AUGUST 2012
  • Aug 31  7pm

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    West Virginia State Police Issue Statement on the Passing of Trooper Eric Michael Workman

     

    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. - It is with deep sorrow that the West Virginia State Police reports the death of Trooper Eric Michael Workman on August 31, 2012. Trooper Workman was critically wounded on Tuesday, August 28, 2012, when he and Corporal Marshall Lee Bailey were shot during a traffic stop along WV Route 36 just off of Interstate 79, Exit 34 - Wallback/Clay, in Roane County, West Virginia. Corporal Marshall Bailey died at the scene. 

    Trooper Workman enlisted in the West Virginia State Police on January 10, 2011. He was assigned to the Grantsville Detachment upon graduating from the West Virginia State Police Academy and had been recently transferred to the Clay Detachment. Funeral arrangements are pending. 

    Trooper Workman's family would like to inform the public that he is an organ donor. It is the family's sincere hope that even in his death, his selfless service to others will continue by providing others an opportunity to live a fruitful life. 

    "Trooper Workman was an outstanding young man with a promising future. It is unfortunate his life was cut short by this senseless and cowardly act. Our prayers continue to be with his family and friends. I am overwhelmed by the support the West Virginia State Police family is receiving during this difficult time."   - Colonel C. R. "Jay" Smithers

    "I met with Trooper Workman's family earlier this week, and I can honestly say without a doubt, West Virginia lost a very brave young man this afternoon.  Joanne and I have held this family and the entire West Virginia State Police family in our prayers, and we will continue to pray for them in the days ahead.  May God bless the men and women who wear the uniform and whose mission it is to protect us all."  - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin
  • Aug. 31 a For the workers at Fola Coal, the largest employer in the county, it's their last day on the job. The place is shutting down. With our manufacturing and steel jobs mostly oversees, there is little demand for the black gold.
  • Aug. 31 a  The ripple effort will be huge. Every Mom and Pop store in the county will feel the results of 300+ men not buying on a daily basis.
  • Aug 31 a Saturday's Labor Daly Celebration has been canceled.
  • Aug. 31 a Tonight the Clay High Panthers take on Braxton County in away action. Go Panthers
  • Aug. 31 a The local radio station plans to broadcast all five home games plus tonight's match up and Nicholas County. Yesterday 101.7FM purchased additional broad band capacity meaning, up to 100 people can listen online with those nasty breaks, buffering, jerks, and stops in audio. That new capacity ain't cheap.
  • Aug 31 a For those listen in online on a  regular basis, it's an all new link as of Thursday evening. Translation: you have to go to their web site click on the listen online button and select the new "stream", and then bookmark it for future use.
  • Aug. 31 a  The non profit station needs on air sponsors to make the live coverage possible. For $50 you get your name, company name, and message mentioned at least four times during each game plus during the work week when volunteers are behind the mic.
  • Aug. 31 a Can you help get our kids' good deeds on the air? Email YAP radio with your info at wyap@frontiernet.net
  • Aug. 31 a We have said much about locally grown Trooper Eric Workman who has been listed in very critical condition after the Tuesday evening shoot out at Wallback.
  • Aug. 31 a With no chance of recovery due to his spine severed and listed as an organ donor, it's our understanding that the process of removing the life giving organs has begun.
  • Aug. 31 a Last night a candle light memorial service for the fallen and injured was held in front of the Courthouse. Our guess, over 500 people attended the event. In small town America, we still show our respect during such times.
  • Aug. 31 a With beautiful weather, the county tried to connect with reality and get in front of the senseless loss of life. With kind words and good songs, the vigil helped. We are not over the loss , for family and friends they will never get over it,  but we needed something to help us over the hump.
  • Aug. 31 a With a ball game tonight, Marshall Bailey's funeral set for Sunday in the Civic Center, and Eric Workman's coming, we are slowly climbing back to  some kind of normalcy. It will take time.
  • Aug. 30 a   Janet McKenzie comments over on the ADVISORY page are well received
  • Aug. 30 a  42 years ago on Oct 5th, in Clay , Trooper Donald Swartz was killed in the line of duty while serving domestic violence papers. The write ups and rememory of the man and events are scant.
  • Aug. 30 a The Communicator is determined that future generations will have a complete accounting of this loss. Our next edition will include as much information on the Aug. 28th tragedy , Troopers' Bailey and Workman lives, and follow ups, as we can pack in it.
  • Aug. 30 a Please email your comments for publication before Monday at 5pm.    There has to be a written record of these dark days for future generations. Thanks
  • Aug. 30 a Delta Communciations, The Communicator and this web site are proud to be serving County Clay. On Aug. 28th 10,951 clickers came here for up to the second reporting. On Aug. 29th, 16,388 walked over here for  first hand information from the County's only locally owned and operated news. source
  • Aug. 30 a Details are coming out. The Charleston Gazette confirmed yesterday that drug addicted killer Luke Baber has been handcuffed in the front instead of the much safer , behind the back, position.  Also, the High Standard 9 mm pistol had been hid in the groin area. It was Bailey's service weapon that was taken and used during the final stand off where another officer was wounded and Baber killed.
  • Aug. 30  Both Bailey and Workman were shot from behind in the head, neck.   Baber was killed during a barrage of bullets from several police officers after an initial shotgun blast.
  • Aug. 30 a  Other police agencies are handling local duties while  the Sheriff's Dept undergoes an investigation. FYI: that's normal procedure for any agency after weapons are used on duty.
  • Aug. 29 late p There is a Clay County Candle Light Vigil scheduled for Thursday evening at 8pm in front of the Courthouse. Attending would sure be a nice thing to do.
  • Aug. 29 late p 101.7 FM's Labor Day Celebration has been canceled according to their web site.
  • Aug. 29 late p SERVICES FOR CORPORAL BAILEY ARE AS FOLLOWS: A VIEWING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COWORKERS WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2012 FROM 1:00 P.M. UNTIL 6:00 P.M. AT GATENS-HARDING FUNERAL HOME IN POCA, PUTMAN COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA. AT THE REQUEST OF CORPORAL BAILEYS FAMILY AND DUE TO THE LIMITED SEATING AND PARKING AT THE FUNERAL HOME, THE WEST VIRGINIA STA...  POLICE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY PAY THEIR RESPECTS AT THE FUNERAL SERVICES ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2012.   FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD AT THE CHARLESTON CIVIC CENTER ON VIRGINIA STREET IN CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 AT 2:00 P.M.   THE CHARLESTON CIVIC CENTER CAN BE ACCESSED OFF OF THE VIRGINIA, LEE AND WASHINGTON STREET EXITS OF INTERSTATE 64
  • Aug. 29 late p During the Gov's 3pm press conference today, in addition to making public the loss of Trooper Bailey, the other Trooper's name was made public.
  • Aug. 29 late p Locally grown and raised Eric Workman is in CAMC in very serious condition. Eric was a star football and baseball player thru his college years before becoming a State Policeman in Jan 2011.
  • Aug. 29 late p Hanging on with life support help, prayers and get well wishes extended to Mr Workman, family, and friends.
  • Aug. 29 late p Can't help but think about long time locally station Marshall Bailey. Maybe it was his down home common sense or his ability to figure out the situation real quick, or maybe because the guy took part in the community from ball games to the Watershed Assoc, he was  a well received gem of a law enforcement man
  • Aug. 29 late p Just before his death last night, he was employing those years' of experience as he investigated and questioned the Luke Baber suspect thru 911.
  • Aug. 29 late p Thinking back, Bailey told the ace cub reporter why he quit smoking. He said he wanted to be around a long time to play ball with his kids.
  • Aug. 29 late p Thinking back, it was always Bailey that was cool headed under stressful times. Like during the Guy Dwier shooting, while many other local Badges were beside themselves, Bailey maintained a cool head and arrested the shooter.
  • Aug. 29 late p  Common sense, good personality that knew how to smile, and a straight talker, good traits hard to find in today's world.
  • Aug. 29 Noon:55  From the official State Police Web site, Marshall L. Bailey is named as the Trooper killed in the line of duty last night. From their site:
  •    Trooper Marshall Bailey was shot and killed after he and another trooper stopped a vehicle for reckless driving at the commuter parking lot adjacent to I-79, in Clay County, at approximately 8:30 pm.  The subject had been arrested and placed into the back of a patrol car when he was able to get out of his handcuffs. He then drew a concealed handgun and shot both troopers inside of the vehicle, killing Trooper Bailey. After climbing out of the vehicle he shot a tow truck driver who had been called to the scene to impound his car.

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    The man then fled on foot and setup an ambush in a ditch. Approximately one hour later he opened fire on a Roane County sheriff's deputy who was searching for him, wounding the deputy in the arm, hand, and stomach. The injured deputy was able to return fire, killing the subject.

    Trooper Bailey is survived by his three children, his brother and parents.

    Please contact the following agency to send condolences or to obtain funeral arrangements:

    Colonel C. R. "Jay" Smithers
    West Virginia State Police
    725 Jefferson Road
    South Charleston, WV 25309

    Phone: (304) 746-2100
     

  • Aug. 29 p Noon:30  A news conference is scheduled for 2:30 today with the Gov. TV-8 is web streaming the press conference. Here's the link to TV-8 if you're on a high speed connection. The Gov's announcement lists the conference for 3pm.
  • Aug. 29 p Clayberry is walking  a little slower today. Talk is in quiet tones. It's a sad time
  • Aug. 29 p Details are very sketchy and mostly speculation for now. The CHarleston Gazette web portal is reporting in part: .... At about 8 p.m. Tuesday, the two State Police troopers conducted a traffic stop at the park and ride with the suspect. The driver of the wrecker truck was also at the scene, Baylous said. At some point during the traffic stop, the suspect pulled a gun and shot both troopers and the truck driver, Baylous said. The man then fled the scene on foot. When police officers found him, they and the suspect engaged in a shootout, Baylous said. Baber was killed, and a Roane County deputy was wounded.
  • Aug. 29 p The wounded Roane County Deputy is John Westfall, THe TV-3 web site adds:  ... When the suspect was arrested and put in the back of a cruiser, the man grabbed a gun and shot both troopers inside the vehicle, according to police.... Investigators say the suspect got out of the cruiser and then shot a tow truck driver who was called to the scene to pick up the suspect's car. "The suspect's vehicle was being loaded onto a tow truck and the suspect had been placed under arrest, Captain R.D. Stonestreet, WVSP said. "He was in the cruiser. Somehow he managed to get out of his handcuffs or something and actually shot the troopers. Then he climbed outside the car and shot the tow truck driver."
  • Aug. 29 p  There is a debriefing meeting for all emergency responders  set for today at 1pm in the NH Dyer Health Dept building on Main Street
  • Aug. 29 p Although both Troopers' names are scattered throughout blogs, neither name has been released officially.
  • Aug. 29 p Police always handcuff behind the back. How could a guy get free or handle a pistol? Where did the weapn come from?
  • Aug. 29 p If in the back of a cruiser and the cruiser had the standard "cage" divider, how did he get out of the car?
  • Aug. 29 p  It's a somber day in Clay
  • Aug. 29 a It's very sad time in the County. Last night two good state policemen came under fire with one losing his life  in the line of duty. For the families and friends of the Trooper, we send our heart felt condolences. The second officers remains in critical condition and fighting for his life.
  • Aug. 29 a What really happened will take some time to put together. We listened and took notes as did most of the county as transmissions came across the 911 scanner. Those fast paced exchanges  filled the air for less than 45 deadly minutes.
  • Aug. 29 a  Check back later today for the best we can piece together.
  • Aug. 29 a Clayberry mourns
  • Aug. 28 11:55pm  from State Police Spokesman Michael Baylous: Earlier this evening, a member of the West Virginia State Police was shot and killed in the line of duty following a traffic stop near I-79 in Clay County. Another member of the West Virginia State Police was seriously injured. A civilian tow-truck driver also suffered injuries.      Following the initial shooting, the suspect fled the scene. The suspect traveled a short distance before a Roane County Deputy Sheriff located and engaged him. The suspect and the deputy sheriff exchanged fire. In that exchange, the suspect was killed and the deputy sheriff sustained non-life-threatening injuries.     "The thoughts and prayers of the West Virginia State Police are with the family of the fallen Trooper and with those who were injured," said State Police spokesman First Sgt. Michael Baylous. "We will be releasing further information as it becomes available."
  • Aug. 28 11:10pm TV-3 confirmed that the second State Police officer had died as a result of the shooting this evening.
  • Aug. 28 10:15 pm TV - 11 confirmed that one State Police officer was dead.
  • Aug. 28   NOTE: Various emailers sent messages that the 11:10 TV  report was not correct. That's the first good news this evening.
  • Aug. 28  9:08  Scanner listeners could hear rapid fire of shots. And, " Suspect is down...   OFFICER DOWN !!!!!"    Unit 1 "WHERE YOU AT???"
  • Aug. 28 9:08pm  "WE HAVE ANOTHER OFFICER HIT and the suspect is down"
  • Aug. 28 9:08 pm Unit 1 "ANOTHER TROOPER IS DOWN"  Unit 1:  SEND THAT CHOPPER BACK TO THE LZ
  • Aug. 28 9:08pm  "Right across the road from where we was at. HURRY!"
  • 8:45 pmBE ON THE LOOK OUT  for a white male, 200 pounds, blue eyes, covered with blood.  Armed and dangerous according to Unit 1.  Last seen in the Wallback area.
  • Aug. 28  Sounds like to State Police officers were with a white silverado truck which was stolen after the truck had been traveling at a high rate of speed around 7:30pm. Both State Police men were shot as was a tow truck driver at the Wallback Park & Ride.
  • Aug. 28  Responding to an after 4pm call, Unit 1 said on the scanner that one officer's weapon was missing and all to consider the guy armed and dangerous.
  • Aug. 28  8:15 pm  "TWO OFFICERS DOWN SEND AN AMBULANCE"
  • Aug. 28
  • Aug. 28 later p Afternoon post edited. re read please
  • Aug. 28 28 p Beautiful Tuesday afternoon in County Clay. Lots of sunshine and blue sky from wall to wall.
  • Aug. 28 p It's football time at Clay High. The local radio station hopes to sportscast all five home games plus two away matchups (Braxton this Friday and Nicholas). TG Griffith and Scott Gibson are the sportscasters .
  • Aug. 28 p To get the games on the air the non profit station needs sponsors. $50 is the asking donation. For the $$$ you and or your company gets mentions during each game and during the week when volunteers are working the mic.
  • Aug. 28 p How about it clickers? It's time to get our kids' names mentioned doing their good deeds. Email: wyap@frontiernet.net  or call 304 587 7586 when someone is there.
  • Aug. 28 p Go Panthers.'
  • Aug. 28 p Also on 101.7FM, their doing a Labor Day Celebration this Saturday night. Want to make some money? They need a concessionaire. Church group, school group, scout group.. might make a bunch of $$$ selling hot dogs, pop, and munchies.Call the station if you're interested.
  • Aug 28 p How about some screw off stuff whle you're sitting their not working...
  • Aug 28 p Here's Bob Seeger and Tom Cruise.
  • Aug 28 p Last week we linked some great 50s music.  How about another peek at some beautiful Detroit Iron put to those tunes. Thanks NB
  • Aug 28 p For those wondering, there ain't much going on in Clayberry.
  • Aug. 26 a Yesterday the BC&G RR Co Op held their quarterly meeting. Election of officers was held. Elizabeth Sampson was elected Bd Chair replacing outgoing Jerrold Murphy. Hubby Fred was selected to hold the 1st Vice President position.
  • Aug. 26 a  The interesting part of the gathering was the discussion on what wasn't on the agenda, the JG Bradley Campground.
  • Aug. 26a The CAEZ holds the lease on the place but the BC&G use to operate it. Use to
  • Aug. 26 a Earlier this month, after questioning of the CAEZ Director, it became public that the CAEZ had closed the county's only camping facility. They closed it.
  • Aug. 26 a During this meeting, only after questioning, BC&G leadership announced they had pulled out of the place at the end of May.
  • Aug. 26 a During those minutes of discussion, you could see the  rift in the ranks.
  • Aug. 26 a Planning on camping out during the  Big Apple? Ain't going to happen at the JG Bradley Campground.
  • Aug. 26 a It's going to take us some time digest what happened during the meeting. Like...
  • Aug. 26 a The vote was made and passed to convert the for profit group (organized to set up and operate a tourism train ride) into a non profit historical and preservation society dedicated to rekindling good times in and around Widen West Virginia.
  • Aug. 26 a For those wondering, the BC&G has right at $230 in their general operations account. Other funds like the brick memorial account are separate and remain intact.
  • Aug. 25 a Last night was the season  opener for the Clay High Panthers.
  • Aug. 25 a The band looked good, sounded good, and was bigger than Roane County's outfit
  • Aug. 25 a A big Clayberry crowd showed up in support of the Panthers
  • Aug. 25 a First half action went our way with an early TD.
  • Aug. 25 a Second half, well, it wasn't quite as good.
  • Aug. 25 a Roane County barely sneaked passed us, 20 something to 6.
  • Aug. 25 a Don't get all upset. It's a new coach, staff and team. Go Panthers
  • Aug. 25 a Check our EVENTS page for stuf to do this weekend.
  • AUg 25 a  Peewee Football schedule on ADVISORY page
  • Aug. 25 a From the late Red Skeleton , on his wife....
  • Aug. 25 a Two times a week we go to a nice restaurant, have a little beverage, good food and companionship. She goes on Tuesdays; I go on Fridays
  • Aug. 25 a  I take my wife everywhere, but she keeps finding her way back
  • Aug. 25 a  We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops
  • Aug. 24 a Tonight is the season opener for the CHS Panther Football team when they take on Roane County. With a new Coach and lots of new kids on the team, the excitement builds. The first several games are away. Complete schedule over on the ADVISORY page
  • Aug. 24 a  Saturday at 11 am the Buffalo Creek and Gauley Railroad Co Op meets  in the Clay Development Corp building on Main street. Election of officers is  the main event but those around the county are wondering if the group will also vote to reorganize , disband, or make other changes.
  • Aug. 24 a IF you're interested in a surface miner and driver certificates, see ADVISORY page now.
  • Aug. 24 a Just to our North, Weyerhaeuser is hiring. See JOBS page
  • Aug. 24 a How many of you  clickers know the other verses to the Star Spangled Banner. Here's a great YouTube video  for those with a couple extra minutes while on company time. Thanks JC
  • Aug. 22 late p Mildred F Scott, see OBITUARY page
  • Aug. 22 a How would you like to have your property taxes increased 550%? That's what happened to David Butler last year. The guy owns 7000 acres that the State Tax Dept determined to have no coal underneath but the tax burden went up to  $89,923 from $14,429
  • Aug. 22 a It took core drillings and more than one trip from his home down south but Butler and his partner were had their tax burden rolled back during Wed's Commission meeting.
  • Aug. 22 a Don't think the Commissioners were feeling all benevolent or something. The State moneybaggers had already mandated the decrease but failed to follow thru during Feb's Board of Review month.
  • Aug. 22 a Have you checked your tax statements? Might be a good thing to do.
  • Aug. 22 a As for the new, costing out the wazoo 911 Dispatch Center, no opening date has been set. While they wait, training continues
  • Aug. 22 a   According to Delegate Dave Walker, State Road folks have acquired the needed right of way around the "slip" on Dundon Road and repair work will begin in 30 days or so.
  • Aug. 22 a For those of us in favor of legalizing pot....   A Yale study published Tuesday in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that people who used alcohol or tobacco in their youth are almost twice as likely to abuse prescription opiate drugs than those who only used marijuana. Find out more.
  • Aug. 22  a   This morning the County Commission holds a monthly meeting at 10 am
  • Aug. 22 a  The Communicator made it out the door Tuesday afternoon. 24 pages of what's really going on in County Clay. Included in this edition is the letter penned by the County Commission to Sheriff What's His Name letting the guy know, you ain't getting any more money.
  • Aug. 22 a Cool mornings and moderate temps and humidity. Great weather and time to come visit our humble wittle county.
  • Aug. 22 a Last night the Business Development Authority convened a special meeting at the Courthouse. The small band elected Roger Hanshaw as the new Vice President and announced the the Mike Boggs lawsuit against the group had been dismissed by a Kanawha County Judge. Time will tell if Boggs, a one time BDA member refiles the suit in this county.
  • Aug. 22 a  Pesky Mike Boggs wanted the Courts to straighten out the economic development group and compel them and the County Commission  to do things like follow open meeting law and their own by laws.
  • Aug. 22 a How silly in the Great Nation of Clay!
  • Aug. 20 late p  No updates until we get Clayberry's newspaper out the door sometime Tuesday afternoon.
  • Aug. 20 late p Melissa Ann “Missy” Parsons Browning, 46, of Clay, see OBITUARY page
  • Aug. 20 a School Board meets tonight at 6pm. And Yelp, we've got a new principal for Big Otter Elem. Here's the link.
  • Aug. 20 a The Business Development Authority is holding a Special meeting Tuesday evening. The County Commission hosts their second meeting of the month Wed morning.
  • Aug. 20  a  Be a part of the solution, attend public meetings.
  • Aug. 20 a  Saturday evening, over at the local Go Mart, a fellow was telling another that he heard electric service would be off Sunday morning.
  • Aug. 20 a Sure enough, Sunday morning, the juice was gone.
  • Aug. 20 a For those using breathing machines, oxygen generators, and such, sure would have been nice to have some advance notice.
  • Aug. 20 a Last week we posted that Jay Carper filed  a big lawsuit. We forgot to mention that he's asking for $4,000,000.00 for mental anguish, lost earnings, and loss of his good standing in the county.
  • Aug. 20 a Carper's  attorney is Hiram Lewis.
  • Aug. 20 a During the last couple weeks, this site has had problems uploading info to the web.  We thought that maybe there had been a hack of some kind. After a web host cleansing, wrong!  Turns out, we're using an old old Netscape composer for updates and it had become corrupted. A new install seems to have corrected the problem. Thanks for your patience
  • Aug. 17 a  Happy Friday morning to one and all
  • Aug. 17 a Just received notice of a special BDA Board meeting slated for Tuesday Aug. 21 at 6pm in the CCC room. The agenda calls for action on selecting a BDA  VP, new signatures for the checking account, and an update on the Mike Boggs lawsuit brought against the group last year. Mark your calendars. Should be a good meeting.
  • Aug. 17 a Tonight is a Clay High scrimmage game over at Schoonover Bradley stadium
  • Aug. 17 a For an evening of dance and music, head over to Big Otter Community Center
  • Aug. 17 a  Jay Carper use to be the county Sanitariun and is a registered nurse. Carper was fired from that position about one year ago accused of accessing porn on the Health Dept computer systems.
  • Aug. 17 a  As a civil service employee, Carper has rights to appeal the Board's decision to axe him. With  the recent filing of Circuit Court papers, our guess, Carper has exhausted those civil service hearings and moving into the public arena
  • Aug. 17 a  One time Health Dept employee Jay Carper  is alleging wrongful termination and violations of whistelblower act provisions. He notes that on various occasions, while employed, he caught people doing things they weren't suppose to be doing and as a result of that, he was fired.
  • Aug. 17 a He's suing the Clay County Board of Health, the Clay County HEalth Dept, one time Director Nancy Cottrell, Bd Chair Nancy McLaughlin,, one  time director Linda Klotzbach, medical director Leela Patel, Delta Communications and the ace cub reporter
  • Aug. 17 a You get those last two? Carper says this web site and The Communicator are purveyors of rumor and innuendo. Back then we said stuff like Dumb Dumb Dumb.
  • Aug. 17 a Gosh if rumors are unlawful, heck, this entire county would be in trouble!
  • Aug. 17 a Can''t help but remember what Obama De Bama said to a group of reporters a couple years ago:  "Never forget that our country depends on you to help protect our freedom, our democracy and our way of life,"
  • Aug. late p  Oakey Collins, 106, see OBITUARY page
  • Aug. 16 late p  If you're looking for the Clay High Football schedule on the school system web site, you're going to have a tough time finding the complete list in one place. From the WV SSAC web portal, the CHS 2012 schedule is now posted over on the ADVISORY page.
  • Aug. 16 late p The Clay Middle School Football schedule isn't available yet according to the WV SSAC site
  • Aug. 16 late p  We're all tied up with local stuff and getting by. We sometimes forget there's a war going on. From the AP web site: July was the deadliest month for our troops in Afghanistan this year. Getting out of that place can come none too soon.
  • Aug. 16 late p Ever hear of VanDevender Middle School? Neither have we ...
  • Aug. 16 late p Putting the boys in one school room and the girls in another has landed one West Virginia school system in court.
  • Aug. 16 a  First the important stuff...
  • Aug. 16 a The kids are back where they belong, school
  • Aug. 16 a In the great scheme of life, nothing is more important than juicy sweet watermelons. Big thanks to Mr Ramsey and the Amish farmers in Ohio for growing delicious watermelons, the fruit of the gods
  • Aug. 16 a Now on to the hum drum stuff
  • Aug. 16 a Three weeks ago, Town Badge Miles Slack resigned from duty. During Tuesday's meeting, the Mayor said they may be able to keep Slack as a part time Badge with pay coming from general funds.
  • Aug. 16 a In attendance, Black Shirt Chris Legg applied for the full time Badge position previously held by Slack. Legg continues  day time duties in the Sheriff's Dept.  Legg said he preferred to work as  a part timer for the Town but full time was fine. Legg added that he was tired of sitting at home evenings and weekends with little to do.
  • Aug. 16 a That extra free time is a result of our wittle Sheriff stopping all law enforcement shifts after 4 pm daily and Zilch on duty on weekends
  • Aug. 16 a With Council going behind closed doors for discussions, we skidaddled the meeting not knowing the decision.
  • Aug. 16 a Our guess, both Slack and Legg were hired for Badge duties.
  • Aug. 16  a The Town's wa wa plant project has been stalled for two years after the contractor walked off the job. The lawsuits continue in Circuit Court.
  • Aug. 16 a According to the Mayor, a new contractor will be hired at the end of this month when bids will be opened. Note: If you were a contractor bidding on an unfinished job, wouldn't you want the engineer to sign off on what has and hasn't been completed? Ain't going to happen clickers. Instead, the newbee contractor has to bid on what he's guessing is done and up to specs.
  • Aug. 16 a Tom Dawson runs a body shop at Two Run when the Town's sewer system doesn't exist. Several years ago, the sitting Mayor promised sewer service to both Dawson businesses.
  • Aug. 16 a Never happened
  • Aug. 16 a  During the Aug. 14th Council meeting, the Mayor informed Council that Mr Dawson is threatening to sue the town if high speed log removal service doesn't come his way soon.
  • Aug. 16  a  The only sewer system in the county is operated by the Town.
  • Aug. 16 a WOuld you feel peed off if you knew that the School system has buildings hooked on to the log service and isn't paying their fair share?
  • Aug. 16 a It happening according to Log Plant operator Ric Triplett.
  • Aug. 16 a Eyebrows went up when the guy said told em that the pool, field dressing rooms and concession stand aren't being charged for usage.
  • Aug. 15 a This is the last morning the little twerps can sleep in. Thursday is the first day back to school.
  • Aug. 15 a  Town should be packed today between noon and 1pm with the final words and ceremonies on the life of RT Sizemore taking place at the funeral home followed by the Lion's Club building. See Obit page
  • Aug. 15 a  Public meetings are suppose to be a time when taxpayers find out what's going on and participate. In Clayberry, leaders have a habit of covering up and keeping quiet what's really going on. That practice is one of the main reasons we're so far removed from the real world. There's nothing pretty about the practice.
  • Aug. 15 a There's a couple reasons why not so public meetings happen.
  • Aug. 15 a There are those agencies which deliberately keep a thumb on info. One example of that is the County Commission which hold all there discussions in secret
  • Aug. 15 a Another scenario applies to the agencies that meet infrequently and just sort of react to what happens. The reaction (decision) is often too late and inadequate.
  • Aug. 15 a Under either of those situations, public meetings are often boring as H or worse, eyebrow raisers.
  • Aug. 15 a Last night the Clay Town Council met for their public meeting. During this session, a bunch of the public's business came out in the open.
  • Aug. 15 a It's going to take several posts to provide the coverage but in the way of an opening volley.
  • Aug. 15 a Bev Whaling received a huge wa wa bill last month. Instead of a normal amount, around 6000 gallons for her family, the bill showed usage of 34,000 gallons and a correspondingly huge dollar amount.
  • Aug. 15 a Whaling showed up to protest the bill. Good! More should!
  • Aug. 15  a Before the meeting, Blondie Bev gathered information like her water usage totals for the last 18 months. According to the official records, turns out, her water meter had NOT been read for months.
  • Aug. 15 a Whaling told the elected body that dirt was piled on top of her meter and it had been that way for months. With egg on their faces, Council agreed to reduce her bill to the same amount used last July, 2500 gallons.
  • Aug. 15 a Doesn't that sound fair and reasonable, the organized professional thang to do? Got better clickers
  • Aug. 15 a After Whaling left the room, Council , Mayor, realized the correct monthly usage (for June) should have been 5900 gallons. When Whaling finds that out, watch the poop hit the fan.
  • Aug. 15 a Also after she left, Council and employees tried to figure out what the heck was really going on. Full coverage in the next Communicator.
  • Aug. 15 a Do you pay attention to your water bill? Do you notice if the meter is actually read or "guesstimated? You should. This isn't the first time meters have been estimated for months on end. Complaints have come in for decades on the practice.
  • Aug. 15 a More Town Council meeting updates coming this afternoon
  • Aug. 14 a We've got two rescheduled meeting this afternoon.
  • Aug. 14 a The Library Board meets at 4:30 followed by Clay Town Council at 5pm.
  • Aug. 14 a Take your pick. Both should be interesting to watch.
  • Aug. 14 a  Last night the Clay High Football strutted their stuff during a freebee public invited scrimmage game. Quite a change from the last several years where very few kids showed up for play.  Our guess, this year, around 50 on the team. Nice change and nice start for the new year. Go Panthers!
  • Aug. 14 a Last night, 11:02pm, over the scanner, "We have an intoxicated female laying in the roadway on Ovapa Road."
  • Aug. 14 a Summertime, you can't beat it!
  • Aug. 14 a On this date in history: 1935: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act
  • Aug. 14 a Rich Republicrats having been fighting since then!
  • Aug. 14 a  A fool and his money are soon elected. - Will Rogers
  • Aug. 14 a Any American who is prepared to run for president should automatically, by definition, be disqualified from ever doing so. - Gore Vidal
  • Aug. 13 p We note the passing of one of Clayberry's most colorful people, RT Sizemore. See OBITUARY page
  • Aug. 13 p Today is the first day back for teachers. They had to sit thru the opening volley of Pentagon leadership, this is going to be a great year, we're here to help the kids, and Blah Blah Blah
  • Aug. 13 p Big Otter Elem Principal Pam Mullins has left the building and is now seated at the Pentagon handling management of the small fries.
  • Aug. 13 p  With an opening at the county's newest school, behind the scenes the scramble is on for a replacement.
  • Aug. 13 p Tonight is the opening scrimmage game for Clay High football action. Under a new Coach, it's a new year, hopefully a winning year!
  • Aug. 13 p Mae West: Between two evils, I always pick the one I haven't tried.
  • Aug. 13 p Mae West: Give a man a free hand and he'll run all over you
  • Aug. 13 p Rodney Dangerfield: I had plenty of pimples as a kid. One day I fell asleep in the library. When I woke up, a blind man was reading my face.
  • Aug. 13 p Rodney Dangerfield: I have two good looking kids. Thank goodness my wife cheats on me.
  • Aug. 13 p  George Carlin: Always do whatever's next
  • Aug. 13 p George Carlin: Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things
  • Aug. 13 p George Carlin: Frisbeetarianism is the belief that when you die, your soul goes up on the roof and gets stuck
  • Aug. 13 p Dr Seuss: Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened.

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  • Aug. 11 late p  While you're sitting there playing on the internet, here's a cool steam engine You Tube video on what Clayberry could have but  doesn't. Thanks Mike R.
  • Aug. 11 a Don't forget the Farmer's Market this morning for fresh, close to home, produce and flowers.
  • Aug. 11 a The big rain the weather predicamentators called for , didn't happen last night. Good.
  • Aug. 11 a  What does a thick husk on ears of corn mean? In weather folklore, if corn shucks are thicker or tougher than ordinary, a rough winter may be ahead.
  • Aug. 11 a  The phrase "Dog Days" refers to the hottest days of summer. The Old Farmer’s Almanac lists the traditional timing of the Dog Days: the 40 days beginning July 3 and ending August 11, coinciding with the heliacal (at sunrise) rising of the Dog Star, Sirius. The rising of Sirius does not actually affect the weather (some of our hottest and most humid days occur after August 11), but for the ancient Egyptians, Sirius appeared just before the season of the Nile's flooding so they used the star as a "watchdog" for that event. Since its rising also coincided with a time of extreme heat, the connection with hot, sultry weather was made for all time.
  • Aug. 11 a Last night an emailer asked how Exede Satellite Internet was doing for the ace cub reporter. Here's the update
  • Aug. 11 a During heavy rain and for about 10 minutes after the bad weather, internet stays down.
  • Aug. 11 a If you're thinking of "gaming" online with Exede, forget it
  • Aug. 11 a If you purchase directly from Exede, you have to agree to up front direct debits from your checking account. If you buy thru Dish TV, you can continue to write a check each month.
  • Aug. 11 a Cost for Exede is $50 per month plus a $10 per month lease fee for the modem.
  • Aug. 11 a Exede only allows you 7.5 gigs of internet usage per each 30 day period. If you're not a downloader of movies, music and such, 7.5 gigs will do OK.
  • Aug. 11 a The promised 12 meg download speed and 6 up, is bologna.
  • Aug. 11 a What you you get is closer to 5 megs down and 1 meg up. For many Frontier customers, Exede speeds are several times faster than the best days of using Frontier
  • Aug. 11 a  All in all, of you can't get Suddenlink, and with Frontier DSL unable to get their act together, Exede may be a good fit.
  • Aug. 11 a If you want to check your DSL speed, here's a good stand alone checker without bias.
  • Aug. 10 a With big rain predicted for today and tonight, the CHS scrimmage games and festivities scheduled for this evening has been changed to Monday evening
  • Aug. 10 a The school system web site has the back to school schedule online right here.
  • Aug. 10 a This is the last weekend before school gets underway. Where did Summer go?
  • Aug. 9 a They're still in bed.
  • Aug. 9 a Or even worse, they're laying on the couch with a cell phone in one hand and the remote in the other with a bag chips at the ready.
  • Aug. 9 a Dirty socks, sneakers spewed on the carpet along with a t shirt and cap.
  • Aug. 9 a Relief is in sight parents, guardians, grand parents. One week from today , those snot lickers will be back in school  Horaaay!
  • Aug. 9 a   On a related note, parents caught waterboarding kid.
  • Aug. 9 a  “If we continue with business as usual this century, we will drive to extinction 20 to 50 percent of the species on the planet,” One of the species may be us.
  • Aug. 9 a  Why do we say "Make no bones about it"?   This saying means to state a fact in a way that allows no doubt. Bone originally referred to a die used in gambling games.
  • Aug. 9 a How high is the Rock of Gibraltar?  The Rock of Gibraltar is a limestone and shale ridge which rises out of a peninsula to 1,380 feet at the northern end and 1,396 feet in the south.
  • Aug. 9 a When were license plates first used on cars? New York state was first to require auto license plates in 1901.
  • Aug. 9 a And something real important!  What is the average number of quills on an adult porcupine?  The average porcupine has about 1,300 quills.
  • Aug. 8 p Oooooops We told you wrong in the morning post. The County Commission meeting was not held this morning. It has been rescheduled for Thursday morning at 10 am. We goofed
  • Aug. 8 p The latest Communicator is stuffed full of great reading. everything won't fit. Like the latest update on one time member Mike Boggs trying to straighten out the BDA thru the courts. Here's an update from the West Virginia Record.
  • Aug. 8 p
  • Aug. 8 a County Commission meets this morning at 10am. On the posted agenda is confirming an Ambulance employee getting "terminated."
  • Aug. 8 a Still problems with adding homepage pics.
  • Aug. 8 a In the latest Communicator, the big lead story is coverage of an afternoon in court with Judge Ric Facemire on the bench. Pretty good reading on a number of Clayonians heading to prison.
  • Aug. 7 late p  We're still trying to recover from some kind of web site crap.
  • Aug. 7 late p While we're able.....
  • Aug. 7 late p Happy Birthday to the Warden over at Clay High
  • Aug. 7 late p The Communicator made it to news stands earlier today. Some pretty good reading for those interested in what's really going on in the Great Nation of Clay.
  • Aug. 7 late p For those making plans for the Big Apple Fest, don't include the JG Bradley Campground as a place to lodge over during the four days of fun. According to CAEZ Director Connie Lupardus, the place is closed down. She also told her Board during Tuesday's meeting that she hadn't talked to BC&G folks recently.
  • Aug. 7 late p Still having trouble with the home page. No picture additions until we get that page squared away.
  • Aug. 7 late p Sorry
  • Aug. 5 a We've got several weeks of warm weather left this season. However, we're about out of time off.
  • Aug. 5 a For kids and teachers, there's just one week left of summer before another year of failing to educate begins again.
  • Aug. 5 a Our $20m a year school system's web site is devoid of front page info on when rug rats  have to report for duty.
  • Aug. 5 a For those wondering, kids' first day back to prison is August 16th.
  • Aug. 5 a After a few days of travel under our belts, can't help but realize how dismal our future really is. For instance...
  • Aug. 5 a The rest of the world realized the importance of tourism in economic development decades ago. They went to work making towns, roads, grassy areas look nice and inviting. They put up quilt trails, printed maps directing tourists towards roads which provide the most scenic bang for the buck, and  realized one biggy. Tourism bucks make a big difference in a local economy.
  • aug 5 a Here in County Clay, the CAEZ has been talking about "scenic byways" for five years without results.  The county has paid for five studies / reports with each noting the need for attractive store front signs, flower pots, and park benches without, NOT ONE, effort toward that end. Our Business Development Authority has not made one effort in 2012 to grow summer events in this county.
  • Aug. 5 a Maybe worst yet are the many local business owners so dead on their ways, they refuse to clean windows, put up banners or an American flag, add flower pots, or even sweep the sidewalk in front of the store.
  • Aug. 5 a All along, the County Commission, the people we elected to lead the whole place, continues spending every penny they can get their hands on to build another government castle.
  • Aug. 5 a We get exactly what we deserve.
  • Aug. 4 a  Among the many things we didn't' get to Friday, we forgot birthday greetings to Avis Hill. It's never too late to provide a Happy Navel day wish.
  • Aug. 4 a If you think there's a post coming this morning, WRONG.  The balding reporter is back to goofing off in some far off land.
  • Aug. 3 late p  Frances Anna Drake, 77, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page
  • Aug. 3 p After a couple days of R&R in Lexington Virginia, we're trying to get back in the groove
  • Aug. 3 p Want something to do?
  • Aug. 3 p There's a car show today between 4 and 8pm at the radio station parking lot. Concession sales benefit the CHS Twirlers and Flag Corp. Car Show donations go to the CHS We Care Club.
  • Aug. 3 p Not done yet... How about some good music and dance up at the Big Otter Community Center. Tonight's band is the Summer's Fork Bluegrass group. Fun begins at 7pm
  • Aug. 3 p Beautiful evening to be out and about in County Clay.
  • Aug. 2 a Parents are buying back to school gear, with th beginning of th nw month, fresh govt mony is flowing, full moon time, we're making it thru the last of the summer and time before schools reopen in just two weeks.
  • Aug. 2 a Sadly, thugs busted out windows at H  E White Elem Tuesday evening sometime.
  • Aug. 2 a The Mel Gibson look alike and the warden are away celebrating their 31st year of wedding blitz... I mean, bliss.
  • Aug. 2 a  While gone, no new pics on the homepage and limited updates
  • Aug. 2 a Where did the phrase "beating around the bush" come from? ANSWER    This phrase means to avoid talking about the main point of something. Well-to-do hunters used to hire "beaters" to beat the bushes to arouse game birds so that the hunters could shoot them. This may be the origin of the expression.
  • Aug. 2 a On this day in history:  1939: Albert Einstein wrote a letter to President FDR explaining the possibility of an atomic bomb, thus marking the beginning of atomic weaponry; Died 1876: Wild Bill Hickok (frontiersman);  1886: The Oleomargarine Act established the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) laboratory system;   Born 1892: Jack Warner (the man behind the development of Warner Brothers Studios); 1909: The Lincoln Cent was issued to replace the Indian Head Cent;  Died 1922: Alexander Graham Bell (inventor);   Died 1923: Warren G. Harding (29th U.S. president);  Born 1924: Caroll O'Connor (actor)
  • Aug. 1 a From start to finish, July was a rough month for many. Storms removed 20th century conveniences often. High humidity drained our strength. Thank goodness it's over.
  • Aug. 1 a Birthdays this week include Linda McKinney, Dawn Whitely, and the aging gracefully in place, Larry Jones who turns 700 this Saturday.
  • Aug. 1 a  Let's do some catching up
  • Aug. 1 a Monday evening the County Commission convened a public hearing to vote on 911 Ordinance changes.
  • Aug. 1 a The ordinance was implemented while Jimmy Sams was on the CCC. It came to replace the old $25 ambulance service fee. Sams broke the mold and made sure the new $2 per month telephone bill fee was voluntary.
  • Aug. 1 a Since then, the $2 / month tax has brought millions to the 911 account at the Courthouse. Those funds are suppose to be used for one purpose under strict WV PSC guideline. Remember "suppose to be" for direct emergency service needs.
  • Aug. 1 a  Monday night Team Larry Darryl and Darryl changed the ordinance to allow a local dispatch center to be used.
  • Aug. 1 a Under questioning, the CCC said the $2 fee will remain voluntary.
  • Aug. 1 a One only one Badge on duty last night, it was a crazy night listening to the 911 scanner
  • Aug. 1 a Before dark the Badge was called to task to break up a domestic where two were engaged over "yard sale items"
  • Aug. 1 a Just after dark came a call on a drunk lady sitting in the middle of Valley View Drive Road near Queen Shoals.
  • Aug. 1 a Either instance could be touchy. One Badge, without a side kick , very dangerous situation. We can thank our Sheriff for such conditions.
  • Aug. 1 a Have you been home watching Corporate Olympics?
  • Aug. 1 a The sanitized production is keeping much of the news away from the watching public.
  • Aug. 1 a Like, did you know that 1000's are protesting the games held in London?
  • Aug. 1 a Like, This time around, few are in attendance. It's so bad, Corporate organizers are paying kids, soldiers, to fill the arena seats and make things look prosporous for TV viewers.
  • Aug. 1 a Like, NBC leads you to think what you're watching is in real time. Truth is, results are already in and the gold has already been awarded. Internet users know the results before TV watchers even get the hype that the next event is coming.
  • Aug. 1 a Speaking of internet service.....
  • Aug. 1 a So fed up with Frontier DSL service, the ace cub reporter switched to satellite service by Exede, the old Wild Blue company.
  • Aug. 1 a Exede's sales pitch promises 12 megs down and 6 megs up. Compared to Frontier DSL, that's outstanding.
  • Aug. 1 a But, sometimes those sale pitches ain't true.
  • Aug. 1 a After 6 days with Exede, upload and download speeds are waaaay less than half what's promised. Still faster than Frontier some of the time, if you don't like the service, too bad. Customers are hooked to a 2 year contract. You can't get out! Be warned clickers.
  • Aug. 1 a For rural America, there are no good answer for 21st century internet service.

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