June 2011
June 30 a Today is the last day of
the month and the last day of work for the Town Mayor and four of the five
Town Council members. Mayor Jack Brown and Council persons Betty Murphy,
Jerry Stover, Glada Lanham, and Arthur Jarrett head for the pasture at
midnight tonight. It's been a long haul for each.
June 30 a The first two years of the
administration brought arguments, members resigning, and down right battles
to end all battles during and in between meetings. Some of the best turmoil
developed between the Mayor and Council person (later appointed herself
Recorder) Lynn Drake. Blood pressures skyrocketed during those early meetings.
Secret meetings were called where the Mayor was not told.
June 30 a During these past four years,
sewer and wa wa rates went thru the roof. Attempts were made to implement
a new B&O tax on struggling businesses. An un-needed water plant was
given the green light and construction got underway. For the last 11 months,
the plant project died. The Town is in a court battle now as a new wa wa
tank and plumbing rust in place.
June 30 a Great for newspaper circulation
but horrible for the Town and County.
June 30 a When Mayor Brown was running
for office he said he wanted to hire two full time certified Badges and
find a new revenue stream by upgrading parking meters. Now four years later
the hamlet is without police protection as a civil suit struggles to get
off the ground with a former Badge. As for the parking meters, about five
new units are in place and generating $$$.
June 30 a Brown did many things beyond
the call of duty that helped the municipality. Many times it was the Mayor
that went out and put up the American flags, helped with trash haul offs,
kept Hawkie in line, kept drunks off the streets, provided crowd control,
came out at 3am to deal with a problem, and attempted to clamp down
on spending.
June 30 a Lynn Drake primarily held
the guy back for the first two years but during the last half of his administration...
it didn't get much better.
June 30 a During the entire time and
for years previous, the duo of Betty and Dwana Murphy worked behind the
scenes for their own agenda. Betty will be off Council tonight after decades
of being in office. This change may make a big difference on getting new
ideas before Council.
June 30 a All in all, the town
is still there but barely. As for accomplishments and improvements during
the last four years... nothing to speak of.
June 30 a Long time employees Hawkie
Keener, he's been there thru a couple dozen mayors, and Terry Traub, have
made it thru another administration. Both are probably breathing a little
easier today.
June 30 a With a new Mayor and four
brand new Council persons coming tomorrow, keep your fingers crossed.
June 30 a Judges make it clear when
someone is placed on bond, probation, or home confinement , do not do illegal
drugs. Kenneth and Candace Crites were given a chance to stay out of the
slammer while awaiting trial. Yesterday that changed
June 30 a Both were before Judge Jack
Alsop Wed morning after failing pee tests. Both dressed in orange and shackled
, asked the Court for yet another chance at staying straight while they
wait their day in Court.
June 30 a Not going to happen, a second,
third, 20th, chance for freedom was denied.
June 30 a Nice looking young people
both but unable to stay straight for more than a couple days. We're in
an epidemic clickers.
June 29 a The sun's out and the sky
is blue. No rain in sight. What a great time to be in County Clay.
June 29 a We hired to Sheriff
to do be the county treasurer, provide guard duty for the Courtrooms, and
if there's time left over, be Badge for the county. /
June 29 a Additionally, the Black Shirt
Dept serves summons and other court paperwork.
June 29 a Pick up a Communicator today
to see what's happening in the Town vs Black Shirt Chris Davis civil case.
Real cute .
June 29 a On the day in history:
Born 1861: Dr. William Mayo (surgeon and founder of the Mayo Clinic); 1906:
Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, containing prehistoric cliff dwellings,
established by an act of Congress; Born 1919: Slim Pickens (actor); Died
1933: Fatty Arbuckle (actor); Born 1936: Harmon Killebrew (baseball player);
Born 1944: Gary Busey (actor); 1955: Bill Haley and His Comets reached
the top of the pop music charts with "Rock Around the Clock"; Died 1967:
Jayne Mansfield (actress); Died 1995: Lana Turner (actress); Died 2002:
Rosemary Clooney (singer); Died 2003: Katharine Hepburn (actress); Died
2007: Joel Siegel (film critic)
June 28 late p Yelp, Clay County's
only locally owned and operated newspaper, The Communicator, made it to
news stands across the region today. Get your Rx for Clayberry knowledge
today.
June 27 p The classified, advisory,
and jobs pages have been updated.
June 27 p We're in shut down mode until
we get Clay County's only locally owned and operated newspaper out the
door sometime Tuesday afternoon.
June 27 a For those making July 4th
weekend plans, the WYAP web site has their schedule of music and fun on
their web site.
June 26 p A couple things from
the last seven days
June 26 p With many thinking some shenanigans
would happen during the Town Election Canvassing, it didn't.
Backing up that theory, during the canvass, when long time Council person
Betty Murphy came up two votes (putting her in the lead), a smile came
across Recorder Dwana Murphy's face as she lipped quietly: You Got it!
June 26 p With the WV Sec of State's
rep watching every move, the election winners did not change. We have a
new Mayor and four of five Council members, newbees.
June 26 p Most in the county are hoping
that with new leadership in place July 1st, the municipality may get new
direction and move forward.
June 26 p Not saying the Canvass Board
was going to try anything... but the rep made it clear, he was there to
observe. Often the Sec of State's office sends in reps to buzz thru the
county during election day. The last time the oversight department sent
a person in was back during the second running of the School Levy vote
when investigator Damon Sloan spent that election day here visiting several
polling places.
June 26 p Come on new leadership!
June 26 p When Commissioner Slinky
says the group needs input from the public, he means it.
June 26 p During Wed morning meeting,
the CCC voted to reappoint Arthur Jarrett and Jack Brown to the Business
Development Authority. Both of those resigned from the BDA
years ago and hadn't been at meetings for months before they resigned.
June 26 p Not being aware of what's
going on in the county is common for that elected body.
June 26 p The second good thing
came together this past weekend.
June 26 p Mikey Lanham was charged
with two felonies and a lessor charge. He went to trial Wed. A jury of
his peers found him not guilty of the serious stuff.
June 26 p Don't blame the jury! Based
on the exchanges in the Courtroom that we heard, sure sounded like the
Badges charged the guy with the wrong crimes.
June 26 p Bill Dunn's Pedal Paddle
Competition brought over 30 contestants into the county to compete Saturday.
In addition to a well done affair, those 30+ spent $$$. That's fresh dollars
in our local economy.
June 26 p Also, Saturday morning the
second running of the Farmer's Market was held. There, shoppers and vendors
alike were winners. With a little more marketing, that too can increase
the local economy.
June 26 p Rounding out Saturday, in
the evening, the radio station hosted an outstanding concert and drive
in movie. Locals danced & tapped their foots and enjoyed the great
outdoors of Clay County. The documentary movie on the Morris Family Festival
held in 1972 was also well attended.
June 26 p That combination of
stuff is what we need on a regular basis to turn Clayberry into a day trippers
experience.
June 26 p The past seven days were
cooler than normal. That's great for gardeners trying to keep weeds out
of their crops but not so great for getting tomatoes to turn red.
June 26 p Communicator comes
out Tuesday. Email your Chatters, events, notices, and such by 5pm Monday.
June 24 p Got some confusion
here folks
June 24 p During Wed's County Commission
meeting, Mike Pierson said there was a tentative deal to bring Capitol
Resource Agency back into Clayberry and housed in Kathy Taylor's office
building on Main Street. Pierson said: CRA hasn't put one dime into
the county this year, it's time for that to change, the plan is to have
the office open by the end of July, and they plan to hire one employee
to run it,the local office, by the end of July.
June 24 p After posting the job with
full benefits over on the JOBS page, Commission Pierson (also a CRA Boardster)
called to say hold up, nothing is finalized yet. Also, stated was,
he and others had been receiving calls seeking job applications and info.
One emailer told us he didn't know where we got our info and according
to M Pierson, there was no job available.
June 24 p Pierson is the guy that said
nobody pays ANY attention to this site. Mike Pierson's tele
number is 304 587- 2318. Jobs are few and far between
in this county. Most of you know how filling an opening goes in this
county... call up Mike and tell him to put your name on the list to be
hired.
June 24 p With that local position
in limbo, the Executive Director position at CRA is ready to be filled.
Not having a Director may explain some of the confusion in South Charleston
at CRA. As for Commissioner Pierson, your guess is better than that of
this county's worst parasite.
June 24 p With this county's
extreme poverty and poor economic condition, we doubt that CRA can even
exist (funded) without services coming our way. That hasn't happened in
10 months and counting.
June 24 p The Exeutive Director position
is now posted over on the JOBS page. Sure would be nice if that position
went to a Clayonian too.
June 24 a Happy Birthday Bill Triplett.
June 24 a From the
Social Security Admin, The projected point at which the combined Trust
Funds will be exhausted comes in 2036 -- one year sooner than projected
last year. At that time, there will be sufficient non-interest income coming
in to pay about 77 percent of scheduled benefits.
June 24 a That's nearly 25 years of
funding based on today's lousy economy. No other Fed agency has such a
bank roll. Sure seems like Congress ought to leave it alone and not mess
something else up.
June 24 a TSA and 4H are coming back
home. Parent vacations are over. Check out the ADVISORY page for a great
place to drop off those little curtain climbers over at the Library.
June 24 a Want to say Greetings to
all the contestants in Saturday's Peddle Paddle Challenge. Here's the web
link for the details. By the way Clayberry, those 20 or so teams, that's
new money comin to the county. Say hello or howdy and smile
June 24 a We understand the Saturday
night consignment auction ain't on Saturdays no more. According to Kim
Adkins, the thang is now scheduled for Friday evenings beginning at 6pm
June 24 a For those that don't know,
Big Otter Community Center is offering free music shows each Friday night
all summer long. Music dance and concessions begin at 6pm.
June 24 a Check out our EVENTS page
for all the happenings around the area including great music offerings,
good deals at the Farmer's Market and more.
June 24 a Support the local economy,
yard sale shop this weekend. Good one over on Center Street for instance.
June 24 a Saturday night's 101.7's
live June Jam concert features the great Blue Maggie bluegrass band followed
by a Robert Gates documentary on the Morris Family Festivals held in the
60's and 70's. Should be dark enough to show the film around 9:20pm. Concert
kicks off at 7:30pm Both free
June 24 a By the way, Terri Lively
and Harold Allen will be playing tonight at Chimney Corner on the way to
Hawk's Nest Park. Great music, a very nice setting and darn good vittles.
All starts at 6:30pm.
June 24 a Don't sit at home this weekend,
get out and have some fun.
June 23 p A group of US
representatives plan to introduce legislation that will legalize marijuana
and allow states to legislate its use, pro-marijuana groups said Wednesday.
The legislation would limit the federal government's role in marijuana
enforcement to cross-border or inter-state smuggling, and allow people
to legally grow, use or sell marijuana in states where it is legal. It's
almost
Oh Boy time in the USA.
June 23 p In
just 60 seconds Google will deal with nearly 700,000 queries, 168,000,000
emails will be sent and 98,000 tweets tweeted
June 23 p Thinking back on yesterday's
Mikey Lanham court cae where he was found not guilty of two felonies....
June 23 p Mikey could have taken a
plea deal back during Magistrate Court time. Instead, he chose to tell
the Prosecutor, F. U. Normally that's not such a good thang
to do, but this time, it worked out well for Iron Mikey.
June 23 p Instead of looking at 15
years, the misdemeanor conviction for assault, he may already have enough
jail time served. Sentencing is set for July 18 before Judge Jack Alsop.
June 23 p Considering the number
of cases thrown out for faulty Badge work, faulty Prosecution efforts,
and such, why would anybody ever plead guilty to anything?
June 23 a Joseph “ Joe” Brenford Morris,
65, of Clay obituary became available Wed evening and now posted.
June 22 p New $10 per hour jobs now
posted over on the JOBS page.
June 22 p Joe Morris died while driving
his truck out Ovapa way Monday evening. People are asking, why no Obit?
Answer is, the only thing on Wilson Funeral Home's web site (at3pm) is
the name. No mention of relatives, accomplishments, etc.
June 22 p Mikey Lanham has had more
felony and misdemeanor charges lodged against him than anyone else in the
county. His regular pattern is to get drunk and then beat up on the first
person he sees. Happens over and over. Today he stood trial
for burglary, battery and assault after being indicted this term of court.
June 22 p After less than 20 minutes
of deliberation, the 6 man 6 women jury found him not guilty of of
the mroe serious, battery and day time burglary.
June 22 a County Commission meets
this morning at 10 am. A three page agenda full of items greets them.
June 22 a Last night thunder and lightening
filled the skies plus a little bit of rain.
June 22 a Another storm was averted
during the Canvassing of the Town election yesterday.
June 22 a The recount (of sorts) took
two hours and revealed a change of three votes. Candidates Bev Whaling,
Josh Shamblin , and Cindy Duffield all gained one mark.
June 22 a With only three votes separating
Mayor candidates Ryan Clifton and Arthur Jarrett and one vote between Councilpersons
Betty Murphy and Josh Shamblin, the contentious item was what would happen
with four non counted, challenged ballots.
June 22 a In the end, Council decided
to accept only one of the challenged "provisional" ballots. That ballot
added a vote to Whaling, Duffield and Shamblin,
June 22 a Anyone that wants to challenge
the results have 48 hours to do so but since everything was counted in
public, the election, for all intents and purposes, is over.
June 22 a Around 7pm, long time at
the trough, Betty Murphy, Arthur Jarret and Glada Lanham left the building
for about the last time.
June 22 a With the election behind
us, four new faces are on Council with a new Mayor at the helm. We have
a new day in the county's only municipality.
June 22 a Circulating around the county
is a story that if you're about to get robbed at an ATM machine, all you
have to do is punch in your PIN in reverse and Poof, Badges will show up.
A PIN panic code is what it's called.
June 22 a That's all bunk and here's
the proof.
June 21 p Delmar "Allen"
Nichols 45, of Ovapa, see OBITUARY page
June 21 p UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE:
The Town of Clay Election canvass has been changed to 5pm today.
June 21 p Councilperson Jerry Stover
called to give us the update this morning.
June 21 p Sorry for the mess up. That's
what happens when elected officials don't follow Open Meeting laws and
change public meeting dates and times without a care for those that elect
them to office.
June 21 p From the email bag:
Found; puppy in Nebo area. Black with white markings. Please call to claim
304-286-4407
June 21 a Talked with outgoing Council
person Jerry Stover last night. According to Mr Stover, the election canvass
will be held today beginning at 2pm over at the old Chevy dealership building
on Main Street.
June 21 a With a couple positions hanging
in limbo, we might be seeing history during the process.
June 21 a Talked to one old sage last
night. The guy was grinning ear to ear with the prospect of having new
town leadership coming July 1st.
June 21 a The School Board meeting
is slated for tonight at 6pm at the Standard Bryant Annex building on Gump
Street. The meeting date confusion came from their web based agenda reading
Monday June 21st.
June 21 a For the first time
in US history, more people have died than were born in West Virginia over
an entire decade
June 21 a George Allen: "We
(USA) are number one in the world when it comes to energy resources,"
he said. "You would never know it. The Russians are second; Saudi Arabia
is number three. When it comes to coal, oil and natural gas, are we really
No. 1 here in the United States?
June 21 a Happy first day of Summer:
The summer solstice heralds the beginning of summer. The timing of the
solstice depends on when the Sun reaches its farthest point north of the
equator. This occurs annually on June 20 or June 21 in North America, depending
on your time zone. The word solstice is from the Latin
solstitium, from sol (sun) and stitium (to stop),
reflecting the fact that the Sun appears to stop at this time (and again
at the winter solstice). In temperate regions, we notice that the Sun is
higher in the sky throughout the day, and its rays strike Earth at a more
direct angle, causing the efficient warming we call summer.
June 20 p Back in 1863 this state got
underway with the White House forcing changes in our constitution. Nothing
has changed after all these years
June 20 p Happy Birthday West Virginia.
June 20 p Can't tell ya if the School
Board gang is meeting tonight or holding off until Tuesday evening at 6pm.
Their agenda
is posted (that's a good thang) but see for yourself the confusion
in meeting dates.
June 20 p Speaking of agendas, state
code, attorney general opinions and ethic commission ruling after ruling
demand that all public bodies post an agenda anytime there is a meeting.
That agenda must be posted three business days before the gathering is
held.
June 20 p Town Council meets Tuesday
to canvass the vote from last week's municipal election.
June 20 p With today being a holiday,
the Council Canvass Agenda should have been posted last Wednesday. It wasn't.
June 20 p Town Recorder Dwana Murphy
is responsible for typing the agenda and posting. Murphy was reelected
to office last Tuesday.
June 20 p Why follow the agenda rule
when you don't follow others. For instance , before holding a municipal
election, the voters must be notified twice in a local newspaper.
June 20 p Ahhh.. that wasn't done.
June 20 p Mom's cried as they waved
good bye to their rug rats heading off to 4-H camp
June 20 p Older Mom's said thank goodness
as their kids got on the TSA bus heading to Dallas.
June 20 p By the way, that was a commercial
coach bus not a sticky hot Texas bound yellow box
June 19 p Happy Dad's Day to each and
every.
June 19 p We've got two high spots
from the last seven days.
June 19 p During Tuesday's Municipal
Election over a 100 came out to vote. Those 100+ change the landscape of
town by throwing out the long stymied and brought it an entire class of
newbees. The hope is, with fresh ideas and folks that say why not instead
of "it won't work", downtown Clay can enter the new century albeit 11 years
late.
June 19 p 12 years ago a person went
to a Business Development Authority meeting with an idea to form and develop
a farmer's market for the county. The thought was to provide locals with
a place to grow the economy.
June 19 p Back then the BDA thumbed
their noses at the notion and instead pressed on with sitting on their
thumbs in wait of a Toyota plant to come to the county of little.
June 19 p Last August an
informal farmer's market place was held in the Fas Chek parking lot. A
few vendors showed and then quickly sold out of home grown produce.
June 19 p Yesterday was the official
opening of the BDA backed Clay County Farmer's Market. With good weather
in place, the half dozen vendors set up shop under new canopies.
June 19 p Much of their inventory
was purchased quickly. All considered the morning a success. Customers
benefited from farm fresh veges, golden yellow honey, and home grown flowers.
Those there to peddle yard sale items also benefited from the increased
foot traffic.
June 19 p Like pulling teeth
these last dozen years, but finally a success for the county and something
that can grow for years to come.
June 19 p With Lake Sampson and a trout
stream, a campground, dirt track racing, Friday and Saturday night music
shows, and the old Courthouse open on Saturday's serving as a Welcome Center,
the new Farmer's Market is of the grow tourism puzzle.
June 19 p It was a good week in Clayberry.
June 18 a In Clayberry....
June 18 a Pasty white kids are
turning golden brown over at the swimming pool.
June 18 a The first little green
tomatoes are showing on the vine.
June 18 a We're about half way thru
the raspberry crop.
June 18 a The Farmer's Market opens
today.
June 18 a Instead of rain, this morning
the sun is out with blue skies and puffy white clouds overhead.
June 18 a Mom's are running around
gathering all the must bring items on the 4H going to Camp list. They sadly
report, this is the first time little snotlicker will be away from home.
June 18 a Those nasty little
green vines are trying to take over onions and cabbage.
June 18 a Tonight the radio station's
concert features Bill Triplett and Big Otter Bluegrass followed by a movie
on the 1962 Morris Family Festival held near Ivydale. The outdoor music
show will be aired live. Bring lawn chair and kids for fun on the
cheap too!!
June 16 a Need work, want work? See
JOBS page
June 16 a The latest Communicator includes
the School Board's discussion and decision to keep students off charter
buses and instead stuff the field trip bound kids on non air conditioned,
stiff back seated school buses. Safety wa>
Transfer interrupted!
more business to local driver pocket
books.
June 16 a Did You Know: Airlines have
the lowest fatality rate, at 0.01 deaths per 100 million passenger miles.
Buses and trains both have a rate of 0.04 deaths, and automobiles have
a rate of 0.75 deaths.
June 16 a Here's the link for the entire
web based fact check.
June 16 a Most in the county are openly
saying things like, we need new people, fresh blood, on Town Council.
With a new Mayor and four of five on Council, brand new, we've got the
change many wanted. Is the election over?
June 16 a The voting is but not the
counting. The state law mandated "canvas" comes next Tuesday. During that
process, challenged , contested, ballots will be resolved by the setting
Council. Winner Ryan Clifton finished just three
votes over old guard Arthur Jarrett. Long time Council person Betty Murphy
lost by just one vote.
June 16 a Street talk has it
that there are four challenged ballots to be decided.
June 16 a Who Conducts the Canvass?
Elections ordered and held by a municipality, including elections of officers
and special elections, are canvassed by the governing body of the municipality
Town Council handles the materials; mayor and recorder are there only to
observe and support ..... The canvass of the general election
begins on the fifth day, not counting Sunday, following the election. Do
not begin the canvass on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, but do count
a Saturday or holiday when counting the five days. §3-6-9
June 14 late p Yelp! The Communicator
made it to news stands across the region this afternoon. Stuffed full of
good information, the stuff the establishment doesn't want you to know
about, is ready for your edification.
June 14 late p County Clay
has just one municipality, the Town of Clay which has struggled and drug
its feet for years. Over the last decade, the number of business licenses
declined as store fronts emptied out only to be replaced with non tax paying
non profit and government agencies.
June 14 late p Most attribute
the downward spiral to pee poor leadership and management of the hamlet.
June 14 late p Town is run by
a Mayor, Recorder and five Council persons. All seats were up for re election
today.
June 14 late p When the dust settled,
the 100 + voters threw out the majority of the old guard and put
in a slate of new faces.
June 14 late p Beginning July 1st,
the 20 something, local businessman Ryan Clifton will take the helm
as Mayor. Around the conference table JP Helms, Denise Holcomb, Josh Shamblin,
Cody Nicholas, and returning to duty, Joyce Gibson will fill the seats.
June 14 late of those seeking reelection,
only Joyce Gibson and Recorder Dwana Murphy will serve again.
June 14 late Gone are long time seat
warmers Betty Murphy, Glada Lanham, Arthur Jarrett, and Jerry Stover.
June 14 late p Gone are those that
instantly said, it won't work here and no to about any new idea.
June 14 late p We have new leadership
and a new day in Clay.
June 14 late p It's about time!
June 13 a After a sun filled and hot
weekend, we're getting back on the job. Happily we report, no dumb bunny
antics from the last couple days.
June 13 a With The Communicator
coming out Tuesday, no wrap up from the last seven days.
June 13 a A couple Friday's ago, Black
Shirt Belt crashed his Badge mobile while racing to an accident scene.
The guy he ran into (Bubby Blankenship) is contesting the failure to yield
to an emergency vehicle ticket.
June 13 a Good.
June 13 a The biggy this week
is the Town election coming tomorrow. Up for grabs is the Mayor, Recorder
and all five seats on Council. The current Mayor is not seeking reelection
nor two Council persons. Any way it's cut, we're getting new direction
in the municipality.
June 13 a With several new faces seeking
elected office, this could be quite a change.
June 13 a One time Mayor and current
Councilman Arthur Jarrett is seeking the top spot this time around. Newbees
Ryan Clifton and Bev Whaling are wanting to bring some new ideas into play.
June 13 a All it takes is three
votes to get something passed among Council persons. With two newcomers
on Council for certain (maybe more!) after Tuesday's contest, it
might be a whole new ball game for the county's only incorporated town.
June 13 a As we gather last minute
stuff and start the Communicator typing process, no new posts until we
get the rascal out the door sometime tomorrow.
June 10 p Alma Gay Mullins,
93, of Clay , see OBITUARY page
June 10 a 22 town voters
have cast their ballots during early voting. With only 60 to 80 total
ballots expected, you can make a difference now. Early voting continues
today and Saturday as we lead up to the June 14th election. Vote early
and often!
June 10 a Clayberry turns into Yard
Sale Central for the next couple days. The listing has been updated over
on the EVENTS page. For those thinking of coming home or looking for something
or some place to do, this weekend, from the Big Otter Center Music show,
to open softball tournament play, to none other than Joe Nutter and Variety
pack during Saturday's June Jam at the radio station, we've got it all
in County Clay. Come home.
June 10 a Need a place to stay, don't
forget, the JG Bradley Campground on the banks of Buffalo Creek is open
for business. They even had a few tent campers last weekend.
June 10 a Background: Govt works best
when it operates in public. That's so important, there's law on the books
mandating they deliberate and make all decisions in public.
June 10 a Background: Clayberry is
eat up with domestic violence, battery, assault, and child abuse. Earlier
this week, Circuit Clerk Mike Asbury mentioned the huge increase in those
crimes over the last year or so. According to Asbury, other counties have
had increases but nothing like us. Clayberry has had nearly as many court
cases as the much larger Kanawha County.
June 10 a Background: Becky Pritt
works as the YMCA Resolve Family Abuse Domestic Violence Co Ordinator for
this county and has been for years. Intervention for victims is her mainstay.
Operating in the upstairs Courthouse office, Pritt is the go to person
every time a woman gets the S*** beat out of her by some stoned boy friend
or hubby. She is the behind the scenes person in the know and a guiding
hand for victims going thru the Court system.
June 10 a Sometime in the last few
days, Pritt's agency transferred her 50 miles away to Charleston. The local
office is closed for now. Our guess is, the agency has their shorts all
bunched up over something and are pulling some political posturing with
someone else planned for the local operation.
June 10 a When YMCA reps came to the
Courthouse this week, something interesting happened. They were denied
access to their locked office. Our County Commission told em, nope, we
will not unlock the door and instead of providing free office space for
the much needed service, we're going to charge you $300 a month.
June 10 a Sure we would like to keep
Ms Pritt in that position but, that's a decision made without discussions
nor a public vote. During Wed's CCC meeting, there was not a peep on Becky
Pritt getting excised nor the change in policy of charging rent to the
YMCA.
June 10 a The County Commission does
a lot of that backroom stuff. They like it that way. Closed doors decisions
are unlawful and only foster distrust in this County.
June 10 a
June 9 late p Reba (Faye) Bird,
59, of Lizemores, see OBITUARY page
June 9 a During Wed's Commission meeting
it was announced that the Clay Ambulance Service is once again operating
in the black with around $40,000 plus in the bank. They attributed that
to close monitoring and guidance by the CCC and additional non emergency
"transports" billing.
June 9 a Being in the black is good
but yesterday as they were speaking those words, while a transport was
being done, an emergency call could not be handled by locals.
June 9 a More embarrassing was the
shortness of breath call handled by Kanawha County crews while two of our
ambulances were setting in the Clay Ambulance Service parking lot. That
shortness of breath call came from the trailer park next door to our always
in the news Ambulance office.
June 9 a Keeping track of $$ is an
important duty of the County Commission.
June 9 a Several weeks ago, Henry
Stutler was sentenced to decades in Prison. Once sentenced the state is
suppose to pick up jail fees. As of yesterday he is still in Central Regional
Jail on OUR jail bill. At $48.50 per day, that adds up quickly.
June For over a year, Jesse
James Boggesshas been lodged in CRJ awaiting a trial or something. That
amounts to over $18,000 we've paid out.
June 9 a It was very contentious when
the Clay Bd of HEalth voted to implement a smoking ban a few years back.
Supporters of the bill said the ban was reduce affects of second hand smoke
and force people to cut back on smoking.
June 9 a The part about the dangers
of second hand smoke is as debated as much as the dangers of fluoridating
drinking water.
June 9 a In yesterday's Gazette, the
AP reports: Indoor smoking bans haven't made much of a dent
in West Virginia's smoking rates. State figures show that 25.4 percent
of West Virginians said they smoked regularly in 2009, compared to 25.8
percent in 1995. Twenty counties adopted smoking bans during that period.
"Smoking ordinances aren't a magic bullet,'' Division of Tobacco Prevention
director Bruce Adkins said.
June 8 late p The Town of Clay Boil
Water Order was lifted this afternoon. It's suppose to be safe to drink
once again.
June 8 a Marion Edward Asbury, 69,
of Clay, see OBITUARY page
June 8 a County Commission meets
this morning at 10 am. Public is encouraged to attend.
June 8 a Get your cup of coffee, this
is going to take some time......
June 8 a We didn't know it but that
little teeny paper over in Clay is still in business. It's called the Freeze
Press or something along those line.
June 8 a That was a subject brought
up during Tuesday's Town Council meeting. According to Town Recorder Dwana
Murphy, that out of county paper neglected to publish the official June
14th Municipal election ballot two weeks in a row as required by law..
The ballot was in there once but twice is what State Code mandates.
Instead of the town ballot, inserted was an old ballot from the Governor's
election.
June 8 a That's bad for voter notification
and turn out, Dwana Murphy told Council that the West Virginia Secretary
of State's office said they were OK with the mess up and press on with
the election next week.Sure hope she's got that opinion in writing. Never
know when a court challenge could pop up.
June 8 a Speaking of election time,
Mayor candidates Arthur Jarrett and Ryan Clifton will both be on Fred Sampson's
Roundtable Discussion show this Thursday evening beginning at 6pm on community
radio, 101.7 FM. Should make for some good radio listening.
June 8a As far as we know, the county
wide Boil Water Order remains in affect. During yesterday's Council meeting,
the Mayor said cleaning out the riverbank situated raw water pit was complete
and went well. Now for filling the tanks and flushing the yuck out of miles
of water lines
June 8 a The real problem is the turpedity
or mud in the wa wa. The operators are guessing that it's that raw water
pit full of yuck as the culprit. But, with the Elk actually pretty clear
last weekend, some are scrtaching their heads.
June 8 a Last Friday Judge Jack Alsop
heard the Prosecutor's request to dismiss all felony counts against Jamie
Morris, John Amos Morris, and Kenneth Crites. He said it was a faulty indictment.
Although not ruled on by the Court as of Tuesday mid afternoon, all
counts most likely will become history. They walk away free men.
June 8 A We asked Prosecutor Jim Samples
if "faulty indictment" means the same thing as they screwed up, in a long
winded reply he said that three of the 6 counts were found defective, they
could have gone to trial with just the three in hand, or start all over
during the July Grand Jury proceedings.
June 8 a Lawyers have a way of beating
around the Yes or No answer. We'll take it as the Prosecutor blew it.
June 8 a We do have a quote from Mr
Samples. Get out the patriotic music, "We believe people should get credit
for what they've done."
June 8 a There's several things that
could happen. Team Morris could walk away free and clear.
June 8 a Kanawha County indictments
from last year could come to trial first and handle the matter.
June 8 a There could be some
kind of collaboration between the two counties and come up with a mutual
and reduced plea.
June 8 a Or, during the July Grand
Jury, they could restart the entire process.
June 8 a Word on the street has it
that the local Badges did a pretty crappy job during the Maysel area arrest
of Morris, Morris, and Crites last Spring. So screwed up is the evidence,
new Grand Jury or not, if our locals blew it with the evidence, who knows
what a juror may decide during trial time. Or at least that's what the
coffeehouse crowd says.
June 8 a In any case, for now, another
round of allegations, failed pee tests, and re-arrests, all by the wayside.
June 8 a Of course, what about that
vehicle storage bill that the Court ordered the county to pay? Totally
impounding fees was over $7000 if memory serves us right. With all charges
dropped, sure sounds like it's time for King Wrecker Co to say to the County
Commission, Pay Up Boys!
June 8 a When the Court order
was brought to the CCC's attention, the elected folks were very very very
hesitant to pay the bill. As a matter of fact, they didn't vote to do so.
June 8 a Let's say Fran make the demand
and Commission refuses to honor the Court order. Should make for some reaaaaaaaaal
interesting reading.
June 7 p We have a new Boil Water Order
this afternoon from Clay Roane PSD.
June 7 p Issued at 1pm today, the BWO
is for Amma, Amma Rd, and Little Pigeon Rd sections of their system. Reason:
broke water main.
June 7 p That's in addition to a whole
county BWO issued by water supplier Town of Clay.
June 7 p Boil it (and let it cool)
first.
June 7 a Today at 4 and 6pm, the CAEZ
meets in regular session. Clay Town Council convenes at 5pm in the
old Chevy dealership building on Main Street.
June 7 a Clay Schools are closed today
due to the Boil Water Order issued Sunday at 3pm by the Town of Clay Water
Plant. With shortages expected today, it's just like another snow day for
the rug rats and pesonnel.
June 7 a According to operator Dwana
Murphy, the plant has had problems since Friday with high levels of turpidity
in the wet stuff. The plant sucks Elk River wa wa from a riverbank concrete
vault collector box. A screen in the contraption holds back the junk.
According to Murphy, the vault is full of mud and sticks requiring much
slowed down pumping and treatment. Tuesday morning the plant will be turned
off while a crew cleans out the debris.
June 7 a With no water feeding the
storage tanks, supplies are expected to run low or maybe out during the
cleaning process. Schools are closed to concerve wa wa giving priority
to nursing home residents according to Dwana. All that's the official stuff.
June 7 a Problems since Friday and
the BWO was issued Sunday afternoon. sounds like a great big Hmmm....
Instead of a clean pit to draw from, sure sounds like our water is being
syphoned thru, diapers, condoms, kotex, bottles, and other unsavory up
river drudge. Lack of maintenance sure sounds like the culprit.
June 7 a Our afternoon update will
cover all felony drug charges against Jamie Morris, John Amos Morris, and
Kenneth Crites dropped in Circuit Court due to a faulty indictment.
June 6 p Ever heard of a snow
day in June? Got one now.
June 6 p No school in Clayberry Tuesday
due to bad wa wa or no wa wa.
June 6 a There's a Boil Water Order
now imposed for the entire county. Don't drink the stuff.
June 6 a Bunches of public meeting
activity this week. In re rescheduled stuff, the School Board meets tonight
at the Standard Bryant Annex building on Gump Street.
June 6 a CAEZ and Town Council meet
the first Tuesday of each month.
June 6 a With new elected officers
taking over July 1st, this will be the last meeting of the sitting Council,
Recorder, and Mayor. We're in dire need of leadership but don't expect
much in the way of hurrying up and getting something done before they leave
office.
June 6 a The Federal dollars ($200,000)
for sidewalk improvement are in real danger of being sent back to DC but
the Mayor / Council has done ZERO in the way of getting the year long stalled
project underway before the dollars are taken.
June 6 a We've been without a much
needed and promised Town Badge but don't expect any action there as once
again Federal dollars are not being used for that program.
June 6 a As for the promised
upgraded and working parking meters that were suppose to be the new revenue
source for the town, Nope is the answer.
June 6 a Town Election is June 14th.
Early voting is now going on at the Courthouse. So far only 7 people have
taken the few minutes for the process. How about you. We need leadership
in the worst way. You can make a difference.
June 6 a As for those seeking office,
a few are actually campaigning. There's a bunch of pink Bev Whaling for
Mayor signs around town as she hands out pens. JP Helms for Council person
yellow posters are being sported on car windows around the hamlet. Ryan
Clifton for Mayor is handing out Tee Shirts emblazoned with his message.
June 6a Josh Shamblin and Cody Nicholas
spent time during question and answer sessions on 101.7 FM radio explaining
their positions.
June 6 a Those are the young folks
that we've seen working the campaign trail so far.
June 6 a In the way of old guard office
seekers. One time Mayor and now Council person Arthur Jarrett wants
to return to the head honcho position on June 14th. With a newspaper ad
circulating about, his slate of candidates include the duo of Betty &
Dwana Murphy, Joyce Gibson, and Glada Lanham.
June 6 a Campaigning for office is
common right? Not so in Clay municipal elections were we've had people
elected to office without putting in one lick of effort. Not so long ago,
the Town held one election where they didn't tell the public about it until
two days after the polling was done.
June 6 a That was the same election
where they lengthened their terms of office.
June 6 a Some things they don't want
people to know about.
June 6 a It's time to vote clickers.
June 5 p 3:41pm, From the Town of Clay
Chief Wa Wa operator: Boil Water Order (BWO)
issued for the whole county until further notice...Boil your water for
at least one full minute.And please only use water for household use...DO
NOT FILL POOLS water is low at this time. Clay Municipal Water
Works
June 5 a Happiest of birthday wishes
to Communicator Editor in Chief, Terri Kerns.
June 5 a It's been eventful these last
seven days. Stuff like
June 5 a Local Black Shirts managed
to wipe out, flip, spin in 360's not one but two Badge mobiles.
Chris Legg and Robert Belt appear to be mending A OK.
June 5 a For some reason they and others
think by turning on blue lights the high center of gravity, gas guzzlin'
vehicles magically gain better handling properties. They don't. Blue lights
only give the public notice and nothing more.
June 5 a Instead of buying high dollar
big boy toys, maybe our local Top Badge would better serve the community
by using slush fund dollars to train Officers in the art of negotiating
traffic and keeping all four wheels on the pavement.
June 5 a A decade ago a big ape of
a guy spark plugged the idea of growing a steam engine train ride to Swandale
from Dundon. Clad in black jeans and tee, people laughed at the pipe dream
notion.
June 5 a With dogged determination,
Roger Nutter gathered like minded folks and formed the Buffalo Creek &
Gauley Railroad Co-Op. Meetings were called and local support was garnered.
With all pulling together, they went thru set back after set back as they
struggled to do something good for County Clay.
June 5 a Roger purchased the first
couple rail "speeders" or Jitneys as they are called. Back breaking hour
upon hours were spent clearing tracks, building a campground, and getting
their word out via brochures, tee shirts, ball caps, organizing fundraisers
and more.
June 5 a Out in the woods, while
driving a four wheeler, on Tuesday, a heart attack took Mr Nutter.
I hope he went out smoking one of those skinny brown cigars and grinning
ear to ear. Who knows, maybe the bright light Roger saw was that of a Climax
or Baldwin comin down the line. Condolences extend to Roger Nutter's
family and friends.
June 5 a The BC&G will have to
regroup. That in itself will be a big job. For our county to grow, they
got ta do it.
June 5 a A little on the delayed side,
The Communicator made it out the door Thursday afternoon.
June 5 a Thursday evening the BDA economic
development team tried to conduct their monthly meeting. Without a quorum,
it didn't happen. They did spend a few minutes discussing needs but little
else.
June 5 a Although the Farmer's Market
doesn't officially open for a couple more weeks, Saturday morning the colorful
signs went up on Main Street where a couple vendors sold strawberries,
cornmeal, honey, and plants.
June 5 a Over at Clay High, the gym
was packed with yard salers looking for bargain deals. Many were
found during the fundraiser. It was a rousing success for all.
June 5 a Saturday night lawn chairs
were set up for the first 2011 June Jam over at the radio station. It was
teen night where youngsters made their debut on community radio. Maybe
not quite ready for Nashville, it was a night of music, hot dogs, cake
walks, and good times.
June 5 a After a week of hot temps
and dry conditions, a drizzle came last night nourishing dry tomato plants
and struggling to grow half runners.
June 5 a With new bionic eyes, stints
and by passes out the wazooo, the ace cub reporter turned 58 today.
A little wobblier and with even less hair, watermelon and chocolate cake
(don't tell Leela Patel) are in order for the aging gracefully in place
feller.
June 3 a Chucked full of all the details
on Clayberry, the Communicator is on new stands in five counties and coming
to mailboxes nationwide. Pretty good edition this time with a front page
interview with School Super Kenneth Tanner.
June 3 a Early voting for the Town
election (June 14th) now in progress over at the Courthouse. So far around
4 voters have exercised their voting rights.
June 3 a We don't have the details
on Roger Nutter's memorial service. Sorry.
June 3 a Want your GED? See AdVSIORY
page.
June 3 a Want your grass cut? See the
JOBS page
June 3 a We've got a new business in
the county down on Elkhurst Road in Procious. Just in time for summer,
the Elk River Navy Kayak rental company is ready for your Elk River adventure
fun. Dave Miller is the proprietor.
June 3 a The Clay County Tourism maps
are now being circulated around.
June 3 a Yard sales galore now in progress
including one over at CCHS Saturday morning. Over 50 vendors are setting
up for that cheap deal opportunity.
June 3 a Advance Home Care has a sidewalk
sale continuing today on Main Street. Proceeds will be used to set up a
food pantry in the county.
June 3 a Tonight Terri Lively and Harold
Allen (2Blue) are putting on a show over at Chimney Corner in Fayette County.
Too far? Head North to Big Otter Community Center for great down home tunes
and dance.
June 3 a It's Teen Night over at 101.7's
June Jam outdoor concert Saturday night. That's followed by the drive in
movie "Toy Story". Cornhole gets underway at 6pm.
June 3 a Sunday afternoon is Big Otter
Community Center's Dinner/
June 3 a Good stuff to do this weekend.
Why not set up your tent over at the JG Bradley Campground and spend a
couple days in beautiful County Clay.
June 3 a Last night's BDA meeting
was a bust. No quorum.
June 1 a Summer time heat is here.
After last winter, don't complain one iota!
June 1 a The West Virginia Music Hall
of Fame is in Town today. It's a shame no advance notice was given for
such a fine exhibit.
June 1 a We're in typing mode until
we get The Communicator out the door Thursday mid afternoon.
June 1 a Yes we heard about the
wrecked Black Shirt mobile