number one.
  Jan 14 am  Badges swarmed Oil Field Road this past week for stolen equipment. Our Top Badge was in the air for a better look. Other
than finding a bulldozer nearby, the expedition turned up zip. That dozer was not listed as stolen.
  Jan 14 am  This is suppose to be winter. If so, we're minus the cold and snow. We're grinning now, but next Summer may bring dry
wells and worse.
  Jan 13 am The Lady Panthers had an easy time of Wirt Co yesterday, 89 to 34. Also victorious were the Panthers last night 66 to 57. Go
Panthers.
  Jan 13 am Mid afternoon Friday during a light rain, scanner listeners tuned in to listen to a vehicle in the Elk. Emergency Responders
were on the scene quick. We knew something was up when Health Net was called followed by mention the fellow was being transported
via an ambulance to Braxton Hospital. We understand David Sears died.
  Jan 13 am During that same time, calls came in on slicky road conditions in the Southern end of the county. With temps in the 50s, it
wasn't ice. Later reports said that the slick was an oil slick on the road maybe from some logging operation in the area.
  Jan 13 am  A small Arkansas wild animal park acquired a very rare species of gorilla. Within a few weeks, the gorilla (who was female)
became very irritable and difficult to handle.  Upon examination, the park veterinarian determined that the gorilla was in heat.  To make
matters worse, there was no male gorilla available.    Trying to solve the problem, the park administrator thought of Eddie Standen, a large,
redneck, part-time zoo intern, whose job it was to clean the animals' cages.  Eddie, like most rednecks, had little sense, but possessed
ample ability to satisfy a female of any species. the park administrator thought they might, therefore, have a solution. He approached Eddie
with a proposition.  Would he be willing to mate with the gorilla for $500?  Eddie showed some interest, but said he would have to think
the matter over carefully. The following day, Eddie announced that he would accept the zoo's offer, but only under four conditions:
"First," he said, "I don't want to have to kiss her on the lips."  The park administrator quickly agreed to this condition. "Second," Eddie
said, "you must never tell anyone about this."  The park administrator again readily agreed to this condition.  "Third," Eddie continued, "I
want all the offspring to be raised Southern Baptist."   Once again, the administrator agreed.  "And last of all," Eddie said, "you've got to
give me another week to come up with the $500."
  Jan 12 pm  Last night the Clay Roane PSD met. Instead of the normal 3 hour gathering, all business was conducted within one hour, 57
minutes actually. From that gathering.
  Jan 12 pm  How many times have you heard they don't need or want a rate increase? Well, last Spring they said that and believe it or
not, they didn't ask for one. Last night during discussions on the 20 year stalled Punkin Ridge water line extension project, came mention
of the need to apply for a Rule 42. That's the code word for a rate increase. Afterwards, Chair Grigsby said he felt the Rule 42 thang was
just going thru procedures and no rate increase would be needed. If the WV PSC determines a rate increase is needed, the entire system
will pay the new rates NOT just the Punkin Ridge folks.
  Jan 12 pm The Newton RIde Dept building is served by the PSD. Those folks now have a $1200 water bill after failing to pay for water
service for a number of months.  The only reason why their service hasn't been cut off before, the PSD field workers can't get into the
locked up Fire Dept building. The dispute seems to be over the use of a large water meter located inside the building for filling up the
trucks.
  Jan 12 pm  They have a plan clickers. Now don't tell Newton Fire Dept..... ever so quietly,,,,, the plan is for field workers to show up at
the next FD meeting and padlock off their water service during the meeting.  Shhhhhh don't tell anybody, it's a secret.
  Jan 12 am TGIF  TGIF TGIF
  Jan 12 am  Listen to the Lady Panthers at Noon:30 and the Panthers at 7:30 on 101.7 FM
  Jan 12 am  An elderly couple, who were both widowed, had been going out with each other for a long time. Urged on by their friends,
they decided it was finally time to get  married. Before the wedding, they went out to dinner and had a long conversation regarding how
their marriage might work. They discussed finances, living arrangements and so on. Finally, the old gentleman decided it was time to
broach the subject of their physical relationship. "How do you feel about sex?" he asked, rather trustingly.  "Well," she said, responding
very carefully, "I'd have  to say, I would like it infrequently."  The old gentleman sat quietly for a moment, then, looking over his glasses,
he casually asked, "Is that one word or two words?"
  Jan 12 am   Update coming
  Jan 11 am From the email bag:  MISSING:   Male Norweigian elkhound. Light Gray & Black. Last seen approximatly 2 miles north of
Foodland on Ivydale Road.  Wearing a blue collar and answers to "Bo".  Please call 587-2260 if you have seen him.
  Jan 11 am Our Lady Panthers put it all over the number ranked Charleston Catholic team last night for 3 1/2 quarters. We spent most of
that time 6 to 12 points ahead of em. We even contained their 6' 5" center!
  Jan 11 am  The last 6 minutes went to H big time.  In the end, they beat us 79 to 63.
  Jan 11 am Tonight at 7pm Clay Roane PSD meets in regular session at the Courthouse in the County Commission room. Their posted
well ahead of time agenda is over on our ADVISORY page.
  Jan 11 am You got to hand it to the Prez for dogged determination. Seeking 21500 more soldiers for his Oil war, did you know Britain
plans to pull  out 3000  of their 7500 troops? True, they announced that yesterday just before his speech. They said their mission had been
accomplished in Southern Iraq.
  Jan 11 am The Republicrats are masters of spin as well. Last night one of their Senators said the Nov. election was not a mandate to pull
out of Iraq but rather  was a call to change strategy.
  Jan 11 am  One of the Demorats provided some truth after the speech. His words were along these lines:  20,000  more soldiers are not
enough to make a difference and too many more to lose.
  Jan 11 am With billions on top of billions being wasted  in Iraq, we have 750,000 homeless in this country.
  Jan 11 am BAsed on our loss of freedoms, many are saying that the terrorists have already won this war. If you think money talks, it
really talks now. Paranoia, you bet, and with good reason.
  Jan 10 pm Tonight Dubbya faces his biggest challenge.
  Jan 10 pm Tonight our Prez has to convince 300 million people that it is wise to send more good American soldiers into a a quagmire of
no return.
  Jan 10 pm Already we're hearing of Demorats agreeing with the need for additional troops. How sad.
  Jan 10 pm  On Jan 1st we had a new County Commissioner take office. His campaign promises included being a full time Commissioner.
Since taking office and his one public meeting, that new guy hasn't been seen at the Courthouse.
  Jan 10 Pm Now. they're all gone.
  Jan 10 pm  All three elected folks are taking training in Clarksburg for the next three days.
  Jan 10 am Tonight may be the biggest game of the season for  the CCHS Lady Panthers when they take on number one ranked
Charleston Catholic. Some are calling it the battle of the mud flaps vs the Mercedes. Home game action begins at 7:30pm. Better get there
early for a good seat. 101.7 FM is broadcasting the game.
  Jan 10 am Lots of people tuned in to watch the web cast action of the  WV Supreme Court yesterday. Listed as item five on the
argument side of the day, Wayne King was given an opportunity to explain why the big robes shouldn't yank his law license for 6 months.
The Lawyers Disciplinary Board investigated ethics charges against our senior attorney and decided he had been a bad boy worthy of
losing his license for 6 months, mandated him to take classes in how attorney's should be behave with clients; and, having to work under
another attorney for 12 more months. King said the investigation focused on a loan he secured from a relative; Nope he never told the
Bankruptcy Court about the note; and, he intended to have his parents pay back the debt this week.
  Jan 10 am When given a chance to speak the Waynester said the loan was business related while the bankruptcy proceedings were
personal. He said the Disciplinary Board had no right to investigate his personal side. After explaining, the Robes sounded more confused!
  Jan 10 am It's hard to predict how the appeal will end up. With this being the second ethics breach in the last two years and sanctions
already in place for an earlier transgression, one thing is for sure, King is in the grease. No decision announced as of yet.
  Jan 10 am Last night the Clay Co PSD met in regular session. their Lizemores/Tucker's Bottom water line extension project is for all
intents and purposes, done. The good news is they have around $200,000 extra dollars to spend. During a brain storming session on what
to do  with the extra dollars, ideas came. One guy suggested they purchase a Cadillac Escalade. Laughter came. No laughter when they
spoke in favor of buying a four wheeler with the government loot.
  Jan 9 pm  A man and his wife are awakened at three o'clock in the morning by a loud pounding on the door. The man gets up and goes
to the door where a drunken stranger, standing in the pouring rain, is asking for a push. “Not a chance," says the husband, "It is three
o'clock in the morning." He slams the door and returns to bed. "Who was that?" asked the wife. “Just some drunken guy asking for a
push," he answers. “Did you help him?" she asks. “No, I did not.  It is three o'clock in the morning and it is pouring rain outside!!"  His
wife said, "Can't you remember about three months ago when we broke down and those two guys helped us? I think you should help him
and you should be ashamed of yourself'!"   The man does as he is told (of course), gets dressed, and goes out into the pouring rain. He
calls out into the dark, "Hello!  Are you still there?"  "Yes," comes back the answer. "Do you still need a push?" calls out the husband.
”Yes! Please!" a reply comes from the darkness. "Where are you?" asks the husband. "Over here on the swing!!" replies the drunk.
  Jan 9 am We're up to our eyeballs in Afghanistan and Iraq. Get out? Heck no! Time to attack another country. This time Somalia. The
Pentagon says, I don't know what you're talking about.
  Jan 9 am Clay County PSD hold their monthly meeting today at 5pm. It's pretty hard to tell what they're up to since the agenda doesn't
specify motions or discussion items.
  Jan 9 am  Monday morning Badges worked the Oil Field Road section of Ovapa. They found a John Deere bulldozer out in the woods
but it was not reported as stolen. No arrests this morning nor hauling in of stolen goods.
  Jan 9 am We talked to Top Badge Holcomb later in the day. He said somethings take time.
  Jan 9 am  Here's the WV Supreme Court web site. Court begins at 10 am. For web viewing, you should see a red WEBCAST button a
few minutes before start time. Sure makes for a good civics class extra. Keep in mind, a lot of times, stuff scheduled often gets side
tracked. Might happen again, never know.
  Jan 9 am The Courthouse is hiring. See ADVISORY page
  Jan 8 pm Badges were working the Oil Field Road AKA Murder Mountain section of Ovapa this morning. Top Badge Holcomb sounded
to be in a helicopter during the search.
  Jan 8 pm Around 11:20 am Sgt. Paxton , on the ground, was heard: That John Deere on out the ridge belongs to Triad.. its been there a
week.
  Jan 8 pm The serial was checked and came back clean, no record found.
  Jan 8 pm Green Shirt Jordan asked about the person they were searching for around 11:45am
  Jan 8 pm By noon, it was vittle time for the searchers.
  Jan 8 pm Keep in mind, the area we know as Murder Mountain  is much larger than just the lands held by .... Ah.... you know who.
  Jan 8 mid am  Happy Birthday to Betty Fisher down in Procious.
  Jan 8 mid am  June Miller, 75, see OBITUARY page
  Jan 8 am   Hope you enjoyed the last few warms weeks. Snow is in the forecast.
  Jan 8 am   Tonight the School Board meets at 6pm at the Standard Bryant Annex building on Main Street. the school system posted the
meeting agenda early last Thursday. Their site can be found here. The only thing they forgot on the agenda was the start time which is
6pm we think.
  Jan 8 am  For those too lazy to walk over there, here's a partial on the agenda:     Approve placement of Beth McVicker for student
teaching at Clay Middle School beginning March 2007, pending placement approval from Wheeling Jesuit University;    Approve contract
with Karen Boso, Physical Therapy Assistant in Clay County (5 week period) beginning April 2007(please see enclosed);  Accept the
voluntarily removal of Allen Legg’s name from the substitute bus driver list (please see enclosed);   Approve the transfer of Krystal Lough
from Braxton County Schools to Clay County High School, effective January 9, 2007;   Approve the election officials for February 24,
2007 Levy Election (please see enclosed list).   Discussions: Mr. Linkinoggor to discuss progress made on the new Big Otter Elementary
School;     Mr. Mike Pierson to present information concerning possible construction of pre-school classrooms at H.E. White Elementary
and Lizemore Elementary School;    Mr. Tanner to discuss accepting bids on technology equipment;    Cost proposal Triad Engineering,
Inc. (please see enclosed);    Connie Lupardus from CAEZ to speak to the Board about possible land purchase;   David Samples and
Jennifer Salisbury to appear before the Board
  Jan 8 am The last item might be juicy.
  Jan 7 am  The first week of the new year has been a whirl wind. From the last seven days....
  Jan 7 am  While bodies pile up in the streets of Baghdad, the safest part of Iraq, Dubbya fired the generals that said we're going at it all
wrong. W plans to add 30,000 more American troops. No other country has agreed to follow suit. Where is that Coalition of the Willing?
  Jan 7 am  ISRAEL has drawn up secret plans to destroy Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities with tactical nuclear weapons.
  Jan 7 am  Just as if we had swung open the trap door, Sadamn has quickly become a hero.
  Jan 7 am    There have been 3,254 coalition deaths -- 3,004 Americans, two Australians, 127 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, six Danes, two
Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, one Hungarian, 32 Italians, one Kazakh, three Latvian, 18 Poles, two Romanians, five Salvadoran, four
Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians -- in the war in Iraq as of January 5, 2007, according to a CNN count.
  Jan 7 am Closer to home, having heard rumors that a topless bar may someday come to town, Clay Town Council  is considering a new
ordinance. When they heard the new bar might be a person of color, mouths fell open.  The electric and gas is already back on at the old
Ginos shop at Two Run.
  Jan 7 am One might be coming and another may be going. the California style eatery, Taco Mels, hasn't been open the last several trips
passed the place.
  Jan 7 am  Tuesday evening the CAEZ announced they hired Alice Rhunke for grant writing duties and plan to hire a senior citizen for
general office duties.
  Jan 7 am  New Commissioner Jerry Linkinooooooger took his seat at the County Commission last Wednesday morning. On the issue of
high jail bills for prisoners that should have been  transferred to prison custody, Slinky said he would have a talk with the Prosecutor. As
for getting his own private office space, he did! In the CCC room over in the corner.
  Jan 7 am The newbee had a new idea too. On his first day of his full time job, well, except he's still working for the School Board too,
Slinky suggested that all the elected folks gather once a month to discuses Courthouse needs and concerns. Sounded like he wanted the
gathering to be held away from the public's prying eye. Not going on happen! Clerk Connie Workman made it clear, anytime two or more
Commissioners get together to discuss Courthouse business, the public had to be made known.
  Jan 7 am You could feel the thunder rolling in when it became known, Jimmy Sams' 10 Commandments display had been taken down
and replaced with a hand drawn picture of the Courthouse. In that little itsy bitsy  newspaper (online site) in Clay came word that the 10
had been stolen and an investigation was in progress. No one asked Sams if he took his personal property when he went out the door.
  Jan 7 am We don't know what to think about this one clickers... For the second time in history, the School Board properly posted their
meeting agenda for the world to see on the school system web site.
  Jan 7 am Thursday evening the BDA held a civil meeting where they  worried about someone plowing up a potato patch at the old FIlcon
site near Ovapa. Once again the need for a survey and fence came up. With a grant in place they're starting up a program to develop 14 to
25 year old youngsters for appointed government committees, PSDs, and Boards. The new folks will receive training in open meeting law,
Roberts Rules of Order and how to behave in public. What a darn good idea!
  Jan 7 am Friday morning the BDA hosted a luncheon where they invited various business leaders and government agencies. The idea
was for the groups to come together, shake hands , and start talking about a new future for Clayberry. They did and did without getting
into a fight. Wonders never cease! Of course a good meal always helps to curb old hostilities.
  Jan 7 am Friday afternoon organizer and leader Terri Lively was named Clay County Person of the Year.
  Jan 7 am The Communicator came up Friday afternoon complete with the annual year in review section. On Time too!
  Jan 7 am Saturday morning the BC&G RR CoOp held their quarterly meeting. With around 50 in attendance they proved once again
what it takes for success... vision, work and $. From that meeting: they're raising $ by selling inscripted bricks; the new lodge building
should be under roof by the end of Feb 2007; the septic system awaits final Govt OK; they're turning one of caboosi into a sight seeing car
complete with seats; and they plan to buy the first 2 1/4 miles of RR line from a $200,000 grant soon.
  Jan 7 am Rumors turned into fact. Wayne King is in for the court room appearance of his life next Tuesday when he appeals to the
Supreme Court to keep his law license.
  Jan 7 am The warm temps continued this week. We love it now but next summer, when the wells are all dry, we'll be in trouble big time.
  Jan 7 am      A Doctor was addressing a large audience in Tampa. "The material  we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most
of us sitting here years ago.  Red meat is awful.  Soft drinks corrode your stomach lining. Chinese food is loaded with MSG.  High fat
diets can be disastrous, and none of us realizes the long-term harm caused by the germs in our drinking water.  But there is one thing that
is the most dangerous of all and we  all have, or will, eat it.  Can anyone here tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and
suffering for years after eating it?"    After several seconds of quiet, a 75-year-old man in the front row raised his hand, and softly said,
"Wedding Cake."
  Jan 6 am  Beulah Elizabeth Procious Carper, 91, of Procious, see OBITUARY page
  Jan 6 am The Communicator made it out the door on time Friday. 24 pages of Clayberry news second to none. This edition includes our
year in Review  look back at 06.
  Jan 6 am  the first edition of the new year also brings forth the Person of the Year designation. We have a strong winner again  this year.
  Jan 6 am A couple days back was posted a comment about never mentioning weight, size etc. to the wifey when she returns from a
Weight Watchers meeting.
  Jan 6 am What turkey told my wife about the post??? Talk about being in the grease!!!!!!!!
  Jan 4 am Last night was the night before newspaper night. Newspaper night is when you type like crazy for hours on end to make the
printing deadline. Night befores should be spent organizing and attending to last minute details.
  Jan 4 am Being a procrastinator and easily side tracked, anything can catch my attention.... washing out a stinky trash can, rereading the
digital camera manual, rearranging pens and pencils, cleaning dirt out of the printer, using spit to clean off the monitor... anything but doing
the needed typing.
  Jan 4 am Another way to procrastinate is to spend hours surfing the web for pictures, video, porno (opps).
  Jan 4 am Rumors in Clayberry often have some merit. The trick is deciding which part of the rumor is the true part. For instance..
  Jan 4 am In and around the Courthouse came rumors this week that local attorney Wayne King was in deep doo doo and ready to forfeit
his law license. A trip to Circuit Clerk Mike Asbury revealed little. Asbury said (Wed mid day) that he hadn't seen anything on such
disciplinary efforts.
  Jan 4 am Back to the procrastinating stuff.
  Jan 4 am   While surfing the web, the WV Supreme Court web site in particular, came item 5 on the Jan 9th Court Docket:  Lawyer
Disciplinary Board v. A. Wayne King.
  Jan 4 am The Lawyer Disciplinary Board has been investigating our long time attorney for two years. At issue is a $15,000 loan sought
by King from a client. In the report comes a recommendation to take Mr King's law license for 6 months, force him to take classes in
ethics, pay the client back the balance due, $4575.00, and work under the supervision of another attorney for 12 months.
  Jan 4 am There is the problem with getting $ from a client but there's more. King penned the loan but left off key areas like how much
had to be paid back each month, how much interest and principal, and  King did not suggest the guy seek another lawyer's opinion on the
document. One other little nugget. Some how some way, while filing for bankruptcy protection, our local barrister neglected to mention the
loan.
  Jan 4 am Being someone that knows something about Bankruptcy Court, first hand!, me thinks this might be important!
  Jan 4 am  Here's the complete findings of the Disciplinary  Board submitted to the Supreme Court. The big robes are the guys that have
the final say so in such matters. Look at page 11 real close:  this was essentually the same conduct that warranted respondent (that's Mr
King) receiving an admonishment and requirement of taking  6 hours of CLE ethics credit in Lawyer Disciplinary Board vs A Wayne
King No 27742....
  Jan 4 am That was in 2001.  Wonder how the Judges look at repeat offenders?
  Jan 4 am  Now we're not real sure what morally reprehensible nefarious conduct means but that's what they're saying about our 35 year
experienced attorney.
  Jan 4 am In his reply, Wayne says no way, he did not breach any rules of professional conduct. Here's Mr Kings reply. In reply to his
reply, the investigators mentioned something about arrogance and a slap in the face....
  Jan 4 am We know something slaps in the face but that's another story too.
  Jan 4 am  On the 9th, next Tuesday, the Court will hear reasons why they shouldn't jerk his license. Proceedings of the Supreme Court
are view able via their webcast and >
 

Transfer interrupted!

> Jan 4 am Chasing down those last minute, just before deadline "rumors" are rough on an old procrastinator like me!
  Jan 4 am On another note...
  Jan 4 am  Our new County Commissioner  took his seat today. While on the campaign trail, he promised to be the county's full time
Commissioner. To live up to that promise, the Linkster can not continue in his cushy position as Clerk of the Works of the Valleydale
Elem school now under construction.
  Jan 4 am Who could they possibly get to take his spot.... has to be Board insider, maybe someone recently retired, someone they want to
bestow extra $ on..... Now who could that be?
  Jan 4 am We're in shut down mode until we get Friday's paper out the door. And, Yes, we saw Tommy Young Jr and John Boyd's
names on the  South Central Jail web site.
  Jan 3 pm NOTICE  NOTICE   The CCHS Lady Panther B Ball game scheduled for tonight has been CANCELED.
  Jan 3 pm From the HurHerald web site this post:  Schools are closed in Gilmer County today following the electrocution of the county's
director of maintenance at Gilmer County High School.   David George Frymier, 47, was reportedly electrocuted while working on a
heating and air conditioning unit.  Frymier was described by school officials and community members as a "well-liked community
man." The school has not released details of how the accident occurred.
  Jan 3 pm  This morning's Commission meeting lasted just 17 minutes. From that gathering
  Jan 3 pm  Meeting dates were changed to the 2nd and 4th Wed of each month with start time set for 10 am. No evening meetings unless
someone from the public demands it.
  Jan 3 pm New Commissioner Jerry Linkinoooooooger (Slinky) took his perch and blended right in. During the meeting he asked for
office space in the Commission room, over in the corner. A file cabinet will be added for storage. The area will be for all Commissioner's
use but when Commission Prez Triplett said they could put a computer there, Slinky said it wasn't needed since he carries his own lap top
puter.
  Jan 3 pm And something that wasn't spoken ..... Jimmy Sams 10 Commandments display is gone. No one said a word about the religious
display conspicuously absent. Maybe just maybe, the county has escaped a lawsuit. Good!
  Jan 3 pm Life's Lesson: When the wifey comes home from Weight Watchers and tells you she is doing well, Never Ever ask her her
weight!
  Jan 3 pm  Life's Lesson: A turkey was chatting with a bull. "I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree," sighed the turkey, "but
I haven't got the energy." Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?" replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients." The
turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day,
after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the
tree. He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.    Moral of the story: BS might get you to the top, but it won't
keep you there!
  Jan 3 am The Communicator comes out Friday. Deadline for ads, classifieds, events, notices, obits ( please don't hurry these)., etc. is
tonight at midnight. Email ASAP
  Jan 3 am This morning at 10 am, our new County Commissioner takes the rocket seat chair for his first meeting. Didn't notice anything
exciting on the agenda but you never can tell what'll happen.
  Jan 3 am  The Lady Panthers play tonight in home court action beginning at 7:30pm Go Clay!!!!!!!!
  Jan 3 am Clay town Council met last night. Council person Glen Nichols worked it hard for an ordinance for a problem we don't have.
Never during the discussion did the "problem" present itself.
  Jan 3 am Our guess, Nichols heard the rumor that a black run topless bar was coming to Two Run in the near future. Council person
Frank Childers questioned the need for another ordinance since few of the existing ordinances are adhered to. One lady said there is a law
on the books  about having a shirt and shoes on before eating in public but no mention of having to wear pants!
  Jan 3 am From a guy in the peanut gallery came, My boobs are bigger than some women's and I can run around without a shirt on!
  Jan 3 am The fear of boobs especially firm, big ones is running rampant in Clayberry. No decision made but look for this one to return
next month. Looks like we  won't get to be the entertainment capitol of the world after all.
  Jan 3 am Council gave away the local streets to the State Road several years ago. Now Council wants to lower speed limits to a snails
pace. Fortunately, the state folks will not lower the limit below 25 mph. Going at it bassakwards is common in Clay.  Enforcing the existing
laws  aught to be first priority.  And.... they are once again talking about putting speed bumps on other state roads, another no can do.
  Jan 3 am   We have received a ton of nickname suggestions for School Superintendent Larry Gillespie and will post in Friday's
Communicator. Still no decision on an official nickname. None sound just perfect yet. Keep emailing ideas. Sure don't want him to feel left
out!
  Jan 3 am Hey, the radio station is looking for a second lead (commentary) volunteer sportscaster for CCHS Panther basketball games.
No age limit, easy to learn and a bunch of fun. Michael Jones is the play by play lead. Only requirement, no potty mouth. Stop by the
station or call 587-8353. Next boys home game is right around the corner.
  Jan 3 am When you think you've heard of everything, you ain't. Here's a story of a guy with a female mannequin fetish. He's facing life
behind bars too.
  Jan 2 pm  Lesson for Tuesday:  A priest offered a Nun a lift. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest
nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?" The
priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, "Father, remember Psalm
129?" The priest apologized "Sorry sister but the flesh is weak." Arriving at the convent, the nun went on her way.  On his arrival at the
church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, "Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory."  Moral of the story: If you are
not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity!
  Jan 2 am  The holidays are over. Most of us are five pounds heavier.
  Jan 2 am The first week of each month is a busy time for public meetings. CAEZ meets at 4pm followed by the full board beginning at 6.
CAEZ is located beside the Welfare office on Main Street.
  Jan 2 am  Clay Town Council meets Tuesday at 6pm in their Main Street water plant. Last month it came to light they didn't have
enough $ to pay the sewer plant operation or bills.
  Jan 2 am Clay County Commission will hold an organizational meeting Wed morning at 10 am. It will be the first meeting for new
Commissioner, ole what's his name.... Slinky.
  Jan 2 am Thursday afternoon at 5pm the Business Development Authority meets in the County Commission room at the new
Courthouse.
  Jan 2 am The Lady Panthers will be back in action for home game excitement Wednesday evening, tip off 7:30pm at CCHS.
  Jan 2 pm Now's a good time to start attending public meetings. How about today?
  Jan 2 am For thoe looking for Sadamn hangin video, Goggle has about five different versions.
  Jan 1 pm  From the email bag:  WE WANT TO SAY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO OUR GRANDMA AND GRANDPA.  LOVE,   JOE,
TIM, MICHAEL, AND TEDDY JR.  WE LOVE YOU AND WE HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDER YEAR TO COME