December
2009
Dec 31 The staff at Delta Communications
would like to wish you and yours the best of New Year wishes.
Dec 31 p For those seeking puter
repairs, there's a new business to do just that. A+ Gaming and Computers
opened Wed in Jeff Davis' law office building on Summers Fork Road, the
one that leads to Lake Sampson. Open Tuesday thru Sat from 11 to 7pm, 304
587 2667.
Dec 31 p They're open right now and
ready for business.
Dec 31 p For those not celebrating
at the radio station party tonight some stuff to check out,,,
DEc 31 p Ever wonder how a gas
well is dug? Here's a link with slide show. Good reading.
Dec 31 p If you're a gas/oil well property
owner, here's a site explaining your rights.
Dec 31 p For those wanting a deal on
government surplus items. here's a pretty place to buy
about anything under the sun.
Dec 31 a Bobby Daren DeMoss,
45, of Clay, see OBITUARY page
Dec 31 a Last day of the first decade
of the new century.
Dec 31 a The Courthouse will be open
until noon except the County Clerk's office which will remain open
Dec 31 a Between holidays is usually
a quiet time for meetings and officials behaving poorly. The place is quiet
for now. Usually quiet just means the next dumb bunny act just hasn't become
public.
Dec 31 a Don't sit home tonight
watching some dumb rerun. Put on your dancing shoes and ring in the New
Year at 101.7's party being held at the Senior Center at Two Run. The nearly
famous Clayberry Ball drops at midnight. Be there or be square!
Dec 31 a Each year Delta Communications
selects a Clay County Person of the Year. Do you have know somebody that
has gone waaaaaaay out on the limb to help grow, develop, make our county
a better place to live, retire, grow a business? Email your nomination.
The announcement comes in the next edition of the Communicator.
Dec 30 p Fola Coal broke the law when
they violated Clean Water Act requirements to notify the public during
the permitting process. A lawsuit caught em up and Judge Chuck Chambers
revoked the permit to lop off the tops of mountains in County Clay.
Dec 30 p In response to the legal threat
Fola and elected politicians ran a media blitz to rally the troops and
sway opinion.
Dec 30 p Yesterday the Federal Court
allowed a stay of the shut down order. The already in use valley filling
permit will stand for another year.
Dec 29 p The Communicator made it to
the news stands around 4pm Tuesday. Our lead story is insight from Senator
Randy White on the proposed layoffs at Fola Coal. Pretty good reading!
Dec 29 p 11 days after the snow
storm, we think Clayberry is now back on the grid.
Dec 29 p FYI: Maybe a little
tardy but here's some consumer
report info on portable generators.
Dec 28 p Hello Mrs Perdue
Dec 28 p Happy Birthday wishes Terry
Duffield
Dec 28 p For those wondering, now 10
days after the mediocre big snow storm, there are still Clayonians without
utility service.
Dec 28 p All around good guy Darius
Arnold passed away 3 days before Christmas. His Obituary is now posted.
We understand Wed morning after the service there will be a fireman's memorial
as the funeral procession passes thru.
Dec 28 p We're typing up the Communicator
for Tuesday's latest edition. No new updates until we get that puppy to
bed.
Dec 27 a The last seven days have been
tough in Clayberry but we're making it
Dec 27 a 14 inches of snow fell Friday
night Dec 18th. With the white stuff went the electric service for most
of the county. Telephone lines faired much better with many able to communicate
with neighbors. An emergency shelter was set up at the HEalth dept where
upwards of 30 people were housed.
Dec 27 a Even with most of the snow
off the roadways by mid Saturday afternoon, dangling tangled power lines
mixed in with fallen trees blocking all the major arteries made driving
treacherous at best.
Dec 27 a Except for a couple gas stations
that operated portable generators, every business was shut down right in
the peak of the shopping season. Downtown Clay was a ghost town Dec
19 thru the 22nd. Food stores lost $1000s. Ditto for restaurants.
Businesses hoping for last minute sales were disappointed.
Dec 27 a Monday afternoon on the boob
tube, Elk Power manager Leonard "My Good Buddy" Williams informed us, it
could be as much as 2 weeks for some to get service restored. By Tuesday,
the town and some parts of Two Run were back in lights and heat. For the
rest of the county, except the far northern end where snowfall was light,
we survived but just barely.
Dec 17 a Closed schools gave the kids
and schools system personnel an extra three days to their Christmas break.
Dec 17 a Bad conditions didn't keep
the thugs away. Emergency generators used to power the roadside telephone
"slicks" were stolen. They broke thru the glass front door of Foodland.
Up on Triplet Ridge, arssholes stole RT Sizemore's generator.
Dec 27 a For many , Christmas lights,
music, and big family meals didn't, couldn't happen. Families still gathered,
exchanged gifts, and ate but most did so under candle, battery, lamp oil
light and with wood stoves supplying the needed heat. Fortunately temps
were moderate the entire week.
Dec 27 a With neighbors helping to
plow roads, cutting back fallen trees, hauling wa wa to those with
wells, helping to set up newly purchased generators, it was small town
America at its best.
Dec 27 a For few hours of relief,
many Clayonains escaped to K Mart or Wal Mart.
Dec 27 a The quaintness of an old fashion
Christmas wore off after about the third day without hot baths, TV, CD
players. We slept longer and got up earlier. Greasy hair without blow dry
enhancements was the norm. Either shower in cold water or stink.
We stunk big time.
Dec 27 a Contractors in huge utility
trucks spent days working to rehang the service lines. TV reported
that our county had the largest percentage of electric customers in the
dark. Over 80% the report noted. Clayberry set another record!
Dec 27 a Now 8 days later, many in
the county are still in the dark. One lady called today from Twistabout
reporting her power was still off. Elkhurst Rd still had power lines on
the ground Friday. The neighborhoods South of Bickmore still have spotty
service at best.
Dec 27 a Without tele, internet, electric,
juice to run our well pumps, we learned how slim the thread to the world
really is in Clayberry. While the world talks about cutting back on resources,
Clayberry was doing it albeit involuntarily.
Dec 27 a True true true the workers
spent hours restoring service, had the power line right away been properly
cleared, much ot the outage could have been prevented.
Dec 27 a We learned other things too...
We can make it with much less.
Dec 27 a We learned that we can
cut back on many of the luxuries. With Elk Power Co. increased
on Christmas Day (a nice present!) , we also learned, or should have learned,
how to fight back. Turn down those thermostats, turn off the un needed
power consuming items whenever possible. and wearing warmer clothing goes
a long way to keeping those new higher rate bills in check.
Dec 27 a Christmas 2009 is now on the
books. It was a Christmas to remember.
Dec 27 a The Communicator comes out
Tuesday afternoon. Deadline for submissions is Monday afternoon. Email
your chatters and other material ASAP.
Dec 23 p Much of Clay County
remains in bad shape 5 days after the Dec 18th snow storm.
Dec 23 p Those that have had power
restored are experiencing new outages.
Dec 23 p It's still a tangled up utility
line mess North of Two Run, Hansford, and Elkhurst Rd.
Dec 23 p Elk Power Co is now using
an answering machine to field their calls. That recording is upbeat but
reflects much work ahead for the local and imported repair crews.
Dec 23 p Without Christmas lights and
the sounds of seasonal tunes, this will be a holiday long remembered.
Dec 23 p From the email sack:
If and when Clay County gets the power back on and your site is up and
running. Please "Wish Mary Workman a Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas".
To the best mom in the world. love, Sharon
Dec 23 p From the email sack:
think we need to send an extra large smiley face to all of the crews (DOH,
Power Companies and phone companies) for all the hard work that they have
been doing over the past few days. I know that we get tired of sitting
in the dark, but lets not forget some of these crews are from out of town,
which means spending the holidays away from their own families to help
us out.
Dec 23 p True the folks are working
hard and long hours....
Dec 23 p Sure seems like properly maintained
power lines would go a long way toward reducing days of outages.
Dec 23 p One more update coming Thursday
before we go into Christmas break.
Dec 22 p A 14 inch snowfall shut
down County Clay.
Dec 22p Schools remained closed for
Wed extending the Christmas break a little longer.
Dec 22 p The Town of Clay issued a
Boil Water Order Tuesday for customers that draw from the Upper Maysel
water tank. Without electric to refill the tank, it went dry. Boil It First.
Dec 22 p By Friday Dec 18th, 11pm,
only the Northern end of Big Otter remained with power.
Dec 22 p By noon Saturday most of the
snow was gone from the roadways but the fallen trees and branches tangled
with utility lines made driving dangerous. So dangerous the Gov. told motorists
to stay off the roads. We didn't. Many escaped to the shopping malls in
surrounding counties.
Dec 22 p Without power, the Clay
Water Plant tanks depleted quickly. Costly portable generators were
brought in to run the main plant and the Maysel pump station. Unfortunately
other pump stations went without the generators and ran out of water.
Dec 22 p Other than one gas station
with a couple gas stations in the county, everything else was closed down.
Around the county only those with newly purchased portable generators,
the place was jet black.
Dec 22 p 18 residents from Anderson
Heights spent the three days in emergency housing staged at the Health
Dept building by the Office of Emergency Management.
Dec 22 p As of Tuesday night with many
in the county without electric, the telephone service spotty at best, municipal
water just returning, those with wells still trying to get by without,
attitudes got a more than a little narely. True the repairs have gone well,
but most realize trees growing in power line right of ways not cleared
back was the main problem. Over in the much bigger Nicholas County, only
3000 were without utilities according to Commissioner Jinx Hinkle.
Dec 22 p Sorry for the lack of
delays but like the rest of the county, without juice and tele service,
no updates were possible.
Dec 22 p County Commission meets Wed
morning at 10am.
De 22 p We'll update as we can and
include the Monday afternoon meeting with Gov leaders concerning the Fola
layoffs coming in Feb 10.
Dec 18 later p Bambi Jill
Boggs, 53, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page
Dec 18 later p Weekend updates as long
as the power stays on
Dec 18 later p Broadway Joe is coming
to town Monday. His schedule is posted over on the ADVISORY page. Tree
Hugger, coal worker or somewhere in between, here's your chance to have
your voice heard.
Dec 18 later p Around 9pm
great big slushy thick snow flakes filled the air along with dense
fog. Stae Road salt shakers applied treatment to already slippery blacktop.
Be careful
Dec 18 later p It's beginning to look
a.....
Dec 18 later p Found the location of
the bugs eating this website. So far they've been removed three times.
As a small operation, attacks are frustrating. One guy emailed and told
us the Charleston Gazette web site fell to an attack earlier this week.
Those folks have full time pros mantaining their portal!
Dec 18 Late p The Free Coat Give Away
scheduled for Sat at Lighthouse Baptist Church has been cancelled due to
the weather
Dec 18 p From the Clay Library: If
the roads are hazardous Saturday, the Library will be closed.
Dec 18 p How about a story on a former
Enoch, Robinson Road resident now doing good. Remember
Kevin Salisbury.
Dec 18p Weather predicters called for
rain just before the snow starts. At 3pm the rain began.
Dec 18 p CCHS Basketball games
for tonight have been cancelled.
Dec 18 p Postings this week have
included criminal actions over on Guy Mullins Road. This morning we said
if you're not willing to file a Badge report, they can't do nothing.
Dec 18 p We have an update....
Dec 18 p One of the residents phoned
to say that a Badge report was filed and nothing has done.
Dec 18 p More alarming is a second
update where this homeowner said she phoned 911 Wed moring while shots
were being fired at the home on Mullins Road and NO, NONE, ZERO, Badges
showed up
Dec 18 p As of 1pm, big gray clouds
overhead but no snow coming down
Dec 18 p This site was attacked Dec
16 at 3:57pm from URL 69.49.224.6. Unless your virus protection was up
to date, the attacker tried to download a malicious trojan, a "jar" extension.
This problem originated in Holland. The site was cleansed at noon and we
should be back to good until some !!@@ person does us in.
Dec 18 p With up to 12 inches
of snow expected, there's already one cancellation to report.
Dec 18 p The radio station's annual
Christmas Dance at the Senior Center (Two Run) has been rescheduled to
Wed Dec 23rd.
Dec 18 p Thursday night's special meeting
of the Bored of Education was very civil. At issue is looming budget cuts
if Fola Coal shuts down in Feb. Right now the school system is expected
to end the fiscal year over $250,000 in the red. The Bd is considering
options if Fola shuts down or cuts back.
Dec 18 p The idea of spending $2m to
remodel the CCHS gym, it's off the table.
Dec 18 p School service personnel's
request, demand, for Senate Bill 541 funds for each employee, that's also
off the table.
Dec 18 a We've had two clickers email
to say that some kind of bug was detected when they arrived at this site.
Not the same as the nasty i frame injection Aug. 26th, but for now, we
strongly suggest you keep your virus protection updated and enter at your
own risk.
Dec 18 a Also, if you spot some problem
please email us with what virus protection you are using and what it says
Dec 18 a 9:08 am Scanner traffic: Need
an ambulance, female stabbed in the neck by husband and bleeding profusely.
Dec 18 a Big time snow fall is expected
later today. Just the mention of such sends Clayberry into a tail spin.
State Road crews are positioning equipment for quick use.
Dec 18 a Two days ago the owner of
Energy Contractors called us to report a reward being offered for
a stolen truck and tons of tools stolen from his Weston office. The truck
was abandoned in the King Shoals area on the Kanawha Clay boundary line
according to Mr Sias.
Dec 18 a He asked us to post the news
and offered a reward for the high dollar Snap On brand tools and boxes.
We don't think we have to now.
Dec 18 a Last night Badges were heard
on the scanner retrieving stuff from Murder Mountain. One part of the traffic
referenced calling Lewis County Deputy Davis who is in charge of the investigation
up there.
Dec 18 a Isn't it amazing how the wind
blows so much stuff atop that ridge!
Dec 18 a In addition to shots fired
on Guy Mullins Rd this week, actually two incidents, and the Murder Mountain
retrieval, thugs stole a nice four wheel drive pick up truck from Braxton
County and a 30 foot travel travel from the Beckley. Both ended up in Clay
County.
Dec 18 a Piecing it all together, looks
like our county has two groups plying their trade. We have the industrious
thieves that steal big ticket items and a less ambitious group of two or
three druggies spending time raising H and using up stolen ammo taken from
Clay Lumber Company a few weeks back.
Dec 18 a For the second group
of thugs, locals see what's going on or at least part of what's happening.
Badges can do NOTHING unless those neighbors are willing to file a police
report.
Dec 18 a Most of us think nothing will
happen to the thugs but the fact is, unless we file those reports, Badges
have nothing to investigate. Time to step up to the plate clickers.
Dec 18 a We're expecting a bunch of
weather related cancellations as soon as the snow starts. Check back often
for the latest..... ahhhh.. unless the utilities crap out.
Dec 18 a Update that virus protection
too.
Dec 17 Late p Badges were on Murder
Mountain this evening and sounded like they retrieved some more wind blown
stolen items.
Dec 17 late p Midnight:08 Green
Shirt Bailey, We're going to need King's Wrecker one more time.
Dec late p Details by noon Friday.
Dec 17 p From the Census Bureau: The
United States has 308 million people today; two-thirds are non-Hispanic
whites. The total population should climb to 399 million by
2050, under the new projections, with whites making up 49.9 percent of
the population. Blacks will make up 12.2 percent, virtually unchanged from
today. Hispanics, currently 15 percent of the population, will rise to
28 percent in 2050.
Asians are expected
to increase from 4.4 percent of the population to 6 percent.
The projections are
based on rates for births and deaths and a scenario in which immigration
continues its more recent, slower pace of adding nearly 1 million new foreigners
each year. The point when minority children become the majority is expected
to have a similar delay of roughly eight years, moving from 2023 to 2031.
The population 85
and older is projected to more than triple by 2050, to 18.6 million.
The actual shift in
demographics will be influenced by a host of factors that can't be accurately
forecast — the pace of the economic recovery, cultural changes, natural
or manmade disasters, as well as an overhaul of immigration law, which
may be debated in Congress as early as next year.
Dec 17 a Ruth Simmons is under the
weather. Her family has set up a web page for comments and such. Here's
the link
to wish Ruth some kind thoughts this holiday season.
Dec 17 a With a newer war and Copenhagen
Summit occupying their time, there has been little news on the depression
this country has been in since early 2007. Here on the bottom rungs of
the economic ladder, we know it's a depression. No one wants to give
up their home. Here' s a link
on rising home mortgages that may make you think again about going
further in debt this Christmas season.
Dec 17 a Wed morning some tree cutters
found a once nice looking utility compnay truck in the outback at King
Shoals. Anybody missing a pick up truck?
Dec 17 a Some areas of the county are
well known to law enforcement as havens for out of control behavior and
drug dealing. Up until now, that's not been the case for the Guy Mullins
Road neighborhood in Maysel where things have changed real quick.
Dec 17 a A couple weeks back a thug
tried to steal a piece of construction equipment at a new home site.
Not so long ago a bag of spent drug paraphernalia was found along the road.
Dec 17 a In the wee wee hours
Wed morning (2am) shots rang out as a couple young men tore throw the area
on four wheelers blasting away as they went. 9mm brass was seen in front
of homes. So far no one has been hurt.
Dec 17 a Most areas just cower and
hope the druggies go away. With Badges unable to do much of anything, on
Guy Mullins Road, it's different....
Dec 17 a When the young thugs were
trying to steal the Bobcat loader, a nearby neighbor came out and opened
fire on the intruders who were driving an old gray lookin Jeep with a green
tailgate. During the early Wed morning firing spree, a different neighbor
came out on his four wheeler and chased the night time blasters over thru
Blue Knob..
Dec 17 a Even the slowest thinking
drug laced criminal will soon realize, coming back to Mullins Rd may not
be a wise thing to do.
Dec 17 a Interesting enough, Wed morning
around 2:30 am came scanner traffic of a self inflicted wound at the Sizemore
trailer park in Maysel (at the bottom of Guy Mullins Road)
Dec 17 a Clay Ambulance carted
a Murphy subject off to the hospital.
Dec 17 a As a side note... just a few
weeks back, the same week that pedophile Jim Knotts was sentenced to prison,
someone broke into his Clay Lumber Store and walked away with tons of ammo.
Dec 16 a Four pages of kids pictures
in the latest Communicator
Dec 16 a Belated birthday wishes to
Landon Humphrey
Dec 16 a The Gazette is reporting a
settlement in a case of police brutality originating just one county over
in the town of Montgomery. The amount of settlement comes to $500,000.
In the proceedings, one of the plaintiffs reported the officer, thought
he could do just as he pleased, "They felt like they could do what they
want.".
Dec 16 a Does that sound familiar?
Dec 16 a The Panthers took it on the
chin last night against Gilmer, 57 - 38. In the third quarter we only scored
6 points. Ouch!
Dec 16 a Our School Board is convening
a special meeting
Thursday evneing at 6:30pm to discuss how tough it's going to be with reduced
coal $$ coming into the county.
Dec 16 A few years back the Legislature
mandated that each county have a Master Land Use Plan which dictates the
use of land after strip mining operations are over. Last night this county's
committee met to revise the original plan from five years ago. The group
was told that state funding and manpower resources is in place for the
revision. The group elected Kenneth Tanner to be Chair and agreed to meet
again in mid Jan.
Dec 16 a There was no mention of Fola's
announcement to lay off workers nor the economic downturn which led to
the layoffs. Mentions included a new high school site, industrial zones,
nature buffer zones, and housing areas along a proposed highway to run
on the mine lands from Hartland to Rt 19 in Nicholas County.
Dec 16 a Fred Sampson had a pipe dream
idea five years ago to include a mile long grass strip airport for military
training exercises in the mine use plan. Around the county local leaders
just laughed and said the guy was getting soft in the head. Last night
came word that that very idea is being included in plans elsewhere in the
state.
Dec 16 a Nothing official but word
is spreading that Broadway Joe Manchin will visit Clayberry, Monday, 1pm,
Lion's Club building. As a guess, he'll say that he's doing everything
he can to undo the world trend toward modern mining practices and reduced
carbon footprint.
Dec 16 a With sadness in his eyes,
he'll leave the land of little and head to Florida for two weeks of fun
in the sun and the Gator Bowl.
Dec 15 p After a full night of
typing , The Communicator will hit the news stands around 4pm today. 24
pages of life in Clayberry.
Dec 15 p The High School ended up with
300 extra cases of fruit they're trying to unload poste haste.
Dec 15 p Red Delicious Apples and Naval
oranges are the items of attention and in need of a new home. By
the case, $28 for the apples and $25 for the oranges.
Dec 15 p Bob Morris will be at the
school today and Wednesday until 6pm to accommodate buyers.
Dec 13 late p Happy Birthday Elizabeth
Sampson
Dec 13 late p How about some
online
holiday decorating cheer.
Dec 13 late p D.J. from Maysel alerted
us to Clay
High receiving a bronze award from US News and World Report magazine.
.Here's the
criteria they based the bronze on. In the entire state there
were no gold or silver awards.
Dec 13 late p In 2007, Green Shirts
eradicated more than 44,000 pot plants across the state. In 2008, that
number was more than 140,000. This year pot confiscation's hit an all-time
high with 222,621 units of the top heavy, pod laden bundles of joy. Just
think how much went undetected and untaxed. No different than moonshiners
of old and just as ludicrous.
Dec 13 late p lots of folks are heading
to college. Record numbers as a matter of fact. Graduation rates
ain't so impressive. Many schools are only graduating 20 percent of their
students.
Dec 13 p Dave Walker has a new
article over on the ADVISORY page
Dec 13 p Without a doubt Harold
Allen is one of West Virginia's top guitar pickers in the state. Along
with Terri Lively they make up the group, 2Blue. Here's their My
Space page complete with a good selection of their tunes.
Dec 13 a From the last seven
days..
Dec 13 a Who hasn't Tiger slept with?
Woods gives a whole knew meaning to canoodling
Dec 13 a Some of us wait all year for
the Charlie Brown Christmas program. Of course we want to hear what Obama
De Bama has to say but come on !!!!!!!!!
Dec 13 a The topic on most everybody's
mind this week is Fola Coal's decision to shut down county mines laying
off nearly 500 employees, some of which are from Clayberry.
Dec 13 a Immediately came the cries
of THOSE D!!!! TREE HUGGERS!!!!!!
Dec 13 a Not even the brilliant words
of Robert
C could bring reality to the terse words. The truth is, arrogant Big
Coal blew it! Truth is, in this state, they had us by the short hairs and
thought that would be the case for the next 100 years.
Dec 13 a The world has changed. Dirty
coal is affecting our very lives and the world stage is demanding cleaner
standards. With only three states in the nation allowing mountain top removal.
That should tell us something.
Dec 13 a As Byrd called us to embrace
the future, it's no different than when other corporations fought back
on change, it's now our turn to take absolute dirty, law bashing
operations, and turn that around to something that works while protecting
planet Earth. It can be done.
Dec 13 a For those like Commissioner
Slinky saying they will apply pressure to keep things as they are, step
aside folks, the world won't allow it. It's time to step up to the plate
and make the necessary change.
Dec 13 a This past week our local
School Board showed their true colors when they treated peanut gallery
attendees like dirt. At issue was $180,000 intended to be given school
employees and instead diverted away to pet Board projects.
Dec 13 a Having heard enough, leading
the rude pack, RB Legg adjourned the meeting while comments were being
received.
Dec 13 a On a nicer note, our
county of little is preparing for the big holiday of the year, WInter Solstice...
just kidding
Dec 13 a Saturday morning volunteers
pulled off the annual Santa meet and greet for the kids. Over 100
of the ankle biters showed up for the treats, eats, and stuff to do. The
organizers were all volunteers. Once again they pulled off
a wonderful event and helped make Christmas special for all those in attendance.
Dec 13 a For those wanting to comment,
suggest, criticize, The Communicator is the place for that. Clay County's
citizen newspaper is The Communicator. Deadline for email submissions is
today at 7pm. This will be our Christmas edition. Great time to get
your Christmas message out to the public.
Dec 13 a Gift prescriptions make great
presents too.
Dec 12 a NOTE NOTE NOTE
Just talked to the folks over at the BDA Consignment Auction at Two Run.
They're starting their sales at 6pm. One hour earlier than has been the
case.
Dec 11 late p Roy Ivan
"Preacher" Harvey, 87 see OBITUARY page
Dec 11 p Stuff going on:
Bill Greathouse and ROcky Branch Bluegrass tonight at Big Otter Community
Center; Santa Claus at Lions Club Saturday morning; Want ta make some $$$$?,
Consignment Auction Saturday night.
Dec 11 p Tonight is the season opener
for the CCHS Panthers as they take on South Harrision in home court action.
Put on your gloves and long underwear and come out and support the home
team. For those unable to be there in person, 7:30 start time, 101.7FM
will be sportscasting the contest. Go Panthers!
Dec 11 p 16 degrees this morning at
8am. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Dec 11 How windy was it yesterday?
Blew off the new roll roofing on the Judicial Annex building beside the
Courthouse.
Dec 11 p How cold was it this morning?
Saw a beagle with jumper cables!
Dec 10 late p As of 10:30 Thursday
night is there is no mention of any Clay School closings for Friday on
the official school closure and delay web site.
Dec 10 late p Want a H1N1 flu shot?
See ADVISORY page
Dec 10 late p Got the latest from Senator
Randy White on the ADVISORY page
Dec 10 late p The results from the
Wed evening CCHS wrestling match guess where.. ADVISORY page.
Dec 10 late p from the email bag:
Just want to wish my dad & Grandpa James (Pistol) Rapp and very happy
birthday we love and miss you Chris, Chris
Alley & Abby
Dec 10 late p In the way of an
update from the morning post where RB proclaims, he doesn't care if he's
re elected or not.... voters can have a say in that decision.
Dec 10 late p Also from Monday's
School Board meeting... O Gene told his fellow Boardsters, weeks before,
upstairs, the Board had decided to give the school service personnel $125
out of the Senate Bill dollars.
Dec 10 late p Understand what he was
saying? Gene King made public that not so secret practice of the Board
making decisions during those often long secret times. By code, no decisions
can be made away from the public. None.
Dec 10 late p As most have known for
years, they do. So much for the Board setting the example of following
the law of the land.
Dec 10 late p During Wed's Commission
meeting Linky said pressure was being applied to keep coal mining as it
has been for decades in Clayberry.
Dec 10 late p Various news outlets
have been spraying : It's those darn environmentalists!!! Them and Obama
De Bama are killing us.
Dec 10 late p As spoken by Senator
Byrd , the truth is, times have changed and greedy Coal hasn't. Other than
taking from the W Va and leaving huge environmental damage, Big Coal will
change or be legislated out of business.
Dec 10 late Big Coal isn't taking this
threat to their bottom line lightly. With their massive war chest and influence
peddling methods, their cry is already being heard. Protect us folks. We're
good for the economy.
Dec 10 late p Ever hear other Corporates
beg for mercy. Big Auto said there is no way they could put seat
belts in cars. They did. Pollution control on engines? It can't be done!
It was. Air Bags? H no. No way! It would cost too much! They did
Dec 10 late p There's no doubt, the
Fola Coal layoffs are going to be bad for those Clayonians that work for
the outfit. Big Coal in this state has a long history of pulling
out and leaving us in the lurch. Nothing new this time around except a
more savvy public relations department.
Dec 10 p Much of Clay County remains
powerless as of noon today. High winds ravaged the entire county Wed with
strong wind gusts now. For those depending on electric for heating and
with temps hovering in the 20s now, it's tough in Clayberry with winter
just arriving. H E White Elem had power this morning and then lost it followed
by Big Odor Elem which also closed down early due to a power outage.
Dc 10 p Clay Elem kids decorated Christmas
trees at the Courthouse this morning. With snow blowing sideways, smiles
were a plenty. They had a blast.
Dec 10 p That wasn't the case during
the last School Board meeting where the always arrogant RB Legg was particularly
outrageous. The fired up part of the meeting centered around Senate Bill
541 which allows local Boards to provide extra $$$ to local personnel.
The law, bill, rule, does not specifically mandate the handout but with
40 some other counties understanding the intent, local school bus drivers
are beside themselves over the School Board withholding the extra funds.
Dec 10 p How fired up was the meeting,
at one point , Grinch RB said he didn't care if he got re elected or not,
he was there for the kids!. RB wants the money ($180,000) to be the local
match for a School Building Authority grant ($2m). That grant
would pay for a major renovation at CCHS where the gym stage would be removed
and coverted to a basketball court.
Dec 10 p On the side of school service
personnel, long time Boardster Gene King got all fired up yelling back
that he too was there for the kids, had always been for the kids, but many
of the long time bus drivers earn less than $20,000 a year, a whole bunch
less than the golden boy, Somber Super LArry Gillespie, who comes in well
over $115,000 counting all the perks.
Dec 10 p How fired up was O Gene? After
slamming his palm to the table, he walked out of the meeting.
Dec 10 p Oh by the way clickers. That
SBA grant for remodeling the gym... the one needing the $180,000 local
match, the money that was really intended for personnel..... Clay ain't
getting the SBA grant!
Dec 10 p The thunderous meeting came
to an abrupt end with retiree Dave Mullins trying to speak as RB adjourned
the proceedings.
Dec 10 p Full details in Tuesday's
Communicator. Your source for real news in the county of little.
Dec 10 p Fun entertainment in Clayberry
and with no cover charge. Attend a public meeting and bring your own popcorn.
Sure wouldn't want the $18m a year Board to have to pay for that!
Dec 9 p Light rain, heavy heavy winds
brought outages and failures in Clayberry. Updates coming IF the utilities
stay on the poles.
Dec 9 a Official word came word that
Fola is shutting down in Feb. The Charleston Gazette's Ken Ward has a more
in-depth article on what caused what to who.
Dec 9 a Truth is, Big Coal has the
run of the land forever and the Federal regulators weren't playing by the
rules and got caught.
Dec 9 a Does any of that sound familiar?
Dec 9 a Now for some real news....
Hawkie Keener has gone 290 days with a cig. Congrats!! We're proud of you!
Dec 9 a In their season opener, the
CCHS Lady Panthers beat Roane County. Nice start.
dec 9 a Bacil Hickman turns 85 Friday
and still going strong. Contrary but still going strong.
Dec 9 a News from the last School Board
meeting later today.
Dec 8 p Around 4 pm today we had a
glitch on the news page. Not a bug but a dumb bunny updater instead.
Dec 8 p Guess the Go Mart coffee
house crowd was right last night when they said Fola Coal was shutting
down.
Dec 8 p DOW JONES NEWSWIRES, Consol
Energy Inc. (CNX) plans to idle operations in West Virginia, expected to
result in 482 layoffs, after permits were suspended following a environmental
challenges to mountaintop-removal coal mining that led to the suspension
of its permits. The coal producer said the action affects workers
at the Little Eagle Coal Co. and Fola Coal Co. U.S. District Court Judge
Robert Chambers recently suspended Fola Coal's Clean Water Act permit for
the Ike Fork portions of its operations following an appeal by the Ohio
Valley Environmental Coalition. Without the permit, the company cannot
satisfy its coal sales contracts, Consol said.
Consol and Penn Virginia
Resource Partners LLC (PVR) were dealt setbacks last month when the judge
found that the Army Corp of Engineers failed to give proper notice when
considering two permit applications for the region, ordering the agency
to reconsider each permit after allowing for public comment. Limited mining
activities were allowed to continue for 60 days at the Nellis Mine in Boone
County and the Ike Fork Mine in Clay County as the Army Corp of Engineers
considered whether further steps were needed.
Environmentalists
contend that large volumes of rubble and other debris are created from
blasting off the mountains' tops, which among other things can bury miles
of streams. But coal mining companies say that the practice is cheaper
than traditional underground mining, and important to regional economies.
Consol shares were down 1.7% to $42.94 in recent trading.
Dec 8 p Money wise, taxbase wise, it's
a sad day in Clayberry.
Dec 8 a Lessie Jones, 85, see
OBITUARY page
Dec 8 a Nancy Brown, 61, of Ovapa ,
see OBITUARY page
Pre School parents are hosting a Bake
Sale today in front of the Courthouse beginning at 9am.
Dec 8 a Clay PSD, the folks that hand
out Christmas bonuses, will meet this morning at 11am. County Commission
meets Wed morning at 10. Clay Roane PSD holds their monthly gathering Thursday
evening at 7pm.
Dec 8 a Tonight the Lady Panthers will
be home game action over at CCHS. 101.7 FM will be sportscasting the contest.
Hey they still need some sponsors to make it happen.
Dec 8 a Wed at 6pm the CCHS wrestling
season gets under way with a four team home match.
Dec 8 a Don't say there's nothing to
do in Clayberry!
Dec 8 a By the way, nearly 1000 dead
tires, the ones that normally end up in a creek or over the hillside, were
collected Saturday during the Solid Waste Authority recycling day.
Dec 8 a Clay County, Corporate
America has yet to see the handwriting on the wall. The fact is, the day
of using dwindling supplies of coal for electric, well, those days are
almost over for two reasons. One, the supply of easily mine able mineral,
it's almost gone. And, two, the last of the reserves must be used for high
tech stuff like carbon wafer technology.
Dec 8 a Greedy corporate America is
pushing Congress hard but, the truth is the truth.
Dec 8 a Its taken a while but Congress
is finally getting something right on Healthcare for all. After a bunch
of internet searching, here's the
cleanest , easiest to understand update on extending existing government
run programs to the mass. Keep your fingers crossed.
Dec 8 a Word spread yesterday that
our only big coal company, Fola, was issuing shut down notices for everything
from the Prep plant to their deep and strip mines. Although unconfirmed,
sure it is real sad news for the families and bad economic news for County
Government, With high quality reserves left, down the road, once technology
kicks into gear, our county of little will be better off.
Dec 8 a One year ago today that ever
so handsome Mel Gibson look alike was in the middle of a quivering, barfy,
shaky spell. Once at the hospital, the folks in scrubs said, Yelp, that's
a heart attack (another heart attack) and No you ain't going home anytime
soon. By pass surgery came on the 11th.
Dec 8 a It took a few weeks to recover
but he did much to the chagrin of county leaders.
Dec 8 a Christmas feels much better
this year! AW
Dec 7 p Eli Hunter Hamrick, see
OBITUARY page
Dec 7 p Here comes a true story clickers....
Dec 7 p Two scientists, one from
Russia and the other from Czechoslovakia, came to Yellowstone Park to do
research on the varieties of bear. After a bunch of convincing the Rangers
agreed to allow the two in the back country as long as they cell phoned
in each day.
Dec 7 p After a few days the calls
stopped. Rangers from around the Yellowstone went in search of the Czech
and Russian scientist. When they got to the camp, the place had been ripped
to threads but no sign of the men.
Dec 7 p A big female Grizzly was spotted
less than half mile away. The Rangers knew what they had to do. They had
to kill and gut her to see if she had eaten one or both of the scientists.
After doing so and inspecting her stomach, one Ranger identified the remains
as the Russian fellow.
Dec 7 p Looking at one another, one
Ranger remarked, We have to find and kill the male. A second one nodded
and replied, Yelp, the Czek's in the male!
Dec 7 p Got ya.
Dec 7 a Harvey Franklin Hersman,
57, see OBITUARY page
Dec 7a No weekend wrap-up this time
around clickers. But have a couple snippets
Dec 7 a the Communicator reprinted
a Roane Reporter article concerning Clayberry's own Dave Hanshaw. The article
mentions Hanshaw did agree agree to testify against Tommy and Tommy of
Murder Mountain fame. About as soon as we read that, the first thought
that crossed our mind, that guy's a nut and will get killed as a snitch.
Dec 7 a Dave called us Friday and said
hold up folks.. his plea agreement was just that and that only. He had
NOT agreed to turn state's evidence in any way shape or form.
Dec 7 a Second for this cold Monday
morning.... Clay High Basketball action starts up Tuesday night with a
home game. 101.7 FM will sportscast each of the Panther and Lasy Panther
home games IF they can get some sponsors on board. $50 for the entire season,
about 20 games and four mentions during each.
Dec 7 a Short notice and close
to Christmas but sure would be nice to hear our athletes on the air. Call
em 304 587 8353 or email wyap@frontiernet.net
Dec 7 a School Board meets tonight
at 6pm. They even posted
the agenda ahead of time. How nice!
Dec 7 a Now if they could manage to
get the Basketball schedule posted before the close of the season.
Dec 5 late p Blaine Dale Moore,
78, of Bentree, see OBITUARY page
Dec 5 late p Oscar O. Bragg, 90, of
Ivydale, see OBITUARY page
Dec 5 p The High School scrimmage
game slated for this afternoon has been cancelled according to Ron SIrk...
I mean Droopy Drawers.
Dec 5 a May Day May Day!! Note
to those two guys that helped the picture taking lady out at Lake Sampson.
At 8 am this morning Linda called asking those same fellows to contact
her about saving another duck out there, a tame duck ready to be wiped
out unless the guys can catch it. Linda's tele number is 304 382-1434.
Thanks in advance.
Dec 5 a Welcome to Saturday morning.
Regulators seized
six more U.S. banks on Friday, bringing the tally of failures to 130
this year as the bank industry continues to suffer under the weight of
deteriorating loans.
Dec 5 a Want to go into business? Try
operating an electric utility company. Under W Va code, you are guaranteed
to make enough $$$ to pay all bills and then a guaranteed profit. Name
some other business that offers such pocket filling promises!
Dec 5 a Elk Power is a tiny electric
company that serves a portion of Clayberry. Owned by out of state
David Musser, our bills are out of sight since Elk Power purchases the
volts at commercial rates (no cheaper than say a coal mine does) and then
resells at even higher amounts.
Dec 5 a Here at bad news central, Elk
Power has requested another rate increase. This time they are seeking
a 15.63% increase for residents, 21.66% increase for small businesses,
and for municipal street lights, bend over Town of Clay, a 46.98% increase.
Dec 5 a So bad is their need,
they say the company will tumble
into bankruptcy without an IMMEDIATE increase, an increase that they
want implemented on Dec 25th. Nice Christmas gift for the second poorest
county in the second poorest state in the union.
Dec 5 a Already one lady has penned
a letter
of protest.
Dec 5 a Tumble into bankruptcy.....
wouldn't that be great. When our local natural gas provider was too
small to meet our needs, the W Va PSC forced a take over. Maybe tumbling
into bankruptcy would be the quickest solution for Clayberry finally getting
Appalachian Power in here with enough resources to fix up service and
at reduced rates, no middle man!
Dec 5 a Just a couple years back during
a PSC investigation, it was revealed the owners were taking utility dollars
and investing in gambling, the wordage said their management had operated
WITHOUT ANY regard to the needs of the customer.
Dec 5 a Tumbling into bankruptcy
might be the best course of action. Letters of protest on the rate increase
may help that process and convince the PSC to allow it. In the mean
time, if you don't need that light burning, radio playing, heater on 90,
turn em off!
Dec 4 p Look out your window. A bunch
of old tires laying around? The Solid Waste Authority is hosting a Tire
Amnesty Day Sat., Dec 5th at the State Road gravel yard. Here's your chance
to clean up the county and see the round trash recycled properly.... not
over a hillside.
Dec 4 p Also, Santa will be the Mountaineer
Mini Mall Sat!
Dec 4 p Cold temps and snow accumulations
expected this weekend. Winter is here.
Dec 3 p Delegate Dave Walker
has a new column over on our ADVISORY page.
Dec 3 p Construction (demolition actually)
should begin Friday on the old hardware building beside the new Courthouse.
Convicts will be tearing our old walls in prep of a new interior.
Dec 3 p Our County Commissioners will
be Charleston for a photo op in the morning as they smile and press the
flesh before receiving $90,000 to reroof both the old hardware and post
office buildings.
Dec 3 p During the Thursday evening
BDA meeting Chair Fran King said the long term goal is to brick the two
into one building with a facade to match the new Courthouse.
Dec 3 p Now if the two aren't
flooded away when the next door ravine are filled in to make rom for additional
parking.
Dec 3 p Details in the latest Communicator.
Good readin and only 70 cents.
Dec 3 p Friday night at 6pm is the
first time ever, all Christmas item, auction at the old State Road garage
at Two Run. Suppose to be all new items and everything related to the big
holiday
Dec 3 p Seems our paper towel door
knockers (see below) have really been making the rounds in the Northern
end of the county. Got quite a few emails including: The couple stopped
at my house on Monday afternoon. I was on my way out when they stopped
with their paper towels. It was an 8 pack of paper towels. One man
remained in the van while the other two came to the door. They identified
themselves as Brandi and Josh and stated they were starting a store in
Clay and would like to show me some of what they were going to have in
the store. I told them I was late for an appointment but they could
show me later. They never returned and I haven't seen them again. I never
got the paper towels either.
I am
glad you posted this, because we were supposed to be at the beach the entire
month of November, but decided to return home early for Thanksgiving, only
to find our garage had been broken into while we were gone. I thought
these people may have been returning to get more loot.
Dec 3 p And this one: I had
two guys show up at my house with paper towels to give me for
"just" letting them come into my home and demonstrate a few of the
"new items" they would be selling in their new business in Clay. Both were
young guys, the older probably late 20's the younger
I'd say hadn't been out of school long because he was wearing one of the
little class "keys" on a chain around his neck.
The older
said he was originally from Elkins... both were kinda grungy looking, and
for SOME stupid reason parked in my driveway and walked around to
the BACK of the house along the river in stead of the front of the house
along the highway. I told them I wasn't interested and to be on their
way. No way was I gonna let them into the house for any reason, especially
after taking the long way round back instead of coming to the front
door.
Dec 3 a Other than a big wind storm
and some rain, we thought things were pretty quiet last night.
Dec 3 3 a Wrong. From TV 3 News: A
man from Nicholas County is behind bars, charged with murder. According
to the West Virginia State Police, Richard White, 41, of Mt. Nebo, was
arrested Wednesday night. State Police tell WSAZ.com White got into an
altercation at Harvey Hersman's house along State Route 41 in Mt. Nebo,
and then later shot and killed him. The alleged crime happened around 10:45
p.m. Wednesday. Hersman was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 57 years
old and from Mt. Nebo.
State Police say they
found White at his house around 3:00 a.m. Thursday and charged him in the
death of Hersman. Investigators say other people were at the house
during the fight and there are other charges pending in the case.
Dec 3 p 
Richard White
Dec 3 a Tonight the Clay County Business
Development Authority meets in regular session beginning at 5pm, County
Commission room. With Jim Knotts in CRJ and wifey Katherine resigned, some
of the luster may be gone. Still.... some of the best entertainment in
the county.
Dec 3 a A week ago today we complained
about too much food, not enough Rolaids, the game went South or maybe not
enough nap time.
Dec 3 a Just received this email from
Llyn Drake: After being in remission for what we had hoped would be a lifetime,
my grandson Alec's cancer is back. Alec is 16 and a sophomore at
Ripley High School. He will undergo a very aggressive chemo therapy
for 9 weeks here at CAMC and then will go to Cincinnati Children's Hospital
for a bone marrow transplant. His younger brother or sister will
be the donor. My son and his family need everyone's prayers.
Dec 3 a After that read, we have nothing
to complain about. Prayers and wishes extended
Dec 3 a Bill Whitteker had the county
all fired up with promises out the whazoo of jobs, benefits, and rosey
future with his Panserco company moving into the county.
Dec 3 a Other than in his own mind,
that never happened and Whitteker has long tucked his tail and left downtown
Clay.
Dec 3 a He may be regrouping... or
at least his grandiose web site has
been revamped for his exploit in some unsuspecting town.
Dec 3 a Been receiving emails and calls
from the northern end of the county where a couple of nice looking people
have been out doing a door to campaign. Arriving in a van, the man woman
offer free paper towels as they lead up to a $10,000 air purifier sale.
Dec 3 a One fellow told us that the
couple seemed nice enough and mentioned they intended to open an operation
in the old IGA store.
Dec 3 a We asked a caller and one emailer
if they accepted the free paper towels. Their answer was No. Our response.
why not?
Dec 3 a Another caller said he let
the couple in as they went to the bathroom. Nothing was stolen he reported.
Dec 2 a The Communicator
made it out the door yesterday afternoon. Certainly not the largest but
without a doubt, good an juicy. Now in five counties and at your mailbox
in Thursday's delivery.
Dec 2 a Got a bunch of old junk tires
laying around? The Solid Waste Authority is offering a tire amnesty day
this Saturday from 9 to 4pm, State Road gravel yard at Maysel.
Dec 2 a Santa is coming to the Maysel
Mini Mall Saturday. The season is here!
Dec 2 a No big juicy reports from last
night's public meetings. Did pick something up from the Library Bd gathering.
Dec 2 a Strapped with tight finances,
magazine subscriptions have been almost none existent. The Bd is trying
to change that by asking businesses (or individuals) to pay for a year's
subscription to various magazines. How about you? Always nice to do something
good and here's a great opportunity. Call Sheila at 304 587 4254
Dec 2 a Clay High Basketball
kicks off next week. The local radio station plans to air all the boys
and girls home games IF they can come up with some on air sponsors. Cost
is $50 for the entire season. Great way to get your name out there.
Dec 2 a Need a job? See JOBS page.