November 2011
 
 

Nov. 30 a There's a few specks of snow falling in Clay at 8 am and fewer gun shot blasts in the woods.

Nov. 30 a the latest edition of the Communicator made it to the news stands yesterday around 3pm. Lead story covers the Town of Clay getting sued. The latest on CHS Coach Frank Klemans resigning from duty Monday afternoon is also included.

Nov. 30 a A couple months back Henry Stutler plead guilty to sexual abuse of a minor. Shortly thereafter, he asked to withdraw that verdict. As of Monday afternoon, no decision on that request.

Nov. 30 a Yesterday morning was Michael Childers day in court for allegations and indictment on sexual abuse of a child. With jury in place and after opening remarks, and after the Prosecutor said there were no eyewitnesses to any of the charges, everything came to a halt when Childers accepted a plea on one felony count.

Nov. 30 a  Eagle Scout Michael Childers is looking at 5 years in the slammer for being a pervert.

Nov. 30 a One time business leader and BDA Vice Chair Jim Knotts went before the parole board  two Thursday's ago. Seeking an early out after a couple years behind bars for sexual assault of children, didn't happen. Seems he ain't quite ready to be back out in the public arena.

Nov. 30 a Knotts is looking at a release date in 2014 now.

Nov. 30 a Good!

Nov. 30 a Tired of the many "tag along" fees by Frontier Tele Co? A class action lawsuit was filed in Minnesota two months ago against Frontier. Attorney Rebecca Bailey came to Clayberry yesterday to talk with fed up local customers about the suit.

Nov. 30 a Local information was collected from those in the room. Around 10 in attendance showed strong interest in becoming a part of the effort plus in starting a new case centered around pee poor DSL speeds in this area. Ms Bailey expressed an interest in local concerns and plans to look into our problems.

Nov. 30 a Don't get all excited. Such class actions often takes years dragging thru the courts. But! It's a start.

Nov. 29 a Don't forget, today at 1pm, the lawyer that is suing Frontier Tele will be at the Clay County Library seeking input from disgruntled customers. How about you?

Nov. 28 later p  CHS Head Football Coach Frank Klemans resigned Monday. Who's next? Who will replace him?

Nov. 28 later p Did you know the BC&G Railroad group sold their big locomotive? Did you know they plan to vote on shutting down the JG Bradley Campground in Dec?

Nov. 28 later p Those stories and a whole bunch more in Tuesday's Communicator.

Nov. 28 later p No new posts until we get that puppy out the door.

Nov. 28 late p If you tried to reach the Circuit Clerk's office today and got no answer, blame it on Frontier Tele. Other than the jury call in line, no other tele lines are working in the Clerk's office. As of 3:45pm, Frontier had not been to the Courthouse to make repairs.

Nov. 28 late p  Michael Childers' sexual abuse case is scheduled to go to trial Tuesday morning first thing.

Nov. 28 p Happy 26th Birthday Eric Greenleaf

Nov. 28 p Happy Birthday Rockiel Marie Sears

Nov. 28 p Raise your hand if you'd like to be a part of a class action lawsuit against Frontier Telephone Co. Oh, there's a bunch of ya..

Nov. 28 p A couple weeks ago we noted a lawsuit filed against the provider by a northern law firm centering on all the tag along fees Frontier adds to the monthly bill.

Nov. 28 p The same lady handling that case is coming to Clayberry Tuesday at 1pm. She will meet customers interested in that suit and listen to DSL problems in this area. The meeting will take place at the Clay County Public Library on Main Street.

Nov. 28 p When you get there, thank Butch Gray for taking the first steps for improvement.

Nov. 28 p Quit complaining and do something about the monopoly provider. Tomorrow is your chance.

Nov. 28 a With the four day weekend behind us, we're getting back in action.

Nov. 28 a The Sch Bd meets tonight at 6pm in the Standard Bryant Annex building on Gump Street. No resignations mentioned on the online posted agenda but there is the always present last item, the one that give no lawful reason for, "personnel". Without a doubt after the lengthy time behind closed doors, there will be no decision made public.

Nov. 28  a With the  boy's first home game slated for next week, it's almost basketball action time in Clayberry. You can't tell it from the school's web site. With just a few days to go, there is no schedule posted.

Nov. 28 a The radio station is hoping to air each of the CHS Varsity Panther and Lady Panther home games.  To do so, they're looking for a couple things.

Nov. 28 a 101.7 FM needs two volunteer sportscasters for the Lady Panther action season.  Interested? Contact the station via email, wyap@frontiernet.net  .

Nov. 28 a To make it happen, they're also looking for sponsors. Great way to get your business message out to the public. Cost is $50 for the entire season of home games. How about you? Use the above email address above to make the season available for the world to enjoy.

Nov. 28 a Go Panthers, Go Lady Panthers.

Nov. 28 a Need a babysitter? See JOBS page

Nov. 28 a From the UPS fellers in brown: UPS Ground services will increase a net 4.9% through a combination of a 5.9% increase in rates and a 1 percentage point reduction in the UPS Ground fuel surcharge.

Nov. 28 a The Communicator hits the news stands Tuesday afternoon. Email over your Classifieds, Announcements. and Chatters today before 5pm.

Nov. 26 a As we continue the four day holiday break, a couple notes.

Nov. 26 a  There was lots of hype for Black Friday. Commercial outlets told us with an improved economy, there would be huge purchases yesterday.

Nov. 26 a Other than a couple loss leader items, items were not at bargain rates. Instead of long lines and backed up parking lots,  Black Friday was a bust in West Virginia.

Nov. 26 a With no job growth and those with jobs worried, the depression continues in Appalachia.

Nov. 26 a We have a Christmas gift idea for Bob Morris.  A compass would be in order.

Nov. 26 a Politics: On the street, the big question is, will Sheriff candidate Miles Slack rehire the outgoing Top Badge?

Nov. 26 a We asked.

Nov. 26 a The response from Mr Slack: I have no intentions of doing that and have no plans to do so.

Nov. 26 a  There may be another Deputy running for the Sheriff spot. Word has it that Robert Belt may throw his hat in the ring during the 2012 election cycle.

Nov. 26  With talk that another lawsuit is being filed against the Sheriff's office, hope we can make it thru the last 13 1/2 months of the guy's term of terror on the taxpayer.

Nov. 24 a The Best of Turkey Day wishes to you and yours on this day of indigestion.

Nov. 24 a If you're wondering about any resignations received during the Sch Board meeting, those folks didn't meet Monday evening. Instead, that public meeting will be held on the 28th.

Nov. 22 p  Creeks are up, roads are slick, the rain is still coming down, and hunters are staying out of the woods.  That means more smashed fenders and grills next summer when Bambi stumbles across road after road.

Nov. 22 p !!###&&@

Nov. 22 p During the last three Town Council meetings, much time was spent behind closed doors with their lawyer. At issue is, was, the 14 month stalled $5.5m Clay Water Plant. Apparently their secret sessions haven't helped too much. The WV Water Development Authority which has oversight on funding, has sued the Town.

Nov. 22 p They are demanding Judge Ric Facemire turn the entire project over to a third party receiver.  From the three inch thick public file....

Nov. 22 p Young Builders and Contracting Co was ready willing and able to restart construction back in July 2011.

Nov. 22 p Also in July, an additional $225,000 grant to cover further expense was offered the Town but they declined the offer

Nov. 22 p  From the court documents: The Town failed to take any action other than needless ongoing contention with the surety company.

Nov. 22 p The Town was provided a 30 day written notice of the coming default

Nov. 22 p  On Nov. 18th Town attorneys filed a motion to dismiss everything saying there was no grounds for appointing a special receiver.

Nov. 22 p Five years ago Town Council said they needed the new 800 gallon per minute water treatment plant. They said the existing plant was falling apart and may not make it another month, They had to have the new place. It was a mistake back then as it is today.

Nov. 22 p The only winner in a lawsuit are the attorneys.

Nov. 20 a We talk about deer camp and the county shut down during this first week of buck season.

Nov. 20 a Actually, very few still go hunting. That translate into fewer of the vehicle destroyers being removed and more insurance damage down the road. It's a sad day for Clay.

Nov. 20 a Last week we noted a big time lawsuit filed up North against Frontier Tele and DSL service.

Nov. 20 a Butch Gray called up the law firm after the post. after hearing from Gray, one of the attorneys is coming County Clay for talk on the 29th.

Nov. 20 a If you have a message you want conveyed, might want to contact Butch.

Nov. 20 a This week and the week between Christmas and New Years are the only times when a business can shut down and not be noticed gone.

Nov. 20 a While we screw off, expect fewer posts this week.

Nov. 20 a  No wrap-up this weekend we're still trying to get caught up with the news.

Nov. 20 a Note: Sometimes our typing ain't the best. Reread this page for revised and little more readable posts on Thurs and Friday.

Nov. 20 1 We're not done with Court action.

Nov. 20a Jamie Morris is one of those Clayonians born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He's now choking on the lavish future.

Nov. 20 a Morris has spent his adult life in trouble with the law.  Family and friends have denied everything all along but now his drug induced lifestyle has caught up with the 42 year old.

Nov. 20 a In the last 18 months, Jamie Morris has been busted on meth making charges on more than one occasion and in more than one county. During the last 20 years or so, here in Clayberry, he managed to stay out of jail most of the time. Locals pointed fingers and alluded to his family wealth and influence as the reason for the special treatment.

Nov. 20 a Down in Kanawha County after pleading guilty to felony drug stuff, he garnered probation. Down there three Thursdays ago, he was picked up on DU charges. Breaking the law is grounds for taking back probation.

Nov. 20 a Friday morning before Judge Facemire, defender Wane King told the Court he had cut a deal with the Prosecutor's office for Jamie to stay out on bond. Asst.  Prosecutor Dan Dotson confirmed the preferential treatment and to allow the out of control Morris to continue to party on until sentencing which is scheduled for the first week in Dec.

Nov. 20 a Doesn't that confirm suspicions of preferential treatment for some and not others? Read on.

Nov. 20 a Nothing doing was the response from Ric Facemire who reminded the assembled of Morris' long history of breaking the law and violating terms of bond and probation. Judge Facemire refused the Prosecutor's deal and sent Morris right back to CRJ.

Nov. 20 a Jamie Morris is finally looking at a dose of reality

Nov. 20 a Good for Ric Facemire. Fairness for even the haves !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nov. 19 a With bright sunshine every which a ma way today, there's more info from the Courthouse.

Nov. 19 a  King Wrecker Co.  is owed over $10,000 for towing / storage fees related to the Morris Morris Crites drug bust in Spring 2010. Last summer she received a Circuit Court order from Judge Jack Alsop demanding payment in full from the Prosecutor's office. Graciously, owner Fran King allowed the govt to wait until Nov. 15th for her payment.

Nov. 19 a The 15th, the 16th, 17th came and went without a check.

Nov. 19 a Friday morning King appeared before Judge Ric Facemire and asked about the check. Facemire was not a happy camper over a couple things. One that the Order had been violated but most importantly, that Prosecutor Jim Samples had spread around that the Order had been rescinded by Judge Facemire.

Nov. 19 a Since Ric hadn't done that and doing so would be heavy duty stepping on another Robes' toes, Facemire was not pleased one bit. Prosectuor Jim Samples buckled under while trying to give an explanation.

Nov. 19 a  Maintaining proper protocol , Facemire told Franny to see the correct Judge, that's Jack Alsop. Somewhere in the conversations, contempt of court was mentioned.

Nov. 19 a Never being bashful. Ms King took the advice and when Jack Alsop came in the building Friday afternoon. she was there with questions.

Nov. 19 a Don't think for a minute any Judge likes to have his Orders violated. After the huddle, Fran King filed appropriate "Contempt" papers and a hearing is scheduled for Dec 19th.

Nov. 19 a Why doesn't Jim Samples just cough up the $$$$?  Glad you asked.

Nov. 19 a First, he doesn't have the money in his budget without laying off a staffer.

Nov. 19 a Second, Prosecutor Samples says since it was the Green Shirts that screwed up and caused the huge bill, the county should NOT have to pay.

Nov. 19 a When the money matter came before the County Commission last Summer, Larry Darryl and Darryl were in lock step about turning down any request by the Prosecutor for them the fund the bill. They didn't do an acutal vote on giving the Prosecutor $10,000 but all three were very clear with their collective Nope.

Nov. 19 a So what happens when an order is violated. About 99% of the time, someone goes to jail.

Nov. 19 a In this contempt case, wouldn't it be interesting to see Prosecutor Jim Samples and Asst. Dan Dotson in the slammer for the holidays.  Heck, it would be like a homecoming for the office as they extend holiday greetings to all those housed in CRJ.

Nov. 19 a We've been posting like crazy the last few days on the jobs shuffle over at CHS. With nobody resigned yet but everybody but Ron Sirk thinking it's going to happen real soon. Someone emailed and asked: After years of Frank Klemans loosing game after game, what brought the change now.

Nov. 19 a Glad she asked.

Nov. 19 a At the heart of it all is, a volunteer coach (that's Jim Norton) along the sidelines, during the last football game of the season, kicking a helmet at a player. With safety always priority one for administration, that infraction of the rules could be enough to get Sirk and Klemans off the grid iron.

Nov. 19 a Now of course Coach Frank Klemans told the Sch Board that Norton was not coaching but merely providing "input" to the team. Lieing will get right to Hell Frank!

Nov. 19 a Our request went out for repalcement suggestions.

Nov. 19 a So far, Jeff Kraukilus and Crystal Gibson's name have come up the most for the Athletic Director  position that Sirk says he ain't leaving.

Nov. 19 a Hands down, the number one choice for CHS Football Coach goes to Dave Woods with Greg Knopp coming up a close second.

Nov. 19 a As for Droopy Drawers saying nobody wanting or able to do his AD job, keep something in mind.  Buck Davis and Bobby Stover held the AD slot before him and somebody else will AFTER he's gone. Everyone can be replaced.

Nov. 18 p Ron "Droopy Drawers" Sirk stopped by the office Thursday evening. For three hours he and the ace cub reporter conducted lively discussions on everything from pitiful school performance, abortion, intentionally misspelling Jerry Slinkinnooooogggooer's name,  football schedules, the death penalty, and the awful names given to public officials. In every case, AW is wrong on everything, completely out of line, and first amendment watchdog of government officials notions, well, the ace cub reporter is just wrong.

Nov. 18 a Some nuggets..

Nov. 18 p Sirk doesn't like the handle Droopy Drawers and said as much.

Nov. 18 p He made specific reference to this web site posting from yesterday that said he was resigning from the CHS Athletic Director perch. He was referring to the wordage: soon to be vacated Athletic Director's job. Even after reading that passage several times to Droopy, he still insisted that it read, he was resigning from office. That's the Ron Sirk "twist" on life.

Nov. 18 p  As for our reference that he was asked to resign Monday evening, he said nope, didn't happen.

Nov. 18 p He did say that CHS Principal Melinda Isacs asked him to resign the AD job Tuesday. According to the Sirkster, his response was, I'll think about it.    Also, since she hasn't asked again, he thought the issue of him resigning was no longer on the table. That, in fact, it is just one guy and that one newspaper that keeps the stuff alive.

Nov. 18 a  In a nutshell Sirk wanted three things made clear. 1 He loves his job, does an excellent job, and no one else wants his AD job. 2 He has no intentions of resigning. 3 He has the backing of the School Board to stay.

Nov. 18 a The question comes. How many people will vote for the Excess Levy if he quits. Better yet, how many more (or less) will vote against the Levy if he remains on the job.

Nov. 18 a Learned something new clickers. Droopy confirms that he reads the various social networking sites like Topix.com.

Nov. 18 a After going over there and reading the posts on topix, wonder which made up user names he uses? For sure "chipleader from Birch River" is Sirk but it sure looks like his penmanship under other disguises as well.

Nov. 18  a Can he be fired from his AD job. Sirk thinks unless he doesn't something real bad, and he hasn't,  the answer is no.

Nov. 18 a at least four times during the three hour huddle with Sirk, the balding reporter provided the guy with the reason he should resign. Basically, Ron Sirk needs to resign as well as Coach Frank Klemans because the failing program needs a fresh start from the top down to insure a stronger future for the program and the athletes. That it's a new day in need of new leadership. After each reason was given,  Needless to say, Sirk didn't buy that and vowed to stay with the AD slot no matter what and until his health prevents him from doing so.

Nov. 18 p At one point he expressed a view that the Pentagon was tipping off the reporter and that's how he comes up with the timely postings and such.  In reply, the Mel Gibson look alike retorted that the he has soothsayer qualities.

Nov. 18 a We'll post again late tonight.

Nov. 18 a Included in that update: Court action where Jamie Morris was denied getting back out on bond by the Court. Judge Face mire denied the freedom attempt even AFTER the Prosecutor's office did NOT object to freeing the guy. The Prosecutor's office did NOT oppose Jamie getting back on the streets.

Nov. 18 p Clayberry is a little more nuts-o this time of year and how awful it is for this site and The c.

Nov. 18 a Priority one is to stake out the best place for your deer stand. Priority two is to fuel up the four wheeler, make sure the tires are pumped up, and have the cooler full of beer.

Nov. 18 a It's time for the biggest annual Appalachian holiday of each year. It's Deer Camp time in County Clay.

Nov. 18 a If you look, on the roads, each and every pick em up truck is loaded supplies and an ATV. We're dressed in camo and don't give a hoot about anything not connected to getting out in the woods.

Nov. 18 a We spent three hours with Ron Droopy Drawers Sirk last night.

Nov. 18 a Update on that enlightening conversation sometime this afternoon. Check back around 3pm. For those that can't wait, a carrot.

Nov. 18 a Sirk says he ain't leaving.

Nov. 17 p Happy Birthday Pee Wee and Mikey

Nov. 17 p Tired of supporting foreign countries? Here's an online portal for find American made goods.

Nov. 17 p We got new names to put on our list of candidates for the soon to be vacate CHS Athletic Director job. Add Jerry Hubbard,   Jeff Krauklis, or Bobby Stover. One emailer suggested we get God to handle the work since we need all the help we can get.

Nov. 17 p Speaking of not so quiet attempts to get rid of our high school coach and AD... back in the mid 70's Coach Frank Vincent from Charleston High School along with two other coaches were asked to resign from duty, got fired. All three took their cases to Circuit Court and kept their jobs.     Getting rid of school personnel is doable but it can't be based on a loosing record according to the Courts.

Nov. 17 p Reread the morning post., has been updated.

Nov. 17 p Last year King Wrecker Co towed and stored the vehicles after Morris Morris and Crites were arrested during a drug bust in 2010. With the Green Shirts dropping the ball on releasing the vehicles in a timely manner, storage bills added up.

Nov. 17 p After months of storage with owners wanting their items returned, Fran King went after payment for the services performed. At one point King was told to be quiet and let it go. She didn't.

Nov. 17  p The Circuit Court ordered the state (Prosecutor's Office) to cough up the $7000 + for the Jamie Morris storage bill. Later the same Court ordered over $3000 in payments on the John Amos Morris stuff.

Nov. 17 p The deal was cut for Ms King to wait until Nov. 15th before getting paid. Today is the 17th.

Nov. 17 p County Clerk Connie Workman said yesterday no check had been cut to King Wrecker Co. Today Fran forwarded that she had not been paid and felt like she was going to get messed over even with a court order for payment in hand.

Nov. 17 p There are things she could do... how about towing the three Commissioner's vehicles during next week's Commission meeting. Or, when the Judge shows up for court Friday morning, hook on to his vehicle and hold it for ransom.

Nov. 17 a  You're going down the road with four buddies. The car you're driving belongs to someone else. The blue lights come on and you pull off to the side of the road.

Nov. 17 a  Scattered around the car are boxes of Sudafed, matches, and other household items used to make meth. When asked, no one says the goods belongs to them. The driver gets busted.

Nov. 17  a With that scenario, a Roane County Court said, Yelp, the driver had possession of the stuff. In 2007 the WV Big Robes said hold your horses and overturned the verdict setting the young man free. That Court wrote: The majority opinion in this case is well reasoned and is founded on the fundamental rules of fairness that we all learned in our high school civics class foundation of the American criminal justice system, is that people are presumed innocent, and the govt bears the burden of proving them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Nov. 17 a Ever hear of that decision? Neither did the Prosecutor's office nor the defense attorney yesterday in the State v John Amos Morris case before Judge Jack Alsop.

Nov. 17 a Based on that case and since Morris was not the owner of the Nissan truck (owned by Jamie Morris and driven by the same guy) and claimed he had no idea drugs were in the vehicle....

Nov. 17 a Yesterday, John Amos Morris was acquitted of all drug charges. John Amos is a free man.

Nov. 17 a After several hours of jury selection, testimony, expert witnesses and more, as they were getting ready for closing remarks, it was the Judge that found and made the attorneys aware of the four year standing precedent.

Nov. 17 a Here's the link to the entire case, State vs Cummings.   Not guilty clickers.

Nov. 17 a John Amos , Kenneth Crites, and Jamie Morris were busted late Spring 2010 for having drug making material in their vehicles. John Amos has been drug through the mud since then spending time in the slammer, going to drug testing, and showing up for hearings.

Nov. 17  a Crites and Jamie M both plead guilty  a few months ago.

Nov. 17 a This decision shores up the notion, keep your mouth shut and never plead guilty to anything.

Nov. 17 a Interesting to sit thru a case too. Like, during testimony, defense attorney Andy Chattin tried to get a Green Shirt to explain why one of the investigating Badges (Damaske) was transferred out of here shortly after botching the case. No explanation was allowed but the attempt pried open the secret door of dismal performance.

Nov. 17 a John Amos Morris is a free man once again.

Nov. 17 a  Penned by Big Robe Starcher and chastising the decenting Robes, sure makes sense. If you're driving somebody elses car, or riding somebody elses ride, how would you know what's in it?  If you don't have possession of the goods, how can you be arrested?

Nov. 17 a Love it !

Nov. 17 a Shirfting gears....

Nov. 17 a Changing of the guard comes hard in small town America. We're talking about CHS Athletic Director Ron "Droopy Drawers" Sirk and Football Coach Frank Klemans being asked to resign from duty.

Nov. 17 a Don't know what we're talking about? Pick up a copy of The Communicator to find out the scoop.

Nov. 17 a Even with Pentagon officials and the School Bd making their desires known, don't expect the dynamic duo to go quietly. They will go,   just not quietly.

Nov. 17 a There's an anonymous online trash blog called Topix. That poop hole is ablaze with mostly those in support of keeping the two. When you really read the posts, sure looks like the same person is over and over trying to save the day for Sirk and Klemans.

Nov. 17 a Behind the scenes, like emails to this site for instance, Clayberry is already lining up and politicking to secure the right replacements. Names like Dave Woods, Damon Grose, Phil Dobbins and Greg Knopp are leading the replacement list for Coach.

Nov. 17 a As for a new Athletic Director, since it's mostly an administration job of  record keeping and scheduling, heck, about anyone could handle those duties. Interested ia  good paying job? Call the Superintendent today.

Nov. 16 a  Clay County's only locally owned and operated newspaper, the Communicator, made it to news stands across the region Tuesday mid day. 20 pages of news and views on often confusing , Clayberry West Virginia.

Nov. 16 a This time next week, across the nation, 45 million turkeys will be headed for the oven.

Nov. 16 a Bad time for turkeys but for the rest of us, a great meal is coming our way.

Nov. 16 a Coaches enjoy a special perch in life. Other teachers are called Mr Somebody or Ms Something Else. Coaches get a real title like a doctor or judge. We don't even have to call them by name. We can just say Hey Coach.

Nov. 16 a Here in the Nation of Clay, CHS Athletic Director Ron Sirk and Football Coach Frank Klemans are set to walk away from their duties. The later with a short but dismal record for wins and the former with a pretty good recordbook history.

Nov. 16 a After several years of public outcry, ever so quietly, it's happening  not so discretely. What got the change on the fast tract were the  concerns raised by Mom Stephanie Ahart last week during a School Board meeting at the Pentagon. She raised the issue of sideline safety and who's responsible.

Nov. 16 a  Truth is, there has been a School Board approved policy on the books for decades that deals with who is and ain't allowed on the grid iron sidelines. In small town America, the changing of the guard is a big event.  It's happening now.

Nov. 16 a One question remains.  Who gets the nod for CHS Football Coach?  Email your ideas today.

Nov. 13 late p    The new Official Mrs. West Virginia America is Stephanie Bird Duffield of Maysel WV  Congrats!!!!

May 13 late p How bad is Frontier Tele Co? In addition to snail like DSL speeds, they're now getting sued for all those tag along fees tacked to each phone bill. It's about time!

Nov. 13 late p Here's an excerpt from the email bag: .. We recently filed a class action lawsuit against Frontier, alleging that Frontier improperly assesses a variety of charges on its customers.  For example, we have alleged that Frontier has illegally imposed charges for “state and local taxes” even though Frontier is forbidden, by federal law, from collecting these taxes on internet service.  The lawsuit also alleges that Frontier improperly collected “911 fees,” which also do not apply to customers who only have internet service.  The suit also complains about Frontier’s imposition of undisclosed “HSI” surcharges on its customers. Our goal in filing this lawsuit is to get Frontier’s customers their money back, and to stop Frontier from continuing to engage in what we believe to be illegal practices.

Nov. 13 late p For details on the suit, it's about time.

Nov. 13 late p We've had a couple flurries so far this fall but no major snowfall. Last year Clay County Schools had more days off from school than any other county in the region.

Nov. 12 a Somehow we managed to neglect a couple posts from Wed's County Commission meeting.

Nov. 12 a For those South of the Hartland bridge and in need of better 911 communications, the new tower and gear are ready to be turned on as soon as the FCC gives the final license approval for the addition.

Nov. 12 a Speaking of the Hartland bridge, the one that looks like it's ready to fall down any day ... word from the CCC meeting, the new bridge, the one that was suppose to be under construction next Summer. it's delayed. 911 Director Greg Fitzwater told Larry Darryl and Darryl, word on the street has it, everything has been pushed back with construction bids to be taken in early 2013.

Nov. 12  a Need a job? CCC plans to hire an RN for a new home health care program to be run out of the Senior Center at Two Run. With only a $30 - $35,000 starting salary, it doesn't pay much but at least it's close to home.

Nov. 12 a Want a job with very low unemployment rates? Here's a list of college careers that fit the bill: 1. Actuarial Science—0 percent;; 2. Astronomy and Astrophysics—0 percent; 3. Educational Administration and Supervision—0 percent; 4. Geological and Geophysical Engineering—0 percent; 5. Pharmacology—0 percent; 6. School Student Counseling—0 percent; 7. Agricultural Economics—1.3 percent; 8. Medical Technologies Technicians—1.4 percent; 9.Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology—1.6 percent ; 10. Environmental Engineering, Nursing, and Nuclear Industrial Radiology and Biological Technologies—2.2 percent

Nov. 12 a For those think unemployment rates crosses the entire spectrum equally, wrong!  The unemployment rate for college graduates (that is, those holding at least a Bachelors degree) is only 4.3 percent. Moreover, this figure has slowly declined from 5.0 percent in August 2010. That's about half the rate for those without a four year or better degree.

Nov. 12 a True that's very high for a person with a college degree, but the truth is, you fair much better with a degree!

Nov. 12 a Enjoy your Saturday one and all.

Nov. 11 a It is the blood of a soldier that makes generals great

Nov. 11 a There is no such thing as an inevitable war, it is the failure of wisdom

Nov. 11 a War is a cowardly escape from the problems of peace.

Nov. 11 a War hath no fury like a noncombatant

Nov. 11 a Clayonians killed in action

Nov. 11 a World War I:  Thomas K Adkins, Thomas Buckner, Jack D Chapman, David J Cochran, James R Cox, Jerry P Downey, George W Elliot, Robert Frazier, John Virgil Gibson, Quantrell C Hart, Richard Johnson, William Knotts, Floyd Lyons, Anderson Nichols,  Lawrence Osburn, Carrington M Price, James W Ramsey, JameS Elliot Reed, Joseph S Truman, Okey Vaughan, and Stanton Whittington

Nov. 11 a World War II:  Albert B Adkins, Homer J Adkins, Phillip T Ammar, Albert W Baker, Hansel Bragg, Clifford L Braley, Alfred L Brook, Leland B Brown, William H Butcher, Fred C Cogar Jr, Clarence C Comer, Clarence Cottrell, Decil P Cunningham, Albert E Cutlip, Richard R Davis, John Buck Dorsey, John S Downey, Ralph Fitzwater, Cluster G Gillespie, Clifford R Hall, Dane H Hamric, Manuel E Happney, Elbin J Hensley, Laco H Jarvis, Burman G Jones, Johnny B Jones

Nov. 11 a Ozro B Jones, Carl L Keller, Cleo C Laurence, Glen M Laurence, Berlin Linkinoggor, Frank Marling, Raymons Mollohan, Lester L Neal, Ray J Nottingham, Leon S Paxton, Wiley G Price, Luster B Reedy, Luz G Rogers, Novall L Runnion, Elmer L Salisbury, Fenton Samples, Abraham C Sams, Henry K Schoonover, John B Sears, Fred A Shamblin, Carry K Stockwell, Thomas H Strickland, Clarence F Taylor, Robert L Vance, Arthur R Walker, Hubert B Williams, and Samuel T Wilson

Nov. 11 a Korean War: Harry R Dobbins, Wilbur C Eagle, George P Fields, Orlan J Fulks, Flavy C Hamrick, Harry L Knotts, Basil Linkinoggor, Myles L Mullins, Alfred L Neal

Nov. 11 a Vietnam War: Darrius Wane Adams, Charles Arthur Barrett II, Earnest Ray Blankenship, Ronald Lee Brown, Eugene Dawson, Stuart Glen Hostetter,  John Hoawrd Jones, James Lee Keener, Philip Larry Nichols, William Paul Rogers Jr, and Wilbur Allen Smith

Nov. 11 a Afghanistan War: Jamie Scott Nicholas

Nov. 11 a Today is a day to remember the failures of leadership .  We remember.

Nov. 10 a We've got the Calling of the Criminal Docket this morning at 9 am in Circuit Court. That's a time when all parties get their heads together on scheduling and what will and won't happen during upcoming proceedings.

Nov. 10 a We've got a three day holiday weekend coming our way. Kids and teachers alike are excited to get a day off school.

Nov. 10 a West Virginia didn't have election stuff on Tuesday. Other states did.  Liberals and progressives came out on top in elections across the country, including repealing an Ohio law to limit collective bargaining rights, recalling ultra-conservative Arizona Senate president Russell Pearce, defeating Mississippi’s proposed “personhood amendment,” and restoring same-day voter registration in Maine.

Nov. 10 a It looks like the Tea Party experiment was short lived. Good!

Nov. 10 a  Under gray skies, it's quiet in Clayberry.

Nov. 9 late p  And the winners of the Fall Clay County Grand Jury include a stellar class of citizens including:

Nov. 9 late p Jeremiah Engle Poss with intent to deliver

Nov. 9 late p Justin Brown  Burglary & Robbery

Nov. 9 late p Crystal Samples computer fraud x 3; taking identitiy of another; fradulent use of credit cards; fraudulent schemes x 2

Nov. 9 late p Henry Hudson wanton endangerment involving a firearm x 2

Nov. 9 late p Teddy Michael Murphy II Burglary, atempting

Stephen Hosey operating or attempting to operate a lab

Nov. 9 late p Ashley Graham Burglary, Petit Larceny

Nov. 9 late p Eric Wisda Obtaining $$ , goods, of other property by false pretenses

Nov. 9 late p Barbara Fleshman acquiring a controlled substance by mispresentation, fraud, forgery

Nov. 9 late p Roger Allen Blankenship manufacturing a controlled substance

Nov. 9 late  p All those named above please report to Judge Jack Alsop Nov. 15 at 9am. He wants to ask you a couple questions.

Nov. 9 a We just made it thru an Election Day yesterday and voters in West Virginia did not elect one dumb bunny person to office. Ain't it great!

Nov. 9 a County Commission meets this morning at 10 am.

Nov. 9 a For some time now, we've been getting emails wondering why the School Board doesn't can Coach Frank Klemans.  Let's talk about the Head Football Coach.

Nov. 9 a Truth is, he shows up on time, has good attendance, good hygiene, is enthusiastic, doesn't grab kids on the butt, doesn't use potty mouth, and has a good attitude.

Nov. 9 a Winning ball games is important but the guy can't be fired for that one shortcoming. When the Mom came up with the angle of  safety on the sidelines and who's responsible for that, now that's something that can be worked with.

Nov. 9  a We're getting other emails too. In a nutshell, those folks are saying, start cleaning the athletic house from the top down. In addition to the "Yank Frank" battle cry, they've added another, "Jerk Sirk"!

Nov. 9 a Not sure if the Jerk Sirk rally cry will get traction but the Yank Frank one has taken hold.

Nov. 8 p  Clay County's Shannon Morris is a born and bred Clayonian. He works as a Deputy Sheriff over in Fayette County where he serves with his trained search and stop Badge dog, Hurk.

Nov. 8 p Tonight at 10pm on Animal Planet, Shannon and his dog will be featured on a Country Justice segment.

Nov. 8 p  We've got an update on meeting coverage in the current edition of The Communicator.

Nov. 8 p  Two weeks ago during a School Board meeting, the Board Chair asked if they could spend Levy dollars anyway they want, no matter what information was provided the voter. In response the Superintendent said Yes.

Nov. 8 p Kenneth Tanner updated us Monday evening. KT said that his answer was Yes but he was talking about the break down, the percentage, of how everything is used, and BEFORE the matter gets to the voter in Jan 2012.

Nov. 8 p Tanner added that the current Levy is being used as closely as they can to what voters were told before the last election.

Nov. 8 p  A whopping 28.6 percent of homeowners with mortgages owe more on their loans than their homes could sell for, according to quarterly data released Tuesday by Zillow, a real estate website. That's up from 26.8 percent in the second quarter.

Nov. 8 a Last Spring's Grand Jury session brought to the front a plethora of cases. Everything from the usual drug stuff, to an arsonist and the murder trial where Bobby Hanshaw was found not guilty of anything.

Nov. 8 a Man what a great word. It might even be spelled right!

Nov. 8 a It's Grand Jury time again. Behind closed doors they're seeing if Prosecutor Jim Samples has the goods on more dirty deeds.

Nov. 8 a Just one heck of a School Board meeting last night. Over 70 minutes was held in secret time with no decisions made after the closed door time.

Background:  Last Friday night during the final CHS Panther football game something happened. After talking with kids and parents and adding a dose of we don't know for sure, here's the best we can put together. A star Panthers was issued a personal penalty. Heading to the sidelines, the peed off player threw down his helmet. On the sidelines was a guy that had been providing volunteer "input" for the team. That guy kicked the helmet and hit the kid. Parents and supporters saw what happened and didn't like it one bit. Some parents added that a call out was issued by the volunteer to try a family member on for size.

Nov. 8 a Now back to the meeting

Nov. 8 a  Stephanie Ahert along with her family were in attendance for the gathering. Before going secret , the Mom asked What is Jim Norton's capacity and who gives him permission to be on the sidelines.

Nov. 8 a Responding Coach Frank Klemans offered that Norton provided "input" to the team but is not a coach.

Nov. 8 a Ahert was concerned about the safety of the players. Keep that in mind clickers.

Nov. 8 a About anything will prompt the folks up front to head behind closed doors. For 70 + minutes they went at it. "They" included Ms Ahert, close family members, along with David Walker from Procious. On the other end of the spectrum, Coach Frank Klemans, wifey, sons, Athletic Director Ron Sirk, CHS Principal Melinda Isacs and more. Heck the meeting room was nearly empty after the mass exited.   Never before have we seen so many head upstairs for the hush hush blood letting.

Nov. 8 a Grandpa Dave Walker knows a thing or two about football including when a gifted athlete gets short changed due to questionable coaching logic/skill.

Nov. 8 a  Back to Stephanie's "concerned for the safety" angle. Such concerns could add greatly to the case mounting to get rid of Klemans and for that matter, Ron Sirk.

Nov. 8 a It was Tony Samples who first went public to change football leadership from the top down. That was two years ago. Back then Mr Samples put in writing his plans to politic against the upcoming Excess Levy if Coach Klemans wasn't removed from duty. Like Walker, Samples had grand children in the school.

Nov. 8 a Not sure how much influence Tony Samples has on the Procious area vote but the School Board doesn't want to do anything that would diminish chances of  the Levy passing.

Nov. 8 a Last night's secret time may have been a strong butt chewin for Coach Frank Klemans. Time will tell.

Nov. 7 a Many are scratching their heads as they read the bottom corner of their Town of Clay Water bill this month. Take a look, the part about 36 water violations.

Nov. 7 p Chief Water Plant operator Drema Thomas provided some answers with this email:  Just to clear things up on the violation on the  water bills....the 36 is the number Of the violation not 36 violations.. .we had one on Thanksgiving day 2010 and Christmas day 2010 and the reason being that the plant was not in operation so I did not send in results for chlorine...the chlorine was good... I just did not report it on my monthly reports to the State Health Department.

Nov. 7 a Happy Birthday Lo Nutter

Nov. 7 a What a difference daylight saving time makes. Anybody else confused with clocks out of whack and the sun coming up waaaaaaaaaaay too early?

Nov. 7 a This afternoon Quick Carl Metheny is slated to enter a plea down in the Federal Bldg in Charleston. Once again drugs is the centerpiece for the arrest.

Nov. 7 a Tonight the School Board meets at 6pm in the Standard Bryant Annex on Gump Street. This time around the Pentagon has their meeting agenda posted online.

Nov. 7 a The agenda looks pretty tame but behind the scene is the problem with many, most, students tossing their vittles in the trash can, the growing Yank Frank complaints, and now, compliments the Friday night CHS season finale, what to do about a school volunteer kicking a football helmet and striking a person.

Nov. 7 a Grand Jury convenes Tuesday morning.

Nov. 7 a County Commission (Larry Daryl Daryl) meet Wed morning

Nov. 7 a Also on Wed over in Magistrate Court comes the first court appearances for Fabion Brown and Rick Taylor. Both cases may be darn good viewing from the peanut gallery

Nov. 7 a Households have reduced debt by $549 billion since 2007, mostly by cutting mortgages through defaults and paying down credit cards. During that time, the federal government has added more than $4 trillion in debt.

Nov. 7 a Sunshine today clickers, get out and enjoy the warmth. Won't last long!

Nov. 5 a On this beautiful but chilly Saturday morning, some snippets

Nov. 5 a Newspaper investigations are the bedrock for information. It's not the govt., the Badges, or some eye witness. It's digging into the facts. Reporter Eric Eyre is on the Encore Management case in a big way.

Nov. 5 a His latest installment in the Gazette reveal Encore Doug Pauley's side kick Jennie Curry being fingered as a helper in the falsifying of official records.  You might not remember the Curry name but she's been here sprinkling her BS on more than one occasion.

Nov. 5 a  During a Clay Housing Authority (CHA) meeting five years ago, Curry said financial information would be provided the local group, the owners of the two housing projects but then didn't.

Nov. 5 a If you think the current CHA Board got fed up and removed Encore from their contract last summer, you'd be wrong. Other than the Board in 2008 which refused to renew the Encore contract, all the other Boards just played along knowing full well, Encore was corrupt, stealing, providing dismal leadership,  and not giving the county a fair shake.

Nov. 5 a Last summer, after an intense question and answer session led by Boardster Fran King, it was Jennie Curry who got red, stormed out of the meeting and told the CHA to find themselves a new management agency.

Nov. 5 a Last night the CHS Panthers came up short against Van HS. 34-8 was the final. And Yes, there is talk around the county to get rid of Head Coach Frank Klemans.

Nov. 5 a You know there is something seriously wrong with the coaching staff when the athletes plan a coup to circumvent coach orders and run their own plays.

Nov. 5 a Maybe we need some of those Occupy folks to start banging on the drums and chanting: It's time for a change at the top.  Yank Frank!!

Nov. 5 a All together now and repeat after ...

Nov. 4 p  Last time Jamie Morris was in court he told Judge Ric Face mire that he wanted to be a man and take responsibility for his life. Based on those commitments and more, Morris was allowed out on bond while he awaits sentencing in Dec. One of the terms for staying out of the slammer is to break no law.

Nov. 4 p Last night Jamie Morris was put in South Central Regional Jail on misdemeanor charges.

Nov. 4 a p So much for growing up and taking control of one's life.

Nov. 4 early a Something interesting this week

Nov. 4 early a Last Spring there was a drug bust over at Bullard's Exxon. There Jamie Morris, John Amos Morris , and Kenneth Crites were picked up. Since then Jamie and Kenneth plead to conspiracy charges. John Amos was the hold out until about a month ago when he too accepted a plea.

Nov. 4 early a He was scheduled to enter that official guilty plea three days ago. He didn't. Instead he withdrew the paperwork and asked for a trial.

Nov. 4 early a Part of any good plea deal is to spill their guts if needed. Bet, when the trial is held, there's a big dump on John Amos Morris

Nov. 4 early a  What's the best method, without cutting into it, to tell when a turkey is done?

Nov. 4 early a  Daylight Saving Time 2011 ends on Sunday, November 6 at 2 A.M.

Nov. 4 early a Credit for Daylight Saving Time belongs to Benjamin Franklin, who first suggested the idea in 1784. The idea was revived in 1907, when William Willett, an Englishman, proposed a similar system in the pamphlet The Waste of Daylight. The Germans were the first to officially adopt the light-extending system in 1915 as a fuel-saving measure during World War I. The British switched one year later, and the United States followed in 1918, when Congress passed the Standard Time Act, which established our time zones. This experiment lasted only until 1920, when the law was repealed due to opposition from dairy farmers (cows don't pay attention to clocks). During World War II, Daylight Saving Time was imposed once again (this time year-round) to save fuel. Since then, Daylight Saving Time has been used on and off, with different start and end dates.

Nov. 4 early a   Currently, Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00 A.M. on the second Sunday of March and ends at 2:00 A.M. on the first Sunday in November.

Nov. 4 early a   Answer to above question: Do the wiggle test. Grab one of the legs and check to see if the leg joint moves freely when you rotate the drumstick. If it does not, your turkey is not done. Also, insert a long fork into the deepest part of the leg joint and check the juices. If they are clear, not pink, the turkey is done.

Nov. 3 late p  Mary Alice Rose, 59, see OBITUARY page

Nov. 3 a The Communicator's above the fold story covers the Federal investigation into the Encore management company that handled Maysel Manor and High Street Apartments for the Clay Housing Authority and their shady history here in Clayberry.

Nov. 3 a In one Charleston newspaper report, owner Doug Pauley said all the investigation was over and life is good. He later came back and said he forgot to mention, one of his company's, Encore Management , was still in the cross hairs of a legal team.

Nov. 3 a When local Housing Bd meetings raised the issue with the County Commission a few years back, the CCC just yawned and went on to other matters. So dismal was the performance of Encore, in 2008, CHA Boardsters refused to sign a new contract. That Board vote was sidestepped by their Chair, Connie Lupardus. She penned the deal on her own after the Board said Nope.

Nov. 3 a Great local news and more in the Communicator and available for your edification now.

Nov. 3 a  Can't help but think about Stevey Sirk who died after a massive heart attack. Remember Steve? He was often seen roaring down Maysel hill on his old bike often barely missing approaching traffic. Once he didn't miss the truck.

Nov. 3 a When not riding, those that picked him up as a hitchhiker did so just once. When that certain smell permeated the vehicle, Sirk would look over and sheepishly say, I'm sorry, I couldn't control my bowels.

Nov. 3 a Much of the gray hair on Earnie Sirk's head came from caring for brother Stevey.

Nov. 3 a Both's troubles are over now. Hope Steve gets a gold plated Schwinn in the great beyond.

Nov. 3 a On a happier note, Connie's Eatery at Two Run has expanded their menu. Like: Monday - Meatloaf; Tuesday Vege Soup; Wednesday Beans and Cornbread; Thursday - Chili; and, Friday Cook's Choice Day

Nov. 3 a This Friday the choice is BBQ Pork Ribs Dinner,

Nov. 3 a  Last year Connie's shut down when cold weather hit. This year she plans to stay open well into winter.

Nov. 3 a By the way, the meat loaf sandwich is a killer.

Nov. 3 a  Town Council met Tuesday evening and once again spent much time behind closed doors. Seems their dilemma is dealing with the lawsuit against the not completed new water plant project. At issue is how to proceed without taking a chance on getting into another suit.

Nov. 3 a Did you notice the "violations" notice on your water bill that came this month?

Nov. 3 a We'll get to that in the next post.

Nov. 2 late p  Steve Sirk, see OBITUARY page

Nov. 1 late p It's time again to stop what you're doing and pick up a copy of The Communicator for your reading pleasure. For the blue bloods that don't want the truth circulating about, the Communicator looks good in the bottom of a bird cage.

Nov. 1 a In regional tournament play, the CCHS Lady Panther Volleyballers beat Braxton County tonight winning three straight.

Nov. 1 they move up the ladder Wed evening when they take on Phillip Barbor in away action.

Nov. 1 late p  Go Lady Panthers!