July 2009 News


  • July 31 p Happy Birthday to Hali Simmons
  • July 31 p Happy Birthday to  Sami Murphy
  • July 31 p   When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is the beginning of the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it.    Adrian Rogers
  • July 31 a Condolences extended to Nada Waddell  for spending 28 years tomorrow with the ace cub reporter. She is a saint indeed.
  • July 31 a From our Tree Huggin buddy, Tammy Marie Rose:    Family, Friends and Mountaineers an illegal and immoral act is being perpetrated in our Mountains by Massey Energy and it will take as many voices as we can gather to prevent this event from taking place. On top of Cook Mountain in Boone County a civil war cemetery containing the remains of war hero William Chapman Cook is about to become part of Massey's Mountaintop Removal Mining valley fill. Despite laws stating mining cannot come within 100 feet of a cemetery Massey continues to encroach on this final resting place. It is time we make the mining industry responsible for their actions. They are not above the law. If you want to help prevent this horrible act contact our state representatives Joe Manchin, Shelley Moore Capito, Nick Rahall, Jay Rockefellar and Robert C Byrd ask them to take steps to prevent the Cook family from losing their ancestors final resting place. Put yourselves in their shoes imagine it was the grave of your loved one how would u feel. Please aid us in our battle Thank you for taking the time to at least consider it...The Rose Family
  • July 31 a When we elect County Commissioners, they take an oath to follow the law of the land. That's the only thing we ask of Larry Darryl and Darryl, to abide by the law of the land.
  • July 31 a Yesterday, at the Courthouse,  the three spent their time together not on the golf course, a bowling alley, or in some training course, but deliberating behind closed doors. Not sure the topics covered ( most likely how to circumvent nepotism rules or a secret work around to consolidate all the PSDs into one behemoth CF of misguided misfortune for our citizenry but whatever, they broke Sunshine Law.
  • July 31 a anybody that can read will understand, all deliberations SHALL be made in public. ANYTHING that could come before them to vote on, all deliberations SHALL be made in public. Case law is even more specific. If two of em are out on somewhere together, the only mention that can made is along the lines of: Hey. remind me during the meeting to bring that up. It's that simple and that clear.
  • July 31 a Is it any wonder the country looks at us in disbelief and wonder, how do they get by with that BS.
  • July 31 a One pathetic bunch and all three from the same bolt of school system cloth.
  • July 31 a We expect so little and get even less. .
  • July 31 a Pool party tonight. See EVENTS page
  • July 31 a Weather may cooperate with Saturday's Yard Sales through out the county.
  • July 31 a Big Otter Community Center and the Braxton Jamboree are offering up great entertainment tonight. Both start at 7pm
  • July 31 a Saturday night 101.7 FM  "Apple Festival Night" at Summer Jam begins at 6pm after the cake walks. Harold Allen and Terri Lively, 2 Blue,  are sure to bring down the house.
  • July 31 a After the Saturday night consignment auction, the Drive In Movie (300 Main St) will either be Twister or Independence Day. Nice time to set out under the stars, have some funand enjoy a classic flick.
  • July 30 p  Branty H. Martin, 95, see OBITUARY page
  • July 30 p  Rosemary Mollohan, 63, see OBITUARY page
  • July 30 p Word on the street came that somehow someway, TG Cruickshank  managed to get out of the guilty plea to kiddy porn.
  • July 30p Rumors Rumors Rumors
  • July 30 p May have grew since TG's case is not on the Federal docket for this coming Monday as announced during the plea hearing.    The sentencing is now scheduled for Oct 13th 1:30pm at the Bobby Byrd Federal Building.
  • July 30 a Clay County Health Board meets tonight at 6pm in their Main Street Clay digs.
  • July 30 a Forgot to mention a great big Birthday Wish to Peter Triplett
  • July 30 a If you're wanting the latest on the Jim Knotts trial, CCC, all three of em, stringing together invoices, and all the BS that is comon practice in these parts, pick up the latest copy of The Communicator.
  • July 30 a Town is looking for a sewer plant operator. Pay is excellent plus benefits. See Mayor Drake... I mean Jack Brown
  • July 30 a During his campaign for office, Commissioner Jerry Slinkinoooger promised to be a grant writing machine and net millions of free $$$$  for Clayberry.
  • July30 a   A few months back Commissioner Linky explained all the hours he spent writing a COPS grant to secure a free Black Shirt Badge for the county. Yesterday the COPS grant recipients were announced. The Clay County Sheriff's Dept. was ranked according to need and community policing practices. Ahhhhh... they didn't get the grant and were actually waaaaaaaay down on the list at 22 %  out of a possible 100. So much for grant writing skill.
  • July 30 The Town also applied for one of those freebee Badges. Llyn Drake was the author of that thick request. So screwed up was the document , it was sent back for a second and third revision.
  • July 30 a With no Master's degree nor thirty years of school house experience, Fran King and Peter Triplett  rewrote the grant and low and behold... the town was awarded $115,000+ to fund  one person for three years including benefits, expenses, life insurance. and more.
  • July 30 a Are you sitting there eating pine cones and nut mush. Think organic is healthy? Think again. Organic food has no nutritional or health benefits over ordinary food, according to a major study published Wednesday.
  • July 30 a  Got some more Town news. Last year Clay Town Council was fined $77,000 for faulty operation of the local log factory. After a bunch of phones calls by Mayor Brown, that stinky fine has been reduced to a more manageable $5000.
  • July 30 a What happens when someone quits, retires, leaves employment at the Courthouse? The battle is on to get your sister, brother, Mother etc. hired. With Rita Salibury bailing out and another Sheriff Dept employee expected to leave very shortly, the race is on to get the right relative hired.
  • July 30 a The hiring was so biased a few years back, County Commission instituted a Courthouse wide nepotism policy which is still in affect.  Always fun to watch the jockeying for position, now in progress.
  • July 30 a Sore loosers and idiots continue the email, web based, and gossip line on Obama De Bams ain't no American. Republicrat news outlets like FOX puff and blow trying to excite the clueless. Here's the certificate of birth and story.
  • July 30 a How many clickers know where their birth certificate is right now?
  • July 30 a West Virginia has 24,229.76 square miles of which 152.03 acres is water ranking us 41st in size.
  • July 30 a Near the bottom  again!
  • July 30 a     A man is sitting in a bar far from home when Barack Obama comes on TV. The man looks at the TV and says, "Obama is a horse's arss." Out of nowhere, a local jumps up and punches him in the face, knocking the first guy off his bar stool, then stomps out. He gets up, rubbing his cheek and orders another beer.

    •    Shortly after, Michelle Obama appears on the TV. He looks at the TV and says, "She is a horse's arss too!" Out of nowhere, another local punches him on the other side of the face, knocking him off his bar stool again.   He gets back up and looks at the bartender, "I take it this is Obama Country?"
       "Nope." replies the bartender. "Horse country."
  • July 29 a This web portal offers a glimpse of what's happening in Clayberry. For the real meat, you've got to read Clay County's only source for real news, The Communicator. Latest edition hit the news stands Tuesday afternoon around 4pm. Answers to questions you never even thunk to ask!
  • July 29 a In this edition we have a new columnist, Maxine Bersch Lovern. Some background: I am a native Clay Countian.  I went to our mother state, Virginia , during the depression and lived my life out there, until 2007 when I sold my home, and moved to Texas to live with my son.  I married a Richmond man and we had three children, and now four grandchildren. After his death, I remarried. My story is much too long to tell here, but suffice it that I am a professional storyteller, have taught the subject throughout the states for many years.  My book, Storytelling in a Nutshell,  published by Lifeway Publishing, 1998 is now in its third printing, still going strong.  I also edited, and published my brother, John Johnson's book, Rosin for the Bow,  and co-authored my sister, Josephine Johnson Elgin's book, A Voice in the Wilderness. I am a member of the National Storyteller's League, and Derbyshire Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia. I still have ties to West Virginia and friends living there in Clay.  Thanks for this opportunity to keep in touch. MBL
  • July 29 a  Clay County has major problems with meth use, meth labs, and the destruction from both. Add to that stealing meds for unlawful use and you know we have a big problem.
  • July 29 a Some states, many municipalities and counties, have all but made pot legal.
  • July 29 a In Clayberry, yesterday, Badges spent much of their time in  expensive military helicopters tracking down peaceful pot growers. A big patch was discovered out near Widen along Fire Tower Road.
  • July 29 a So much for the local economy!
  • July 29 a Many of our elected and appointed leaders manage to screw up about everything they touch. The ones that don't mess up, spend their time hiding behind closed doors. Our leadership is in real need of training, Bonehead 101 or less may help.
  • July 29 a The Clay County Library has stepped up to the plate and is offering Smart Board Training. see ADVISORY page.
  • July 29 a Remember the old TV show, Death Valley sponsored by 20 Mule Team Borax? Ever wonder what borax is or how many of those mules died hauling the natural ore out of Death Valley. Here's some answers.
  • July 29 a Got ants? Borax can kick their tiny butts.
  • July 27 p  Cyrus James “CJ“ Rose, 17, of Strange Creek, see OBITUARY page
  • July 27 p No updates until we get the Communicator out the door Tuesday afternoon around 3pm
  • July 26 LATE p  from TV 3 News: Search crews have recovered the body of a teen that drowned in the Kanawha River after his boat sank Saturday evening. Family members said searchers found the body of 16 year-old CJ Rose near where his clothes were found earlier Sunday. Earlier in the day his family sat at the base of Kanawha Falls, waiting, unable to help search crews. "Just hope and pray," his aunt Sandra Rose said. "That is all we can do right now."

    •    Sanda said CJ's cousin Jonathan found himself just as helpless after the boat he, CJ's father, and two other relatives were on, suddenly sunk Saturday evening. "He could hear him hollering and hollering for help," she said. "They couldn't get out there and help him."   The men were fishing at the base of the falls and decided to head back in after stormy weather rolled in. Family members say CJ loved the outdoors. Search crews used specially trained cadaver dogs during the search effort.
  • July 26 LATE p Mr Rose was a CCHS student. Condolences extended to the family and friends.
  • July 26 p  Joseph Junior “Joe” Belcher, 86, see OBITUARY page
  • July 26 p HAPPY 32ND BIRTHDAY TO JOSH GROSE
  • July 26 p A bunch of us have been receiving emails on the Senate taxing guns and requiring their reporting in Infernal Revenue Forms. Actually that same rumor has been circulating for over a decade. Fortunately, there ain't a word of truth with it!.
  • July 26 p Want to waste a few minutes... here's cool YouTube video.
  • July 26 p  Obama De Bama hit a brick wall last week with his lackluster lip service on all Americans deserving a hospitalization policy. About the only thing certain: Big insurance providers continue raking in big profits while gazillions go without basic needs met. The quickest short term solution would be to extend the Senate' policy to all Americans.
  • July 26 p When will they ever learn.
  • July 26 p Mick Jagger turned 66. Proves the wonders of drugs.
  • July 26 p Obama came up with a new plan of attack for improving education in this country. Call it a race to educate, it was refreshing to her our top Hawaiian say stuff like, all we're doing is teaching the test. He demanded a common set of standards (not waters down as in this state) for graduates. $4 billion has been allotted for the new proposal.
  • July 26 p There was almost no mention of wars and casualties by the talking heads.
  • July 26 p There have been 4,643 coalition deaths -- 4,330 Americans, two Australians, one Azerbaijani, 179 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, one Czech, seven Danes, two Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, five Georgians, one Hungarian, 33 Italians, one Kazakh, one South Korean, three Latvians, 22 Poles, three Romanians, five Salvadoran, four Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians -- in the war in Iraq as of July 20, 2009, according to a CNN count
  • July 26p  In July alone....
  • July 26 p The stinky face of ugly politics surfaced again this week as the County Commission, all walking in lock step, nodded in agreement that they didn't have to bid contracts for the picnic shelters at Spread Park and once the contractor gets on site, they can keep adding $1000s worth of additional jobs to the work without bidding the additional work.
  • July 26 p Instead of one $3000+ shelter we now have two plus a couple $1000 more for additional projects. Commissioner Slinky said during Wed's meeting, they want to be fair to everybody.
  • July 26 p We call it the unlawful practice of  "stringing" invoices.
  • July 26 p There's nothing fair about it and Larry Darryl and Darryl are all happy to be a part of the under handed practice.
  • July 26 p Tuesday afternoon local Badges retrieved trailers, tools and a welder from Murder Mountain. We have heard of no arrests for the stolen goods. That's common in Clayberry.
  • July 26 p Not mentioned during Wed's CCC meeting, long time Black Shirt dept clerk Rita Salisbury turned in her resignation most likely heading into retirement. Rita ran the new puter (and unpaid for software) that keeps the financial records of the county treasury. Sheriff Holcomb provided high regards for the system when asking the CCC to pay for the puter ($25,000),  but to date, budget records have been tardy on a regular basis.
  • July 26 p With Rita leaving and rumor that another employee is also quitting, big problems on the horizon for sure.
  • July 26 p The WV PSC posted on their web site a recently filed petition against the town with over 50 names of those against raising log factory rates. Jerri Summers was the person behind the effort.
  • July 26 p Almost red tomatoes are setting on front porch rails. Kitchen counter tops are covered with pints and quarts of freshly canned green beans. Squash is running out of our ears. Fresh corn on the cob is back! The season of plenty if upon us.
  • July 26 p Suzi Walker opened a new mobile hot dog stand. Beer drinkers await the reopening of the Historic Henry Clay Hotel.
  • July 26 p We have nearly made it thru another hot July.
  • July 24 p Rock N Roll quiz:  Bobby Darin's 'Mack The Knife,' the one with the knife, was named: (a) MacHeath  (b) MacCloud (c) MacNamara?
  • July 24 p Lots of folks (70% in the county) want clean potable water with many of them on the waiting list for decades. During the last Clay Co PSD project, many hollers were promised the wet stuff only to see the new water service stop at the last prominent person's home. Take Grassy Fork as an example.
  • July 24 p Sections in Nebo have also been on the waiting list longer than any other neighborhoods.
  • July 24 p Since being elected as Commissioner, Mike Pierson has worked hard to get wa wa to the Blue Knob community, his neighborhood. During the last three CCC meetings, if felt like, Blue Knob was on an expedited schedule for water service.
  • July 24 p Wouldn't that be a shame for all those with broken promises and others that have waited for years to be side railed once again with politics the driving force instead of priority.
  • July 24 p For an event to get a good response, organizers have to get info out to the public. The most successful groups know to send out news releases, put up posters, place ads in The Communicator and other area newspapers, sned notices to the local radio station, and talk up the event at public meetings.
  • July 24 p This site posts non profit notices without charge on the EVENTS and ADVISORY pages and often hypes upcoming fun times on this page. All at no charge.
  • July 24 p  We understand Widen Days will take place this weekend.  Isn't a shame that so many folks are left out of the event because of poor event notice. Sad.
  • July 24 p  We've got a new little operation in the county. Suzi's Mobile Hot Dog Stand is the name of the new traveling eatery. The self contained trailer features the normal hot dogs, BBQs, and fries plus hand dipped ice cream and desserts. Interested in having the operation at your next function? 304 587-7826 or 304 587 8376.
  • July 24 p While many sit on their thumbs saying they want to work, Suzi grew her own employment. Great!
  • July 24 p Answer to Quiz:  A
  • July 24 a  We've added the June picture gallery over on the PHOTO page. Want a copy? Open the image frame, right click, and then save as to your puter. Your Welcome
  • July 24 a Next project, trying to get the Communicator archive section a little more current.
  • July 24 a Update coming later this morning.
  • July 23 p  From the email bag: Little League Baseball    (All) minor league and T ball coaches that still have equipment need to turn it in to the league ASAP  for information call Doug @ 304-587-6068
  • July 23 p  Rock N Roll Quiz:  He asked, 'Why's everybody always pickin' on me?' Who was he? (a) Bad, Bad Leroy Brown  (b) Charlie Brown  or (c) Buster Brown

    • July 23 p The group was The Coasters and correct answer..............  remember?,,,, (b)
  • July 23 a A little rain last night knocked out internet service for parts of Clayberry but not before we added another 100 or so pictures over on the PHOTO page. Enjoy.
  • July 23  a  Morgan Stanley is setting aside a huge sum to pay out bonuses despite posting its third consecutive quarterly loss and admitting it is disappointed with key departments.
  • July 23 a Everybody's talking about the complexity of coming up with a new hospitalization plan for every American. With more than half the country on  a govt. plan already ( VA, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIPS, etc.) why not just extend those plans for the rest of us? Sure sounds easy enough. Oh.. how to pay for it? Stop the international policing and war.
  • July 23 a  Over in the little bitty news rag in Clay, front page mention came that Shelly M Capito found $1m for the not needed Clay Water Plant. What wasn't mentioned was, Delegate Dave Walker went to bat for the town and came up with another $1m in grant and 0% loans.
  • July 23 a Tuesday afternoon Go Mart sitters were treated to blue lights and sirens as Badge mobiles zoomed past the Two Run neighborhood. Up on Murder Mountain (Oil Field Rd) they retrieved a couple stolen trailers, tools, welder etc.  Property owners have already retrieved some of the stolen goods, two trailers.
  • July 23 a Badges retrieved  a bunch of stuff from that area of the county over the years. Arrests by Black Shirts are not as forthcoming. As a matter of fact, after some thinking back, we're trying to remember ANY arrests from the local Black Shirts after such seizures.
  • July 23 a How did all the goods end up in just one section of the county? Wind
  • July 23 a This site and the Communicator have been vigilant in following the actions of local elected officials since inception nearly 14 years ago. We've reported those dumb bunny and often unlawful actions in an attempt to shed light on what keeps Clayberry in t he red headed step child position all these years.
  • July 23 a Yesterday, after questioning, CCC Prez Slinky commented on their bidding practice of a new $3000+ picnic shelter at Spread Park. That one bid netted not just the shelter but another, a canopy over the pump house, a canopy over the bulletin board, and new roofing of the bathroom building.
  • July 23 a Linky said Wed morning, they didn't even need to bid the first shelter but they wanted to be FAIR to everyone, and once the contractor got on site, they could add anything they wanted to the project without rebidding ANYTHING.
  • July 23 a We labeled that approach as the unlawful practice of "stringing."
  • July 23 a So what the heck is stringing?
  • July 23 a Stringing is an illegal practice which has been outlawed by local governments for year. The law has been modified many times increasing the penalties and better defining the practice. The most recent change that we could find came in Earl Ray Thomblin's Senate Bill 709 in 2004 where the definition was modified to mean: Stringing transactions or splitting transactions, which means the intentional manipulation of the ordering, billing or payment process in order to circumvent the transaction limit including splitting an invoice for more than the individual transaction limit into more than one transaction or colluding with a vendor to split an order into separate invoices.
  • July 23 a We think the actions of Larry Darryl and Darryl are an indication of their willingness to do anything they want without regard to "fair" practices. As for following Open Meeting Law which demands ALL decisions be made during a public meeting, that too is out the window.
  • July 23 a Is it any wonder Clayberry is considered a red headed step child
  • July 23 a Now for some goods news. The people!
  • July 23 a Last month Clay Town Council voted to break it off in us with a 56% log factory rate increase. During the two readings of the ordinance there was no mention of a petition to stop the increase.
  • July 23 a A petition with over 50 names attached was noted on the West Virginia Public Service Commission web site Tuesday.
  • July 23 a With the WV PSC's mission statement making it clear, they are there to support government agencies, the petition may do little more than slow down the process. Isn't it great that over 10% of the municipal residents stepped up to the plate and said no to pee poor management and breaking our local economy.
  • July 22 p Happy Birthday Kelly Fulkerson
  • July 22 p  1:30  Over the scanner, the Boil Water Order issued by Clay Roane PSD July 15th has been lifted.
  • July 22 p  Rock n Roll quiz: When did 'Little Suzie' finally wake up? (a) The movie's over, it's 2 o'clock   (b) The movie's over, it's 3 o'clock   (c) The movie's over, it's 4 o'clock  (d) when her goose was cooked.
  • July 22 p You've heard the song a gazillion times haven't you?
  • July 22 p Answer: C
  • July 22 p  Back in June the CCC awarded a contract for one picnic shelter to be rebuilt at Spread Park. That shelter is up and looking good as is a second shelter with a third canopy, a roof for the outhouse, and bulletin board overhang, all coming soon. The June contract was for one shelter.
  • July 22 p  The unlawful practice of awarding one contract and then adding on more work via additional invoices is known as "stringing."  Stringing was often used in the past to get around public bids. This morning Commish Prez Linky said the CCC was not stringing!
  • July 22 p  He added, that they really didn't even need to bid the original contract and once bid, they can add on all the extra work they want.
  • July 22 p John Anderson once had a song... Just a Stringin'
  • July 22 p We're holding up the Communicator until next Tuesday. You've got until Friday at 6pm to email over your chatters, classifieds, stories and such. The delay will be worth the wait.
  • July 22 a County Commission meets this morning at 10am.
  • July 22 a While you're waiting on an update on Badges confiscating trailers and a welder from Murder Mountain Tuesday afternoon, we've add  new pictures over on the PHOTO page. Stuff from Super Saturday and the Fishing Derby included
  • July 21 p   Kathleen Dixie (Osborne) Morris, 81, of Bickmore , see OBITUARY page
  • July 21 p Last night's School Board agenda called for the hiring of a new H E White Principal. Didn't happen. As a matter of fact there was no mention of the agenda item or reason for not addressing the topic.
  • July 21 p The school system likes to have things their way. Our guess is, their choice for the slot was not certified.
  • July 21 p A side note from Monday night's School Bd meeting. Two meetings ago, the night they selected a new Principal for CCHS, Somber Super Gillespie looked to be full of tension, worn out and frazzled. During that meeting the Super said he had not asked the previous Principal to resign from duty.
  • July 21 p Last night Gillespie looked, acted like a different person. Like a burden had been removed, out of character for sure. We think something is up.
  • July 21 p  This morning the new class of grand jury indictees all told Judge Ric Facemire, Not me buddy, Not Guilty.
  • July 21 p After arraignments, it was time for long time thug Iron Mike Lanham to make an appeal to the Judge. Lanham is back in the slammer after violating terms of release from a previous.
  • July 21 p Thru his attorney, Daniel Gringo, since Lanham has NOT been convicted of  beating up someone, he should remain free and out of jail. Judge Facemire thought different and back to CRJ Mikey did go.
  • July 21 The best part came when Lanham explained how everybody was against him, his rights had all been taken, and "I am offended" by the Court system, This is all Bull Crap!
  • July 21 p  Poor Mikey. Such a fine model of citizenship in the Nation of Clay,
  • July 21 p  Deadline for Friday's Communicator is Wed evening at 6pm. Email your stuff in now.
  • July 20 p    For your edification:   Manure: In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be transported by ship and it was also before commercial fertilizer's invention, so large shipments of manure were common.  It was shipped dry, because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when wet, but once water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavier, but the process of fermentation began again, of which a by- product is methane gas. As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you can see what could (and did) happen.  Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone came below at night with a lantern, BOOOOM! Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined just what was happening.

    •     After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the term 'Ship High In Transit' on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it high enough off the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not touch this volatile cargo and start the production of methane. Thus evolved the term ' S.H.I.T ' , (Ship High In Transport) which has come down through the centuries and is in use to this very day.
  • July 20 p Smile!
  • July 20  a   Rickey Ben Hamrick, 46, of Clay, see OBITUARY page
  • July 20 a The School Board meets this evening at 6pm in the Standard Bryant Annex, With the agenda already posted on the front door, that's pretty amazing in itself, here's the link. The question is: Who will be the next H E White Elem principal?
  • July 20 a Got a little web housekeeping completed this weekend.
  • July 20 a Past news files are posted and current.
  • July 20 a The 2008 Obits are now properly posted behind the 2008 bookmark on that page.
  • July 20 a Will try and get a few new photo galleries up and visible late tonight.
  • July 20 a Ever have one of those feelings? The one where you know its been too quiet for a little too long? Like something is going on or about to break wide open?  Got that feeling now.
  • July 19 p We lost a trusted voice when Walter Cronkite passed away. More than the talking heads of today, Uncle Walt held our hands as we stumbled thru the hard times of Vietnam. race riots, and assassinations.
  • July 19 p Big robes in Charleston sent the Jim Knotts case back to Clayberry. Last week Ric Facemire heard the new arguments. His decision will be to proceed or not will be decided on or before Aug 11th.
  • July 19 p Family feuds and shooting sprees can harm more than the participants. In June the Starcher.Dawson war resumed with Elvis Dawson the lead recipient. During the preliminary last week, faulty Green Shirt crime investigations allowed David Starcher to walk free and charges dropped.
  • July 19 p Clifton Woods was remorseful and earnest before the Judge. He wasn't as he cut his ankle bracelet and fled home confinement. This time before the robe, things may be different for Mr Woods.
  • July 19 p Christie English couldn't meet he obligations of her home confinement and returned to the slammer.
  • July 19 p It's real easy clickers. The Judge says stuff like: don't do drugs, don't drink, and stay away from those that lead you down that path or it's to the big house you shall go. Ms English did.
  • July 19 p Faulty record keeping and operation forced the DEp to fine the Town Log Factory $77,000 last fall. During an emergency meeting held late last week, Mayor Brown said that big fine had been reduced to $39,000. Still a lot of $$ with the customers forced to cover the lack of oversight.
  • July 19 p Around town, visitors came. Just passing thru. Other than Go Mart or fast food, they had NO place in downtown Clay to unload their $$$ Saturday afternoon nor all of Sunday.
  • July 19 p We find other things hard to learn. Sunday morning, 9:47am, Clayberry was without ALS ambulance service when the 911 call came over the scanner.
  • July 19 p Corn is tall. Green beans are being canned. Tomatoes are blighted with rot. Grass is getting tougher to cut. Feels like wire now. Kids are brown and shoeless. Front porch swings are being used. And, the wifey made it back home Friday.
  • July 19 p We call it home, Clayberry like no other place.
  • July 18 a From TV 3 News: The Clay County Sheriff is asking for the public's help to catch a man who allegedly cut off his home confinement bracelet.  The Sheriff is trying to find 23-year-old Clifton Woods. He's wanted on charges of escape, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, and conspiracy. Holcomb says a judge allowed Woods to go on home confinement instead of serving time in jail, but Woods cut off his leg band on July 10 and took off.Once captured, Woods will have to serve 2-10 years in jail. Holcomb says Woods might be in Kanawha County. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Clay County Sheriff's Office at (304) 587-4260.
  • July 18 a  Weather predicamentators are calling for temps around 50 degrees tonight. Brrrrrrrrr.....
  • July 18 a Dirt track racing returns to Obrion Oval this afternoon.
  • July 18 a Care for a scary movie? Tonight, after the consignment auction, in the radio station parking lot, WYAP will air Mel Gibson's "Signs". Bring a lawn chair and sweater. As is the Summer Jam at 6pm, the movie (around 9:30pm)  is free free free.
  • July 17 p Mayor Jack Brown called an emergency meeting of Town Council yesterday. All members showed up except Glada Lanham. The last time Brown called such a gathering (back when ole Drake was on Council), only Jerry Stover showed. Right after that no show emergency meeting, DEP fined the Town $79,000 for faulty operations at the Log Factory.
  • July 17 p On the 16th meeting, the Mayor showed Council a DEP letter reducing the big fine to $39,000. The decision to accept or reject the offer had to be made within five days. Since receiving the DEP offer and after posting the meeting agenda, Brown made more phone calls and expects DEP to further reduce the now $39,000 fine a little more.
  • July 17 p Getting fined ain't nothing new in Clayberry..
  • July 17 p During the King Arthur administration,  DEP fined the Town $50,000 for dumping a "plume" of floaters in the Elk. Why so much a fine? Before that during the Don Moore administration, we were fined as well.
  • July 17 p Who pays the fine? We do with higher sewer rates just like the one passed last month, a 56% increase.
  • July 17 p If there is anything important that a parent does, it's teaching their children to swim. Lessons are bing offered next week at the Clay Pool. Call now to register. See ADVSIORY page for details.
  • July 17 p For those that read this site from afar, now's a great time to come visit the land of little. Stay at the Campground and enjoy sitting back and putting up your feet for awhile. For those seeking more fun stuff to do, there's music, auctions, mini mall deals, and riding the train to mention a few. Come see what makes us so special and all without one $$!!@@ stoplight.
  • July 17 a  Freddie D. Morris, 59, see OBITUARY page
  • July 17 a  New local posting over on the JOBS page.
  • July 17 a How about an email on something we often forget about:  Me and my hubby and kids and my mom and my aunt and her son was all down to king shoals public access at the county line. and  bicylist came by was talking and asked them where procious was to go camping well they told him how many miles it was up the road and he said that he was from Florida but he had asked a person that bicylist for charity where was a nice place to go ride bicyles and he told him wv was the nicest out of the whole country. thought that was a great complanint. ty .
  • July 17 a Nice
  • July 17 a Get the cigar butt off the shelf...remove the ice cream wrapper from the table... stuff the Raisen Bran Crunch down the crack of the couch
  • July 17 a Pick up the potato chip bags from under the chair ... put a rug over the shiny white spot ....vaccum up the ants from the sink .... wash dishes, clean the jelly off the window .... wifey comes home today at 5 or before.
  • July 16 p Posted over at the new Town Hall (old Chevy Dealership) is an emergency meeting agenda for today at 5pm. The topic reads: DEP: Sewer Plant.
  • July 16 p The latest edition of The Communicator has some pretty gory pictures of the wounds suffered by Elvis Dawson during a third week in June shoot out in the Northern end of the county.  After hearing noises outside, with a flashlight in his hand, Elvis stepped outside to see Starcher laying in wait with a long gun pointed at you know who. The 00 blast hit Dawson in the hand and belly.
  • July 16 p David Starcher was charged as the shooter. Green Shirt head honcho, Sgt.  Knight was the investigating officer.
  • July 16 p A couple days ago, Starcher went before Magistrate King for a preliminary hearing. With no other eyewitnesses, no probable cause was found, lack of sufficient evidence.
  • July 16 p If more evidence (someone squeals on Mr Starcher) is found, the case COULD go the Grand Jury route in the future.
  • July 16 p Long shot did you say? Yelp and the bad blood feud continues.
  • July 16 p  Last year the town was fined nearly $80,000 for faulty operations and record keeping. Best guess, the meeting will be to discuss some kind of update on that massive fine.
  • July 16 p The State of West Virginia has several web sites designed to entice tourism into the area. One Clay County eatery has been included on the 101 best places to eat. Here's the link to the Carol's Restaurant listing.
  • July 16 a  Special Note: will Karen that called Linda about the lost dog please call again 304 382-1434. She lost your number
  • July 16 a From the email bag: I have several old unidentified pictures of Clay County people going back into the 1800s. Most are probably connected to Boggs, Steorts, Hyer families.  Do you have suggestions on finding who they are? I would like also to find any Steorts / Steorts / Storts descendants.  Any help would be appreciated. Linda Steorts Kaufman,  LSKwvhomes@aol.com
  • July 16 a  About that white spot in the middle of the black floor tile. Applying floor wax only makes it shiny not go away.
  • July 16 a  Maybe it's the two piles of dirty dishes, doogy doo in the corner near the TV, or plies of socks, and Ts piled up, but after just three days of life without wifey, the place is starting to have a certain smell. How bad?
  • July 16 a  The dog chose to sleep outside last night.
  • July 15 p Note: Recheck the indictment list. We have corrected the names.
  • July 15 p After an appeal to the Big Robes in Charleston, the Jim Knotts case came back to Judge Ric Facemire this morning. We have a couple notions from that hearings
  • July 15 p Since the allegations stemmed from incidents 15 years ago, the Knotts team advanced that too many of people that could testify for Jimbo had died. The attorney read from a big long list. Countering, the Special Prosecutor asked: Didn't you have other customers back then. With Knotts on the stand, his response was Sure.
  • July 15 p So much for that angle.
  • July 15 p As for a second contention that this case should have gone to court back when the parents first brought the contentions to their attention, former Prosecutor Jeff Davis took the hot seat. He explained the Clay Prosecutor did not have an investigator and only prosecuted criminal complaints brought to his office. With no complaint back then and with the girl's parents asking not to go forward, nothing was done.
  • July 15 p Judge Facemire is expected to render a decision on those two issues August 11th when a second hearing is held via tele conference.. Will Jim Knotts walk? Charges dropped? Will find out in Aug.
  • July 15 p Other interesting stuff....
  • July 15 p Davis said Sheriff Clarence Douglas didn't go forward with am investigation and arrest back then. When asked if  any files was found on the case in the Sheriff's office, get this, no one had bothered to check. They will now.
  • July 15 p With all the stuff that goes on in Clayberry, a lot of us wonder why a Prosecutor doesn't go after many more. During this morning's testimony, former Prosecutor Davis put the monkey on the Badges for few indictments. During cross, defense attorney Mike Clifford brought out that a Prosecutor could do his own investigation via the Grand Jury method , Davis agreed with that approach but said he didn't.
  • July 15 p Hmmmm....
  • July 14 p Clay Roane PSD has issued a BOIL WATER ORDER for the Cut Off Run Road to Newton EMS office. Why take a chance, boil it first.
  • July 14 p From the email bag:  After a tie for Second place with 77 strokes each, Josh Lively takes 3rd place in the WVPGA Top Flite Junior Tour at the Edgewood Country Club on Tuesday, July 14th.  Nick Varney and Josh Lively remain on the tour with 3 more matches to go before the final numbers are calculated.  Both have battled for top scores and have found themselves in the middle of the scoreboard in previous matches on the tour.  Sugarwood, Marietta Country Club and Riverside Golf Club will wrap up the summer tour for these high school students.  Upon completion of the tour only top golfers will advance to the finals which will be held at the Greenbrier Resort on July 30th.
  • July 14 p For those partaking in the Clay Library Summer Reading Program, the revised schedule is posted on the ADVISORY page.
  • July 14 p  Summer grand jury convened today netting 5 true bills and 1 tossed back to the Prosecutor. New inductees include:
  • July 14 p Andrew Summers, wanton endangerment with a firearm
  • July 14 p Travis Camp, grand larceny
  • July 14 p Bruce Belt, burglary, attempted arson
  • July 14 p Frankie Phillips, possession with intent, felon in possessionof a firearm
  • July 14 p Dan C Kessler, obtaining goods under false pretenses
  • July 14 p about now you're suppose to say something like, every one of these eggheads is innocent until.....
  • July 14 p Pleas will be entered next Tuesday, July 21st beginning at 9am.
  • July 14 p Wed morning 9am, indicted with 128 felony sexual child abuse charges, Jim Knotts returns to Clay Circuit Court.
  • July 14 p Live without wifey lesson: when using a towel to clean up a spill on black floor tile, don't leave the wet rag on the tile for two days. When the towel is finally picked up, it leaves a big white spot. Someone is going to be really PO'd.
  • July 14 a While we're busy typing The Communicator...
  • July 14 a Clayberry made the national news rounds Sunday on CNN. For those that missed the TV coverage on rural health care issues, here's the link. For once, with Carl and Elizabeth Walls of Two Run, the interviewees, we didn't look bad. Actually, very presentable!
  • July 13 p Beautiful Monday morning with bright sunshine from wall to wall. Get out and soak up some vitamin D today
  • July 13 p  Should be a very busy week this time around.
  • July 13 p Grand Jury convenes Tuesday morning.
  • July 13 p The 128 sex charges against business leader Jim Knotts comes back to Clayberry on Wed when Judge Ric Facemire holds a hearing at 9am
  • July 13 p Various public meetings should round out the fun
  • July 13 p We've been receiving emails on tomato rot hitting our area. When young lady says the way to keep the nasties away is to integrate the garden with marigolds. And: We have not been affected by this and the only thing we do different is planting marigolds all throughout the garden w/ the tomatoes. Also, another little hint - when you plant your tomatoes, dig the hole then add 1 tbsp. sugar to the dirt then plant the tomato. The sugar does 2 things - 1) it will kill certain bugs that live in the soil that will eat the roots of the tomato plant & 2) the sugar will be absorbed through the roots to make a sweeter tomato. I doubted this but tried it & it does make a difference.
  • July 13 p Thanks TW
  • July 12 p  We've had a very eye opening last seven days including...
  • July 12 p  The CIA withheld information from the U.S. Congress about a secret counter terrorism program on orders from former Vice President Dick Cheney
  • July 12 p Cheney involved with something secret? Didn't tell Congress?  You don't say!
  • July 12 p  We've got a 100 new words to deal with. Rectum : " I had two cars but my old lady rectum both
  • July 12 p Mouse potato:  a person who spends a great deal of time using a computer
  • July 12 p  Soul patch, labelmate, gigong...   Here's the real story.
  • July 12 p Obama De Bama traveled abroad last week. The locals said HoHum and yawned.
  • July 12 p Think those brown spots are just on your tomatoes? Wrong O, it's all across the region and sure to wipe out a great early start on most hybrids.
  • July 12 p  Do you feel better about the economy? Ready to go out and buy a new vehicle, go deeper in debt? A majority of Americans or at least a bunch, ain't ready to spend  yet.
  • July 12 p  There have been 4,641 coalition deaths -- 4,324 Americans, two Australians, one Azerbaijani, 179 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, one Czech, seven Danes, two Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, five Georgians, one Hungarian, 33 Italians, one Kazakh, one Korean, three Latvians, 22 Poles, three Romanians, five Salvadoran, four Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians -- in the war in Iraq as of July 3, 2009, according to a CNN count
  • July 12 p  If you think wearing one white glove is weird, try Clayberry..
  • July 12 p Monday evening the School Board selected Mike Mullins as the new CCHS Principal.  A nickname contest got underway for a proper handle. Big MacMullins and Mullinator are at the top of the heap now. Email with ideas ASAP.
  • July 12 p As expected, Dwana Murphy was appointed as Town Recorder after she commented that there was no conflict of interest as an employee of the town doing double duty as an elected official.
  • July 12 p  Closer to home, in the Great Nation of Clay, economic development fell on it's face last week. The long planned partnership between the CAEZ, BDA, and CCC pooped out when the full CAEZ Bd voted to cut the tie with the BDA.
  • July 12 p In the motion to retreat from funding and partnership, they told CAEZ Director Connie Lupardus exactly what to say to the CCC.
  • July 12 p She didn't.
  • July 12 p As a matter of fact, she did just the opposite. During  BDA and CCC gatherings last week, she said the CAEZ was still interested in her remaining on  the effort to hire a county wide Economic Development Specialist.
  • July 12 That wasn't what the CAEZ told her to say. She may be in deep doo doo.
  • July 12 p In the real world, we have the summer doldrums. Kids are bored, parents can't stand the little rascals, and we're content to just sit around and sweat.
  • July 12 p Even with rotting tomatoes on the vine, beats the H out of winter.
  • July 12 p  Wifey left for a week away from home. Vacation time again for the ace cub reporter!
  • July 11 a  Alice Faye Adkins, 62, of Clay, see OBITUARY page
  • July 11 a  With a little dose of wet in the forecast, no grass cutting chores. Great! Suck up some A/C and get a nap or two in. summer at its best.
  • July 11 a Got word last night that a new mobile hot dog stand is setting up in the Maysel area.
  • July 11 a No dirt track racng today according to their web site.
  • July 11 a While you're out tooling around, don't forget the new ice cream stand and Amish Foods Store at the Mini Mall in Maysel.
  • July 11 a Tonight, if the rains holds off, Summer Jam in downtown Clay looks like a good one. Crista Ramsey with some 80s ROck n Roll and  healthy dose of traditional tunes from Bill & Hazel Westfall plus Eugene Parsons. Great West Virginia musicians second to none and all for no charge.
  • July 11 a The Drive In Movie should kick off around 9:30 if weather holds. Feature "Twister"
  • July 11 a Lookin for the Communicator? Won't be out until mid day Tuesday. We held it up to get the full dose of Clayberry economic development at its worst in this edition. Sure to be  a dandy.
  • July 10 a Rehash:  The BDA has tried for nearly a year to get off their butt and hire a full time economic development employee, a paid Director. Never with an official vote to do so, the BDA  more recently planned to partner with the CCC and the CAEZ in the hiring effort. Everything looked pretty good until Tuesday evening when the CAEZ voted overwhelmingly to walk away from the partnership.
  • July 10 a The next day, on Wed., during the CCC meeting, Commissioner Mikey explained the hard line stance of the CAEZ. Connie Lupardus of the CAEZ tried to soothe over her Board's vote and said something along the lines of: the CAEZ still wants to help the county grow and is interested in helping with the hire. She was disputing Pierson and the hardarss CAEZ stance this site presented to its clickers.
  • July 10 a Thursday night during the BDA meeting, again Big Lup said the CAEZ was still interested in being apart of the process in Clayberry. Again she down played the hard shell vote of her Board of Directors toward the BDA.
  • July 10 a Lets clarify something clickers. Here's the exact words used by CAEZ Boardster Peter Selich in his motion, " [CAEZ] bow out of any further negotiations, conversations, or so forth having to do with the Clay County Business Development Authority and to leave to the state to deal with them on their own. And, to authorize our Executive Director to make that known to the County Commission" During explanations of the absolute bail out, after calling the partnership an "albatross", again Mr Selich, " It's too risky.... We don't want to get involved."
  • July 10 a With all members of the CAEZ Board voting in favor of the motion (except Mike Pierson), does ANYBODY see any wiggle room or gray area in the decision to walk away from the BDA?
  • July 10 a When Ms Luprdus says the CAEZ may be willing work with the effort in Clay... that's not what was said nor voted upon.
  • July 10 a During Wed's County Commission meeting and again last night during the Business Development Authority meetings, Connie Lupardus from the CAEZ tried to soothe over the vote of the CAEZ to toss aside the BDA.
  • July 10 a She's out on the limb alone.
  • July 10 a Soooooooooooo , you don't believe the ace cubster. Here's the audio of Mr Selich's motion and rebuttal by Mike Pierson. Click that link just above, turn up your speakers, and give it about 2 minutes to load on a high speed connection.
  • July 10 a It's been a while since the county has had a strong summer reading program at the Library. Last year's program pooped out about as soon as it got underway.
  • July 10 a Got one now! See ADVISORY page for entire lineup but for today: Express Yourself (Kick-off Day)  Bring in a plain white t-shirt to make your shirt to "dye" for. Wear clothes that can get messy! tie-dye t-shirts
  • July 10 a  A great way to get rid of those curtain climbers for a little while at least.
  • July 10 a How about this as the handle for new Principal Mike Mullins, "The Mullinator"  I'll be BACK, No Wait, I AM Back!
  • July 10 a Keep emailing your suggestions.
  • July 9 p  Janine P. Brown, 41, see OBITUARY page
  • July 9 p From the email bag:  I know someone in great need of a refrigerator.  She is an elderly lady who cannot afford to buy a new one.  Her refrigerator has not worked for almost 2 weeks.  If anyone has one they are not using and could spare, it would be greatly appreciated.  Please call 304-587-4787 and ask for Lisa or Cyrstal.
  • July 9 p  We're getting a pretty good response to coming up with a name for CCHS Principal  Mike Mullins. Including: M&M and Big MacMullins. Keep emailing. We're looking for the perfect handle for the guy.
  • July 9 p From the Braxton Democrat:  On Tuesday, June 30, the Circuit Court of Braxton County, West Virginia, met with the Honorable Richard Facemire, presiding. Judge Facemire took up the case of the State of West Virginia vs: James Knotts. A Clay County case. The State of West Virginia appeared by Prosecuting Attorney Kelly Hamon McLaughlin, acting as Special Prosecuting Attorney for Clay County. The Defendant appeared by counsel Michael T. Clifford for a status conference. Knotts stands accused, by way of an indictment, of one hundred twenty-nine counts of sexual assault and sexual abuse against a minor female. Judge Facemire scheduled a hearing on the Defendant’s motions in Clay County on July 15, at 9:00 A.M.
  • July 9 p
  • July 9 a How about a break from the continuing BS relationship squabbles of the CAEZ and Clayberry..
  • July 9 a Mayor Jack Brown has his hands full with  juvy antics. During the last couple months a handful of teens have been bringing havoc to the normally quiet municipality. Stuff like throwing benches out in the street, rocking passing motorists, out of control bicycle riding, break ins, busted windows, and other destruction of property. This week was an episode inside the Rite Aid store  spilling outside where one juvy aired out his winky in the store parking lot.
  • July 9 a Just a few delinquents but certainly  a handful for Badges.
  • July 9 a Don Moore was torqued up Tuesday during the Town Council meeting. How mad did you ask?
  • July 9 a   Made enough to saber rattle a lawsuit if Council doesn't come up with a way to divert water around a parcel of rented commercial property. Moore says the problem is storm sewers way too small behind and front of his holdings. Mayor Brown inspected the problem area and is now saying the problem is mostly a property owner dilemma.
  • July 9 a  In any case, water and nasty sewer backups may very well force one local business to relocate elsewhere.
  • July 9 a  The Library Board  also met Tuesday evening. Minus their Chair, Tim Hopkins, the assembled were able to complete all the business in less than 30 minutes. New Board officers are: Jacob Nicholas Prez; Marjorie Dale Mullins VP; and Karen Nicholas Sec/Treas.
  • July 9 a A $5800+ grant was secured to install new puters and software in the recently redecorated Kid's Corner of the Library.
  • July 9 a Summer reading program starts this Friday
  • July 9 a Hey, we need a nickname for the new CCHS Principal Mike Mullins. Email your suggestions ASAP.
  • July 9 a Without government interference or support, we've got a new store opening today in Maysel. Not sure the official name but the place will be selling Amish foods.
  • July 9 a H&M Nicknack Sales is opening in the Mountaineer Mini Mall featuring redneck specialties galore.
  • July 9 a Want an ice cream? 17 flavors now available at the Mall.
  • July 9 a The Housing Authority was suppose to meet Tuesday for their monthly get together. Didn't happen.
  • July 8 p This afternoon's post will make more sense if you take a second and read the late July 7th post
  • July 8 p All done?
  • July 8 p Mike Pierson was the only person from the CAEZ Clayberry delegation to try and change a CAEZ decision to bail out of the tri agency Economic Development Director funding and hire. From that Monday night CAEZ meeting, consensus: The BDA is doing some questionable things, the CAEZ doesn't want to be a part of hiring and use of a new Eco/Dev Director, and the BDA is unable to contribute $$$ to the project due to state grant guidelines.
  • July 8 p During this morning's County Commission meeting, the story changed. CAEZ Director Connie Lupardus explained her Board's decision a little different from what the public saw and heard last night. According to Big Lup, the CAEZ is still very supportive of Clay County, working hard for Clay, wants the project to go forward, Lupardus can still participate in the hiring process, and the CAEZ just doesn't want to supply money for the hire.
  • July 8 p As she explained her view of the decision, Commissioner Pierson rolled his eyes. With a BDA meeting coming Thursday night, the hot potato issues most likely will steam roll on.
  • July 8 p The easy solution is for the BDA to use some of their $140,000 and hire their own Director and work independently of the CAEZ. But, that won't work. It looks bad. State Development folks like to see partnerships with all working in harmony and smiling ear to ear as they go down the road of prosperity. Obviously, the State Suits haven't been to Clayberry.
  • July 8 p The thorny issue is growing.
  • July 8 p We're holding up Friday's Communicator so the Thursday night BDA meeting coverage can be included in this edition. Deadline for submissions is now Friday evening at 6pm.
  • July 7 late p  Clayberry we have a problem, a big problem
  • July 7 late p  For over a year the Business Development authority has laid plans to hire a full time economic development director for the county. Two months ago the BDA decided to partner with the County Commission and the CAEZ in an attempt to share the expense and duties.
  • July 7 late p all seemed well until a rep from each group meet with development officials in Charleston two weeks ago.
  • July 7 late p  Last night during the CAEZ meeting, the group voted to pull out of the partnership hire. Big issues surfaced on the change of heart and the way the BDA has been conducting business. Did you ask about the vote? Good.
  • July 7 late p Only CAEZ member (also County Commissioner) Mike Pierson spoke up to try and salvage the partnership.
  • July 7 late p All votes to severe the deal were Aye including Clayonians:  Mardel Nevans, Linda Rhodes, Earl Elliot, and Earl McCune
  • July 7 late p Months of planning and money hunting are now up in smoke. The partnership is gone.
  • July 7 late While other county reps spoke of glowing progress in their communities, Clayberry is back to square one.
  • July 7 late p Wed morning's Commission meeting should be very interesting. Thursday evening's BDA meeting should be a real hoot. No admission charge and bring your own popcorn!
  • July 7 late p  During those CAEZ discussion...... in order for the BDA to receive the state development funds ($34,000) there has to be a local match of a like amount. The plan was for each of three groups to cough 1/3 of the needed match.
  • July 7 late p Even with $140,000 in the bank, turns out, the BDA can't be a part of the match. Turns out, all their funds are from that same pool of grant dollars and those previous year grant dollars can NOT be used as a match.
  • July 7 late p Clayberry... We have a problem.
  • July 7 p It was an interesting School Board meeting last night. With the decision made two weeks ago to place Mike Mullins in as CCHS Principal, most of the meeting was jovial. Stories were told of when Mullins was starting out. That was back when CCHS classes were held in a cave.    High praise was applied liberally.  Except for one, the Somber Super.
  • July 7 p Normally the Super says little in public. Last night he started his comments by saying he wanted this made public. He said there were rumors all around the county that he wanted Phil Dobbins out as CCHS Principal. As for the rumors, Gillespie was firm with denying such tales.
  • July 7 p Sounded like our Pentagon Czar had a burr under his saddle.
  • July 7 p Outgoing Dobbins said his old job took a bunch of time and he has a herd of crumb snatchers at home he wants to spend more time with.   Full details in Friday's Communicator.
  • July 7 a  Clay Town Council convenes their first public meeting the new digs on the lower end of Town today at 5pm. They plan to appoint someone to replace resigned Recorder Llyn Drake. Interested? See Mayor Brown before meeting time or just attend the meeting in person. Lots tougher to say No to someone lookin you in the eye.
  • July 7 a CAEZ meets at 4 and again at 6pm. The Library Bd does their thing including the election of new officers tonight at 6.
  • July 7 a Wed morning Larry Darryl and Darryl meet at 10am. Thursday evening the BDA meets in rescheduled action.
  • July 7 a Clay Roane PSD's Thursday night menu is now posted on the ADVISORY page
  • July 7 a Deadline for Communicator submissions is Wed at 5pm. Email yur stuff over ASAP.
  • July 7 a As expected, Mike Mullins was selected to replace Phil Dobbins as the next Principal at Clay High.
  • July 7 a Details later today
  • July 7 a  As the Michael Jackson circus continues, there has been little mention of seven more American casualties in Afghanistan.
  • July 7 a  Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., said a second stimulus is “probably needed,” and predicted that Congress is likely to act before the end of the year to inject even more federal dollars into the economy.  Bring it on! I need a new couch!.
  • July 6 p No the mystery person is not Llyn Drake. Hints: think younger and a courthouse worker
  • July 6 p Our school board works their magic behind the scenes. Before any public posting of a job is made, they nod their heads on who they want in the position. Happens all the time whether it be an in system hire or a contractor like Cluck of the Works.
  • July 6 p Two weeks ago the School Boardsters went into secret time after learning CCHS Principal Phil Dobbins had bailed out and reverted back to being a teacher. Dobbins' move was sudden and unexpected. Many on his own staff didn't know of the change until his desk was already cleaned out.
  • July 6 p  How do they muster  such backdoor manuvering in this day and age. We allow it! With jobs in short supply and those with them needing to stay in good graces with the Somber Super, when a potential applicant calls up, the response: no need to apply, we have somebody in mind for that position.
  • July 6 p There's really nothing hush hush about the process. The Pentagon hates it but often word leaks out to the public. Last summer, during a public meeting, one Boardster told her fellow elected ones, she heard on the street the decision had already been made long before ANY vote was taken. Moments later, the public vote was taken and low and behold, just as predicted.....
  • July 6 p  Tonight the Board meets at 6pm to vote in Michael Mullins as the new Principal and Phil Dobbins as a Social Studies teacher. Here's the agenda.
  • July 6 p  Dobbins was able to manage CCHS and a boat load of kids in a laid back style. Mullins has big shoes to fill.
  • July 6 p  CAEZ and the Town of Clay hold their monthly gatherings Tuesday afternoon. Town Council will meet in their new rental digs on the far end of town in the old Chevy dealership building.
  • July 6 a Gary Hugh Butcher, 61, of Widen, see OBITUARY page
  • July 5 p  Wars rage on and CNN spends the day talking about Michael Jackson
  • July 5 p More bank closures, job shut downs, and Americans go without health care and talking heads spend hours on MJ.
  • July 5 p  Nuclear arsenals grew, AIDs killed 4000 more people a day, Generals turned good young Americans into canon fodder and MJ stayed in the news
  • July 5 a Sad week for national media
  • July 5 p  Locally, our economy perked right up with new govt checks entering the marketplace. Town was abuzz with bill paying and new purchases. If those $$$ ever stop flowing, Clayberry will be in deep doo doo.
  • July 5 p The weather held for local yard salers and most of YAP radio's Small Town America Celebration of Independence Day. Kids ran and laughed. Elders conversed with grayed over classmates and friends from long ago. Music blasted thru loud speakers. Competitionwise, we twisted, belly rubbed, hulla hooped, corn holed, danced and cheered on Karaoke competitors. The small parade included a racing lawn mower. Kids filled up on candy.
  • July 5 p What makes Clayberry so special showed again this past weekend as volunteers from all walks of life made it happen once again..
  • July 4 a It's a time for burnt hot dogs, family reunions, yard selling, and sits on the front porch. We think back on the scrifices of those that defended our country and those that didn't make it back.
  • July 4 p This is an American holiday and the half way point for Summer.
  • July 4 p For those lookin for some fun stuff to do, head to downtown Clay.
  • July 4 p Enjoy the holiday one and all.
  • July 3 p Thursday afternoon scanner listeners heard Top Badge Holcomb transport a couple to CRJ.
  • July 3 p Their crime? Not bank robbing or drugs.. they fibbed on their vehicle insurance card. They knew they didn't have car insurance, told the Court they did, and got caught.
  • July 3 p To jail they did go.
  • July 3 p Tonight is the big Love Faith and Hope Basket Bingo at Clay High.
  • July 3 p Saturday is the biggy for WYAP Small Town America Independence Day Celebration. Ever been in a parade? Grab the kids decorate your vehicle and be at the old Starcher Bldg  at noon:30 for staging. Sure to be fun.
  • July 3 p  The Grand Show begins at 7pm with Tiff Farmer and the White Trash Heroes an 80's rock n roll band.
  • July 3 p Fun Fun Fun.  Thinking of coming to Clayberry to visit? Saturday would be a great time to see what's so special about our 342 square miles.
  • July 3 p  By the way, there ain't no fireworks Saturday night. The radio station was unable to obtain grant $$$ this year.
  • July 2 p Sarah Dawne (Mullins) Gill, 44, see OBITUARY page
  • July 2 p Forgot to mention during the morning posts.....
  • July 2 p Patrick Kerns purchased and is reopening the Henry Clay Hotel. When? In a couple weeks
  • July 2 p Also, The new Amish Food Store in Maysel should be opening reaaaaaaal soon.
  • July 2 p Progress without government hype, fanfare, or foot dragging. The only way to grow.
  • July 2 a Sorry for the slow updates.  Been busy spinning our wheels on other details. Also had to steam clean the home carpet after the smell of dog poo permeated the place.
  • July2 a Happy 400th Birthday Prosecutor Jim Samples
  • July 2 a Courthouse will be closed Friday. No BDA meeting tonight. Been rescheduled for next Thursday when they elect new officers.
  • July 2 a Want to do something nice? How about volunteering your time for the Energy Express program now in progress. see ADVISORY page now.
  • July 2 a Sign of the times: Clayberry's biggest employer normally gives its employees the July 4th weekend off . With too much coal backed up, the workers are getting a full week off.
  • July 2 a Generosity:  Last Saturday's Fight for Misty fundraiser took in well over $7000. Just another good example of poor people with big hearts.
  • July 2 a  Hungry? Connie Restaurant at Two Run (in the triangle) opens at 3 am for you early risers. She's now offering up diabetic dreams, dandy desserts for lunch time delights.
  • July 2 a Lets talk depression... Toyota Motor posted a 35 percent drop in US sales in June, capping a painful first half of 2009 in which sales fell 38 percent to 770,449 vehicles.  Chrysler posted a 42 percent sales drop in its first month since emerging from bankruptcy protection.
  • July 2 a  U.S. private employers cut 473,000 jobs in June, more than expected but down from the 485,000 jobs lost in May. Yikes!!
  • July 2 a Have a mortgage on your place. Think your home value is less or equal to what you owe on the shack? The Feds may be able to help with a refinancing package.
  • July 2 a Tomatoes are turning red and the lettuce is turning to rubber. It's time for a Small Town America Celebration of Independence Day. Around town, flags and banners are up, flowers are blooming, and the weeds are whacked.
  • July 2 a Something new this year is the Elk River Team Corn Hole Championships. Now get the dirty thoughts out of your mind!
  • July 2 a  The idea is to get to 21 points quickest by throwing corn filled bags in an angle platform hole. Prize $$ too.
  • July 2 a Can you sing? Karaoke, twist contest, hula hop, belly rubbing, and best dressed contests all with $$ pay outs. Fun and close to home.
  • July 2 a For those coming in for the Celebration, don't forget the JG Bradley Campground 304 587 6055.

    • July 2 a Welcome Dave Derby to our advertising family. Check out listings on the home page.