Nov 2012
  • Nov 29 p We mentioned earlier that the Elk Power office was broke into sometime Tuesday night or Wed morning very early. We forgot to mention, the thugs also stole Leonard's big red utility truck, the one with tool boxes and a spool of copper in the back.
  • Nov 29 p Lock down everything you got readers, the bad guys have not been caught.
  • Nov 29 p  It's Clay High Basketball time. The radio station plans to air each of the 20 or so home games and maybe a couple of away games. To do such, they need sponsors. Cost is $50 for the entire regular session. Pretty good deal since listenership is pretty high for ball games.
  • Nov 29 p Get a hold of 101.7 FM if want to get our kids' good deeds on the air.  TG Griffith, Rodney Alshire and Dave Woods (backup) will handle the on air duties.
  • Nov 29 p  Govt employees are not allowed Christmas bonuses under any circumstances. Whether it's a Christmas ham or $$$$, under any name, bonuses are a no no. Both the Ethics Commission and the Attorney General's office have said as much and on many occasions.
  • Nov 29 p Early this week, our outgoing tubby Sheriff handed out $14,357.00 in Christmas bonuses to his employees. The funds came from one of his slush funds, the concealed weapons permit account.
  • Nov 29 p His idea was to give  each worker around $1000 after taxes for their Christmas pleasures. He called the unlawful hand out a one time seasonal, break it off in the new Sheriff, cost of living, bonus.
  • Nov 29 a Here's the break down: Jeff Rider-$1066.27; Chris Davis-1064.48; Reva Schoonover - $1063.68; Teresa Davis- 1023.86; Laura Scott- $1138.08; Gene King - $1154.66; Marie Hanshaw -$1096.02; and Robert Belt $1064.48
  • Nov 29 p Needless to say, just resigned Chris "Pound it in the Sand Mr Sheriff" Legg, and ousted Miles Slack,got  zip, ninguno, zilch.
  • Nov 29 p $14,357.oo is  a lot of money. That's enough money to fund overtime Black Shirts for a long time. Back when the Top Badge stopped evening and call out duty, he said he had more important things to spend his slush fund on.
  • Nov 29 p  State Code 61-7-4c says how such funds can be spent. Here goes:   (c) $60 of the application fee and any fees for replacement of lost or stolen licenses received by the sheriff shall be deposited by the sheriff into a Concealed Weapons License Administration Fund. The fund shall be administered by the sheriff and shall take the form of an interest-bearing account with any interest earned to be compounded to the fund. Any funds deposited in this Concealed Weapon License Administration Fund are to be expended by the sheriff to pay for the costs associated with issuing concealed weapons licenses. Any surplus in the fund on hand at the end of each fiscal year may be expended for other law-enforcement purposes or operating needs of the sheriff's office, as the sheriff may consider appropriate.
  • Nov 29 p SO how does Poopy get away with such dealings?  Answer: He's unchecked.
  • Nov 29 p Here's how it works. The Poopster takes in the money. All employee pay checks are run thru the County Clerk's office for processing. For a payroll check to be issued, it takes three signatures, Top Badge, County Commission and the Clerk. Without three sigs, no check could be written
  • Nov 29 p We depend on the County Commission for leadership. Had Commissioner Linky Poo refused to sign the checks, the backdoor bonuses would have been dead in the water.
  • Nov 29 p So much for leadership with backbone in this county.
  • Nov 29 p Not sure how much will be left in the pistol permit account by the time the Sheriff leaves office.
  • Nov 29 p  He's got 31 days left to cost the county as much as he can pack in. Wonder if anything will be left in the Dept on Jan 1st?

  • Nov 29 p Thursday night's public hearing to tighten zoning law in this county was well attended. The upstairs courtroom was packed wall to wall with an overflow crowd out in the hallway.
  • Nov 29 p We'll get to coverage of that affair sometime Friday afternoon.
  • Nov 29 a Don't forget the 5pm public hearing on zoning changes in Clayberry
  • Nov. 29 a Little noticed is the meeting tonight at 7pm over at Lizemores Elem. where our Pentagon will begin talks with consolidating that school with the soon to be closed Dixie Elem. in Nicholas County. It's a public meeting
  • Nov 29 a For the first time in years, Clayberry will have a Christmas parade. For those wondering about decorating utility poles like those at Halloween. The answer is Yes Yes Yes.
  • Nov 29 a The organizers of the new events? The Clay County BDA Tourism Committee and the BIG Committee. Both, all volunteer!
  • Nov 29 a Check out the ADVISORY page for the scoop.
  • Nov. 29 a The band of thugs that break into several commercial buildings last weekend were back at it last night or early early this morning.
  • Nov. 29 a  A small safe was taken from Elk Power.Entry was made thru a window.  A second larger safe was damage when thugs tried to bust it open.
  • Nov. 29 a Not sure if these criminals are the same ones that did the weekend caper but our guess, Yes.
  • Nov. 29 a Based on the size of the entry hole over at the Health Dept. building, lets add another description of the thugs. Add, very thin. That hole in the wall couldn't have been 2 feet across.
  • Nov. 29 a Now, be on the look out for tall, young, flexible, agile, very thin, strong, on foot without a driver's license, and entrepreneurial . To get the safe out, even the small one out, we're talking two people for sure if not three. Often the criminals are those already wrapped up in the Court system. Count on the current bad guys to have criminal records at the least.
  •  Nov. 29 a Be sure to lock your doors and hide your loot in some other place for sure.
  • Nov. 28 p Often people complain that the govt doesn't listen or keeps doing the wrong thing.
  • Nov. 28 p Taxpayers do a couple important things like vote, pay taxes, and tell the government what you want
  • Nov. 28 p The County Commission is deciding what changes are needed with the flood plain ordinance or zoning laws. They are asking citizens to let them know what you want added, deleted, or changed in anyway.
  • Nov. 28 p That chance to speak up comes Thursday at 5pm at the Courthouse
  • Nov. 28 p Here's a chance to have a say. Don't blow it!
  • Nov. 28 p One lady said that the Procious Post Office was also broke into over the weekend when the Clay branch, the CAEZ  and Health Dept offices where attacked.
  • Nov. 28 p Setting the record straight, the Procious PO was NOT broke into
  • Nov. 28 p With   that being said, the places attacked by the  local thugs were all within walking distance of each other.
  • Nov. 28 p That may be another tip  on who did the crime.
  • Nov. 28 p  They don't have a vehicle!
  • Nov. 28 p  Tall , thin, athletic, young and on foot.
  • Nov. 28 a County Commission meets this morning at 10 am
  • Nov. 28 a 24 pages of great information in The Communicator is now available. For those with prescriptions for the near fine rag, don't expect to get your edition until mail time Thursday
  • Nov. 28 a One of the interesting articles deals with the Courthouse moving. Yelp, the whole darn place must have moved as well the judicial annex next door.
  • Nov. 28 a The new zoning law the County Commission wants to implement is based on the newest flood plain maps. Old maps currently in use, show nearly the entire Courthouse and Judicial  Annex building in the flood plain. The 2013 maps, Poof! all of a sudden, the buildings are high and dry, out of the costly to insure, Elk River basin,  flood plain.
  • Nov. 28 a Before Thursday's 5pm public hearing to implement stronger zoning law, you might want to look at those maps to see what shenanigans have been performed on your holdings.
  • Nov. 28 a We've spotted one typing goof up. In coverage of Court room dealings, the part about a Judge ordering a warrant on a bad guy, we made it sound like attorney Bill Lester was the name on the warrant
  • Nov. 28 a Sometimes at 4 am and after 10 hours of typing, we goof. Such is the case in the Courtroom coverage this time around.
  • Nov. 28 a Still getting details on the break ins at the Clay Post Office and Health Dept. Other than damaging  property and messing up office space, the thugs really didn't get much in the way of $$$ and drugs.
  • Nov. 28 a Folks at the Health Dept are saying, other than condoms and birth control pills, they really don't have  those much wanted high altering drugs.
  • Nov. 28 a We haven't heard anyone getting arrested for the caper. How about some guesses
  • Nov. 28 a The damaged windows at the CAEZ office are at least 6 feet above ground level. The thug, thugs, must have been tall
  • Nov. 28 a To  get under the back of the Health Dept building and skinny into entry there, the bad guy guys must be on the thin side.
  • Nov. 28 a To balance oneself on ceiling tiles and have the energy to actually get into gear for the early morning capers, the bad guys must be young and full of energy
  • Nov. 28 a So,  tall, thin, young, flexible and athletic.
  • Nov. 28 a Best we can do for now...
  • Nov. 26 p  We found the Clay High Basketball schedules over on the WV SSAC web site. They're now listed on our ADVISORY page. First game is this Friday night. Go Lady Panthers!
  • Nov. 26 a  Ronald Samples was a 1954 graduate of Clay High
  • Nov. 26 a  RONALD KEITH SAMPLES, 76, see OBITUARY page
  • Nov. 26 a We're off and running with a  new week in beautiful Clayberry.
  • Nov. 26 a Communicator comes out Tuesday afternoon. Email your info before 5pm today
  • Nov. 26 a Wed morning the County Commission meets at 10 am
  • Nov. 26 a Thursday at 5pm the County Commission is asking residents to tell them what you think about strengthening zoning laws . Stuff like requiring you to have an  engineer or surveyor certify property before you are allowed to build or make improvements. Stuff like forcing you to move out of your home if it's in the flood zone  BEFORE  you  can  make improvements. Of course there's jail time and fines for those not complying with the law.
  • Nov. 26 a Commissioners are saying, a Flood Plain Ordinance like the one already on the books is required before those needing insurance can get bank loans. What is being proposed is something much more stringent than the bare bones mandate.
  • Nov. 26 a Friday evening is the first game of 2012 high school basketball. Don't bother trying to find the boys or girls schedules on the Clay High web site. Ain't there.
  • Nov. 26 a As a matter of fact, the most recent schedule on their site is the CHS Volleyball schedule for 2009.
  • Nov. 25 late p   Joann D. West, 71, of Nitro, formerly of Procious, see OBITUARY page
  • Nov. 25 p For a glimpse of the season....
  • Nov. 25 p    For some unfathomable reason, people poop in retail clothing stores, particularly in fitting rooms and inside the circular clothing racks called “rounders,” but other times they’ll just do it in a corner or, perversely, on the floor right next to the toilet. Poop happens.
  • Nov. 25 p  80% of WallMart workers are on food stamps.
  • Nov. 25 p   It's Sunday afternoon. The cheesy potatoes are gone as is the turkey carcass, the sweeper took care of the leftovers on the floor. After a couple good naps, the indigestion left is gone as well.
  • Nov. 25 p But also gone are the relatives you like to be around and the kids back in college. It's a quiet time  and maybe even a little sad .
  • Nov. 25 p
  • Nov. 24 a If you were in Clayberry this week you would have have seen a good snapshot of  what we're really like
  • Nov. 24 a With school out the entire time, a few kids were seen playing the hoops at the radio station parking lot . Unseen were the lardys laying on the couch complaining " I'm bored"
  • Nov. 24 a The tradition of hunting continued this week as a dwindling number headed to the woods for a return to nature and the enjoyment of the Appalachian Mountains. Most stayed at Go Mart and just talked about buck season. For those that made it into the woods, the warm weather made life easy for us but not so if those actually bagging a Bambi.
  • Nov. 24 a Over in Court land, it was interesting to watch the Jay Carper suit against the world where he sought $4 million to compensate him for the public knowing the public's business. The best his attorney, Hiram Lewis, could do was complain that this web site called him a DUMB BUNNY and stupid (four times) . As his froth was lathering, the Judge told him to direct his verbage to the court and not those assembled for the proceedings.
  • Nov. 24 a Brent Boggs was suppose to be sentenced Monday afternoon after pleading guilty to hiring a gunman to kill a business partner. A TV news crew was there to record the sentencing but to no avail. Some kind of pre sentence report had not been completed and Mr Boggs returned to CRJ (on our dime) to await his fate
  • Nov. 24 a Outside, the poor were humbled as they waited in line for free seasonal handouts.
  • Nov. 24 a On Turkey Day, families came together to enjoy stories and made new memories. Floor joists were taken to task as groups of 20 and 30 were common at the home place. Smiles came easy.
  • Nov. 24 a The weather and temperament changed Friday with cooler temps and the shopping season got underway. Those with jobs made it to out of the area  big box stores and hustled about for the best deals. Others realized the same savings by simply setting in front of their puters and clicking, buy now
  • Nov. 24 a Brian Adkins is a quiet guy that once lived across the street from the old State Road garage at Two Run where hs and his wife use to operate the BDA backed Saturday night auction house business. Adkins was picked up on multiple counts of sexual abuse and was lodged in CRJ awaiting a $3.5 million bond.
  • Nov. 24 a The countdown continued for when the Sheriff leaves office. He's leaving quite the mess for the new guy, Miles Slack, on Jan 1st. Black Shirt Chris Legg moved to Clendenin. Even short two Deputies, there's a plenty left for Bailiff duties which is about all they're doing these days.
  • Nov. 24 a  Saturday morning, snow was in the air. Hunters returned to the woods, shoppers went back for more spending, and November started feeling like November
  • Nov. 24 a The Great Nation of Clay, a place like no other!
  • Nov. 23 a After a night of indigestion and on this day of shopping till ya drop, something interesting
  • Nov. 23 a The Buffalo Creek Watershed Group worked hard in 2012 to make the Elk River tributary a nice place to go fishing and a tourism draw for the area.
  • Nov. 23 a Now it's not just us saying so
  • Nov. 23 a Mark your calendars.  West Virginia Public Radio is doing a piece on the group Monday morning between 7:30 and 7:45 am.
  • Nov. 23 a Recognition from a statewide source, very nice!
  • Nov. 23 a From the hurhearld website:Clay County man has been arrested by the WV State Police on multiple counts related to sexual abuse.Brian Keith Adkins, 47, has been charged with seven counts of sexual abuse by a parent or guardian  He has also been charged with seven counts of sexual assault first degree.He is being held in Central Regional Jail on $3,500,000
  • Nov. 23 a Brian, along with his wife Kim, operated the old auction company over at Two Run which went Kaput a year ago.
  • Nov. 23 a Around this time of year, we also drink a little more often. Here's an online challenge to check your reaction time.
  • Nov. 23 a After a week of gorgeously warm weather, snow is in the forecast for this weekend. It's time again to return to winter.
  • Nov. 23 a Online trivia: What group sang about, "Just an old fashion love song  playing on the radio?"
  • Nov. 21 a With schools out, kids at play, some in the woods, others wanting to be in the woods, Clayberry is quiet this week.
  • Nov. 21 a Foreign license plates are in the county. Some hunters of course but mostly, it's family members coming back home for T Day. The warm weather is making for easy travel for young and old.
  • Nov. 21 a Some of us old farts wonder and chat about attorney Hiram Lewis getting arrested last weekend.
  • Nov. 21 a Courthouse records penned by Green Shirt BE Young reveal the infraction is suppose to have occurred Oct 28th, 2 pm.
  • Nov. 21 a  "The accused asked the Sheriff to go to the Prosecutor and have them dismiss the criminal charges against him. Lewis then told the Sheriff that he might have to sue over the arrest and he could possibly be sued as well. The accused then told the Sheriff that Green Shirt Young and the Sheriff were the only two left to testify against him after the slaying of Cpl Marshall Bailey of which the accused stated he believed to be because of the spiritual wrong doing done to him."
  • Nov. 21 a After some head scratching, sounds like the only threat against the Poopster on Oct 28th, he might get sued.
  • Nov. 21 a There's a bunch of us in this county that think Hiram Lewis ain't quite right, may have snapped, or otherwise, the guy has weirded out.
  • Nov. 21 a In this case, and since it took the Sheriff several days to find someone, anyone, willing to even write the criminal complaint, something stinks. The odor may be  the stench of Clayberry, backdoor, pay back, politics of old.
  • Nov. 21 a Lewis puts that issue in his own handwriting on the Magistrate Court Motion form, page 1, where he asked for the charge to be dismissed and more:    "Several motions have been served and no Prosecutor is available to appear... The warrant for arrest was served on the 16th of Nov. and could have been served on a day when the Prosecutor could have been available.. This is retaliation and prohibited under the constitution and free speech and right to petition the govt for redress..... and due process..."
  • Nov. 21 a It's an old trick clickers. Get a person arrested after hours or on a weekend when Magistrates aren't normally available for duty allowing for bond to be made. Result, the person out of grace with the High Sheriff, he has to spend the night in the slammer.
  • Nov. 21 a Something is starting to stink
  • Nov. 21 a Just 40 days left to capable leadership comes to the Clay County Sheriff's Dept and none to soon!
  • Nov. 18 late p Appalachia all but shuts down during buck season. Been that way for years even tho very few actually get in the woods. Many talk about it while sipping coffee at Tudors or Go mart but either too old, too cold, too late, too many others in the woods, or any other excuse.
  • Nov. 18 late p For those of us left ....
  • Nov. 18 late p From which TV show lyric came," Mister we could use a man like Herbert Hoover again."  The 70's Show or The Golden Girls or All in the Family? Email answer
  • Nov. 18 late p  The honey bee has six legs, four wings, a nectar pouch, and a stomach.  Bees have two stomachs - one stomach for eating and the other special stomach is for storing nectar collected from flowers or water so that they can carry it back to their hive.  Bees have five eyes - two compound eyes and three tiny ocelli eyes.  Bees have 2 pairs of wings. The wings have tiny teeth so they can lock together when the bee is flying. Bees communicate through chemical scents called pheromones and through special bee dances.
  • Nov. 18  from Voltaire:   Every man is guilty of all the good he didn’t do.
  • Nov. 18 late p From Voltaire: Anyone who has the power to make you believe absurdities has the power to make you commit injustices.
  • Nov. 18 late p   from Frederick Nietzshe:  A casual stroll through a lunatic asylum shows that faith does not prove anything.
  • Nov. 18 late p   from Albert Einstein:  Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.
  • Nov. 18 late p  from Albert Einstein:    The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.
  • Nov. 18 late p From Mark Twain :  “Why do you sit there looking like an envelope without any address on it?”
  • Nov. 18 a  Today is a big free Turkey Dinner over at the High School. See EVENTS page
  • Nov. 18 a We're not thinking about Turkey Day yet. We're: making sure the four wheeler has plenty of gas, making sure there's enough ammo to wage a small war, ten cans of vienna sausage in the box as well as plenty of beer.
  • Nov. 18 a It's deer camp time in Clayberry.
  • Nov. 18 a Hiram Lewis is well known Republicrat in these parts as a the guy that ran for state office and nearly beat Darrell McGraw for Attorney General a few years back.
  • Nov. 18 a More recent, he's been in the news since last Summer after claiming to be a front man for a new "Ark Mountain" camp that opened in the Spring followed by "saying" he was going to open his own  religious based camp for youth in May.
  • Nov. 18 a  That all came to a halt when  he shot a feller at his rental camp on Elkhurst Road in June. Hiram said he was just defencing his castle. Last night Lewis made the news cycle once again
  • Nov. 18 a According to TV-13 news: Hiram Lewis was arrested for intimidation of a state's witness on Saturday. Hiram Lewis was arrested for intimidation of a state's witness on Saturday.  Former Republican candidate for attorney general and West Virginia Republican Party treasurer Hiram Lewis is in trouble with the law again. Lewis was arrested for intimidation of a state's witness on Saturday.  He is accused of intimidating Clay County Sheriff Randy Holcomb. Lewis said he considers Holcomb a friend and that he never tried to intimidate him.  Lewis, an attorney, was recently indicted on charges of malicious wounding, domestic assault and wanton endangerment involving a firearm. Lewis was arrested in June by the West Virginia State Police after he admitted to shooting Stephen Bogart in the leg. Lewis said the shooting was in self defense and that Bogart tried to break into his house.  He is free on bond this evening.
  • Nov. 18 a  Lewis is the attorney that is bringing suit against a bunch in this county for fired from service, County Sanitarian Jay Carper. In that civil case, Carper is seeking $4 million from Health Dept officials, the Medical Director, The Communicator newspaper, and this web site.  The first hearing in that case is slated for Monday morning before Judge Jack Alsop.
  • Nov. 18 a With Lewis on probation for the June shooting incident and not suppose to break any law, and after getting arrested yesterday, , not sure how that's going to affect Monday's court date.
  • Nov. 18 a Really hate it for Hiram.
  • Nov. 17 early a   Willam Russell Legg, 85, of Clay,  see OBITUARY page
  • Nov. 17 early a   Answer to who first sang Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer... None other than Gene Autry.
  • Nov. 17 early a  For some fun and good tunes, Harold and Terri Allen (2Blue) are performing Saturday evening at the Bluegrass Kitchen in Charleston beginning at 7pm.
  • Nov. 17 early a Man, talk about bad news, Clayberry is in mourning......
  • Nov. 17 early a Twinkies, Ho Hos, Hostess cupcakes, they will soon disappear as the company busts the union employees by heading into bankruptcy
  • Npv 17 early a   Tears tears and more tears!!
  • Nov. 16 a First an oooops. We must have misread the email. The Health Bd did not meet last night. Their meeting is in Dec
  • Nov. 16  a  Wed morning the County Commission voted to hold the Flood Plain ZONING LAW Hearing on Nov. 29th at 5pm.. With property owner rights on the cutting block, this is an important time to make your voice heard. Mark your calendars.
  • Nov. 16 a Before setting the new date and time. Commissioner Linky said they canceled the last hearing due to Hurricane Sandy. Truth is, the hearing was canceled before the storm hit and weathercasters will call for an inch or less of snow. Big Boys in Charleston told Council  Monday afternoon Oct 29th , it would be best to cancel the hearing until things cooled down and after the election
  • Nov. 16 a For out of state clickers, the state school superintendent was fired yesterday. Two Boardsters resigned in support of the out going Jorea Marple. There is no doubt the firing is 100% political. The School Board was packed with Joe Manchin supporters while he served as Governor. Those Boardsters worked their magic yesterday and will decide which political hack will replace Marple at the top spot.
  • Nov. 16 a Any guesses who win the contest?
  • Nov. 16 a According to a study released on Thursday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of diagnosed cases of diabetes grew by 50 percent or more in 42 U.S. states, and by 100 percent or more in 18 states.    Type 2 diabetes can be prevented.Read more.
  • Nov. 16 a The state of Washington just legalized pot for the entire. That land will probably become a tourism growth area for all us ole hippes from the 60/s and 70.s, Seattle's Police Dept just published a how to guide for smoking pot legally.  Here's a question and answer list for pot heads in that state.
  • Nov. 16 a For those that participated in Wed's online trivia game, you all won. Answer, Officer and a Gentleman
  • Nov. 16 a Must have been too easy.
  • Nov. 16 a Lets try this one:  Who was the first to record Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer? Bing Crosby, Gene Autry or Roy Rogers? Email your guess.
  • Nov. 15 a  This evening the School Board will convene a meeting at Lizemores Elem beginning at 6pm.
  • Nov. 15 a Health Boardsters will hold a meeting this afternoon at 5pm. Their agenda includes discussion on the county sanitarian (that's Jay Carper's old job) and the upcoming motion to dismiss a civil suit brought by Carper and scheduled for public hearing Monday morning in front of Judge Jack Alsop
  • Nov. 15 a Most of those indicted by the winter Grand jury last week showed up for arraignment day yesterday in front of Judge Ric Facemire. Hiram Luis was one of those that got rescheduled to the end of the month.
  • Nov. 15 a It's normal for those indicted to be pee tested. Each time, before the test, the judge asks, can you pass it. Each time, the guy says, Oh sure Judge, No problem, Ain't no problem, I'm clean as the driven snow.
  • Nov. 15 a Johnny Neff was one of those that whizzed hot in the jar. He told the court that he had a drink the night before. Must have been a big one clickers. Neff rated a .141 on the alcohol chart and to the slammer he did go
  • Nov. 15 Tad Henson Legg was one claiming to be clean too. Traces of meth and pot were in his system and very "diluted". He told Facemire that it must have been because he was around someone doing it.
  • Nov. 15 a If so, it's the first recorded case of drugging by osmosis!
  • Nov. 15 a  Judge's aren't too happy to be fibbed to.
  • Nov. 15 a Facemire didn't buy the reason. After Legg said he needed to get back to work instead of CRJ,  Facemire: I didn't cause this problem... I don't buy that!!!!!!    You can contact your lawyer from jail...... I'm not that stupid!
  • Nov. 15 a    Bill Lester is a long time defense attorney that adds a lot of fun to a day in Court. Yesterday, his client, Thomas Lee Jr, was not where to be found. After the courthouse search netted no Jr, Mr Lester, "An adventure has led him elsewhere"
  • Nov. 15 a A warrant has been issued for Thomas Lee Jr with a $100,000 cash bond mandate to get him out of the can.
  • Nov. 15 a Nice morning in court.
  • Nov. 15 a We'll get to the Commission meeting coverage later today
  • Nov. 14 a This Wed morning started out with 21 chilly degrees. Brrrr....
  • Nov. 14 a Answers to yesterday's online quiz. The number one selling tune around the world is Candle in the Wind. In the US of A , White Christmas comes in tops.
  • Nov. 14 a  In Japanese, Karaoke literally means empty orchestra
  • Nov. 14 a For our trivia buffs, "Up where we belong" was a big hit from a Richard Gere movie. Which movie, Runaway Bride, Office and a Gentleman, or First Night?
  • Nov. 14 a Email correct answer now
  • Nov. 13 late p  Irene Mae Boggs, 95, see OBITUARY page
  • Nov. 13 late p  The Communicator made it out the door this afternoon. Lead story provides the details on the new class of Grand Jury indictments. Good info on CAEZ and the local radio station moving out of downtown Clay plus everything else that makes this county so special.
  • Nov. 13 late p County Commission meets Wed morning at 10am. On the agenda is rescheduling the zoning law hearing as was suggested by FEMA reps on Oct 29th
  • Nov. 13 late p
  • Nov. 13 early a  Good morning one and all
  • Nov. 13 early a  Communicator comes out this afternoon around 4pm
  • Nov. 13 early a Check the OBITUARY page for updates
  • Nov. 13 early 1 Press the Valley Fork College button on the home page for new learning opportunities Wed
  • Nov. 13 early a And our online question for today is Which song is the best selling single of all time? Is it, Bing Crosby's White Christmas, Elton John's Candle in the Wind? or,  Bill Haley's Rock around the clock.
  • Nov. 13 early a email your correct answer
  • Nov. 13 early a While we're asking questions, one more:  What does Karaoke literally mean in Japanese?
  • Nov. 9 a Hey, we've made it to Friday again. The big storm that hit the country mid week, didn't touch us. Great!
  • Nov. 9 a Kids get out of school early today. Republicrats , those in the far white party, they're licking their wounds and getting ready to watch four more years of growth and inclusion
  • Nov. 9 a Tonight is a big one for the Clay High Panthers. We're heading to playoff action and taking on the super tough Wayne team in away field action. Last year Wayne won the State Title. This year they haven't lost a game.
  • Nov. 9 a Gulp!
  • Nov. 9 a  How many days did you go without Frontier internet service? If you didn't know, they're giving discounts to those that call em up and ask for the discounts. May only be a few dollars, but what the heck. give it a try
  • Nov. 8 p With bright sunshine coming down and beautiful sky above, here's the Winter 2012 Grand Jury indictments...
  • Nov. 8 p Johnny Neff for wanton endangerment with a firearm, dest of prop, and petit larceny, $15,000 bond
  • Nov. 8 p Reene Lynne Bloom driving while revoked, DUIA 3rd offense $2500 bond
  • Nov. 8 p John Thomas Lee III poss with intent to delivcr and conspiracy $40,000 bond
  • Jov 8 p John THomas Lee Jr poss with intent to deliver, person prohibited from possessing a firearm  $45,000 bond
  • Nov. 8 p Robert Earl Stutler poss with intent to deliver controlled substance $25,000 bond
  • Nov. 8 p  Tad Henson Legg operating a lab and poss of meth or other controlled substance, no bond set
  • Nov. 8 p  Jeremy Scott Wyant, destruction of property x 2, conspiracy x 3, Bond $3,600
  • Nov. 8 p Johnathan Arden McGlothlin, destruction of property x 2, conspiracy. Bond $3,600
  • Nov. 8 p Thomas King Jr receiving concealing stolen property, Bond $5000
  • Nov. 8 p Here's one that's been quiet for some time... Sandra Guy poss with intent to deliver pot. Bond: $20,000
  • Nov. 8 p Nothing too exciting in the line up as justice rolls on.
  • Nov. 8 p Oh, forgot one
  • Nov. 8 p Hiram C Luis IV, malicious wounding, domestic assault, wanton endangerment with a firearm. d $70,000
  • Nov. 8 p Two weeks ago Hiram told the world he had stopped practicing law. That was a fib when he said it two weeks ago but he may get his wish  in another way.
  • Nov. 8 p Arriagnment day before Judge Ric Facemire is next week on Nov. 14th. Action starts at 9am
  • Nov. 7 late p  First a correction. The radio station is trying to raise some $$$ so they can sportscast the CHS Panthers play off game Friday night. One of the expenses is, they have to pay a $125 royalty fee to the WVSSAC. This morning we post the need at $150. Oppps
  • Nov. 7 The Winter Grand Jury spent a full day behind closed doors today. The complete list will not be available until Thursday morning. We'll post as soon as we get our grubby wittle paws on the list
  • Nov. 7 Many eyes are on the Prosecutor and whether he goes after fellow attorney, Hiram Luis the XXV. Luis was arrested earlier this year after shooting a guy in his rental unit on Elkhurst Rd at Procious.
  • Nov. 7 That's the same house that the one time WV Attorney General candidate later turned into his LewisLaw office.
  • Nov. 7 We'll post the list ASAP
  • Nov. 7  By the way, we still have people in this county, Dog Run for instance, that are without electric service.
  • Nov. 7 a Republicrats learned a couple things last night. Billions in corporate dollars don't make up for a questionable candidate, and 2, Republicrats can never ever make it into the white house until they  include the black, latino, and female voters.
  • Nov. 7 a Without any local contests, the Courthouse was quiet last night. Not counting workers, maybe 20 or so stood around listening and laughing. The norm is for the various elected officials to have their doors open and offer a place to congregate. Tuesday evening the Sheriff's office had the doors locked and the lights were off.
  • Nov. 7 a In the hallway, soon to be in office, Sheriff Miles Slack and his supporters, were there in full force and included plenty of pizzas and cake. Just 53 days until law enforcement and protection returns to Clayberry. And none too soon for many.
  • Nov. 7 a It's common for the County Clerk's office to be filled with other elected officials and supporters  following election returns. Two of those regulars are Helen Morris and Gene King. Neither were there last night.
  • Nov. 7 a Gene is still recovering from sickness that landed him in CAMC and two nursing homes.
  • Nov. 7 a Sad last night not to see either but we have good news. O Gene made it home from Laurel Nursing Tuesday afternoon.
  • Nov. 7 a Last night 101.7 FM made it back on the airwaves after being knocked off during the Frankenstorm eight days ago.
  • Nov. 7 a Today is Grand Jury Day at the Courthouse. Usually Prosecutor Samples prepares a dozen or so presentations and the jurors work is done in one day. Well, sometimes it takes a day and one half to complete the task
  • Nov. 7 a As soon as the true bills are made public, we'll post
  • Nov. 7 a  It's been years and a couple coaches since the Clay High Panthers made it into play off action.
  • Nov. 7 a The Panthers take on Wayne County this Friday night beginning at 7:30pm
  • Nov. 7 a With our local non profit station back on the airwaves, they want to sportscast our team on the radio and internet. The one problem (now anyway) is $$$$
  • Nov. 7 a For instance, the state regulators require a $150 royalty fee. In addition to that, the volunteers need to have some of their gasoline and and a meal covered.
  • Nov. 7 a If you can help em out and get our athletes on the air, now's the time.
  • Nov. 6   8pm After spending billions during Election '12, the hope is , the winner will be known tonight, not drag on for days weeks and we can get on with important things.
  • Nov. 6 p  There are no local contests on the ballot this time around. All the Republicrats filed as Demorats so the race was during the primary election last May
  • Nov. 6 p Got some great news. Around noon today, Frontier internet returned to service. After a full seven days, local businesses can once again order and resupply as needed. For the rest of Clayberry, it's Oh Boy time as we reconnect to the world.
  • Nov. 6 p  Got a change. Mountaineer Liquidators at Two Run will NOT be hosting an auction this Saturday. Turns out the place is loaded full of everything you can imagine. Manager Mike Evans says they are taking a second look at their business model.
  • Nov. 6 p For those wondering, parts of the county remain powerless.
  • Nov. 6 a After enduring a full year of campaign ads and the last month , intense ads, mailers, and repeated robo calls, today is our chance to have a say in the future of the country and hopefully end all the air time.
  • Nov. 6 a Today is election day. For those that haven't, make sure to take the time to exercise your right to vote.    Generators will be employed where electricity is in short supply like at the Widen Community Center and in Harrison at Mr. Johnson's polling place.
  • Nov. 6 a Don't forget to turn the thang over and mark your choice on changing the W Va constitution. At issue is whether to allow Sheriffs more time in office, to remove the restriction that they can only be in office for two consecutive terms.
  • Nov. 6 With several West Virginia Sheriffs in the slammer for unlawful activities , just think how nice it could be to have our own Top Badge in office for another 8 years.
  • Nov. 6 a The norm for a Presidential election is to have around 2500 Clayonians  mark ballots.
  • Nov. 6 a Early voting brought out more than 800 registered voters this time around in the Great Nation of Clay. Statewide, 150,666 cast early ballots.
  • Nov. 6 a See, think you see election fraud of some kind of another, call the Sec of State's fraud hotline: 1 866-767-8683
  • Nov. 6 a There is no doubt our low information voters will make Mutt Romney the state's choice for Prez. For the R's and D's that aren't sold on either top tier candidate, there are a lot of other choices to pick from.
  • Nov. 6 a Many in this county are not so satisfied with the only guy running for County Commission. Why no protest the Linky poo choice by leaving the box blank?
  • Nov. 6 a The real contests in this state are in the Supreme Court and Attorney General races. Both contests may be tight, real tight.
  • Nov. 6 a Last night the CAEZ met. Their Bd voted to move the office from the Main Street location out to the old Valley Fork Grade School building which they own.
  • Nov. 6 a With real tight finances, the idea is to cut down on overhead expenses like paying utilities at both places.
  • Nov. 6 a  The vote was split. The final count was 6 to 3 in favor of making the move before year's end. Commissioner Mike Pierson didn't cast a vote. He said he wanted more time to think about it.
  • Nov. 6 a In the way of updates.....
  • Nov. 6 a One week ago today we woke up to a foot of snow, no electric, and no communications for most in this county. The snow was gone in 48 hours. The damage remains today.
  • Nov. 6 a Many in this county remain without power. Nearly everyone on the Frontier DSL service have gone 7 full days without even crappy internet service. Yesterday, nearly the entire phone system was down for much of the afternoon.
  • Nov. 6 a For those making plans, new stuff has been added to the EVENTS page. Also, the new company in town , Mountaineer Liquidators, is holding an auction this Saturday, Nov. 10th, starting at a new time, 5pm sharp.
  • Nov. 6 a For those that read about the dumb bunny that managed to lose his tailgate Sunday afternoon.... The lardy found the home made thang half way to Clendenin, slung off to the side of the road, in a pile of leaves.
  • Nov. 6 a Thanks for the emails and those that looked for the thang
  • Nov. 5 1:30pm  Everywhere you go around the county, people are talking about the tough times last week during the Frankenstorm. Others, many others, are telling us they still don't have power, tele, or internet
  • Nov. 5  Right now, there is no tele service in the entire county.
  • Nov. 5  That makes one full week minus 7 hours without basic services
  • Nov. 5  In the modern world where "plastic" rules, the lack of a working ATM machine makes it tough. For those contractors coming in here to rebuild the place, when their cash runs out, there's no way to get more.
  • Nov. 5 For businesses trying to order supplies, parts, etc, ditto. Might as well close the doors for several more days.
  • Nov. 5  Whether climate change is real or not, the frequency and severity of storms seems to be increasing and doing so quickly.
  • Nov. 5  Clayberry is untethered from the rest of the world... again
  • Nov. 5 a Rug rats are back in school. Most in the county have electric restored.
  • Nov. 5 a Tonight the School Board at the Pentagon beginning at 6pm. Posted agenda items includes  suspension of a worker for violating the drug fee work policy and a secret hearing on a CHS student
  • Nov. 5  a  About everything will close down Tuesday for election day. The first Tuesday of the month is usually a busy one for public meetings like the CAEZ Bd meeting.
  • Nov. 5 a  Although the web site says the CAEZ will meet Tuesday evening, I think that's been changed 'til tonight. 'Might want to call those folks before making the trip.
  • Nov. 5 a Opppppps... Turns out the CHS Panthers are NOT out of the playoffs. The Panthers will be in round one action this Friday night at 7:30pm
  • Nov. 4 a Last night Tug Valley downed our Panthers 16 to 8. That's about it for this year.
  • Nov. 4 a But what a year. Clay High's team broke even and then some. Instead of year after year defeat after defeat, crowds and support came back. 2012 was the turn around year for the Clay County Panthers and new Coach Steve Ware
  • Nov. 4 a A heck of a nice change
  • Nov. 3 10am   Bottled wa wa and military rations (food) are available again at the Clay Ambulance Service
  • Nov. 3  Over 800 have already early voted. With an expected total vote of 2000, that's nearly half and maybe half by 5pm today. Get out and vote clickers, you never know when the next snow storm may hit.
  • Nov. 3 mid day update....
  • Nov. 3  three phase power in the Two Run area (Go Mart, Subway, GInos in particular) is nowhere to be had. They ain't cooking until full service is returned.
  • Nov. 3  Electric in general remains elusive. Residents in the outlying areas like WIden, Dille, Dog Run, forget it for several more days.
  • Nov. 3  Many are going gonzo without internet service, out link tot he world. Cell phones are back in service
  • Nov. 3 Meeting were held and plans were made after the June 29th storm. The idea was for Clayberry to get organized and ready for future severe weather . Everything sounded good last summer. Stuff like organizing churches to serve as shelters and providing service during hard times. Communications issues were supposedly worked out
  • Nov. 3 For each of those, forget it. Didn't happen.
  • Nov. 3 Time to start planning again
  • Nov. 2 late p   First some announcements
  • Nov. 2 late p  Saturday's indoor yard sale at CHS has been rescheduled. See EVENTS page
  • Nov. 2 late p Early voting continues Saturday at the Courthouse. Your vote counts
  • Nov. 2 late p For those needing legal drugs, Clay Foodland's Pharmacy will be open Saturday from 9 to 5pm
  • Nov. 2 late p Connie's Drive In at Two Run has new winter hours. She's now open Monday thru Friday's 11 am to 5pm. Her winter time meals are also returning
  • Nov. 2 late p The CHS Panthers will be in a  do or die contest Saturday  when they travel to William son to take on Tug Valley. 101.7 FM planned to broadcast the match up.
  • Nov. 2 late p The broadcast ain't going to happen. For the sportscast, the station needs either a tele landline or cell phone service. According to the school spokesman, they don't have either.
  • Nov. 2 late p Go Panthers
  • Nov. 2 late p About that last day of early voting tomorrow...
  • Nov. 2 late p With so many low information voters in this land, there is no doubt that Mutt Romney is going to carry this state. Why not think about voting for a third party candidate so they can have or continue ballot access.
  • Nov. 2 late p Commissioner Linky poo is the only candidate in that race. If you're not so happy about him giving Big Coal a $12million tax break a couple years ago, adding nearly the same amount to private property owner tax burdens, spending a bunch of local funds on the new 911 center, and / or voting in favor of stepping up zoning in this county, why not just leave that check box completely empty. Sort of make a statement at the polls
  • Nov. 2 late p As of 4pm today, less than 50% of AEP customers in Boone Clay Wyoming and Nicholas Counties are without power. That's great unless you're sitting there in the dark. At one point over 250,000 in this state were powerless.
  • Nov. 2 late p Mon Power at 4pm was reporting 29,000+ remain in the dark
  • Nov. 2 late p Saw some of those big utility trucks working in the Southern end of the county this afternoon
  • Nov. 2 late p Still no Frontier in most of the county but electric service is slowly coming back including the Maysel area.
  • Nov. 2 late p Finally a hot bubble bath!
  • Nov. 2 early a  It got exciting last night around 9:45pm.
  • Nov. 3 Over the scanner from Greg Fitzwater: The lights just came on in Clay
  • Nov. 3 a A second later came word that Bickmore had juice
  • Nov. 3 a  Then, what the ace cub reporter had been longing to hear, a voice on the scanner: Power is on in Maysel.
  • Nov. 3 a  Hot diggity dog!!!!!!!!!!!! After four nights of running a noisy generator and reduced activities, life would return to normal.
  • Nov. 3 a The lardy guy raced outside and saw a street light burning down the road. He zoomed out back and turned off the generator, unplugged the thang, covered it up, busted his arss on wet snow as he came back indoors to a dark house.
  • Nov. 3 a Forgetting to take a flashlight with him, he fumbled his way to the fuse box and flipped on the big switch at the top of the panel.
  • Nov. 3 a ...........................
  • Nov. 3 a Nothing
  • Nov. 3 Off and on went the switch. The big wide smile turned into a frown followed by potty mouth galore as the Mel Gibson look alike remained in the dark.
  • Nov. 3 a Over the scanner, sounded like Dallas H: No electric in Upper Two Run
  • Nov. 3 a Turns out, the main lines are re-energized for some locations but not all
  • Nov. 3 a The street light down the road, turns out an over achiever neighbor had one hooked up to his portable  generator which was still operating!
  • Nov. 3 a The ice cream turned to doo doo.
  • Nov. 3 a At 6:30am with the generator once again clanging and coughing to life, many parts of the county including Guy Mullins road, it's still dark.
  • Nov. 3 a The Communicator will make it out the door today. Delayed but out by mid day. 24 pages too
  • Nov. 1 late p  Friday night's Panther game against Tug Valley has been rescheduled to Saturday evening at the same time.
  • Nov. 1 late Unless power is restored to downtown Clay and juice supplied up at the transmitter on Triplett Ridge, 101.7FM can NOT broadcast the game. Keep your fingers crossed
  • Nov. 1 late p There are several skids of bottled water over at the Ambulance Service. According to Bev King, pick up hours are 11am to 7pm while supplies last.  Ms King also says that area  Fire Dept's do NOT have wa wa available at the firehouses.
  • Nov. 1 late p The ready to eat military rations that came into the county, they're already gone
  • Nov. 1 late p The county's only shelter is at the Courthouse and operated by the County Clerk's office.
  • Nov. 1 late p Those rumors that electric would be restored to downtown Clay this afternoon... just rumors
  • Nov. 1 late p Talked with ambulance driver Morgan Triplett this evening. Morgy had been our Triplett Ridge and over to Dog Run . According to Triplett, based on the number of power poles broke and lines still down, He thinks the damage is as bad as during the June 29th storm.
  • Nov. 1 late p As for seeing any of those big repair trucks out that way, none seen
  • Nov. 1 late p It's going to be a awhile clickers. With three days under our belts, hunker down some more.
  • Nov. 1 p Clay County Schools will be closed Friday Nov. 2nd. Nasty ole teachers have to go in on a 2 hour delay schedule. Ha Ha Ha
  • Nov. 1 p No Apple Festival meeting tonight according to Terri
  • Nov. 1 p From the email bag:  Due to weather conditions and power outage. The memorial service for Jackie Ray Coleman has been changed from Saturday, November 3, 2012 to Saturday, November 10, 2012 at Burke Memorial Church, Camp Creek WV at 2 p.m. with military rights to be held at 3:30 p.m. at the Townsend Cemetery, Bomont, WV per VFW Post 8516.
  • Nov. 1 p Will post as long as the generator and satellite keep working
  • Nov. 1 p Early voting continues thru Saturday at the Courthouse. In West Virginia over 100,000 have already voted. The Sec of State is warning voters, don't be tricked by telephone calls saying precincts will be closed or no election  next Tuesday. Ms Tenant advises:  That's been a ploy used to suppress votes, she said. Instead, counties will post notices at precincts and also inform the media.
  • Nov. 1 p  In Clayberry we were averaging 100 voters per day until the storm hit.
  • Nov. 1 p  Got up to 54 degrees today in Clay County. Instead of snow, we are a giant ball of red clay and mud.
  • Nov. 1 p Lovely
  • Nov. 1 p Clay PSD is reporting that power has been restored to all of Ivydale which includes their booster station pump. Sounds like potable water will be available there
  • Nov. 1 p Word spread this afternoon that AEP woul have their Clay COunty  lines and service in working order this afternoon. That translates to, Elk Power will be back in business.
  • Nov. 1 p In Clayberry, as of 5:30pm, no juice coming thru the lines.
  • Nov. 1 p Now the darn telephones are completely down
  • Nov. 1 p Sandy was a real B*****!
  • Nov. 1   8 am  Day Three, FrankenStorm: At this time, Clayberry, most of it anyway, does not have electric or telephone service. Internet and cell phone use is just a pipe dream. We are cut off from the real world. To get a message out, you have to drive to Elkview or beyond to use a cell phone.
  • Nov. 1 Rained all night and is continuing now. Between snow melt and rain, flooding is most likely on the way.
  • Nov. 1 While CNN reports life in NY city is getting back to normal, the nation of Clay is in a log jam.
  • Nov. 1 Clay Braxton Boone Nicholas Fayette county school systems remain closed today. A bunch of Kanawha county schools are also closed.
  • Nov. 1 Without the cellphone in hand and head down texting endlessly, Clayonians are in withdrawal.

  • Nov. 1  We are hunkered down. This survival test is getting old real quick.