september2008pastnews

September 2008

Sept. 30 p We don't think much about W's oil war until it comes home. Been going on so long, major news outlets give it second billing if at all.

Sept. 30 p The costly, worthless oil war came home yesterday when Clay County's own Jamie Nicholas was killed in action. The word we're getting is an improvised explosive device blew up his vehicle killing Mr. Nicholas and two comrades.

Sept. 30 p All the oil on earth isn't worth one life but it continues. Condolences extended to parents Karen and Burke Nicholas

Sept. 30 p Demolition of the old Dundon bridge wiped out the Town's main water line this morning. Crews were toppling over a concrete pier when the thing smacked into the railroad side of the river and severed the 6 inch.

Sept. 30 p With a gazillion tons of concrete on top of the line, crews were busy jack hammering this afternoon trying to get to the line.

Sept. 30 p Water service has been shut off to Triplett Ridge. When the storage tank goes dry, that's it for a while.

Sept. 30 p Today, the owners of the Historic Clay Hotel business closed their doors and started moving supplies and equipment. Another Clay business license gone.

Sept 30 p Reason, according to co owner Mark, Badge harassment. More as we get it.

Sept. 30 p Bad day all around in Clay.

Sept. 30 a The Communicator should been news stands around 2pm today. This edition includes tons of Apple Festival pictures and everything your need to know and then some, on life in the Great Nation of Clay.

Sept. 30 a Our front page story is on Carolina Reds coming to Clayberry.

Sept. 30 a Clay County's Business Development Authority will hold their monthly meeting Thursday evening at 5pm in the Courthouse. Big long agenda once again includes forming a private group to handle economic development activities away from the public eye. In the black and white is mention of taking the BDA money over to the new group. This is about the 5th attempt to pull off the robbery.

Sept. 30 a Big Congrats to CCHS Jr Josh Lively for making it thru the golf playoffs and into State Tournament action next week.

Sept. 30 a Interested in a nursing career and get your training close to home? Check out the latest from the Valley Fork campus over on the ADVISORY page

Sept. 30 a The School Board is very secretive during their meetings. They don't want anything in the public's hands. Then there's Gene King who often lets the cat out of the bag. Like...

Sept. 30 a On several occasions King has commented in public on exterminator complaints and less than great control of little nasty things.

Sept. 30 a Over at the High School rats, great big rascals, spent the Summer digesting the Choir's robes and dress Tuxedos. The guess is, about $11,000 in knarled up, poop laden, damage.

Sept. 30 a Hollie Brady opened up Homestead Construction Co on Main St less than 7 months ago. Many jobs came his way and the year has been a good one. Mr. Brady purchased the old First Baptist property and plans to remodel into office space and apartments ASAP.

Sept. 30 a Look for more growth and purchases in the near future. Always good to hear a success story during this depression era times.

Sept. 30 a In 2004, more than 1 million West Virginians had land-line phones, and just more than 750,000 had wireless phones, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Wireless phones have now outpaced land-line phones for the first time, 1 million to about 947,000.

Sept. 30 a Often this web portal encourages clickers to take back the government, to find out the facts via public records and Freedom of Information Act demands. The state Supreme Court has been billed about $30,000 so far for its defense of a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit brought by The Associated Press.

Sept. 29 a The last of the Big Apple 08 pics are now posted over on the PHOTO page. For the largest image area, open in full screen. To copy the pics, right click and save as.

Sept. 29 a No weekend wrap up this time around. We're working on The Communicator. No updates until we get it to bed early Monday morning.

Sept. 29 a Scanner traffic was brisk Saturday morning as Jack Brown was up and at it by 5:30am. Calls of something going on in the Two Run area. The way we're getting it: a juvy was on a porch trying to break in when the home owner opened the door and caught the lad. Quick Badge work by Brown netted the young man. There was the part about the kid not being able to find his own house keys.

Sept. 29 a It's no wonder he couldn't find his keys. The guy left them in a car while stealing change out of the parked vehicle. Green Shirt did the paperwork and issued the citations.

Sept. 29 a Normally a quiet place, just a few weeks back, a juvy entered the Gibson home at Two Run and stole $$$$. With so few a criminals around, just wondering if the same criminal pulled the first caper?

Sept. 27 a Happy Birthday Amos Waddell Jr.

Sept. 27 a From the email bag: The CCHS golf team defeated Herbert Hoover on 9-25-08 at bringing its record to 13-10. Clay's top 4 scores totaled 167. Dayton Waddell and Nick Varney were the low medalist turning in a scores of 41 each.

Sept. 27 a Over 400 took in Soloman's Secret during the Big Apple last weekend. Tonight is the last presentation for the year.

Sept. 26 a Sure is a lot quieter this Friday than last. With some trees already turning gold and tomato vines turning brown, Fall is here.

Sept. 26 a This morning at 10:30 the Clay County Housing Authority meets at the Courthouse. Based on t heir posted agenda, it looks like the group is ready to dump the current management firm that operates High St and Maysel Manor apartment complexes.

Sept. 26 a From the email bag: MY NAME IS AUDREY MCKINNEY, I LIVE AT THE MOUTH OF PACK FORK ROAD IN LIZEMORE, MY CHIHUAHUA HAD PUPPIES ABOUT A MONTH AGO, AND SOMEONE HAS STOPPED TO PICK THEM UP, THE FIRST ONE IS A FUZZY BROWN FEMALE, LOOKS MORE LIKE A POM AND THE SECOND ONE IS A BLACK FUZZY ONE W/ WHITE AND GREY MARKINGS ON HIS LEGS. THERE WERE TWO DIFFERENT VEHICLES SEEN PICKING THESE DOGS UP. I DO HAVE THE LICENSEE NUMBER TO ONE VEHICLE, BUT I AM BEING NICE AND NOT DOING ANYTHING "YET", I AM HOPING FOR HONESTY AND HOPING THE PEOPLE THAT PICKED THEM UP WILL BRING THEM BACK TO MY KIDS AND LUCY, THE MOMMY DOG. SHE IS SAD WITHOUT HER PUPPIES. ALSO, I WOULD LIKE TO NOTE THAT THE PLATE NUMBER THAT I DO HAVE, I CAN EASILY GET THE INFORMATION TO WHO THE CAR BELONGS TO.!!!!! PLEASE BRING THEM BACK IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION, CALL MY HOUSE 587-2413

Sept. 26 a Republicans say independent media "too liberal". Here's the newest list of under reported stories. The stuff that affects each one of us and never in print.

Sept. 26 a Church and state are mandated to be seperate. Preachers in the pulpit cannot get into politics. Now there's a group doing just that and fixing to get into a big mess.

Sept. 26 a Former vice president Al Gore urged young environmental activists to engage in "civil disobedience" to halt the construction of coal plants that do not mitigate their carbon emissions.

Sept. 26 a Shades of Hitler, we've got a legislature proposing legislation that would pay women on government assistance $1,000 if they choose to be sterilized.

Sept. 26 a Who's going to win in Nov? Last week's near-meltdown in the financial markets and the subsequent debate in Washington over a proposed government bailout of troubled financial institutions have made the economy even more important in the minds of voters. Fully 50 percent called the economy and jobs the single most important issue that will determine their vote, up from 37 percent two weeks ago. In contrast, just 9 percent cited the Iraq war as their most important issue, its lowest of the campaign. Obama De Bama.

Sept. 26 a We're holding up the Communicator until next week. Deadline for submissions is Saturday at 5pm

Sept. 25 p Harold Brown, 70, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 25 p Bessie Braley, 81, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 25 p Boil Water Orders are in place for Queen Shoals and Clay County PSD water customers.

Sept. 25 p This is the last weekend to see Solomon's Secret up on Dundon Hill.

Sept. 25 p How about a couple snippets from yesterday's Commission meeting.

Sept. 25 p Clay Roane PSD applied for and received a 17.7% water rate increase. On Sept. 10th the WV PSC said not so quick and reopened the case for review. During yesterday's meeting of all the county PSDs, Clay Roane Chair Dave Grigsby made public, that 17.7% increase has been reduced to around 13%.

Sept. 25 p Talk around the county is that Clay Roane should shut down the Procious Water Plant and have the Town of Clay supply them water. Grigsby said that's impossible right now and to make that change, a couple pumps and some new supply lines would have to be installed with a cost of around $100,000.

Sept. 25 p Queen Shoals PSD CHair Jimmy Kearns told the Commission a major wa wa leak (10 gallons per minute) had been found and corrected. Commissioner Slinky told the group, it was looking good for a SCBG grant coming to QSPSD to upgrade lines and storage tank. As for WV Water Co taking over the system, Chair Kearns said they were interested IF IF IF the upgrade (grant funded) was completed. As for WV Water supplying the wet stuff instead of Clay Roane PSD, that's a possibility too and could be done with minimal cost.

Sept. 25 p There's always the problem with high water bills. QSPSD Boardster Ann Anderson says their water rates ain't all that bad and ain't up there with the other two PSDs in the county.

Sept. 25 p Truth is, according to the official figures provided by the WV PSD, Queen Shoals PSD is one the highest priced water providers in the state. QSPSD charges $47.99 for 4500 gallons. That makes them the 27th highest water rates in the state.

Sept. 25 p Clay Roane PSD is the 9th highest priced provider with $60.51 per 4500 gallons of water used.

Sept. 25 p How bad is it over at Clay County PSD. It must be real bad. They ain't even listed on the official PSC web site.

Sept. 24 p Queen Shoals PSD issued a Boil Water Order this morning for their entire service area. QSPSD has had a major water leak for months. This morning around 4 am it was fixed. The "fix" required the calling of the BWO

Sept. 24 p Clay County PSD issued their BWO this afternoon after finding a leak out near Adair.

Sept. 24 p Ralph Fields has been indicted three time on felony sexual abuse to a minor. The first two grand jury findings were tossed. This time around, rather than standing trial, Mr. Fields secured a deal where he plead down to 3rd degree abuse, a misdemeaner. Judge Facemire sentenced the guy to back to back 90 day jail time or 180 days total plus a $500 fine for each conviction. he also will pay his own jail bill. Afterwards he must register as a sex offender for 10 years.

Sept. 24 p We've got the first three groups of 08 Big Apple Pics over on the PHOTO page. More coming ASAP.

Sept. 24 p We're holding up the Communicator until next week. Deadline for submissions is Saturday at 5pm.

Sept. 24 p Joyce R (Fitzwater) Thomas, 28, of Clay, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 24 a Donald Carey Kerns, 53, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 24 a Brian Allen Pierson, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 24 a From the email bag: Please wish Wilma Starcher Nevans of Big Otter a Happy Birthday from Dick & Dave Metheney & Avis Ryan. Chronologically, she is 80 on Wednesday but she is a real go getter! She tries to keep that bunch up on Big Otter straightened out. That’s a full time job! Thank you for all the news for us Clay County wannabes. I hear the leaves are turning and it’s cooling down up there. It’s still hot and humid down here in the land of the hanging chad. Thank you for the shout out to our Auntie.

Sept. 24 a Monday morning Melissa Postelwait, the lady Sheriff Holcomb pepper sprayed in the Courthouse a month ago was to stand trial. Didn't happened, rescheduled

Sept. 24 a Also from Monday, Karl Fitzwater, that's the guy accused of assaulting Frank Lane after a Clay Development Corp hearing, was found Not Guilty by Magistrate Jeff Boggs.

Sept. 23 p A week ago yesterday the VFW meeting turned into a fist fight when a couple of the comrades got into over the proposed War Memorial to be built in front of the old Courthouse. Last night the group met again. Scanner traffic revealed no calls for badge support nor an ambulance.

Sept. 23 p Commissioner Triplett's truck was spotted in front of the VFW building. The coffee house crowd said Commissioner King was suppose to be in attendance as well. Our guess: Our two active County Commissioners were there to iron out any wrinkles among the VFW folks. Stuff like: you can build (and cut down the majestic evergreens) if and only if you meet certain requirements including, artist's rendition, blueprint of the plan, money in hand to complete the entire project before starting; and a letter from the architect stating the absolute need for the removal of the stately trees.

Sept. 23 p It's good to have two out of our three County Commissioners actively trying to get something done.

Sept. 23 p Dressed in his Golden Delicious Apple Festival shirt, Leonard "My Good Buddy" Williams once again set a low water mark for the rest of the hard working Apple volunteers. Here's our story...

Sept. 23 p Sunday morning, 10:30ish, Leonard and Walter Stutler were standing just outside the Tudors Biscuit World entrance door as the ace cub reporter was exiting the place. Williams was talking to the others standing under the roof. As the reporter walked by, from Williams for the world to hear, "You smell something sheety?... You smell something sheety?

Sept. 23 p Others in the area, ready for their Sunday morning breakfast, stopped talking. They were appalled.

Sept. 23 p What a great example for someone wearing the Apple Festival volunteer shirt to set, for the world to hear.

Sept. 23 a How about something to get your blood boiling. Up to 10,000 staff at the New York office of the bankrupt investment bank Lehman Brothers will share a bonus pool set aside for them that is worth $2.5 billion.

Sept. 23 a Update coming around noon today.

Sept. 22 p Kendra Lyn Duncan,16 of Clay, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 22 a After weeks of hype and anticipation, today, the day after the Big Apple, is like the day after Christmas or a birthday. Nothing left but memories and big mess to clean up.

Sept. 22 a Here's our late and brief wrap up for the last 7 days.

Sept. 22 a Faced with not enough manpower to keep the system and Procious water plant up and running, it was emergency meeting time for Clay Roane PSD . They kept the failing operation afloat with some quicky hires. They know, we know, the Procious plant has to close. The volume of wa wa produced doesn't justify the cost of production. Truth is, the Procious plant has to be shut down with water to come from the Town of Clay and West Virginia Water Co (already serving parts of Clay County). With the installation of a couple pumps, it can happen quickly.

Sept. 22 a The county went into Apple Festival mode Thursday morning. For the most part, everything else in the Nation of Clay shut down as we enjoyed tasty vendor food, great music, carnival rides, and meeting greeting old friends from yester year.

Sept. 22 a Big growth areas this year were the kids games. Saturday morning a bunch of small fries showed up for the fastest Kid contest over at the Middle School. Sunday afternoon well over 50 kids participated in the oreo stacking, hoola hop, and jump rope contests. 16 brand new bikes were given to the winners of the Sunday afternoon contests.

Sept. 22a In the real world, there are two day weekends. To attract out of staters, you got to have two full days of something to do. This year, there was something to do even on Sunday. Those activities, run, walk, gospel sing, chili cook off, and kids games, helped to hold visitors one more day. That's one more day of adding to our local ecnomy. Out of county dollars poured into Main Street. Many local vendors realized record sales helping to get their non profit fire departments, churches and such thru the winter months.

Sept. 22 a Good weather brought out near record crowds. The Thursday night Karaoke Finals brought people to their feet and on the dance floor. How could anything top Saturday afternoon's 45 minute parade. Saturday night's Tribute to Mo Truman was well received. The Town, County and local businesses worked together to pull off the biggest event of the year. Clean up crews kept the place looking good.

Sept. 22 a The 4 or 5 volunteers that spent the last 10 months putting the Big Apple together, did well.

Sept. 22 a People came, had fun, wore smiles, and enjoyed something big city dwellers couldn't even imagine.

Sept. 22 a On the down side....

Sept. 22 a For the Apple to grow, more parking is needed. An improved shuttle bus service, more structured and dependable, is the only answer.

Sept. 22 a When a volunteer tells a 4 year old sitting in a tree, that he's about to get his butt whipped (instead of talking to the parents) .... When vendors sell a product ( harmless snake) and the buyer is rough mouthed and threatened with arrest before he gets his product to the car... When law enforcement gives the local hotel double H and threatens closure if they don't turn down the juke box while all the time the main stage is blasting out a gazillion decimals... When a Big Apple organizer threatens to crack in the head of a local particpant... It may be time for the organizors to invest in "How to Behave in Public " public relations classes.

Sept. 22 a While we were zereoed in on picture taking, on Saturday, not related to the Big Apple, one 28 year old female resident of Whiskey Hollow (behind Ginos) overdosed and died. Another report of an OD victim came from the Northern end of the county.

Sept. 22 a We haven't added to our PHOTOS page in over a year. If all goes well, we'll do a Apple Festival addition early this week.

Sept. 22 a Gardens are about gone. Trees are starting to show their Fall colors. Those summer tans are starting to fad. Sweaters and jackets are seen more often than not in the evening hours. With WYAP Summer Jams finished for 2008, with the three Small Town America Celebrations behind us, and now the Big Apple in the history books, we're about to settle down for a long cold winter.

Sept. 21 aWe're still doing the Big Apple thang.

Sept. 21 a Updates and weekend wrapup coming late this evening.

Sept21 a The final day of the festival is a much more laid back affair.

Sept. 21 a Get those rug rats out of the house and over to the kids games this afternoon.

Sept. 21 a Balance of the schedule is over on the ADVISORY page

Sept. 20 a Hello Angie in Stockton CA. Glad to have you aboard.

Sept. 20 a In addition to the Apple Festival, or if you don't like the crowd, don't forget molasses making compliments the Rhodes family down near Varney Town on Rt 4.

Sept. 20 a With warm dry weather expected, today is the biggy for the Apple Festival. From 9 this morning until late tonight, something to do for the entire family. See schedule on the ADVISORY page.

Sept. 20 a Not so impressed with carnival rides, traffic slow downs, crowds and loud music? Try an evening under the stars at our outdoor drama, Solomon's Secret. Show starts at 8pm at the old boy scout camp on top of Dundon Hill.

Sept. 20 a 5 term ex elected official Randy Schoonover was at the Festival yesterday. We had a few minutes to talk with the ex Senator. He said many of his woes in the last couple years were related to his drug addiction problem which, according to Schoony, came after his ATV accident.

Sept. 20 a He said he had kicked the habit, was out of the court system, was thinking clear once again, and glad to be back in the real world. Hope that is the case. Great to have you back Randy!

Sept. 19 p So far this year 188,539 people have walked over to this site and had a looksy. Tuesday we had 1777 visitors. Not a record but a very strong day none the less. Most viewed pages in ranking: News followed by classifieds, obituaries and events. Thanks each and every clicker.

Sept. 19 p For this Friday afternoon, for those that say bad guys get away with everything.

Sept. 19 p On Monday Judge Alsop sentenced Tommy Young Jr to 6 months to 2 years in Anthony Correctional Center for Youthful Offenders. With the sentence deferred and if Jr makes it thru the Anthony program, probation remains. Conspiracy charges were levied at Young for his part in the heist of a bull dozer out Widen way.

Sept. 19 p Remember the Snuffer guy arrested on wanton endangerment. He received 2 three years terms in the slammer.

Sept. 19 p Jeremy Salisbury plead down from stealing that dozer with Jr. This week he was sentenced to 1 to 10 years in the slammer but was allowed to remain on home confinement and take drug rehab classes. Screw up one more time and he's in the big house

Sept. 19 p Tracy Sizemore called in bogus prescriptions over to Rite Aid. Her 1 to 4 year sentence in the pen is suspended and home confinement was ordered by the Court.

Sept. 19 a Tonight the Clay County Panthers take on Sissonville in home field action over at Schoonover Bradley Field beside the school. Kick off is 7:30p. Go Panthers!!

Sept. 19 a For shut ins and others unable to support the team from the bleachers, 101.7FM will sportscast the game.

Sept. 19 a Each year the Apple folks hide a small gold apple, give clues, and the lucky person that finds it, wins $50. With only one clue given, Mariah Baird found the apple in the flowers in front of the stage. We have a winner!

Sept. 19 a Complete schedule of events on our EVENTS page and the apple web site.

Sept. 19 a We'll post the courtroom sentences later today.

Sept. 18p The Apple Festival crew has downtown ready for the 35th running of the great family draw. Tonight Shelly Moore Capito will be town for the grand opening at 6pm followed by Karaoke Finals. Great West Virginia talent in the spotlight tonight.

Sept. 18 p Here's the first clue for the Golden Apple Hunt: I get all the attention. I will be traveled across many time before the weekend is over.

Sept. 18 p With the Festival just getting started, all the volunteers appeared poised and ready for the fun. Except one

Sept. 18 p That one is Leonard "My Good Buddy" Williams. Around 2:15, on Main Street, in front of the Demo headquarters, Williams spotted the ace cub reporter. As he strutted by Waddell, Williams said, " I'm going to crack your head in before this weekend."

Sept. 18 p As a matter of fact, two steps later, he said it again.

Sept. 18 p With a look of amazement, nearby Don Gill: What did he say? Was he kidding?

Sept. 18 p In reply, Williams to Waddell, " DO you want me to tell you again!!"

Sept. 18 p Maybe it's his years of dismal failure on the Business Development Authority or getting tossed out as an elected Town official, or maybe someone pooped in his oatmeal, whatever the case, Leonard Williams remains a bitter little man operating in an out of control manner unbecoming of any person and certainly bad, sad, pitiful, as one of the leaders of the Apple Festival. What a way to start the festival!

Sept. 18 p By the way, the Leonard Williams Welcome Center behind the old IGA store is open for county seat business.

Sept. 18 p The prize for finding the golden apple is $50

Sept. 18 a Hello Bill White in Iowa. Bud says Hey

Sept. 18 a From the email bag: Please join us during the Apple Festival, on Saturday, Sept. 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for a good sit down home cooked meal at Carol's Crossroads Rest. @ Maysel, Rt 4 & 36. Menu: N.Y.Strip, 1/2 Rack of BBQ Ribs, 1/2 Chicken, Italian Sausage and Reuben on Marble Rye.

Sept. 18 a Today is the first night for the 35th running of the Big Apple. The featured show tonight is area talent in Karaoke finals. If you attended the Karaoke prelims last Saturday, you know tonight's show will be a dandy. Full schedule over on our ADVISORY page and on the Apple web site.

Sept. 18 a For all intent and purposes, the Town of Clay shuts down today to make room for the festivities. Parking will be non existent Friday evening and all day Saturday for sure. There is a solution.... Park at Clay High and shuttle into downtown.

Sept. 18 a The VFW van (clearly marked) will provide shuttle service Friday evening beginning at 4pm and Saturday morning at 9a. With trips every half an hour, it's the only way to get close to the fun. Pick up spot at CCHS is near the mini auditorium doors. In town, the pick up/drop off point is the Farm Store corner according to Jack Jones with VFW 4419.

Sept. 18 a Think you're having trouble paying your power bill? Shares in the two largest independent US investment banks left standing – Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs – fell 24 per cent and 14 per cent, respectively, as the cost of insuring their debt soared, threatening their ability to finance themselves .

Sept. 18 a Think this is just a USA problem... The Bank of Japan injected 1.5 trillion yen (14.4 billion dollars) into money markets as financial markets saw more turbulence

Sept. 18 a Better be glad we live in Clayberry where the depression has existed for decades. Oh by the way, the Govt says we have a rosy economy in West Virginia with unemployment rates are the lowest in years. If you believe that...

Sept. 18 a Last night Clay Roane PSD did some things during the Emergency Meeting. The new Chief Operator and General Manager is Will Miller from Richwood at $17 per hour. Joey Moore and Cory Simms were hired for maintenance duties.

Sept. 18 a Long Time evening shift operator Bobby Burdette turned down the chance at being the Manager.

Sept. 18 a As a matter of fact, the Board voted to pay ALL operators $17 per hours... well except Jennifer Traub.

Sept. 18 a The $13 per hour Ms Traub turned in her resignation earlier this week. She'll be making a lng commute to WV Water Co. During the meeting, Clay Roane accepted her resignation BEFORE voting to raise rates. Does that sound like they dumped on long time Chief Operator Traub. Smell a little fishy?

Sept. 18 a Let's see now, the PSD received the A OK to raise water rates nearly 18% last month. On Sept. 10th, the WV PSC decided the methodology used in figuring the increase was bogus and is being reviewed now. What would be the best way to shore up the rate increase... maybe adding to the expense load.. maybe raising wages?

Sept. 18 a The Punkin Ridge water line extension project is under way. Some residents are all fired up over the lack of fire hydrants along the extension. Not one. Does that make sense to anyone?

Sept. 18 a Joe Lanham with the VFW has been the front man on the proposed war memorial in front of the old Courthouse. The project includes cutting down the last two tall trees in Town. Seems now he doesn't have the full support of the group. At issue is the loss of the trees and using ALL the VFW funds plus more they don't have.

Sept. 18 a How serious is the rift. According to the coffee house crowd, during last Monday's meeting, at least two of the members got into a fist fight.

Sept. 18 a While we're on a roll....

Sept. 18 a The school system does as they darn well please in many areas. When hiring, they make it a point to write the job specs to match their "pick". When that isn't enough, and perspective applicants call about an opening, the administration tell em: don't apply, we have someone else picked out. With the noodle backed personnel on staff (suction applied blue blood in the clique), about 99.9% of the time that works. Didn't work Monday night.

Sept. 18 a With an opening at Clay Elementary, the boy's club had a special pic they wanted. Joanne Metheney, who had the seniority and credentials, wasn't that person. Despite the gantlet of no no no, having to interview for a position, not backing down, and with the support of a WVEA rep in attendance, Metheny made em show their hand. After a lengthy secret time, Metheney was hired for the spot.

Sept. 18 a With good backbone and the law on her side, the School System's back door methods didn't work. Seniority, something teachers worked years to get, prevailed.

Sept. 18 a If others would grow some rigidity, we might come into the 21st Century for real.

Sept. 18 a Enjoy the Festival. Posts and pictures as we get em.

Sept. 17 Late a The most up to date Big Apple Schedule is in the current Communicator, now on the new stands.

Sept. 17 Late a Like baking bread? Details on the Apple Festival's yeast bread making contest , now on our ADVISORY page along with a new press release by Terri Lively.

Sept. 17 Late a The five year old rubber roof on the Health Dept building leaks big time. So bad, it has to be replaced ASAP. Last night the Health Board met in special session to OK the soon to be advertised roof replacement bid. The ad asks contractors to price just one type of roof leaving out newer approaches to keeping the wa wa out of the Main Street Clay building which houses the 911 Director, Health Dept and Ambulance Service.

Sept. 17 Late a Commissioners Fran King and Peter Triplett were in attendance at the meeting. Both encouraged the Bd to take legal actions against the company that installed the suppose to last nearly forever roof just five years ago. Both felt the reason the current roof leaks is due to contractor error and not product failure.

Sept. 17 Late a Clay Roane PSD is in crisis. Long time Chief Water Operator Jennifer Traub resigned Tuesday leaving the water provider with just Bobby Burdette to treat water 16 hours per day, seven days a week. Last week two maintenance men resigned.

Sept. 17 Late a During last Thursday's monthly meeting of the Board, Office Manager Chrystal Hayes (that's Chrystal McKinney but with a new last name) received a $1.27 per hour wage boost. Traub and the maintenance men left for better paying jobs. Maintenance personnel are a lot easier to find than Class II water operators.

Sept. 17 Late a Tonight at 7pm the Clay Roane Board will meet in emergency session, 7pm, to figure out what to do.

Sept. 17 a We're selling a 4' by 5' light table for $30. Can hang on the wall or set on a table. Interested? Bring your pick up to our office Wed afternoon and load it up.

Sept. 16 p The Federal Reserve added $70 billion in reserves to the banking system, the most since the September 2001 terrorist attacks, to reverse a surge in borrowing costs sparked by the collapse of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc

Sept. 16 p From the Wall Street Journal: Stock prices fell, derivatives markets froze and investors sought the safety of government bonds as traders and investors struggled with the implications of a weekend that saw the end of two Wall Street giants. By day's end the Dow Jones Industrial Average had suffered its biggest percentage drop in more than six years. The Dow fell 504.48 points, or 4.4%, to 10917.51, its lowest close since July 21, 2006, and 23% below its record close last Oct. 9.

Sept. 16 p Recession or depression. What's the only difference between now and the Great Depression? Today those living on SS, SSI, and or disability checks are keeping the country alive

Sept. 16 p Everybody, all at once, Thank You Dubbya

Sept. 16 p We also have a crisis closer to home. Queen Shoals PSD is ready to collapse with a 14,000 gallon a day wa wa leak. Clay Roane PSD has NEVER operated in the black. They have been struggling since the git go. It got worse today.

Sept. 16 p Today long time Chief Water Operator Jennifer Traub called it quits and turned in her resignation. She's heading for employment with WV Water Co.

Sept. 16 p Last week both maintenance men quit. Clay Roane's part time fill in water operator retired a while back.

Sept. 16 p The plant operates 16 hours per day on the average. With Jennifer out of the picture, that leaves the work load on night man, Bobby Burdette. Overtime wages for Burdette should further drive the PSD in the hole.

Sept. 16 p An emergency meeting of the Board is scheduled for Wed evening at 7pm.

Sept. 16 a Beatrice Locy Keener, 98, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 16 a From the email bag: We would like to wish Miranda Gale Taylor a very Happy 15th Birthday!!! We Love you Miranda! Mom & Samantha

Sept. 16 a Revisions to the Big Apple Schedule are now posted on the ADVISORY page.

Sept. 16 a The Communicator will be held up until this afternoon so we can include the new 08-09 Tourism Map and Directory of services. Distributors in four counties should have the latest edition and the new maps by 4 pm.

Sept. 16 a The school system works behind the scenes to get who they want in the job of choice. They're good at it too! When qualified applicants call to apply they are simply told, we already have someone for that job or it's not to your advantage to apply or more bluntly: DO NOT APPLY

Sept. 16 a Didn't work that way last night during the School Board meeting. Full details in the late night post.

Sept. 14 p Happy 32nd Birthday Aaron Williams

Sept. 14 p Happy Birthday Ronald Dobbins from Vickie

Sept. 14 p Hello Edna over at Two Run

Sept. 14 p Last week was kind of wild at the Courthouse. No not the usual politician stuff but out of control ball bat wielding adults yelling and cussing on Monday. Later in the week came a report of an irate lady carrying a gun in her purse in the Courthouse. Both incidents brought out the Badges.

Sept. 14 p Leonard Williams has been in the news cycle for the last couple weeks. Maybe taking his anger out on the entire county and the radio station is what it takes to get notice in Clayberry. This week, Town crews ran the long awaited sewer line to William's rental trailer up on the hill behind Ginos

Sept. 14 p During Wed's Commission meeting, our elected folks gave the green light to cutting down the last majestic evergreens on Main Street IF the VFW gang: comes up with the needed $$ for their new war memorial; produces a blue print of the changes; and, shows the CCC a picture of the revised war memorial. According to the spokesman, the VFW has raised $16,000 toward the gazillion dollar goal.

Sept. 14 p Also on Wed Tim Hopkins from the Library Board asked for additional funds to be used to hire a professionally certified librarian. County Commission said Yes to providing more monies but wanted the hire to be from the local market with less emphasis on a Masters degree in Library Science and much more attention to be given for longer hours of operation and activities.

Sept. 14 p Finally from Wed, according to Jimmy Kearns, Queen Shoals PSD is broke, can't last another two months, and they are losing 3/4's of their water due to a major leak or leaks. CCC agreed to providing $10,000 in leak detection equipment like meters and valves

Sept. 14 p Friday night the local radio station hosted the final Friday Night at the Drive In movies. The placed was packed with parents and little kids for the kiddy movie followed by a Jack Nicolson classic, Anger Management! Unlike Commissioner Slinky's grant funded initiative (Movie and a Condom) at CCHS a couple years back, this one worked.

Sept. 14 p Saturday afternoon 50 bikers roared into downtown Clay for a get together at the newly reopened Henry Clay Hotel. They came to town, spent money , and left. Now that's tourism at it's best. What a pity, NO other store was open Saturday afternoon to enjoy the benefits of new out of county money.

Sept. 14 p Sunday afternoon, word spread, gas prices were going up up and up some more. We reacted just as big oil wanted us to. Over at Go Mart in Clay, long lines were seen as gas tanks emptied.

Sept. 14 p 50% of USA oil comes from Canada NOT up thru the Ike lands down South.

Sept. 14 p Nina Morton Murphy, 97, of Lizemores, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 13 a Helen Louise Davis, 73, formerly of Maysel, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 13 a Happy Birthday to Jana Elliott of Lizemores... she turns the big 50 on Saturday, September 13...... Have a great one!! Love your Family, Earl, Jason & Ashley, Justin & Christian, Sara & Buck, Hannah, Eli, Landon, Lakyn, Madyson, Buck & Drew

Sept. 13 a We posted a fairly nasty, out of touch with reality email yesterday. We received a bunch of kinder comments. Here's one: Remember “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival ? “Some folks are born made to wave the flag Oooh they’re red, white and blue And when the band plays “Hail to the Chief” They point the cannon at you”

Sept. 13 a Thanks for the supportive emails and even Mr Nasty, hollier than tho guy, retired from the Navy, CSS who wouldn't provide his name.

Sept. 12 a Tonight, if it's not raining, the main feature over at the WYAP "Opten" Drive In Theater, after the 8pm kiddy movie, "Anger Management" with Jack Nicholson.

Sept. 12 a Also, a fundraiser Basket Bingo tonight with proceeds going to Special Olympics.

Sept. 12 a Don't forget the Karoake Competition Saturday at 2pm over at CCHS mini auditorium

Sept. 12 a Then on Sunday, the BC&G RR is hosting a Taste of Clay at the campground. Details on all three over on the EVENTS page.

Sept. 12 a First a good info email: The CCHS golf team defeated Braxton and Roane County on 9-7-08. Clay's top 4 scores totalled 174 and Josh Lively was the low medalist turning in a score of 38. Clay's record is now 7 wins and 3 losses. Coach Kearns

Sept. 12 a And then a poopbutt email: AW I think for one time if you could get you Head out of Your A**..and act like an American citizen.. And be Proud of the Country that allows you to write and Print what you want to .. You would know for WHAT.. I spent 30 years of my life defending this Great Country in the US Navy,, How many years did YOU Spend in any Branch of the Services.. I’m guessing NONE.. But you will probably be the first in line at age 62+ asking for your Social Security Check.. YOU didn’t earn it .. So don’t ask CSS USN Retired

Sept. 12 a I think that's another satisfied emailer! Glad to have you aboard matey!

Sept. 12 a If you head over to the WV PSC web site a couple interesting entries dated Sept. 10th

Sept. 12 First on the Town of Clay. Sounds like the new town water plant is in jeopardy over some missing public notice forms not submitted to the oversight folks in Charleston. Here's the case number: 08-0586-W-CN Hello Jim

Sept. 12 a Also, that recently approved 17.7% water rate increase given to Clay Roane PSD. it too may be danger of being rescended. Sounds like the amount of for the increase was NOT based on current PSC guidelines/policy. Here's that case number: 08-0295-PWD-19A

Sept. 11 p Opal M. Boggs, 86, formerly of Clay, died Sept. 9, 2008. Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, is in charge of arrangements. Complete funeral notice as soon as it is posted.

Sept. 11 p Mary Lou Barnette, 74, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 11 p William Bryan Griffith, 86, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 11 p Tonight at 7 the Clay Roane PSD meets in regular session at the Procious Wa Wa Plant on Elkhurst Rd.

Sept. 11 p The Communicator will make the news stands Monday evening. Deadline for submissions is Saturday afternoon. Email your stuff ASAP.

Sept. 11 p We hyped up the Henry Clay Hotel as a place to stay during the Big Apple coming next week. How about those wanting to camp. Try the JG Bradley Campground for a close to downtown Clay experience, 304 587-6055

Sept. 11 p There are several gems from Wed's County Commission meeting

Sept. 11 p First , using a new angle, Joe Lanham got the green light to cut down the last remaining tall evergreens at the old Courthouse to make room and build a war memorial. The OK came with some strings. The black granite memorial can be built if and ONLY if, Lanham: gets full funding for phase 1 of the project and provides the CCC full plans plus artist rendition of the misplaced project.

Sept. 11 p It shame to cut down something beautiful considering so few trees are left in downtown. According to Mr Lanham, Historical Society Chair Jerry Stover gave the A-OK on the destruction.

Sept. 11 p Library Chair Tim Hopkins appeared before CCC seeking funding for the county's only public library. Hopkins asked for $$$ so they could pay a higher salary to the sooon to be hired Librarian. With Hopkins explaining the need for a person with a Master's in Library Science, the Commissioners thought different. The message from Kookla Fran and Ollie: we can provide additional funding for the Library but they ain't about to spend it on a high dollar, out of state, person. CCC seemed to be wanting a person with leadership and organizational skills, someone to take charge of the little used facility and turn it into a place full of activities, the center of the community.

Sept. 11 p Queen Shoals PSD Chair Jimmy Kearns brought an urgent message to the Commission meeting Wed. The PSD is ready to shut down. They're spending much more money than they're taking in. The problem. Last month they spent $6700 of their $7200 income on purchased water. Why so much? 3/4's of the purchased wet stuff went out on the ground in the form of leaks. In response, CCC agreed to pay $10,000 for new leak detection gear like valves, meters, and labor to do the installs.

Sept. 11 p Calls came yesterday of an irate woman with a gun in the Courthouse. Mayor Brown responded but found no weapon on the suspect.

Sept. 11 a Estel Joycie Rose, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 11 a Katherine Cordelia Holcomb, 81, of Bickmore, see OBITUARY page

Swpt 11 a A morning to remember. Where were you seven years ago. Where did you watch the towers fall.

Sept. 11 a Seven years later we're still at war with with the wrong country. 5000 young American men and women lost and for what?

Sept. 10 p Happy 14th Birthday to Deleware's Harmony Duffield from Great Aunt & Uncle Chris, Alley, Abby & Telina

Sept. 10 a Happy 14th Birthday to Deleware's Harmony Duffield from MAMAW MARLENE back here in the mountains.

Sept. 10 a First something we forgot to mention yesterday. We posted the ball bat carrying men coming out of the Courthouse fuming and cussing, What we forgot to mention, as the Badges were hustling outside, Commissioner King took strong actions herself. Over in the corner, looking out the window, for safety sake, Fran turned a flower pot upside down and put it on her head, a helmet. Wouldn't a picture be sooooooooo nice.

Sept. 10 a Big Otter Fire Dept received their official Bingo license and will be in the fundraiser business this winter.

Sept. 10 a From the email bag : The Big Otter Fire Dept is in desperate need of metal folding chairs. Preferably free or very cheap. Anyone that can help, please call BOVFD at 286-5814 or the Secretary 651-1364

Sept. 10 a Sounds like the Lizemore Ambulance Service had a blow up during a meeting with long time volunteer and organizer Earl Elliot walking out. More as we get it.

Sept. 10 a We hyped up the food at the recently reopened Henry Clay Hotel but forgot to mention the carry out and room reservation number which is: 304 587-2894.

Sept. 10 a Two guys are drinking in a bar. One says, "Did you know that a moose has sex 10 to 15 times a night ?" "Ah crap," says his friend, "and I just joined the Masons!"

Sept. 9 a George Cleo Morton, 88, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 9 a Emmabelle Kathryn (Brown) Rose, 72, of Bickmore, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 9 a The Library Board meets tonight at the Main Street facility. Looks like they're about ready to make a decision on who will be the next Librarian.

Sept. 9 a County Commission meets Wed morning at 10 am.

Sept. 9 a Clay Roane PSD meets Thursday evening at the Procious Needing to be Closed Water Plant. Agenda over on ADVISORY page.

Sept. 9 a From the email bag, we just got it: CHRISTMAS APPLICATIONS WILL BE TAKEN ON SEPTEMBER 8 - OCTOBER 10, 2008 AT THE CAPITAL RESOURCE AGENCY 162 1/2 MAIN STREET, CLAY WV THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS WILL BE REQUIRED: * PERSONAL PHOTO ID ; SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS FOR YOU AND EACH FAMILY MEMBER; *BIRTH DATES OF ALL FAMILY MEMBERS (BIRTH CERTIFICATE, MEDICAL CARD, ETC); *PROOF OF ALL DEPENDANTS; *PROOF OF INCOME & EXPENSES OR LETTER FROM FOOD STAMP OFFICE

Sept. 9 a Pretty wild day in downtown Clay. Badges were out chasing students skipping school. A fight broke out at the Courthouse. Something about a young man swiping a baby from the Mother's arms. Upstairs in the Courthouse, out of uniform Jack Brown told Tommy Young to stay put in the Circuit Court's office. Three others came cussing down the steps and out the front door. They used the F word over and over as they yelled something about Murder Mountain not scaring them one bit.

Sept. 9 a Top Badge Randy and Deputy Jim Paxton did the fast shuffle across Main Street over to three young lads waving ball bats.

Sept. 9 a Next a call for some lady that downed 140 prozacs. That's enough to kill a horse. Get this, didn't sound like she was taken to the hospital!

Sept. 9 a Not sure if related or not, last night at 10:20 came scanner traffic of a person needing assistance and reports of more ball bats readying for use on the Pisgah Bridge.

Sept. 9 a And, it's not even a full moon until the 29th!

Sept. 9 a West Virginia has made it to the top of another list: West Virginia has the highest rate of tooth loss in the USA, with a third of residents 35 or younger having lost at least six permanent teeth.

Sept. 9 a How about Ford that gets 65 MPG and they won't import it to the USA.

Sept. 9 a Lets see now, in early July, oil was $147 a barrel. Yesterday it sunk to $106. That's a fall of almost 30% in two months. But yet, look at the gas pump. Anybody else scratching their heads? Did you know OPEC controls just 40% of the world's oil supply but has total control of the market. Hmmmmm...

Sept. 9 a Fannie and Freddie have a $14 billion loss in the last 12 months. "You can call it a bailout, you can call it a safety net or you can call it a rescue package, but the bottom line is the American taxpayer is left footing the bill," says Richard Yamarone, director of economic research at Argus Research. America is not talking about a depression but....

Sept. 9 a Is your credit card or many credit cards maxed out? Borrowing by consumers slipped in July to the weakest pace in seven months, reflecting a big slowdown in demand for car loans.

Sept. 9 a And finally, trying to copy DVDs , you know, a back up copy for personal use? Here's some info.

Sept. 7 a Rosemary Lynn Canfield, 59, of Harrison, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 7 a Millions watched the RNC this past week. Prez Dubbya was only given 8 minutes of air time. Sure says volumes about the party in power and distancing themselves. Where was Cheny?

Sept. 7 a When you don't have much money, why pay attention to the banking industry? Bury your head in the sand? Banks are failing and bail out funds from the FDIC are spent. Now the people behind the banks, Fannie and Freddie, are being taken over by the Feds. That's more of your tax dollars to bail out something that should never have been allowed to go sour.

Sept. 7 a Unemployment up and the economy in the gutter, thank you W.

Sept. 7 a There have been 4,468 coalition deaths -- 4,154 Americans, two Australians, one Azerbaijani, 176 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, one Czech, seven Danes, two Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, five Georgians, one Hungarian, 33 Italians, one Kazakh, one Korean, three Latvians, 22 Poles, three Romanians, five Salvadoran, four Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians -- in the war in Iraq as of September 5, 2008, according to a CNN count.

Sept. 7 a Women with newly diagnosed breast cancer who get an MRI scan wait about three weeks longer before their surgery and are far more likely to get a mastectomy than women who have only a mammogram.

Sept. 7 a Locally, the lawn is tougher to cut, more like wire than grass. Tomato sandwiches are everyday affairs. People have to lock their car not for fear of thievery but to keep others from stuffing it full of squash. We switched from petunias to mums. Fall is here and we can feel it.

Sept. 7 a Tuesday afternoon Town Council came together in an almost civil affair. Even Llyn Drake was sitting close to the Mayor. Only Council person Betty Murphy went ballistic and walked out of the meeting. That came as a bitter Leonard Williams continued his juvenile "pay back" tactics. Pitiful actions from someone that could be so much more.

Sept. 7 a With nearly half the members absent from duty, the BDA met Thursday evening. They listened to an idea from Charles Showalter about building a small power generation plant on the FIlcon site. The Boardsters actually listened, paid attention, and asked questions. Here's about the only info was can find on Mr Showalter via a google search.

Sept. 7 a Demolition crews continued tearing down the old Dundon bridge. Only two sections remain on piers.

Sept. 7 a Over at Maysel, Ron Shamblin's flea market grew with more vendors. Inside the old camper company building, a second business incubator stall took shape. Folks over at the Henry Clay announced their plans to reopen the hotel end of the operation with plans to have 9 rooms ready to go by Big Apple time.

Sept. 7 a Scanner listeners heard the down side of Clayberry Friday morning as ambulance crews were not available to respond to shortness of breath call. Sheriff Holcomb was available, quickly got behind the wheel and did the driving side of the trip. A second call came in and Lizemores responded. The Clay ambulance service continues to be poorly managed and unable to handle the quick response needs of the county.

Sept. 7 a Around town, clean up efforts were ongoing to get ready for the Big Apple Festival coming in just two weeks.

Sept. 7 a Friday night WYAP offered a kiddie movie before the feature "Oh Brother" during the Friday night Drive In movie series in their downtown Clay parking lot.

Sept. 6 Late p William Carl Stewart, 60, of Maysel, see OBITUARY page

Sept. 6 a Wearing s scraggly beard and dressed in old jeans & T shirt, when you saw Carl Stewart coming, you knew you were in for an hour of story telling and insight on Clay County. One after another, stories flowed from Carl on everything from ancient Courthouse dealings to pee wee football efforts and on to molly moocher encounters of vast proportions.

Sept. 6 a He was often the go to guy for repairs or to get something done. Not a genius but a guy that could "see" where the problem was and figure out a work around solution.

Sept. 6 A year ago Maysel Baptist Church members were yanking out shrubs and giving the front of the building a facelift with flowers. With a rope around a bush and the other end hooked to a truck bumper, the greenery came out easy. That's until the knotted end of the rope got buried deep in the trunk of the shrub. Around the bound up knotted rope, five people , all with Masters degrees, all tried to figure a way to get the rope lose from the shrub. While all stood with questioning looks, Carl Stewart pulled out his trusty pocket knife, severed the rope, and the problems was solved. Simple, straight forward solutions!

Sept. 6 a Carl Stewart died yesterday while working in a hay field. Bet he wished he could tell one more story, I do anyway.

Septa 6 a From the email bag: We are so happy to let you know that because of the posting on your "Welcome to Clayberry" news section, we have Tagger home now. We got a phone call from Loretta Duffield who lives on Horse Ridge that a dog was at her house and that she remembered seeing "somewhere" that a dog was lost. She went through newspapers but found nothing and then she went online and looked where she found the notice and phone numbers on your web page and called us yesterday evening (09/05/08). Tagger is just fine except a few pounds lighter. He had been lost since August 28th. Had it not been for your posting our email, we may never have got him home safe and sound. This is just another example of the good things that have resulted from your community spirit and care for Clay County and it's people. Clay County is lucky to have all of you and we certainly need more people with the passion and dedication all of you have to work so hard to make our County a better place. We thank you and the Duffied Family from the bottoms of our hearts. Earl and Linda Given and Tagger

Sept. 5 p Tonight's the Oh Brother movie at the WYAP Drive In on Main Street. In the morning is the First Aid/CPR class over at the ambulance service. For those interested in the class, better call 587-2554 ASAP.

Sept. 5 p 8 days ago Joyce and Morgan Gibson were asleep at their home in Two Run. Someone, somebody's, came in and swiped cash. We had a chance to speak with Joyce yesterday. She said Mayor Brown recovered the cash but so far, no arrests have been made.

Sept. 5 p Had a real interesting Business Development Authority (BDA) meeting Thursday evening. A couple nuggets...

Sept. 5 p In attendance, Charles Showalter explained his plan to build a micro power station fueled by natural gas. His presentation went over very well especially when he told the group he wasn't after any $$$. The plan calls for a gas fired rocket engine driving the generator. Emissions from the engine will be collected, diverted to an on site greenhouse where saplings will benefit from the CO2 gas.

Sept. 5 p Showalter wants to buy the old Filcon site and put it back on the tax books.

Sept. 5 p Also from the BDA meeting, they're actually going to do something... we think.

Sept. 5 p In an attempt to grow local businesses, the BDA plans to hold an Oct 4th consignment auction in the old State Road garage at Two Run. Area businesses, crafters, and such will have a chance to sell their wares to the public with Kayo and Marlin Starcher doing the auctioneering work. Supporting local business, another first for the BDA

Sept. 5 p As for efforts to form another group, that's another stand alone BDA, they're H bent on doing that . as is the norm for the BDA, no progress was made last night. And Yes, they also want to take with them all the BDA $$$ and holdings.

Sept. 5 p Finally from Thursday's BDA meeting and according to BDA Chair Fran King, a Chinese family is very interested in setting up a new restaurant in the old Ginos building. Currently the building owner is doing a bunch of clean and fix up chores. King felt the Chinese family (currently with OVER 150 restaurants between the husband and wife) would be back in town real soon to make their decision.

Sept. 5 a From the email bag: Hi Clay County, I have been selling fresh picked corn from Nicholas County at Birch River Intersection. I have had several customers from Clay County and said I should send you an email to tell everyone in Clay County when I was going to be back. Well my little brain started clicking and your paper would be my best way to reach more people. I will be selling white and yellow sweet corn Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Birch River; I have to pick the corn every morning so I usually don't get down there until 12 or 1 o'clock. You will not be disappointed if you come down and buy a bushel or two. Thank you Clayberry , Mike Dodrill better known as Farmer.

Sept. 5 a From the email bag: Would you put a happy birthday wish for brother Fred in the news section for me? Thank you. Anna Belle Davis in Arizona

Sept. 5 a Happy Birthday Fred Sampson

Sept. 5 a From the email bag, belated: I would like to wish my sister Myrtle Jane Laxton of Clay a HAPPY 40th Birthday from Seattle Washington on September 3 , 2008 love ya Sister

Sept. 4 p The folks operating the Henry Clay are now refurbishing the upstairs hotel end of the business. Need a clean, neat, freshly painted, cheap, place to stay during the Big Apple? With nine rooms available, don't forget the Henry Clay Hotel in downtown Clayberry.

Sept. 4 p We notice some oriental folks eyeballing the old Ginos building at Two Run a couple weeks back. Now it looks like Homsetead Construction is cleaning out all the old junk in the building. Wouldn't it be nice to have a Chinese restaurant in Clay.

Sept. 4 p We still have old world agencies that swear their meetings to secrecy. Primary Health and CDC come to mind first. The School Board practices those same rusty notions by NOT posting a meeting according to Open Meeting Laws

Sept. 4 p Library With an interim manager in place, the place is being painted and some new carpet is on the way, Clay County's only public Library is coming into the 21st Century by posting meeting agendas ahead of time and providing local news outlets with the notice of meeting date and time. How refreshing!

Sept. 4 p See ADVISORY page for next week's meeting notice.

Sept. 4 a Clay County's lead economic development agency, the Business Development Authority meets this afternoon at 5pm in the Commission room at the Courthouse. They have an interesting agenda...

Sept. 4 a Down near the bottom of the posted agenda is mention of forming their own development group away from the public's prying eye and out from under the auspices of the Commission which appoints and can de-appoint each of BDA Boardsters.

Sept. 4 a Clustered in the agenda jargon is mention of opening their own bank account. That's a bank account for the new group. To open a bank account, you got to have $$$. The only money available to the new group is the $150,000+ in the BDA account. Hmmmmmmm.

Sept. 4 a Lets see now, state and county government donated the money to the BDA. Now a new, untested, splinter group, away from any and all government control, plans to take the money and do as they darn well please with the taxpayer paid for dollars. Does anybody see a problem?

Sept. 4 a Before we get back to the Leonardster...

Sept. 4 a CAEZ, another economic development group in the county held their annual dinner Tuesday night where they voted to pursue by-law changes. Those changes when fully ratified in October, will allow special and emergency meetings to be conducted over a telephone. Mention was made that the public could sit in on the telephone calls but still.....

Sept. 4 a Lets get back to our good buddy, Leonard. Someone asked how the guy could get so mad so quick. Answer, it ain't so quick.

Sept. 4 a 4 or 5 years ago, The Communicator printed a locally penned chatter that gave Elk Power ( Leonard's employer) real grief over poor management practices, reoccurring outages, poor equipment, tree limbs over lines, long delays in restoration of service, and a less than compassionate voice on the other end of the telephone when customers call in.

Sept. 4 a After reading the damning words, Leonard was livid. He tracked down that ace cub reporter at the triangle in Two Run and was ready to mop the streets with his head. About 24 hours later, the still hot Mr Williams came back and switched the cheaper to use standard electric meter to a "demand" meter associated with commercial operations. Result: higher electric bills, actually nearly double on the electric bill.

Sept. 4 a That was about the first time Leonard Williams showed his true colors to this newspaper.

Sept. 4 a Leonard Williams, Czar of the utility pole, has been miffed ever since.

Sept. 4 a Thinking back, Williams had nothing to be mad about except that the truth was in print for the first time. That truth was printed again more recently. That time it was the West Virginia Public Service Commission saying it instead of a local Elk Power customer. A few days after making public the truth, the PSC took four of the electric companies from the Musser family which still owns Elk Power in Clay County. That's right took em and put ownership into someone elses' hands.

Sept. 4 a Guess no one wanted anything to do with Elk Power and Clay County.

Sept. 3 a We spent much of the weekend taking in the Labor Day Celebration. Then came a bunch of typing time for yesterday's Communicator. Last night was time to crash out. Sorry for the slow updates

Sept. 3 a We plan to add a bunch of pics from Saturday's parade sometime today. It's easy to save any pics from this site. Just right click, hit save as, and put on your own puter. Git em while you can. They'll be gone Thursday.

Sept. 3 a In this latest edition comes mention of the spiteful ways of Clayberry Blueblood, Leonard Williams. To make sense of this next post, you need to get a copy of the Clay County's independent news leaders, the Communicator.

Sept. 3 a Last night Town Council met in regular session albeit a new, unannounced time, 4pm. It wasn't business as usual. Often warring with the Mayor, last night, Recorder Llyn Drake was sitting right beside the guy often slipping him a note and whispering other secrets, the stuff they don't want the public to know about.

Sept. 3 a Near the end of the meeting, Leonard "My Good Buddy" Williams spoke. He wanted to know why the local radio station was given special treatment on water and sewer hook-ups for the new Welcome Center. The radio station was hooked up for service June 30th after going without water/sewer for three years. He said the non profit group was allowed to hook up WITHOUT paying connection fees.

Sept. 3 a In the way of background, Williams has asked for a sewer hook up to a rental trailer he owns way up on a hillside behind the local Ginos Pizza place. Last Summer Mayor Brown told him, as soon as possible, the Town would run a sewer line up the side of a mountain, go around an old grave yard, and get him service. That hasn't happened yet. Mayors from the past have heard the same request from Williams and all decided, the hillside project was not feasible.

Sept. 3 a Williams is bitter over this site and The Communicator naming the Clay County Welcome Center (out door facility), the Leonard Williams Welcome Center. He's taking it out on the radio station.

Sept. 3 a Two weeks ago when he took down the WYAP Welcome to Clay banners from "his" utility poles, he said it was cause he was mad at the ace cub reporter, Andy Waddell, who volunteers at the station.

Sept. 3 a Williams is working a back door angle to screw WYAP. At last night\s meeting, after the Mayor confirmed connection fees were paid by the station, he all but called the Mayor a fibber. From the peanut gallery came confirmation that everything required by the Town had been paid. WIlliams wouldn't take no for an answer. When his good buddy Dwana Murphy finally found a receipt, he still didn't believe it.

Sept. 3 a Here comes the blueblood part clickers...

Sept. 3 a Senior elected official Betty Murphy was trying to hold her old guard clique together in support of friend and confidant Leonard. As the Mayor tried to explain how he prioritized projects, why Williams hadn't been connected, Big Murph was outraged and yelling, I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE UP TO!!!!!!!!!! With tempers flaring, someone called for the meeting to adjourn. After a few more words, Betty Murphy stormed out of the meeting. She was peed big time. She was turning blue under the gills.

Sept. 3 a The meeting didn't end, Mayor Brown said he wasn't finished and went on explaining the sorry condition of equipment and plumbing when he took office 14 months ago and what had to be done first, second, third and so forth.

Sept. 3 a Not sure if Big Murph was peed at Mayor Brown or the fact that her days as a power broker are gone. There was a time when Murphy's ticket included close buddies and relatives (Dwana, Zegeer, Clark, and others) on Council and could get about anything she wanted passed, ignored or not mentioned. With many of her aging or departed friends off Council, the political savvy Betty Murphy, has just one vote and that ain't good enough today.

Sept. 3 a With things not worked out ahead of time and not going her way, she had no choice but to storm out of the meeting in an attempt to save face.

Sept. 3 a The stomping his feet, can't get anything his way, with bottom lip drooping out, cry baby, Leoanrd Williams left too. Good.

Sept. 2 late p The anniversary edition of the Communicator made it to the news stands Tuesday afternoon around 4pm. 28 pages of info including a bunch of the Labor Day Celebration pictures.