DECEMBER 2004 NEWS

Dec 31 am A Boil Water Order for Clay County PSD customers in the Ivydale service area was issued Thursday afternoon.

Dec 31 am See ADVISORY page for Sgt. VanKomen message from the Gov.

Dec 31 am It's over clickers, another 365 days is gone. Tonight beginning at 9pm WYAP radio will be hosting a live broadcast over the internet air waves. Stop by for some fun and at midnight, watch Laura Beth's Red Neck lighted ball descend. Almost like Times Square but more fun and right here at home!

Dec 31 am We've got a group of CCHS girls that have worked all year for their big time event at the Peach Bowl. Here's the email we received: The Peach Bowl Parade, pre game and half-time show will be broadcast on CBS stations. A letter was written to our local station so the will show more air time for the girls but I don't know if that will really happen. Thanks taxi mom

Dec 31 am Are you sending in your satirical New Year's resolutions for our elected and appointed officials? Time is now. Use the link below. The best ones will be published in the next Communicator.

Dec 31 am Dave Mullins served as the school service personnel union steward for a number of years. Right after the Nov. election when it was obvious the school folks didn't support him in his bid for Sheriff, Mullins resigned as the shop steward. Delno Coen replaced Dave.

Dec 31 am The years pass but somethings are remembered.

Dec 31 am Like ..... In the Spring of 1996, a group of volunteers organized the Crafters by the Elk craft co-op and set up shop on Main Street. After being turned down for funding by the CAEZ, the non profit group folded. One month later, the CAEZ Director found $75,000 in grants and a new craft co-op was established not in Clay, nor in CLay County, nor in the CAEZ service area (zone) but over at the Flatwoods mall.

Dec 31 am Like .... back in 1996 when The Communicator presented each candidate for office a chance to respond to questions prior to the May election. School Board President RB Legg had this to say to the county's independent source of news and views: Thank you for delivering my Communicator School Board sheet. I would be glad to answer your four questions but unfortunately, I will not stoop low enough to use your shameful, cowardly gossip sheet as a format. I do not care less what you print about me...If you had half the energy, drive, and determination these students have, you too would look slim and trim and you would not be hawking 40 cent newsletters in order to cover ink costs. Ahhh such pleasant memories from our elected officials. Even after such attacks, The Communicator still lives, it now costs 50 cents, and ole RB, doesn't look so thin and trim either!

Dec 31 am Back in June of 1996 the late Dolly Lyons commented on why Clayonians attend so few public meetings. Ms Lyons: Because the Commissioners go ahead and do whatever they want to. They are not going to listen to the people....that's the way it is. You catch them out on the street and talk to them, they say, I didn't have anything to do with that. Well, they did. Why do they lie about it?

Dec 31 am Like .... On June 11, 1996 the three blind mice voted in the E-911 dispatch service in conjunction with Nicholas County. Here's what the Mel Gibson printed after the public meetings: After sitting thru the six public hearings on E-911, I came away with a sick feeling that our Commissioners have started down another path that will further divide the county. Truer words were never written. With the 911 dispatch service came a mandatory $25 a year ambulance fee which was hotly denounced by the county. How peed were we? Before it was tossed off the books, but after many were taken to Magistrate Court for non payment, well over 50% of the county refused to pay the ***## fee. Even our good right wing "pay Caesar" crowd joined in the boycott.

Dec 31 am So much for lamenting over the past. We have new items to shake our heads at! Without even ONE public meeting, our Board of Health plans to limit smoking in the county to two places, the pavement's center line and the Lion's Club Casino on Main Street. That vote comes Jan 18, 2005. In Braxton County, the Commission is taking a more proactive approach to saving personal freedoms. Calhoun County is also getting the no smoking even on sidewalks ordinance rammed down their throats. In Calhoun County, the natives are fighting back.

Dec 31 am If Baptists are suppose to be loving and caring, someone forgot to tell the Westboro Baptist Church. Here's another example of right wing, bible thumping, W supporters out of control and out of step of Christian values and American standards of a free and equal society. the web site name is god hates fags .com.

Dec 31 am We're going to take a New Year's holiday break for a couple of days. See you next year.

dec 30 pm pm Clay County PSD declared a Boil Water Order this afternoon for the Ivydale service area. As of 4 pm the location of the leak had not been found. Boil it before you use it. Better safe than sorry!

Dec 30 pm Mid morning yesterday the 911 call went out on a domestic at Jeff Davis' trailer park near Wallback. The lady needed medical attention. Over the scanner came the report back that the woman didn't want to press charges.

Dec 30 pm We're working on New Year's resolutions for our Clayberry elected and appointed officials. If you can come up with a cute little resolution for those we put our trust in, email us. Satire is always appreciated.

Dec 30 pm Here's one worthy of a resolution. While doing nothing for the county in months, maybe years, Commissioner Matthew HAC Bragg will pick up his last taxpayer paid for payday this week. Come Saturday, he'll be out of office and none too soon.

Dec 30 pm Here's a cute one. WAIT task team is a high school group dedicated to not smoking, not doing drugs, no unprotected sex, etc. Just before Christmas break, the Health Dept. brought in a guest speaker to talk to them on the dangers of life in the fast lane. During a break from the presentation, kids noticed smoke billowing out of the bathroom. the guy was caught. Smoking on school property. Principal Dobbins told the fellow to skid addle post haste and don't bother stopping at the Middle School for the next presentation.

Dec 30 pm You ever seen Health Dept. RN, Jeannie Perdue mad? A while back this site made reference to Women's and Children hospital in Charleston as Twats and Tots. Ms Perdue said the common slang name for the hospital was demeaning to women. She said that too many times women are referred to as just body parts and she didn't like it. Talk about being Peed with a common P!

Dec 30 pm Of course, if you hop in any Charleston cab and say "Take me to Twats and Tots" you'll end up at Women's and Children Hospital. Sure glad we didn't printed the other slang name for the place!

Dec 30 pm From around the nation.... Americans are spending an average of 3 1/2 hours a day on the internet cutting into TV time. This link should pee off the right wing fantics: Any loving couple can adopt a foster child in Arkansas, even if the couple or one partner is gay. Dubbya's policy and attitudes may be crippling corporations over seas. A bunch of our teens are driving while under the influence, 1 in 5 to be exact.

Dec 29 am For the middle of winter, this ain't bad. Only one real snow storm and no real accumulation!

Dec 29 am The local non profit radio station is have a time with their transmitter. Look for the station to go off the 101.7FM air waves this weekend as they install a smaller "loaner" transmitter while their main unit is sent back to CA for repairs. The smaller transmitter won't reach out as far but at least the folks in downtown and North to Spread Park can tune into basketball games and bunches more

Dec 29 am Monday County Commission meeting is a lesson in small town life. Commissioner Sams was a supporter of Sheriff Elect Randy Holcomb during the Nov. election. Now with Holcomb promising a lawsuit if he doesn't get more $ for a bigger salary, wonder if Sams still supports the Sheriff Elect.

Dec 29 am In the latest edition of The Communicator, Mayor Arthur Jarrett reported that he is doing the police work since Buckshot Butcher is laid up. Not so according to Mr. Butcher. On Dec 24th Butcher said HE is still the Chief of Police. Butcher also said he wasn't injured as the Mayor said (while hunting deer) but instead, slipped on some pine cones and fell down the big long concrete steps at the old Courthouse.

Dec 29 am While the rest of the world surfs the net for things to do and places to go, Clayberry's Business Development Authority remains webless. A year or so back, the BDA Chair commented ( as did others) that there wasn't anything to put on an economic development site.

Dec 29 am Back then they were wrong and remain wrong today. Check out Spencer's offering to the world. Nothing fancy, just good straight info. The world really doesn't look down on Clayberry when it comes to economic development, they just don't think about us. Maybe a web site would help.

Dec 29 am Well Demorats, amid cries of misdeeds, the Ohio recount is done. The vote totals changed but not much. W squeaked it out.

Dec 29 am With 55,000 known dead, the Tsunami death toll is expected to climb higher. Details here.

Dec 29 am So what's the USA's population? From the Census Dept.: As our nation prepares to ring in the New Year, the U.S. Census Bureau today projected the Jan. 1, 2005, population of the United States will be 295,160,302, up 2,835,602 or 1.0 percent from New Year's Day 2004. In January, the United States is expected to register one birth every eight seconds and one death every 13 seconds. Meanwhile, net international migration is expected to add one person every 26 seconds. The result is an increase in the total population of one person every 12 seconds.

Dec 28 am If you're thinking about the Gator Bowl, there's tickets available on the ClASSIFIED page.

Dec 28 am Yesterday's County Commission meeting was a winner! Here's some highlights.

Dec 28 am While we have people laid off since July 1st, Commissioner's Triplett and Sams OKed pay raises for the Assessor's office and the Prosecutor's secretary.

Dec 28 am TJ Drake was hired as an Asst. Prosecutor as well as a new part time secretary for Jim Samples.

Dec 28 am And, Randy Holcomb promised the CCC that would sue them clear to the Supreme Court for a pay raise. Coming on the job Saturday, Sheriff Elect Holcomb wants an additional $3000 for being Sheriff. Our Commissioners maintain: we don't have the money for the payouts and the WV Auditor backs them up. Holcomb vowed to fight for the money the entire 4 years in office if need be!

Dec 28 am Here's the scoop. 8 years ago, the Legislature approved higher salaries for Elected County Govt. officials IF and only IF the local budget could support such increases. Since the law went into affect, Clayberry and Wirt Counties have maintained: We ain't got the $ to pay more. Holcomb said yesterday he wanted the higher salary since his campaign filing fee was based on the higher income.

Dec 28 am Here's more scoop: If Randy is given the higher $, then all the other elected folks have to be paid as well. How expensive could this be for the county? With the law on the books for years, the county may have to go back and pay out more for all those years.

Dec 28 am And then there's the politics. Up for re election in 2006, Commissioner Sams said if the Courts forced the CCC to take the higher salary, he would give it back so the "girls" and deputies could be kept on the job. After the meeting, one guy suggested, why doesn't Sams just give his entire salary back if he feels that strongly about the "girls" and deputies!

Dec 28 am Full details in the latest edition of the Communicator now on the news stands.

Dec 28 am 2004 election over? Not yet. With the Ohio recount still not completed, Senator Kerry has filed a request to preserve the election ballots and voting machines. Click, Keep the evidence. Ken Blackwell is the guy that ran Dubbya's campaign in Ohio and is also the Chief Election Official there. Blackwell has filed papers that would keep the Demorats from asking him any questions! Click Nothing to Say for more.

Dec 28 am Is it possible that the people that build and program the new computer voting machines could or would tamper with election results. Here's a nice one: Walden O?Dell - Chairman of the Board and CEO of Diebold. For years, O?Dell has given generously to Republican candidates, and last September he held a $1000 a plate fundraiser for President Bush. He joined the ?Pioneers and Rangers", people who pledged to raise more than $100,000 each for Bush?s re-election campaign. He has been a guest at the Crawford ranch, and in the fall of 2003 penned a letter pledging his commitment to ?to helping Ohio deliver its electoral votes to the President". W.R. Timken - A Diebold director. Timken is also a Republican loyalist, raising more than $350,000 for Bush?s 2004 re-election bid. That makes him a ?Pioneer". Since 1991, Timken?s company and he himself have given over a million dollars to GOP activities and causes, including the re-election campaign of the first President Bush. For more , click Behind the Scenes.

Dec 27 pm Levi Hunter Kiser ; Myrtle C. Hughes of Clay, see FUNERAL page.

Dec 27 am The biggy holiday is behind us. With the toys all broke, the decorations coming down and the kids running left and right, for most of us, it's time to get back to work.

Dec 27 am Today the County Commission meets at 10 am. And man what an agenda!

Dec 27 am On the plate is Teresa Lane seeking pay raises for her staff. Jim Samples hiring JP Drake as Asst. Prosecutor and needing more $ for a second secretary. And Randy Holcomb wanting more pay for the Sheriff's position.

Dec 27 am And a bunch more too. With it being cold outside, why not attend a public meeting today.

Dec 27 am In the latest edition of The Communicator is a nice long chatter from Jesse Sizemore on the 10 Commandments display hung by Commissioner Sams. Boy are we getting a response from Sizemore's words! It's like a whole new segment of Clayberry is speaking out!

Dec 27 am The HurHerald scooped us again! This one is on Clayberry's own Llyn Drake bringing a lawsuit against the Logan school system for injuries sustained while attending a ball game down there. Click Drake suit for more.

Dec 26 am What are you doing over here? By 10 minutes after midnight on Christmas Day, 11 people had already been to this page. You have got to get a grip clickers. Down below in blue we posted no new updates until after Christmakah. Go play with the kids, kiss the wife, yell at somebody!

Dec 26 am We'll have something on the web late late Sunday evening. Have a nice holiday!

Dec 24 pm It's birthday time for Tony Myers. Mom sends lots of love!

Dec 24 pm We get sort of mushy this time of year. All the BS that goes on in Clayberry is set aside for a couple of days and the County of Clay comes together for family time. We too plan just that as we take time off to be with our own.

Dec 24 pm Some thoughts: It is smart to do your holiday hinting early ..... Except for excess decorations, excess commercialism, excess editorializing, excess caroling, excess bibbling, and excess cheer, I heartily approve of the Christmas spirit ..... Merry Christmas Nearly everyone!

Dec 24 pm As we take a couple days off for Christmas, from Terry Kerns, Lindy Myers, and myself, Andy Waddell, the very best of Holiday wishes to you and yours. May Christmas bring you joy and happiness.

Dec 24 pm One last thought: Christmas itself may be called into question if carried so far it creates indigestion.

Dec 23 Late PM Most of us remember Harold Lee, we called him Big Lee while others called him Trooper Lee. Now well into his 70's, Big Lee moved over to Spencer this year to be closer to his family. For the casual observer, Lee came across as one hard arss SOB. To those that knew him a little better found him to be one of the kindest people ever to walk the face of the Earth.

Dec 23 Late PM It's not to late to do something nice this Christmakah season. After living in Clayberry for over thirty years and now uprooted to Roane, Big Lee is feeling homesick and down. How about it clickers, take a couple minutes and 37 cents, to send him a Christmas card or just a note telling him he's remembered. That address: Harold A Lee; 102 Summit Street; Spencer, WV 25276

Dec 23 LAte Pm Interested in a Correctional Officer job? Click Jan 2005 Deadline for more.

Dec 23 Late PM Almost forgot section: Two weeks back the School Board bucked the recommendation of the Superintendent and Boardster Sams and RB Legg. They refused to hire the recommended applicant for a maintenance man opening. This week on Monday evening, Boardster Gene King made the motion with Kim Sams furnishing the second, Doug Thomas got the job. My how just a few days make a difference.

Dec 23 pm Emma M. DeBoard, 68, of Indore, see FUNERAL page.

Dec 23 pm Tonight Clay High Panthers takes on Charleston Catholic in home game action beginning at 7:30. If the roads scare you, WYAP 101.7 FM plans to broadcast the game with pre game around 7:20pm. Last night the Lady Panthers put it all over Herbert Hoover 72-26.

Dec 23 pm The Communicator made it to the news stands yesterday. 20 pages of juice including the complete letter Jesse Sizemore asked the County Commission to read into public record. Of course they didn't. They didn't even make mention of the citizen's request. Mr. Sizemore provided the boys up front with thoughts on Commissioner Sams' election year tactic to post the 10 Commandments on the Court room wall.

Dec 23 pm If you haven't checked our weather cast on the homepage, you should. Sure looks like a Christmas is going to be cooooold, snowy and icy. Be careful out there clickers. Don't want to loose any of you, there's an online fund raiser coming in Feb.

Dec 23 pm This Thursday morning the kids are at home with teachers reporting for light duty until about noon today. Here in CLayberry, we got some weird conditions. Around 8:40 this morning we were treated to a beautiful rainbow. Within minutes, the wind picked up followed by thunder boomers rattling windows. Batten down the hatches and bring in some firewood!

Dec 23 pm After a big luncheon, our newly elected county officials were sworn into office yesterday afternoon. Lots of smiles and handshakes left and right. Although sworn in, our newbees won't assume their throne until Jan 1 2004. Ahhhhh, Sheriff Randy... that's you too. No blue lights for you until the new year.

Dec 23 pm Maybe something here: During yesterday's swearing in ceremony, Judge Facemire did the honors. He told the elected, if they wanted to bring someone up front to hold the Bible, they could. Teresa Lane brought husband Jeff with her, Randy Holcomb chose retired Sheriff Douglas for the honor. Here's an interesting one clickers. Although her daughter was in attendance, Commissioner Elect Fran King had School Superintendent Jerry Linkinnnoooooooooger up front. Almost immediately you could hear the Hmmmmmms around the room.

Dec 23 pm Link has already announced that he plans to retire from the school system and run for County Commission in 2006. His opponent will be incumbent 2 term Commissioner, Jimmy Sams. The guess is, Ms King was showing her allegiance to Link. Should make for an interesting next 2 years.

Dec 23 pm Unless there is some kind of emergency or good joke, we plan to shut down this site Friday and Saturday for the holidays.

Dec 22 Today is a big day for Teresa Lane, Randy Holcomb, Jim Samples, and Fran King. Today Team 2004 will be shown into office. Bring your camera and see history.

Dec 22 Here's you chance to get something from the government. Head over to the Courthouse at noon today for a freebee luncheon to be followed by the swearing in ceremony at 1pm.

Dec 22 The Communicator will make it to the news stands today around noon. 20 pages of views and news. Our lead story delves into the "How much should they make" issue now facing the County Commission.

Dec 22 Is this you? The average American drinks 837 cans of pop per year. How many have you seen someone sitting there with a 10,000 calorie lunch and a can of diet pop? Read all about the diet pop revolution here.

Dec 21 am Erie Igo Bragg of Duck, WV, see FUNERAL page.

Dec 21 am Hey go look at your thermometer. Yesterday it nearly pegged 0. This morning at 3 am, the mercury was registering 30 degrees! A heat wave!

Dec 21 am We're working on the Communicator. 20 pages of the good stuff. Posting will be light today. Just as well too. No public meetings and most County workers will take additional holiday time off from work.

Dec 21 am Men you have just three nights to buy your little honey some Christmas gifts. Friday night doesn't count. If you plan to come home Friday night and run to the garage to duct tape some brown paper on the boxes, you might as well forget it right now. Doesn't work. Only makes em mad.

Dec 21 am Think Dubbya's oil war is a bad idea? Too costly? Doesn't make sense? You're now in the majority.

Dec 21 am Worried about running up those credit cards. Maybe even maxing them out. There's a bunch of us in that same boat.

DEc 21 am Did Dubbya know about the torture of detainees? The answer is YES.

Dec 20 pm Bus drivers had a tough time getting the kids to school this morning. Many school bus routes were scuttled due to the slick conditions and students got the day off from class. At 8 am the unofficial temperature was 1 degree. We noticed a beagle with jumper cables trying to jump start a rabbit.

Dec 20 pm Last week we reported on some newly elected officials, not yet in office, wanting a pay increase. In that posting we included Commissioner elect Fran King as one of the gold diggers. We talked to Fran earlier today and have this update.

Dec 20 pm Ms King said she was most interested in the County's budget and not breaking it if the raises were mandated by court action or after Charleston review. Although she would like an increase in Commission salary, her objective was to see what's facing the CCC in 2005 and not just more $ for her pocket. We're working on that story and a bunch more for this week's Communicator scheduled to be on the new stands Wed morning.

Dec 20 am Around seven last night local school officials decided on a two delay schedule for Clay County Schools. Just as well too. Man it was cold last night! By midnight, it was just above 0.

Dec 20 am If you'd like your classified listing or event posted in this week's Communicator, today at 3pm is the deadline. Unless the snow or cold weather bites us, the near award winning rag will hit the news stands this Wed.

Dec 20 am With Christmas here and year end just around the corner, some things just keep coming back. Like.... Two years ago when Prosecutor Grindo was appointed to office by Commissioners Sams and Butcher, one of his first cases dealt with a young man charged with trying to run over a bunch of partyers outside a Big Otter bar. Even with a bunch of eyewitness accounts, Grindo lost that case.

Dec 20 am The driver of that big truck with gumbo mudder tires was Robert King. The same is guy stands accused of running over (twice) Calhoun County Deputy Ron Bandy a few weeks back. The action happened in front of another Big Otter bar.

Dec 20 am Tonight at 6pm at Valley Fork Elem, our school board will hold their second meeting of the month. The first one in Dec was very interesting as the Bd bucked the recommendations of the Super and refused to hire Sam Taylor for a maintenance opening. On the agenda tonight : Approve the employment of Doug Thomas as Carpenter, Plumber, Water Plant Operator, Truck Driver, and General Maintenance Worker. Put your long underwear on and take in a public meeting. Lots of fun and free too!

Dec 20 am It's great that Clay Roane PSD has a web site to keep customers informed. The actions of the Board remain troubling to many. After taking many many applications for a $7.50 per hour maintenance position and before interviewing anyone, the Chair insisted and the Board complied, to hire a guy off the street on a temp basis. According to the PSD web site, that lad, Davey Deems, has been hired full time. Wonder if any background check was performed before the hire.

Dec 20 am Last week a written survey was responded to by ladies at the Courthouse and around town. The survey sought the cutest state police officer. Tpr Stephenson won hands down leaving Sgt Wiles voteless and Bailey, not much better.

Dec 19 pm And you could just about the roar of kids around 7:15 tonight as a 2 hour delay was called for Clay County Schools. Teachers weren't too unhappy either.

Dec 19 pm With temps expected to be down near 0 and wind chill pushing the "feel" down below zero, throw another log on the fire and stay home if you can.

Dec 19 pm snow and a brisk wind hit Clayberry around 11 am today. Late afternoon brought out the snow plows as the mountain tops covered with 2 inches of the white stuff. More expected but no major accumulation expected.

Dec 19 pm And we promise to provide a full update later this evening.

Dec 17 am Friiiiiiiiiiiiiiiday and none too soon!

Dec 17 am SPECIAL HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY TO MY TWIN DAUGHTERS, MIKA DAKOTA CADLE AND SAVANNA DIANE CADLE FOR DECEMBER 17, 2004, FROM MOM & DAD. THE PROUD PARENTS ARE MICHAEL CADLE OF PROCIOUS AND DIANE COLEMAN OF BOMONT.

Dec 17 am Last night the Clay Middle School team put it all over the Calhoun Red Devils 58 to 33! Jr. Varsity also came out on top big time!

Dec 17 am We checked the Central Regional Jail site late last night for a picture of Jonathan Sizemore with no luck. See below for the background stuff

Dec 17 am We'll have a full post later today.

Dec 17 am Two months ago, Delta Communications moved into their new Main Street Clay digs. Straddled with the high cost of tele service and a small pocket book, they tried out a new kind of phone service known as voice over the internet (VOiP). After a bunch of experimentation, we can now say, VOiP on the DSL service offered by Frontier Tele Co does NOT work! Stands to reason doesn't it? The tele provider sure doesn't want any competition especially if VOiP was cheaper, less regulated, no add on taxes and fees, and offered nationwide long distance without any additional $!

Dec 17 am Be sure to check the EVENTS page for all kinds of Christmas stuff to do.

Dec 16 pm Around 3:40pm scanner traffic called for badges with: an altercation at the Clay Development Corp building on Main Street with gun involved. By 3:43 four blue lights were on the scene. Two high tailed it toward Hartland.

Dec 16 pm We talked to a tall thin young man and got this story. His car broke down near Wayne King's place and was walking toward downtown when a Pontiac Firebird tried to run him down. A short ways up the road, the car carrying two males, turned and came back. This time it slowed and according to the fellow, Jonathan Sizemore pulled a pistol and with his mouth said, pow pow before speeding off.

Dec 16 pm 4:12pm Green Shirt Badge 675 calls in 911 seeking background on a Jonathan D Sizemore born in 1978. His license came back suspended, failure to pay citation.

Dec 16 pm CDC staff made the 911 call. CDC's Pam Taylor was seen going in and out of the CDC office before hopping in her Chevy Truck and heading South. Some where in front of the CDC building she yelled out something along the lines: Get in the house and stay there

Dec 16 As for the young lad that "stole" a truck yesterday and ran over the Clay Post Office outside mail box... As of 3:30pm today, no arrests made according to both Magistrates' offices.

Dec 16 pm Have your shopping done? Time is running out. Those trips to Go Mart on Christmas eve for the wife's gifts won't cut the mustard! You tried that last year.

Dec 16 pm This evening at 6pm, Clay Roane PSD meets in special session to interview applicants for the maintenance man opening. If you need a warm place to hang out for a few hours, head over to the CDC building on Main Street.

Dec 16 pm Tonight Clay Middle School boys takes on Calhoun County in away game action. Go Mustangs!!!

Dec 16 pm So what's up with Randy and Fran? Not even in office yet and already trying to get a pay raise. Here's the guess on their gold digging efforts. To run for office, a filing fee has to be paid. That fee is based on the Legislature set pay rate. With the filing fee equal to 1 % of the salary, Commissioner Elect King and Sheriff Elect Holcomb want the higher dollars on their pay checks. If their efforts to raise salaries are successful, all the elected officials at the courthouse will increase dramatically. So much for a balanced budget this year and keeping the existing employees on the job thru the end of the 2004-2005 budget year.

Dec 16 pm Raise your hand if you remember some kind of law that says an elected official can not vote in their own rate increase? It sure sounds like, if Ms King can't get her rate increase before taking office Jan 1 2005, she can't accept it during her tenure in office.

Dec 16 pm National: With our troops going without the proper equipment to fight Dubbya's Oil War, Mr. Bush is hosting the most expensive inaugural ball ever! $40 MILLION. Very few media outlets are even talking about the Ohio recount process. Now a lawsuit has been filed which includes charges of vote tampering.

Dec 16 pm Forget it Jews, Muslims, Atheists, agnostics, Hindu, this country was set up and operated for Christians only..... Maybe Judge McKathan, the 10 Commandments Judge down in Alabama has been reading about lawsuit prone , Clay County Commissioner Sams. Here's a picture of the Judge's robe with the 10 Commandments embroidered in gold for all the world to see. Here's some info from the Southern Poverty Law Center on such antics by the Judicial branch of government.

Dec 16 pm And finally. When I went to the social security office to apply for Social Security, the woman behind the counter asked me for my driver's license to verify my age. I looked in my pockets and realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that I was very sorry but I seemed to have left my wallet at home. "I will have to go home and come back later." The woman says, "Unbutton your shirt." So I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair. She says, "That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me" and she processed my Social Security application.

When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the social security office. She says, "You should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten disability too".

Dec 15 pm The agenda for Thursday's Special Clay Roane PSD meeting is posted over on the ADVISORY page. They plan to interview for a maintenance position left open when Thomas Coon walked in and resigned from duty three weeks back. We said left open, but during the last PSD meeting, Chair Postelwait pushed hard for an immediate "temp" hire, Davey Deems.

Dec 15 pm Around the Courthouse comes the following story. Commissioner Elect Fran King and Sheriff Elect Randy Holcomb are seeking pay raises for themselves even before they take office! How could a news person ask for more!

Dec 15 pm Here's the background clickers. Four years ago the Legislature passed pay raises for all elected county officials. Here in Clay (and in other counties), the CCC took a look at the budget and decided NOT to allow themselves, nor other officials, the pay hike. Since then and with budget woes everywhere, the raises have NOT been implemented. Based on memory, Commissioners will receive a $2000 increase and Sheriff, over $3000.00 if the raises are implemented.

Dec 15 pm Randy and Fran are reportedly crying the blues, demanding the additional pay, and watch for this one to develop..... watch for threats of another lawsuit! Lets see now, the ACLU is threatening a lawsuit over Commissioner Sams' 10 Commandment display, Volunteer Town Cop Buckshot Butcher fell at the Courthouse and has hired an attorney to handle his litigation, and now it's Randy and Fran's turn to spend taxpayer dollars in court so they can make more $.

Dec 15 pm Mr. Holcomb attended Monday's Commission. Private citizen Holcomb showed up in his street clothes and a little gold Sheriff badge on his lapel. Holcomb has NO police powers in the county until he takes office Jan 1 2005. And Yes, we have heard the story of the money hungry Holcomb running blue lights on his private car and pulling people over. If that story is true, his actions were illegal.

Dec 15 pm With lawsuits pending, with overzealous Randy Holcomb already appearing to be on the job, and the always with mouth in gear Fran King set to take office, could a news service have a more fertile ground to plow!!

Dec 15 pm Down below are excerpts from the Jesse Sizemore letter handed to Commissioner Sams two days back. Sizemore raises big concerns over Sams' election ploy of hanging the "10" at the Courthouse. The one time County Surveyor asked Sams to read the letter into official courthouse record. Sams refused to do so. We asked Mr. Sizemore if anyone had begun throwing rocks at him yet and he responded, no.

LATE Dec 14 pm Corn corn corn was the word for the day today. A big truck load of feed corn wrecked Tuesday afternoon blocking traffic every which a way. The accident occurred near Procious. Details coming

Dec 14 pm With the hills covered with snow and some roads slick as snot on a door knob, schools opened two hours late this morning. At least the little curtain climbers were out of the house part of the day! By lunch time, the snow slurries were all but gone from the sun filled skies. But man it's still cold cold cold.

Dec 14pm Yesterday County Commission, that's Jimmy and Pete, not HAC, met in regular session at the Courthouse. The place was packed including Sheriff Elect Randy Holcomb, Commissioner Elect Fran King, and Prosecutor Elect Jim Samples. Samples asked for $ to hire an Asst. Pros and a secretary. He got the lawyer but not the office help.

Dec 14 pm Coming in overbid by $2m and after cutting 25 customers from their long planned Lizemores/Tucker's Bottom water line project they still need $1m before they can break ground. Yesterday, Clay PSD Chair Keith King asked the CCC to "be the go between agency" for more Fed dollars. With the aid of money finder John Romano and engineer Greg Belcher, requests to HUD and ARC will be made this Spring. During the discussions Randy Holcomb made it clear, the PSD did NOT own the Hartland tank site nor did they have a rights of way to the hillside storage tank. At one point, Randy said he might just sell his tank to WV Water in Charleston!

Dec 14 pm Last Spring, Big Otter FD's Marlyn Starcher asked the CCC to allow fire departments to charge for services rendered. With the thumbs up from the elected boys, all seemed well. That's until people stopped calling the fire departments for fear of a big bill. With the Emergency Service Levy on the front burner and concerns over thrifty minded residents, and at the request of all three FD/s in the county, the CCC decision was rescinded. Was is the key word.

Dec 14 pm Yesterday, at Mr. Starcher's request, the same order was put back on the books and the volunteer groups will soon be able to charge again. Greg Fitzwater from the Clay FD said they wanted no part of the deal and would not charge fees. Before the bills can begin, a schedule of fees must be approved by Triplett and Sams.

Dec 14 pm Big tall Jesse Sizemore sat in the back of the meeting room for over an hour before going up front and handing Commissioner Sams a sealed envelope. He said he'd like it entered into the record and read. That didn't happen. Instead, Sams gave a brief once over as did Triplett before showing the 4 page document to the reporter for that little paper over in Clay. As Sams and the reporter read it, they both grinned/smirked several times.

Dec 14 pm We got a copy of the letter and boy it's a dandy! Mr Sizemore gave Sams double duty grief on his (Sams) 10 Commandment display at the Courthouse.

Dec 14 pm Here's an excerpt from Sizemore's handy work: Four years ago Jimmy Sams placed a plaque inscribed with the 10 Commandments on the wall of the CCC room. This was a campaign ploy and a personal agenda recognizable by any literate and rational person as a merging of church and state......if you Jimmy Sams believe so strongly that the 10 COmmandments needs to be displayed then you need to display them at your business.... placing a copy of the 10 Commandments on the wall of the CCC meeting room is a case of forcing the taxpayers to pay a portion of your reelection campaign .... it has also served as an emotional issue to help divert attention away from you management of the duties you were elected and sworn to perform ....it has cost the county many thousands of dollars in lost rent ... are you planning to repay the taxpayers of Clay County the lost rent revenue? ...

Dec 14 pm Pretty good Huh???? Of course we'll have the letter in it's entirety in the next Communicator, but here's a couple more good parts: at least put them in the back of the room where you can see them! .... your flagrant contempt for the law and constitution has gotten us nothing bad press.. demonstrating some of the elected public officials believe that constitutional responsibility and protection end at the county line. .... More juicy Jesse words coming Wednesday clickers.

Dec 14 am 5 am, 2 hour delay called by school officials. Sleep in kids and teachers. Outside your door is around an inch of snow

Dec 14 am 9 more Marines died in Fallejah. How many does it take?

Dec 14 am This morning at 10, Clay County PSD meets in regular session in their Main Street digs across from the courthouse. With their Lizemores/Tucker's Bottom water project coming up $2 million short on funding and 25 potential customers already removed from the project to save on cost over runs, the meeting may be interesting.

Dec 14 am If you've driven thru our southern border colony, Clendenin, see the ADVISORY page now.

De 14 am From last week. Local business man and one time Prosecutor Wayne King had some of his property put on the auction block last Friday am. The 48 acres is located behind the Filcon site near Ovapa and joins the JD Morris spread. Top bidder was Doctor Jamie at $75,000 with Tim Hopkins stopping around $70,000.

Dec 14 am Last Clay Middle School boys hoopsters traveled snowy roads to Webster and beat out the home team 34 to 33.

Dec 14 am We'll provide coverage of yesterday's County Commission meeting later today.

Dec 14 am IF you're trying to listen to WYAP on the internet, they're having some technical problems. For those that listen on 101.7 FM, you too may have problems listening since the transmitter has been whacky since around 4 pm Monday.

Dec 14 am Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines

Dec 14 am As for uses of WD-40: Removes splattered grease on stove; Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging; Lubricates prosthetic limbs; Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell); Removes all traces of duct tape; I have even heard of folks spraying it on their arms, hands, knees, etc., to relieve arthritis pain; One guy claims spraying it on fishing lures attracts fish.

Dec if you're driving a Ford Escape or Mazda Tribute, better check this recall notice.

Dec 13 am Charles Eugene Gray, William Clyde Pierson, and Oleta Dawson, see FUNERAL page

Dec 13 am With chilly night temps and snow showers predicted for the next couple of days, we're off and running this week with the County Commission meeting at the Courthouse beginning at 10am. On ap for this morning: Prosecutor elect Jim Samples is asking for more $ and to hire an Asstistant; Lynn Sizemore Romano has resigned from the Library Board and newbee is needed; and the messy Nancy Nelson estate battle is on tap with attorneys asking the executor to be removed from duty; and...

Dec 13 am Several months ago, Big Otter Fire Dept asked CCC to allow them to charge for services rendered. a few weeks after that, BOFC, Clay, and Lizemores FD asked for the removal of the CCC order. During those second discussions, all agreed, locals might stop using emergency services if they felt they were going to be charged for the volunteer efforts. This morning at 10 Marlyn Starcher (BOFD) is asking the CCC to do it all over again and put the ordinance back on the books.

Dec 13 am All right you down and out Demorats. There is hope this week. Despite Dubbya's Chief Campaign man ( also Sec of State for Ohio) yelling, screaming and kicking against any recount of the Nov 2nd election results, it's going to happen. With W winning Ohio by just 119,000 votes and with election day irregularities reported as well as touch screen voting machines malfunctioning left and right, a hand count could, might, a long shot, might change Ohio's voter choice. If Kerry would somehow win OH, he would win the White House. Watch and see how much national attention is giving this process. The guess is little if any.

Dec 13 am Little Sammy says, "Daddy, how was I born?" Dad says, "Ah, my son, I guess one day you will need to find out anyway so here is my explanation. Your Mom and I first got together

in a chat room on MSN. Then I set up a date via email with your Mom and we met at a cyber-cafe. We sneaked into a secluded room, where your mother agreed to download from my hard drive. As soon as I was ready to upload, we discovered that neither of us had used a firewall and it was much too late to hit the delete button. Nine months later a blessed little pop-up appeared

Dec 12 pm With the Christmas season approaching, what really makes Clayberry special shines through. Yesterday over at the Lion's Club Gambling Hall, volunteers worked tirelessly to see that every little kid coming to see Santa left with some goodies. A week earlier at the Town and Country diner, volunteers made sure every snot licker had a great time as they visited with Santa. The Catholic Church handed out food and gifts to 100s. Although kindness is often felt and seen in the community of Clay, during Christmas, efforts double.

Dec 12 pm So much for that nice crap in our weekend wrap up

Dec 12 pm Superintendent Link got his wings clipped as the week opened during the school board meeting. Most of all us know how suction works in Clayberry and who gets the jobs based on the amount of suction applied. Didn't work Monday even after the Super's recommendation to hire a maintenance man. Board Prez RB Legg couldn't even get a second on Kim Sams' motion to hire. The silence was stunning!

Dec 12 pm This week our Sheriff Elect, Randy Holcomb took another job. Although campaigning as a dedicated, 24/7, hard working, top law enforcement official, he actually plans to spend some of that elected time driving a school bus along with his deputies. Holcomb was hired as a substitute bus driver which means he has to work that obligation at least 33% of the time or risk being tossed from the sub list.

Dec 12 pm We had some big winners this week. Yesterday Head Start driver Suzie Mullins won $12,000 in a scratch off lottery game at Go Mart, Two Run. It became known that Big Otter Fire Dept won an $87,000 grant for equipment from the Federal Govt. Other fire deparmtents in the county didn't even apply for the hand out.

Dec 12 pm And the gift that keeps on giving... JD Morris. During Monday's Court room negotiations ( Motion Day), very curious Clay County Bank dealings came to light. Before the court is an upcoming trial left over from the years the bankery was under the command of convicted felon Morris. Details in the latest Communicator of course

Dec 12 pm They say they ain't going after a rate increase! Despite two affirmative votes to do just that ( if they need it), Clay Roane PSD Chair Postelwait said Thursday night they have no plans to pursue a rate increase to cover the cost of serving 35 Punkin Ridge residents. The increase would ( will) be applied system wide. Despite receiving a whole stack of resumes for a $7.50 per hour maintenance man opening, the PSD went ahead and hired one of the applicants ( part time for now) without ANY background check on driving citations, workman comp issues, past employment history, police record, etc.

Dec 12 pm For those that didn't bookmark Clay Roane PSD's web site link before, here it is again.

Dec 12 pm This weekend the fist hints of winter came. Snow dribble hit the mountain tops and slush hit windshield's on the riverside roads. Winter is here in the land of Clay.

Dec 12 pm "A drunk was proudly showing off his new apartment to a couple of his friends late one night. When they made it to the bedroom, they saw a big brass gong next to the bed. "What's a big brass gong doing in your bedroom?" one of the guests asked.

"It's not a gong. It's a talking clock," the drunk replied. "A talking clock? Seriously?" asked his astonished friend. "Yup," replied the drunk. "How's it work?" the friend asked, squinting at it. "Watch," the drunk replied. He picked up the mallet, gave it an ear-shattering pound, and stepped back. The three stood looking at one another for a moment. Suddenly, someone on the other side of the wall screamed, "You arsshole, it's three o'clock in the morning!"

Dec 11pm Sorry for the delay in postings but we just finished up a 20 pager Communicator. Some of them made it to the news stands last night and ALL will be out and about by noon today. Our five page lead story provides coverage of last week's Motion Day and includes the Nelson hearing and the goodies on the Clay County Bank suit. Also a complete run down on a very interesting school board meeting where Link got his toes stepped on by the board who refused to hire the Super's hand picked choice for a maintenance opening. Now if that don't make you get spend 50 cents, nothing will!

Dec 11 pm All of our fire departments go out and raise $ for everything from trucks to fuel money. Big Otter Fire Department reaaaaaaaaaaally knows how to raise money. They were just awarded a Homeland Security grant for $87,300.00. The bucks are to be used for equipment and personal protection gear. To view all the grants, click Nice! BOFD is listed on page 6 of that site.

Dec 11 pm Thursday night Clay Roane PSD met in regular session and Get This!! According to the Chair, they are NOT applying for a rate increase Just seeing if one is needed. Of course on numerous occasions, the Chair and the Office Manager have asked for rate increases to costs. It's easy to get into financial trouble when you long term finance a new truck, a new computer, computer software, operation expenses like water treatment chemicals and pumps.

Dec 11pm So how poorly managed is the PSD? Before they can formally ask for a rate increase, an accountant has to do another audit. Thursday evening they hired the CPA firm without knowing how much the service would cost and then agreed to ask the folks if they could take payments on the work.

Dec 9 pm Two blondes living in Oklahoma are sitting on the front porch talking when one says to the other, "Which do you think is farther away, Florida or the moon?" The other turns to her and says, "Hellooooooo? Can you SEE Florida?

Dec 9 pm Tonight at 7 Clay Roane PSD meets in regular session at the Clay Development Corp office on Main Street. In addition to the usual behind closed doors time, some things will be discussed in public. According to the agenda: Overtime reports, quarterly reports, refundable tap fees, RATE INCREASE. Hmmmmmmm

Dec 9 pm OF course the PSD has already voted in a rate increase "if needed". That was done during a much more quiet meeting held during day time hours in a back room of the Courthouse two weeks ago. Yes, there was an agenda posted for that special gathering but!!!!! None of the rate increase stuff was posted.

Dec 9 pm Clay County Bank, Wayne King etc. are being sued over a faulty deed of trust and an allegedly bogus foreclosure sale. How about a teaser from the courthouse paperwork: CCB and or Wayne King had prior to the date of the sale, worked out agreements or otherwise cut deals with potential purchasers totally outside the context of any "public auction" or on the sate of the sale, CCB and or Wayne King rejected all bids so that any purported "public auction" was a shame.

Dec 9 pm Pretty strong words and words Clayberry has thought for years. Sounds like a costly Christmas present from now fallen from grace, JD Morris. Full details in Friday's Communicator. Well, maybe not full details but at least an opening volley from what could turn out to be a very revealing court case.

Dec 9 pm It's not too late to order your online Christmas presents from Natalie over at Not Bad Gifts. Sit at home and do your shopping. Sounds nice! The link is at the top of this page and on our home page.

Dec 9 pm This warm weather may be spoiling you but winter is coming! Get that chain saw tuned up NOW or better yet, get you a brand new Stihl. See Norman Johnson's link on our home page. His address has changed ( thank you 911) but he's still located in the same place out Harrison.

Dec 9 pm Get a new car for your spouse. It'll be a great trade! ..... Plan to be spontaneous tomorrow. .... Always try to be modest, and be proud of it! ...... If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments. .... OK, so what's the speed of dark? ..... How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink? ...... If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something.

Dec 9 pm Here's a dirty trick from over in Calhoun County.

Dec 9 pm Commissioner Sams said he had no plans to take down his 10 Commandment display at the Courthouse despite court rulings and a lawsuit threat by the ACLU. During those stormy meetings, Sams said such displays couldn't be illegal. We're not saying Sams is a dumb bunny but a 6th district Judge wrote: The Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the displays likely violated the Constitution because government officials had a predominantly religious purpose in putting them up. The appeals court upheld a preliminary injunction issued by a trial judge. Now Dubbya is also in favor of just religion for the entire country. Here's the Latest from the Associated Press.

Dec 9 pm Death might be better than what some of our injured men and women are going thru after leaving Iraq. Click Horrible Injuries to read for yourself.

Dec 9 pm We're going into typing mode as we put The Communicator to bed. No new posts until late Friday unless there's an emergency something or other.

Dec 8 pm Just as buck season opened, we received and published a letter about a dog that had been shot with an arrow. The owner was real upset over how a hunter could have mistook a small dog for a deer. We have a follow up: to the dumb hunter, the vet bill is now $250.00 for antibiotics and pain killers, its been three weeks and he's still not healed, thanks to you bad shot he's still alive, thank god, but i feel sorry for all the other animals you have shot at, How many are suffering? you're not much of a man if you have to wound, poor defenseless animals especially when you know what you're shooting at, if you were a real man you would admit who you are and at least apologize, pay the vet bill, and show it was an accident but i really don't think it was, just remember what you do comes back to you three times fold and i pray you get what you deserve!

Dec 8 pm For those responded to our request to borrow a cell phone, thanks. If you are trying to reach The Communicator you can still use the 548-4662 number and we will return the call ASAP. Our cell phone number is 651-4662.

Dec 8 pm If you want your classified, event, community notice, etc. in this Friday's Communicator, deadline is Thursday at noon.

Dec 8 pm We've got a note from WYAP community radio. Our non profit FM station wants to air girls and boys high school B ball games this year but is in need of sportscasters. They have a couple people for some of the home games but with so many games, more volunteers are needed. Ever think about being on the radio? Now's your chance. Stop by the station of email wyap@frontiernet.net

Dec 8 pm Clay Lady Panthers put it all over the Roane Lady Raiders last night, 71 to 35.

Dec 8 pm So how important is it that our law enforcement officials spend time on the job and not working a second job? During the 2004 election season, candidate Dave Mullins ran an ad in that little paper over in Clay stating that if elected he would quit his school bus driver job and be a full time Clay County Sheriff. With Sheriff elect Randy Holcomb now set up to be a substitute bus driver ( two days after he takes office, Jan 3 2005), some are are wondering about Mr. Holcomb's work priorities to the folks that put him in office!

Dec 8 pm With crime levels high and new instances of crime in almost all areas of the county, locals have been vocal: We want law enforcement!

Dec 8 pm Be careful what you wish for... In the last couple of weeks, badges have set up road blocks checking for drunks, broken tail lights, loud mufflers, no seat belts use, cracked windshields and such. Now locals are crying foul.

Dec 8 pm It was a full 8 hours in Judge Facemire's court room Monday during Motion Day. Some items of interest: the Ernie Sirk vs Clay Development lawsuit is now scheduled for Jan 21st .... in the Betty Nicholas forgery case from the last Grand Jury, case tossed, Prosecutor had the wrong name, Judge Facemire "the state needs to get the right individual to charge!" ....... in the Jerry Zane Boggs case, Boggs got Facemire all fired up! With trial slated for Tuesday, Boggs asked for a new attorney at the last minute and after putting deer hunting fun above giving the court notice ..... as for Barbara Schamberger asking for more time to settle a legal matter, Facemire was not going for it, Facemire: Nope Nope, I'm not going to dilly dally! ....

Dec 8 pm In the State vs Sam Murphy shooting case ( 2 felonies), a plea deal was worked down to 2 misdemeanor charges, fine, and paying $27,000+ in medical bills to Thomas Holcomb.... and the biggy of the day, a case where the Clay County Bank allegdley screwed up by foreclosing on property owned by Lloyd Parcell but did so without a proper deed of trust. Who wrote the supposedly bogus trust? Wayne King. The clinker: With the land sold off at auction, the new owner Mitch Deboard built a nice home on the land and now he has a cloud over his land ownership. FYI, it's sounds like one more old boy network mess up compliments of past Bank, President JD Morris. Full details this Friday in The Communicator.

Dec 8 pm Yesterday's Town Council meeting was short and without event except.... Council person Sally Legg got all heated up after Mayor King Arthur questioned her validity to be at the table! King Arthur asked if she still lived in Town. Legg explained, if she moved out of Town ( making her in ineligible to be a Council person), HE would be the first to know!!!

Dec 8pm What's that all about? Legg took a job in Charleston and plans to move closer to work. Rumor had it she had already moved. not the case according to Legg. Look for Legg to resign during the Jan 2005 meeting.

Dec 7 pm This afternoon Clay Town Council meets in regular session at the water plant, 4pm. Also this afternoon, Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone (CAEZ) meets at 6pm in their Main Street digs. At 4 pm the Eco/Dev committee of the CAEZ meets as well. At month's end the CAEZ, a federally funded grass roots organization polishes off it's ten year designation as a economic development zone. That's ten years of $ and without one non government job created within Clayberry.

Dec 7 pm from the WV Foundation web site: Research shows that up to 70% of economic growth is attributable to entrepreneurial activity. Currently, West Virginia ranks low in that area: A recent corporate for enterprise development report rated the state 49th in "Entrepreneurial Energy," but multiple organizations within the state are working to change that. And: In America, 54.8% of adults age 25 and older have no education beyond high school. In all of Appalachia, the figure is 66.7%, and, in West Virginia, it is 70.6%.

Dec 7 pm So much for CAEZ making a big impact on Clayberry over the last 10 years.

Dec 7 pm Last night couple interesting thangs happened during the School Board meeting. The agenda and Super Linkinoooooger called for the hiring of Clay County PSD field man Sam Taylor as a new maintenance man. The Board had another idea. When the call went out for a second to hire Taylor... it never came. No maintenance man was hired. Of the 17 that took the written exam for the position, only two Doug Thomas and Taylor made the grade. The lack of second and the no hire may be an indication of a rift between Link and the Board.

Dec 7 pm Also during the meeting and without comment the Board Oked the hiring of Randy Holcomb as a substitute bus driver. Here comes a Hmmmmmmmmmm

Dec 7 pm Voters selected Holcomb in Nov. to be the next Sheriff of Clayberry after he promised to be a hard working, 24/7 kind of elected official. To be a substitute bus driver, the school system policy requires subs to work at least 33% of the times they are called out to work. Such sub work could make it tough for our 24/7 full time Sheriff to live up to his election year promises.

Dec 7 pm Driving school buses is nothing new for county badges. Currently, Deputies Miles Slack and Robert Belt are part time drivers during the day. With Holcomb in the seat as well, can't you see it.... Going down the road in the big yellow boxes pulling over speeding motorists?

Dec 7 pm State Law says something about Deputies and Sheriffs moonlighting. While Deputies can have second jobs, not so for Holcomb. Click 7-14-15a for more. From that passage: No sheriff may have a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any outside employment

Dec 7 pm If you keep digging in the state code, Sheriff elect Holcomb has just four Deputies which means he is considered a part time Sheriff. So, can a par time Sheriff work a second job? No. Click 6-3-1 to read the code. In part the code says a part time Sheriff can have a second job unless it interfere with his elected duties: might reasonably tend to conflict with the proper discharge of, the services or duties of his office.

Dec 7 pm Here's the link to the WV State Code. It's also on our LINK page.

Dec 7 pm Yesterday was a big day in Circuit Court land during motion day. We'll start posting news from that full full day of action late this evening.

Dec 7 pm Is Election 2004 over? Has Dubbya been certified as Prez by the Electorial College or Congress? Are those rantings of voting machine fraud just that.. a pipe dream of Kerry supporters? How about a sworn affadavit from a computer whiz that reports a NASA programmer built a vote rigging program for a Florida Congressman? Click VOTE RIGGING for the full story.

Dec 6 am We've got a pretty full day coming our way. Today is motion day in Circuit Court land. Never what may come out as motions, demotions, remotions, emotions all come out in the open. They throw you out during the juvy stuff but other than that, it's great way to stay warm and dry and see what's going on in Clayberry

Dec 6 am Tonight our school board meets at 6 pm On the agenda: Approve purchase of a 1992 Dump Truck from State Auction for the amount of $8500. Approve the employment of Denise Holcomb as Night Watch Person/Custodian, successful bid, at CCHS (effective Jan.3, 2005, Rachel Thorne's former job). Approve the employment of Margie Wyant as Special Education Supervisory Aide at Clay Elem, successful bid (effective Feb.1, 2005, Wanda Workman's former job). Approve the employment of John Paul Rogers as School Bus Driver for the Falling Rock/Bomont/Camp Creek area, successful bid (effective Jan. 3, 2005, Norman Ramsey's former job). Approve the employment of Sam Taylor as Maintenance Worker, successful completion of required competency tests and interview (Geoff Hamrick's former job). Approve the employment of Paul Edwards as Activity School Bus Driver, successful bid (effective Mar. 1, 2005, Mike Taylor's former job). Approve the employment of Kimberly Workman as Girls Softball Coach at CCHS (Charles "Toot" Paxton's former job). Approve the employment of Randy Holcomb as substitute bus driver, effective Jan.3, 2005.

Dec 6 am After reading the agenda, Wonder if Keith "Mr. Happy" King knows Sam taylor is bailing out and, if Randy Holcomb is set to begin the high Sheriff position Jan 1 why is wanting to be a substitute bus driver.

Dec 6 am Norman Wilson tells a story that Sheriff Fields promised his deputies would NOT be working as part time bus drivers if he got elected to office. Of course, many of the Sheriff's have and continue to work as bus drivers.

Dec 6 am We had some excitement in Clayberry last night as a poacher got caught: 9:07pm - I'm in pursuit of a big car.... He turned and is going back to Route 36.. he almost hit me!!! Calls went out for green Shirt 407. 9:10pm- He's going to be signal 9. Around 9:12pm Town badge Buckshot Butcher said he was going to head them off at the pass (Salisbury Road). Over the scanner came wrecker truck driver Dusty - He's done wrecked the car!! 669 is in the woods now!... i'm not sure where we're at. From 407 - Does he have a weapon? Dusty - I don't know. 9:20 and with "out of breath" voices - 'got him in custody ... there's blood on the back of the car. Sometime close to 10:58pm came - We can't get into the Courthouse, no keys!

Dec 6 am In the middle of all that came a message that a silver truck had been stolen from a park and ride.

Dec 5 am We had a quite a ride this week in Clayberry. Everything that makes Clayberry so special resurfaced again. With winter temps upon us and hunters still in the woods for the annual Deer Camp, our first week of Dec 2004 included:

Dec 5 am Sadly the Oil War casualties continue to increase as the rest of the world looks down on occupation forces in Iraq. There have been 1,412 coalition deaths, 1,266 Americans, 74 Britons, seven Bulgarians, one Dane, two Dutch, two Estonians, one Hungarian, 19 Italians, one Latvian, 13 Poles, one Salvadoran, three Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and nine Ukrainians in the war in Iraq as of December 4, 2004

Dec 5 am Just a couple years back a right wing do it my may or no way petition circulated around the county and went before the County Commission. The fundamentalists asked the CCC to outlaw Sunday hunting. In a rare moment of wisdom, our elected ones let it slide and nothing was done with the petition. In a state where you can gamble 24 hours a day and Sunday is just like another work day for many, Sunday hunting is now benefiting Clayberry. Those bright shiny SUVs from out of state stayed in the county and spent new $ for an extra day. And get this!!! Even with Sunday hunting allowed, all those petition waving extremists could still go to the church of their choice!

Dec 5 am Federal Judges in Ohio gave the thumbs up to a full recount of Nov. 2 election. The Blue folks have reason for hope!

Dec 5 am Clay Roane PSD's Thomas Coon walked in and quit is maintenance job on Monday while Clay County PSD maintenance man Sam Taylor took a school system test and will head over to school board land for employment.

Dec 5 am Ever so quietly and with just three Boardsters present, Clay Roane PSD put in for a rate increase. After months of saying they didn't want to do a rate increase, they told the WV Public Service Commission, do a rate increase and give us (PSD) what ever we need!

Dec 5 am On Thursday, Magistrate Boggs heard from witness after witness in the State vs Richard Cummings case where Tommy Young Sr was shot on Oct 6 2004. With only Young saying Cummings pulled the trigger and 6 witnesses saying that Cummings never left his home that day, probable cause was found and the charges will head to Grand Jury and most likely a trial early next year. With 18 months of experience under his belt, Prosecutor Grindo made a pretty good showing and even sounded lawyerly. Another first!

Dec 5 am As the week closed, County Commissioners Sams and Triplett ignored the county's nepotism policy and hired Sams' sister Teresa Lane to fill the slot vacated by Assessor Suzie Legg who sneaked out early from duty to accept employment elsewhere.

Dec 5 am By Saturday, town workers and a host of volunteers had the Christmas lights in place as well as the Christmas tree outside the Courthouse. Santa Claus came to the TOwn and Country Diner and delighted a bunch of little kids.

Dec 5 am Three men died on Christmas Eve and were met by Saint Peter at the pearly gates. "In honor of this holy season," Saint Peter said, "you must each possess something that symbolizes Christmas to get into heaven." The first man fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a lighter. He flicked it on. It represents a candle, he said. You may pass through the pearly gates Saint Peter said.

The second man reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. He shook them and said, "They're bells". Saint Peter said you may pass through the pearly gates.
The third man started searching desperately through his pockets and finally pulled out a pair of women's panties. St. Peter looked at the man with a raised eyebrow and asked, "And
just what do those symbolize?" The man replied, "They're Carols".

Dec 4 am William Samuel ?Cracker? Woods, 44, of Clay, see FUNERAL page

Dec 4 am Almost as quick as it opened and without the usual opening prayer and pledge to the flag, yesterday's Special County Commission meeting was done. On the agenda was appointing someone to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of County Assessor Suzie Legg.

Dec 4 am With family members present and her bond paperwork already filled out, Commissioner Jimmy Sams made the motion and Commission President Peter Triplett approved Teresa Lane as the new hire. With happiness through out the room there was no mention of the selection process and the number of interested people for the job.

Dec 4 am Only one person asked about the county approved nepotism policy which forbids such hires. According to that policy, no elected official can hire a close relative. Lane is Commissioner Sams' sister.

Dec 4 am During the meeting when the issue came up. Sams said he was wasn't hiring anyone, that, the people hired his sister back in May during the Primary election! Of course the nepo policy doesn't allow that exception. So why put someone in that spot so close to new officials taking over in Jan? Prez Triplett said an Assessor is needed to collect dog taxes and sign off on paperwork.

Dec 4 am Lane will benefit from Friday's vote in the pocketbook to the tune of 1800 additional dollars. Although it seems sensible to put into the opening the person taking the spot in Jan., their is little doubt, this is one more example of what makes Clayberry so special.

Dec 3 am Paul Thomas Foster, Sr., 66, of Ivydale, see FUNERAL page

Dec 3 am For those trying to tele Delta Communications, you know there's a problem with the new voice over the internet telephone (VOiP) service. It ain't working! The 548-4662 number at the old shop is still hooked up and has an answering machine attached but that's another story. If there is anybody close by Clayberry that could loan us a cell phone they're not using, it would be appreciated. No not your minutes or coverage , just a cell phone we could use for about a month or so. We're located at 132 Main Street in Clay.

Dec 3 am Don't say you've nothing to do this weekend. Check the EVENTS page for all kinds of good stuff!

Dec 3 am Our County Commission have a big decision to make today when they hold a special meeting at 3:30pm. They plan to appoint an Assessor to replace Suzie Legg who bailed out early from her elected duties. If you haven't heard, she turned in her resignation earlier this week and shagged off to the state tax department.

Dec 3 am With three weeks to go, the obvious choice for the appointment is Clay County Assessor Teresa Lane who won the May Primary contest. Sounds simple and straight forward doesn't it? It's never simple in Clayberry.

Dec 3 am Three years ago all the Courthouse officials voted into law a nepotism policy that forbids the hiring of a brother, sister, Mother, Father, etc. Teresa Lane is Commissioner Sams' sister. So, will they break their own law and vote in Lane?

Dec 3 am Yesterday Richard Cummings, the guy charged with shooting Tommy Young Sr sat before Magistrate Boggs for his preliminary hearing. The charges stem from Oct 6 shotgun blasts on Murder Mountain which left Young with big time scars on his leg and put him in the hospital for 10 days.

Dec 3 am Cummings attorney Bill Lester produced witness after witness that testified Cummings never left his Little Italy Road residence on the day of the shooting. One fellow said Cummings' vehicle was even broker down! At one point, Lester suggested that the 12 gauge may have accidentally went off or that it was shot up in the air or.... he worked it pretty good! Of course all the witnesses could have been lying but with all of them telling nearly the identical story... one has to wonder what really happened that early Oct day.

Dec 3 am When it was all said and done, Mag Boggs found probable cause, refused to lower the $17,500 bond requirement for the two charges against Cummings and the Grand Jury will hear the findings in the Spring.

Dec 3 am And from around the world.... Conservatives in Alabama are considering banning any mention of gays in library books and classroom textbooks. Right wing censorship coming to a library near you soon... $170 million has been earmark to tell our kids, playing with yourself will cause pregnancy.... Those nasty, communist, ACLU boys are at it again. Now they want Dubbya to stop spying on church groups like Catholics! What a rotten bunch of thugs those ACLUers...... Always setting the standard for acceptable conduct, the Feds have ruled that it's OK to torture detainees and then use the info obtained. Now that's justice for you! ..... A bunch of you are getting information on the internet. Stuff like independent news which Dubbya doesn't like! Now there's a move to stop that kind of info from us poor confused Americans.....

Dec 3 am And finally for this morning. This next part is toooooooo scary for Republicats, so don't read it LJ! Yelp it's that Ohio recount that's coming next week. With $ raised to recount the entire state and with one Republicat Judge saying No Way, our President, John F Kerry, is getting into the act and demanding every vote be counted. Isn't that scary!

Dec 3 am A tour bus driver drives with a bus full of seniors down a highway, when a little old lady taps him on his shoulder. She offers him a handful of almonds, which he gratefully munches up. After approx.15 minutes, she taps him on his shoulder again and she hands him another handful of almonds. She repeats this gesture about eight times.

At the ninth time he asks the little old lady why they do not eat the almonds themselves, whereupon she replies that it is not possible because of their old teeth, they are not able to chew them.
"Why do you buy them then?" he asks puzzled. Where upon the old lady answers, "we just love the chocolate around them."

Dec 2 pm Today at 2pm, before Magistrate Jeff Boggs, Richard Cummings will get a chance to tell his side of the shooting incident with Tommy Young Sr. From last month, according to the court paperwork, Sr alleges that Cummings blasted his backside with a 12 gauge sending Sr to the hospital for 10 days in Oct.

Dec 2 pm Today at 5 pm Clay County Business Development Authority meets in regular session beginning at 5pm at the Courthouse.

Dec 2pm Beginning around 3 am yesterday, much of the county was without electricity. As late as 4 pm yesterday, Procious remained power challenged.

Dec 2 pm Jobs are few and far between in Clayberry. In the entire county there's only 1400 jobs to be had. Monday morning Clay Roane PSD maintenance man Thomas Coon walked in the plant and tendered his resignation, said he had had about all he could handle and POOF, he was out of there. Coon handled the monthly meter readings, general chores, and helped Dale Deems install taps for new customers. The $7.50 per hour (has benefits too) want ad is over on the CLASSIFIED page now.

Dec 2 pm Clay Roane new connection installer Dale Deems was seen Wednesday afternoon out reading meters.

Dec 2 pm Of those 1400 in county jobs the school system with over 350 employees is our biggest employer. As in most of Appalachia, they're also the biggest power broker and arm twister. One thing the government is NOT suppose to do is tailor job or contract qualifications so only person ot company can fit the bill.

Dec 2pm With maintenance man Geoff Hamrick moving to a computer techy position within the system, Link and Associates penned the job specs for Hamrick's opening. Of the 17 that took the written maintenance man test, only two passed.

Dec 2 pm Town Cop Buckshot Butcher hasn't been heard on the 911 scanner for a week and a half. No he's not dead or quit, just off duty. According to Mayor King Arthur Jarrett, Butcher has been in the woods in search of Bambi for the freezer.

Dec 2 pm Back a couple weeks ago, off duty Calhoun County Deputy Ron Bandy was ran over (twice) by locals at a Big Otter bar in Clayberry as gun shots were fired. Arrest warrants were issued but little else. You got to wonder, with eye witnesses and a video tape from the gas station next door, what's up?

Dec 2 am A GOOD post coming mid morning. In the mean time...

Dec 2 am The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection, and complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71. Doughboy is survived by his wife, Play Dough, two children, John Dough and Jane Dough, who has a bun in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart.

     Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Buttersworth, Hungry Jack, The California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies and Captain Crunch. The grave site was piled high with flours.
    Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy, and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart "cookie", wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes.
    Despite being a little flaky at times, he still, as a crusty old man, was considered a roll model for millions.   The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.

Dec 1 am Dr. Calvin Rickson, a scientist from Texas A&M University, has invented a bra that keeps women's breasts from jiggling and prevents the nipples from pushing through the fabric when cold weather sets in. At a news conference announcing the invention, a large group of men took the scientist outside and kicked the crap out of him.

Dec 1 am She just couldn't wait. Suzie Legg bailed out on the county yesterday when she quietly turned in her resignation from being the Clay County Assessor. Courthouse custodian Walter Stutler helped her carry her belongings out the door and away she went.

Dec 1 am With the electorate turning their noses at Legg in May, she managed a WV State Tax Dept. job and the call just couldn't wait.

Dec am For those looking in from a distance, Clayberry is water logged. The rain started yesterday mid day and they didn't stop over night. Winds whipped utility lines with the lights blinking off and on several times last night. Ducks were seen with their suitcases yesterday as they headed to higher ground.

Dec 1 am for the rest of world's benefit.... this is the first of the month and even with rain and cool temps, Clayberry comes alive today. This is check day. The day the Federal government supplies another 20 days worth of $ for a 31 day month. One guy said that our elected folks in DC do little for Clay and Robert C should be voted out of office! The truth is, for every tax dollar that leaves WV, $4 comes right back.

Dec 1 am Today grocery bills are paid up and for many, it's the day they go around and pick up "bad checks" they floated. With a new supply of Fed $ in the county, it's also a day for buying lottery scratch off tickets. Spend it while you can!

Dec 1 am The 98 year old Mother Superior from Ireland was dying. The nuns gathered around her bed trying to make her last journey comfortable. They gave her some warm milk to drink but she refused. Then one of the nuns took the glass back to the kitchen. Remembering a bottle of Irish whiskey received as a gift the previous Christmas, she opened and poured a generous amount into the warm milk.

Back at Mother Superior's bed, she held the glass to her lips. Mother drank a little, then a little more and before they knew it, she had drunk the whole glass down to the last drop. "Mother," the nuns asked with earnest, "please give us some wisdom before you die."
She raised herself up in bed and with a pious look on her face said, "Don't sell that cow."