August 2010
 

Aug. 31 a Last night Clay Fire Dept responded to a fire call in the upstairs of the old Seneca Grill building on Main Street. One young female was burned and transported to CAMC General via  helicopter. Eyewitnesses said that the young woman was on the mattress in the front apartment with fire all around her.

Aug. 31 a Around midnight, Badges were examining the scene.

Aug. 31 a  All of us have read about the salmonella outbreak across the country.

Aug. 31 a We've got an idea clickers.

Aug 31 a With most gardens turning to weed pits and the Farmer's Market all but done for this year, how about this Saturday, in the old Fas Chek parking lot, all you chicken keepers, bring your eggs for sale. How about an Egg Market.

Aug 31 a Even if you have just a dozen or two, get your cluckers clucking, bet you can sell them without any problem this Saturday morning.

Aug. 29 p   On this date:  Born 1809: Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (author);  Died 1877: Brigham Young (Mormon leader); Born 1915: Ingrid Bergman (actress); Born 1920: Charlie Parker (musician);  1957: As Sen. Thurmond's filibuster came to an end, he established a new record for the longest speech by one senator (24 hrs and 18 min.), and despite his efforts The Civil Rights Bill passed; 1958: United States Air Force Academy opened in Colorado Springs, Colorado; 1966: The Beatles perform their last concert as a group; Born 1980: Chris Simms (football player); Died 1982: Ingrid Bergman (actress)

Aug. 29 p  We had a marvelous last seven days clickers. In a nutshell

Aug. 29 p  Like those runny eggs? Better not.

Aug. 29 p County Commission met last week. On the topic of Lizemore Ambulance Service returning to operation. DOn't count on it. According to Slinky and a top WV EMS administrator, the group is being investigated by the Feds.

Aug. 29 p According to Regional EMS Manager March Tucker, the biggy's include:  The paperwork ain't being done; non allowed "public service" runs were being made; and,  there was NO tracking of controlled substances. Ahhh that last one is the biggy. From MArch Tucker: Bad care is NOT better than no care.

Aug. 29 p Look for Larry Darryl and Darryl to force a consolidation of the Clay County Ambulance Service and Lizemore in the near future

Aug. 29 p How much does it cost to build a new 911 tower? Answer: $231,893.40

Aug. 29 p Friday night in away game action the Panthers took it on the chin against Nicholas County. With an injury on the field (1/4back with concussion) in the final four minutes, both teams shook hands and headed for home with time remaining.

Aug. 29 p Little kids from all over were in the CCHS mini auditorium for the tiny tot Apple Festival pageant. Maybe the economy.. the number of participants was waaaaaaaaaaaaaay down.

Aug. 29 p Saturday was also special election day for the seat formally held by RObert C. Very few bothers to take part in the process or on election day.

Aug. 29 p Smokin Joe: 478 votes, Ken Hechler 134  Sherri Somebody 66

Aug. 29 p That makes about 678 Demorats out of the 4000+ in the county. That's one of the worst turnouts since the Town of Clay held an election and didn't tell anybody the date!

Aug. 29 p John Raese got the nod on the Republicrat side on the ballot with 163 checkmarks

Aug. 29 p Between Smikin Joe and Raese, that makes two Republicrats on t he ballot in Nov. Thank goodness Jesse Johnson from the Mountain Party will give us a choice.

Aug. 29 p With temps in the 90s, know what we did this weekend in Clay? We sat in the shade and swatted great big horse flies. Monsters!

Aug. 28 a  If you haven't looked at the weather report, no need to. Beautiful sunshine for the next three days.  A great time to come visit Clayberry.

Aug. 28 a This is election day to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Robert C Byrd. Most are predicting a very light turn out.

Aug. 28 a You vote counts. Get out and vote today.

Aug. 28 a  For the little girls around the county, today is a biggy. Today is the Apple Festival Pageant over at Clay High. All the ladies will be dressed up in their finest for the Judges.

Aug. 28 a Kim Adkins says over at tonight's Consignment Auction, there will be truckloads of good deals. Fun starts at 7pm

Aug. 28 a With streakers running down Main Street, it's a fine time to have Town Badge Chris Davis back on the job.  Back in the Summer Chris was chasing a bad guy, twisted his knee every which a ma way and ended up on Worker's Comp for several weeks. He's back on the job now.

Aug. 28 a Last night was the season opener for the Panthers. Let's not even talk about it. Better luck next week.

Aug. 26 late p  Clarissa I. Taylor, 87,  see OBITUARY page

Aug. 26 late Think those tainted eggs ain't in West Virginia? From the Charleston Gazette: Health inspectors with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture have found eggs involved in a massive recall in four stores, despite assurances from the federal Food and Drug Administration that no eggs linked to the salmonella outbreak were in the state. Recalled eggs linked to Hillandale Farms in Iowa were found in grocery stores in Scott Depot, Milton, Huntington and Eleanor, Agriculture Commissioner Gus R. Douglass said Thursday afternoon.

Aug. 26 a  Phillip Tottum Brown, 95, of Canton, OH, formerly of Lizemores, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 26 a Tonight Senate candidate Ken Hechler (6pm) and Lynnette McQuain (7pm) will be interviewed on 101.7 FM You can listen online by going to wyap.com and then click the blinking ON AIR button.

Aug. 26 a From the email bag: I Fished the Elk River ,and as I was Fileting I  noticed Egg Sacks and white parasite looking Creatures swimming in my Clean Water with the Filets ,How can Clay Draw people in on a Tourism Basis. I Was Born in Clay and  I am Fond of the Town,I Come to the Apple festival also. I'm not Fishing with the unhealthy Situation,Poor Elk Fish ,Some people say its the sewage that gets dumped in there by the Homeowners along the river and the feeder creeks !Some businesses are dumping sewage in the river ,I find this Digusting! .Will I come back and Fish ,not likely!

Aug. 26 a Thinking back on Wed's CCC meeting....

Aug. 26 a Over the weekend, the agenda said one thing and then by meeting time the Lizemore Ambulance discussion topic and item # 5, the vote to restore 911 service to the agency, well .. Poof!, both had mysteriously disappeared.

Aug. 26 a Someone emailed and asked why we just posted one side of the serious "problems" facing Lizemore Ambulance. It was one sided because no one from that service showed up for the meeting. It was as if they knew March Tucker was going to make public the numerous issues facing the non profit provider.

Aug. 26 a For those interested in all the rumors on an investigation into our wittle Sheriff, it was mentioned during Wed's CCC meeting. Slinky said the investigation into the gun confiscation would be listed on the next regular meeting agenda of the group.

Aug. 26 a How about something good for a change.

Aug. 26 a  Years back Fred Sampson told various groups of his pipe dream for the county. It was, is,  to have a long grass airstrip for military planes to practice landing. There is now a long range plan for a super highway (of sorts) to be built between Hartland and Rt 19 over in Nicholas County. In those plans is, you guessed it, a military training facility.

Aug. 26 a Yesterday Eco Dev Director Amanda Moore told the CCC that Clayberry has been chosen for some kind of WV National Guard facility on the Clay / Nicholas County line. Jobs. Service Industry, Possible local purchases.... Let's see if we can't blow this promising hope.

Aug. 26 a So has the Top Badge confiscated your guns. Maybe later told you he destroyed them. Or maybe, you ain't getting em back, or,  I am higher than God in this county!

Aug. 26 a Now's the time to write down what happened with as much detail as you can remember and forward those to Commissioner Mike Pierson ASAP. Phone calls won't help. Grow some gonads and put your story in ink and sign your name before mailing.

Aug. 25 p For this edition of The Communicator, Christina Foster provided a pretty good interview. Pick up a copy for the details.

Aug. 25 p During this morning's County Commission meeting, state EMS regulator March Tucker spoke on the MANY problems that have to be solved before Lizemore Ambulance is ready to roll again, if ever ready to roll.

Aug. 25 p Serious issues like not having control of the on board drugs on each truck was mentioned. Serious? The Feds are investigating.

Aug. 25 p As professionally spoken as possible, it sure sounds like, a new deal will soon be floated which could, may, probably, include consolidating the Clay and Lizemore agencies into one.

Aug. 25 o So much for quick ambulance service South of the Hartland bridge.

Aug. 25 a   On this morning's CCC agenda is an action item brought by Lizemore Ambulance Service. Those folks want the CCC to give the thumbs up for use of the county 911 dispatch service for the ready to restart much needed emergency response group.

Aug. 25 a Our guess .. Since the CCC is responsible for keeping the  Clay Ambulance Service afloat, the elected folks would be hesitant to allow competition between the agencies to continue.

Aug. 25 a With Delegate Margaret Staggers serving as Lizemore's Medical Director, Lizemore may get a nudge from the high level support.

Aug. 25 a A more complete write  up is in today's Communicator, your source for real news in the county of  little.

Aug. 25 a Summer has broke. It feels good to wear a long shirt in the evenings.

Aug. 24 p Communicator should be at area news stands around 4pm today. 20 pages of pure reading pleasure and priced cheap too.

Aug. 24 p  Early voting continues at the Courthouse. Tonight  Fred Sampson will be interviewing US Senate candidates Mac Warner 6pm; Thomas Ressler 7pm; and Scott Williams 8pm on non profit 101.7 FM

Aug. 23 p  John Akers, 54,of Indore,  see OBITUARY page

Aug. 23 a Grapes are ready for picking at RT Sizemore's Farm on Triplett Ridge. Laura Jane says the price is $1 per pound.

Aug. 23 a  Tonight the Sch Board holds  a special meeting in the Annex building. Town Council is also hosting a Special meeting in the old Chevy dealership building. Both start at 6pm.

Aug. 23 a Wed morning at 10 the Clay County Commission gets together for a public meeting. On t he agenda is the ready to roll again Lizemore Ambulance Service seeking OK to get back on the 911 Dispatch system.

Aug. 23 a Today is the first day back to school for all the little curtain climbers. Parents are breathing a sigh of relief as the kids say good-bye. It's quiet once again on the home front.

Aug. 23 a Early voting is now in progress for the Aug. 28 Special Election to select candidates for Robert C's senate position. as of Saturday, about 70 had voted. Sounds like a very light turnout is coming our way.

Aug. 23 a On this date:  Born 1912: Gene Kelly (dancer & actor); Died 1926: Rudolph Valentino (actor);  Born 1934: Barbara Eden (actress);  Died 1960: Oscar Hammerstein II (lyricist);   1961: Ranger I lunar probe launched;   1966: U.S. Lunar Orbiter 1 took famed photo of Earth from Moon's orbit;  Born 1970: River Phoenix (actor); Born 1976: Scott Caan (actor);  Died 2002: Hoyt Wilhelm (baseball player, first relief pitcher ever elected to the baseball hall of fame); Died 2003: Bobby Bonds (baseball player)

Aug. 23 a Forgot to mention something last week. Seven days ago depositions were taken in the Stump "I got the stuffins beat out me" Morton vs Black Shirt Robert Belt lawsuit. Held in the CCC room, thru the glass doors, looked like Commission Fran King was the one submitting testimony this time around.

Aug. 23 a We're working on the Communicator. Should be out sometime late on Tuesday afternoon. No web updates until we get that rascal to bed.

Aug. 21 a Don't bother walking over to the Clay High web site to see the 2010 Football schedule. Three days before schools open, it ain't there. We gleaned it from the WV SSAC site and it is now posted on the ADVISORY page.

Aug. 21 a Not sure if this is the current bus schedule or not but here's the info on the Clay County Schools web site. If it's out of date info, don't blame us, they're the folks with the $20m budget and tons of office staff.

Aug. 21 a There's scam going on. Emails are sent out to small newspaper free classifieds. The ad reads along the lines of: cute little puppies need a home.

Aug. 21 a We had one of em on our page. When you email or call the people they first try to sell the pets for high dollars followed by lower amounts.

Aug. 21 a No matter what the amount, you never get the animal and they get your money.

Aug. 21 a One local was duped by the ad before we found out about the scam. Sorry

Aug. 21 a Lets see now...

Aug. 21 a Xe, the private security company formerly known as Blackwater Worldwide, has agreed to pay a 42 million dollar fine.Wonderful. But, they made millions.

Aug. 21 a Five years after Hurricane Katrina destroyed more than 200,000 Louisiana homes, the state program established to help families rebuild still hasn’t paid out more than three-quarters of a billion dollars .

Aug. 21 a Do you consume Sunny Farms, Sunny Meadow, Wholesome Farms and West Creek eggs? Better read this.

Aug. 20 p Early voting now in progress. Get out and make your voice heard.

Aug. 20 p After 8 + years of democracy building, Iraq has an 80% unemployment rate for women, 60% for men, the only available jobs are with govt security forces, city water runs about 4 hours a day, electricity does even worse, their govt is corrupt, and American corporations operate on the bribe system.

Aug. 20 p  With all that success, American fighting forces are now leaving the ruined country. Now that's a success story!

Aug. 20 a Paul McMorrow, 96, of Duck, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 20 a For those with less than a high school diploma, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 13.8 percent during July. For those with a high school diploma but no college, the rate was 10.1 percent. For those with some college experience but no college diploma, the rate was 8.3 percent. And for those with an undergraduate degree or better, the rate was 4.5 percent. That's less than one-third of the rate for high-school dropouts.

Aug. 20 a The U.S. ranks 14th in the world, with 36.5 percent having a college degree. Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Slovak Republic, Sweden and the United Kingdom all ranked higher than the U.S.

Aug. 20 a    The U.S. has the eighth-lowest high-school graduation rate among the countries studied. The U.S. trails Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Norway, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Aug. 20 a Been to Clayberry recently? Weekend fun starts off with Cornhole Challenges followed by a PG-13 or less drive in movie at the radio Station. Lots of yard sales in progress. SAturday night auction in the old State Road garage at Two Run.

Aug. 20 a Saw a couple little girl's dressing up in long gowns yesterday. They said they we're getting ready for the Apple Festival pageant. A note from Connie Sizemore:  Clay County Golden Delicious Festival is now accepting applications for the Children's Pageant, which is held on August 28th, at the CCHS Auditorium.  Applications are available at Clay Furniture, Elk Power or may be downloaded from our website: www.claygoldendeliciousfestival.com.  Need more information contact Connie Sizemore at 304-587-4492.  Deadline is August 23rd.

Aug. 20 a Latest update on the Big Apple is now posted over in the ADVISORY page. Sounds like a good one coming our way.

Aug. 20 a  We're already receiving feedback from yesterday afternoon's post concerning back room secret meeting and the politics behind Clayberry. Remember, the comments on Assessor Lane's wanting her sister hired.... that was sworn testimony under oath.

Aug. 20 a anyway you look at it, that changes the gossip to something you can take to the bank.

Aug. 20 a Just love a court hearing!

Aug. 20 a On this date:  Born 1833: Benjamin Harrison (23rd U.S. president); 1882: The 1812 Overture debuted in Moscow;  Died 1914: Pope Pius X (religious leader); 1914: German forces occupied Brussels; Born 1931: Don King (boxing promoter); Born 1942: Isaac Hayes (singer); Born 1946: Connie Chung (journalist); Born 1948: Robert Plant (singer);  Born 1954: Al Roker (co-anchor and TV weatherman); Born 1956: Joan Allen (actress)

Aug. 19 p Sometime back the County Commission said they would accept and follow up on written complaints on the Sheriff. The issue was on the number of weapons confiscated by the Dept., not returned to the rightful owners, and lack of record keeping within the Dept.

Aug. 19 p Talked to Commissioner Mike Pierson this morning. He reported that he has only received one written complaint on the Sheriff's handling of the property.. He assured us that ALL written complaints would be dealt with.

Aug. 19 p How about all you folks that say the Sheriff has taken your property and refuses to return it ... it's time to put your complaint in writing and forward to Commissioner Mike Pierson

Aug. 19 p  This morning Judge Jack Alsop heard testimony in the lawsuit brought by the Sheriff against the County Commission. The issue was Top Badge wanting to hire a relative of an elected official and the CCC not allowing it due to a county nepotism policy.

Aug. 19 p Full details in the next Communicator but, after  a couple hours of back and forth, one thing is for sure, the whole enchilada stems from you guessed it, back room, top secret meetings, away from the public. For instance: CCC met with the Sheriff and tentatively gave the thumbs up for the hire BEFORE a public meeting on July 29th 2009.

Aug. 19 p For instance, In another secret meeting, CCC heard from Assessor Teresa Lane who was real miffed because Larry Darryl and Darryl refused to hire Lane's sister in the assessor's office.

Aug. 19 a Backroom politics are alive and well in Clayberry and once again costing us a fortune.

Aug. 19 p Thank you elected leadership of Clay.

Aug. 19 a A few months back the County Commission told the Top Badge he couldn't hire someone he wanted to hire. So miffed was the wittle round guy, he sued the CCC. Today Circuit Court will hear the opening volley.

Aug. 19 a Like to tell ya how many years the Youngs were sentenced. Can't. Yesterday mornings sentencing was delayed until Sept.

Aug. 19 a  The Communicator is delayed until Tuesday while we come up with another lead story.

Aug. 18 a Up in Ivydale we've got a new store open for business. according to Jessie Cottrell: We have finally got the Pioneer Mart open and will be adding new things each week.

Aug. 18 a Today is the first day back to school for teachers. Remember teachers, be sure to take all those bills and receipts for advanced classes and hand them to Kenneth Tanner for prompt payment. Monday night Tanner said there was $$ available to cover those expenses.

Aug. 18 a So you're not happy with the Pentagon paying for some advanced degrees and not yours? Mr Tanner says he hasn't received one complaint on the subject. Not one phone call or comment. Not one! How much of a chickenshirt are you?

Aug. 18 a After years of stealing , Tommy Young Sr and Jr will stand before the Judge this morning and be sentenced for their deeds.

Aug. 18 a We've got some news

Aug. 18 a Several weeks ago the Lizemore ambulance service shut down after their medical director quit. There were also Dept of Labor raised issues on improper payroll procedures.

Aug. 18 a Tuesday evening Lizemore Ambulance Director Christine Foster said the much needed emergency service provider is ready to roll again. She said all the hurdles have been cleared except one.

Aug. 18 a That one is an OK from the Clay County Commission to use the county's 911 dispatch service. Expect a formal request during next week's CCC meeting.

Aug. 18 a Now think about this readers.. the Clay Ambulance Service (operated by the CCC) is in financial straits and unable to make enough money to even pay current debt.

Aug. 18 a  If you could keep the competition away, even if it means delayed response times for those living beyond the Hartland bridge, would you? Bet it all comes to a head during the next Commission gathering.

Aug. 17 a William "Bill" Bryan Elliott, 89 , see OBITUARY page

Aug. 17 a  Delmer Russell Paxton, Sr., 69, of Wallback, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 17 a Finally something we excel in: According to MSNBC, West Virginia has made it to the top of a list. In 2009 West Virginia had the highest prescription drug use of all states.... The Mountain State also had the highest rate of prescription drug utilization the previous year .... Of the adult population in West Virginia, 12.3% have diabetes, more than 68% are obese or overweight, 27% are smokers, nearly 30% report poor mental health and nearly 20% report having a disability, according to the most recent statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition the CDC reports that 229,400 per 100,000 deaths in West Virginia were the result of heart disease, well above the national average of 190,000 ....  Full read here.

Aug. 17 a In the latest edition of The Communicator came commentary on how dismal the Clayberry school system did on the latest WesTest scores. School Super Tanner said the low scores were due to "raising the bar" during grading. Boardster Gene King said the scores were just plain embarrasing.

Aug. 17  a The Associated Press reported : West Virginia superintendent Steve Paine says students did better on this year's annual assessment test than last year despite tougher tests and stricter standards.... Paine told the Board of Education on Thursday that almost every grade level saw increased scores on nearly all sections of the test.

Aug. 17 a Uhhhhhhhhhhhh, we think  Boardster King was right.

Aug. 17 a We've got an election coming in just a couple weeks. Most have paid little attention to the process/ Not so with the local radio station where community activist Fred Sampson is hosting interviews with those seeking office. Like tonight for instance, you can hear what Virginia Graff (Congress) and Scott Williams ( US Senate) have to say. Full schedule on the wyap.com web site.

Aug. 17 a Last night's School Board meeting was interesting affair.

Aug. 17 a For instance, Jesse Stephenson was selected to be Asst Principal at Clay Elem two weeks ago. To hold that position he needs additional education. We've been reporting that Stephenson would receive a free educational ride at taxpayer's expense, something never before done in Clayberry for a regular ed teacher moving into administration.

Aug. 17 a  When School Superintendent Kenneth Tanner was asked that very question, he responded that other regular ed teachers have received a completely free ride to gain a masters degree (or endorsement, certificate). Clickers, that means we were dead wrong. Paying the Asst Principal's way was not a change of policy or another first for the Pentagon.

Aug. 17 a  He added: there is a critical shortage of qualified leadership, he's looking for applicants, and and and there is currently plenty of money to pay for others educational degrees.

Aug. 17 a So.......... for all you teachers trying to pay off loans for advanced certification, for those wanting to move into administration, and for those teachers that have already paid their own way to advanced degrees, take your receipts, bills, invoices over to Tanner for reimbursement.

Aug. 17 a For all the clickers that helped us locate a Pentagon agenda yesterday, thanks.

Aug. 17 a We asked about the illusive agenda last night. Czar Tanner said it was posted last Wednesday and something was just goofed up with the link.

Aug. 17 a Somebody tell Kenneth, there's a bunch more broken links on the school web site and those that do work, like the school menu and sports schedule page, it's time to get them up to date too.

Aug. 17 a Wed is the first day back to school for teachers. Next week the kids head back to the classroom.

Aug. 17 a Down in Procious is a two story stucco home right beside the road where the late Lucille Gillespie used to live. In her yard is a dust to dawn light that clicks on every night. Didn't last night.

Aug. 17 a  Turns out that light has been paid for by the Clay County Board of Education for decades. Yesterday it was shut off.

Aug. 16 p Tonight the Clay County Board of Education meets in the Standard Bryant Annex at 6pm.

Aug. 16 p Since coming to power, School Super Kenneth Tanner has been pretty good about posting public meeting agendas as required by law. When the Board office was called this morning, they said they posted the agenda last Wed. When we checked, nothing comes into view. How about it clickers, someone try the link and then go to the meeting agenda page and get back to me.

Aug. 16 p In yesterday's Charleston Gazette came a story on the notorious Gauley Bridge speed trap. In that article came mention of questionable handling of $$$.

Aug. 116 p Clay County's Jay Carper knows something about the out of control Badge brothers over on the Gauley. Carper says he was not speeding when he received the ticket. Instead of just paying the $150 he took it to Municipal Court where the local Mayor/Judge said guilty guilty guilty.

Aug. 16 p Not satisfied, Carper appealed the speeding ticket to the Fayette County Circuit Court. There, it was instantly dismissed. One problem, the Town of Gauley has not returned ANY of Carper's $$$. That's $150 in speeding fines plus an additional $150 in bond

Aug. 16 p Here's a prime example of the Charleston Gazette was alluding to in their front page article.

Aug. 15 late p  Alan Scott McNeiland, 47, see OBITUARY page

Aug. 15 late p Hello Lois Wilson.

Aug. 15 late p  Lots of interesting little things went on last week in and around Clayberry.

Aug. 15 p Charleston newspaper ran a follow up article on the owner of Golden Heart Senior Agency owned by Shida Jamie. The Feds have seized two of her properties. Sounds like criminal charges are coming.

Aug. 15 p   A Larch subject went wild in the Circuit Court last week. Bailiff Gene King sustained light injuries as he tried to restrain the normally docile fellow. Sheriff's want to strut around out on the roads but their number one responsibility is security and order in the court room. Seems to be some failings.

Aug. 15 p Word started spreading last week on yet another away from the public deal at the Pentagon. When someone takes a job requiring an advanced degree, the norm is for the applicant to pay for there own college credits. That's not the case for the new Asst Principal at Clay Elem who cut a deal to receive a free education at taxpayer expense.

Aug. 15 p By Friday afternoon Board members  were receiving calls from irate teachers who had to spend $1000s  out of  their own pockets.

Aug. 15 p Saturday morning a Farmer's Market was held in the Fas Chek parking lot. Instead of truck farmers bringing from afar, this time around, two locals showed up. One guy sold everything he had on the table and said he planned to plant additional crops next year IF the county planned to offer the market in 2011.

Aug. 15 p Air conditioners worked double duty. Lawns have turned to wire. With hot temps and super high humidity, tomato vines turned brown; flowers shriveled under;  ferns turned crispy; the last of the half runners were picked; and, the berries are all gone. Gardens look like a weed patch for the most part.

Aug. 15 p Parents hauled whiny kids about in search of school clothes.

Aug. 15 p Summer is about done for another year.

Aug. 15 p For those planning a trip back home before cold weather, don't forget, 101.7's  Small Town America Labor Day Celebration Sept. 4 thru 6 in downtown Clay and the Big Apple coming the third week of the Sept.

Friday the 13th a Last night Clayberry was treated to a bunch of heat lightning tearing across the sky  and a dazzling meteor shower. During the day, air conditioned businesses were all the rage. At Go Mart Clay, the windows fogged up from the cold A/C and 98 degree temperatures outside.

Aug. 13 a Most of us spectacle wearers spent time defogging the rascals with each trip outdoors.

Aug. 13 a Tonight there's a  Cash Bingo fundraiser at the Senior Center at Two Run in support of nonprofit community radio. Cold air conditioning, soft chairs, and a chance to win some jingle and prizes.

Aug. 13 a According to the CCC, the Health Dept's Beth Hubbard and Economic Development Director Amanda Moore are now hosting Saturday morning Farmer's Markets in the old Fas Chek parking lot. Trucked in from afar, it's still good produce and available near to home.

Aug. 13 a Be sure to check out the EVENTS page for all the other great offerings this weekend.

Aug. 13 a  Clayberry is a great place to visit and a better place to call home.

Aug. 13 a Received a few emails on yesterday's posting of  "requesting a right of way" by emergency service vehicles. One fellow cited the state code that requires motorists to pull over when the bright reds are flashing and the sirens are honking.

Aug. 13 a That posting came from County Commission discussion advanced by retired fireman Greg Fitzwater and confirmed by Kanawha County paramedic Larry Cole.

Aug. 13 a Got a real story developing....

Aug. 13 a Over at the Pentagon, for years, when a teacher took an out of the classroom job that required a Master's degree or some other kind of certificate or endorsement, the teacher had to pay the educational expense out of pocket. With the exception of some Title I (Sp Ed) advancements where the Feds paid for classes, everyone else had to pay their own way to keep or get the new position.

Aug. 13 a That appears to have magically changed since the last Sch Bd meeting where art teacher Jesse Stephenson was promoted to Asst Principal at Clay Elem.

Aug. 13 a The bid said the normal "Pending certification" phrase. Since the last Board meeting, new superintendent Kenneth Tanner has given the thumbs up for the taxpayer to cover the costly classes. That's a change of policy without a School Board vote.

Aug. 13 a We asked one Board member about the backroom deal and that member hadn't seen or heard a thing about the Stephenson pay out but would do some investigating.

Aug. 13 a When the Asst Principal job was bid, only a couple of applicants signed for duty. If it had been made known that by taking the job you would receive a free Masters Degree in Administration or at least an endorsement to cover the requirement, bet is, a bunch more would have applied.

Aug. 13 a As for all the other county teachers that have spent $1000s to qualify for a better job, they ain't happy.

Aug. 13 a  Kenneth Tanner has been at the helm just 43 days. The new Super is off to a rough start. First came the plan to rehire retired Somber Super Gillespie to fill a long term High School position at high dollar wages and now  a super sweet deal for just one of the 150 or so teachers.

Aug. 13 a  If you think it's been hot around the county.. bet it gets hotter today up at the Pentagon!

Aug. 13 a Get out and have some fun this weekend.

Aug. 12 a County Commission is getting back into the habit of holding private meetings before public meetings.

Aug. 12 a  Once underway, after several minutes of whispered huddling (finances and Lizemore, our guess), yesterday's County Commission meeting lasted less than 45 minutes. It's easy to have a short meeting when the "toughy" items are worked out ahead of time.

Aug. 12 a One snippet: With the Clay Ambulance Service flat broke, the CCC voted to hire two new employees. Larry Darryl and Darryl agreed it would be cheaper to use part time employees rather than over time for full timers. There was no mention of service and the number of cutbacks endured by the full timers.

Aug. 12 a Discussion included use of siren and lights by emergency responders. In a nutshell: those red lights and noise are a request for road right of way,, simply a request. Also, when they're going above the speed limit, the operator can be held responsible for accidents.

Aug. 12 a For our out of the area clickers, an excerpt from the Charleston Gazette:  Federal authorities have moved to seize two properties belonging to the owner of a St. Albans in-home health-care provider under investigation for Medicaid fraud, alleging that they are the proceeds of illegal activity.  In April, authorities raided the Golden Heart In Home Care LLC's St. Albans headquarters and branch offices in Clay and Montgomery, seizing records and shutting the business amid allegations the company illegally used dangerous felons as caregivers and falsified training records.Two months later, prosecutors issued Golden Heart owner Shida S. Jamie a target letter, indicating that she could face criminal charges stemming from the probe.  On Friday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Betty A. Pullin filed a complaint against two of Jamie's properties, asking a judge to give the government permission to seize them. The properties include Jamie's Parkwood Road home in Charleston and a 1.3-acre lot on Graff Lane in Quarry Creek. The complaint analyzes Jamie's bank records and tax returns, and concludes that she must have used allegedly illegal proceeds from her business to pay for the Quarry Creek property. Because she used her home as collateral when she bought the property for $175,000 in October 2008, it is also subject to forfeiture, according to the complaint......

Aug. 12 a   Cyber criminals have raided the accounts of thousands of British internet bank customers in one of the most sophisticated attacks of its kind.

Aug. 12 a Do you use the food stamp program to get by? That program which serves 41 million was just cut by $12 billion and Yelp, Republicrats were in on the vote.

Aug. 12 a  During the Dubya administration, Americans lost many of their civil rights. That loss includes the right to an attorney, the practice of a judge issuing "warrants", and free speech to talk about the whole affair. There is now one guy that can talk about the experience.

Aug. 12 a Has been much talk about the BP disaster. Here's one:  Key evidence on one of the world's worst oil spills could soon be in the hands of the leading suspects as BP and partner contractors are set to start salvaging the wreckage of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig.

Aug. 11 a After five days of vacation time in the Smoky Mt's, we're slowly getting back in the grind.

Aug. 11 a County Commission meets this morning at 10 am. Not sure if they will discuss it in public but...

Aug. 11 a The Clay County Ambulance Service is flat broke. From having a $200,000 surplus a couple years back, after payroll, it's more than all gone plus there's still a bank loan to cover.

Aug. 11 a With the closing of Lizemore ambulance last month, Clay Ambulance is all that's left to serve our emergency needs. One sure way to cut back on manpower is to offer emergency runs only.

Aug. 11 a  Give us a couple days to post all your classifieds etc.

Aug. 11 a Beth Hubbard emailed to say there will be another Farmer's Market this Saturday in the Fas Chek parking lot.

Aug. 6 early a Happy Friday. Yesterday thunderstorms moved thru the county Thursday afternoon leaving many without electricity.

Aug. 6 early a The Communicator is all buttoned up and ready for delivery Friday mid day. Coverage includes the planned B&O tax talked about by Clay Town Council. Just a mention on this site brought this email:  The Body Odor tax would take a lot of time, effort and expense to finalize. There would have to be a creation of a commission, director, an office staff, all incidentals like heat, light, water, all office supplies.  All these people and things would have to be paid from tax collected. This would not only affect the people living in Clay but everyone who comes to Clay for goods and services because all business and service providers would have to raise prices to cover the cost of the tax.  Would there be any amount of money left after all salaries and expenses are paid?  Or is there to be a "grant" adding to the federal government deficit?

Aug. 6 early a Tons of stuff going on around the county this weekend.

Aug. 6 early a Basket Bingo fundraiser for the Library. Cornhole and free movie (PG 13 "Signs") at the radio station.

Aug. 6 early a Don't forget the first ever official Farmer's Market in the Fas Chek parking lot.

Aug. 6 early a YArd Sale deals on nearly every corner.

Aug. 6 early a Check out the EVENTS page for details.

Aug. 6 early a After six years of volunteering, donating every Saturday of Summer, the ace cub reporter is taking the next 5 days off. He's heading to the Mountains. No internet. No cell phones. No nutin'

Aug. 6 early a You're on your own clickers. Good luck.

Aug. 4 late p Around 5 pm Thunder boomers and heavy rain ripped thru the county. Power blinked off repeatedly as the rain continues.

Aug. 4 late p We're in typing mode as we put the latest Communicator together for your edification. No updates until sometime Thursday afternoon unless we're getting washed away, then everybody, you're on your own!

Aug. 4 p Braxton County Fair is now in progress. The fellow the organizes the local lawnmower racing is handling the riding lawnmower olympics Thursday night during their fair. 7pm start time.

Aug. 4 p Clay's BDA meets Thursday at 5:30pm in the CCC room at the Courthouse. The posted agenda calls for a vote on officers and an "economic director". With heads being scratched, might make for an interesting public meeting.

Aug. 4 p  With several business owners in attendance, the notion of installing a  business and occupation tax on town merchants came before Town Council last night. Local owners and managers put it very clear, we are barely getting by and an additional tax may be the final nail in the coffin for many.

Aug. 4 p Mayor Brown and others thought just taxing construction projects would meet the approval of locals. Didn't happen. That same new B&O tax would affect all when doing any kind of construction like reroofing.

Aug. 4 p Not sure the resistance stated had much affect on our elected folks. The plan is to refer the matter to an attorney and then bring it back to Council for a vote.

Aug. 4 p Council  made no plans to cut back expenses nor even knew how much $$$ they needed to generate from the B&O tax.

Aug. 4 p  Town Badge Chris Davis attended the Council meeting. With a leg brace in place and recuperating well from injuries suffered during a foot chase with a bad guy a couple months ago, Davis plans to return to work in a few weeks. Full details in Friday's Communicator

Aug. 4 p  Deadline for submitting chatters, notices, classifieds, articles is this afternoon around 5pm. Email today and see you in the funny pages.

Aug. 4 early a   Too seepy to provide the updates from the School Bd, CAEZ, and Town Council thoughts on implementing a B&O tax on struggling local business.

Aug. 4 early a Instead of doing a proper posting, spent the evening watching web cams like....

Aug. 4 early a Outside it is hot, sticky and yucky. Walk over to Iceland for a look at a coooool  town, an ice melt and a glacier. Use the little buttons on the Iceland map on the left. Very refreshing.

Aug. 4 early a When you're tired of hearing about  our clumsy local yocals, head over to Amersterdam for a look at civilized life. If you turn up your speakers you can hear em talking.

Aug. 2 late p   Tuesday evening the CAEZ meets at 4pm and again at 6pm. Clay Town Council meets at 6pm in the old Chevy dealership building.

Aug. 2 late p a A few years back Town Council considered enacting a Business and Occupation tax on the municipality. As soon as the public found out a vote was coming, many showed up and voiced their views. From the public, in a nutshell: The few remaining businesses are barely making it and any new taxes will kill us.

Aug. 2 late p Back then Council listened and tabled the ludicrous idea.

Aug. 2 late p On the Aug. 3rd Council agenda is an action item to implement a B&O tax.

Aug. 2 late p There are less than 50 businesses left in the town.

Aug. 2 late p Remember its a business and occupation tax. Do you live in town? Do you shop in town? Do you work in town? If the answer is Yes to any of the above, a B&O tax will affect you

Aug. 2 late p  The usual ploy from Council is to say:  We don't have any money. We need more money; and it's a very small tax & we'll only apply the tax to the large businesses like Go Mart or Foodland.

Aug. 2 late p  Any additional taxes equals higher prices.

Aug. 2 late p  Sorry for the short notice but it may be time to attend a Council meeting.

Aug. 1 late p Clay County's  School Board meets Monday at 6pm in the Standard Bryant Annex building on Gump Street. Big long two page agenda is posted (even with the time this time) on the school web portal. Public meeting and much more lively these days!

Aug. 1 late p Charged with meth production, Jamie Morris busted his bond last week. His buddies in the caper, John Amos Morris and Kenneth Crites also returned to jail on Sunday.

Aug. 1 late p Does anybody else think it's interesting that all three are back behind bars? Next step is a revocation of bond hearing. Then, maybe then, would be the forfeiture of bond hearing. That's what everybody is wanting to see isn't it? Thought so.

Aug. 1 late p Summer is really just getting started but for many, the count down has begun.

Aug. 1 late p After just a few weeks of summer break, kids are now restless. A few weeks back, June 8th for instance,  they were so fired up as they zoomed out on the last bell. Without structure, not seeing their buddies, few social activities, they're ready to get back to school.

Aug. 1 late p Moms are draggin the little darlins around for back to school clothes shopping.

Aug. 1 late p It's just around the corner.

Aug. 1 late p Although berries are still producing, with each new tomato turning red, more of the leaves are turning pale orange.  Plants are drying up. Fern ends are curling under. Peaches are firming up as more leaves are hitting the ground. Grass is toughening up and feeling more like wire under bare feet.

Aug. 1 late p Just 5 weeks into the season, we're ready for the change.