jannews

January News

Jan 31 pm Last night Debra Friend was selected to be our new WVU Extension Agent for Agriculture. Friend, with 11 years of experience, and now working in Gilmer County, will come to work Feb. 17th. Our new agent will serve Clay and Braxton County plus be a "resource" for Roane and Webster.
Jan 31 pm This morning NO one, did we say NO one, showed to contest their taxes during the Board of Review day before the Clay County Commission. Everybody must be happy!
Jan 31 pm County Commission asked for $100,000.00 in Budget Digest grants for the Clay County Ambulance Service. The money, if awarded, will be used to pay off the $100,000.00 loan from the Bank of Gassaway and penned while the Clay County Emergency Ambulance Authority was in power
Jan 31 pm During this morning's Commission meeting, Commissioner Bragg said no decision had been made on keeping the existing ambulance service or contracting the work out to a private for profit company.
Jan 31 am Henrietta H Jones see FUNERAL page
Jan 31 am As we prepare for Dubya's war in a few days, let's not forget those soldiers in Afghanistan click SOULS GONE
Jan 31 am Uh Uh Uh We got our butts chewed off last night during the Solid Waste Authority meeting. Listed below are nasty posts over the Solid Waste folks NOT posting their meeting agenda according to Open Meeting Laws. Turns out the group posted the agenda over at the Courthouse instead of the front door of their meeting place on Main Street. If anyone finds little pieces of arss laying on t he floor somewhere, let us know please. We want 'em back.
Jan 31 am Last night the WVU Extension office worked on the finding the county a new extension agent which will handle agricultural needs of a three county area.
Jan 31 am This morning at 10 am the County Commission will meet to hear citizen complaints on taxes being toooooo high.
Jan 30 LATE pm Last year crime in general rose 1.3% nationwide. Property crime rose 1.7% . Forcible rape and murder rose 2.3%. Motor vehicle theft rose 4.2%
Jan 30 LATE pm Last night was the last night for Town Cop Tommy Myers. According to Myers, he was laid off due to no money at the Town.
Jan 30 LATE pm Vince Golosow was indicted on first degree murder today in Roane County. No other true bills were returned by the Grand Jury relating to the shooting deathof Judd Reid
Jan 30 pm Clay County's Solid Waste Authority is required to follow Open Meeting Laws. It is our understanding that the group will met tonight at 6 pm in their upstairs Main Street office beside the Lion's Club Casino Hall. Sunshine laws require a meeting agenda to be posted three days in advance of the gathering with date, time, place, and purpose listed for public notice. As of 9 am this morning, no agenda has been posted.
Jan 30 pm As the month ends and they're few meetings going on.. time for a joke. Kids, kindly cover your ears so you won't hear this one
Jan 30 pm A horse and a chicken are playing in a meadow. The horse falls into a mud hole and is sinking. He calls to the chicken to go and get the farmer to help pull him out to safety.

The chicken runs to the farmer but the farmer can't be found. So he drives the farmer's BMW 328i back to the mud hole and ties some rope around the bumper. He then throws the other end of the rope to his friend, the horse, and drives forward saving him from sinking.

A few days later, the chicken and the horse were playing in the meadow again. This time the chicken fell in the mud hole. The chicken yelled to the horse to go and get some help from the farmer. The horse said, "I think I can stand over the hole." So he stretched over the width of the hole and said "grab my 'thingy' and pull yourself up." And the chicken did and pulled himself to safety.

The moral of the story: If you are hung like a horse, you don't need a BMW 328i to pick up chicks!

Jan 30 pm There are 136 businesses in all of Clay County and only 1304 jobs in the entire county. To see a more complete run down on Clayberry fro the US Census Office, click NOT MUCH HERE

Jan 30 am One week ago today Amy Swann from the WV Public Service Commission commented that all the talk about one or more of the local public service districts taking the Town of Clay water plant dollars and building their own water plant were" just preliminary". Preliminary must include selecting an engineering company. See, BREAKING GROUND for details. Look about half way down the page!
Jan 30 am For those in the Maysel area wanting to hook up on DSL high speed service with Frontier Telephone Company, email your request to Chuck at: lineman13@hotmail.com Cut and paste the address.
Jan 30 am Hey! You over in Roane County!!! Still wanting water service from Clay Roane PSD? Check out our EVENTS page for a Special Meeting next week
Jan 30 am Yesterday we had 2 hits from Saudi Arabia and 2 hits from Germany. IF you two over in Saudi have any influence, call Dubbya and tell him to stop the war! We're not having any luck over here
Jan 30 am We think tonight is the monthly meeting of the Clay County Solid Waste authority beginning at 6pm. Will confirm in afternoon update
Jan 30 am For those following the Judd Reid murder, Tatto Vince, and the missing Seabolt girl, the Roane Reporter has a dandy update. Click MOTHER TALK
Jan 29 pm How much oxygen is there in room air? About 21%
Jan 29 pm Procious and Lizemores areas now have DSL service from Frontier Tele Co. For Maysel, lines are being reworked and some of the high speed equipment is now at the Maysel warehouse. Best guess for Maysel DSL, end of Feb. 2003
Jan 29 pm In the far end of Town and right beside the Historic Henry Clay Hotel, one time Asst. Prosecuting attorney Barbara Schamberger is now setting up her office.
Jan 29 pm Here's the poll again: We're just a few days away from the sentencing of one time pillar of the community, Jimmy D Morris and it's time to get your predictions. Use the Email address at the bottom of this page and answer this 2 part question: How much time do you think JD Morris will get behind bars and how much time on probation? We'll report the results of our online poll this weekend. So far the vast majority of responders are predicting "some" jail time but some of our more pessimistic clickers are responding with NO Jail time, No Probation time and only a fine for JD Morris. Get your responses in soon
Jan 29 pm As an update on Tattoo VInce Golosow... The Roane COunty Grand Jury is still in session as of 3:44 pm today. It is expected that Golosow will be indicted there for the death of Judd Reid
Jan 29 pm The guy organizing the petition to remove County Commissioner Sams and Sheriff Fields, Earnie Sirk, says if you call him 286-3312, he'll mail you his petition for signatures.
Jan 29 am After last night's Presidential speech, the one where he said, he's leading the country into war with or without the aid of allies, it's hard to worry so much about our local pissyarss politicians Hell bent on the little things... giving a job to a fellow underbelly politician's kid, how the local school system massages rules to meet their needs and look pretty on paper, and such. As we ponder the fate of our kids and the neighbor's kids, as Dubbya's war is about to start, how much is the worth of 1 young American soldier lost. 100 Iraqi soldiers? 1000 Iraqian fighters? Th loss of one American is not worth all the oil in the Middle East
Jan 29 am Update later today after a few beers.
Jan 28 pm Last week we made mentioned that Clay Developments Corp, the county's largest almost secret social service provider stays off work anytime the school's close or are on a two hour delay. Update. Come to find out, the Nutrition Site at Two Run keeps the doors closed when ever there is a bad weather day as well. So much for the seniors being served during bad weather
Jan 28 pm Here's a little cutey. 7 weeks ago yesterday the laundromat under the IGA store was robbed sometime around 6 am. One man came in and noticed adult males counting the quarters our and placing the loot in glad bags. That same morning two males were over at Go Mart, Two Run, with bags of quarters trying to get them changed into bills. With no luck there, and with the Bank of Gasssaway closed, they headed over to Tudors, just across the road. Darlene Morris got wind of the Tudors boys, Morris has a beauty salon in the IGA building, as Deputy Miles Slack arrived, the boys were put in the cruiser. According to Ms Morris, the men were given their quarters back and no arrests were made.
Jan 28 pm Yesterday. Darlene Morris caught up with Deputy Slack in Magistrate Boggs' office and asked What the H was going on with the case and why weren't the thugs arrested. According to Morris, Slack came back with something along the lines of Get somebody to do the cop work. With a couple dozen listening in and standing in the old Courthouse hallway, Morris, now steamed up pretty good,"YOU DO YOUR JOB!!!!" All in the hallway applauded Ms Morris.
Jan 28 pm Others business people in the Town and County are also upset over the rash of burglaries, theiveries, and arson going unchecked by law enforcement.
Jan 28 am That Brad Stone Felony trial scheduled for this morning ain't going to happen today.
Jan 28 am To lighten the load just a little for those that don't drive in the snow or for those stuck in the house for any other reason , how about some fun. Turn up your speakers, and hear what the Pillsbury doughboy really sounds like, click DOUGHBOY
Jan 28 am We're just a few days away from the sentencing of one time pillar of the community, Jimmy D Morris and it's time to get your predictions. Use the Email address at the bottom of this page and answer this 2 part question: How much time do you think JD Morris will get behind bars and how much time on probation? We'll report the results of our online poll this weekend.
Jan 28 am You might have noticed the new advertiser on our home page. That's Larry and Natalie Cole from the mouth of Ovapa hosting the online store, Not bad Gifts. Check out the whole host of "shabby elegance items" now offered.
Jan 28 am Remember Tattoo Vince? The guy that killed Judd Reid and then someone dumped his body on Pisgah Ridge? Today over in Roane County, the Grand Jury convenes. Watch for Vince Golosow, charged with murder, to be indicted
Jan 28 am Poor ole Clay County has a time making ends meet. Not so for our next door neighbor, Nicholas County and the Town of Summersville. Over there, cops are pulling in $1 million in speeding tickets. Add on a special $20 fee to get your driving record expunged... well, maybe, Clay County should try it. We've got about 5 miles of interstate highway running through our county!
Jan 27 pm According to Clay Roane PSD Chief Operator Jennifer Traub, the Boil Water Order for Valley Fork, Ovapa Wallback has been lifted
Jan 27 pm 7:30 am this morning, 4 degrees!
Jan 27 pm We've got a new man at the Courthouse. Michael D. Shamblin is our new 4H Leader working our of the WVU Extension Office. This is his first assignment, currently living at Looneyville, but was raised here in Clayberry. Although in the WVU office, the full time Shamblin is employed thru WV State College, another first for the county. OK Ladies, this one is single , has all his own teeth, and each shoe on the correct feet. By the way, Sarah Anderson has been promoted to Office Manager.
Jan 27 pm In the current edition of the Communicator, we've got Glenn Nichols listed as changing his mind and supporting a Town Water Plant. This morning, Nichols corrected us and said he was in support of the Regional PSD building a water plant NOT THE TOWN, and for the Town to keep its current customer base. We stand corrected
Jan 27 pm What were you doing during all the recent cold temps and snow? Commissioners Triplett and Sams along with Assessor Suzie Legg have been lodged at the Marriot in Charleston for a conference and training.
Jan 27 pm In the morning is scheduled a felony trial for Brad Stone, felony burglary! With new developments comings, the trial may be continued. Call before coming over to the Courthouse at 9 am
Jan 27 pm We now have the latest list of dogs in the custody of the Clay County Dog Warden... Over on the ADVISORY page
Jan 27 pm Frank Childers III has tossed his hat in the Town of Clay Election battle. Full list is in this edition of the Communicator.
Jan 27 am With some clearing blue skies and a skiff of snow on the ground....CLAY COUNTY SCHOOLS CLOSED FOR MONDAY
Jan 27 am They waited as it snowed and snowed... They watched the TV streamers.....
Jan 27 am Last night at 10:40pm CLAY COUNTY SCHOOLS CALLED A 2 HOUR DELAY FOR MONDAY!!!!!!! SLEEP IN
Jan 26 am Braxton County, Tempe Arizona, and sunny California, you too Booger hole, it's time for the weekly wrap up!
Jan 26 am Lots of action in the Court system. Peggy DeBoard's welfare fraud trial was continued after Prosecutor Grindo provided some late minute, potentially damaging to DeBoard, receipts linking Mitch DeBoard to residency at Ms DeBoard's domicile; Judge Alsop chewed CAEZs butt for it's away from the Court actions relating to the Filcon Equipment now in their possession.
Jan 26 pm Last week was icy cold with lots of snow accumulations closing schools and when not closed, 2 hour delays. Parents gritted their teeth as the little he and she devils stayed under their feet for days and days. Kids brought home report cards on Friday.
Jan 26 pm Commissioner Sams and Sheriff Fields were asked to resign from office over accusation of illegal activities. During the Wed County Commission meeting, community activist Earnie Sirk was told to take his concerns over to the Circuit Court. Sirk vowed to do just that. Petitions are now circulating for the removal of Sams and Fields.
Jan 26 pm For those in the county that depend on frog pee for drinking water, depend a little longer. During public meetings on Thursday of last week, it became apparent that absolutely NOTHING has accomplished in the last 12 months on forming a new regional Public Service Provider established. The Regional concept is need before water line extensions and a new water plant can be built to serve the area.
Jan 26pm Over in the metropolis of Clay, lots of people signed up to be on the June 2003 Election ballot for Mayor, Recorder, and Council. Although most of the faces are a rehash of past performances, the Spring election posturing should be interesting to watch.
Jan 26 pm Many in the county went without "city" water this week as storage tanks in the Clay Roane PSD service area went dry for days. After three days of pumping air, WV PSC engineer extraordinaire Jim Weimer found a solution to the problem ( more water, Duuuuhh) and people could wash wipe and brush their teeth once again
Jan 26 pm As the week ended and temps came above the freezing mark, some remarked the county would be better served to celebrate " National Furnace Day in Jan of each year rather than Martin LUther King Day
Jan 26 pm That was last week. Come back early in the morning for a schedule of events for this week's action in beautiful Clay County WV..... CLayberry
Jan 26 am Word came late last night that the Town of Clay Boil Water Order has been lifted.
Jan 26 am War Is SO 20th Century
Jan 26 am Only in America......can a pizza get to your house faster than an ambulance.
Jan 26 am Only in America......do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.
Jan 26 am Only in America......do we use answering machines to screen calls and then have call waiting so we won't miss a call from someone we didn't want to talk to in the first place.
Jan 26 am Why does the sun lighten our hair but darken our skin?
Jan 26 am How come we never see a headline reading: Psychic Win Lottery
Jan 26 am Why isn't there a mouse flavored cat food?
Jan 26 am Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
Jan 26 am Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
Jan 25 pm The Communicator is now on the news stand.
Jan 25 pm You can have a little fun with this one clickers. After clicking on the link move your pointer around the screen. Enjoy. click Dubbya's $$$$
Jan 25 am Last night Clay Middle School's Junior Varsity took the win from Braxton County. Didn't go so well for the CMS Varsity B Ballers coming up short 10 points
Jan 25 am If you thought all those folks playing the scratch games at Go Mart was bad before...
Jan 25 am On Wednesday of this week, Glen Smith won $100,000.00 on a GO Mart Two Run ticket
Jan 25 am Joyce Gibson has filed for Town Council as has Paige Willis, Phillip "Fat Man" Morris, Rene Moore, Linda Morehead and Buckshot Butcher. It's not too late to file. You can still postmark your form by Midnight tonight. Better hurry
Jan 25 am If you had been bailing out your boat for three solid days wouldn't you start looking for a leak? For three solid days this week Clay Roane plant pumped 24 hours a day and the tank never filled up more than 2 feet! Finally on Friday the gang found a leak and corrected the problem
Jan 25 am Over on Clay County Radio we've added a bunch of Dire Straits and Temptation sounds all day today.
Jan 25 am Look for the Communicator to be on the news stands later this afternoon stuffed full of: Sheriff Fields getting madder than H at Earnie Sirk; Commissioner Sams ready to blow a gasket; nifty school board info; who done what in Magistrate Court. Get the first hand details of a steamed up Judge Alsop over CAEZ attorney Greg Sproles and the way he handled the Filcon filter Co give a way and a whole bunch more!!
Jan 25 am With all the recent heavy snows, you've probably got dangerously dangling tree limbs everywhere. call Moon Mullins for the tree trimming job. See add in this week's Communicator
Jan 24 pm VOLUNTEER WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM ISSUED BY CLAY ROANE PSD THIS MORNING FOR THE WALLBACK AND NEWTON SERVICE AREAS. CONSERVE NOW!!
Jan 24 pm Clay County is being drug in to the real world. Yesterday, RT Sizemore's pick up was stolen from the IGA parking lot. So much for a quiet safe small town America
Jan 24 pm Not all schools in the count opened after the two hour delay. Valley Fork Elem remains closed with NO water service.
Jan 24 pm With Braxton COunty schools closed and the roads an icy mess, most would think that sporting events would be canceled. WRONG! Clay Middle Schools B Ball games scheduled for Braxton tonight will go on as will Roane County Hoopsters traveling to Clay High.
Jan 24 pm Water update. Many folks in the Wallback area of the county remain without water service from Clay Roane PSD. According to Chief Water Operator Jennifer Traub, after pumping 24 hours per day for three days, one of their tanks remains with just 2 to 3 feet of water in it. Part of the problem is air in the lines and the need to flush fire hydrants so higher elevations can have water service restored. Around 10:50am this morning, The Town of Clay, water challenged themselves, agreed to supply additional water to Clay Roane to help them through the pinch.
Jan 24 pm Last night folks interested in water service from the Amma Left Hand area of Roane County were suppose to attend a Clay Roane PSD meeting at the COurthouse. No one from the public showed nor did a quorum of the PSD. With attorney Tom Whittier and ex Roane Commissioner Larry White present the assembly was called off. BEfore the long awaited LEft Hand Amma project can begin, 80% of the residents HAVE to sign up and have right of way agreements signed. To date, that 80% number has not been met.
Jan 24 pm One other note on the Roane County no shows, meeting notices were NOT posted around Roane County! Not the Post Offices, not the stores, or even on telephone poles.
Jan 24 am If you left your dog outside last night, you'll need to use a shovel to pry his remains off the porch. At 1:30 am this morning, the snow was coming down and temp was 10. SCHOOLS ARE ON A TWO HOUR DELAY AS OF THURSDAY NIGHT LATE.
Jan 24 am Yesterday's Regional PSD meeting was a bust. The plan is to merge all the little PSDs into one massive unit. For over a year now, the plan has been on hold. In attendance, WV PSC Director Amy Swann commented the foot dragging wouldn't continue and the group wouldn't be sitting like bumps on a pickle next year. That wasn't her words clickers, but that was the meaning none the less.
Jan 24 am As for the long stalled and oft confusing plan for a big new water plant, or two new smaller water plants for the county, Ms Swann said that everything was preliminary. What's that mean? Clay Roane and Clay County PSDs are behind the scenes preparing engineering plans and readying to spring the water plants on the public in a surprising way.
Jan 24 am Communicator readers, you're going to have to wait until Saturday for the next edition. We'd like to say, we have some big new hot news flash we're working on but the truth is, it was toooooo D**** cold last night to print the thing! With warming temps coming, the county's only news source will be on the stands Sat. afternoon.
Jan 23 LATE pm There's changes in Friday's School Schedule. Friday was a scheduled early out due to a Faculty Senate Day. Ain't going to happen.
Jan 23 LATE pm Clay County Schools are on a 2 hour delay Friday Jan 24 with Teachers and staff coming in at 8 am.
Jan 23 LATE PM International clickers, tonight is predicted to be the coldest night in the last five years with temps down below 0.
Jan 23 LATE pm Crusty ole Norman Wilson ain't just another pretty face. Noticing a white Jeep Cherokee prowling the Two Run area of Clay, Wilson went out with his pistol to check out those "casing the joint". In no uncertain terms, Wilson instructed the young thugs, to get out out or the area, stay out of the area, and if seen again in the area, they wouldn't like what they found!. The white Jeep left the area. Thievery has been the norm for Clayberry for several months. WIth Wilson on the job, the guess is, there won't be any more sticky fingers in the Two Run area of Clay.
Jan 23 LATE pm Just got a heck of a deal on handmade quilts over on the CLASSIFIED page.
Jan 23 LATE pm Stay home tonight and listen to Bluegrass and Classic Country on Clay County Radio.
Jan 23 pm We have an update on the bad water or no water conditions in the county.
Jan 23 pm According to Clay Roane PSD Chief Operator Jennifer Traub, there was another water leak yesterday. This new leak was behind the Newton Store and took until 6 am this morning to repair. Traub said that many are completely without water in in the Valley Fork, Ovapa, Wallback, and Newton service areas. Currently water service is coming back in all areas EXCEPT Newton. For Newton residents, water service should begin shortly after noon today.
Jan 23 pm Drop Bush not bombs
Jan 23 am 6:50am CLAY COUNTY SCHOOLS CLOSED FOR THE DAY
Jan 23 am In the real world, much of the Clayberry goings on wouldn't even make the back page of a newspaper. But in a county without a stoplight, in the dead of winter, WE'VE GOT NEWS!
Jan 23 am During yesterday's County Commission meeting, Ivydale's Earnie Sirk asked Commission President Jimmy Sams to resign. Sirk commented that Sams was guilty of breaking his Oath of Office with illegal acts like posting the 10 Commandments and not holding an election when they selected the new Prosecutor Dec 12 2002. Those little veins started to show on Sams' neck as he said he wouldn't resign. As for the 10 Commandment posting, Sams' said they were just " historical documents"!
Jan 23 am Sirk also asked about the Sheriff's use of civilian Bailiff Gene King after a recent Supreme COurt decision that mandated Bailiff's to be the Sheriff or a Deputy Sheriff. Didn't set well with Sheriff Fields all but telling Sirk to get the H out!
Jan 23 am In attendance, Prosecutor Grindo stepped in and said the proper place to hear such would be Circuit Court. Through out the rest of the CCC meeting , Sams used that line to step aside the public's ( Sirk) questions and demands! Now that's a great idea, more lawsuits! Oh by the way, Circuit Court is exactly where Wide Glide Sirk said he would take it.
Jan 23 am Later Wed afternoon the folks that used to manage the local ambulance service, WV TNS, presented the Commission gang with an 80 page report on the Clay County Ambulance Service. Topics included what was right and wrong and recommendations on how to cure the problems. Their main recommendation was to keep one ambulance station open, 24 hours a day with ALS staff and float a County wide Levy to support an operation. Most around the table nodded in agreement of the LEvy idea although re-instituting the old $25 fee came up. Full details this Friday you know where!
Jan 23 am Remember the Boil Water Order (BWO)from the Town of Clay last week when the State Road crew broke the water line while digging a culvert? THAT BWO was lifted today. The Clay Roane PSD BWO remains in affect as does the new Town BWO for the Maysel area.
Jan 22 pm Carl Berrypicker Douglas, see FUNERAL page
Jan 22 pm The Town of Clay issued a Boil Water Order at 11 am today for the Maysel area due to low water pressure conditions. Operator Bobby West said many users are leaving their faucets drip all night during this extreme cold conditions resulting in the shortage problems. Boil it Boil it!
Jan 22 pm Peggy DeBoard's 2 count felony welfare fraud trial was continued this morning until March 26, 9 am. The delay came when Prosecutor Grindo introduced some new evidence ( receipt last night) linking Deboard's ex husband to living in the DeBoard household. The live in arrangement seems key to proving the felony charges. Full write up this Friday in the Communicator.
Jan 22 am Those snow days recently enjoyed by students and staff alike will have to be made up. School Board decided last night to take the first day of Spring break in addition to President's day. Long time teacher/librarian Dave Derby will be retiring at the end of this school year
Jan 22 am Buckshot Butcher has filed Town Council. Paige Willis and Linda Moorehead are filing out office applications. Deadline to file for office is THIS Friday at 4 pm. Remember the papers have to be notarized. Good pay too. Mayor $500; Recorder, $380.; Council, $100 per meeting
Jan 22 am Send in your predictions on how much the lawsuit against the CCC will cost the county. Address listed below. This weekend we'll add up the numbers and post the findings on this site. Not scientific but interesting none the less. Attorney Kevin Duffy said jokingly, $70,000.00. He later revised his guesstimate to around $5000.00
Jan 22 am Over in Circuit Court land, Peggy DeBoard goes on trial for welfare fraud. Lawyer maneuvering begins around 9 am. If there is to be hearing, the jury will be seated after lunch
Jan 22 am County Commission does it thing today at 2pm. On the agenda is the possible firing of Barbara Schamberger as Business Development Authority attorney. Always good for an interesting article. Ex Czar Earnie Sirk will be addressing the CCC gang.
Jan 22 am Also during today's CCC meeting, the folks evaluating the Ambulance Service will be presenting their findings. The multi page report should offer recommendations for the future of the county's only non profit emergency service ambulance unit. Brave the cold, come out, see government in action ( not found in textbooks) and have some fun to boot. Bring your own popcorn
Jan 22 am Lots of Native American music on Clay County Radio today
Jan 22 am The latest ACLU press release is now over on the ADVISORY page
Jan 22 am In B Ball action, Clay Middle Varsity put it all over Walton last night 38 to 31. Didn't go so well for Jr Varsity. Two big tree trunks on Walton's team insured victory of CMS Jr Varsity.
Jan 21 pm Back a couple months ago The Communicator printed comments made by Sheriff Harald Fields concerning a confiscated, stolen, 4 wheeler. Using some pretty choice potty mouth, Fields gave Fran King double H over her allegations of Deputies ( Delk) joy riding the seized property around. UPDATE: Two days ago the owner of the stolen ATV, Mitchell Adkins from Rainelle came over and picked up his ride. Fields said it took two Feds from DC quite some time to come up with the rightful owner. Fields also said his department did NOT run the ATV and when reclaimed by the rightful owner, the ATV had less than 1 mile put on it since confiscation.
Jan 21 pm Had some real interesting goings on this morning during "Docket Day" in the Courtroom. Remember Jonathan Cook? The guy who robbed Earl King's store at Valley Fork at gun point? Today after Prosecutor Grindo asked for the max sentence possible and after Defense Attorney John Mitchell Jr. reminded the Court that a plea agreement had been reached month's earlier, Judge Alsop remanded Cook over to the Anthony Center instead of prison for 6 months to 2 years followed by probation.
Jan 21 pm Also today, Judge Alsop all but chewed the butt off of CAEZ attorney Gregory Sproles in the matter of CAEZ taking possession of the Filcon Filter Co equipment Dec 6 2002. Alsop said he felt the action of CAEZ getting the equipment back without an auction was illegal!!! Also mentioned was the interference of Judge Facemire in the Alsop case. Also mentioned was the Judge Order that stopped the Sheriff's auction WAS NEVER SIGNED!! Got steamy clickers. Full details in this Friday's Communicator for sure. In the mean time, and with their tails tucked, the CAEZ folks should make darn sure that the 2.5 million dollars in filter making equipment is insured! Clay Roane PSD owns the building the equipment is stored in over in Roane County.
Jan 21 am Thinking about running for Clay Town Council, Recorder or Council? Time is running out. Better get over to Town Hall real soon
Jan 21 am For those of us waiting for high speed internet, be it known, Procious now has DSL up and running. People were being hooked up on the 15th! Big Otter, Ivydale, and Maysel residents, it's time to go over and string up Mr. Drake at Frontier Tele Co.!
Jan 21 am Check out Marlyn Starcher's mug shot. Walk over to our home page and click MDS auctions. We ran off a copy of the picture and found out it scares the Blue Jays away from the bird feeders!
Jan 20 pm Marion Hunter Morton, see FUNERAL page
Jan 20 pm We're adding Winter 2003 pictures over on the PHOTO page
Jan 20 pm New BOIL WATER ORDER issued at 10 am this morning for Ovapa, Valley Fork, Wallback and Newton. According to chief operator Jennifer Traub calls are coming in on low water pressure conditions. Clay Roane PSD experienced two water line breaks this past weekend but NEVER completely ran out of water. BOIL IT BOIL IT!!
Jan 20 pm Talk about a big rock!!!!!!!!! If you're fixing to get married anytime soon, there is a deal over on the CLASSIFIED page.
Jan 20 am Clay Roane PSD's Boil Water Order remains in affect. There was a water line leak on Saturday followed by another on Sunday. Some folks in the Valley Fork service area complained Sunday of NO water. Boil It Boil It!!
Jan 20 am Welcome to a new week. Much of last week's snow has disappeared and the temps appear to be moderating. Monday Martin Luther King Holiday is a quiet one for Clayberry, schools and banks closed.
Jan 20 am Before getting into this week's goings on, we forgot to mention something in last week's wrap up. Scheduled was the foreclosure auction of Jeff Davis' property Jan 17th. Didn't happen, Davis said he bailed himself off the auction block.
Jan 20 am Lots of public meeting's coming this week. Clay Board of Education meets at 6 pm Tuesday followed by the County Commission meeting Wed. Over in CCC land will be discussion on firing Schamberger as the BDA attorney. Looks as if Commissioner Sams wants Scham out and out now!. Interesting item on the CCC agenda, Earnie ( Wide Glide) is on the agenda to discuss the County Commission's Oath of Office. Watch for such discussions to be more than enlightening. For those with some free time Wed around 2 pm, come over to the Courthouse.
Jan 20 am Wed is also the 30th anniversary of one of the most controversial Supreme Court decisions, Roe v Wade. Locally, Tuesday is motion day before Judge Jack Alsop, followed by the Peggy DeBoard Welfare fraud case on Wed, and for Thursday, State vs James Jackson
Jan 20 am Look for new developments on the Schamberger vs CCC/Grindo suit. Oh by the way, How much is the County Commission paying for attorney John Brown? $125.00 per hour!
Jan 20 am Thirsty? All those Roane County folks that are seeking water service from the Amma Left Hand water line extension project, there is a Special Meeting Thursday night at the Courthouse, 7pm.
Jan 20 am For some real B Ball action, attend H E White's 3rd and 4th grade action. UNDEFEATED! H E White put it all over Lizemore Saturday, 28-5!
11:30pm Saturday night. Just heard it on the scanner. BOIL WATER ORDER for Clay Roane PSD. Dispatcher said that there was a big time leak on White Road in Valley Fork. DO NOT DRINK THE WATER
Jan 19 am CDC emailed their Senior Center news. The info is provided over on the ADVISORY page.
Jan 19 am And now for the week in review
Jan 19 am Education slowed to a crawl this week with time outs for bad weather on Tuesday and Thursday and full days off Wednesday and Friday. Weather wise, this past week, the snow and cold temps came and stayed. Snow accumulation of 7 inches in many areas of the county.
Jan 19 am The telephone lines were a buzz with many locals madder than a wet hen over the allegations of animal cruelty as reports came in of the Dog Warden tying dogs up and shooting them.
Jan 19 am Last weekend, Maysel's Lisa Rhodes made head lines with a first place finish in the Rough and Rowdy contest in Charleston. By mid week Ms Rhodes expressed outrage as promotion officials changed their minds and put her in second place. Even Jimmy Sams, in attendance at the event, said Rhodes was the clear winner.
Jan 19 am Attorney Wayne King announced that he was suing the County after being named in a Business Development Authority suit Jan 2, 2003.
Jan 19 am Clay County PSD voted to purchase a new $22,800 truck and a $57,900.00 office trailer for their new digs on Main Street.
Jan 19 am New to the office, Prosecutor Daniel Grindo dropped a big one in Circuit Court this last week as James J King walked on felony assault charges. After the trial, Grindo said that he felt he had covered all the " elements" of the case and it's hard to figure the actions of juries.
Jan 19 am Taking on more step down the expensive court battle trail, Commissioners Triplett and Sams voted to hire attorney John Brown ( from Whoey, Dewey, and Pooie) to represent the Commission in the Scham vs CCC/Grindo court case. Sams announced "for a variety of reasons", the Commission insurance provider will NOT provide an attorney for the case. Commissioner Bragg voted no and said court battles are too costly to such a poor county.
Jan 19 am As the week ended, Clay Roane PSD announced a BOIL WATER ORDER. Water line break on White Road in Valley Fork.
Jan 19 am And like a breath of fresh air, thousands and thousands came out to protest Dubya's upcoming blood bath war on Sat around the country. It's about time America
Jan 19 am Saturday evening Jan 18th, more snow was falling.
Jan 19am Check back Sunday evening for this week's upcoming action.
Jan 18 am Bored out of your tree? We've added a bunch of new places to go over on the LINKS page this site
Jan 18 am The big decision was made Friday afternoon during a Special County Commission meeting. Commissioners Sams and Triplett voted to hire big time attorney John Brown from Whoey, Dewey, and Pooie to represent the Commission in the now in full blossom lawsuit.
Jan 18 am During Friday's gathering, Commissioner Sams made it public that the County's insurance provider REFUSED to provide an attorney for the suit. Let's see now,... the folks that are suppose to provide the CCC an attorney have backed out. Maybe that's some indication of how this court case is going to go. Bragg refused to vote to hire asking for about the umpteenth time to go ahead and hold an election for the controversial Prosecutor's position. Sams said this case would not cost much and would be precedent setting!
Jan 18 am In other Court room news.. in Business Development Authority vs Clay County Bank, Bank attorney Kevin Duffy has filed more paperwork. This time asking for the whole case to be tossed. The hearing is scheduled for Feb 3 2003. That's the same day JD Morris is scheduled for sentencing
Jan 17 am Be sure to check out the big party / fund raiser down in Charleston tonight over on the EVENTS page.
Jan 17 am Today's big event is over in County Commission land where Pete, Jimmy, and Matthew have scheduled a Special meeting at 2pm. On the agenda is one item, decide on an attorney to represent the Commission in the Courtroom battle. At issue is the appointment of Daniel Grindo as Prosecutor. During the Dec 12 appointment Commission was advised by an attorney that they have to have an election for the Constitutional officer. Not listening to the advice, going out of office, Tim Butcher, aided by Jimmy Sams voted in Grindo as Prosecutor replacing Jeff Davis. During the Dec 27th meeting, motion was made by now out of office Tim Butcher to NOT hold an election for the Prosecutor opening. The lawsuit against CCC actions was filed Jan 6th by Barbara Schamberger.
Jan 17 am Keep in mind, Scham is not seeking ANY damages ($$$) but rather wants the elected boys to follow the law.
Jan 17 am Lawsuits are costly. The coffee house crowd feels that the lawsuit, fees, appeal to the Supreme Court etc., could easily top $30,000.00. The last suit against the CCC ran in the neighborhood of $25,000.00. Keep in mind, if State Code is upheld in this lawsuit, add on another $10,000.00 for the mandated election.

Jan 17 am It sounds like an ego contest clickers. In our financially strapped county $40,000.00 could be better used somewhere else. Say... keep a couple workers on at the Courthouse for instance. OK, which one of you is willing to give up your job? Trish, you? How about it, Connie? Maybe just lay off two Deputies... How much are they willing to spend on their ego?
Jan 17 am Whatever, the decision will be at 2 pm today. With egos in hand, the CCC could take the cheaper way out. They could ask Grindo to draw a one page request to seek the COurt's opinion on the matter and then agree to follow the Judge's order. Cost 37 cents for the satmp.
Jan 17 am EGO, $40,000.00; Integrity, 37 cents; Results, priceless!
Jan 17 am Theivery continues in the county as Buckshot Butcher lost a bunch of hand tools to sticky fingers last week.
Jan 17 am On Tuesday Jan 15th, Wayne King annnounced that he is bringing a lawsuit against the county. King is miffed over being named in the Business Development Authority suit against the Clay County Bank. The plaintiff, the BDA, is trying to retain ( regain) control of the $90,000.00 paid for by the tax payer, Filcon property at Ovapa/Valley Fork Industrial site.
Jan 17 am Be sure to send in those emails in support of Lisa Rhodes. See Jan 16th post just below in green.
Jan 16 pm Earlus Ray Stalnaker, see FUNERAL page
Jan 16 pm With predictions of heavy snow close at hand, Roane County schools called for school closure 2 hours early. At noon Clay County called for an early out at 1pm.
Jan 16 pm We've added winter pictures over on the PHOTO page
Jan 16 pm As for the Schamb lawsuit vs the County Commission and Daniel Grindo, papers were finally served on Commissioner Sams last Friday .Clerk Judy Moore got official word three days ago on Monday
Jan 16 pm Go Mart clerk Lisa Rhodes won the Rough and Rowdy Brawl contest fair and square last weekend at the Charleston Civic Center. She came home with a$500 check, a nice big trophy and a shiny black coat to boot. Now, the Promoter has pulled a slippery move. According to ACR Promotions web site, Ms Rhodes came in 2nd place. To see for yourself, click SLIPPERY PROMOTER
Jan 16 pm If you feel Clay County's own Lisa Rhodes is getting a raw deal, send ACR owner Chris Smith an email raising double H. To tell Mr Smith , click THIS STINKS
Jan 15 pm Although the holiday is still 5 days off, today is the actual birthday of Martin Luther King. Jerry Linkinnnnnoooooggger was also born on this day. Oh well, one out of two ain't too bad
Jan 15 pm Would you like to be off work every time there is a 2 hour delay? How about getting off work each time school is canceled? Then you need to work for Clay Development Corp. In addition to getting lots of extra time off around major holidays, CDC stays closed up each time schools are canceled. For all you seniors in need, lots of luck during bad weather. With the CDC office locked up tight, their Board of Director's meeting was not held.
Jan 15 pm Domestic Violence Coordinator Becky Pritt took a fist to the eye this morning as things got tense in Family Law Court. No big damage with only a small greenish bruise showing.
Jan 15 pm James J King walked today after a jury found him not guilty of malicious assault. Testimony from witness gave detailed accounting of the April 20, 2002 incident at the Cozy Corner bar where King used his Ford pick up to charge 15 or so patrons. Jurors heard testimony from several eye witnesses. King was represented by Jerome Novobilski while the citizen's of county were represented by new to the office, Prosecutor Daniel Grindo.
Jan 15 pm As for the Schamberger lawsuit against Grindo and the CCC, seems the Commission boys are taking it a little more serious. CCC is holding a Special Commission meeting this Friday at 2 pm to hire an attorney.
Jan 15 6:40am CLAY COUNTY SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED.
Jan 14 am Clay Development Corp. meets today at 1 pm. Due to the weather, you might want to call before heading over to their meeting
Jan 14 pm 9:00PM Clay County Schools are on operating on a two hour delay. Sleep in kids!
Jan 14 pm Those that lie South of the Hartland bridge have said for years that the county never thinks about them. They call Lizemore, Indore, Bickmore, etc., "No Man's Land". That premise was obvious today as the snow plows and salt trucks completely abandoned that side of the county. As the rest of the county was enjoying relatively clean roadways, not one plow was seen between 11 am and 1:30pm between Fola and Dixie! The roads were treacherous to say the least.
Jan 14 pm Will someone tell Red Derring that the Communicator finally made to Mullins Feed and Seed at Dixie. Also, Bessy's Food Mart, one the Communicator's distributors, is closing down early each evening. Next door to Bessy's is the Fireside Lounge which will be selling the paper for us. 'should make getting the news more convenient for those in the Big Otter area of the County.
Jan 14 pm Today during the Clay County PSD meeting, Boardsters Earl Long and Keith King spent the $$. Beginning the month with just $171.79 had little affect on their spending habits as they voted to purchase a $22,800.00 4WHD truck and bought a Clayton mobile home for their office at $57,900.00. The Quote of the day comes from PSD Chair Keith King, "this will not raise the rates!" King was talking about the purchase of the new office building.
Jan 14 pm A few years back a rep from the PSD told the County Commission that the purchase of their Main Street office building ( old Lorenz building) would not cause the PSD to raise water rates. Three days later they did just that. For the aluminum siding salesman, WV PSC Engineer Jim Weimer, this one is for you. Mr. King provided one other quote. Again from King, " Jim Weimer is not as bright as he thinks he is."
Jan 14 pm New County Prosecutor Daniel Grindo made it to court today for the Jim J King malicious assault felony trial. The smartly dressed Grindo seemed ready for action and didn't stumbled around either!
Jan 14 pm Monday was the first day to file for Town Mayor, Recorder or Council spots. Signed up so far: Arthur Jarrett for Mayor, Dwana Murphy for Recorder, and for Council: Betty Murphy, Wanda Chambers, Okey Burroughs, Sally Legg, and Billie Jane Zegeer. Locals are watching to see if tim Butcher, Paige Willis, Joyce Gibson, SS Jamie form a coalition and file for office before next week's final day for filing.
Jan 14 pm State Road crews broke a water line in the Two Run section of Clay on Monday stopping water service to many homes, the Primary Health Clinic and Foodland. Today the State Road gang did not show up to finish their culvert work to the river nor fix the water line. Town worker Terry Traub made the repairs later today.
Jan 14 am For those of us that live within the County of Clay know, we have a Linda Rhodes and a Lisa Rhodes. Yesterday afternoon's posting on the new Queen of the Ring had the wrong spelling...Go Mart's own Queen of the Ring is LISA BROWN RHODES. A great big oppppppppppps to us.
Jan 14 am All the Queen Shoals PSD water customers may want to walk over to the ADVISORY page before you turn that faucet on again. Rates just went up up up! Looks like for the average family using 4500 gallons of water per month, the cost will be nearly $50.00. Some of the highest rates in the entire state and that's WITHOUT the expense of a new planned $3.5 million water plant at Procious. Get out the Crisco customers
Jan 14 am We'll get the latest WV Public Service Commission post on the Town of Clay and Clay County PSD water plant battle, on the web, Tuesday night. Looks like more behind the scenes dealings.
Jan 14 am Blues man, that's what we play every Tuesday on Clay County Radio. Tune in. Having trouble tuning in? Check out the new item on the RADIO page this site.
Jan 14 am Today is the Clay County PSD meeting at 10 am in the basement of the old Courthouse. On tap is the purchase of a new truck, buying a new high dollar building and the official hiring of Pat Taylor for the office. Ms Taylor has already been on the job for more than a month. Do you think it's possible to purchase a new truck and building without a rate increase?
Jan 13 pm This past weekend Maysel's Lisa "Knock Em Down Brown" Rhodes competed in the 2003 Rough and Rowdy Brawl at the Charleston Civic Center along with Benjy Cruickshanks, Joey Myers, and Michael Pierson.
Jan 13 pm Ms Rhodes walked away unscuffed Saturday night with a $500 check, nice looking Jacket and big time trophy. Ms Rhodes is the Women's Heavy Weight Champ!!!.
Jan 13 pm Calls are just starting to come in on the Jan 8th County Commission coverage of hauling dogs around in unprotected cages during rainy icy conditions and the allegations of dogs being tied to trees and shot in the head.

Jan 13 am And now for last week's wrap up.

Jan 13 am For the first full week of a brand new year, it was dandy. In County Commission land, they got sued big time. The coming Court battle should be a keeper for sure. At issue: Can the Great Nation of Clay get away with violating State Code. Our Commissioners appointed Dave Saulsgiver to the mental and fiscally challenged Clay Roane PSD as well as Mac Samples to the Business Development Authority. Many remember Samples as an " 'eer of the Year " back in 1994 for being the first victim of the struggle at Glenville State College. Over in the County's only Municipality, Clay, Town Council is still spinning their wheels over getting back $1000s swiped by an employee over a year ago! Near the end of last week as the temps dropped into the low teens and snow squalls filled the air, Clay Roane PSD held their monthly meeting where new to the Board Melissa Postelwait engineered a coup that resulted in long time Chair Gary Whaling biting the dust. The PSD is owed well over $24,000.00 in past due water bills plus over $7000.00 from one of their wholesale customers, Queen Shoals PSD.

Jan 13 am This week, Clay County PSD meets Tuesday morning at 10 am in the basement of the old Courthouse and the always notorious, Clay Development Corp, Board of Directors, meet at 1 pm Wed. CDC just voted to allow the public back into their gatherings. Any who, both meetings should be interesting and both buildings are warm. IF you're looking for a place to get out of the cold, come on!

Jan 13 am President W's No Child Left Behind program has changed the playing field for many counties in WV. To check out for yourself our performance, head over to their official web site and just type in the county and or the school you want to check out. click NCLB

Jan 13 am You might want to see a mug shot of our newest State School School Building Authority member, Barbara Fish, click SMILE

Jan 11 am Around 9 pm last night the winds howled and the snow swirled so much, driving was next to impossible. Cold cold temps remaining with winter finally here. Snow blanketed the area. Be careful out there clickers where ever you are

Jan 11 am Let's talk B Ball, Thursday night, Clay 9th graders vs the Nicholas boys. Nip and tuck all evening. With just a few seconds left on the clock, Dereck Knopp lands one to tie the game. looking real goooood.

Jan 11 am Didn't last long. With just a couple of seconds left on the clock, Nicholas brings the ball in and from them beyond the half court line, one of the big Nicholas boys heaves it.

Jan 11 am SWISHHHHHHH, All net!! The buzzer sounds the end of the game. Nicholas wins one.

Jan 10 pm Hey Scham didn't get fired by the Business Development Authority meeting tonight. Since the Jan 6 court hearing, the BDA needed to get their heads together. They did that behind closed doors for around 30 minutes during the meeting. After the quiet time, it was announced that Wayne and Sandy King's names will be dropped from the lawsuit. Schamberger explained, that the BDA had gotten rid of a title "cloud" as a result of the recent hearing and the need to include the King's was gone.

Jan 10 pm Unless it snows a bunch, the Communicator will be out Saturday afternoon with all the juicy details from last night's Clay Roane PSd meeting, four County Commission meetings in the last 14 days, the low down on the Schamberger lawsuit against the County Commission and a whole bunch more good stuff found no where else but The Communicator!

J an 10 pm NOTICE: Bring in your brass monkey tonight!

Jan 10 am Keep in mind, we're holding off today's Communicator until AFTER the Special Business Development Authority meeting at 5 pm at the Courthouse. While it is expected the BDA to go behind closed doors for most of the meeting, they have to vote any decision in public. Since Commissioner Jimmy Sams wants BDA attorney Barbara Schamberger fired as BDA attorney, the guess is, Scham will get the ax. Attorney Scham has been handling the lawsuit by the BDA against the Clay County Bank and Wayne King. A change in who handles the court case this late in the proceedings could have very serious effects on whether the BDA gets the taxpayer paid for FIlcon property back from the grip of the Bank. Decisions made today could have a lasting impact on Clayberry for years to come.

Jan 10 am Also at the Courthouse this afternoon: 4:30pm Clay Roane PSD will hold a Special meeting to select the Engineer for the Punkin Ridge water line extension project. And, in addition to the BDA meeting at 5 pm, Clay Roane PSD will hold a public hearing on the environmental impact of building a 3 1/2 million dollar water plant at the old Procious Water Plant. That's right, 3 1/2 million dollars there and not within the Town of Clay

Jan 10 am Some much for Friday. let's talk last night

Jan 10 am Last night Clay Roane PSD held a 2 hour Board meeting. During that meeting it came to light customers owe OVER OVER $24,000.00 in past due bills. Did we mention that Queen Shoals owes over $7000.00 for water supplied to Queen Shoals by Clay Roane. In what appears to be a worked out before hand smooth move, new to the Board Melissa Postelwait took the Chair of the Board from long time Chairman Gary Whaling. Did we mention that Doug Burdette spoke up and expressed real disappointment with the performance of the Board from top to bottom. Full details in the Communicator

Jan 10 am During yesterday's 3:30pm County Commission meeting ( yelp that makes 4 meetings in the last 13 days), Commissioners Sams and Bragg selected Dave Saulsgiver to replace Garrett Samples on the Clay Roane PSD Board. Saulsgiver was employed by the PSD for 17 years before quitting as questions surfaced on practices at the PSD.

Jan 9 pm Don't forget this afternoon's County Commission meeting and tonight's Clay Roane PSD gathering. Both at the Courthouse and both sure to please. Tomorrow is a Special Edition Business Development Authority at 5pm at the Courthouse

Jan 9 PM Since all three meetings have all the makings of being hummmm dingers, we're holding up this Friday's edition of the Communicator so timely coverage can be included. LOOK FOR THE ONLY SOURCE OD NEWS THIS SATURDAY SATURDAY SATURDAY!!!!!!

Jan 9 am We've got another day of Courthouse action in County Commission land. CCC meets AGAIN today at 3:30pm. Watch for more lawsuit discussions and appointments to replace Clay Roane PSD Boardster Garrett Samples. CCC have been reluctant to appoint Dave Saulsgiver, the only person to actually ask for the $85.00 per month position.

Jan 9 am Apparently in response to recent Court action and County Commissioner Jimmy Sams requests, Clay County Business Development Authority (BDA) will meet in Special session Friday afternoon. Sams has asked that BDA attorney Schamberger be fired. Scham has been handling the court battle to regain rights to the Ovapa/Valley Fork Industrial Site once given to Filcon Inc. Scham is now suing the CCC over the appointment of Daniel Grindo to be Prosecutor. She appears to have peeeed off Sams with her efforts.

Jan 8 pm Talk about a blow out County Commission (CCC) meeting!!! During Wednesday's 2 pm gathering. Plaintiff Barbara Schamberger stated that in her lawsuit , she was NOT asking for any $$$$ but rather that the Great Nation of Clayberry adhere to the State Code. In return Commissioner Sams asked that her position as lawyer for the Clay Business Development Authority be addressed at the next BDA meeting. Sams wants her gone!

Jan 8 pm During the Wednesday gathering store owner Terry Harper gave a lengthy presentation on how Schamberger handled herself in the office recently. According to Harper, she used potty mouth, was abusive and insulting to him. Schamb and Harper went at it over 15 minutes in open session today.

Jan 8 pm Of course the lawsuit will make front page this Friday in the Communicator but we got our hands on a copy of the court document and boy is it juicy!!! Ms Schamberger alleges that Commissioner Tim No Show Butcher did NOT have the authority to appoint Daniel Grindo to the Prosecutor's opening since there wasn't really an opening until AFTER Butcher left office! Oh boy time clickers. Sham provided documentation that Grindo did NOT register as a Democrat until shortly before being appointed by the CCC. We got a copy of the voter's registration card from Braxton County where Mr. Grindo calls home. Also from the document, Scham alleges that Grindo remained an employee of the Court while campaigning for the Prosecutor's position... a Real Real No No.

Jan 8pm Since the document is 17 pages long, we may not have room for the whole smear but we'll get the most of it in this Friday's paper.

Jan 8pm animal lovers, this one is for you. According to one lady at the CCC meeting, County Dog Warden Walter Stutler has been leaving stray dogs locked in the cages of the animal control truck during icy and rainy conditions prior to tying them to a tree and shooting them in the head!! Full details.

Jan 8 pm Remember Richard Cummings? The fellow that turned state's witness in the Tattoo Vince Golosow case? Richard lives out Murder Mountain way and was arrested Monday evening in Cleveland on two counts of arson. He tried to burn down his sister's home there. Something about filling the house up with natural gas. Cummings testified during the preliminary hearing on murder charges against Golosow and was expected to testify ( end of this month) that Golosow admitted to killing Judd Reid around Oct. 11th 2002. Going to be hard to testify while locked up in Cleveland! We'll tell you all we know this Friday but it will cost you 50 cents!

Jan 6 pm Elmo E Nichols, see FUNERAL PAGE

Jan 6 pm It doesn't take long to get sued. Just ask Commissioner Pete Triplett. Triplett took his seat on Thursday Jan 2 and yesterday the CCC was sued. Just two working days for Pete

Jan 6 pm Some noted from the Town Council meeting: the Town's $10,000 Police Budget is depleted; there's been lots of break ins like: the Library, Kate's Floral; Clay Elem.; The Kitchen Restaurant; Clay Development Corp. asked for a special handicapped parking spot on Main Street. Council indicated a reluctance to do so because CDC employees hog all the regular parking spots and refuse to pay $1000s in past due parking tickets; and, Last day to file for Mayor, Recorder and Council positions is Jan 25th. Mayor Nichols and Council person Sally Legg said they planned to seek reelection while Dave Derby and Helen Morris said they had had enough of life in Clayberry politics. Look for town clerk Dwana Murphy to run for Recorder and Dr SS Jamie, Tim Butcher, and Glenn Nichols to run for Mayor. Betty Murphy and Wanda Chambers are undecided over whether they will run for office this year. Full details this Friday of course in The Communicator!

Jan 6 pm Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone (CAEZ) also met this evening. With no quorum in hand, the group sat and discussed: A board training retreat ( $10,000.00) at Stonewall Resort in March and mention was made that the Filcon filter equipment now stored in Frank Murphy's building at Maysel will be moved beginning Wed morning to the old Newton Fire House. Cheaper rent according to Director Jerry Sizemore. Full details this Friday in The Communicator including the Sizemore comment about Frank Murphy, "He's holding us hostage....."

Jan 6 pm Prosecutor Daniel Grindo didn't show up for his second day on the job today. Officially he has the flu. Unofficially, and away from the new Prosecutor of course, many are speculating that he may have " chikin-chit-itus" since he is brand new to the Court room

Jan 6 pm County Commission meets Weds at 2pm.

Jan 6 pm Special Business Development Authority meeting this Friday. Reason: Appears to be related to yesterday's hearing in front of Judge Ric Facemire.

Jan 6 am And the snow blew and blew and the roads got slicker and slicker. No real accumulations but it sure looked like this would be the big one. Clay County Schools are on a 2 hour delay. Sleep in!!

Jan 6 am Lighting Hopkins, Muddy Waters, Champion Dupree and more great blues men today on Clay County Radio.

Jan 6 am We've added some Clay Middle School pictures over on the PHOTO page. Might want to take a look. 'May see your little darling!

Jan 6 am Butterflies in the winter? New Prosecutor Daniel Grindo was to make his debut in Court yesterday.... Didn't happen. While the flue may be the unofficial reason for the no show, others feel it may have been opening day butterflies.

Jan 6 am Mr. Grindo received his license to practice in Sept. 2002 and reportedly has never presented a case in court.

Jan 6 am On Monday a lawsuit alleging that the County Commission (CCC) improperly (and against State Code requirements), appointed Daniel Grindo as Prosecutor replacing Jeff ( Boy do I need some $ ) Davis. So who filed the lawsuit against the County Commission Monday morning? Answer: Barbara Schamberger. We got a chance to talk with Ms Schamberger, briefly, late Monday. According Scham, she is not after the Prosecutor's job nor any $$ but rather feels even in the Great Nation of Clayberry, state law should be followed. Would somebody please take Ms Schamberger aside and explain Clayberry to her!

Jan 6 am Lets see now.... CCC uses the Prosecutor as their attorney. That would be MR Grindo. Grindo can't defend them in the lawsuit since he is the recipient of their favors. Who will the CCC find to represent them. Can't use Wayne King, the County is suing him and he applied for the Prosecutor's job. Can't use Kevin Duffy, he applied for the spot. Can't use turned out to pasture Schamberger, she's the one bringing the suit.

Jan 6 am Also in Court news, there was a hearing today on the Business Development Authority vs Filcon Inc., Clay County Bank, and Wayne & Sandy King. Bank attorney Kevin Duffy tried to get the whole thing tossed. Didn't happen. It wasn't so long ago ( June 2002) that the Bank was saying they had every right to sell the old Filcon property. Now, and after some Court room wrangling, the Bank has backed off that claim of sole ownership and is negotiating over what they and the BDA will receive ( who gets what %) when the Ovapa/Valley Fork industrial site is finally sold. In the Courtroom were BDA Chair Paige Willis, Frank Murphy and Commissioner Peter Triplett.

Jan 6 am Today Town Council meets at 4 along with the CAEZ at 4 and again at 6 pm.

Jan 6 am Clay Roane PSD is still without insurance coverage on their vehicles which remian parked. Watch for Thursday night's PSD meeting to be a winner.

Jan 6 pm Thad W Brown, see FUNERAL page

Jan 6 pm As rumored, a lawsuit suing the County Commission contending they didn't follow State Code when appointing Daniel Grindo to the Prosecuting Attorney slot has been filed. As soon as we lay our hands on a copy we'll post.

Jan 6 am Happy Monday morning. We've got a big week of public news coming. But, first the important stuff

Jan 6 am How does a man show that he is planning for the future? He buys two cases of beer.

Jan 6 am What is the difference between men and government bonds? The bonds mature.

Jan 6 am Why is it difficult to find men who are sensitive, caring and good looking? They all already have boyfriends.

Jan 6 am What do you call a woman who knows where her husband is every night? A widow

Jan 6 am Why are married women heavier than single women? Single women come home, see what's in the fridge and go to bed. Married women come home, see what's in bed and go to the fridge.

Jan 6 am What is the one thing that all men at singles bars have in common? They're married.

Jan 6 am This first full week of Jan is loaded with public meetings and maybe even some surprises

Jan 6 am Today is Court Hearing on the lawsuit against Filcon, the Clay County Bank and Wayne King. School Board meets tonight at 6pm.

Jan 6 am On Tuesday, Town Council meets at 4 as does the Eco/Dev committee of the CAEZ followed by the full CAEZ Board at 6m. For folks seeking water service in the Lizemore area of the county, head over to Lizemore Methodist . See EVENTS page

Jan 6 am County Commission opens up on Wed at 2pm and the Clay Roane PSD team meets at the COurthouse Thursday at 7pm. With the lack of insurance at the PSD, this meeting stands to be a dandy.

Jan 6 am Word on the street has it that a lawsuit will be filed against the County Commission early this week. The lawsuit may contend that the County Commission knowingly violated State Law when they appointed Daniel Grindo to the Prosecuting Attorney spot Dec 12th. Keep in mind, back on the 12th, Commissioners Tim Butcher ( Big time supporter of Grindo), Jimmy Sams ( wanted Wayne King) and Mathew Bragg were read the State Code not once but twice prior to the Grindo vote. We'll keep you posted when the lawsuit is posted.

Jan 6 am Put on your long underwear and come out to w public meeting. Beats watching the boob tube.

Jan 5 am Clay County Ambulance Service ended 2002 with $8,572.08 to their name less $1850.26 in bills. The beginning balance in Jan 2002 was $10,436.93. Different now than in Jan 2002: In 2002 the ambulance service owed $1000s and $1000s in long past due bills that had been hid from the public!

Jan 5 am In the way of a weekly wrap up..

Jan 5 am Ex Prosecutor Jeff Davis managed to retrieve his holdings from the Clay County Bank auction block.

Jan 5 am Elected by the people, Peter Triplett, was sworn into office and took his seat on the County Commission this past week. Commissioner Jimmy Sams was elected President of the Commission. Appointed by the County Commission, Daniel Grindo took the reigns of the Prosecuting Attorney's office as secretary Lucy Cruickshank left the same office and accepted employment as the County Probation Officer. Asst. Prosecuting Attorney Barbara Schamberger was let out to pasture with the Prosecutor's salary budget setting at zero.

Jan 5 am In Public Service District business, Queen Shoals PSD bounced checks as Clay Roane PSD found out their vehicle insurance had been canceled for lack of payment. By the end of this past week, Clay Roane's trucks had been parked after operating for 2 months without insurance coverage.

Jan 5 am Jan 2003 is starting off in turmoil and with little leadership or direction

Jan 5 am Early Saturday morning a passing motorist noticed a vehicle parked along Sugar Camp Road just over the line in Roane County past O'Dell's service station. By afternoon, someone noticed the body of 60 something Sam Jett laying not far from the vehicle. Jett lived in a trailer near Clendenin.

Jan 5 am Since there was one bullet hole in Jett's head ( and maybe another elsewhere), Police set up the crime scene. This is a strange one clickers. Questions are coming as to whether the place Jett's body was found was really the crime scene. No billfold was found. Jett had a wooden club in his hand.

Jan 5 am This makes three AARP age folks murdered in the last three months. First Judd Reid ( in his 50s's), then a Mr. John Morehead ( late 60's) and now Sam Jett.

Jan 5 am The Hur Herald had the first coverage of the Jett murder. Click FIRST NEWS for the Jett article, and click MOREHEAD for the other details

Jan 5 am We got lot's good stuff coming this week in Clayberry. Check back late Sunday for the public meeting stuff along with any updates on Sam Jett's investigation.

Jan 4 am Brenda Kay Davis, see FUNERAL page

Jan 4 am For our international clickers, last night we had only a dusting of snow but ice layered the roadways. Around 9 or so came a warning on the scanner airways that the Camp Creek Bridge near Procious was slicker than wet owl ****.

Jan 4 am We're still working on changes to this web site. The new button links on this page ( Click here for News from the past) and on the FUNERAL page, should make dial up connection loading much quicker. Netscape users: We still have a couple glitches with the audio players. We're working on the problem. Thanks for the patience clickers

Jan 4 am We have an update since yesterday's post. Clay Roane PSD has been operating without vehicle insurance since Nov. 3, 2002. Their insurance was canceled for nonpayment 60 days ago!!!! Water billing clerk Jennifer Traub paid the $900.00 plus payment Dec 26, 2002. But But But .... the policy and coverage is still NOT back in force. All Clay Roane PSD vehicles were parked Friday afternoon when Board member Melissa Postelwait investigated. A note was attached to the red truck, " DO NOT DRIVE!"

Jan 4 am Talk about a nightmare.... The "what ifs" are frightening. Fortunately, this time, there have been no reported accidents or incidents. An accident, involving an uninsured PSD vehicle, could expose the entire county to a lawsuit which would bring the entire county to its knees!

Jan 3 pm Clay Roane PSD is in a bit of a pickle. According to the vehicle insurance carrier, the PSD has NO truck insurance. According to the Insurance folks, Clay Roane PSD lost coverage Nov. 12, 2002. According to billing clerk Jennifer Traub , they are covered and she has a canceled check to prove it.

Jan 3 pm During yesterday's County Commission meeting, the CCC OKed to sell three of the ambulances operated by the Clay County Ambulance Service

Jan 3 pm Now gone from public employment, Asst. Prosecutor Barbara Schamberger is looking to open a private practice office in downtown Clayberry. Plan, location and telephone numbers are incomplete as of today. As far as getting her files and records out of the Prosecutor's office, the locks have been changed.

Jan 2 pm County Commission side stepped any discussion on last month's appointment of Daniel Grindo to the Prosecutor's position during today's County Commission meeting. They did appoint Jimmy Sams to be the CCC President. The meeting was Peter Triplett's first time sitting on the bench. Seemed to fit him quite nicely.

Jan 2 pm Back in Nov. 2002, Queen Shoals PSD told the public they needed a rate increase to make ends met. Currently Queen Shoals is past due $7000.00 in payments for water to Clay Roane PSD. Queen Shoals purchases wholesale water from Clay Roane. Last month a partial payment check from Queen Shoals to Clay Roane bounced all over the county. It was later made good.

Jan 2 pm Talk about rebound! Ex Prosecutor Jeff Davis commented today that his holdings are off the Clay County Bank foreclosure auction block. Davis said he was cashing in his Retirement Plan and using those proceeds to pay his loan payments.

Jan 2 pm Tonight during the Business Development Authority meeting Chair Paige Willis made it very clear that there have NOT been any secret meetings of the group. Last month long time member of the BDA, crusty ole Norman Wilson resigned from the economic development agency saying that there was too much secrecy. Wilson was talking about the lawsuit (s) filed by the BDA against the Clay County Bank and Filcon Inc. Attorney Barbara Schamberger, who represents the BDA in Court, reiterated Willis' words, there haven't been secret dealings. Willis nor Schamberger mentioned that on Jan 6th a hearing will be held on the Filcon lawsuit at the Courthouse.

Jan 2 pm Next time you go past the Senior Center at Two Run make note of the smashed up silver SUV once used to deliver hot lunches to seniors in the area. Two months ago, the agency's other vehicle , a blue S-10 pick up, was wrecked.

Jan 2 am Jeff Davis is now in private practice across from the Courthouse and beside Nancy's Floral Shop. His number is 587-2209

Jan 2 am Clay Vol. Fire Dept. bought the old Elk Valley hardware store and Kate's Flower Shop. The plan is to tear both buildings down this Spring and build a new station. Kate's Flowers moved down Main Street across from the Historic Henry Clay Hotel.

Jan 2 am New Commissioner Peter Triplett will take his place on the bench replacing Tim "No Show" Butcher. With Triplett on the scene, it might be interesting to see if the Grindo appointment and the motion last week to NOT hold a Special Election for the Prosecutor opening changes.

Jan 2 am While the rest of the world gets back to work after the New Year's Holiday, office staff over at Clay Development Corp. (CDC) can sleep in again. Being an unregulated by anyone agency, CDC makes it a habit to give extra holiday time off with pay several times a year.

Jan 2 am If you're trying to find Lucy Cruickshank at the Courthouse, she's on the other side of the building upstairs. As a Probation Officer, her new digs are next door to the jury room.

Jan 1 2003 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Jan 1 am Get em while they're hot. The Communicator made it to the news stands around 6pm Tuesday.

Jan 1 am Tim Butcher has left the building!

Jan 1 am We'll be working on the web site for the next week or two. Notice the music button is now at the top of the home page as requested by several. Reason: so you Courthouse and School System workers can check out all the Clayberry action and do so ... quietly.