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