August 2009

Aug 31 a Good morning Mr.Kelly G.
  Aug. 31 a As of last night at 10pm, for the month of August, for this web portal,  just the
facts ma'm
  Aug. 31 a The average daily visit rate was 2024
  Aug. 31 a The maximum numbers of visitors came on Aug. 17th with 2780. What was the
hot topic? Continuing coverage on the Murder Mt stolen goods might be the answer.
  Aug. 31 a The most viewed times in Aug. were between 8 and 9am and at 3pm
  Aug. 31 a The most viewed pages in descending order: Homepage, current news,
Obituaries, classifieds, and annual events
  Aug. 31 a The most viewed advertiser  Jeannie's followed by Norman Johnson at Country
Short Stop
  Aug 31 a Most downloaded picture this month: Clay County Cloggers
  Aug. 31 a How do people find this site? Here's the search string in descending order: clay
wv, clay county wv, ostrich, clay west virignia. Yes, ostrich was the number 2 ranked search
string.
  Aug. 31 a Only 12.7% of our clickers use Windows 8. Windows 7 wins hand down.
  Aug 31 a On the day of the drive by virus attack, Aug 22nd, we had 1812 visitors. By the
29th, visits were back up to 1792.
  Aug 31 a The largest month for viewing so far in 2009 came in Jan with 67,822 visitors.
Guess you hated the Obama De Bama commentary so bad, you kept comin' back for more.
  Aug 31 a Interested in the unvarnished truth on Obama De Bama's healthcare plan? From
Time magazine, here tis.
  Aug 31 a I know I know, we just did the google thing with ostrich and clayberry didn't
come up. Not sure how the web counter works but that's eactly what it reported.  Now go
back to work before you get caught goofing off.
  Aug. 30 p Very interesting stuff this last seven days...
  Aug. 30p County Commission voted to continue the process of consolidating local water
provides into one huge conglomerate. Commisioner Linky proclaimed that they were just
LOOKING at the possibilitiy and NO decision had been made in the matter.When asked
why? What's the advantage? There were no good answers.
  Aug. 30 p Truth is, the decision to consolidate everything was passed and approved by the
West Virginia Public Service Commission years ago. Truth is we've been draggin our feet
for 8 years.
  Aug. 30 p One thing is for sure, the gazillion cost of consolidating the three PSDs will be
born by the customers. Translation: higher water bills for sure.
  Aug. 30 p Larry Darryl and Darryl also heard from the volunteer fire departments upset by
service area boundary changes made by OES Director Pat Beets on Aug. 18th. According to
information provided during the CCC meeting. such a change can only be made with the
concurrence of the local Fire Chiefs. That didn't happen.
  Aug. 30 p More important, during the often heated exchanges came the first public mention
of  less than desirable ambulance performance by the Clay Ambulance Service. We've heard
it on t he scanner for years but this was the first public setting discussion of the service
taking serious calls without a paramedic on board.
  Aug. 30 p Not sure it's any better with the Lizemores Ambulance service where they often
take a call only to delay response by going in the opposite direction to pick up crew
members from their homes.
  Aug. 30 p Since the beginning of time, the challenges of operating emergency ambulance
service have kicked our butts. Nothing has changed.
  Aug. 30 p  Newbee William Whitteker held a meeting Wed afternoon for potential Panserco
employees. Over 40 folks were in attendance. He answered question after question. Each
response seemed to generate 10 more questions. He did provide 2 direct one word answers.
Yes he has the money to open up Aug. 1st and Yes the telephone answering contracts are in
place.
  Aug. 30 p The meeting came after the Charleston Gazette gave two days of question raising
coverage to the new operation. Those articles mirror what many are asking in Clayberry.
What is he doing here? What scam is he up to? How is he planning to swipe our money? Is
this a cult coming our way?
  Aug. 30 p Some are saying he's here's to take advantage of us. Maybe steal our land, our
money, our identity... Which begs for, could somebody please explain, what there is to
steal? Social Security numbers were on every voters reg card in the Courthouse for decades.
Who has any $$$ to steal? Maybe he's after our food stamp cards!!!  Email your answers
please.
  Aug. 30 p Whitteker says he's opening the world contact center Oct 1st. On that date, he
will either be a largest private employer in the county or just another fibbing nut case that
tried to do something with this place.
  Aug. 30 p Many clickers to this site got ate up with a virus that struck the internet sometime
Tuesday. So vicious, even some with up to date virus protection software never saw the
attack coming. Known as a "drive by attack", many had to completely reformat their PCs.
  Aug. 30 p Schools opened this week. Clay High lost its season opener to AAA Nicholas
County 40 to 7.
  Aug. 30 p Friday night between midnight and 5am, Clayberry received a heck of a
drowning with nearly 5 inches of rain reported in our central sections. Power went off for
much of the night. When those lines burned in to, telephone service was lost south of the
Hartland bridge for much of Saturday. By Saturday mid morning, the Elk River was thick
enough to plow.
  Aug. 30 p The local radio station polished off its 6th season of providing Saturday night
outdoor music shows in downtown Clay. In addition to bluegrass, country groups, and
gospel, WYAP added rap, punk rock, and last night, mountain dulcimers. Once again it was
the station's volunteers that provided the steady draw of new faces to our local economy.
  aug 30 p With Labor Day just around the corner, summer is gone for another year and the
first frost is just around the corner. It was a good season except for that %%$$##!! tomato
rot!
  Aug. 29 p  Jackie W. Salisbury, 57, see OBITUARY page
  Aug. 29 p  Power was off for much of the Maysel area this morning. Not sure the problem
but the return of A/C sure is nice.
  Aug. 29 p  Sizemore Farm has concord (blue) grapes already picked and selling for $12.00
per box (17 lb. average). Just call Dan @ 304-651-9025. Yum Yum
  Aug. 29 p Virus update. Still no word on what virus wiped out this site and many clicker
puters. The drive by attack occurred Tuesday mid day and was cleansed out by 9pm
Tuesday. a repeat cleanse was performed Wed am followed by newer security safeguards.
  Aug. 29 p Can it happen again? The answer is Yes. THose web terrorists are very clever.
  Aug. 29 p Patty M out West asked , what should I do? Our suggestion: update your virus
protection often and run it daily. Additionally, there are free anti-malware programs (look
on our LINKS page) available as well as the trusted spy-bot.
  Aug. 29 p How about a William Whitteker update from his Wed afternoon public
organizational meeting at the old Fas Chek store.
  Aug. 29 p  Whitteker told the 40 or more in attendance: do not quit your day job; no one
has a job here until Oct 1st; he has enough $$$ to open the doors Oct 1st; and those
telephone contracts, they are in place.
  Aug. 29 p  Either Whitteker will be the biggest private employer in the county or the biggest
liar. On Oct 1st, we'll know for sure. Until then, what have we got to lose?
  aug 29 p Tonight's Drive In Movie after the Consignment Auction is The Shaggy Dog,
weather permitting.
  Aug. 28 a Not sure where we stand with the virus attack from a couple days ago. Our web
host says the site is now clean with additional safeguards in place.
  Aug. 28 a Make sure your virus protection is up to date. Use Clayberry with caution.
  Aug. 28 a Tonight's the first football game as the CCHS Panthers take on Nicholas County
in home field action. For those unable to come out in person, 101.7 FM will air the game
with TG Girth and Josh Shambling providing the play by play and color.     For those living
afar and want to tune in, go to wyap.com. Once there, click the blinking ON AIR button and
turn up your speakers.
  Aug. 28 a  YAP radio is still looking for a few more sponsors to make it happen. A $50
donation gets the entire season. Go Panthers!
Aug. 28 a PeeWee Football kicks off in the morning over at Schoonover/Bradley Field.
Great to watch the little ones working hard
  Aug. 28 a Saturday night is the We Care Club night at Summer Jam. In addition to an
antique car show, cake walks, mountain dulcimers and a head banging, heavy metal, teeny
bopped band, The Maladjustment's and then a drive in movie. Last Jam of the season too
  Aug. 28 a Lots more going on including the Saturday night Auction. Might be a little dryer
over there.
  Aug. 28 a Now back to what happened during Weed's Commission meeting.  The place
was packed with additional chairs added to handle the crowd. Here's a couple glimpses from
that gathering.
  Aug. 28 a Larry Darryl and Darryl voted to start the consolidation of all water providers
with a unanimous vote. They plan to hold  a public hearing on the matter Septa 24th at 6pm.
  Aug. 28 a During this meeting (as with the last one), the big question: Why? What's the
goal?
  Aug. 28 a As was the case 8 years ago when the same ???s came, there were no strong
answers. Clay Roan PSD reps told the elected , such a change would be very costly to
customers. Clay Roan felt it would take around $1m to consolidate the groups.
  Aug. 28 a Link said he wanted to get started on the right foot and do everything right the
first time. He didn't.
  Aug. 28 a During the motion to proceed to with the consolidation, Link mentioned all the
water providers in the county including the defunct Procious PSD. All of em   au.... he
forgot one. In the Southwest end, West Virginia Water Co has been serving those Clayberry
customers for nearly a decade. If this is county wide consolidation, the resolution has to be
inclusive of all providers. It isn't.       Time to start over already!
  Aug. 28 a How many times have you heard on the scanner, a Clay Ambulance going out on
a shortness of breath call and doing so with just basic life support instead of a Paramedic?
Happens often and we all know it. At other times, instead of toning out an available agency,
911 appears to wait on second duty Clay Ambulance crews to get out of bed, get dressed,
and drive to the downtown Clay station before starting a run.
  Aug. 28 a During Weed's CC meeting all the fire Dept. and ambulance providers gathered
for a thorny firestorm.
  Aug. 28 a Big Otter and Lizemores groups were all torque up over OE Director Pat Beets
changing service boundaries without input from the two rural Fire Chiefs. That happened
Aug. 18th. By the 26th, the volunteers were furious to say the least. They smelled something
rotten.
  Aug. 28 a It came out during the warmed up discussions, our two ambulance services
having been chasing calls to see who can get to the scene first. That's where mention came
of Clay units heading off the lot without Paramedics while the Lizemores provider stood
down. Stood down with  a Paramedic available.
  Aug. 28 a At one point our lead Commissioner had to remind all to keep their tempers in
check. Fran King got a dressing down by those in the peanut gallery for her "threatening"
remarks.
  Aug. 28 a If the allegations against Pat Beet are true, look for the Beets man to get an arss
chewing by the CCC in no uncertain terms.
  Aug. 28 a And then a Lulu...
  Aug. 28 a Volunteer Don Jarvis runs the Clay County Parks and Recreation Committee. In
addition to a bunch of other stuff, Parks operates the swimming pool owned by the Clay
County Bd of Education. During a CCC recess period, Dandy Don brought in an IRS agent
to explain a real mess.
  Aug. 28 a Seems the pool administration has been hiring lifeguards as "contract labor"
instead of as employees and doing so for a number of years. As contract labor, the county
didn't hold out ANY of the withholding taxes. None. Mr Jarvis explained that the practice
had been going on long before he started his volunteer effort
  Aug. 28 a The IRS lady said she was auditing the last five years, figuring up the debt, and
then adding an interest penalty on top of it.
  Aug. 28 a Gulp.
  Aug. 28 a The way we understand it. If an employer tells a person when to show up, what
to do, and supply tools (like a swimming pool), then they ain't contract labor.
  Aug. 28 a This could be costly for the county.
  Aug. 27 late p Not sure if we've been successful eliminating  a kick butt, drive by, virus that
struck this site sometime Wed night or early Thursday morning. Be warned, some have
reported their puter has been wiped out after viewing this portal. Others are reporting all is
working well.
  Aug. 27 late p For those using Firefox and getting that red screen, be sure to dump your
cookies and reboot.
  Aug. late p Web host admin is now taking a look at this threat.
  Aug. 27 p Warning clickers:  This site was attacked Aug. 27th mid day. Our web hosts
cleansed the site and installed tougher permissions in an attempt to eliminate the drive by
attack.
  Aug. 27 p A drive by means you the clicker can become infected just by looking at a
clayberry page.
  Aug. 27 p Even with the cleansing, if you viewed this site yesterday, the virus may have
entered your puter with directions to exploit at a later date.
  Aug. 27 p . Right now, close this site and run your anti virus, spy bot, anti malware tools
and anything else you have to make sure your puter is clean and back to good.
  Aug. 27 p There will be no new updates while we take the site down (ourselves) and check
with anti-malware software.
  Aug. 27 p Sorry for the attack . The internet gremlins have been reaaaaaaaaaal nasty this
week.
  Aug. 27a  Was planning a nice big web post on the very interesting CCC meeting held Wed.
  Aug. 27 a  Instead we've been trying to resolve an attack on this site. This makes the third time this year that
clayberry .org has been attacked.    Officially, from the web host, this attack is called an "I Frame Injection". IX Web
Hosting, the provider, cleansed this site Wed evening at 9pm. We should be good to go once again
  Aug. 27 a . How wide spread was the cyber attack? The web host began offering a "filezila" program to strengthen
security to higher levels for all their customers.
  Aug. 27 a Some clickers reported their puters froze up while others experienced pop windows touting some kind of
anti malware purchase.  One good way to prevent your puter from being attacked during a "drive by" is to keep your
anti virus software updated and on at all times.
  Aug. 27 a If you see fishy pop up windows when coming to this site, please email us ASAP.   Sorry for the
inconvenience and the kiss of death blue screens.
  Aug. 27 a  After the eighty-three year old lady finished her annual physical examination, the doctor said, "You are in
fine shape for your age, Mrs. Mallory, but tell  me, do you still have intercourse?"     "Just a minute, I'll have to ask my
husband," she said...
Then, she stepped out into the crowded reception room and yelled out loud: "Bob, do we still have intercourse?" And
there was a hush... You could hear a pin drop.     Bob answered impatiently, "If I told you once, Irma, I told you a
hundred times, What we have is:    "Blue Cross!"
  Aug. 27 a Darn good update coming later today.
  Aug. 26 a Yesterday's Charleston Gazette gave coverage on William Whitteker's efforts to open a new business in
Clay. Many of the words were not kind to the outsider. Today the Gazette afforded Whitteker space for his side.
  Aug. 25 p  The Communicator made it out the door Tuesday afternoon. 24 pages of solid County Clay info found no
other place.
  Aug. 25 p County Commission meets Wed morning beginning at 10 am. On the agenda is consolidation of all the local
PSDs. Should make for a good meeting.
  Aug. 25 p  We received and printed several emails on Panserco. With so many people wanting a job close to home,
for Clayberry, this is tough time.  Temper that need with Charleston Gazette coverage revealing a less than saintly past
for CEO William Whitteker and thoughts of cults, socialism (quite a buzz word this season) and even communism, the
fact still remains....
  Aug. 25 p Whitteker has until Oct 1st to come thru on his job promises. He has cost the county zero tax dollars. And,
who cares if he is a nut? We've got a lot of those in Clayberry.
  Aug. 25p For those that haven't picked up a Communicator yet, we did ask if Panserco is a cult.  As for Whitteker
being the devil, we have comments on that topic too. Details are included on his 34 days in the slammer. Good reading.
  Aug. 25 a This is the last day out of school for the kids. Their days of bare footin and sleeping in are done for another
9 months. Big Yellow starts running in the morning.
  Aug. 25 a  The Communicator comes out late this afternoon. Our lead story provides info on the seven days in the
county, William Whitteker and Panserco Inc now housed in the old Fas Chek building on Main Street.
  Aug. 25 a Our take on the entire matter is, he ain't asked for nothing and what have we got to lose?
  Aug. 25 a According to Eric Eyre of the Charleston Gazette, Whitteker has some baggage.
  Aug. 25 a Good reading, both stories.
  Aug. 25 a  As has been said since our first post last week, Whitteker can say and promise 250 jobs but the proof is in
the pudding. Oct 1st remain's his date to open.
  Aug. 24 a Happy belated birthday wishes to Robin Boggs of Procious
  Aug. 24 a  150 to 200 more U.S. banks will fail in the current banking crisis.
  Aug. 24 a   "I think it is serious and it is deteriorating, and I've said that over the past couple of years -- that the
Taliban insurgency has gotten better, more sophisticated," said Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs
of Staff.
  Aug. 24 a The Communicator comes out Tuesday afternoon. Until then, we're in typing mode. No posts unless some
local official does something else dumb.
  Aug. 23 p We've had a tough time this last seven days.
  Aug. 23 p Had a guy come to town and say he was going to do a bunch of hiring and pay decent rates. and, all by Oct
1st 2009. He says he plans to include housing expenses, vans to ferry employees back and forth, a kitchen to fix meals,
and daycare.
  Aug. 23 p In the real world,  leaders would be jumping up and down and getting their pictures taken with him left and
right. The red carpet would be rolled out.
  Aug. 23 p Here in Clayberry, our dumbarss leaders have a different way of welcoming a new possibility.
  Aug. 23 p Here in Clayberry, instead of making Murder Mountain arrests,  the Top Badge made his first impression
on the guy by saying he would arrest him if a dime store business certificate wasn't immediately posted on the wall.
  Aug. 23 p County Commissioner Fran King pulled a temper tantrum practically telling the guy he was dumber than  a
box of rocks and won't amount to a hill of beans.
  Aug. 23 p We know how to treat em in Clayberry!
  Aug. 23 p How many businesses lay their entire strategy out on a web site for the whole world to see? Bill Whitteker
with Panserco did just that. Now many in the county are calling the operation a cult!!! He's trouble! He's the devil
himself!!! Run and hide from the guy he's going to steal you blind!
  Aug. 23 p The truth is, what have we got to lose? If the guy flops, it won't be the first time something like that
happened. If he only hires a few people, we're better off. If those 10 to 250 jobs only last a few months? Great!! That
more than we had!
  Aug. 23 p It is a first time for a newbee coming to town with visions of grandeur and not asking for taxpayer dollars.
  Aug. 23 p If you ask him, he'll tell you he spent 34 days in the slammer. If you ask him, he'll tell you what's required
to get a job. If you ask the guy, he'll explain the place will be a contact center, the in between place for communciations
with other countries.  If you ask the guy......
  aug 23 p It doesn't matter if the guy is dumber than  a box of rocks, uglier than a tree stump, or has a a rolled up
vaserated tail, He's the guy with the plan, strategy, organization, and  purse strings.
  Aug. 23 p What have we got to lose!
  Aug. 23 p It's been a full 10 days since all the stolen goods were recovered from Murder Mountain and you guessed
it, .... must have been a strong wind that blew in all the stolen stuff, not one arrest.
  Aug. 23 p  Thursday morning Judge Ric Facemire told businessman and BDA Vice Chair Jim Knotts, you go to trial
Septa 22nd. Even with his attorney whining about conflicts in schedule, tough!
  Aug. 23 p Many in the community have maintained, Knotts will never go to trial. Wrong-O!
  Aug. 23 p Tommy Young Sr was hauled back to OH to face charges he was doctoring up his own Rx for pain killers.
  Aug. 23 p Teachers went back to schools on Friday for their first day of the new year.
  Aug. 23 p Parents hit all the yard sales trying to locate back to school clothes for their browned and bare foot kids.
  Aug. 23 p 150 or more motorcyclists came thru the county Saturday on a MArch of Dime fundraiser bike tour. They
did so without the county handing out one tourism brochure.
  Aug. 23 a Gardens turned into weed patches. Waspers buzzed everywhere making their last stand of the season.
  Aug. 23 With the Big Apple Festival just around the corner, little kids from all over competed in Saturday's pageants.
  Aug. 23 p Saturday night's Summer Jam was well attended with many dancing the evening away. The radio station's
Drive In Movie offering "Twilight" held the attention of a couple dozen sitting in lawn chairs and on tailgates.
  Aug. 23 p Sunday's cooler temps and dampness without humidity felt like Fall in the air
  Aug. 23 P Where did Summer go.
  Aug. 22 a Tommy Edward Young Sr., age 42, 425 Oil Field Road, Ovapa, WV, for illegal processing of drug
documents, a felony. Young was picked up at the Central Regional Jail in Sutton, WV by Deputy Sheriff Underwood
and processed into the Washington County Jail on Aug. 20, 09 at 2:15 pm.
  Aug. 22 a When the government announces 5 minimum wage jobs coming to an area, we get all excited and greet the
company with open arms. You see that every day in regional papers.
  Aug. 22 a When William Whitteker came to town this week with a pledge of hiring up to 250 jobs at $13/hr,
Clayberry responded a little differently.
  Aug. 22 a The Top Badge came to see him threatening to arrest him because a business license wasn't posted on a
wall. Now that's the way to say hello to a new face.
  Aug. 22 a One application for work was told by the Courthouse folks, stay away from Whitteker and the Commission
will take care of him on Wed. Now that's the way to say Hello to a new face.
  Aug. 22 a According to Whitteker, Business Development Authority Chair Fran King was less than encouraging
during a recent conversation. Now that's the way to say Hello to a new Face
  Aug. 22 a In the way of emails, we've received a plenty. None, not one of the emails said they thought William would
be successful.   Based on our past history of carpet baggers coming and going, doubt may be in order.
  Aug. 22 a We had a conversation with Mr Whitteker Friday morning.  For those wondering what they would be
doing? Here's the best we can put together: Telephone callers from around the world would be received by the
Clayberry communications center. The caller would be in need of an expert to fix, change, grow, develop, something.
Anything from puter problems, to stopped up drains to where to order a fly swatter.
  Aug. 22 a The telephone answerer in Clay would take the call, find an expert in the field of need from a database, and
then route the caller to the best expert.
  Aug. 22 a  Starting any business is rough. Starting any business in Clayberry is an even tougher slog. When a business
guy says he plans to hire up to 250 employees, red flags go up and rightly so.
  Aug. 22 a As a matter of fact, we told William Whitteker: the only way to break all the doubts and rumors is to get the
doors open for business on Oct 1st.
  Aug. 22 a We hope he is successful.  The clock is ticking!
  Aug. 21 a Deadline for the next Communicator is this afternoon at 5pm. Email in your stuff. Any comments on
William Whitteker's communications center? How about no arrests from the Murder Mountain raid? Or, the grand
daddy of em all, nepotism in the Nation of Clay.
  Aug. 21 a Jim Fitzwater called to say O'Brion Oval International (almost) Dirt track raceway will be in full swing Sat
with open wheel racing action.  Shon Parsons called and provided a hype for racing fun over at Ripley. Both are over
on the EVENTS page
  Aug. 21 a CCHS Panthers are preparing for the 2009 football season with a scrimmage tonight at Schoonover Bradley
field.
  Aug. 21 a Non profit 101.7 FM plans to air Panther home games again this season with TG Griffith as the lead
sportscaster. Even tho all are volunteers at the station, it still takes takes some $$$ (like a new headset/mic combo) to
broadcast the games. Sponsors are needed. Get your name and message on the air. Just $50 cheap for the whole
season.Get ahold of the station ASAP 304 587-8353 or wyap@frontiernet.net.
  Aug. 21 a  Music galore tonight at Big Otter and the Braxton Jamboree plus Tom Pringle and Calhoun Country Sat
night during the Summer Jam outdoor music show in downtown Clay. Don't forget the Kayo's Consignment Auction at
7:30pm Saturday followed by the Drive In Movie, 300 Main St. Fun Fun Fun
  Aug. 21 a  Begrudgingly, teachers hauled themselves back to school this morning to prepare for another year of
curtain climber excitement..
  Aug. 21 a 10 or more years ago some guy from NY came to town wanting to set up a small manufacturing plant here
to build lighted house number signs. We ran him off. Today you can see the guy's foreign manufactured product in
about every home improvement store in the nation. We blew it big time.
  Aug. 21 a  Just after that, Commissioner Tim Butcher hyped  a guy committed to bringing 400 filter manufacturing
jobs to the area. We rolled out the red carpet only to be bitten in the butt to the tune of a $1/2 million.
  Aug. 21 a Politicians have campaigned on bringing jobs to our county for decades. At least during the last 10 years,
their talk has been just that, talk without ANY success.
  Aug. 21 a  William Whitteker came to town this week handing out notice of up to 250 new hires coming by Oct 1st.
With many job applications already filled out, locals are excited about the prospect of having a $13 per hour job.
Politicians are worried that the guy may actually succed and without their faces plastered on photo ops.
  Aug. 21 a The guy might be a pipe dreamin' carpet bagger or for real. No one knows until Oct 1st when the doors of
the old Fas Chek store are suppose to open as a world communciations center. Until then, the best thing we can do is
keep our fingers crossed.
  Aug. 21 a What do we do in Clayberry with either scenario? You got it. We shoot ourselves in the foot. Watch for
some politico to pull some dumb bunny action. Guaranteeeeeeeeeeed.
  Aug. 20 a From the email bag:  Lost a black and white dog with brindall on hind legs and face looks like a beagle but a
little bigger has a camophage collar on and answers to Walle , went missing around 08/10 in the queen shoals triangle
area if found please call fran or john at 304-548-5338 he is very much a member of the family
  Aug. 20 a The count down continues. For teachers, this is the last day of summer break. For kids, the sleeping in and
running barefoot end next Wed bright and early.
  Aug. 20 a   For the rest of us, hot and humid along with Murder Mountain and the guy that bought the old Fas Chek
store is the talk on t he front porch.
  Aug. 20 a Well there is one more topic. Will Jim Knotts actually go to trial? We should know the answer to that
sometime later today.
  Aug. 20 a The county nepotism policy says elected officials can't hire their relatives. A week ago the policy came up
during the CCC meeting . Commissioners Pierson and Slinky voted to adhere to the policy and prevent the hiring of a
lady in the sheriff's office.
  Aug. 20a   If you follow the letter of the law, then those elected to the local demorat and republicrat committees
cannot have relatives working at the Courthouse. When you leave out family members of all the elected folks, that
leaves only illegal aliens that can be hired.
  Aug. 20 a Back to the new guy in town.....
  Aug. 20 a Have we mentioned that he hasn't asked for one government hand out.. not one grant... not one favor.
  Aug. 20 a IF and it's a big IF, if Whitteker's plan actually takes hold, our jingle could be, Clay, center of the state and
hub to the world. Wouldn't that be nice
  Aug. 19 p William Whitteker has sure stirred the place. When a newcomer appear, talk turns back to the likes of
Filcon and the various belly up attempts by the CAEZ, BDA, and CCC. Filcon cost the county around $500,000.00.
  Aug. 19 p   Today the doors were open at his recently purchased old Fas Chek building on Main Street with
individuals asking for employment applications.
  Aug. 19 p Having seen many carpet baggers during the last 151 years, many are skeptical. We have answers.
  Aug. 19 p Why buy  a place in Clayberry, Mr. Whitteker replies: because this is the largest available building in
thirty miles without going into Charleston metro.  We want to illustrate that good working people are not confined to
larger metro areas.
  Aug. 19 p  Why now? Again Mr. Whitteker:  the website that describes the multitude of world problems our
business plan seeks to address.  Our focus is to demonstrate to the world that Clay County can be the center of the
business world.
  Aug. 19 p In need of 250 workers to be on the job Oct 1st, some details: a.  We are going to do four shifts of twelve
hours each.  four days on four off.     b.  Today we hope to find three qualified people as executive assistants.   c.  By
next Wednesday we hope to find and complete screening and orientation for four shift managers.   d.   In two weeks
we will complete the process for eight service supervisors for each shift.   1.)  One supervisor for support team of
two security, two kitchen, and four day care. (We will be utilizing a good strategic plan and training for the day
care workers--including background checks, mandatory drug testing, etc.)    2.)  One supervisor for eight drivers of
vans for workers.   3.)  Six supervisors for eight account reps.
  Aug. 19 p  Doesn't that sound great? The one thing county bluebloods can't stand is for some newcomer here
supplying jobs and income. New dollars from new sources means the end for the old guard in these parts.
  Aug. 19 p  IF 250 private jobs developed, the new power broker company could, would, reshape the make up of the
county. With 250 jobs, Panserco would be the county's largest private employer.
  Aug. 19 p  Building renovations are now underway.
  Aug. 19 a Joseph L. Badgley was in Clay Saturday for the Grand Opening of the community college over at Valley
Fork. He made the papers today with: Joseph L. Badgley, president of West Virginia State Community and Technical
College, is named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by Mark E. Davis. In his complaint filed pro se on July 31 in
Kanawha Circuit Court, Davis, 51, a Charleston resident, alleges Badgley improperly fired him while on medical leave.
Here's the scoop.
  Aug. 19 a King's Wrecker company is the warehousing site for all the stolen goods recovered last week from Murder
Mountain.
  Aug. 19 a Some are complaining that the private company is charging storage fees per item.
  Aug. 19 a The WV PSC has rules covering third party tows and storage rates for vehicles. There is no mention of
storage fees for anything other than trucks, trailers, and autos.
  Aug. 19 a While you're looking at the WV PSC web site, here's the link to the sewer rates in West Virginia where the
Town of Clay stands 184th among out of 340 providers. The new rate increase will raise rates even higher.
  Aug. 19 a Might want to check out wa wa providers in Clayberry. Clay Roane PSD is the 10th most expensive
provider in the state. Queen Shoals is way up there too. How bad is Clay County PSD? We couldn't even find it on the
list!
  Aug. 19 a Keeping jobs is tough enough but new jobs comin is not an everyday occurrence.
  Aug. 19 a When Bill Whitteker says he's going to put 250 jobs on the market, that's big news.
  Aug. 19 a How? why here? Why now? How now?...All good questions.
  Aug. 19 a For those that didn't read Tuesday's pm post, you should.
  Aug. 19 a A quick PST internet search brought some insight.
  Aug. 19 a Like... from a Marine head hunter site.
  Aug. 19 a  Like... now taking applications on another head hunter web site.
  Aug. 19 a And this interesting portal that may provide some insight on how the fledgling communications center may
work or at least be organized.  Finding global solutions.
  Aug. 19 a Did you notice the Panserco mention. For those that didn't here's a direct link. Notice the mention of being
in a "developmental" stage.
  Aug. 19 a After 14 years of trying, the BDA has yet to create one job. Wouldn't it be nice if a private individual came
in and created 200+ and did so in just a few months. Pipe dream maybe but sure a nice thought.
  Aug. 18 late p Monica Lynn Miller, 36, of Bickmore, see OBITUARY page
  Aug. 18 p Tommy Young Sr was picked up last week and held on a fugitive from justice warrant issued in
Washington County OH. No hearing was held yesterday for Sr as he waived his right. Badges have until August 27th to
retrieve their guy and take him back to OH for further Court time.
  Aug. 18 p Tommy Young Jr's Monday afternoon sentencing hearing was continued until Sept 21st at 10:45am.   Jr
was convicted of conspiracy to steal a bulldozer back in 2008 and just completed his Anthony Correctional Center stint.
  Aug. 18 p The Court may be holding off sentencing to see if anything develops from last week's Murder Mountain
seizure of $1000s of stolen goods. No arrests have been made to date.
  Aug. 18 p If you think warrants have been issued for possible participants of the thievery, wrong. We asked over at
Magistrate Court today and there aren't any arrest warrants there.
  Aug. 18 p  Clayberry has seen it's share of door to door salesmen proclaiming to be bringing 100s of jobs to the
county of little.
  Aug. 18 p  Whether legit or not, here goes, right from the horse's mouth, William Whitteker from over in Roane
County,
  Aug. 18 p Whitteker was on the streets of Clay today and said: he had purchased the old Fas Chek grocery store
building, had the keys to the place in his pocket, planned to remodel the place and have it open for business Oct 1st this
year.
  Aug. 18 p What kind of business did you ask? He called the facility a "world communications center". Is that a code
name for telemarketing?  Whitteker said Nope. Instead the place would find "solutions" for governments around the
world.
  Aug. 18 p  AND AND AND, he would be hiring over 200 workers for the operation. We asked more than once and
Yes to the new hires.  Interested? Call Mr Whitteker at 304 565-3288.
  Aug. 18 p Here's Mr Whitteker's for profit  Panserco web site.
  Aug. 18 p  Results on the Sec of State's web portal lists Panserco as a legiment  West Virginia business since 1995.
  AUg 18 p Blowing smoke? Pipe dream? Time will tell but if you're wanting a job, better call today.
  Aug. 18 a  In the way of a correction on last weekend's drowning incident, the young man was not attempting to ride
his ATV across the Elk but instead had parked it and was swimming when the current overtook him.
  Aug. 18 a Christopher Lee Jones, 25, of Mink Shoals, see OBITUARY page
  Aug. 18 a Happy Birthday Marjorie Dale Mullins
  Aug. 18 a  Clayberry has a way of hiring the people of choice. Happened again last night during the School board
meeting.
  Aug. 18 a Our elected folks voted unanimously to hire Justin Holcomb to fill the electricians position left vacate two
months ago when John Brown took a teaching position at CCHS.
  Aug. 18 a  After the vote, and with Sheriff Top Badge in attendance, Boardster (and Court Bailiff) O Gene King, "Is
that your son?"
  Aug. 18 a  Gene deserves an Oscar.
  Aug. 17 p Mentioned during yesterday's weekend wrap up was the drowning death of a young man. This morning we
received phone calls saying we have our brief mention all wrong. Checking now
  Aug. 16 p  Happy Birthday  Harold (BuB) Wiley
  Aug. 16 p New July pics over on the PHOTO page
  Aug. 16 p Scanner listeners were glued to their radios this afternoon as rescue crews responded to a young man trying
to cross the Elk at Jack's Bend on his four wheeler. He didn't make it.
  Aug. 16 p  here's an interesting email: Looking for experienced Polynesian dancers to add to our existing group.  Also
want to find Polynesians that may be looking for people of the same culture/interests to join our group.  Call Leina'ala
White at 304-587-9995.
  Aug. 16 p School Board meets Monday at 6pm in the Standard Bryant Annex building.  Agenda items include the
employment of an electrician/general maintenance person. any notions on the politicos want in that spot?
  Aug. 16 p Here's the 09 - 10 school calendar.
  Aug. 16 p  Town Council appears to be in the grease  again with improper filing of mandatory annual reports. This
time the problem is at the wa wa and sewer plant operations with the reports due back on June 30th 2008.  Wonder
who was in charge of the Recorder duties back then. Hmmmmmmmmmm...   Their hearing is slated for  August 25th
at 10am at the WV PSC office in Charleston. Case number: 09-0237-S-SC
  Aug. 16 a To the guys that saved the ducks out Lake Sampson, a great big thanks from Linda McKinney
  Aug. 16 a From the email bag: found 2  black labs that came in to his house.  1 male 1 female approx. 1-2 years old,
no collar, been there about 2-3 days. The are about 3 miles up Moore Fork at Ivydale. If anyone is missing them please
call 286-5905 or 286-4182
  Aug. 16 a More often than not, each Sunday this site provides a recap on the absurdities found during the previous
seven days.
  Aug. 16 a Sometime we get a little lazy but for the most part, a recap comes. Been that way for nearly a decade. Here
we go again.
  Aug. 16 a After years of out of control Republicrat backed, out on the limb financial greed, the U.S. house of cards
continued to crumble. Count em, 77 bank failures this year.
  Aug. 16 a Insurance and pharmacy giants continued their quest to kill Obama De Bama health insurance efforts.
  Aug. 16 a  another seven days of deadly war and hardly a blip on the nightly news radar.
  Aug. 16 a Here at home we saw what happens when elected officials make decisions behind closed doors. Our
County Commission, Larry Darryl and Darryl all three signed their names to hiring  Michelle King at the Sheriff's Dept.
They conferred, and made a faulty decision away from a public meeting. Their unlawful vote came back to bite them
in the arss when it became public this week. Worst of all was the mess they made of the career of almost had a job,
Michelle King.
  Aug. 16 a CCC spent time almost agreeing, consolidation of our three public service districts does NOT reduce cost in
any way. Long on the books consolidation was once again on the front burner and making less sense than 9 years ago
when the people told the CCC: This is dumb. Don't do it.
  Aug. 16 a  For the vast majority of our population still needing clean, affordable water, if consolidation is allowed,
water rates will NOT go down as was once promised. Reality is, debt amounting to millions has to be repaid.
  Aug. 16 a We have a group of people in t he county that thinks, if they see it, it should be theirs. Many times all the
stolen goods end up at the top of Oil Field Road, Murder Mountain as it was labeled 10 years ago. Law enforcement
badges from around the region worked together to confiscate $1000s worth of chain saws, weed whackers, riding lawn
mowers, off and on road vehicles.
  Aug. 16 a How brazen does it get?  Recently a Braxton badgemobile was broken into and  a long gun, tazer, & pepper
spray was stolen. Talk about gonads the size of bowling balls!!!!!! Over the scanner came word that at least one of
those weapons was located on Murder Mountain.
  Aug. 16 a Late in the evening Tommy Young Sr was carted off to CRJ. We think he's in the slammer over an
outstanding  fugitive from justice warrant. As for any adult arrested for the thievery... don't think so.
  Aug. 16 a Did anyone know a statewide coon hunter event was coming to Clayberry? Other than a few white posters
erected Friday morning, there was no advance notice. We missed another opportunity to put our best foot forward and
offer the many many visitors encouragement's to return to our community in the future.
  Aug. 16 a Saturday morning was the official grand opening of the Valley Fork community college facility. State and
Regional Politicos descended on the school all seeking credit and back slaps. Truth is, our local leaders were 100%
against the place and worked against it from the start. Fortunately the perseverance of the CAEZ paid off.
  Aug. 16 a Saturday morning as many as 50 young folks signed up for classes close to home.
  Aug. 16 a For all intents and purpose, summer is over. Moms hit the yard sales securing discounted shirts and pants
for the curtain climbers. Around the county, browned kids beat in their last few days of time off. Teachers wondered if
they could make it thru another 10 months without pinching the heads off those little $$##!!.
  Aug. 16 a Corn turned brown. Gardens got weedier. Grass got tougher . Air conditioners broke down. Humidity went
up. Ants marched on counter tops. Dogs slept under shade trees. Jon boats floated down the Elk.
  Aug. 16 a There's as many empty wasper spray cans as empty beer bottles laying around. We're ready for fall.
  Aug. 16 a And Yes, wasper is a word!
  Aug. 15 a  On Tuesday all the parties in the Jim Knotts trial huddled for a hearing. Via telephone, the defense attorney
said he had been too busy to get needed paperwork turned in on time. Didn't go over to good with Judge Facemire.
Deadline for submission was extended until Thursday high noon, aug 13th.
  Aug. 15 a  Circuit Clerk Mike Asbury confirmed that the needed documents were submitted by the new deadline with
a hearing coming Thursday of this coming week.
  Aug. 15 a Knotts off the hook? Not so far clickers.
  AUg 15 a Enjoy the weekend one and all. Winter is just around the corner.
  Aug. 15 a Good dance and music at Summer Jam which begins at 5pm this afternoon. Clay County Cloggers followed
by Adam Burdette and Southern Grace with Allen Morris. No Drive In movie tonight. Sorry.
  Aug. 14 p  We keep trying to post more info from the last CCC meeting but alas...
  Aug. 14 p Over the scanner last night just after 11pm was the message that a Badge was taking two to the slammer.
One of them was Tommy Young Sr. Never noticed a pic on the second person on the CRJ web site. Leads some to
think it may have been a juvy.
  Aug. 14 p Was Mr Young arrested for some part in the Murder Mountain retreival of all the sotlen items? Nope.
  Aug. 14 p Young is being held as a fugitive from justice (OH).
  Aug. 14 p Expect a hearing somtime Monday with Judge Alsop behind the bench.
  Aug. 14 a Hello Sattler Mountain!
  Aug. 14 a We'll get back to the Murder Mountain bust update  later today.
  Aug. 14 a  Believe it or not, South of the Hartland bridge, that's a part of Clayberry too. The Lizemores FD is hosting
their community festival beginning this evening. Details on the EVENTS page.
  Aug. 14 a Paul Cottrell and High Mountain Bluegrass will be performing at Big Otter Community Center beginning at
7pm. For those that want to drive a little further, Braxton County Jamboree in Gassaway will be in high gear as well
beginning at 7pm..
  Aug. 14 a Saturday is the official Grand Opening of the Valley Fork  Community College. Details on their link on our
home page. Free Fun too.  Interested in a job or fall class schedule? Better be there.
  Aug. 14 a Saturday night is Gospel Night at WYAP's Summer Jam. Before the 6pm start time, the Clay County
Cloggers will do a full set or two beginning at 5. Fun Fun Fun
  Aug. 14 a Pool parties galore as we polish off the last of the summer season.
  Aug. 14 a   In addition to the nepotism issue already posted below, Wed's County Commission meeting brought to
light  another lingering topic.
  Aug. 14 a Nearly 10 years ago the CCC bowed to the wishes of the West Virginia Public Service Commission by
voting to consolidate Queen Shoals, Clay Roane, and Clay County PSDs into one colossal dog pile. Doo doos thought
there would be major cost savings and better administration. They thought it would take fewer employees to service the
lines, reduce postal costs on monthly bills, and by paying a high dollar professional manager, everything would smell
like roses.
  Aug. 14 a Those consolidation efforts are now back on the table ready to be voted on a second time.
  Aug. 14 a During Wed's meeting people asked questions like: Why consolidate? What's the benefit?
  Aug. 14 a Answers were slow to come. NO ONE would say there would be any kind of savings. The best they could
come up with was: The PSC wants it that way.
  Aug. 14 a As a matter of fact, on the issue of cheaper water rates or the same rates all across the county, answer,
Nope. Actually, some rates may increase if  consolidation takes place.
  Aug. 14 a  For those living out Blue Knob way, the decision was made for the Town of Clay to handle any future
water line extension there, at least for the first mile or so.
  Aug. 14 a Nebo, are you reading?  All those petitions for service that you filed? All those years of waiting in line....
Think those on a list the longest should be prioritized? From Wed's meeting, the answer is NO.
  Aug. 14 a Get out and have some fun this weekend. School time is just around the corner.
  Aug. 13 p Every morning at 8 am Badges report in over the scanner. Didn't happen this morning. Something was up
  Aug. 13 p Many blue/gold and black shirt cruisers were first parked at the Green Shirt office at Maysel and then over
at the old  Courthouse. By 10am it was obvious, a raid was on at Murder Mountain.
  Aug. 13 p The first vehicle ID number requests came around 10am. By 10:15 King Wrecker was called to start
hauling stuff.
  Aug. 13 p  At 10:25, on the first four VINs, over the scanner, "No record NCIC.
  Aug. 13 p  10:30a   Jeff Rider in his black pick em up was in the lead with five blue and golds close behind as they
headed out of Ovapa . One lady said they were flying low as they headed to Wallback.
  Aug. 13 p 10:45a  More VINs were called in without luck.  A rollback wrecker came off the hill hauing a dark colored
SUV and a small  mud buggy.
  Aug. 13 p At the bottom of Oil Field Rd, AKA Murder Mountain, a young Mother carrying  a baby said all the
Badges were at Little Tommy's trailer and one "Justin" was in handcuffs. She added that everything was being
searched.
  Aug. 13 p 11:16a A call went in on a .223 rifle with scope. It came back hot from Braxton County. Then record
requests were asked on two more chain saws.
  Aug. 13 p Our top Badge managed to round up the VIN on a work trailer. Over the scanner, "It comes back to
Tommy Young from Procious."  Translation: It wasn't stolen.
  Aug. 13 p From Badge #1 to Jeff Rider, "I found another one over here.... I'm at the main house now"
  Aug. 13 p Noon:20  With two in custody, over the scanner, "trooper needing assistance!" Moments later, with
backup, "everything is 10 4.
  Aug. 13 p  Noon:30  Green Shirt #161 calls for a record checkon two individuals from Ohio. Everything came back
clean, "No NCIC warrants... Nothing on them"
  Aug. 13  1:05p  From a Black Shirt: Call Braxton for records on chain saws.
  Aug. 13 p  Things just turn up at Murder Mountain. Maybe it's the wind!   Been going on for years. Just last month a
couple utility trailers and welder were receovered from the area. Seizing property is common on Murder Mountain. In
past raids, Tommy Young Sr was able to get his own goods back. Other raids have netted everything from bulldozers
to bobcats to skidders and SUVs.
  Aug. 13 p Arrests are uncommon.
  AUg 13 p  more coming
  Aug. 13 p We'll get back to yesterday's CCC meeting as soon as things slow down a bit.
  Aug. 13 a Can you use a chain saw? See JOBS page
  Aug. 12 p We had a heck of a County Commission meeting this morning. With lots in attendance and tons of issues to
address, everything from  nepotism to consolidating the local public service districts to getting water service to the 70%
of the county drinking frog pee.
  Aug. 12 p It's going to take a couple sit downs to cover everything. Here's the first installment, this  one on nepotism.
  Aug. 12 p The Sheriff's office had two tax deputies to quit.
  Aug. 12 p With Reta Salisbury already outa there, our Top Badge was in a pinch to find someone to learn and run the
high dollar tax collection and budgeting software puter. His first step was to try to steal away the secretary from the
Prosecutor's office. That attempt seems to have strained relations between the Pros. and the Top Badge, or at least that
was what was the understatement made this morning during the meeting.
  Aug. 12 p When that didn't work (Pros. had to give the lady a $1 an hour increase in pay to soothe things over),  the
Sheriff  offered the job to Clay County Bank employee Michelle King.  Accepting the new position, Ms King turned in
her resignation.
  Aug. 12 p It was about that time when the Sheriff learned of the county's nepotism policy which forbids an elected
official from hiring family. Michelle is the daughter in law of Magistrate Mike King.
  Aug. 12 p Behind the scenes and away from the public, the war has been on to to get the Michelle King hiring OK
from the County Commission.
  Aug. 12 p Item 17 on this morning's agenda was the hiring of Michelle King.  With Pierson and Slinky voting down
the hire since it conflicts with the 6 year old policy and Fran voting Aye, Michelle walked out without the new job and
with a troubled future at the bank.
  Aug. 12 p To replace Reta Salisbury, Our Badge #1 hired Reva Schoonover who ski daddled her job at the Sheriff's
office a couple years back  when she unexpectedly headed South.
  Aug. 12 p  Having a full staff is important at any office. For the Sheriff it's a matter of $$$$. By law, if the 95% of
the tax collections come in and are accounted for on time, the Big Badge can garner up to a $15,000 bonus at the end
of the year.
  Aug. 12 p  The Nation of Clay was so notorious on hirng family members, the nepotism policy was implemented and
then updated in 2003. Basically it says, no elected official can hire a member of his family including sons and daughter
in laws.
  Aug. 12 p That's troubling.... Since Gene King is an elected official is it legal for the county to have hired him. Since
the policy says ANY  official, is it legal for the Courthouse to hire any relative of the School Board.
  Aug. 12 p This morning Fran King voted to hire Michelle saying the policy was poorly written and in need of
revisions. She mentioned the CCC's hiring of Asst Prosecutor Clint Bischoff as an employee two months ago. The
Asst.'s Dad is an elected official over in Nicholas County.
  Aug. 12 o Fran just about had to to vote the way she did since she hired her own daughter a couple summers back for
Courthouse duties.
  Aug. 12 p More coming Thursday.
  Aug. 11 p The Communicator is now available in five counties plus by  prescription.
  Aug. 11 p Larry Darryl and Darryl will hold their first meeting of the month Wed morning beginning at 10 am. In
addition to working their nepotism magic, another interesting topic will be consolidating all three of the PSDs into one
colossal pile of ##!!.
  Aug. 11 p Instead of three small problems, the Clay Regional PSD will handle all your wa wa needs.
  Aug. 11 p Public meetings, a way to keep up with our elected and appointed officials. See you there..
  Aug. 11 a We're busy typing the Communicator. No updates for now. Paper should be out around 4pm today.
  Aug. 10 p Wondering who the 2009 Miss and Teen Golden Delicious queens might be? Wonder no more. See
ADVISORY page
  Aug. 10 p Clay Co PSD change of meeting notice, see ADVISORY page
  Aug. 10 p Will community leader and Business Development Authority member Jim Knotts go to trial? The decision
will be made Tuesday at 2:30 by Circuit Judge Ric Facemire
  Aug. 9 p Happy 21st Birthday to Christopher Boggs
  Aug. 9 p Bank regulators closed three banks on Friday, bringing the number of failures so far this year to 72 as the
weakened economy takes its toll on the financial services sector. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp estimated the
three closures would cost its deposit fund a total of about $185 million. In 2008, 25 U.S. banks were seized by
officials, up from only 3 in 2007.
  Aug. 9 p  No weekend wrap up this time around. It was just darn pretty to be inside today.
  Aug. 9 p But basically,  our local leaders just don't care what they do. Whether it's hold meetings without public
notice, work hiring deals, and whatever else they can think to do away from the public's prying eye.
  Aug. 9 p LOST  male basset hound found in the Reed Fork area. Yours? Dial 304 587 2747
  Aug. 9  from the email bag:   Missing: 3 year old buckskin/ gray mare with black tail and mane streaked with gray.
She was last seen on Blueknob/Maysel Road. If anyone has seen Ellie please call 632-9006. Ellie is the horse of a 5
year old who loves and misses her very much. Any information on her whereabouts will be greatly appreciated. Thank
you
  Aug. 9 p from the email bag:  DOG FOUND: on Hopkins Road in Ovapa on Saturday, August 1.  It is a male dog
with a blue collar.  It is the size of a Jack Russell Terrier, but not sure what type it is, it could be a Jack Russell/Rat
Terrier type breed.  It is white with black and brown spots.  If you think it could be yours, call 304-587-2024.
  Aug. 9 p Now for a nap
  Aug. 8 a Margie Jane Greathouse Adams, 62, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page
  Aug. 8 a From the email bag:  I am working on a web site  Clay Co Elllisons.   The family tree is really growing.
Over700 members.  But I'm still missing many branches.  Would love to add as  many as possible. Clay Co Ellisons
please contact me at  victoriaplane@yahoo.com   I am the granddaughter of Leona Belle  Ellison Moore.  Thanks for
your help!
  Aug. 8 a Ahhhhhhhhhhh... so much nicer being able to stay away from the bathroom for more than 10 minutes at a
time. One emailer (BT) thought maybe 28 years of martial bliss may not have been so blissful including the wifey
trying to poison the ace cub reporter. Not
  Aug. 8 a There are few in the county that believe our elected and appointed bodies perform well. That's even after
much training. It wasn't but just a few years back that the CAEZ attended a $10,000 training session at the Stonewall
Resort and our elected officials are required to attend training sessions.
  Aug. 8 a Here's a bird video that has more problem solving skills than all our local officials combined.
  Aug. 8 a Tired of sitting at home? Tonight 101.7 FM offers up outdoor music with John Boy & Jeremy plus great
bluegrass tunes from Blue Maggie. Bring a lawn chair to the old Fas Chek parking lot in downtown Clay. Shows begins
at 6pm sharp.
  Aug. 8 a When the show ends at 7:30, you ain't done yet. At 7:30pm over at the old State Road garage, Auctioneer
Kayo Starcher kicks off the Saturday night consignment auction.
  Aug. 8 a  When the auction is done, time to head home? Wrong!  Around 9:30 WYAP offers up a Drive In Movie
suitable for the entire family. Tonight: Independence Day
  Aug. 8 a August is a great time to visit Clayberry.
  Aug. 7 a From the email bag:  2BLUE WILL BE PERFORMING AT TAYLOR BOOKS..THIS FRIDAY
NIGHT..SHOW STARTS @ 7:30- COME EARLY FOR THE BEST SEATS..HOPE TO SEE OUR FRIENDS
FACES IN THE CROWD..WE LOVE TO PLAY FOR OUR FRIENDS..COME ON OUT UR GONNA HAVE A
GOOD TIME..GOOD COFFEE, WINE BY THE GLASS..AND BEST OF ALL...DARN GOOD MUSIC!!
  Aug. 7 a Not sure if it was food poisoning or a virus but the ace cub reporter is about five pounds lighter today after
24 hours of sitting on the throne. With a vice grip holding his buns shut and able to stay away from the thunder mug for
as much as 15 minutes at a time, recovery seems imminent.
  Aug. 7 a Communicator won't be out until Tuesday afternoon. Deadline for submissions via email is this evening
around 5pm. Thanks for the patience.
  Aug. 7 a  General Motors Co expects its vehicle sales in China, its biggest market next to the United States, to rise to
1.4 million units in 2009 from 1.1 million in 2008, a senior executive said.
  Aug. 7 a  U.S. employers likely cut fewer jobs in July than in June, another sign the recession-hit economy is starting
to find its footing, but the jobless rate may hit a 26-year high, a Reuters poll showed on Wednesday.
  Aug. 7 a That's good to know but.... the unemployment rate was expected to climb to 9.6 percent -- highest since
June 1983 -- from 9.5 percent in June, as sluggish demand constrains companies' ability to hire.
  Aug. 7 a  Last night the Business Development Authority (BDA) met for their monthly meeting. With only five
Boardsters present and steered by County Commissioner Mike Pierson, it was a time to reconsider the group's position:
If the CAEZ won't cough up some $$$ for the hiring of aa economic development director, they shouldn't be at the
table.
  Aug. 7 a  the BDA has been trying to hire a full time paid director for well over a year. They've had grants to cover
such costs for two years. Last night they decided again to hold up on advertising for the position.
  Aug. 7 a Of the BDA members, Mike Evans was the only one to  speak his mind. Evans: If the CAEZ can't put some
$$$ into the pot, they shouldn't have a seat at the table. Other than saying the BDA has worked well with the CAEZ in
the past, long time pew sitter Glada Lanham did not show her hand.
  Aug. 7 a Remember last month when BDA Chair Fran King got all fired up and said that all members would be given
assignments and had better perform or be told to scram..... Acting BDA Chair Jim Knotts (Fran absent) said Franny
had not followed up with the member assignments nor forms to get the jobs done.
  Aug. 7 a Hey it's been 20 minutes of typing!!!!!!  More coming but it's time for another trip to the throne.
  Aug. 6 p  William “Bill” B. Samples Sr., 69, of Procious see OBITUARY
  Aug. 6 p  Donald “Duck” Lee Johnson 62, see OBITUARY page
  Aug. 6 p  Steven Edward Childers, 53, of Bickmore, see  OBITUARY page
  Aug. 5 p  Happy 30th Birthday to CARL MARK NEAL on FRIDAY
  Aug. 4 p  Richard T. Paxton, 74, see OBITUARY page
  Aug. 4 a Tuesday morning weathercasters predicted a 20% chance of rain. It rained like crazy. By afternoon, the
same predictors called for an 80% chance of the wet stuff. By dark, we had maybe a dribble or two. Someone needs to
get those folks a new can of Windex.
  Aug. 4 a The radio station is planning the first ever (we think) in the county riding lawn mower race during their Small
Town America Labor Day Celebration. Here's a link to some big league racers down in Georgia.
  Aug. 4 a Last month the CAEZ  Bd of Directors voted to bail out on any partnership with the BDA. At issue was
splitting the cost of hiring a full time Eco Development Director for Clayberry. CAEZ told their Director to tell em, no
way Jose!
  Aug. 4 a Last night during the monthly meeting of the CAEZ, County Commissioners Commissioners Linky poo,
Mike Pierson and BDA member Mike Boggs asked the CAEZ Board to reconsider their decision to bail, that the
partnership was very important to growing Clayberry, and please consider being a partner even if the group is unable to
help finance the hire.
  Aug. 4 a The response?  Our side will pen a letter of understanding and present that to the CAEZ Bd during their
Sept. meeting.
  Aug. 4 a The BDA has a 10 year history of lackluster performance and outrageous conduct. During last night's
discussions, questions came up on whether the BDA was "functional". Of course our guys said Yes.
  Aug. 4 a That calls for a big Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...
  Aug. 4 a We have a few details on the proposed arrangement. Here's what it sounds like to us. A committee of three
(Mike Pierson, Connie Lupardus, and Mike Boggs) will draw up the job specs, advertise for the position, interview the
applicants, and hire the Director. That same committee, not the funders,  will be the boss.
  Aug. 4 a  If the partnership and hire actually takes place, Clay County will have the BDA as THE lead economic
development authority, the County Commission working to grow the county of little,  the CAEZ with a full time
director spending much time trying to grow our 342 square miles, and a newbee person trying to adhere to the wishes
of her committee bosses while trying to blend the program in with the efforts of all the rest.       Sounds like a
nightmare in the making.
  Aug. 4 a  During  the July BDA meeting, the concensus was: If the CAEZ doesn't put some $$$ in the committee
partnership, they shouldn't be at the table. Let's see how it goes Thursday evening during the BDA meeting which
begins at 5pm.
  Aug. 4 a FYI: The County Commission appoints members to all the govt committees, agencies, boards. Once
appointed, the CCC can not remove a Boardster. That's true except for the members of the BDA where the CCC can
without reason, remove any and all BDA Boardsters anytime they like.
  Aug. 4 p from the email bag:  I am interested in searching for descendants of "General" Bill Simmons.  I am his
great grand son, and would like to hear from any of my cousins.  My e-mail is: gerald_simmons@verizon.net. I
would also like to know where he is buried, what cemetery. etc.  I would appreciate any information anyone has
about my great grand father.  I am the son of Norville, who is the son of Jacob, General's son.
  Aug. 4 p When someone quits, retires, or leaves a job at the Courthouse, it's time to call in favors. Everybody has a
daughter, son, niece that needs a job. As soon as a person announces their departure, the politicos comes out of the
woodwork. That's going on now at the Courthouse with one for sure and most likely a second resignation coming in the
Sheriff's office. No matter the qualifications or demands of the job, we want our kin folk to get the job.
  Aug. 4 p With about everyone at the Courthouse in some way related to another, it got so bad a few years back that
the Commission enacted a Nepotism policy which mandates all elected officials to shy away from hiring "blood" or
"blood" of another elected official. That policy applies to ALL inside the Courthouse hires, not the Health Dept, or
School Board..
  Aug. 4 p Courthouse policy or not, behind closed doors, the massaging the rule continues today.   When there is a
delay in hiring that is a sure indicator that something has gummed up the works. That word has leaked out and another
elected officials is crying foul!
  Aug. 4 p So as to look organized and united,  the CCC has to get their ducks in a  row before the next public
meeting.....
  Aug. 4 p Although no covered by a nepotism policy the School System has to get their pick a job. To keep the tracks
greased for future arm twisting, the right people have to hired, the "team" people. Back scratching is common practice
in Clayberry.
  Aug. 4 p  School system electrician John Brown took a teaching position at CCHS after Mike Pierson retired. Brown's
position is still vacant. Wonder whose son will get that slot?
  Aug. 4 p What goes on behind the scenes is the stuff we all know about but only speak of in hush hush tones. We
allow such BS to go on.    Why? Someday we may need the same insider treatment. Sheriff Harold Fields once said,
don't step on the toe of the foot that may someday come back and kick you in the butt.
  Aug. 4 a  Happy birthday wishes extended to Linda McKinney and Steve Butler
  Aug. 4 a Get well soon to Thelma Beckett in downtown Clay.
  Aug. 4 a  CAEZ's economic development committee meets today at 4:30 at the JG Bradley Campground. Full Board
gathers at 6pm also at the campground. With a Larry Darryl Darryl presentation mentioned on the agenda, might be
good to have a seat in the peanut gallery.
  Aug. 4 a  Town Council meets at 5pm in the old Chevy dealership building. Ditto for the Library Bd tonight at the
Library.
  april 4 a  All are public meetings.
  Aug. 4 a Been a lot of talk about Obama De Bama's syphilis (stimulus) $$$$ and where they are and ain't going. If
you can stand looking at Smokin Joe's mug, here's the link to the funds and where they're going in West Virginia.
  Aug. 4 a Guess where the $1m coming to Clayberry is going? You got it, the school system. Sure ain't no need to
renew the Levy now! There's our answer why the Somber Super decided to stay another year maybe.
  Aug. 4 a  Tax receipts are on pace to drop 18 percent this year, the biggest single-year decline since the Great
Depression, while the federal deficit balloons to a record $1.8 trillion.
  Aug. 4 a August is the peak season for home burglaries.  Chances are good you're about to head out of town, leaving
your dwelling to fend for itself against intruders. Got a house sitter or an alarm system? Good for you. If not, there are
a handful of ways to turn a computer into a tool that will alert you if someone's there who shouldn't be.
  Aug. 3 p Adrian Rogers:  You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.
What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.
  Aug. 3 p The radio station has a new event slated for their Labor day weekend Small Town America Celebration. It's
riding lawn mower races. Here's the scoop from the new web site.
  Aug. 3 p from the email bag:  The WV State Beach Wrestling Championship was held in Charleston at Magic Island
on August 2nd, 2009.  The competition was held on sand therefore getting its name beach wrestling.  Mitchell
Schoolcraft won the WV state championship in the middle school division.  Jay Carper won the WV state
championship in the men’s open division.
  Aug. 3 p Jay is the county Smoking Czar and Sanitarian.
  Aug. 3 a School Board meets tonight at 6pm in the Standard Bryant Annex on Gump Street. It took em awhile to get
the person they wanted for the H.E. White Elem Principalship but they did it.
  Aug. 3 a Soon we'll be hearing glowing reports on how well our little snot lickers performed with last Spring's tests.
Sure to be reports of outstanding results and such.
  Aug. 3 a That's outstanding performance no matter what the truth is. A couple years back when we did particularly
bad, the State folks came up with nice paper hangings on how well we did on attendance. There was no mention of
dismal performance in t he areas that mattered the most.
  Aug. 3 a It's a full week of public meetings with CAEZ, Town Council and the BDA all hosting public meetings.
  Aug. 2 p Over the last seven days we've seen some examples of what makes people scratch their heads with a
"WHAT WERE HEY THINKIN!!" reply.
  Aug. 2 p  The Feds handed out billions to fellow suits for every kind of bail out imaginable. The only thin bailed out
were the ones that brought us to our financial knees.
  Aug. 2 p The Cash for Clunkers program is the ONLY program that has worked to stimulate the economy. That
program was halted after just 4 days.
  Aug. 2 p  We know it. The world knows it. And only our elected officials say differently.  Bank regulators closed five
banks on Friday, bringing the number of failures so far this year to 69 as the struggling economy and falling home
prices take their toll on financial institutions. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp estimated the five closures would
cost its deposit fund a total of about $911.7 million.
  Aug. 2 p  Two Democratic senators called on the Pentagon to take back more than $83 million in bonuses paid to
military contractor KBR after a Defense Department report criticized its electrical work on U.S. bases overseas.  It's
about time.
  Aug. 2 p Example 1. Health Director Linda Klotzbach wants Clayonians to know all the offerings her organization
offers. During the monthly meeting of her Board, she said many good programs, classes, training, opportunities come
and go without a participant.
  Aug. 2 p To improve attendance, Big Klotz asked and got the green light to spend $20,000 to erect a big scrolling
marquee sign in front of the Health Dept building. $20,000 plus electrical installation and thelocation of the gaudy
power gulper makes it all but impossible for a passing motorist to take in.
  Aug. 2 p Example 2p Larry Darryl and Darryl held another secret meeting last week. Not sure what they discussed
but it doesn't matter. The law is very clear, they can't discuss ANYTHING that might be later voted on UNLESS that
discussion is done in a public setting. It wasn't.
  Aug. 2 p We simply ask that the CCC operate within the law. When they don't, they're caught and need axed from
office. They are truly a sad lot.
  Aug. 2 p More Federal $$$ were handed out this week. The Town of Clay will receive $115,000 to hire a full time
Badge for three years. Top Badge Holcomb will not. Commissioner Slinky penned the Top Badge grant application.
  Aug. 2 p  The last of the green beans were canned. Bright green tomatoes hung on the vines. Hostas bloomed. Dark
brown white kids continue their summer break as parents headed out to yard sales to buy bargain priced back to school
clothes.