December 2007 News
 

Dec 31p  Denzil M. Cogar, 52,  see OBITUARY page

Dec 31 a Happy Birthday Jackie Sizemore

DEc 31 a Happy Birthday Don Jarvis

Dec 31 a   May the New Year bring troubles that last just seconds; giggles that last minutes; chuckles that last hours;  laughs that last days;  smiles that last weeks;  happiness that last months;  and friendships that last years. Happy New Year to each and every

Dec 31 a With much of the county in recess, the County Clerk's office will be open today. Something about a constitutional mandate or something. Not sure if any other Courthouse department being open Monday.

Dec 31 a The place to be New Year's Eve is the radio station on Main Street, Clay. Munchies, pop, music, raffles, debuting the new Harold Allen and Terri Lively CD, and watching the mighty Clayberry Ball drop at midnight. Dick Clark ain't got nothing on us!

Dec 31 a For those that want to listen in, go to wyap.com and click the ON AIR button.

Dec 30 a Happy Birthday Tracy Sizemore!

Dec 30 a   Without the white stuff Christmas came to Clayberry. With schools closed down and many many parents taking vacation days off from work to care for the little crumb snatchers, the county was dead. Main Street looked like a ghost town for much of the week.

Dec 30 a   Wednesday morning the County Commission met in regular session. With only Joe Lanham from the VFW present, CCC tabled his request to whack down two perfectly good spruces in front of the old Courthouse. Reason? No not something from a tree hugger perspective but instead, the VFW has only raised $13,000 of the $300,000 needed. For now, the trees are safe.

Dec 30 a One lady that sat thru the meeting spoke that the current CCC seemed much more prepared and ready for the public meeting. She said she hadn't attended a Commission meeting in seven years.  She added that it was nice for CCC President Peter Triplett to ask if anyone wanted to speak.

Dec 30 a At week's end, after some questions:  The Town of Clay now has enough equipment to start fluoridating the water supply. One problem, the equipment is not yet installed.

Dec 30 a  Once again the controversial issue of fluoridating the wa wa is being discussed in the county. About every government agency around tells us how safe and needed fluoridation has become.

Dec 30 a Still.... there are those that think medications should be administrated by health care professionals and not water operators; how once the fluoridation begins, there is no way to opt out of the system wide addition; and finally, if 1 ppm is the optimal amount of fluoride, how much of the naturally occuring stuff was already in the water?

Dec 30 a  Here's one of those oddball PHD guys  that questions what the government says is good for us.

Dec 30 a  With the week over, we're ready to start another year.  Thanks for your continued support of this web site and The Communicator. You are appreciated.

Dec 27 a Thanks Dave C for the phone call. Your Communicator will be in the mail Friday morning.

Dec 27 a  With schools out and many still vacationing, the streets are all but empty. Clayberry is quiet  Ever so slowly we're moving into another year

Dec 27 a During the last Clay Roane PSD meeting word came that some state agency donated fluoride equipment to all the water providers in the state. With many people knowing the concerns of fluoridation, the PSD decided to take their time hooking the gear up.

Dec 27 a at another public meeting, someone thought the Town of clay had already started fluoridation.

Dec 27 a We stopped over at the Clay Water Plant Thursday. Yes, they received the equipment but have not done the installation process yet. Town Council voted some months ago to start the treatment when the equipment gets installed.

Dec 27 a  So, what are some of the facts about fluoride? According to the handbook, Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products, fluoride is more poisonous than lead and just slightly less poisonous than arsenic. It is a cumulative poison that accumulates in bone over the years. According to the Physicians Desk Reference, "in hypersensitive individuals, fluorides occasionally cause skin eruptions such as atopic dermatitis, eczema, or urticaria. Gastric distress, headache, and weakness have also been reported. These hypersensitive reactions usually disappear promptly after discontinuation of the fluoride." More here clickers.

Dec 27 a  The Center for Disease Control also makes mention of the dangers of too much fluoride.

Dec 27 a The American Dental Assoc whistles a different tune on fluoride. Here's an ADA reference page for the pluses.     It appears the safety issue is over the  "right amount" of fluoride.

Dec 27 a Water departments getting into medical treatment? Sounds a little shaky to some. Heck, our water suppliers have enough trouble just keeping the stuff flowing and safe!

Dec 27 a Ready for some good music? Harold Allen and Terri Lively will be performing at Taylor Books on Capitol St in Charleston Friday night beginning at 7:30pm  Nice chance to get out of Clay and have some fun. Free concert too

Dec 27 a The mighty evergreens are saved for now. During Wed's Commission meeting: the VFW didn't have up to date blueprints for the Veteran's Memorial to show the elected folks. The actual cost for the new memorial is closer to $300,000. With the VFW account at just $13,000, it may be a while before the other $287,000 is collected.

Dec 27 a   With no formal plans on hand and a long way to go in funding, the CCC tabled any decision on the fate of the trees. They're safe for now clickers.

Dec 27 a How many times have you heard on this site and in The Communicator: This county needs a short and long term plan in place before anything can improve.

Dec 27 a You're not going to believe this one folks. During Wed's CCC meeting, a Jan 23, 08 date was set for the BDA, CAEZ, and the CCC to sit down and hash out an organized approach for our future. What a Christmas present and none too soon!!!!

Dec 26 p  Gerald Wayne Henry, 80, see OBITUARY page

Dec 26 a  Yesterday morning a heavy frost covered everything with white.  Not the White Christmas of postcard fame but white none the less.

Dec 26 a With Christmas behind us, it's time to polish off another year. This morning at 10 the County Commission meets in regular session. Left over from last meeting, will be the decision to chop down those two big evergreens.

Dec 26 a Meeting wise we're about done for 2007.

Dec23 p From the email bag:  We would like to wish a very Merry Christmas to David, Tina and Matthew Goode, Sarah Goode, JE and Elva Vaughan, and all of our other friends and family in Clay!

Justin and Crystal Vaughan in Honolulu, HI

Dec 23 p   With the winds howling and moon as full as it can get, the plays all complete and the shopping near done, it's truly time to kick back and enjoy a couple days off . It's Christmas time, family time.

Dec 23 p No snow but not freezing either. These few days a year come with and without snow. We'll take them any way we can get em.

Dec 23 p  ...There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment: he that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us.

Dec 23 p  See you in a  few days.     Merry Christmas to each and every.

Dec 22 a  Ryan Chaston Arthur, see OBITUARY page

Dec 22 a Happy Birthday wishes to Randy Edward Wyant III

Dec 22 a  It's feels sooooo nice. The last Communicator for the year is now on the new stands. It's now Christmas time in the Nation of Clay.  Four days to keep back and enjoy.

Dec 22 a We'll do brief postings over the holidays.

Dec 22 a  For the first time in years, decades maybe, the Town of Clay didn't put up their red and white Christmas decorations on the utility poles. Maybe not the prettiest decorations for sure, but still missed!

Dec 20 a It's coffee cup time clickers....

Dec 20 a Last chance to honor a loved one this Christmas. See the EVENTS page now for the VFW candle lighting ceremony on the 22nd.

Dec 20 a We're in typing mode getting the Communicator put to bed. Last call for events, notices, and classifieds. No new posts until after the near award winning paper gets out the door Friday afternoon.

Dec 20 a  Tommy Young Jr. and David Hanshaw's mug shots honored our home page yesterday. We have a few details now. The arrests came after  a '91 International dump truck and trailer owned by Boggs Gas Co. were swiped around Nov. 27th 07. Additionally, a $30,000  dozer owned by a Holcomb subject turned up on the back of the trailer. A third adult, Adam Gray, was mentioned as a conspirator in the caper. A juvenile accomplice was also mentioned in the Police Report. In the mix is a dozer that wouldn't start (had to have a starter tricked) and keys being left in the dump truck.

Dec 20 a Tommy Jr. was picked up at Gino's on the 18th. Hanshaw was already in the slammer for bad checks and was served his felony papers while behind bars. Keep in mind, Young Jr. and another lad are already indicted for allegedly stealing a dozer last year!

Dec 20 a Details in Friday's paper as best we can piece it together.

Dec 20 a Lots of scanner traffic Wed night. Something was going on out on the interstate  between 7:30 and 8:30pm. Reports came in of a truck driver shooting  a female passenger in the cab of the blue Kenworth flat bed. Green Shirt Bailey was out checking trucks with Our Top Badge rushing to back up. Sometime close to 8pm a pulled over trucker said the shooter was in a Kenworth, had already shot the passenger, and planned to turn the weapon on himself. Lots of scanner traffic with much guessing the trucker turned on Rt 19 and not heading South in I 79.

Dec 20 a In the mix (7:45pm) was a walk in 17 year old female, possible overdose, hydro's, getting carted off to CAMC. Somewhere in there was a need for a Kanawha County paramedic  to assist

Dec 20 a With that ambulance in route and meeting up with the Kanawha County unit,  a second call came in of  a 56 year old near Camp Creek, overdosing. That call and a need for an ambulance came in close to 7:55pm. With no ambulances available, a Clay Unit finally went to the scene at 9:27pm. That's a 90 minute delay.

Dec 20 a  Our most top secret, most sued, social service agency in the county, is in the news again. Over the last dozen years, CDC Board members, employees, CDC general membership and even the public have tried to investigate various rumors of improprieties. In each and every case, the questioners are removed from office, employment, or the general membership. Ask a question, off with their head so to speak.

Dec 20 a We broke the story of CDC getting sued again yesterday. With $2.6 million in damages sought, lawsuits often bring out juicy " inside"  info. Like rats leaving a sinking ship.... it's the juicy side notes that usually raise the hackles. For instance...

Dec 20 a  Over the years came word of outlandish bonuses given select employees in the CDC family. ANy such mention was immediately shut up and the person with the question, tossed from service.

Dec 20 a In this court case word will come of a minimum of two bonus checks each year and up to four bonuses in other years. Not just a little thank you but $3000 bonus checks in the Spring of this year and another slated for Christmas time. Not for everyone, but bonus checks to select upper management. Bonuses for government workers, or quasi government workers, are frowned at and deemed down right illegal most of the time.

Dec 20 a Have you ever received a big bonus, $3000 bonus as a sociel service provider? Even in the private sector, ever got that much and twice a year?   Ever receive a bonus tax free?   Read on, it gets worser. Yes there's such a word, we just used it!

Dec 20 a America really hates it when an agency (CDC) has a $1.6 million dollar annual budget and still manages to go in the red. They are. Lets see now,      $3000 bonuses, at twice a year, for 6 employees... that's $6000 times 6 or $36,0000.00 while paying the Director $65,000 a year and ending up in the red.

Dec 20 a  That's bad but it gets worse. There may have been some fudging with those bonuses. The "select" management folks wanted to receive the full $3000 in June of this year. To accomplish that, the checks had to be written for $5600+.  The $5600 covered Federal withholding taxes, both sides of the withholding tax.

Dec 20 a    Normally an employee pays half the withholdings and the employer pays the rest. Didn't happen that way at CDC where the company (CDC) paid both halves, $1854.00.

Dec 20 a  It is our understanding, such actions require the payroll software to be "overridden" by top management. The Feds frown, really frown on such stealthy doin's when the W-2s and 3s have to be explained.

Dec 20 a  Lots more coming as the court papers change hands and hearings are heard. Stay tuned.

Dec 20 a The Communicator makes a great Christmas gift. Prescriptions are available for  a years worth of great reading. Heck , even Commissioner Linkinooooooooger recommends it for the reading value and entertainment. True True True, he said just (about) that earlier this year.

Dec 19 a Santa Claus is coming to Gino's today, 5 to 6:30 for fun with Santa

Dec 19 a Nothing says Christmas like a nice present. Here's an Oh Boy !

Dec 19 a Clay Development Corp (CDC)  is well known for firing employees who ask too many questions. They also have a policy of getting rid of Board members who want to know too much about the top secret family run organization. Over the last ten years or so they spent a great deal of time and taxpayer dollars  defending their actions.

Dec 19 a Did we mention things were a little quiet in Clay?

Dec 19 a Fired for answering a Board member's question, long time book keeper Brenda Baird brought a $2.6 million suit against the CDC Monday afternoon. Under the whistle blowers law, Baird says she was fired 5 days after filing a grievance against the family clan.

Dec 19 a More coming later today and there's a bunch of it too!

Dec 19 a the Communicator comes out Friday afternoon. Deadline for submissions is Thursday around noon.

Dec 18 a   Jane A. Reed, 82, see OBITUARY page

Dec 18 a  From the email bag:   I would like to wish a very special lady Happy Birthday.  She is the best sister anyone  could ask for and I am so proud that she is mine.  I love her so very much. The 18th of each Dec is a very special day for me for God gave me a littler sister to share this life with me. I wish I could tell her myself but I am not allowed to see her.  She is loved by my son so much that he  calls her Moma Faith instead of Aunt Faith.  So Please wish her a great big birthday wish from us.  Happy Birthday Faith Wayne -- Love Nancy Lea, Jim O. and RJ

Dec 18 a Check out the ADVISORY page for something nice to do this Christmas season. By the way, Julia is Dave Derby's daughter now serving in Afghanistan.

Dec 18 a   Burrrrrrrrrrr  Temps dropped to 16 last night. That's down right chilly. One week from today is Christmas morning. Men, you have to get out and buy you gifts. Those Christmas Eve stops at Go Mart, Foodland, or hardware store won't cut it and you know it.

Dec 18 a  White House visitor logs are public documents, a federal judge ruled Monday, rejecting a legal strategy that the Bush administration had hoped would get around public records laws. Finally some common sense. Why did it take 7 years?

Dec 18 a Holiday tip:   Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

Dec 18 a  Sure it's Christmas time in Clayberry but it seems too quiet. Often such quiet times, even around Christmas, are the calm just before a political storm. Keep your ears to the ground.

Dec 17 p   Alice Philistia Adkins Stephenson, 84, of Indore, see OBITUARY page

Dec 17 p Scanner listeners were glued to their radios last night as out of breath Badges took the creeks in search of bad guys.

Dec 17 p Starting a little before 10pm Black Shirt Belt was once again in hot pursuit, this time in the Ivydale area. Other badges showed up in support and could be heard walking ridges and hollows and "in the creek". Around 10:10pm "The subjects were in the creek!!.... I'm coming out just below the store here on the road"

Dec 17 p We're not sure which "creek" they were talking about, but every creek including the big creek, The Elk, were running fast and high after the recent rains. Any creek  crossing would be dangerous if not impossible to say the least

Dec 17 p  Since no one was admitted at CRJ, we asked Top Badge Randy Holcomb about the radio chatter, "The investigation is in progress." Translation:  He, they , got away

Dec 17 p  Our guess: Thugs broke into Cunningham Motors once again and made off with the all the basic essentials of life: Smokes, beer, tobacco, and such.

Dec 17 p   Kids were all bummed out this morning when the dreamt about 2 hour delay never materialized. Parents smiled!

Dec 17 a  The wind howled and the snow came down. This time last winter we were still running around in short pants with temps in the 60s. Sort of like that too!

Dec 17 a Tonight at 6pm the Clay County Board of Education will meet at Leaky Roof, I mean, the new Valley Dale Elem school.

Dec 17 a   When the Shrub came to office he shifted Fed $ to church based groups and said we'd be better spending money on abstinence only education. Don't tell the kids about condoms, the pill and such. Since the beginning of time, that abstinence only notion hasn't work. Now 14 states have told Dubbya, we don't want your dollars, give us money for programs that work. DC and Maryland just told the big shrub they'll take the money but will include  a full program for sex education.

Dec 17 a  Have you ever googled your own name? 53% of America have.

Dec 17 a   How many scandals have we covered in this administration?” WV's very own BIll Moyers just spoke on that subject with  Olbermann.

Dec 17 a Back during the last two Presidential elections, Ohio election officials and manufacturers rigged the voting machines. Is it any better now? Ahhh, Nope. On that last posting.. did we cast too broad a net? Well many were fired and others received jail time.

 Dec 17 a As of 11:06 Sunday night, no word on a two hour delay in the school system. Nothing, go to bed! Here's the state site for school delays and closures. Better bookmark it, this might be the  winter we talk about for years to come.

Dec 16 p For our around the world clickers Snow is swirling in the county. No big fluffy snowflakes but itty bitty ones blowing everywhere, a dusting on the grass. Under the white stuff is the problem, a bit of ice making things slippery dipperey.   Kids are dreaming of at least a two hour delay.

Dec 16 p Not really an update this weekend , a couple bummers.

Dec 16 p On Wed the County Commission was scheduled to vote the fate of the two evergreens in front of the old Courthouse. Didn't happen. The VFW didn't have current drawings, blueprints for their proposed changes. The CCC was unwilling to make any decision before seeing what was being changed.  Great!

Dec 16 p Here's the bummer part. After much hype on blogs, this web site, and on the street, not one person showed up to speak out. The peanut gallery was empty. No one came to express their thoughts. After the CCC meeting Joe Lanham from the VFW, admitted he had asked his members to attend in support of the project and not one of them showed either. How sad.

Dec 16 p Yesterday Santa came to town. Must have been over a 100 curtain climbers in attendance waiting to talk with Santa. The event was organized well and came off without a hitch. Every child left with a small gift and a smile. Good

Dec 16 p On the bummer side, so many of the kids appeared unkept, their hair wasn't combed, parents in attendance looked no better. Worse yet, in this land of hand outs, when each child was given a bag of fruit, few "thank yous' were heard.

Dec 16 p  Poor is a financial state, we understand that. It doesn't have to include dirty clothes, dirty little bodies, not brushing teeth, and hair unkept. Not everybody mind you, but many many, accepted the bag of gifts without even a thank you. In this land of entitlements, it ain't working and now the youngest generation, the newbees, are growing into that same welfare mentality and without even a thank you. Clayberry, we have a problem.

Dec 16 p And finally for this past week, wifey came home. The house was clean, no dog poop in the floor, dishes were washed, and no cigar smoke was in the air.  Other than a brush with Gerge Dickel and headache the next day,  07 was a learnig process and at 54 years of age, none too soon.

Dec 15 a  How about some interesting web surfing this morning

Dec 15 a  Look at your cell phone bill. Those tag alongs no one tells you about. Sprint is dropping three of em but adding two new in house fees.

Dec 15 a  A federal judge in Vermont has ruled that prosecutors can't force a criminal defendant accused of having illegal images on his hard drive to divulge his PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) passphrase.

Dec 15 a  The Newton Community Center or Three Forks Center has been the center of a juicy dispute for the last 8 months. Police have been called. Door locks have been changed more often than a baby with the squirts. Now it appears the Juanita Linger, the ousted leader of the pack is really out, for good out. Good!

Dec 15 a Remember Tattoo Vince? The guy convicted of killing Judd Reid and then bringing his body over to Pisgah for burial? You remember Vince don't you?? He was the big guy often seen at the Gypsy Jew Shop nor home for The Communicator. Vince Golosow was back in Court this week seeking another trial. He said he didn't pull the trigger. Here's the info from the Roane Times.

Dec 15 a It didn't take Clay Roane PSD long to shoot down the idea of giving Christmas bonuses to employees. That's a good thing cause doing so would be unlawful .

Dec 15 a From Thursday night, here's the way we've got it" Black Shirt Belt pulled over a white Camaro for not dimming his lights. In the back seat was Guy Dwier. With a pick up warrant issued back in March, Belt was ready to cuff the young lad when he bolted. In pursuit Belt chased the tennis shoe and short pants clad Dwier around Bullard's Exxon station at Maysel.  During one of the laps, Dwier yelled out, get and get me out of here! With the driver saying no way, Dwier hoped behind the steering wheel and high tailed it North on Rt4.

Dec 15 a As Dwier zoomed past Go Mart, Belt and other Badges got into the action.  Near Spread Park Dwier made a bad decision. he turned left at Spread Holler. He never made the turn and ended up in the creek. Was that the end of it? Nope, Even after Belt told him to hold up, he didn't and took off a again.

Dec 15 a Lets see now, fleeing with a vehicle, driving without a license ( lost that in 2003), obstructing an officer,  any way you look at it, Dwier is in deep doo doo.

Dec 15 a Ahhhhhh vacation time, wifey is off to New York city on a bus tour. Day one report

Dec 15 a One big baked potato laced with reaaaal butter and high test sour cream. No none of that fat free or reduced calorie crap, the real thing complete with  , are you ready, mild cheddar cheese.

Dec 15 a Yelp! learned my lesson with that taper tantrum producing sharp cheddar stuff. Mild cheddar from now on for me.    Found a few hidden cigars and that long hid bottle of George Dickel. The dog ain't going to see the inside of the house for two more days. Change socks? Not a chance! Make up the bed? No way! Leave the ring down? Forget it !!

Dec 15 a  I get to wear the pants for the next couple days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dec 14 4pm  Clay County PSD's Boil Water Order for the Hartland Bickmore service areas has been lifted. Drink Drink Drink

Dec 14 pm  Last night's foot chase turned car pursuit.... Yelp they nabbed Guy Dwier  who had a felony pick up warrant issued in mid March 07. He's in deep doo doo now and remains behind bars ar CRJ

Dec 14 p  Goldia Ann Henderson, 82, see OBITUARY page

Dec 14 p  Happy 9th Birthday Dakota Blankenship!!

Dec 14 p  New job listing. Those interested in a USPO job, deadline is the end of this month, see JOBS page.

Dec 14 a Answer:  Tina Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939 in Nutbush, TN.

Dec 14 a  What was the lake called on the Andy Griffith Show?    "Myers Lake, as it was affectionately called, is shown during the opening 'fishing hole' credits and used in several episodes of The Andy Griffith Show(TAGS).  the lake used on the show is actually Franklin Canyon Lake (originally Upper Franklin Canyon Reservoir), located at 2600 Franklin Canyon Drive in Beverly Hills, California.

This location has been heavily used by the television and movie industry over the past 50 years.  In addition to TAGS, Combat, Bonanza, Star Trek, How the West Was Won, and the movie, On Golden Pond, with Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda were filmed here.  The lake and park area is now managed by the National Park Service, and is open to the public.  Myers Lake was named after Frank E. Myers, the production manager for TAGS.

Dec 14 a  We're down to a few days before Christmas. There's some important stuff going on in Clayberry.

Dec 14 a   Saturday morning Santa comes to the Lion's Club building to greet all the little curtain climbers. See EVENTS page.

Dec 14 a Saturday afternoon, the radio station is trying something special. They're asking everyone to come to station and record a Holiday message to troops serving overseas. You don't have to be a parent, grand parent aunt or anything to a service person. You just have to be someone that knows the importance of the job our military personnel.   The greetings will be aired on the station's webcast (heard around the world) during the holidays. How about doing something tomorrow. See EVENTS page.

Dec 14 a How about some updates...

Dec 14 a   Community activist Fred Sampson attended Tuesday's Clay Co PSD meeting. He was there to ask why low water pressure conditions remain in the Little Italy section of the county. After promising the condition would be fixed during the just completed gazzilioon dollar upgrade, Sampson spent around 30 minutes being very specific with Boardsters and the project engineer. With many in the neighborhood without drinking or fire suppression water available for big chunks of each day, Sampson said he was coming back (again) for better answers. Clayberry, we have a problem!

Dec 14 a Traditionally the PSD says the problem, low wa wa pressure, is because their water supplier (the Town of Clay) sells, sends much of their product over to Roane Co. During Tuesday meeting, with two reps from the Town present (hello Dwana and Drema), they toned down their rhetoric.

Dec 14 a There might be a good reason for send all that water over to Roane County.

Dec 14 a Last night Clay Roane PSD met in regular session. During that meeting came word that they have a humongo water leak.  Clay Roane PSD buys water from the Town and resells it over in Roane County. How big is that leak? Last month they managed to leak out about half of what they purchased, 1.6 million gallons. So far the PSD has been unable to find the leak.

Dec 14 a As for the Clay Roane PSD employees receiving an illegal Christmas bonus... ain't going to happen this year.

Dec 14 a During Wednesday's Commission meeting, Kookla Fran and Ollie said they weren't going to decide the fate of the two beautiful evergreen trees until the VFW Memorial committee submits a detailed up to date blueprint of the plan. Decision will be made during the next CCC meeting, Dec 26 at 10 am

Dec 14 a Scanner  listeners heard action just before midnight last night...

Dec 14 a Sounded like Black Shirt Belt was in a foot pursuit which ended up with a race up Rt 4. Green Shirts and even our Top Badge went back into service for back up.  The white Camaro ended up wrecking just after turning on Spread  Holler in front of Mary Chilton Road side park. With the person cuffed without incident, the ambulance and HealthNet bird were turned back.

Dec 14 a We noticed Guy Dwier was in jail this morning. Not sure if that is related to the chase or not.

Dec 14 a  A cowboy is driving down a back road in Texas.   A sign in front of a restaurant reads:  Happy Hour Special... Lobster Tail and Beer    "Lord almighty" he says to himself,   "my three favorite things!"

Dec 14 a BWO remains in place

Dec 14 a A man goes into a cocktail lounge and approaches Maxine sitting by herself :  Man: "May I buy you a cocktail?"    Maxine: "No thank you, alcohol is bad for my legs."   Man: "Sorry to hear that. Do they  swell?"  Maxine: "No, they spread."

Dec 14 a Ohhh Boy    Wifey gone for three days!

Dec 13 a BOIL WATER ORDER for Hartland Bickmore customers of Clay County PSD continues today. Boil it First customers.

Dec 13 a Larry Caudill goes in for heart surgery today. Speedy recovery wishes extended.

Dec 13 am  Tonight, 7pm,  Clay Roane PSD meets in the CCC room at the Courthouse. On the agenda is mention of a vote to provide employees a one time pay increase, AKA: Christmas Bonus. Down at our Southern border colony, Clendenin, those leaders just got cited for giving Christmas bonuses in the form of gift certificates.

Dec 13 a It's not too early to mention what the community radio station is up to this Saturday. From 3 to 5pm YAP is hosting  audio Christmas Cards for the troops. Stop by the station and record your holiday wish. The greetings will be aired on their worldwide webcast during Christmas season. Shouldn't take more than a couple minutes and well worth your time. See EVENTS page or www.wyap.com for details

Dec 13 a  Yesterday the County Commission heard the VFW's plan for the war memorial which includes cutting down both evergreens on Main Street. In response, the CCC asked to see  blueprints for the $200,000 project. With no current professional drawings available, the agenda item was tabled until the next meeting, Dec 26th at 10am.

Dec 13 a Though chopping down something beautiful would be sad,  there's something worse.

Dec 13 a Yesterday not one person attended the Commission meeting to speak for or against the idea. Only VFW rep Joe Lanham showed to talk up the idea. From the public, from the tree hugger community,  from the historical community, not  a person. Pitiful

Dec 13 a Put on your thinkin caps clickers. What is Tina Turner's maiden name? Better yet, what was her birth name, complete birth name?

Dec 13 a And another. Andy, Opie and all the Mayberry gang were always heading off to the lake for some fishing. What was the name of that lake?

Dec 13 a Email responses. Answers tonight, late.

Dec 12 LATE pm   Gene Paul Mollohan, see OBITUARY page

Dec 12 p BOIL WATER ORDER   Clay County PSD issued a Boil Water Order for Hartland/Bickmore areas of the system due to the main line break in the Town of Clay system.. For cooking, drinking or brushing your teeth, Boil that Water! Safety First!

Dec 12 p   Over in front of Woofter's trailer park at Pisgah, a 6 inch water line cracked big time. early this morning. The break came at the same point where a fire hydrant was SUPPOSE to have been hooked up years ago according to Mr Woofter.

Dec 12 p  At 10:30 this morning  Clay County Schools shut down due to the leak.

Dec 12 p They're all yours parents!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dec  11 p How about some details....

Dec 11 p  Community activist Fred Sampson is on tonight's Clay County PSD meeting agenda. Sampson  was on the original PSD board over ten years ago when the vote was taken to add water lines North thru Ivydale. In that original deal, the Little Italy section was to have received a bigger line to better serve that community. When the water line extension project was completed  earlier this year, the project did NOT include a working upgrade (water pressure)  to Little Italy. Many, most, in that area receive little if any water service after 11pm nightly. It is expected that Mr. Sampson will press the PSD on that topic this afternoon at 4:30.

Dec 11 p  Wed morning the County Commission meets at 10 am. Their agenda includes a vote to cut down the beautiful evergreens in front of the old  Courthouse to accommodate a proposed war memorial still in the planning stage.

Dec 11 p Clay Roane PSD meets Thursday night at 7pm. Those Boardsters have on the agenda a vote to give employees a Christmas bonus. The issue of one time bonuses was settled years ago. Based on Attorney General opinions ( and common sense), such pay raises are illegal. The matter was just addressed over in Roane County where elected leaders decided not to do something illegal no matter what name you give Christmas Bonuses. Let's see how the PSD votes this year.

Dec 11 p  One of the problems with one time pay raises, they ain't one time. Once the increase is added to the government workers wages, it stays on the next year and the next and the..   You can't take away what's already given.

Dec 11 a   An Irishman who had a little too much to drink is driving home from the city one night and, of course, his car is weaving violently all over the road. A cop pulls him over. "So," says the cop to the driver, where have ya been?" "Why, I've been to the pub of course," slurs the drunk. " Well," says the cop, "it looks like you've had quite a few to drink this evening."  "I did all right," the drunk says with a smile. " Did you know," says the cop, standing straight and folding his arms across his chest, " that a few intersections back, your wife fell out of your car?"   " Oh, thank heavens," sighs the drunk." For a minute there, I thought I'd gone deaf."

Dec 11 a  Brenda O'Malley is home making dinner, as usual, when Tim Finnegan arrives at her door. "Brenda, may I come in?" he asks. "I've somethin' to tell ya".  " Of course you can come in, you're always welcome, Tim. But where's my husband?" " That's what I'm here to be telling ya, Brenda." There was an accident down at the Guinness brewery... " Oh, God no!" cries Brenda. "Please don't tell me."    " I must, Brenda. Your husband Shamus is dead and gone. I'm sorry.  Finally, she looked up at Tim.   "How did it happen, Tim?"   " It was terrible, Brenda. He fell into a vat of Guinness Stout and drowned."     " Oh my dear Jesus! But you must tell me truth, Tim. Did he at least go quickly?" "Well, Brenda... no. In fact, he got out three times to pee."

Dec 11 a    Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.   Ronald Reagan (1986)

Dec 11 a   Gregory Derwin Fugate, 43, of Bickmore, see OBITUARY page

Dec 11 a   Mary Elizabeth A“PUFFA” Villa, 25, of Procious, see OBITUARY page

Dec 11 a  Several have emailed asking for details on last Friday's deadly head on car wreck that took the life of Ms Villa. That was the morning we were publishing the latest edition of  the Communicator. We don't have any details other than the young mother was coming home from work when she was struck head on on Rt 4. Sorry

Dec 11 a The beginning of each month brings on many public meetings. Clay County PSD meets the second Tuesday of each month beginning at 4:30pm

Dec 11 a Clay Roane PSD meets the second Thursday of each month at the Court House. On their agenda is an action item to give employees a Christmas bonus. Christmas bonuses called by any name are illegal.  The PSD is the same government agency that just asked for big bucks ($9000+) for quick connect cables to hook up a  portable generator.

Dec 11 a Tonight the CCHS Panthers take on Gilmer County in home court action. Come and support the home time tonight beginning at 7: 30pm  101.7 FM will air the game.

Dec 11 a Having trouble making ends meet? You should. While government leaders say things are improving in West Virginia, they ain't. Here's a write up on  the Hurherald with mentions of our pitiful economy, school results, and worse.

Dec 11 a Yelp, we rank 47th in the nation!

Dec 11 a For trying to blow up our Top Badge in 2005, Mr Welch received nearly 22 years in the slammer. For this part in the same crime Sam Murphy received just 11 years. During the Welch trial the attorneys tried hard to get the Judge to go against Federal sentencing guidelines and make his jail time the same as Murphy's.

Dec 11 a  Didn't work. Now the US Supreme Court is giving much more leeway to vary from the tough guidelines. Although the Big Robe decision was talking about differences in cocaine products, this may signal a more realistic approach in jailing criminals.

Dec 9 p Robert Keffer Jr. of Clay, see OBITUARY page

Dec 9 a Good morning clickers. Christmas is just a couple weeks away. Where oh where has the year gone. This past week we saw snow and cold temps enough to close school for a day and two hour delay the next. Kids loved it, parents cried.

Dec 9 a  Lots of big issues in Clay but the most irritated comments come over the temporary stop lights at the Dundon bridge ski slope. This week pouring the last sections of concrete held motorists for upwards of an hour. Talk about people peed off!

Dec 9 a The BC&G RR Co-Op has pretty much operated without controversy since inception. That changed this past week when the CAEZ Board learned the Co-Op had been operating the campground without liability insurance. Such operation jeopardizes their future but with the BC&G as the center piece of the county's future, an accident, a lawsuit, could easily affect anyone banking on a tourism based future for Clayberry.

Dec 9 a While we grit out teeth sitting in traffic at the bridge site, something else caught our attention this past week. During the Town Council meeting, VFW  rep Joe Lanham said those stately evergreens in front of the old Courthouse had to go. No not because of rot, decay, wind damage or anything like that. The trees have to be chopped down to  make room for what many are calling an ugly war memorial expansion project.

Dec 9 a When the idea of putting the memorial in a small city park, no way came the response.

Dec 9 a Backing up the plan to cut away the beautiful trees and shrubs, Historical Society Prez Jerry Stover walked in lock step with the idea of taking out the beautiful trees saying down the road, the tree roots may damage the steps leading up to the old courthouse. Heck, even the Mayor sounded in favor of the destruction noting that a security camera could be installed to better monitor Main Street activities.

Dec 9 a As with the beginning of any week, public meetings were everywhere. During Thursday's Business Development Authority meeting, they went in circles once again. The two hour gathering closed with little accomplishment and many with their heads spinning. It appears the group MAY MAY be rethinking plans to form their own non government based economic development group free of government mandates and instead modify their existing organization to better serve the public.

Dec 9 a The Communicator came out Friday, on time for once! You can gauge a newspaper by the amount of  email comment.

Dec 9 a New BC&G RR Prez Jerrold Murphy emailed within hours of the publication hitting the newstands. Mr Murphy wrote that his organization now has insurance coverage in place. Great

Dec 9 a CAEZ Director Connie Lupardus also emailed. From Big Lup:  CAEZ has and always has had liability insurance on the JG Bradley Campground.  We do not own the RR so there is no reason to carry insurance on that.  We require the BC & G Coop to carry an additional liability policy on their activities which they do have

Dec 9 a   Not challenging either Murphy or Lupardus but with both, choosing words can project a different image.  It is fact that the BC&G operated all their events this year without benefit of insurance protection and didn't have the coverage until after Tuesday's CAEZ meeting where the dangerous practice was made public for the first time.

Dec 9 a Whether the BC&G thought the CAEZ was covering a policy or the CAEZ thought the BC&G was covering insurance, it doesn't matter. What does matter, such actions could have spelled doom for the future of our county.

Dec 9 a We appreciate any and all emails.

Dec 8 a  Ladies and gentlemen, we proudly present the latest edition of the near award winning Communicator now on the news stands in five counties . For our prescribers, the Feds are bringing your edition to your home shortly.

Dec 8 a Entertaining news and views recommended by Commissioner Slinkinooooooger on life in the county of Clay and beyond.

Dec 7  5:35 a  We're still working on the Communicator. should be out around 3pm Friday.

Dec 7 a A note:  The annual Clay County Farm Bureau Christmas Dinner with guest speaker West Virginia Agriculture Commissioner, Gus Douglass, will be this Saturday, December 8th at 6 p.m. at the Clay Lions Club building. The meeting will start at 6 p.m. The Farm Bureau will provide the ham, rolls, and beverage. Members are encourage to attend with their families and bring two of their favorite sides dishes, salads, vegetables and dessert.

Dec 7 a  From the email bag: I am reseaching information on my great grandfather  Henry Clay Ellison.  My family and  I are working on a web page called Ellisons of Clay County. (http://ellisonsclaywv.tribalpages@tribalpages.com. )  At present we are at a dead end as we have not been able to find any information my great grandfather's parentage.  He is listed on several census and we know he was born in 1844 in Calhoun Co.  Would you know of anyone who might be willing to look for his death certificate at the Clay County courthouse?  We are hoping is parents names are listed on the certificate.  We know he died in Clay County in 1915.

       Please feel free to visit the web page. There have been contributions from many family members but as you can see we have a long way to go.  If you know or heard tel of anybody with gaps  (e.g.  children grand children spouses  etc.) please have them contact me.  By the way I have already talked with Cookie Johnson as we are first cousins.                    Thanks a lot gang.  Vicki Lane

Dec 7 a Go back to bed!

10:53 pm Wednesday night, it's official, Clay County Schools will be on a TWO HOUR DELAY THURSDAY Dec 6. Sleep in time for many!

Dec 6 a Slick roads have sent many vehicles in the ditch and worse. Wednesday afternoon the snow changed to rain and then back to snow about dark. Talk about slicky roads. Watch out clickers!

Dec 6 a  We're hoping to get the Communicator out on Friday. Deadline for submissions is Thursday at 5pm. Email your events, notices, classifieds etc. ASAP.  No new updates until after the paper comes out around 3pm Friday.

Dec 6 a  Clay County's lead economic development agency the Business Development Authority is scheduled to meet Thursday afternoon at 5pm in the CCC room at the Courthouse. This might be a juicy meeting

Dec 6 a    The agenda calls for the BDA to vote in a brand new "agency" free from County Commission appointments and oversight. The private stand alone agency, if and when formed, wants the $118,000 in the BDA checking account transferred to the new agency.     The new group will select its own members and operate independently.

Dec 6 a Commissioner and BDA Chair Fran King has wanted the stand alone agency for over a year. During public meetings, she said the current BDA is not allowed (under state code) from doing many things it needs to do. Well they did get one thing accomplished this year, they got the grass cut at Filcon!

Dec 6 a There are just a few problems with the plan. The County Commission has never been asked about a new  economic development formation. Nor has the CCC been asked if they will transfer tax dollars to a private non profit group free from government oversight and constraints.

Dec 6 a If the BDA owns the old Filcon industrial site, does that mean a new group will automatically gain ownership? If the current BDA members move over to some other organization, will the CCC appoint new members to fill the BDA vacancies? Will we then have the new group, the BDA, and the CAEZ all stepping on each other in the pursuit of economic development?

Dec 6 a Fruits of their labors:    After 12 years of BDA and CAEZ leadership, Clay County is still waiting on the first full time "employee" from their efforts.

Dec 6 a

Dec 5 p  Jennifer Marie Burch, 26, see OBITUARY page

Dec 5 p We made a goof in this morning's post on the war memorial. We said there would be 6 granite monuments in the new memorial site. We should have said 6 new markers on each side of the existing alcove totaling 12 new monuments. The morning post is now corrected.

Dec 5 p Last night's CAEZ revelation about the BC&G RR Co Op operating without  insurance (see morning post) is shocking and scary at the same time. Some of the BC&G folks also serve on the CAEZ Board and were present at last night's CAEZ meeting. With all eyes lookin' at em, the BC&G folks said they thought the CAEZ had been paying the insurance tab all along.

Dec 5 p More interesting was the new info that the CAEZ actually owns the lodge building at the BC&G campground. It was just last Spring when railroad reps approached the CAEZ seeking a $25,000 grant to get the place under roof. During that presentation, last May, they called the lodge "their" building. No one disputed the "their" part during that presentation. As a matter of fact, since the CAEZ actually owns the lodge building, why did the BC&G folks have to come and ask for money for a  building the CAEZ already owned?

Dec 5 p So how did this info become public? While other CAEZ Board members gave a glimpse at the monthly financial report, it ws Peter Triplett who actually took the time to read each entry and ask about a $460 journal entry to Lively Insurance Co.

Dec 5 p He ain't very pretty but Pete sure can read the fine print.

Dec 5 p Anytime any agency keeps info from the public, it's bad. When the info becomes public, it's usually worser. Dirty linen ain't dirty if the public is given full disclosure, up front.

Dec 5 p It is our understanding that all work has been stopped at the campground until this insurance hurdle has been cleared. Good, and about time.

Dec 5 8:04 am  Bus drivers are calling the roads slippery as snot. SCHOOL IS CANCELED for today.

Dec 5 8:05 am  Shouts of  joy were heard from every teacher and kid around the county.

Dec 5 8:05 am Well... maybe not from the parents.

Dec 5 5:50 am  Clay County Schools are on a two hour delay. Yahoooooooooooooooooo!!!

Dec 5 a   Virgil Glen Samples, 94, of Procious, see OBITUARY page

Dec 5 a It's been awhile since we've had a big post. Get your coffee cup and take the phone off the hook, this is going to take a while

Dec 5 a First from Connie Sizemore with the Apple Festival: I am looking for pictures of past Clay County Miss Golden Delicious, Belles and Mrs.  I am working on a history page for the festival web site. Please send pictures and information to Connie Sizemore, PO Box 416, Clay WV 25043. If at all possible please send non-returnable pictures, but if they are to be returned make sure you have the address on them.

Dec 5 a Last night Clay Town Council met in regular session. From the VFW, Joe Lanham made a presentation over the long planned war memorial to be built in front of the old Courthouse. He said those big evergreen trees had to be chopped down. There's no other way they can build the new memorial and handicap ramp.

Dec 5 a Adding to the discussion, Historical Society guy Jerry Stover was in total agreement. He said the trees may fall down some day anyway. He said those nasty ole tree roots may mess up the stone steps someday. Mr Lanham and Stover were in agreement, that the historic building would look better without the 2 spectacular trees.

Dec 5 a  One little bald headed guy in the peanut gallery presented another avenue. His plan was to quit messing with God's work and leave the trees alone;  put the new war memorial on flat land, in a park setting complete with benches and trees, next door to the Courthouse on that vacant lot beside the PSD office. He added that the memorial would be much more enjoyable and quieter in the park setting since it would be further away from Main Street and it would be more visited  on flat land with shade trees and benches adding to the comfort level.

Dec 5 a  Buuuuuuuuuuuuuup! Went right over their heads.  In response, Joe Lanham said No way, you can't leave the original stone monuments where they are now and add the news ones in a park next door. Won't work, the veterans want their war brother names all in one place.

Dec 5 a  What is this new war memorial?  Well: they're spending $200,000 just for 12, eight foot tall granite monuments which will be positioned up on the incline behind the existing alcove which has the three smaller monuments. Since names will be inscribed on both sides of the 12 new monuments, a wheel chair ramp will be paved up and around the new and old monument areas. It's the incline of the wheelchair ramp path that requires the two evergreens to be cut down.

Dec 5 a  A couple weeks back we made mention of this thoughtless plan to cut down the only tall trees left on Main street and asked for email thoughts on the subject. In response we've had many emailers. In each and every cyber note came one message: THE TREES ARE BEAUTIFUL AND LEAVE THE TREES ALONE!

Dec 5 a Clickers, it might be time to call the Courthouse  587-4259 and let them know how you feel about the only pretty things left on Main Street.

Dec 5 a  Take a sip of coffee. We'll wait.  Do de Do do do... Ready?

Dec 5 a Leaders both appointed and elected in the Great Nation of Clay are notorious for doing as they darn well please. An example is tossing Open Meeting Laws in the trash can. Heck with em!   While other counties have learned the hard way to adhere to Sunshine Laws, not Clayberry. Our leaders, most of them anyway, just laugh when someone challenges them on mandatory public meeting agendas,

Dec 5 a  Truth is, if taken to Court, any decision made during a bogus meeting can be tossed out. It's happened time after time in surrounding counties. The Charleston Gazette ran a big write up on violations just yesterday.

Dec 5 a Yesterday morning in the Charleston Gazette, came word of a state agency that broke the law when they teleconferenced a vote to tear out hard structure at the Governor's Mansion in Charleston. For state agencies, their meeting agendas must be approved in advance by  the Sec of State's office. That didn't happen.  From the state Ethics Commission, this, “They can’t meet without giving some sort of notice to the secretary of state’s office, whether it’s an emergency or not,” Lew Brewer said.

Dec 5 a What's the penalty? All decisions  can be tossed .  The complete article is over on the ADVISORIES page.

Dec 5 a Here in Clay a costly court proceeding may be needed to get our leaders' attention. Not so long ago, the old Clay Ambulance Authority held a secret meeting where they budgeted $50,000 for attorney fees to cover their hind ends after a  lawsuit threat  was made public.

Dec 5 a A proper agenda is an easy thing to type up. Govt agencies can even get help from the Attorney General's office. But of course, our agencies don't want advance notice given the people that pay their salaries.

Dec 5 a Time for another sip, here's the biggy.

Dec 5 a Clay County businesses struggle each day just to keep their doors open. With only 54 business licenses in the whole darn town, there is NO business in the county that couldn't use extra bucks coming thru their doors. This site and many citizens in the county have been working hard to grow the BC&G RR Co-Op. We know the excursion rail line can be the center piece of a tourism based economy.  Those new tourism dollars may be the difference between going out of business or a thriving future.

Dec 5 a Last night during the CAEZ meeting, it came to light, the BC&G RR nor the JG Bradley Campground have ANY ANY liability insurance coverage. They have operated all this time, providing rides, providing farmer's markets, taking in paying campers, car shows, gospel sings, and more and ALL without any insurance protection. None.

Dec 5 a  What's that  mean?

Dec 5 a  The BC&G folks are jeopardizing their own existence plus  every supporter that could benefit from Clayberry becoming a destination tourist place.  In this lawsuit minded society, one court challenge could be the end of it all for the BC&G plus our future. Since the CAEZ has been the guiding agency for the CAEZ, and since the County Commission has been the pass thru agency for both, any attorney worth his salt would go after all the pockets without hesitation.

Dec 5 a   The truth is, the CAEZ is the lease holder on the campground land, the CAEZ out right owns the new JG Bradley Campground lodge building, and the CAEZ has the been the pivot agency for securing funds to buy the railroad tracks. To allow operation without insurance documentation sure doesn't bode well for CAEZ stewardship, guidance, and leadership.

Dec 5 a More coming later today. Lots more!

Dec 4 a  Charles D. Short, 67, see OBITUARY page

Dec 3 a  With snow spitting down and cold temps, Clayberry is different today. We're walking quicker, we're a little more hunched down, and the tough ones go about without a jacket but with their hands stuffed deep in their pockets. The local Foodland is packed with those seeking extra loaves of bread, milk and tobacco

Dec 3 a Mountaineers . What Mountaineers?? Today no one is talking about the Pitt game Saturday night. All those WVU blue and gold stickers, flags, coats, hats, shirts, sweat shirts.... none to be seen today.

Dec 3 a  It's motion day over in Circuit Court land. The place is packed.

Dec 3 a Tonight the School Board meets at 6pm in the Standard Bryant Annnex building on Gump Street. Sunshine Laws require the School Board to let the public know what they're up to before each meeting. The minimum requirement is posting the agenda on the front door of the normal meeting room three days in advance of the meeting. The School Board refuses to follow the law. The agenda IS posted on their web site, click for the agenda.

Dec 3 a Also today WYAP radio is hosting their annual Holiday Party at the station, at 6pm. The world is invited. You too!

Dec 3 a  Oh man, Health Dept Director Linda Klotzbach is mad. She phoned this morning to say our reporting on last Wednesday's Commission meeting was completely bogus. From the terse Linda Klotzbach: she has no intention of suing the County Commission; she never said she was going to; after coming to the Courthouse to get a check signed recently and nearly coughing to death from second hand smoke, she said her ONLY intention is to educate people on the dangers of breathing smoke; and, NO she did NOT tell Smoking Czar Jay Carper to file ANY complaint.

Dec 3 a She added that Jay Carper did NOT have the authority to go to the Sheriff or Prosecutor to file any proceedings with out Doc Boggs (Medical Director) and the Board's permission.

Dec 3 a Of course having seen the form, we asked just one question to Ms Klotzbach: Are you saying you didn't tell Carper to pursue this matter? She replied she only told him to investigate. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....

Dec 3 a  Woooo Whooooo!!!! She then hung up on the ace cub reporter. No Good Bye, No thanks for listening to the gibberish, No nothing, just a loud click followed by a dead phone line.

Dec 3 a

Dec 2 p  Christopher Matthew Mollohan, 35, of Duck, see OBITUARY page

Dec 2 a  New documentation on top secret foreign prisons for torture.

Dec 2 a  Charged with a crime in the Empire of the USA, watch out! We're now saying that we can come after you in any other country.

Dec 2 a  Stanford researchers may have found the answer to stopping the signs of aging in our skin -- and it doesn't involve going under the knife.

Dec 2 a  Those Dads that do pay child support, your  $ aint going to the kids.

Dec 2 a   During Weed's County Commission meeting, it came to light, plans to cut down the two evergreen trees located in front of the old Courthouse. The VFW wants the trees cut down to make room for an expanded war memorial. CCC said they would decide the fate of the beautiful trees during their next meeting.

Dec 2 a With an abandoned lot just one door away and perfect for a mini park housing the war memorial plus trees benches, gazebo etc., just thinking about cutting down those trees shows the lack of foresight and plan for the future in the one horse county.

Dec 2 a Health Dept Czar Linda Klotzbach told the County Commission she intended to take them to Court over Gene King and Walter Stutler smoking out back at the Courthouse. Czar Klotz was less than tactful in her approach and attitude during the presentation. First you can't smoke in the outdoors and next, ice cream will be decreed illegal for lardy folks.

Dec 2 a  Here at home we saw lots of folks show up for a poorly noticed Reading Street Imagination Library program.

Dec 2 a Mid week Robert Brady escaped from Mt Olive. Prison administration waited hours before informing law enforcement in the area. One school in the county was put on lock down as rumors spread several stripe shirts got free. Beckley newspapers reported the guy spotted in  Mt Hope Friday. The guy is still on the prowl.

Dec 2 a On Friday Jim Knotts was in Court cool and calm, almost jovial. With lawyers galore everywhere, the Knotts case ( 48 sexual assault to a minor times 48) moves over to Circuit Court land.

Dec 2 a   One weather caster on TV provided notice that Clayberry may see some snow accumulation this coming week. Kids went wild in anticipation of snow days around the corner.

Dec 2 a  Yesterday Jerry Sigman's home went up in smoke. the Sigman's lost everything. It's time to lend a helping hand clickers. Four kids too!

Dec 2 a How about them 'EERS!!! Didn't they make you proud last night.

Dec 1 a    All I ask is a chance to prove that money can't make me happy.

Dec 1 a    They told me I was gullible and I believed them.

Dec 1 a    One nice thing about egotists ... they don't talk about other people

Dec 1 a   The cost of living hasn't affected its popularity

Dec 1 a   If swimming is so good for your figure, how do you explain whales?