may2013-past-news

May 2013 Past News

May 30 p The 20 page Communicator finally made it out the door today. Maybe not a prize winning edition but certainly full of all the things that make Clayberry like no other.
May 30 p The first ever Elk River Fest opens for fun Friday at noon
May 30 p A tip: Some of the cash prize contests only have a couple entries. That means you have a darn good chance of making some $$$ if you enter. Sign up now
May 30 p The Farmer's Market opens for the season this Saturday as well as the running, kayaking and biking, Pedal Paddle Challenge.
May 30 p There are certain traits that prevail in the Appalachian Mountains. Being clannish comes to mind first. Another is getting the word out via neighbor to neighbor. There has never been a need for Facebook, twitters, carrier pigeon and such. Word travels fast. As it goes, tales grow.
May 30 p That's what's going on now. Here in the outback, lips are flapping over a rumor that a local elected official is in the grease big time. As of Thursday afternoon, we haven't seen ANY Court-land paperwork that documents any transgressions. They may be coming but so far, rumors only
May 30 p Lets say something is up.... Behind the scene, plans have to be laid. Back room powerborokers have to quietly map out a changing of the guard. Deals have to be made.
May 30 p If Federal indictments happen, it's a whole new ball game. All the local plans have to be stepped up post haste
May 30 p Felony charges? Maybe a local deal to step aside in exchange for lessor misdemeanor charges?
May 30 p As for right now, no one knows if anyone is in the stuff nor if charges will follow.
May 30 p We're waiting just like everyone else with our noses to the glass
May 30 In the mean time, it's time to party at the Elk River Fest
May 29 p We're in shut down mode until we get the Communicator out the door Thursday mid afternoon.
May 29 p One of the fund raising events during the Elk River Fest is called the Mr Bottom Feeders Pageant. Dollars from that event go toward purchasing one of the big street clocks for downtown Clay.
May 29 p The idea is to have a dozen competitors dressed in fishing gear on stage... No No No no swimsuit competition men. The contestants will also beg for money for the clock Friday evening and part of Saturday.
May 29 p The contestants also get their pictures on a 2014 calendar which comes out this fall.
May 29 p For various reasons, three competitors have bailed out. If you can pitch in and be a Bottom Feeder, call Roberta at 304 587 4166 Thanks
May 29 a Here it is Wed and still no Communicator! Well....
May 29 a We're still putting it together and the rag will be on news stands Thursday afternoon. We keep thinking something big or stupid or dumb or a combination of all three will happen. We're still waiting.
May 29 a Know what a zip line is? One of those and a bungee jump have just been added to this weekend's Elk River Fest. See EVENTS page for details.
May 29 a One of the Fest events is the catapault lunch of a catfish. There is real prize money there. Not too late to build your homemade contraption and enter!
May 29 a Sure don't want to forget the Peddle Paddle CHallenge triathalon this Saturday. Prize moneye there clickers.
May 29 a the Solid Waste Authority is hosting their annual Tire Recycling Day on the 1st over at Maysel. Now's the time to yank those discarded carcasses from the creek and road side and bring them over to the Maysel State Road garage for proper recycling
May 29 a Was thinking about Robert C Byrd and the gazillions he brought to the state. My how we could use a good Demorat in DC today. Here's a pork barrel accounting of the great Senator.
May 28 late p A man walked into a crowded local bar, waved a six shot revolver around and yelled, "Who in here has been screwing my wife?" A voice from the back of the bar yelled back, "You're gonna need more ammo!"
May 28 p We're holding up The Communicator. Ain't coming out this afternoon.
May 28 p Sorry for the delay but we're thinking we'll have a slam bang lead story. If that one doesn't materialize, it'll be same ole Clayberry dumb bunny stuff
May 28 p FYI: Federal Grand Jury convened this morning down in Charleston. Never know what may come out of that gathering.
May 28 p There's a bunch of us eating vitamins left and right. Do they do us any good? Here's the scoop from Consumer Affairs.
May 28 p How about taking vitamin D to lower your high blood pressure? Here's the answer.
May 28 p How about some facts on , does fingerprinting gun purchasers reducing gun crime rates.
May 28 p Non profit groups are in the main stream media these days with Republicrats leading the howl that some non profits, those that support Republicrat causes, have been targeted by the IRS. Here's the skinny on that issue.
May 28 p Instead of hammering on poor ole Bama De Bama, the finger should be pointing at those political groups for hiding behind their non profit status to mislead the world.
May 26 p For those with the day off on Monday, good for you.
May 26 p During the last seven days, our fresh young plants felt the bite of a frost not once but twice and High Schoolers grabbed their diploma & scurried off with visions of $30 per hour jobs,
May 26 p A couple weeks ago the Big Otter Diner opened for business.
May 26 p The new Clay Pharmacy in Two Run will be opening soon.
May 26 p Here's another business getting started. Know Ronnie Lane? Lives over around Bickmore and often seen doing his work as a Dish TV repair man.
May 26 p Lane opened his e-commerce business a few days ago. Called Teklimited, he's specializing in all kinds of accessories for what we used to call cellphones but now called personal communication devices. Pretty cool stuff and close to home, Here's his web portal.
May 26 p Welcome Ronnie Lane to life in the fast lane!
May 26 p Every time you use a credit card they tack on a fee. The store also pays a fee, a big fee. At the end of the day, there's a settlement fee to be paid by the store. At the end of the month there's a whole bunch tag along fees. Recently a Fed Judge ruled in favor of the consumer and fined the big card issuers over $6.05 billion plus another $1.2 billion just for good measure.
May 26 p Now Visa and Mastercard are asking thatthe practice be made legal.
May 26 p A West Virginia Sheriff is heading to the slammer this time for using excessive force.

May 25 late p Jack C. (JC) Pierson Jr. 57, see OBITUARY page
May 25 early a For those unable to attend the Clay High Graduation ceremony Saturday, the event will be live streamed . Just cut and paste this link and click on it a little before 10 am. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/clay-county-high-school-graduation
May 25 early a Clay High 2013 Graduating seniors
Chris Allen Adkins

Courtney Brooke Adkins*

Mariah Paige Adkins

Sarah Elizabeth Adkins

Tasha Nicole Adkins

Ivy Nichole Emily Aleshire*

Jessica Lynn Armes*

James Paul Ash

Luke James Bailey

Adrian Nicole Bird

Amber Jo Bird*

Zachary Scott Blake

Cheyenne Rachelle Bostic

Megan Elizabeth Bragg

Nicholas Tyler Bragg

James Robert Brogan

Brandon Scott Brown

Samuel Irven Brown*

Jordan Nichole Browne

Alexander James Burkhamer

Breanne Nicole Butcher*

Katherine Marie Cahill

Eliza Kate Cercone*

Holly Denese Cogar*

Austin Lee Cole

Allison Brooke Coleman*

Tyler Wayne Cottrell

Kayla Amanda Cummings

Rebekka Paige Cutler

Kristen Michelle Davis

Luke Anthony Deems

Alexx Shawn Dennis

Robert Joseph Dennis

Evan Chase Dorsey*

Victoria Nicole Dorsey*

Sidney Renee Dotson

Earl Leon Dunlap, II

Sarah Elizabeth Ellison*

Victoria Lynn Evans

Brittany Gayle Ferrebee*

Shannon Lee Ferrebee

Shawn Beth Ferrebee

Brittany Nicole Fitzwater

Nathan Adam Gill

Jeremy Scott Goodwin

Hunter Coy Hannah

Whitney Allison Harmon

Amanda Lynn Harvey*

Brandy Michelle Harvey*

Daniel Paul Hershberger

Katrina Michelle Holcomb

Jonathan Lee Holcomb, II

Olivia Lauren Hubbard*

James Edward Hughes

Courtney Elizabeth Jenkins

Austin Levi Johnson

Samantha Nicole Johnson*

Jacob Roy Larch

Austin Keith Legg

Katie Anne Legg

Kimberly Reane Lowery

Sean Gunner Lyons

Sierra Brooke Marling

Katlyn Marie McCracken*

Isaiah William Mitchell

Brian Lee Mitchem

Amanda Renee Moore

Allison Paige Morris*

Hannah Grace Morris

Kristina Hope Morton

Amber Nicole Mullins

Isaac Frank Murphy

Brandon Darrell Neal

Ray Irving Nottingham, II

Andrew Thomas Owens

Hazel Christina Packtor*

Adrian Blake Parsons

Brandon Lee Peck

Hannah McKenzie Perdue

Dakota Casmero Ramsey

Jamie Alexander Ramsey

Katelyn Marie Ramsey

Crystal Dawn Ransbottom

Austin Cole Rogers

Kaitlyn Joella Samples*

Mitchell Brian Schoolcraft*

Michael Anthony Shamblin

Michaela Marie Sheldon*

Brian Patterson Sizemore*

Casey Lynn Sizemore

Joshua Cody Sizemore*

Madelene Rose Slater

Derek Lee Smith

Ethan Dyer Smith

Amber Lynn Sontos*

Kelsey Gabrielle Stephenson*

Andrea Colleen Stevens

Alexandria Paige Stone*

Scotty Lee Stone, Jr.

Lauren Katie Stover*

Andrew Joseph Subotnik

Brandon Alexander Suite

Seth Douglas Carsel Summers

Adam Michael Taylor*

Allison Danielle Taylor

Allison Paige Taylor*

Sherri Lynn Taylor

Raymond Michael Taylor, Jr.

Justin Scott Triplett

Chase Dalton Truman

Eli Dalton Truman

William Keith Truman

Derek Michael Vaughn

Jacob David Welch

Jeremy Glen White

Meigan Shay Williams

Zachariah Storm Williams

Rick Earnest Wiseman

Jessica Marie Woodrum*

Megan Brittany Workman

Joanna Christine Young

Russell Thomas Young

* Denotes National Honor Society Members

May 24a First of all congrats to each and every Clay High Senior. Good Luck
May 24 a The radio station has provided small town America celebrations for Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor day weekends for years. Since moving to Valley Fork School and still in the process of building new stages and gathering up their concert equipment, they're not doing a Memorial Celebration this year. They're hoping to have their act together for July 4th and Labor Days
May 24 a Tonight 101.7 FM is testing their PA system in the Valley Fork School gym. Doc Magley from Nebo is the test subject. If you'd like to see what they've been up to since Jan, bring a lawn chair and have a listen, no charge of course.
May 24 a Audrey Marie Rogers, 93, of Indore, see OBITUARY page
May 24 a Forgot to mention something yesterday. The Clay COunty Swimming Pool opens Saturday. A great place to get rid of those snot lickers for a few hours and dirt cheap too.
May 23 p Dorma Bell, 64, of Bickmore, see OBITUARY page
May23 p With Monday Memorial Day and a day off work for many, why not make it a four day weekend
May 23 p Forget the grass cutting, weed whacking, window cleaning, and such.
May 23 p Instead of that crap, take Friday off and head out to Buffalo Creek where 400 pounds of trout will be stocked around 10am Friday morning.
May 23 p Since there hasn't been any education in schools for at least two weeks, grab the little curtain climbers and take them fishin too.
May 23 p Big Otter music tonight. Don't that miss that either
May 23 p Don't pass up a chance to have some fun!
May 22 p Kenneth Tanner was asked this afternoon if anything had changed in the financial picture. He said it hadn't
May 22 p We asked Prosecutor Jim Samples if the County Commission had found a way to keep two of the Prosecutor's staff on the job. Ditto for Samples, no change in finances.
May 22 p Samples is in a different spot than Tanner. State Code mandates Larry Darryl and Darryl to fund the Prosecutor's office. If they don't, a court battle could be in order.
May 22 p The new budget year commences July 1st. Keep your eyes on the Circuit Clerk's office for interesting filings most likely near the end of June
May 22 p Clayberry has been particularly quiet for the last few weeks. That usually means the folks at the Courthouse are up to something and just haven't been caught yet.
May 22 p Much of the crap seeps out. It just takes a little time.
May 22 p Stay tuned clickers.
May 22 p There's always bogus emails flying around the internet proclaiming something horrible.
May 22 p One we recently noticed was on Jane Fonda back in Vietnam days. The bogus story goes that she visited American POWs who secretly handed her their social security numbers which Fonda then handed to Hanoi Hilton prison guards. The bologna continues that the POWs were then beat senseless. The story then labels Jane as a traitor.
May 22 p Every inch of that story is bogus
May 22 p The latest circulation of trash adds that Obama De Bama is ready to award her as one of 100 Women of the Century.
May 22 p The truth there is, back in 1999, journalist Barbara Walters interviewed Fonda in a TV series of the same name. That was long before Obama De Bama was even in Congress.
May 22 p How can such BS be believed by so many. Republicrat strategists are darn good these days. Those backroom contrives are paid by Corporate funders who long to have another Dubbya in office.
May 22 p So sad .
May 22 p For those wanting to read the truth and not just FOX entertainment fibs, click here for a factual source
May 22 p How about some closer to home facts:
May 22 p West Virginia has the highest rate of people receiving Social Security disability payments
May 22 p 21% of those receive monthly benefits of at least $1600 per month.
May 22 p West Virginia is among the least educated states in the country with just 18.5% having a bachelors degree
May 22 p Just 54.1% of W Va residents are part of the labor force in 2011. Nearly 1 in every 10 people age 18 to 64 are receiving SSDI benefits.
May 22 a High School seniors are down to three days . Graduation is Saturday morning
May 22 a The traditional opening of Summer is this weekend, Memorial Day. A little rain over the next three days should be just the ticket for all the new veggies and flowers in the ground
May 22 a For those that normally take in the radio station's Small Town America Celebration, ain't happening this May. Those folks are busy readying their new location at Valley Fork School for a new series of music fun, Old School House Concerts which begins June 8th
May 22 a Monday evening the new state Attorney General made a public appearance in the county. He told the three dozen or so in the peanut gallery, he promised to return to Clayberry if elected. And, there he was.
May 22 a Republicrats, the only organized party in the Nation of Clay, made sure the place was packed with those willing to ask nice soft questions and put our best foot forward.
May 22 a The audience had other plans for the AG. Hard ball questions from locals had the guy's shorts all bunched up. Stuff like: The State gives all kinds of $$$ for start up business that fail or otherwise run off with the money while established businesses can't get squat
May 22 a Another local businessman explained he was ready to hire natives but couldn't find any that could pass a whiz test.
May 22 a The stated purpose of the gathering was a job summit. Everyone in the room knew the AG has nothing to do with jobs and, the real reason for the two hour get together was little more than a taxpayer paid for campaign stop for when the Republicrat AG runs for the spot being vacated by Shellie Moore Capito.
May 22 a Oh well, at least he came.... we're still waiting for some of our other Legislative reps to make a run thru the county.
May 22 a Use to be making loan payments, installment loans, meant something different than is the case now. Some good reading and watch out clickers.
May 22 a
May 21 late p John Edward Ramsey, see OBITUARY page
May 21 late p Got a correction for the morning post. After Wed's CCC meeting, that's the Save the Fitness Center Committee that's meeting not the Tourism group. Oppppps
May 21 a County Commission meets Wed morning at 10 am.
May 21 a Getting ready for the Elk Fest, the Tourism Committee gathers at 1pm.
May 21 a By the way, if your group needs a fundraiser, the Tourism folks are still looking for a group to make $$$ on a bean and cornbread dinner during the Fest
May 21 a The power was off for much of the Wallback area Sunday. The follow up surges zapped the local radio station big time. They're back on the air but just barely and without a bunch of their quality programs for now.
May 21 a Seniors are already out of school at CHS. Little kids are having their graduation ceremonies as well.
May 21 a The norm is for the last three weeks of school to be field trips, fun trips, and devoid of education.
May 21 a With the School System out of money, much of the end of year money wasters has been mothballed this year
May 21 a The OK state took it hard yesterday. Condolences extended to those out of West
May 21 a There is little doubt, the stuff put in our food and environment is killing us.
May 21 a Monsanto is the second largest chemical producer and provider of genetically modified foods. They are the largest lobbying group in DC. They twist arms for corporate profits like no other.
May 21 a Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) on Monday vowed to repeal a measure that prevents federal courts from halting the sale and planting of genetically engineered crops.
May 21 a Thank goodness we have a few Senators that stand up for common sense health.
May 21 a Does anybody think the Feds tell us the truth? The whole truth? What a relief, no hands went up.
May 21 a Do you think there would be a problem if China hackers breached our nation's security system including the names of our undercover agents? That happened a couple years back. Our govt covered up the seriousness of the attack. The real truth is just now becoming public.
May 21 a Last week we asked about the first number one hit for the Commodores. Answer: Three Times a Lady
May 21 a Put your thinking hats on: What color was the door that the Rolling Stones wanted to paint black?
May 20 p Reba Evelyn Elswick Ball, see OBITUARY page
May 20 p Not sure what the Attorney General has to do with a jobs summit but, from the email bag: May 20th at 7:30 pm, I will be in Clay County for a Town Hall meeting and Jobs Summit. The forum will take place at the Board of Education meeting room. Spread the word to anyone who is near Clay County that night and wants to attend. Come with ideas and give us feedback. Thanks. This is your state AG's office -- we are trying to be accessible.

May 17 p Have you won anything lately? You have an opportunity just around the corner
May 17p How about $500 in prizes for building a homemade something and getting it to float from point a to point b. How about building some kind of gizmo that will catapault a bean bag catfish . $200 in prizes will be awarded for that event
May 17 p Those and a bunch more coming during the Elk River Fest, May 31st and June 1st. See ADVSIORY page now. Full schedule will be posted sometime next week.
May 17 p Here's the deal. For this Fest, you have to sign up for the events ahead of time.
May 17 p Sometimes, your entry may be the only particpant. Get it? Just for getting off your lardarss, you could be a winner by default.
May 17 p Need a fund raiser for your non profit group. the Elk Fest committee is wanting some group to do up beans and cornbread for a Saturday meal. Your group gets to keep all profits. See Amanda Moore or Roberta Faile for details.
May 17 p Enjoy the weekend one and all.
May 17 a All of a sudden a little sunshine is peeping thru the clouds. Nice change and just in time (maybe) for a rescheduled Sectional Tournament game tonight at Clay County Park. The Panthers have to beat Herbert Hoover HS not once but twice to advance to regional action. Game begins at 6pm. Go Panthers.
May 17 a Westests are done for another year. For kids the results mean nothing. For Administrators, the results are a benchmark to work around and massage.
May 17 a With the last frost date behind us, Clay High's greenhouse has a bunch of beautiful plants for sale.
May 17 a And Yes things are a little quiet in the county of little.
May 17 a When we were kids promises came in the trusted newspaper, My Weekly Reader. The journal told kids about the 21st Century, cars that drove themselves, all the utility lines would be underground, we'd be living on the moon.
May 17 a We're 13 years into the new century and so far, it's been about as crappy as can be. The fighting, the corporate greed, worldwide terrorism, non functioning government, few jobs and those overworking the employees.... sounds more like the 19th century
May 17 a Brain tease: What was the first number one hit for the Commodores?
May 14 late p 24 pages of solid Clayberry news and views now available in The Communicator on news stands across the region. Our lead story covers the thievery of an in home health care worker stealing from senior citizen, Earl McCune
May 14 late p 70 cents and worth every penny
May 14 late p Enjoy!
May 13 late p Thomas Franklin King Sr, 78, of Clay, see OBITUARY page
May 13 p Congrats Eagle Waddell now a WVU graduate with honors and heading to grad school in industrial relations
May 13 p 2008 CCHS Alysia Hively just earned her bachelors degree while being a part of the Marshall U softball team now in Championship play in Tulsa OK
May 13 p CHS Class of 2005 Samantha Creel now Doctor Samantha Chaffin and starting her residency at CAMC OB-GYN
May 13 p Congrats to each and every and best of success in the future
May 13 p The Attorney General is coming to Clayberry May 20th. See ADVISORY page for details
May 13 p Update from Sunday post: Someone has donated a jon boat for the Elk Fest race. Thanks
May 13 p Communicator comes out Tuesday. Deadline for submissions is this afternoon around 5pm
May 12 late p from the past seven days in the way of newsy stuff, about all we could dig up ... the CAEZ is forming a committee to try and save the Clay County Fitness Center from closure. That group meets next week and will work on coming up with a way to raise around $16,000 to keep the place in the black for another year.
May 12 late p Well maybe the big news is the Clay High Panthers pulled off one H of a great ball game Saturday afternoon to stay alive in Sectional Tournament action. The 5 to 4 win over Nicholas County sent the rival Grizzlies whimpering home.
May 12 late p The win also gave us one more chance to beat number one in the state Herbert Hoover this coming Thursday evening. Actually one win isn't enough. We have to beat them twice to advance to the Regional games.
May 12 late p The first time ever Elk River Fest is just around the corner. See EVENTS page for details and link to their stylish web page.
May 12 late p Help: The volunteer committee needs to find an old jon boat for the race down Main Street. Yes, down Main Street. The boat can be full of holes and all mashed up for that matter. If you have such a rascal and can donate it for the the race, get hold of Roberta or Amanda right away.
May 12 late p Help Help: They're also looking for some volunteers to make it all happen. If you can help with managing the kids' games or information booth, once again Roberta or Amanda please
May 12 late For those wanting to make some $$$$, they still have spots open for food and vendor booths.
May 12 late p It's not often that we report new businesses coming into the Nation of Clay. Big Otter Diner just opened near the I-79 exit and just across from the Go Mart there. open seven days a week too.
May 12 late p In Two Run, a new pharmacy business is rebuilding the old Gino's building. Competition is always a good thing for the consumer.
May 12 late p How about some great news: Colorado is set to become the first U.S. state to regulate and tax sales of recreational marijuana, after lawmakers approved several bills that set business standards and rules. Legislators expect enforcement of the rules to be paid for by two taxes on marijuana — a 15 percent excise tax, and a 10 percent sales tax. Here's the scoop.
May 12 late p The watchdog who tracks the billions of taxpayer dollars spent to rebuild Afghanistan says government officials have tried to silence him because they think he's embarrassing the White House.
May 12 late p The U.S. Census Bureau is reporting that the Mountain State had the lowest voter turn-out in the USA during the last General Election, November 2012.

May 11 9am Drizzle continues in Clayberry....
May 11 New job posting on that page as well a new Classifieds, Events. Obit.
May 10 late p Needless to say, the Sectional Tournament slated for tonight was a wash out again
May 10 late p If the weather cooperates, games begin out at Clay County Park at 4pm Saturday. That means CHS Panthers should take the field for the second game around 6:30 or so
May 10 late p With an already wet field and a 60% chance of more wa wa Saturday, plans are being made to move the games to an astro turf field like over at WV Tech. If that fails, the Sectional Tournament will be delayed til after WesTest exams next week, AKA next Thursday.
May 10 late p We'll keep you advised a soon as we know something. Don't look for a decision until early afternoon Saturday
May 10 late p One week ago today, the Town of Clay water account had just $172.00 in it.
May 10 late p From the email bag: There I was sitting at the bar staring at my drink when a large, trouble-making biker steps up next to me, grabs my drink and gulps it down in one swig. "Well, whatcha' gonna do about it?" he says, menacingly, as I burst into tears. "Come on, man," the biker says, "I didn't think you'd CRY. I can't stand to see a man crying." "This is the worst day of my life," I say. "I'm a complete failure. I was late to a meeting and my boss fired me. When I went to the parking lot, I found my car had been stolen and I don't have any insurance.I left my wallet in the cab I took home. I found my wife with another man... And then my dog bit me." "So I came to this bar to work up the courage to put an end to it all, I buy a drink, I drop a capsule in and sit here watching the poison dissolve; and then you show up and drink the whole damn thing! "But, Hell, enough about me, how are you doing?"

May 10 a No one. Not one person thought the CHS Panthers had a chance against Herbert Hoover HS last night during the Sectional Tournament. HHHS is ranked number one in the state and has outstanding pitching. The consensus: Hoover would 10 run us in the first inning and by the end of the 5th inning, the score would be around 100 to nothing.
May 10 a Thursday evening the Panthers played HHHS. In the second inning we had em 2 to 0. Through out the match up CLay High played excellent, got hits, and otherwise made Hoover wonder "what's going on here?"
May 10 a The final score was HHHS 8 to 5. They won BUT BUT had a couple calls gone our way, who knows what the final score would have gone. We did good.
May 10 a Tonight Nicholas County plays HHHS at 5pm ish. The Panthers will take on the winner of that contest most likely around 7:30pm. The winners of tonight's two games continues into the championship round.
May 10 a Rain is in the forecast for today and tonight which could delay all the action. If the games are played, the local radio station will delay broadcast the Clay High game around 10pm tonight.
May 10 a Go Panthers
May 9 p When local school systems don't get along with the State School Board, those Charleston powers have a habit of taking over the local system. For years, if a local system refused to consolidate community schools, off with their heads, and they got taken over by the Big Suits. Today the State thinks they can do a better job of educating the stumps in the school system.
May 9 p A dozen years ago, McDowell County was taken over by the State. Back then they said stuff like low test schools, drop out rates, and poor attendance were the official reason for State Sucks to come in and take over the rural school system
May 9 p A couple days ago, the State said things are so much improved, so wonderful under their guidance, McDowell County schools would be returned to local control.
May 9 p Lets see now: Last year only four schools met adequate yearly progress which is a national benchmark for achievement; only 32 % of Riverview High School students can read on grade level; at Mountain View High School only 23% of the kids have a basic knowledge in reading; and 31% of the kids NOW can handle basic math.
May 9 a The most recent Robert Wood Johnson Foundation pronounced McDowell County as the most unhealthy county in the nation. That non profit agency cited low graduation rates, humongo obesity problems, among other things as reasons for the bottom ranking
May 9 p My Oh my, how the State Board of Education made a difference and improved education in McDowell County!
May 9 a Much of Clayberry will grind to a halt this afternoon as Appalachian Power Co turns off the juice while they replace some power poles. Elk Power is supplied by AEP and many of their customers will go dark for about 3 hours as the repairs are made.
May 9 a How about some online stuff to make you grit your teeth....
May 9 a The country goes crazy when we get scared. Take guns for instance. Chicago forbids the displaying of historical firearms in museums! Those are unable to be fired ancient weapons kept behind glass.
May 9 a For those that think coal is on its way back and fossil fuel is here to stay, an update. Tesla Motors, one of the first electric vehicle makers in this country, they're now showing a profit.
May 9 a On your private facebook space or in a an email, the government is regularly tracking your every stroke on the keyboard and without a search warrant.
May 9 a Tracking you: Nordstrom says it wants to serve you better, so it’s tracking your movements through their stores. The CBS 11 I-Team has learned the retailer is using software to track how much time you spend in specific departments within the store. The technology is being used in 17 Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores nationwide, including the NorthPark store in Dallas. A company spokesperson says sensors within the store collect information from customer smart phones as they attempt to connect to Wi-Fi service. The sensors can monitor which departments you visit and how much time you spend there. However, the sensors do not follow your phone from department to department, nor can they identify any personal information tied to the phone’s owner, says spokesperson Tara Darrow.
May 9 a On that same vein, a high schooler was suspended from school after noting that the varsity team wasn't doing too good. Nope not a dirty word, not any threats, and nothing more than a personal opinion and the senior is suspended.
May 9 a Orwell? You better believe it.
May 9 a Back on guns. Nut jobs in DC continue their efforts to take away gun ownership and force unworkable, unreasonable laws on private citizens. There is now an answer. Make your own gun on your office printer! The new weapon is made out of resin, actually works, and there is no registration requirement. Called the Liberator, 100,000 downloads have already been completed.
May 9 a They're going to try again and hold the Sectional baseball tournament out at Clay County Park this afternoon. With the sun popping thru the clouds at 8 this morning, they may actually get the game in after three rained out attempts.
May 8 a Welcome to Hump day Wed in Clayberry. We're on day three of a Spring rain that just won't quit.
May 8 a Last night's Sectional Tournament game was canceled and set for this afternoon. With rain still falling and Clay County Park already soaked, there's little chance the game will be played today. For that matter, the wet stuff is in the offing for Thursday as well
May 8 a The Town of Clay Boil Water Order was lifted Tuesday afternoon around 3pm. They're saying the wa wa is safe to use again.
May 8 a County Commission plans to hire people of their liking for 911 Dispatch Center hiring this morning during their public meeting which begins at 10am.
May 8 a Had a pretty interesting CAEZ meeting last night where the Board voted to try and save the county's only fitness center.
May 8 a The CAEZ funded the building and equipment around 15 years ago as one of their "benchmarks". At the time and continuing today, the Nation of Clay is one of the most obese, out of shape counties in the nation.
May 8 a Back when the group funded the much needed asset, they had an advisory board set up to keep the place on track and under proper guidance. The Committee stopped meeting within a year of the Clay County Fitness Center's opening.
May 8 a Last night, the CAEZ voted to reform that committee, go see the School Superintendent, and make a stab at raising the $15,000+ needed to keep the place open to the public.
May 8 a Hope it's not too late
May 8 a Most agree, we can't depend on mass media outlets for news. We know of they filter important info as well as down right bury news as the thumb of corporate America and Govt. applies pressure. For the majority of this Country, the news source is the internet.
May 8 a Doomsdayers tell us, as soon as things get bad, the internet will be shut down with the flip of one switch. Without independent sources, we're at the mercy of the govt.
May 8 a Others laugh and say, that's not possible.
May 8 a Truth is, shutting down the internet is already practiced in other places. Here's the latest example of a country that severed the information source big time.
May 7 a Last night's CHS Sectional Tournament game was scrubbed due to rain. If the weather holds (sunny right now), that first round game will get underway at Clay County Park today. One source said the game will begin at 5:30, another said 6pm. Whatever the case, the local radio station will delay broadcast the match up at 9pm tonight... if the weather cooperates
May 7 a Today at 5pm Clay Town Council meets in their office in the old Starcher furniture store building. WIth a long delayed wa wa plant project underway, a couple lawsuits in the courts .... might be a good meeting
May 7 a This afternoon at 4 and then again at 6pm, the CAEZ gathers for their once a month meeting at the Courthouse.
May 7 a A couple months back during basketball season, a hazing incident (fake dry humping) followed by one student smashing another kid, has lead to a citizen complaint with a lawsuit most likely in the works.
May 7 a On last night's School Board agenda: Rule on a Level III Citizens Appeal filed by George and Julie Wilkinson. The Bd voted in support of the School Superintendent Tanner and CHS Principal Isacs.
May 7 a Translates to: Parents of the victim kid wanted Coach Scott Gibson fired. Tanner and Isacs said nope and now the Bd. is on record supporting the keeping of the Coach
May 7 a That was a Level III complaint. Next step for the Wilkinsons is an appeal to the State School Superintendent.
May 7 a A civil lawsuit is completely different from an inhouse Citizen Complaint
May 7 a Civil lawsuits can not force an agency to fire someone but can result in $$$ pay outs.
May 7 a Expect a change of venue lawsuit in this county soon.
May 6 a Hazel Grace Gibbs, 89, see OBITUARY page
May 6 a Belated birthday wishes to Melinda Issacs.
May 6 a Providing it doesn't get rained out, this evening at 6pm the Clay High Panthers will play their first sectional tournament game over at Clay County Park. 101.7FM will delay broadcast the game at 9pm. With drizzle already in the air and 60 % of the wet stuff all day, expect a delay
May 6 a This evening at 6pm the BDA as well as the School Board meet in regular sessions.
May 6 a If you're trying to find the School Bd agenda on their web site, they're hiding it again. Instead of listed under the AGENDA link, wouldn't that make sense, it's buried deep on the calendar page.
May 6 a Thinking back on last week....
May 6 a We saw what a well organized event can do for the county. During the County Wide Yard Sale, foreigners from across the region cam to the Nation of Clay and opened their wallets. New money in out local economy! How did the strangers know to come? Organizers of the three day event used media like Charleston Newspapers to get the word out.
May 6 a One potential buyer stopped at a likely spot with lots of junk in the yard and on the porch. While looking around, a guy came out of the small house. Pointing at four wheels neatly stacked up, from the buyer, How much you asking? From the porch, this ain't no yard sale, that's my good stuff!
May 6 a Apparently the resident didn't get the word that the county is trying to clean up its image.
May 6 a The 2013 CHS Prom was held Saturday evening. Hanging out for sure and some dressed as an opposite gender, but dressed to the 9's, no traffic accidents were reported. That's good news.
May 6 a The warm dry weather sent locals to the Farm Store to buy plants and flowers for the garden. We worked in our yards and cut grass.
May 6 a
May 5 a H E WHite Elem is the rural Clayberry school the Pentagon shut down, yanked out the wiring and removed desks after ordering the place closed down. After a lengthy battle with parents, the process ended up before Judge Charles King down in Charleston.
May 5 a Judge King did everything except slap the School Board and Slinky across the chops as he ordered the place reopened right away.
May 5 a That was 17 years ago. Thru local support, H E White remains a beacon in the wilderness.
May 5 a Today's the H E White Ramp Feed in Bomont. It's a fund raiser of course so those brats can have the same experiences as big school kids.
May 5 a It's time to eat ramps and smell to high heaven!
May 3 p BOIL WATER ORDER Town of Clay
May 3 p The Town of Clay issued a BWO today at 3:30pm after a main wa wa line break in front of the Lion's Club Casino
May 3 p Affected areas include town, and everybody South thru Hartland and beyond.
May 3 p Be safe. Boil it first
May 3 p Don't forget to check out the side roads during the County Wide Yard Sale Days. Like:
May 3 p Lisa Rhodes has a dandy bunch of stuff on Guy Mullins Rd
May 3 p Heading toward Wallback, at the storage building, there's a whole locker full of estate items
May 3 p There's also three other yard salers on Wallback Rd as of high noon Friday.
May 3 p The bestest of 80th birthday wishes to Mammaw Jean Butcher Williams who's a person that taught everyone around her, you can't do anything unless you at least try. She set the example , the high water mark, by going to college while in her 50s at the Morris Harvey College in Charleston to be a nurse. SALUTE!!
May 3 a It's a glorious Friday morning complete with flowers blooming and yard sale shoppers from around the region opening their wallets and spreading the joy.
May 3 a As part of the County Wide yard Sale now in progress, the Lion's Club is offering up BBQ's and Hot Dogs over at the Casino beginning at 11am today. FYI: Dandy pulled pork BBQs !!
May 3 a Lizemore Fire Chief Mike Morton's home burned to the ground Tuesday afternoon. They lost everything. Friends are holding a hot dog fundraiser sale at the Courthouse TODAY.
May 3a Clay High will host the Sectional Baseball Tournament at Clay County Park.All games begin at 6pm. Here's the run down as best we know it.
May 3 a The Panthers will take on the number one team in the State, Herbert Hoover High School Monday at 6pm. If they lose, the Panthers play again on Wed.
May 3 a Nicholas County and Herbert Hoover play Tuesday evening.
May 3 a If some how some way we would win Monday night, the Panthers take on Nicholas County Wed at 6pm
May 3 a If we've got it wrong, someone please email .
May 3 a It's prom time for all the little teenagers. For Clay High, the Prom is this Saturday night at the school.
May 3 a Moms and Dads, it's time to have a refresher sit down conversation with the budding children
May 2 late Robert Thurston Bird, 90, see OBITUARY page
May 2 p John Scott Nine, 46, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page
May 2 a More yard sale locations added to the EVENTS page.
May 2 a For those thinking about getting rid of those curtain climbers, check out the new post over on the ADVSIORY page for information to get those little squirts out of your hair and into school.
May 2 a No one in the county has more charges and convictions to his name than Mikey Lanham, Mikey as nicknamed or Iron Mike as he likes to known. Lanham's legal woes mostly center around beating the stuffins' out of people just for the heck of it.
May 2 a Just after the Communicator came out Tuesday, Mikey Lanham was in Magistrate Court land again.
May 2 a After being locked up for several days, Lanham was in rare form full of chatter and song. Some of his most recent battery charges were dismissed. However, under the guidance of his tax dime supported attorney, Mikey plead guilty to a burglary charge and received one year in the slammer of which 6 months was suspended; followed by 24 months of probation.
May 2 a GIven credit for his time served, Mikey will serve around 5 months and 6 days.
May 2 a That means he will get out just in time for the Big Apple Fest. Could be sooner if given time off for "good days".
May 2 a Well, at least the citizens of Clay can walk the streets this summer without fear of a habitual criminal terrorizing them
May 1 a First day of a brand new month. Flowers are blooming. Lettuce is growing. Potatoes are in the ground and the sun is looking good!
May 1 a There's a whole belly full of information in the latest Communicator now on news stands across the region. Start digesting. The lead story covers some of the cases running thru the Court system including felony charges now lodged against Mikey Lanham.
May 1 a The Tourism Committee organized a first time ever County Wide Yard Sale which begins Thursday
May 1 a Across the county you can already see tables setting up. With good weather expected, growing the county and putting new money in local pockets is here
May 1 a Why not you? Got a closet full of junk? How about that front porch? Does it look like the return department at Wall Mart? It's time to make some money.

May 1 a It's also time for our region wide clickers to come home to Clayberry and find some real deals.