OCTOBER 2003 NEWS

Oct. 31 pm Last night warm dry weather, Clay High made the grade with a win over Webster 20 to 13 sending our local footballers into playoff action. Go Clay.

Oct. 31 pm The Communicator made it to the news stands Friday afternoon around 4 pm. Get your copy NOW

Oct. 31 pm Our one time local bank president and now full time felon JD Morris, was sentenced to 18 months in the Ashland slammer last Feb. plus home confinement and probation. Sentencing guidelines call for JD to behind bars at the country club for 12 months followed by 6 months in a half way house before coming home. Lets get an online survey started.

Oct. 31 pm Will JD be home for Christmas? Special treatment maybe? Email your answer using the link below.

Oct. 31 am We made it thru another Halloween without much incident.

Oct. 31 am From the scanner.... 3:11pm 3 car pile near the high school. Minor injuries. 3:12 pm Cookie Johnson responding. 3:13pm Fireman Dave Pierson on the scene, " We'll need law enforcement". 6:50pm Coke machine open at Two Run. 7:28 pm Four wheelers gone wild on Ivydale hill; 9:34pm house Trailer on fire. Totally consumed by time first responder arrived.

Oct. 31 am Did you notice the Northern Lights last night. Bright red with visibility for about 30 minutes. Fooled some folks. Over the scanner, 7pm: "has anyone responded to the fires on Triplett Ridge?" another voice, "That's Aurora Borealis" a pause..... "Who's Aurora Borealis".

Oct. 31 am The paper comes out today. Front page story is the Barbara Schamberger vs County Commission hearing held yesterday before Special Judge Ronald Wilson. Darn good two hours of entertainment. Four full columns. Available at news stands around 4pm. We've also got a dandy interview with a Mother of a client at Prestera. Her concern's are real and pretty depressing for the richest country on Earth.

Oct. 31 am Sometimes we forget about service men and women serving across the pond. Thanks Terry for sending over the home page inset. You are appreciated .

Oct. 30 am For Clay County West Virginia, tonight is Trick or Treat Night from 6 to 8pm. In the Town of Clay, kids get just one hour to fill their bags and throw eggs. Halloween.. the best event/holiday of the year, no dinners to cook, no cards to buy, no presents, just great fun for the kids and the Great Pumpkin!

Oct. 30 am For those on the roads, watch out! If the little brats aren't darting out in the road, then the eggs are being pelted. Be sure to have your scanner on tonight. Cops will be running left and right trying to out run teenagers and want to be teenagers.

Oct. 30 am This morning at 9 am one time Asst. Prosecuting Attorney Barbara Schamberger gets another day in Court. A Special Judge will hear her arguments in t he lawsuit against the County Commission concerning the way the CCC appointed Prosecutor Grindo to his position.

Oct. 30 am Speaking of Court stuff. Magistrate Boggs dropped the boom on Mary May Walls White last week. She was charged with cruelty to animals and fined $500 and given a 6 month jail term! We learned two weeks ago our Clay Human Society has spent nearly $1000 to save the lives of over 30 animals picked up by Mary. Full details this Friday.

Oct. 30 am And the search is still on for Herbert Wetzel. The 67 year old was last seen Sunday morning at 5:30am driving his blue van toward Birch River to go fishing. River side searches as well as Helicopter partrols have turned nothing up so far.

Oct. 30 am Just thinking about Danny Workman and his many days in jail after smacking and clawing a Shawnee Hills employee. For the most part Danny led a quiet life here in Clay without too many problems until just this year. That's this year, starting, after the death of Joey "Crow" Smith. With Danny out on the street and able to see about everything that goes on, one has to wonder if Danny saw the head smashing that lead to Crow's death.

Oct. 30 am There's a fine line between genius and well... Danny. Wonder what fear, feeling, thoughts, go through Danny's mind if he really did see the Crow's head being crushed in by local thugs?

Oct. 30 am Over on the CLASSIFIED page Carol and Gene are reaaally wanting to sell that ATV. Give them a call and they'll probably make one heck of a deal today!!!

Oct. 29 am Roscoe Sears, 74, of Ivydale, see FUNERAL page

Oct. 29 am We're getting ready for the grand daddy of them all, the best night for listening to the scanner, Halloween!!!!!!!!! Tomorrow night beginning at 6pm. Make sure you get the volume turned on and up. For those looking for scanner frequencies, walk over to the ADVISORY page.

Oct. 29 am Danny Workman lives in our local sheltered workshop, the old Shawnee Hills. Over the last 10 months Danny has gotten himself into trouble first for begging for quarters and last Spring for being a weenie waver in front of the bank. Now he's in real trouble. Danny is in Central Regional Jail

Oct. 29 am Charges were filed last week by Prestera employee Patricia Bodkins. According to the court paperwork: Danny struck Ms Bodkins in the head and face and scratched her chest. Since the arrest, Workman has been in jail. No one will go his $500 bail. Not the people paid to take care of him, not his family, not no one. His first hearing was scheduled for this morning at 9 but that's been postponed due to Prosecutor Grindo's office not getting the case and witnesses in order. The speedy trail is now slated for Nov. 5th. In the mean time, mentally challenged, Danny Workman is locked up.

Oct. 29 am So... which church is going to step up to the plate, go his bond , and take care of someone defenseless and in need? Yes we're talking to you!

Oct. 29 am And Gov. Bob Wise is coming to Clay High Friday morning. Big day in Clayberry to have the Gov. in song and dance PLUS hand out a nice big award for outstanding achievement!

Oct. 29 am Clay High, our National School of Excellence, remains listed as a "Failure" according to the No Child Left Behind Act as do two other county centers of learning, Valley Fork and Clay Middle.

Oct. 28 pm More has been added to the PHOTO section of this site. The Gob Pile Garden page is now done for another year and lots of new images have been added to the THIS &THAT section and the ELECTED & APPOINTED spot.

Oct. 28 pm A new section, KID STUFF, has been added and the first images are now ready to be viewed.

Oct. 28 pm Here's a link to a pretty cool clock that is real accurate. You might want to link to it or make it your home page site. Click Cool Clock.

Oct. 28 pm The efforts of our state School Board often set the standard for local dog and pony shows put on by local Boards' of Education. Yesterday's Charleston Gazette offered a front page lead story n the state gang handing out $9100.00 in plaques to school's listed as "failures" by federal standards under the No Child Left Behind Act. Failures? Yelp that's what Dubbya calls them if they don't pass the muster.

Oct. 28 pm Always ready to muddy the water and confuse parents into thinking their kid is doing good and being taught in a quality school.... a new plan was hatched in Charleston. With 45% of WV schools listed as failures, including Clay High, Clay Middle and Valley Fork Elem., our state leaders decided to reward schools state wide not for passing the new tougher Federal standards but instead, give them a plaque for about anything, a plaque for kids all blowing their noses in unison, kids standing in a straight line, a plaque if the teachers show up for work two days in a row... Get the picture? The state wide media blitz has been on for the last 6 weeks. When all the speeches are done and the cameras are put away, the award will hang on the wall for all to marvel at and no one will know any better.

Oct. 28 pm When things are really bad at a school, parents are allowed to move their student to a better performing school at the school system's expense. Here in Clayberry, Lizemores Elem. made that gutter level standard two year's ago. Did any of those ultimate failure schools get the new high dollar awards this year? You bet they did! Three of 'em.

Oct. 28 pm Normally we link such juicy articles. The Charleston Gazette set up is different and prevents us from doing such. The entire Gazette story can be retrieved online by going to our LINKS page and clicking there. Best we can figure out to do clickers for now.

Oct. 28 am Howard Chafin, 75, of Lizemores, see FUNERAL page

Oct. 28 am Back five years ago locals were told their would have to get new 911 addresses on everything from driver's licenses to magazine subscriptions. As is the custom around these parts, people raised no concerns and basically sat on their thumbs and said nor did anything. Not a peep was heard. The big day of confusion is coming real soon.

Oct. 28 am Based on Clay County Commission meeting discussions yesterday: Everyone in the county, including post office box holders and those with "general delivery" addresses, will be getting notice before the end of this year that they will have to get a bone fide, official 911 address. For most with post office box numbers, you'll have to get the new address BEFORE you can even renew your box rent. Oh... one other itsy bitsy note. Our US Post Office officials have already sold your new 911 address to junk mail companies! That's right junk mailers have your new address before YOU do!!!

Oct. 28 am Also during yesterday's CCC meeting, our elected boys, all three of them were there, voted in a new Board of Directors for Queen Shoals PSD. After 8 months of being controlled by Clay Roane PSD, the folks in the Southern end of the county will once again have their own water board. AND!!!!!!!!! According to the CCC, it's up to the new Board, headed by Jimmy Kearns and with Bob Calwell at his side, to decide on keeping Clay Roane PSD's Operation and Maintenance agreement. Complete run down this Friday in the Communicator.

Oct. 28 am And what makes Clayberry a great place to go to public meetings? During that CCC meeting Clay Roane PSD Chair Melissa Postelwait spoke out on a back door plan by Tom Whittier and Larry White to see that Queen Shoals area water customers get a RATE INCREASE. The last rate increase went into affect just 9 months ago. And from Postelwait, concerning fellow Boardsters, " You got to understand the mentality of the other Board members." Oh Boy!

Oct. 28 am Currently Queen Shoals pays $50 for 4500 gallons of wa wa.

Oct. 28 am This was an actual obituary published in The Times-Picayune, New Orleans on 10/2/2003. Word has been received that Gertrude M. Jones, 81, passed away on August 25, 2003, under the loving care of the nursing aides of Heritage Manor of Mandeville, Louisiana. She was a native of Lebanon, KY. She was a retired Vice President of Georgia International Life Insurance Company of Atlanta, GA. Her husband, Warren K. Jones predeceased her. Two daughters survive her: Dawn Hunt and her live-in boyfriend, Roland, of Mandeville,LA; and Melba Kovalak and her husband, Drew Kovalak, of Woodbury, MN. Three sisters, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren, also survive her. Funeral services were held in Louisville, KY. Memorial gifts may be made to any organization that seeks the removal of President George Bush from office.

Oct. 28 am Congress just approved $87 billion for Iraq a few days ago. Did you know we have already spent $79 billion in the war effort?

Oct. 28 am Bruce Roberts a school system carpenter, was fired from his Logan County job Nov. 22 2002 after failing a drug test. He tested positive for pot use. On Oct. 14th, an Administrative Law Judge with the WV Education and State Employees Grievance Board ordered Roberts back to work citing that the Logan Bd of Education had no right to fire him. That only bus drivers can be randomly pee tested for drugs

Oct. 27 pm This morning around 9 am the search for Herbert Wetzel became official. Over the scanner came the alert for 67 year old Wetzel who was last seen driving a 2001 blue Ventura mini van early Sunday morning. Wetzel has a history of mini strokes. Any info should be reported to Trooper Elswick.

Oct. 27 pm Yesterday three more American soldiers were killed in Iraq. Don't look for pictures of their coffins. Has anyone seen even one flag draped coffin coming home from the Dubbya's Iraq war? There's a reason. Our government has told news organizations they are NOT allowed to show ANY coffins in the news, that's TV, newspapers, magazines...

Oct. 27 pm Isn't that pitiful that independent privately owned reporters are so whimpy as to honor such a government demand and isn't it even worse that Dubbya is so hell bent on grabbing Iraq's oil that he has to sanitize the gore from the voter.

Oct. 27 pm For a complete list of American deaths, click SINCE MAY 1st

Oct. 27 am Greetings there world wide clickers seeking knowledge even if it is full of typos. Thanks for stopping by.

Oct. 27 am Last night, around 8pm over the scanner came a request for law enforcement to be on the look out for a blue van with Indiana temporary plates. 67 year old driver was last seen Sunday morning as he headed off to Sutton to go fishing. 8:29pm One officer thought he saw the vehicle near Birch River. 9:30, Another Badge reports in that he had driven Rt. 4 to Gassaway and then back down I 79 with no van seen.

Oct. 27 am By 10:27pm other officers were looking for Green Shirt #302. Unit 444 asked dispatch to ask Charleston if they had heard from 302.

Oct. 27 am Last week Sally Legg asked that we dispute the rumor of her going out of business. According to Ms Legg, she's going to be off work for a few days starting this morning. All you blue haired ladies will just have to wait a few days to get those roots dyed.

Oct. 27 am We got a banner week this time around. Today for instance the County Commission meet in regular session beginning at 10 am. On tap for this morning is the appointing of a Queen Shoals PSD Board as requested by Clay Roane PSD. Behind the scenes there is quiet discussion to do more than just appoint a token PSD Board. If the new Board is put in place, look for the Commission to give the newbees full responsibility for the water operation, something Clay Roane does NOT want to happen.

Oct. 27 am Legal Aid of WV is hosting seminar this morning beginning at 9 am for any business seeking volunteer help. Meeting will be held in the old Shawnee Hills building on Main Street.

Oct. 27 am The Radio Station organizers are holding their monthly gathering at the station across from Go Mart, Two Run beginning at 1pm. Public encouraged to attend.

Oct. 27 am Over in Magistrate Boggs' Court, scheduled for this Wed, the 29th: Nicholas Furniture vs Don and Cathy Stutler 9 am; United Bank vs Henry L White 9:30am; Chester Legg vs Dawson Service Center 10 am. In Magistrate King's domain and also for this Wed, Albert Pritt vs David Morton.

Oct. 27 am Later this week there should be some Court action as the Barbara Schamberger vs Clay County Commission case heads back to Circuit Court.

Oct. 27 am For those that want want copies of that now famous squirrel from Saturday's Home page inset, we'll have it on the PHOTO page this week. If you want to save any of the pictures, just: right click with the mouse, and "save as target as". It's yours for the clicking

Oct. 26 am Did you set your clocks back. Before the weekend wrap up...

Oct. 26 am Clay Middle School Girl's Volleyball team came up just a bit short yesterday as Spencer Middle took home the trophy

Oct. 26 am Yesterday Commissioner Sams and Bragg met with reps from Lizemores FD, Clay FD, Big Otter FD and the ambulance service to get their heads together on an emergency services Excess Levy for the county residents to pay. Each group went back home to figure out exactly what they needed and how much would it cost. Watch for the figure to be around $225,000 total for all four emergency service providers with a decision to put it on the Spring ballot coming in 2004.

Oct. 26 am Last night 9:30pm over the scanner: Females called in, ex boyfriend shot at her in Nebo area. Unit 2 responds from the Queen Shoals area.

Oct. 26 am Last night, 10:21pm over the scanner: Kid spinning in circles Telford Chevrolet parking lot, Clay.

Oct. 26 am And now the wrap up from the week that was. Let's not forget, we lost more soldiers this week. Total armed forces casualties to date 343 with 1947 wounded. Civilian casualties estimated 7768 minimum.

Oct. 26 am Here in Clayberry, we got our first blanket frost and weather casters added chance of light snow Wednesday night. Hunters headed to the woods after those fierce squirrels. With ATVs under their butts, turkey season came in as well. Pat Beets bagged a big black beer with a bow from 10 yards.

Oct. 26 am Clay Development Corp (CDC) was back in court defending their almost always in the news actions. This time, fired Board Pres. Earnie ( Wide Glide) Sirk took them to task. The big question to be answered by Judge Alsop: Can CDC do as they darn well please in who they allow on the general membership roles. That decision coming next month if all goes well.

Oct. 26 am Clay Roane PSD went ahead and bought a new service truck and hired a part time employee. During that meeting Thursday night, it became pretty clear the friction between Boardster Dave Saulsgiver and Chief Operator Jennifer Traub.

Oct. 26 am Our man Danny was seen back from a two week hiatus and on the streets looking little leaner and pale.

Oct. 26 Word Spread about the jury decision to send a guy to jail for riding his ATV on a paved road without a license. Many locals proclaimed Hooray!, Get em off the pavement while many others just shook their head knowing full well, there ain't no law against riding any ATV on any paved road, without a helmet, and without a license. None.

Oct. 26 am The small band of local thugs kept badges busy again this past week with scanner traffic the best show in town. With Trick or Treat night coming in just a few days, better keep that scanner tuned and turned up.

Oct. 25 am Last night Frontier internet service was on the fritz for much of the night. First it was on and then off and then on and then finally off for much of the late evening hours. Sorry for the late post.

Oct. 25 am If you're a customer of Valley or Wagoner Gas Co.s, you're in for a rate increase. According to Charleston papers, it's a done deal. Open up your pocket books!

Oct. 25 am We have beautiful weather today in Clay land. Warm temps, color everywhere, and stuff to do.

Oct. 25 am Today Clay Middle School is hosting the CWVAC Girl's Volleyball Championship Tournament. Action starts at 11 am. Watch for CMS to fair quite well today. They've not lost a game this year.

Oct. 25 am Clay Middle's Football team beat Calhoun Thursday night 24 to 20 sending them to the CWVAC Tourney NEXT Saturday, 11 am at Glade.

Oct. 25 am Tonight Haunted House fun begins at 5 in H E White Elem. land and an hour later scary action starts for Ivydale Elem. folks.

Oct. 25 am And this is squirrel season for Appalachia. That one on the home page is the one that got away.... so far.

Oct. 24 pm Sometimes it gets down right depressing around these parts if you're in the news business. When you sit through public meetings and watch our elected and appointed leaders perform on the brain level of naval lint... When you see so many citizens so unaware of the dismal almost third world conditions taken as "the best we can do" ..... When the school system tells parents how wonderful and top notch the educational process is for their kids and the parents nod in agreement without a challenge..... When law enforcement and Prosecution allows so many run free without restraint... When the select few, those with the right last name are given favored treatment....

Oct. 24 pm And then there's the tiny moments, those little glimmers of hope that pop up. Like, when some little old lady gives an elected leader double H and the elected one knows he better keep his mouth shut... Like when a very poor person makes a donation to a cause.... Like when public pressure forces the elected to rethink a stupid decision ......

Oct. 24 pm That's what makes Clayberry great. Oscar Wilde may have said it best: We're all in the gutter, just some of us look up and see the stars"

Oct. 24 am We've almost made it to another weekend readers. Cool temps and real chance of rain. Winter bah!

Oct. 24 am Last night Clay Roane PSD held their Board meeting with about 8 sitting in to watch. And yelp, they went in debt to purchase a new service truck, with interest added... about $19,000. They also hired a young man for maintenance and operator training. And then there was secret time for over 30 minutes.

Oct. 24 am Here's the way we got it figured, Board member Dave Salisgiver has a tiff against Chief Water Operator Jennifer Traub. Salisbury, a one time long term water operator himself, has been giving directions to Traub, do this, do that, you're doing it wrong, do it that away, buy from this place and not that place. During secret time last night, Traub had had enough of the crap and let loose behind closed doors. Before and after the secret time Dave was referred to as "That Person". Dave was not at the meeting. Watch for this hot spot to pop up again and again.

Oct. 24 am We almost act like there isn't a war going on. Well over 300 good young American soldiers have perished so far in the quaqmire called Dubbya's Oil War. Do you watch FOX News? Might want to walk over to our ADVISORY page for some interesting reading on the war and FOX coverage.

Oct. 24 am If you're interested in the full report,click FULL SCOOP

Oct. 24 am Remember Danny? " Loan me a quarter" Danny is back in Clay after a couple of weeks absent from duty.

Oct. 23 am Esta M. Holcomb, 90, of Indore, see FUNERAL page

Oct. 23 am Already local election season is warming up. The norm for these parts is, once you're in office, you keep getting re elected until retirement age. County Assessor Suzi Legg has another four years or so before retirement. Word has it Deputy Assessor Teresa Lane has tossed her hat into the Assessor race for 2004.

Oct. 23 am Clay County PSD spent more than they took in last month, see latest Communicator for full story. Clay County PSD purchases wa wa from the Town of Clay. Word on the street has it that Clay PSD hasn't paid their full water bill for to the Town yet. The last time a PSD got behind ( Clay Roane PSD), Town elders went to their meeting and told them to pay NOW.

Oct. 23 am In that last edition of the Magistrate Court came word of Bobby Burdette charged with domestic assault. Today Burdette was seen in Family Law Court. Those close to the action said he was also served today with notice of divorce. Oct. has not been Mr. Burdette's best month

Oct. 23 am Tonight at 7pm is the Clay Roane PSD meeting. If you need a warm place to hang out for a few hours this evening, come on over to the CDC building on Main Street. Fun Fun Fun

Oct. 23 am Speaking of CDC, that's Clay Development Corp ....

Oct. 23 am One time President of the Board Earnie Wide Glide Sirk got his day in Court Monday. Sirk took to task the CDC group over the way they conduct themselves and his getting his big round hiny tossed out of office and off the general membership roles. According to CDC by laws, anyone who is a resident of Clayberry can be a General member of the secret social service provider. General members are responsible for by law changes and election of Board members and selection of which organizations will be represented on the Board.

Oct. 23 am It's our understanding Judge Alsop tossed out most of the Sirk case except one key part. Still to be decided is whether Wide Glide was illegally tossed from the general membership roles. That decision is scheduled for later this year. Tossed from the volunteer roles? Yelp he and a bunch of others too. Although there's nothing in the by laws allowing the toss except if you move out of the county of course, if the CDC clan don't like you, you're out of there! IF you say anything against the clan, you're out of there!! If you even make a peep., well, you get the idea!

Oct. 23 am And finally on CDC, it's not just the general membership they hold dear to their hearts. 18 months back, Commissioner Bragg asked for a lady to represent him on the CDC Board and Bragg was told to get lost! That his pick was not about to sit on their private little Board of Directors.

Oct. 23 am Hard to believe snow is predicted in the forecast over the next three days but it is. Have you got that firewood cut and split? No? Problems with the chain saw? Go see Norman Johnson out Harrison for a tune up or better yet a new bright Stihl saw. Details on home page button this site and bring in the brass monkey tonight!

Oct. 22 am Mr. Darrell Delaney Boggs, 80, of Big Otter, see FUNERAL page

Oct. 22 am The Communicator made it to the news stands yesterday around 4 pm. Late indeed but the best 20 pages of down home news to be found anywhere. Get your copy before they're gone. As a note, we've already found a typo, That H.E. White Haunted House Fun time is Oct. 25th not Oct. 5th as some dumbarss (me) printed in the paper.

Oct. 22 am Ivydale Elem is hosting a Haunted House too. See EVENTS page

Oct. 22 am And last night Clay Middle School Girl's Volleyball made it a perfect season. Not one loss! Way to GO CMS. On to Tournament action!

Oct. 22 am Hair Dresser Sally Legg said there's some vicious gossip going around that she's going out of business. According Ms Legg, "Not So!" She said they'll be closed Oct. 25th thru Nov 15th and again Nov 27th.

Oct. 22 am Yesterday 6:40pm Over the scanner came a call to all law enforcment of a blue Trans Am coming from Strange Creek at 90 mph. Heading to Clay

Oct. 22 am Yesterday 7:13 pm Call for law emforcemnt... with no response heard

Oct. 22 am If you've got event you want posted, use the email link at the bottom of this page. Around 450 people a day take a peek at this page.

Oct. 22 am Have you taken a look at Wednesday night's weather forecast on our homepage? Snow is predicted! Snow and it's only Oct.!

Oct. 21 am Hard to believe Oct. is nearly done.

Oct. 21 am If all goes well, The Communicator will be on the news stands by around 4pm or so. 20 pages of the best info on Clayberry, second to none. If your looking for the facts, we got em.

Oct. 21 am Quiet clickers, reaal quiet. Those politicians msut be getting better at covering thermeselves.

Oct. 21 am Last night's School Board meeting held at Ivydale Elem was a real quiet affair. Short too. Other than mention we're loosing students right and left, life is good. And Yes new Principal Mike Mullins applied enough suction during his time up front, well, he could suck the shine off a bowling ball.

Oct. 20 am Vonnie "Nene" Norene Nichols, 73 of Lizemores, see FUNERAL page

Oct. 20 am The first of the week is full of stuff to watch...

Oct. 20 am The first and third Monday of each month Motion Day is held over in Circuit Court land. Action starts at 9am sharp. Motion Day is a time when the system gets their collective heads together to plan out Court dates, changes, additions and the like. In addition to all that stuff, there's always other stuff like today Earnie Sirk is scheduled to get his first day in Court in the suit against lay Devlepmont Corp.

Oct. 20 am Tonight at 6pm, our School Board elders meet at Ivydale Elem for the bi monthly gathering. The usual scheme is to hold a short meeting and then hear the dog and pony show on how great life is in Ivydale land.

Oct. 20 am Lets see now, time to tweak the school system. Two years ago Clay high graduated 150 or so kids. All fit, educated at a National School of Excellence, and ready to head off to higher education and the world. Of that whole bunch, we had but 20 or so Promise Scholars. Of that 20 only 15 remain on the Promise program. That's 15 out of 150 or 10% ready to meet the vigors of college life and the world. When you add up all the freebee grants, our Clay County Bd of Education spends nearly 14 million a year to attain such lofty results.

Oct. 20 am Getting ready for hunting season. Need a 4 wheeler? Hops Auto on our home page has one for just $850!!!!!!!!!!!

Oct. 19 pm Greetings there Sunday afternoon clickers How about a weekend wrap up on this beautiful fall day covered with bright sunlight and dry conditions.

Oct. 19 pm We started the week off with thievery. Street talk counts in Clayberry as locals spread word of a juvenile getting caught after stealing several 4 wheelers. Don't look for any remorse from this kid. Many are predicting a future behind bars when he turns 18.

Oct. 19 pm Also on Monday came scanner traffic on a wife beating that sent Bobby Burdette to the can and wife Becky to the hospital.

Oct. 19 pm Also on the streets is a petition for better law enforcement on the streets of Clay. The call is to get the thugs off the streets or else the un named petitioners will go to higher up government officials to air their gripes.

Oct. 19 pm Town Council met in Special session this week and cut wages for town clerk Dwana Murphy and gave teeny tiny increases to 4 other employees. Now it takes a few days to seep out, but during that same illegal Special Meeting of Council was discussion of an out of court settlement of over $6000 from an allegedly "sticky fingered" former employee.

Oct. 19 pm Late in the week, over the scanner, drug overdose at Clay High with local ambulance crews transporting to Charleston General.

Oct. 19 pm The biggie of the week came Friday in Magistrate Mitchell King's courtroom when a jury decided that it is illegal to drive an ATV on paved roads in Clay County unless the driver has a driver's license. The appeal is coming of course and watch for this one to go to the WV Supreme Court. Some in the know are already saying " That's a bunch of BS and there ain't no law against riding ATVs on paved roads!!!!!!!!!!" Well of course that's true but now law enforcement have something to hang their hats on, a court decision.

Oct. 19 pm For our international clickers, a note. Keep in mind that in this small hamlet, if someone farts in public, it's big news. While it's true we've got some kids stealing and there is a reaaaaaaaaaaal drug problem here, it is nothing like in the big cities and the real world! Come on over and see Clayberry, pretty darn nice if I do say so myself.

Oct. 19 am Clayberry had a beautiful Saturday with lots of Sun and temps in the upper 50s. This is what Fall is all about. If you haven't been to Clay in a while, now is the time and be sure to bring your camera.

Oct. 19 am It's quiet in Clay. Locals are tending to the last of the yard duties and preparing for winter. We'll get to the weekend wrap up post later this afternoon.

Oct. 18 am With the weekend at hand many of you are trying to use your internet service provider Frontier or Citlink dial up service. Not doing too good is it? Lots of disconnects? Completely out of whack and/or not connecting period? Several have mentioned the super sloooooooooooooow service over the last many days.

Oct. 18 am One customer called up frontier net and complained of the slowness. The Frontier rep on the other end of the line said there have been no complaints from Clay County. Maybe it's time all the dissatisfied customers gave them a call. Try 1-800-921-8102.

Oct. 18 am Yesterday afternoon we posted about the Court decision on riding ATVs in the county. Read below in blue for the post. Maybe the most important and confusing decision made this year in court.

Oct. 18 am And we have a petition circulating around Clayberry. The sample we saw asks for signatures of those disappointed with law enforcement's efforts in Clayberry. The vandalism and the thugery carried out on the street seems to be the root of the petition. Always good to see citizen involvement!

Oct. 18 am And for those that haven't heard. On a cold rainy Friday night, Ravenswood beat the CCHS Panthers, 20 to 12 in the away game.

Oct. 17 pm You know by now the Communicator isn't coming out until next week. Something about that cub reporter with the two step Hershey squirts...

Oct. 17 pm Glad we waited. We now have a landmark Court case front page story. Today, noon:45, in Magistrate Court, a jury of his peers found Tom King Jr. guilty of driving an ATV on a paved road without a driver's license!

Oct. 17 pm Landmark? Yelp! We've all seen little hellions driving ATVs like crazy everywhere. AND AND AND most of us know there is no law against driving any ATV by anyone of any age on ANY road in the state with one exception.. on the Federal Interstate system.

Oct. 17 pm So how could a jury decide against Mr. King? Easy. Asst. Prosecutor Barry Koerber was smooooooooooooth. Koerber spun his argument around a 1991 Attorney General opinion that carries no weight of law. No No, Koerber didn't lie. Not one time! But was able to "confuse" the issue quite well. King's attorney, David Karickhoff worked the case hard, Karickhoff told the jury there was no law against operating an ATV on a paved road, stuff like no need for a title, no need for insurance, no need for a helmet.......

Oct. 17 pm Koerber "confused" them? Sure did. at one point the jury came out of deliberation and asked: Is it illegal to drive an ATV on a road? Court procedural rules ( I think) prevented much of a reply to the earnest question. With sentence in hand, this case has already been appealed. Watch for this case to make it to the WV Supreme Court for a final nod.

Oct. 17 pm In the mean time clickers, Clay County, the Great Nation of Clayberry, is the only WV county with such a ruling. Today's jury provided a decision that the WV Legislature has had stuck up their butt for over 10 years!

Oct. 17 pm Remember Leon Runnion, the dead fellow from Oak Hill Road? It was a shotgun blast that killed him. Full details in the next paper.

Oct. 17 am Kenneth Lee Hubbard, 68, see FUNERAL page

Oct. 17 am Now we'd like to say we're working on some super juicy front page lead story but we're not. The Communicator is NOT coming out today as planned. Something about that ace cub reporter with the two step thunder squirts and hugging the ceramic steering wheel. Sorry for the delay but doo doo happens

Oct. 17 am Last night's Farm Bureau meeting wasn't the eventful affair predicted by some in the community. About the biggest thing was electing Bob Morris as returning President of the group. See ballot counters on the home page. Good news from the gathering: Even the 7 and 8 year old small fries can participate in future Ag Fairs in the county. Details if we ever get that **** paper out!

Oct. 16 pm Over the 911 scanner, 1:46pm call for law enforcement..... None responded

Oct. 16 pm Over the 911 scanner, 2:32pm Ambulance needed at the High School. Possible drug overdose. 2:53pm "Med 17, we're loaded and in route to Charleston General."

Oct. 16pm Drug overdose? It must have been a teacher or Board member 'cause kids ain't allowed to have that stuff!

Oct. 16 pm Our afternoon here in Clayberry is absolutely beautiful with blue above and light gusts of warm wind. If there was ever a time to come and visit Clayberry, it's now. Beautiful fall colors at autumn peak!

Oct. 16 am So how much of a pay cut did Dwana Murphy take when Council agreed on her salary reduction? Answer $3420.00. Quite a chunk to say the least. Water Clerk Drema Thomas received a $2.00 per hour increase.

Oct. 16 an For those of you seeing the assault on civil liberties under John Ashcroft's stewarship, there's refreshing news over on the ADVISORY page dealing with actions in Huntington WV.

Oct. 16 am Scanner listeners heard Family Law Bailiff Gene King call for law enforcement around 2:37 Wed afternoon. We ran over with camera in hand... false alarm, no action at the Courthouse. Around noon repeated calls for law enforcement went without answer with all badges busy elsewhere. There had been a wreck out Ovapa way.

Oct. 16 am As for that Oct. 5th car theft done in broad daylight in downtown Clay, there won't be much of a story since the vehicle's owner decided Wed evening not to speak out in public on the performance and attitude of law enforcement in the investigation. Some locals feel Clayberry is right in the middle of a crime wave. To date, none of those feeling the brunt of the thugs have came forward to speak out in public. Sort of gives the little thugs free reign doesn't it.

Oct. 16 am You might want to see a recent picture of Clay Roane PSD water operator Bobby Burdette. Click LOOKS GOOD IN ORANGE

Oct. 15 pm Afternoon temps with clear skies and cool breeze should tell everyone, fall is here and winter is just around the county. The cold is coming.

Oct. 15 pm Or maybe the cold is already here. During Tuesday's Clay County PSD meeting the public was informed of a change in security deposits. According to Clay PSD Manager Cindy Schoolcraft, new customers will now have to pay a $100 security deposit AND if the new customer is a renter, the deposit will NOT be returned after paying the normal 12 months without being late. From now on, the security deposit will be returned, maybe 10, 20, 30 years later, when the customer leaves the system.

Oct. 15 pm Also, from the Clay PSD meeting, from now on, if you are one day late with a payment, a delinquency notice will be mailed out with service to be terminated on the 11th of the next month. Boy did we say it's getting cold...

Oct. 15 pm Did we mention Magistrate Boggs got pretty fired up during yesterday's County Commission meeting? He did. Boggs asked why his court lacked funding for teleconferencing while the often out of the county Prosecutor Daniel Grindo wa approved to hire a $25,000 a year Asst. Prosecutor. Answers provided by Commission President Sams appeared to fall short of what Boggs wanted to hear. Full details in Friday's Communicator.

Oct. 15 pm OK all you bald headed and blue haired senior citizens, this one is for you. Would you like a 20 hour a week job that pays over $5 per hour? How about a job where you get to work with young teens, where you get to know the future of America? Stop by the radio station at Two Run any afternoon from 3 to 6pm, to get the details or call Jenny Ballard 1800 982 8771.

Oct. 15 am Yesterday was a heck of day for long public meetings and foul weather. The winds howled and the rain hit hard. Much of the afternoon produced heavy heavy downpours. Even the ducks had umbrellas. As for meetings

Oct. 15 am Yesterday was a banner day for those that watch government up close. Over thirty attended Tuesday's County Commission meeting.

Oct. 15 am But first, for those waiting on Clay County PSD to start construction of the Lizemore/Tucker's Bottom water line extension project. Uhhhh... don't hold your breath. During yesterday's Board meeting, PSD Chair Keith King said there are now 12, count em, 12, things that have to be accomplished before the project can even go to bid. Full details in this Friday's Communicator

Oct. 15 am Then came the Commission meeting at 1pm. This meeting went well over two years of juice including: Queen Shoals resident Frank Kish getting the elected ones to fire off a letter to DHHR requesting funds to pay the cost of changing driver's license and plate registration fees required by 911 ordinances and....

Oct. 15 am Here's an important one for Queen Shoals residents. Clay Roane PSD attorney Tom Whittier (see homepage photo) asked the CCC to reorganize the Queen Shoals PSD Board to make things legal once again. No No No, Not a Board to operate the Queen Shoals water provider but a figure head Board without even a checkbook to control. Clay Roane has been operating the old Queen Shoals system since Feb. 2003 under a operation and maintenance agreement. By the way, that agreement from last winter has NEVER been Ok'd by those holding loans on Clay Roane projects. In that agreement, if the funders refused to OK the agreement, the agreement would be null and void. We know this is confusing clickers but we'll try to make it a little clearer in this Friday's paper. In an effort to get you to by Friday's 50 cent paper, watch for water customers in the Queen Shoals service area to be in line for another rate increase!

Oct. 15 am And at 4pm yesterday, Clay Town Council went ahead and held their illegal Special Meeting to air out the mud slinging on pay raises and reductions. Reductions? Yelp Town Clerk (also the Town Recorder) Dwana Murphy took a substantial pay cut to level the playing the field at Town Hall. Water Operator Bobby West ( made nearly $70,000 last year) and Sewer Plant operator Larry Chafin were left out of the pay increase loop. Details coming Friday

Oct. 15 am For those following domestic violence and Bobby Burdette, Burdette, after beating his wife Monday, got out of jail Tuesday morning and wife Becky is now out of th hospital.

Oct. 14 am Domestic Violence Update. Procious Water plant operator and wife beater Bobby Burdette spent last night in Central Regional Jail. Wife Becky spent the night in the hospital after gettin both eyes smashed in. So how violent was the assault? Neighbor say that the outline of Becky's body can be seen where Bobby smashed her into the side of the car.

Oct. 13 pm 2:54pm 911 Dispatch calls for law enforcement for a domestic on Elkherst Road near Procious. According to dispatch, Bobby Burdette has been drinking and smashed wife Becky (again). Seconds later, Dispatch tell Law Unit 4 she could her a male voice, Becky saying something, and then the phone went dead.

Oct. 13 pm 2:57 Unit 4 in route. Dispatch says that Becky tried to call Bobby's employer , the Procious water plant, and the phone was again disconnected.

Oct. 13 pm Domestic violence is alive and well in Clayberry.

Oct. 13 pm Tomorrow is a big day in Clayberry land as far as public meetings go. At 10 am Clay County PSD meets in regular session where discussion should include County Commission complaints on the PSD performance. At 1pm our County Commission meets a day late due to the Columbus Day holiday at 1pm. There are 24 items on the CCC agenda. Should be a great day for news. At 4pm, Tuesday, Clay Town Council meets in Special session to discuss pay raises and the rift between maintenance man Terry Traub and Town Recorder Dwana Murphy over Dwana mouthing off about being paid a high dollar wage. During the regular Council meeting last week, Council person Sally Legg asked for the special, away from the public meeting to "sling mud". Although there is NEVER a time a meeting MUST be closed to the public, the guess is, neither employee will ask for the discussions to be done in public.

Oct. 13 pm As for that special meeting, there is a problem. Open Meeting Laws require an agenda for the event to be posted several days in advance. That wasn't done by Recorder Dwana Murphy. There is NO, None, Ninguno, Zip agenda posted anywhere! If Town Council proceeds with Tuesday's illegal meeting, all decisions made would be null and void.

Oct. 13 pm Of course, violating WV Open Meeting Laws is nothing new for Town Elders. Folks in the know in Charleston , Attorney General's Office and Ethics Commission, both have said for years, to be legal, the agenda has to be posted at least three days in advance and that doesn't include holidays or weekend days. It has been the practice of Council to post agenda's the night before a regular monthly meeting. It sure looks like a costly Court battle may be needed to change their ways.

Oct. 12 LATE pm It's late Sunday night. Do you know what your web keeper is doing? He's responding to emails. Seems this afternoon's posts on school fundraisers and Clay Primary Health has struck a nerve

Oct. 12 late pm Down below is the Sunday posting on upset Clay Elem. parents peed over little Johnny not being allowed to attend the Big Blast Party if the kid doesn't sell enough fundraiser items. Since then one lady asked if teachers are required to sell fundraiser products. According to that lady, teachers depend on that school for a job. And by the way, it's not just Clay Elem. in the business of turning the curtain climbers into selling robots, it's every school in the county as far as we can tell!

Oct. 12 late pm And boy does word travel fast via the net. We've just received info on the problems at Clay Primary Health ( see earlier today post). This person says employees were told recently that the place was so poor they couldn't afford to buy pencils! Another email reported the hiring of a bunch of suited, high dollar, consultants paid to check the place out. Yet another email said the new Director and the Medical Director are working at Primary Health part time. Finally, the latest email blames a big part of the problems over there on leadership being gone most of the time.

Oct. 12 Late pm Boy we just love it when clickers email us with comments. Thanks for your time. Of course by Monday , watch for an office memo to be posted at Primary Health stating: You talk to the media and we'll can your butt. Of course that angle has been tried before.. like just last year when employees down at a Huntington Hospital we're told just such instructions, keep your mouth shut or be fired on the spot. The ACLU of WV successfully took the hospital thru the court system and well, the employees are once again covered by the First amendment.

Oct. 12 Late pm You might think we have a pretty good handle on Clayberry happenings. WRONG!! For every quirk we find, about 100 more get away from us. Although basically a quiet sleepy little place, our crime rate appears out of control. One lady reported her car stole LAST weekend from a grocery store parking lot in broad daylight and an emailer asked why we haven't been reporting on the rash of 4 wheelers swiped over the past few weeks. Heck folks, we didn't know!!!! Email us ( use link below) with the details.

Oct. 12 Late pm Lots of meetings going on this week. Check back tonight for the next post. thanks

Oct. 12 pm There won't be a weekend wrap up this time around. There's too much still to report from last week. We should be able to get another post late tonight to finish up the week.

Oct. 12 pm Hello there Oregon clickers. Welcome to Clayberry where the horses are pretty and women are fast.

Oct. 12 pm Some Clay Elem. school parents are up in arms over a note sent home last week concerning a fundraiser. According to a couple of them , the note sent home said if the student didn't sell at least 10 Cherrydale Farm items, the small fry wouldn't be allowed to attend the "Big Blast Party". Of course at the heart of the outrage is the much heralded excess school Levy which was suppose to make everything peaches and cream. Additionally, the parents said they thought it was unfair to many kids whose parents wouldn't be wealthy enough to buy the high dollar items.

Oct. 12 pm Let's talk scenic railroad for a minute. Over the past five years, our Business Development Authority (BDA) has been on the scene trying to find and build an industrial site for the county. A place to bring manufacturing jobs. During last week's CAEZ meeting, they're our lead economic agency, and during the BDA gathering Oct. 2nd, the emphasis seems to have changed to developing a tourism economy. During both of the recent meetings, time and lip service has been spent on bringing: a guided rafting service to the Elk River, provide tourists a place to bicycle and ride horses; and to open a scenic rail road operation. The notion of a scenic RR was one of the first BDA ideas over 6 years ago. Back then, the cost of the insurance was a big problem.

Oct. 12 pm Most in the county have known, that when we let such a scenic RR adventure pass thru our fingers 20 years ago, we screwed up. One quick look at Case Scenic RR seems to add validity to such thinking by the coffee house crowd.

Oct. 12 pm According to CAEZ reps, conversations with Bill Bright, the guy that owns the lease on the existing RR tracks, are underway. Suggestions for such train excursions include, open the line to Widen from Dundon while a second choice seems to be run the steamer along the Elk River.

Oct. 12 pm 5 months ago, CAEZ Director Jerry Sizemore opened the door for an ATV trail similar to the Hatfield and McCoy 5 county trail in the Southern end of the state. Little more has been said about that idea in the last three months.

Oct. 12 pm Tourism is West Virginia's 2nd biggest business. Currently, at best, Clayberry is a one day, Drive-Thru for travelers. Clay County doesn't have one public camping spot to offer nor a visitor's center, nor more than a hand full of motel rooms. To get them to drop more money in our area, the local thinkers must gear toward tourist needs instead of Toyota.

Oct. 12 pm Secrecy breeds mistrust. Such has been the case at our local non profit Primary Health Center for years. Rumors are again circulating of some real unrest at the county's only public health provider. Back three years ago when Primary Director Gary Johnson was given just one hour to get out of town after being fired, the tax payer paid for center was over $150,000 in the red. Under the hand of next Director , Richard Jarvis, the debt load went down to less than $100,000.00

Oct. 12 pm Now we have a new man on the job, Ric Simon. Simon is the interim Director and has been on the job for 7 weeks. Locals have great concerns over his plans to bring the center further in debt by adding more space to the Two Run complex. Something about, if you can't pay the bills now, how the H can you pay bigger bills????????????

Oct. 12 pm Secrecy? You bet! Right up there with CDC none the less.

Oct. 12 pm Clay Primary Health refuses to allow the public to attend Board meetings! Those meetings are top secret and that's just the way they like. Back when Mr. Johnson was being fired, The Communicator asked to attend Board meetings and the response from Clay Primary was: We are not a public agency and we don't have to let the public know one D*** thing that's going on here! Lilly liverd, yellow back Board members echoed the secrecy notion. At one point, back when we had an Ambulance Authority, reps from the Authority, Gene King, Arlie Fulks and Joyce White waited outside the facility for over an hour in an attempt to address the Clay Primary Health Center Bd of Directors. They were not allowed in the building not to mention the meeting room!

Oct. 12 pm Of course, many feel that since the county's only public health care center was built with taxpayer funds and the annual loan payment is being paid for from the Governor's Budget Digest tax $, the Board meetings should be a matter of public record.

Oct. 12 pm Ahhhhh, why should the public be alarmed or up in arms? Shoot, if we need health care, we can always drive over an hour to Charleston on snow slick roads in our broke down Chevettes. And, those tax dollars, well, big deal, what's the loss of another million bucks??

Oct. 12 pm The Courthouse and banks are all shut down on Monday to celebrate Columbus day. We'll get another post late tonight. more juice coming clickers.

Oct. 10 pm Friday and none too soon. Sorry for the slow update. Here goes... With rain predicted and cool temps, tonight Clay High's Football team hopes to continue it's winning season. Action starts at 7:30pm, Schoonover/Bradley Field.

Oct. 10 pm Now there's plenty more to post from Tuesday's Town Council meeting and we haven't even touched the CAEZ meeting four days ago..... but that'll just have to wait a while. Last night Clay Roane PSD met in regular session for over two hours including one hour behind the secret door. Part of the secret time was devoted to Queen Shoals resident Frank Kish who filed a complaint against the PSD for crappy water and service issues.

Oct. 10 pm But here's the biggy. Last Feb. on a cold snowy night in Roane County, Clay Roane PSD took over the operation of Queen Shoals PSD (QSPSD). At that meeting, their attorney, Tom Whittier, advised them to hold up, think, and then rethink again. Being of the challenged caliber, even after hearing those words of caution, Clay Roane PSD pressed on and signed the maintenance and operation agreement to take over Queen Shoals.

Oct. 10 pm In that agreement, the Federal funders of Clay Roane and Queen Shoals (USDA RUS) had to give a thumbs up to the plan. Since then, thinking they had a prized cash cow, Clay Roane has been operating and maintaining QSPSD and at nearly every meeting, they have peed and moaned about the dismal condition of QSPSD and how they were forced into taking the system over.

Oct. 10 pm After last night's Clay Roane meeting, that's right AFTER, no mention during the meeting, it was learned that the Fed's REFUSED to OK the agreement back in March 2003 and for all intents and purposes: Clay Roane does NOT have the right to run the Queen Shoals system. March clickers. 6 months ago! Seems no one checked the mail box back then!

Oct. 10 pm Mess? You bet it is and the worst part clickers, once again it's the Queen Shoals water customers that may end up on the short end of the stick. Oh just making mention, back last winter when Clay Roane voted to take over QSPSD, they never advised our County Commission, never asked the CCC for advice, and for that matter, there was NEVER a meeting to advise the Queen Shoals water customers what was going on. Since the CCC gang likes to have a say in what's going on around the county, they ain't too happy with Clay Roane.

Oct. 10 pm And it just keeps getting better....

Oct. 10 pm Next week, during the RESCHEDULED COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING set for TUESDAY OCT. 14 at 1pm, Clay Roane will be addressing the CCC on the problem. PSD attorney TOm Whittier will provide the lip service. It is our understanding that QSPSD water customers will also be in attendance. Watch for next Tuesday's meeting to be a dandy.

Oct. 10pm According to our cipherings, less than 22% of Clay County households have "municipal water" service. Those that have PSD water pay some of the highest, if not the highest rates, in the state and nation. In the past our local leaders have fought to keep WV Water Co out of the county complaining that WV Water charges too much for service. When WV Water gets their latest rate increase, their price will STILL be 20% cheaper than what Clay County and Clay Roane PSD have been charging for over a year. Clay Roane charges right at $50 per month for 4500 gallons of often undrinkable wa wa.

Oct. 10 pm Our local Health Dept. has been pushing for tougher indoor smoking regulations for 2 years. At one point they presented the County Commission with an ordinance that even cut out smokers rights' on sidewalks! Many coughers and hackers including reps from the Lion's Club Casino Hall on Main Street protested the ordinance. Another person that lead the charge against the smoking ban was then Prosecutor, Jeff Davis. Davis said the Health Dept did NOT have the authority to apply the ordinance and they certainly could not apply criminal penalties for violations.

Oct. 10 pm Of course the local healthy leaders brought in top guns to dispute Davis' logic. At times, the discussions and meetings got heated up pretty darn good. To date, the smoking ban ordinance has been on hold.

Oct. 10 pm Down in our Southern border colony of Kanawha County, their tougher ordinance has been put on hold and is now being challenged in court. Those folks seem to agree with Jeff Davis. The WV Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case.

Oct. 10 pm Next post coming late Saturday evening. We haven't even touched on CAEZ efforts to get a scenic railroad back on track for the county.

Oct. 10 pm And as for our Clay High Panthers.... Goooooo Claaaaay!!!!!!!!!

Oct. 9 am Clay Roane PSD lifted the Boil Water Order on the Procious water customers this morning at 8:10am. Drink Drink and be happy.

Oct. 9 am Greetings there early morning crowd. Tonight Clay Roane PSD meets in regular session at 7pm in the CDC building on Main Street. If you look at their posted meeting agenda, it's been revised three times so far. For 8 months now the PSD has peed and moaned about being forced to take over the old Queen Shoals PSD operation. Sometime soon, maybe tonight, watch this kettle boil over as the Queen Shoals folks take back what they built and maintained for 15 years.

Oct. 9 am How about some juicy stuff from the Town of Clay meeting two days ago...

Oct. 9 am Town of Clay Water Dept. maintenance man Terry Traub left little doubt he was fed up with the exploits of Town Recorder, Dwana Murphy. See yesterday's post for a quote. Traub was peed over Dwana Murphy ( who in addition to being the Town Recorder works at Town Hall as a clerk) making boo koos of $. Normally Traub is a quiet person. What is behind this?

Oct. 9 am This. Three years ago under the administration of Mayor Joyce Gibson, the town went broke, employees were laid off, the police officer was sent packing, those remaining had their benefits cut back, suppliers cut off credit. When water clerk Tammy Duffield quit, got fired, or whatever it was, Dwana Murphy said she could handle both jobs. Council voted to give Murphy (Duffield's salary) more money as long as she did both jobs, office clerk and water clerk. Town leaders also told Little Murph to get a water operators license. Reason? So while sitting at the plant, she could operate the plant further saving money.

Oct. 9 am Last year after King Arthur Jarrett took over and finances improved, a new water clerk, Dreama Thomas, was hired. With Thomas doing the water clerk job, Dwana took no pay cut nor did she get her water operator license. Less work and the pay stayed high. With high pay and now the $400 a month Recorder salary tacked on, Little Murph is pulling in the jack. The guess is, $15.00 per hour for her regular job. Terry Traub makes $11.00/hour and the Town doesn't pay for his insurance.

Oct. 9 am This coming Tuesday is a secret Council meeting ( 4pm) where the leaders want to discuss the $ feud. Council person Sally Legg asked for the secret time during the regular Oct. 7th meeting of Council. Now we don't have the best ears in the hollow, but it sure sounded like Council person Billie Zegeer whispered to the Mayor (Oct. 7) that she didn't want this issue discussed where that ace cub reporter could get wind of it. OK clickers, lets keep this all hush hush. Don't anyone tell Council we know what's going on.

Oct. 9 am When Council persons' Frank Childers, Phil Morris, and Zegeer said they would give up their $100 a month Council salaries and give the $ to the employees for a raise... well that didn't help a bit. Instead of appeasing Traub with a pay increase, the $ would also be given to Murph making her paycheck even higher!

Oct. 9 am Ahhhhhhh life in Clayberry, just darn hard to beat.

Oct. 9 am For those folks interested in court action. In the Earnie Sirk vs Clay Development Corp lawsuit, next court date is Oct. 20th at 9:30am. In the BDA vs Clay County Bank lawsuit, the hearing is set for Dec 2003.

Oct. 9 am Clay Middle School girls volleyball team won out over Walton Tuesday night continuing their winning season. No losses.

Oct. 8 am Benjamin Clarence Cottrell, 62, of Wallback, see FUNERAL page

Oct. 8 am Last week in both Charleston papers came word that our local school system was given another $500,000. This harvest was aimed at more puter stuff. During Monday night's school board meeting a few details were given on the wind fall, like, $227,000 in school equipment, $157,000 in laptop puters on mobile carts, and the grant will stretch out over 3 years. Of course high speed internet is needed to make the payload work like a network system should. High Speed is not available to much of the school system. Full details in the next edition of the Communicator.

Oct. 8 am Oddly enough, no mention was made of the behind the scenes plan to consolidate Valley Fork and Ivydale Elem. schools on the property beside Sheriff Harald Fields' home on Murphy Fork. Many are calling the new school, ValleyDale. Of course the problem remains, how to buy that property. the WV School Building Authority has not in the past offered money to purchase land just $ to build consolidated schools. O course the plan has always been to float another edition of the excess levy to cover the purchase price.

Oct. 8 am Back when the BDA looked at the same land for an industrial site, the selling price was in excess of $150,000.00 and the state road gang wanted $3 million to upgrade the existing one lane road.

Oct. 8 am On last week's shooting death of Leon Runnion, what if the gun found close by the body wasn't the gun used in the murder/suicide. Wouldn't that be interesting. Some neighbors are suggesting there may be more to the death than has been revealed so far.

Oct. 8 am During the 2003 National Hunting and Fishing Day at Stonewall Jackson State Park, 15 year old, Ivydale resident, Jake McLaughlin took first place in the casting division. McLaughlin has placed with honors during the last three years of competition.

Oct. 8 am Last night, Clay Town Council held a lengthy meeting at the water plant. We'll post more over the next couple of days, but to wet your appetite....

Oct. 8 am To provide for employee pay increases, Council persons Phil "Fatman" Morris, Billie Zegeer and Frank Childers agreed to give up their council paychecks and give the $ toward pay raises.

Oct. 8 am Businesses beware. King Arthur is coming to your establishment reaaal soon. The problem is too much grease running thru the sewer system. Over 400 pounds of the white stuff was pulled last week from the Two Run poop booster station. King plans to hit the Bank, Tudor's Ginos and the Nutrition Site.

Oct. 8 am And if this doesn't draw you back to this site. As Town Field worker Terry Traub was asking for a $5.00 per hour raise and looking at newly installed Recorder Dwana Murphy, " I am sick of you coming in here saying how much you make!!!"

Oct. 7 am Everybody in the Procious area, BOIL YOUR WATER. BWO started Sunday evening at 7pm. We had a big day in Clayberry yesterday.

Oct. 7 am Yesterday, 10 am, was the Breast Cancer Awareness walk and wreath hanging at the Courthouse followed by a luncheon at the Health Dept. With weather cooperating and over 40 participants, only one thing was missing. According to one organizer, Commissioner Mathew Bragg was suppose to be the wreath hanger. Bragg was a no show. Talk about a way to pee off about every lady in the county. See wreath on homepage

Oct. 7am At 6pm Becky Pritt organized a Domestic Violence Vigil to enhance Family Abuse awareness. Guest Speaker was Barbara Schamberger with Court Bailiff Gene King taking home an award for the ugliest, I mean for service to the cause.

Oct. 7 am By 8:30 last night, Clay Middle School Girl's Volleyballers had tromped Braxton 20 to 12 and 20 to 4. For some good action tonight at CMS, Clay takes on Walton. Action starts tonight at 6pm.

Oct. 7 am More pictures and Board of Ed action from yesterday coming tonight.

Oct. 7 am From Queen Shoals, Frank Kish is taking on Clay Roane PSD over rotten water conditions. The PSC COMPLAINT , dated 9-26-03.

Oct. 7 am Don't forget today is the Clay Town Council meeting at 4 and the CAEZ gathering at 6pm.

Oct. 6 pm BOIL WATER ORDER issued for the Procious service area. BWO issued Sunday evening, 7 pm by Clay Roane PSD Chief Water Operator Jennifer Traub. Low water pressure conditions given as reason for the order.

Oct. 6 am The beginning of each month is always the bonanza time for those that attend public meetings. tonight the school board meets at 6. Tuesday Clay Town Council opens up at 4pm as does Eco/Dev Committee of the Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone. at 6pm Tuesday the full CAEZ Board meets. We'll keep you posted so check back often.

Oct. 6 am A dietitian was addressing a large audience in Chicago. "The material we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most of us sitting here, years ago. Red meat is awful. Soft drinks erode our stomach lining. Chines food is loaded with MSG. Vegetables can be disastrous, and none of us realizes the long-term harm caused by germs in our drinking water. But, there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all, and we all have, or probably will, eat it. Can anyone here tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and suffering for years after eating it?" A 75 year old man in the front row stood up and said, "The

Wedding Cake".

Oct. 6 am Oct. 6 am Some news is very painful to report. Male clickers may want to avoid this next one.

Oct. 6 am For all you women clickers, click Testicles Gone

Oct. 6 am Tonight Candle Light Vigil at the Courthouse. See EVENTS page for details

Oct. 5 pm We had a week where Mother Nature went into menopause. The frost came and the county slowed waaay down. It was an awakening. Sort of like right after a funeral when you don't really want to do much of anything for a while. Little kids shivered while waiting on the school bus. Gardeners lost the last of the green tomatoes and such.

Oct. 5 pm This week the Clay Business Development Authority made it clear, they weren't backing away from t heir suit to regain control of the industrial site near Ovapa. That, whether Commissioner Sams wanted it to disappear or not, $90,000 in taxpayer paid for land was worth fighting to keep.

Oct. 5 pm Clay High footballers continued down the winning road with locals predicting CCHS may make the number 1 or #2 spot in the statewide polls. With Herbert Hoover taking a win and with Poca High going down in flames, many think playoff action may include a rematch between Clay and Hoover.

Oct. 5 pm Badges discovered the body of Leon Runnion Wed after lunch. Mr. Runnion is reported to have one gunshot wound to the head. An investigation is continuing with Deputy Delk handling the duties.

Oct. 5 pm And finally for this past week, the cold rains came. From the coffee house crowd: If it was 10 degrees colder, it'd be snowing

Oct. 4 pm Eunice L. Rhodes Thompson, 88, see FUNERAL page

Oct. 4 am Nellie Mae Moore Stephenson, 85, see FUNERAL page

Oct. 4am FOUND near Hartland: Black and White female cat. Very sweet. She is being well taken care of and loved but if you would like to claim her, please call 587-2109

Oct. 4 am The Communicator made it to the news stands around 4:30pm Friday. Let's see there's the quotes on the shooting death of Leon Runnion, the financial's on the Clayberry Bank, A day in Court with Tonya Salisbury, Magistrate Court update and a bunch bunch more. 16 pages of the best info to be found anywhere.

Oct. 4 am Marriage changes passion. Suddenly you're in bed with a relative. I saw a woman wearing a sweat shirt with "Guess" on it. So I said "Implants?" She hit me. I don't do drugs. I get the same effect just standing up fast.

Oct. 4 am This is youth hunting day for WV. Go kill something four legged

Oct. 4 am Thursday's Business Development Authority was a pretty interesting affair. With only 7 members present much lip was given the months old BDA/CCC vs Clay County Bank lawsuit. That suit is an attempt to retrieve $90,000 worth of taxpayer paid for land ( near Ovapa) from the gripes of the local bank which holds a questionable lien on the place. Consensus from those present: It's ours and we won't settle for anything less than regaining complete control of the land.

Oct. 4 am Don't forget to check the events page for good things to do this weekend.

Oct. 3 am Make sure you check out this morning's Charleston Gazette for the latest update on the Clayberry Bank.

Oct. 3 am That shooting victim out Oak Hill Ridge Rd was Leon Runnion. According to Sheriff Fields, there was one gunshot wound to the head. Complete interview with the Sheriff in Friday's Communicator.

Oct. 3 am Big Otter resident Jimmy Duffield canceled his Demorat picnic at Spread Park. Picking up the ball, the Demorat Executive Committee is now hosting the event now that Duffield has bailed out. Come out Saturday around noon for some good food and fun minus Duffield's cooked pig.

Oct. 3 am And, that first ever football broadcast planned for Friday night over the Clay FM internet airwaves has been canceled. Problems with getting the needed cell phone coverage from Parsons WV where CCHS will take on the Tucker County team. With fingers crossed, maybe the next game can be broadcast.

Oct. 2 pm We're tracking down the details of the shooting/suicide out Oak Hill Ridge Road. We'll post the details as we get them with full coverage in Friday's Communicator. As we know it now: Adult male body found Wed pm, one shot, the fellow had not been seen since Tuesday with neighbors alerting relatives due to the home lights being left on all night. Green Shirts and Black Shirts responded. More as we get it

Oct. 2 pm Don't forget , this FRiday and Saturday is the Big Otter Fire Dept. yard sale fund raiser. Details on EVENTS page.

Oct. 2 am Today at 5pm our recently saved from an untimely death Business Development Authority meets in regular session. On tap is discussion of the long standing suit against the Clayberry Bank and purchase of the old State Road garage at Two Run. It's our future and the meeting is open to the public for the most part.

Oct. 2 am Last call for classified ads. Deadline for email is 2 pm today

Oct. 2 am Last night Clay Middle School won another! This time taking the victory from Webster County, 36 to 20

Oct. 2 am We got one parent pretty steamed up over a bus driver dropping off a special needs child at the wrong place even when the child had a bus pass for the correct drop off point. Very nice chatter in this Friday's Communicator. Should be on the news stands by 4 pm

Oct. 4 am Friday night Clay High takes on Tucker County in that distance field near Parsons, WV. Clay FM is trying to get the techy stuff together for live updates on their internet radio station at Two Run. Click our home page button CLAY FM around 7:15pm Friday night to hear the action while in the comfort of your lounge chair.

Oct. 2 am Remember William W Cottrell? Indicted for night time burglary, grand larceny, and receiving and transferring? You won't be seeing that case come to trial. Ditto for the indictments of Russell Moore and David Burgess. Read all about the diversion agreement an dismissals signed by Prosecutor Grindo this Friday in the Communicator.

Oct. 2 am Frost blanketed parts of Clayberry last night with tonight's frostcast scheduled to cover the entire county. Be sure to bring in the flower pots and brass monkey.

Oct. 1 am A new month and a new man on the job. Seen around the Courthouse for the last day of so is new to the county, Asst. Prosecutor Barry Koerber..

Oct. 1 am Last night the girls Clay Middle School Volleyballers did in Walton. Next Monday CMS takes on Braxton. Should be good games. Come and see some real action

Oct. 1 am It's the money bags that matter in this world. For government agencies like water service providers, most of the funds have to approved and come thru the WV Infrastructure Council. This morning the Council meets and once again nothing in Clayberry is on the agenda. The full agenda is posted on the ADVISORY page

Oct. 1 am Boy it's quiet in Clayberry, nothing stirring. What we need is a good juicy story, maybe something like a 27 year old woman accused of seducing a young teen age boy, or a football team peeing on an old team mate's jersey and setting it on fire or .... Well maybe that will come for this Friday's Communicator.