2024 Primary Election

   Election results by precinct were released Wednesday by the County Clerk. The whole list is 17 pages and is available from Sheila Stone at the Courthouse. Down below we have those results for the local races and Levy.
   I you are wondering what area is what precinct number, we have that info over on the ballots page.
   For us lounge chair politicals, it's interesting to read what precincts were won or lost and by what margins. Take a gander it's on the house!
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And the Winners Are!!

   By 10pm the ballots had all been counted on May 14th. The 15 Provisional ballots are not counted but we don't see a race where any real change could happen. So
Our two new Magistrates are Scott Bass with 757 votes and Wesley Armes in Div 2 with 606 marks. Both are currently employed thru the school system which means, two new hires must be found.
   Two years ago the public sentiment was, throw em all out. Back then three long term School Boardster incumbents were tossed aside. For 2024, the last of the incumbents (David Pierson and Susan Bodkins) were removed from office. Our two new School Boardsters are Mike Mullins with 927 votes and Aaron Williams with 938. Incumbent Susan Bodkins came in dead last in this contest.
As for the School and Library Levy votes, both passed. School Levy 1094 to 835 against. Those in favor of the Library Levy 1128, against 874. That School Levy count is an indication of how much faith with have in the Superintendent Phil Dobbins and the reconstituted School Board.
   2070 voters marked ballots this year out of 5245 registered voters. 1092 Repubs cast a ballot to 869 Demorats.
The actual count by precinct was not released Tuesday night. As soon as they are made public we'll post here.
Congratulations all!

That's the actual counting machine where every ballot could be seen during the count. From there the totals were placed on a jump drive....

and taken to the tally computer to be made official

Pd by candidate

Spring 2024 Ballots

Excess Levy Update Phil, Turf, Hot spots.....

Early voting ended Saturday May 11th. Right at 750 voters marked their ballots during that 2 week period. The normal is for early voters to make up almost 50% of the total ballots cast. Adding two and three, we come up with around 1700 total ballots marked when the dust settles. That's a pretty poor showing in anybody's book.
Mail boxes have been packed full for the last 6 weeks. Colorful shiny mailings have made printers rich while emptying many a wallet. Ditto for TV ads every three minutes. It will be nice to get back to normal after the May 14th Election.
On a local level... our roadway have lots of Spring color compliments campaign placards every three feet.
If you play close attention, you will see the candidates for office either working hard or just thinking: I don't have to campaign, everybody already knows me. Of course, that last part, that's BS
Traditionally, those seeking office gather after the polls close, rub bellies, tell stories, and talk as if they know what voters will do. That all changes as the first results come in and are read over the Courthouse PA speakers. Things change.The place gets quiet. Many in attendance start writing down the vote counts by race.
Sometimes things get heated. One year incumbent Commissioner Jimmy Sams got belly butted by challenger Barbara Schamberger out on Courthouse Square. Often there's finger poking and yelling.
According to our chief election officer County Clerk Sheila Stone, things won't be the same this year at the Courthouse May 14th. This will be the first year of voting electronically. Other than military and absentee ballots, everybody will make their marks via touching a puter screen.
With over 700 ballots already in, we haven't heard one complaint on the process.
Instead of releasing the vote count precinct by precinct as they come in, NO results will be made public until the last precinct is counted. That will take away a bunch of election night fun.
One candidate for office told us that some surrounding counties will continue the tradition of announcing results as they come in.

This social media site posting was sent over to us March 21st 2024 around 3:30
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Feb 18 2024    Lots of folks lament, how can things in County Clay get worser? Well, it might just do that after the election.
   Long time, experienced, Circuit Judges Ric Facemire and Jack Alsop will both be off the bench with Alsop not seeking another term in office. Our remaining Judge Mike Asbury is just learning the ropes. Complain as you want but Prosecutor Jim Samples will be gone Jan 1st 2025. Both Magistrates are retiring out.
   Depending on who voters select in May, we could be in a world of hurt till the newbees get some experience under their belts.

Feb 16 Update Got something clickers. Jim Samples has served as the County Clay Prosecutor for upwards of 18 years. Samples put his hat in the 2024 season as did long time barrister Arthur Wayne King. At one point in his decades long career, Mr King served as Prosecutor place holder for several months until the duly elected guy (Jeff Davis) passed his bar exam.
Get this. On the final day to pull your name from the Spring ballot, Jim Samples yanked his name from contention.   That means Wayne King is the only candidate making him the winner and the next Prosecutor come Jan 1 2025.   What happened? Why pull out short of getting full retirement $$$ ? We don't know but plan to asked.

    Other bail outs include Sch Bd candidates Kenneth Tanner and John Coleman both from District A.

   Around the County, campaign signs are starting to go up. Some office seekers are yet to get out of the chute They haven't even bothered to take advantage of the free candidate listing service this web portal offers. They have done nothing so far!
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Candidate Announcements

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My name is William "Bill" McCourt, Jr. and I am a candidate for Circuit Judge, Division 1, in Braxton, Clay, Gilmer and Webster Counties. I have over 27 years of legal experience, which makes me the most experienced candidate for Circuit Judge. My wife Kathy and I have been married for 25 years. We are the proud parents of two daughters, Amber and Bryce, and one son, Will. I was born and raised in Webster County. My grandparents and parents taught me to work hard. My first job was at a gym in Webster Springs while I was still in high school. I started college at WVU in 1985 and worked every summer and school break at Elk River Sewell Coal Company. In 1986 I began working during school breaks for Lady H Coal Company in the prep plant and coal lab. In 1988 I switched to the engineering department for Lady H Coal. I graduated from WVU in 1989 with a degree in mining engineering and continued to work for Lady H Coal as a mining engineer in underground and surface mines and the coal prep plant until I started law school in the fall of 1991. I spent my law school summers working in the law offices of Jack Alsop. I also worked for Bill McCourt Trucking from 1994 until 1996. In 1996 I began working at Jack Morton's Law Office until I went to work as an attorney at the law office of Larry Losch in Summersville in late 1996. In October of 2004 I became a named partner of Losch and McCourt, PLLC and maintained that office until it closed in July of 2023. I also served as Braxton County Assistant prosecutor from June of 2016 through April 2018. In April of 2018 I took a job as Webster County assistant prosecutor so that I could be closer to home to assist my parents. In June of 2023 I accepted my current position as assistant prosecutor and returned to Braxton County. I have handled countless civil and criminal cases and have extensive experience with real estate, worker's comp, social security, personal injury and property matters. As a partner at Losch & McCourt, I have prepared and handled hundreds of deeds, contracts, wills and estates. I have handled many child abuse and neglect cases, both as a civil attorney and as an assistant prosecutor. In my time as assistant prosecutor I have also handled many juvenile, misdemeanor and felony cases. I also have over 10 years of experience as a city judge for municipal court. As my father would say, I have kept busy at “good, honest work”, all while being the first in my family to graduate college. I will work hard for you if you elect me as your next Circuit Judge. Thank you for your consideration

Magistrate Candidate Ryan Thomas

    My name is Ryan Thomas. I was born and raised in Clay County and still call it home to this day. I plan to keep Clay County my lifelong home, just as the rest of my family has done. For the last 8 years I have committed myself to serve and protect the citizens of this wonderful County of Clay on the Sheriff's Department. As a full time sworn Deputy, I chose to serve the youth of the County as a Prevention Resource Officer inside the Clay County school system.
   I am a member of the Clay County Volunteer Fire Dept and also an active board member of the Clay County Little League .
   With your support and vote, I would love to continue to serve this County in the role of Magistrate.

Elect Aaron Williams for Sch Bd

1994 Clay County High School graduate Aaron Williams would like to announce my candidacy for the Clay County Board of Education. As a lifelong resident of Clay County my wife, Sonya, and I have raised 3 children (Tyler, Marissa, and Landon) within the walls of Clay County Schools.

I attended Western Governors University and earned a bachelor's degree in information technology, and a master's degree in business administration. My educational experience spans over 25 years within a variety of settings; Regional Education Services Agency (RESA), Technology Assistant for Clay County Schools, and most recently working for the West Virginia Department of Education.

Coaching has always been a lifelong passion. I have coached football, wrestling, basketball, and softball in Clay County for nearly 20 years. Currently, I am an assistant coach on the Clay High football staff. Coaching and having an impact on a daily basis have been one of life's greatest achievements. Recently I had the opportunity to serve the people of Clay County as the Director of the Clay County Ambulance Service for 3 years.

It is my belief that with my experience, along with the desire to serve the youth of Clay County, that I would make a responsible choice for the Clay County Board of Education. I believe it is the responsibility of the Clay County Board of Education, Administration, and all school employees to make sure our students are well educated and supported in a 21st Century classroom. Students must be prepared to be successful in life after graduation. Whether your child will be enrolling into higher education, joining the Armed Forces, or going straight into the workforce, it is my desire that all students are well prepared to be successful in life. I look forward to the opportunity to serve on the Board of Education and would appreciate your support in the upcoming election. Please vote for Aaron Williams for Clay County Board of Education.

Elect Duane Legg

Clay County Commission

Hello! I’d like to introduce myself and ,give you an understanding of where I stand on issues involving Clay County.

My parents, Ken & Kathy Legg are from Indore, where they raised me and where I currently reside and am a 1993 graduate of Clay County High school. Growing up, I was taught to not be afraid of hard work and if you believe in something you will find a way to make it happen.

I attended Johnson & Wales University in Norfolk Virginia graduating in 2000 with a degree in Culinary Arts. I also have a degree from Virginia Tech in Business Management & New River CTC in Emergency Services.

In 2021, I opened Legacy Foods Market and Bakery with the expectation that it would be a small business I would be able to support myself; I never expected it to become a regional destination market.

I currently am the vice-president of the Clay County Business Development Authority, past President & current member of the West Virginia Chapter of the American Culinary Federation, past President & member of the Collis P. Huntington Chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society. I am a certified Executive Chef, certified culinary sales professional, 2007 WV Chef of the Year recipient, and the very first Friend of ProStart a ward recipient by the WV Office of Hospitality & Tourism.

It is my belief that my more than 20 years of management experience working in hotels, private clubs and also corporate sales, will allow me to help grow Clay County. In additions to my corporate and management experience, I also have a strong back ground in Fire & EMS systems and feel it will beneficial while serving the residents of Clay County.

As a county, we are in a prime position to benefit from tourism. In 2022 tourism in WV was a multimillion dollar business statewide, a record year for the state. Clay Countians need help in dipping into this business as Clay County is in the heart of the Elk River. We have a new rail trail, soon to be rail bike attraction (projected to open summer of 2024) and the Elk River waterway.

Campgrounds, Airbnb, cabins and rooms to rent will all be in great demand. Bike, canoe, kayak and UTV rentals, riding trails will also be in demand. Gift shops, ice cream parlors and restaurants will all be sought out by the tourists and so much more.

We, as a county, need to establish a business incubator to help with the development of the above mentioned business and many others as well as a County and/or Regional Economic Development Authority to support the businesses and help attract tourists to Clay County.

Think of when you travel to beaches, Amish Country, Pigeon Forge or any of your favorite spots to visit, what are your favorite things to do there? Shop, eat, UTV rentals, boat rental, zip line, hike, bike? There is no reason why we can’t provide these types of things in Clay County!

I will work to help bring economic development, business assistance and business coaching to the county.

Clay Countians also deserve better Law Enforcement, Fire and EMS services. I will work hard to bring assistance to these agencies including getting additional funding that is needed and Clay County deserves.

Now, lets talk infrastructure. There are areas that have no potable water source and no reliable internet access, these will be a priority as well as cell phone service county wide.

I can go on and on, as to what this county needs and wants but it takes many people willing to make the change. If you would like to talk further please feel free to email me legg.duane@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing your questions and concerns and am always willing to have open discussion around those.

I am asking for your support in my bid to become a Clay County Commission member so that I may work for you to benefit Clay County. 1-31-24

Mike Mullins has announced his candidacy for Clay County Board of Education. As a life long resident of Clay County he has had the opportunity to serve Clay County’s parents and students in numerous capacities. He began his career as a teacher at Clay High in 1981.

During his time in the Clay school system Mullins has been a teacher, coach, principal, Director of Transportation and Asst. Superintendent. His work experience makes him an exceptional candidate for Clay County Board of Education. If elected to the Board, Mike Mullins wants to serve ALL parents and children.

Mr Mullins, “I was very grateful to have the opportunity to graduate from college and come back to teach in my hometown, but not all students want to attend a four year college. A stronger vocational curriculum makes for a strong base for future jobs. Developing strong work skills for our students is critical for their future success."

“As a teacher I have many wonderful memories working with students and seeing them excited about the We the People contest. It was so rewarding to see them so successful when they won the competition multiple times. Schools should be about building long term opportunities for all students."

Finally from Mike, “I am asking for your vote that will allow me to be your voice on the local Board of Education. By working together we can make the next four years the best ever for Clay County students.”

Candidate Scott Bass

Hello, my name is Scott Bass, and I am a candidate for Magistrate in Clay County, Division One.

I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Greenbrier East High School in 1993. I served for eight years and received an honorable discharge in 2000. I then enlisted in the United States Army, serving another eight years deploying multiple times to Afghanistan and Iraq in support of the Global War on Terror.

My life is one dedicated so service, so I continued this path after complementing my military service. I graduated in the 61st cadet class of the West Virginia State Police and began my service with the Clay County detachment in August of 2011. After the tragedy that took the lives of two of our Troopers, my wife of 20 years Amber and I, decided it was time to make Clay County our forever home to raise our sons, Owen, Evan, and Jackson.

During my time here in Clay County, I have always tried to be firm, but fair, when executing the duties of a state police officer. I have always tried to be professional and polite and to use my position to make a positive impact in Clay County through every situation and conversation.

My greatest mission here has been, and continues to be, making an impact on our youth. I coached little league football for more than ten years, and that was truly a blessing. I was able to talk about life lessons by tying it to the game of football. Since retiring from the State Police, I have spent the last two years working in the Clay County School System as an intervention specialist. In that role, I have been educating our youth about the dangers of vapes/e cigarettes and the addiction of nicotine and marijuana.

I have spent my life in the service of others and want to continue that if elected as magistrate. Like my time in uniform, I will always be fair, firm and unbiased when rendering decisions. I feel that I am the right choice right now. I would appreciate your support in May.
Thank you.

WESLEY ARMES FOR MAGISTRATE

My name is Wesley Armes and this is just a small piece of who I am. I moved around a lot as a kid, but spent most of my young life around the Belle, WV area. I am a 1992 DuPont High School graduate, but I had gotten my final credits in December 1991 and left school to support a young family.

    I worked a couple years then I joined the United States Marine Corp in 1993. That was the beginning of a 23-year military career. I left the Marines at the end of four years and joined the WV Army National Guard in 1997, spending most of my 19 years in the National Guard on active-duty orders. My military career ended when I retired January 1st 2017. During my 23-year career, I had two combat deployments, first one in 1994 with the Marines and it was considered a Gulf War deployment and then 2005-2006 while in the Army Guard to Iraq. While in Iraq, 2006, I was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service in the face of an armed enemy, my team stood out above the others and I was credited for their training and actions during the year long deployment.
    In the military, I was a leader for 21 years, with my last position being a First Sergeant. First Sergeant is a very busy role in any unit and holds many duties, to include oversight of discipline and awards initiatives and policies within a unit. As a First Sergeant, I was responsible for understanding the individual rights of Soldiers afforded under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the U.S. Constitution. I was responsible for reviewing discipline infractions that subordinate leaders considered too serious to correct with their corrective tools such as counseling, mentorship, and other methods. I held the responsibility of recommending Soldiers for nonjudicial punishment or judicial punishment, then served as an advisor to the Commander throughout the proceedings. I established a reputation as someone who would follow guidelines, while being fair and consistent in my role.
    My proudest accomplishment out of many, is my family. My wife, Christina, and I met at 16 and 14 years old and married very young, 17 and 16. Despite the challenges we faced, we made it and still married to this day. Our 32 year long marriage has produced four children that are all adults now and are very successful in their own lives, all products of Clay County Schools.We settled in Clay County in 1997, when the oldest two were 5 and 2 and we quickly made the decision to make Clay our forever home. My kids’ names are Leland (12-year Soldier), Jessica (Physician’s Assistant), Trevor(Geologist), and Elijah (doing well in college).
   Then finally my life in Clay County. I have supported many youth programs in the county for over 20 years. I have coached many little league sports, high school/middle school running programs, involved in FFA/4H, member of PTO and involved as a volunteer across our county through the years. After retirement I took on a second career as a full-time instructor at Clay County High School with the State of West Virginia’s Future Leader’s Program, which I am in my fifth year. Future Leaders Program teaches life skills, citizenship, leadership, and military science. I lean the hardest on living by a value system and taking responsibility for one’s own actions. I also taught Public Safety Law Enforcement for three years which teaches high schoolers the foundations of our legal system.
   I am afraid I went too long, so let us wrap this up. I have many life experiences and when I start telling them, I go long winded. I feel all my life experiences will help guide me as a magistrate. I had to learn to be fair and consistent. I was considered a fair and consistent First Sergeant. I was considered fair and consistent as a coach. If asked, my students would consider me fair and consistent. Just as I have proven to others, I will always be fair and consistent with all decisions while in office.
   I ask that you please support my bid for magistrate by voting for me during the May primary.

Jeff Davis Announces Run

Candidate Jeff Davis

To the citizens of Clay County, I am announcing my candidacy for Clay County Magistrate, District 2 For those who don’t know me, I have lived in Clay County all of my life; I grew up in Wallback and still live there. I have four children JR Davis, Jackie Davis James, Jimmy Davis and Hannah Davis. I graduated Clay County High School in 1982, Glenville State College in 1986 and West Virginia University College of Law in 1992. I formerly served as Clay County Prosecuting Attorney and am a veteran of the United States Army (Military Police). Some of my qualifications for Magistrate are: 30 years of experience dealing with criminal, civil, juvenile and domestic law; Knowledge of all of the various documents Magistrates are required to process (criminal complaints, civil complaints, domestic violence petitions, mental hygiene petitions, bonds, etc.); Knowledge of conducting hearings and trials including pretrial hearings, motion hearings, bench trials and jury trials; Knowledge of the Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Rules of Evidence; Knowledge of the elements and possible penalties of criminal charges; and Knowledge of the different standards of proof required for various types of court procedures.
I feel that working as a prosecutor, a criminal defense attorney, and representing both plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases, gives me a unique perspective as to both sides of an issue whether it’s a criminal case, a civil case, a domestic case, a mental hygiene case, or a juvenile case. I urge you to vote for a candidate that has knowledge and experience with statutes, rules, procedures and pleadings of the Law. I ask for your vote and pledge that if elected, I will be fair and impartial; I will make the hard decisions that need made; and, I will take a commonsense approach to fulfilling my duties. Thank you, Jeff Davis

Candidate Nicole Summers

Hello everyone. My name is Nicole Summers and I am running for Clay County Magistrate, District 2. I moved to WV in 2018 and live in Lizemores. While I was not born and raised here, I am blessed to call it my home for the rest of my days.

I am a Christian, Wife, Mother and Nurse. I have been a nurse for 20 years and have worked at Mt. Olive Correctional Complex (Prison) for almost 6 years. I help take care of the states maximum security inmates. I deal with some individuals on a daily basis that are malingering, try to compromise staff, injure others, steel, bully and lie.

One may ask themselves why a nurse would want to become a Magistrate. Or why would we want to vote for an "Outsider" ?

My answer is very simple. I am going to live in this county for the rest of my life. This county is my home and I want what's best for it. If there is anyway to improve our county by being in that position then that's what I want to do. I truly believe I can make fair decisions and being that I don't know all the families and people in our county (Everyones past) can be a great advantage in being truly fair.

I have meet some great people in our community and am always amazed at the way people come together when there is a need for help.

Ultimately I need your vote to be able to prove myself and my abilities. I hope to earn your vote and become one of your Magistrates come May. Thank you !

Note: Candidate announcements is a free service of Today N Clay. Just email your four or five paragraph announcement and a clear pic (jpg). You can advertise on this site for $50 per month. Our email address is: jamesawaddell@hotmail.com. Good luck one and all