Feb 2010

 
 
  • Feb. 28 p From the email bag: MISSING FROM LAURAL FORK RD OFF OF UPPER SYCAMORE RD,MALE DOG FULL BLOODED BLOOD HOUND, REDDISH COPPER COLOR WITH STAR SHAPED WHITE SPOT ON CHEST WITH BLACK TIP TALE,  HAS A BLAZE ORANGE  COLLAR  ON WITH NAME TAG AND PHONE NUMBER ON IT, HE ANSWERS TO THE NAME OF COPPER, WEIGHS ABOUT 90 LBS, MISSING SINCE AROUND MIDNIGHT SATURDAY FEB 27TH IF YOU HAVE SEEN THIS DOG PLEASE CALL 587-7906 OR 587-2187, IF NO ANSWER CALL 587-2930, THIS IS A CHERISHED PET OF A LITTLE GIRL AND BOY.
  • Feb. 28 p  School Board meets tonight at 6pm in the Standard Bryant Annex building on Gump Street. Don't even bother checking their web site for an agenda. It ain't there. Those elected folks don't give  a hoot about following the law of the land, open meeting laws.Maybe it is time to elect new folks to the Board.
  • Feb. 28 p The Lady Panthers tip off tonight at 7pm in WVSSAC Sectional Tournament action as they take on Sissonville in the home court contest. Go Lady Panthers!
  • FEb 28 p  First time in weeks that we haven't mentioned an upcoming winter blast. Today Calyonians can actually see black payment. Maybe Spring has sprung.
  • Feb. 28 a Last day of a short month where snow dominated conversations throughout the county. Some notes....
  • Feb. 28 a After two major blizzards and winds topping 90 mph, thousands are without electricity up North. In Clayberry, the harsh winter continued but few were, are without utilities
  • Feb. 28 a If the Patriot Act hadn't been approved for another year, Sunday would have looked much different. Sunday could have meant the government was no longer given permission to wiretap the phones of Americans and seize their records and property. Obama De Bama approved the Patriot Act.
  • Feb. 28 a 2nd amendment words guarantee gun owner rights. Should state laws trump Federal rights for the 90 million USA gun owners?  The Supreme Robes will let us know.
  • Feb. 28 a England says every dog owner might have to take a ‘competence test’ to prove they can handle their pets. Maybe we need that on this side of the pond.
  • Feb. 28 a Locally, winter continued with snow fall each day bringing closed schools, canceled events and mad rushes to the grocery store for restockings. With each pass of the snow plow and salt treatment, more pot holes were seen.
  • Feb. 28 a The Lady Panthers won their first game in Sectional Tournament play. Their second game was postponed due to bad weather.
  • Feb. 28 a The Health Bd managed to get in a quarterly meeting this past week. Minus Don Samples, get well son Don, the great divide continued as they discussed the need to install a costly ($10,000) door lock system. Director Klotzbach was passionate with her view that such additions are not necessary or wanted at her department. With two Board members on her side, so far, Klotz is winning the battle.
  • Feb. 28 a The Communicator made it out the door complete with a dandy red thong complete with an ever so cute cartoon image of our Top Badge. The ace cub reporter remains alive.
  • Feb. 28 a Some things never change. Sunday morning, 9:25am, over the 911 scanner: Clay Ambulance does not have a unit to respond.
  • Feb. 28 a For months this site has been attacked by the internet gremlins resulting in a roving virus coming and going. Five days ago those attacks were stopped (all together, knock on wood) by cleaning out unused "scripts" left over from in the past, services on the site.
  • Feb. 28 a  Even the web cam is back up and running.
  • Feb. 28 a Several people emailed to tell us of blue screens, black screens, and no screens after a compromised page was viewed. We're sorry for all the hassles but when the big boys with all the best high tech gurus get it (Wall Mart for instance, NATO, Dept of Defense), anybody can get ravaged. We think this site is clear once again. Thanks for the patience.
  • Feb. 28 a Not to get too preachy..... Until "cloud" system web searching becomes common, the best defense is a good strong security system, systems, Over on the LINKS page is a link to a free version of Malware antibytes. The free version of AVG also does very well. Free is just. Neither offers real time, as it's happening, protection.
  • Feb. 28 a  May we suggest you spend a few bucks and purchase the full versions of those or some other reputable anti virus, bot, root kit, malware, trogan , software.
  • Feb. 28 a We're down to two days left in our once a year, online begging for bucks fund drive.  So far many have been generous, thank you.
  • Feb. 28 a Up to the minute reporting, obituary data base, timely pictures from County Clay, and interesting observations on life in small town America.... worth anything to ya? It's time to support Clay County West Virginia's only source for such and more.
  • Feb. 28 a Mail your hard earned resources to Delta; 2278 Main Street, Clay WV 25043
  • Feb. 28 a With a new month coming, lots of public meetings coming our way this week plus the Tommy and Tommy Federal trial, keep it tuned to Clayberry , your source for news and views.
  • Feb. 27 a Sick of staying home? Don't forget the Saturday League "A" Team B Ball Tournament today over at CMS. And the big BDA Saturday Night Consignment Auction  at Two Run. Deals start at 6pm. Want to get your curtain climber signed up for Little League, that's today too. See EVENTS page for more.
  • Feb. 27 a  From the email bag: The CCHS Panther Wrestling Team has Danny Suite, 119 weight class wrestling for the State Championship tomorrow (Saturday) evening in Huntington
  • Feb. 27 a Health officials in Vancouver have already provided 100,000 free condoms to the roughly 7,000 ahtletes and officials at the Games. That's about 14 condoms per person. But as of Wednesday, those supplies started running dangerously low.
  • Feb. 27 a One week ago today, people were wearing short pants with even a few motorcycles out and about. We could mention another so many inches of snow and bad side road conditions but it's too darn depressing!
  • Feb. 26 late p Big Knob Hunting Club has  a new pretty cool looking web site now available online.
  • Feb. 26 late p  The Communicator and this web portal create controversy. Not for gossip but for the printing of the words and actions of our elected and appointed leaders. Truth is, many West Virginia counties have similar issues it's just there isn't a media source to broadcast such outrageous transgressions.
  • Feb. 26 late p Seems we've hacked off Traci Duffield Welch who wrote on facebook: Waddell has reached a new low - he is now publishing how many kids get reduced or free lunch! It is bad enough that people have to do w/o b/c of layoffs & no jobs out there, but he has to add to the embarrassment. I HATE THAT NEWSPAPER & I HOPE IT GOES TO HELL WHERE IT BELONGS! YOU DO NOT DELIGHT IN THE PROBLEMS OF OTHERS!
  • Feb. 26 late p  I never heard of a newspaper going to Hell   Wonder if she's going to contribute during our online begging campaign.
  • Feb. 26 late p Also,  from Miss Traci: I just don't get why people buy his paper - he is against everything that people in this county do! He supports  "outsiders". I used to work w/ a woman who's daughter went to school w/ him & she said that he had "mental" problems in school & always wanted to stir up trouble. I don't think half of the crap he prints or puts onine should be ... See Moreallowed. People try to pay their bills but he puts in civils suits - plus he judges people of their crime b/f they are ever brought to trial. HE DOES NOT deserve to be called a reporter & that communicator does not deserve to be called a newspaper
  • FEb 26 late p Got to admit, Waddell must have mental problems after battling the blue bloods of Clayberry for nearly 30 years. Speaking of 39 plus years ago, our little ace cub reporter did lead a walk out when Sonewall Jackson High School officials refused to let males wear short pants to school. Got five days in D Hall for that caper. That nasty pesky wittle rascal!!
  • Feb. 26 late p How about you, enjoy getting a dose of life in Clayberry? Even the  embarrassment of seeing the number of families on the free lunch program buried deep in the bowels of the Dept of Education web site. Some things although public, should never be spoken or written. NOT!
  • Feb. 26 late p Now's the time to support this effort with a donation. How about a nickel a day donation. Mail your hard earned support to Delta, 2278 Main Street  Clay WV 25043
  • Feb. 26 late p Thanks
  • Feb. 26 p  Tonight's Sectional Tournament Game between the Lady Panthers and Sissonville has been rescheduled for Monday March 1st at 7:30pm.
  • Feb. 26 p Music at Big Otter Community Center has been canceled for tonight.
  • Feb. 26 a Clay County is covered with 3 to 6 inches of new white powder. Making about 16 days this term, schools are closed again today. It is truly being one of those winters we'll remember and go down in the history books. 46 county systems are either closed or operating with delays.
  • Feb. 26 a Outside,  8:00 am, that white crap continues. Be careful, check our weather report button to the left. More coming.
  • Feb. 26 early, (actually 11:08 Thursday evening), Clayberry Schools are on a two hour delay. Sleep in Friday morning.
  • Feb. 26 a Ever wonder how many kids are in each school, class, how many on free or reduced lunch, ethnic make up? Here goes
  • Feb. 26 a Big Odor Elem
  • Feb. 26 a Clay Elem
  • Feb. 26 a H E White
  • FEb 26 a Lizemores
  • Feb. 26 a Clay Middle
  • Feb. 26 a Clay High
  • Feb. 26 a Running Windows XP? Every question answered.
  • Feb. 25 late p   Anna Faye (Osborne) Rose, 78, see OBITUARY page
  • Feb. 25 late p First cancellation: Big Otter Community Center will be closed Friday night
  • Feb. 25 late p  It is snowing like crazy as of 9pm. Around 4 inches are on the ground since dark.
  • Feb. 25 late p In addition to the white stuff the wind is raising a ruckus. What did the wind sound like before we had trains?
  • Feb. 25 late p The only real question is, when will Sarah call?
  • Feb. 25 late p  Since switching to  stronger antivurs and malware software we've been having trouble connecting to the Wilson Shamblin Smith Funeral Home site. Turns out they have two web addresses. For those that like to have a direct link in their favorites folder, here's the one we're having luck with, http://www.funeralplan2.com/CarlWilsonFuneralHome/.
  • Feb. 25 p   Hazel Maxine Fitzwater, 82, see OBITUARY page
  • Feb. 25 p  W went to war in Iraq so those folks could eventually enjoy some of the civil rights Americans enjoy. Enjoyed.
  • Feb. 25 p Our war effort (Patriot Act) removed many of our civil rights we said we were fighting for. When Dubbya slinked out of office, with Sen Jay telling us rights would be restored,  and a bright new hope in office, many thought civil rights like the right to know what you're being arrested for, would return.
  • Feb. 25 p Last night the Senate, the Demorat controlled Senate, voted to renew the Patriot Act.
  • Feb. 25 p  In addition to elected officials, there are 4,525 total lobbyists from 1,750 companies that include 207 hospitals, 105 insurance companies and 85 manufacturing companies. Guess who's running the ship of state?
  • Feb. 25 p  Bill Gates has produced some great and not so great products for the PC. Windows 2000, millennium, and Vista come to mind for the later. Guess what operating system is running the Winter Olympics?
  • Feb. 25 p We're trying to keep this web portal virus free and up and running. We think the latest infection has been removed by removing old "scripts" from enhancements no longer being used. We also shut off the web cam and removed the link over to Wilson Shamblin Smith Funeral home for a few days.   As  citizen journalists we work for free. The cost of keeping the site ain't.
  • Feb. 25 p  Once a year we go online and beg for bucks. With the snow coming down and temps around 20 degrees, it's that time again. Heck, isn't being able to email the Mel Gibson look alike and give him both barrels worth a nickel a day?
  • Feb. 25 p For all those that have already contributed, thank you very much. For those that click on the Clayberry site daily / weekly, how about you? First hand info, nice pics, links to interesting independent news stories, and corn ball humor. Not to mention misspelled words and quirks of reason.
  • Feb. 25 p Mail your check to Delta; 2278 Main Street, Clay WV 25043
  • Feb. 25 p Thanks in advance.
  • Feb. 25    7:10 am  Clay County Schools are closed Thursday.
  • Feb. 25  a Looks like we've got about 3 inches of snow on the ground and flurries continue.
  • Feb. 25 a  Big News! Last night the Lady Panthers got out to an early lead and held on for a victory  in Sectional B Ball Tournament action. They play again Friday night when they take on Sissonville at CCHS. Go Lady Panthers!!!!!!!!!!
  • Feb. 24 late p  After a huge clean up and out, this site has made it about 5 hours without spotting anything malicious. We may have wiped out that living in the back room attack gremlin. If anybody sees anything, any flags go up, let us know.
  • Feb. 24 late p The homepage web cam is still down. Coming back soon maybe.
  • Feb. 24 late p The clean up deleted some info like stuff on classifieds and obituaries. We'll try to retrieve what we can.
  • Feb. 24 late Greg Wagner from Maysel did the script and code deletions. He does website design too. Email Greg at dyingtime@Frontiernet.net
  • Feb. 24 late p Around 7:30pm the snow started falling again. Clayberry may get 3 inches tonight and a like amount on Thursday.  All of a sudden nobody cares. This late in the season, we know it's fleeting at best. Kids of course are waiting for the "Sarah" call.
  • Feb. 24 late  The Pledge of Allegiance means nothing when someone is forced to recite it. In one school system a 13 year old was taken from the classroom by Badges for refusing to stand and recite.
  • Feb. 24 late p The Fourth Amendment use to be very strong on keeping Badges out of your home without a warrant in hand. One Federal Appeal Judge says the 4th is all gone.
  • Feb. 24 late p  While we're preparing to struggle thru another snow. Clayberry's John Sizemore lives in the Dominican Republic where short pants are norm.
  • Feb. 24 p After a bunch more deletions, folder changes and password upgrades, we're bringing this site back up. As of 4:10pm, we're debugged. If anybody sees any kind of problem, please email
  • Feb. 24 p Tonight the Lady Panthers take on Poca in Sectional Tournament action over the CCHS.
  • Feb. 24 p  Communicator made to the news stands Tuesday afternoon. It's a keeper for sure and well worth the 70 cents.
  • Feb. 24 De Bug test post 2:57p
  • Feb. 23  Bug alert on this site. Be careful. No updates until we find the little gremlins
  • Feb. 22 p Andrew George Guthrie, 47, see OBITUARY page
  • Feb. 22 p Last year Fola Coal asked for a $13m coal value reduction. After  a discussion with the State Tax Dept., they got a $6m reduction.
  • Feb. 22 p  This year, on just one piece of property the state reduced value from $24.7m down to $14.8m. After a Board of Review a couple weeks back and with a nod from the big boys in Charleston, Larry Darryl and Darryl agreed to reducing value assessments on one tract to just $13.1m.
  • Feb. 22 p Wasn't that generous of our elected folks.
  • Feb. 22 p Three days later Fola laid off 157 workers and reduced hours on the remaining workers.
  • Feb. 22 p Full details in Tuesday's Communicator. Hard to find info and just 70 cents cheap!
  • Feb. 22 p Now back to typing.
  • Feb. 22 p  Arthur McCoy Morton, 90 of Lizemores, see OBITUARY page
  • Feb. 22 a  With a light drizzle coming down, there's a bunch going on this week.
  • Feb. 22 a You wouldn't think that a Board of Health meeting would be exciting but sometimes there are. That group meets tonight at 6pm in their Main Street digs.
  • Feb. 22 a The Lady Panthers did pretty good this season and are in sectional tournament action this week. With the games being held at CCHS, Jason Nichols provided this scoop: This week the Region 4 Section 1 girls basketball tournament will be held at Clay County High School.  In events like this, the WVSSAC sets the admission prices and entry policies.  therefore, school employees will have to pay to enter the game(s) this week.  and, prices will be set by the WVSSAC.  coaches from other teams (with coaches cards) will be allowed free entry.  Ticket prices for game are $6 for adults and $5 for students. Also, the schedule for this weeks tournament are as follow:

  •    Monday, Feb. 22 Game 1:  Herbert Hoover vs. Sherman           7:30pm
       Wednesday, Feb. 24 Game 2:  Hoover/Sherman winner vs. Sissonville      6:00pm
    Game 3:  Poca vs. Clay          8:00pm
       Friday, Feb. 26. Game 4:  Winners of Game 2 and Game 3        7:00pm  .
  • Feb. 22 a The Buffalo Creek Watershed group is trying to reorganize Tuesday night, 6pm. Interested in working on an important project? Call the County Clerk's office for more.
  • Feb. 22 a County Commission meets Wed morning beginning at 10am.
  • Feb. 22 a Enjoy the better weather by taking in a public meeting. It skeers the crap out of our officials when the public shows up and watches their actions.
  • Feb. 21 late p  We're busy typing on the next edition of the Communicator due out Tuesday mid day. Actually, the sun was so nice, we were out goofing off most of today!
  • Feb. 21 p Briefly, from the last seven days....
  • Feb. 21 p Jimmy Kearns put the School Board on the spot Monday might when he bluntly asked each if they were in favor of changing bus routes to provide greater attendance at H E White Elem. Translation: Keeping the school open
  • Feb. 21p With guarded responses, all five said Yes to the changes. Good answer
  • Feb. 21 p School closed and two hour delays marked last week during this winter to remember
  • Feb. 21 p  BUT! friday the weather broke. Sunshine was seen for the first time in ages. Temps went up and the snow pack went down. Saturday and Sunday broke out motorcycles and even some short pants. Now instead of snow, we've got one big muddy mess but we'll take it!
  • Feb. 21 p Observation: The BDA Consignment Auction at Two Run had near record crowds Friday and Saturday nights. Their weekday restaurant is doing likewise. Proof, if you build it, they will come
  • Feb. 21 p Other than the weather, the biggy news came Friday when Fola told 157 workers, you ain't workers no more. Those that remain will be working shorter shifts. That news came just three days after Fola was given a huge tax reduction on their Clayberry holdings during the CCC Bd of Review.
  • Feb. 21 p This time Big Coal told the truth, the economy is so bad they can't sell what they've got on the ground. This time environmentalists, Robert C , Jay and anybody else that speaks the truth,  were spared a media thrashing.
  • Feb. 21 p Each February we do an online begging drive to support this humble little operation. We started that effort Wed. Can you lend a hand? Where else can you get the scoop on the Great Nation of Clay? Where else can you get the info on a daily basis?
  • Feb. 21 p We know the economy is tight and few have much extra jingle but, isn't it worth say a nickel a day to see what's going on? Send your donation to Delta; 2278 Main St; Clay WV 25043
  • Feb. 21 p Thanks
  • Feb. 19 p Maxwell Mullins, see OBITUARY page
  • Feb. 19 p Back in Dec Fola Coal put up the smoke screen citing those D### tree huggers as the reason 500 employees would have to be laid off Feb. 7th. After a huge media campaign to support the good corporate neighbor, Judge Chuck Chambers backed off and allowed the valley fill permit to stand for another 12 months.
  • Feb. 19 p All along, many new the truth and tree huggers had nothing to do with it....
  • Feb. 19 p This evening Fola announced an immediate layoff of 157 employees. Those remaining on the job will be on a reduced work schedule.
  • Feb. 19 p Big Coal. It's always the bottom line that counts.
  • Feb. 19 p Those are the same corporate neighbors that our County Commission gave another gazillion dollar tax break to during last week's Board of Review tax dodging day.
  • Feb. 19 a Vina Jackson, 86, of Wallback, see OBITUARY page
  • Feb. 19 a  Tonight the Lady Panthers play their last home game of the season. With a pretty good season under the belt, they're heading off to tournament action next week. Go Lady Panthers!
  • Feb. 19 a  Great music at Big Otter Community Center tonight
  • Feb. 19 a  Check out the EVENTS page for more
  • Feb. 19 a  Finally a morning with a two hour delay. There's even mention of a little sunshine today. Great!
  • Feb. 19 a  8 years back our Business Development Authority got all bent out of shape when the Communicator provided coverage of the group's effort to attract a metal culvert maker to the Filcon Industrial site. So torqued up was the BDA Chair that he invited the ace cub reporter out back for something more than an ice cream social. So torqued up, at their next meeting, they formed a super secret committee that would meet behind closed doors to handle any future misnegotiations.
  • Feb. 19 a The BDA was grinning ear to ear when they heard the guy's plan to employ dozen's and set up a permanent home for his up and coming operation.
  • Feb. 19 a The company (Amcor) ended up over in the Amma Industrial Park along I-79 in 2003.
  • Feb. 19 a Amcor has been out of business for some time with its holdings being sold off to the highest bidder today.
  • Feb. 19 a Whether it's nice pictures or a behind the scenes look at Clayberry, this site and the Communicator, are the only sources for such info. The three owners are paid zero, ninguno, nothing, for their daily efforts.  Feb. is the one time of year when we come to you begging for $$$.
  • Feb. 19 a To keep this source of information up and running, send your check to Delta; 2278 Main St; Clay WV 25043
  • Feb. 19 a thank you
  • Feb. 18 p Tonight's tournament action at Clay Middle has been canceled.
  • Feb. 18 p  Fred Sampson's Roundtable Discussion show on 101.7FM has been canceled for tonight.
  • Feb. 18p After days of snow and nasty, one week ago today God provided a boost for the ace cub reporter when he deposited that pink Victoria Secrets envelope in the wrong mail box. My how such a little thing can perk one up!
  • Feb. 18 a   70 kids behind ya yelling and screaming is tough. Icy road conditions make it even tougher for bus drivers. Yesterday a bus slid in a ditch in the H E White Elem neighborhood.  A bus and a car smashed together at Clay Elem. No injuries other than sheet metal.
  • Feb. 18 a How icy was it this morning? Over in Roane County, loaded buses stopped in the road because the black ice was so bad.
  • Feb. 18 a  Over at the Middle School, there's a tournament tonight. Get out of the house and have some fun.
  • Feb. 18a Each Feb. this site does an online begging campaign to keep this web portal up and hobbling along. We go at it for about 10 days or so. NAG Nag Nag.     Pictures, notices, boil water orders, up to the minute info, and virus attacks, that's clayberry.org.
  • Feb. 18 a We're suppose to be  a for profit company but the truth is, in this humble little county, we can only keep the web doors open with the help of advertisers and you. Yesterday 2250 clickers views this site. If each one of those donated $1 , we could finish off this drive today.
  • Feb. 18 a How about it? Delta; 2278 Main St; Clay WV 25043
  • Feb. 17 late p  With roads in poor condition, around 11pm, Sarah made it official, Clay County Schools will be operating on a two hour delay Thursday morning.
  • Feb. 17 p  We're making some changes in an attempt to stave off those pesky internet gremlins. Notice the web cam has been shut down as a starter.
  • Feb. 17 p Big snow flakes beginning Wed afternoon. Clayberry has an additional 6 inches of snow as of 9pm Wed. Roads are snow covered and slick as goose snot.
  • Feb. 17 p Deadline for The Communicator is Friday afternoon.
  • Feb. 17 a Frontier's internet long distance and internet service went down yesterday afternoon and stayed that way for most of the evening. Will have updates this morning.
  • Feb. 17 a For those interested, winter continues with two hour school delays, slick roads, and more snow coming.
  • Feb. 16 p The Pentagon holds Board meetings at various schools during the year. Last night it was H E White Elem's turn to host the public meeting. After sappy sweet intros and accolades of such a wonderful facility, the elected folks went thru the normal blah blah blah.
  • Feb. 16 p  They got down to business when Fran Naylor and Jimmy Kearns led the charge for keeping the school open. Open?  Locals know the plan has always been to shut the rural school down as soon as possible with the return of split classes being the first step.
  • Feb. 16 p  Fran Naylor provided the set up. Her speech was to change bus route boundaries to capture more students for the school while reducing bus times for the riders. Boardster Beth Cercone thanked Naylor for the input noting that sometimes the Board isn't aware of such possibilities.
  • Feb. 16 p The Board can make such changes if they want to. When Big Odor Elem was planned, there wasn't enough students to justify the place so Poof, kids from Widen etc were rerouted to the new facility.
  • Feb. 16 p With the set up, solution spoken by Ms Naylor, Jimmy Kearns set the hook. He asked each Boardster if they would support changing the routes (IE: keeping HE White open). With microphone in hand, each were on the spot and with over 50 voters in the peanut gallery, each had to respond. Each did.
  • Feb. 16 p Boardster Gene King, unequivocally, Yes. Ric Tanner: he's supportive of any logical solution;  RB commented that this district set the record for supporting the Excess Levy and thus, he would be supportive with "No Problem"; Jim Dawson was all supportive of the school and increasing attendance by attracting Kanawha County kids; and finally, Beth Cercone: after saying the math would have to be worked out and if it works out, she was in favor.
  • Feb. 16 p  With around 250 Excess Levy votes in the neighborhood (next vote on the Levy comes Jan 2011), the School Board has no choice but keep the natives in line with Yelp, we love HE White Elem!!
  • Feb. 16 p One of the biggest headaches for the Pentagon is keeping that little school open. They want nothing short of  the place shut down.
  • Feb. 16 a   54 county school systems closed for the day including Clayberry.
  • Feb. 16 a Overcast and big snowflakes coming down by 8:30 this morning.
  • Feb. 16 a Bank spending on lobbying increased 12% to nearly $30,000,000.00 last year. Wonder where those $$$ came from?
  • Feb. 16 early am  Two hour delay for Clay County School System Tuesday
  • Feb. 16 a Yippity Do Dah !
  • Feb. 15 p A big blast of wind, ice and snow pelted Clayberry earlier this afternoon. Didn't last more than a few minutes but it was real.
  • Feb. 15 p The last day to seek a property tax reduction before the Board of Review is Tuesday at 2pm. Don't complain if you don't speak up now.
  • Feb. 15 a  Early this morning, there was no hint of snow in the air. By 8 am the white stuff began. By 9 am  great big snow flakes were coming down in torrents. Winter continues.
  • Feb. 14 p Lets see now, in between the snow, ice, sleet, rain, we had ice snow sleet rain and cold temps. ....
  • Feb. 14 p Just as in 1984, Big Brother is watching your every move and the Justice Dept. says they don't need any kind of warrant to monitor you where ever you walk, stand, sleep, or even take a dump.
  • Feb. 14 p  Back decades ago Prez Regan lied to use when he reported Star Wars technology could then laser blast a rocket from the sky. Now that laser technology is real.
  • Feb. 14 p And believe it or not, there's still a vicious war going on taking American lives without any good reason.
  • Feb. 14 p Here at home we picked up kernels of new or misplaced information.
  • Feb. 14 p New: According to the Assessor, if you list your property for sale, that sky high list price can be used to increase your tax burden. Assessor Teresa Lane said it twice this week then got miffed for us reporting the information
  • Feb. 14 p  New: Clayonians a plenty own a small percentage of a parcel of a piece of underground coal, oil or gas. The heirship holdings can amount to near nothing. During Minerals Day last Thursday, Assessor Lane was asked: If  one of those percentage owners gets a tax break, do the others owners get a similar break. The answer was No.
  • Feb. 14 p What that amounts to is, if 50 people own 10 acres of coal and want to protest high taxes, all 50 need to come before the County Commission each February and ask for reductions.
  • Feb. 14 p During Minerals Day, we found out a couple more things. One: The State Tax Dept makes alot of mistakes and two, if you appeal those tax increases, they often back off and reduce taxes.
  • Feb. 14 p This site made it another week without a cyber attack.
  • Feb. 14 p Bad weather kept schools closed for much of the week.
  • Feb. 14 p The Kitchen restaurant closed their doors.
  • Feb. 14 p With all the snow and yuck, we needed something to perk things up. We got it Thursday mid day when the USPO stuck a pink Victoria's Secret monthly statement envelope addressed to the Sheriff in the wrong mailbox. Of course we gave it back but not before taking a picture and posting that image along with this question: Wonder what color thong the Top Badge wears?
  • Feb. 14 p The county went wild with giggles, laughter, and offered mean spirited questions. It was great until a little before 5pm Thursday
  • Feb. 14 p  In full uniform, the Sheriff roared to the Communicator office at 4:59. After busting thru the door and knocking stuff array, an absolutely out of control Poopster was ready to kick one lovable huggable ace cub reporter's arss. Had there not been a witness present, he would have done just that. He did promise threatening future retributions for the Mel Gibson Look Alike.
  • Feb. 14 p Badges don't like witnesses.
  • Feb. 14 p  We elected the guy to office a few years back to rid the county of druggies.  We were so desperate for relief from drug crimes, we knew we were electing the guy often referred to as Deputy Death, but did so anyway. We saw that out of control, temper tantrum laced side Thursday afternoon.
  • Feb. 14 p The ribbing hasn't stopped. During the recent ball games, all his close buddies raised the issue and got the Sheriff even madder. The coffeehouse crowd continues with comments until the Top Badge comes past. Most likely, that makes him even more miffed.
  • Feb. 14 p  Friday night was Homecoming at CCHS. The  place was packed from wall to wall and the crowd stayed the entire evening. Saturday night the Panthers lost their B Ball contest by one point in the last seconds of the home game.
  • Feb. 14 p  Braving the threat of snow and cold temps, 101.7 FM packed the Senior Center Saturday night for their annual Valentine's Dance. It was a blast!
  • Feb. 14 p Thru out the county, Moms and GranMoms were escorted to local eateries for a meal out and time with the family. It was Valentines Day.
  • Feb. 14 p With the threat of another winter storm coming our way Sunday, kids, parents, and teachers alike asked just one question: Will we get a snow day Monday?
  • Feb. 14 p Monday is a holiday with schools scheduled to be closed. Due to the number of snow days this year, the Pentagon took away the holiday and turned it back to class time.
  • Feb. 14 p Weather may change those plans right back to a day away from the books.
  • Feb. 14 p Clickers, throw another log on the fire, you may need it.
  • Feb. 14 p   Andy Subrick, 79,  see OBITUARY page
  • Feb. 14 p Weekend wrap up coming late this evening and Yes, we'll get back to ole pink thong then.
  • Feb. 14 p Happy Valentine Day wishes to one and all. Take the sweetie out while we've got some sunshine and blue skies.
  • Feb. 13 a Happy Birthday Brianna and Jason Brown.
  • Feb. 13 a With more snow flurries coming down, it's time to get out of the house.
  • Feb. 13 a Put on your dancing shoes and head over to the Senior Center tonight at 7 for a Sweetheart Dance hosted by the radio station. No cover charge and lots of good music, raffles, and The Tiffinator.
  • Feb. 13 a  CCHS Basketball action continues tonight at 7:30. The home team needs all the support it can get!
  • Feb13 a  Want to make some $$$? Clean out your closet and take the junk over to the BDA Saturday night Auction which begins at 6pm. Take your wares over early  and you may leave with a pocket full of jingle.
  • Feb. 13 a Leaders tell us, get a good education and you will get a a good job. Good advice except if you live in W Va.
  • Feb. 13 a  Cabinet Secretary Kelley Goes just released The Best Career Opportunities in WV thru 2016 report. The new findings were provided the Legislature near the beginning of Feb.
  • Feb. 13 a From that report, the top 10 job growth areas are in order of growth: Home Health Aides, Security Guards, Fast Food workers, Personal Home Care Aides, Retail Clerks,  Bill Collectors, Social Service Assistants, Pharmacy Technicians, Dental Assistants, and Medical Assistants.
  • Feb. 13 a When you tell your kids, get an edumacation and you can get a job close to home, those are the jobs your kids are looking at.
  • Feb. 13 a  Prepared by the best minds Broadway Joe could come up with and with the biggest load of massaging the finished product, that's the best spin they could come up with. How sad.
  • Feb. 13  Also, 75% of our job openings from now thru 2016 will be to fill existing positions.
  • Feb. 13 a Goes from the Commerce Dept. predicts  a 24,000 job growth between 2006 and 2016, 10 years. That's only 2400 new jobs in the entire state each year. Of those new jobs, slightly more than half will require any kind of advanced education.
  • Feb. 13 a Get that college degree and pack up, that's your future in West Virginia.
  • Feb. 13 a Did you know, all the manufacturing jobs (employees) in the entire state could sit in the WVU's football stadium and there would still be empty seats.
  • Feb. 13 a We'll get back to the Sheriff soon.
  • Feb. 13 a Life's short, have some fun this weekend.
  • Feb. 12 a Happy TGIF one and all. Tonight the Panthers play in home court action as well as live music at Big Otter Community Center. It's also Homecoming Night at the game.
  • Feb. 12 a Each year 101.7 FM hosts a Valentine Dance open to the public and without a cover charge. That happens tomorrow night at the Senior Center, Two Run.
  • Feb. 12 a Check out the EVENTS page for all the weekend happenings.
  • Feb. 12 a NExt week we start our online begging drive to keep this online portal afloat. In addition to you the clickers, advertiser revenue helps a bunch. Thanks and next week the begging begins.
  • Feb. 12 a Welcome incumbent David Walker to Clayberry as an advertiser. Check out his election messages behind the home page button.
  • Feb. 13 a What was a hum drum week of snow and yuck turned newsworthy when our Top Badge went out of control Thursday afternoon. Read yesterday's pm post for the story and check out the home page picture that got it all started.
  • Feb. 13 a  In response to the Sheriff's actions, we received emails on the topic. Here's one: Thanks, Andy.  That just made this snow-pocalypse week all worth it! What's next for our top badge.....a shopping spree at Bed, Bath, and Behind?
  • Feb. 13 a  Here's another: SORRY TO INFORM YOU BUT THE SHERIFF CAN'T FIT IN ANY OF VICTORIA'S CLOTHES HE NEEDS TO GO ON A WATER DIET FIRST
  • Feb. 13 a And: YOU ARE A GENIUS You've now discovered why nothing gets done in clay co. when crimes happen. all of the police officers are either comparing underwear in the sheriffs office or cup sizes.
  • Feb. 13 a  Someone asked why he didn't go ahead and beat the stuffins out of the ole Mel Gibson look alike. Answer: Badges learned long ago to do their dirty work without witnesses around. Yesterday afternoon when the Sheriff went crazy, there was another person in the office.
  • Feb. 13 a  Here's the best part clickers, think of all his buddies calling him and asking, what's the best color thong to go with my uniform? And, whenever he walks down the hall, street, where ever, every time people stop talking, our wittle Badge will be thinking they're talking about him.
  • Feb. 13 a Yesterday was Minerals Day before the County Commission. That's the time when mineral owners can contest taxes assessed on their underground coal, oil, gas, salt, and gold holdings. Many did and reported taxes doubling or tripling as well as year after year goof ups from the State folks. Those that came yesterday displayed maps, core drillings, and other records disproving state tax dept findings and tax increases.
  • Feb. 13 a Although the Commission won't make their official decisions public until next Tuesday Feb. 16th, it appears all that protested tax increases will be rewarded with a decrease.
  • Feb. 16 a  Before the Sheriff's temper tantrum Thursday, we were giving Assessor Teresa Lane some online grief. Let's get back to that...
  • Feb. 16 a A lot of those coal holdings are broke up into heirship where the protester may own just 1/3 of 1/8 of 1/10 % of the reserve. When the County Commission asked: If the tax is reduced on this person, do all the other owners (not here protesting) get their taxes reduced? From Assessor Lane, the answer: No.
  • Feb. 16 a She added that she follows CCC directives and she doesn't have any way of knowing all the property owners since they could be on different "numbers".
  • Feb. 16 a Interesting, from then on, each time the CCC heard from a protester, they asked the Assessor to include all other mineral owners in the reductions.  She nodded in agreement.
  • Feb. 16 a  One other observation from yesterday. Tax protesters didn't have so much interest in assessments or appraisals. They wanted to know the bottom line, how much will their tax burden end up being. Often the CCC would turn to Ms Lane and ask that very question.
  • Feb. 16 a Although she had all the tax print outs with  her and a calculator in hand, she didn't do any cyphering. She didn't provide any figures.
  • Feb. 16 a Instead she waited for others to provide the answer.
  • Feb. 16 a One big Hmmmmmmmmmmmm....
  • Feb. 16 a  Lets see now, the Sheriff is all torqued up and the Assessor is even more miffed. It's been a good week so far!
  • Feb. 11 p  Clay County Schools two hour delay called for Friday. Stay up late and then sleep in kids and teachers.
  • Feb. 11 p Around lunch time we posted a pink Victoria Secret's envelope addressed to the Top Badge on our home page. The monthly statement was stuck in the wrong post office box by mistake. Before we returned the thing to the USPO, we snapped the picture.
  • Feb. 11 p  At 4:59 Top Badge came a storming thru the Communicator's front door slinging it open so hard, it knocked aside a nearby wooden rack.
  • Feb. 11 p With about a  45 second burst of potty mouth, the irate Badge called the ace cub reporter about every potty mouth name in the book. "YOU DIRTY ROTTEN SON OF A  B****" ....  You CROSSED THE LINE!!!!!!!!!!!... I PROBABLY SHOULD TAKE YOU OUT OF HERE AND KICK YOUR A***!!!!... YOU BETTER WATCH OUT!!! .. YOU'VE HAD IT NOW!!!! ...
  • Feb. 11 p Me thinks our wittle Sheriff was a bit miffed.
  • Feb. 11 p Each Kick you a*** and crossed the line this time was shouted at least twice.
  • Feb. 11 p In the same heated breath came  other threats that  taking a picture of an envelope stuffed in the wrong PO box is ILLEGAL.
  • Feb. 11 p  Lots more said and we'll get to that ASAP but while in uniform with his arms flaying, finger pointing, jowls taunt, the Sheriff was asked twice, "Anything else?"
  • Feb. 11 p Ahhh that didn't make him any happier clickers.
  • Feb. 11 p  As he stormed back thru the door he slammed it so hard, a piece of the window blind broke and fell to the ground.
  • Feb. 11 p Not sure where we crossed the line. Maybe it was questioning whether he wears his pasties under or over his bullet proof vest. Not sure.
  • Feb. 11 p  It's common to say someone's  shorts are all bunched up. In this case, our Top Badge's thong may be all wadded up!
  • Feb. 11 a Weathercasters missed the mark last night when they predicted a ton of snow hitting Clayberry. The news was enough to clear the bread off many grocery store shelves but we didn't get the big dump. Good
  • Feb. 11 a  Most roads remain snow covered and slick as snot. Be careful out there.
  • Feb. 11 a The B Ball schedule called for a home LKC game at CCHS tonight. If they hold that contest it has been moved from the home court.
  • Feb. 11 a Been meaning to mention, our new Town Badge (paid for with grant $$$) went to work Monday morning early. Been on day shift so far.
  • Feb. 11 a  Campaigning for office is different in this office. Instead of big TV ads, the norm is to make phone calls, knock on doors, put up a few posters, and leave campaign cards laying at area convenience stores. Who's winning so far? Winning might be too strong a word bu Jim Paxton has the first calling cards laid out.
  • Feb. 11 a It's never easy getting a straight answer from a politician. Yesterday our local Assessor, Teresa Lane, refused ANY comment on non profits and do they have to pay property taxes.
  • Feb. 11 a In yesterday's afternoon post, we called her Wittle Miss Teresa and mentioned her being "miffed".
  •  Feb. 11 a To provide a straight answer , we posted that section of the code over on the ADVISORY page for your edification. Thanks KB for the research.
  • Feb. 11 a Without aid of the Assessor's office, we figure since non profit CAEZ is allowing the for- profit BC&G RR to use the campground and lodge for money raising purposes, the state is allowed to collect property taxes on it.
  • Feb. 11 a There.That wasn't too hard was it Teresa. Didn't hurt a bit!
  • Feb. 10  9:50 pm  Clay County Schools will be closed Thursday. Sleep in young uns
  • Feb. 10p Looking for work? See the JOBS page now
  • Feb. 10 p  Tammy Rose provides environmental articles and updates at The Communicator. We didn't know it, but she has  written a lot more than we knew about.
  • Feb. 10 p Snow sometimes blowing sideways and back up, continues to fall today, Main roads are driveable with many side roads snow covered and slick slick slick.
  • Feb. 10 p If you check over on the Charleston Federal Building web docket, comes this: Daily Calendar for Friday, February 12, 2010 9:30 AM 2:09-cr-223 Judge Johnston  USA v. Tommy Edward Young Sr.& Jr.-Pretrial Motions Hearing District Courtroom B - Room 6600 Charleston
  • Feb. 10 p Feb. is the month the CCC listens to appeals for lowering tax rates. Few take the time to do so. Scheduled today was non profit CAEZ Director Connie Lupardus. According to the CCC, Big Lup was to be there to protest high values assessed  on the recently put under roof Lodge building over at the Campground.
  • Feb. 10 p During CAEZ meetings the question came: Why is a non profit even being taxed?
  • Feb. 10 p As the public meeting was ending today around 1:20, the ace cub reporter asked Assessor Teresa Lane: Why is a non profit being taxed?
  • Feb. 10 p Her response, " I have no comment for you."
  • Feb. 10 p  Me thinks little Miss Teresa is miffed.
  • Feb. 10 p Best of get well wishes extended to Connie Lupardus  for  a speedy recovery.
  • Feb. 10 a  Roger D. Hartwell, 63, see OBITUARY page
  • Feb. 10 a At 7:30 this morning the air was different. It wasn't snow coming down nor sleet. Instead there was a fine ice dust in the air. Be careful out there today.
  • Feb. 10 a County Commission meets this morning at 10 am for a regular session. Not sure if Big Otter Fire Dept. will be discussed in public but it should be.
  • Feb. 10 a at 1pm the CCC convenes again to hear property tax rate disputes like non profit CAEZ's complaint that they are being taxed for a lodge building they own over at the JG Bradley Campground three years ago. Currently, for profit BC&G RR Co Op operates the facility although the use agreement for the building and land has been severed.
  • Feb. 10 a One of the advantages to being a non profit is not being taxed.
  • Feb. 10 a Speaking of non profits, there are problems up north with the Big Otter Fire Dept.
  • Feb. 10 a During their Monday night Board meeting serious issues on equipment being in disrepair were made public. How serious? Fire Chief Marna Killingsworth was suspended from duty for 90 days after a lengthy secret time.
  • Feb. 10 a Other resigned their volunteer positions in support of Marna.
  • Feb. 10 a  Knowing in advance how hot button the meeting could be, 2 Badges were in attendance during the meeting.
  • Feb. 10 a Fire Departments receive ratings from a  state insurance group. During their recent inspection, things were so bad, the State Fire Marshall's office was called. The Fire Marshall has regularity authority for such volunteer groups and can shut them down when things get too bad.
  • Feb. 10 a About a month ago the County Commission considered calling in the Fire Marshall for an inspection code named an "evaluation".  Instead they agreed to give a newly elected Board of Directors a couple of weeks to solve a "problem". Me thinks the problem ain't solved yet.
  • Feb. 10 a The BOFD has been a troubled agency for several years. Old and new factions struggle with power sharing duties, keeping enough volunteers on the job, equipment maintenance, and fund raising needs. Personality clashes are common and often affect decisions made. During some meetings, name calling, finger pointing, and near fights raised many an eyebrow.
  • Feb. 10 a Volunteer groups often go thru such crunch times. Sometimes the power shifts work out better for the agency. For the sake of the residents in that service area, hope that's the case this time.
  • Feb. 10 5:15am  Clayberry schools are closed for the day
  • Feb. 10 a It's about 13 degrees and there's about a half inch of snow on the ground. Not sure what Sarah saw this morning, maybe ice, but all the wittle ankle biters are oh so happy.
  • Feb. 10 a About 47 other county school systems are closed or operating on a two hour delay today.
  • Feb. 9 late p  Holly Ray Chapman, 59, see OBITUARY page
  • Feb. 9 p  No  CCHS B Ball game tonight. Cancelled due to the weather.
  • Feb. 9 p  At 4:30 it looks like the all day rain is changing to sleet. be careful out there
  • Feb. 9 late am Sheila Thorne was named the Person of the Year just last month. We're already getting emails to nominate Sarah the school messenger for the next award.
  • feb 9 late am  Needless to say, Sarah called off school this morning around 7:20 am
  • feb 9 late am The Panthers are suppose to play Sherman (from Boone County) tonight at CCHS. No word yet on whether the game is still on.
  • feb 9 late am   As of 10 am A light slushy rain is drizzeling over Clayberry. Me thinks the bad stuff may be coming tonight and tomorrow.
  • Feb. 9 5 am  Clay County School's are on a two hour delay. Salt shakers are out working the roads. Other county system's have closed for the day. Early morning scanner traffic mentioned ice on the roads.
  • Feb. 9 5 am  Be careful out there one and all.
  • Feb. 8 p  Glen Sutton found a beagle. Yours? Call him 304 587 4600
  • Feb. 8 p You advertise your house for sale and list a price. Can that listed price raise the assessed value of your home? The answer is Yes according to Assessor Teresa Lane. Read all about it in Tuesday's Communicator.
  • Feb. 8 p  Still typing on the Communicator. Goin to be a good one. No updates until it gets to bed.
  • Feb. 8 a We sat by the phone last night waiting for Sarah the School Voice to call and cancel or delay school for today. She didn't call.  We're mad at Sarah big time. Sarah is a poop butt!
  • Feb. 8 a  About the only cancellation we have as of 8am today, tonight's Lady Panther B Ball game has been canceled.
  • Feb. 7 p We're busy typing on the Communicator, no weekend wrap up .. just a couple notes
  • Feb. 7 p  The big snow that we was suppose to hit us this weekend, turned out the thang went all around us. Maybe 6 inches of snow on the ground with the roads mostly cleared up by Saturday afternoon. Power outages reported in the Northern end of the county. Now the cold cold temps are heading our way. Brrr!
  • Feb. 7 p Kids (and teachers) are waiting beside the phone for a "Sarah" call. None so far, 5:02pm
  • Feb. 7 p If the weather cooperates, we've got a full week coming our way.
  • Feb. 7 p Want to try getting your property taxes reduced, next chance is  Monday morning, 10 am, in the County Commission room.
  • Feb. 7 p With many "problems" facing them, including having very few firefighters at the ready, Big Otter Fire Dept. meets Mondya evening at 7pm
  • Feb. 7 p Lady Panthers have a home game Monday night, 7:30pm. Boys play Tuesday evening at home.
  • Feb. 7 p Solid Waste Authority meets Wed, 5:30pm, upstairs in the old King Jewlery Store building on Main.
  • Feb. 7 p That nasty ole Hawiian President ain't done nothing! Well, except for making 25 tax cuts since coming to office and that's without ANY Republicrat help.
  • Feb. 7 p Obama de Bama has been criticizing the Republicrats for talking out both sides of their mouths. Like, they ALL votes agains the Recovery Act which dropped billions into local projects but then showed up for the ribbon cutting ceremonies and took credit while the cameras were rolling.
  • Feb. 7 p  Her's a Badge that responded to a snowball battle by pulling his weapon. Dumb Dumb Dumb.
  • Feb. 7 p The real football championship was held yesterday Take a look at the team names. Nice.
  • Feb. 7 p Here's one of the sites chocked full of pics. Here's a second for reaaal football images.
  • Feb. 6 a At 9 am we've got about 6 inches of snow on the ground and the crap is still coming down. A wet, perfect for making hard as a rock, snow balls.
  • Feb. 6 a In West Virginia 42,000 are without electric service. Here in Clayberry for most, the power is blinking off and on . We'll post as long as the juice flows.
  • Feb. 6 a Maybe its true what the electric Gods say, it's cheaper to let a big snow clear the right of ways. With the huge Dec 19th storm doing most of the work, seems to be working.
  • Feb. 6 a  Many roads around the state are closed. Most all activities are canceled.
  • Feb. 5 p  Margaret “Maggie” King, 20, of Clay, see OBITUARY page
  • Feb. 5 p With everyone huddled in their homes, as of 7:30pm, lots of rain but no sleet of snow to report in Clayberry.
  • feb 5 p Tonight's CCHS Panther canceled B Ball game has been rescheduled for Tuesday February 16th.   Saturday night's Lady Panther has been rescheduled for Monday night February 8th. Thanks JH for the info
  • Feb. 5 p Noon  Clay County Schools are closing two  hours early. The little darlings are heading your way.
  • Feb. 5p Tonight's Panther B Ball game has been canceled.
  • Feb. 5 p By the way... Two hour delays of early outs, that's still counted as a full day of instruction. Thought you'd like to know!
  • Feb. 5 a With only one win under our belts, Roane County comes to CCHS tonight for home court B Ball Panther action
  • Feb. 5 p Girls Basketball game Away against Poca has been canceled for tonight. 2-5-10
  • Feb. 5 p Girls Basketball game Home against South Harrison has been canceled for tomorrow  2-6-10  and  rescheduled for Monday 2-8-10 to be played at Clay County High School. Home game
  • Feb. 5 p LKC Wrestling Tournament  Match for Sat 2-6-10 has been canceled - This match has been rescheduled for Wednesday at Roane County
  • Feb. 5 p As of Noon, Clayberry is experiencing rain with a temp of 37 degrees. No ice sleet snow yet. Keep your fingers crossed clickers.
  • Feb. 5 a  Check the EVENTS page for Big Otter fun things to do
  • Feb. 5 a  With nasty ice and snow predicted... we'll post until the Leonard Lines go down.
  • Feb. 5 a Batten down the hatches, the Alberta Clipper may be heading our way this time.
  • Feb. 5 a  Last night the BDA didn't have a formal meeting due to lack of quarrel and no agenda posted. They did have a lively discussion which included...
  • Feb. 5 a  Making plans to walk arm in arm with Big Coal at planned rallies to save mountain top mining practices in the state. When they were told the days of MTR are already over, no one accepted reality.
  • Feb. 5 a They also talked about improving the interior at the old State Road garage at Two Run which houses the Saturday night consignment auction business. Support a local business? Other than Big Coal, it'll be a first for the BDA.
  • Feb. 5 a  One interesting tidbit from that gathering. The Adkins, the folks that operate the auction, have opened a weekday lunch diner in the same business. Owner Kim Adkins recently overhead Mayor Jack Brown bad mouthing the place as being housed in a dirty, condemned building and he'd work to get it closed down. Kim overhead the conversation and straightened out the Mayor in short order.
  • Feb. 5 a It's tough enough to operate a business in this county without elected officials working or at least talking about working against ya.     One big atta girl to Kim Adkins.
  • Feb. 5 a We think the puter bug has been gone from this site for  36 hours. Anyone seeing anything, please email
  • Feb. 5 a Next week we start our annual begging for dollars campaign and we need each one of you! Be safe!
  • Feb. 4 a The Clay County Business Development Authority is suppose to meet the first Thursday of each month, 5 pm, CCC room. Haven't noticed a posted agenda as required by law but what's new?
  • Feb. 4 a Tonight the Panthers take on Calhoun in home court action. For those unwilling to get out on the roads or live too far away, 101.7FM will be sportscasting the event.
  • Feb. 4 a Speaking of roads, be sure to check out the weather report for Friday and the weekend. Looks like a 50 50 chance at ice, sleet, and some of the white stuff. Be safe.
  • Feb. 4 a Deadline for the next Communicator is Saturday at noon. Got anything on your mind? Maybe the shape of the economy, burning stuff you're not suppose to burn, putting convicts into asbestos laden buildings, removing trash cans in downtown Clay, the upcoming election... Email your chatters ASAP
  • Feb. 4 a   Web site hacking has become a real sport for some. This site has received its fair share of attacks mostly from malicious Iframe injections. Thanks for all that have emailed with info on the pages infected.
  • Feb. 4 a  Stepped up security was added last fall. Last  night we cleaned the  site once again and turned off php scripts after spotting a "script" that didn't look too healthy. Until last night we didn't even know what a php was!
  • Feb. 4 a We're in good company. A few months back Wal Mart's site was hit with the same  brand of Iframe assault. We're vigilant but those bad guys finally made it to Clayberry. We're always behind the rest of the world!
  • Feb. 4 a  When we originally set up the site, we started with  a "front page" program for layout. Turns out that old outdated stuff is also a vulnerability. As we go thru and delete old files, some things can goof up. Take for instance the homepage button for instant weather reports. The time and temp is now screwy but the link still works. Will try and correct that problem ASAP.
  • Feb. 3 p  Right now the weather report is just mentioning the S word and the county is going bonkers with fear. Settle down clickers, we've lived thru 14 inches dropped in five hours or less. What's an inch to fear?
  • Feb. 3 p  Feb. is the only month of the year that you can seek a reduction in your property taxes from the County Commission. Yesterday was one of those times when you could make the request. No one did. Next opportunity Thursday. Call the County Clerk's office for details.
  • Feb. 3 p  Up at the Pentagon, the School Board met Monday night where Gene King got a jab in with his request and success at reducing mileage rates for those that travel around on the taxpayer dime. Much of the meeting was spent behind closed doors, twice they went secret Monday evening. The norm is to discuss anything controversial during those away from the public times so as to present a united front back where the taxpayers can see em.
  • Feb. 3 p  Clay Town Council met Tuesday evening. There was no mention on when the new Badge comes to work.
  • Feb. 3 p  A dozen years ago the Town built a new state of the art log factory that was designed to vacuum those offending poop clusters at 500 mph to the new facility at Pisgah. Nice idea but there are some real problems.
  • Feb. 3 p  In the Two Run area of the Town, between Go Mart and the Bank of Gassaway, big gobs of grease plugs up the system and back up. Even with all restaurants using grease traps to catch the cholesterol, still log jams. How bad? So bad, according to the operator, Go Mart is considering suing the Town.
  • Feb. 3 p Mid day Wed, state regulators along with local smoke Czar Jay Carper and town reps were seen eyeballing Go Mart's grease trap.
  • Feb. 3 p By the way.... Go Mart has their grease trap pumped out on a regular basis and has the documents to prove it. If you ask the town for  a paper trail, bet you won't find it.
  • Feb. 3 p  And finally on those missing from action curb side trash cans.... A few are back in service but according to the Mayor, the balance are in too bad a shape to set back out for use.
  • Feb. 2 2010 Ruth Elizabeth Simmons, 88, of Clay, see OBITUARY page
  • Feb. 2 2010  Lenore S. Hardman, 80, see OBITUARY page
  • Feb. 1 later p  Archie Graham Schoonover, 94, see OBITUARY page
  • Feb. 1 late p  Carl Wayne Hudnall Sr., 51 of Indore, see OBITUARY page
  • Feb. 1 late p Mail in filings for office are still coming in. Attorney Barbara Schamberger has filed for a House of Delegates run in the 29th.
  • Feb. 1 p  The Sunday wrap up post has now been corrected. Fingers weren't working right!
  • Feb. 1 a We have daylight almost til 6pm. The days are finally getting longer. Thank goodness!
  • Feb. 1 a  We've got a full week coming our way. Tonight the School Bd meets at the Standard Bryant Annex on Gump Street. Nothing too exciting on the agenda but did note the addition of time limits on each discussion time speaker. They might be afraid Dave Mullins would want to speak!
  • Feb. 1 a Tuesday at 4 and 6pm CAEZ meets. At 5 on Tuesday Clay Town Council convenes. Thursday , 5 pm, brings out the BDA folks.
  • Feb. 1 a On top of that, CCHS Basketball season is in full swing this week with lots of home court action Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

  • Feb. 1 a  2/3rd's thru the winter we're all dried out with itchy skin from taking too many hot steamy baths. We're sick of winter! Groundhogs have it better. They go to sleep in Nov and awaken in Feb. with one thing on their mind, sex.