June 2006 Past News

 
 
  • June 30 am Don't say there's nothing to do in Clayberry. This weekend is packed with tons of good stuff to do.
  • June 30 am The Clay Library has an upright piano they want to give away. Needs some repairs but would make a great starter unit for someone or group.  Easy basement access too. First come, first served. One only.
  • June 30 am Have an old car? Saturday's Small Town America Independence Celebration in downtown Clay still needs some antique cars, trucks, tractors, dancing girls, and about anything else except live animals for the 5:30 parade. Come out and have some fun. Good music at 6pm too.The parade and Summer Jam will be broadcast on 101.7FM and on the web.
  • June 30 am  Last night the new walking trail at Clay County Park was dedicated. Don Jarvis and his band of volunteers worked their butts off to cut, scrape, doze, and gravel the path around the border of the public facility.
  • June 30 am There's another good reason why ole Bushy eyebrows was named the 2006 Person of the Year!
  • June 30 am Charleston newspapers covered the Wednesday Federal indictment of Sam Murphy. The indictment stems from Murphy allegedly making bombs intended for Sheriff Holcomb. Murphy has been held in custody since the last August blasts.
  • June 30 am Just  a couple days earlier, Murphy flunked a pee test after getting caught using a fake "we we" known as a whiz-a-nator".
  • June 30 am  Some stories have legs... In the last edition of The Communicator came a chatter from Sandra Samples and her Jack Russell Terrier. Here's a blog entry on another Clayberry allegation. Click Southern end of the county for the blogosphere write up.
  • June 29 am From the email bag:  Swimming lessons start July 3. 6:00 No lessons on the 4th. End July 14 Call 587-7440 for info or to sign up. Registration is limited.
  • June 29 am This Saturday is the Small Town America Independence Celebration in downtown Clay. See our EVENTS page for details.   As part of the event, there is a town wide yard sale. Clean out that basement, attic, outbuilding and set up on Main Street July 1. Always nice to make a little extra jingle.
  • June 29 am As we near month's end, there are no public meetings.  Fun doesn't start again until next week.
  • June 29 am  For those living in the Town of Clay and use the local cable TV service.... Instead of rubber stamping an agreement with the new provider, Rapid, they're negotiating each item to be included in the franchise agreement. The first sit down meeting with the Colorado based group is next week. If you have a suggestion on  a service or package that ought to be included in the new deal, contact Town Hall or any of the elected folks.
  • June 29 am  Over the years many have said, Clay never gets anything!! Look at all the other counties, they get tons of government money! All that's true. the other counties learned a long time ago to stay in touch with the elected folks on a regular basis. Here's in the land of little, we often contact our Legislative Delegation just before the close of the session and ask for $ at the last minute.
  • June 29 am We're learning clickers.... During a beginning of the month CAEZ meeting mention was made of  two June huddles with Fola coal reps. The group held their second meeting yesterday. Based on the first meeting, it sounds like we're asking Fola to deed thousands of acres of stripped out mine lands (flat) for economic development use. Items made public include: a major highway connecting us to Rt. 19 in Nicholas County, an airport, a correctional center, an ATV trail, and industrial parks.
  • June 29 am Now don't get all excited, the plan won't happen over night, they're laying the ground work now for stuff that benefit our grand children.
  • June 29 am Also in the business of wising up, our Business Development Authority commented they planned to meet with the Governor soon seeking additional $ for a building out Ovapa way at the old Filcon site. We think they're doing that right now but mums the word on those efforts.
  • June 29 am  Ever hear of of using depleted uranium for missiles? Here's a web site that contends our nation is doing just that and has been for a number of years. Caution this site is very graphic.
  • June 28 am  Update coming later today.
  • June 28 am  Yesterday we posted an email comment under a front page picture. The comment gave the state road H for not removing  a leaning tree dangling from overhead utility lines.
  • June 28 am We received an email from a state roader telling us that the utility company has to cut the tree away if it's entangled in tele or electric lines. Thanks B
  • June 28 am  I have been thinking that I would make a proposition to my Republican friends, that if they will stop telling lies about the Democrats, we will stop telling the truth about them. - Adlai Stevenson
  • June 28 am   Community radio WYAP is upgrading the antenna service this afternoon around 4:30pm. The idea is to for more people to listen in on 101.7 FM. Station should be off the air until around 9 pm more or less.
  • June 27 am How many of you have received the call to action email to get your cell phone name and number on a national do not call list. It's  a hoax  Here's the truth.
  • June 27 am   How many received the email on a college girl using #77 to avert a rapist dressed as a police officer? Here's the real story on #77 and what to do.
  • June 27 am Last night Commissioner Sams was a no show during the CCC meeting. Triplett and King handled the duties with Commish elect Link in attendance but in the peanut gallery. On the issue of  Sunday hunting, they said no to calling a referendum ballot issue. Translation: Clay County's economic incentive and property rights issue on using private property to hunt on Sunday will not change. We can continue to hunt on Sundays on our own private holdings.
  • June 27 am With few in attendance, Norma Johnson, the lady wanting wa wa was back before the CCC wanting answers as was a delegation upset with the Clay Human Association. As for the Human Assoc right to pick up stray dogs without tags, the Commission said they never gave that permission.
  • June 27 am read the latest Communicator to get the back ground readers.
  • June 27 am During the last School Board meeting, the Board OKed a letter to the W V School Board Authority without comment. We guessed the letter was a request for additional funding for the proposed Ivydale Elem.
  • June 27 am Proposed no more.... yesterday the SBA awarded another $2.2 million for the consolidated school. That's a 33% increase in funding and still the question remains, what will have to be cut from the original plans to fit the budget.
  • June 27 am More coming.
  • June 26 am From the email bag albeit a little late: A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CHRIS IN FLORIDA GET YOUR GLASSES SO YOU CAN READ THIS AND PUT IN THE AIDS SO YOU CAN HEAR THIS , HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU , HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU AND YOUR OLD SOCKS, HAHA; LOVE YOUR SIS
  • June 26 am Normally the last week of the month is a quiet one for public meetings. Not so today with the County Commission meeting at 5pm.
  • June 26 am This evening's agenda is a big long rascal with re-appointments to about every Board, Committee, and Authority in the county. Also on the agenda is a Jimmy Sams election year campaign promise to garner votes (didn't work) to get the CCC to vote on Sunday Hunting. Currently Clayberry is one of about 15 counties in the state that allow private property owners to ban or allow hunting on their own land on Sundays.
  • June 26 am In years past, Sams has been strong on allowing private property owners the right to do as they want on their taxed lands. At one point a few years back, Sams  even said how important it is for property owners that work during the week to have both weekend days available for hunting. Guess that's all changed now for Commissioner Sams. And heck, with all the low food prices in the area, who needs the meat in the freezer!
  • June 26 am The latest edition of The Communicator has Sandy Samples' comments on her dog getting picked up, whacked, and then adopted out by the Human Assoc.
  • June 26 am As with any story, there's another side.   There is state code requiring dog owners to pay taxes on their poop factories. There is another section of code that gives the CCC the power to delegate dog warden duties to a dog catcher and human association. Both parts of the state code are now posted over on the ADVISORY page. Might want to walk over there and take a look if you own a pooch.
  • June 26 am  The question is, did the CCC give the Human Assoc. the power to pick up dogs. Anybody remember such a vote?
  • June 26 am   The Clay High TSA kids are returning from National Competition down in Dallas Texas this afternoon. How did they do? One kid, Dayton Waddell , took a second place in the nation with his balsa wood ATV in performance and design. Not too shabby for a 9th grader.
  • June 26 am The county was under a flash flood watch last night. After listening to the scanner until late, didn't hear any reports of flooding around these parts. Good.
  • June 26 am Check back often we update at least once a day. As of last night at 11pm there have been over 98,000 page loads by over 33,000 visitors this month. Thanks for checking out Clayberry and all its quirks.
  • June 25 am From the last seven days....
  • June 25 am Sure things are going well in our Oil War. Dubbya had to sneak into Iraq under the cloak of darkness. The world's most powerful military force remained sheltered in the green zone as rag tags rule the streets. The new Iraq government declared a state of emergency. They asked the US to get out. W and supporters said no way to leaving as more American blood soaked into the sand.
  • June 25 am There have been 2,735 coalition deaths, 2,510 Americans, two Australians, 113 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, three Danes, two Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, one Hungarian, 31 Italians, one Kazakh, one Latvian, 17 Poles, two Romanians, two Salvadoran, three Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians in the war in Iraq as of June 22, 2006, according to a CNN count.
  • June 25 am Summer finally came to Clayberry. Temps made it into the 90s. The value of shady spaces increased. Gardens grew. Kids were seen walking along the road to the Swimming Pool. Others played in the Elk. Motorcycles roared around the county. Down on Main Street, businesses decorated with American flags, set out flowers and park benches. Little Leaguers readied for tournament action. Small Town America never looked better.
  • June 25 am  On the down side, thugs broke into homes around the county and swiped stuff for quick sales. On Main Street Clay, thugs did heavy damage to a nice lookin red Chevy pick up as they stole a CD player from the dash. Once again, a quick sale for a quick drug deal.
  • June 25 am New school Superintendent Larry Gillespie made it clear, when hiring, they were going to play by the rules. The discussion came during the Monday night Board meeting where teacher Justin Holcomb replaced civilian CCHS Volleyball Coach Gail Simon. Rules say teachers get dibs on extra duty contracts. They also say that seniority counts when non teachers are awarded extra duty contracts. With that in mind, Ms Simon might just have the right to do some bumping of her own. Watch this one to develop clickers.
  • June 25 am By mid week, word spread of a $50,000 court settlement between a former Ambulance Service employee and the County Commission. The guy said his Supervisors asked him to doctor up Medicaid/Medicare/Insurance sheets so the agency could garner more $. Instead of committing fraud, the guy quit. Operating away from the preying eye of a public setting, the county's only emergency service agency has another black eye.
  • June 25 am This past week a GrandMother drove to PA to retrieve her dog. Her side of the story goes that our local Human Assoc. picked up her dog, neutered it, and then adopted it out up North. Many are scratching their heads.. when did the Human people get into the dog catching business?
  • June 25 am Thursday night the Business Development Authority finished up a three part session where they gathered their thoughts and came up with  a mission statement and goals for the next 3 1/2 years. The guy up front, a Rob Godbey, reminded all how important it is to work as a team, use assets already in place, and grow the county from within. The ideas came and all was going well until soon to be in office Jerry Linkinoooooger offered the group a way to improve the county, his idea: Get Andy out of the County by midnight.
  • June 25 am Guess we have our answer on how well the Linkster is going to do in office. Poorly would be the correct answer. AS has been the case before, Link should keep things zipped up.
  • June 25 am The Communicator made it out on time Friday. That pesky little paper that reports on government dealings and mis dealings appears alive and well. The link to a prosperous future is the public knowing what's going on. That link to the future is not spelled with a capital L.
  • June 25 am The county's largest private employer, Pierson Lumber Co came close to burning down Friday evening. Quick work  by Clay FD kept things from escalating into a repeat of April 10th 2002.
  • June 23 pm  The Communicator made it out the door Friday afternoon. 24 pages of news and views on everything from GO Devils to political commentary. Complete commentary from this week's School Board meeting where CCHS Volleyball Coach Gail Simon was replaced by Justin Holcomb. That story may have legs.
  • June 23 pm Around 9:30 pm tonight Clay FD responded to smoke at Pierson Sawmill. Lots of smoke and the smell of smoldering saw dust in the air. One guy said it looked like the big electric supply line coming into the control panel had shorted out. Lots of charred mounting board behind the panel.
  • June 23 pm One of the onlookers, Johnny Woofter got whacked by  passing motorist's side mirror who never stopped. Woooofter is OK and the fire crews gave the all clear around 10:15pm this evening.
  • June 23 pm Back on April 10th 2002, the sawmill operation was consumed in flames after some welding repairs set off nearby sawdust.
  • June 23 pm Jesse Sizemore reported seeing a big Momma Coyote on the back street of Clay early this morning.
  • June 23 11:44pm  Over the scanner came a report of a Pit Bull killing chickens on Church Street.
  • June 23 pm If you haven't noticed, someone with all thumbs goofed up the CLASSIFIED page postings. If you emailed new stuff in the last five days, I lost it. Please send again. Thanks
  • June 23 am TGIF   TGIF  TGIF
  • June 23 am How come Gene King was so miffed over replacing Gail Simon as Volleyball Coach?  Hear about the CCC settling with that disgruntled Ambulance Service fellow for $50,000? What about a new Go Devil story from Pisgah?
  • June 23 am Find out this afternoon when the Communicator makes it to the news stands. Clay County's best source for news and views on our 342 square miles we call home.
  • June 23 am No new posts until we get the rascal out the door.
  • june 22 am Tonight at 5pm the BDA will host the third and final Strategic Planning meeting at the Senior Center at Two Run. the idea is to come up with with a business plan for the future. What a novel idea. Who would have ever thunk that for Clayberry.
  • June 22am  Yesterday's dog story has drawn some attention from as far away as Nashville via the email bag.  Not so for the Go Devil story. If you have knowledge or experience of that strange creature lurking around Pisgah, email over. We'll get it in Friday's Communicator. Deadline is Thursday afternoon for Go Devil info.
  • June 22 am  The Young family on Oil Field Road often make the news cycle. A couple months back we interviewed Renee Boyd who said ther family just wanted to lead a normal life and be out of the lime light.
  • June 22 am Wasn't long after that , the wind blew in more stolen goods and the law was back up Murder Mountain.
  • June 22 am Tommy Young Jr was arrested for the theft of a backhoe owned by Triad Energy.
  • June 22am According to Tommy Young Sr, all charges from that incident against Jr. were dropped by the Prosecutor late last week
  • June 22 am More recently, Sr and Jr were picked up in OH on old outstanding charges. Sr was turned loose  but Jr was extradicted to NY. When we spoke to the 18 year olds Dad Wednesday, he said he didn't know where his son was being held, that Badges would not tell him where.
  • June 21 pm  What catches interest in Clayberry? Dog stories. This morning we posted a brief blurb on  the local human association picking up a little dog, neutering it and then giving it away. Here's our update
  • June 21 pm Sandy Samples is one the people real mad at the group. The little Jack Russell Terrier belongs to her grandson. The animal was used for stud service. Not so now. Ms Samples says her dog was picked up very close to her property line a little over a week ago.
  • June 21pm   Ms Samples said this morning she planned to file a criminal complaint against the Assoc. and had already talked with law enforcement.
  • June 21 pm  After doing a bunch of web surfing, and with help from friends and Commissioner Fran King, Samples drove to PA where she retrieved the now stud less dog at a shelter there and brought it home. The round trip mileage was over 1000 miles.
  • June 21 pm A second person has now come forward with a similar story of dog catching by the non profit group. Developing....
  • June 21 pm Pictures coming Thursday.
  • June 21 am When you see Rose Cantrell, remind her about her birthday coming up Thursday. 'will surely make her day.
  • June 21 am Just got this in the email bag: I have been to Widen (as well as Swandale and Dundon) for the last four years with my son and we ride ATVs.  I would like to find someone there who could explain to me where some of the coal company structures were located and also much of the housing stock is "gone" so to speak.  I have many photos (Lady Slipper volume) of Widen and the BC&G Railroad there as well of streets of houses that do not seem to exist any more (which is not too surprising since the mine closed nearly 42 years ago!).    I would like to be able to contact someone there and make arrangements if they could show me where some of the ELRICO structures were located.  We plan to come to WV and Widen during the week of August 28.   I enjoy your newspaper on line.  I first came to Clay County in 1964 to see the last steam operation of the BC&G Railroad.  I like coming back every year to a different warp in time!    Thank you.  Kevin Horn  10378 Willow Hill Road  Delaplane, Virginia 20144  540-364-0369 (office) khorn86238@aol.com
  • June 21 am How about it somebody.. can you help Mr. Horn out a bit?
  • June 21 am We've got a couple stories this morning. One is about Go Devils. Ever hear of em? Over the years stories have grown over some kind of hairy creature lurking around Pisgah. Two people from Cove Hollow swear the thing or things exist. One guy says he shot at the  creature, knew he hit it, but the thing got away.
  • June 21 am A lady in town said over the weekend while camping out that way, she heard something go thumping passed her campsite followed by a bone chilling scream . She said the scream was unlike anything he she had ever heard. Skeered the bejeebees out of her too!
  • June 21 am If you've got any Go Devil stories as locals call em, email over ASAP.
  • June 21 am here's another animal story.
  • June 21 am There's some people reaaaal mad at the Clay Human Society. According to one family, reps from the Human society picked up their Jack Russell terrier, carted it off, had it neutered, and then adopted it out to a family in PA.
  • June 2 am Since when did the Human Society get into the dog catcher business?
  • June 20 pm Happy 143rd Birthday West Virginia. With the Courthouse closed and summer school classes shut down today, downtown Clay is much quieter. Many are heading to the river for some summer time fun.
  • June 20 pm  A couple notes from last night's School Board meeting
  • June 20 pm A couple weeks back soon to be on the Board Rick Tanner mentioned to the Board a new bio diesel deal where school systems could save money.  Bus Czar Larry Legg quickly picked up the idea and last night, the Board gave the OK on switching to bio diesel for all the school buses. The bio is 20 % corn oil.
  • June 20 pm With some quick foot work and adding  a few gallons of bio diesel to the Bradley Field storage tank before June 30th, the school folks can realize a $30,000 advantage this fiscal year. Ditto for next year. Other than switching out fuel filters more often, Czar Legg said to expect no problems running the mixture even in winter weather.
  • June 20 pm The Boardster quietly OKed a letter to the School Board authority without discussion. The guess is, the request letter was for $2.2 million more to start construction of the new Valley Dale Elem School near Big Otter. The 33% increase should assure most of the bells and whistles in the $6 m structure.
  • June 20 pm And then there was retired from duty Coach Ron Sirk discussion. Nope, not listed as an agenda item, it was Beth Cercone and Dave Pierson that lead the group into the thorny issue.
  • June 20 pm  Sirk was part of a sweetheart deal where he would receive high dollars in his retirement years for maintaining the Athletic Director's perch at CCHS.  Word on the street has it the part time sweetheart package started at $30,000 per year. When the info became public a month ago, Boardsters met between meetings and said no way! During the first June gathering, the elected folks went into an illegal secret meeting to vent their issues. Our guess is, the Sirk deal bit the dust and the Linkster was told to come down to earth and quit wasting Levy $ for such waste.
  • June 20 pm The norm is for such sticky deals to be kept behind closed doors. Last night Link's Agenda was devoid of any mention of the hot button issue. With the meeting ending, Cercone asked about it. After questions from Cercone and Dave Pierson, we now know, Sirk will keep the Athletic Director's position but at the current contract rate of $1500 per year.
  • June 20 pm Don't worry about ole Droopy Drawers going hungry this year. With his pension (75% of pay), doing substitute teaching in the system, the AD $, and a shot at being a county planner after Jan 1st, Droopy should be just fine.
  • June 20 pm Also from last night's meeting, the school system OKed the purchase of three new school buses and a new van.
  • June 20 pm WYAP community radio is trying to increase their reception area on 101.7FM. With upgrades to the antenna coming, expect outages over the new few days. The internet webcast should be unaffected.
  • June 20 pm Communicator comes out this Friday. Deadline for events, classified, meeting notices, and such is Wednesday night at 6pm. Email em in ASAP.
  • June 19 later pm  Nina Samples, 90, of Procious, see OBITUARY page
  • June 19 later pm  Donald “PaPa” Richard Blankenship Sr  see OBITUARY page
  • June 19 later pm  Waitman "Bud" Samples see OBITUARY page
  • June 19 later pm  From the email bag:  I would just like to say, Hi and I love you to mom and dad (Jack and Pauline  Deems) in procious, from Malisa in Virginia.
  • June 19 pm Welcome to a sticky muggy humid Monday in the Appalachian Mountains of Clayberry
  • Junr 19 pm Tonight the School Board meets in regular session beginning at 6pm. Boardster Beth Cercone allows the public to have a look see at the public agenda on her web site. From that site, some items being voted on tonight including: Approve the transfer of Loretta Triplett from 1/2 Cook at H.E. White Elementary School to Cook II at Clay Middle School, successful bid (Robin Belt's former job).   Approve the employment of a Social Studies Teacher at CCHS (Anita Stephenson's former job).   Approve the employment of a 2nd Grade Teacher at Ivydale Elementary School (Jok Schoonover's current job).    Approve the transfer of Justin Holcomb from Special Education Teacher at CCHS to Physical Education/Health Teacher at Clay Middle School (Evelyn Ellison's former job).    Approve the employment of an LD/MI (half-time) and Elementary Education Resource (half-time) Teacher at H.E. White Elementary School (Sherry Ramsey's former job).  Approve the employment of a Multi-Categorical Resource Room Teacher at CCHS (Justin Holcomb's former job).     Approve the employment of a Multiple Disabilities Summer School Resource Teacher at Clay Elementary (new position due to enrollment).   Approve the employment of a 1/2 Cook at H.E. White (Loretta Triplett's former job).    Approve the employment of a Head Baseball Coach at CCHS.    Approve the employment of an Assistant Boys' Basketball Coach at CCHS.   Approve the employment of an Athletic Training at CCHS     Approve the employment of a Head Wrestling Coach at Clay Middle School.    Approve the employment of an Assistant Boys' Basketball Coach at Clay Middle School.     Approve the employment of an Athletic Director at Clay Middle School.     Approve the employment of a Cheer leading Coach at Clay Middle School.    Approve the employment of a Head Volley Ball Coach at CCHS.    Approve the employment of an Assistant Girls' Basketball Coach at Clay Middle School.    Approve the overnight trip for the CCHS FFA to Cedar Lakes for the State FFA Convention, July 12 - 15, 2006.  Request for $1,270.00.    Approve the letter to the School Building Authority.    Approve the purchase of a van for maintenance department to replace current 1991 model.
  • Jube 19 pm Still no mention of what the elected folks plan to do with the Ron Sirk sweetheart deal for the CCHS Athletic Director job.
  • June 19pm Cleverly words near the end of  the agenda is mention of a letter to the  School Building Authority. Guess is, the school system is begging for another $2 million to build theValey Dale school at Big Otter. Even if the new funds are approved, look for the new facility to be a scaled down version of the originial Link dream.
  • June 19 pm Tonight is the final Board meeting for the retired Superintendent , Jerry Linkinooooooooooooooger. His retriement years will be greatly appreciated within the system. Ditto for Boardster Kim Sams.
  • June 18 am 2500 could  be a happy number for many things. 2500 dead in a war based on lies and distortions is a sad number. Last week we met that benchmark. Add two more servicemen this morning to Dubbya's record of achievement.
  • June 18 am This past week, the lead puppeteer Carl Rove got off the hook. Grinning ear to ear, he is free to continue hobbling America with his twisted message of deceit and corruption of ideals long thought to the be the bedrock of this country.
  • June 18 am Last Wednesday the CCC gave the green light to building a skate board and inline skate park at Clay County Park. A small group of volunteers have banded together to come up with $100,000 for the bumps and jumps tourism draw for the county of obese and diabetic couch potatoes.
  • June 18 am Last week, Tom Dawson almost succeeded in Town Urban Renewal as he drove his truckload of burning hay down Main Street. Other than singed hair  and  fingerprints embedded in the steering wheel, the town and Tom survived.
  • June 18 am The school system remained mum on the need for $2.2 m in additional funding for Link's school sit folly at Big Otter. Ever so quiet was what to do with working a sweetheart deal for retired Coach, Ron Sirk.
  • June 18 am Around town, the American flags went back up. Thinking business owners set out flower pots and park benches. With heat of summer upon us, shady spots became prized areas for gossip and fun.
  • June 18 am By Friday morning, the Solid Waste Authority had collected over 40 tons of recycled metal goods. That's 40 tons of stuff that didn't end up along side the road, in a creek, or over a hill side. Another successful assault on keeping our county clean and green.
  • June 18 am Marian Asbury remained in his apartment behind a locked door.
  • June 18 am  With bright sunshine and high temps, the newly repaired Clay County pool opened. Saturday was a free day at the pool and kids from near and far packed the place.
  • June 18 am And today is Dad's day. A meal out, a new tie, and slower moving day. A day for smiles.
  • June 18 am It's Summer time when the living was easy...
  • June 17 am Today is the last day to get rid of your old metal junk. Haul your metal , aluminum, tin junk over to Pierson's Sawmill Today before 4pm.  Free too!
  • June 17 am Hot temps and cold clear water. What could make heading to the Clay Swimming Poll any better? Today it is all free!. Enjoy.
  • June 17 am We mentioned Marian Asbury yesterday as being afraid to go outside after taking a thumping from Mike Lanham a month ago. Maybe he has good reason to be worried..
  • June 17 am Thursday night and again Friday morning, Lanham was in Asbury's apartment building banging on doors and yelling around.
  • June 17 am WYAP's Summer Jam series doesn't start up until July 1. For those seeking great local entertainment, head over to the Newton Community Center to hear  Country Line. Music starts at 6:30 pm.
  • June 16 am  Woodrow D. Rider, 87, of Maysel, see OBITUARY page
  • June 16 am Metal Recycling Days continue thru 4pm Saturday afternoon. Here's the deal. This is the once a year opportunity to legally get rid of that metal junk in the yard, on the porch, and the stuff you tossed in the neighbor's yard.
  • June 16 am Another note, come Saturday evening, when they close down, if you are caught dumping more stuff at Pierson's sawmill, you're in deep doo doo. Just got this email from the big cheese: as of the end of the day on Saturday, the 17, the further dropping off of any waste materials at the metals recycle operation is officially over.  Any individuals caught dropping materials off after that time will be considered in violation of  Chapter 22, Article 15, Section 10(a) of the Code of West Virginia, by contributing to an open dump.  This is to prevent the site from developing into a continual future problem for both Clay County, and Dave Pierson's, since he has been nice enough to let the SWA utilize his property for this worth while project.  Feel free to quote me as advising you of this. Thanks, Kevin Lilly  WVDEP-Environmental Enforcement Inspector.
  • June 16 am Four weeks ago, Mike Lanham put a thumping on 65 year old Marian Asbury. Asbury was just sitting on a park bench when the kicking shaking attack took place on a Saturday afternoon. Asbury was too scared to press charges against Lanham. Since the attack neighbors and family have been checking on the hobbled Asbury. One of those is Bonnie Jarrett from the Hotel.
  • June 16 am After not seeing Asbury on the streets as is the norm, Bonnie asked Marian, Why?
  • June 16 am According to Bonnie, Asbury said he was too scared. He was scared that Mike Lanham would beat him up a second time.
  • June 16 am  In our latest edition of The Communicator, we have the whole run down on Henry Bear getting the boot as Municipal Judge last week. Yesterday we received an email from Mr Bear reading in part: I read your June 13th, 2006, "clayberry.org" web posting about the recent council vote today and am very, very dissappointed that you have characterized my resignation as municipal court judge as council having given me the "boot". My resignation precluded, by definition, my getting the "boot" from anyone. Please correct your posting as it is inaccurate and defamatory.
  • June 16 am  After the vote to boot Bear, Mayor Arthur Jarrett said he had not received a written resignation nor a phone call resignation from Henry Bear. We stand by our web posting as accurate and defamatory as it should be!
  • june 15 am  Anybody else think Frontier DSL was particularly slow last night? Post coming later today. Maybe things will speed up.
  • June 15 am  For those that think we never say anything good about Dubbya.. his popularity has risen to 38%.
  • June 15 am Down in Guantanamo Bay, reporters broke the story of detainees committing suicide. What ta do What ta do.. Rummy tossed all the reporters from the base. Problem solved.
  • June 14 pm  Another belated birthday wish, this one  to Amanda Brook Fitzwater . Salute!
  • June 14 pm  Look out your window... out your front door.. out back.... down the road. See a bunch of junk? This is metal recycling days in Clayberry. Full details on our EVENTS page now. Here's your once  a year chance to legally get rid of about  anything made out of metal. Don't throw it in a  creek or the neighbors yard, recycle!
  • June 14 pm      They ordered one hamburger, one order of French fries and one drink. The old man unwrapped the plain hamburger and carefully cut it in half.  He placed one half in front of his wife. He then carefully counted out the French fries, dividing them into two piles and neatly placed one pile in front of his wife.   He took a sip of the drink, his wife took a sip and then set the cup down between them. As he began to eat his few bites of hamburger, the people around them kept looking over and whispering. You could tell they were thinking, "That poor old couple - all they can afford is one meal for the two of them."

  •       As the man began to eat his fries a young man came to the table. He politely offered to buy another meal for the old couple. The old man said they were just fine - They were used to sharing everything.  The surrounding people noticed the little old lady hadn't eaten a bite. She sat there watching her husband eat and occasionally taking turns sipping the drink.  Again the young man came over and begged them to let him buy another meal for them. This time the old woman said "No, thank you, we are used to sharing everything."   As the old man finished and was wiping his face neatly with the napkin, the young man again came over to the little old lady who had yet to eat a single bite of food and asked "What is it you are waiting for?"
              She answered  "THE TEETH."
  • June 14 pm A lot of people are talking about Andy Hayne's wireless internet system now up and running in downtown Clay. Keep in mind, for now, the system only works from Telfords  up to about the old gas station. Last week he said as soon as a back ordered piece of equipment arrives, the system will work from Telfords  well past FasChek. Haynes numbers are: office: 587-7513  and Cell 767-5630
  • June 14 am  From the email bag: Would Like for everyone that knows Randy Abner Samples to wish him a Happy Birthday, Tuesday the 13th is his B-day, Oh by the way he is 45.... Oh goodness he is getting old isn't he?
  • June 14 am  Clay County Commission faces 2 pages worth of agenda items this morning beginning at 10 am.
  • June 14 am  When you drive thru Clay today look at all the black spots in the road. Up near the old car wash at Two Run is a great big burn spot where Tom Dawson stopped his burning truck and trailer load of hay.
  • June 14 am Dawson will take a hard ribbing from the coffee house crowd for weeks to come.
  • June 14 am Don't forget the swimming pool at Bradley Field is open for business. Ditch those little curtain climbers for a few hours of peace and quiet.
  • June 14 am Saturday is a free day at the pool.
  • June 14 am  The Apple Festival folks have a new web site. Click here for the new site. Their link on our LINKS page now works again.
  • June 13 pm Those little snot lickers in your hair? Got some news. The Clay County Swimming Pool is now open for business. For a few bucks, you  get a full day of peace and quiet.
  • June 13 pm In small town America we had some excitement around lunch time. Tom Dawson had a truck and trailer load of round bailed hay. As it entered town limits, people started pointing and yelling fire. By the time he got in front of the Henry Clay Hotel, the fire was so intense, one of the belts holding the hay on the trailer burned thru and fell off.
  • June 13 pm  Top Badge Holcomb went into action and told Dawson to get that thing out of town before he burned the town down.
  • June 13 pm As Tom roared down Main Street hunks of burning hay flew left and right leaving a wake of blaze everywhere.
  • June 13 pm Fire crews were called to duty as homeowners worked to put out the spot fires. Those watching the action felt intense heat as Dawson zoomed out of town.
  • June 13 pm In front of Town Hall, Dawson was leaning way forward in his seat with white knuckles buried deep into the steering wheel. One Town worker said the truck and trailer looked like a giant marshmallow being roasted with flames going every which a may way.
  • June 13 pm Pictures this evening late.
  • June 13 pm Last winter Jonathan Sizemore pulled a late night caper at Go Mart in Two Run. With the attendant's back turned, he swiped a $100 from the convenience store and shagged out. This morning at 9am Mr Sizemore plead no contest to the charges. Magistrate Jeff Boggs fined him $2500, gave him a year in the slammer, he has to pay restitution, and court costs. Look for an appeal to Circuit Court.
  • June 13 am  Clay County PSD meets today at 5pm. On the agenda is the hiring of an employee. Of course Mr. Holcomb went to work last week at the financially challenged water service provider.
  • June 13 am  Clay County Commission meets Wednesday morning at 10 am in the Courthouse.
  • June 13 am  The Communicator made it to the news stands around 4pm yesterday. 20 pages of Life in Clayberry. Yes it costs a little more but boy, is it ever chocked full of good reading. Stuff found no other place.
  • June 13 am Big Otter Fire Dept. has been involved in a land battle for 8 months. The dispute stems from 9 years ago when Woody Boggs donated land to build the fire house. One side of the battle, the majority of the Board, says they have to go by the meets and bounds on the deed. The vast majority feel Boggs intended to give a smaller portion of road frontage to the group and heck with what the deeds says, give his heir (Jeff Boggs) the disputed area.
  • June 13 am many BOFD meetings have been very stormy. Passions ran high will calls for tossing the Board mixing in with LIAR! and THIEVES!
  • June 13 am Last night the Board meet again. With 30 people in attendance, after passionate discussions, and tears from one Boardster, on a three to two vote, the Board said, the deed stands. Many of those in attendance ain't real happy. Speculation is that a court challenge is coming soon.
  • June 13 am Long time Boardster Darris Arnold resigned from the position stating that he couldn't handle the controversy. he left the meeting room.  Just after the vote to keep the disputed holdings, two outspoken ladies left the room.
  • June 13 am Stay tuned, more coming.
  • June 12 am   No updates until we get The Communicator out the door this afternoon.
  • June 12 am  Here's the code for that new Sudafed law: §60A-10-4. Purchase, receipt, acquisition and possession of substances to be used as precursor to manufacture of methamphetamine or another controlled substance; offenses; exceptions; penalties.

  •       (a) Any person who within any thirty-day period knowingly purchases, receives or otherwise possesses more than three packages of a drug product containing as its single active ingredient ephedrine, pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine or more than nine grams of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine in any form shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be confined in a jail for not more than one year, fined not more than one thousand dollars, or both.
          (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, any person convicted of a second or subsequent violation of the provisions of said subsection or a statute or ordinance of the United States or another state which contains the same essential elements shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be confined in a state correctional facility for not less than one nor more than five years, fined not more than twenty-five thousand dollars, or both.
  • June 11 LATE LATE pm  From the mail bag: This is Justin and Crystal Vaughan in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. We would like to wish my mom, Tina Goode, a very happy birthday today. Also a belated happy birthday to Elva Vaughan and Debbie Looney. Also thank you for keeping your website up to date. It's nice to read about what's going on back home everyday. Thank you very much!  Justin and Crystal Vaughan
  • June 11 Late pm  Bobby Kermit Dorsey, 72, of Lizemores, see Obituary page
  • June 11 pm  Here goes with the week that was....    With the first week of the month, public meetings were everywhere. Monday night the School Board and said little about the  construction bids for the new Northern school coming in $2m high. Even less was said about a back room deal to hire retired Coach Ron Sirk as Athletic Director nor the county wide outrage on who was selected for this year's National Honor Society. As is the norm, whenever possible, the School Board ducked behind closed doors without a motion or reason for secret times. Full details in Monday's Communicator
  • June 11 pm Tuesday evening Clay Town Council met and gave the boot to their first ever pick for a Municipal Judge, Henry Bear. The lone hold out in the original vote to hire, Betty Murphy ( she abstained from the vote),  grinned as others made the vote to take away the Judgeship from Bear. With egg on their faces, they said nothing about another candidate or starting over.
  • June 11 pm Town leaders gave the thumbs up for support of a small park (green space) across from the Courthouse and beside Clay PSD. During their Tuesday meeting they discussed the need to negotiate a better cable TV franchise with Rapid Cable Co from Colorado.
  • June 11 pm Mid week came reports of a secret meeting at Clay County PSD. We called Friday and the office staff said, not so, No secret meeting was held. As a means to help justify their next rate increase, the water provider hired Justin Holcomb.  By adding debt, the PSD can ask for higher water rates. Worked before and will work again.
  • June 11 pm Wednesday morning after  a domestic petition was filed, folks around Primary Health and a few minutes later at the Courthouse saw one guy hanging on to a white Cavalier as the wife/girlfriend tried to shake him loose by hitting the brakes. Acting quickly, Green Shirt Sgt. Cox defused the situation without bullets, pepper spray or strong language.
  • June 11 pm Thursday evening Clay Roane PSD said they had no intention of raising their water rates. Boardster Rose Cantrell said before hand, she would NOT vote to raise their already outrageous (5th highest in the state right now) water rates. With additional customers coming on their system, Board Chair Grigsby said he felt they could "absorb" higher wholesale water rates.
  • June 11pm Thursday morning reports came of US Marshalls working the area around Ivydale. Later Thursday, plain clothes were seen at the Courthouse. Thursday evening Sheriff Holcomb would not comment other than to confirm the Feds in the county.
  • June 11 pm Friday morning Green Shirts, Black Shirts from Clay and Nicholas Counties plus Brown Shirts from the DNR divided up 20 arrest warrants and went to work. First arrest was Snapper Johnson. They were at it all day and into the night. By 4pm Friday, 7 were in custody and/or in route to Central Regional Jail. Those picked up are alleged to have broken a new law  which prevents individuals from purchasing more then small amounts of over the counter drugs like Sudafed.   As late as noon:15 Sunday, Holcomb was still at it, on the scanner to Unit 3: Meet me in the patrol office, I've got one...
  • June 11 pm Front page story coming Monday on the arrests in Clay County's only source for news and views, The Communicator.
  • June 11 pm By week's end, temps dropped. Instead of wanting to head over to the Clay County Pool, we put on sweaters.
  • June 11 pm just another week in small Town America.
  • June 9 pm  Those already picked up in today's Sudafed Raid include: Sandra Sears, Michael Short, Steven Lee Robinson, William Snapper Johnson, Cristian Stuber, Homer Williams and Christopher Graham. 10 warrants remain outstanding. Badges felt those would be executed later today.
  • June 9 pm  Only Snapper Johnson has made the $10,000 cash or  Surety Bond. According to the Magistrate's Office, no one knew the raids were coming as of yesterday. The arrest warrants came from Nicholas County from over the counter purchases of sudafed products.
  • June 9 pm New State Code 60-A-10-4a limits the amount of  meth ingredients like suda to 9 grams a month or in possession.
  • June 9 am Penalty for violating the new law is up to 1 year in the slammer, a $1000 fine or both. Second offense is a Felony.
  • June 9 pm  Top Badge Holcomb is calling it the Sudafed Round Up.
  • June 9 pm Beginning this morning when the Nicholas County Crime Scene Trailer came rolling off  Dundon Hill, Badges have been executing arrests all day long.
  • June 9 pm As of 2:15 today, 11 arrests have been made. Sheriff Holcomb commented that more arrests were coming today. Officers from Nicholas County and DNR are involved in the action.
  • June 9 pm At the Courthouse, the place is a mad house.  Friends and family from all over the county have assembled in hopes of making bond for the accused.
  • June 9 pm The first arrest came this morning at 10:10 when shirtless William "Scooter" Johnson was brought in the back door.
  • June 9 pm  Check back or hit the refresh button for the latest.
  • June 9 pm The Biggest and Happiest of 50th Anniversary Wishes to Homer and Phyllis Morton of Lizemores. Want to do something nice? GIve em a call and say Happy Anniversary.
  • June 9 pm from the email bag:  Happy Anniversary to my husband Johnnie Hurst - I love you as much today as the day we met.   Thank you, Kristie Hurst
  • June 9 pm During a public meeting several months ago, residents were complaining about the number of druggies operating in our little county. Sheriff Holcomb explained that it takes a while to gather the needed info to make arrests. He added that he was now getting "help". When asked why the FBI wasn't involved, Holcomb replied, they are. He said no more.
  • June 9 pm  There is a certain air today around the Courthouse. No not the smell of rotten politicians, something is up.
  • June 9 pm  Ruth Legg, 93, of Duck, see OBITUARY page
  • June 9 pm In other matters....
  • June 9 pm Bob Ore has been an Elk River Rat all his life. Since retiring from the engineering profession, he built a home on Elkherst and settled down. Ore ran for County Commission and came up short against Jimmy Sams. Last June he ran and won the Clendenin Mayor slot ousting a long time political insider. Since then, the old guard Councilmen have thrown up every road block they could think of to stop any Ore initiative.
  • June 9 pm Council meetings went wild. People were removed from the public gatherings. One Councilman escorted his yelling wife from another meeting. Meeting attendance often topped 75 people.
  • June 9 pm Lawsuits became common in Clendenin on both sides of the table as well as from municipal residents backing opposing sides of the table. Some wanted Ore removed from office while others sought to have 4 of the 5 members of Council removed from office.
  • June 9 pm Ore and his Clay County connected Police Officer Burkhammer made front page Charleston Gazette news Monday, Tuesday and again today. Ore says he and he alone can hire and fire police officers. After a late night "harassment style"  arrest warrant was served against the Mayor's wishes, Ore fired Burkhammer.
  • June 9 pm Immediately, more court papers were filed, this time by Councilman Tim Hopkins. Hopkins, one of the old guard on the far side of the table from Ore demanded Burkhammer be put back on the police department. Hopkins thinks penny inny town rules take precedence over state code law.
  • June 9 pm Hopkins and his band on the other side are wrong. Judge Todd Kaufman said so yesterday. Kaufman ruled in the injunction, Mayors have the absolute right to hire, fire, and maintain law enforcement in West Virginia municipalities.
  • June 9 pm Sound like the Clendenin war is over. Sound like a court order would make the dimly lit behave?
  • June 9 pm NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Watch for the those still trying to hang on to the old regime to come up with some narrow minded "angle" and continue their assault on the Democracy where Ore was  elected to office by a huge margin.
  • June 9 pm Small town America at its worst.
  • June 9 am  Ever have a hunch about something? Not quite sure but ... still it felt like something was up?
  • June 9 am We're holding up The Communicator until Monday.
  • June 9 am  Yesterday, Federal Badges were in the Ivydale section of the county. Talking here and then talking around the corner.
  • June 9 am  By mid day the plain clothes were at the Courthouse.
  • June 9 am We honestly don't have a clue of what's going on (maybe nothing) but something just doesn't smell right.
  • June 9 am With the hopes of a nice big juicy story, the paper will be delayed until Monday mid day.
  • June 9 am  Just got this in, cam you help:  The Clay County Landmarks Commission & Historical society is seeking information on the Mt. Zion Elementary School located on Blue Knob in Maysel.  We are especially interested in hearing from students and teachers who attended the school as well as neighbors who lived near by. While photographs, books, class rosters, and other memorabilia would be most welcome, we are mostly looking for stories about the life and time when the school was in use.   Any one with information about the school can write to the Clay County Landmarks Commission & Historical Society at PO Box 670, Clay, WV  25043  or call Miriam Hopkins after 5 pm at (304) 587-7553.
  • June 9 am  If you're looking for good stuff to do, check out our EVENTS page and don't forget, O'Brion International Dirt Track up at Duck will be racing this Saturday beginning at 1pm.
  • June 9 am Each Friday night over at Freda's Restaurant at Lizemores, the community center is open with Gospel tunes until about 9 and then it's Karoke fun until late. Good food, music and dancing. Get out and cut the rug!
  • June 8 pm  Della Marie Rider, 90, of Lizemores, see OBITUARY page
  • June 8 pm Homer E Falls of Procious, see OBITUARY page
  • June 8 am Traditionally, cutting the head off a snake kills the snake. In Iraq, we'll see if traditional wisdom works.
  • June 8 am Here in Clayberry.....
  • June 8 am  From the email bag:  Just wanted to drop a note and thank you for keeping the Communicator online. We read it 4-5 times a week. Although I'm not a resident of Clay County, some of my family originated from there. Again... thanks.   If you have space online.... Please wish Della Butcher of Widen, WV, a Happy Birthday on June 11.  Thanks again,  Janet Hodge  Smithville, WV
  • June 8 am  The Red Cross is holding a blood drive at the Health Dept. Give the gift of life. Vampires at work 11 am to 5pm
  • June 8 am  This is evening at 5 there is a Strategic Planning meeting hosted by the BDA. The 3 hour gathering will be held at the Clay County Senior Center/Nutrition site at Two Run. This will be the first of  three to map out the direction for becoming a Certified Business Community. All surrounding counties and most in the state already have that status. Those interested in growing business in the county are encouraged to attend.
  • June 8 am Doesn't sound too interesting? Free food!
  • June 8 am Tonight at 7 Clay Roane PSD holds their monthly get together in the County Commission room in the Courthouse. The agenda is posted over on the ADVISORY page. For years the Board has wanted to operate without the likes of Boardster Melissa Postelwait. This will be the first outing without the troublesome prone MP who resigned from office right after the May 9th Primary election.
  • June 8 am  The radio station still has tickets to give away for Monday June 12th's WV Power baseball game down in Charleston. Yesterday they had 9 left to hand out.
  • June 8 am  We're going into typing mode until we get the Communicator to bed Friday. No posts unless important stuff.
  • June 7 pm a Couple afternoon posts...
  • June 7 pm Last call, if you want your event's classifieds, etc. added to Friday's edition of The Communicator, email them over by 9 am Thursday morning.
  • June 7 pm Tommy Young and Tommy Young Jr. were arrested during a routine traffic stop in Ohio.. The two were in their gray dually pick em up truck. The arrests were made on unanswered Ohio warrants from a couple years back. Sr was released on bond while Jr. was held and is being extradited to New York.
  • June 7 pm Sheriff Holcomb said Wednesday afternoon Feds had been calling him all day seeking more info. When asked if the arrests had anything to do with the Genesse County New York murder case, the Top Badge said he didn't have any more info and anything added would be just speculation on his part.
  • June 7 pm Around the county rumors are rampant. In the last edition of the Communicator was the story of  Bill Fickle gunned down in his own driveway Nov 11th 2005. In that report was mention of a possible Clay County West Virginia connection to the shooting. Also mentioned was a flatbed dually pick up truck as the get away vehicle. We tried to get the Sheriff out on a limb but it didn't work.
  • June 7 pm Our plan is to get back with the Sheriff Thursday afternoon for any updates available.
  • June 7 pm Speaking of law enforcement....
  • June 7 pm Our little warrior Mike Lanham was seen plastered at Bullard's last night. Nope, no arrests made.
  • June 7 pm Family Law day is held each Wednesday in Clayberry. Divorces, settlements, property and child custody battles often heat up into dangerous situations for Badges and those involved.
  • June 7 pm  This morning around 9am the Courthouse  crew saw some action up close. Before 9:30 am a couple guys were out back and later inside the Courthouse going at it tooth and nail. One guy carried a small kid into the Sheriff's office for safe keeping. A second dude followed him in there and the two were at it again.
  • June 7 pm Outside at 9:35 am  A big guy wearing a faded red cap was seen hanging on to a windshield wiper arm as the female driver tried to make it out of the Courthouse driveway. Small kid (or kids, not sure), were in the back seat. Even hitting the brakes and the nose diving down didn't shake the guy from the vehicle. As the white Cavalier made the end of the driveway and with the guy still hanging on and yelling  "HELP ME, SOME ONE HELP ME!!"   Green Shirt Sgt Cox made it to the scene, blocked the driveway,  and the lady's vehicle came to a halt.  Immediately Cox separated the warring parties ordering  the male away and over to the Courthouse pavilion. The lady yelled out, "HE DOES NOT HAVE CUSTODY OF OUR CHILDREN!!"  Back ups were called.
  • June 7 pm  Moments later Sheriff Holcomb roared up. After a brief exchange with Sgt Cox, Holcomb high tailed it inside the Courthouse presumably to the office action.
  • June  7pm  Maybe experience or training... we saw something with Cox, with blue lights flashing, he defused the situation without raising his voice, no gun drawn, without pepper spray, just words. A dangerous, potentially deadly domestic situation was handled without escalation.
  • June 7 pm Nice job.
  • June 7 am First an ooops.. Yesterday we posted: Youth Advantage Committee recommends the contract be awarded to Ross IES...beginning July 1 2006 thru June 30 2007... Out of school contract amount not to exceed $370,000 to serve 125.. In school contract not to exceed $391,000 to serve 100 participants... motion carried.  Those dollar figures are not for just Clayberry young people but for the entire multi county service area, IE the state.
  • June 7 am Those 225 slots will be divided among the 9 county district including Clayberry and not the entire state as we reported. Thanks DL for keeping us straight.
  • June 7 am   Andy Haynes is operating a new wireless internet service in downtown Clay. For now, the system works from Telford Chevrolet up to the Fas Chek store. Haynes said an amplifier will be added real soon allowing for wireless connectivity from the Dundon bridge to the turn just past Telfords.
  • June 7 am Do you have a wireless card in your computer? If so, try it out, no charge for now. Haynes is asking everyone to try out the new system and report weak spots in the system for "tweaking". Put your laptop in your car, turn it on, drive up and down Main Street while surfing the net! Did you ever think that would happen in Clay?
  • June 7 am The school system invested $1000s and $1000s in a wireless system and well.... nothing.
  • June 7 am Also in the way of miracles and stuff never expected in our humble little hamlet...
  • June 7 am Last night during the Clay Town Council meeting, concensus/support was given to establishing a small "greenspace" across from the Courthouse. A greenspace is a mini park with trees, park benches, and grass. Across America, municipalities are trying to establish such areas to enhance life and provide locals and visitors a place to just sit and enjoy.
  • June 7 am During that meeting, the Town Improvement Council (TIC) asked  Council for their support for such an effort and get this, sit down, Council said Yes to the notion.
  • June 6 pm  Here's something nice from the mail bag: My Name is Miriam Cliver, I live in Indore and am a 2004  Graduate of Clay County High School... I was wondering if you could tell My Mother, Darlene Cliver Hello on your web site.. I am Studying Abroad in England for a month and I can only communicate through email with her.  I think it would brighten her day to see that I went a little further to show her that I love and miss her and send her greetings from England. Thank you so much for your time  ~Miriam Cliver
  • June 6 pm  For any water or sewer project to receive government funding, agencies have to got thru many hoops including permission from the WV Infrastructure Council in Charleston. That groups meets Wed morning at 9:30am. One their agenda is giving the green light to OKing outside funding for Queen Shoals PSD and  notation that Clay Roane PSD re applied for Punkin Ridge funding (2002W-686).
  • June 6 pm  A lady was talking the other day about that little empty lot just across the street from the new Courthouse. She  felt that town could use a little park, a green space. A place with a couple trees, benches, a pavilion and green grass. A place to sit if nothing else.
  • June 6 pm What a great idea.
  • June 6 pm Towns across America have discovered the importance of those little green places which add so much to the livability.
  • June 6 pm Over the years our county has been studied to death. Now we're into studying the old studies and rehashing the hash. In each of those studies, comment is always given to the need for green space. Will we get one? It's time to get started. The lot is setting this vacant and perfect.
  • June 6 am Big day for those interested in the goins on in Clay. Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone meets at 4 and 6 pm today in their Main Street Clay digs near the DHHR building.
  • June 6 am Clay Town Council meet at 6pm today in the water plant building. On the agenda is mention of Judge Henry Bear who resigned his appointed position last week after being absent from duty for  6 weeks. King Arthur recommended the Maine resident and Council voted unanimously to hire the guy.
  • June 6 am By month's end the Youth Advantage Program as we know it, will be all gone. From the Workforce Investment Board April 26 meeting minutes: Youth Advantage Committee recommends the contract be awarded to Ross IES...beginning July 1 2006 thru June 30 2007... Out of school contract amount not to exceed $370,000 to serve 125.. In school contract not to exceed $391,000 to serve 100 participants... motion carried.
  • June 6 am Those dollar figures are not for just Clayberry young people but for the entire multi county service area, IE the state.
  • June 6 am When government reinvents itself, our county usually comes up on  the short end of the stick. Happening again even as we type. Lots of $ and most of it stays at the top. Don't expect any of our kids to be making money in the program this summer.. this year for that matter.
  • June 6 am  Clay Roane PSD meets this Thursday evening. Their meeting agenda is posted on our ADVISORY page.
  • June 6 am If you look at the bottom of our home page, you'll notice the number of hits on that page since May 2, 2006.
  • June 6 am  The average clicker comes to this site and checks out three pages each trip.
  • June 6 am Cindy Schoolcraft resigned from Clay Co PSD a couple months back. Yesterday she started to work at Greenlee Properties on Main Street as a sales person.
  • June 6 am Mark your calendars for July 1. The Town Improvement Council (TIC) is organizing an Independence Weekend celebration including: town wide yard sale, food booths, pageant, parade and music show. Contact Town Hall for details. Small town America at its best.
  • June 5 pm Almost forgot another birthday girl today. Under the radar but not forgotten, Sue Whitely, Happy Navel Day Magistrate Clerk Sue Whitely
  • June 5 am Happy Birthday to Teresa Kerns of Two Run.
  • June 5 am  The new Supermarket near our house has an automatic mister to keep the produce fresh. Just before it goes on, you hear the sound of a thunderstorm. When you approach the milk cases, you hear cows mooing. When you approach the egg case, you hear hens cackle. So far, I have been too afraid to go down the toilet paper aisle.
  • June 5 am  Tonight the School Board at 6pm in the Board office on Gump Street. Although they refuse to follow Open Meeting Laws and post the meeting agenda, School Boardster does on her web site. From Ms Cercone's site, some of the items to be covered:   Approve the transfer of Joe Paxton from Assistant Principal to Principal at Clay Middle School, successful bid;  Approve the transfer of Eric Cole from teacher at HE. White Elementary to Kindergarten Teacher at Clay Elementary School, successful bid (Elaine Reed's former job);  Approve the transfer of Evelyn Ellison from Health Teacher to Social Studies Teacher at Clay Middle School, successful bid (Dawn Mullins' former job);  Approve the transfer of Sherry Ramsey from Special Education/Resource Teacher to 1st Grade Teacher at H.E. White Elementary, successful bid (Eric Cole's former job);  Approve the transfer of Kemellia Boggs from Kindergarten Aide at Ivydale Elementary to Secretary III at the Board of Education Office, successful bid (Mary K. King's former job);  Approve the transfer of Jo Carver from Cook II at Clay Elementary to Cook III @ CCHS, successful bid (Linda Truman's former job);  Approve the transfer of Robin Belt from Cook II at Clay Middle to Cook II at Clay Elementary, successful bid (Jo Carver's former job);   Approve the employment of an Assistant Principal at Clay Middle School, (pending interviews of applicants);  Approve the employment of a Kindergarten Aide at Ivydale Elementary job posted through June 5, 2006 (Kemellia Boggs' former job);  Approve the employment of a Special Education Personal Care Aide at Clay Elementary School, job posted through June 5, 2006 (new job);  Approve the employment of a Pre-School Teacher Aide at Lizemore Elementary and H.E. White Elementary,  job posted through June 5, 2006 (Kim Childers' present job);  Approve the employment of a Special Education Personal Care Aide at Clay Middle, job posted through June 5, 2006 (Brenda Holcomb's present job);  Approve the employment of Gail Simons as Special Education Summer School 1/2 time Transportation/  1/2 time Classroom Aide at CCHS, successful bid;  Approve the employment of Dian Fields as Special Education Summer School 1/2 time Transportation/  1/2 time Classroom Aide at Clay Elementary, successful bid;  Approve the award of $500.00 for Austin Cole to participate in the People to People Student Ambassador Program in San Francisco, California;  Accept the resignation/retirement of Mary Stanley as Teacher at Clay Elementary effective June 30, 2006;  Conduct a hearing to determine the status of a student at Clay Middle School;  Conduct a hearing to determine the status of a second student at Clay Middle School.
  • June 5 am No mention of retired Ron Sirk getting the nod to continue as Athletic Director for high dollar.
  • June 5 am  Only fine people were born on this day.
  • June 4 am From the email bag: Get well wishes go out to our daddy Tim Casto from Hannah, Colton and Noah we love you..
  • June 4 am America sets the standard? Do we?  First they do something un-American, gun down women, children, and old people. Next comes the quick cover up. When the media picks up the story denials come first followed by the red faced White House covering after a quickie investigation. How many times in history have you seen the enlisted soldier take the brunt for decisions made by top leaders. Happening again with dog handlers and Marines ready for jail time and worse as top Brass stand clear of all responsibility..
  • June 4 am 25 years ago this week, a new disease was found. At first it sounded like some new strand of pneumonia.  65 million deaths ago and counting, AIDS made front page news for the first time. At first we didn't care.. it just gets "those" people,  you know, them.... Today we know different.
  • June 4 am Now with bird flu transmitted from human to human, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions,  maybe next Tuesday, 6-6-06, may have renewed meaning.
  • June 4 am  There have been 2,697 coalition deaths, 2,473 Americans, two Australians, 113 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, three Danes, two Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, one Hungarian, 30 Italians, one Kazakh, one Latvian, 17 Poles, two Romanians, two Salvadoran, three Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians in the war in Iraq as of June 2, 2006, according to a CNN count.
  • June 4 am Here in Clayberry, the thirty day cycle came again. Government checks arrived. The poorest of the poor received  a pittance to live on. They paid bills, bought gas, trinkets for the kids, and purchased lottery tickets.
  • June 4 am  Gardens grew. The first little green tomato buds were seen. Fresh lettuce and onions were turned into salads. Gardeners waited for deer to wipe out their efforts. We saw the first 100 degree day of summer. With more age lines and gray hair, teachers called it quits for ten weeks. Education ended weeks ago.
  • June 4 am Marian Asbury recovered from an unprovoked thrashing by Mike Lanham. Little ole ladies called each other and said they weren't coming to Clay to shop until something is done with Iron Mike.
  • June 4 am 106 year old Mary Triplett was buried this week. With her goes much of our history. The history not written in text books. The real Clay.
  • June 4 am The BDA met Thursday. With $13,000 already spent on the Filcon site for excavation work, the small group of economic developers met without incident. It was quiet.
  • June 4 am Saturday night a rainbow filled the sky. It appeared to start in Charleston and go right over Clayberry into Braxton County. How appropriate, bypassed again.
  • June 4 am  Every day, a male co-worker walks up very close to a lady standing at the coffee machine, inhales a deep breath of air and tells her that her hair smells nice. After a week of this, she can't stand it anymore, takes her complaint to a supervisor in the personnel department and asks to file a sexual harassment grievance against him. The Human Resources supervisor is puzzled and asks, "What's sexually threatening about a co-worker telling you your hair smells nice?"

  •      The woman replies, "It's Dave...............the midget."
  • June 3 pm Wilma Marie Duffield Beasley, see OBITUARY page
  • June 3 pm New pics over on the PHOTO page
  • June 3 am  Albert Pritt. 77, of Clay, see OBITUARY page
  • June 3 am Commissioner elect Link still has his campaign web site up and running. The June 1st post reads: The Clay Pool is getting a new liner that will save thousands of dollars. Last summer we lost approximately 6,000 gallons of water each day. The addition of this new liner will pay for itself in a short period of time. Thanks to the efforts of Don Jarvis, Cindy Willis, John Romano and many others. Also the cooperation of the Board of Education and Parks and Recreation made this grant possible. Working Together Makes a Bettter Clay County!
  • June 3 am  Seems the good Commish Elect neglected to mention the $10,000 the County Commission donated to the pool upgrade and the cooperation from the CCC  to get her did.
  • June 3 am People give us double H over spelling and typos on this site. That "bettter" in Link's last line is his typing not ours. Give credit where credit is due, or doo, or do.
  • June 2 pm   Some postings are harder to do than others.
  • June 2 pm  Donald R. “Firpo” Jones of Clay, see OBITUARY page
  • June 2 pm  With an 80% of heavy rain and thunder boomers this afternoon, Clay is a bustling. the "checks" arrived yesterday. Citizenry went about paying bills and buying for the next 30 day period. Main Street Clay is packed. Around the county yard sales are the hot ticket item.
  • June 2 pm  Be sure to check out our EVENTS page for lots of stuff to do this weekend.
  • June 2 pm  Last night the Business Development Authority met and voted to continue work at the old Filcon plant site now called the Valley Fork Industrial Park. The plan is to raise 6 to 8 acres  around 3 to 4 feet out of the flood plane and erect a building there. They have spent over $13,000 on the excavation work so far.
  • June 2 pm  A man in WV had a flat tire, pulled off on the side of the road, and proceeded to put a bouquet of flowers in front of the car and one behind it. Then he got back in the car to wait.

  •     A passerby studied the scene as! he drove by and was so curious he turned around and went back. He ask ed the fellow what the problem was. The man replied, "I have a flat tire."  The passerby asked, "But what's with the flowers?"  The man responded, "When you break down they tell you to put flares in the front and flares in the back! I never did understand it either"
  • June 2 pm Clay County's worst air disaster occurred when a small two-seater Cessna 150 plane, piloted by two local politicians, crashed into a cemetery earlier today. Search and Rescue workers have recovered 300 bodies so far and expect the number to climb as digging continues into the evening.!  The pilot and copilot survived and are helping in the recovery efforts
  • June 2 am Happy 3rd Birthday wishes to Noah Tanner from his Grandparents, Charles and Keyota Braley and Uncles Aric & Briar and Aunt Autumn.
  • June 2 am  Just got this in the email bag:   Mary Workman says "Howdy" from sunny San Diego. Mary went to San Diego to attend  Sharon's graduation.  Sharon graduated from Cuyamaca College with a degree in Computer Information System. The weather is great, no humidity. Mary does miss her friends and her co-workers at Heart to Heart.  See you all next week.
  • June 2 am  Lets do some catching up....
  • June 2 am Back in April Henry Bear was appointed Municipal Judge. Right after the appointment and after requesting $100 for work performed, he skid addled. During the last 8 weeks, Bear has emailed and phoned stating his eminent return to his duty of setting up a municipal court for the Town . The idea was to hold Court and generate revenues for the town. Bear and others felt that enough money could be made from tickets to fill town coffers.
  • June 2 am During those discussions, no mention was made of law and order and the need for a court system for anything other than making money.
  • June  2 am  Yesterday afternoon Henry Bear resigned his position. A portion of his email reads: Jeff Davis would have already informed you that Violet and I have returned to our property in Maine. Our plan is to spend the summer enjoying our four  grown children and seven grandchildren on the coast. Our thoughts and  prayers are, however, still with you and the citizens of Clay. Keep up the  great work Andy and keep giving 'em hell. Many, many thanks to the leadership of Clay for the honor of having been  appointed Clay's first Municipal Judge.
  • June 2 am  We have an update on Marian Asbury who was attacked Saturday afternoon on Main Street by Mike Lanham. Marian is able to hobble around his apartment now with damage to his hip, and scars on his shoulder & chest. Bonnie Jarrett from the Hotel has been feeding him in his upstairs apartment.
  • June 2 am As for the attack, Marian says that he was sitting on the park bench in front of the flower shop when Lanham started yelling out "I'm Iron Mike" and acting like Hulk Hogan. After picking up Asbury and shaking the S*** out of him, Lanham, " Have you had enough!!!!!" Asbury, " Yes, I didn't want any of it to begin with!!"
  • June 2 am Asbury high tailed it around the corner and headed up the stairs to his apartment. But not before Lanham grabbed him again and slung him to the ground.
  • June 2 am Asbury says he didn't do anything to provoke Lanham and tried to get away.
  • June 2 am Think of it this way clickers. With out of control Mike Lanham walking the streets of Clay seven days a week, who's next? Maybe the little ole lady getting her hair done? How about those buying at the grocery store? Just pop into the local water , electric, or gas company office to pay a bill? Yelp, you could be the next victim and maybe not as lucky as Marian Asbury.
  • June 2 am For safety sake, maybe shopping in downtown Clay should be avoided all together.
  • June  2 am Some cities provide traffic reports. Maybe Clayberry should provide Mikey reports.
  • June 2 am  A couple weeks ago the new massage therapy business opened in Clay. Last week wireless internet became a reality for downtown Clay. Now, another new business for the county: INTRODUCING- OUTSIDE SERVICES UNLIMITED  TREE TRIMMING & REMOVAL  LAWN SERVICES-MOWING AND WEED EATING    WE OFFER QUALITY WORK AT A QUALITY PRICE     FREE ESTIMATES     LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED  HOURS OF OPERATION  MONDAY- SATURDAY 7AM-6PM   REFERENCES AVAILAIBLE UPON REQUEST  304-552-5867
  • June 2 am  Over on our homepage we've added Linda's Upper Cut Styling Salon. Take a look at the services offerd.
  • June 2 am Need outdoor power equipment? Need to buy or sell property? How about better TV reception? Office supplies?
  • June 2 am  Easy shopping right on our homepage. Just a click away.
  • June 1 pm John Herald lives on Reed Fork Road. He is a retired maintenance man for the Dept. of Public Safety.
  • June 1 pm A couple weeks ago John, a buddy and a little kid  hitched up the john boat and headed to Charles Fork Lake near Spencer in Roane County for some  Saturday afternoon fishing fun. At the lake lots of people were fishing including one guy out in the middle with a big Ranger brand power boat with gas motor affixed but not in the wa wa. John put in, fired up the little motor and headed to the far end of the pond. His first visit to the lake was going well when a shore line fisherman yelled out that the Badges were ready to arrest him!
  • June 1 pm Arrest?
  • June 1 pm Heading for the boat ramp, John noticed two DNR officers with shotguns and another equally formidable crew of Badges with a big power boat readying to make the water assault on the Clay County fishing crew.
  • June 1 pm Yelp, John Herald got a ticket ($173.50) for using a gas motor on a boat in Charles Fork Lake. Charles Fork Lake is without ANY signs warning people about using gas motors on water craft. NONE. Not one!
  • June 1 pm As for the riot ready "Possum Cops" as many call them, John asked, " You guys look like you're ready to go after Osama?" They didn't laugh. Instead they said the regulations are in the handbook and just because there aren't any signs, doesn't make any difference.
  • June 1 pm Mr. Herald also received a warning ticket for having an adult size life vest on the kid.  Herald said the Cabbala's vest was cinched up tight and fit the kid well.
  • June 1 pm A quick look at the cover of the 2006 Fishing regulations handbook shows two kids in a  boat with much too big life jackets being worn. For laws to work , they have to be fair. Having signs up indicating any restrictions is also a plus for travelers.
  • June 1 pm   According to Mr. Herald, that first trip to Roane County will be his last. He said he was never goin'  back. Now that's the way to grow tourism in Roane County!
  • June 1 am  From the email bag: Mika and Savanna Cadle of Bomont, would like to wish their Daddy, Michael “David” Cadle of Procious a Very Happy Birthday for June 1, 2006.
  • June 1 am  Today at 5pm the Clay County Business Development Authority meets in regular session at the Courthouse. Out at the Valley Fork Industrial site, more dirt is being moved around.
  • June 1 am  If you like yard sales and deals, be sure to check out our EVENTS page. Warm weather and the beginning of a new month, perfect timing for yard sale fun.
  • June 1 am Company towns, like Widen for instance, often resulted in one way of the highway. Today a handful of news outlets can say what will be and won't be made public. The FCC is now considering letting one company own TV, Radio and Newspaper outlets. One person, one voice, limited alternative views, that's the way they like it.
  • June 1 am  Independent news and local content, almost a thang of the past.

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