August 2008
 

Aug 31 p George Bernard Shawver, 83, see OBITUARY page

Aug 31 Lost dog update:  Tagger has been seen in the Strange Creek area.  His owner, Earl Given, and his son, Randy, have not been able to find Tagger as of Friday, August 29th.   In addtion to 587-1127, if you have seen Tagger, you can call 651-2298 or 651-2299.  $300 reward will be paid for his safe return. Earl and Linda Given.

Aug 31 a No weekend wrapup this time around. Instead we're enjoying the Small Town America Celebration in downtown Clay.

Aug 31 a This afternoon comes great Gospel music followed by cake walks, the one and only Tif Farmer and Long Shot Band. Around dark fireworks will fill the air! Activities around WYAP radio station. Full details on the ADVISORY page

Aug 31 a Don't forget the Swamdale Reunion over at the JG Bradley Campground.

Aug 31 a Don't be a deadbeat, get out and have some fun today.

Aug. 30 a  Grace Eva Stone, 92, of Indore, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 30 a Roger Dale Lyons, 61, see OBITUARY page

Aug30 a We're holding The Communicator until after the Celebration so we can publish all the pics in this edition. It will be worth the wait.

Aug. 30 a The Clay High season opener didn't go so well for the football team. They took a thumpin' 32- 13.

Aug. 30 a  We have another first for the county. Last night, over at the radio station, the first ever drive in movie.

Aug. 30 a Great weather, great fun, great time to visit Clayberry during the Small Town America Labor Day Celebration. Bring your sun bonnet and stay all day. Tune to 101.7 FM for updates and details.

Aug. 29 p It's 4:30 in the morning. Dark. Quiet. You hear a noise in the house. Thinking little about the noise, you go back to sleep. The next morning you realize, someone has been in your home and taken your money.

Aug. 29 p That's exactly what happened Thursday morning to Morgan and Joyce Gibson.

Aug. 29 p The thugs have not been arrested but Mayor Brown retrieved the cold hard cash.

Aug. 29 p Do you lock you doors at night? Bet the Gibson's will from now on. This is small town America but even here, arssholes stalk at night.

Aug. 29 a Clay High Panthers take on Nicholas County tonight in away game action. Hear play by play on 101.7FM or listen in on the web. Shawn Parsons, Josh Shamblin and Brian King will handle the sportscasting tonight with Linda McKinney as the backup. 2008 Football sponsors include: Mayor Jack Brown, Tony Samples, Choices LLC, Commissioner Peter Triplett; House of Delegates Candidate Larry Cole, and Homestead Construction.  WYAP still needs three more sponsors to make it happen. Can you help? Leave a message at 304 587-7586.

Aug. 29 a From the email bag:  Reward offered for return of small silver frog ring lost in the Clay area, possibly at GoMart or Subway. Great sentimental value. Please call 587-7914

Aug. 29 a  From the email bag: LOST DOG -- Last seen Thursday, 8/28/08, about 2 miles up Strange Creek. He is a short haired Terrier Mix, 12 years old, his hair has recently been sheared off. He is light reddish tan. His name is Tagger and he has no collar. Please call 5871127 if you should see him. Thank You, Earl Given

Aug. 29 a From the email bag: I have a small gold  color looking puppy that came to my house yesterday,  4 miles up Sycamore Creek rd,  if anyone has one missing please call 587-2930

Aug. 29 a From the email bag:  LOST female Calico kitten about 4 or 5 months old, last seen up Blue knob Rd. at the home of Richard and Traci Welch on 8-24-08, at about noon, indoor cat, and usually doesn't go outside. very playful. name is Cookie if found please call 587-4673  she doesn't have a collar. most recent photo of her, THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP

Aug. 29 a From the Library Board: If you are interested in applying for the Clay Library's Library Director position, you must mail your resume to PO Box 60, Clay WV 25043 by Sept. 4, 2008.

Aug. 29 a See the JOBS page for details clickers

Aug. 29 a Here's a very sad email from Lois Wilson, wife of the late Carl Wilson Sr.: I have lost the one most dear to me, and for that reason and the condition of my health, I will have to relocate to be near one of our daughters.  I have every thing for sale. If any one is interested in our home, Motor home or boat, have them call me at 587-2292. Lois

Aug. 29 a With the kids back in school, we've made it thru another summer season. It's time to party in downtown Clay during the Small Town America Celebrates Labor day Weekend, Aug. 29, 30 and 31st.  Full schedule (updated 8-28) now on the EVENTS page.

Aug. 29 a  One emailer asked about the Pirates of the Elk Kids Contest Saturday morning. That boat building part ... there's an example of a shoe box built boat in the Lion's Club Show window. Also some of the prizes for the Pedal Paddle river challenge are in the Main St Clay window display.

Aug. 29 a Tonight is the Drive In Movie at the radio station parking lot. First, kids movies followed by the Widen Documentary.  Aug. 29 a Listen to 101.7 FM for all the details. No charge!

Aug. 29 a For those wondering about the "Welcome to Clay" banners.... thanks to the support of area businesses, most all of em are back up ready for the weekend celebration. Want one installed? Leave a message at the radio station, 587-8353 ASAP

Aug. 28 p  Morgan Jarel Belt, 82, of Widen, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 28 p We're holding up The Communicator until after the Celebration this weekend. Deadline for submissions is Saturday evening.

Aug. 28 p  The Henry Clay reopened last week under new management and after a clean up, paint up, and bunch of work. They were suppose to start their sit down meals yesterday. Turned out there was a bunch of electrical work needed to get the kitchen back in order.

Aug. 28 p Those sit down meals begin today.

Aug. 28 p  Clay County needs new small businesses. To be successful, those newbees need a cheap place, any easy place to get into, store front. Downtown Clay offers few such store fronts. Such starter places are called incubator sites. Our local Business Development Authority has known the need for an incubator site for years. They even talked about the need some time back. To date they ain't done squat other than sit on their thumbs.

Aug. 28 p Not so with Ron Shamblin who owns the old Mountaineer Camper Co building at Maysel. An enterprising fellow, beside the building, Shamblin has built mini storage buildings.... another notion the BDA came up with but did nothing about. In Shamblin's case, most of the storage spaces are rented.

Aug. 28 p Shamblin is  setting up a business incubator site inside that large building. That's right, inside. Here's the deal.  He's building small store fronts to house start up businesses. Renters will pay a monthly fee for the space they use. When customers come in, they will see attractive, eye catching, store fronts just like in a big town mall but on a smaller scale.

Aug. 28 p Mr Shamblin already has one new business in there and is looking for other entrepreneurs. How about you? Ever have a notion to start your own business? You can page Ron at 353-6862.

Aug. 28 p Not ready for your own business? How a place to do a flea market? Yelp that's available as well. Give Ron a call.

Aug. 28 p  As for the efforts of the BDA (and CAEZ for that matter), Clay County is still waiting for the first, non government, full time job, to be created by EITHER organization. Go Ron Shamblin!!

Aug. 28 p Terri Lively came upwith a new event for this weekend's Labor Celebration. Called the Pirates of the Elk Kids Contest, it's a chance to win $$$.  Full details over on the EVENTS page, but heck anybody can build a boat out of shoe box and dress up as a pirate. Just one more fun thing to do this weekend during the Small Town America Celebration.

Aug. 28 p Special note on the Pedal Paddle River Challenge along the Elk. If you don't have a kayake to use during the race, Kayp Starcher up at Big Otter has some. Call him today and get yourself ready to win that $400 first place purse this Saturday.

Aug. 28 p Bring the kids out Friday night to the WYAP parking lot (300 Main St) for Drive In Movie night. Around 8:30pm there will be a showing of  John Henry of the American Classic series followed by the Widen Documentary.

Aug. 27 p A bunch of us drink beer and other alcoholic beverages. It's just a part of life. As a matter of fact, in this state, beer is considered a non intoxicating beverage. It's sold everywhere and most restaraunts include beer no different than if you asked for a soda or coffee.

Aug. 27 p Around the county small white Apple Festival signs have been going up. With a Miller Beer bottle on the left side of the sign and Welcome to the Festival, a familt tradition, some in the community are raising a stink.

Aug. 27 p According to the Apple Festival Big Cheez Bill Dunn, those are NOT official signs from their group.

Aug. 27 p Some local tax payer paid for non profits hide under a veil of secrecy. They feel everything should be kept hush hush. When something leaks out, they're peed big time. Even when the official word is made public , they continue to deny.

Aug. 27 p When of the most notorious secret groups is this county's only public provider of health care, Clay Primary Health. So secret, they don't even tell their volunteer Board what's going on. When Boardsters ask questions, they're told, everything is just fine.

Aug. 27 p  The internal auditing division of the state tax dept just socked a big lien on Primary Care. In addition to $4563.38 lien on the building and grounds, another $1221.11 was added in interest plus an additional $820.76 in penalties were added to let them know the tax boys mean business. Total debt is now $6605.25

Aug. 27 p That's a lien on the property the taxpapyers have already paid for. That's a lien on the building in Two Run that is paid for ($50,000) each year from the Legislature. That penalty and interest will come out of the patient care dollars... that's you and me.

Aug. 27 p Here's one more example of government dollars being misused and trust violated at the very least. Secrecy is never a good thing with a tax payer funded operation.

Aug. 27 p  Last night a Clay County Ambulance was tail ended in the Save a Lot parking lot in Clendenin. Both the driver and attendant had to be taken to the hospital for treatment. Jaws of Life was used to open the rear doors resulting in lots of vehicle damage

Aug. 27 p This morning another Clay Ambulance was damaged when it hit a telephone pole. No injuries that we know of on this one.

Aug. 27 a Robert Wilton Boggs, 82, of Maysel, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 27 a  Morgan Gerald Belt, 82, of Widen died Aug. 26, 2008. Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, is in charge of arrangements.

Aug. 27 a  Hester Faye Nelson, age 78, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 26 Late p  Hester Faye Nelson, age 78, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 26 Late p  Need a job? Maybe at Fola Coal? See JOBS page for Wed.'s Job Fair

Aug. 26 Late p  County Commission meets Wed morning at 10am

Aug. 26 Late p Earlier today we posted a response to the It Represses Me column in that little bitty paper over in Clay. Forgot something. The guy over there was saying not to vote for any Demorat that has also tried the write in method.... hmmmmm.. that would include 2008 Demorat of the Year Dave Walker who's trying for a House seat this November.

Aug. 26 p Most people rely on The Communicator as their source of news and views on happenings in Clayberry. While we didn't even know there was another paper in the county, this morning we saw a copy of it that little paper. Labeled as the Demorat paper, we're confused.

Aug. 26 p In that little rag is mention of Commissioner Triplett (Demorat) running as a write in candidate during the Nov. election. That paper, that Demorat paper, is telling it's reader, do NOT vote for Demorats! It mentions Sheriff Randy Holcomb and one time Mayor Norman Wilson as NOT REAL Demorats and for voters to steer away from those not so real candidates. That itty bitty paper is saying how unAmerican it is to run a write in campaign. They forgot to  mention others that have run as write in candidates, folks like Suzie Legg and Garrett Samples Jr.

Aug. 26 p A Demorat paper telling others not to vote for Demorats. Very confusing indeed.

Aug. 26 a Want to make some $$$$ and have fun doing it? Saturday morning during the Labor Weekend Celebration there's a pooch pageant. Dress up Fido as a cowboy, sheriff would be cool, astronaut, diver, floozy, or what ever. There will be a winner in three categories. After the contest, get you and your pooch in the parade at 1pm on the 31st. Sure to be fun and you might come away with a little jingle in your pocket. Full details on the EVENTS page.

Aug. 26 a Coming to Clay for the weekend? Don't forget, the JG Bradley Campground is within minutes of downtown Clay and offers 20 rustic camping spaces, tent, pull behind, or RV.

Aug. 25 a  They're sleeping in for the last time. It's the last day of summer for the little darlin's. By this time Tuesday, the curtain climbers will be back in school.

Aug. 25 a Tonight schools' hold open house get togethers.

Aug. 25 a  Leonard "My Good Buddy" Williams took down the 10 Welcome to Clay banners in downtown Clay. He's mad at the ace cub reporter and taking it out on the entire county.

Aug. 25 Banner Update: We've got five of the banners  back in the air. Not on Leonard's utility poles but on store fronts. We need five more locations. How about you, can you help the radio station out with a location? Let em know, 587-8353

Aug. 25 a Each morning. we're going to hype the upcoming Small Town America Celebration coming Aug. 29 thru 31st. For today.... Bill Dunn came up with a new idea, use the Elk River for a bicycle and water craft contest with reaaaaaaaaaaaaal prize money. Starting in the northern end of the county, you get in a canoe or kayak for the first leg of the event followed by a race on two wheels into downtown Clay. It all takes place Saturday Aug. 30th. Last time we saw Bill, he only had a few entrants.

Aug. 25 a Know what that means? You have a better chance at winning the $400 in each category. There's also two Schwinn Bikes being given away plus a nice lookin' canoe. Full details on our home page button  Pedal Paddle and on the Apple Festival web site.

Aug. 25 a Labor Day weekend, a great time to visit County Clay!

Aug. 24 p Timothy Brian Teel, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 24 p  All of sudden, with gas prices down 18 cents,  Republicrats are telling us, the economy is doing better. They are fibbing. The pace of bank closings is accelerating as financial firms have reported more than $500 billion in writedowns and credit losses since 2007. The FDIC's ``problem'' bank list grew by 18 percent in the first quarter from the fourth, to 90 banks with combined assets of $26.3 billion.

Aug. 24 p "Let me introduce to you the next President of the United States, Joe Biden." Yelp Obama de Bama said it

Aug. 24 p Little attention and even less concern was heard about the increasing death toll in senseless, worthless, winless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan:  There have been 4,459 coalition deaths -- 4,145 Americans, two Australians, one Azerbaijani, 176 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, one Czech, seven Danes, two Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, five Georgians, one Hungarian, 33 Italians, one Kazakh, one Korean, three Latvians, 22 Poles, three Romanians, five Salvadoran, four Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians -- in the war in Iraq as of August 22, 2008, according to a CNN count.

Aug. 24 p The good and bad showed their faces in Clay this last seven days.

Aug. 24 p Build it they will come:  Monday evening the line stretched out the door and down the hallway with folks signing up for college classes and training at the new Valley Fork technical college campus. Over in one room another dozen or so sat behind puter screens and tried their best at basic entrance level testing. True the renovations at the old grade school were no where near complete, the desire for  more education was clear. Another excellent example of  Get er Did leadership by 2008 Clay County Person of  the Year, Connie Lupardus

Aug. 24 p Parents took kids for back to school shopping. The rug rats were seen wearing new sneaks and sporting new jeans and t shirts. Parents looked happy after making thru the 11 weeks of summer vacation.

Aug. 24 p On the down side, one time BDA Chair, Mayor, volunteer, Leonard Williams showed his shortcomings by removing the new Welcome to Clay banners from "his" utility poles in downtown Clay. The banners were purchased thru a WYAP radio station grant to promote tourism in the county, to make the place look more attractive and inviting. Poop butt Williams was mad at the ace cub reporter (from the Communicator) for calling the WYAP welcome center, the Leonard Williams Welcome Center.

Aug. 24 p Williams took it on himself to take his narrow minded, crybaby attitude, out on the entire county and every business that could benefit from increased tourist trade.

Aug. 24 p Williams is very near retirement age. The sooner the better

Aug. 24 p Our school system is run by School Board Prez RB Legg. Thursday morning was the first day back to school for teachers. During that mandatory beginning of year professional meeting at the high school, Legg's comments were so demeaning, mean spirited, and out of place, teachers and at least one administrator walked out of the auditorium.

Aug. 24 p Test results, evaluations, and other indicators show Clay County and West Virginia coming in near last place in every area of performance. Arrogant, pompous, top of the heap, big fish in a tiny tiny pond, RB Legg, the guy that sets the  leadership standards for our poorly performing  schools, showed his out of step with reality, mentality. Socially polite have to laugh at his off color remarks but during a mandatory meeting, how sad

Aug. 24 p Dave Walker a local candidate for the House of Delegates was named Clay County Demorat of the Year Friday night. The election season is open again.

Aug. 24 p Saturday morning Moms and Dads brought their youngest to CCHS for the 08 Apple Festival Pretty Baby Contest. Dressed in their finest, kids were running, toddling, crying, and smiling everywhere.

Aug. 24 p Saturday night the local radio station polished off another year of great outdoor music shows with outstanding performances by gospel greats, the Martin Luther King Jr Choir and Adam Burdette. Their goal is to promote West Virginia's finest musical talent. They did it this year with everything from rock n roll to bluegrass right on thru strong guitar licks from Blues greats, 2Blue and Triple Threat Blues Revue. 14 weeks of drawing people ( and money) into our county of little. Thank you WYAP-LP  101.7 FM

Aug. 23 a  Willard Gale Brown, 75, of Bickmore, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 23 a Looking for a mining job, see JOBS page

Aug. 23 a George Lutz is heading to Columbia. His yard sale starts this morning.

Aug. 23 a It's been a long summer. Parents are you sick of those brats? Take em to Nebraska! It's a long drive but worth it.

Aug. 23 a  We've got a new business in downtown Clay.  The historic Henry Clay reopened with  Mark Adkins and Don Mason as the new managers. No strangers to business, Mr Mason has two other drinkery/eatery places in Kanawha County. Drinks and munchies went on sale Friday afternoon at 1pm. Homemade food with daily specials beginning next Wednesday.  The place has been scrubbed and painted. Looks pretty good too! Mon thru Sat., the place will open at 6 am with full service sit down meals until 5pm

Aug. 23 a  In a place like Clay, a good stiff drink is in order every once in a while.

Aug. 22 p Happy Friday. here in Clayberry we have bright sunshine and warm temps fitting for the last weekend before kids return to school.

Aug. 22 p First an update from last night's posting where we gave Leonard Williams double H for taking down the tourist banners because he's peed at the ace cub reporter.

Aug. 22 p An emailer brought up a dandy idea. William's utility poles aren't the only place to hang banners. Here's the suggestion. Have area merchants hang the vinyl  "Welcome to Clay" banners on their buildings.

Aug. 22 p How about it clickers, the radio station has the banners, poles, and flanges. The banners need to go up ASAP. Let the folks at the WYAP know if you'd be willing to put up a banner on your store front.

Aug. 22 p  RB Legg knows how to start a new school year! Here's what happened yesterday.

Aug. 22 p  Yesterday was the first day back to school for all school system employees. They met in the mini auditorium at CCHS. During the mandatory meeting, with all present,  RB went into a speil about the Communicator complete with a planned out, bogus, power point enriched presentation.

Aug. 22 p A minute into his rant, teachers and administrators started walking out.They left the meeting!     Although great for Communicator sales and prescriptions, what a pathetic way to start off a new school year.

Aug. 22 p The only questions that comes to mind, why do taxpayers continue to vote into  office, the arrogant, too full of himself, RB Legg. With Legg in charge, is it any wonder the school system lags behind in every important area of performance.

Aug. 21 Late p  That lost dog this morning, the owner has been found.

Aug. 21 Late p    Leonard Williams has served in many capacities around the town. At one point he was even an elected Town official. His daytime job is top dog at Elk Power Co.

Aug. 21 Late p Last Spring WYAP radio was awarded a grant to develop three summer time celebrations to draw tourists into our county. YAP radio partnered with the Apple Festival Folks, BDA, CAEZ, Town of Clay, Solid Waste Authority, the CCC and grew the fun weekends from a one day celebration (Memorial Day) to 2 1/2 days this coming Aug. 29 thru 31st.

Aug. 21 Late p   Part of the grant $$$ were used to purchase 10 nice looking banners to hang from utility poles all summer long, a welcome message for travelers. Those white and blue banners were installed by Elk Power (without charge) before the Independence Weekend Celebration in July.

Aug. 21 Late p    Early early last week, the banners disappeared. No one asked him to take them down, Leonard just did it on his own.

Aug. 21 Late p  This morning a rep from the station asked Big Leonard if he was willing to put them back up. He said No. He said he was peed at that ace cub reporter for his comments on naming the new Welcome Center (outdoor facilities) the Leonard Williams Welcome Center. Nope was his response a few more times. He was adamant. Those radio station banners were NOT going back up on HIS utility poles   !

Aug. 21 Late p Reminding him that the Celebrations and the banners benefited the entire county, made no difference to him. His shorts must have been all bunched up clickers!

Aug. 21 Late p Reminding him that the ace cub reporter made his Leonard Williams Welcome Center remarks on the Clayberry website and the Communicator newspaper ( has no connection to the non profit radio station) didn't budge Williams an inch.

Aug. 21 Late p With the  Thursday morning conversation going nowhere quick, Williams reminded Waddell of all the good Williams has done for the county; how bad Communicator reporting is for the county; he didn't care what we printed; and closed with: I am a better man than you!!!!

Aug. 21 Late p   Isn't it a shame that Leonard Williams would take it on himself to spoil the Labor Day Celebration for the entire county in  a peeing contest over something not related to the radio station. How sad for all those coming into town for the fun filled Labor day Weekend that Leonard would remove beautiful banners because he's miffed at one guy.

Aug. 21 Late p Just when the railroad is running, Lake Sampson is drawing tourists from all over, the campground has developed, the dirt track is roaring, and travelers are actually stopping to have a look see..... The old guard is still alive and well in the county of little.

Aug. 21 Late p Shame on Leonard Williams, so sad, pitiful actually.

Aug. 21 p From the email bag: This little dog showed up at our house this morning. She was with a larger male dog that looked to be heeler of some sort, his collar said Static and had Jason Stalnakers phone # with it but we've been unable to reach him. I don't know if the two dogs belong together or not, the male left but the little female is still here. We can be reached at 587-7796 or christal611@frontiernet.net

Aug. 21 p  For those considering the Pedal Paddle River Challenge  during the Small Town America Labor Day Celebration next weekend, there's been a change. From organizer Bill Dunn:  Because of the river conditions and for the safety of our participants the course has been changed.  The first leg will now be boating from Ivydale for the first 4 miles.  The second leg will be by bikes for the remaining 91/2 miles ending in Clay at the courthouse.  No 3rd leg.

Aug. 21 p Translation: The water is very low in the Elk from Spread Park to Clay.

Aug. 21 p Area businesses have been collecting points for bottle caps. You've seen the containers, jars, boxes with a small sign stating the need to collect bottle caps to be redeemed to help pay for cancer treatments.

Aug. 21 p Turns out the whole notion was a farce. From the Charleston Daily Mail: The caps are worthless. Even recycling centers are rejecting them. ... The American Cancer Society says the group is trying to discover how the hoax started.

Aug. 21 a The Martin Luther King Jr Choir is coming to WYAP's Summer Jam this Saturday night. Usually around 30 or more singers travel with the group. People on in Clay  are asking: Who are they?

Aug. 21 a  From a recent article, we offer this:   The chorus is comprised of both clergy and laity, from 24 diverse denominations across West Virginia, from St. Albans to Oak Hill. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Chorus will perform selections of both cotemporary and traditional African-American gospel.For the past 11 years, the chorus has been declared one of the state’s foremost choral gospel groups, and has been in concert before large and small audiences. They have entertained such audiences as students in elementary and high schools, senior citizen organizations, reunions, hospital patients, prisons, and corporate activities. The group has traveled to New York, St. Louis, Columbus, Ohio, Roanoke, Virginia, and Winston Salem, North Carolina for performances. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Chorus has been showcased at the Mountain State Forest Festival in Elkins, and the Governor and First Lady’s Joyful Night Celebration. Most recently, the chorus participated in the Multi Feast of West Virginia, the Appalachian Children’s Chorus Holiday Concert, the Third District Annual Conference of AME Churches, and the Black Heritage Festival. Numerous awards have been presented to the chorus and they were one of the lead groups from the state that planned and executed a benefit to raise funds for the Katrina disaster victims.

Aug. 21 a Sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday evening in downtown Clay!

Aug. 20 Noon:55p  Boil water advisory that was placed for Elkhurst Road, Camp Creek, Bomont, and From Camp Bridge to County Line Area (PWSID#3300806).  On August 14, 2008  has been lifted.   For further information please contact Clay-Roane Public Service District at 304-548-5209.

Aug. 20 p The Town of Clay does not have a Municipal Court nor have they voted to form such an entity. In a slick move, Town Recorder Llyn Drake successfully proposed residents (taxpayers) to pay for training of a Municipal Judge. Not just any person to be trained, but Llyn Drake herself.

Aug. 20 p At taxpayers expense, Llyn Drake is now a certified municipal judge and ready to accept positions in any county other than Clay. Why any other county? I told you, we don't have a municipal court!

Aug. 20 p Sheriff's been gone on vacation at the beach. Can't you see him laying out on the beach turning bright red. We've been monitoring newspapers down there and so far, the Coastal Whale Preservation Society has not been called to duty.

Aug. 20 p Football season kicks off for CCHS next weekend.  Each year community radio WYAP sportscasts the home games. This year they plan to include the season opener away game against Nicholas County on the 29th. To do that, they need some sponsors. $50 for all five games. How about you? Go Panthers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aug. 20 a  Joan R. Pritt, 68, of Adonijah Community, Lizemores, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 19 p Nearly snuck by this time but not quite.....

Aug. 19 p Clay County's senior man at the Courthouse, Happy Birthday O Gene King!

Aug. 19 p Clay Roane PSD has been a troubled water provider since inception. Always seeming to be behind with payments, buying supplies, staffing, keeping staff, and providing dependable product. State officials have called for better management as priority one on several occasions.

Aug. 19 p During their last monthly meeting Boardsters learned of yet another screw up within their system, at the Procious Water Plant.

Aug. 19 p A raw water pump driven by a three phase motor is used to suck Elk River wa wa from bankside up into the plant. There is suppose to be two of those pumps in operating condition, one in operation, the second as a back up, and ready to switch back and forth to give the other a rest period. A second pump was purchased maybe two years ago, installed, and supposedly "ready to go". Turns out it wasn't.

Aug. 19 Two weeks the main raw water pump quit working. The $6000 back up pump was turned on just long enough for it to blow up or at least blow the main circuit. Parts were scarfed off the new pump, grafted on the old one, and they once again were able to draw water from the river.

Aug. 19 p What's it cost to repair that new unit? During the August 14th Clay Roane PSD meeting , the answer came, $4800. Why wasn't the new pump covered under warranty? It had sat their unused for years.

Aug. 19 p Water Operator Jennifer Traub commented today: The new pump was properly wired up, had been tested, and she, they, everybody, thought is was ready for operation.

Aug. 19 p It wasn't. That's another $6000 to come out of the customer pocket. The PSD Board had no idea of the costly screw up until well after the damage was done. Oversight?

Aug. 19 p In addition to poor oversight by the  Board, they have a "public complex"

Aug. 19 p Before the official meeting convened on Aug. 14th, Board Chair Grigsby gathered his fellow Boardsters (Brian Holcomb was absent) and took them off to the side to inform them on consolidation updates. He told those left in the room, he didn't want the public to know the latest info.

Aug. 19 p That's a quorum of the Board, outside the public meeting arena, to discuss the public's business and certainly something they have to vote on the near future. Such secret side bars are unlawful under Open Meeting Law. It's no different than having a meeting without telling the public or properly posting an agenda.

Aug. 19 p Clayberry has many problems. Trying to keep secrets secret is at the root of many of those problems.

Aug. 19 a Albert Dale Cayton Sr., 74, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 18 p Tonight the School Board meets in regular session. That means there is nothing they don't want the public to know about happening. Here's the agenda for tonight's public meeting at the Standard Bryant Annex building on Gump Street.

Aug. 18 p Think you need a little more training to get ready for a better job.. or maybe your first job? Ready for some community college level classes? Tonight is registration night at the new Valley Fork campus. Registration begins at 6pm.

Aug. 18 p Now don't say you didn't hear about the opportunity! We've been talking about it for four months and had the class offerings over on the ADVISORY page for 4 weeks.

Aug. 17 p Lots of little things went on last week in Clayberry. One thing that didn't change. Those dad blame tomatoes remained green. We're still waiting for those bright ones to put between two slices of bread.

Aug. 17 p After being closed for a week, the Clay County Library reopened under new Interim Director, Sheila Thorne. Changes were seen almost immediately. Trash was hauled out. Less riff raf hanging around the front of the building with cigs hanging out. Books started appearing back on the shelves instead of dust covered in some back room. Get this, instead of "what do you want" as a greeting, smiles were seen. Nice change and what took em so long!  Who knows, before long, there might actually be something good going on!

Aug. 17 p  It became public on Monday, Clay Roane PSD was approved for a 17.7% water rate increase.

Aug. 17 p  County Commissioners held another Consolidation meeting Wed and pressed on with their plans to bring together all PSDs into one big mess. The news from the meeting? There will NOT be any cost savings.

Aug. 17 p While were talking the wet stuff, our neighbors over in Fayette County voted to sell their water and log factories to WV Water Co.  Why? WV Water rates were cheaper than a proposed 30% rate increase.

Aug. 17 p Clay Town Council held a special meeting where the squabble was over part time operator rates. Yelp wages went up.

Aug. 17 p  Town Council brought up an idea to implement a B&O tax on all municipal businesses a couple months back. The notion of the regressive tax was put on hold shortly after being made public. Since the poop factory was built, Council has wanted to annex Maysel to help pay for the twice too big facility. Over in Fayette County, a local town wanted to do the same thing, B&O tax and more customers thru annexation. Didn't work there.

Aug. 17 p The Communicator made it out the door on time (again). Almost immediately the wordsmithing skills of that ace cub reporter was called into question by Mayor Jack Brown. The Town meeting coverage read something like, big discussion on changing the door lock followed by money turning up missing.

Aug. 17 p Even those finely tunes word skills goof once in awhile.  The Chief Water Operator wanted the locks changed to keep the Mayor out of the Water Plant. Brown has a habit of reading municipal info, staying informed.

Aug. 17 p The money missing part was about cash $$ that came up missing. Recorder Llyn Drake was all for just writing the loss off the books. During the meeting, Council said no way to writing off ANY missing money. Collection Clerks are repsonsible for repaying of "missing" money. One time Town Clerk Dwana Murphy said that's been the policy for many years when money comes up missing.

Aug. 17 p Somehow the little bald guy did not separate the two issues enough.

Aug. 17 p The weekend brought cooler temps on bright blue skies. With some teachers already back learning how to better teach tests, it feels like Fall in the Appalachian Mountains of Clay County West Virginia.

Aug. 15 p Hattie Salisbury, 76, of Clay, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 15 p  The Communicator made it to news stands in four counties late this afternoon. Everything you could possibly want to know on the great nation of Clay and a little more

Aug. 15 a  Commissioner Triplett called last night and told us a Boil Water Order was issued for the Procious side of the Clay Roane PSD system sometime before noon Thursday. He said complaints were coming in over black water going thru the lines. Doesn't that sound nice.

Aug. 15 a We were away from the county on Thursday and didn't hear the 911 scanner traffic. Sorry for the delay in posting.

Aug. 14 p We said no update until the Communicator comes out Friday but this one is interesting..

Aug. 14 p There's a community organizational meeting at the Widen Community Center beginning at noon on Friday Aug. 15th. They've also got  a Legal Aid attorney coming to bring everyone up to speed on the new Mountain Health Choices Medicaid program. Might be a good meeting to attend.

Aug. 14 p Now back to typing

Aug. 14 a Danny Eagle has a free couch and chair in good condition. First come first served. Call 304 286-5037.

Aug. 14 a Sure like to say something interesting happened during yesterday's Commission meeting, but it didn't.

Aug. 14 a Not so with the PSD meeting to talk up consolidation plans. Have some interesting snippets to report.

Aug. 14 a CCC is walking in lockstep to consolidate the three local public service districts. Yesterday Commission Prez Fran King said they knew there would be no real cost savings after consolidations. Ahhh, wasn't the purpose of consolidating?

Aug. 14 a Jim Kearns from Queen Shoals PSD told the assembled that his PSD was talking with West Virginia to supply their wholesale water needs. Currently QSPSD buys wholesale wa wa from Clay Roane PSD at around $6 per 1000 gallons. Kearns said WV Water could provide a more plentiful supply for about  1/2 of what they're paying now.

Aug. 14 a When asked if the CCC was considering the proposed Town of Clay Water Plant expansion in consolidation plans, she answered No. When asked if other options were being considered, she, they knew of none.

Aug. 14 a Here's the problem. When the Town water plant is built it has to be paid for. Water rates are based on the number of customers at the time they apply for a rate increase. If QSPSD customers stop buying wa wa from this county, that's  175 less customers to help pay for the new water plant. Fewer customers means even higher rates for the remaining. If Roane County water customers (250 or so) stop buying from the town , that's an even smaller pool of money to pay off the debts on the new plant. When Red Derrings PSD  over in Nicholas County supplies water to homes past Ida Church... see the picture... remind of you of anything else?

Aug. 14 a It should. It's the exact same scenario when the Town built a sewer plant that was twice too big for the customer base. Instead of 600 customers, they have 300 log factory customers and the debt has to be paid for those few 300 customers. History is about to repeat itself.

Aug. 14 a Here's what we're working on for Friday Communicator, the assault on an ex CDC Board member; a second rate increase needed for the Town Water Plant; new candidate in the County Commission race; that top secret Council meeting held Tuesday; Kristie English blows her bond, Drunk driver Kenton Mosely finally gets prison time after 40 cases against him; Ralph Fields upcoming trial;  Wed's CCC meeting; and a whole bunch more.

Aug. 14 a Deadline for submissions is today at high noon.

Aug. 14 a No updates until we get the paper out t he door friday afternoon around 4pm

Aug. 13 a  Clay County's only public library reopened Tuesday at 1pm. No public notice of the reopening was made by the Board.   Who's in charge? Sheila Thorne was named the Interim Director.

Aug. 13 a For those seeking the full time Librarian job, quit calling Board Chair Tim Hopkins. Details are now over on the JOBS page. Notice it says a masters degree is preferred but not mandatory. Get those resume's snail mailed today.

Aug. 13 a West Virginia requires all media to be notified when a public meeting is scheduled.

Aug. 13 a Town Council held a hush hush special meeting Tuesday afternoon. Word has it employees were once again peed about salaries.

Aug. 13 a The agenda for Thursday night's Clay Roane PSD meeting is now posted over on the ADVISORY page.

Aug. 13 a  Communicator comes out this Friday. Deadline for classifieds, events, notices, announcements and such is Thursday at noon. Email your stuff ASAP.

Aug. 13 a Notice our new advertiser at the top of this page. For those visiting the county during the Small Town America Celebration Labor Day and/or the Apple Festival, call in your reservation today. Cheap too!

Aug. 13 a How about some interesting  stuff not connected to the Great Nation of Clay...

Aug. 13 a Chinese officials have admitted deceiving the public over another highlight of the Olympic opening ceremony.   Is anybody even watching the Olympics?

Aug. 13 a U.S. oil demand during the first half of 2008 fell by an average 800,000 barrels per day (bpd) compared with the same period a year ago, the biggest volume decline in 26 years

Aug. 13 a Banks' losses from the U.S. subprime crisis and the ensuing credit crunch crossed the $500 billion mark as writedowns spread to more asset types.

Aug. 13 a  The Federal Reserve has auctioned another $25 billion in loans to the nation's banks and given them more time to pay the money back in an effort to combat a serious credit squeeze.

Aug. 13 a Almost one-third of U.S. homeowners who bought in the last five years now owe more on their mortgages than their properties are worth.

Aug. 13 a  And here's my very favorite clickers:  The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is set to release a report that says most U.S. corporations pay no federal income taxes.

Aug. 12 p Clay County Commission convenes their first public meeting of the month Wed at 10 am in the Courthouse. Big long agenda followed by another meeting with the county PSDs concerning consolidation of the whole mess.

Aug. 12 p While we're talking a mess, Clay Roane PSD was given the thumbs up on raising rates by 17.7%. It became final August 8th. There was one protest by one customer. You want to protest raising rates on leaks flowing into the ground? You have 10 days to do so. Think 17.7% is enough for them to get by on? If with the proposed built in $34,000 surplus, it ain't. Town of Clay just raised their wholesale rates to over $3.00 per 1000 gallons.

Aug. 12 p Just to warm your blood up a little, with the new rate increase the monthly wa wa bill for Clay Roane PSD customers,those that use the average amount of the wet stuff (4500 gallons per month),  will go to $71.28.

Aug. 12 p The idea was for PSDs to provide clean, potable, affordable, water to Clay County customers. Many in the county argue that none of those criteria are being met.

Aug. 12 a Frontier Speed Test from Bluefield WV, 10am today, 668 kbps down; 373 kbps upload. And that's high speed?

Aug. 12 a Russell G. Moore, 64, of Lizemores, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 12 a  Tonight at 6pm the Library Board is convening a special meeting to work up the job description for replacing the Librarian. Looks like they're securing a temp person for the interim.

Aug. 12 a From the email bag:  Congratulations John and Christina on your marriage from your Family and Friends. May God Bless You Both.

Aug. 12 a Happy 5th Birthday Hunter Sizemore .

Aug. 12 a From the email bag:  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CONNIE CARTE and WANDA CHAPMAN

Aug. 12 a Clay County has a habit of making regional news with unsavory actions. TV-3 posted this clip August 5th. And Yes, that Shelly Sizemore is the wife of the ex Clay County Deputy.

Aug. 10 p  Thinks your wallet is tight now, wait until this winter when home heating gas DOUBLES.

Aug. 10 p Last winter when John Edwards was telling us his virtues and why he was the best candidate for office, we now know he was fibbing thru his teeth. Is it his baby? He says no. On Friday he said he was willing to take a paternity test. Anybody believe him? Now the mistress says there will be NO paternity test to prove who the Daddy is. Sure worked out nice didn't it. Almost sounds like the deal was made ahead of time.

Aug. 10 p What the heck is a time horizon? Bush may call it that but the rest of the world calls it a time line to get out of Iraq. Their prime minister says, no deal unless you tell us when you're leaving.

Aug. 10 p  There have been 4,441 coalition deaths -- 4,127 Americans, two Australians, one Azerbaijani, 176 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, one Czech, seven Danes, two Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, five Georgians, one Hungarian, 33 Italians, one Kazakh, one Korean, three Latvian, 22 Poles, three Romanians, five Salvadoran, four Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians -- in the war in Iraq as of August 1, 2008, according to a CNN count.

Aug. 10 p  In Clay we're eating tomato sandwiches. A great big 1 inch thick slice of red, clear to the middle, on fresh bread and a gob of mayo. A great big bite and juice runs down both sides of your mouth. It don't get any better.

Aug. 10 p The biggy from the last seven days was the immediate, post haste, out of here now, resignation of 17 year Clay County Library Manager Vicky Neely. During Tuesday evening's Library Board meeting, right after a lengthy secret session, Neely tendered her resignation and skidaddled. Wed evening she gathered her thangs under the watchful eye of Board Chair Tim Hopkins and that was it. Thursday the locks were changed.

Aug. 10 p An emergency meeting of the group was held Friday evening at 6pm to work on securing a temporary employee so the county's only public library could reopen ASAP. Need a nice government job with benefits? Get ahold of the Library Board.

Aug. 10 p A library should be the center of a community complete with daily activities for one and all. That has NOT been the case for the Clay County Library for years, over a decade. The only question being asked: What took the board so long to make the change?

Aug. 10 p Nationally, Obama de Bama and John McLame are going at it with full gusto. Locally, politics may be warming up as well. Word has it that Peter Triplett is considering a write in campaign to regain his County Commission seat. In May, retiring from the school system, newcomer to politics,  Mike Pierson defeated Triplett by around 300 votes.

Aug. 10 p  With Triplett off the Commission, that leaves two time School Board member Fran King and retired from the school system Jerry Slinkinooooooger on the bench. If Mike Pierson takes a seat in Nov, the CCC will be comprised of school system ex's.

Aug. 10 p  Write-In candidates have a tough time making headway in West Virginia. But, already, folks on the street are saying they don't want the school system running the entire county. Might be a good race to watch this fall. What might make the difference this time around for Big Pete: With no Republicrat on the ballot to call their own, Republicrats will have a say at the polls in Nov

Aug. 10 p Friday night, Wifey returned. With most of the trash picked up, most of the gnats & ants returning to where ever they normally live, and the dishes washed, vacation time is over for that ace cub reporter with a sore toe.

Aug. 10 p Saturday night three males in a black, two door, Cavalier beat the H out of mailboxes with a wooden ball bat along Guy Mullins Rd and Blue Knob. Go ahead and pack your toothbrushes, bet the Green Shirts are going to be knocking on your door reaaaaaaaal soon. See what happens when the Coor's Lite goes to your head.

Aug. 10 p Linda Faye Townsend, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 10 p   From the email bag:  Mike Gemind (Beartracker) of wallback passed away August 4th after a short bout with cancer, Mike leaves his wife Pauline, brothers Dutch,John,Bob, Pat and a sister Mary, many step children and grand kids, he will be missed by all.

08-08-08 p "There ain't nutin' to do around here", is often heard. Of course that's a bunch of gump. Check out our EVENTS page for great things to do including a big time yard sale Sat over at the campground and BC&G RR night at Summer Jam.

08-08-08 p  If that's not exciting enough, try a ride on the BC&G excursion train ride. Reservation number is 304 587-6055.

08-08-08  Too exciting? Try boating the Elk or fishing at Lake Sampson.

08-08-08 p Come visit  West Virginia's Best Kept Secret, Clay County.

08-08-08 a  Carl Wilson Sr gets planted today. Many think of him as a grouchy ole fart. Others know him as the guy that gave the establishment double H. For instance, Clay County's last strong power broker.

08-08-08 a  Back when Mr Wilson's funeral home was located beside the Clay Bank, Smith and Wilson went ot it  wild and strong and sometimes right on the sidewalk.

08-08-08 a Murray had this little game of parking his vehicle in front of the bank every time there was a funeral planned next door at Wilson's place. With Smith's truck parked there, the funeral procession could not be staged along Main Street.

08-08-08 a Wilson was not willing to put up with that crap, caught Smith outside just before the funeral and in strong Navy language, told the most powerful man in the county, either move that truck or I'll kick your arss across the street and not stop there. Murray Smith knew Wilson meant it. and moved the truck.

08-08-08 a Carl Wilson took on the strongest and arguably the most evil of Clayberry's bluebloods and won.

08-08-08 a I like that in a man. We need more of em. Carl Wilson Sr will be greatly missed. AW

Aug. 7 p  We've got the pico search engine working again on the home page. If you want to find postings from current or past news, type in your keyword and hit search.

Aug. 7 p Few in Clay understand the importance of growing tourism as a base for our future. When out of towners come to Clayberry they want to spend $$$ and we want it. Fresh new dollars into our struggling economy, that's what we need.

Aug. 7 p  This site and The Communicator started hyping tourism many years back. We mentioned the need for stores to be open on the weekends to accept those out of county dollars. We also floated the notion of street side food carts as a great way for individuals to get into business and do so cheaply. For just a few bucks, carts could be built and stationed around the downtown area offering up hot dogs, ice cream, lemonade, pretzels, shiny lumps of coal, and more.

Aug. 7 p We now have our first entry into the food cart business. Frank McCollugh is now open for business Wed thru Saturdays, 10 am to 7pm nightly. His location is that little grassy alley between the old Post Office and  Elk Hardware buildings.

Aug. 7 p  Complete with a table, awning and chairs, check out the killer BBQs and brats. With downtown Clay without a restaurant on the weekends, Frank's Hot Dogs is poised to make some real $$$.

Aug. 7 p  With one vender in place, we're ready for that mini park across from the Courthouse, a boat ramp for river access, benches and flowers. A snow cone stand would also be nice!

Aug. 7 a  Carl Wilson's obituary is now on the  OBITUARIES page.

Aug. 7 a Happy Birthday Carl Mark Neal

Aug. 7 a Clay Business Development Authority meets this evening at 5pm in the CCC room at the Courthouse. The posted agenda is a big long rascal. So far this year, accomplishments have been few... zero actually.

Aug. 7 a The Clay County Library remained closed Wednesday after the resignation of the Librarian Vicky Neely Tuesday night. For those that use the public puters, it's going to be a while.

Aug. 7 a  Wouldn't it be nice if the next librarian organized events and activities. If he or she hosted book readings or checker tournaments or Saturday morning movies in the basement.... how about horseshoe tournaments out back. Now really shooting for the stars, wouldn't it be nice if books were on the shelf in the correct location, or maybe some new books every once in a while, or a real pipe dream, a Summer Reading program with supplies, activities and  advance public notice.

Aug. 7 a Ever hear of Charles Willliam Showalter? A quick Google reveals an inventive guy wanting to develop modern power generation but on a miniature scale. His 2007 idea was to perch a horizontal power plant on a three connected barges along the Kanwaha River at Glen Ferris.

Aug. 7 a  Ms Showalter is meeting with CAEZ folks this Friday at 2:30pm to go over some of his ideas for Clay County. Sounds like the guy has an idea to generate electricity via a natural gas fired plant that would be small enough to fit on the old Filcon site. Just a guess clickers.

Aug. 7 a Three old guys are out walking.  First one says, 'Windy, isn't it?'  Second one says, 'No, it's Thursday!' Third one says, 'So am I. Let's go get a beer.

Aug. 7 a Country song titles: I'm So Miserable Without You It's Like You're Still Here ... My Wife Ran Off With My Best Friend And I Miss Him .... She Took My Ring and Gave Me the Finger ... She's Lookin' Better with Every Beer

Aug. 6 LATE p   Sadly, we note the passing of Carl Wilson Sr. Funeral details as we get them.

Aug. 6 p Last night the full Clay County Library Board held their monthly meeting, Must have been a dandy. Certainly a lengthy one! Based on the vehicles parked out front, at 9 pm they were still in session.

Aug. 6 p The sign on the front door this morning reads, temporarily closed. The meeting agenda, also on the front door makes mention of "personnel matters." Putting two and three together, we called Library Board Chair Timothy Hopkins this morning.

Aug. 6 p Although short with words, he at first would not comment on whether Librarian Vicky Neely was still an employee. A few minutes later he confided, during the meeting, after an executive session, Ms Neeley resigned her position of many years. Hopkins did not have a re-opening date for the Library but said another meeting of the Board is planned ASAP.

Aug. 6p At 10:15 this morning, with the Library doors locked, DHHR community service workers waited outside. One commented that no one told her the place was going to be closed today.

Aug. 6 a Martha Maxine Donohue, 82, of Clay, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 6 a Prayers extended to Carl Wilson Sr who was readmitted to the hospital Monday evening.

Aug. 6 a  College update:  Contractors are hard it getting the new college campus renovated on time. Money wise, things are looking up. During last night's early CAEZ meeting, announcement came that a $200,000 grant was secured to cover the cost of the repairs.

Aug. 6 a Fuel prices remain high. Last year the local school system spent an additional $78,000 in school bus fuel. Seven miles per gallons is the going rate for the big yellos. Are we switching to a four day school week to save fuel? No. Instead, leadership is considering fuel wasted while the buses set idling.

Aug. 6 a Back in the Spring, our Somber Super sent a letter out to all personnel that their jobs may be in jeopardy this year. The toughly worded legalese laden correspondence sent many calling the administrative office for clarification. During Monday night's regular school board meeting, all were rehired. Life is good once again.

Aug. 6 a Clay Town Council wants to build a new water plant to serve the needs of Roane County. $3 million came years ago for the project. The schedule called for bidding the new tech plant  10 years ago, then last Fall, then this Spring, and most recently, bidding the downtown Clay facility slated for this Summer.

Aug. 6 a To pay for the place, Council voted and received a 6% wa wa rate increase before the first spade of dirt is moved. That increase is now showing up on monthly statements and will be reflected on PSD wholesale customers as well.

Aug. 6 a With delays and inflation factored in, is that enough $$$ to pay for the place? No

Aug. 6 a During Tuesday night's Town Council meeting, word came from their CPA (Hi Angie),  once the bids come in on the membrane water plant, they will AGAIN look at water rates.   Council nor the Mayor made any comment on the alert and acted as if it went right over their heads. Ahhh, maybe it did.

Aug. 6 a Bigger plant paid for by Clay County so others can benefit.... Since there's little chance of our customer base growing in the next many years, there may be another option that would fit our needs.

Aug. 6 a Of the $3million allotted the project, why not just use the $2 million in grant dollars to upgrade the existing place and turn the loan dollars back in to wherever they come from. Don't say it can't be done. Last year the town used all grant dollars to upgrade booster pumps and pipes in the Maysel area to betters serve out of county customers.

Aug. 6 a Wifey comes back on Friday. After 10 days without her, the home front looks a little on the poorly side. Even with washing dishes, pots and pans every third day, bad stuff builds up in the sink, fuzzy green stuff grows in the jelly left setting out, and whatever it was the dog drug in last week, it's starting to smell.

Aug. 6 a  Ants have carried off most of the little stuff. Socks worn for three straight days start to get crunchy feeling.

Aug. 5 a  Bill Dunn is one of those behind the scenes people that comes up with  novel ideas. During the Small Town America Labor Day Celebration, there's a pedal paddle challenge complete with $400 first place prizes in three catagories.  The new event is Bill's idea. Check out the details on the home page button.

Aug. 5 a Also during the Celebration, 2007 Person of the Year Terri Lively has come up with a pretty cool event for the kids. Info on Pirates of the Elk is in the latest edition of the Communicator and now on our ADVISORY page.

Aug. 5 a Get those dog costumes ready, the Pooch Pageant returns Labor Day as well as a Twist Contest and Drive In Movies. Fun Fun Fun.

Aug. 4 a Valley Fork College Class offerings now posted over on the ADVISORY page

Aug. 4 a We mentioned Happy Birthday wishes to Hali Simmons yesterday. In response we received this email from a Gerald Simmons:  Could you ask the family of Hali Simmons if they are related to Norville Simmons (my father), 0r Jake Simmons, (my grand father) or perhaps my (great grand father), known as General Simmons?. All three are deceased

Aug. 4 a Who ever emailed the original birthday greeting (I tossed the email, sorry), if you want to respond, let us know and this web site will forward.

Aug. 4 a We've got a full week of public meetings coming our way. Tonight the school board meets with a big long list of rehires on their agenda.

Aug. 4 a A big long agenda awaits Clay Town Council which convenes Tuesday, 6pm at the Clay Water Plant. Also on Tuesday, the CAEZ Eco/Dev committee meets at 4 followed by the Full Board at 6pm.

Aug. 4 a If there's ever a good meeting to attend, the Business Development Authority meets Thursday at 5pm in the CCC room. Lets see now, so far this year they have accomplished.... a..... well.... Hmmm, as a matter of fact, they haven't even cut the grass at the old Filcon site!

Aug. 4 a From the email bag a follow up to the Mike Gemind request for letters last week:  Just a note to let your readers know that Mike has already received cards from friends and neighbors, All of his brothers and Sister would like to thank them and to let them know that we will all be staying with Mike's wife  Pauline to support her during this trying time, We are a little crowded in their house but love it down here,  Again thank you and your readers.      Mikes Brother ,   Pat Gemind

Aug. 4 a  During the weekend wrap up we mentioned the assault charges against Carl Fitzwater from a Thursday incident where he he and wife Janet paid a visit to a wayward ex Board member over his testimony during a civil case deposition.

Aug. 4 a Now we weren't there to see what happened but based on prior events, our guess is something did happened. Here's an example of a prior. A few years back we posted a picture of CDC secretary Janet Fitzwater feeding pigeons in the Rite Aid parking.  The picture caption alluded to Janet being fat without actually saying as much. A couple days later, 6 foot plus, hubby Carl, caught up with the ace cub reporter in the Go Mart parking lot. Carl was none to happy with the reference of both subjects being overfed. While we can't remember exactly what he said, it was something about mopping the street with that little bald head if we ever called Janet fat.

Aug. 4 a Always trying to be the ever productive husband, a wifey update. With the kid off the hill and wifey still working in Morgantown, Sunday was a perfect day for power washing the front and rear porches of the abode.  Always looks good for the returning spouse to see work accomplished in her absence. With shorts and flip flops on, all was going well until the spray nozzle whipped across the ace cub reporters big toe. Lesson one, where shoes when power washing. High pressure water will knock off a toe nail just like that!!

Aug. 4 a Don't be looking for any more of those beautiful red rose close up shots. Lesson two, power washers will flat out cut rose vines in half in the blink of the eye.

Aug. 3 p  Russell R. "Russ" Tanner, 63, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 3 p  Happy 10th birthday Hali Simmons

Aug. 3 p  can't forget to mention Cary S. Smith's birthday

Aug. 3 p Great big Birthday wishes to the one and only Avis Rose.

Aug. 3 p  While we're worrying about gas and food prices....

Aug. 3 p Think your money is tight, losses on mortgages and other loans have helped bring down eight US banks this year, including one small Florida institution on Friday. Last month, Indymac, a California lender with $32bn in assets, became one of the largest banks to go under in US history. It filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection on Friday.

Aug. 3 p New estimates show that least 56,000 people become infected with the AIDS virus every year in the United States -- 40 percent more than previous calculations, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Saturday.

Aug. 3 p And then there's the forgotten warriors. What's a few more..... There have been 4,441 coalition deaths -- 4,127 Americans, two Australians, one Azerbaijani, 176 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, one Czech, seven Danes, two Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, five Georgians, one Hungarian, 33 Italians, one Kazakh, one Korean, three Latvian, 22 Poles, three Romanians, five Salvadoran, four Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians -- in the war in Iraq as of August 1, 2008, according to a CNN count.

Aug. 3 p  And couple local notes..

Aug. 3 p Richard Snuffer is in the slammer after being convicted of Wanton Endangerment last Wed. Snuffer himself took the stand Wed morning and with his down home accent and matter of fact thinking, Boy did he sound convincing. Just shows, you can never tell how a jury is going to decide. See the latest edition of the award winning Communicator for the entire story, or at least a big chunk of it.

Aug. 3 p The biggy from the last seven days came Thursday  right after court room depositions in the Brenda Baird vs CDC wrongful termination and whistle blower suit. One time CDC Prez Frank Lane did what he's best known for, telling the truth.  Members of the family run Clay Development Corp team how important it is to keep everyone's mouth shut. They couldn't with Mr Lane.

Aug. 3 p Karl and Janet Fitzwater employed an age old tactic of persuasion, aaa  intimidation. They paid Mr. Lane a  visit with threatening words and promises of return visits.

Aug. 3 p Didn't work this time around for CDC brass, instead of cowering down, Lane called the law. Actually he had to call the law several times just to get one of the Badges to even call him back. Friday morning formal charges were finally heard. By mid day Carl Fitzwater was under arrest for assault. Magistrate Boggs did the honors and freed Fitz on a PR bond.

Aug. 3 p Since the lawsuit is a federal case, Carl & Janet Fiztwater may be in deeper trouble is Federal Witness tampering charges are successful. Real jail time involved then! See The Communicator for the opening volley of action

Aug. 3 p With the opening of August falling on a weekend, County Clay turned into yard sale central Friday and Saturday. When we talk about entrepreneurial  spirit and making our own money, we did it at week's end.

Aug. 3 p And, we finished the first week of life without wifey. True the ants are back, yesterday the kid wondered where all his underwear was hiding, and the five day old spaghetti is starting to taste crunchy, we made it without major incident  save that one nasty snapping turtle ...

Aug. 3 p Based on prior years' experience, with five more days to go until wifey returns, were doing better this time around. Some things we've learned: Bread doesn't turn green for several days if you put that little wire tie back on it;  if you flush the toilet once in a while, the flies aren't as bad;  dogs don't crap in your house if you just leave them outdoors; setting a loaded trash bag on the carpet results in maggots growing in just three days, and, get this, paper plates are much easier to deal with than ceramic ones. On that last note, If you don't put the paper ones in the trash can, ants, mice and flies still appear.

Aug. 3 p We're starting the new month, the last month of summer, and there's lots of public meetings this week. Stay tuned to this site for all the news and happenings in beautiful Clay County West Virginia.

Aug. 2 a From the email bag: Just thought it would be nice to let some of your readers know that Mike Gemind (Beartracker) of Wallback is in Thomas Memorial Hospt. in Charleston, and has been told he has terminal Cancer, he is my brother and loves his Clay County, Mike has always done carvings of the walking sticks and would love to gets some cards of encouragement so he can come home on his mountain top to die,   He said he didn't want to die in the hospital, the Doctors said they give him 2 to 3 months. My name is Pat Gemind his older brother in Florida, my Number is 1-850-287-4494 if you have any questions please feel free to call me or E-Mail me.  THANK YOU   Pat Gemind       4357 Catwba DR       Gulf Breeze, Fl. 32563

Aug. 2 a  In the latest edition of the Communicator comes an update on the lawsuit against super secret social service provider Clay Development. Depositions were taken on Thursday in the Commission room. There, Frank Lane, one time Board Chair, provided truthful responses to serious questions. Stuff like CDC employees not working full shifts, two sets of meeting minutes, bonus checks given the "family", and more. Telling the truth is not tolerated in CDC land. It makes them mad.

Aug. 2 a Later Thursday, it was time to straighten Frank Lane out with some good ole Clay County attitude adjustment. Janet Fitzwater, Carl Fitzwater and son made a visit to Mr. Lane's home and with potty mouth laced remarks, threatened Lane with bodily harm. Efforts to get Badge attention Thursday were not successful.

Aug. 2 a Friday morning Frank Lane finally did get their attention. Carl Fitzwater was arrested on assault charges against Lane and Marty Schoonover. He was released by Magistrate Jeff Boggs on a PR bond.

Aug. 2 a  Here's the kicker, Carl Fitzwater and for that matter, Janet may be in much deeper trouble. The case against CDC is on the Federal level. Intimidation, tampering with a Federal witness has a five year jail time sentence.

Aug. 1 LATER p   Jennings F. Canfield, 75, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 1 LATE p  Oh Yes we did! The Communicator made it out on time today. Included in this edition are the details leading up to the arrest of Carl Fitzwater for assaulting one time Clay Development Board Chair Frank Lane and Marty Schoonover.

Aug. 1 LATE p Go get your paper, it's worth the 70 cents.

Aug. 1 LATE p   Not sure if the county is going to survive the next four days. All three County Commissioners are heading out of town for racing fun and classes up at the Chester West Virginia horse track.

Aug. 1 LATE p We're going to have to pull together clickers to make a go of it!

Aug. 1 LATE p take some time and enjoy the weekend. Go fishing or biking. Hike with the family around Lake Sampson. Bring a lawn chair and take in the free outdoor music show, Summer Jam, Saturday night at 7.