Sept 2012

Sept. 28 p There was a time when homegrown and home made drugs were the big problem

Sept. 28 p That all changed a couple years back when some decided to go the easiest route and just steal meds from family members, neighbors, and the elderly.

Sept. 28 p Instead of working all week and then partying their butts off all weekend, the easy way  came to be. Break into a house, knock the old person in the head or worse and then raid the medicine cabinet.

Sept. 28 p It's been quite a change for the worse

Sept. 28 p There's something important going on Saturday. Across the state, no questions asked, drug drop off boxes will be available. In Clayberry, the drop off spot is in front of the Courthouse from 10 til 2pm

Sept. 28 p Don't flush the stuff down your toilet. That practice  can affect your, our drinking wa wa supply.  Saturday is a chance to get rid of those unused, unwanted drugs in a safe manner.

Sept. 28 p As for your pot, they're not accepting it. Instead, stash it away. It's going to be a long cold winter.

Sept. 28 a   Lt. Harold A. Lee, 85, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 28 a Very overcast this morning with a good chance of beautiful Fall weekend coming our way. Without the Big Apple, it's going to be a much quieter weekend   No CHS Varsity football tonight. It's a week off to heal up and regroup.

Sept. 28 a Check our EVENTS page for good stuff to do.

Sept. 28 a Yesterday 1935 clickers visited this site. The biggest viewing day in Sept. was Monday Sept. 24th when 2449 folks took the cyber trip to Clayberry.

Sept. 28 a The biggest viewing day this summer was of course, Aug 29th when 16388 page views were recorded. Big days are nice but we don't want anymore under those circumstances.

Sept. 28 a Staying online is made possible by those advertisers on the homepage and at the top of various pages throughout. If you like having an online portal to County Clay, thank the advertisers.

Sept. 28 a Also those links offer some good stuff like finding parts and supplies.

Sept. 28 a By the way, we have an opening at the top of this page if you're interested. Other than the home page, the news page is the most visited page followed by Classifieds, Obits, and then Events.

Sept. 27 p  Great big Howdy De Doo De  to Tina Morris over in Martinsburg.

Sept. 27 p Get well wishes extended to Don Samples down in Procious land. He's out of the hospital and recovering nicely. For those wanting to send a card: PO Box 225, Procious WV 25164 is the address

Sept. 27 later a  High speed interment service has become a necessity in the 21st century. In this state and county, DSL is none existent for the vast majority. For those with Frontier DSL, due to slow speeds, it's not really high speed at all.

Sept. 27 later a  Frontier Tele says they are making great improvements and with the help of a big Federal grant, life will be good in the near future. We think they fib!

Sept. 27 later How about taking an online survey prepared by the WV Intergovernmental Council. The idea is provide specific info and get Frontier and other lackluster performers in gear.

Sept. 27 a County Clay's longest serving elected official, Gene King, remains in CAMC. Best of get better quick wishes extended to  O Gene

Sept. 27 a Sunday morning we woke up to 36 degrees on the thermometer. This morning at 5am, it was 64 degrees. Fall weather is here.

Sept. 27 a  Tow truck driver Frank Massey asked Larry Darryl and Darryl to add three more Black Shirts to the Sheriff's Dept budget during yesterday's Commission meeting. His presentation was thought out and well received by the folks up front.

Sept. 27a In response, Linky said  he was in agreement but financially, that wasn't possible. As a matter of fact, with Fola Coal shut down and Coal Severance Tax revenues expected to tank next year,  the CCC may be looking at cutbacks at the Courthouse.

Sept. 27 a Our outgoing Sheriff got his two cents worth in during the presentation. Without using potty mouth, our Big Badge asked that his current budget be restored to last year's funding level.

Sept. 27 a Note: with one less Deputy this year, County Commission cut the budget by $46,000, or the cost of one deputy.

Sept. 27 a  The Top Badge apprised that with those funds, he could resume overtime  pay and get road patrols back on the street. Of course overtime dollars has nothing to do with the $46,000 used to fund Miles Slack before the Sheriff fired him.

Sept. 27 a  Knowing that, Commissioner Linky said as much. Tucker chimed in as well. Linky made it clear: overtime funds have not been cut, he would not cut overtime $$$$, and the Sheriff has never asked for additional overtime funds.

Sept. 27 a The Poopster was caught again talking out both sides of his mouth!

Sept. 27 a It was about then that Black Shirt Chris Legg hobbled out of the room proclaiming,  "You Can Kiss My A!!!  .... I'm Out of Here!"

Sept. 27 a With his twisted thinking, our Top Badge complained that the County Commission funded other things like the Apple Festival and kids stuff but left him high and dry. He said this was a political thang against him.

Sept. 27 a  Politics is involved of course but , here's the skinny. Funding levels in the Sheriff's office are exactly the same as last year when you factor in, he has one less employee (IE Slack).

Sept. 27 a  Also on politics, the Sheriff is right,  politics have been going against him for a long time. When he fired Miles Slack just before the Primary election, that turned most everybody in the county against him. When the Top Badge stopped all evening and weekend patrols during a media coup attempt, that turned the other half of the county against him.

Sept. 27 a Frank Massey made a good pitch yesterday. This county does need additional law enforcement. But, we also need someone in office that can manage a budget. Unfortunately, we don't have that in the Sheriff's office. The rules say, each elected official has to manage his or her department to get the job done and make the $$$ last for 12 months. Instead of doing that, our outgoing Top Badge is trying to use a tragic time to arm twist.

Sept. 27 a In recent history, the only Sheriff that had more Deputies on the job than the Poopster was Larry Conrad a couple decades ago.

Sept. 27 a For many in the county, it's sinking in, things could have been all different August 28th even with current funding levels.    How very sad.

Sept. 27 a We've still got to make it until Jan 1st clickers. Hold your fingers and cross your breath!.

Sept. 25 p  County Commission meets Wed morning at 10 am. The discussion list includes a presentation by Frank Massey.

Sept. 25 p Mr Massey is the tow truck driver very lucky to be alive today.

Sept. 25 p We're guessing that Massey and no doubt a posse of Black Shirts will plead a case for the CCC to add funding to the Sheriff's budget.

Sept. 25 p Nice idea with good intentions but the reality is different. Each Dept in the Courthouse has its own budget. The CCC budgets out the funds and it's up to each elected official to properly use the $$$ and make it last 12 months. The CCC can hand out additional funds when something "out of budget" pops up. Examples include a blown up copier and some state mandated upgrade demand or such.

Sept. 25 p In the Sheriff's case, after the Top Badge orchestrated a political move and fired Miles Slack last Spring, the Commissioners removed the $47,000 it takes to keep a Black Shirt on the job. No employee, why have the money in that budget? Shortly thereafter, our illustrious Sheriff stopped all evening and weekend patrols. On that Tuesday night when Eric Workman and Marshall Bailey were gunned down, there was no Black Shirts on duty.

Sept. 25 p  Complaining to the County Commission is one way to attract attention but the problem is with the lowly Sheriff. It is that guy that has to supply the brain power and skill to properly dispense funds for the entire budget year.

Sept. 25 p Keep something in mind.... The Sheriff's Dept has exactly  the same amount of money to cover the like amount of employees as it had earlier in the year. EXACTLY the same amount based  on one less Deputy.

Sept. 25 p For years this county did just fine with just four Black Shirts on the job and that was before a Bailiff (Gene King) was hired to handle Court room duties.

Sept. 25p This time around it ain't the County Commission exhibiting poor leadership, the problem is with the elected leadership in the Sheriff's office.

Sept. 25 p In any case, Wed morning's Commission meeting should be a good one. Bring your own popcorn.

Sept. 25 a Even with the top brass wanting him to move to other locations, Harold Lee spent most of his Green Shirt career here in Clayberry. Big Lee as he was called, knew this county and its people very well. When something happened, he had a good hunch on who did it. He knew who to ask for information and who was telling the truth.

Sept. 25 a  Much like Marshall Bailey who also spent years here, Big Lee was well known and trusted as a Badge that took no crap but better yet, gave no S!!!!.

Sept. 25 a Knowing everyone and every holler, Lee  was what community policing was all about.

Sept. 25 a After retiring from the Green Shirts, Mr Lee resided in this county until health forced him into the Mile Tree Nursing home.

Sept. 25 a A few years ago, Lee slowly got out of his Dodge Charger and limped his way into Go Mart at Clay. When asked what's wrong, he responded, I am just old and worn out.

Sept. 25 a  Harold Lee, Big Lee, passed away last night.

Sept. 24 a  Mary Madeline Pritt, 83, see OBITUARY PAGE

Sept. 24 a Gene King was carted off to CAMC over the weekend. It's our understanding , the longest serving School Boardster and maker of political merriment has pneumonia.

Sept. 24 a Get well wishes extended to O Gene

Sept. 24 a New job posting over on the JOBS page

Sept. 24 a The 2012 Apple Festival has been put to bed for another year

Sept. 24 a A tiny band of volunteers worked 11 months to make the annual treat a treasure.

Sept. 24 a Nothing , not even the weather, marred this year's event. Last minute changes were made and the show went on as if  it was planned that way.

Sept. 24 a  Clayberry has a habit of complaining about even the good stuff. Apple complaints about no parking, high ticket prices, fewer booths etc,  well, welcome to the real world.

Sept. 24 a Don't like it? Step up to the plate and volunteer

Sept. 24 a Here in cyberspace, we spent our time taking pictures and gathering info for the newspaper. Our news page postings suffered but Hey!!, we want to have some fun too.

Sept. 24 a The home page Apple pics will stay there until sometime Wed. If you want one, just right click and push the "save as" button if you're using a Bill Gates product.

Sept. 24 a If you would like first generation pics from the home page and the 500 others that didn't make this portal, stop by the office for a CD chucked full of Apple 2012 images. Price? Just $5. We're in the Two Run office each afternoon except when we're out goofing off.

Sept. 24 a Check back later today for more on the Great Nation of Clay

Sept 22a Today is the main event over in Apple Festival land. So far good weather and good organization  have come together at the same time. Complete activity list on their web site. Just click the scoop link above.

Sept 25 a Our Sheriff has lead off the feature parade for the last seven years. Many wondered if that would be the case this year since he's been sitting down on the job on weekends for the last several months.

Sept 25 a Even as disliked as he is, The Poopster can't resist a chance to be at the head of the pack one last time. That doesn't happen often for the Top Badge.

Sept 25 a Have seen the guy and Black Shirts on the job during the annual event. That's an improvement.

Sept 22a Two days into it, no major Apple related problems to note. Sometimes it's kids being kids rigging up merriment and ranged on up into the drug culture doing stupid stuff. So far, keep your fingers crossed, nothing but family fun so far.

Sept 22 a

Sept 21 p  If you're sitting at home all droopy lipped, blame yourself.

Sept 21 p  The Apple Festival is in full swing with great weather and fun a plenty

Sept 21 p For that insist on sitting at home...

Sept 21 p You can hear Congressional candidate Howard Swint, the guy running against Capito, on 101.7 FM. Fred Sampson is the host and moderator with the question session beginning at 6pm

Sept 21 p Around 7:20 tonight, TG and Scott will be doing their pregame show before the CHS Panther / Nicholas county football match up over in Summersville.

Sept. 20 early a  Norma Dean Bodkins, 82, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 20 early a Need some cash? Check the JOBS page

Sept. 20 early a  The Big Apple is finally here. For the next four days, Town will be packed wall to wall and beyond. If you're planning to do business in the downtown, you better get it done this morning early or forget it until Monday.

Sept. 20 early a  Our plan is to post a bunch of pics as the annual gathering progresses.

Sept. 20 early a  The complete schedule is in the latest Communicator.

Sept. 20 early a   For those interested in  a local scholarship fund in honor of Eric Workman and Marshall Bailey, see AdVISORY page

Sept. 20 early a Before we get into all the Apple stuff, Kanawha Valley Community College has added new opportunities behind their home page button

Sept. 20 early a Like having a web based place for instant Clayberry news? A place to find out what events are going on? Who died? And, not to mention, some darn good looking pictures....  It's time to thank the advertisers.

Sept. 19 a James W English III , see OBITUARY page

Sept. 19 a  For those interested in what's really going on in Clayberry, there's one source and that's The Communicator   For over 17 years the newspaper has been providing in depth , first hand, info an what's going on in the  342 square miles we call home. This edition includes additional info from the Aug. 28th gun down of Eric Workman and Marshall Bailey.

Sept. 19 a The above the fold story crunches the numbers on the failing school system and the most recent WesTest scores.

Sept. 19 a  Two days of rain has washed away the grim. We're ready for the 2012 Apple Festival which gets underway Thursday afternoon.

Sept. 17 p  We're in shutdown mode until we get the next Communicator out the door sometime Tuesday afternoon. Unless something real dumb happens, no updates until Tuesday night

Sept. 17 a Tonight the School Board meets at 6pm at the Pentagon.  Up for more discussion is a new drug free work policy

Sept. 17 a Also, the HEalth Dept has posted their meeting agenda for tonight at 6pm . On their agenda is discussion of the Jay Carper vs the World lawsuit.

Sept. 17 a Take your pick, both meetings should be entertaining.

Sept. 17 a On his 74th birthday, a man got a gift certificate from his wife. The certificate paid for a visit to a medicine man living on a nearby reservation who was rumored to have a wonderful cure for erectile dysfunction. After being persuaded, he drove to the reservation, handed his ticket to the medicine man, and wondered what he was in for. The old man handed a potion to him, and with a grip on his shoulder warned,'This is a powerful medicine. You take only a teaspoonful, and then say'1-2-3. 'When you do, you will become more manly than you have ever been in your life, and you can perform as long as you want The man was encouraged.  As he walked away, he turned and asked,"How do I stop the medicine from working?" "Your partner must say '1-2-3-4,'" he responded,"but when she does, the medicine will not work again until the next full moon."He was very eager to see if it worked so he went home,; showered, shaved,took a spoonful of the medicine, and then invited his wife to join him  in the bedroom. When she came in, he took off his clothes and said, "1-2-3!"Immediately, he was the manliest of men. His wife was excited and began throwing off her clothes,and then she asked,"What was the 1-2-3 for?"And that, boys and girls, is why we should never end our sentences with a preposition  because we could end up with a; dangling participle

Sept. 17 a American consulates and embassies across the Mid East and Northern Africe are being attacked by irate Muslims. Talking heads are tellng us those folks have their shorts all bunched up over a cheapy film made by an American feller.

Sept. 17 a When asked, none of the rioting folks had actually seen the movie.

Sept. 17 a Truth is, there ain't not movie. There are some short U Tube style clips but that's it.

Sept. 17 a Is anybody else thinking this is a staged event?

Sept. 16 a Clayberry is enjoying those wonderful Fall days of cool mornings, blue skies, and bright sunshine. What a joy to be in the mountains this time of year. Those last few tomatoes are tasting better than ever. Weeds have replaced the corn, beans, and watermelons.

Sept. 16 a On the roads, pick up trucks are carrying firewood. Tools are being put away for another year. Thos cool mornings are forcing teenagers to cover up those summer tans and short shorts.

Sept. 16 a Some area businesses are cleaning windows and decorating for the upcoming Apple Festival.

Sept. 16 a Our CCHS Panthers put on a strong battle Friday night during the first home game of the season. We came up short but it was a good showing in more than one way.

Sept. 16 a  Coming out in support of the team and new Coach, the place was packed. With beautiful dry weather, the attendance was the biggest crowd in years.

Sept. 16 a During half time , kind words were provided  retired football coach and now Athletic Director, Ron Sirk. The guy has been a CCHS fixture for 360 years. For the first time ever, a football  jersey, Ron's jersey, was retired.

Sept. 16 a James English attended CHS and played ball there     There's a kid who was well liked and was supported by everyone that came in contact with him.

Sept. 16 a Making sure English was able to participate in school stuff, whenever needs were evident, Clay High teachers and friends stepped up to the plate to meet financial shortcomings and allow James to be a part of the learning experience. Those nearby bent over backwards in support of the H of  a nice kid

Sept. 16 a  From his early years  of being a blue eyed great kid with a gift for athletics, something changed. During the last few years, James English was adrift in a downward spiral of his own makings.

Sept. 16 a The road he chose for himself was  a bumpy one and guaranteed to end in tragedy.

Sept. 15 a  For those wondering about the Big Apple Festival schedule for 2012, the whole list for the four days of family fun is on their web site. The link quick click link is over on our LINKS page

Sept. 15 a FYI  Our outdoor drama, Solomon's Secret, will not be performed this year.

Sept. 14 a Tonight the CLay High Panthers will be in home field action when they take on Valley Fayette. According to Commissioner Linky Poo, long time Coach and now Athletic Director Ron "Droopy Drawers" Sirk will receive special honors tonight. Game starts at 7:30. Just a  30% chance of the wet stuff tonight. Go Panthers.

Sept. 14 a For those too far away to attend the game, 101.7 FM will be sports casting the affair with pre game at 7:25. This year the non profit station added a bunch of "broad band space" by changing to a different provider which allows for up to 100 listeners at a time.

Sept. 14 a Our online mystery person was too easy. Most everybody guessed correctly, Doc  James Franklin White.

Sept. 14 a The war on crabgrass is almost over for 2012. Thank goodness for that.

Sept. 14 a There may be some good that comes out of this summer's drought and the small corn crop.

Sept. 14 a With supplies greatly reduced,  ethanol may be removed for gasoline which would result in much improved gas mileage . And, if the cost of corn increases enough, cola makers may return to using sugar instead of the diabetes related use of high fructose corn squeezin's.

Sept. 14 a Either or both would be muchly appreciated.

Sept. 14 a For your consideration...

Sept. 14 a Everything weighs one percent less at the equator

Sept. 14 a    For every extra kilogram carried on a space flight, 530 kg of excess fuel are needed at lift-off

Sept. 14 a   The letter J does not appear anywhere on the periodic table of the elements.

Sept. 14 a And last but not least: In 2012, December has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays, and 5 Sundays.

 

Sept. 13 p  After the original contractor walked off the job site over two years ago, the TOwn of Clay Wa Wa Plant project has been on hold. While rusting away, court battles have continued.

Sept. 13 p Without the additional water capacity, no new customers can be hooked up

Sept. 13 p Today two bids were opened to complete the project. Orders Construction came in at $2,574,000.00 and Young Builders came in low at $2,285,156.00.

Sept. 13 p  When asked if there is enough money for the project, the Town's attorney said he didn't want to get into that.

Sept. 13 p Finally Mike Pierson asked if they were going to get a water plant, the same attorney responded "I believe so."

Sept. 13 a Teddy Triplett, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 13 a Lets do some catching up.

Sept. 13 a Last weekend we received several emails on petitions being circulated around the county. One petition was to generate support for a permanent memorial to be built at the Wallback exit of I-79 for the two fallen troopers. The second petition was to garner enough signatures to remove the local Sheriff from office.

Sept. 13 a We haven't seen either sign up sheet in area stores but earlier this week we mentioned those initiatives on this site.

Sept. 13 a If someone has them, please email and let others know where they can put their John Hancocks

Sept. 13 a Town Council met Tuesday afternoon. They announced the opening of bids for the wa wa plant will take place today at 1:30 over in Town Hall.

Sept. 13 a They also talked about the County's only log factory. Turns out the School System is again floating havoc at the county's only such facility by dumping large quantities of floor stripper /  used wax down drains at Clay High, Clay Middle and Clay Elem schools. Those chemicals wipe out the plant's bacteria which makes the place work.  The Pentagon is in trouble again

Sept. 13 a Last month Bev Whaling complained to Council about a humongo water bill. She contended that her wa wa meter had been estimated for months and all of  a sudden when it was actually read, the monthly statement came back over $500.

Sept. 13 a Tuesday, Council heard that Whaling's bill HAD been read and only estimated twice in t he last several months.

Sept. 13 a During discussions, operator Rick Triplett informed the elected folks that some meters HAD been estimated for up to 8 months!  It's time to check your wa wa bill and head over to Town Hall if there's a problem.

Sept. 13 a That grant funded streetscape project, the one that's been on hold for over two years, might be back on track soon.  According to the Mayor, right after the Apple FEstival concludes, State Road drainage work will begin. That's the first step  before new sidewalks can be built.

Sept. 13   Wed morning Clay County Commission held their meeting at the Courthouse. As the healing process continues, much time was spent discussing requests to name various facilities for Eric Workman and Marshall Bailey.

Sept. 13 a Suggestions included to name the new 911 Center and the ball field at Clay County Park, and to erect signs and plaques to honor the two State Troopers.

Sept. 13 a Your input may persuade Larry Daryl and Daryl to act.

Sept. 13 a

Sept. 12 a Time keeping marching....

Sept. 12 a Just three weeks to go in regular season major league baseball play

Sept. 12 a Two weeks have passed since Troopers' Workman and Bailey were killed in action

Sept. 12 a By this time next week, the Town will be decorating for the Big Apple Festival.

Sept. 12 a 11 years ago yesterday our country was attacked and for many days, for all intents and purposes, shut down.

Sept. 12 a Last night while watching some of the historical shows on the boob tube , couldn't help but think about what happened here in Clayberry on Sept. 11th 2001

Sept. 12 a For the ace cub reporter, while readying to attend a County Commission meeting, just before 9am, TV shows turned to news specials showing the first jet liner striking a Twin Tower.

Sept. 12 a When he was leaving his abode, the thought was, what an accident. Was the pilot drunk or something?

Sept. 12 a Once at the Courthouse, entering the Commission room,  Commissioner Jimmy Sams quickly noted, "They've got another Tower."  That morning, the Courthouse gang was somber.

Sept. 12 a While Dubbya was trying to read a children's book to kids, the world had changed. Sams realized the change long before the Prez did.

Sept. 12 a Over at the Henry Clay Hotel, proprietor Arthur Jarrett had the TV volume turned up loud. None of the early rising drunks said a word. We just watched.

Sept. 12 a We didn't know what to do. Were other attacks coming? How about the chemical plants down in Charleston, we they targeted? Maybe the water supply?   We spent more time at home quietly watching the Tube.

Sept. 12 a  We wanted direction, answers, instead, Dubbya  in his infinite wisdom, suggested we go shopping.

Sept. 12 a Whether's 9-11 or most recently, the Aug 28th killings at Wallback, if you're waiting on the government for directions and leadership, you're going to be waiting a long time.

Sept. 12 a Like this morning, the County Commission should be making plans to organize a memorial at Wallback for the fallen Troopers. It won't be long until the State Road folks paint over the well wishers' messages on the concrete support pillars. Something permanent and fitting is in order. Now would be a good time for Larry Darryl and Darryl to build something important like a memorial.

Sept. 12 a Things to think about...

Sept. 12 a Zero is the only number that cannot be represented by Roman numerals

Sept. 12 a Kites were used in the American Civil War to deliver letters and newspapers.

Sept. 12 a Drinking water after eating reduces the acid in your mouth by 61 percent

Sept. 12 a Peanut oil is used for cooking in submarines because it doesn't smoke unless it's heated above 450 degrees F

Sept. 12 a The roar that we hear when we place a seashell next to our ear is not the ocean, but rather the sound of blood surging through the veins in the ear.

Sept. 12 a Nine out of every 10 living things live in the ocean

Sept. 12  a  The banana cannot reproduce itself. It can be propagated only by the hand of man

Sept. 12 a Airports at higher altitudes require a longer airstrip due to lower air density

Sept. 12 a The University of Alaska spans four time zones

Sept. 12 a The tooth is the only part of the human body that cannot heal itself.

Sept. 12 a In ancient Greece , tossing an apple to a girl was a traditional proposal of marriage. Catching it meant she accepted.

Sept. 12 a Warner Communications paid $28 million for the copyright to the song Happy Birthday.

Sept. 12 a  Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.

Sept. 12 a A comet's tail always points away from the sun

Sept. 12 6am NO SCHOOL AT HE WHITE ELEM, No Wa Wa again

Sept. 11 5:58 am  NO SCHOOL AT HE WHITE ELEM DUE TO UTILITY OUTAGE.

Sept. 11 5:58 am The rest of you little snot lickers, got out of bed and on Big Yeller!

Sept. 10 p  Lets see now... The Library Board meets Tuesday at 4:30. Clay Town Council convenes at 5pm

Sept. 10 p  Clay Roane PSD does their thang at 6:30 pm down at the Procious Wa Wa Plant

Sept. 10 p CAEZ gave up on having their annual dinner / meeting in Sept. . Instead, their annual affair will be the first Tuesday in Oct, dinner at 5pm followed by their annual meeting at 6pm over at Valley Fork School

Sept. 10 p  Email are running strong on establishing a memorial site for Marshall Bailey and Eric Workman. One guy suggested that the overpass bridge should be named for the two fallen Troopers. Darn good idea.

Sept. 10 p For your edification:

Sept. 10 p  To make half a kilo of honey, bees must collect nectar from over 2 million individual flowers

Sept. 10 p Heroin is the brand name of morphine once marketed by 'Bayer'.

Sept. 10 p Tourists visiting Iceland should know that tipping at a restaurant is considered an insult!

Sept. 10 p Albert Einstein was offered the presidency of Israel in 1952, but he declined.

Sept. 10 p Astronauts can't belch - there is no gravity to separate liquid from gas in their stomachs.

Sept. 10 p Ancient Roman, Chinese and German societies often used urine as mouthwash.

Sept. 10 p The Mona Lisa has no eyebrows. In the Renaissance era, it was fashion to shave them off!

Sept. 10 p  Because of the speed at which Earth moves around the Sun, it is impossible for a solar eclipse to last more than 7 minutes and 58 seconds.

Sept. 10  p Google is actually the common name for a number with a million zeros .

Sept. 10 p THanks JR

 

Sept. 10 a Several of the public meetings slated for the last 12 days have been rescheduled for this week. As we figure out the line up, will post.

Sept. 10 a Within days of the loss of Bailey and Workman, locals set up a memorial at the Wallback Park N Ride. Lots of flowers, kind words, messages, and even a couple solar lights for dark time.  There's now a petition circulating to build  a permanent memorial there.

Sept. 10 a There's another petition being passed around. That petition calls for the removal of our Sheriff from office. At issue is his decision to stop evening and weekend road patrols a couple months back. The demand for removal  contends, had the Top Badge been doing his job and properly scheduling his force, more Badges would have been available Aug 28th and or at least been there quicker.

Sept. 10 a  On that topic...

Sept. 10 a Back when we had evening patrols, it was common for this county to have one blue and gold cruiser on the job as well as a Black Shirt mobile. One often backed up the other. For a number of reasons including safety, that's a good way of handling road patrol work in the outback.

Sept. 10 a  Keep in mind, the shooting took place just across the line in Roane County. If Black Shirts had been on duty that night, they would have certainly alerted 911 and had them engage Deputies from that County sooner.

Sept. 10 a Had the Sheriff been properly scheduling his staff and had one car  right beside the white Chevy pick up, just can't help but think, that would have been a big deterrent for the drug crazed offender.

Sept. 10 a Finally, Sense the Poopster has 90 days or so left in office and with Court cases taking months to work thru the system, a petition to remove him has little chance of getting him out of here.

Sept. 10 a That petition does one other thing.

Sept. 10 a A petition puts in writing for all to know, this county or at least those with enough backbone to sign it, wants rid of the blight that has been in office too long.

Sept. 10 a We have about 7500 adults in this county. Sure would be nice to see 7500 names on the petition.

Sept. 10 a  Jan 1st can't get here fast enough for many in this county.

Sept. 7 late p  The vast majority of Clayberry do not have a municipal water supply.

Sept. 7 late p Some get by with cistern and wells. Many wells produce that nasty orange iron wa wa  while others run dry  during any dry spell.

Sept. 7 late p In any of the above mentioned cases, there's not enough clean usable water to support modern washing machines.

Sept. 7 late p In County Clay we have to have a centrally located laundromat.

Sept. 8 late p Darlene Morris, owner of the county's only laundromat is moving it and her hair cutting business out of downtown Clay. That's one less reason for even coming into town.

Sept. 8 late p Currently there is well under 50 business licenses in the entire darn town.

Sept. 8 late p Government and quasi government agencies fill Main Street store fronts.

Sept. 8 late p Darlene is moving her operation to Teaberry turn where the old game room was located

Sept. 7 late p Yesterday 2200 clickers visited 8008 pages of clayberry.org.

Sept. 7 late p  That makes for a great place to post your community notice or advertise your business.

Sept. 7  Noon:08 over the scanner, Be On the Look Out for a small silver car heading North on I 79 driven by a female driver and weaving all over the road.

Sept. 7 p We had some problem with the home page pictures loading this morning. Not sure what the problem was but,, we think it's fixed now.

Sept. 7 p Big Birthday today. 17 years ago right now, the first Communicator was on newsstands around the county. From those humble beginnings, we're grown many times over. Thanks readers, clickers, and advertisers for making the platform for change possible.

Sept. 7 p The Communicator tries  hard to provide in depth coverage of what happens in Clayberry. Our latest edition does that with the senseless loss Aug 28th.

Sept. 7 p For those that don't know, our next edition will continue the coverage.

Sept. 7 p Got some news right now.

Sept. 7 p A decade ago, the Business Development Authority (BDA) had the opportunity to purchase the just vacated State Road garage over at Two Run for $1. They decided they didn't want that responsibility and instead leased it for $1 per year.

Sept. 7 p For about the last three years the reorganized BDA has wanted the stone building, convenient lot and small brick side building. Last night during the rescheduled meeting of the public agency, it was announced that the BDA now has ownership of the place.

Sept. 7 p But Wait! There's More! as they say on TV

Sept. 7 p They've also got a potential renter ready to move in and remodel the place.

Sept. 7 p Here's the scoop. A Bird feller originally from County Clay and now working in Maryland, provided a written proposal to  open a distribution center  complete with a once a month public auction .

Sept. 7 p The way it sounds.... the company will employee a couple full timers and several part time workers to handle tons of over stock item items for retail sales, ebay sales, and once a month auctions.

Sept. 7 p The main line of items will include, tools, camping gear, electronics and such. No clothes or food will be carried.

Sept. 6 late p Pauline Ellen Grose, 78, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 6 late p Iva Willamarie Shelton, 94, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 6 a In rescheduled action, tonight the School Board gang hold their meeting up at the Pentagon

Sept. 6 a Many of meetings scheduled for the last 9 days were cancelled or rescheduled out of respect for our fallen Troopers. We'll try to get you up to speed on on those changes.

Sept. 6 a The Communicator is now on news stands in four counties. This edition includes many pages on the Aug 28 loss of Eric Workman and Marshall Bailey.

Sept. 6 a Yesterday Eric Workman came back to Otter Lick for burial after a formal service in Charleston.

Sept. 6 a Everything here on Earth was done. It will take some time, but we're slowly getting back to life as we know it

Sept. 6 a Schools reopened. Meetings are taking place. Instead of being in hushed tones and cracked voices, we're coming back

Sept. 6 a We'll leave all the homepage images on that page for one more day. For those wanting copies, just right click and push the "save as" button on most browsers

Sept. 5 early a The Clay Courthouse will be closed today so employees can attend Trooper Workman's funeral

Sept. 5 early a Kids are off school today. Teachers will be dismissed at noon so they can attend the service.

Sept. 5 early The funeral begins promptly at 2pm in the Charleston Civic Center. If you're attending, you better get there by noon:30 for a parking space.

Sept. 5 early a Many plan to line up in support of Trooper Workman along the Big Otter Exit of I-79 when the funeral procession passes by. Not sure when that will happen but guesses seem to be around 5pm. Be early and a flag would be nice too.

Sept. 5 early a No updates until we get the Communicator out the door today around 3pm

Sept. 4 a Trooper Eric Workman's wake will be held today over at Clay High School from 1 to 9pm tonight.

Sept. 4 a  from Abe Lincoln: In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.

Sept. 4 a Tonight's School Board meeting has been rescheduled to Thursday evening at 6pm

Sept. 4 a One week ago this evening, a madman gunned down Troopers' Marshall Bailey and Eric Workman. The county has been somber since the senseless event.

Sept. 4 a It's a gray day this Tuesday morning. With kind words and strong message, last night's candle light vigil helped mend the county. Time will help do the rest.

Sept. 4 a Cicero:  The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.

Sept. 4 a For those of us breathing, from an Order of the Arrow Vigil: Let not sleep over take you nor your fire burn out, least opportunity pass with it. When voices are heard in the dead of night, heed and answer, we are alone with our maker.

Sept. 3 late p With all the rain, having trouble with the new Exede satellite internet service. Update coming ASAP

Sept. 3 late p Tuesday's Town Council meeting has been canceled for now. Ditto for the CAEZ meeting on Tuesday

Sept. 3 p  Around 4pm today a heavy rain set in. The county is being blanketed with a steady  summer shower.

Sept. 3 p Tonight at 8pm there will be a candle light vigil at the Courthouse for Trooper Eric Workman. It's a great time to show your love and support for one of  the good ones.

Sept. 3 p CAEZ has cancelled their Tuesday evening  dinner/meeting

Sept. 3 p From Clay County Schools: The viewing for Trooper Workman will be at Clay County High School on Tuesday, September 4, from 1 p.m to 9 p.m.  Clay County High School students will not! attend school on Tuesday.   Clay County High School staff, and all other students and staff, will attend school as scheduled on Tuesday.

Sept. 3 p  The funeral service for Trooper Workman will be Wednesday, September 5, at 2 p.m., at the Charleston Civic Center.  There will be NO school for students on Wednesday.  Wednesday will become an instructional support day and ONLY staff will be in attendance.  Staff members attending Wednesday's service at the Civic Center will be released to do so.

Sept. 3 p Yesterday's funeral service for Trooper Bailey was full of structure and well put together. Beautiful actually. The thousands in attendance never heard the story on the real Marshall Bailey and his stature in this community.

Sept. 3 p In this day and time when want ta be politicians are shouting to return to day of old, we have.

Sept. 3 p During Bailey's funeral procession, all along the route, cars parked , people stood, Mom's brought  kids and waved American flags. One guy that didn't look like he had a two dimes to rub together, stood the entire 38 minutes it took the procession to pass by with his hand over his heart.

Sept. 3 p In the middle of a busy intersection in Charleston, it was quiet. Old men stood tall and took off their hats. Getting the message real quick, young people did likewise. Even the youngest in the crowd seemed to realize something special was happening and quietly paid attention.

Sept. 3 p Tears came to those that never knew Marshall Bailey. They were tears of pride

Sept. 3 p The Communicator has been delayed until Wed so as to include scenes from Tuesday's wake remembering Eric Workman

Sept. 3 p Last call for remembrances in this edition of The Communicator. Just email please

Sept. 3 p  I think many of us don't know what to do during times like this. The initial shock is gone but there's still a tendency to change concentration and think back on Bailey and Workman and for that matter those that barely made it thru the evening of Aug 28th. I 'm thinking of Frank Massey and the Deputies from two countiesl.

Sept. 3 p Cold chills  run wild just considering what could have happened if the not so far away shooter had opened fire on all the emergency service responders working the scene. Thank God for that!

Sept. 3 p The Biblical part about celebrating when someone makes it to heaven is sometimes hard to shallow.

Sept. 3 p Condolences extended to the Workman family and friends and a speedy recovery to those injured last Tuesday evening.

Sept. 1 late p Eric Michael Workman, 26, of Ivydale, entered into rest August 31, 2012, in Charleston, WV, of injuries suffered in an incident in Wallback, WV, on August 28th. Born on March 29, 1986, in Charleston, he was the son of George and Connie Workman of Ivydale. He was a graduate of Clay County High School and West Virginia State University. During his time at West Virginia State, he was a member of the WV State Baseball Team, Player of the Year for 2009, Hitter of the Year, and 2nd Team All American. Eric was a WV State Trooper, a member of the WV State Police Honor Guard, WV Troopers Association, Elk River Musky Club and Big Knob Hunt Club. Eric was an organ donor, and although his life was cut short here on this earth, because of his ultimate sacrifice many will live richer and fuller lives. In addition to his parents, Eric is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Rebecca and Josh King of Wallback; nephew, Aiden King; maternal grandmother, Hallie (Corrine) Woods of Ivydale; aunts, Susie (John) Sears of Ivydale and Tammy (Kenny) Wilmoth of Pension, TN; uncle, Bobby Woods of Ivydale. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 4, from 1 to 9 pm at Clay County High School. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 pm Wednesday, September 5, 2012, at the Charleston Civic Center, Charleston. Burial will follow in the Workman family Cemetery, Ivydale. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Association. On-line memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com. Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, is honored to be serving the Workman family.