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