November 2007 News


  • Nov. 30 Late pm  Dylan Greathouse would like to send a big Happy Birthday wish out to his Uncle Bub (Arthur Smith II) on November 30!! Love You!!
  • Nov. 30 Late pm     Lots of folks showed up for the 1pm today State vs Jim Knotts hearing in Magistrate Boggs' court room. Local businessman and BDA member Knots, is charged with a gazillion counts of sexual assault ot a minor.  Little huddles here and there with people running back and forth from the Courtroom. The hearing never actually took place. At 1:34 Jeff Boggs came back in and said the preliminary hearing had been waived on to Circuit Court.
  • Nov. 30 Late pm   For those that say this case is going to be swept under the rug, it doesn't look that way right now.
  • Nov. 30 Late p Had a chance to talk with our Top Badge about the escaped fugitive, Robert Brady. Holcomb wasn't real happy with the way things happened yesterday. He said he got notice of the escape shortly after 2pm Thursday but the guy was found missing 7 hours earlier. Another sore spot: plans are in place to deal with with escapes, and the protocol wasn't followed.
  • Nov. 30 Late p  Schools were also in an uproar over the fugitive. Rumor spread that several convicts had escaped Mt Olive Prison and one of 'em had shot a Badge (none of that rumor was true clickers). Local school administrators had little info to go on.
  • Nov. 30 Late p  Top Badge Holcomb said as of 1pm Friday, Robert Brady was still at large.
  • Nov. 30 Late p Just between you and me clickers.. Doesn't it sound like Mt Olive officials were trying to keep the escape hush hush? Sort of egg on their face syndrome?
  • Nov. 30 p  Mary Marie Gray, 79, of Lizemores, see OBITUARY page
  • Nov. 30 p  Happy 42nd Birthday to Kenny Neal.
  • Nov. 30 p  As for that Frontier internet outage all day Thursday... one of the local service reps said the problem was down in Bluefield where a falling tree wiped out the system.
  • Nov. 30 a From the email bag:  Happy Birthday to 3 very special nephews - Austin, Nathaniel & Hunter Rose!! We love you very much!  James, Amanda & Dylan
  • Nov. 30 a Clayberry found out Thursday what it's like to be severed from the rest of the world. Internet got reaaaal fuzzy Wednesday night but by 10 am Thursday morning, it was all gone. With a big portion of the county served by one Frontier Telephone Co line coming  from Widen, we were internetless until about 9:30 or so Thursday night. Sure makes it tough to conduct business for banks, pharmacies, the radio station, and web operations.
  • Nov. 30 a  It got exciting Thursday afternoon when a work release inmate escaped from Mt Olive Prison. You knew something  was up when the Top Badge started using that coded message stuff.
  • Nov. 30 a A little before 5pm a 911 Dispatcher asked one Green Shirt about  a check point in the Dixie area. his response was, What Checkpoint?
  • Nov. 30 a At least one school was locked down in Clay County for safety reasons.
  • Nov. 30 a Here's the TV-8 link to the escapee Robert Brady escapee.
  • Nov. 30 a This web site reported on the County Commission's intent to vote on cutting down the stately evergreens in front of the old Courthouse during the next CCC meeting in Dec. Apparently we're not the only ones that think the graceful trees should remain. Keep the emails coming!!!
  • Nov. 30 a Last night's Reading Street Imagination Library activities has to go down as a success despite little public notice of activities and such.  Close to 100 parents and rug rats showed up at the Courthouse for the ceremony. First Lady Gayle Manchin also attended activities at the Health Dept and Clay Public Library.
  • Nov. 30 a The idea is to get  preschoolers interested in reading by supplying them a book a month for at-home use.
  • Nov. 30 a    Lets go back to Wed's Commission meeting for a second. During the meeting Health Dept Director Linda Klotzbach had her shorts all bunched up and told the elected folks to stop the smoking going on behind the facility. She said she was one of two complainers.  Klotzbach told Kookla Fran and Oli she intended to file charges with the Magistrates over the second hand smoke snorts.
  • Nov. 30 a In reality Smoking Czar Jay Carper had already handed the Sheriff an inhouse form for the complaint.
  • Nov. 30 a According to the Top Badge, Carper has to get a law enforcement person to sign off on the complaint before a citation can be official.    Who's Klotzbach complaining about? Gene King and Walter Stutler.
  • Nov. 30 a  What's next? When the fight was on to stop the smoking ordinance, people complained that it was just the first step in total government control, Communism. They said stuff like, first the smokers, and then the government will be telling us who's too fat and taking away the ice cream. Well, keep in mind other places have banned smoking in private homes and apartments. This year, the government told consumers they weren't allowed any more transfatty's.
  • Nov. 30 a Not one complaint on the transfatty stuff was heard and now the government has become the doctor for us all!     Maybe us lard arss ice cream eaters reaaly are next!
  • Nov. 29 a  26 days until Christmas.   It gray, overcast, windy, feels like snow in the county of Clay.
  • Nov. 29 a From the email bag: I have a really cute beagle dog that I found near the Ovapa Road and Route 4-----does she belong to anyone out there?  She has a collar but no name on it.  evelyne 587-2399
  • Nov. 29 a  We've got the 07-08 CCHS Basketball schedule posted on the ADVISORY page.
  • Nov. 29 a Information is kind of sketchy at best on the Reading Street program this afternoon at 5pm. We know the Gov's wife will be here, the program is to get curtain climbers interested in reading, the activity starts at the Courthouse and ends up at the Library.
  • Nov. 29 a Stuff like, kind of activities and where, we don't know and the flyers passed out this week help little. They're calling it the Dolly Parton Imagination Program. Just thinking about Dolly makes me imagine big time, real big time, twice big time. Ok Ok  I  quit.....
  • Nov. 29 a  Come out anyway at 5, bring those crumb snatchers and see what's going on.
  • Nov. 29 a Hey, the radio station is trying to round up sponsors for the upcoming CCHS Basketball season. Starts next week. They need about five more sponsors at $50 per sponsor. If you can help get our kids on the radio, call WYAP  587-8353. That $50 gets your name mentioned 4 times during each of the 18 home games.  Not a bad deal for anyone running for office...
  • Nov. 29 a  In the newest Communicator we have those stone carving pictures out on White Pilgrim Road. We gave credit to Creed Moore as the stone carver.
  • Nov. 29 a This morning Creed's nephew Andrew J Stalnkaer called with an update. According to Mr Stalnaker, Creed cut the carving above the road but the guy's brother Lloyd Dewitt Moore, was the artist for the one found below the road. Back in the 30's , without electricity, Mr Stalnaker said Creed and Lloyd did the artwork just to pass the time of day, or many days, with a chisel and hammer. He knew of no other works done by each Uncle.
  • Nov. 29 a Another note from Mr Stalnaker, he said the hollow was absolutely full of copperheads! No rattle snakes but packed from wall to wall with copperheads. Might keep that in mind next summer when you head out White Pilgrim Road to see the carvings.
  • Nov. 28 p Mentioned yesterday was the crash over in Calhoun County where a passenger car carrying four people slid across the road and into a King Wrecker Co truck driven by Jack Schaftall. Fire engulfed both vehicles almost immediately.
  • Nov. 28 p  Turns out we have a hero. With flames big time, Jack pulled all four of the car's occupants to safety including the driver who was tangled, mangled in the mess.
  • Nov. 28 p One big Atta Boy to Jack Schafstall!!!
  • Nov. 28 p This morning's CCC meeting brought out a couple interesting nuggets
  • Nov. 28 p Mentioned during discussion was the VFW War Memorial planned to replace a much smaller memorial now in front of the old Courthouse.
  • Nov. 28 p The VFW plans to make that presentation during the next Commission meeting. Their request includes cutting down the  beautiful evergreens. Both of em! According to the Commission today, the Historical Society guy Jerry Stover, is OK with the plan.
  • Nov. 28 p Are you? Clayberry has a habit of ripping out anything and everything pretty.
  • Nov. 28 p How about this time? It ain't too late!  Emails, telephone calls, letters to the County Commission  may go along way toward saving two beautiful evergreens.
  • Nov. 28 a   Hilda Marcine Mullins, see OBITUARY page
  • Nov. 28 a From the email bag:  The lost dog was been claimed by his owner.  So he's back home.  But Don Gray has a male boxer that came in today.  His number is 587-4132.  If anyone is missing one, that's probably him.
  • Nov. 28 a  Mountain Top Removal (MTR)  is seen as either jobs or the worst kind of destruction for the Appalachian Mountains. State government has worked hard to portray reclamation as an improvement for the look after the peaks have been butchered. The Charleston Daily Mail has an online poll: Do you think MTR should be banned.   Here's the Daily Mail link. The poll is at the bottom right.  Take  a minute to vote.
  • Nov. 28 a It wasn't just a couple years back when Clayberry nearly lost a local bank. Cease and Desist orders and new management kept the Clay County Bank from toppling.
  • Nov. 28 a From the AP:    Premier Financial Bancorp plans to acquire Traders Bankshares Inc. for $18.1 million in stock and cash.   The deal is expected to close sometime in the first half of 2008, pending approval by regulators and Traders shareholders, the companies said Tuesday. Traders, a 104-year-old company based in Spencer, decided to merge with Premier in part because of new regulations, Traders President and CEO Gary Brown said in a news release. "The banking regulatory environment today makes it much more difficult for a community bank to operate and exist on its own,'' Brown said.

  •     Premier, a Huntington-based bank holding company, owns five banks in West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky and had $458.9 million in deposits as of June 30. Traders, with $94.3 million in deposits, has branches in Charleston, Spencer, Ripley and Mineral Wells.
        "The Traders locations fit very well into our West Virginia market footprint,'' said Robert Walker, Premier's president and chief executive. Premier announced in October that it has agreed to buy Ravenswood-based Citizens First Bank for $11.7 million in cash and stock. That deal is expected to close during the first quarter of 2008.
  • Nov. 27 p Fran King had a bad day Monday. One of her wrecker trucks was involved in a big time wreck while in Calhoun County. Lots of injuries and the $75,000 truck was a total loss after colliding with a passenger car and catching fire. The Hurherald web site has the complete story and some great pics.
  • Nov. 27 p Local School Improvement Councils were set up to give parents a say in how their school was run. Under the control of local School Boards, the LSICs turned into nothing more than one more control arm of the administration. In years past, noodle backed LSIC's asked for whimpy little thangs like bird houses and paint. One time a LSIC request was made for something substantial like another teacher. The requester was called a B**** and behind the scenes was told never to present again.
  • Nov. 27 p Last night the Clay School Board met at Lizemore's Elem. The LSIC presentation asked for an outside night light and speed bumps down the entrance driveway.
  • Nov. 27 p After the LSIC presentation, from the peanut gallery, an important request came from parent/ grandparent Carol Harvey. Harvey asked that the School Board supply a full time principal at the community school. Currently Mike Mullins serves as a Principal there each morning and then heads over to HE White Elem for afternoon duty. Bunny Taylor serves as the afternoon Principal but conducts PE classes there. Those PE classes are away from the entrance door and Principal's office.
  • Nov. 27 p  Firm and sure, Ms Harvey knew how to make her demand stick. She tied it to homeland security.    With no Principal  there  and the water fountain real near the entrance door, kids could bust out or worse yet, someone could quickly swipe a kid and be gone.
  • Nov. 27 p Nice presentation, great angle, and watch for a full time Principal to be in place when Lizemore Elem opens next Fall. Once again it's the parents and community that make the difference!
  • Nov. 27 a The Communicator made it out the door around 3pm Monday with 20 pages of good info. Nothing too wild this time but news on what makes our county so very interesting.
  • Nov. 27a  About as soon as the paper was printed a big goof was spotted. That's Wallace Brown on Page 19 not Jack Brown. Sometimes at 3 in the morning, fingers just don't work right!
  • Nov. 27 a County Commission meets Wed morning at 10 am.
  • Nov. 27 a  From the email bag:  On November 16, 2007 Alysia Hively signed National Letter of Intent to play softball at Marshall University. Family and friends were there to celebrate with her. She would like to think Junior Naylor for teaching her to pitch. She started when she was 9 years old. She worked with him several nights and weekends for several years. She would also like to think Rod Michallas coach of the WV Dusters of Huntington. This is her summer team. Rod took the girls to lots of tournaments to be seen by hundreds of college coaches. Also Mary Ramsey for coaching her at through high school and supporting her through her ACL injury and recovery. THANK YOU everyone who has supported her through the years. She has worked many years with lots of hard work to get to this point in her life. CONGRADTULATIONS Alysia you have earned it. We are proud of you. Dad, Mom and Kelsey.
  • Nov. 27 a Way to go Alysia!!!!
  • Nov. 27 a Connie Sizemore has been a hard working Apple Festival volunteer for ages.  This year she's in the running for WV Pageant Director of the year. How about some support for Ms Sizemore. Won't take but a minute or so, just cut and paste this email address ( garyabeamer@yahoo.com )  and vote Connie Sizemore for Pageant Director. Thanks in advance
  • Nov. 27 a I just read an article on the dangers of drinking... Scared the crap out of me. So that's it! After today, no more reading.
  • Nov. 27 a 911 call:  Dispatcher : 9-1-1 What is your emergency?  Caller: I heard what sounded like gunshots coming from the brown house on the corner. Dispatcher: Do you have an address?  Caller: No, I have on a blouse and slacks, why?
  • Nov. 25 p   From Holly Cunningham:  A couple from NY dropped off a "Big" about a 80 to 100 lbs. Red male-Neutered dog with a collar off at Marni Killingsworths.  The ladies at the Big Otter Go-Mart told the people who found him running the highway just right off the Big Otter Exit that we run a "shelter".  They dropped him off on 11-24-07 around 4:30-5:00pm    He is a very "large" very friendly dog.  We are pretty sure that he belongs to someone.  He's in too good of shape to be a stray.  They can call Marni at the shop -286-4182 or me at 286-5219 and we'll get him home.   If you could post that, we are making signs as well.  We would really like to find his owner.
  • Nov. 25 p  Not really a wrap up but some wanderings...
  • Nov. 25 p Gerald Simmons has provided some background on those rock carving pictures posted on the home page. Full details in Monday's Communicator.
  • Nov. 25 p Hard to believe, Christmas is just a month away.
  • Nov. 25 p Seems each Christmas comes some uproar on separation of church and state. Let's try this angle this year... The Clay School System has never transferred the deed over to the church group that bought Ivydale Elem. Although the church has remodeled the place, used the block structure for months, and paid for it almost two years ago, the taxpayers (school system) still own it. The deed has never been transferred. With ownership comes insurance. The school system has to pay the insurance to cover their own butts. Insurance ain't cheap.
  • Nov. 25 p If the government is going to sponsor one church (cover the liability for one church) , why not yours? Good for the goose is good...
  • Nov. 25 p When legal Sunday hunting came into existence several years ago, church groups raised double H over the new law. About as soon as the law went on the books, many counties bowed to the evangelicals and voted to prevent the law from going into effect. Not so in Clayberry.
  • Nov. 25 p Because of the good thinking on the part of the County Commission, we have "choice" in the county of little. Today is about the only day that was added to the hunting season as a result of the Sunday Hunting bill. Look around, many of our own stayed an extra day at home to hunt, buy gas, buy food, buy supplies and improve our economy.
  • Nov. 25 p Those church goers that raised all the H, about staying home and keeping Sunday , Sunday? They're out shopping, eating at restaurants, working, and more.
  • Nov. 25 p This was the week to come home for the big meal, swap stories and see extended family members. The weather even cooperated. Thanksgiving may be the best holiday of all. No cards to write nor presents to buy, just returning home for a few days and pigging out.
  • Nov. 24 p Schools were out. Some went on vacations. For that ace cub reporter, it was seven days of vacation fun except for the taper tantrums. He's learned two big lessons. 1) Sharp cheddar cheese can lock you up big time, and; 2) A little Glocolax goes a long way.
  • Nov. 25 p We're back in shut down mode working on Monday's Communicator. Have a nice SUnday in the woods!
  • Nov. 25 a  From the email bag:   We would like to wish Willie Neal a Happy 41st Birthday on Nov. 23 and Kenny Neal a Happy 42nd Birthday on Nov. 30
  • Nov. 25 a  From the email bag: NOV 25TH HAPPY BIG # 9 BIRTHDAY TO TAYLOR MACKENZIE BURFORD  WE LOVE YOU '''MADELINE AND BROOKLYN
  • Nov. 25 a  From the email bag: I would like to wish my son Bradley "Taylor" Brinson a Happy Birthday, November 27...He will be 3 years old, We would like to send a big Hello to his dad Curley Beasley and all his relatives in Clay County
  • Nov. 24 a Feels like we've already head two Saturday's this week. Not complaining mind you.
  • Nov. 24 a Community radio WYAP-LP  has a new program that gets under way today at 3pm. Jane Cook will host the weekly offering beginning at 3pm. Ms Cook's show, Operation: Home Ties will be a live on air support group for military Moms and Dads. In addition to a variety of music, military news, calls from soldiers (304 587-8353) and parents will be a big part of each show. Tune in.
  • Nov. 24 a Big Otter Bluegrass will be playing over at Newton Community Center tonight beginning at 7pm. Darn good concessions too. Hello Wire Haired lady.
  • Nov. 24 a  Vacation time ends today for the ace cub reporter. Time for KP, laundry detail, and destinking the entire house.
  • Nov. 23 a We're still shut down for the Holidays but.....    We're working (or at least thinking about) on Monday's Communicator
  • Nov. 23 a  Use your fingers and your toes, how many businesses are there in the Town of Clay? Include the upper class section of the Town, Two Run.
  • Nov. 23 a The correct answer is 54. For those not familiar with Clayberry, there's only one town in the entire 342 square miles and it has just 54 licenses. That's it.
  • Nov. 23 a  A few months back local business man and long time Business Development Authority member Jim Knotts was arrested at his home on 48 sexual assault charges with a minor.
  • Nov. 23 a Many in the county say nothing will ever happen with those charges. It'll all be swept under the rug.
  • Nov. 23 a  Maybe not. Mr Knotts' hearing date before Magistrate Boggs is set for Nov. 30th at 1pm. The special Prosecutor is Daniel Dotson. Knotts' attorney is former Kanwaha County Prosecutor Mike Clifford.
  • Nov. 23 a Why a Special Prosecutor? The Business Development Authority is an arm of the County Commission which is represented by Prosecutor Jim Samples. Translation: there's a conflict of interest.
  • Nov. 23 a Before T Day we posted an online story and asked for responses. Thanks one and all for your responses. While we had a few emailers say there must be something more than mentioned for a trained Badge to knock the stuffing's out of somebody, most people responded with something along the lines of: discipline is in order and the guy has to go.
  • Nov. 23 a Remember , deadline for Monday's real newspaper is Saturday afternoon. Get your stuff in ASAP.
  • Nov. 22 p  Happy Turkey Day to each and every. We're shut down for  at least the next couple days.
  • Nov. 22 p   The heaviest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds, about the size of a large dog.   Wild turkeys can fly for short distances up to 55 miles per hour.
  • Nov. 22 p  Turkeys’ heads change colors when they become excited.  Turkeys can see movement almost a hundred yards away.   Gobbling turkeys can be heard a mile away on a quiet day.
  • Nov. 22 p    Turkeys can have heart attacks. The United States Air Force was doing test runs and breaking the sound barrier. Nearby turkeys dropped dead from heart attacks. Wild turkeys spend the night in trees. They especially like oak trees.   In England, 200 years ago, turkeys were walked to market in herds. They wore booties to protect their feet.
  • Nov. 22 p What is the official name for the red thang hanging down from the forehead above the bill of a turkey? Answer:  a Snood
  • Nov. 21 a Happy Birthday wishes extended to Corrine Woods, Marna Killingsworth, and George Workman.
  • Nov. 21 a We plan to take a couple days off during the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Light updates Thursday thru Sunday.    The Communicator will come out Monday Nov. 26th around 3pm. Deadline for submissions is Saturday.
  • Nov. 21 a  Talk about a dirty trick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   The U.S. Military is demanding that thousands of wounded service personnel give back signing bonuses because they are unable to serve out their commitments.
  • Nov. 21 a  How about some comments please......
  • Nov. 21 a  Salty is less than a perfect person. Over the years, his name has come up in Court proceedings, messy marital upheavals and such. Most recently court documents accuse him of smacking a female relative.  A week ago, in the evening, two Badges come to his door. They're there to make sure a child is able to pick up some belongings without incident.
  • Nov. 21 a  It's a nice house complete with light colored carpet. Officer Slugger is asked by Salty to take off his shoes prior to coming in.  In Jekyll/Hyde tradition, Slugger says he  doesn't have to do !!**. Slugger commences to beat the stuffing's out of Salty.  Slugger leaves.
  • Nov. 21 a Salty seeks medical treatment for busted facial bones.
  • Nov. 21 a We're seeking comments clickers. Should Slugger be fired? Suspended? Salty ain't no pillar of the community but he or anybody be subjected to such police treatment? Email now.
  • Nov. 21 a Taper tantrums solved. Maybe it's the aging process and just having too much of a good time but this vapor locking thang is bad. Actually was bad.
  • Nov. 21 a With three days of great food backing up, something had to be done. A quick trip to the drugs are us store netted Glucalax in neat little gel tablets. Directions said swallow one gelcap and wait.
  • Nov. 21 a Waiting waiting waiting...... nothing
  • Nov. 21 a Maybe the body mass index is over riding the one pill notion or something, two hours into the wait, two more down the hatch.  By 10 pm and no response from the instant miracle for loss of taper.... two more down the hatch.
  • Nov. 21 a Around 11, something started to happen. First a queasy feelings followed by earth tremors and the walls shaking and windows rattling.
  • Nov. 21 a Oh Boy! two hours later, 42 flushes, and 10 pounds lighter, some lessons have been learned this vacation week.  Cashew nuts can feel like razor blades. Sharp cheddar cheese can turn other food into bricks hard as granite. And, GlucoLax directions should be adhered to! Those little gelcaps look harmless but five is waaaaaaay too many for the average ace cub reporter.
  • Nov. 21 a Thanksgiving dinner may be chicken soup this year.
  • Nov. 21 a Those emails about eating more fruit or drinking prune juice thank you. The lady that mentioned using a steel pry bar and dynamite, shame on you.
  • Nov. 20 a First an OOPS. The School Board is notorious for not posting meeting agendas ahead of time. When we saw one posted on their web site yesterday, we got all excited and  well, didn't read the meeting date. The Meeting is scheduled for next Monday, after the holidays. Sorry
  • Nov. 20 a A newspaper has to be completely independent of government. As a matter of fact, the Constitution provides for such independence. When major media gets in bed with the Feds, so goes the Democracy. Here's an  interesting piece on the New York Times doing just that.
  • Nov. 20 a Obama de Obama confessed some of his past transgressions to some high school kids . And Yes he did inhale. Imagine that, a real person running for President. How refreshing.
  • Nov. 20 a  Taper Tantrums. After 3 1/2 days of eating everything in sight and enjoying vacation time away from the wifey, something is wrong. Instead of a nice big healthy morning bathroom constitution, nothing.  Backing up big time and ready to explode, I now know the reason that floaters are tapered. Locked up !
  • Nov. 19 p We have a very interesting CLASSIFIED listing ladies
  • Nov. 19 p  Arley H. Nichols, 80, see OBITUARY page
  • Nov. 19 p  Tonight at 6pm the School Board meets at Lizemores Elementary.
  • Nov. 19 p We've had a couple emailers asking about the Valley Fork sale. To clarify, the CAEZ was the successful buyer of the buildings and land for $200,001.00.
  • Nov. 19 p  Clayberry is in the woods today, literally.  With warm dry weather today and predicted for Tuesday, Bambi, beware.
  • Nov. 19 p Even with school out this week, traffic snarls continue at the Dundon Bridge Ski Slope construction site. Allow extra time to get in and out of downtown .
  • Nov. 19 p Over in Circuit Court land... Convicted Gerald Thompson will have to wait another week for sentencing. The pre sentencing report was not ready for this morning's hearing.    In the messy Nelson estate family feud, a hearing date complete with a jury, has been set. Looks like there's nearly  a 1/2 million dollars to be divided as well as the ridge top family farm.
  • Nov. 19 p  A kid watches the Simpson's on TV, goes to school, and then draws a similar drawing of a stick person shooting another stick person. The principal tosses the first grader out of school.
  • Nov. 19 p Can you be too fat to immigrate? You bet! Read this.
  • Nov. 19 p Now day three of wifey vacation.... had to wish the dishes. No shortage of dinnerware just out of spoons and forks. The feast continues with eating about everything in sight. Lots of scrambled eggs covered with cheese, bacon sandwiches out the yin yang, real milk not that crappy blue low test stuff, and more.
  • Nov. 19 p I think I'm safe clickers, wifey took her laptop but there's no internet connection at Sunset beach.
  • Nov. 18 a  Appalachia is full of traditions, some good, some bad.
  • Nov. 18 a This past week we prepared for the hunt.  Boxes of ammo, get everything gassed up, buy the vienne sausages and bologna, maybe a new Carhart coat and overalls. Heck with the utilities, car payment or making it  until the next government check arrives.  It's Deer Camp time in Clay County.
  • Nov. 18 a Think we're kidding? During the last Clay Roane PSD meeting, the Board voted to implement a spending freeze until February. Why? As a matter of record, few, very few, pay their water bill until after the new year gets underway.
  • Nov. 18 a  Truth is, many in the county depend on venison as a food supply. Many others get into the woods as a  time to come back home and gather with family & friends. The rest of us just see Gun Season as another holiday but with rifles blasting at anything! FUn Fun Fun.
  • Nov. 18 a We have another tradition in Clayberry. That tradition is the School System running roughshod over everything. It's their way or no way. Holding the purse strings to the county's largest budget, they can do it.
  • Nov. 18 a Two year's ago the Board sold the old Ivydale School stands out. They wanted a church to have the building despite locals wanting the cinder block building converted to a business center. Didn't happen and the school system bent over backward to see their favorite bidder get the building. Note:  even though the Church has owned the Ivydale building for nearly two years, the deed has NOT been recorded at the Courthouse
  • Nov. 18 a Yesterday's Valley Fork School auction was another fine example of school system back door dealings. Yesterday wantabe buyers gathered at 10 am for the sale. Board Chair RB Legg opened the bidding. One guy bid $28.  RB said the minimum bid was $200,000.
  • Nov. 18 a  CAEZ Director Connie Lupardus said she wished to make a bid but for something less than the $200,000 min.
  • Nov. 18 a   County Commissioner Jerry Slinkinooooooooger, a retired school system employee,  bid $200,000 which forced the Lupardus hand. The school was sold for $200,001.00
  • Nov. 18 a Slinky was the inside man, the go to guy. He had no intention of doing anything more than get the minimum up to what his cronies wanted. There certainly is a conflict with his bidding since the County Commission has indicated they plan to add funds for upgrading the old school.
  • Nov. 18 a Here's the way it works clickers. The school folks wanted someone else to have the facility most likely. Hearing that the CAEZ was interested, they came up with a plan, if the CAEZ wants it, they're going to pay thru the nose!  That's just what happened too. With WV State Technical College the proposed renter, us the tax payer, just paid twice during the  sale.
  • Nov. 18 a History: Back when the public wanted the old Ivydale School, behind the scenes, a deal was made between School Boardsters, the BDA, and members of the County Commission.  The deal was, if you shut up and allow the School Board to sale Ivydale to that church, the School Board will GIVE the Valley Fork school to the county for development. GIVE! $0.
  • Nov. 18 a Leading up to the Valley Fork sale, there was no mention of the earlier deal. Not one peep.
  • Nov. 18 a Other traditions continue..   Yesterday the wifey and family tribe left for the beach.
  • Nov. 18 a YAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

  • Nov. 18 a Not much after the red tail lights were around the curve, out come the bacon, the baked potatoes smothered in sour cream. No not  that  "fat free" crap but the high test sour cream and reaaaal butter. A quick trip to Go Mart brought in the chips, dip, sharp cheddar and colby cheese.
  • Nov. 18 a Everything a diabetic cripple isn't  suppose to have, is now ready for consumption and in double  doses.  It's vacation time for the ace cub reporter.
  • Nov. 18 a  Now for the pancakes and french toast loaded with maple syrup!
  • Nov. 17 am  Paul Bryan Baker, 44, see OBITUARY page
  • Nov. 16 LATE p Earl Geary King, 72, of Valley Fork see OBITUARY page
  • Nov. 16 p  The latest on the Health Dept's Flu Vaccine now posted on the ADVISORY page.
  • Nov. 16 p  Several months ago Town Council succumbed to public pressure and voted to add fluoride to the drinking water once again. As of today at 4pm, they ain't doing it.
  • Nov. 16 p  From the email bag: The Clay Middle School Cheerleaders competed on Saturday at Summersville in the CWVAC Cheer Competition and PLACED 1st!!!!!!!! The girls had a perfect show! Aquayla Fugate and Miranda Taylor were named All-Conference Cheerleaders! Erica Perdue and Breanne Salisbury also were named football All-Conference. Rumor has it-it is the first for the Middle School?
  • Nov. 16 a  First some housekeeping. You may have noticed that our email links are all ( should be anyway) changed  to communicator@frontiernet.net. We actually switched about 2 weeks ago but with hotmail security issues big time, we've hastened the switch.
  • Nov. 16 a Early last week we did an online poll on who would get the Co Ordinator job from Slinky's Apple Festival grant.  Every single person that participated in the online survey was 100%  WRONG.
  • Nov. 16 a During Wednesday's Commission meeting, the decision to select Terri Lively as Grant Co Ordinator was made public.
  • Nov. 16 a Everybody in the poll was Wrong Wrong Wrong
  • Nov. 16 a Two years ago the announcement came that the CAEZ secured a $250,000 grant to purchase part of the old BC&G railroad line, about 2 miles or so.   During Wed's CCC meeting it came to light, it won't be the CAEZ nor the BC&G Co-Op that will actually own the stretch of track when purchased. It'll be the County Commission. No not the train or caboosi, the tracks will be owned by the Commission. We'll be in the train business!!!        Bet ya you hadn't heard that before?
  • Nov. 16 a  When that announcement was made someone in the peanut gallery yelled out, Heck, if you're going to own the railroad you might as well own the old bridge too!! There was lots of laughter.
  • Nov. 16 a The biggy for the weekend may be the selling of the old Valley Fork Elementary school Saturday. Normally such sales are determined way ahead of time. Maybe not this time. The Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone is getting involved.
  • Nov. 16 a Thursday afternoon the CAEZ convened an Emergency meeting of  the Board to allow their Director to bid on the old school. About 6 minutes into the meeting they went secret and threw out the public.
  • Nov. 16 a Nearly an hour later, back in public, the Board voted unanimously to go ahead with the bid if and only if they could get an in writing, iron clad, a guarantee that the poopy tank and drain line would be included in the property being sold. There was no mention in public of how much they were prepared to bid.
  • Nov. 16 a All their dealings were done in private but the guess is, they will allow their bid to go over the $200,000 minimum. Where they gettin the $$$? The rules say they need just 20%  Saturday and have 30 days to come up with the rest.
  • Nov. 16 a There was some clarification too. It isn't West Virginia State College that interested in the old school for class rooms but rather a branch, a technical community college. Still good, but not like having the college in the county.
  • Nov. 16 a What else is going on in Clayberry? Gettin ready for deer camp. Everywhere you look you see a big pick em up truck loaded down with 4 wheelers, gas cans, sleeping bags, guns, and beer.  For all intents and purposes, the entire county will shut down next week for buck season.
  • Nov. 15 a  It's wet and nasty with a hint of snow showers in the county of Clay. Last night those lovely fall leaves blanketed the roads along with lots of rain. Slick as...
  • Nov. 15 a  from the email bag:   The Clay County Intermediate football cheerleaders got first place in the Summersville competition. The girls are Courtney, Chelsea,Alyssa,and Micaila.There coach is Stephanie Taylor
  • Nov. 15 a Watch out clickers. There's a bunch of Republicrats coming to town tonight. From the email bag:  Representatives from the campaigns of Rudy Giuliani, Duncan Hunter and Mitt Romney will be at the Clay Republican Executive Committee meeting Thursday Nov. 15th, 6pm at the Clay Library basement meeting room
  • Nov. 15 a You Tube has the absolute worst rendition of Amazing Grace you can imagine.
  • Nov. 15 a This Saturday is the sale of the old community school , Valley Fork.
  • Nov. 15 a  During Wednesday morning's CCC meeting came word that the CAEZ has a prospective buyer for the land and buildings. It appears that West Virginia State along with Glenville Colleges have an interest in using the place for college classes here in Clayberry.
  • Nov. 15 a  Word has it that CAEZ will hold a special meeting sometime today and give the thumbs up for Director Connie Lupardus to bid Saturday.
  • Nov. 15 a Also from Wednesday's meeting, seems part of the Valley Fork septic system , the leach line for sure, is actually situamadated on an adjourning land owner, Wayne King. According to our sources, Mr. King said there was no problem with that and he didn't want to mess up the sale.
  • Nov. 15 a According to many, the septic system location has been a  not so well kept secret at the Board office for years.
  • Nov. 15 a  Wednesday morning Judge Alsop heard from the 6 new indictees. One guy showed up without his Court appointed attorney, Barbara Schamberger. They waited and waited and still no Schamberger.
  • Nov. 15 a  Finally the Judge asked the fellow where was his attorney. In reply: I don't know, I haven't seen her in 17 months!  The Judge ordered a new barrister for him.
  • Nov. 15 a Just reporting what happened Barbara!
  • Nov. 14 p It's a wet one today in Clay County. Lots of drizzle and gray clouds everywhere.
  • Nov. 14 p Our Badges must be all screwed up. This morning before Judge Jack Alsop, all those indicted during the Fall Grand Jury said, Nope not me, Not guilty.
  • Nov. 14 p Last evening, Clay County PSD met in regular session. During that meeting the Board made it public they planned to cut employee sick leave days from 15 to 7 annually. Also, a doctor's excuse will be needed for each day off after an employee is off twice during a given year. Employees asked questions and raised concerns over such a policy change.
  • Nov. 14 p  Government workers are normally paid low wages. In exchange for those low wages, benefits like free insurance and days off have been touted as the plus side of government service. Sometimes those benefits make the difference between keeping workers and  not. It's usually very expensive to retrain new workers not to mention the number of screw ups of inexperienced green workers.
  • Nov. 14 p With the Republican controlled PSD Board, little regard for keeping long trained people on hand.
  • Nov. 13 late p  This site was down from around 1pm until 10 tonight.
  • Nov. 13 late p  Sometimes my pinkies hit buttons they aught not hit.
  • Nov. 13 late p  Bad Bad boy!!!
  • Nov. 13 late p And thanks for all the emails except that mean arss one from CRM. I bet you'd beat your own Mother!
  • Nov. 13 a It's a wet day in the county of Clay.  How wet is it? Saw ducks in a row boat!
  • Nov. 13 a FOUND:  5 to 8 pound small house dog found in the Valley Fork area of the county. Yours? Dial 587-2053.
  • Nov. 13 a  Clay County PSD meets this afternoon at 4:30pm in their Main Street Clay office digs across from the Courthouse.
  • Nov. 13 a County Commission meets in regular session Wed morning at 10 am. Big long agenda too.  Clay Housing Authority also meets this Wednesday, at the Courthouse, at 1pm.
  • Nov. 13 a From the email bag:  Thank you to Delta for getting the word out about our son's tragic accident. Thanks to all the wonderful friends and neighbors for their help during the most difficult time of our lives.Special thanks to Drema and Ryan for coming to help us so soon after Gary passed away on them.   Thank you to Carl, Brian,Cam,Puddin, Roger, and others who took care of the grave for us. Thanks to BJ for a very professional job.A beautiful job.  Most importantly thank you to the hundreds who came to mourn with us and lay our son to rest. it really helps to have your support.  We Thank you all.   Homer ,Linda, and family of Homer Buddy Graham
  • Nov. 13 a County Commission was in session this morning at 10 am. At issue was the acceptance of  Irene Nelson's last will and testament. In the case, the CCC voted NOT to accept the document. During the vote they offered no reasons for their decision.
  • Nov. 13 a During an earlier hearing, it came to light, the person that was suppose to notarize the signatures on the will was not in the room nor could see the people signing the thang.
  • Nov. 13 a With the latest will tossed, the long standing family feud will return to Circuit Court land.
  • Nov. 13 a  Betty Helen Summers, 67, of Clay, see OBITUARY page
  • Nov. 13 a  Maysel Gladys Murphy, see OBITUARY page
  • Nov. 12 p  The Communicator made it to the news stands Monday afternoon around 3pm. Keep in mind, Monday was a holiday for the USPO. Prescribers will have to wait until Wed to read all the news and views on Clayberry.
  • Nov. 12 p  Tuesday morning at 10, County Commission will decide the fate of a will in the long standing Nelson family feud. Wednesday ia the day all the indictees say, Not me your honor, I didn't do it.
  • Nov. 12 p Wednesday morning the County Commission meets in regular session at the Courthouse.
  • Nov. 12 p Seepy now, Better post Tuesday
  • Nov. 11 p    Mona Lou Swift, 78, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page
  • Nov. 11 p   Eunice “Budgie” Arnold, 94, see OBITUARY page
  • Nov. 11 p We're busily typin away putting the finishing touches on next Communicator set for distribution Monday afternoon. Well..... actually we're still dorking off and waiting until the last second to even get started.
  • Nov. 11 p  In any case, no weekend wrap up this time around.
  • Nov. 11 p Did notice this web info on a candidate for the President spot, Ron Paul. Not sure if he has any chance, but most of what he says makes real sense.
  • Nov. 11 p Get out and eat dinner today in support of the Vets and the Boy Scouts too.
  • Nov. 11 p  On that good Samaritan that blocks the road in front ot Clay High each afternoon at 3pm... Had a chance to talk to CCHS Principal Phil Dobbins Friday morning. According to the Dobbster, he's had a talk with the lady and asked her not to block traffic in the future. Good thing Yes but the chance of a big time accident, even bigger.
  • Nov. 10 a  From the email bag:  HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO KELLY HAMRICK, SHE IS 20 TODAY, WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH AND WISH YOU MANY MORE KELLY....LOVE MOM, DAD, MATTHEW AND ANGIE
  • Nov. 10 a  Ralph came home drunk one night, slid into bed beside his sleeping wife, and fell into a deep slumber.  He awoke before the Pearly Gates, where St. Peter said, 'You died in your sleep, Ralph.'  Ralph was stunned. 'I'm dead? No, I can't be! I've got too much to live for. Send me back!'  St. Peter said, 'I'm sorry, but there's only one way you can go back, and that is as a chicken.'  Ralph was devastated, but begged St. Peter to send him to a farm near his home. The next thing he knew, he was covered with feathers, clucking, and pecking the ground.  A rooster strolled past. 'So, you're the new hen, huh? How's your first day here?'   'Not bad,' replied Ralph the hen, 'but I have this strange feeling inside. Like I'm gonna explode!'  'You're ovulating,' explained the rooster. 'Don 't tell me you've never laid an egg before?'  'Never,' said Ralph.  'Well, just relax and let it happen,' says the rooster. 'It's no big deal.'

  •       Ralph did, and a few uncomfortable seconds later, out popped an egg! Ralph was overcome with emotion as he experienced motherhood. He soon laid another egg -- his joy was overwhelming. As he was about to lay his third egg, he felt a smack on the back of his   head, and heard his wife shout.....
         'Dammit, Ralph! Wake up. You're crapping in the bed!'
     
  • Nov. 9 p From the email bag:  HAPPY 13TH BIRTHDAY KAYLA AMANDA CUMMINGS NOVEMBER 9TH . WE LOVE U KK FROM MOM DAD AND UR LIL BUBBY ISAIAH TY VM.
  • Nov. 9 p We received an email from Sally Legg:  Sally Legg has accepted an offer from Regis Hair Salon in the Kanawha Mall  as a stylist and will  be in the salon mon. tues.wed.sat.3-9.sunday 12-5.she would like to invite  her friends to drop in and see her when they are at Gabriels.the number is 304-925-8668.
  • Nov. 9 p Someone call Mason McGlothlin and tell him to read this post.
  • Nov. 9 p  How about a nice story to polish off the week....
  • Nov. 9 p Back in 1975 Rocky Osborne and friends were all throwing rocks in the creek, just below the old Fola school. Some how, he managed to lose his 1973 CCHS class ring after a toss.
  • Nov. 9 p Fast forward to Nov. 1, 2007. 8 year old Mason McGlothlin and buddies were out throwing rocks in the same creek and just below what was Fola School. Along the bank Mason noticed something shiney. After some digging, it was a 1973 class ring with the initials RLO engraved.
  • Nov. 9 p  Back inside his home they cleaned up the ring making it look new again. Phone call after phone call and guess what, Rocky Osborne said Yes, he had lost his ring there 32 years ago and never expected to see it again.
  • Nov. 9 p The reunion was made yesterday with the now grown Osborne providing Mason a nice gift for his honesty and efforts.
  • Nov. 9 p Now don't say we never post anything nice!!!
  • Nov. 9 a   Lots of good stuff going on this weekend, Bingo tonight at CCHS, the Delta Blues Man Harold Allen at Newton Center Saturday night and Keith Lahti's annual pottery show, plus lots more.
  • Nov. 9 a  We're holding up The Communicator until Monday afternoon. Deadline for notices, classifieds, stories, chatters is Saturday at 5pm. Email your stuff  right away.
  • Nov. 9 a  A former technician at AT&T, who alleges that the telecom forwards virtually all of its internet traffic into a "secret room" to facilitate government spying, says the whole operation reminds him of something out of Orwell's 1984.
  • Nov. 9 a Once a news cycle gets going, all kinds of stuff come out. Like, we have posted pictures of the silver Jeep that blocks the main road in front of the high school each day at 3pm. Turns out, its been going on for some time...
  • Nov. 9 a One local business owner reports nearly wrecking there when traffic backed up around the curve.
  • Nov. 9 a One guy coming back from the Beckley VA Center reports  nearly tail ending the vehicle.
  • Nov. 9 a  Just found out last week a student or students were disciplined (denied driving privileges to CCHS) after they went around the parked Jeep.
  • Nov. 9 a Not even going to mention the number of flipping the bird incidents.
  • Nov. 9 a We talked with Bus Czar Larry Legg who said he had just found out about the problem. He said he planned to talk to the good Samaritan turned traffic hazard, very soon.
  • Nov. 9 a  If the School system is condoning the action of  blocking the road by a private citizen, then it sure seems like they would have to share in the liability as well.
  • Nov. 9 a The Town of Clay just voted to raise water rates so they can pay for a soon to be built new wa wa plant. Maybe there's no reason to build a new plant....
  • Nov. 9 a West Virginia Water just took over water service in Clendenin after completing  a 24 water line along the Elk. Their plan is to run water right up the center of state. Uhhhh... Clayberry is the center of the state.
  • Nov. 9 a WV Water Co rates are cheaper than Clay Roane, Clay County, and Queen Shoals PSD  rates. Much cheaper as a matter of fact.
  • Nov. 9 a Why build a costly plant when the entire county could just hook on to the new line?
  • Nov. 9 a Some time ago, Queen Shoals PSD tried to get WV Water Co to supply them the wet stuff. With the new 24 inch line complete thru Clendenin, maybe QSPSD should ask again about water service from the state's biggest water provider.
  • Nov. 9 a Naaaaaaaaaaaah, Makes too much sense.
  • Nov. 8 p We have some great news clickers. Ms Nutter has been found. She's now safe and doing well. The family sends thank you's to everyone that helped in the search. Big happy faces to all!
  • Nov. 8 p  Down at the Federal Building today, Bomber Donnie Welch received a 22 year sentence for his part in trying to blow up Sheriff Randy Holcomb in the Fall of 05. Although no fine was imposed, 22 years is twice what his fellow conspirator Samuel Todd Murphy received earlier this year. Seems the Feds messed up when the figured out the sentence on Mr Murphy.
  • Nov. 8 p Your detailed source for news on Clayberry is The Communicator.
  • Nov. 8 a  From the email bag, belated: Happy Birthday Colby Grose on Nov. 8, 07 he will be 6 yrs. old
  • Nov. 8 a From the email bag: Happy Anniversary Josh and Tara Grose on Nov. 9, 2007 (11 years)
  • Nov. 8 a  Tuesday's Town Council meeting was interesting for what they didn't do in public. From outside the building and looking thru a plate glass door, Council was in secret time. They threw the public out citing personnel issues. Council person Llyn Drake said the secret stuff was just take a minute. It lasted 25 minutes.
  • Nov. 8 a Left inside with the elected folks was long time Town maintenance man Terry Traub. With our ear pressed against the door and when vehicles weren't roaring by, it sounded like TT was center of attention. Side angle views thru the door revealed TT doing much of the talking. No not yelling or anything but it "feels like" the guy is in dutch with the Mayor.
  • Nov. 8 a  A month of more back there was a key battle between the newly elected Mayor and Traub. That ended with the Mayor winning out, and receiving a key for the old sewer plant storage building at Pisgah.   Our guess is the secret time was further iron out the chain of command between the Mayor, Council and at will employees.
  • Nov. 8 a But wait there's more!!!
  • Nov. 8 a Before Traub stood and talked, there was some yelling. With Council person Llyn Drake hell bent on establishing a costly Municipal Court, our guess is the louder wordage was between Drake and the Mayor. If it wasn't for those %%##!!! loud  mufflers going past every 5 seconds, we could tell you more, BUT....
  • Nov. 8 a It sounded like Drake called the Mayor Gestapi or Gestapo. In response the Mayor could be heard in a stronger voice, something about who's in charge here.
  • Nov. 8 a  Once again our guess... Drake wants the $500 per month Judge's job which is guaranteed income for 24 months. In addition to the $500 or so, there is travel expense, telephone privileges, and other allocations. Pretty lucrative stuff clickers. On the other side of the card, Mayor Brown knows the town doesn't have the loot to pay such items nor does he want the town in the same hated category as Summersville and Gauly Bridge, notorious speed traps. In at least three occasions the newbee Mayor has said he wants a much less costly version of night court with some cases going thru the County Magistrates.
  • Nov. 8 a Not sure if that arrangement with the Magistrates can work, but at least discussions, albeit heated, are on the table.
  • Nov. 8 a When asked if the secret time was posted on the meeting agenda, Mayor Brown said no. There's a big Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...
  • Nov. 8 a There is never a time when Council MUST go into secret time. There are provisions, exemptions , which allow secret times but never, never Llyn, a time, when they are mandated to do so. Sunshine laws require those going secret to tell the public specifically the reason, the exemption. Drake said it was for personnel . That is NOT an allowed reason for going secret.
  • Nov. 8 a  Town water rates will increase after Council voted Tuesday to ask the WV PSC to make the decision. The engineer for the long stalled new water plant told the group, the plan to raise rates has always been on the table. Look for the new plant to be built next Spring.
  • Nov. 7 p  Fall Grand Jury returned 6 true bills with 2 others not returned. Here's the run down: Jeremy Salisbury - Grand LArceny and Conspiracy;  Ralph Fields re-indicted for  six sexual assaults to a minor; David Patterson - Grand Larceny, BUrglary, & B&E; Kenton Mosley - DUI 3rd offense: John Bishop -  9 sexual abuse to a minor charges; Tommy Young Jr -  Grand Larceny & Conspriacy.
  • Nov. 7 p   On that Ralph Fields  case, most will remember that he was indicted last term with about a gazillion charges. He's down to just 6 felony charges now.
  • Nov. 7 p On the Donnie Welch sentencing hearing, it's 11am Thursday morning at  the Federal Building in downtown Charleston.
  • Nov. 6 p   6 indicted by Grand Jury. Details Weds.
  • Nov. 6 a We've got a full day  in Clay.
  • Nov. 6 a The Fall Grand Jury convenes this morning. Look for a one day affair. The norm is 4 to 8 true bills.
  • Nov. 6 a Today at 4pm the CAEZ Economic/Development Committee meets followed by the full Board meeting at 6pm. Both are open to the public.
  • Nov. 6 a Also today, Clay Town Council convenes at 6pm.
  • Nov. 6 a From the email bag:  Happy Belated Birthday wishes to Melissa Hill of Two Run
  • Nov. 6 a And a long distance email:  The building you are now in was built in the late 50's by Jake Perrine and Holly Davis.  Jake was the son of Mrs Perrine, who started the restaurant, and Holly was her son-in-law.  Holly and Agnes Davis were the owners of A&H grocery store located across the street from the new location of Fairview Baptist Temple, which used to be the location of Hensley's Garage and Welding Service, which was owned by my grandfather, Kellis Hensley and his wife Elsie, which was my step-grandmother.  The house Kellis and Elsie owned was also located on the property now occupied by Fairview Baptist Temple.  Mrs. Perrine used to bake the most delicious pies in the world--I remember going there with my grandparents when I was in high school.  You just couldn't find a better place to eat in Clay County that the U-can restaurant!  The competition in Two Run was of course Scott's Texaco restaurant down the road a short distance--used to eat there also, was good friends with all the Scott boys and their Mom and Dad, Gladys and Roy Scott.  Sounds like you really are enjoying your new home--a little bit more to add to the history of Two Run.  You are a great addition to the community and are the information source for all of us that don't live there anymore!

  •  Jim Hensley-1960 graduate of Clay County High School,   Now residing at 2605 Joshua Way, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
  • Nov. 6 a Donnie Welch was to be sentenced for his part in the bomb attempt on the Sheriff in the fall of 2005. Didn't happen. His attorney thinks Donnie shouldn't get any more time in the slammer than his side kick, Sam Murphy who received 11 years.
  • Nov. 6 a  The 2 1/2 hour hearing ended with  a continuance to this coming Thursday morning.
  • Nov. 6 a   It was fun watching the two sides go at it. It appeared that the Fed Prosecutor was trying to get the stiffer sentencing without the testimony to back it up. At least that's what the Judge said over and over as he chewed her side stepping hiney. FUn FUn FUn unless you're the Prosecutor.
  • Nov. 6 a On the front door of the Courthouse is one of the normal Dog Found notices. Something about a black LAb and pups found. Down at the bottom , handwritten is: Timothy Hopkins called 11-2 upset that Walter didn't call him back. Jerry called Walter and he was picking up the dog 11-2... Jerry called Timothy and told him
  • Nov. 6 a   If you're looking for some WVU/Lousiville tickets, see CLASSIFIEDS
  • Nov. 6 a   Two deer hunters were standing on a ridge near a highway in rural northern West Virginia on the opening day of deer season. They both saw a trophy- class buck meandering towards them. As the one hunter raised his gun to shoot, a funeral procession came slowly by. The hunter lowered his gun, took off his hat, and stood with his head bowed until the procession was past. Of course by then, the deer was long gone. The other hunter exclaimed, "Wow! That was the most sportsman-like act I've ever seen! You allowed this trophy buck to escape while showing such compassion and kindness toward someone's dearly departed. You are a great humanitarian and a shining example to sportsmen throughout the world!" The first hunter nodded and said; "Well, we were married for 42 years."

  •  
  • Nov. 4 p   Lydia “Lockie” Elliott Sanders, 77,  see OBITUARY page
  • Nov. 4 p    Jacqueline Shamblin, 46, of Wallback, see OBITUARY page
  • Nov. 4 p  Lynn Romano emailed asking this question: Could you please let me know of any churches in Clay County that give food, clothing, counseling, etc? We need the information for our service array assessment.
  • Nov. 4 p Lynn can be reached at the Health Dept building weekdays.
  • Nov. 4 p  Here's a short wrap up from the last seven days....
  • Nov. 4 p  After all these years as President, wouldn't be something if Dick Cheney were to be impeached? if it's not all politico smoke, Could happen.
  • Nov. 4 p   When President Bush's emergency supplemental funding request is granted by Congress in the coming weeks, the cost of the Iraq War will reach ten times its original projected cost of $50-60 billion, CNN reports.
  • Nov. 4 p  Lot less violence in Iraq? With more than a million civilians killed, not really. The number 3,841 and growing comes to mind.
  • Nov. 4 p    There have been 4,142 coalition deaths -- 3,841 Americans, two Australians, 171 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, one Czech, seven Danes, two Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, one Hungarian, 33 Italians, one Kazakh, one Korean, three Latvian, 21 Poles, two Romanians, five Salvadoran, four Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians -- in the war in Iraq as of October 30, 2007, according to a CNN count.
  • Nov. 4 p  Bring em home now, today.
  • Nov. 4 p Here in the Great Nation of Clay, we had an interesting week.
  • Nov. 4 p Kids had a big time during Trick or Treat. Other than small stuff like soaping the Courthouse fountain, it was quiet.
  • Nov. 4 p Open house was held at our new Upper Class Two Run office last week on Wednesday. Good food and lots of people from as far away as Hurricane were in attendance. The move, the rearranging, and extra work, is now complete. We're ready to winter over in our new digs and get back into the grind.
  • Nov. 4 p  The Business Development Authority met Thursday evening. No they didn't accomplish much during their monthly get together but it wasn't for trying!  They voted to build a new building at the recently out of the swamp Industrial site near Ovapa. Don't get excited, the vote was rescinded over discovery, it wasn't on the agenda. They almost voted in a new set of by laws and name change, but held up on that as well.
  • Nov. 4 p A new month came and new govt checks arrived. Town was abuzz with paying debts, gassing up and buying lottery tickets. Still something was different.....
  • Nov. 4 p With gas prices back over $3 per gallon, the meager government subsidies aren't going as far. After gassing up and making a budget to get thru the month ( including deer camp), few $ were left for any goodies.
  • Nov. 4 p Buck season (firearms) is just around the corner. People are starting early to find those good spots and check out the trophy animals. A few apples, piles of corn, and such doesn't hurt one bit.
  • Nov. 4 p By week's end, word came of a chance for a light snow this coming week. Of course their talking about just a snow flake or two, but many still raced off to  the grocery store for extra bread, milk, beer and cigs.
  • Nov. 4 p  Your "local link to the world" just got more expensive.   For those using Rapid TV Cable service, a letter was sent out saying their special package discounts will no longer be offered. The 90 or so remaining cable customers may soon be switching to satellite service.
  • Nov. 4 p It's not too late for the last of the Fall colors. Call in sick or take a day of vacation and come see what makes Clayberry so very special.
  • Nov. 4 p   The Clay County Board of Education meets Monday night at 6pm. Get this, the agenda is actually posted on their web site in advance of the meeting!
  • Nov. 4 p Here's the link to their agenda page. Maybe most interesting will be the discussion item on Lighthouse Church which now owns the old Ivydale Elem school. For many, the wonder is, will the schoolhouse deed ever be recorded at the  Courthouse. Last time we checked, it hadn't.
  • Nov. 4 p the infectious disease MRSA is still on the minds of many Clay parents. Although not mentioned as an agenda item, sure would be a fine time for peanut gallery questions on the topic. Officially, the Somber Super has published a shirt message. Click here for their web page and then click the second item down.
  • Nov. 3 am For a number of years Clayonians have asked for handicap accessibility  at the county's only picnic area, Spread Park. It's finally coming. Auxier Paving started work Thursday asphaulting a five foot wide path from the far side of the restrooms to two of the shelters. Originally bid for just three feet wide, the extra 24 inches should make maneuverability much easier for those in wheelchairs.
  • Nov. 3 am Tom Auxier Jr said Early Friday morning , the whole job would be done before the weekend.
  • Nov. 3 am Finally some progress.
  • Nov. 3 am Like to say the same thing for Thursday night's BDA meeting.
  • Nov. 3 am Thursday evening the economic development group voted to build a prefabby metal building. They voted to hire the manufacturer too.
  • Nov. 3 am Then.... they voted to advertise for bid the metal building.
  • Nov. 3 am Thinkin Thinkin Thinkin..... Since advertising for the metal structure was not on the agenda, they rescinded their original vote to buy from the manufacturer and instead do things legal. Sometime soon, they will hold a special meeting where they will vote to advertise for bid.
  • Nov. 3 am Nope, no building yet and for that matter, no "for sure" renter of the 30 by 100 foot building if it gets built.
  • Nov. 3 am Long time clickers will remember two years ago when the School Board sold off  Ivydale Elem to a church for $100,000.00. Some in the county wanted that building for a business incubator complex. Since the School Board sell was a done deal long before it was even bid, but trying to cut down on aggravation, the School Board alluded: If you will keep your mouth out of the Ivydale sale, we will give the BDA  title to the Valley Fork school when it closes.
  • Nov. 3 am At the time the BDA talked about making the Valley Fork school a business incubator site, or a day reporting center, or other adventure to lure more jobs into the county.
  • Nov. 3 am Valley Fork school is closed and the School Bd plans to auction it off on Nov. 17th for $200,000 minimum.   There was no mention of the auction nor the earlier promises during the Nov. 1st BDA meeting.
  • Nov. 3 am  For those that responded to the online question: Who's hand picked for the $7000 "consultant" job for the Apple Festival grant, thank you. We had a great response with around 90% of you picking the same name. We'll provide the results  after the application deadline passes. For those interested in applying, see ADVISORY page.
  • Nov. 3 am Want to have some fun? Wouldn't it be cute  if 100 of you applied for the 5 month job. Pretty good $ for 5 months of "work". Turn those resumes in next week!
  • Nov. 3 am  A woman came home, screeching her car into the driveway, and ran into the house. She slammed the door and shouted at the top of her lungs, "Honey, pack your bags. I won the lottery!"   The husband said, "Oh my God! What should I pack, beach stuff or mountain stuff?" "Doesn't matter," she said. "Just get out."

  • Nov. 3 am  Mother Superior called all the nuns together and said to them, "I must tell you all something. We have a case of gonorrhea in the convent."  "Thank God," said an elderly nun at the back. "I'm so tired of chardonnay."
  • Nov. 2 pm  Maggie A. Morris, 97, of Adonijah Road, Lizemores, see OBITUARY page
  • Nov. 2 pm From the freezer to the micro wave and into your pie hole. Yum Yum
  • Nov. 2 pm Before you bite into your next frozen pizza, you might want to check out our ADVISORY page.
  • Nov. 2 am  From the email bag:  COULD YOU LET THE LADY IN THE MAROON SUV WITH GRAY HAIR WHOM HIT THE FAIRVIEW BAPTIST TEMPLE CHURCH VAN ON WEDNESDAY AT 5:05 KNOW THE PHONE NUMBER TO THE CHURCH  IS 587-4709  OR SHE CAN CALL ME AT HOME IF SHE NEEDS A WITNESS.       THANK YOU    TAYMA LEGG
  • Nov. 2 am   In 2005, 1,806 people died from influenza. And in 2004, there were just 1,100 flu deaths
  • Nov. 2 am  A lot of folks are talking about vaccinations. Before getting yours , you might want to read this web link.
  • Nov. 2 am  "Scientific medicine has taken credit it does not deserve for some advances in health. Most people believe that victory over the infectious diseases of the last century came with the invention of immunizations. In fact, cholera, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough, etc, were in decline before vaccines for them became available – the result of better methods of sanitation, sewage disposal, and distribution of food and water." ~ Dr. Andrew Weil, Health and Healing.
  • Nov. 1 pm  Kenneth W Taylor, 68, see OBITUARY page
  • Nov. 1 am  Where oh where has the time gone.
  • Nov. 1 am From the email bag:  The Clay County Panthers Intermediate Football B-Team will be playing this Sunday at 2:00 pm for the SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP against the Oak Hill Red Devils. As always admission is FREE so come out and support these young athletes.
  • Nov. 1 am From the healthy dept :  Flu Vaccine is now available at the Clay County Health Department every Monday from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.  Limited supply at this time.  Any questions call 587-4269.
  • Nov. 1 am Yesterday's Open House at the Communicator office went very well. New images are posted over on the Who We Are page. Ms GS, might see your pic there too! Thanks for coming up Wed.
  • Nov. 1 am  Our Business Development Development Authority normally meets the first Thursday of each month at 5pm in the CCC room. Truth is we were too tied up to check out their agenda yesterday. You're on your own clickers. I think they're meeting as usual.
  • Nov. 1 am  We started an online question yesterday. See below.
  • Nov. 1 am For the many that responded, about 85% were right on track. Keep em coming.
  • Nov. 1 am  Got some great feed back yesterday including stuff on our homepage web cam. We know  it's pretty crappy and have plans to give a better model more adjustable to bright light.  We'll let you know as soon as we can find one in our price range.
  • Nov. 1 am  Check back this afternoon for  a special birthday boy...