February
2008 News
Feb 29 a Ruby Graham Carper,
88, see OBITUARY page
Feb 29 a We're saving the Communicator
until Monday around 4pm.
Feb 29 a From the email bag:
"A big HAPPY Sweet-16 BIRHTDAY to our baby girl, Becca Rogers. We Love
you VERY MUCH! Love --- Dad, Mom & Bub."
Feb 28 a Tonight the CCHS Panthers
take on Roane in the Sectional tourney. Get out and support the home team
tonight in home court action. If memory isn't acting up, in the two prior
match ups, we won one and they got us the other. Should make for a good
game tonight. Go Clay!!
Feb 29 a 101.7 FM will
be sportscasting the game beginning at 7pm
Feb 29 a Yes we know it's quiet in
Clay. The norm is, that means somebody is up to something.
Feb. 28 a People think we're
kidding when we say it.... Yesterday by mid morning, Go Mart's bread supply
was down to a couple bags of hot dog buns. Beer supplies were depleting
fast. We know how to get thru a snow!
Feb 28 a More snow predicted for Thursday.
Hope the bread truck runs soon
Feb 28 a Not sure right now if the
Communicator will come out Friday or Monday. BUT... get your listings and
info in via email today.
feb 28 a From the email bag:
A very Happy Birthday to Daniel Madison Woods Jr. Of Elk Hurst. Luv
from all his family. I won't say how old you are but your catching up with
me. I would also like to wish Amanda Gail Helms of Procious A Happy Belated
Birthday Love Mom And Dad
Feb 28 a From the email bag:
I would like to wish Justin & Crystal Vaughan a happy 2 year Anniversay.
We love You! Mom, Dad & Matthew
Feb. 28 a A couple of notes from Wed's
County Commission meeting...
Feb. 28 a Earl Elliot from the
Lizemores Fire Dept was there. He thanked the CCC for getting LFD set up
with the 911 Dispatch service. He also said their new ambulance service
had 30 calls under their belt. Everybody was all nice and playing well
yesterday. As soon as the CCC realizes the Lizemores group is taking $$$
from the Clay Ambulance service (fewer runs), attitudes may change.
Feb. 28 a Remember all the talk
about the big wa wa leak somewhere in the Clay Roane PSD? 1000's of gallons
lost each hour?
Feb. 28 a Commissioners
took a look at the PSD figures during the meeting and started scratching
their heads. According to Triplett, and based on the figures dating back
to August 07, the amount od water purchased has remained about the same.
No big upheavals and no slack times. The question came up: What leak?
Feb. 28 a In the way of politics, we
have a new 11th Senatorial District candidate. It's none other than the
little bald headed guy, that ace cub reporter. With his affiliation the
Mountain Party, Mr Ace Cub is guaranteed a spot on the Nov ballot.
Feb 28 a During weekend wrap
ups, we often list the military coaltion casualty list. That coalition
of the willing is the USA and seven Brits now. Little is mentioned
about the number of civilian casualties. Here's some real sad
reading.
Feb. 27 a Joe T. Mitchell, 74, see
OBITUARY page.
Feb. 27 a SNowing like crazy in the
county this morning at 9 am. By far the prettiest, heaviest, snow this
winter. Even with state road crews scraping and salting, most back roads
are snow covered. Main roads are fairing little better. With more snow
predicted for tonight, this is the Appalachia grandparents talk about.
Be careful out there
Feb. 27 7:22 am CLAY
COUNTY SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED TODAY
Feb. 27 4:45 am Clay County
Schools are on a TWO HOUR DELAY for today.
Feb. 27 a We're down to
our last few days on our online beggin campaign. If you've already donated
to this effort to keep an online portal up and running, thanks. If not...
Feb. 27 a We try to update this
site daily. Keeping just the NEWS page fresh takes a bunch of time not
to mention the ever growing Classifieds, Obits, and ADVISORY pages. As
long as we can keep the dollars coming in, there won't be ANY of those
nasty pop up ads.
Feb. 27 a With over 1400 clickers each
weekday, how about it. Big or little support, your donation will be appreciated.
Mail your support to Delta; 2278 Main Street, Clay WV 25043. Thank
you in advance.
Feb. 27 a Hyped by the TV weathercasters,
every kid in the county was all excited about a big snow and chance of
a two hour delay or day off a school.
Feb. 27 a Today the County Commission
meets at 10 am. Good place to hang your hat for a couple hours clickers.
Feb. 27 a No sectional B Ball game
tonight. The game was rescheduled for Friday night at CCHS.
Feb. 27 a Clayberry is getting ready
to celebrate it's 150th birthday on March 29th. What a time, year for a
celebration.
Feb. 27 a From the AP: Senator
Byrd fell and was hospitalized Tuesday morning. He was kept over night.
Behind the scenes demorat politicos were readying their chance as a replacement.
Feb. 27 a from the NY Times:
More than a quarter of adult Americans have left the faith of their childhood
to join another religion or no religion, according to a survey of religious
affiliation by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. The
report, titled “U.S. Religious Landscape Survey,” depicts a highly fluid
and diverse national religious life. If shifts among Protestant denominations
are included, then it appears that 44 percent of Americans have switched
religious affiliations. ..... It shows, for example, that every religion
is losing and gaining members, but that the Roman Catholic Church “has
experienced the greatest net losses as a result of affiliation changes.”
The survey also indicates that the group that had the greatest net gain
was the unaffiliated. Sixteen percent of American adults say they are not
part of any organized faith, which makes the unaffiliated the country’s
fourth-largest “religious group.” ...... While the ranks of the unaffiliated
have been growing, Protestantism has been declining, the survey found.
In the 1970s, Protestants accounted for some two-thirds of the population.
The Pew survey found they now make up about 50 percent. Evangelical Christians
account for a slim majority of Protestants, and those who leave one evangelical
denomination usually move to another, rather than to mainline churches.
Here's the link to the report.
Feb. 27 a West Virginia is oddball
in many ways. For instance, in this state, the vast majority of the residents
live outside urban life, cities. Not so with the rest of the world. By
the end of this year one half of the world's population will be living
in cities for the first time in human history, the United Nations said
in a new report released on Tuesday. Here's the complete
Reuters article.
Feb. 26 p The big snow isn't
here yet but changes are being made.
Feb. 26 p Tonight's Health Board meeting
has been canceled.
Feb. 26 p Thursday's Roane Sectional
Tournament has been changed to Friday night at 7pm.
Feb. 26 p One lady said she couldn't
get our homepage weathercast to work. It's easy. Just put your mouse on
the icon and click it. If you want the weathercast to fill the entire screen,
right click the icon and open in a new window
Feb. 26 p Today Menis Ketchum strolled
around the Courthouse campaigning for the WV Supreme Court. One fellow
asked him: Have you taken one penny from Don Blankenship? Ketchum's
response: NO and I don't plan to.
Feb. 26 p How refreshing!
Feb. 26 p Wayne King appeared before
the WV Supreme Court today at high noon. The Waynester was representing
RB Legg in an appeal case where an eye surgeon forgot to mention to dentist
Legg: Before we can do corrective eye surgery, you should NOT wear
your contact lenses for a month or so. The total time on the Supreme
Court web camera was less than 10 minutes. Those in the robes seems to
pay little attention to the case.
Feb. 26 p Eye surgery... brain surgery
may have been in order with RB
Feb. 26 p County Commission meets
Wed morning at 10 am. Never know what interesting discussions may come
up when Kookla Fran and Olli meet
Feb. 24 p Not too cold
but rain, sleet, snow flurpies everywhere in the county of Clay. Winter
ain't over yet!
Feb. 24 p No update this time
around, spent too much time at the dog track.
Feb. 24 p For those wondering if the
Middle School kids won the Championship Saturday night, from the email
bag: The boy's middle school basketball team lost in a thrilling
game last night, 29-27, to Wirt County Middle School. With the loss,
the boys finished 2nd in the CWVAC. This team overcame alot of adversity
this year and should be commended on what they accomplished!!!
Myself and the team would like to give a big thanks to all the people who
came out and supported us last night. Thank you, Shawn
C. Krajeski Head Coach
Feb. 24 p There's something screwy
with the jail web site. It's not in your puter folks.
Feb. 24 p How about some real
Court TV this Tuesday... From the WV Supreme COurt web site: R.
Brooks Legg, Jr., D.D.S. v. Richard D. Rashid, M.D. - 33521 - Plaintiff
in a medical malpractice action appeals the circuit court's summary judgment
order which found that the complaint was filed beyond the statute of limitations
period. - Judge John Lewis Marks, Jr. sitting by temporary assignment.
Feb. 24 p You can watch the proceedings
on the internet. Go to their web site and click the red white and blue
homepage link button on Tuesday. Real Court in real time.
Feb. LATE 23 NORMA JEAN
BIRD EVANS, see OBITUARY page
Feb. 23 a Maysel Elizabeth Barnes Salisbury,
84, of Clay, see OBITUARY page
Feb. 23 a Jeremy Jason Cummings, 25,
see OBITUARY page
Feb. 23 a Evelyn Goldie Hamrick,
84, see OBITUARY page
Feb. 23 a From the email bag: THE MIDDLE
SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM PULLED ANOTHER UPSET LAST NIGHT BEATING THE
#1 SEEDED GLADE BULLDOGS 38-32 AT THE BRAXTON COUNTY ARMORY. THE
BOYS WILL BE PLAYING IN THE CWVAC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME SATURDAY NIGHT, FEBRUARY
23, 2008 AT 8:00 PM. I WOULD LIKE TO PERSONALLY INVITE EVERYONE OUT
TO SEE THE BOYS IN ACTION AGAINST THE WIRT COUNTY TIGERS. GO MUSTANGS!!!!!!!!
SHAWN C. KRAJESKI HEAD COACH
Feb. 23 a Belated birthdays to
82 year old and still going strong, Carl Wilson Sr
Feb. 23 a Can't forget birthday wishes
to Jean Willis
Feb. 23 a From the email
bag: I would like to thank the Jack Ass that dropped a small hound
puppy at my house at the forks of the road on Porters Creek in Bomont.
I saw you put it out and I followed you out of the hollow trying to get
you to stop. You were in a late 90s model, light brown blazer and
I won’t put your plate number here, but I have it and I’m watching for
you so we can discuss the mange that you introduced to my farm. The
dog came straight to my house and when I returned home I knew right away
that it had mange. We took the puppy to the vet and she confirmed
it. Because of you; it and my dogs got treated this past week at
a pretty good expense. I hope you read this and know exactly who
you are; you just caused my family a major burden to keep the family pets
healthy. I truly hope you Have a Great Day.
Feb. 22 a Maybe someone can help
her out, from the email bag:I would like to know about how to find someone
that lives in Clay or did live in Clay. It is my sister whom I have
never met but I know that she did reside in Clay about 4 years ago.
I am unsure of her name but I do know that her father’s name is Robert
Dewayne Cutlip and that she was born in the late 70’s, early 80’s and that
she is in her 20’s. My name is Christina Devona Gail Short, I am
28, I was born in July of 79. I have known of my sister since I was
12 years old and have tried to locate her for years. I believe I
came close a few years ago, I believe I spoke with either her mother or
grandmother but was told that she did not want to speak with me.
I find it hard to believe that a person would not want to know who their
family is. Granted she may not know that her father is Robert or
that she has another “family”, but I do know and I want to meet her.
She is a missing link in my life and I would love to meet her.
cshort@access.k12.wv.us
Feb. 22 a From the email bag:
A very Happy Birthday to Daniel Madison Woods Jr. Of Elk Hurst. Luv
from all his family. I won't say how old you are but your catching up with
me. I would also like to wish Amanda Gail Helms of Procious A Happy Belated
Birthday Love Mom And Dad
Feb. 22 a From the email bag:
Mika & Savanna Cadle of Bomont wish to congratulate their Aunt Carrie
Coleman Keen for receiving the Heart and Soul Award from Charleston Area
Medical Center. This award is a very prestigious award given to only
to the hard working and dedicated medical personnel at CAMC. Aunt
Carrie will be presented with a plaque from David Ramsey, CEO of CAMC on
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 with Uncle Gary Allen and Cousin Brody in
attendance. Aunt Carrie is a Registered Nurse at Charleston Area
Medical Center at the General Division. So if you see our Aunt Carrie,
please congratulate her. We love you Aunt Carrie.
Feb. 22 From the email bag:
Please send a birthday wish on Friday to Jamie Morris.
Feb. 22 a The School system can breathe
some relief as of 3pm yesterday. Before the court was the Phillip
Wallace vs School Board case. Back two years ago a skinny little
6th grader got the stuffings knocked out of him as a school day was starting
Jan 24th 2005. The big kid Justin Blankenship bolted from his BD classroom,
made a beeline to the the Wallace kid who was on the Clay Middle School
gym bleachers and then beat the S*** out of em before teachers pulled Blankenship
off Wallace. From start to finish, total time, just 45 seconds.
Feb. 22 a After a day and a half of
testimony, the 5 women 1 man jury debated just 33 minutes before deciding
the school would not be held liable for the assault.
Feb. 22 a If you like knowing
what's going on in Clayberry, it's time to support this site. Can you help?
Send your hard earned dollars to 2278 Main Street Clay WV 25043.
Thanks in advance
Feb. 21 a The School Board trial
continues this morning in Circuit Court land.
Feb. 21 a Free munchies anyone? See
the ADVISORY page.
Feb. 21 a From the email
bag: The Clay County boys middle school basketball team upset the #2 seeded
Spencer Yellowjackets Monday night, 43-35 at Spencer Middle School. With
this win the middle school boys will be playing at the Braxton County Armory
Friday night at 8:00 p.m. in the semi-finals of the CWVAC tournament.
The boy's would like to invite all friends, family, and supporters to watch
them play Friday night. Thank you, Shawn C. Krajeski
Feb. 21 a Clay County has two
public housing projects, High Street and Anderson Heights (Maysel Manor).
Both are owned by the Clay Housing Authority and Managed by Encore Manaegement.
Feb. 21 a There have been many many
problems associated with Encore. Last Spring the reformulated Housing Authority
had a knock down drag out meeting with Encore after months of dismal performance
of the private company. It was along about that time that the local housing
manager was caught with sticky fingers and was fired from her position.
Feb. 21 a A new and improved Bousing
Authority met with Encore twice last fall. It appeared to be a new beginning.
After months of violating their committments, the Housing Authority voted
to find a new management agency two months ago.
Feb. 21 a Might be a good thang too.
In Jan, the Feds took housing subsidies for 6 apartments at Maysel Manor.
A month ago the garbage was not being picked up because the bill hadn't
been paid. Some vendors for building products haven't been paid. Other
Encore vendors have told em, pay half up front or we won't deliver.This
week at least one Encore payroll check bounced. it's still bouncing for
that matter.
Feb. 21 In the county where public
housing and public housing assitance is so much needed, we're in a sad
state, again.
Feb. 21 a Judge to prostitute,
'So when did you realize you were raped?' Prostitute, wiping away
tears: 'When the check bounced.'
Feb. 20 a Merle Gertrude Hensley,
90, see OBITUARY page
Feb. 20 a Yelp, The Communicator
made it out the door Monday afternoon with the prescribers getting their's
mailed Tuesday. 24 pages of everything that makes Clayberry so special.
Feb. 20 a Today at 9am the trial over
a Clay Middle School kid getting his head kicked in a few years back
gets underway.
Feb. 20 a Check out the ADVISORY
page for free munchies Thursday evening.
Feb. 20 a Yesterday the
CAEZ held an emergency meeting to rethink purchasing the old Valley Fork
school. With a $200,000 grant in hand, the Board did an about face and
OK'd the purchase of the two buildings to house a career college.
Something new came out during the meeting...
Feb. 20 a The School Board promised
any new owner a clear title including the off site septic system. Instead
of getting the owner (Wayne King) to give that small chunk of poop factory
land to the school system, instead, they cut a deal with him.
The Waynester will lease the new owner the stink maker hillside for $250
per year for the first 5 years, then $300 per year for the next 5 years
adding $50 more per year each five year lease thereafter.
Feb. 20 a The OK came after Boardsters
aired this displeasure of School Board breaking it off in em. Linda
Rhodes commented that this is how the all boys network has always operated.
Feb. 20 a It gets stinkier
clickers... What Linda and others were talking about was an unofficial
agreement made three years ago. The deal was for the County not to raise
H during the sell of the Ivydale Elem to a church in exchange for GETTING,
FREE, the Valley Fork School. When Ivydale Elem was sold off, the gentlemen's
agreement for Valley Fork disappeared. What agreement? Not me, I don't
know what you're talking about!
Feb. 20 a It is a dirty deal
for the county to pay $200,001.00 for a building they've already paid for
once. On second thought, it's even dirtier. The School System is the one
that most benefits from a local college campus. Just think how they can
have their pictures taken in front of the place and crow about how helpful
they were in making it all happen. Pitiful.
Feb. 20 a One guy at the CAEZ
meeting commented: there's only one sure way to get rid of that style
of dirty deal. He said to vote em out of office. May 13th is right around
the corner clickers.
Feb. 20 a Getting the property is no
sure thing. No one has seen any paperwork on the poop land lease from Wayne
King. The final word from the college's top Board hasn't been voted
on yet. It's going to take at least another $150,000 to upgrade Valley
Fork to meet college needs.
Feb. 20 a If it all comes to
bee, big accolades have to go to CAEZ Director Connie Lupardus for staying
the course when others told her to bail out. Maybe that determination is
the reason Big Lup is the 2008 Clay County Person of the Year!
Feb. 18 a It a quieter
day in Clay. Not because of the President's Day holiday but rather because
for many, government checks ($) has already been spent. Half way thru the
month and all the way thru the check. Been that way since FDR.
Feb. 18 a Strong winds
ripped thru the county last night. Haven't heard of any major power outages,
but Frontier's DSL was certainly down since early this morning.
Feb. 18 a What did a tornado sound
like before we had trains?
feb 18 a This afternoon at 5:15pm the
WYAP Board of Directors will covene their monthly meeting at the station,
300 Main Street.
Feb. 18 a CAEZ is holding an
Emergency Meeting Tuesday at 2pm. With grant $ available for the purchase
of the old Valley Fork Elem., Director Connie Lupardus has to talk her
Board into changing a motion from Jan 23rd where they told her to give
up the ghost on getting a college campus at the old Valley Fork school.
Feb. 18 a The School Board will be
meeting Tuesday evening at HE White Elem beginning at 6pm. Don't bother
looking for the meeting agenda on their web site. As of this morning at
10:30am, it ain't there.
Feb. 17 Late p Ida M. Adkins
Hughes, 96, of Clay, see OBITUARY page
FEb 17 Late p From the email
bag: Happy 10th Birthday to Cullen Grose! Love, Dad,Mom and Colby
Feb. 17 Late p We're busy typing
away on Monday's Communicator. Unless the high winds knock out the power
and or DSL, Clay County's near award winning newspaper should be out around
4pm Monday. No updates until we get the thing to bed sometime early early
Monday morning.
Feb. 17 Late p For now, the wind is
hammering the county and the lights are blinking off and on. Hunker down
Clay!
Feb. 17 :ate p For nearly three
months Clay Roane PSD has had a major water leak in their system. Commissioner
Queen King said the leak amounted to about 150 gallons per minute. Clay
Roane's Water Plant only makes about 75 gallons per minute. Last
time we heard, they didn't have a clue where to even look for the leak.
To keep up with customer needs, Clay Roane PSD buys additional water from
the Town of Clay for their Roane County customers.
Feb. 17 Late p Now the
Town of Clay is having problems.
Feb. 17 Late p According to the
Mayor, Clay's main water storage tank was down to about 7 feet of water.
For several days the Town has not been able to keep with the demand.
The Maysel tank feeds from Clay and it too is way down from the normal
20 feet of water storage. Mayor Brown thinks a leak in the Clay Roane or
Clay Co PSD systems is drawing heavy on the Town's ability to keep up.
The low water reserves in the two storage tanks has been going on
for about 10 days according to Chief Water Operator Dremma Thomas.
Feb. 17 Late p Brown reported
a much safer 14 feet of water in the Main tanks Sunday afternoon.
Feb. 17 Late p Looks like
that plan for a college campus at the old Valley FOrk ELem school may once
again be on the table. Full details in Monday's Communicator
Feb. 16 a Deadline for Monday's Communicator
is today mid afternoon. Email your info now.
Feb. 16 a Been a good season,
but Clay Middle Girl's B Ballers lost last night in a 2 point squeaker.
Feb. 16 a Over in Pocahantas County,
the County Commission is working to remove
the Sheriff for not following the rules. Interesting read so say the
least.
Feb. 16 a Clayberry, we have a problem.
Feb. 16 a Something is draining the
main wa wa storage tank in the Town of Clay. According to Mayor Brown,
the main unit has about 7 feet of water in it instead of the normal 25
feet. Treatment and pumps have been doing double duty and nothing
seems to help.
Feb. 16 a Even after several days of
extra pump time and no improvement in the water level, there a leak somewhere
in somebody's system. Although Clay Roane PSD vowed to stop buying wa wa
from the Town back in Jan 08, they still are and fingers are pointing
at the PSD for the extra consumption.
Feb. 16 a For Town finances,
selling extra water is a good thang. That's until the overworked Town pumps
blow out while trying to keep up with the leak.
Feb. 15 p Here's a little
more on election year politics...
Feb. 15 p Last night we
received word that Elizabeth Sampson pulled out her bid for the 11th Senatorial
seat. We posted the shocker at midnight last night. Based on the coffee
house crowd, no one knew of the resignation until it made this web site
late last night.
Feb. 15 p Elizabeth Sampson pulled
out of the race Feb. 12th and did so in person at the Sec of State's office.
Feb. 12th was the last day to bail out and have your name removed from
the ballots. According to the SOS office, because there are other Demorats
from other counties running, our local Demorat Committee can NOT appoint
a replacement for Ms Sampson on the ballot. With Sampson out of the
run, Clay County has no chance of a sitting Senator.
Feb. 15 p Dr Carlotta Evans was also
running from the 11th Senatorial seat left vacant by retiring from office,
Shirley Love. Evans made the decision on Monday Feb. 11th.
Feb. 15 p Thinking the local Republicrat
party might appoint someone to the ballot. Wrong O. Because a Repub signed
up from some other county in the district, we can't even have one of those
nasty Repub's from this county
Feb. 15 p So who's left in the race?
On the Demorat ticket: Sue Blake Andersen from Nicholas County;
Jerry Cook and William R. Laird IV from Fayette County and
a Repub from Upshur County, Aubry A. Wilson
Feb. 15 p It's been a tough week for
those that enjoy a good election season.
Feb. 15 a We're holding up The Communicator
until mid day Monday. Deadline for submissions is Saturday at 5pm.
Feb. 15 a For all of us election cycle
nuts, today is starting out bad, real bad.
Feb. 15 a From our only 11th Senatorial
District candidate Elizabeth Sampson: Due to unforeseen
health problems, Elizabeth has withdrawn from the 11th District Senate
Race. She believes, under the circumstances, that she would be unable
to “give her all” and therefore, it would not be fair to her many supporters
to continue her candidacy. Elizabeth expresses
her thanks to all who have given her support and encouragement.
Feb. 15 a With Elizabeth Sampson out
of the race, Clay County's best shot at having a Senator of our own, is
over. The only shot is for a Republican or Mountain party candidate
( ballot access) to be placed on the ballot by the Party's executive committee.
Even if that long shot came to be, there can be no Demorat on the ballot
May 13th.
Feb. 15 a Repub's and Mountain committees
have until Feb. 27th to make the decision.
Feb. 15 a Best of get well wishes to
Ms Sampson but wow what a problem for Clay County having strong representation
in the WV Senate. Right now, Clayberry is without a candidate
Feb. 15 a Earlier this week, Sam Morris
dropped out of the Clay County Sheriff's race. With his administrative
and law enforcement background, Morris was considered by many as the strongest
challenge for incumbent Top Badge Randy Holcomb.
Feb. 15 a Last night during the
Clay Roane PSD meeting, the news, they still have a monster water
leak and don't have a clue where to look to cure the problem.
Feb. 15 a Have you heard there's
a gun on the Soviet space craft hooked to the space station?
Feb. 15 a Did you hear about House
Republicrats
walking out yesterday? For those few minutes, Congress looked
and smelled better! Someone should have locked the door.
Feb. 14 p Happy National Chocolate
Day.
Feb. 14 p 101.7 FM planned a Valentine's
party at the radio station tonight. Not going to happen. Instead, they're
planning two hours of rubbin and huggin tunes. 8 to 10pm.
Feb. 14 p Fellows, don't come home
this evening without some kind of token for the wifey. If you, you're going
to be out in the cold.... literally.
Feb. 14 p This evening at 7pm Clay
Roane PSD meets in the CCC room at the Courthouse. During the last two
PSD meetings, mention was made that they had a monster water leak, like
150 gallons per minute or better, and they didn't know whereto look to
find the problem.
Feb. 14 p That water leak problem came
up during Wed's Commission meeting. There the CCC voted to provide
$10,000 to the PSD for cables to hook up a recently donated power generator
at the Procious Water Plant. The vote was not unanimous. Commissioner Queen
King voted no to the giveaway funds noting, the PSD would have a lot more
money to buy their own equipment if would get out and find that massive
water leak.
Feb. 14 p One other CCC related note.
Last month the Commission voted against funding any part of the proposed
purchase of the old Valley Fork school by the CAEZ. The old school was
to house a college campus where WV Technical College classes would be held
in our county of little. During that vote to provide $25,000 for the purchase
and upgrade of the Valley Fork school, Queen King and Slinky both voted
NO. Only Peter Triplett voted in favor of the project.
Feb. 14p One last note on the College
Campus thang. During last week's BDA meeting, that group voted in favor
of providing $10,000 to the project. Once again, Queen King, also the BDA
Chair, voted No. The motion passed.
Feb. 14 p Doesn't that sound good?
Local govt support for a good idea? It does but then the CAEZ itself voted
to bail out of the buying process. Very sad day for Clayberry.
Feb. 13 p We have an update on
that Deputy Sheriff serving as a school bus driver last Friday. According
to Sheriff Randy Holcomb, Deputies have every right under state code to
carry their weapon and be in uniform while serving as a part time substitute
bus driver. He added, however, they don't do it.
Feb. 13 p Top Badge Holcomb said other
than just once or twice during emergency situations , his Deputies and
himself, always take off their guns, and lock them away BEFORE
driving school buses.
Feb. 13 p And those that wonder about
the double dipping end of the argument, not so, says Mr. Holcomb. His Deputies
clock off the Sheriff's tab before driving buses and then clock back in
after the run.
Feb. 13 a Allan Kent Taylor,
52, see OBITUARY page
Feb. 13 a Like a dose of Clayberry
each day? It's time to help keep this web portal up and running. Donations
are needed. How about you? Kindly send your donation to 2278 Main Street,
Clay WV 25043.
Feb. 13 a Before you ask, Yes we're
a for profit company it's just there ain't no profits to be had in the
county of little. Thanks JK and HM for your support.
Feb. 13 a First what's
going on today: CCC meeting at 10am followed
by the Housing authority meeting at 1pm both in the CCC room at the Courthouse.
There's a 5pm Special School Board meeting today in the Standard Bryant
Annex building on Gump Street. There the Bd will vote on a big time loan
for improvements at the just opened Valley Dale Elem School at Big Otter.
Feb. 13 a Last home game of the
season for Clay Middle School tonight at 7pm
Feb. 13 a With years of experience
in law enforcement and administration, the most viable candidate to do
battle with our incumbent Top Badge Randy Holcomb is just retired and moved
back to Clayberry, Sam Morris in Big Otter. Due to family health
troubles, last night Sam Morris announced he was withdrawing from the campaign.
Feb. 13 a First some background. The
Town of Clay received a funding package for a new water plant over ten
years ago. With inflation figured in, the $2.5 m in grant and loan has
been dwindling in value. According to the rules of engagement, before the
plant can go to bid, the WV PSC has to make sure there's enough $ to pay
back the $1m loan. Translation: a wa wa rate increase. Nothing can happen
until the PSC goes thru the process of the rate increase.
Feb. 13 a Also, nothing can happen
until a CPA goes over the books and provides the needed info to the
PSC.
Feb. 13 a Back last year
Council approved a request for the WV PSC to break it off in us (again)
and apply for the rate increase. Three months ago they again OK'd the increase
process during a public meeting.
Feb. 13 a During the Feb. Town Council
meeting discussion centered on the Town's CPA lady NOT doing the needed
paperwork in a timely manner. They discussed a number of phone calls back
and forth will NO results. In a nutshell, the consensus, find some
other CPA to do the book cooking and get the water plant process started
albeit ten years late.
Feb. 13 a Yesterday Clay Co PSD
met. There, money bags middle man, Terry Martin commented that he had talked
to the CPA lady last week and got a different story. According to the Martin
fellow, the CPA told him, she was waiting on the TOWN to submit information.
Feb. 13 a Instead of the CPA
screwing up and holding the process up for seven months, the TOWN is the
problem .... once again.
Feb. 13 a One other note on the
water plant and spending Fed money, according to Mayor Brown, if the project
is not substantially under way by Jan 2009, the Feds will pull the dollars.
Feb. 13 a Now many in the county know
what a screwed up white elephant it is to build the costly plant but isn't
it sad, another many months have come and gone with the hold up being lack
of communication.
Feb. 13 a Got to love this place or
it would drive you crazy!
Feb. 12 p Tonight's CMS
B Ball game has been rescheduled to Wednesday night. Wirt County didn't
have school today.
Feb. 12 p Feb. is the only month you
have a chance for the CCC to look at your property taxes if you're seeking
a reduction. Better call County Clerk Connie Workman this afternoon for
a Wed Feb. 13th appointment.
Fen 12 p Back in Nov. a Grand Jury
indicted Tommy Young Jr.and others on a couple felonies related to stealing
a bulldozer, dump truck and trailer. Clay County's independent news leader,
The Communicator, and that whimpy little paper over in Clay both carried
news of the charges and indictment. Oh that Murder Mountain crowd are soooooooooo
bad was the jest.
Feb. 12 p Mr Young was to go to trial
this morning at 9am. Didn't happen. Instead, one charge was dismissed and
a second was dismissed as a faulty indictment. That translates: someone
goofed up.
Feb. 12 p Prosecutor Jim Samples is
without an opponent this election cycle.
Feb. 12 p Yesterday was Mineral's
Day before the Commission. Companies and individuals alike came to have
the CCC take a second look at ever increasing tax tickets. About 6 cases
were heard before noon Tuesday. Decisions will be made public Friday.
Feb. 12 p At the end of the CCC meeting,
Dave "Stump" Morton addressed the Commission. With quick words and arm
gestures, our guess, the guy was peed big time. His sentences were broken
and hard to get an arm around. BUT, it sounded like: Last Friday, near
Granny's Creek, on the Ovapa Cut Off (where the truck wrecked), a Deputy
Sheriff, in uniform with a gun in the holster, did or said something to
scare the bejeebees out of the small fry rider on a Clay County School
Bus.
Feb. 12 p In Clayberry several of our
Badges including the Top Badge serve as substitute school bus drivers.
Most of us have seen them behind the wheel in complete uniform including
their service revolver.
Feb. 12 p What ever happened, Stump
was livid. Commissioner Slinkinooooger, once a school superintendent himself,
told Stump to take the tale to the Board of Education, Senior Commissioner
Triplett thought Deputys were not allowed to carry a gun on a school bus.
Feb. 12 p Stump seemed
mad about county employees, already on salary, double dipping a second
county job. Most irate Clayonians vent and then do little else. Mr Morton
said he planned to take this up with the Board of Ed.
Feb. 12 p A bus is school property.
School property is suppose to be free of weapons. Sounds like a big
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm....
Feb. 12 a There's a new documentary
coming out in May on Widen. You can take a peak at footage on You Tube.
Featured in the glimpse is Jim Dawson and family, The Stovers and the Selich
family. Click Widen
Feb. 12 a Tonight at 7 pm is the last
home basketball game of the season at Clay Middle.
Feb. 12 a Better post coming later
today
Feb. 11 4am Clay County Schools
will be on a 2 hour delay today. It's 12 degrees and time to go back
to bed.
Feb. 11 a Where do you
get those snow advisories, 2 hour delay updates. How about when Randy was
shooting his own Tahoe, where did you get the news while in progress? Obits?
A dumb politician updates?
Feb. 11 a For many it's this web site.
We need a hand keeping this monster afloat. Donations accepted during our
February online crybaby campaign. Send your hard earned cash to Delta;
2278 Main street, Clay WV 25043. Thanks in advance and Yes, we're going
to continue hounding you until the end of the month.
Feb. 11 a Tired of high property
taxes? Feb. is the month to raise H with the County Commission. Call the
County Clerk's office to make an appointment. 587-4259.
Feb. 11 a Over the past five years
the United States has seen a ferocious increase in prescription drug abuse.
According to the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 49.8 million
Americans over the age of 12 have reported non-medical use of illicit drugs
in their lifetime, 20.3 per cent of the population. Among teenagers aged
12-17, prescription drugs are second only to marijuana in popularity, and
in the past 15 years there has been a 140 per cent increase in painkiller
abuse. It is the fastest-growing type of drug abuse in the US. Even more
worryingly, prescription drugs have made it on to the party scene as a
legal, seemingly safe, way to recreate an illicit high. See link
for full story.
Feb. 11 a Republicrats often
complain about Demorat pork barrel spending. Seems ole Dubbya is doing
the same thing. Included in his new budget: $800,000 for the Neosho
National Fish Hatchery in Missouri, $1.5 million for a waterway named in
honor of former Senator J. Bennett Johnston, $894,000 for an air traffic
control tower in Kalamazoo, Mich.; $12 million for a parachute repair shop
at the American air base in Aviano, Italy; $6.5 million for research in
Wyoming on the “fundamental properties of asphalt", $3 million for a forest
conservation project in Minnesota, $2.1 million for a neutrino detector
at the South Pole and $28 million for General Electric and Siemens to do
research on hydrogen-fuel turbines. And that's
just the tip of the iceberg.
Feb. 10 p Gary D. Nicholson, 23, of
Newton, see OBITUARY page
Feb. 10 p Mildred N. Thomas,
92, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page
FEb 10 p Arthur Day Brady, 96
of Clay, see OBITUARY page
Feb. 10 p Macie Katherine West,
see OBITUARY page
Feb. 10 p On the national level
it was decided with certainty that John McLame will be the Republicrat
nomination for Prez. Mutt Romney decided to quit wasting his money and
"suspended" his campaign saying by doing so, the USA would avoid another
terror attack. Even with more primaries under our belts, there is no clear
winner between Obama De Bama and Hitlery Clinton. The delegate race got
even closer with an 8 point margin between the two. Passion is running
deep in Clayberry. Those loyal to either are adamant with strong conviction.
After taking a deep breath and a step back, just remember, all three tell
fibs and are after nothing more than our electoral college nod. The voter
really doesn't matter.
Feb. 10 p On the national level the
topic is money. There has been no mention of the oil war. Our men and women
are still dying in an absolutely worthless war and there's no mention.
There have been 4,259 coalition deaths -- 3,953 Americans, two Australians,
174 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, one Czech, seven Danes, two Dutch, two Estonians,
one Fijian, one Hungarian, 33 Italians, one Kazakh, one Korean, three Latvian,
22 Poles, three Romanians, five Salvadoran, four Slovaks, 11 Spaniards,
two Thai and 18 Ukrainians -- in the war in Iraq as of February 8, 2008,
according to a CNN count.
Feb. 10 p Last Tuesday , 1100 Republicrats
met and decided their candidate for Prez. They managed to pick the only
candidate without ANY chance of winning, Huckabee.
Feb. 10 p Now finishing the the
second week of the 90 day electioneering season, local politicians and
politics are showing little in the way of performance. Opportunities
to be seen (ball games, bingo games, Big Otter Community Center and more)
are neglected.
Feb. 10 p We found out mid week
that the CAEZ Board of Directors told their Director, bail out on the purchase
of the old Valley Fork School for a college campus. Still grumpy at paying
a fair price for prime real estate, the Board is peeing away our future.
Feb. 10 p Town Council held another
monthly meeting where the dimly lit spent most of the time feathering their
own petty nests while overlooking the big picture. The biggy is locking
the town (county) into a $1m loan to build a local water plant which is
needed for Roane County residents.
Feb. 10 p Thursday evening the
BDA met. As for an annual business plan, building, starting, a world
wide web footprint (Web site), and growing local businesses, they did nothing.
They did hear Doc Jamie say, he would be interested in building a
small (30 by 50) building for Golden Heart In Home Care IF IF IF the BDa
was willing to give him the ENTIRE Filcon Industrial Site near Ovapa. The
BDA did not make a decision on the give away matter with other options
being developed before the March meeting.
Feb. 10 p Midweek, Badges came to Clay
High in search of drugs. They checked high and low. Two athletes were busted.
Others were told to snitch to on their friends. A big long list was provided
law enforcement. They came back on Friday for more drug investigations.
Knowing the lifelong black mark created during the rite of passage years,
many parents wised up and said no to pee testing their kids. Student rights
are not checked at the schoolhouse door.
Feb. 10 p In a way, the traffic Halliburton
truck wreck mid day Friday may have been the highlight of the week.
Of course we're not talking about the loss of life or the severe injuries
to the driver. We're talking about the fast, organized, effective response
by our paid and volunteer emergency service teams. Based on scanner traffic,
it sounded as though all agencies responded quickly and did their jobs
without error. The helicopter transport for the one fellow was done within
an hour of the wreck.
Feb. 10 p Senator Randy White released
the list of Budget Digest grantees this year. That list is now on the ADVISORY
page.
Feb. 10 p It looks like West
Virginia is going to have a Mountain party candidate for President.
Feb. 10 p Back to that business
on the CAEZ backing out of purchasing the old school for a college campus,
from the email bag: The
posting about the BDA, CCC, and all the other letters reminded me of how
I felt when I returned to Clay County after having been gone for forty-five
years or more. When I lived here we had elected county officials;
sheriff, county clerk, county assessor, circuit clerk, prosecuting attorney
and a justice of the peace. In Clay we had grocery stores, ten-cent
store, department stores where one could buy their clothes, a jewelry store,
and a movie theatre. also a hotel. We also had grocery stores in
the outlying areas of the county. I believe we were rather proud of our
county. Now we have all these "ABC's". The federal money has
been pouring in for what? Who actually benefits from all this money
except for the ones who are running the "ABC's." If the purchase
of the property for the Technical College is not finalized it will be forever
a shame on all responsible. Posted by Maureen Hardman
Feb. 10 p Arthur is 90 years
old. He's played golf every day since his retirement 25 years ago.
One day he arrives home looking downcast. "That's it," he tells his wife.
"I'm giving up golf. My eyesight has gotten so bad that once I've hit the
ball I couldn't see where it went." His wife sympathizes and makes
him a cup of tea. As they sit down she says, "Why don't you take my brother
with you and give it one more try."
"That's no good" sighs
Arthur, "your brother's a hundred and three. He can't help." "He may be
a hundred and three", says the wife, "but his eyesight is perfect." So
the next day Arthur heads off to the golf course with his brother-in-law.
He tees up, takes an almighty swing and squints down the fairway.
He turns to the brother-in-law. "Did you see the ball?" "Of course
I did!" replied the brother-in-law. "I have perfect eyesight". "Where did
it go?" says Arthur. "I don't remember."
Feb. 8 p There was a nasty truck
wreck Friday morning around 11 am resulting in death to one of the workers
in the Halliburton nitrogen truck. The heavy vehicle wrecked near the Ovapa
Cut Off Turn near the old Filcon Industrial site.HealthNet flew out the
other fellow.
Feb. 8 p Yesterday afternoon we posted
the Town of Clay peeing contest. Now a second screw up and this one with
the CAEZ
Feb. 8 p Back in Dec the School Board
auctioned off the old Valley Fork school. . Due to some backdoor maneuvering
by County Commissioner Slinky (working once again for the school gang buddies),
the CAEZ was forced to pay the full asking price, $200,000 plus one dollar
for the two buildings and almost 3 acres of dirt all close to I-79. CAEZ
wanted the place for a thrifty $80,000 or less. The instructions to their
bidder, Director Lupardus, was to start low, around $30,000.00. Before
the auction, a property appraisal revealed the actual value of the place
to be higher than the asking price.
Feb. 8 p An as economic development
agent for the county, the CAEZ has a real interest in the old buildings.
WV Technical College has agreed to set up college classes at the site.
Additionally, the CAEZ is working to have a daycare and commercial kitchen
there for home baked foodstuffs that area crafters could sell at the marketplace.
Feb. 8 p In the deal, the school system
was mandated to provide a clean deed for the place complete with the land
that houses the old septic system. To date, they haven't done that. Maybe
backroom dealings are keeping them from their efforts to provide the deed.
Feb. 8 p During a specially called
CAEZ Bd of Directors meeting (Jan 23rd), the group told Big Lup to send
the School Board a letter. The correspondence would inform the Pentagon
on the hill, CAEZ was bailing out of the purchase.
Feb. 8 p Many guess there are stepped
on toes at the CAEZ, There certainly was an effort back in Jan to make
sure the economic development committee was not on record as supporting
ANY recommendation or $200,000 sale price.
Feb. 8 p With the appraisal in hand,
we know the place is worth more than the $200,000.00. We know Clay
County is in need of close to home college classes. And, we know how back
room deals come and go most often screwing the residents of Clay out of
important stuff. If it doesn't suit the blue bloods, then the people of
Clay do without.
Feb. 8 p Here's the peeing contest
clickers. The college has every intention of setting up a remote classroom
site this year. They already have other places to go. Places like the Flatwoods
Mall and a second in Putnam County. With the CAEZ upset with their Director
paying $200,000 for something worthwhile and backing out of the deal, the
School System most likely working their own deal to feather their own nest,
and the College folks ready to move on with their plans to establish
a satellite college campus somewhere, bend over, get the Crisco, Clay County
and our future is about to get screwed again.
Feb. 8 p Clay County West Virginia
is still waiting for even one full time, with benefits, private sector
job from the millions spent. Not one job! Thank you Central
Appalachia Empowerment Zone for 12 years of service.
Feb. 7 p Lets talk about a wasteful
peeing contest in Clay
Feb. 7 p Town Council met Tuesday evening.
The troublesome, time consuming, feathering their nest antics continued.
For instance, Council person Llyn Drake continued efforts to feather
her own nest with a costly municipal court and her as the $500 per month
plus expenses, Municipal Judge. Town Recorder Dwana Murphy (also a water
operator) continued her plan to keep receiving costly overtime wages instead
of hiring a new wa wa operator reducing operating costs. With the help
of Betty Murphy, Dwana was able to rally troops and get the go ahead to
hire a full time office worker AND a part time operator. Under her
plan, her overtime wages from water operation duties should continue with
the added expense of an unnecessary daytime clerk.
Feb. 7 p All of that is costly but
it gets worse. The Town is ready to bid out a new water plant. They have
$2.5m available in grants and loans for the new facility. Cost estimates
for the bigger wa wa plant were at $3m five years ago. Of that $2.5
m available, $1m comes from loan dollars. That's one million we have to
pay back, we the customers.
Feb. 7 p With rising prices, either
more loan dollars will be needed to cover added expense.
The current Town water plant is paid for and operates smoothly.
Feb. 7 p Instead
of a profit maker for the town, the new plant has all the markings of a
place quite similar to the 10 year old sewer plant which has never operated
in the black. After 10 years of loan payments, only $7000 has been paid
on the principal. Each month, the Town has to loan water money to the sewer
operations just to keep the doors open and logs flowing.
Feb. 7 p With all the peeing contests,
who gets the most and who gets left out in the cold, the big issue, a new
water plant, that can't be paid for, is hardly mentioned.
Feb. 7p One other note, the existing,
paid for, municipal water plant meets ALL of the town's needs. The debt
laden new plant is being built NOT for Town customers nor county customers,
but for the many customers in Roane County serviced by the Clay Roane PSD.
Feb. 7 p Once again, town and county
dollars spent so foreign counties can benefit.
Feb. 7 p New part time wa wa
operator, new office clerk, big time payments for the new plant, that all
translate to a huge rate increase.
Feb. 7 p Check back later for another
peeing contest which could cost us a college foot print in the county.
Feb. 6 p Bessie Allen Runnion
Parsons, 101, see OBITUARY page
Feb. 6 p It rained cast and dogs last
night in Clay. This afternoon the sun came out and once again Clayberry
is looking good.
Feb. 6 p From the email bag:
Clay Middle School Wrestling is the CWVAC championships the first time
in Middle School history. Thanks to the wonderful job done by Coach
Jeff Hamrick with the help of Asst Coach Stewart. Harley Hamrick
and Tyler Stewart also won individual championships for the weight division.
Wirt County placed second, other counties were Braxton, Calhoun, Nicholas,
and Spencer. Most of our Middle School team is now looking forward
to States which is held in the beginning of March. Last year at States
Harley Hamrick placed 1st in his age and weight division and we hope that
this year we may bring home more champions.
The Clay County
Jr Wrestling league will be sponsoring the Danny Suite Memorial Tournament
on Sunday, February 24th at the Clay County High School. Please come
out and support our little guys and gals.
Feb. 6 p CHHS held their winter
homecoming last Friday night. One of the freshman attendants was big time
pregnant. CHHS Principal Phil Dobbins has been getting a bunch of grief
for allowing the student voted upon princess to participate in the festivities
and crowning.
Feb. 6 p Heck getting prego early
has been a long standing tradition at the school. As a matter of
fact, it doesn't take much of an investigation to uncover folks now in
prominent positions guilty of the self inflicted wound long before
marriage. For those narrow minded individuals giving the grief, there's
a US Supreme Court decision that says if the kids ( or teachers) are voting
on such matters, you can't stop one from winning.
Feb. 6 p Before you decide we
need to change Justices, maybe handing out condoms and birth control pills
at the high school, middle and for that matter, at the elementaries, would
be a better approach.
Feb. 6 p Back in Dec the school system
auctioned off the old Valley Fork Elem school for $200,001.00. The new
owner, CAEZ, plans to turn the building into a place to house technical
college classes. One of the stipulations for accepting the place is a clear
deed for the whole place including the septic system leach bed. The auction
was in early Dec and to date, the school system hasn't presented that clear
deed for the CAEZ to accept.
Dec 6 p At issue is a small chunk of
Wayne King holdings where the leach bed is located. As of last week, the
Waynster nor the School Gang have recorded that little sliver of land for
recording at the Courthouse.
Dec 6 p During last night's CAEZ Eco/Dev
Committee meeting, t he group went secret to discuss the "problem".
During an earlier meeting of the group, concerns were raised over the deed,
purchase price, and amount of work needed to get it ready for occupancy.
DEc 6 p Our guess is, the secret time
was to work out the kinks. Like....
Dec 6 p What the heck is up with the
deed. Where are they going to get the $$ to actually purchase the place...
Dec 6 p And then there's the lease
with the college. We already know the college wants new HVAC and floor
covering. Both costly.
Dec 6 p Although not mentioned during
the public part of the meeting, word on the street has it that the college
wants to lease the place for $7 per square foot and for utilities to be
included. Based on the size of the building and little insulation,
CAEZ would probably go in the red each month at the $7 per foot rate.
Dec 6 p On the other hand, if the school
system doesn't get its act together, there's not going to be a building
to lease to begin with!
Feb. 6 7:30 am Lizemore
Elem School is closed today. No electric.
Feb. 5 a It was such a nice story.
The Henry Clay Hotel going out with a bang by hosting a Super Bowl party
complete with free food. Lots of folks showed up for the last night Henry
Clay fun.
Feb. 5 a There's always an arsshole
in the crowd.
Feb. 5 a Around 11pm 30 year
old Lorenza Carte stole King Arthur Jarrett's '84 Bronco and high tailed
it North. At the Big Otter Exxon, he filled up with gas and skid addled
without paying. He did the fill up and run bit at least one other time
before getting caught in Grafton for weaving across the center line.
Feb. 5 a Instead of a nice relaxed
first day off the job, the Jarrett's spent the day retrieving their vehicle.
Nice final chapter in the Henry Clay story
Feb. 5 a Tuesday evening at 6pm Clay
Town Council meets in regular session. With over a dozen things on the
agenda, it looks like the waring sides have put everything on the table.
Public meeting and sure to be fun. Bring a whole bag of popcorn. This one
is going to take a while!
Feb. 5 a One the table is one Council
person wanting a town paid for cell phone
Feb. 5 a One Council person still wants
to be a $500 per month Municipal Judge
Feb. 5 a And on and on they go.
Feb. 5 a From the email bag:
Thanks for doing a write up on the henry clay, some people I am sure are
glad to see it close, as for this one i am not, as for my 6 years I have
lived here permently it has been a great place to eat, meet friends, and
just enjoy other peoples company, and to bonnie and arthur I wish them
all the best and I hope they know how much that there regulars will miss,
that morning coffee, afternoon lunches, spegetti included and the evening
talks, thanks again for coming by night and for a good write up.
jane woods
Feb. 5 a An attorney
arrived home late, after a very tough day trying to get a stay of
execution for a client who was due to be hanged for murder at midnight.
His last minute plea for clemency to the governor had failed and he was
feeling worn out and depressed. As soon as he walked through the door at
home, his wife started on him about, 'What time of night to be getting
home is this? Where have you been?' 'Dinner is cold and I'm not reheating
it' and on and on and on. Too shattered to play his usual role in this
familiar ritual, he went and poured himself a shot of whiskey and
headed off for a long hot soak in the bathtub, pursued by the predictable
sarcastic remarks as he dragged himself up the stairs. While he was
in the bath, the phone rang. The wife answered and was told that
her husband's client, James Wright, had been granted a stay of execution
after all. Wright would not be hanged tonight. Finally realizing what a
terrible day he must have had, she decided to go upstairs and give
him the good news. As she opened the bathroom door, she was greeted
by the sight of her husband, bent over naked, drying his legs and
feet. 'They're not hanging Wright tonight,' she said.
To which he whirled around and screamed, 'FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, WOMAN,
DON'T YOU EVER STOP?'
Feb. 4 a from the email bag and in
reference to Lizemore Ambulances not being dispatched by the county 911
center: Just saw your post about the ambulance call to Dixie.
They are SSOOOOOOOOOOO lucky it wasn't my child choking. Since it's
election time the names of the good officials who have decided to boycott
LFD should be posted in the paper and on the World Wide Web so that
the good citizens of Clay County don't vote them back in to continue to
jeopardize the lives of anyone else. By the way,
I've been reading about the BDA, CCC and all the other letters for almost
3 years now. I'm confused about what Exactly they have done to improve
life in Clay County?
Vicki Lane
Feb. 4 a Tonight the school
Board at the Standard Bryant Annex building. 6 o'clock start time with
the swearing in of Jim Dawson to replace resigned Dave Pierson. Lots of
retirement resignations. Here's the agenda
link.
Feb. 4 a Tuesday the CAEZ will hold
two meetings, one at 4pm and the full Board at 6pm
Feb. 4 a Also on Tuesday is the Clay
Town Council meeting. With over a dozen items to tackle, this meeting may
be the keeper of the week.
Feb. 4 a BDA meets on Thursday.
Feb. 4 a We'll keep you posted as best
we can.
Feb. 4 a Feb. is the month we
start begging for $ to keep this web site alive. True we have some advertisers
but costs are going up. How about you? $5, $50, $100? Anything
will help. Send your donation to 2278 Clay WV 25043. Thanks in advance.
And Yes we're going to pester you for the next 30 days.
Feb. 4 a just a few years ago the Health
Dept forced a county wide ban on smoking in a business establishment. During
a public hearing, some one shouted out: The next thing they'll do is tall
fat people they can't have ice cream. Down in Mississippi, the Legislature
is making law that forbids
diners to sell food to fat people.
Feb. 4 a Over in Virginia a Abercrombie
& Fitch store manager was arrested for displaying a company poster
with a little butt showing
above the pants line.
Feb. 4 a What Lies At The
Bottom Of The Ocean And Twitches? A Nervous Wreck.
Feb. 4 a Why Do Gorillas Have
Big Nostrils? Because They Have Big Fingers .
Feb. 4 a WARNING: The consumption
of alcohol is the leading cause of inexplicable rug burns on the
forehead, knees and lower back.
Feb. 4 a WARNING: The crumsumpten of
alcohol may Mack you tink you kan tpye reel gode
Feb. 3 a No wrap up this time
around folks. Here's what we've been up to these last three days.
Feb. 3 a Procrastinating to the last
minute, instead of typing up the Communicator Thursday night, we spent
the evening writing a grant for the radio station.
Feb. 3 a Where Saturday and Sunday
went, I don't know. Now Sunday evening, we have the near award winning
paper all put together and ready for printing Monday morning and distribution
Monday afternoon.
Feb. 3 a This is the last day of operation
for the Historic Henry Clay Hotel in downtown Clay.
Feb. 3 a Regulars filled the place
ready for football action. Bonnie and King Arthur put together the traditional
free munchies for the Super bowl fun.
Feb. 3 a Even with free food and cold
beer flowing and the jukebox playing, it was a sad time as many in the
crowd told stories from years back. Francis Sizemore brought in old pictures.
Arthur showed the basement section where an ancient coal fired boiler sat
ice cold and long out of use. Cameras flashed taking last images of the
100 year old building
Feb. 3 a Pictures and wall hangings
came off the wall leaving behind the stained imprint.
Feb. 3 a With the beer cooler nearly
empty, the napkin holders empty, and most of the ash trays off the faded
table tops, it is a sad day for downtown Clayberry.
Feb. 3 a The landmark operation is
gone and another chapter in our history is closed. Last person out of Clay,
turn off the light.
Feb. 2 p Billy Joe Tud Stewart,
61, of Clay, see OBITUARY page
Feb. 2 p The Henry Clay Hotel on Main
Street has been in business since 1909. It's a place to go for cold beer,
best spaghetti in the state, shoot billiards, watch TV, and relax.
Where else can you go and use a sit down pay phone? Nowhere else in the
county for sure.
Feb. 2 p Tommorrow is the last day
for the Henry Clay. Owner Arthur Jarrett sold the building and everything
in it. Tommorrow's Super Bowl party is the final day of operation.
Catch a bit of history Sunday afternoon. Sad day for Clayberry. Not one
place for a cold beer in the entire town.
Feb. 2 p The Kitchen Restaraunt
was broke into this past week. Thugs entered the building by pushing thru
a window air conditioner. Oddly enough, about the only thing they took
was a bunch of hot dog and hamburger buns plus sliced cheese. More in the
next edition of the Communicator, Monday.
Feb. 2 a We're waaaaaaaaaay
behind in our posting. Hope to get a proper post later today.
Feb. 2 a Communicator is NOT coming
out until Monday. Deadline for submissions is this afternoon, 3pm.
Feb. 2 a We're working on the changing
of a historic landmark. Life will never be the same again. Check back later
today and info on a new batch of burglaries. Just call em the Bun Bandits