October 2010
 

Oct. 31 p  Last day of the month The last month with a chance of short pants and tee shirts. In the last week or so.....

Oct. 31 p Campaign filled the boob tube airwaves. Not one on message commercial just bashing opponents. With such much secret money in the pipeline, two things. One, you can't believe ANY of it. And, two, expect od the like in the future compliments of the Big Robes and a Congress unwilling to step up to the plate and give free speech to natural person instead of corporate greed bags.

Oct. 31 p Monday morning Clay High students were moved to the mini auditorium after early arrivers heard a very loud KaBoooooooooooom followed by three more loud explosions and an oily smell. Turns out the problem wasn't a some kind of bomb but rather electric service, panel exploding. The other three Kabooms came as locals tried to reset the box. All kids were sent home Monday and High Schoolers remained home on Tuesday as repairs continued.

Oct. 31 p  Late late Tuesday evening the ace cub reporter emerged from the hospital with much less hair and new stints installed. With the nurses still giggling at the exposure, AW is set for another couple years of giving Clayberry leaders double H when they goof up..... about daily!

Oct. 31 p Wed morning the County Commission met in regular session where the misguided group voiced that 911 radios were less than had been suggested by the previous 911 Director. Actually, Larry Darryl and Darryl had been misguided by our wittle Sheriff and now plan to follow another costly road of misdirection.

Oct. 31 p Thursday evening the Sch Bd convened a special meeting to discuss in private recommended hires by the Superintendent. Appears that some of the Boardsters were upset over some of the newbees residing outside the county.

Oct. 31 p Congresswoman Capito hasn't carried this county during the last  two election cycles. Friday evening she came thru our land on a campaign tour. About 6 people showed up to say howdy.

Oct 31 p Saturday afternoon the early voting pole at the Courthouse closed after recording around 800 early voter choices.

Oct. 31 p Saturday evening was Trick or Treat in the county. Arm in arm with their parents or in the arms of their parents, kids came out of the woodwork for the sweet treats. Trickery was almost non existent. As for the lack of fun listening on the scanner, our new generation is more in tune laying on the couch with a remote control or joy stick in their hands. Oh how we miss the good ole days or corning, cutting down trees, egg messes, and the like.

Oct. 31 p True we're gullible but... some are seeing a glimmer of hope in Clayberry. Some little things are starting to be heard to raise that hope. Stuff like: talk of promoting the Elk River by out of county leaders, informational kiosks, quilt trails, new river access points, renewed talks with Bill Bright to get access for a tourism train line, Clay County Cluckers Club to grow eggs and  young Entrepreneurs.

Oct. 31 p If any or all of those ventures would come to be, our future would be much more attractive.

Oct. 31 p Our fall foliage colors peaked in the last seven days. Not nearly as showy as in past years, but none the less, beautiful. A few of the days were warm enough for shirt sleeves but Thursday morning brought a 29 degree freeze which took out all but the hardiest of mums and asters.

Oct. 31 p Winter is fast approaching.

Oct. 29 p Got a correction clickers.

Oct. 29 p In the morning post comes word of a new Kiosk planned for the County. We reported that the thang would be located at the Clay Library. According to Eco Director Moore, Wrong O. Instead, a literature rack will be at the Library and the Kiosk will be located somewhere along the Elk RIver Water Trail planned for 2011.

Oct. 29 a No matter how sad the candidates, voting remains important. Early voting continues today and Saturday at the Courthouse. Get out an exercise your right to choose.

Oct. 29 a Republicrat Capito is scheduled for a campaign stop at the Courthouse this evening beginning at 5pm.  If you've got a little jingle in your pocket head over to the Bingo games tonight. For those not interested in gambling, how about a night of good music and dancing at Big Otter Community Center. Saturday evening is Trick or Treat in Clayberry. In addition to a costume judging contest at 5:30pm, 101.7 FM is hosting a free Halloween Concert featuring Tom Pringle and TIff Farmer at 6pm.

Oct. 29 a Check the EVENTS page for details and more

Oct. 29 a  Got something new clickers. The Economic Development lady is setting up an egg exchange program in the county. The idea is to unite small scale county egg producers with those wanting healthy home grown supply of eggs.  What it amounts to is a space on the Clay County Library bulletin Board where producers and customers can leave post it notes, sort of a down home social networking space at the Library.

Oct. 29 a Officially it's called an egg exchange, We're calling it the Clay Cluckers Club.

Oct. 29 a The Library is also getting an information Kiosk. Kiosk? Don't feel left out. During the announcement at the CCC meeting Wed., Commissioner Slinky had to ask Amanda Moore how to spell the word.

Oct. 29  a  Basically a Kiosk is a free standing place for public notices, maps, and brochures. Some are fancy stand alones with night lighting and wa wa fountains

Oct. 29 a  Had Slinky been involved in anything more than school system stuff over the years, he would have known the word and its long history in County Clay.

Oct. 29 a History:   A number of years ago the BDA had a $10,000 grant available for such an item. They got in a squabble over the notion. Under the helm of Leonard Williams, the ace cub reporter suggested a Kiosk (Welcome Center) to be housed at the local radio station which attracts hundreds of folks to town each year. So embittered was the Williams lad, he chose to let the money and the much needed information center pass by the wayside.

Oct. 29 a Two years ago after securing government funds on their own, the radio group erected their own Kiosk (free standing bulletin board) in the Fas Chek parking lot and continue to keep it current to this day.

Oct. 29 a In between the BDA / Leonard Williams  skirmish with the Mel Gibson Look Alike and the successful 101.7FM Kiosk project in downtown Clay, the station also built a public flush toilet complete with night lighting and spots for additional brochures and maps. That non profit group called the place, Clay County's Welcome Center, a place for all your sit down business.

Oct. 29 a That name was fine but this site and The Communicator renamed the place, the Leonard Williams Welcome Center since Williams was the guy in charge during the failed BDA attempt to establish such a similar thang in the county. Williams remains "miffed" to this day over the public exposure.

Oct. 29 a Finally in the way of history, to save face, the BDA got the Clay County Bank to purchase a bulletin board. That board was screwed to the outside of the Courthouse and remains today. In return for the donation, the Bank was to have a gold sign affixed. To this day, no recognition sign there.

Oct. 29 a Last night the  School Board held a special meeting to discuss hiring School Superintendent "recommended" school service personnel. Some Boardsters appeared upset over the possibility of hiring out of county residents (they can't vote for the Levy) over those hailing from our county.

Oct. 29 a About as soon as they opened the meeting, O Gene King  was ready to let loose with his opinions. His words had to be slowed down until the group could get behind closed doors.

Oct. 29 a  How about an update on yesterday's post on the 911 radios in the county. Skip down and read that stuff first.  We'll wait......... done?   OK, still waiting...... Now

Oct. 29 a Those radios that won't ID the user.... 16 of the rascals were given to the county under the guidance of now resigned from duty 911 Director Pat Beets. the gifts came from US Homeland Security funds. They idea was to supply local responders with radios that would connect them to state agencies. The 16 were free to the county for that one one purpose. They were never intended to connect to our local service and NOT DESIGNED to offer the much desired caller ID feature.

Oct. 29 a Those are the same radios that our wittle Sheriff wanted to get his hands on so badly and said he could "program" them to ID users. Mr Top Badge beat his chest and proudly strutted around like a  peacock after getting access to the hand held units.

Oct. 29 a How come Beets quit. The final straw was when a red faced and yelling Jerry Slinky ordered, demanded,  the 911 Director to hand over 7 of the 16 units to the Sheriff.  Knowing the radios wouldn't work as the cocky Sheriff wanted, Beets refused the order and instead resigned from duty.

Oct. 29 a Here's something else to add to the mix. Two radios from the same manufacturer (Kenwood) WERE purchased by Beets. Those newer radios do offer the new tech features like caller ID.

Oct. 29 a So out of the loop (and mislead by the Top Badge) is Linky Poo, he doesn't understand what is and ain't.

Oct. 29 a It's all politics clickers.

Oct. 29 a Now, get back to work.

Oct. 28 a From the email bag: All Clay County Panthers Intermediate Football Parents:  Due to the weather of this past Tuesday, the equipment turn in date has been changed to Tuesday Nov. 2 @ 6:00 at the Dundun Practice Field. Please bring all issued uniforms and equipment.

Oct. 28 a Tonight at 6pm the School Board is  holding a special meeting to discuss a policy change that would allow substitute service workers to be listed on multiple "call out" sheets. Supporting school service personnel is something long time Boardster Gene King has talked about for years. New Boardster Dave Mullins campaigned on similar support if elected.

Oct. 28 a The new policy has been talked about during the last four Board meetings. Not sure why a special meeting is needed but it's coming tonight none the less.

Oct. 28 a For all the DINO's (Demorat in Name Only) in the county, Congresswoman Shelly Capito is coming to Town Friday at 5pm for a pass thru campaign stop.

Oct. 28 a West Virginia has a habit of being in the national spotlight in unflattering ways.

Oct. 28 a During this campaign season, our Senatorial race has brought us front and center. Gov Smokin Joe is running for the Senate. His most recent Boob Tube ads show him with a 30.6 rifle shooting a hole thru a printed Demorat proposal. He says as a registered Demorat, he is totally against Bama De Bama legislation.

Oct. 28 a Something about locking the round in the chamber and blasting away is a bit unsettling. Nationally, that same sentiment is being aired. America is laughing at us again.

Oct. 28 a Yesterday's Commission was pretty interesting with new stuff coming to the surface.

Oct. 28 a Two weeks ago the CCC was talking high praises of the resigned 911 DIrector, Pat Beets. Yesterday they made it known that the Kenwood radios purchased and in use by emergency service providers in the county were NOT compatible with important communications services provided by the 911 dispatch service in Nicholas County.

Oct. 28 a One of those features is radio ID which allows dispatchers to pin point who is trying to contact dispatch. Officially, that's important if someone gets in trouble (unable to speak) and needs back up. Unofficially, the ID service provides a way of tracking the bogus radio transmissions and transmissions made by non authorized folks. An example of that would be if an elected official were to give or sell a radio to a buddy as a favor.

Oct. 28 a Also from Wed's meeting...  8 years ago , the last time the Clay Ambulance service was bankrupt and in debt $160,000, the Commission took control of the service and hired a state agency to analyze the problems and provide oversight. Back then the agency came up with a big long list of things that needed changed including a need for professional management. They also noted that the county needed additional funding (a usage fee or Levy) to keep Clay Ambulance operating in the black and out of bankruptcy.

Oct. 28 a  With strong oversight and tight purse strings, for 6 of the last 8 years, the ambulance group gained financial stability. Two years ago they had around $200,000 in savings and a CD.

Oct. 28 a In the last 24 months, ALL the savings were gone. All of it. Clay Ambulance is flat broke and in operation compliments of CCC hand out after handout.

Oct. 28 a Wed morning the CCC Ok'd that same state oversight group to come in and study Clay Ambulance . Wonder if they're findings will be any different this time around?

Oct. 28 a  Yesterday's post made public the $360,000 estimate to rehab the old ELkhurst Swinging bridge. During the Commission discussions, Commissioner Fran King asked if the Prosecutor had been contacted to seek $$$ from whomever damaged the span several years ago rendering it to pedestrian only use. Wouldn't that be something if the on the job person or his government agency had to come up with the $$$ to repair the bridge?

Oct. 28 a This just in: The Salem Police Department reports finding a man's body in the Willamette River just west of the Marion Bridge . The dead man's name will not be released until his family has been notified.  The victim apparently drowned due to excessive intoxication. He was wearing black fishnet stockings , a red garter belt, a strap-on sexual device and an Obama T-shirt. He also had a cucumber inserted in his rectum.  The police officer removed the Obama T-shirt to spare his family any unnecessary embarrassment

Oct. 27 p The obits page is now current. Sorry for the delay.

Oct. 27 p  About 5% of all candy consumed for the year occurs on Halloween and the week afterward.  Halloween is the biggest time of year for candy consumption.

Oct. 27 p  Think there's more election campaign ads on the boob tube this year? You're right.  more than 230 independent groups have shelled out at least $227 million in 2010 federal election spending.     "We're talking about a new kind of spending," Taylor Lincoln of Public Citizen, told ABC News for a story Wednesday. "There are probably a lot of corporate spenders out there that, for fear for their reputation and a sense of what was right and the law of the land, didn't want to play that game. Now they don't have to fear any kind of legal retribution. That's a big deal."

Oct. 27 p We're in the middle of a long term depression with many out of jobs and nearly out of their homes. That's while non financial U.S. companies are sitting on $943 billion of cash and short-term investments, as of mid-year 2010, compared with $775 billion at the end of 2008, Moody's said. This would be enough to cover a year's worth of capital spending and dividends and still have $121 billion left over.

Oct. 27 p  For a decade Republicrats pushed hard for oil drilling in Alaska citing vast reserves of oil ready for harvesting.  We now know different, A new Fed report estimates about 896 million barrels of such oil are in the reserve, about 90 percent less than a 2002 estimate of 10.6 billion barrels.

Oct. 27 p  Some time back a county wide effort to save the old Swinging Bridge on Elkhurst got under way. If kept and restored, the one of kind suspension bridge could figure in nicely with renewed efforts to grow tourism in Clayberry.

Oct. 27 p During this morning's Commission meeting Amanda Moore reported first estimates to rehab the structure into a pedestrian span. Are you sitting down..... $360,000 was the State Road initial estimate.

Oct. 27 p That's a bunch of tax dollars but if it's going to be spent somewhere, why not here!

Oct. 27 a County Commission Wed morning at 10 am

Oct. 27 a All shaved down to the nub and with three shiny new spring loaded stints in place, the ace cub reporter is on reduced duty for a couple days.

Oct. 27 a The thing about hospitals and men,, we're always trying to look down a nurse's shirt followed by nasty thoughts. Doesn't matter if they're fat, skinny young or old, we're always trying to get a peek.    It's hard to do that when you're laying commando on a slab in a chilly room all shivered up.

Oct. 27 a Of course the nurse's giggling don't help matters one bit. This getting old thang sucks!

Oct. 25 a  What a great way to start a week kids... 7:50 am  ALL Clay County schools are closed today. No after school activities today    except JV ballgames

Oct. 25 a Janitor training is still on for today.

Oct. 25 a power outage in the Clay High School area is the culprit. Go back to bed

Oct. 24 p  Feeling a twinge now and again, the ace cub reporter is taking a couple days off for a heart cath down in Charleston. Yelp it's time for a shave and tube irrigation for Mr One Eye for a day or so. True Mr One Eye looks a little more giraffe like when shaved, but  **##!!! those nurses and their giggles.

Oct. 24 p If all goes well, updates return Tuesday evening sometime. If all goes bad, county leaders can breathe much easier.

Oct. 24 p   A couple snippets from the last seven days of so...

Oct. 24 p  During last Monday's School Board discussion turned to change that would allow seniors into athletic events without paying an entrance fee. The plan came to the Bd's attention after a Charleston newspaper article wa printed. Down there, those that volunteered at schools were allowed free admission. One of the concerns was over the CHS Athletic Dept getting reimbursed for the free tickets. Boardster Dave Mullins: Why reimburse them?

Oct. 24 p The elected bunch spent a bunch of time discussing contract bus driver pay. Currently the 15 contractors receive a daily rate based on a 175 day work year,  Sounded like Boardsters Mullins, King, and Triplett are in favor of paying the 15 a set amount each month no matter how many or few days worked each month.

Oct. 24 p Sound like a contract change clickers? If so, each "run" would have to be rebid. Bet the drivers won't want that. There's another problem too. Government contractors cannot be paid for days they didn't work.

Oct. 24 p No vote Monday night but one is coming

Oct. 24 p Sometimes it's the comments that make a meeting interesting. School Super indent Kenneth Tanner told the public that the Clay Development Day Care building beside the Board office is for sale. Although few other than CDC relatives were baby sat there, interesting note.  Wonder if they've lost a government program.... government funding

Oct. 24 p Out Top Badge made it out of the hospital Tuesday. Some kind of nasty virus seems to be the ailment. He remained off work the balance of the week.

Oct. 24 p Friday evening the Business Development Authority held a special meeting at the Courthouse. There they OK'd the sale of the old Filcon property to Rocky Boggs for $100,000. Sounds like a lot of $$$ until you realize the BDA has about $1.2 m in the place according to Boardster Jesse Sizemore

Oct. 24 p Out of the $100,000 take out $5000 for the realtor and one half the closing costs.

Oct. 24 p  Friday night the Panthers were out gunned by Number one ranked Ravenswood who creamed us with a 50 point spread. At half time the score was zip to zip but ... on the field, the Ravenswood coach had a bunch of second string players in action for the first half. That all changed in the third and fourth quarters.

Oct. 24 p Saturday the Solid Waste Authority took in tons of old tires and junk metal. By noon they had two long green dumpsters packed down tight. That's a bunch of stuff that will be recycled instead of in a creek or along a side road.

Oct. 24 p Also on a beautiful sun filled Saturday there was some kind of cancer walk thru downtown Clay. If the idea was to hype public awareness of the disease, the event was a failure. True several participated Saturday, had the organizers alerted local media, many more would have come out for the healthy show of support.

Oct. 24p  With fall foliage at it's peak, Saturday and Sunday were gorgeous. Motorcyclists and leaf peepers traversed Clayberry in search of that perfect snapshot or breathtaking panorama.

Oct. 24 p It's a great time to come visit County Clay.

Oct. 24 p Sick of those election year ads. It's only going to get worse clickers.

Oct. 24 p Earlier this year the US Supreme Court allowed anonymous corporate donations. even in the fine print, we won't have a clue who is really pushing what. Conservative groups have not dumped $200 billion in political ads on the heads of Democratic candidates.

Oct. 24 p  There's a reason Raese and Smokin Joe are bashing who supports Obama De Bama and who doesn't. Both are about as far to the right as possible, of the Republicrat ilk and without ANY difference in campaign platform. Fortunately there are two other choices on the ballot.

Oct. 24 p  Voters have been barraged for weeks with nasty political ads fueled by record amounts of campaign cash. But as Election Day approaches and the margins in many of the races narrow, the candidates themselves are providing some of the most memorable moments of 2010.

Oct. 24 p  "Middle-class families throughout America (would) have to pay $6,000 per year" to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy.  Absolute Lie.

Oct. 24 p   an ad in the Indiana Senate race makes the novel claim that seniors will now be forced into "Barack Obama's government-run health care program." That sounds like a scary prospect -- until you realize that seniors are already in a government-run health care program, Medicare, and have been for 45 years. The law wouldn't force them to join any plan they aren't already in.

Oct. 24 p How many US Senators are lawyers? Here's the answer along with a big league pitcher and river boat caption.

Oct. 24 p WHo's the richest US Senator> It ain't Jay Rockefeller by a mile, it's Wisconsin’s Herb Kohl, a Democrat, was the richest on the list at $214 million. There are currently 69 millionaires.

Oct. 22 a   Here's something interesting. The Clay County Business Development Authority is holding a special meeting at the Courthouse beginning at 5:30pm. The lone topic is selling the old Filcon site at Wallback.

Oct. 22 a The BDA has been wrestling with the few acre flat spot for years. Sounds like they've finally got a buyer for the place with $5000 earnest $$$$ up front.

Oct. 22 a Don't forget the Panther game tonight at 7:30. They're going to need all the help they can muster when they take on Ravenswood.

Oct. 22 p Happy belated Birthday Danny Three Fingers Eagle.

Oct. 21 late p  Got a double dose of bad news today.

Oct. 21 late p The lady that runs the restaurant at the Two Run triangle, Connie, broke her foot.

Oct. 21 late p She planned to close the eatery at the end of this month. Now limping around, the place is now closed for the winter season.

Oct. 21 late p For all us diabetic cripples, that mean  no more swirly ice cream cones till next Spring.   %%##!!!

Oct. 21 late p Delegate Dave Walker's latest update column is now posted over on the ADVISORY page

Oct. 21 p Look around your yard, neighbor's yard, down the road or that nearby creek. Full of washers, dryers, tires, barrels, or other hard to get rid of junk? This Saturday the Solid Waste Authority is offering a one day Metal and Tire disposal day. This the last chance to get rid of that junk lawfully. Start piling up that crap today for Saturday hauling.

Oct. 21 p After reading the most recent Communicator with it's lengthy court news, some are asking, where do you get that court room info? It's simple.

Oct. 21 p  With just a couple exceptions, all the courtroom info is made public.  That means anybody can head over to Magistrate Court or Mike Asbury land in the upstairs of the Courthouse and ask to see the file folders.   Each folder contains everything from the original police complaint to made bond and any and all Judge decisions.

Oct. 21 p  The Magistrate schedule is posted on the hallway wall at the old Courthouse. Circuit Court action is posted on a wall mounted dry erase board where the secretaries are located.

Oct. 21 p Neither have an online portal. The Feds do. Here's the link for the Charleston Fed Court site.   Here's the Southern District Bankruptcy site.

Oct. 21 p Please bookmark for future reference.

Oct. 21 p Tireman / Bus Driver Pat Legg, Happy Birthday

Oct. 21 p Fred Sampson hosts Thursday night roundtable discussions on 101.7FM . He's been volunteering for that duty for years. During the run up to each election, he invites all those seeking office to the downtown Clay station to answer questions live on air. In recent times, folks like,  Darryl McGraw, Shelley Capito, Ken Hechler have participated as well as many many local and district candidates.

Oct. 21 p Sampson's idea is for the voter to learn about the candidate before casting a vote.

Oct. 21 p Tonight Mountain party candidate for the US Senate, Jesse Johnson will submit to questions beginning at 6pm

Oct. 21 p  Early voting continues in the County Clerk's office until 4pm daily and this Saturday all day. Why take a chance on the car not starting, illness, or even that dirty S word, snow. Get out and vote today.

Oct. 21 a On this day in history:  1797: U.S.S. Constitution launched, Boston, Massachusetts;  Born 1833: Alfred Bernhard Nobel (inventor);    1879: Thomas Edison successfully demonstrated for the first time a carbon-filament incandescent light bulb;  1908: Columbia ran an advertisement in The Saturday Evening Post for the first two-sided record;  Born 1917: Dizzy Gillespie (musician);  1918: Margaret Owen set a typing speed record on a manual typewriter of 170 words per minute;  1923: First official planetarium opened, Deutsches Museum, Munich, Germany; Born 1928: Edward "Whitey" Ford (baseball player);  Born 1940: Manfred Mann (musician);  Born 1956: Carrie Fisher (actress)

Oct. 20 a Happy Birthday Lexi Tanner

Oct. 20 a Happy Birthday Matthew Marks

Oct. 20 a From the email bag, some more good news: The Clay County Panthers Intermediate Football will be in the Playoffs. A-Team will play at Braxton on Saturday Oct. 23 @ 3:00 and the C-team will play at Summersville on Sunday Oct. 24 @ 2:00. Come out and help support the teams

Oct. 20 a With the Communicator out the door and on news stands in five counties, we're ready to get back to life in County Clay.

Oct. 20 a Out lead story covers Saturday's organizational gathering of the Appalachian Shawnee Tribe. Pretty cool history and the still teachers and classroom text forgets to tell us.

Oct. 20 a Cute one.  The nation's oldest bus driver Dallas Hanshaw attends many local School Board meetings. He did so Monday evening. From his back row peanut gallery perch, after the Bd Prez called for a motion, with his head down, Dallas replied, "So Moved". Boardster Gene King provided a second and everything moved right along. Giggles were heard from the peanut gallery and the meeting continued. Cute

Oct. 20 a Also from the Bd meeting, ... School Superintendent Kenneth Tanner announced that the bright yellow and red house next door to the Bd office (owned by Clay Development and set up to be a daycare center) is now for sale. That notice firms up speculation rumors that CDC is in financial decay. Last summer CDC laid up several employees including long term secretary Janet Fitzwater.

Oct. 20 a Last night the Buffalo Creek Watershed group met at the Courthouse. Their mission is to clean up the Elk River tributary and see that the floaters and e coli are gone.

Oct. 20 a  10 or so volunteers attended the meeting and discussed plans to "lime" Buffalo Creek with a  goal of raising water quality enough to support year round trout herds.

Oct. 20 a There's still some basic foundation issues like group organization, insurance liabilities and written land owner permission    BUT, after about a dozen meetings and work parties, they are still chuggin along.

Oct. 20 a

Oct. 18 p Last week the school system experienced internet problems which may be the reason they didn't post their meeting agenda. Not too exciting but here's the agenda link.

Oct. 18 p Our Top Badge was taken to a hospital yesterday. Not sure what the issue is but those close think he's got some kind of 500 pound virus. Others think one soapy enema would take care of the problem but if they did, Charleston sewer plant workers would have to work a double shift to handle the extra volume!

Oct. 18p That morning revision was to reflect a big win over Sherman by the Panthers. The ace cub reporter must have been smoking whacky weed when he posted late late Sunday night.

Oct. 18 a   Yesterday post revised.

Oct. 17 late p  It was just too beautiful  to stop long enough for updates , so we didn't

Oct. 17  update wise, last Wed the CCC gave the green thumb to Lizemore Ambulance to resume emergency runs, On Thursday the old box unit was repaired and left G&M Repair at Maysel.  We understand Lizemore will commence full operation on the 18th.

Oct. 17 a Our Top Badge is ill.

Oct. 17 a The jail web site has been down for four days without an end in sight.

Oct. 17 a The Panthers made it on the scoreboard Friday night  beating Sherman 34 to 7 . This week they take on number one ranked Ravenswood.

Oct. 17 a Saturday and Sunday were absolutely sun filled and short pant weather both days. Leaf peepers traveled the two lanes and found many post card scenes.

Oct. 17 a We've got a full week coming our way. Monday night the School Board meets. Can't tell you what's on the agenda. It ain't posted on their web site as of Sunday night night at 7pm

Oct. 17 a  New start up group Buffalo Creek Watershed Assoc meets Tuesday evening. See ADVISORY page for details.

Oct. 17 a Communicator comes out Tuesday afternoon. We're in typing mode until we get that puppy to bed.

Oct. 15 a Happy Birthday NANCY RHODES

Oct. 15 a Get out and vote. Early voting now in progress at the Courthouse. Wed was the first day for early voting. Almost 40 voters did their thing. Not a bad start.

Oct. 15 a Furnaces cranked up this morning. Wood stoves pushed plumes of smoke skyward. Early risers felt 40 degree temps and all the newly fallen leaves wet from an evening shower. Haven't heard of any power outages this morning. Nice change from Thursday

Oct. 15 a  The West Virginia Jail web site has been down for a couple days. For those of us that walk over there twice a day, bummer.

Oct. 15 a Tonight the Panthers take on Sherman in home field action, 7:30pm. After last weeks 54 to zip blowout,  Clayberry is once again pointing the finger at the Coaches. Just seems like the adults aren't working as a team, communicating during ball games to make it happen.

Oct. 15 a  In addition to yard sales, there's a bunch of stuff happening this weekend. Stuff Like Music at Big Otter, a meeting for those interested in Native American history, Purse Bingo at the Senior Center over at Two run and more. Check out the EVENTS page for details.

Oct. 15 a Like to tell you some big long yarn of some dumb politician. Don't have one. Sorry. They must be getting better at covering their tracks.

Oct. 15 a For those wondering, Halloween will be celebrated Saturday night Oct. 30th this year. It's time to set out those eggs for the ripening process.

Oct. 14 p  Power outages reported around the county as wind blew much of the tree top color to porches and yards. Outside, gray, cool and damp. Fall is here. Time to put away the short pants. $$##!!!!

Oct. 14 p There's an interesting meeting notice over on the ADVISORY page, one for the Appalachian Shawnee Tribe. It's our understanding the meeting is for any and all with an interest in Clay County Native American history. Munchies provided and free too.

Oct. 14 p Yesterday County Commission agreed to restore 911 dispatch services to Lizemore Ambulance Service. The much needed agency got into "investigatory" mode in July and shut down. With no formal charges found, the group asked the CCC to once again use the 911 service and get back on the road.

Oct. 14 p Two weeks ago and according to the Sheriff, Commissioner Slinky said he would never allow Lizemore to use 911 services again. Translation: Lizemore was pulling runs from the cash strapped and in debt,  Clay Ambulance service.

Oct. 14 p So what happened, what made the difference? Several answers are in order.

Oct. 14 p One  With over one hundred in attendance yesterday and demanding the change, had Larry Darryl and Darryl voted differently, they probably would have got their clocks cleaned

Oct. 14 p Two   Everybody that spoke made sense. In a nutshell: There are only allegations against Lizemore and NO formal charges or complaints. Gossip basically. Is gossip good enough to stop nearby emergency services? In Clayberry it was.

Oct. 14 p Three    Many in the crowd proclaimed they would stop paying the county 911 monthly fee.     Gulp!   Money talks in Clayberry.

Oct. 14 p  Yesterday's Commission meeting brought out the most people since the CCC wanted to vote into affect a zoning ordinance two years back. It took two huge public meetings (300 each time) to convince the CCC not to do something stupid.

Oct. 14 p The only other time there was a bigger crowd was when the meeting had to be moved to the CCHS mini auditorium to accommodate a crowd angered when a guy demanded the CCC take down the 10 Commandments display citing separation of church and state law. Those were the most mad folks with one guy (JP) yelling out that he had a  rope in his truck and would go get it.

Oct. 14 p Yesterday the people of Clayberry spoke in a civil way and the County Commission listened and responded.    It's up the LIzemore Ambulance Service to get their house in order and play by the rules.

Oct. 14 a  No power at H E White Elem. School canceled at 8:17 am. The little ones are returning home

Oct. 13 p  County Commission agreed to restore use of the 911 Dispatch Center to the Lizemore Ambulance Service Wed.

Oct. 13 p Lizemore 1, CCC 0

Oct. 13 p Details coming

Oct. 13 a there's another web site covering the Elkhurst Swinging bridge. Pretty good reading too.

Oct. 13 a Wed morning is the County Commission meeting at the Courthouse. Questions will be answered during that gathering. Stuff like....

Oct. 13 a Can the Lizemore community muster enough interest for their ambulance service to pack the Commission room with supporters?

Oct. 13 a There's all the talk about the Lizemore group bringing a suit against the county over not being allowed back on the 911 dispatch service. Keep something in mind, Lizemore Ambulance Service has not formally asked to use  911 dispatch services. Our Sheriff rallied the group a couple weeks back saying that the only way to fight the CCC is with a high dollar attorney.

Oct. 13 a Can the Chief Black Shirt garner enough CCC support to take charge of the 911 radios and operation?

Oct. 13 a Who will be appointed to replace 911 Director Pat Beets? $1500 a month is pretty good pay for a part time job. Most importantly is finding someone willing to put up with and stand up to our out of control Sheriff.

Oct. 13 a Answers right here Wed after the meeting. Check back then and thanks for stopping by.

Oct. 12 p  Irene Kate Hanshaw, see OBITUARY page

Oct. 12 p  Bright sunshine, maples are about 40% peak fall yellows. Temps are around 80 degrees. Man Oh Man it's beautiful. Hard not to call in sick just to suck in the beauty

Oct. 12 a From the email bag: Golden Delicious Festival meeting is tonight at the Clay Lions Club at 6:30 p.m.  Volunteers needed to plan the 2011 festival

Oct. 12 a Not everybody is happy in Clayberry, from the email bag:  The 911 road names were changed 7 years ago. Will they ever put up signs?  Valleyview Drive and Mountainview Rd have not had any signs in over 7 years. Frontier cant find me, AEP has trouble, GPS calls them by a different name, and forget trying to get a cable company to run cable.........we have none, we are in the dark ages. Any advice would be appreciated.

Oct. 12 a County Commission meets Wed morning at 10 am. By the looks of the agenda, might be a dandy of a gathering.

Oct. 12 a With 911 Director Pat Beets resigned, one of the first things the CCC will hear is a request from the power hungry Sheriff on distribution and use of 911 radios. That's something he has wanted to have control of since the county began converting to digital units.

Oct. 12  In an attempt to get back into operation, Reps from Lizemore Ambulance will be asking Larry Darryl and Darryl to be back on the 911 dispatch service.

Oct. 12 a During a recent Lizemore meeting, many in the neighborhood promised to attend Wed's CCC meeting in support of their emergency service reinstatement/

Oct. 12 a  Item 11 on the agenda is to forward another complaint on the Sheriff to the Prosecutor's office for processing. This complaint comes from Johnny Ghee and is centered around confiscated weapons by Black Shirts  not being returned to rightful owners.

Oct. 12 a It takes backbone to stand up to a local Sheriff but it's the only way to get corrected a bad situation. Based on the number of complaints, Clayberry has a bad situation.

Oct. 12 a We never know how much the CCC has "worked out" ahead of time, away from the public, but Wed's meeting has all the markings of a dandy morning of entertainment. Come early for good deating and bring your own popcorn.

Oct. 11 late p  Charles Newton Ramsey, 77, of Clay, see OBITUARY page

Oct. 11 a  Brooks Stover has a fine web portal on the Buffalo Creek and Gauley Railroad. Might want to check it out and the new BC&G RR history book. Mr. Brooks Stover, an asset from afar!

Oct. 10 p Before the local look back.... in 2001 on Oct. 7th American forces headed into Afghanistan bombing and blasting away. We're still there, with renewed gusto, loss of life,  and for what?

Oct. 10 p It's just frustrating to see Clayberry without accomplishment.

Oct. 10 p  The JG Bradley Campground folks have needed a proper septic system to get things into the 20th century. With Federal funding in place, for three years now, the CAEZ has been "working" on  the project. During Tuesday's CAEZ meeting, everything is in stall mode.

Oct. 10 p As for the idea of a two lane highway from Clay to Nicholas County, stalled

Oct. 10 p  And no mention of $200,000+ being returned to the Feds after NOT being used to purchase a portion of the BC&G RR line for local use.

Oct. 10 p  The BDA talked a good talk Thursday night but that's what they've been doing for over a decade. They were on good behavior as Ed Hamrick from DEP apprised them of plans to develop the Elk River into a tourist draw. We've talked that talk for a long time. Maybe the outsider will be more successful. Hope so anyone.

Oct. 10 p Friday night the Panthers went down to defeat 54 to 0. It would have been 100 to 0 had Roane County not put in their cheerleaders. Sure seems like the entire program staff is in need of a tune up.

Oct. 10 p Maybe the big thang this past week was the Goodyear blimp floating overhead.

Oct. 10 p  The fall hunting season opened this past week. We talk about the traditions of hunting in the mountains. Talk is about all there is left. Truth is, few hunt, know how to hunt, or get off the couch long enough to even look out the door.

Oct. 10 p It's tough to hunt while roaring thru the woods on a four wheeler,

Oct. 10 p  In the last seven days we felt the first chilly mornings of Fall. The weekend brought warm temps and short pants once again. It felt nice to have a little time to enjoy outdoor activities.

Oct. 10 p  It's not Halloween nor Thanksgiving but Family Dollar already has stacks of Christmas items out for sale. Winter is right around the corner.

Oct. 8 1  Robert Earl "Bobby" Newland, 62 of Lizemores, see OBITUARY page

Oct. 8 a With beautiful weather predicted, it's a great time to come visit Clayberry. See EVENTS and ADVISORY pages for details. Don't forget great music tonight at the Big Otter Community Center when Bill Greathouse graces the stage.

Oct. 8 a Last night the Business Development Authority heard a presentation from DEP's Ed Hamrick who's spearheading an effort to create a "water trail" along the Elk RIver. The idea is to provide more access, signs, brochures, and activities to create a bigger draw for the under valued river way. Tourism

Oct. 8 a Last night the BDA heard a request to create a tourism promotion committee with a mission to hype existing tourism draws during the 2011 season.

Oct. 8 a They also heard a plan to create an egg exchange ( Clay Cluckers Club or Clay County Cluckers) where local producers could be united with folks wanting to purchase farm fresh, healthy, locally grown eggs.

Oct. 8 a Man What a meeting!

Oct. 8 a 911 Director Pat Beets earned $1500 a month for his part time services. Since our overbearing chest thumping Top Badge came to office, Beets has been at issue with the guy.

Oct. 8 a When a local 911 communications center was set up  the Sheriff decided he should have full access to the place and be in charge of the world. He didn't get a key to the place and he stomped his feet.

Oct. 8 a More recently, the portly Badge demanded to have the secret codes for new digital radios. Without those codes, the Sheriff would be unable to hand out radios to his buddies.

Oct. 8 a Beets resigned from service two days ago. His gray county truck is now setting at the Courthouse.

Oct. 8 a  Looks like the out of control Badge will finally get his way and proudly peacock around the county will more power and authority than is allowed under under law.

Oct. 7 a The latest Communicator has some pretty good reading wrapped in t he 20 pages. One of the articles covers the shooting of Procious' Bill Fisher by an unknown shooter. The article alludes to a possibility that the assault weapon used could have been one from the secret stash of weaponry purchased by our Top Badge.

Oct. 8a With the deep pockets of the county, raise your hand if you think Bill Fisher will sue the county. Yelp, thought so.

Oct. 8 a  Just think how it could have gone when Mr Fisher went to the attorney's office with this story. Shot by a government worker with a government purchased assault weapon during company time, with company ammo. After the shooting, the government worker (workers) did not come over and help with first aid, the shooter did not call the guy later and apologize, and the Top Badge tells Fisher there would not be an investigation, the shooter is a good ole boy, and that it was just an accident.

Oct. 7 a Bet the lawyer is grinning from ear to ear and already considering which new BMW model to buy.

Oct. 7 a Between the Stumpy Thumpy lawsuit, the Sheriff's own suit against the County Commission,  and now potentially add the Bill Fisher suit...  how much longer can we afford our Chief law enforcement official.

Oct. 7 a Between all that add in on air potty mouth complaints, guns confiscated and not returned to rightful owners, and the Adam Nottingham "Don't let that Son of a B!!!!! Getaway" incident, what a nice track record.

Oct. 7 a With bright sunshine filling the sky, Happy Thursday morning

Oct. 7 a Tonight Clay Middle plays over at Schoonover / Bradley Field. Go Mustangs

Oct. 7 a Delegate Margaret Staggers will be interviewed at the radio station after tonight's ballgame. Fred Sampson invited all those seeking office to the roundtable discussions during the lead up to the election.

Oct. 7 a Interesting posting on the agenda for tonight's Business Development Authority meeting at the Courthouse. "Egg Market" is the notation. Wouldn't it be something if the group could get something going that would highlight local producers and connect them with a market interested in consuming farm fresh products. Maybe just a pipe dream clickers

Oct. 7 a The rest of the country is finally keeping up with Clayberry: The number of Americans receiving food stamps rose to a record 41.8 million in July as the jobless rate hovered near a 27-year high, the government said.

Oct. 7 a Are you one of the employees short changed when Shida Jamie's Golden Heart company was shut down by the Feds? Sounds like the Judge may be willing to get you paid up.

Oct. 6 p Ever wonder what the US Supreme Court is up to? Here's a good link with easy to understand explanations.

Oct. 6 a Vella M. Johnston, 89 of Lizemores, see OBITUARY page

Oct. 6 a Yes Sirree The Communicator made it to news stands Tuesday afternoon.

Oct. 6 a Forgot to wish Evelyne McLaughlin a great big Birthday greeting yesterday. Happy 72nd.

Oct. 6 a From the email bag: The 2010-2011 Clay County Golden Delicious Festival regular planning meeting set for October 7th is being rescheduled for October 12, 2010 at 6:30 at the Clay Lions Club.

Oct. 6 a Over at Dundon on Sept 7th Bill Fisher was shot in the leg. There has been no investigation into the lead spray from an assault weapon. Read all about it in the latest Communicator.

Oct. 6 a After a long night's rest, we're back in the grove clickers and ready to serve.

Oct. 6 a On the right side of our home page are advertiser listings . Those folks help keep this web portal up and operating. They also provide important info. Behind the NAPA button and Short Stop Stihl buttons are quick and easy ways to find parts. Check em all  out.

Oct. 6 a Last night CAEZ and Town Council held meetings

Oct. 6 a From the 4pm CAEZ affair: they talked about the proposed highway from Clay to Nicholas County, it's still just talk; that long stalled septic system over at the JG Bradley Campground, it's constipated and without any ExLax in site;  the coming Day Care Center at the community college at Wallback, it's still in route; and....

Oct. 6 a The CAEZ has no interest in assuming ownership of the old Elkhurst swinging bridge but is willing to pen letters of support.

Oct. 6 a  The Town Mayor, Recorder, and Council are well paid to provide management for the municipality. When they take office they raise their right hand and promise to abide by the laws of the state. That's all we ask of em.

Oct. 6 a Last night Town Council convened an unlawful meeting and conducted business as usual.

Oct. 6 a We're talking about no posting of a  meeting agenda. That's the required by law piece of paper that notifies the taxpayer of what's going, when and where.

Oct. 6 a  During the not so public gathering, they acted as if all was just fine and proper.

Oct. 6 a How sad and is it any wonder residents are so disappointed with leadership and wonder if the town has ANY future.

Oct. 6 a Pitiful

Oct. 4 p  Our Bd of Education meets tonight at 6pm in the Standard Bryant Annex building on Gump St. Their agenda calls for the suspension of an employee without pay back in Sept. Wonder who that was.

Oct. 4 p We revised the morning post. Thanks M.E. for the correction.

Oct. 4 p With drizzle continuing, we're in shut down mode until we get the Communicator out the door sometime Tuesday afternoon.

Oct. 3 p Lookin back...With the Nov election justa few weeks away, TV commercials are back to back. With two Republicrats running for Senate, can anybody see any difference between Raese or Manchin?   The late Robert C must be turning in his grave.  Fortunately, this time around, there is a third party candidate running for office.

Oct. 3 p Last week's keeper was the Lizemore Ambulance Service meeting where local leaders said all their troubles were just accusations. No truth to it, just nothing but accusations. Our Sheriff used the meeting to pump up the crowd and encouraged them to hire an attorney and sue the County Commission.

Oct. 3 p  It's a bitter pill but the truth is, if there hadn't been serious, obvious, glaring,  problems within the Lizemore agency, the state wouldn't have raised the red flag with a  public listing of serious issues.

Oct. 3 p Keep in mind, it was Lizemore that called 911 administration and asked to be removed from the dispatch service and not the other way around.

Oct. 3 p An online petition to save the Swinging Bridge on Elkhurst went public this week. From across the nation came supporters and stories from those that grew up around the span and want it saved. There's actually two identical petitions, here's a link for those willing to take a few minutes and try to keep a part of Clayberry history around a little longer.

Oct. 3 p Thursday night Clay Middle Mustangs lost. Friday night the Panthers didn't, but it was a darn close, high scoring game. Final 28-26 with Tug Valley on top.

Oct. 3 p In the last seven days the weather changed from short pants and T's to down right chilly this weekend. Wood heaters fired up. Kids looked out the window to see if it was snowing yet. It wasn't.

Oct. 3 p West Virginia’s green leaves are starting to change and take on their famous fall colors. Cooler temperatures throughout the state and the recent drought are causing leaves to change quickly in many areas, especially in the Eastern Panhandle.  Leaves in the higher elevations of Tucker County have been reported to be at 70 percent peak already. Recommended drives in Tucker County include U.S. Route 219 and State Route 72. If you are thinking of taking a drive through Tucker County to view the changes in color, now is definitely the time to do so.

Oct. 3 p For the leaf peepers, here's the link to West Virignia Fall Foliage colors.

Oct. 3 p According to the WV Div of Forestry,  Clayberry should see peak color nearer the end of Oct. this year.

Oct. 3 p For the ace cub reporter, it was time to pull the last of the red hot peppers from the still lush green bushes. Got a bunch of em too.

Oct. 3 p After handling a bunch of  the hot little demons it was time for a pinch of snuff. At first the snuff didn't taste just right followed by a rolling on the ground, mouth on fire experience.  Out flew the snuff followed by a bottle of cold water down the hatch. Even the wa wa  didn't help much.

Oct. 3 p Being the slow learner that he is.... with that crisis over, the last of the skinny little red peppers was picked and placed in the white bucket. Standing there admiring the harvest, Mother Nature called the lad. With no one else around, out came Mr One Eye and the urge was....

Oct. 3 p Uh oh... that $$##!!! pepper juice was on fire again and this time on the most sensitive of places.

Oct. 3 p Yelling and screaming only got the dog barking. A tighter grip only matters worse. Stuffing the water hose down his britches helped a little.

Oct. 3 p In the way of a suggestion, wear gloves when handling red hot peppers!!

Oct. 2 a With new government checks in hand, Clayberry is alive today. Yesterday it felt more like the Apple Festival than a Friday. Parking spaces were in short supply as citizens paid bills and purchased provisions for another 30 days.

Oct. 2 a  From over in Roane County, Dale Fluharty owned Clay Auto Parts for decades. He passed away earlier this year. Often when a sole proprietor dies, so does the company. Not so this time .

Oct. 2 a Outgoing Commissioner Fran King is the new owner of Clay Auto Parts. The name is already changed to The Parts Store.

Oct. 2 a Tons of yard sales in and around the county today.

Oct. 2 a For all of us old pot heads, it might be time to move to California. The crime of possession of less than an ounce of marijuana just changed from a misdemeanor punishable only by a $100 fine to an infraction.

Oct. 2 a  We haven't heard much about the Blackwater mercenaries lately, there's a reason. It's a shell game with Hitlary  turning a blind eye.

Oct. 2 a   America is now fighting in three countries: Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Oct. 1 a In addition to fun Bingo tonight at the Senior Center at Two Run, they're offering up taco soup before hand for the participants. Games begin at 6pm. Better be there are 5:30 for the vittles.

Oct. 1 a  Be sure to check out the events page for all the yard sale deals coming today and Saturday. The Big Otter Community Center is offering up a healthy dose of great West Virginia music, dancing, and concessions tonight. See ADVISORY page for schedule.

Oct. 1 a We made it into Oct. but not before...

Oct. 1 a  Our $8m+ Big Otter Elem was broke into sometime late late Wed night or early Thursday morning. Busted doors and a mess were the big losses. Damage in the $1000s.

Oct. 1 a  The school sets away from the public behind a locked gate and security cameras. Without neighborly eyes watching, anyone on a four wheeler has ample time to do what they like, They did.

Oct. 1 a The Middle School Mustangs have been on a wining roll for several seasons. Didn't happen last night when Wayne County got ahead early and plowed past us.

Oct. 1 a The U.S. Senate on Wednesday passed a bill (S. 2847) requiring that the FCC ban the decades-old practice by which broadcasters pump up the volume on ads so they are much, much louder than the programs they sponsor

Oct. 1 a It's fire season thru December. No open burning before 4pm. Stuart will get you!

Oct. 1 a For leaf peepers, Clayberry is just starting to show its fall colors. We may be at 10% this weekend. Don't let that hold you back from coming to the mountains of Clay County West Virginia.