October 2011

Oct. 31 late p Lets see now, an out of control Top Badge sending a guy to jail on a $35000 cash only bond for offenses that are normally non jailable offenses; the County Commission making a 911 deal away from the public; the Pentagon pulling for another Excess Levy so they can spend their loot as they darn well please, and the company that managed our local public housing projects in the grease big time after years of not telling us where our money was going...

Oct. 31 late p Yelp,  that's Clayberry and that's what makes this place such fertile ground for the county's only locally owned and operated newspaper, The Communicator.

Oct. 31 late p We're in typing mode until we get it out the door Tuesday afternoon around 3pm.

Oct. 31 late p No updates til then

Oct. 31 a Can't help but think back on last week where....

Oct. 31 a Pee Wee football teams have winning seasons, Clay Middle School football regularly win Championships,  and Clay High Jr. Varsity teams have good showings. Then there's the CHS Varsity team. Same kids all along and all doing well until they hit the varsity level where everything falls apart. Many can't help but think there needs to be a top down change.

Oct. 31 a It's important that elected leadership not tell the public anything. Like last week during the special School Board meeting where one Boardster asked about how Excess Levy money is spent and even tho they tell the public one thang, can the Board spend Levy $$$ any way they want?  The answer from Kenneth Tanner was... once passed by the voters , the Board can do as they darn well please with the excess wealth.

Oct. 31 a  In County Commission land, the decision to move the costly to set up and operate 911 Dispatch Center back to Clay was made long before there was any public mention. Last week the actual public vote came during the CCC meeting but before doing so, all plans and foundation was laid in secret.

Oct. 31 a After years of complaints, fraud, embezzlement, stealing and underground dealings, Encore Management owner Doug Pauley's records were seized by the Feds. Clayberry knows first hand the slimy dealings of Encore. That's the group that has managed our two Public Housing Projects for over a decade.

Oct. 31 a All that and more in Tuesday's Communicator. The only source for real news in County Clay.

Oct. 31 a For those of us longing for the days of old but in a legal way, an update on one town legalizing pot. And finally a lawsuit against the Feds demanding state's right to regulate the pot industry.

Oct. 31 a 24 million people in this country "can't find a full-time job," 50 million "can't see a doctor when they're sick," 47 million people need government help to feed themselves and 15 million families owe more than the value of their home. The shape of the country today.

Oct. 29 a The first snow of the season is exciting. It brings front and center all the things we didn't do while thinking there's more warm weather ahead. Too late as we look out the frosty windows.

Oct. 29 a Lore has it, which ever day in Oct. the first snow falls, tells us the number of snows coming this winter. 29 more and counting clickers!

Oct. 29 a The CHS Panthers ended the football season with a loss against Tyler Consolidated last night. Today our Middle School Mustangs continue another winning season in Sectional Tournament play over in Roane County. For those unable to make the trip, 101.7 FM will be doing the play by play beginning at 1pm. Go Mustangs

Oct. 29 a  Halloween is the best holiday of the year. No cards or presents to buy and no big family dinner to recover from. Just dressed up fun and candy,

Oct. 29 a Tonight is Trick or Treat time in Clayberry from 6 to 8pm. The center of action is the blocked off section of Two Run where hundreds of kids will enjoy the annual treasure trove of goodies.

Oct. 29 a Be sure to take in both Haunted House offerings this year.

Oct. 28 a We get excited when a weathercaster mentions snow in the forecast. None is expected in County Clay tonight but with Northern counties getting a healthy dose,  we're looking out our windows and ready to bolt for the door in search of beer, bread, and a DVD.

Oct. 28 a Plenty going on this weekend including tonight's final CCHS Panther home game over at Schoonover Bradley Field. It's also senior night. We're looking for our third win of the season. After many zero win seasons and with just a couple wins under their belt this year, Coach heads remain on the chopping block.

Oct. 28 a Official Trick or Treat Night is Saturday between 6 and 8pm countywide. Both Haunted Houses are open Friday and Saturday nights.

Oct. 28 a Clay Middle School will be in CWVAC sectional tournament action Saturday afternoon at 1pm ish. For those that can't make it to Spencer for the match up, 101.7 FM will be sportscasting the action with TG Griffith and Jerry Hubbard behind the mics.

Oct. 28 a Our Sch Board held a special meeting two days back where they accepted a resignation of CCHS math teacher John Pope. Tanner advanced, in the resignation letter that the 35 year old instructor was relocating, going to spend more time with his family, and he cherished his Clay High memories.

Oct. 28 a Whether they're true or not, allegations against Pope remain and those memories will also linger.

Oct. 28 a The elected five also accepted the early in the year resignation of bus driver Aaron Belt. Boardster Dave Mullins said he wanted it on the record, no one pressured Belt into resigning.

Oct. 28 a The biggy from the special Sch Board meeting held  Wed was the vote to put the School Excess Levy back on the ballot on a cold snowy January Saturday morning. The idea is to insure a low voter turnout with snow on the ground and only SUV driving teachers and school personnel making the effort to come out and vote Yes to the extra pocket fleecing.

Oct. 28 a What's it cost to hold an election? Answer: $10,000.

Oct. 28 a Superintendent Kenneth Tanner presented a draft flyer on where the excess $$$ would be used when approved by the teachers. Here's the keeper clickers...

Oct. 28 a When asked, Tanner nodded that once approved by the voters, the money could be spent ANY WAY , ANY WHERE, THEY WANT IT SPENT.

Oct. 28 a Hype one thing and then do as they darn well please.

Oct. 28 a Public meetings are important. They're a place to find out first hand what the elected are up to.  Attend a public meeting and see for yourself what makes the Nation of Clay so very special.

Oct. 27 a  Bridget Holcomb reports some pretty good attendance during the opening nights of the Big Otter FD Haunted House. WYAP radio opens their Murder Market Haunted House tonight where they feature the Forest of Fear and Tunnel of Terror.

Oct. 27 a Both Halloween attractions are fund raisers for the non profit agencies. See EVENTS page for details.

Oct. 27 a Get your cup of coffee and sit down clickers What makes Clayberry so special is once again front and center ..... Ready ?

Oct. 27 a The Clay County Housing Authority owns and operates two housing projects. Maysel Manor and High Street Apartments house low income and / or senior citizens.

Oct. 27 a Over the last 15 years, serious complaints have come to the CCHA over the dismal at the least performance of the management company paid to operate the units for the CCHA. The name of the firm is Encore Management. Federal law requires a certified company provide the management while the CCHA provides oversight and monitoring.

Oct. 27 a  For years CCHA did not function. They didn't have one attractive Bd member.  During Fran King's term on the County Commission, Boardsters were finally appointed. Once they started looking, bad things were discovered.

Oct. 27 a There were no financial reports provided. Lawnmowers, weed whackers, washing machines, and about anything not nailed down had been stolen. Local funds (monthly cash rent payments) were also stolen. After those discoveries the local Encore site manager was fired. No criminal charges were ever filed against the lady.

Oct. 27 a Month after month the CCHA asked Encore to provide financial information like, how much is in checking, how much is in the  repair fund, and a copy of insurance coverage.  Encore refused ANY and ALL documentation. Doug Pauley owns and operates Encore.

Oct. 27 a During one CCHA meeting, Pauley himself told the group he had no intentions of providing any paperwork to the owners of the apartments.    All along, the two apartment buildings fell into decay with many units un-rentable due to broken appliances and mold contamination.

Oct. 27 a O Dec 23,  2008, the Board refused to sign a renewal contract with Encore Management. Without Board approval and away from a public meeting setting, CCHA Chair Connie Lupardus did the unthinkable, on her own, without authority, she signed the binding contract to renew with Encore.

Oct. 27 a Shortly thereafter, Boardsters resigned from duty.

Oct. 27  a  Since then and up until mid summer 2011, Encore continued to pocket all the funds and provide little in the way of service to County Clay. Two months ago, the CCHA signed over management services to a new company after Encore refused to continue milking the cow another year.

Oct. 27 a  In yesterday's Daily Mail, from the Associated Press:  Federal agents have searched the Charleston offices of a developer who owns more than 40 apartment complexes across West Virginia.  Media outlets report FBI agents hauled boxes of records Tuesday from Douglas E. Pauley's offices near the state Capitol. The U.S. attorney's office in Charleston has a sealed search warrant for the property.  Pauley's lawyer, John Poffenbarger, declined comment, citing the ongoing investigation. FBI agents also declined comment.  Pauley's companies have received millions of dollars through the state Housing Development Fund and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's rural rental housing program. Pauley is a former development director at the Housing Development Fund, which assists low-income housing projects

Oct. 27 a Where did all the Clay County money go? A trial may reveal a little bit but what's gone is just that and never to be seen again.

Oct. 27 a Had the CCHA Chair listened to her Board in 2008, the last three years of thievery could have been averted.

Oct. 26 a Sometimes the Sch Bd follows the law and makes the public aware of their meetings ahead of time. Sometimes they don't. In the latest Communicator is a searing piece on their serious shortcomings and mention of costly lawsuits that sometimes hamstring govt agencies when caught with their pants down.

Oct. 26 a Public meetings are to handle the business of a public agency. Special meetings are allowed to meet the things that "pop" up and can't wait until a regular meeting.

Oct. 26 a The Sch Board can't take a chance on blowing their upcoming Excess Levy election. They also don't want to highlight it. Sure seems like a vote to put it on a ballot would be routine planned ahead of time and a matter of regular business.

Oct. 26 a On a different day of the week and at a  different time of day, the Board of Education is holding a special meeting this evening at 5:30 to put in place the January Excess Levy vote.

Oct. 26 a They also have on their web site posted agenda the resignation of high school math teacher John Pope and bus driver Aaron Belt. Three weeks ago the Bd voted a "no name" school service person as being suspended for an additional four weeks. Also during that earlier meeting, there was no mention of administrative leave for a teacher faced with allegations of misconduct.

Oct. 26 a In a day when jobs are few and far between, that makes the fourth of fifth resignation this year ... so far.

Oct. 26 a It's tough to get an edumacation when your not in school.

Oct. 26 a  During Tuesday night's Truancy Forum at the High School, one stat stood out.

Oct. 26 a Last year, at Clay High, 38% of the students missed more than 15 days of school.

Oct. 26 a Well over a third, 38%.

Oct. 25 p Christmas comes in first of course, but what is the second largest commercial holiday? You guessed it, Halloween.

Oct. 25 p  41 million people will celebrate Halloween this year

Oct. 25 p $3 billion is spent each year on Halloween

Oct. 25 p Haunted Houses are a half billion dollar per year business

Oct. 25 p 90% of children between 5 and 13 years of age will go trick or treating, that's 35 million snot lickers

Oct. 25 p 50% of adults dress up and or go to a party for the holiday

Oct. 25 a You don't have to wait until Saturday night to enjoy Halloween 2011. Already in progress is the Big Otter FD Haunted House at the fires station. Beginning Thursday evening at 6pm, non profit radio station 101.7 FM is hosting  a Murder Market operation in the old Fas Chek grocery store building on Main Street.

Oct. 25 a  Both are fund raisers for the operations and guaranteed to skeer your socks off and more!

Oct. 24 a Dwana Murphy turns 70 today.

Oct. 24 a See JOBS page for an in-county opportunity

Oct. 24 a It's interesting to note the number of people that pay no attention to the end of a war or for that matter, another dictator tossed from power.

Oct. 24 a When asked, what do you think about the war ending, she responded, what war.

Oct. 24 a Truly, Orwell's prediction has come to be.

Oct. 24 a After surgery and a month of R and R, good to hear that Magistrate Mike King is back on the job today.

Oct. 24 a Friday night's Panther v Ravenswood score was 35 to 6 with CHS on the bottom end.

Oct. 24 a  West Virginia, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is the only state in the nation teenage birthrate rose 17 percent from 2007 to 2009. In every other state, the rate dropped. Calhoun and Clay County are among five West Virginia counties leading the state in teen childbirth, per capita. West Virginia taxpayers spent $1.5 billion on the 55,964 teen births that occurred in the state between 1991 and 2008

Oct. 24 a Not much else happens in the state but what we're good at one thing.

Oct. 24 a No not that! We're good at teaching how girls how to get on and stay Welfare roles. Gettin that govt check is priority one in Clayberry.

Oct. 24 a Don't forget to read Delegate Walker's Update column over on the ADVISORY page. Pretty good one this time around.

Oct. 22  9:37 pm BOLO issued for a black Nissan Sentra pulling away from a Clendenin Blue Shirt mobile at over 100 mph and heading up Rt 4 into Clayberry. He should fit right in up here!

Oct. 22 a  Ruby Tanner, 82, Indore, see OBITUARY page

Oct. 22 a Moms cried. Dad's grew worry lines. Families waited by the phone. Our country lost civil liberties as other nation's lost respect for us. To get into this predicament, our leaders flat out, no two ways about it, the Republicrats lied and fabricated more lies.

Oct. 22 a It wasn't Iraq or any other country that attcked us 10 years ago. We went after Afganistan's mud huts until those were mush and then to oil reserves (and oil pipe line plans) in Iraq.

Oct. 22 a Since the invasion in 2003, 1 million members of the US military have been deployed to Iraq, of whom 4,482 have been killed and 32,200 wounded.

Oct. 22 a Yesterday afternoon, Obama De Bama announced, the war in Iraq has ended and our 40,000+  troops will come home by Christmas. America, mark it on your calendars, the longest war in American history is over.

Oct. 22 a Rommey said we would be greeted with open arms. As occupation forces, they hate us and rightly so. There is no winning an occupation war. They threw us out.

Oct. 22 a When a country is out killing civilians in another country, our troops must have diplomatic immunity. Iraq told us no. During exit negotiations, we asked if we could keep our air bases in that country. They also said no and to hit the road.

Oct. 22 a That last decision may halt or at least slow down our plans to start a new bogus war with Iran. Thank goodness.

Oct. 22 a Over 4000 good Americans and hundreds of thousands of Irag civilians later, Dubbya's oil war is over. What did we win? What did we prove?

Oct. 22 a Now in our land of Corporate ownership, we have one hope. Not the elected officials but the people in the form of "Occupy X" groups. It's going to be tough taking back our own country, but, come on American Spring. It's time.

Oct. 21 a Lets see now, music and dance at Big Otter, CHS Basket Bingo, the Two Run Consignment Auction returns tomorrow night at 6, and freshly stocked trout in Buffalo Creek ... what are you waiting for? It's a great time to come visit County Clay

Oct. 21 p  There was the parting of the sea, turning wa wa into the good stuff.... and if there's a win tonight against Ravenswood by the Panthers. Miracles are few and far between.

Oct. 21 p Facebook and Topix blogs  are alive with stories of a CHS teacher in the grease. From the undocumented journal of innuendoes... the claim is of teacher contact with a female student.

Oct. 21 p  Our Sch Super made the Charleston newspaper rounds Wed when he told the world, our kids and parents are rapidly adapting to the changed school menus.  From the  Daily Mail: Kenneth Tanner says that an initial rocky start has given way to more students enjoying the new menu options, especially since around 80 percent of them are participating in the Universal Feeding Pilot Program.  "It's going really well. It was a lot more work than we initially thought, but the state Department of Education told us it would be, but we're not complaining about it. We're tickled to death to get to do this," Tanner said.

Oct. 21 p The reality is, we're not doing so well. Truth is, the taste free meals are being tossed in the can after forking out the edible parts like cheese.

Oct. 21 p From the that same Daily Mail article comes word that Putnam County is coming up with healthier menus minus the extra dosings of fat, lard, and such. From Clayberry to there, two big differences. They're not under a forced mandate to comply and they're taking a much slower, learn as they go approach.

Oct. 21 p Seems to be working down there. Up here, the stuff is being forced on the students in order to comply with new free lunch rules. Here in the land of diabetes, big butts, and heart attacks galore, the change is a hard sale to make.

Oct. 21 p If you're wondering, Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday Nov 6.

Oct. 20 p  Patty Mae Brown, 67, of Bickmore, see OBITUARY page

Oct. 20 a Hellwooooooo It's nasty outside this morning. Cold and rainy yuck everywhere you look!

Oct. 20 a The newest bestest yet Communicator is now on news stands in the four county service area. Juicy stuff highlighting the exploits of our ever so challenged elected and appointed leaders in the Great Nation of Clay.    70 cents and worth every penny

Oct. 20 a Tonight is Clay Middle School's Homecoming Football game over at Schoonover Bradley Field beginning around 6pm. For those unable to attend, 101.7 FM will be sportscasting the action with TG Griffith and Jerry Hubbard behind the mic.

Oct. 20 a For a glimpse of Clayberry, we've cleaned off our web camera bird poop and got the online shot for the world up and running again.

Oct. 20 a Six days ago, the a bunch of monster trout were stocked in Buffalo Creek by the Watershed Assoc. Yesterday a second stocking dropped 1250 nice brown trout fingerlings in the tributary. With strong support and a mild winter, next year should be the best yet for trout fishing in the once, black water creek.

Oct. 20 a  Early last week we posted a couple pics showing a delapidated Frontier Co. telephone connection box and wiring laying  in an older gentleman's yard. Seems Frontier takes a gander at this site once in a while and wants to correct that situation.

Oct. 20 a Got a problem clickers.

Oct. 20 a We don't know the guy's name or telephone number that brought in the photos. We think he lives someplace out Blue Knob way. Tall, thin, full head of curly hair and uses a Pentax camera. If anyone can help us out, have the guy call our office  304 587 6007 and leave a message.

Oct. 20 a  This area has  a  new Frontier Supervisor. Rick Holiday is the lad's name. After yelling at him for five minutes over crappy as can be service, connections, speed, and how the snail speed DSL is killing local businesses, Mr Holiday promised to do everything possible to bring the system up to par.

Oct. 20 a Time will tell of course, but at least the guy talks a good talk and would listen.

Oct. 18 p  Sheriff Clarence O. Douglas, 69, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page

Oct. 18 p  Eva Jean Willis, 85, see OBITUARY page

Oct. 18 p No update until we get the Communicator out the door Wed mid day. Time to type type and then type some more.

Oct. 18 p Happy 32nd Birthday Bruce Fugett

Oct. 18 p  HAPPY 14TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY  SCOTTIE AND ROCKIEL SEARS

Oct. 18 p Ronald Pritt, 56 of Lizemores, see OBITUARY page

Oct. 18 a Communicator is NOT coming out this afternoon at 3pm.

Oct. 18 a The norm is to type type  type  all day and night during the 24 hours beforehand to make the deadline.

Oct. 18 a  Instead of typing, the ace cub reporter was hugging the ceramic steering wheel and hurling out of both ends. No not the flu that's going around but brought on by eating way too much italian cuisine Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Oct. 18 a All that fine food is now heading back down the Elk for recycling.

Oct. 18 a Sorry for the delay but sick is sick.

Oct. 18 a When thinking you're over the two step thunder squirts, you probably ain't. Lumps in the bath tub after bubbling confirm that it takes a while to be completely over the runs.

Oct. 18 a The all nighter typing marathon is tonight with the newspaper making its appearance Wed afternoon.

Oct. 16p We saw the people of this country stand up and get their voices heard during the last seven days. We may be seeing the first few days of the biggest change since the Declaration of Independence. With Dubbya giving away everything to corporate America during his time in office, the new grassroots efforts may be the beginning of taking the country back.

Oct. 16 p The Occupy groups are doing what we thought Obama De Bama would do when he took office  2 1/2 years ago. Occupy is the opportunity for change we've needed since Ronnie Reagan dropped top tax rates and the country began to spiral down.

Oct. 16 p Greedsters are shaking in their boots and rightly so. Good!

Oct. 16 p Here in the Tropic of Chaos, a couple interesting tidbits surfaced this last week

Oct. 16 p County Commission announced their plan to move the 911 Dispatch Center back to Clayberry. They cited many reasons for the change including lack of cooperation from the Nicholas County overseers, cost savings, and better, quicker, service if locals were in charge.

Oct. 16 p In two words, BS.

Oct. 16 p  While the rest of the world successfully consolidates service, we've decided to buck the trend. In many parts of the country, dispatch centers are hundreds of miles away but still provide excellent service. Automation provides detailed info and keeps emergency service responders safe as they handle their duties.

Oct. 16 p  Right now we're giving Nicholas County $92,000 for the service. Next year they want $225,000 to continue current levels of service. CCC thinks they can do it better and without additional cost.

Oct. 16 p    To operate 24 / 7, it's going to take at least 7 full-time employees. The expense of those workers plus benefits far exceeds the Nicholas County demanded $225,000. Add to that the price of equipment, management, management software, basic hardware, and it's easy to see what's going to happen.

Oct. 16 p Instead of a voluntary $2 per month 911 fee on each phone bill, bend over Clay County clickers and prepare yourselves.

Oct. 26 p Ever see ANY Clayberry organization operate without conflict. Think this new one will?

Oct. 16 p Full details in Tuesday's Communicator

Oct. 16 p Thursday evening the BDA did not have enough members on hand for a quorum. Instead they had a chat session where they went over details of lawsuit against the group brought last June by one time Boardster, Mike Boggs.

Oct. 16 p When originally filed, the BDA just laughed it off and thought it was frivolous and without merit. Based on Thursday night's BDA gathering, they see how serious the charges against them really are. Truth is, if Boggs prevails, every decision made by BDA was done illegally.

Oct. 16 p For instance, if they had actually sold the Filcon site at Wallback, it would have been a tossed because the BDA was illegally constituted.

Oct. 16 p All the contracts entered into over the years.. bogus.

Oct. 16 p  Of the 8 or so charges brought by Boggs, every one of em could have been avoided by simply following the law of the land, the State Code, and Open Meeting Laws.

Oct. 16 p Lawsuits are costly to the taxpayer. With Prosecutor Jim Samples handling CCC courtroom duties, the BDA will hvae to hire their own attorney. Ka Ching! for  some attorney. Coverage of the meeting in the county's only locally owned and operated newspaper, The Communicator.

Oct. 16 p School Super Kenneth Tanner says he wants to do everything legal, follow the book. Truth is, he ain't. A 2007 Ethics Commission ruling told that government group exactly what it takes to hold a legal public meeting. Ethics gave specific rules on posting of agendas.

Oct. 16 p In a nutshell, the ruling says the agenda must be posted on the front door of the meeting house three business days in advance of the meeting. If they chose to post on the web site, that also must be done three days (that's business days by the way Kenneth) in advance.

Oct. 16 p When an Ethics Commission decision is followed, the agency nor its Boardsters can be held personally liable. Break the rules, and each member can be forced to pay out of the own wallet.

Oct. 16 p Fabion Brown ain't no saint. He's had brushes with the law here and there for the last twenty years.

Oct. 16 p With a twinkle in his eye, Fabion often gives Badges grief.  Because of that twinkle, Fabion is in the Top Badge's cross hairs. Friday afternoon Brown was arrested on misdemeanor charges and thrown in the brink pending a $10,000 cash bond.

Oct. 16 p Bonds are set up not to keep someone in the slammer but to insure they show up for Court dates. Cash bonds are used to hassle. With most of us unable to come up with a large sum of $$$$ on the spot, a cash bond demand assures our Sheriff a great big grin as the bad guy spends time in CRJ at the county's expense.

Oct. 16 p  When announcing Fabion's $10,000 cash bond requirement, the Sheriff smiled and told family members: There ain't a Brown or Carte that can come up with $10,000 cash!!

Oct. 16 p Top Badge was so proud as he strutted his 600 pounds about.

Oct. 16 p Saturday mid day, Fabion's family came up with the needed cash and Brown made bond.

Oct. 16 p  Enjoy the beautiful Fall weather.

Oct. 15 a It's not often we get to report a big win for the Clay High Panthers. They put it all over Sherman last night in away game action.  58-15

Oct. 15 a Last time the CCHS cheerleaders held an indoor yard sale at the gym, the place filled up quickly with lots of turn out. They're doing it again today.

Oct. 15 a Check out the EVENTS page for stuff to do in and around County Clay.

Oct. 15 a By the way, with sunshine expected today, look for the fall colors to really pop. A great time to visit the land of challenged leadership. Hate to think what would happen if the County Commission was in charge of Fall colors!

Oct. 14 p At 11am this morning, over 600 pounds of  nice nice nice trout were stocked in Buffalo Creek. Bring your pole and come visit County Clay.

Oct. 14 a  Arland Sears, 64, of Ivydale,  see OBITUARY page

Oct. 14 a It's raining too hard to go to work or school. Instead why not go for some easy fishin?

Oct. 14 a Around noon today the Buffalo Creek Watershed Assoc will be stocking trout between Crestmont and Swandale. Get out your fishin pole and catch a lunker.

Oct. 14 a Our Top Badge provided another shining star moment Thursday afternoon.

Oct. 14 a When a 911 call comes in for a drug overdose incident, ambulance protocol demands that a Badge show up before the ambulance gang can enter the scene. With safety of the crew priority one, the protocol has worked well for years.

Oct. 14 a  Yesterday around 3pm our Sheriff called off a Black Shirt from responding to a Sycamore Creek scene. The ambulance unit was delayed nearly 25 minutes while tele calls were made for Green Shirts from afar to show up.

Oct. 14 a Turns out everything worked out OK this time around for the patient, but it was just one more example why this county refused to elect the Poopster time after time.

Oct. 14 a We've got 14 months left with the wittle Sheriff thumping his chest and saying he's more powerful than God in this county. Hope we make it. Come on Jan 1, 2013

Oct. 14 a Details in Tuesday's Communicator.

Oct. 14 a  The Great Nation of Clay has problems adhering to state law. Our elected and appointed leaders of all stripes regularly step around their oath of office. Such breaches breaches get costly when they wind up in Court.    For instance .....

Oct. 14 a For over a decade, the Clay County Business Development Authority regularly busted the law on a regular basis. When the public told them of their transgressions, leadership just laughed and went on.

Oct. 14 a After seeing it first hand as a BDA Boardster, Mike Boggs sued the group in an attempt to force them into the world. Slowly that case has proceeded thru a Kanawha County Court.

Oct. 14 a Because of the obvious lapses in judgment and the real likelihood of losing the case, current BDA members are trying to come into compliance. Stuff like public records being public and meeting minutes being kept come to mind first.

Oct. 14 a This learning process is going to be costly. Taxpayers will foot the bill for the dumb bunny actions of our leaders.

Oct. 14 a Lawsuits are common and easy to file. Current leaders should pay attention to the cost of deviating from what his required and expected of them.

Oct. 14 a Buffalo Creek is calling clickers.

Oct. 13 a During Wed's CCC meeting came mention of a lawsuit against the BDA and 10 complaints that have to be dealt with. The only suit we know of is one brought by one time BDA member Mike Boggs. Back when it was filed, BDA Boardsters exclaimed THIS IS FRIVOLOUS! THIS IS STUPID . THIS AIN'T TRUE!

Oct. 13 a Maybe Mike's key points about the BDA operating outside the law were true.

Oct. 13 a  According to Eco Dev Director Amanda Moore, the lawsuit against the BDA will be discussed during tonight's (5:30pm at the Courthouse) public meeting.

Oct. 13 a The agenda for the gathering is posted over on the BDA website. and on the front door of the meeting house as required by state law.

Oct. 13 a Even with an Ethics Commission ruling on posting of public meetings (requiring them to post agendas three business days in advance of a meeting), the School Board violates state code on a regular basis. With a meeting planned for this coming Monday, no agenda to be seen anywhere.

Oct. 13  a  County Clay Parents and students alike are raising double H over changes in this year's school menus. During recent public meetings, parents showed up to speak out against food being  unfit for consumption. One parent questioned the Pentagon about getting Federal credit ($$$) for the dog barf only to see the kids toss the stuff in the trash can.

Oct. 13 a Super Kenneth Tanner said he thought the stuff was great and the new herbs and spices was a tasty replacement for the more common salt and or sugar. During a couple of the Sch Bd meeting, mention came of a menu consultant, Chef  Duane Legg.

Oct. 13 a Legg, a local boy that once served as a Clay Ambulance employee, made Charleston papers yesterday commenting on crappy food and what school cooks should do about lifeless vittles.

Oct. 13 a According to the newspaper report: .... Legg also said if an unsavory ingredient does not add to nutritional quality, cooks should remove it from the recipe.  For example, many cooks said students, especially younger ones, would not eat green beans or mashed potatoes because the recipes for both items call for garlic.  "There is no nutritional value of granulated garlic, so if kids don't like it, I wouldn't put it in there," Legg said.

Oct. 13 a Hmmmmm... Garlic is the very thang Tanner said was so good.

Oct. 13  a  Those Federal guidelines for less fatty school meals actually came into existence back in 2005.   Why all the hype now? Glad you asked.

Oct. 13 a With much fanfare, several county systems opted for free meals for all kids instead of just the poor kids beginning this year. The rules for the free deals mandates following the stricter , anti lardy standards.

Oct. 13 a That's something the Pentagon didn't tell us about when rushing into the free food program.

Oct. 12 a County Commission meets at 10 am this morning. Might be a good time to get out of the rain and see what govt. is doing.

Oct. 12 a  Even after talking with the head honcho, things get confusing. Like yesterday, after the drug dog search of Clay High, we spoke with the local Czar, Kenneth Tanner. He said there were no hits and he was proud of that.  He also said kids were not sniffed and they are trying to follow all rules during search activities.

Oct. 12 a Our emails and after talking to students, something different is surfacing.

Oct. 12 a Kids are saying that there were two hits, (where the dogs sit down). Another kid reports that students were mandated to empty their pockets and book bags after lining up against lockers.

Oct. 12 a In our conversation with Tanner, we asked about drugs. We should have been less inclusive and questioned if anything else was discovered like alcohol.

Oct. 12 a There was a famous U S Supreme Court case years ago that included : students do not lose their constitutional rights at the school house door.

Oct. 12 a  While kids have fewer rights while in the public institution, If the kids were lined up and contents were sniffed, it's time for Clay County students to stand up and demand the rights they are guaranteed under the Constitution. Remember you can always say No.

Oct. 12 a Here's an online resource. And another.  And of course, the defender of human rights, the ACLU, weighs in as well.

Oct. 11 p  According to School Super Kenneth Tanner....

Oct. 11 p Drug dogs from Mt Olive Correctional Center worked Clay High and parking area for about 90 minutes this morning.

Oct. 11 p  Dogs were not allowed to sniff individual students although some classrooms, lockers, and athletic locker rooms were included in the mission.

Oct. 11 p Nothing was detected.

Oct. 11 p Expect other searches in the future.

Oct. 11 a First thing this morning Clay High went into lock down mode. Parents reported they were unable to text, tweet, instant message their children shortly after the lock down was declared. Some have said  internet service has been shut down at the school to shut down outside communications.

Oct. 11 a  We're waiting on official word from the Superintendent as of 10 pm

Oct. 11 a As for now, your guess is as good as any.

Oct. 10 p  Chatta B. Gill, 81, of Harrison,  see OBITUARY page

Oct. 10 p Vernon Calvin Bird, 62, of Lizemores,  see OBITUARY page

Oct. 10 p Town Council meets in rescheduled session Tuesday at 5pm in the old Chevy dealership building on Main Street. World's invited.

Oct. 10 p Will your social security checks keep coming without any changes to the current program? Inspite of Republicrat talking points, the answer is Yes.

Oct. 10 p "Not a single banker, a CEO from Wall Street, anyone from corporate America — nobody, (there was) not one arrest of any of these people who brought down the economy in 2008."  100% Correcto.

Oct. 10 p  Lets say that you live in the Southern part of a state and wanted to run for a Congressional seat in the northern end. It's completely legal to do so according to the Constitution.

Oct. 10 p  Feeling poorer these days. There's good reason for that empty wallet syndrome.  The typical white male worker is earning no more than in 1973.

Oct. 10 a Holiday Mondays are great. With all the little snotlickers in school, much quieter in Clayberry.

Oct. 10 a Three years ago we elected Obama De Bama to reform the country away from the Corporate elite and Banksters.  We now know Obama talks a good talk but is in bed with the same corporate America that brought us the depression under Dubbya's watch.

Oct. 10 a We're seeing a new day in major cities where people of all stripes have taken to the streets and are demanding the country be given back to the people.

Oct. 10 a Many don't understand the constitutional right to protest but isn't it refreshing to see young and old alike turn off the TVs and scare the crap out of DC and the ruling  folks from Oceania.

Oct. 10 a With enough support this may be our very own version of an Arab Spring. Maybe Corporate Winter may fit.

Oct. 10 a Last week Jimmy Kearns died. Maybe not a saint but Jimmy was one of the folks that made things happen. As a community activist, he help set up and then run the Queen Shoals PSD providing wa wa to the most rural section of the county. It was Kearns who was out there in the middle of the night helping to restore the wet stuff to his neighbors.

Oct. 10 a When School officials decided that HE WHite Elem was to be closed down, Kearns was right in the mix to see that didn't happen.

Oct. 10 a Whether it was coaching pee wee basketball or keeping his garden and yard in A-1 shape, he came in first place in every venue.

Oct. 10 a There were stand out moments too. Like....

Oct. 10 a A couple years back the number of students at HE White were way down. Well under 100 kids at the school. Kearns knew two things. One, if buses were redirected from nearby neighborhoods, more kids would have an opportunity to come to his community school. And, this was another attempt by the Pentagon to close the valuable asset.

Oct. 10 a During a School Board meeting at the school, it was Kearns that grabbed the microphone and asked each Boardster it they were in favor of changing that one bus route.

Oct. 10 a  With all eyes on 'em, the Board knew, a No response would be the end of their political career.   The bus routes were changed. It was a pivotal moment and Jimmy Kearns was at the lead.

Oct. 10 a Clayberry is in short supply of thinking leaders. We just lost a good one.

Oct. 7 late p Jimmy Kearns, see OBITUARY page

Oct. 7 a Have you checked the weather cast? Beautiful weather and warm temps coming our way for the next three days. With about 20% of our Fall colors showing, a great time to come visit County Clay.

Oct. 7 a  Tonight football action returns to Schoonover Bradley Field. Kick off at 7:30 sharp. Go Panthers.  Round Up Country is the band tonight up at Big Otter Community Center. Probably be yard sales all over the place too.

Oct. 7 a Govt Agencies are required to hold  public meetings. All their decisions must be made in open session. The official record is called meeting minutes. Those minutes reflect for history exactly what went on and what was done. The meeting minutes are a matter of public record.

Oct. 7 a During the last Bd meeting, the elected folks made two decisions and did NOT tell the public. School Board Chair RB Legg seemed just fine with breaking the law and violating his oath of office. That's the way the old guard does stuff.

Oct. 7 a  The decision we're talking about was suspending a bus driver from duty for another month. All other personnel decisions like hiring, resignations, transfers, and transfers of students from one school to another were done in public. We believe that the School Board Arred when they Belted out that no name decision.

Oct. 7 a While RB was being terse and providing nothing to inquiring minds, School Super Kenneth Tanner defused the situation by saying he would check with higher ups and do as the lawyers instructed.

Oct. 7 a Yesterday Tanner reported that the School Service Personnel union informed him, it's OK to break state open meeting law and redact all mention of the guy's name so there would not be a historical record of their actions.

Oct. 7 a If Tanner follows that advice all sorts of things could happen.

Oct. 7 a The West Virginia Ethics Commission offers authoritarian advice with binding decisions. That means, if you ask the Ethics folks and then follow their advice, you cannot be held accountable in a  Court of Law.  We hope K T gets the real scoop from the Ethics folks

Oct. 7 a Also.  This year schools across the state changed to a more healthy menu minus many of the yummy grease filled pleasures of old. During that last Board meeting parents raised the issue of school menus to the Board.

Oct. 7 aYou can read about that in the latest Communicator too.

Oct. 7 a Since the meeting, Super Tanner was asked, are students required to go thru the lunch lines. His answer was No. Kids are not required to eat the stuff.

Oct. 7 a  Anybody disputing that, come to the next School Board meeting.

Oct. 7  a  In an attempt to bring some flavor back to the food, some kids are bringing their own salt, pepper, catsup and such to school. While that's OK, one parent said kids could get in discipline problems by sharing their stash of supplements.

Oct. 7 a Can't you see the newspaper headline... Kid Sent Home for Sharing Catsup

Oct. 7 a  Ahhhhh The Great Nation of Clay, You got ta love it to live here!

Oct. 6   Clay Fire was out before 6am this morning responding to a gas leak call in the Wallback area of the county.

Oct. 6   By 6am Triad officials reported that they were responding to a crude oil leak near Summers Fork and have it under control or at that's what they told 911.

Oct. 6  Clay County's Business Development Authority is suppose to hold their monthly gathering the first Thursday of each month at the Courthouse beginning around 5:30pm.

Oct. 6 a Haven't seen an agenda yet.

Oct. 5 a 10 years ago this week, the country entered a war with Afghanistan. We attacked that country while knowing full well, 17 of the 19 terrorists that came after us were Saudi's.

Oct. 5 a 6000 good Americans later, Boy,  aren't we better off now

Oct. 5 a Had an election for Gov. yesterday. Here in Clayberry Earl Ray covered every precinct except  Hartland, Brown, and Dulls Creek. Of the 6500 or so registered voters in County Clay, only 1503 came out and voted this time around

Oct. 5 a Demorat Earl Ray totaled 813, Republicrat Maloney Bologny 630; Mountain Party's Bob Henry Baber with 38; Independents Marla Ingels 13; and train engineer Harry Bertram brought up the rear with 7. There was one write in vote.

Oct. 5 a Somebody forgot to tell the Mayor and Town Council there was a monthly meeting of the group slated for Tuesday evening. Only COuncil person Josh Shamblin showed.

Oct. 5 a It's not just Clayberry parents upset with the new menus in the school system. Charleston newspapers are reporting statewide resistance to low sodium, low fat, low taste changes.

Oct. 5 a You can read all about the local parents and starving kids in the latest edition of the Communicator.

Oct. 4 p Yelp it's true, Clay County's source for news and views is now available in the four county area. Lead story covers the State v Bobby Hanshaw murder trial. Inside the vault of knowledge you'll find the scuttlebutt on the Health Bd suspending their new Director without making any public vote for a temporary replacement plus the terse open meeting law side track comments by none other than RB Legg himself.

Oct. 4 p It's hard to beat, down home, first hand coverage on the Great Nation of Clay.

Oct. 3 late p Monday evening the Clay County Board of Health voted unanimously to suspend their agency Director, Jeff Smith.

Oct. 3 late p Read all about it Tuesday in Clayberry's only locally owned and operated newspaper, The Communicator.

Oct. 3 late p For now, it's typing time.

Oct. 3 a With teachers taking the day to regroup and tomorrow an election day, it's a four day weekend for the little snot lickers.

Oct. 3 a This morning at 10:45 Jamie Morris is scheduled for sentencing in his part of the conspiracy to make meth. Sometimes what's scheduled gets moved back for various reasons. We'll provide the news if sentencing actually takes place.

Oct. 3 a The opening week of each month brings many public meets. Tonight the Board of Health meets at 6pm. On the posted agenda is a secret time session for health issues followed by personnel  with their Director. Neither agenda item is specific enough to qualify for closed door time.

Oct. 3 a Suppose to be a School Bd meeting tonight at 6pm. If you try to access the meeting agenda, it's not available via their website. Technology seems to be escaping the education gang. If you look at the front door of the meeting house, only the Sept 19th Agenda is posted. Sad.

Oct. 3 a The Communicator comes out Tuesday afternoon. Reduced posts while we type the next 24 hours away.

Oct. 2 p  Bonnie Elkins, 68, see OBITUARY page

Oct. 2 p From the email bag: Capitol Resource will be at KVCTC-Wallback on Oct. 3,5,6,and 7 to take applications for Christmas.  they can call KVCTC to get the list of things they need to bring with them.  587-1191

Oct. 1 a 41 degrees and rainy, Fall is here.

Oct. 1 a Sit down America. The Clay County Panthers beat Tug Valley 6 to zip! Our first win of the season.

Oct. 1 a Yesterday's not guilty verdict was the talk of the ball game last night. People can't understand how a guy that admits to killing another could walk free, absolutely not guilty of anything.

Oct. 1 a Sure there was some excellent court room maneuvering by both sides and Bobby Hanshaw showed real remorse during testimony but in this country, we have an absolute right to defend ourselves with deadly force.

Oct. 1 a Communicator comes out Tuesday afternoon. Deadline for submissions is Monday at 5pm. If you have classifieds, chatters, or comments , email over. Remember, to be printed in Clay County's only locally owned and operated newspaper, you got to include your real name and contact number for verification.

Oct. 1 a Great day for snoozing on the couch. Tah Tah.