March 2009

 
  • March 31 p Belated: Cecil Zickafoose, 92, see OBITUARY page
  • March 30 late p  May Day May Day   Non profit 101.7 FM is having antenna problems. They're in reaaaal need of a bucket truck to get to their 40 foot up in the air antenna ASAP, maybe Wed afternoon or Saturday if weather permits. Anybody got one for an hour or less? Call Pete at Clay Auto or Andy at 304 587-8353.  They're trying to get everything in working order before home CCHS baseball games get underway.
  • March 30 a While you're waiting for your pink slip or the boss is away, here's a great way to waste some company time. Many  government agencies use the Govt Deals web site to sell everything from  lost and found items to buses, ambulances, guns to watches. Pretty cool site.
  • March 29 p  some weeks are more revealing than others. last week was a good one
  • March 29 p Politics as usual:  In the first two months of this year, at least $250,000 of bail-out funds returned to Washington in the form of campaign finances.
  • March 29 p After years of mountain top rape, Congress introduced legislation to ban the practice. Obama De Bama gave the word to stop issuing MTR permits, to put them on hold. Almost immediately, King Coal cried foul with great big crocodile tears everywhere.
  • March 29 p More local, in the West Virginia Legislature, Senator White introduced a bill to stop the equally dumb practice of injecting hazardous mine waste back into the ground.
  • March 29 p It was a good week for environmental groups and those that think the earth is important.
  • March 20 p Here in Clayberry, Commissioner Mike Pierson showed his hand (maybe other parts too) when he called the ace cub reporter a parasite on the county. Strange, it's Mikey taking a teachers salary and a County Commissioner salary at the same time.
  • March 29 p At issue was support for a local initiative to grow tourism during the summer months with Darryl and Darryl saying heck no to any such effort.
  • March 29 p During his diatribe, Pierson said AW had been bad mouthing his bread and butter, the school system, for years and  Pierson didn't appreciate it.
  • March 29 p Truth is the truth. The Mel Gibson look alike has been reporting on Clay County and West Virginia's dismal educational system for over a decade. Stuff like: pathetic back room deals by the school system; education stops after the 4th grade; over 70% of our  high school graduates have to take bone head college classes; and, a real sad college going rate.
  • March 29 p Some parents don't believe it. It's all true and backed up by report after report. Now, even the head of the US Ed Dept Arne Duncan is saying the same thing. Here's the complete audio on how tax dollars are being wasted on educational practices that don't work, too much time being spent on teaching the test and big changes coming.  Duncan says we are not at a point to be proud of our educational system.. We have slipped. He says that art, music, dance should be part of the system and NOT just teaching the test. Get this.. in the audio, Mr Duncan says states have dummied down  standardized  tests (WestTest for instance)  to look good.  Ever hear that before? How refreshing!
  • March 29 p Those on food stamps received a 13.6 % increase.
  • March 29 p One time Senator  Schoonover was given a third chance after testing hot for cocaine. He will spend the next 6 months in drug rehab.
  • March 29 p Another local made it to the Charleston newspapers mid week: Autumn Faulkner, 26, was arraigned on a sexual assault charge Thursday and was being held at Tygart Valley Regional Jail. State Police Sgt. G.L. Stalnaker said the boy's parents apparently did not know about the relationship, which had been going on since at least last year. Faulkner teaches at Elkins Middle School. Randolph County Schools Interim Superintendent Terry George told The Inter-Mountain that he's taken steps to keep Faulkner from working in the school system. George declined to provide specifics Thursday. Faulkner was arrested Wednesday after an anonymous tip to the state Department of Health and Human Resources.
  • March 29 p Local business leader and BDA member Jim Knotts got a reprieve last week when the West Virginia Supreme Court rescheduled his appeal on 129 counts of sexual assault to minor in his care. Rescheduled to April 29th clickers.
  • March 29 p Cold and rain returned to Clayberry last week. Didn't slow down the music or dancing at Big Otter Community Center Friday night nor the attendance at the Saturday night BDA Consignment auction.
  • March 29 a  Jenevie Brown, 84, of Indore, see OBITUARY page
  • March 27 late p William Nutter, see OBITUARY page
  • March 27 a From Cindy Willis on the topic of summer jobs:  We will hire 10 summer tutors for our summer school program.  Applications are available at the high school or at the Board Office.  This is in addition to the Energy Express student positions.
  • March 27 a  According to the gospel of Darryl #2, we tell a out right lies....
  • March 27 a  Obama's budget plan would take national debt up to about 80 percent of gross national product...Historically, it's been about 40 percent?  True .
  • March 27 a  Under Obama's budget plan, families making over $250,000 are "going to lose their mortgage deduction, their charitable deductions?   Answer: Nope, not true at all.
  • March 27 a   Tens of billions of dollars (from taxpayer-funded bailouts) ... flowed straight through AIG into the coffers of foreign corporations and foreign banks?  Answer: Absolutely 100% True.
  • March 27 a  Plenty going on this weekend in the great Nation of Clay. Music and dance tonight with Short Times making the music; Big Gospel Music Jam Saturday night as well as the ever growing BDA Consignment Auction; and, a great Hunt Expo Sunday afternoon. See EVENTS page for details.
  • March 27a Not sure if it's the fresh Spring air or that the stench of W gone, but it feels better!
  • March 26 p Hot from DC:  U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) today introduced bipartisan legislation that would prohibit the dumping of mining waste into streams, effectively ending the practice known as mountaintop mining. The Appalachia Restoration Act would amend the Clean Water Act to prevent the dumping of what is known as “excess spoil” from mountaintop mining into streams and rivers.
  • March 26 p How much coal comes from mountain top removal rape? Answer:  Less than 5%
  • March 26 p  Saw something sad this morning. It's name was Randy Schoonover. Before Judge Cadle Schoony begged for mercy, one more chance in life. The hearing was called after our one time Senator peed hot for cocaine two weeks ago.
  • March 26 p  His first break came after getting caught peddling Rx meds and the Court gave him home confinement instead of hard jail time. Schoonover's second big break came this morning when the Judge allowed the ageing, sagging, bent over Clayonian, a chance at drug treatment instead of prison.
  • March 26 p If successful in drug rehab, the Judge said he would do away with the balance of probation.
  • March 26 p It's up to Randy Schoonover once again.
  • March 26 p  Lets get back to the parasite and  Commissioner Pierson.
  • March 26 p Pierson is peed at the ace cub reporter. Yesterday during a CCC meeting, Darryl #2 called the Mel Gibson look alike: A Parasite on the county. What he did was show his hand to the world. He said what he had been thinking for years.
  • March 26 p Since coming to office in Jan of this year this site and newspaper, the Communicator, has raised the issue of double dipping of tax dollars by Pierson. The issue of being paid as a teacher and then being paid at the same time as a Commissioner. So serious is the impropriety, the School Board paid $500 for a Charleston Suit to tell em: Get an Ethics Commission opinion. If here was ever such an ethics ruling, it hasn't been made public.
  • March 26 p Since coming to office, we raised H over the number of unlawful meetings held by the Commission  away from the public. Not to mention the number of sit down meetings between Slinky and Mikey (Darryl #1 and Darryl #2) where they consider the public's business without benefit of public notice.
  • March 26 p Since coming to office, Mr Baldy successfully lodged a campaign to roll back tax values on Mom and Pop mineral parcels amounting to well over $13m. The CCC had every intention of breaking it off in the citizens of the county and do so without Crisco! Their backdoor scheme was shot down for the good of the county.
  • March 26 p  Those three items are enough to make any behind closed door operators mad. Pierson says he gets up each morning and reads his Bible preparing himself for the day. Pierson says he's in office to help the people of the county.  How refreshing.
  • March 26 p  Pierson thinks the media reporting the facts is bad. He said Wed that such independent fact based, first hand, seen it with our own eyes, reporting hurts the county and keeps good people from running for office.
  • March 26 p Mikey is part of the school system. He's a company man. has been for 34 1/2 years. In that capacity he's been told what to think and do.
  • march 26 p So early in office and so much doo doo on him.
  • March 26 p As an elected official we expect and demand more. Clayberry (he doesn't even like that word!) demands him to stand on his own two feet. We demand him to be thinking for the good of the county instead of walking in lock step with Slinkinoooooger for the good of the school system.
  • March 26 p It's time for Commissioner Mike Pierson to use his own brain or step aside.
  • March 26 p Can't help but think of the Neil Young line: to mean so little to you means so little to me.
  • March 26 p  Away from the Clayberry dumb bunnies, how something to make you feel good. Here's a short video on Ben E King's most famous tune.  DSL required.
  • March 26 p  Thanks TL for the link, makes the parasite feel much better.
  • March 25 p  Clayberry, you can breathe a little easier. The CCC rolled back your tax burdens over $13m this morning.   After Darryl and Darryl voted for the bogus increase on Feb 17th, Commissioner Fran King asked the two to relook at the issue. To rethink the ridiculous increase. Darryl and Darryl refused.
  • March 25 p By the way, every single other county in state with mineral reserves under Mom and Pop farms voted for the people and NOT use bogus tax value numbers to increase tax burdens. That's every county except one, Us.
  • March 25 p For her remarks in public, Slinky (Darryl #1) told King she was a bad Commissioner. She was NOT suppose to ever ever talk out in public against the other two. Bad girl !
  • March 25 p  Upon smelling the rat, rats, the ace cub reporter filed exoneration paperwork to roll back those bogus increases on all 1100+ parcels of minerals.
  • March 25 p This morning, Slinky said he had been getting phone calls on the matter. In weeks past, Fran King also confirmed a number of upset taxpayers. This morning, as smoothly as possible, the motion was made and passed to accept the Prosecutor's advice and roll back the $13m+ increase.
  • March 25 p It was very important for Darryl and Darryl to make sure the Mel Gibson look alike receives no credit for his following the code exoneration process. Why? They have to look like it was just an oversight. A simple little mistake. They sure don't want the electorate to think the CCC tried to shift the tax burden from big coal to  private home owners.
  • March 25 p Just a year or so back, during a public meeting on growing County Clay, those in attendance came up with good ideas on how to improve life in the county of little. Jerry Slinkinoooggoooer presented his best thinking too. To solve all our problems: 1, add more beds at the nursing home and 2, run the ace cub reporter out of the county by midnight.
  • March 25 p Based on his own words, we certainly know what the Slinkster thinks about  newspapers reporting the truth and public officials catching double H when they behave like out of control delinquents.
  • March 25 p This morning newbee Commissioner Mike Pierson (Darryl #2) showed his hand. Mikey said the Communicator and this web site does nothing but tell out right lies, twists and distorts. He told little Mr Handsome, the rotund one, YOU ARE A PARASITE on the county!!.
  • March 25 p  He said we made up all this stuff to make money on the backs of good and deceit leaders. We make the place look bad.
  • March 25 p Pierson is right about the rest of the world thinking this county is full of dumb bunnies. Unfortunately, Darryl #2 is blaming the messenger when the message (their actions) is the problem.
  • March 25 p  As for making money, ANY money, Wrong! Last year, year before and on back, the Mel Gibson Look Alike has made $0 for his 23 hour a day effort to improve life in Clayberry.  Zip, Zero Ninguno.
  • March 25 p  Having no prior public experience, no  prior leadership in public positions, and no formal training for public office, we think Mike Pierson is in over his head.
  • March 25 p  This morning Mr P. admitted to that and things (decisions) were zipping through. Always gullible, we continue to think Mikey Pierson can improve and become a good Commissioner. His choice of dimly lit words this morning is making that opptomision harder to hang on to. Getting the Jerry Slinkinooooger brown stuff off his nose and thinking on his own would be a good, fresh start for Commissioner Mike Pierson, Darryl #2.
  • Need a summer job? See JOBS page
  • March 24 p For those planning to watch the Jim Knotts appeal on the Supreme Court webTV, Wed.'s hearing has been rescheduled to April 20 something.
  • March 24 p Don't forget the Red Cross blood drive at CCHS Wednesday as well as the 10am gathering of the Commission.
  • March 24 p Those indicted during last week's Spring Grand Jury appeared before Judge Jack Alsop today. Prior the arraignment, all of em had a bond agreement. Most of em still ended up in the slammer.
  • March 24 p  Lets see now, the Badges bust you. You get arrested. The Grand Jury indicts you, Notice is provided each and all. Pretty cut and dry. Most anybody would know, before making bond, you have to take a pee test.
  • March 24 p How dumb do you have to be to blow a big joint the night before Grand Jury? Or do a big doobie before going into the Courthouse? Dumb Dumb Dumb.
  • March 24 p One of those dumbarsses was Mark Bullard who tested dirty for pot. Bullard was already on bond for a one month earlier arrest on telephone harassment. For the state, Asst Prosecutor Clint Bishoff was asked why Bullard wasn't already in the slammer for testing hot.
  • March 24 p  Why Clint stammered around for an answer, Judge Alsop had a way of an arss chewing when he told Clint, Just a plain Yes or No answer!!!!!
  • March 24 p  Big frowning lines were seen on the Judges forehead. Clint left the room and headed back to Magistrate Court land.
  • March 24 p While on the subject of pot and with most of our clickers already aware of  new efforts to make pot legal.... Here's one Harvard economist that says legalizing drugs would be a real money maker tax wish and also reduce violence.
  • March 24 p After a bunch of web surfing, here's a fairly balanced report on Obama De Bama's decision to halt mountain top removal mining.  While many in this state, county, are OK with deep mining operations, many, many are against the raping of our mountains with MTR mining.
  • March 24 a There's a bunch going on this week.
  • March 24 a This morning at 9 am the Spring Class of indictees appear in Circuit Court to say not me judge, I didn't do it.
  • March 24 a  This afternoon at 4pm Llyn Drake called a special meeting of Council to approve a new budget.
  • March 24 a Wed morning the Larry Darryl and Darryl meet at 10am with a big long agenda.  Expect a very subdued rolling back of $13,000,000.00 in bogus tax value increases.
  • March 24 a Jim Knotts is appealing the very foundation of his 129 sexual assault charges before the WV Supreme Court on Wednesday. Not sure of the exact time, the big robes don't set that ahead of time but you can watch the day long court fun action via a high speed connection on your puter.Here's the Supreme Court web site. Just click the big button to watch.
  • March 24 a Our Business Development Authority has been working (or not working) on their very own web site for well over a year. After spending a bunch of $$$ here's their dismal web place.
  • March 24 a Private citizen Wallace Brown set up his karate website in less than 30 minutes with a cost of $20 or so.
  • March 24 a The high dollar BDA site lists a June 08 ground breaking event in their news section. No links work. Brown's site is very plain but provides lots of info and current current events on their schedule page.
  • March 23 p Betty Hamrick Friend, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page
  • March 23 p From the email bag: Master Gardener Applications are due to the Extension Office by Friday, March 27th.  For more information, please call 304-587-4267
  • March 23 p  Decades ago residents of Punkin Ridge were suppose to get water service. Federal $$$ were found. Customers signed up. Unfortunately, on at least two occasions, those Federal dollars were diverted to more prominent neighborhoods. Punkin Ridge didn't matter.
  • March 23 p  It has taken over 20 years but residents of Punkin Ridge now have "city" water flowing. Life is good. Now if those folks can afford to pay for the service!
  • March 22 p Mabel R. Mullins, 85, of Bickmore, see OBITUARY page
  • March 22 p It's too darn pretty to be inside doing a weekend wrap up.
  • March 22 p Basically, we made it thru another week, our elected and appointed officials remain about as dumb as a box of rocks or worse.
  • March 22 p Our harping about Darryl and Darryl increasing mineral assessments over $13 m on small land owners and the real chance that they will have to eat their vote... we have an update.
  • March 22 p Seems Senator Randy White has his ear to ground. He introduced SB-624 which ( if passed) would exempt Mom and Pop family land from natural resource property assessment taxes. You can throw shoes at Darryl and Darryl or write Senator White with your words of support for the new bill.
  • March 22 p Sunshine, blue skies, and warm temps.  Get outside, turn the garden, wash the car, go fishing at Lake Sampson, clean windows, pick up some litter.... just don't stay inside today!
  • March 21 a  There's expiration dates on about everything from water to paint. Our school system says it's perfectly safe to use outdated flour in the lunch program. Read the new Communicator.
  • March 21 a Happy Birthday Matthew Goode
  • March 21 a Happy Birthday JE Vaughan
  • March 21 a Here's a complete list of salaries paid to county school superintendents around the state. That's the official list. Had the data seekers turned to the second page of the  Somber Super's contract, they would have added another $15,000 in untaxed income.
  • March 21 a Here's the comparison salary list for teachers around the state. Can't forget the school service personnel.
  • March 21 a  Here's something to make you upset, thirteen of the largest recipients of the government's massive bailout failed to pay more than $220 million in federal taxes, congressional investigators said yesterday, prompting a new round of accusations that banks were abusing the financial rescue program.
  • March 21 a We hear a  lot about banks but here's something on credit unions. Federal regulators on Friday seized control of two large institutions that provide wholesale financing for U.S. credit unions, a move they say was needed to stabilize the credit union system.
  • March 21 a There was a time when you landed a govt job, you were set for life. THose days are long gone. Even the US Post Office is getting rid of 150,000 top positions.
  • March 21 a Don't sit at home all sad eyed. Get out and have some fun this weekend. Looks like the weather is going to cooperate too.
  • March 21 a Check out the EVENTS page for the Appleseed Rifle Shoot today and Sunday.   Want to make some $$$$? Take your junk over the BDA Consignment Auction at Two Run. Fun too.
  • March 19  p Warren Lee Comer, 86, see OBITUARY page
  • March 19 p  Local historian Jerry Stover needs some help. He's looking for archaeological sites located on the original JG Bradley coal mine holdings. The stuff that hard to find and covered over or nearly covered over. Graves and historic sites are in his cross hairs. Can you help? Email Stover at jerrystover@frontiernet.net
  • March 19 p  You won't believe this but... The Communicator is all done and printed. should be on the new stands around 2pm Friday. Our lead story provides all the details on the CCC preparing to revote, get rid of, that bogus $13m tax value increase. 24 pages of solid  information second to none.
  • March 19 p Shade of James Bond ....  Presenters at the CanSecWest security conference detailed on Thursday how they can sniff data by analyzing keystroke vibrations using a laser trained on a shiny laptop or through electrical signals coming from a PC connected to a PS/2 keyboard and plugged into a socket.
  • March 18 Late p  And the winners of this Spring's Grand Jury include: Lant Bird; Denny Bird; Anthony Ramsey; Karen Tanner; Michael Tanner; Jesse Dwier; Joseph Wesse; Christopher Canter; Mark Bullard; and Steve Perdue. All the details in Friday's Communicator.
  • March 18 Late p There's a rumble growing on the school system using out of date commodity flour. The stuff went out of freshness last Oct. Details you know where on Friday.
  • March 18 Late p   Happy Birthday to ANDREA FERREBEE .
  • March 18 p Delegate Dave Walker has his weekly Legislative Update column on the ADVISORY page
  • March 18 p Last Saturday during the Town Hall Meeting, Senator Randy White spoke on a nasty coal practice of injecting toxic waste into the ground. That practice can effect ground water, drinking water.
  • March 18 p   Seems Sen White is doing more than talk. From an Environmental Council notice:         Sludge Safety Project will release: Citizens’ Report on Underground Sludge Injection: Water, Health and Alternatives.     The report includes unreleased data from the West Virginia DEP’s findings to date on SCR15, the resolution to study underground coal slurry injection.  The report also includes data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey and other sources.

  •     Noon Thursday, March 19, 2009;  Senator Tomblin’s Press Conference Room     Speakers: Senator Randy White (D - Webster); Rev. Dennis Sparks, Executive Director of the West Virginia Council of Churches; directly impacted coalfield residents who are members of the Sludge Safety Project, www.sludgesafety.org.
         The Citizens’ Report on Underground Sludge Injection: Water, Health and Alternatives will advance debate on SB568 which provides, “That effective May 1, 2009, new permits or modifications of existing permits may not be approved for the underground injection of coal slurry until the studies required by Committee Substitute for Senate Concurrent Resolution 15, dated March 9, 2007, are submitted to the Legislature and it determines that the injection of coal slurry underground is not harmful to human health and the environment.”
  • March 18 a  Donna Joyce Holstein, 76, of Bentree, see OBITUARY page
  • March 18 a Grand Jury finished up their work Wed mid day. The list of newbees should be available sometime today.
  • March 18 a Randy Schoonover was arrested last week after flunking a pee test. As of Wed afternoon, he remained in the slammer and no hearing date for his transgressions has been scheduled.
  • March 18 a Deadline for Friday's Communicator is late this afternoon.
  • March 18 a We've had a worthless and failed drug war for decades. Obama De Bama seems to have a different approach to wasting billions including  less restrictions on pot. Hurrayyyyy!!
  • March 18 a On the other hand, Obama is considering Veterans paying their own health care costs. Bad Bad Bad move.
  • March 17 p  Cathryn Melissa “Catty” (Nelson) Barger,76,of Wallback, see OBITUARY page
  • March 17 p Communicating to the electorate is a tough challenge for any politician. Senator Randy White has just launched a new blog to keep us informed and a place to receive input.
  • March 16 p Tuesday morning the Spring Grand Jury convenes with cases brought by the Prosecutor and anybody else that wants to see justice in Clayberry. Probably won't have the new class of indicted until Wed sometime.
  • March 16 p  Clay County School Board meets Tuesday night (normally held on Mondays) to accommodate RB Legg. The big long agenda includes putting a Clay County Bank ATM gizmo at CCHS.
  • March 16 p Without a doubt the most comprehensive BC&G railroad site as well as a great source of other info on life in Clay County during the big coal era of JG Bradley.  Here's Mr Stover's web portal. Make sure the boss is going to be away for at least a couple hours before clicking this link.
  • March 16 p  About 90% of all jail inmates are suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction, with a public perception that treatment is generally available, when it is not. Read about the mental health crisis in West Virginia.
  • March 16 p More people are calling and emailing about scoundrels, Darryl and Darryl. some are suggesting bringing shoes to the March 25th CCC meeting and pull a Dubbya. Nice idea and it sure would be fun to watch em duck.... a better approach may be to come to the meeting and give them your two cents worth up front and public..
  • march 16 p Help Help: someone gave us a check for $29+ for a prescription to the Communicator. We have the check from C.N. but have lost the name and mailing address for the new reader. If you're CN, give us a call ASAP to straighten up the mess.
  • March 16 p  We've been horsing around with the publication date of The Communicator for two months. Mondays, then Tuesdays and Fridays. Our plan, our newest plan is to once again go back to the Friday pub date with deadline for submissions being Wed afternoon. Email your stuff ASAP. We're coming out this Friday.
  • March 15 p That TARP money, Dubbya's TARP program, what was suppose to rekindle the banking industry and jump start our economy.. turns out, 200 of the banks that received funds plan to give it back. Others are saying no way Jose. Seems they'd like the money but don't like the new strings attached.
  • March 15 p Did you know there are two wars in progress?  For more than six years now, the United States has in fact been fighting two wars, with more than 170,000 troops now deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan combined. The military has openly acknowledged that the wars have left troops and equipment severely strained. There is now a top to bottom review of military policy in progress.
  • March 15 p They may also want to review Russia's plan to set up bases in Cuba and Venezuela.
  • March 15 p Bernie Madeoff has a net worth of at least $826 m. Many are saying, his dirty rotten tactics of out on the limb greed are just the tip of the iceberg.
  • March 15 p The last seven days brought out much of the bad, the stuff that keeps Clayberry sucking hind teat and dead last in most polls. For instance...
  • March 15 p  Last Monday Clay Town Council held a special meeting where they quit their bickering long enough to sign contracts to gain access to $200,000 in grant monies to improve the look of downtown Clay. Unfortunately, the public meeting was less than public. No one knew they were having the meeting. Open meeting Law says in black and white, the media will be told of meetings.
  • March 15 p Mid week, Larry, Darryl, and Darryl met in regular session. One taxpayer showed up to protest giving Fola Coal major tax breaks.  During the discussion, Commission Prez Slinky said they followed state tax dept recommendations 100% of the time and that's the reason for reducing big coal assessments to the tune of $6,000,000.00+. When asked why they didn't follow tax dept recommendations on private individuals resulting in raising tax values $11,000,000.00, Slinky poo said either the guy wasn't listening or was unable to understand.
  • March 15 p He's right , the public can't understand why Darryl and Darryl would break it off in us without Crisco.
  • March 15 p Prior the CCC meeting, the pesky ace cub reporter filled out tax exoneration papers for all 1100 parcels that the CCC agreed to increase. The exoneration process is for ANYONE that finds an obvious mistake in property evaluations. With the Feb 12th State Tax Dept letter as proof of the obvious errors, the process is now in progress.
  • March 15 Abut the only thing left for Darryl and Darryl to do is come up with a way to save face. Some way to put a spin on it so the  public doesn't know they increased our tax values $11,000,000.00 while reducing coal taxes.
  • March 15 p Good luck!!!
  • March 15 p For the last three months, Randy Schoonover has been seen running and walking in downtown Clay. When asked, he said he wanted to get into shape and compete in this year's Boston Marathon race. When asked, he also said he was living clean and completely away from drug use.
  • March 15 p Felon and one time Senator Randy Schoonover headed back the big house after failing a pee test last Thursday. Cocaine seems to be the evil found in the pee. Another sad day for Schoony and County Clay.
  • March 15 p Snow covered the ground Friday morning. Winter continued.
  • March 15 p  Saturday afternoon all our State Senators and Delegates met for a public meeting in Clay. It was great that they all showed up for the question and answer session. Time will tell if any good comes from the gathering.
  • March 15 p Gloomy skies and light rain covered Clay Sunday. It was a time for napping on the couch with the TV blaring. Outside we waited for a return to spring weather.
  • March 13 Late p  Finally, we have an environmentally friendly Senator, Randy White. It's about time.
  • March 13 Late p  Uh oh, we forgot to post  the big dinner dance at the Big Otter FD. It's now on the EVENTS page.
  • March 13 p  Rex Leroy Skinner, 81, of Duck, see OBITUARY page
  • March 13 p That exoneration appeal for those 1100 over valued parcels.... it ain't dead.
  • March 13 p  On Tuesday the ace cub reporter filled out exonerations for those 1100+ parcels of minerals. Assessor Lane called up the Top Dog Tax man questioning the legitimacy of one person making the demand for so many others. The guy on the phone said  he thought it was a go but would check with his tax legal begals and call Lane back. That was Tuesday
  • March 13 p That was Tuesday. Friday afternoon Ms Lane said she had tried to reach the guy, Jeff Amburgey without luck. She added that as soon as she reached him, she would call the Mel Gibson Look Alike and let him know.
  • March 13 p Three days into the process, it's still alive! No one has said Mr Tubby can't file the exoneration papers for everybody. Using the system and bucking the demands of the CCC, $11,000,000.00 in tax values could be returned to the people of Clayberry.
  • March 13 p It's been a nice week for everyone but Darryl and Darryl.
  • March 13 p So what got Randy Schoonover caught? Word on the street has it this way.
  • March 13 p One time Senator Schoonovy tested hot during his most recent pee test. His explanation wnet something like: I didn't do no cocane. Someone else was snorting the powder from a plate and I happened to eat off that same plate.
  • March 13 p If that coffeehouse story is true, what a crock of BS.
  • March 13 a   Johnny Samuel McDonald, Jr., 50, see OBITUARY page
  • March 13  a   Snow on the ground, cold, and it's Friday the 13th. Yikes!
  • March 13 a after retiring from teaching a second time, Dave Derby is back in the real estate business with Bonnie Young Realty. 304 587-2502
  • March 13 a Tonight Basket Bingo for the Boy Scouts. Tonight great music up at Big Otter Community Center. Our Legislative delegation will be at the Lion's Club Casino Sat at 1pm. Janey Keylon Bingo Sat over in Roane County. Saturday Conisgnment Auction at Two Run.....  See EVENTS page for details.
  • March 13 a Don't say there's nothing to do in Clayberry!
  • March 13 a An update on yesterday's posting. Assessor Lane sounded to be supportive of fair taxation in Clayberry and was not holding back with her help to get the exoneration form properly filed.
  • March 13 a During Wed's CCC meeting where Slinky was was quietly mumbling how much the exoneration would affect the windfall increase to county coffers, his cyphering was for the amount changed for the school system. Hmmmm.... thought he was a County Commissioner not a school system employee?
  • March 13 a  Are you feeling poorer? You should.  Household net worth dropped by $5.1 trillion from the prior quarter to $51.5 trillion. For the full year, net worth dropped by $11.2 trillion, reflecting steep declines in the housing and stock markets. The declines in household net worth were the largest since quarterly and annual records began in 1951 and 1946, respectively, said the Fed -- the U.S. central bank.
  • March 13 a When the Govt gave banks billions with no strings attached, they all had their hands out stretched. When Obama De Bama included accountability in his plan, more than 200 major banks said no thank you, we don't want it.
  • March 13 a  Citigroup Inc Chairman Richard Parsons said on Thursday that the bank does not need any more capital injections from the government
  • March 13 a  The radio station gang is experiencing transmitter problems and are away of the crappy signal. They're planning on purchasing a brand new transmitter ASAP.
  • March 12 a Get your coffee cup and gather round my little clicker buddies, we have a story to tell.
  • March 12 a Back in Feb Commissioners Mike Pierson and Jerry Slinkinoooooger voted to increase the tax value of  over 1100 parcels of coal reserves. That was a $11,000,000.00 increase on the value of tiny parcels held by individuals. No not an increase on Big Coal, but Mom and Pop farms and land in heirship. The people that are unable to hire an attorney and fight such outragious increases.
  • March 12 a That increase was approved by Darryl and Darryl over the objection of the state tax department folks in Charleston. What???   On Feb 12th, the State Bean Counters in Charleston begged our Commission and every other Commissioner in the state to NOT use the new bogus figures but instead, keep tax values on the Mom and Pop operations at 2008 levels.
  • March 12 a In every other county where there's coal, the County Commissions voted not to screw  the citizens.
  • March 12 a For the complete run down, all the needed background info, all the juicy details, read the latest Communicator.
  • March 12 a According to County Assessor Teresa Lane, in the entire state, only the Clay County Commission voted to go against the grain and use bogus figures to raise your taxes. That was at the same time, they (that's Darryl and Darryl once again) voted to reduce big coal taxes by $6,000,000.00.
  • March 12 a Are you mad? Ready to impeachment the slimy pukes? You've got someone in your corner. Read on.
  • March 12 a First some back ground. Anytime you find an obvious error on your tax statement, you can go to the Assessor, fill out a Tax Exoneration Form, prove where the goof up is, and forward to the County Commission. During each CCC meeting, usually, item #3 on the agenda,  Larry, Darryl & Darryl vote to approve all Exonerations. Without exception, each time the Assessor forwards an obvious screw up, the CCC has OK'd the reduction in tax value or tax burden. That's 100% of the time clickers! Everytime!
  • March 12 a Get your second cup of coffee... we'll wait... Ready
  • March 12 a Tuesday afternoon, March 10th, Mister Mischief Maker himself, the ace cub reporter, went to the Assessors office and filled out an Exoneration form for each and every parcel which was wrongly increased in tax value.
  • March 12 a Mr Balding Tubby said he could prove and document each and every parcel on the 32 page list was obviously in error. His poof?
  • March 12 a He pulled out the State Tax Department letter dated Feb 12th which stated in no uncertain terms, the official figures are bogus. So bogus, the Tax folks recommend NOT using the figures and instead, go back and use old tax values.
  • March 12 a  Appalled, Assessor Lane pulled out the state tax code trying to see if such an exoneration was legal. Finding very little ambiguity in the code, Ms Lane called up the head Tax Honcho in Charleston.
  • March 12 a That guy on the phone,  his initial response to each question, Yes it can be done. As the teleconference ended, he said he would check with his legal department and get back to Lane.    It sounded like, the Mel Gibson look alike was the first person ever to ask for such an exoneration for the people and their holdings.
  • March 12 a How serious is Darryl and Darryl taking the threat of losing $11m in tax value right after giving Big Coal a $6m tax break? Very. Another sip of coffee... OK?
  • March 12 a During Wed's Commission meeting, CCC Czar Darryl was mumbling figures on how bad such a roll back would affect them. He had that worried work on his face.   Instead of  a one time windfall tax bonanza this year, if the exoneration succeeds, the Clay County Commission would have to live within their current budget minus what they gave away to King Coal. Wouldn't that be tragic?
  • March 12  a  What ta do What ta do..... Either the County Commission can fight the Ace Cub Reporter's exoneration demand for 100's of people that got screwed or    or    or
  • March 12 a What always happens when Politicians get caught with their hands in the jar??????????
  • March 12 a They come up with a photo opportunity where THEY (CCC)  lay claim to saving the Nation of Clay from unjust taxes and taking credit themselves
  • March 12 a See for yourself. State Code 11-3-27 is now posted over on the ADVISORY page, this site. read that last part of the code again.   If the Assessor agrees with the Exoneration, the County Commission SHALL provide the relief.
  • March 12 a Wittle Mista Swinky may be caught!
  • March 12 a Stay tuned, story is developing.
  • March 12 a Aren't you glad you supported this site with a check last week!!! The only source for great Nation of Clay news is right here on Clayberry, your home away from home!
  • March 12 a Finish off your coffee and got to work. Thanks for tuning again.
  • March 11 p  Earl E. Pardue, 84, see OBITUARY page
  • March 11 p  Johnny Samuel McDonald, Jr., 50, see OBITUARY page
  • March 11 p  Guilty of selling Rx drugs a couple years back, one time Delegate, one time  Senator, Randy Schoonover, has been on home confinement with mandatory pee testing.
  • March 11 p Around 2pm Wednesday afternoon, he tested hot. Top Badge Holcomb had him under lock and key real quick. He's now lodged in CRJ.
  • March 11 p What a sad ending  for guy on the down hill slope.
  • March 11 a CCC meets this morning at 10 am. Great fun and free too
  • March 11 a The Clay Housing Authority has a lot on their plate. Stuff like, serious mold and mildew problems, crumbling metal steps to apartments,  units that are so tore up they're unrentable, and such. Yesterday the group met and spent much time changing by laws to allow them to toss off a member that hasn't attended a meeting in months.
  • March 11 a Pity they just didn't call up William Boggs and ask him to resign the appointment.
  • March 11 a Monday afternoon Clay Town Council held a special meeting. Other than Council, no one knew about the gathering. Without the public in attendance, the group voted Yes on the resolutions to proceed with $250,000 in grant funding to fix up the downtown area with new sidewalks, benches, and period lighting.
  • March 11 a Under the dome, Gov Smokin Joe is pushing a bill to require students to be in class 180 days a year. It's a high profile effort, politics as usual.   As is the case with most school efforts, it's a sham.
  • March 11 a  Instead of politicking the bill, maybe the Legislature should be looking at the number of school days  when in fact, less than half the students show up due to buses not running routes.
  • March 10 a  Lets see now...  Clay Housing Authority changed it's monthly meeting date and time from Wed @ 1pm to the second Tuesday at 10 am. That's this morning in the Commission room.
  • March 10 a  Clay County PSD will hold its monthly meeting this morning at 11am.
  • March 10 a The Larry Darryl and Darryl, the County Commission, will meet Wed morning at 10 am.
  • March 10 a The radio station is experiencing transmitter problems. Translation: weak signal and spotty reception. They're working on it.
  • March 10 a  In counties where people have a backbone, things can change. Can school personnel be fired? Yes if teachers and staff band together.
  • March 10 a One of Clay County's own, David Mathew Hanshaw, ended up lodged in Central Regional Jail last night with three felony charges.
  • March 10 a King Coal has a bad name in the Appalachian Mountains. They've earned their position  Here's an example. Way up on a hillside, little bitty family cemetery, been there for years, and all of a sudden, the graves are gone.
  • March 10 a  "The average CEO makes $10,000 more every day ... than what the average worker makes every year." True or false?
  • March 10 a Obama De Bama made a bunch of campaign promises. Now 50 days into his Presidency, here's how he's doing, 17 promises kept, 2 busted.
  • March 8 a  Seven days ago today, there was snow on the ground and temp hovered around 10 degrees. Such a nice change. Not so with the rest of Clayberry.
  • March 8 a  Last week Clay Town Council held another one of their outrageous meetings where the rift between elected leaders widened. Political posturing has left the group unable to do anything but bicker. Recorder Llyn Drake tries to do the Mayor's job behind his back and neither will talk to the other. Council person Betty Murphy works hard to negate everything the Mayor does or tries. The meetings are held at a time when  Arthur Jarrett is unable to attend. Council person Jerry Stover sides with Murphy most of the time and the rest he's more of a Rodney, "Can't we just all get along?" Glady Lanham is just not in the picture
  • March 8 a Experienced Joyce Gibson saw what was happening but it was too late. Mayor Brown already had on his pouting face and Gibson was unable to get him to budge an inch. Llyn Drake continued her path of self leadership only.
  • March 8 a By week's end, word was spreading,  the very grants (streetscape, $250,000) they were fighting about, we're in danger of being pulled and given to a more deserving town somewhere else.
  • March 8 a Then came the Business Development Authority meeting where absolutely nothing was accomplished continuing a 13 year trend of disorganization and disarray. Half way thru the meeting, BDA members including the Chair spoke out against the efforts of the county's other economic development group, the CAEZ.
  • March 8 a In attendance, CAEZ Director Connie Lupardus fought back asking for examples of the CAEZ stealing BDA ideas and running with em.    The BDA CAEZ rift has been there for years and it exploded Thursday night.   The truth is, who gives a S*** who gets the job done, just get something, anything, done!!!
  • March 8 a It's spring time and the BDA has done nothing to grow tourism, nor build on the Filcon site near Ovapa. They can't get a working BDA web site up and running after months of effort and spending 100's of dollar to do so. They even thought their most recent Roundtable meeting was good for the county, a success.
  • March 8 a As the BDA fights, Clayberry still waits for the first, full time, non government, employee to come into the county as a result BDA efforts. Not one so far.
  • March 8 a With the latest Communicator now being digested, people are getting riled up over the Darryl and Darryl's vote to screw the citizens to the tune of $13,000,000 in new tax value burden while giving Big Coal a bigger tax break all the while, Fola Coal waited until after the tax reduction to lay off 65. Around the county, people are talking impeachment. Truth is, the only way to get rid of em is on election day.
  • March 8 a It was a sad week for public meetings in Clayberry.
  • March 8 a Temps moderated at week's end bringing out sandals and short pants. It felt good to get away from gloves, sweaters, and heavy coats. Boaters headed for the river. Around the county , dirt was turned over, lettuce and onions were planted. Easter flowers started to show green. Cars were washed. Rocks were placed to cover up winter driveway ruts.
  • March 8 a  This web site concluded its annual online begging campaign. Many clickers heard the plea and responded. Thank you. For those that lost the address, Delta; 2278 Main St; Clay WV 25043.
  • March 8 a Each day the ace cub reporter takes about a half dozen pills. Some white and round, others orangey red and oval. Sometimes those little rascals end up on the floor and unseeable.
  • March 8 a Last night the teen aged son mentioned that he had stepped on one of the pills with his bare foot which got stuck between his toes. After walking in the bathroom and back , he pulled the lodged pill out and put it back in the bottle.
  • March 7 Late p  Lucy Maude West, 99, of Wallback, see OBITUARY page
  • March 7 p A little gloomy with grey all about BUT, it ain't snowing and no sweater or gloves are needed. One week ago today is was 12 degrees and snow was on the ground and in the forecast.
  • March 7 p  After 13 years in existence, the BDA has just one accomplishment, the formation of the Saturday night consignment auction. The whole idea was to get you and me to clean out our closets, take the junk over to the old State Road garage, have Kayo sell the stuff, and walk away with some jingle.
  • March 7 p  Normally you see Brenda Morris selling her wares beside a road in Clayberry. Now Morris is sending stuff over to the auction. Maybe not making a fortune yet but, finally, an opportunity for the common person to make some money in the county of little. It's a new day.
  • March 7 p Ever wonder what was happening on your birthday? Check this link out. Be sure to right click to open the site.
  • March 7 p Linda McKinney was one of those high dollar cameras with a 6 foot long lens. She's the one you see at nearly every ball game. You also see many of her pics on our home page. McKinney now has her own web site where you can see your little darlins in living color. You can also purchase a copy of those living color moments in time. Be sure to right click to open.
  • March 6 p  Connie J. Simon, 57, see OBITUARY page
  • March 6 p Clay's Library is now hiring. See JOBS page
  • March 6 p Tonight Harold Allen and Teri Lively will be making music down at Taylor Books in Charleston. Good music at Big Otter Community Center too. See EVENTS page for more.
  • March 6 p  Figures released Thursday show that nearly 12 percent of all Americans with a mortgage — a record 5.4 million homeowners — were at least one month late or in foreclosure at the end of last year.
  • March 6 p From FOX news of all places... "What do you think the nation's economy needs more of right now -- the economic policies of Ronald Reagan or the economic policies of Barack Obama?"  Answer:  The answer: Obama 49%, Reagan 40%.
  • March 6 p Take that MB!
  • March 6 p  Lets say you sign your name to a petition and that petition is submitted to the County Commission. Is that petition public record? The West Virginia case is now in Court.
  • March 6 p How about something fun to do while you wait for the word day to close...  Here's the link to the state auditors's web site where you can find out what each and every state employee makes. Take a few extra minutes to compare their 08 earnings with '07. Real interesting findings among local state road employees.
  • March 6 p   For a newspaper, Clayberry is a gold mine. About every place you look, there's some dumb elected or appointed leader doing something bad, stupid, or doing nothing at all.
  • March 6 p Clay Town Council has been nuts for over a year. Between political posturing within the Council and the continuing skirmish between the Mayor and Recorder, it's been great fodder for The Communicator. That fun to read crap is now changing.
  • March 6 p The Town secured $250,000.00 in grant monies to improve the look of downtown Clay with new sidewalks, benches, period lighting, and moving those nasty power lines off Main Street. To start the process, Council must sign a binding resolution.
  • March 6 p During Tuesday's Council meeting, with the war in full force between almost all of em, no resolution was signed.
  • March 6 p Word is now coming from funders: If you guys can't behave well in public, we're pulling the $$$ and giving them to a more civil community.  The down home crap has now turned serious.
  • March 6 p Here's a quote to sum up last night's Business Development Authority meeting. From Boardster Tommy Fitzwater: I wish I could leave this meeting one time and say something was accomplished.
  • March 6 p More details during the weekend wrap up but in a nutshell, the BDA meeting was a good example of what's absolutely wrong in the 342 square miles we call home. Pitiful!
  • March 5 a What a change!  A few days back the temps were down around 10 degrees and snow was in the picture. Today we have bright sunshine, blue skies, and shirt sleeve weather. We may have made it thru winter.
  • March 5 a  This afternoon at 5pm the Clay County Business Development Authority meets in regular session. Some of the best entertainment value in the county, tonight's the deadline for members to have actually done something since the last meeting. Last time, Queen Fran King said, get your projects done or turn in your resignation.
  • March 5 a  Some say Senator Byrd is too old. All washed up. Send him back to Sophia.
  • March 5 a Might want to keep him around awhile longer. Those earmarks Obama De Bama says ain't around anymore.... Robert C just earmarked West Virginia another $151,786,400.00. Not too shabby for a guy that's too old to do any good.
  • March 5 a As for star power, Senator Jay, well, he's a lightweight who drew in just $5,019.00.00 for the state.
  • March 5 a We're not talking about the humongo stimulus bill. From that program only one project has been approved for Clayberry. That's for the CAEZ with a guarantee of $190,000.00 for "transportation/ housing urban development"
  • March 5 a  Buckshot Butcher served as a volunteer Badge for the Town of Clay during Mayor Arthur Jarrett's administration. Three years back, Buckshot slipped on a pine cone at the old Courthouse and fell. He later sued everybody in the county. The case was to go to trial later this month.
  • March 5 a Ain't going to happen now. The dispute has been settled out of Court. Word on the street has it that Butcher settled for $40,000 instead of the demanded $5m.
  • March 5 a This is the last official day of our online "beggin for dollars" campaign. Sure you can view this site for nothin' but it does take some $$$ to keep it up and running and new equipment. If you can help us out, please mail your donation to Delta; 2278 Main Street; Clay WV 25043
  • March 5 a For those that donated, thank you so very much. We have enough jingle to replace the memory card and battery in the camera, replace an ageing  puter and maybe, if we can find a good deal, replace the cheapy web cam.
  • March 4 a Nina “Lucille” Morris, 84, of Clay , see OBITUARY page
  • March 4 a  James Alfred “Jim” Blankenship Sr. 67, of Maysel, see OBITUARY page
  • March 4 a Donald Ray Goodwin, 53, see OBITUARY page
  • March 4 a Johnnie Holbert Smith, 75, of Procious, see OBITUARY page
  • March 4 a  Harry L. Martin, 85, see OBITUARY page
  • March 4 a Elsie Mae Summers, 91, of Wallback, see OBITUARY page
  • March 4 a Town Council met last night and the Mayor vs Recorder continued with bickering and jabs through out the meeting. Brown has well over $200,000 in grant funds approved almost ready to be used to beautify downtown Clay. Each grant requires a certain amount of matching $$$$. With Town finances, the Log Factory in particular, in the gutter, Brown got all PO's over Council wanting scant remaining resources to pay the bills. With a droopy lip and pouting big time, Mayor Brown said he wasn't handling the grants any longer. He said he was dropping off the grant papers at Town Hall for someone else to mess with.
  • March 4 a Recorder Drake behaved no better often talking around the Mayor and leaving him out of the discussions.
  • March 4 a On that Log Factory, after spending $12,000 so far, it needs another $14,000 this month just to break even. How much has the Poop Factory gone in the hole during the last 10 months? Answer: $54,000.
  • March 4 a That's the same Log Factory former Mayor Jarrett said he was afraid to ask a rate increase for.
  • March 4 a That's the same Log Factory that Recorder Drake said only a small rate increase was needed.
  • March 4 a That's the same Log Factory Council voted to increase rates on last Summer and still have not provided the necessary paperwork to the CPA>
  • March 4 a How much? No one knows the amount the stink factory rates will go up by. Certainly double the current amount is on the table. Maybe triple just to maintain the place.
  • March 4 Council OK'd the sewer plant without any oversight or forethought. They believed everything the builder and engineer said and without ANY independent thinking. The place has been a boat anchor for the municipality for over a decade. The same thing is now happening during the lead up to building the un needed Clay Water Plant.
  • March 4 a Welcome to Spring in the land of little management and even less oversight.
  • March 3 p  The Communicator is now on the news stands, When you're wanting to know what's really going on in Clayberry, there's only one source and that's The Communicator. Just 70 cents cheap!
  • March 3 p  There's some confusion on when the Panthers play again in WVSSAC tournament action. According to WYAP Sportscaster TG Griffith, it's tonight, at Sissonville HS, 7:30pm. With a victory over Herbert Hoover last night, Go Panthers
  • March 2 a  School Board tonight. As of Sunday night at 11pm there is no agenda posting on their web site nor the front door of the meeting house.
  • March 2 a Town Recorder Llyn Drake got all huffy over the Mayor redoing an important meeting due to improper notice to the public. Instead of mad at Brown, she should be mad that her government agency has to follow the law when the School board doesn't!
  • March 2 a Tonight the CCHS Panthers are in home court tournament action beginning at 7:30pm. Come out & support em!
  • March 2 a Lots and lots of public meetings this week. We'll keep you advised on the often sad performance of our government officials as best we can.
  • March 2 a We're in the 8th day of our online fund raiser. For those that can, if you can help us out, great! Send your $$$ to Delta; 2278 Main St; Clay WV 25043.
  • March 1 Late p  Elsie Summers, 91, of Wallback entered into rest Feb. 28, 2009. Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, is in charge of arrangements.
  • March 1 p We just finished off the last week in Feb. The deadliest week for American soldiers this year. Last week, there was NO front page coverage of the Oil War in ANY major news outlet.
  • March 1 p Those that died in Iraq: 1st Lt. William E. Emmert   36     Lincoln, Tennessee;  Spc. Micheal B. Alleman Logan Utah;  Cpl. Michael L. Mayne   21   Burlington Flats, New York ;   Pfc. Zachary R. Nordmeyer  21  Indianapolis, Indiana ; Staff Sgt. Mark C. Baum  32  1st Battalion,  Telford, Pennsylvania;   Pfc. Cwislyn K. Walter   19  Honolulu, Hawaii;    Staff Sgt. Sean D. Diamond  41  Dublin, California;  Cpl. Stephen S. Thompson  23 Tulsa, Oklahoma;   Lt. Col. Garnet R. Derby  44  Missoula, Montana;   Pfc. Albert R. Jex  23 Phoenix, Arizona;  Pfc. Jonathan R. Roberge   22  Leominster, Massachusetts;  Sgt. Joshua A. Ward  30 Scottsville, Kentucky;   Spc. James M. Dorsey  23  Beardstown, Illinois;   Spc. Christopher P. Sweet  28  Kahului, Hawaii
  • March 1 p Here at home  With output still falling at a dizzying rate, most companies are shedding unneeded workers and cutting back the hours of those remaining. Strapped by debt and seeing their paper wealth evaporating, many consumers are spending as little as they can. Bad and getting worse. Many predict the worst job loss rate in 60 years.
  • March 1 p  There may be one good thang about this depression. Leaders are now considering legalizing pot and taxing the crap out of it. What a wonderful idea.
  • March 1 p We don't like to talk about it but stats are finally coming on how bad off West Virginia really is. Our home delinquency rate during the last three months is the 14th highest in the nation. We have the 7th highest delinquencies in prime and sub prime mortgages. We're talking 1000s of mortgages at least 90 days past due and climbing!
  • March 1 p Here at home, King Coal rules. Fola Coal repaid Darryl and Darryl's tax value give-away by laying off at least 50 workers.
  • March 1 p Local property owners openly criticized Darryl and Darryl for raising their mineral values over $13 million. The coffee-house crowd asked: How do we impeachment those B******!
  • March 1 p During the mid week Commission meeting, Commissioner Fran King asked why the decision to reduce Fola's tax burden and raising individual values ($13m) was done while she was away at another business. During the meeting, with the peanut gallery full, Slinky held his tongue and spoke in nice smooth tones. Afterwards, that wasn't the case as he told Ms King he didn't appreciate her raising ANY questions in public and the County Commission has to look like they're all on the same side on this. With finger pointing and blood red face, Slinky made no advance as King fired back with both barrels.
  • March 1 p No matter what, the gift given Fola will be played back by the common taxpayer owning an acre here and there. Sad.
  • March 1 p  Clay Housing Authority met last week. When questions came up on why she signed a management contract with Encore over  the wishes of fellow boardsters, Lupardus said this is a new day, a transition period and Encore is now  doing soooooooooooo much better.
  • March 1 p That was the third time in five years a newly reincarnated Authority said the same words and continued the relationship with Encore Management in Charleston.
  • March 1 p Friday morning the BDA hosted a dog and pony show at a  local restaurant where big wigs from around the state presented glowing reports on how much good they can do and the number of programs available to benefit Clayberry.  6 or so local businesses attended. After 90 minutes of hearing the glowing reports, locals were allowed to speak briefly.
  • March 1 p  All those programs at taxpayer expense and still no presence in the second poorest county in t he second poorest state in the nation.
  • March 1 p Friday night the Panthers won their final home game. Go Panthers.
  • March 1 p Phone dialling changed Saturday. When trying to call your next door neighbour, we now have to dial the area code in addition to the normal 7 digits. Most of us tried dialling without results and wondered out loud, what's  wrong with this phone.  Bad, Yes, and getting worse. Beginning in April when new area code prefixes are issued, you'll have to know the guy down the streets' new area code. There's got to be a better way!
  • March 1 Saturday evening the BDA Consignment Auction at Two Run was packed wall to wall. In addition to getting a good deal or maybe selling your old junk, the auction has become the place to be, a social event where people gather and see old friends.

  • March 1 Saturday night, the snow, ice, freezin rain and sleet, it didn't come. Cold Yes and few slick spots but, all of a sudden, it's starting to feel like Spring is just around the corner.