| | 1. Your future hope is your present joy.
2. Americans now eat 2.4 pounds of spinach a year, up from 5 ounces in 1975.
3. Smuckers Un-Crustables generated sales of $27.5 million in 2004.
4. Did you know that West Virginia got its name in honor of Elizabeth, Virgin Queen of England?
5. Did you know that all the countries used to be beside each other, in one land mass called Pangea.
6. There are 4,400 species of worms.
7. A cockroach can live a week without its head.
8. In 2004, 34 people were killed in workplace accidents in West Virginia.
9. The US Environmental Protection Agency found that the number of counties in which unhealthy air was recorded fell significantly for the first time in six years in West Virginia.
10. In all, more than 3.2 million FOIA requests were made in 2003, up from 1.9 million in 1999.
11. Recent studies indicate that as many as 600,000 of the 4 million babies born every year have been exposed to levels of mercury significant enough to lower their IQ’.
12. Nationwide, at least 45 states have issued fish advisories because of mercury contamination.
13. Today nearly one of every three people collecting Social Security is not retired.
14. By 2050, for the first time, more Americans will be over 60 than under 15.
15. In 1941 only 15 Whooping Cranes were known to exist in the world.
16. Nearly half of Appalachia’ 321,000 residents since 2000 are minority, about 80,000 of them Latinos.
17. A 2003 draft study by federal regulators found that 1,200 miles of Appalachian streams have been buried or otherwise directly impacted by valley fills between 1992 and 2002.
18. According to Reuters News Service, pregnant women carrying boys are less forgetful than those carrying girls.
19. More young adults ages 18 to 24 do not smoke compared to the same age group five years ago.
20. Health Day News reports black women have a significantly lower risk of bone fracture than that for white women, because of greater bone density. LMM
Letter to Brother Bill By Evelyne McLaughlin
Hello, Brother Bill. I think summer has arrived; we have had some very warm weather this week. Cousin Hazel Samples Stephens called recently. She was 86 in May. She sounds very chipper for her age. She is currently living with her son. He lives in Texas. While Marge Smith Thomas, of Lakeview, Arkansas was visiting friends and family in Clay County, I visited with her a couple of days. We, along with Jane Bird, her sister-in-law, ate a delicious lunch at the Nutrition Center at Two Run. Pat Legg Reed, of Maryland, was there also. I would not have recognized her but Gene King told me who she was. After Marge "toured" Clay, we went home with Jane. I had a wonderful visit at the "Bird House" - enjoyed that wonderful blackberry cobbler again. I came home with lots of goodies, including a lovely bird house, and other items. Marge then visited with her aunt, Emma Matheny, before leaving for North Carolina to visit with her son, Jeff Thomas. I told Marge I had a hard time keeping up with her. What a gal!!!
Happy Birthday to you, brother. I know your birthday is the 14th. I remember when the midwife, Mrs. Nancy Keller, came to our house with her black bag. She told me that she found little girls under apple trees and little boys in brier patches. Gee, that was a long time agooooooooo. Must have been 64 years ago. Another one that is growing older is our dear friend Sylvia Summers. Her birthday is June 21. Shirley Sutton Ashworth, of Pedro, Ohio will also be enjoying a birthday on the 21st.
Ann Dawson Wood, of Birch River, is recouping from a broken ankle. Mary Varney Vaughn, of Blue Knob, is recovering from by-pass surgery, and Hazel Braley, of Ovapa, has returned home after a brief stay in the hospital. I also understand that Jack Parsons, of Valley Fork, and Leonard Burdette, of Twistabout Ridge, were recently patients in the hospital. Surely hope these folks have a quick recovery.
Blendine Daubenspeck Blankenship, of Leon, has moved into her new home. Donnie Beasley of Ohio, formerly of O'Brien, has passed away. Gene Koch, of Blue Knob, also passed away. Our sympathy to the families of these folks. I also was sorry to learn of Woody Cutlip’ death. Woody was always such a friendly person. These folks will be surely missed.
The 50th Class Reunion of CCHS is getting nearer. We have talked with several of our former classmates since our last letter to you. Dreama Holcomb, of Florida, doesn't think she will be able to attend. Her husband is in ill health. Ann Hamrick Hill, of Akron, Ohio, Pat Dawson Eagle, of Florida, Mary Donohue Workman, Scott Gibson, Dana Shamblin, Paula Jo Perkins Seabolt, Dorothy and Dorcas Boggs are planning to attend. I think we will enjoy a very nice evening with our former classmates.
Edward Smith, Jr., of North Carolina, is visiting with his parents of Oak Hill Ridge this week. Dorma Deems, formerly of Twistabout Ridge, is now living with her daughter, Velma Starcher, of Ohio. Debbie Hanshaw Samples, of Procious, has been visiting with her sister, Shirley Hanshaw (?), of North Carolina.
Have you heard the blonde joke about Jack's Telephone Number? Blonde Caller says: "Can you give me the telephone number for Jack?" Operator: "I'm sorry, I don't understand who you are talking about." Blonde Caller: "On page l, section 5, of the user guide it clearly states that I need to unplug the fax machine from the AC wall socket and telephone Jack before cleaning. NOW CAN YOU GIVE ME THE NUMBER FOR JACK?”
A nice note was received from Harlan Hensley CCHS 1956, of Pennsylvania, a week or so ago. The letter was addressed to me and the Delta Communications. He writes "Rise Up!! Let thy communications be heard to all, in truth and integrity. Let not yourself be caught in the blight of Satan." Psalms 85:11, Psalms 92:2 and 4, Ephesians 4:14, and he says in ending give concern to Ephesians 4:25, 26, and 27. "Thanks for the truth in your paper, and God's blessings to you all."
We seldom have much in the way of excitement in this area but late Sunday night our power went off after a huge "THUMP." A local boy had brought his car over the embankment into Rod's yard. Had it not been for the pussy willow tree Mom planted years ago, he would have been in Caleb's room. We are just so thankful the young man was not injured. Cars, incidentals, flowers and trees can be replaced, but not a human life.
Remember when Don Knotts used to use the phrase "nip it in the bud?" Well, I know what he was talking about after finding Miss Piggy, Bo and Peep happily munching on my tender flowers in the yard. Yep! They nipped them in the bud. Mom always said, "Them that hath must lose, if you didn't have it you couldn't lose it." She was right, too. Marsha Griffith Daniels, of North Carolina, called to tell me the Daniels Family Singers will be singing at Spread Park July 2nd. They plan to start singing around ten in the morning and will sing on during the day. Everyone is invited to attend and listen to the good gospel music.
A few copied words from the wise old bird: Good judgment comes from experience and a lot of that comes from bad judgment. If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around. Always drink upstream from the herd. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time. And, live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God. Before closing I want to say a big hello to Sylvia Summers, Geraline and Gerald Samples, Sandy Hanshaw, and all of the Royal Court.
I love you, brother Bill. Until next time:
HELP US ALL TO BE BRAVE. Sis
Shadow of a Constitution? By Jim Chafin
A mere 36 years had elapsed since the Declaration of Independence had been signed and the beginning of the War of 1812, when the British crown sought to undo the events that led to the Treaty of Paris between those fledgling 13 colonies and Great Britain. Though a mere babe, in terms of international alliances and experience, this Johnny-come-lately was viewed through envious eyes in the city that lay on the eastern edge of the Atlantic Ocean. America, the upstart, was moving ambitiously to extend its shipping lanes and becoming more aggressive as it sought a greater percentage of world commerce. Such boldness went not unnoticed by His Royal Highness and the commercial establishment who were the king’ primary source of money and power. So, the War of 1812 was planned and executed by the Crown as a way to bring this nation once again under the domination of England. America’ abundance of resources could not be allowed to remain in the hands of untrained peasants, so the invasion of America began. And while the armed aggression failed, Europe’ money cabal would not be so easily quieted.
Woodrow Wilson (28th president) in his book, “he New Freedom,”lays the groundwork for what we hope to be, an enlightening discussion of America’ people problems from the standpoint of history and its relevance to today’ problematic society. “ince I entered politics, I have chiefly had men’ views confided to me privately. Some of the biggest men in the United States, in the field of commerce and manufacturing are afraid of somebody, afraid of something. They know that there is a power somewhere so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocking, so complete, and so pervasive that they had better not speak above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it.” Most people, I dare say, would agree that there is something out of kilter in this country, but they simply cannot put their finger on it. While they may feel a certain apprehension in their lives, the “hing”is so obscure that it is, seemingly, just out of reach; indefinable, yet tangible with a certain reality about it. Call it job security (or the lack thereof), out of control gas prices, escalating incidents of war, decreasing living standards in general, lack of healthcare. In a nation with an abundance of resources, personal comfort and safety issues provide a jolt to our nervous system daily and remind us that someone, somewhere, is jerking us around like so many puppets on a string. While people are reluctant to focus blame upon a system that provides many benefits, the persistent gnawing in our stomach will not be dissuaded. America needs a heart transplant, not a simple catherization. “early every American has a gut feeling that something very basic is wrong with their country. Many wish they knew what it was, but haven’ the foggiest notion of what it might be. Respect for our officials in federal government is continually declining and voter apathy is ever increasing. Over 50 percent of eligible voters in this nation don’ vote. And there have been attacks on the seat of government, the White House itself. I don’ think those attackers were after anyone specifically. They were angry about what our government was doing, or not doing, and their dissatisfaction was taken out on the symbol of our government, the White House. The prime cause is a very well hidden clandestine movement.” - Robert Gaylon Ross, Sr.
It is alleged that the international “ouse of Rothschild,”also called “he City,”with headquarters in London, England financed the War of 1812 against the United States of America, expressly because of Thomas Jefferson’ opposition of the establishment of a central bank owned and operated by the banking cartel of London. In fact, one such bank was authorized by Congress but its charter was not renewed due to opposition in America by the political establishment. The New Palgrave Directory of Money and Finance by Peter Newman, Murray Milgate and John Eatwell discloses: since the 1800’ many financial markets outside the United States are controlled by banking cartels, formerly collusive organizations, which focus on gaining monopolistic advantages within their market. These cartels have historically been tools of governmental economic policy… Rothschild interests touch virtually every aspect of our lives. Following World War II, they invested in vast areas of resource rich properties in Canada, possibly gold deposits. Joey Smallwood, Premier of Newfoundland, Canada described the 50,000 square mile land purchases by Rothschild as the biggest deal in Canadian history. Their influence extends to the Bank of England, Bank of France and most likely the U.S. Federal Reserve - possibly the IMF. They have enormous influence upon the world’ monetary policy.” Accounting for the Rothschild wealth and influence, Morton noted that Rothschild was worth over $6 billion (U.S.) in 1850. Today’ prognosticators estimate their fortune variously up to $491,409 trillion. Because of their secrecy, actual current figures are hard to come by.
President Franklin Roosevelt is credited with saying, “othing of a political nature ever happens unless it has been planned.” I often wondered how that could possibly be true, given the diversity of people and thought. Now, however, having learned the fundamental truth behind the biblical unction that “he love of money is the root of all evil,”the building blocks upon which power on this earth is laid becomes increasingly clear. But, until we begin to look beyond our own puny sphere of influence, we simply cannot catalog and digest all the bits of information thrown at us at such blinding speed. Learning to differentiate between fact and propaganda is a delicate balancing act that one must learn to master IF we are ever to be able to throw off that psychological razzle-dazzle of voodoo economics preached at us from the pits of Wall Street, London, and other citadels of “he Empire”around the world. Master it we can, because truth and fact lies just beyond our fingertips. It takes a little effort, but if we are diligent and resourceful we can know the truth and “he truth shall make us free.”
In the Saturday Evening Post, by Frank Vanderlip (1935): “here was an occasion near the close of 1910 when I was secretive, indeed as furtive as any conspirator… since it would have been fatal to Senator Aldrich’ plan to have it known that he was calling on anybody from Wall Street to help him in preparing his bill… I do not feel it is any exaggeration to speak of our expedition to Jekyll Island (Georgia) as the occasion of the actual conception of what eventually became the Federal Reserve System.” Might we reiterate something we have said in the past: poverty is born in the boardrooms of America’ giant corporations – it is not a natural phenomena. Destitution is caused. Interest paid on massive government debts impoverish both nations and individuals. On the other hand, money not paid to interest equals prosperity.
MEETING TIDBITS
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY With $22,323.00 in the bank and only a $18 power bill to pay, that’ what the BDA did June 2nd. They paid a power bill.
Although we’e not allowed to say Filcon, tearing down the old Filcon building and bids to do so was discussed. Well, actually, no formal bids have been received even after advertising the demolition. No action taken in the public realm.
BDAer Morgan Gibson informed the group that one guy is interested in starting a business and needs a building to warehouse chemicals for a right of way clearing business.
Remember the kids that broke out the 16 windows at the old State Road garage at Two Run. In attendance, Sheriff Holcomb said he hadn’ done anything with the paperwork, that he had returned the city investigated paperwork back to Mayor Jarrett because he couldn’ read the writing. Paige Willis, “ight as well write that off..”Glady Lanham, “There’ a bunch of idiots up there.”Chair Williams made public the BDA planned to have an office and a secretary/grant writer working at the old building someday.
Before the BDA can receive a $30,000 grant for economic development work, a Boardster has to take a 30 hour course. Knowing that Fran King planned to take the needed classes, the BDA asked Commissioner Triplett to take the courses instead. He declined.
Tommy Fitzwater has a knack for getting under the skin of Chair Williams. After Willis proclaimed everything that’ done is done in public, Fitzwater, “Unless it’ a secret committee.”Williams sounding a little huffy, “We’e not getting into that.. nothing’ secret.”At one point during the meeting Chair Williams mentioned that “e”have something worked out on a contractor at the Filcon site and that something would not be bid out. Fitzwater asked if all that was secret and “Does that have to be secret?”Fitzwater, “You kind of said you know who the contractor was [going to be]. Under questioning, Williams backed off of the worked out part and told Tommy to listen better in the future!
Another guy asked if that super secret inner circle development committee had met since being organized in Feb 2005. Both Williams and Jim Knotts at the same time said No.
As for Board members and terms of office, Glady Lanham, Dave Derby and Arthur Jarrett are up for reappointment. Derby had had enough of the BDA and will not accept reappointment. County Commission will appoint newbees or reappoint during their June 22nd meeting.
TOWN OF CLAY With King Arthur away from duty, Recorder Dwana Murphy ascended the throne and ran the June 7th Council meeting. Complaints came on barking, pooping dogs housed on the Clifton’ property and behind Barbara Schamberger’ home on Main Street. A letter will be sent followed by a letter to the County Health Officer.
With Town coffers bare ($28,132 owed for water and sewer service) and unable to pay last month’ sewer plant bills, Council will ask County Commission to pay part of the cost ($895.21) for filling the County swimming pool. Betty Murphy, “e don’ have the money.. Our bills have to come first.”
Newly licensed water plant operator Drema Thomas was unhappy with her $12 per hour job. She felt she should be making more money and without such an increase, she would not be operating the plant in the future. Thomas earns $9 per hour as a clerk when not operating the plant. After working 40 hours as an operator ($12/hour) she only netted $100 more for the week. She wants more. Betty Murphy explained that the whole reason for moving the office to the water plant building was so employees could get trained/licensed/certified and be more cost efficient than outside hires.
The meeting heated up when technician Terry Traub entered the discussion and demanded a fairer shake for local employees. No decisions made on keeping Ms Thomas happy, but we have an answer. If she thinks she should get paid more as an operator, reduce her clerk wages a couple dollars per hour!
Clay Roane PSD produced a $5200 check for past due wholesale water purchases from the Town. The town had threatened to sever water service to the PSD unless they cleared up past due amounts.
The Town is planning a July 2nd Independence Day Celebration which will include a town wide yard sale.
Continued on the next page
CAEZ A couple notes from the June 7th Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone. The group forgave a 5 year old, $100,000 loan to Spencer Veneer in Roane County after the company met the terms of the forgivable loan agreement. Currently Spencer Veneers has 115 employees on the job. Roane County Commissioner Rodney Cox, “This is a success story.”
For Clay County, Director Sizemore let something out. According to most recent estimates, it will take $75,000 to get the BC&G railroad tracks up to par for a level 1 service. That’ far less than the millions reported last month.
Director Sizemore said he had a big announcement coming at the next CAEZ meeting.
RATE INCREASE After months of poor management and out of control dismal Board performance, Clay Roane PSD was given the thumbs up for a 24+% rate increase. The rate increase will be added to the bills immediately and without a public hearing. Additional long term rate increases are expected after a formal hearing is convened later this summer. The average usage water bill will hover at $60 for Clay Roane customers with the emergency increase making Clay Roane PSD one of the highest priced water providers in the state.
COUNTY COMMISSION. This staying in a 20 page format is getting tighter and tighter. From the June 8th CCC meeting. In a 2 to 1 vote ( Triplett was the lone nay vote) our elected ones voted to buy cell phones for the ambulance service. Saying that cell phones work in most parts of the county, Ambulance Director Bev King said the whole reason for adding the expense is to keep the public from hearing what the ambulance service is up to.
Next time the ambulance service tells us they are doing a great job in Clayberry, we can respond, how would anyone know? You can’ prove it by me! AW
POLICE BLOTTER
June 9th, 1:26pm, 911 Dispatch, “Domestic in progress… caller says a 10 year old is trying to kill her with rocks” Badges were dispatched. A day earlier, a domestic was reported near the Calhoun County line where a woman said she was going to be killed. Over the scanner one badge told others to be careful and have back up.
You know what time it is? It’ summer time where domestic violence goes up as the temps do. In addition to domestic violence, drug busts, and kids in general out of control, there is the occasional funny one.
Tuesday after lunch a call came in for law enforcement to respond to a problem at Bullards in Maysel. As soon as it came across a lady was naked in the road, cruisers came from all directions to get a glimpse… to lend a hand! Teresa Rock was in the middle of Route 4 beside a traffic cone buck naked. She was later charged with three misdemeanors. Earlier she told the public she was the Queen of Israel. Rock is a recently arrived tenant at Maysel Manor.
Thomas Holcomb’ name has graced these pages over the years. He’ back. Now charged with malicious assault, unlawful assault, driving suspended, and destruction of property, here’ the police report ( edited and shortened) from Sunday June 5 2005.
On June 5th at 1900 hours Tpr MA Elswick was dispatched to a disturbance at the Big Otter Food Mart. The officer was advised that a brown vehicle was chasing a green vehicle through the parking lot. Upon arrival Elswick met with victim 1, Jody Miller who advised that Thomas Holcomb, the suspect, had rammed his vehicle, a green 1996 Hyundia. A considerable amount of damage was observed. Miller further advised that Holcomb continued to push his vehicle across the parking lot, ramming it into a parked tractor and trailer. Miller said Holcomb was operating a tan Chevy Trail Blazer belonging to Terri Pierson. During the incident, Holcomb also rammed into the Big Otter Food Mart. The damage to the building was estimated to be $5000.
Elswick observed several skid marks on the parking lot. Victim 2, Jonathon Sizemore, advised that the suspect had intentionally ran over him with the Blazer causing him bodily injury. Elswick located the suspect on Clinic Road in a 2004 Chevrolet registered to Terri Pierson who remained at the Big Otter Food Mart after the suspect left the scene. Extensive damage was observed on the Trail Blazer. A check through the DMV showed that the suspect was suspended for unpaid citations.
As a note, Sizemore and Miller were seen on foot, Sunday evening around 8:15pm, near the old Courthouse. An irate Miller was yelling about the conduct of investigating officers as he limped past. The shirtless Sizemore had big black streaks on his right side, front and back. Johnny Morris was seen taking the two to the ambulance service for first aid. Both were later taken to a hospital and released. With bond set at $25,000, Mr Holcomb made bond Tuesday June 7th.
We’e got a brand new Green Shirt in the county, K.S. Wickline is his name. Seems Wickline thinks it looks odd for someone to be parked at the Maysel car wash and not be washing a car. He was right. Here’ part of the police write up from June 6 2005
On June 6 around 6:30pm, Sgt Wiles and Trooper Wickline were traveling South on Rt 36…. While on routine patrol they observed two vehicles at the car wash. One vehicle was parked in the parking area and the other was in a wash bay, at which time the same were not being cleaned. Both vehicles were checked due to complaints of drug activity occurring at this particular location.
Continued on page 17
The vehicle in the ash bay, the officer noticed the driver to be very nervous. The driver’ eyes were glassy and the officer detected a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. The officer questioned the driver if he was OK and why was he so nervous. The driver responded that he was OK and his eyes were glassy due to lack of sleep. The officer what he was doing in the wash bay and not washing the vehicle. Brown responded that he had been talking to his cousins whom were on the other side of the lot.
When asked if he had been drinking or had been using any kind of drugs, Brown responded no and he did not use drugs.
Brown allowed his vehicle to be searched. After the driver exited the vehicle, a protective pat down search revealed a clear bag with a green leafy substance appearing to be marijuana. Also found was a bowl in the accused left front pocket. When questioned, Brown said he meant he didn’ do hard drugs.
A record check revealed the suspect to be Hollis Dale Brown of 148 South Clinton Street, Albion NY. The officer searched the burgundy 95 Chevy Silverado where a black nylon container was found behind the driver’ seat. Upon unzipping the container, a clear bag containing a brown square shaped substance was found. Brown first said the brown stuff was a candy bar. A set of scales was also found as was a calculator and 4 empty clear bags.
Brown later said the substance was hashish.
911 dispatch said that Brown’ license had been suspended and he had a previous drug conviction (4-19-84).
The 47 year old Hollis Brown was lodged in Central Regional Jail charged with driving on a suspended license, possession of a controlled substance, and providing false information to a badge.
For those wanting to sit in on Magistrate Hearings. Here’ the schedule as of Wednesday June 8th.
Before Magistrate Boggs on June 14th, state vs Sherrie Carte 9am; Linda Adkins 9:30am; Daniel Grose 10am; Russell Moore 10:30am; Terry Taylor 11am; James Neff 11:30am; Ashley Graham (3 counts) 1pm; and Thomas Holcomb.
Before Magistrate King, June 21st Gerald Duffield 9:30am; John Nine 10am; John Bishop Jr 10:30am; Ronald Williams Jr 11am; Michael Jarvis 1pm; Thomas Rose 1:30am; Delbert McKenzie 2pm; Denzil Fender 2:30pm; David Pyatt 3pm; and Arza Cain 3:30pm
On June 23 Magistrate King will hear Mark Cain 10am; Mathew Shaffer 10:30am; Brian Bostic 11am; Jonas Shaffer 11:30am; Russell Kessler 1pm; Ronald Rhodes II 1:30am; Donald Peck Jr 2pm; Johnny Lane 2:30pm; and Peggy Hanshaw 3pm.
CHATTER “t is a clear warning sign…”
In response to the blatant contempt of the deputies of the Clay Sheriff’ Office for enforcing animal cruelty laws, I have been researching animal cruelty and have discovered numerous facts that stress the importance of enforcing animal cruelty laws. For starters, allow me to introduce to the citizens and deputies several animal abusers:
Jeffrey Dahmer; Ted Bundy; Andrew Cunanan; David “on of Sam”Berkowitz; Albert “oston Strangler”DeSalvo; Eric Harris, Columbine High School shooter; Dylan Kiebold, Columbine High School shooter, killed 14 classmates and a teacher – both he and Harris had spoken of mutilating animals and expressed interest in occult rituals; Kip Kinkel, 15 year-old high school shooter, Springfield, OR; Luke Woodham, 16 year-old high school shooter, Pearl, Miss. – beat and burned his own dog, Sparkle, he described his dog’ painful tortured death as “ thing of beauty;”Patrick Sherrill, killed 14 coworkers at a post office, then took his own life; Earl Kenneth Shriner, raped, stabbed and mutilated a 7 year-old boy; Brenda Spencer, opened fire in a school in San Diego killing 2 children and injuring 9 others; Carroll Edward Cole, was executed for 5 of the 35 murders of which he was accused – said his first act of violence as a child was to strangle a puppy; Michael Carneal; Andrew Golden, shot dogs before he turned his guns on his classmates. In 1987, three Missouri high school students were charged with the beating death of a classmate. They had histories of repeated acts of animal mutilation starting several years earlier. One confessed that he had killed so many cats he’ lost count. Two brothers who murdered their parents had previously told classmates that they had decapitated a cat.
As you can see, this is a disturbing pattern. All of these people who have committed murder had a history of animal abuse. Statistical data, case studies, psychologists, and even FBI profilers show us the connection over and over, yet animal abuse crimes are not given nearly the weight that human crimes are given. Animal abuse clearly illustrates a lack of empathy for the suffering of others, which is a significant characteristic of sociopathic personalities. Let’ break animal abuse down to its bare essentials: Abusing an animal is a way for a human to find power/joy/fulfillment through the torture of a victim they know cannot defend itself. Now let’ break down a human crime, say rape: Rape is a way for a human to find power/joy/fulfillment through torture of a victim they know cannot defend themselves. The line separating an animal abuser from someone capable of committing human abuse is much finer than most people care to consider. People abuse animals for the same reason they abuse people. Some people will stop with animals, but enough have been proven to continue on to commit violent crimes on people that it’ worth paying attention to. Virtually every serious violent offender has a history of animal abuse in their past, and since there is no way to know which animal abuser is going to continue on to commit violent human crimes, they should ALL be taken that seriously. FBI Supervisory Special Agent Allen Brantley was quoted as saying: “nimal cruelty… is not a harmless venting of emotion in a healthy individual; it is a clear warning sign…” It should be looked at as exactly that. It’ a clear indicator of psychological issues that can and often DO lead to more violent human crimes.
Mahatma Gandhi said that the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. Animals feel pain and fear like we do, but they are often helpless victims because they can’ say what happened to them. Some people choose to abuse animals over people for this reason. However, in one study it showed that animals were abused in 88% of the homes in which a child was abused. Another study shows that 83% of families reported for animal abuse also had children who are at high risk of abuse or neglect.
If 88% of the homes of abused children also have abused animals, perhaps the Sheriff and his deputies should take this (animal abuse) more seriously. With abuse, it is likely there are drugs involved. Why not investigate animal abuse and possibly save a child being harmed and look for drugs? Investigating a complaint of abuse of an animal opens the door for investigating for illegal drugs and other illegal activities. A national survey of shelters for women who are battered found that 96% of women and children in overnight facilities talked about pet abuse. In a survey of 42 shelters, these were a few of the questions asked: Do women who come into your shelter talk about incidents of pet abuse? 85% said yes. Do children who come into your shelter talk about incidents of pet abuse? 63% said yes. In your experience with shelters, have you observed the coexistence of domestic violence and pet abuse? 83% said yes. Do you have any questions in your intake interview concerning pets? 27% said yes.
Animal abuse is everywhere, and it takes everyone to help prevent it. Recent cruelty cases in our home state highlighted the need for tougher penalties. We are all aware of the case in Kanawha County where a man was arrested and charged for dragging a hound dog behind his vehicle, stabbing the dog in the back of the skull, and then taped the dog alive to a steering wheel in which the dog died from his injuries. This prompted Governor Joe Manchin to sign into effect Senate Bill 588 which increases penalties to a $2,000 fine and 5 years in jail, with a provision that the perpetrator of animal cruelty complete an anger management intervention program. This bill would also work to prevent future acts in juvenile offenders.
As you can see, animal abuse is a preliminary warning sign of an individual’ capacity to commit violent crimes against humans. Many criminals, from young school shooters to the most notorious serial killers, have a history of cruelty to animals before turning their violence onto people.
In closing, I would like to leave you with a quote from the Bible, Proverbs 12:10: A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. Please, if you witness acts of animal cruelty, call the Clay Humane Society at 286-4222, and please call the Sheriff’ Department and tell them to step up their efforts to control animal cruelty in our county. Cruelty is not to be taken lightly. If the Sheriff and deputies continue to refuse to investigate animal cruelty, as so many calls have been ignored, perhaps Clay needs to change its slogan to: Welcome to Clay County, home of the world’ largest producer of potential serial killers.
Sincerely,
Holly Cunningham
Sources: www.psycta.org/beyond_violence.html; www.hsus.org/press_and-publications/press_releases/the_hsus_urges_governor_ma ;
www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=kids ;
www.aspca.org/PageServer?pagename=factsheet ;
www.pet-abuse.com/connection/ ;
www.vachss.com/guest_dispatches/ascione_1html
CHATTER 2
Again in the limelight is our own devoted notable wasters of tax dollars Clay Ambulance Authority asking for money to get Cell phones. I think its a crock of bull they are trying to feed the County Commissioners about the why of things. We the taxpayer does not need to be furnishing them with anything other then what they have now. I think everyone in this county knows already that they are the most fraudulent and excess waste of taxpayer funds we have here.
In 1990 the ambulance was operated on a budget of around $35,000and then we had the Big squeeze applied for a $25.00 head taxso they could operate more efficiently. How close to $1,000,000 it the budget for them now?? Or how far past are they now??
I think that if Bev King and the rest of the Authority want to have Cell Phones for their "Undercover" Devises they can pay for them from their own pockets. What they do is a matter of PUBLIC SERVICE and all they do is a matter of the watchful eye of the PUBLIC.
If and when the County Commission vote on this CELLPHONE UNDERCOVER DEAL for the ELITE is when the TAXPAYING LION will APPEAR once again and that you can be assured of. SECRECY is a PRIVATE matter and if the Ambulance Authority wish to OPERATE ON TAX FUNDSthen SECRECY will have NO PLACE ON THE AGENDA.
IF they want to operate secret let them get a job in the real world where they can be PRIVATE DETECTIVES. Then and only then will they be afforded what they are asking the TAXPAYER to fund. We have been down that road to many times already in this county with everyone riding the payroll paid by Taxpayers and not wanting the TAXPAYER knowing what is happening while they are ON THE JOB.
Billy Truman
Indore, WV
CHATTER 3
I am a lawyer with Legal Aid of West Virginia. I saw your story on Norma Mitchell, and thought I would pass along two bits of information about Medicaid that might help her.
First, if she has old unpaid medical bills, she can use them to meet her spend down. She is not legally required to incur NEW medical bills to meet the new spend down. She can use OLD unpaid medical bills, so long as (1) the bill is still legally binding (i.e., has not been forgiven or written off by the hospital or doctor); and (2) it has not already been applied by DHHR against a previous spend down.
For example, suppose she was in the hospital five years ago, without Medicaid or other insurance. Suppose she still owes $30,000 from that hospitalization. She could apply that old bill to her current spend down (your story said it was $9,000), and then be immediately eligible for another six month period. She'd have $21,000 left from the old hospital bill to apply to future spend downs.
If it's of any use, I can send you a brochure Legal Aid wrote about the Spend Down process. Let me know if you'd like to have that.
Second, you mentioned her fear about the Medicaid Estate Recovery claim against her estate. The language you quoted is accurate, but it applies only to Medicaid expenditures for costs of "long term care." That means nursing homes, hospice, or in-home services under the "Aged & Disabled Waiver Program." The Medicaid Estate Recovery claim does NOT apply for Medicaid coverage of ordinary medical costs like doctors, hospitals, CT scans, prescriptions, etc. She probably does not need to worry about that issue (unless she eventually has to go to a nursing home or hospice care).
Bruce Perrone
Legal Aid of West Virginia
922 Quarrier Street, 4h Floor
Charleston, WV 25301
343-3013 ext 27
bperrone@lawv.net
MAGISTRATE REPORT
Felony
05/28/05: Wickline – Anthony Wayne Frazier, driving under the influence 3rd offense and DUI-Fleeing, arrested, ROB 05/31, preliminary hearing 06/14.
06/02/05: Belt – Faith Ann Triplett, operating clandestine lab (05/04/05), preliminary hearing continued by Def. to ? ; Belt – Anita Sue Blankenship, operating clandestine lab (05/04/05), preliminary hearing waived to the Circuit Court of Clay County; Wickline – Ashley Graham, receiving and transferring stolen goods (05/10/05), preliminary hearing continued by State to 06/14.
06/06/05: Elswick – Thomas R. Holcomb, destruction of property, malicious assault and unlawful assault, arrested, ROB 06/07.
Misdemeanor
05/25/05: Simms – Eugene Winfred Dennis, remove posted sign and deface, appeared, ROB; Bailey – Jennifer D. Pierson, violation of DVP order, arrested, ROB; Stephenson – Heather Ann Quinn, possession less 15 grams of marijuana, appeared, ROB, Def. plead guilty 06/03, assessed costs, sentenced to 6 months unsupervised probation.
05/26/05: Sizemore – Brenda K. Morris, battery, summons; Allen Morris – April D. Reed, passing stopped school bus, summons.
05/27/05: Holcomb – Mark William Griffin, possession less 15 grams marijuana, appeared, ROB, Def. pled no contest 06/02, assessed costs; Sizemore – Scott D. Barker, destruction of property, obstructing an officer, and public intoxication.
05/28/05: Sizemore – Michael E. Crihfield, driving under the influence, failure to stop at stop sign, and possession less 15 grams marijuana, arrested, ROB 05/30, Def. pled guilty to DUI 05/31, credit allowed for time spent, assessed fine and costs, 24 hours jail, failure to stop at stop sign and possession of marijuana dismissed with prejudice upon motion of prosecuting attorney; Wickline – Anthony Wayne Frazier, speeding, defective equipment, and obstructing an officer, arrested, ROB 05/31; Wickline – David Wayne Smith, obstructing an officer, arrested, ROB 05/31.
05/31/05: Wickline – Regina Alice Bass, possession of marijuana less 15 grams, appeared, ROB; Carte’ Quick Stop – Gary Lee Ramsey, worthless check complaint, warrant issued, Def. paid check and costs 06/02; Clay Supermarket – Franklin R. Legg, worthless check complaint, warrant issued; Sizemore – Robert F. Hill, possession marijuana less 15 grams, appeared, ROB; White – Michael S. Sheffield, speeding and under 18 no helmet on ATV, appeared, ROB.
06/02/05: Elswick – Johnny Eugene Brown, fleeing in vehicle, driving suspended/revoked non-DUI, fleeing on foot, obstructing an officer, no POI, registration violation and reckless driving, arrested, ROB.
06/03/05: Elswick – Tony Wayne Keiffer, DWR/DUIA, appeared, ROB; Big Otter Food Mart – Brian S. Caldwell, worthless check complaint, warrant issued; Big Otter Food Mart – Deanna Bush, worthless check complaint, warrant issued; Holcomb – Melissa Gail Cummings, no operator’ 2nd offense, registration violation, and no POI; arrested, ROB; Wickline – James Michael Nichols, DUI-2nd offense, operator’, registration violation, no POI, and defective equipment, arrested, ROB 06/04.
06/05/05: Rider – Bonnie F. Brady, driving under the influence, arrested; Elswick – Thomas R. Holcomb, driving suspended/revoked non-DUI, arrested, ROB 06/07.
06/06/05: Wickline – Hollis Dale Brown, possession of controlled substance X 2, driving suspended/revoked non-DUI, and providing false info to police officer, arrested, ROB 06/07.
06/07/05: Slack – Teresa Rock, obstructing an officer and indecent exposure, arrested.
06/08/05: Cunningham Motors Inc. – Roger Phillips, warrants issued for worthless checks X 2; Holley R. Larch, warrant issued for worthless check; David L. Douglas, warrant issued for worthless check.
Civil
05/26/05: Clay Roane PSD – Wilma Burton, money due; Roger Collins, money due; Kelly Chambers, money due; Valerie Samples, money due; Karen Runion, money due; Johnny Runion, money due; Corey Bostic, money due; Debra Bloir, money due; Mark Romine, money due; Lori Spencer, money due; James Foster, money due.
05/31/05: Arrow Financial Services – Eric T. Legg, money due, subpoena; Bickmore Tire Service – Don Walker, money due, subpoena; Walter Schoonover – Joshua Phillips and Misty Phillips, money due, subpoenas; Arrow Financial Services – Joseph A. Cummings, money due, subpoena.
06/07/05: Billie Nichols – Chris Phillips and Kimberly Phillips, money due.
Worthless Checks Notices Issued
05/25/05: Darlene Morris – Mary J. Adkins, paid 06/07; Pennington Auto Supply, Inc. – Billy Deems, paid 06/07.
06/06/05: Main Street IGA – Tonya Sayre; Bessie L. Braley, paid 06/08; Connie L. Sizemore; Tracy E. Sizemore.
06/08/05: Cunningham Motors Inc. – Valerie L. Brown; Russell L. Murphy III X 4; Gary Duffield.
Citation Register
05/10/05: Sheriff’ Dept. – Tammy Ann Kish, failure to stop at a stop sign.
05/14/05: Sheriff’ Dept. – Mark William Griffin, possession marijuana less 15 grams.
05/25/05: State Police – Teddy K. Graham, seat belt violation; Billie Elizabeth Jarvis, battery; Amy Ellen Jones, speeding and driving suspended/revoked non-DUI; Tony Wayne Keiffer, DWR/DUIA and seat belt violation; Charlie Means, possession marijuana less 15 grams, seat belt violation, operator’ and no POI; James E. Mosley, Jr., registration violation driving suspended (DUI), no POI and MVI; James S. Myers, no POI and seat belt violation; Justin Wayne Smith, seat belt violation.
05/26/05: Sheriff’ Dept. – Kimberly (Thomas) Davis, failure to maintain control and failure to change name on license; Richard Burnside, shoplifting; State Police – Violet J. Keen, operator’.
05/27/05: State Police – Anthony Wayne Frazier, driving under the influence 3rd offense; Sheriff’ Dept. – Christ Higginbotham, registration violation and no POI.
05/30/05: State Police – Gordon R. Austin, speeding; James B. Confere, speeding; Paul Eugene Fritz, speeding; Bruce M. Husson, speeding and no POI; Anjali Ravi Malapur, speeding; Bernard J. Perry, speeding.
05/31/05: State Police – Richard Blankenship, speeding; Shaun R. Duke, possession marijuana less 15 grams; Robert D. Keiffer, MVI and no POI; Michael E. Shoults, Jr., seat belt violation; Mabel Wilson, driving suspended/revoked non-DUI and no POI.
06/01/05: State Police – Brandon T. Morton, registration violation and MVI; Sheriff’ Dept. – Nicholas C. Street, speeding.
06/02/05: State Police – Lilly J. Campbell, seat belt violation; Shelba J. Jarvis, MVI.
06/03/05: State Police – Samantha R. Nichols, speeding, seat belt violation and no POI.
06/05/05: Sheriff’ Dept. – Bonnie F. Brady, driving under the influence.
06/07/05: Sheriff’ Dept. – Robin Gay Santiago, speeding and defective equipment.
Sometimes I Just Sit DON GREENE THE WV RADICAL
You know the old story about sitting and thinking compared to just sitting. That's where I find myself too often nowadays. It seems that there is so much plain old badness out there that it's hard to see anything good on the horizon. For instance, it was good to see the ruling in the CDC case, but will any good come from it? Is there any likelihood that the power will be stripped from the employees and returned to the board where it actually belongs? What I can't understand, and I've served actively on both the Mason County Board & the Regional Board, is how in this world did the employees ever end up on the board to begin with? It is sad but true that these groups have become huge patronage employers in West Virginia, replacing the courthouses, DOH and most other government jobs. When you let the employees begin making the rules of the group you can bet they will feather their own nests, strengthen their grip by adding more employees and generally tweak the rules in their favor. It may have made sense sometime, to someone, but it sure eludes my feeble understanding. I guess time will tell.
On the national level it isn't any better. The GOP is on a power-mad rampage and the Democrats haven't really got much to offer. Now, I am a hard-rock, yellow-dog Democrat, but I sure wish we had more to put forth than just "we aren't them." One excuse I've heard for why we Democrats aren't putting our plans out is that we are afraid that the GOP will just absorb them into their rhetoric and plans. It seems to me that if we offer some real alternatives and not just the same thing as them worded a little differently, it would be darn near impossible for them to adopt our positions. Where are our plans for solving the problems with Social Security, the healthcare disgrace, the energy crisis, our dependence on the foreign market, the deficit, the failure of our education system and a zillion other national issues? Just saying "vote for me" isn't enough; we have to offer solutions.
In regards to the energy crisis, I see several things that could be done. We need to start replacing coal and gas energy plants with nuclear, solar and wind-powered plants, stopping a major source of pollution and freeing up the gas for other uses. We should approach the automotive sector like the space program of the 60s and say, "By the year 2010 all vehicles operating in America will get so many MPG and emit this amount of pollutants, anything less will not be operated in America."
As for Social Security, I wonder how much it would help if the oh-so-special Congressional Retirement funds, which come from our pockets, were added to the mix? But, hey, what would an old hick radical like me know about it?
True Blue
How many Clay County natives would not sit down beforea house to make plans?How many Clay County natives would build their house until it is under roof, and then decide they don't have enough money to complete it? A lack of consideration for these concepts by our national Republican executive leaders before the Iraq war was started is apparent.
When the Republican executive leaders were deciding on what to do when the war was over, they neglected plans for the future results of their actions. Now more than two years and over 200 billion dollars later, the consequences of this abdication of responsibility appear every day in our newspapers and on the nightly news cast. Military operations that the Republican military leaders promised would be concluded in a matter of months and would be paid for by the oil from Iraq,now strained every resource our military has and have put the National Guardsmen and Reservists on the frontlines for literally years at a time.
The level of their sacrifice was not matched by the level of the Bush administration's planning, which could have saved lives. These American heroes have served courageously and without the slightest complaint, going so far beyond the call of duty in service of their country that it shouldhumble us. But, evidently, it has not. Even as Bush was kissing babies, andspeeches about our national military heroes, Republicans voted to deny adequate health care to the National Guard and Reserve. It is about time that this Republican hypocrisy be exposed.
We Democrats are united in hoping for the best possible outcome in Iraq, and we are united in the belief that we must fulfill our responsibilities to our troops. That means we should extend health care to cover all our troops and their dependents, including our National Guard and Reservists. Democrats see this as nothingthan our solemn responsibility.
The Republicans made it clearto "support our troops" is nothing more than a bumper sticker slogan tobehind when their policies are criticized. If their political talks were true, why aretransferring troops of theAir Guard in Charleston to South Carolina? Didn't Bush promise something beforeabout helping West Virginia?
No more, no more! Why do the Republicans need to wrap themselves in the flag, empty our treasury into the pockets of their friends, then tell us that we cannot afford proper equipment and benefits for our soldiers? Please make your opinion knownhealth care for our National Guardsmen and Reservists to your elected officials.
Finally, Clay County Democrats know that you make plans before you begin a project. You count the cost! These plans are comprehensive enough to see that your goals are achieved in a reasonable amount of time. Mistakes were made at the beginning of the war due to lack of planning for the peaceful return of Iraq to its people. pray for our country leaders so that they can see the benefit of planning for the withdraw of the troops. Too much life has been lost already!
This article is written by a True Blue
Clay County Democratic,
Dave Derby
Christian Service Center News
Hello again, I’ sitting on my balcony enjoying a beautiful morning – summer weather has finally arrived! My garden is in full bloom and the hummingbirds are truly enjoying the banquet.
Fathers Day is just around the corner. Hope everyone is planning something great for that special father.
Katrina Neal Sutton came in from North Carolina with a group of ladies from their church there to do some missionary work, and to visit the homes where some of the members grew up, including the home of Lisa Auxier Morrison, who unfortunately couldn’ make the trip. They had a great time.
Happy belated birthday to Marylee Fugate – hope it was a good one. We still miss you at the Center, and hope you get yourself together and come back soon. Cora Fugate was able to come back to church after her long illness. Bless you, Cora, it’ good to see you feeling better.
The Lizemore Methodist Church had its annual church picnic Sunday, and it was a huge success. The Morton Family Reunion, which was held in the LMC Fellowship Hall also had a good turnout.
With graduation behind them a lot of our graduates are enjoying a break for the summer and some will be looking toward college. Congratulations to all, whatever your plans. We are so proud of you.
Ethel and Bob Mullins are enjoying their grandchildren here for the summer. Enjoy them as much as possible while you can; they grow up so quickly. Ours sure did, and we miss their summer visits.
The Seniors from the CDC Senior Center are planning their annual trip to Myrtle Beach in a few weeks, so wish them a safe and happy trip. Wish I was going with them. Oh well, maybe next year.
We’e planning another Ruritans Club meeting at Freda’ Restaurant in Lizemores on Tuesday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m. We hope you will come and join us. This is a worthwhile program, and we believe it will make a difference in our community. We can’ do it without you, so please come and get involved.
Freda’ Restaurant will be serving pizza and steaks beginning June 25th, so stop in – hungry, if possible.
Out of Context
The Sunday School teacher had her hands full with two of her most mischievous scholars. “ohn,”she sternly demanded, “ou are not going to move from that chair until you have recited a Bible verse. Now get busy.” John twitched, scowled and grumbled, but finally came out with this masterpiece: “nd Judas went and hanged himself.” Billy laughed. Quickly the teacher turned to him, “ell, Billy, can you do any better?” To which Billy gleefully shouted, “o thou and do likewise.”
Well, until next time take care and God bless.
Hope to see you in church Sunday.
Freda and the CSC Staff
MEMBERS TOSSED The Judge said What?
Clay Development Corp (CDC) held their annual general membership meeting June 2nd in their Main Street Clay digs. The place was packed with employees dressed in caregiver work smocks and family and friends of the family filling the entire room. The big ticket item on the agenda was the removal of the four general members of the group recently restored to the rule making body by a Circuit Court decision dated May 18 2005.
Up front, Ralph Lane, Janet Fitzwater, and CDC Director Betty Stalnaker readied themselves for the tasks at hand. Instead of someone from the general membership or the Board of Directors running the meeting as has been the norm in years past, long time CDC secretary, Janet Fitzwater ran the ouster.
With more employees coming in tardy, a big long roll call was heard. With a quorum in place within 2 minutes, the last item on the agenda, the removal of Earnie Sirk, Mary Workman, Herschel Shamblin, and Andy Waddell, was before the body.
Fitz read a big long list of charges against one time CDC Board President Earnie Wide Glide Sirk. He had used potty mouth. He mistreated an employee. He threatened Betty Stalnaker. While CDC was building a small outside building Wide Glide came along and “ipped down a power supply”breaker box. Sirk’ lawsuits “re ridiculous”and costly to CDC. Each charge was sprinkled with “nd that’ illegal” The list went on and on. After nearly every charge, someone in the clan said Yelp, or, I saw him, or, Yes he did!
With the charges read, Ms Fitzwater said Sirk had called Betty Stalnaker and Reva Whaling a day earlier and said he couldn’ attend the June 2nd meeting due to a medical emergency. Sirk asked for a later date for the meeting. Assuring all her actions were justified, “the Judge said we couldn’ do that. It has to be today..”
What’ all this about? Judge Facemire ruled on May 18 2005 that the four tossed members of the group had to be put back on the roles, before they could be removed by the general membership committee, they had to be given notice of the meeting, the meeting had to be held in June according to the by laws, and each person being tossed had to be given the chance to present their side of the argument. The Court also ruled that anybody removed had to be reinstated. The general membership committee is responsible for several duties including voting on Board positions/slots and by law changes.
The Sirk vote went as expected. The show of employee hands was overwhelming. They wanted nothing to do with a guy who fired long time employee Pam Taylor a couple years back.
Here’ a cutey. An older lady raised her hand and commented on having employees affected by the voting, allowed to vote. She said, there was a conflict of interest with such votes. Up front Fitz asked the woman her name. Kay Battle came the reply. In response Betty Stalnaker, “It doesn’ matter.”
Problem one solved. Wide Glide was removed from his position for the third time.
Next for the gallows, absent from the meeting, Herschel Shamblin and Mary Workman. Get this… Shamblin had “ushed himself”on to the board. Shamblin and Workman had fired three employees while on the Board of Directors. Oh my readers, it gets worse!!!! Shamblin and crew changed the locks on the doors, hired a security guard for the CDC building and their court challenges had cost the agency big bucks. Ohhh what a nasty pair they are!
Know what Team Fitz was talking about? Four years back during one the Board coups, Shamblin rose to the top of the heap and went to work cleaning out the house. Those firings included Director Stalnaker. All three were returned to their jobs after Shamblin picked a dud lawyer who was sanctioned by the Judge during the hearing.
On cue, the motion came and Workman and Shamblin were removed from the committee and were to NEVER ever again be a part of CDC meetings. On cue? You bet. Just like a Broadway play, on cue, employees would provide a motion and another would do the seconding. Well, not exactly like a Broadway play… the employees hadn’ memorized their preplanned scripts. One lady read from the sheet of paper that laid in her lap. Another lady had the script affixed to the outside of her hand bag for easy reading. Some stumbled on even the easy words.
3/4s of the CDC problems had been dealt with. Waddell was the only victim in attendance. Ms Fitzwater told the assembled that Waddell had made a ton of money as an ace cub reporter reporting on the dismal performance and court cases of the CDC. She said one Christmas Waddell had even sent a card indicating what a profitable year CDC had made for The Communicator. Around the room uh hums and mumbles in support of Fitz were heard.
Waddell rose and spoke. In a nutshell: many of the same faces are sitting around the room that have been here for other meetings; he said in years past, they hadn’ paid attention to what was being said and for once, pay attention for the next minute.
Mumbles were heard and not good mumbles.
Waddell told the group that the Circuit Court had ruled once again against CDC leadership, the court said CDC was certainly more than a social club, CDC has to follow the rules, CDC had broke their own rules in the past, the court ordered that reasonable notice had to be given those being axed, they had to give the axee’ a chance to speak before any vote. He held up a little orange post office card giving notice of a certified letter. The card was dated May 31st. Waddell said he had actually received his meeting notice earlier that morning.
He went on to say that one hour wasn’ a reasonable amount of time for notice and certainly not enough time to prepare a response during the monkey trial. His words were not that of the court mandated time to respond to charges but words of caution to use reason in order to avoid another round of court challenges. Just 16 minutes into the script, the prepared motion came and passed to remove that last prying person from the family of CDC.
With work completed, those on the CDC general membership committee were invited to a sandwich and pastry. They all complied as they got in a single file line to receive their reward for banding together. A check. True true true. After receipt of sandwich, cookie and check, they smiled as they left the meeting hall. Mission accomplished. The Empire has been preserved for another day, week, year.
Note. That Ms Battle that asked the question? Turns out she was once on the CDC general membership and like Waddell, Sirk, Shamblin, and Workman, had asked too many questions and had been tossed from the group. AW
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