January 2010

Jan 31 9pm  Clay County Schools are on a two hour delay for Monday Feb. 1st.

     Jan 31 9pm  Even their web site says so!
     Jan 31 p We've got all the new legislative updates over on the ADVISORY page.
     Jan 31 p We just had a bang up of a week in County Clay.
     Jan 31 p It started off with a parked, fully stocked, ambulance catching on fire after
     being jump started. Some are suggesting that the recent smell of fuel may have added
     to the incineration. A total loss including a new heart monitor and  one of those
     costly  IO drills.
     Jan 31 p County Commission met on Wed where Ambulance Director Bev King had
     already scheduled looking at a replacement unit. CCC put the brakes on such a
     purchase at the bankrupt ambulance service which only has $27,000 to their name
     and owe $50k to $60k on a bank loan.
     Jan 31 p The Lady Panthers won three in a row during home court action.
     Jan 31 p Thursday afternoon another sweep of the Murder Mountain neighborhood
     brought out another haul of misplaced goods including  Greg Fitzwater's flat bed
     truck. No arrests have been made. It's that nasty wind clickers. Blows everything
     over on the hill!
     Jan 31 p Snow returned to Clayberry. State road crews were treating the roads but it
     didn't help. Our roads were snow covered and worse. Cold too.
     Jan 31 p Charleston newspapers reported yet another failing of our local school
     system. We were fined $5000 for failing to follow EPA rules on asbestos abatement
     at Lizemore Elem. That's $5000 that could have been wasted on the school
     superintendent salary or more office staff. Never to worry, the Levy will cover it all
     Jan 31 p With 6 inches of snow on the ground, Deputy Jim Paxton signed up for a
     run at the County Clerk's spot now held by Connie Workman. Shortly afterwards, on
     the radio, Paxton reported to Top Badge, "I took your advice".
     Jan 31 p  The deadline for filing for office is now past. We're going to have a heck of
     a contest this time around. Senator Randy White has a demorat and republicrat
     challenger. There's four running for the three vacancies in 29th House of Delegates
     District
     Jan 31 p Delegate Dave Walker (33rd District) won his perch by  15 votes or so last
     time around. Votes were divided up among two contestants from Calhoun County
     and one from Gilmer. This time, it's a head to head battle with Ron Blankenship for
     Dave
     Jan 31 p For the County Clerk's job, that makes three, incumbent Connie Workman,
     one time employee of 15 years, Michelle Deyton, and Paxton.
     Jan 31 p Circuit Clerk Mike Asbury's blood pressure went back down to normal
     Saturday night after learning no  one will challenge him in the election booth.
     Jan 31p The School system hates it when they get their wires crossed. That's what
     happened when incumbent Jim Dawson told folks he didn't plan to run for office and
     Rick Tanner didn't sign up until late with supposing he would take a shot at a County
     Commission slot.
     Jan 31 p  With incumbents Dawson, Tanner and Beth Cercone deciding to run, there
     are a bunch of strong challengers, Morgy Triplett, Dave Mullins , and Dave Pierson
     come to mind.
     Jan 31 p Wires crossed? For the school system to continue their back room rock solid
     domination, the entire Board has to be in unison. Who's the Board going to campaign
     for, incumbent Jim Dawson or equally team player Dave Pierson?
     Jan 31 p  How do they plan to keep  Mullins or  Triplett away from the decision
     making position? One good answer would be to give school service personnel a
     carrot, say a $50 raise. They are so easily bought off!
     Jan 31 p With a new month staring us in the face, that means we've got a full week of
     public meeting entertainment coming our way. Should be fun. See ya on the web.
     Jan 30 5pm  Roads are still snow and ice covered. Salt shakers are running but the
     weather ain't cooperating. Snow still coming down. We've got about 5 inches now.
     Fortunately, the Dec 19th snow did the right of way maintenance neglected by local
     power companies... translation: the electric remains on for most.
     Jan 30 p  James M. King, 80, see OBITUARY page
     Jan 30 p  Wanda Faye Young 69, of Bentree, see OBITUARY page
     Jan 30 p Happy Birthday Debbie Procious
     Jan 30 p From today's Charleston Gazette/Mail: The U.S. Environmental Protection
     Agency says it's reached a settlement with the Clay County school district over a
     charge that one of its schools failed to conduct regular asbestos inspections.The
     settlement announced Thursday includes a nearly $5,000 fine. The EPA says the
     school district failed to inspect areas that contain asbestos at Lizemore School
     every three years as required by law. The elementary school has since come into
     compliance.The EPA says the state Department of Health and Human Resources
     turned up the violation during an inspection in 2007. Calls to Clay County school
     district were not answered Thursday afternoon.
     Jan 30 p Your Levy dollars ar work.
     Jan 30 p Friday afternoon brand new mega-boom attacked this site. We think the
     entire site is once again clean. If you see any warnings, please email with the page it
     was found on and the message displayed. Thanks
     Jan 30 p  At noon Clayberry has around 4 inches of snow on the ground and more
     still in the air. 21 degrees ain't helping anything.
     Jan 30 a A new bug zapped this site around 2pm Friday. Still working to eliminate as

     of midnight last night.

Jan 29p  With the Elk high, muddy and running hard, TGIF!!

Jan 29 p Tonight great music at Big Otter Community Center

Jan 29 p Tonight the Lady Panther's take on Gilmer County in home court action. Come out and support the home team. 101.7 FM will be sportscating the event for those that can't.

Jan 29 p Don't forget the Consignment Auction for Saturday evening fun in Two Run.

Jan 29 p Greg Fitzwater's flat bed truck, the one that was stolen last Sunday in broad day light, was retrieved on the backside of Murder Mountain on Reed Fork Thursday afternoon. Covered with mud, with a blown tire, and damage to door lock and ignition, after four hours of wrecker company tugging, Greg was able to drive it home. How did it get there?? Since there have been no arrests, must have been the wind!

Jan 29 p Are you missing anything? trailer? compressor, tools, black Chevy Blazer? All found up on the mountain Thursday. Sounded like they were also looking for a bulldozer. You missing one of those?

Jan 29 p A couple more trash cans have been returned to the sidewalks of Clay.Now we can properly dispose of wrappers and cans in front of the Courthouse. Better than nothing!

Jan 29 p Courageous candidates needed. Saturday at midnight is the last minute to sign up to run in this year's election. Boy does Clayberry need help. How about you?

Jan 29 p  This morning was the first day to contest outrageous property taxes before the County Commission. No one came.

Jan 29 p Back on the election.... We've got a bunch of people signed up for the school board race. From District A Dave Mullins, Rick Tanner, and Sonny Butcher; District B Morgan Triplett, Dave Pierson, Jim Dawson, and Jim Ash; and , District C just Beth Cercone so far.

Jan 29 p Circuit Clerk Mike Asbury is feeling lonely. No one is signed up to run against him.Come on somebody and make Mike feel better by running for office.

Jan 29 p  The Commissioners didn't talk about tax burdens this morning but they did go over plans to remodel the old hardware and post office buildings. As they went over drawings and suggestions, from the architect: We have to talk soon about the asbestos removal.

Jan 29 p Noticed no inmates illegally burning building materials nor removing innerds from the old building this morning. May have been too cold (17degrees) or behind the  scenes, things may be changing.  Whatever, they'll never let us know pressure was applied.

Jan 28 p  Good news clickers, the town has returned a trash can to duty in front of the Library.

Jan 28 p Law enforcement is spending the afternoon in the air and in vehicles up on Murder Mountain. Checks performed on numerous items with nothing coming back as stolen.

Jan 28 p  Sounds like they are trying to spot Greg Fitzwater's stolen white flatbed truck but no luck so far as far as we can tell. From the scanner: We're going to look as long as we can.

Jan 28 p Scanner chatter revealed the helicopter was leaving the area around 1:15pm, low on fuel. The whirlybird takes more fuel when the passenger is heavy.

Jan 28 p Boil Water Order remains in place for Town Water customers in the Maysel area.

Jan 28 p Last night CCHS Lady Panther Sierra Carver scored her 1100th point and Kelly Cole made the mark of 1000 career points.

Jan 28 p Months ago Telford Cruikshank was sentenced to the big house for having kiddy porn. He's now behind bars in Lexington. The Federal Bureau of Prisons web site requires an exact spelling of first and last names.

Jan 28 p Last week Council told Mayor Jack Brown to return trash cans to Clay. The Mayor agreed to do so. As of noon today, only two cans have been returned to us. One is in front of Council person Joyce Gibson's store and the other is in front of two time Mayor Doc Jamie's office. all together now .... Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Jan 28 p Commissioner Mike Pierson is the head honcho in illegal burns of building materials and using unprotected convicts to tear out the insides of the old asbestos laden hardware building beside the Courthouse.

Jan 28 p During yesterday's County Commission along with Larry and Darryl voted NOT to support an effort to provide an additional dumpster during the Spring Metals and junk removal days in Clay County..So much for trying to improve the look of the place.

Jan 28 p Tommy Young Sr was in town Wed. He says his trial was rescheduled from the first part of Feb to March 4th in the Federal building in Charleston.

Jan 27 p BOIL WATER ORDER issued by Town of Clay for Upper Maysel, Daubenspeck, Deer Track, Guy Mullins Road, and Morgan Carr Rd.  Power outage knocked out tank pump, drained. Questions: 304 587-4233

Jan 27 p Greg Fitzwater had his 1 ton flatbed truck, white in color, parked beside the Clay PSD office on Main Street . It was stolen sometime Sunday afternoon and last seen (some say) in the Ovapa neighborhood. If you see it, call the Green Shirts please.

Jan 27 p How do you destroy an ambulance without driving down the road? On Monday, a little while after jump starting a dead battery, the ambulance caught on fire while sitting in the parking lot.  A complete loss of the unit plus all the supplies inside including one of the new heart monitors.

Jan 27 p  With that burnout, and another scrapped, that leaves just two units for use. During Wed morning's County Commission, Director Bev King was all set to replaced the ambulance. Even had a new one ready to be viewed on Wed.

Jan 27 p With just $27,000 left to their name and bills galore, County Commission told the Director the service may have to down size just to stay viable. Not sure that Bev understood what was being said but the reality is, the two remaining units may have to used for emergency transports only. It's about time!

Jan 27 p Yelp, that Clay County's Dave Lane  that was picked up on first degree sexual assault of  a family member. TV 11 reported this during a Tuesday new cast: A CLAY COUNTY MAN IS BUSTED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AGAINST A 17 YEAR OLD GIRL. 56 YEAR OLD DAVID LANE IS BEHIND BARS FOR 1ST DEGREE SEXUAL ASSAULT, SEXUAL ABUSE BY A PARENT, AND INCEST. THE ALLEGED TEEN VICTIM WENT TO WOMEN'S AND CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL ON SATURDAY FOR AN INJURY SHE SAYS SHE RECEIVED DURING A SEXUAL ASSAULT, IN CLAY COUNTY.

Jan 27 a Top of the morning to each and every. The Communicator made it to the newsstands in five counties yesterday afternoon. If you're interested in what's going on, what's really going on, in Clayberry, there's one source and that's The Communicator.

Jan 27 a Our ever so huggable County Commission meets this morning at 10am and reconvenes at 1. A nice long agenda may provide some interesting discussions.

Jan 27 a Tonight the Lady Panthers  are in home court action taking on Calhoun County. Come and support the home team. Last night the Lady's evened up their season with a win over Braxton

Jan 27 a The political savvy Broadway Joe has been shedding big tears for a wish for students to get a full 180 days of instructional time during the school year. With the House and Senate quickly approving like measures, Joe got his wish last night. The bill is ready for his signature.

Jan 27 a The bill gives control (headache) of the calendar to local school boards but doesn't provide additional funding or a longer work contract for school service personnel. Got to be careful what you wish for.

Jan 27 a 180 days.. doesn't that sound swell? Did you know if there's a 2 hour delay before starting, it's still counted as a day of instruction? Did you know, if there is a two hour delay and it keeps snowing and there's an early out... Yelp that's still considered a full day of instruction.

Jan 27 a  Covering and massaging the numbers, a long tradition in education in West Virginia.

Jan 27 a No new candidates for office signed up so far this week. How about you. Make a difference and run for office.

Jan 27 a From the email bag:  ROCKIEL SEARS CONGRATLATIONS !!! ROCKIEL TOOK  A MEDICAL ASSISTANT CLASS AT EVEREST INSITUTE IN CROSS LANES   KEEPING A 4.0

Jan 27 a Happy Birthday Maryjane Runion and belated, Jennifer Fugett

Jan 25 a We're in shut down mode as we put the Communicator to bed.

Jan 25 a Big Otter Fire Dept meets tonight as does the Board of Education.

Jan 25 a You're on your own until we get the typing done.

Jan 23 a Sit down. You're not going to believe this..

Jan 23 a Last night the Panthers won their first B Ball game of the season. Wasn't pretty but by  a nine point margin, we were victorious over Roane County.

Jan 22 late p  We're polishing off an embarrassingly sad week of no leadership and outrageous official capacities.

Jan 22 late p  Friday morning convicts returned to Clayberry to tear out the insides of the old hardware building soon to be a judicial annex. The building 215 Main Street was the subject of an asbestos report in 2004. The report showed objectionable (dangerous) level of the cancer causing asbestos.

Jan 22 late p Without hard hats, respirators or ANY protective clothing, convicts under the direction of Commissioner Mike Pierson set to work gutting the building followed by burning the materials on the river bank, within a few feet of the Elk.

Jan 22 late p the Communicator's Magistrate Report regularly publishes those caught burning similar materials and not right beside a scenic river!

Jan 22 late p The laws must of changed clickers. If Stuart Simms comes along and offers you a ticket for an illegal burn, just say Nope, no thank you, if they can do it on Main Street, I can here on my tax paid for acre.

Jan 22 late p Did we mention asbestos and the convicts have NO protective equipment!

Jan 22 late p It was a sad week in Clayberry folks and no end in sight.

Jan 21 p   Linda Sue Stephenson, 61, of Clay, see OBITUARY page

Jan 21 p   Arnold Jerry Triplett, 71, of Clay , see OBITUARY page

Jan 20 late p CPR classs being offered this Saturday.

Jan 20 late p  If you're ordering seedlings from the SCD, see the changes just posted over on the ADVISORY page

Jan 20 p  On the 12th Council held a meeting where they ALL nodded in agreement to have the Mayor remove all the trash cans in town. Within 14 hours of that meeting, Poof, all the big metal containers were gone.

Jan 20 p After a public outcry, this Monday, the 18th, the elected group met again where they reversed their ill conceived removal decision. The Mayor said he would return some of the cans to their street side locations. As of last night, 24 hours later, none were back in position.

Jan 20 p Every year, year after year, The Communicator publishes articles on the dismal performance of our school system. Without exception, the published results are followed up by irates saying our figures were all wrong. This month a state audit report shows the pitiful graduation rates of West Virginia's seniors, the even worse rates for those attending college and how this state comes in dead last with workers with college degrees.

 Jan 20 p What the Communicator has been saying  has been true all along and it's been the highly paid school system media machine massaging the numbers to tread lightly on failure reality.

Jan 20 p Independent media is more important today than ever before.

Jan 20 p Clay County's School Board has always voted in favor of closing community schools. They say stuff like your kid will get a better educamation, have more opportunities, and costs for those  gazzilion dollar golden schools are actually cheaper than keeping open the existing ones.

Jan 20 p  They've been successful with each closure effort except one, H E White Elem. There the community banded together, hired lawyers, fought the closure and won.  During Court room testimony, the Judge made mince meat of our local superintendent and others.

Jan 20 p Thinking they had a victory in their grip, the school board removed everything from the school, pulled the wires from the ceiling, and prepared to give the property back to those that had donated the land originally. They were wrong, the group of pork rind eating activists (that what the school board referred to em as) won and the H E White Elem had to be restored in quick order.

Jan 20 p  Watch for H E WHite closure plans in the near future. Sure they'll say, they're trying to keep it open.... but past practices are a good indication of future efforts.

Jan 20 p Whether it's the current Town Council, School Board, Commission.. they're all elected leaders making poor decisions. Those dumb bunny leaders ( some not all)  are a main cause for the continuing problems that hold back Clayberry. We can change that at the ballot box this year

Jan 20 p It's time to run for office! Our future depends on you . It's time to step up to the plate.

Jan 20 p Filing fees are posted over on the JOBS page.

Jan 20 p And boy do we have a good paper coming. Deadline for submissions is Saturday, mid day. Email comments, stories, irate disbelief ASAP.

Jan 19 a Clay Roane PSD customers: Boil Water Order is in place!!

Jan 19 a  Tonight the Panthers play Sissonville in home court action, 7:30pm. Last night's Herbert Hoover game was a H of a match up with HHHS taking the win in the last 1/2 second.

Jan 19 a Also from the holiday, Town Council held a special meeting at 7pm. Not sure the reason, maybe because Fran King was present or because Dwana Murphy was absent, but the meeting was productive without the usual BS.

Jan 19 a For instance, Fran was not real happy with Council's OK for the Mayor to remove all the curbside trash cans around town. She said  "funders" in Charleston had read this web portal's accounting of the decision and they were none too happy to provide further "streetscape" funding if the place was covered with liter.

Jan 19 a Mayor Brown defended his decision (Council did not object) saying that those web portal postings were not accurate. He said that he removed the cans because people were dumping garbage not trash in the receptacles. Examples included carpet remnants, broken asphalt, and in front of The Kitchen, gobs of spoiled foodstuffs.

Jan 19 a An unhappy Franster didn't give  back an inch and suggested: Why not prosecute those garbage placing offenders and leave the trash cans in place for the rest of the world to use.

Jan 19 a Mayor Brown agreed to return some of the cans with new ones, without all the rust, coming ASAP.

Jan 19 a Problem one solved.

Jan 19 a During Council's regular meeting last week, Council was all in a tizzy over who would get to drive a recently donated Jeep. They went ballistic seeing "Police Dept" license plates on the rascal. Behind the scenes, political maneuvering greased the tracks for a good public display. The idea was for Dwana Murphy and Dream Thomas to have exclusive use of the Jeep.

Jan 19 a That changed during Monday night's Special meeting when a much more level headed Council agreed to leave the new plates on the Jeep  (use by a new town Badge when he is hired) AND anyone else can use the vehicle for official duties when not needed for police work.

Jan 19 a  On that new  Town officer, coming real soon according to the Mayor.

Jan 19 a Hurling green snot balls and coughing his head off, sorry for the slow postings. AW

Jan 18 late p Clay Roane PSD issued a Boil Water Order for all its customers earlier today/ Before consuming the wet stuff, boil it first. Better safe than sorry clickers. Pass the word.

Jan 18 late p Chief Operator Will Miller said the water got all messed up after flushing some fire hydrants and water haulers at the plant buying their product.

Jan 17 p  Ida Augusta (Boggs) Drake, 89, of Ivydale, see OBITUARY page

Jan 17 p Doris Jean Taylor, 74, of Clay died Jan. 15, 2010. Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Jan 17 p From the email bag:  MISSING 01/16/10 Black & White Siberian Husky (snow dog), blue eyes, leather Harley Davidson collar, answers to Harley. I have had him for 9 years and to lose him now would just about kill me. PLEASE, if u see him in the Dog Run/Robinson/Road Fork area....304-332-5599 OR 304-880-6303.

Jan 17 p Starting the week off with temps near zero, Clayberry yearns for Spring to come.

Jan 17 p Happy Birthday Lisa (today) and Miles Slack (Monday).

Jan 17 p  We had a noteworthy last seven days. here's a few snippits

Jan 17 p Election 2010 opened for business as candidates for office signed up for a run. With Morgy Triplett and Dave Mullins on the School Board ballot, the folks up at the Pentagon have to come up with some candidates to bust up the vote in order to keep incumbents Beth Cercone, Ric Tanner and Jim Dawson.

Jan 17 p  Fired from the County Clerk's office last year, Michelle Deyton put her hat in the ring to oust Connie Workman, the lady that did the firing.  Delegate Dave Walker has a challenger from Calhoun County, Ron Blankenship.

Jan 17 p  Town Council told the Mayor to get a Badge on the street. Pouting and stomping his feets, he wouldn't.  With Glada Lanham telling him not to spend so much time goofing off at the Courthouse, with his lip stuck out big time, Mayor Brown said he would no longer do Town Badge duties

Jan 17 p Council gave the green light for Mayor Brown to remove all curb side trash cans. Brown was upset that people were using them. Within 18 hours, the big silver cans were gone. Almost as quick, paper cups and food wrappers were seen near the curbs. One white plastic bag laden with junk was seen right in the middle of Main Street.

Ja 17 p  After 12 months of not looking at the financials, County Commission decided to put the brakes on budget busting Clay Ambulance Service expenditures. With Director Bev King shouting out they aren't broke, they are.  Director King has managed to go from $160,000 plus in the black to having to cash in their savings account all the while allowing $1000s in past due runs to go without collection.

Jan 17 p Although the agenda item was for an out of county "evaluation" of Big Otter Fire Dept, that wording meant a formal investigation of the volunteer agency. Newly elected Board members were on hand during the Wed morning gathering of the CCC and asked for a couple weeks to get their act together and begin afresh.

Jan 17 p Setting the example, County Commission had Mt Olive convicts to do an illegal burn of trash behind the Courthouse . Making matters worser, after the convicts left, the embers still sizzled and did so without any watchful eyes.

Jan 17 p Isaiah Murphy was one of those privilaged kids that had family in the right places looking out for his trangressions. That came to end this week when he plead guilty to two charges stemming from a high speed car chase and run from the law. He was sentenced to 6 months in CRJ. Hopefully, the time away from Clay will give him time to rethink his future.

Jan 17 p  The Lady Panthers won Friday night.

Jan 17 p Saturday the temperature rose into the lower 50s  melting that nasty snow and turning yards into swamp land. Icebergs flowed down the Elk. Rain on Sunday further washed four weeks of winter off our porches and vehicles.

Jan 15 late p  Berkley (Gene) E. Holcomb, 83, of Indore died Jan. 14, 2010.

Jan 15 late p  Plenty of good reading over on the ADVISORY page. Senator Randy White and Delegates Dave Walker, Dave Perry and Margaret Staggers have provided comments from the first week of the 2010 Legislative Session.

Jan 15 late p No word yet from Senator Bill Laird nor Delegate Tom Lousisos.

Jan 15 late p Just thinking their back in session sends cold chills up our backs. Skeery!

Jan 15 late p Here's the link to the complete list of candidates running for state office including a challenger to Delegate Dave Walker and Senator Randy White.

Jan 15 late p You can also check to see if you're a registered voter by clicking right there.

Jan 15 late p The Republicrats are still lookin for a few good men and women. see JOBs page for details.

Jan 15 a Already up to 38 degrees and a chance of temps getting into the upper 40's today. TGIF  TGIF. The !!**## snow is melting!

Jan 15 a Tonight the CCHS Lady Panthers take on Wirt Co in home court action. Come out and support the home team.

Jan 15 a Big Otter  Community Center will be back in music action tonight as well.  Saturday night is the consignment auction over at Two Run. Stuff to do and the roads are cooperating. It's about time.

Jan 15 a Wed's County Commission meeting had the word "evaluation" twice. Neither time did evaluation mean evaluation nor the same thing.

Jan 15 The not so artfully worded "evaluation" came up in item 16 where the CCC is considering bringing in the state fire marshall's office to investigate Big Otter Fired Dept. Both the Commission and members of the BOVFD board called the issue a "problem". According to the Linkster, the "problem" and need for an "evaluation" was brought to their attention by past Board Chair George Jones during a CCC secret time earlier this year.  With new Boardsters in place,  the request was made to hold off the investigation/evaluation for 14 days to give them time to get up to speed.

Jan 15 a  A couple weeks ago we made public the Clay Ambulance Service is broke. Beginning 2009 with well over $160,000 in the bank, by Dec, the County Commission had to cash in  a saving's CD to just to keep checks from bouncing. The problem is lack of oversight by the CCC and no complete monthly statements from the county Treasurer, The Sheriff.

Jan 15 a Item 18 on the CCC agenda was another "evaluation" of the Ambulance Service. This time evaluation meant to invoke and immediate and absolute spending freeze.

Jan 15 a Ambulance Director Bev King has a habit of talking when she should be listening. Instead of hearing that her boss was stopping any and all spending without prior OK, Bev kept on jaw boning. At one point Bev said she would run everything thru the County Clerk before buying. That line of racket jawing was stopped with a big Nooooooooooooo.

Jan 15 a Not one penny can be spent without the CCC from this day forward. The action is 12 months too late but now is better than never.

Jan 15 a In addition to a big $70,000 loan,  as of June 2009, the ambulance service has not collected on $45,000.00 in past due runs

Jan 15 a Here's a cute one. Our Sheriff plans to purchase another $30,000 gas guzzling SUV. He came to the CCC seeking funding, or partial funding, for the purchase. The Top Badge said his agency could contribute "some" toward the purchase.

Jan 15 a With $48,000 squirreled away in the home confinement fund and another $20,000 in the concealed weapons account and still more in another (total = $85,000), the CCC called out the Sheriff on that "some" part. With the Sheriff caught, giggling was heard in the meeting room.

Jan 15 a Here's another cutey. As a prevention measure, a heater was installed near the water pipes at the Courthouse. The idea was, when the power goes off, the heater would kick on and keep the lines from freezing up.

Jan 15 a One problem, in their infinite wisdom, they installed an electric heater to prevent the freezing when the power goes off. An electric heater!

Jan 15 a Got to love em clickers. There's still time to sign up for office!

Jan 14 a Harold G. Sears, 69, of Duck , see OBITUARY page

Jan 13 p  BOIL WATER ORDER (BWO) issued by Clay Roane PSD:  Boil Water advisory for Clay Roane Public Service District has been placed on due the Town of Clay Water Plant exceed the filter effluent standards. The following area needs to boil their water; Ovapa, ValleyFork, Wallback, Newton, Lefthand and Amma.  DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST.  Bring water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water.  Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, bathing and food preparation until further notice.  Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

Jan 13 p  That BWO was issued at 11:30am today.   Exceeds "Effluent" standards..Hmmmm... Doesn't it sound like a some pipe froze up and chemicals weren't dispensed? But, it hasn't been down to zero degrees in two days.  The Town is producing the bad water and they haven't issued a BWO. Isn't that interesting.

Jan 13 p Very interesting Town Council meeting last night. First Council decided it's better for locals to toss their trash to the sidewalks instead of trash cans. True True True. Council voted Tuesday evening to remove all of those big silver cans. By 10 am today, the containers were all gone.

Jan 13 p  Council usually gives the Mayor H in a number of ways but last night Jack Brown threw a piffy fit that lasted the entire public meeting. His lower lip was hanging out about a mile as he stomped his feet and pouted. Reason: There aren't any. Leading up to the whiny time...

Jan 13 p Council gave the green light for the hiring of a full time certified town Badge. Brown said while everything is in place to put the guy to work, he wasn't ready to hire. Council , all of Council, strongly encouraged the Mayor to move on the hire but he wouldn't.

Jan 13 p County donated  Gene King's old Bailiff Jeep to the Town. Now licensed as a municipal police car, Glada Lanham went wild over that plate and told all:  "I'LL TAKE THE PLATES BACK!!"  Reason, behind the scenes it was all worked out for the "girls" to use the old Jeep to run around in.

Jan 13 p Truth is, those girls, that's water operators Drema Thomas and Dwana Murphy, already have two white 4 wheel drive trucks for that purpose. How many do they need????????

Jan 13 p As soon Brown got in the pouting mood, it was all over. No one could do a thang with him.  With his lip drooping to his knees, Brown said he was parking the town cruiser and no longer volunteering to be Town Badge,

Jan 13 p We have a chance to have some fun. Council wants the Jeep to have a magnetic removable "CLAY POLICE" sign  for the doors. Of course it's a dumb idea but think of the possibilities. Can't you see those removable signs showing up on the dumpster, water tanks, sewer truck. The possibilities are endless! Going to be fun.

Jan 13 p Brown is also peed over one four wheeler driving wild on back streets. Instead getting rid of one problem Council is poised to enact an ordinance to ban any and all four wheelers.

Jan 13 p Also, Brown and Council seem to have forgotten, they gave away all the streets to the state over five years ago. They don't have control over them.

Jan 13 p How heated is it? Look for a special meeting of Council some time soon!

Jan 13 p Next update... the "problem" at Big Otter Fire Dept and all the other updates from today's County Commission meeting.

Jan 13 p Happy Birthday Fran King.

Jan 12 late p County Commission meets Wed morning at 10 pm. Some interesting agenda items assure a good gathering well worth a trip out on the roads.

Jan 12 late p Yes Sirrebob, Communicator is now on the news stands. 20 pages include the first half "look back" on 2009.  Great reading from the land of little.

Jan 12 late p Who's the new Person of the Year? The lady that started with a dead, worthless public library and turned it into a showcase for the county, Sheila Thorne. Congrats!

Jan 12 late p No not a witty politician, but  a mystery object to whizz by Earth Wednesday.

Jan 12 late p  Something to cheer about this mid winter. California has legislation ready to vote on to legalize pot. Progress one seed at a time.

Jan 12 a Compared to Monday's 2 degrees, feels like Spring today!

Jan 12 a We're still in shut down mode til The Communicator gets out the door around 4pm today

Jan 12 a  CCHS Panthers lost to Braxton last night in home court action. They've got a make up home game next Monday when the take on Herbert Hoover. Should be a good un.

Jan 12 a Clay Town Council meets today at 5pm in rescheduled public fun time.

Jan 11 p Didn't know it but the School Board is meeting tonight, 6pm, at Big Odor Elem

Jan 11 p Not going to believe it, but for the first time in over a decade, Clayberry has prostitution charges on record. Prostitution and soliciting! New stuff for the County Clay and found only in Tuesday's Communicator

Jan 10 later p Thomas Gerald Browning Sr., 71, of Bomont, see OBITUARY page

Jan 10 late p  Already getting schedule changes for Monday...

Jan 10 late p  The radio station is rescheduling their 5pm Jan 11th meeting to Jan 18th.

Jan 10 late p The Jan 8th CCHS vs Braxton B Ball game has been rescheduled to Monday night,  Jan 11th. Get out of the house and support the home team. Go Panthers!

Jan 10 late p During our weekend wrap up , forgot to mention something. Kids were out of school for a week and there was plenty of snow to play in, to build stuff, to throw, but few were outside their houses doing so. Sad.

Jan 10 p  With W's depression still in full force, the number of kids on free school lunch programs is going up. Four years ago, West Virginia led the nation in free munchy participation.  Behind McDowell and Webster counties, Clayberry has the third highest percentage (72.^%) of students on reduced or free lunches.

Jan 10 p Here's a link to the real cost of the free lunch program.

Jan 10 p A real winter, something that should be expected each year has finally arrived.  Snow each day and cold temps, we're having trouble dealing. Bald tires aren't doing too good. Firewood stacks are dwindling. Even with turning down the thermostat to 55 each night, the thought of  trying  to pay Jan gas bills...... real scary.

Jan 10 p During the last seven days there hasn't been a single public meeting, no school, no ballgames, no music show at Big Otter, and very little chatter except for the weather.

Jan 10 p  Each morning more fluff is found on the ground. Each day  more snow  adds to the heap.  The State Road folks are at it constantly but even with plows and salt shakers, it ain't enough. Most side roads and places on main arteries  are slushy at best and snow covered for the most part.

Jan 10 p We've been standing so close to heaters, most of us have the hair burnt off our legs! Static electricity is zapping us at every touch. Cold toes remain the norm. Although we complain, the truth is, Clayberry is beautiful!

Jan 10 p Other than the weather, about the only other talk is : Whos' going to sign up and run for office on Monday?

Jan 10 p Morgy Triplett lost a perch  on the School Board last time by just 31 votes. If he runs again,  will he dethrone Jim Dawson?  If Dave Mullins runs against Boardster Ric Tanner, will the school service personnel be enough to get Mullins on the School Board? Is Beth Cercone vulnerable?   If two or all three Boadsters are tossed, the Somber Super may have a much tougher time keeping the herd in a row.

Jan 10 p Commissioner Fran King is up for reelection this time around. How many opponets will it take to scatter her votes. Arlene Tucker is rumored to be considering a run for the CCC. 6 years ago, school teacher Brian Holcomb had a strong showing against Fran. Several months ago Ron Sirk told us that he was running for office. We've been mentioning the need for the school system to successfully run a candidate, someone they can better control. Maybe Ron Sirk or Ric Tanner?

Jan 10 p Morgan Gibson has run for several offices without any luck. Will he throw his name in the hat for County Clerk this time around?

Jan 10 p  One big  Atta Boy for Mike Naylor ovecr at Tudors.

Jan 10 p Saturday night the BDA Consignment Auction opened its doors to around 30 die hard bidders. Chilly but a lot of fun and finally something to do!

Jan 10 p  Sunday morning the snow showers continued as the weathercasters predicamentated Monday morning temps near zero.  Kids and teachers grinned at the prospect of a two hour delay or maybe even anotehr day off school.

Jan 9 p  Dorothy Y. "Dot" Walker, 91 of Lizemores , see OBITUARY page

Jan 9 p How about an update on Enoch's Kevin Salsbury doing nicely over in Ohio. Also mentioned in the article is none other than 8200 year old Mardell Nevans.

Jan 9 p True we only found a couples inches of new snow on the ground this morning but the stuff keeps coming. Slow but steady snowfall is leaving the roads slushy in places and slick as owl snot. Be careful out there.

Jan 9 a Very little snow fell last night. Huraaaaaaaaay!!

Jan 9 a It is chilly willy with temps around 15 degrees this morning.

Jan 9 a In the way of dumb bunny politicians and their often scandalious behavior... been to cold for them to come out. Very quiet but that's about to change

Jan 9 a Monday is the first day to sign up to run for public office. Locally, the top spot is the County Commission seat held by Fran King. It's important for the School system to get a person more to their liking in that perch.

Jan 9 a Ms King ain't the brightest bulb in the pack but to the disdain of Darryl and Darryl, Fran answers questions in public and those responses often let the cat out of the bag. Total control freaks can't allow such.

Jan 9 a If your lookin for something to do tonight, the BDA Consignment Auction over at the old State Road garage, Two Run, kicks off at 6pm. Concessions too.  Need some $$$? Load up your truck and be there early to get registered. Might drive away with a pocket full of money.

Jan 8 p Tonight's CCHS Panther B BAll game is canceled due to the weather.

Jan 8 p Tonight's Big Otter Community Center music show is canceled for tonight.

Jan 8 a  Panther Wrestling update now on the ADVISORY page

Jan 8 a Looks like we got about five inches of the white stuff overnight with a fine powdery stuff still falling. Brass monkeys beware, 10 degrees this morning and colder expected tonight.

Jan 7     8:15 pClay County Schools will be closed Friday making a full week without edumacation.

Jan 7 late p  For those that still have electric and DSL here's some interesting scientific reading on mountain top removal techniques and the long term environmental affects.

Jan 7 p The Business Development Authority (BDA) didn't meet this afternoon nor did they have an agenda posted three days in advance as required by law. Startin' another good year!

Jan 7 p  from the Charleston Daily Mail: The state Public Service Commission has been asked to investigate whether poor maintenance by power companies contributed to recent outages that left more than 130,000 West Virginian homes and businesses without electricity.  Sen. Truman Chafin, D-Mingo, requested the investigation because he said he thinks the outages, following a mid-December snowstorm, were not simply an act of nature.

    After hearing about poor upkeep of power company facilities in his district, which was hard hit, Chafin said "dry-rotted lines and rights of way, where trees were uncut and hanging over power lines," likely contributed to "very primitive conditions" that some residents faced for nearly two weeks.
   Chafin said PSC Chairman Mike Albert agreed Wednesday that power company maintenance issues need examined.

Jan 7 p  All together now and one big DUUUUUUh!

Jan 7 p The next round of snow began around 4pm today. All of a sudden, 3 or 4inches isn't such a big deal!

Jan 7 p In addition to the winter season, it's also election season. Sign ups to run for office begins Monday.

Jan 7 p Tired of Clayberry as usual? All the dumb bunny stuff that's goes along....  Bad history repeating itself over and over.... How about you?

Jan 7 a Oleta Acree Pauley, see OBITUARY page

Jan 7 a From the US Weather service for County Clay: A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from noon today to 6 am EST Saturday. A strong low pressure system... capable of producing heavy snow... will affect the area late this morning through Friday evening. Widespread snow accumulations through 6 PM this evening should be 1 to 2 inches. Snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches are figured by Friday. Locally higher amounts possible along snow squalls. Even Friday night... another fluffy inch or two of snow is possible. So through that prolonged period that ends around dawn Saturday... totals of 3 to 8 inches are possible.

Jan 7 a 6 or 8 inches of the white stuff doesn't sound too bad unless your dependant on cleared rights of ways to keep the electric and tele running.  Cleared rights of ways are hard to find in this area.

Jan 7 a WYAP has canceled Fred Sampson's Roundtable discussion group tonight due to the weather

Jan 7 a From the email bag:  BOVFD Bingo is canceled for Thursday, January 7, 2010 due to the expected snow storm.  Next Bingo is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 14th.

Jan 7 a This afternoon, 5pm, the BDA is supposed to meet. No word if that gathering has been rescheduled.   Will post and update as utilities allow

Jan 7 a The Communicator has been delayed until Tuesday. Deadline for submissions is extended until Sunday afternoon. Email your stuff over before the power goes out.

Jan 7 a Old timers talk about the winter of  ought whatever and snow up to their kiesters. With weather advisories in place for record snow fall heading our way, we may be poised to make history over the next couple days.

Jan 7 a Over the last couple of days Clayberry has recorded small amounts of new snow but boy! many of our roads are slushy at best. Plows and salt shakers are at it but watch out clickers if you have to drive.

Jan 7 a Been getting emails asking for copies of those home page pictures. It's easy. Jusst hovr your mouse over the image you want, right click and "save as". Not sure how to do it with Apple puters.

Jan 7 a Coming back from Morgantown was especially treacherous last night with many vehicles in ditches and otherwise off the road. Top speeds, even by the big rigs, was around 45 mph at best.

Jan 7 a With the rug rat back at WVU,  couch space is once again available and just in time for the big snow. Love it!

Jan 7 a Forgot to mention. schools are closed again for Thursday. Does anybody else remember the winter of 1977? Clayberry schools were closed 23 days in a row in Jan of that year.

Jan 6 a   Schools are closed for Wed. Sleep In kids!

Jan 5 7pm By 7pm this evening the WV Dept of Education web site listed Clay Schools on a two hour delay for Wed morning. So far, Sarah has yet to make her calls in the county.

Jan 5 7pm   Some are asking, how does the Communicator get that top secret info on the Clay ambulance service running thru $100,000 like drunken sailors? Answer: All financials are public records and just because the County Commission doesn't pay attention to the financials, others do.

Jan 5 7pm Of some 84,000 chemicals being used commercially in the United States, some 20 percent -- or 17,000 -- are kept secret not only from the public, but from medical professionals, state regulators and even emergency responders

Jan 5 7pm  The use of Tasers has become increasingly controversial over the last year, following high-profile cases such as the Tasering of a 10-year-old girl who had refused to take a shower and video of a 72-year-old great-grandmother who was Tasered following a driving offense. Now a federal appeals court in San Francisco has set down new rules for when police officers are allowed to use Tasers.

Jan 5 7pm  The Dec 19th snow storm took out many of the trees and limbs allowed to overgrow power line rights of ways. With those trees gone, maybe that's the reason our power remains intact during this snow fall.

Jan 5 7pm Updates as we get em and until the juice flickers out.

Jan 5 7pm Clay Ambulance employees have a vested interest in that operation.

Jan 5 5pm  CAEZ meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening has been canceled

Jan 5 Noon   Clay Town Council meeting has been rescheduled for Jan 12th

Jan 5 Noon  Weight Watchers tonight is canceled

Jan 5 Noon  Tonight's CCHS vs Herbert Hoover B Ball game has been canceled

Jan 5 Noon We can do updates as long as the utilities remain working.  Hilltops now have 5 inches of fresh snow. Main roads remain slushy but driveable . Many back roads  have not been treated and are slick slick slick.

Jan 5 10am  From the Library folks: The Clay County library will be closing @ 5 p.m. for the rest of the week due to weather conditions. The board meeting for tonight has been canceled due to the weather

Jan 5 a From the Library folks: the Clay County Public Library will be canceling the Imagination Library Birthday Party due to bad weather.  It will be rescheduled at a later date.

Jan 5 a We're seeking names and info on your choice for Clay County Person of the Year. Email suggestions ASAP. So far the person with the most hits is Sarah the voice of the School System which brings nothing but good news for kids and teachers alike.

Jan 5 a Sarah is not in the running clickers!

Jan 5 a All but  Marion and Mineral counties have shut down or delayed school today. Clay hasn't had a day of edumacation since Dec 18th. Kids love it and parents are ready to climb the wall.

Jan 5 a CAEZ (4 and 6pm) and the Town of Clay (5pm) are suppose to hold their monthly meetings this afternoon. Last night's CCHS B Ball game with Herbert Hoover was rescheduled for this evening.

Jan 5 a With a couple inches of snow last night , cold temps, and more of the same predicamacated for today, not sure what will actually take place.

Jan 5 a The School Board was suppose to meet last night but didn't. They were suppose to meet last Wed but didn't. And ditto for not meeting a week ago. It's hard to keep up on when they're meeting or not meeting. The mandatory agenda post stating date, time, and purpose hasn't been changed since before Christmas.

Jan 5 a County Commission did meet on Monday where they decided to keep Slnky as President of the group as well as leave meeting times and dates the same as 2009. They also went into secret time with BOVFD Prez George Jones.

Jan 5 a Secret time is allowed public bodies under very limited circumstances. We can't imagine one allowable reason for such a secret time. None!

Jan 5 a With the BOVFD election of officers coming next week, our guess for the secret meeting was discuss that vote away from the public.

Jan 5 a It's absolutely beautiful in county Clay. We are blanketed with white powder. It is winter as it's suppose to be in the Appalachian Mountains. More hot chocolate one and all!

Jan 5 a  One year ago the Ambulance service had $150,000 in their accounts. a couple weeks ago they cashed in their certificate of Deposit (CD) to cover bills.

Jan 5 a Sounds like someone someones aren't watching the store! We are talking about Larry Darryl and Darryl AND the Sheriff.

Jan 5 a Our Top Badge's first responsibility is that of county treasurer followed by keeper of the court and then if there is any spare time, running the roads with the blue lights on.

Jan 5 a Over a year ago the Sheriff begged for additional funds to buy a new high tech, got to have it right now, computer system which was guaranteed to keep tax records and county dollar budgets up to date and easy to control.

Jan 5 a We talked to Commissioner Fran King last night who told us, that high dollar book keeping software has problems.  According to the Franster, County Commission hasn't had an end of the month statements in ages. She thought the most current  statements date back to Sept 2009.

Jan 5 a True she's passing the responsibility buck, but to run thru $100,000 in less than a year, there is a serious problem at the Courthouse.

Jan 5 a In addition to out of control spending and no CCC oversight, the ambulance service is in debt. Earlier this year they took out a $75,000 bank loan to help purchase what they said was mandatory equipment upgrades.

Jan 5 a This new decade is starting off just like the last one did with the Clay Ambulance Service in debt and with budget busting, unchecked spending.

Jan 4 Early am Sarah the school messenger lady is a very popular voice this morning.

Jan 4 7:15 am Clay County Schools closed for the day. More snow is expected this evening.

Jan 4 early am Want a Census job? See JOBS page for a new posting

Jan 3 late p Clayberry schools will be operating on a two hour delay Monday morning. Sleep in!

Jan 3 late p  It's been a while but we're hearing that Clay ambulance service employees are starting to worry about their paydays. Reason. the service is flat broke.

Jan 3 late p And no the County Commission didn't even mention the topic during the last public meeting. More as we get it

Jan 3 p In addition to reflecting on the last seven days, we've polished off a complete decade.

Jan 3 p It was the scary decade coming in with fears of the whole world collapsing due to a millennium bug. It went out with America on its financial knees and a true country wide depression.

Jan 3 p In between came 9-11, Katrina, beneath us prison torture,  years of war in places without merit, Michael Jackson drugged into Never Land, and our first Hawaiian President.

Jan 3 p Maybe best remembered as the decade we want to forget, we ended it with the same number of jobs nationwide we had in year 2000. That's zero job growth.

Jan 3 p We started off this next decade by adding 30,000 new Soldiers in the land where we can't even define what winning looks like.

Jan 3 p There appears to be good that came from the Republican orchestrated greed which lead to the depression. America is learning what our parents and grand parents learned from the Great Depression, to live within our means, to live without the credit card. As soon as Washington learns that, our country can return to strength and prosperity.

Jan 3 p Here at home, with all our eggs in one coal basket, we fell for the political hype of losing 500 Fola jobs.  Politicians fell into place behind their campaign contributors and unequivocally rallied: Heck with the rest of the world, I'm for the heavy equipment operators who carve up the mountains!

Jan 3 p  Here at home in the last seven days, we recovered from the Dec 19th snow blast. Most Clayonians had their power restored by the beginning of the week.

Jan 3 p Larry Darryl Darryl met Wed morning. Without fanfare they discussed but did no real harm.

Jan 3 p Here at home.....Thursday night, non profit 101.7 FM continued their tradition of providing something for the county to do, they hosted their annual New Year's Eve Dance. The place was packed with young and old alike bringing in the new decade with dance, munchies, music and the dropping of the Clayberry ball at midnight. One couple celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary out on the dance floor.

Jan 3 p Saturday another blast of winter cold attacked the region bringing with it 5 inches of the white stuff. Whether on bikes , four wheel drives, or cars, we couldn't help but spin around in circles on RT's downtown parking lot. Youth returns in many ways, doing doughnuts is one of em.

Jan 3 p Sunday we stood in front of heaters and looked out at the blue skies and white ground covering snow. It was beautiful.

Jan 3 p We've made it another week and decade.

01-01-10 p LOST ANIMALS in the lizemores/adonijah area--two dogs, 1 tri-colored basset hound named Henry, 10 months old (blue & tan collar w/ bones) & 1 redtick hound named Penny, 3 yrs old (two-tone pink collar)--went missing in the early morning hours of 12-31-09--please relay any information to 587-7023 (Bailey or Trinity Dorsey), 587-4367 (James or Michelle Knotts), 587-4448 (James or Michelle Knotts), or 651-1492 (Bailey Dorsey)--leave a message if no one answers--offering a reward for their safe return--Henry the basset hound has health problems & needs his medicine every day!--please help bring them home--they're missed & loved dearly!

01-01-10 p You've seen all those fine examples of a building being blown down with accurate implosion, here's one that didn't go as expected.

01-01-10 p Taking another nap on the couch, still on Holiday break clickers