May 2009

 
  • May 30 a Chad Allen Duffield, 28, of Lizemores, see OBITUARY page
  • May 30 a  From the email bag: I would like to know if anyone would like to get together ONE  day to  DO A LITTER CLEAN UP  along the side of the rd on Upper Sycamore rd. if you would like to help clean up our road please call 587-2930 or 651-2049 on what days everyone could get together , Lets make our community SHINE!
  • May 30 a The last Saturday in May. Go Swimming, Go Auctioning, Go Mini Malling. Do something, going to be reaal nice today
  • May 30 a Thursday evening before dark Mayor Brown posted an agenda for next Tuesday's Council Meeting. The first thing on his agenda calls for the replacement of one time Recorder Llyn Drake. Since Drake has not been a resident of the town for a month, she's automatically off Council.
  • May 30 a Sometime early early Friday morning, Ms Drake posted her own meeting agenda. That agenda calls for her to remain on Council for another three weeks, AKA collect two more pay days.
  • May 30 a Sure to be a winner of a meeting Tuesday at 5pm.
  • May 29 p Communicator will be out the door Friday around 2pm. Did you know TG Cruikshank was appointed a free attorney? Nice house, plenty of vehicles, a boat.  That and a lot more in today's Communicator
  • May 29 p Jack Brown posted the agenda for next Tuesday's Council meeting last night. First item on the menu calls for the resignation of moved from the municipality, Recorder Llyn Drake.
  • May 29 p Then comes the appointment of a newbee Recorder. Power brokering as it is in Clayberry .. World War III may be just around the corner.
  • May 29 p Today is the start of the annual Solid Waste Authority tire amnesty program. It's the once a year chance to get rid of  old tires. Take em over to the State Road yard yard at Maysel for recycling.
  • May 29 p Pool reopens Saturday. No Summer Jam SAturday night, starts the first Saturday in June.
  • May 29 a  You're not going to believe it but we're trying to get the Communicator out the door Friday, on time.
  • May 29 a Spending the night just a typing our wittle fingers to the bone. No new updates until it gets to the printers Thursday. And, Yes, we went to the Fed building and got the details on TG's plea.
  • May 27 late p   Clara E Cadle, 85, of Procious, see OBITUARY page
  • May 27 p A little before 5:30 pm a 911 call came to Lizemore ambulance service for a response to Adonajer Road. Moments later a call went out  for a coroner, Cookie Johnson, and law enforcement noting  a possible suicide. They called it an "unattended death", Black shirts Jeff Rider and Robert Belt were in route. No further details.
  • May 27 a  Ernest Love, 88, of Clay,  see OBITUARY page
  • May 27 a County Commission meets this morning at 10 am. Public meetings are some of the best entertainment in the county.
  • May 27 a Communicator comes out Friday afternoon. Deadline for submissions is this evening at 5pm. Email now.
  • May 27 a Just a couple years back, Greenlee Properties was on top of the world with offices all around, a full staff, and the owner riding around in a big Hummer. Life was good.
  • May 27 a  Yesterday the bank was suppose to sell off Mike Greenlee's former Clay office on Main Street. Didn't happen. The bankruptcy route was used instead to protect his assets.
  • May 27 a Speaking of real estate, As job losses rise, growing numbers of American homeowners with once solid credit are falling behind on their mortgages, amplifying a wave of foreclosures.
  • May 27 a Oil production is solid. There's no major oil supply lines cut nor ships being sunk in the ocean. Still gas prices have risen 32 cents in the last three weeks.
  • May 27 a Any explanations clickers? How about some of you good Republicrats, surely you've got an Obama related answer.
  • May 26 a Elizabeth “Betty” Cincinnati Simpson, 79,  see OBITUARY page
  • May 26 a Standing less than 5 foot tall and weighing next to nothing, Clara Cadle was one of the most feisty persons ever to grace this world. Always ready to voice her opinion and make sure you knew where she stood on the subject.
  • May 26 a Ms Cadle passed away Monday. she is already missed.
  • May 26 a From the email bag and referencing Memorial Day:  I want to Remember the 58 Thousand+ Brothers and Sisters that Gave their ALL  for this Great Country, I want to remember the 126 Shipmates that gave their ALL on Board the USS Forrestal(CV-59), I want to remember the 44 Shipmates that gave their ALL on Board the USS Oriskany(CVA-34)plus many others that I had the Opportunity to serve with during MY 30+ years in the US Navy that TOO gave their ALL.. I know you mean well.. I Just don’t think YOU know what it ALL Means.. YOU wanna wish ME a GOOD day .. YOU can do THAT on Veterans Day in Nov. That’s the Day to Thank ALL of US who Survived…Thanks Master Chief Samples(US Navy Retired) Pensacola Fl. ( A Very Proud American and A Very Proud Clay Countain, Class of 61).
  • May 26 a  About every strip or indoor mall centers around one store. Maybe a K Mart, WallMart, Macy's or the like. The other stores benefit from the main draw.
  • May 26 a Ron Shamblin came up with an idea last year to build small business booths in the old camper company building at Maysel.  A place to set up a business and do so on the cheap. At first there were just a couple folks there each weekend. During the cold winter months when customers were few and far between, some shop owners pulled up stakes and went home.
  • May 26 a Now sporting 15 store fronts plus an eatery, the Friday Saturday Sunday operation may be taking another big step forward. They may have a "hub" store coming
  • May 26 a  Ever visit the Amish Foods store at the Flatwoods Mall. It is our understanding, Shamblin has landed a franchise for his Mountaineer Mini Mall. There are still hurdles BUT if the new operation becomes a reality, there's the hub to make the place a destination stop.
  • May 26 a Once again, private business doing what local economic development agencies can't, won't, haven't.
  • May 25 a The best of red white and blue Memorial Day wishes to each and every Vet.
  • May 25 a  From Wiki:  Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.
  • May 24 p  William Mark Triplett, 56,  see OBITUARY page
  • May 24 p Thinking they're ready for the world, 128 Clay County High School seniors made it thru graduation Saturday morning.
  • May 24 p From the email bag: LOST SMALL DOG AROUND LIZEMORE AREA.. LAST SEEN Wednesday ANSWERS TO PRISSY, FAWN COLOR IF YOU HAD SEEN HER OR KNOW WHERE SHE IS  PLEASE CALL 304-587-7278 WE MISS HER DEARLY..
  • May 24 p  From the email bag:  Older woman with breathing problems in desparate need of a working air conditioner. Can you help? Call Becky : 304-587-7350
  • May 24 p 101.7 FM's Small Town America Celebration continues this evening at 7pm when  just graduated Caleb Thomas takes the stage followed by Maxine Metheny.  Sometime around 9:15 the station lot turns into a drive in movie where "Oh Brother" will be shown.  No cover , no admission fee. Just plain fun brought to you and the world by a bunch of hard working volunteers.
  • May 24 p Pics from Saturday's fun are over on the wyap.com web site on the UPDATES page. And Yes. that's Gradon slow dancing!
  • May 24 p This site is in slow down mode during the holiday weekend. Have a good holiday to one and all.
  • May 23 a Congrats to the Clay County High School Class of 2009. You r fully edumacated and ready for the world.
  • Addison, Angela Dawn

  • Adkins, Terria Deseae
    Allen, III, Melvin Maurice
    Andrew, Jacinda Kay
    Baird, Myriah Leigh
    Belt, Robin Nicole
    Belt, Secily Lynn
    Blake, Joshua Nathaniel
    Blankenship, Amanda Jo
    Boggs, Bryan Tracy
    Bragg, Reuben Titus
    Bragg, Shalee Dawn
    Brown, Cynthia Renee
    Brown, Justin Michael
    Bullard, Olivia Marie
    Bunting, Alisha Dawn
    Butler, Stacy Brooke
    Carr, Nicole Lynn
    Carroll, Harley Renee
    Carte, Matthew Dewayne
    Coad, Andrew Michael
    Conrad, Samantha Jo
    Cooper, Jacob Keith
    Cousino, Katherine Marie
    Creel, Rebecca Gwynn
    Cutlip, Jason Eugene
    Davis, Jacqueline Annette
    Dobbins, Corey Wade
    Douglas, Crystal Dawn
    Douglas, Derek Shane
    Duffield, Sheena Marie
    Ellison, Kelly Walker
    English, James William
    Ferrebee, Daniel Allen
    Ferrebee, Marenna Danielle
    Ferrebee, Michelle Ann
    Funk, Derek Shane
    Gray, Breken Shay
    Grose, Jackwaynette Mistyque
    Hall, Amber Nicole
    Hamrick, Matthew Lee
    Harlow, Ashley Nicole
    Harper, Brandy Joanna
    Harper, Heather Marie
    Hayes, Cecelia Dawn
    Hodge, David Lee
    Jarvis, Rebecca Louise
    Jones, Robert Austin
    Jones, Shelby Maxine
    Keiffer, Joe Everett
    King, Roger Lee
    Kiser, Michael Shane
    Lane, Colby Franklin
    Lanham, Tamara Lea
    Lee, Jessica Lawren
    Legg, Loren Montana
    Lilly, II, Howard Kessel
    McCallister, Paul Justin
    McCourt, Justin Raymond
    McCune, Sara Ann
    McKinney, Andrew Allen
    Mitchem, Amanda Louisa
    Moore, James Corey
    Morris, Sidnee Thorpe
    Morton, Samuel Travis
    Mullins, Amber Sue
    Murdock, Chase Allen
    Murphy, Natalia Paige
    Neal, Alexandria Nicole
    Neal, Amy Beth
    Neal, Jennifer Ann
    Neal, Matthew Shane
    Neff, Jeremiah Donovan
    Nicholas, Christopher David
    Nichols, William Scott
    Nichols, Jr., Edward Lee
    Nottingham, Catherine Natasha
    Nottingham, Joseph Scott
    Peck, Christopher Aaron
    Perez, Kayli June
    Pettry, Danielle Nicole
    Potasnik, Ethan Carl
    Potter, Steven Russell
    Pritt, Rebecca Faye
    Pullins, Tyler Reed
    Raike, Daniel Justus
    Reed, Jennifer Helen
    Rhodes, Dakota Shane
    Rogers, Brittany Nichole
    Rogers, Shanay Marie
    Samples, Maranda Lynn
    Samples, Michael Shannon
    Schwartz, Jeremy Andrew
    Scott, Austin Kenny
    Shaffer, II, Charles Allen
    Sizemore, Darrin Brada
    Sizemore, Mindy Ray
    Slate, Sarah Danielle
    Slater, Jacob Daniel
    Smith, Justin Scott
    Smith, Lucas Dow
    Smith, Megan Elizabeth
    Stevens, Audrey Maxine
    Stewart, Charles Elroy
    Stover, Kelsey Brett
    Summers, Lea Faline
    Swiger, Juanita
    Tanner, Olivia Gail
    Tawney, Chelsie Leigh
    Taylor, Cynthia Dawn
    Thomas, Caleb Donald
    Thomas, Cody Dana
    Thomas, Jr., Dayton James
    Thorne, Britney Jean
    Tinney, Hillary Beth
    Townsend, Anthony Shane
    Truman, Josselyn Renee
    Truman, Tiffany Lynn
    Truman, II, Stanley Jackson
    Waddell, Dayton Andrew
    Walls, Anna Marie
    Welch, Chelsea Shane
    Wyant, Nadina Faye
  • May 23 a Don't say there's nothing to do in Clayberry. There's plenty. Just check out the EVENTS page.
  • May 23 a For those wanting to do a little traveling, Harold Allen and Terri Lively , 2Blue, will be the season opener over at Chimney Corner near Hawks Nest.
  • May 23 a Huula Hoop contest has been added to the Small Town America Memorial Day Celebration.
  • May 23 a Limited updates while we're out taking pictures.
  • May 23 a Enjoy the time off work, nice weather, family, and friends.
  • May 22 a Sunshine and warm temps, if there was ever a time to come visit Clayberry, it's now. If you're coming for the weekend, don't forget the JG Bradley Campground at Dundon. 304 587-6055. Check out the events page for the low down on what's happening.
  • May 22 a The radio station has been getting questions on Saturday's yard sale at the station. Answers: It's first come first served. Bring your own table and make some $$ in the old Fas Check parking lot.
  • May 22 a One Mother asked about  a hula hoop contest. Truth is, they forgot to include that in the Saturday afternoon activities but are working to find some hoops.
  • May 22 a Tonight is teen night at 101.7FM If you're bald headed, grey headed, or anything over say 25 years of age, you might want to wait until Sat and Sun evening. Teen night is a head banging heavy metal night.
  • May 22 a There's stuff for the kids tomorrow. The Apple Festival folks are doing a kid's booth as well as stuff at the Library.
  • May 22 a With 09 Graduation ceremonies in the morning, and WesTesting over, the school year is all gone. The budget for next year is $17,734,429.00.
  • May 22 a Our posting on TG Cruikshank Jr pleading guilty to kiddie porn and the privacy of the home (abode) stirred a bunch of email responses.  While we're stirring.....
  • May 22 a What is kiddie porn? How about computer generated images that look like real people? How about animated cartoons, those that look like the real thing but are puter generated. Where is the line on what's kiddie  porn?
  • May 22 a Yes they're all sickos but where is the line?
  • May 21 a  Donna Jean (Mitchell) Hall, 66, of Bomont, see OBITUARY page
  • May 21 a  Cindy Lee Deering, 52, see OBITUARY page
  • May 21 a  William Edward Talbert, 74, of Duck, see OBITUARY page
  • May 21 a   Happy 1st Birthday Jonathan WesLee Gandee
  • May 21 a Roane General will no longer deliver curtain climbers.
  • May 21 a Exposure to high power overhead electric lines are often considered hazardous to our health. Clay County is now included in the path of one cutting thru the center of the state.
  • May 21 a While the boss ain't lookin, here's Obama's site showing where all the syphilis money is going. Just click the West Virginia spot and up comes us.
  • May 21 a Very quiet in Clayberry. Often such quiet comes before a storm of controversy.
  • May 21 a Commissioner Slinky is out of the hospital.
  • May 21 a  West Nile season is here. See ADVISORY page for more
  • May 20 a Friday night is the kick off for WYAP's Small Town America Memorial Day Celebration. Saturday morning is the graduation ceremony for CCHS graduates. It's the kick off for summer.
  • May 20 a Around town, the place is looking better. Some of the new BDA banners are in place. This week the WYAP "Welcome to Clay" banners go up. Flowers are blooming, lawns are cut, and trees are in full canopy.
  • May 20  a It's a great time to come to Clay. Spend the weekend too!
  • May 20 a  Mayor Brown came up with an idea to have a Town Clean Up Day on the 18th. He and Hawkie Keener worked hard to pick up all the piles of  junk. Afterwards, gone from office, Recorder Llyn Drake told the Mayor he had no authority to do a clean up. That, Council had not voted on the matter.
  • May 20 a  Gone from office? Has Ms Drake turned in her resignation from the $500+ a month Recorder job?
  • May 20 a No. She doesn't have to. She's off Council automatically. To be on Council, Mayor, Recorder, you have to live within the municipal boundaries. Drake moved out weeks ago.
  • May 20 a Truth is, that emergency meeting of Council that was held last week, the one called by Ms Drake ... she wasn't on Council back then either.
  • May 20 a Monday night our Board of Edumacation voted to toss from the classroom, two high school students. One had used a ball bat on a kid in the locker room and the other had returned the favor in the form of fists while in a meeting with the principal.
  • May 20 a The vote was unanimous but confusing just the same. During the vote Boardster Gene King asked if that was what they had discussed during secret time. (Yes) During the vote a parent, guardian for one of the students asked if the other student had received equal punishment. (Yes) During the vote even Principal Dobbins asked a question which sounded like the Board's vote was not exactly what he had asked for.
  • May 20 a After telling the ace cub reporter , he better not be printing anything he don't know nothing about, as soon as the decision was made, a male parent/guardian left the meeting room proclaiming: "This is BS!!"  Said it twice. After him left the female parent/guardian only to return and talk quietly with the principal for the rest of the regular meeting.
  • May 20 a One kid picked up a school endorsed weapon and used it while the other kid beat the crap out of the other in a premeditated manner. Both got equal treatment.
  • May 20 a What's the punishment? Other than out of the regular classroom for the balance of this school year, that was said during the meeting, it's normal for the principal to include other stuff. Like: you can't miss much class time; can't get in any other trouble, and must keep grades up. That's the normal run down. Not sure if that's the case with this incident.
  • May 20 a Boy! Talk about firing clickers up! Yesterday we raised the issue of TG Cruikshank looking at kiddie porn in his own  home (abode) and didn't that raise any civil liberty eyebrows. It did
  • May 20 a  Got a bunch of emails from folks not wanting to hear both sides of a discussion.
  • May 20 a Stuff like:  ..... that is the dumbest thing on the news page i have every heard you say or write and I thought you were so smart. He or anybody else that even looks at kids and porn together need just killed
  • May 20 a Here's another: ..... I'll no longer be viewing this website and I'll be sending a copy of this email to every advertiser of this site I can contact to let them know that I'll also be contacting all of my family and friends back home and asking them to refrain from doing business with anyone who advertises on the site. I'll be retiring from the evil, torturing military in the next year and moving back to good ol' Clay.  Please expect me to lobby long and hard against the Communicator and it's advertisers.
  • May 20 a  And another:   ... I am a big believer in the 1st amendment, but what was done was a criminal act in so many ways there is no way to defend his rights to do it.  Pornography and child pornography are two entirely different things.... I just wanted you to know what some people think, I am glad you stand up for our right to individual privacies, but this is one that no one has a right to ...Its reprehensible.
  • May 20 a By the way, all emails opinions are appreciated. As for the guy on his own campaign to see that the Communicator and this web site fail,  the weather report web site may be more of the news to your liking.
  • May 19 a Our BDA organized the Saturday night consignment auction. The idea was to give locals a chance to sell their junk and put some extra jingle in their pocket. Growing each week, its been about the only BDA success. Head auctioneer Kayo Starcher needs some help, a couple things actually.
  • May 19 a Planning to operate all summer long, Starcher needs more consignees. He's looking for those basement, shed, barn, porch items. Load your junk up in boxes and take it over to the old State Road garage between 4 and 7pm any Saturday.
  • May 19 a Clay 4H has operated the auction concession booth since inception. They take the summer off. With the 4H off during June July and August, Kayo needs another non profit group to sell hot dogs, BBQ, and drinks. Want to make some easy money? How about your church group? Get ahold of Auctioneer Starcher ASAP. First come first served.
  • May 19 a The Clay County swimming Pool opens this Saturday, noon to 6pm. For our teen clickers, this Friday night, the heavy metal head banging high school group TANTRUM will perform on the Summer Jam stage. Debuting for Tantrum is Kayla Farmer. Also new this year, Maxine Metheny will headline the Sunday night music fest as well as Caleb Thomas. The complete run down is over on t he EVENTS page
  • May 19 a Yesterday morning TG Cruickshank stood before Fed Judge Goodwin and admitted to possessing Kiddie Porn. The Prosecutor described in detail the various images found on Cruickshank's computers. Your imagination isn't enough to describe the findings.
  • May 19 a Dressed in blue blazer and tan slacks, TG didn't fidget, stammer, or studder, he admitted to everything.  With personal restrictions, he remains out on bond until sentencing August 3 at 11am.
  • May 19 a  He stands to receive hard jail time, the loss of civil rights, and be added to the pervert register list.
  • May 19 a There were no charges of ANYTHING more than possession of pictures. In his own home on his own puter, he looked at pictures. True, the children in the pictures, movies, were exploited, but does anybody else see an issue with this, doing something in your own abode?
  • May 19 a Yesterday was also the Town's Clean Up Day. Mayor Brown and Hawkie Keener went to work early and managed to fill up one dumpster and a big part of another. A nice way to start the summer tourism season.
  • May 19 a Update coming this afternoon on last night's School Board meeting where it seemed most everyone left unhappy.
  • May 18 a Got a new business opening this morning. There at the triangle where Carolina Hot Dogs is located, there's a new breakfast carry out opening at 3am. Pretty complete menu and a drive up window for fast service. Open Mon thru Sat from 3 am to 10am, that's Connies at the triangle 304 587 7020
  • May 18 a Now don't get excited, Carolina Reds are still available. The breakfast fair is just being added.
  • May 18 a Today is the Town yard trash pick up day. All that old junk, brush, building scraps and such, drag it out near the road and give Town Hall a call 304 587-4233. No tires . The Tire Amnesty Days are coming at the end of this month.
  • May 18 a The School Board meets tonight at 6pm in the Standard Bryant annex building on Gump Street. There's a big long list of transfers in progress.
  • May 18 a Always interesting is the closed door sessions. Item #16 is a hearing on the status of two CCHS students.
  • May 18 a Here's our best guess. Back in April Kid 1 farted on Kid 2. Kid 2 took a ball bat and Kapowed Kid 1 in the butt. That happened in the boys locker room.
  • May 18 a  A few days later while meeting with parents in the Principal's office, Kid 1 took a few steps over to Kid 2 and proceeded to beat the H out of Kid 1. Principal Dobbins separated the two.
  • May 18 a Sounds like both students should be booted out for fighting? Should their sentence be the same? Kid 2 used a ball bat as a weapon?
  • May 18 a Weapon?    Are students told to bring weapons to school? In this case Yes.
  • May 18 a teachers tell em to bring bats to school for bunting practice out in the parking lot for  and in t the gym.
  • May 18 a How can the administration say Kid 2 used a weapon when they told him to bring it?
  • May 18 a Sticky situation with the School Board walking on eggs to get past this one without a big time lawsuit.
  • May 17 a This past week..
  • May 17 a We lost a local landmark when The Kitchen restaurant closed its doors Monday. The Town no longer has a sit down, non franchised,  eatery.
  • May 17 a Town Council held a bogus emergency meeting called by Recorder Llyn Drake. Mayor Brown left the meeting saying it was illegal. During the "we don't want the public to know what's going on" meeting,  a couple things were announced
  • May 17 a  One. Sewer rates will increase 56%. That affects everyone living in town plus everyone that shops in town. True they have to be financially solvent but the increase is an indication of something bigger. When that plant was built, Town Council paid little attention to the type and size of the log factory. They didn't have a person on their side to advise them. We're paying for that dismal leadership now and for the next 20 years.
  • May 17 a Council should keep that in mind as they press forward with the plans for a new un-needed wa wa plant.
  • May 17 a Two.  Council entered into a lease to rent the old Telford dealership building. They did that over the advice of the Mayor. With two months rent paid in advance and keys in hand, Llyn Drake finally read the lease agreement. With the water plant on hold while $2m is found to build it, they don't need the rental building. And, once again lack of leadership has them in a mess.
  • May 17 a  We understand that Recorder Drake is resigning from Council. IF she has already moved from town, she is automatically off Council. IF she assumed a new residence before she called the bogus emergency meeting, the meeting has to be tossed.
  • May 17 a  Wed morning Commission Prez Slinky went back and forth with Waynester King the dumpster user. After the meeting Link was hospitalized with blood clots galore.
  • May 17 a The Business Development Authority (BDA) couldn't muster a quorum for a rescheduled meeting Thursday evening.  It was rescheduled after the regular meeting was cancelled without telling some Board members nor the public. At both meetings, the public came (one left work early to make the meeting) to make presentations. The BDA needs a tune up on how to conduct and cancel a public meeting.
  • May 17 a Saturday morning the 2nd annual Pedal Paddle Challenge was held. Organized and ran by volunteers, it was  a success. The hand full of out of town participants brought new $$$ into the county. The event is growing a new reason to come visit our 342 square miles.
  • May 17 a In addition to the Pedal Paddle Challenge, Obrion Dirt Track opened. Next week the radio station gang starts their outdoor music shows. The campground over at Dundon appears ready for another season of  accommodating visitors. The Mteer Mini Mall is attracting bigger crowds, many from out of county/state. Lake Sampson is attracting more users each week.
  • May 17 a Inspite of  or lack of, Govt. oversight, our new economy is here and brought by volunteer efforts. The future of our county is in the hands of those hard working volunteer efforts.
  • May 17 a Graduating seniors attended their last day in school Friday. The next generation has received all that was offered by the local school system. Hope it was enough. They're out of here
  • May 17 a  Gardens grew and flowers bloomed. That !!@@@ grass grew another 6 inches aided by additional rains. Kids counted down the number of days left in school. We sat out on our porches and watched cars pass by.
  • May 17 a In spite of government dealings, it was a great week to live in Clay County West Virginia.
  • May 17 a Get well wishes extended to the Slinkmeister.
  • May 15 p  This morning we provided the run down on the good stuff going on Clay this weekend. We forgot to mention something.
  • May 15 p Tomorrow is the season opener for dirt track racing at O'Brion Oval. Under new management, local dirt track racing at its best and close to home.
  • May 15 a Misty eyed Mothers said good bye for the last time. Teachers said, get those pimple faced turkeys out of here. Today is the last day of school for graduating seniors. We said school not class. Class time has been over for weeks. They know it all!
  • May 15 a Last night's rescheduled BDA meeting was scuttled again due to lack of quorum.
  • May 15 a During Wed's County Commission meeting, Prez Slinky looked and sounded fine. He wasn't.  Mr back room negotiator is in the hospital with blood clots in the lungs.
  • May 15 a Best of get well wishes extended to the Slinkmiester. Ditto for Mike Evans who just got out of the hospital
  • May 15 a  Tonight there's music at Big Otter Community Center. Saturday is the big Elk River Pedal Paddle River Challenge. Cash prizes for finishers. If there is a light turn out as was the case last year, your chances of making some easy $$$ are greater. Don't forget the horseshoe tournament as well. See EVENTS pages for more.
  • May 15 a For those looking for deals, Clayberry is your destination. Deal wanters might find the Mountaineer Mini Mall a good place to start. Each Saturday night the consignment auction is  the place to find treasures and trashures plus a whole bunch of fun.
  • May 15 a Communicator comes out this afternoon around 3 pm . All the juice on Waynester the Dumpster man as well all we know on TG Cruickshank's Monday plea on kiddi porno charges.
  • May 15 a One lady recently said the county needed a web site for "nice" news. We agree.
  • May 15 a For those wanting the real news on the Great Nation of Clay, you've got the Clayberry site and the Communicator. Thanks for stopping by.
  • May 14 late p Guess what, the war on drugs is over. See for yourself.
  • May 14 late p  Campfires, Marshmallow roasts.. all Boy Scout traditions. Not any more Now older scouts are being trained to fight terrorism, chase down illegal immigrants and raid marijuana fields. It's a new day for the BSA.
  • May 13 late p Linda Lou Deems, 57, of Procious, see OBITUARY page
  • May 13 late p  Geraline (Sis) Brown Samples, 80, of Ovapa, see OBITUARY page
  • May 13 late p  Ralph Mitchell “Mickey” Lane, 47, of Harrison, see OBITUARY page
  • May 13 late From the email bag: Found a male pomerian dog  at hansford fork idenify collar.  If yours call 587-2657. if not there leave a message I will get back to you
  • May 13 late p Dumpster depositeer and local attorney Wayne King told Larry Darryl and Darryl he would die and rot in Hell before paying them $42 for using their big green box. He called the invoice extortion.
  • May 13 late p As for ever using the Courthouse dumpster in the future, the Waynester told the gang up front, he could break the law and they weren't telling him what to do!!
  • May 13 late p  Top Badge Holcomb issued the criminal citation after the meeting this morning.
  • May 13 late p read all about that and more in Friday's Communicator. A real hoot!
  • May 13 late p  Who was that mystery belly? None other than Leonard My Good Buddy Williams. Thanks all that entered.
  • May 13 late p limited postings until we get the paper all typed up.
  • May 13 a On our mystery belly picture contest on the homepage, we have 6 correct quessers so far. And, no it ain't Llyn Drake!
  • May 13 a State code says that mined coal will be taxed in the county where it's mined. That ain't happening. Currently, coal is taxed at the tipple. For Clayberry, our coal is taxed over in Nicholas County. True or false, not sure but that's what Fran King has said for a number of years. Efforts were made during the last couple Legislative sessions to  force  Big Coal to follow the rules. So far,  nothing has come of the efforts.
  • May 13 a Press release: Clay County Commissioner Fran King has been re-elected to the Board of Directors of the West Virginia Association of Counties, a 32- member body which governs a statewide organization of 442 elected county officials. The Board of Directors is made up equally of representatives from all elected offices of county government and includes county commissioners, county clerks, circuit clerks, sheriffs, assessors and prosecuting attorneys.
  • May 13 a Here's Ms King's chance to do more than lip service.
  • May 13 a For those coming to the CCC meeting to hear Wayne King present his case on dumpster dumping behind the Courthouse, we understand he's not presenting his side until 1pm Wed.
  • May 12 p Another business has bit the dust in Clayberry. The Kitchen Restaurant opened under new management a couple months back. Their last day in business was yesterday.
  • May 12 p Congrats to Shirley Baird the winner of the Love Faith and Hope raffle organized by Kathy Taylor. Ms Baird won two rocking chairs.
  • May 12 p Feds seized Doc Jamie's Porsche and SUV a few weeks back. They did so for back taxes. The auction for those vehicles is now scheduled for June 2nd at the State Road garage on Triplett Ridge. The listing is now posted on the bulletin board at the Courthouse.
  • May 12 p During the last post we forgot to include the Solid Waste Authority meeting set for Wed evening at 6pm.
  • May 12 p The Communicator comes out Friday. Deadline for chatters, articles, classifieds etc is Wed evening at 6pm. Get em in now.
  • May 11 late p  at 7:30 the call came in: 14 year old hit by a vehicle, unconscious. Just one block away, with ambulances setting in the parking lot, no Clay County ambulance available. First responders and badges were there within 1 minute. One  crew reported they were in Elkview while another was in Swandale.
  • May 11 Late p Clayberry, we have problems
  • May 11 Late p Found : Hunting dog found in the Amma area...if its yours call 304-565-3055 and identify
  • May 11  p  Govt agencies can have an emergency meeting if they have to make a decision that can't wait. Something urgent that can't wait.
  • May 11 p Clay Town Council (minus Joyce Gibson, ill) held an emergency meeting Monday at 4pm. The agenda reported hot button issues needing immediate attention: Renting new office space, sewer rate increase, and personnel matters.
  • May 11 p Town Recorder Llyn Drake said the main reason for the meeting was renting the old Chevy dealership building which Council voted to do  more than a month ago. Does that sound like an emergency to you? It wasn't. During the regular meeting of Council, Mayor Brown asked the group to hold up on renting the place until they had a written, signed, lease agreement in hand. He asked those around the table to give him 30 days to work out the deal.
  • May 11 p Councilperson Betty Murphy was leader of the pack back then and said press on no matter what. Rent that building, pay two months up front and do so without EVER looking at the lease.
  • May 11 p During this emergency meeting, Ms Drake said the still unsigned lease was all screwed up and she would have never ever agreed to it.    Uhhhh.. Llyn Drake was one of those pressing to rent the building without a peek at the paperwork. Does any of that sound like an emergency in need of a meeting?
  • May 11 p That sewer rate increase. Important? That was voted on over a year ago.  For the last six months, Drake has been negligent in providing necessary documents for the hike. Does that sound like a reason for calling an emergency meeting?
  • May 11 p The third agenda item was personnel matters. No one was fired Monday. Nor hired, nor furloughed.  As a matter of fact, after the emergency meeting secret time, they said no decision was made. WHy call an emeregency meeting and then no decision?
  • May 11 p  Our guess is, Council is still smarting from Mayor Jack Brown cutting the lock off a file cabinet last week. A lock that Council refused to give him a key. Brown thinks he is in charge and should have access to the office records.
  • May 11 p Mayor Brown left the meeting house before the emergency meeting got underway. He said it was an illegal meeting since there was nothing urgent on the agenda and he wasn't going to have anything to do with such. He was right, there was no need for the meeting.
  • May 11 p Out of control Llyn Drake commented that she can call an emergency meeting anytime she wants and give the public little notice. Speaking of notice.. the posted agenda had the wrong address for the meeting as well as the wrong date of posting.
  • May 11 p  Bitter, mentally impoverished, following their own shadow and in a circle.
  • May 11 p By the way, that sewer rate increase, it's a gigantic 56% and counting. 56%!!!!!!!!!
  • May 11 p  Clay Co PSD meets Tuesday morning at 11am. Clay County Commission is hosting an auction at 9:30 am followed by their regular meeting at 10 am. The BDA has rescheduled thier meeting for Thursday at 5pm.  Clay Roane PSD meets Thursday evening.
  • May 11 p For those wanting to enter Saturday's Pedal Paddle River Race, Kayo Starcher has some kayaks for rent.
  • May 11 p  A few of the new BDA banners are up in the Two Run area of Town. Want your business to look nice? Dress it up for the summer tourism season?
  • May 11 p  Any business that would like a blue and white "Welcome to Clay" banner for the front of their building, leave a message on the answering machine at the radio station, 304 587-8353. First come, first served. They've got about 7 left.
  • May 11 p And no you can't duct tape one of them on your truck!!!!!!! No No No
  • May 10 a  Lauretta Osborne Blankenship, 66, see OBITUARY page
  • May 10 a Happy Mother's day to each Mommy dearest.
  • May 10 a The rain continued for much of the last seven days. Flood warnings were issued. Smokin Joe called out the National Guard to help flood ravaged areas of the state. We grew mold on our backs.
  • May 10 a Monday evening one parent grew some backbone and brought school bus driver complaints to the School Board. He and they spent 45 minutes behind closed doors discussing the issue.
  • May 10 a Tuesday afternoon Council made the public the need to raise more $$$ to pay for the proposed Town Water Plant. Truth is, they need nearly $2m more to make their unneeded pipe dream a reality. The hope is for grants to cover the cost but don't count on it. Council has already implemented one water rate hike to cover the cost of building the $3m now turning to $5m plant. Expect two more increases before the first drop of water flows.
  • May 10 a After wrapping the county up in another 12 month management contract with Encore, Housing Authority Chair Connie Lupardus resigned from office.
  • May 10 a  From the Federal Court web site, word came Friday that long time businessman and one time politico want ta ta be, TG Cruickshank is pleading guilty to something. TG was center stage to a Federal investigation and  arrest two years ago. Most on the street murmured, kiddo porn at the time.
  • May 10 a From the april 24th 2009 Federal INFORMATIOn sheet that is available online, seems the rumors were true: On or about March 17th 2007.. Telford Cruickshanks Jr did knowingly possess images of child pornography, visual depiction's of children under 18 years of age engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
  • May 10  a  His hearing will be held May 18th at 10:30am before JUdge Goodwin
  • May 10 a  Most considered Matthew Hardway a troubled kid when he attended Clay County schools. After transferring to Elkview Middle School, things didn't get any better. This past week Hardway took a weapon and killed himself.
  • May 10 a Found something Saturday... Turn right at Clendenin and head out toward I-79. On the right Heavenly BBQ is a small carry out eatery. Turns out the place has killer BBQ's and ribs. Melts in your mouth. Guarantee you can't eat a sandwich without  using 5 napkins and then you'll get a bunch of it on ya.
  • May 10 a Well worth the drive!
  • May 8 p  Marvin L. Proctor, 79, see OBITUARY page
  • May 8 p Connie Lupradus resigned this morning from the Clay County Housing Authority. Her letter is effective immediately. She was the spark plug and signer of the new management contract for the county's two low income housing projects. As a matter of fact, she was the lone signer of the 08 and the 09 management contract over the objections of the five member board who were all in aggrement, to never sign another contract with Encore Management Co.
  • May 8 p People are asking about the Jim Knotts appeal from two Wed's ago. As far as we can read on the WV Supreme Court web site, there is nothing in writing yet.
  • May 8 p Concensus from the coffeehouse crowd, the Big Robes will chicken out on a landmark decision and instead send the case back to the Circuit Court in Clay for more answers.
  • May 8 p While we don't have an answer on the guy charged with 129 felony sexual abuse charges.....
  • May 8 p A couple years back, one morning, Feds came in and raided the local Chevy car dealership where Telford Cruickshank Jr worked.  TG as locals call him, once a candidate for public office, was escorted from the dealership that morning and taken over to his home for more searches. Several Fed agencies were present including the US Postal Service
  • May 8 p  Children were removed from the home as were puters.
  • May 8 p Word on the street had it, TG was arrested on kiddy porn allegations. Former employees said box loads of porno VHS tapes came to the office.
  • May 8 p A couple days later the guy responded to our questions and said we had it all wrong but couldn't say more. Maybe we didn't have it wrong.
  • May 8 p  TG Cruickshank Jr will appear in Federal Court May 18, 10:30am, before Judge Goodwin to cop a plea.
  • May 8 p Much like if 60 minutes knocks on your door, if the Feds come, you're in for a bad day.  The wheels of justice move slow but they move.
  • May 8 a The school systems web site has been hacked big time. How big? As soon as you click their link, your puter gets covered over with viruses left and right.
  • May 8 a Warning Warning Warning: Now you're just itching to see if it's true aren't you. Don't
  • May 8 a The BDa didn't meet last night. Some of the boardsters were notified of the cancellation ahead of time. Other weren't
  • May 8 a Mike Evans showed with briefcase in hand ready for business as did a couple for the peanut gallery and one presenter.
  • May 7 p BDA meets today at 5pm in the CCC room at the Courthouse. also at 5pm is the Parks and Rec committee meeting in the Lion's Club building. At 6:30pm the Apple Fest folks gather for their monthly organizational huddle.
  • May 7 p The Apple Festival is a mainstay for the county. It's a third week in Sept. opportunity for many non profit groups to raise much needed cash. It's also a great 3 1/2 day family fun time.
  • May 7 p The Big Apple is having problems this year. It takes a bunch of $$$ to put on such an event. This year money is in real short supply not to mention volunteer support.
  • May 7 p  Jack Brown was elected Mayor two years ago next month. Brown thinks he's in charge. For instance, right after taking charge, Brown had to go to Council in an attempt to gain access (key) to a little used old storage building at Pisgah. Council supported him back then.
  • May 7 p Yesterday, someone put a padlock on an office file cabinet. He demanded a key but didn't get it. Instead, yesterday afternoon someone put a post it note on the padlock telling the Mayor to see Councilperson Jerry Stover, Betty Murphy or Ms Drake.
  • May 7 p Two years on the job has made the guy more resourceful.. Last night Brown opened the padlock with his master key. Some call that key a bolt cutter.
  • May 7 p Imagine that, a Mayor thinking he's in charge and should have access to Town records.
  • May 7 p New padlock, new security and not one mention during the May 5th Council meeting.
  • May 7 Gotta love him all!
  • May 7 p When asked, what was in the file cabinet drawer, Brown said he never looked in nor even tried to open it.
  • May 7 a In a dead end job? Can't pay the bills? Don't kick the dog!
  • May 7 a Education is the only way to a better paying job. Click the Community College ad button on the home page for edumacation info and close to home.
  • May 7 a From the email bag: Big congratulations to the Clay County Golden Horseshoe winners  for 2009- 8th graders Nicholas Bragg, Rebekah Cutler and Sam Brown.  They deserve a lot of credit for their hard work and achievement
  • May 7 a SALUTE!!!!!!!!
  • May 6 p LNP? Need a job? See JOBS page.
  • May 6 p  Helen Irene Douglas, 80, see OBITUARY page.
  • May 6 a Flood watch in effect for the whole darn state. ##!!! rain keeps coming down!!
  • May 6 a Communicator made it out the door Tuesday afternoon. 24 pages of great info on the Nation of Clay.
  • May 6 a During yesterday's Town Council meeting, Recorder Llyn Drake said bids for the water plant all came in high and they need to come up with more money to fund the thang. When asked, she said they needed up to a million $ more. Afterwards, Mayor Brown said that figure was actually close to needing $2 m.
  • May 6 a Whatever the amount, Council seems H bent on building the unneeded facility and now looking for more dollars.
  • May 6 a During construction, which was to begin this Summer, Town plans to move offices tot he old Telford Chevy building. Construction is now delayed for at least  a few months but Council pressed ahead with the rental space even tho it isn't needed at this time. That's $350 in rent plus a larger amount for utilities in the new space and all unneeded right now.
  • May 6 a Truth is, members of Council, especially Drake, have wanted the office moved from the old water plant for a long time. Looks like they're getting their way.
  • May 6 a No, Ms Drake did not resign last night.
  • May 6 a Council did do one thing good last night. They set up a rubbish pick up day for May 18th. See EVENTS page for details.
  • May 4 p 911 scanner chatter all day today on roads blocked due to high wa wa. Although not mentioned on the Clay County Schools web site, Big Odor Elem closed down.
  • May 4 p Seems much of the heavy rain managed to stay away from Clayberry with no major downpours noted during daylight hours... so far anyway.
  • May 4 a This is a big week for our mentally impoverished elected and appointed leaders. Public meetings galore.
  • May 4 a Monday evening the School Board meets at 6pm. Their meeting agenda is here.
  • May 4 a CAEZ meets Tuesday at 4 and  6pm. Also on Tuesday Clay Town Council meets at 5pm along with  the Clay County Library Board at 6pm.
  • May 4 a Should be a good time to watch local government at work or not at work.
  • May 4 a Have you noticed the change at the Library. New lights, books dusted off, and summer activities like Saturday morning Kids Stuff. Nice change!
  • May 4 a Are you struggling with credit card debt? Don't even have the funds to pay for one of those TV repayment plans. Join the crowd.
  • May 4 a You may have seen this but it is well worth a second look.  China has been buying up our debts for years. If it wasn't for China, this country would be in even worser times. Now China has cut off the credit. Yikes!!
  • May 4 a Communicator comes out Tuesday. Until then we'll be typing our little butts off. No updates until Tuesday afternoon.
  • May 3 p   Weathercasters are calling for heavy rains tonight which could lead to small stream flooding. Keep an eye peeled clickers. 1 to 2 inches predicamentated by Monday evening.
  • May 3 a Dewayne Roy Cottrell, 43, see OBITUARY page
  • May 3 a From the email bag:  A very special couple that lives at Bomont will celebrate 45 years of martial bliss on May 2, 2009.  The Happy Couple is Dempsey “Buck” Coleman and Anna Coleman.  They are the proud parents of Randy, Kelly, Wilbur and Diane.  So if you see Buck and Anna on May 2, 2009, please wish them a Very Happy Anniversary.  Love Always, Randy, Kelly, Wilbur and Diane, We Love You Mom & Dad.
  • May 3 a Two wars raging and hardly a mention on national news. 18 good American soldiers were taken from their family and friends in April.
  • May 3 a  There have been 4,600 coalition deaths -- 4,283 Americans, two Australians, one Azerbaijani, 179 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, one Czech, seven Danes, two Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, five Georgians, one Hungarian, 33 Italians, one Kazakh, one Korean, three Latvians, 22 Poles, three Romanians, five Salvadoran, four Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainia
  • May 3 a Coalition deaths? England pulled out leaving the USA along in the quagmire with no end in sight.
  • May 3 a The clarion call for Republicrats has been to ban gay marriage. With recent polls showing a shift in attitude on the subject, the elephant tribe have no place to go but to the left.
  • May 3 a We kept hearing about a swine flu. All the major media outlets kept pumping out the none news. For all intents and purposes, the flu  fizzled.
  • May 3 a Locally, our Top Badge didn't arrest attorney Wayne King for dumping junk in the Courthouse dumpster. Just imagine the expense. No local Magistrate or Prosecutor could work on the court case because of conflicts with their buddy. No matter what the outcome in Magistrate would result in more expense with recusal by the Circuit Judges.
  • May 3 a Clayonians watched the WV Supreme Court webcast of the Jim Knotts appeal on 129 sex charge felonies. Both sides did a heck of a job for their party. Defense attorney  Ed Rebrook centred on the case  delayed 15 years ago when Prosecutor Jeff Davis didn't bring it bring it before the Grand Jury. On the other side , the state said, hold it, there was no case back then because the victim's family said they would handle it within the family and didn't want intervention.
  • May 3 a Will Knotts get his day in Court? Will the now adult victim get justice?
  • May 3 a The coffee-house crowd predicts Knotts will walk. The rest of us, haven't got a clue.
  • May 3 a Two weeks ago word spread of 50 summer time jobs for young people. Paying over $7 per hour, seems like kids would jump at the chance to make some loot. Not the case. Turns out it's hard to find 50  18 to 24 year olds willing to work. Interested? Call Pat Black  with WorkForce housed in t he CAEZ office on Main St.
  • May 3 a Contractors for the new Town of Clay water plant project presented their bids Thursday afternoon. Who's the low bidder? Hard to figure with no one knowing for sure. Mayor Brown commented afterwards, none came in within the $3m budget. Already there are inklings of changing the scope of the project to change its foot print on the tiny spot of riverside land.
  • May 3 a With Council meeting on Tuesday, may know more then.
  • May 3 a Saturday night brought out the overstuffed and hanging out gowns along with tuxedos that didn't quite fit. It was prom night. Dressed in their finest students were seen all over the place enjoying good food, holding hands and more. It's Spring time. Just a few more days and the CCHS Seniors will be out of there!
  • May 3 a This past week, the rain came and stayed. Fit for ducks and growing gardens. Those of us that planted gardens early, it appears we have escaped the late season freeze and got a early start on bright red tomatoes by July 4th.
  • May 3 a It was a good week in small town America ... but that darn rain!
  • May 2 a  Yesterday we mentioned all the good stuff going on in the county this weekend. Forgot to mention the biggest event of the year for high schoolers. Tonight is prom night. For us dirty ole men, we remember the teen years and the one thing that was on our mind.
  • May 2 a For those honorable young men, it's a night of dance and expectation.
  • May 2 a Watch out America, they're on the roads tonight and their minds ain't on driving.
  • May 2 a We had one emailer tell us this site wasn't acting just right. Yesterday we renewed the host contract and it appeared to go smooth. If no posts, something may be wrong.
  • May 2 a Hard to believe but sometimes we goof.
  • May 1 a Wesley Kent Ellis, 72, see OBITUARY page
  • May 1 a Happy Birthday wishes to Rodney McLaughlin
  • May 1 a There's a ton of good stuff to do this weekend in Clayberry. In addition to yard sales on every corner, tonight the Lizemores FD is hosting an auction while Big Otter Center has music and dancing tonight. Motorcycle show and Consignment Auction Saturday along with another gob of yard sales if the rain stops. Sunday afternoon is the Bud Keen Memorial along with the Grand Daddy of em all, the HE White Elem Ramp Feed.
  • May 1 a Check out the EVENTS page for details.
  • May 1 a Is your kid planning to lay around on the couch all Summer? Doesn't have to be that way.
  • May 1 a Pat Black with WorkForce has around 50 summertime jobs. Parents give em a call and get that rug rat signed up for 6 weeks of making money and out of the house! Applications and info are available at the CAEZ office, WVU Extension Agent. Jobs!
  • May 1 a The radio station is back up and running on 101.7FM loud and clear, well, mostly clear anyway, after they made repairs on their antenna yesterday afternoon. Winter can be tough on such thangs. Remember the Audio Outlaws from last year's Apple Festival? WYAP has them booked for their Small Town America Celebration July 4th.
  • May 1 a In the way of music, Harold Allen and Terri Lively (2Blue) are booked at Taylor Books Saturday evening for a couple hours of great music in a relaxed setting.
  • May 1 a Have you noticed repairs being made at the Historic Henry Clay Hotel? Looks like the place is rented and getting ready to reopen.

  • May 1 a One other thing.... prime rib today and tonight at The Kitchen Restaurant on Main Street.