September News 2004
Sept. 30 am Happy end of the month.
Get your classified events page listing in before 3 today if you want to
make Friday's Communicator.
Sept. 30 am This evening is a very
important Clay Roane PSD meeting for those seeking service along the Amma/Left
Hand water line extension project. Action starts at 7pm tonight at the
Amma Senior Citizen's building. There's still many along the route
that haven't signed rights of way agreements. Without the John Hancocks'
affixed, the water line project can't get underway. They might be nice
tonight, but if you don't sign, to court you and the PSD shall go.
Sept. 30 am Don't need or want water
service? Head over to Schoonover/Bradley field for Clay Middle School football
action beginning at 6pm . CMS takes on Webster County. It's also homecoming
for Clay. Be sure to bring your camera!
Sept. 30 am Traffic jams in Clayberry?
You bet! Crews are paving between Hartland and Two Run. Work continues
today. Leave early for that destination or you will be late.
Sept. 30 am And couple of
things from Wednesday.....
Sept. 30 am Accused murderer Larry
Thomas waved his preliminary hearing in Magistrate Court yesterday and
will go before the Nov. 3rd Grand Jury. Thomas is accused of murdering
Nancy Nelson. Attorney John Mitchell Sr asked Judge Alsop for bond for
his client. Alsop hasn't given an answer yet.
Sept. 30 am During Court room
testimony yesterday, reference was made to a Thomas written letter that
said something along the lines of: If I can't have you, nobody will. With
Grindo done, Big Mitch asked Green Shirt Wiles if he had the letter?
Response: No, it was in a cruiser. At other times, it was as if Prosecutor
Grindo didn't have his ducks in a row.
Sept. 30 am So what's really going
on? Here's our guess: Mitchell didn't fall off the punkin truck yesterday,
has already had success with Gringo as the op>
Transfer interrupted!
t before this Grand Jury session
in Nov. If Thomas is indicted, Mitch Sr will ask for a speedy trial in
30 days. Translation: He wants to make sure Grindo is the Prosecutor. Even
with a change of venue expected, Grindo could easily screw up some itty
bitty technical item and , let's not think about that right now. Grindo
leaves the Prosecutor's job at year's end and head back to his native Braxton
County.
Sept. 30 am Relating to Mitch expected
to hurry up the Thomas case in hopes of a "Grindo moment", it appears
law enforcement is working to slow cases down until Grindo heads back to
Braxton County.
Sept. 30 am Since the building
of the new Johnny Wooooofter Log Factory (poop plant) 6 years ago, the
new facility hasn't worked right due in part to storm water from town storm
drains and rain gutter run off entering the system. With gobs of water
running thru the poop lines and into the log factory, the plant can't handle
the volume and much of the nasty ends up in the Elk River. How bad is it?
The state boys fined the Town $55,000 earlier this year when a herd of
logs was seen stretching out into the Elk 150 foot!
Sept. 30 am With fine in hand (
now reduced to just $9000), the town plans to force property owners to
unhook the down spouts from the sewer lines. To find out who is illegally
hooked up, Town Council has been blowing smoke thru the sewer lines and
watching where the white fog comes up. Guess what? Yesterday, it came up
nearly everywhere.
Sept. 30 am From the DHHR
building to Foodland, to the Clay County Bank property to
Yes even the historic Henry Clay Hotel building owned by Mayor Arthur Jarrett
and even up thru the sidewalks..... the Town has BIG problems and not with
just private business and residents.
Sept. 30 am Much of the rain run
off going into the Poop Factory is coming from the Town's own storm drain
system. Millions will be needed to reroute the old broken pipes. Anf who
has to pay for that? Take a guess!
Sept. 29 am Okey Neal 52 of
Ivydale, see FUNERAL page
Sept. 29 am With Frontiernet
internet service out of commission for nearly 24 hours Monday and Tuesday
morning, we have some catching up to do. Go get your coffee cup..
Sept. 29 am The Clay County PSD
imposed Boil Water Order issued for the Ivydale area was lifted yesterday
afternoon. Drink Drink Drink
Sept. 29 am There have been
1,190 coalition deaths, 1,053 Americans, 68 Britons, six Bulgarians, one
Dane, two Dutch, one Estonian, one Hungarian, 19 Italians, one Latvian,
13 Poles, one Salvadoran, three Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and eight
Ukrainians, in the war in Iraq as of September 28, 2004
Sept. 29 am Monday night the Clay
Middle School girl's volleyball team put it all over Gilmer County followed
by another victory Tuesday evening. Walton went down in flames. Thursday
night at Schoonover/Bradley Field, Clay Middle School will hold their Homecoming.
Sept. 29 am Because of recent
shootings, drug wars in the county, and the like, now, every time someone
dies, our citizenry start the rumor mill.... was there foul play, was he
shot, was he seen with you know who?
Sept. 29 am And our big story, the
county is $67,000 richer!!!!!!!
Sept. 29 am During Monday's County
Commission meeting, the state tax dept. boys found a mistake with Fola
Coal's land holdings to the tune of $6.7 million! Our local assessor doesn't
handle mineral appraisal duties. The folks in Charleyton provide that service.
Sept. 29 am The Fola reps said they
had filed their info electronically and that may be the reason for the
messed up low ball numbers. After conferring back and forth in front of
Commissioner Sams and Triplett and after pecking on the calculator, tap
tap tippy tap tap.. Our county will realized at least an additional $67,000
this year for the underground coal reserves under reported!
Sept. 29 am Not too shabby for little
ole Clayberry. As soon as word spread on the windfall, the question: Will
they two deputies with the new funds? During the meeting no mention was
made on where the $ will be spent.
Sept. 29 am In the way of $, we're
getting another $30,000 from the WV Budget Digest fund. Put with $28,000
already received for the ambulance service from the state folks, there
is enough money to purchase one new ambulance for the county. We'll officially
receive the good news Oct. 16th during a special ceremony.
Sept. 29 am County Commissioner
Mathew HAC Bragg made it a perfect score Monday. Five months straight without
showing up for duty. Commissioner Sams commented that he had seen Ms Bragg
show up to receive the taxpayer paid for check last week.
Sept. 29 am While it's very sad
that Bragg robs from the taxpayer but even sadder, there hasn't been a
public outcry. Our citizen's don't care if the elected leaders show up
or not. Maybe we don't deserve anybody!
Sept. 29 am Others feel we'd be
better off if the ALL the elected leaders stayed at home!
Sept. 29 am Emails continue
to come in on the county's only health care provider, Clay Primary Health.
Here's a web site that offers some answers to rural medicine. Click Bureau
of Primary Care .
Sept. 29 am We're now
in prime electioneering season. In the County of Clay, Republicat Sheriff
candidate Dave Mullins has yellow signs staked at nearly every intersection.
Demorat candidate Randy Holcomb opted for a bunch of larger plastic signs.
Write in candidate Jim Paxton is without signage so far.
Sept. 29 am For the fall election,
Clay has only two contests, Sheriff and County Commission. No signs for
either County Commission candidate have been seen around the county.
Sept. 28 pm What happened...
Where did it go... No Internet?????????????
Sept. 28 pm Yesterday afternoon
around 4 pm the frontiernet.net internet service , both DSL and dial up,
went down. Part of the service came back around 10:30am this morning.
Sept. 28 pm We'll do some
updating later today ASAP.
Sept. 28 pm Did we mention the County
Commission found $67,000+ in additional tax dollars? Did we mention Fola
Coal ( Braxton Land and Mineral holdings) under estimated their appraised
holdings in Clayberry by $6.7 million?
Sept. 28 pm Check back this
evening for details
Sept. 27 am This morning at
10 am the County Commission meets to solve the county's problems. Often
you see an agenda posting for a change in some big landowner tax assessment.
Today it's Braxton Land and Mineral Company's turn.
Sept. 27 am As for wayward
County Commissioner Mathew Bragg, if he's absent again today, that makes
five months of drawing a government pay check with NO service to the county.
Let's see now, $18,500 a year salary plus $9600 in hospitalization coverage..
That means he has stolen about $11,708.00.
Sept. 27 am Hello Wire Haired lady
and Betty Fisher. Quit reading this site and get to work!
Sept. 27 am Later this week, Clay
Roane PSD is holding a Special Meeting. The meeting is Thursday, September
30, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. at the new Amma Senior Citizen building.
The Amma Senior Citizen building is located right off the Amma exit, on
top of a hill. Discussion will be securing needed rights of way agreement
with the holdout before invoking eminent domain provisions through the
court system.
Sept. 27 am Trick or Treat
will be held Oct. 29th from 6 to 7pm.
Sept. 27 am Arson hit Clay
County hard in 2002 - 2003. Last week Carol and Linda Fitzwater's rental
house burned to the ground. Arson is suspected in the early morning blaze
atop Camp Creek hill.
Sept. 27 am From Will Rogers:
Never slap a man who's chewing tobacco. Never kick a cow chip
on a hot day. There are 2 theories to arguing with a
woman...neither works. Never miss a good chance to shut
up. Always drink upstream from the herd. If you find yourself
in a hole, stop digging. The quickest way to double your
money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket.
Sept. 27 am And finally for this
morning Clem and Larry were sitting in back of their
trailers shooting the breeze. Clem asked Larry,
"If I snuck ovah to yore house while you wuz out fishin an' made love to
your wife, an' she got pregnant, would dat make us kin?" Larry
scratched his head for a bit then said, "I don't think so.....but
it shore would make us even!"
Sept. 25 am Maybe they had the big
head maybe maybe maybe whatever... the Clay Panthers went down in flames
last night as Herbert Hoover took control of the game in the play and never
let go! Tonight at 8, Yap Radio will rebroadcast the game on 101.7
FM if they can figure out which button to does what.
Sept. 25 am Talk about a mess!!!!!!!!!!!
Clayberry's idea of a traffic jam is to doodle behind a slow poke driver
or farm tractor. Last night a tractor trailer carrying 100 cows overturned
on I 79 sending the bovine every which a way. With the Interstate blocked,
1000s of vehicles were diverted down Route 4. With the roads
backed up big time, then came the motorists heading to and from the ball
game at Schoonover/Bradley Field.... With traffic moving like molasses,
one of the big trucks got all hung up on Route 36 heading over to the Wallback
exist.
Sept. 25 am With the badges out
on the Interstate riding herd on the wayward steaks, Clay Fire Dept. worked
to keep onslaught moving on like a herd of turtles.
Sept. 25 am This morning, 9:24,
911 call for law enforcement...... 9:25, 911 call for law.... no answer
Sept. 25 am In the way of
a weekend wrap up: After a ten plus year wait, bids were finally
opened on the Lizemore/Tucker's Bottom water line extension project. With
quotes in hand, we're short $1 1/2 million; a smaller group of protesters
held signs and chanted out Wed. The groups appears to be protesting Judge
Ruckman's decision to give a juvenile to gay companion of the deceased
Christy Smarr; A block home on Camp Creek burned this past week. The guess
is arson; And then there's the criminal part of the week that
was...
Sept. 25 am Without a doubt,
Clayberry is sick of thugs stealing and running unchecked in the county.
This week, Magistrate Boggs heard the public and sentenced Thomas Franklin
King to 8 years in jail for bashing in car windshields ( June 2004). Getting
tough costs money. Since the charges were misdemeanors, the county will
have to pay for the time away from home to the tune of $141,620.00.
Judge Alsop sentenced Tonya Salisbury to 1 year in the slammer for the
killing of her husband Chad in Sept. 2002. With time already served, Tonya
has 5 1/2 more months to go before getting free. Lyndon Metheney is sleeping
in Central Regional Jail unable to post bond.
Sept. 25 am And a jury found
juvenile Tommy Young Jr. guilty this week. Jr screwed up big time this
past Spring when he followed CCHS Vice Principal Jim Haynie home and with
a pistol in his hand, told Haynie he was having evil thoughts.
Sept. 24 am Yesterday, we forgot
to remember : CHAD ALLEN SALISBURY 6\4\72 - 9\23\02
Sept. 24 am Tonight Clay High takes
on Herbert Hoover at home. Be sure to bring a radio with you . YAP Radio
(101.7FM) will broadcast the play by play beginning with a pre game show
at 7:15.
Sept. 24 am Happy Birthday
wishes to Wilma "Mardell" (Starcher) Nevans of Big Otter.
Sept. 24 am Clay Development Corp
was to have their Board of Directors meeting yesterday at 10 am. Didn't
happen. No quorum.
Sept. 24 am Because of his
juvenile status, the Tommy Young Jr. trial was a closed door affair. We
understand the 2 day proceeding ended Thursday before lunch with Jr. found
guilty. The case involved misdemeanor charges related to the 17 year olds
actions last Spring when he tailgated Clay High Vice Principal Jim Haynie
up Maysel Hill and near the Haynie home, told the VP, he was having
evil thoughts as he displayed a pistol. It'll take a few days before the
details start seeping out. We'll keep our ears to the ground.
Sept. 24 am And another development.
Larry Thomas stands accused of killing Nancy Nelson earlier this
month. Thomas asked for a court appointed attorney. Wayne King got the
nod. We understand, Thomas has now retained John Mitchell for court
duty.
Sept. 24 am On various occasions
on this site and in the Communicator, Roy Brown's names has been mentioned
here and there. Earlier this week, Brown asked for a correction. According
to Brown, he was NOT in Widen when Chad Salisbury was gunned done two years
ago.
Sept. 24 am Last week, Magistrate
Jeff Boggs sentenced Thomas Franklin King to 8 years in Central Regional
Jail for bashing a bunch of windshields on the back streets of Clay June
17th. Since the charges were misdemeanors, King will spend his 8 years
in the jail on the county tab. Yelp, at about $43 per day times 8 years....
the county , that's you and me, will cough up about $142,000. Justice is
expensive! One fellow today said we should have just shot King.
Sept. 24 am $142,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sept. 23 am Great big Birthday
wishes to 5 year old COURTNEY STARCHER.
Sept. 23 am This morning at 10,
Clay Development Corp will convene a Special meeting for a reading of the
by law changes. Meetings are open to the public for the most part.
Sept. 23 am Have we mentioned the
snake in the crapper during the Apple Festival? Last Saturday a carnival
worker went to do his business behind the IGA store in one of those little
blue plastic porta poopers. With his pants to his knees, a snake bit him
you know where. An ambulance was summoned and off to the hospital he did
go. The snake was also treated and released.
Sept. 23 am Yesterday friends and
supporters of Christy Smarr protested at the Courthouse. TV-8 showed up
this time! With a much smaller crowd in attendance, the anti homosexual
signs were non existent this second week of protest.
Sept. 23 am CHOICE!
With Joe Manchin actually a Republicat registered as a Demorat, many in
the county see little difference between Machin and Monty Warner the elephant
candidate. There is a third guy on the ballot. Click Jesse
Johnson to find out more the other option. Get this, Johnson even came
to the Apple Festival!
Sept. 23 am About the time school
let out last Spring, Tommy Young Jr. got into some legal doo doo when he
followed CCHS Vice Principal Jim Haynie home where Haynie noticed the 17
year old had a pistol. The Communicator printed the full accounting back
then. Tommy Young Jr., accused of a bunch of stuff, is a juvenile and all
court proceedings are closed door. Based on the number of people in the
upstairs court room yesterday and shear speculation.....
Sept. 23 am The guess is, Young
Jr. is on trial for those misdemeanor charges. With the jury leaving before
4pm yesterday, looks like the trial will continue today. As soon as we
hear something, we'll post.
Sept. 23 am and for some puter
housekeeping.... Down below is the picture of Bruce E Bird from the
jail web site. Bird wa arrested Monday and charged with obstructing an
officer, 2 battery charges, one domestic battery charge and destruction
of property. Magistrate Boggs set bond at $4000 per charge. That $20,000
bond was posted by Walton Bonding company Wed afternoon. Terms of the bond
include no contact with girlfriend Terra nor Starlett and Jody Miller.
Sept. 23 am Also from down
below.... Lyndon Metheney was originally charged with 8 counts of
destruction of property in the June 17th windshield bashing spree
on the back streets of Clay. Those charges were dropped since Metheney
is alleged to have been driving the vehicle while Franklin King did the
actual bashing and smashing.
Sept. 23 am With those charges dropped,
8 counts of conspiracy were added. Yesterday, unable to make the $16,000
bond, Metheney headed off to Central Regional Jail where he remained as
of 3:30pm Wednesday.
Sept. 23 am Lets get to some juicy
stuff. How much does Clay Primary Health Director Rick Simon earn? Answer:
Based on the 2002 IRS Form 990 where then Director RIchard Jarvis earned
$77,298.00, the guess is, the Rickster makes $80,000! Not bad for a part
time Director on the scene a couple mornings a week.
Sept. 23 am As a rural health
clinic, Clay Primary is allowed a certain ratio of professionals to county
population. The rules we found on the internet call for 1 MD for 1500 county
residents, 1 Physican Assistant per 1250 county residents, and 1 medical
provider for 1500 in the county. With what looks like about a gazillion
doctors there, if caught, the county's only medical provider could be in
the deep stuff.
Sept. 23 am After operating
in the red for months and months, what would be the advantage to bankrupting
the agency. Maybe Maybe Maybe, if they shed the rural health clinic status
and were taken over by a private clinic, they could charge patients a bunch
more than the Federal government assignments allow. So much for the sliding
scale fees and the service for the poorest in one of the poorest counties
in one of the poorest states!
Sept. 23 am With little oversight
by the Board, last meeting only 3 showed up!, the whole place could shut
down and the Board would never know what happened! Only in Clayberry.
Sept. 22 pm Those in the Ivydale
area of the Clay County PSD, BOIL THAT WATER!!!. Big time water leak at
the Elk River crossing. The line popped and nearly emptied the tank Monday
afternoon. Boil Water Order for Ivydale.
Sept. 22 pm Some folks are asking
about the Central Regional Jail web page. Here's the
Link. Once there you can surf the daily incarceration list or by name.
By the way, that name has to be spelled exactly right and the same way
the accused were booked.
Sept. 22 am Last night, Kerry/Edwards
campaign worker Caroline Rose came to the Courthouse to organize locals.
Around 25 showed for the hastily called event. Rose reminded those attending
how important it is for Kerry to carry WV. There are 340,269 votes in the
state and even with 243,000 registered Demorats, according to Rose, 97,000
need to be swayed to the Kerry camp.
Sept. 22 am During discussions,
one aging Kerry supporter told the crowd: Bush has a faith based health
care plan, you pray you won't get sick!
Sept. 22 am Healtcare costs are
a concern for all in the county as is the future of Clay Primary Care,
our only public clinic. Primary Care has two locations in the county of
Clay, one at Big Otter and the main facility at Two Run. With the
agency operating in the red big time, many wonder when the place will be
turned over to some big time for profit outfit. In the middle of all the
red tape, are horror stories of top heavy management and plans to grow
the Two Run facility with new office space for the administration.
Sept. 22 am On top of the
red ink, comes a new story on the plans to fire physican assistant Lynn
Shaver. Here's the one way we're getting it clickers: Last week a small
part of the Board met in a Special Meeting, secret of course, and OK'd
a new contract for Shaver which would cut her salary by several $1000
and force her to drive to the Two Run work site ( instead of Big Otter)
Monday thru Thursday and evening shifts, 5 to 7pm, PLUS then head over
to the Big Otter facility for Friday duty. The deal: Take it or get fired!
Sept. 22 am So what would be the
proper way to give Shaver the new deal contract offer? Would it be flagging
her down with flashing lights on Interstate 79? That's how Clay Primary
Health management did it Sept. 18th!
Sept. 22 am More Thursday on why
Ric and Crew are doing the things they're doing. And, how about that part
about three members of the Board making the contract decision. More on
that too.
Sept. 21 pm Forgot to give a time
on tonight's Kerry/Edwards organizational meeting at the Courthouse. That
time is 6:30pm
Sept. 21 pm As for the preliminary
hearing for accused murderer Larry Thomas this morning... according
to Magistrate Clerk Vickie Gency, attorney Wayne King asked for some
additional time and the hearing was delayed. No date set for the rescheduled
item.
Sept. 21 pm For those clicking in
around the world, in the garden spot of America, Clay County West Virginia,
the sun is out bright and strong with blue skies from wall to wall. This
morning the smell of wood stoves was in the air. Fall is here.
Sept. 21 am Who ever was suppose
to organize the Kerry/Edwards Clayberry push for President screwed up big
time during the Apple Festival. Not one big banner sign, not one Demorat
float in the Apple parade.... The Charleston campaign folks found
out about it and aren't taking any chances.
Sept. 21 am This evening at the
new Courthouse there is an organizational meeting to get the message out,
Kerry in 2004. Public invited too.
Sept. 21 am WYAP-LP 101.7 FM is
broadcasting the Clay High Football games each week. This week, they're
adding something new. Naked Women!!!!!!!!!!
Sept. 21 am Just
kidding..... They're taping the show and planning to play it
back sometime over the weekend so the players can hear what went on.
Details as we get them clickers.
Sept. 21 am Ever hear of a Tazor
stun gun? Over on the ADVISORY page is one emailer's account of what not
to do with a TAZOR. While there take a look at Tollhouse Frank's football
predictions if you haven't been following them already.
Sept. 21 am This morning at 10 am
Larry Thomas will have his preliminary hearing in Magistrate Court. Thomas
stands charged with murder in the first degree of his wife, Nancy Nelson
one week ago yesterday. Wayne King will represent Thomas.
Sept. 21 am Yesterday, Tonya Salisbury
received a one year in the slammer from Judge Alsop for involuntary manslaughter
of her husband Chad. Already in jail for violating the terms of her bond
( failed the drug pee test about 100 times!), Salisbury will have to complete
about 5 more months to satisfy the Court and complete her sentence. Her
time on home confinement will not count toward jail time. As for
probation... nope according to Alsop.
Sept. 21 am And
Yes she went thru the alligator tears bit and asked the court for mercy
with, "Our actions that day...." Doesn't that sound a little odd , "our"?
Sept. 21 am About one minute after
the sentence was imposed, Chad's parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit
against Tonya in the Circuit Clerk's office.
Sept. 20 am There have
been 1,163 coalition deaths, 1,028 Americans, 66 Britons, six Bulgarians,
one Dane, two Dutch, one Estonian, one Hungarian, 19 Italians, one Latvian,
13 Poles, one Salvadoran, three Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and eight
Ukrainians, in the war in Iraq as of September 17, 2004
Sept. 20 am The smell of wood
burning stoves was in the air around Clayberry. Temps in the 50s make us
remember what makes Summer so special
Sept. 20 am The big apple
Festival wrapped up Sunday afternoon under blue skies and bright sunshine.
already people are commenting on how well the event went with the numbers
in attendance much more manageable.
Sept. 20 am Another thing is being
commented on. The Demorats! No not the politicians shaking babies
and kissing hands but the lack of Kerry/Edwards ANYTHING in the Apple,
around the Apple. Not a mention of Kerry in the parade. In the county of
3 to 1 Demorat to Republicat, with the opportunity lost, someone really
dropped the ball this time around!
Sept. 20 am Few can forget when
Prosecutor Grindo screwed up big time and blew the murder case against
Tonya Salisbury... she did agree to a plea. The last time we heard,
Salisbury will be sentenced today at 1pm.
Sept. 20 am Tonight the school board
meets at 6pm. With Clay Middle School listed as failing on the No School
Left Behind Act report and with the school system not wanting to pay to
ship students over Geary School in Roane County , the board will hire a
bunch more instructors to beef up CMS's educational process. Also tonight,
the elected ones will decide on written goals and objectives for our Superintendent
to accomplish.... it's about time don't you think?
Sept. 20 am Sort of an oppppps
Last week a post on the ambulance service got screwy. We reported the one
crew went after a patient with a spider bite and another call went unanswered.
Instead: Our crew was on a run and the spider bite victim had to drive
herself to the hospital after her leg went numb. We stand corrected . Of
course the issue remains, our ambulance service has a problem meeting the
needs of the county and "readiness" remains woefully under funded.
Sept. 20 am 16 months ago, W said
we had won the oil war. Now at least one General is telling the truth and
the "war" is escalating daily. Click Killing
continues
for more.
Sept. 20 am If Bush is elected
to a second term, is another war coming? Over 50% say Yes. Details from
AP.
Sept. 19 am With the sun shining
bright and the sky blue blue blue, the Apple Festival was in full blossom
yesterday. from little crumb snatchers to senior senior citizens, the town
was packed with stuff to do from stem to stern.
Sept. 19 am After the fireworks,
the bands fired up and played until well after midnight. Don't miss out
on today's 5k run, gospel sing beginning at 1, fishing derby at the pool,
and chili cookoff.
Sept. 19 am Last night Clay
High blew past Calhoun County 14 to 0.
Sept. 19 am We'll get to the weekend
wrapup this evening late ( maybe) and set a calendar for this coming week's
events like the Tony Salisbury sentencing.
Sept. 19 am I once had
a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased
to read the description in the catalogue: "No good in a bed, but
fine up against a wall". ~Eleanor Roosevelt
Sept. 19 am My wife has a
slight impediment in her speech. Every now and then she stops to breathe.
~Jimmy Durante
Sept. 19 am A woman
drove me to drink...and I hadn't even the courtesy to thank her. ~W.C.
Fields
Sept. 18 am Happy Saturday. After
what seems like a constant rain for years, the sun is suppose to come out
just in time for the Apple Festival parade and fun time stuff. Come out
meet some friends and enjoy life as it should be.
Sept. 18 am The Communicator
made it out the door around 2pm yesterday. 20 pages of the best news and
views on the life and times of Clayberry. Good detailed coverage from the
crime in Clayberry butt chewing meeting and info on Wednesday protest at
the courthouse among lots of other things.... even have a few more mentions
of Murder Mountain.
Sept. 18 am The radio station
is hosting an open house this afternoon. Talk in a can and win a prize
too. Want to get on the air and say hello to someone around the world?
This afternoon is your chance.
Sept. 18 am Tonight the rain delayed
Clay High vs Calhoun football game will be aired on WYAP-LP 101.7
FM. Take your radio over to the Apple Festival and enjoy both at the same
time!
Sept. 18 am For those with loved
ones in the area.... although we've had tons of rains, no flooding that
we've heard about in the county with roads remaining open.
Sept. 18 am Whenever I feel
blue, I start breathing again. All of us
could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism...
Why does a slight tax increase cost you two hundred dollars and a substantial
tax cut saves you thirty cents? In the 60's people
took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take
Prozac to make it normal... Politics
is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize
that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.
Sept. 17 am We're holding
up all new posts until we get the Communicator out the door today today
around 4pm. In the mean time...
Sept. 17 am Be careful. It
rained all night long and the creeks are getting deeper and deeper. We're
under a flood watch thru Saturday. Keep an eye open for small stream flooding!!
Sept. 17 am No word yet on tonight's
Clay High vs Calhoun County football match up. If the roads aren't flooded,
WYAP-LP will broadcast the game in its entirety beginning around 7pm.
Sept. 16pm A belated birthday
wish to the meaner than a green snake, living down South, Paige. How mean
is she? Hulk Hogan wouldn't have a chance against her!
Sept. 16 pm Yesterday Tommy Young
Sr was able to come up with bond and made bail. With bond at $150,000.00
for five felony charges, he had to provide the bondsman $15,000 or 10%.
Today Tommy Young Jr. is seeking bond reduction. We'll have the latest
Murder Mountain updates in Friday's Communicator.
Sept. 16 pm We goofed this morning.
Re read the post on Thomas Franklin King. The post is now corrected.
Sept. 16pm Don't let the rain get
you all bummed out. A bunch of the activities will be held indoors. We'll
post as needed.
Sept. 16 am There have been
1,154 coalition deaths, 1,020 Americans, 65 Britons, six Bulgarians, one
Dane, two Dutch, one Estonian, one Hungarian, 19 Italians, one Latvian,
13 Poles, one Salvadoran, three Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and eight
Ukrainians, in the war in Iraq as of September 15, 2004
Sept. 16 am Now some tidbits..
Remember last year when the WV Public Service Commission ordered the local
gas company into receivership? Since then, little has been heard on the
Valley, Beechy, and Wagoneer Gas Co mess. Now we don't have a clue what
a "Stoner Model" is, but the PSC has issued some new info. Click Still
in Control.
Sept. 16 am Ivydale's Larry
McLaughlin has been without water more often than not. After filing a complaint
with the WV PSC some time back, PSC engineers figured out a way for him
to have "some" water pressure in the evening hours. Up until then, there
was NO water pressure after 11pm nightly. That good supply of water from
the Clay County PSD didn't last very long. With water non existent, he
reopened his complaint. Click FIX
ORDERED for details on the new Jim Weimer inspired plan of attack.
Hello Jim!
Sept. 16 am After months and months
of work and planning, the Apple Festival is slated to kick off this afternoon.
Someone forgot to tell the weather man. Predictions call for rain rain
rain over the next three days. With kids ready to have some real end of
the summer fun and adults looking forward to seeing old friends, what a
pity.
Sept. 16 am By the way, according
to Bill Dunn, the big trout fishing derby has been changed to catfish and
the helicopter rides have been canceled due to the Florida based pilot's
roof blowing off back home.
Sept. 16 am Do you know what a flint
knapper is? Michael Miller will be at Kate's Florist on Main Street , Saturday,
to demonstrate his art. Still don't know? Click Work
of Art to see his handiwork. With the bad weather coming this way,
bring a rain coat or umbrella and don't forget about the other indoor stuff
to do.... there's a Craft area in the old Elk Hardware building for instance....
and don't forget about Saturday's "tasting" over at Scented Wonders Craft
Mall at Two Run. Keep your radios tuned to 101.7 FM. We plan to provide
updated info all day Saturday
Sept. 16 am There is another feather
in volunteer Cop Buckshot Butcher's hat today. Yesterday Thomas Franklin
King stood before the Magistrate and received 8 consecutive one year sentences
for destruction of property charges. In addition to 8 years behind bars,
he has to pay a $500 fine times 8 , and $125 court costs times 8. Butcher
was the arresting officer. The case will be appealed.
Sept. 16 am If you didn't read yesterday
afternoon's post on the protest at the Courthouse, do so now. Are you back?
Sept. 16 am 50 or so people stood
in front of the Courthouse yesterday holding signs and yelling to passing
motorists. At issue is a custody battle over a young boy after the Mother
was killed in a car accident 2 years back. The grand parents want
custody as well as a live in companion ( Tina Birch) of the deceased
woman, Christy Smarrs. The case has been appealed to the WV Supreme Court.
Sept. 16 am Here's the confusing
part, some of the protesters were holding signs denouncing homosexuality
while others touted Grandparents rights and the child should be given to
"blood" lines. TV-8 news crews talked with one Smarr family members who
said gay rights wasn't an issue. Based on the number of anti gay signs,
we beg to differ.
Sept. 15 pm it's not often that
Clayberry uses the constitutionally guaranteed power of protest to influence
government. They did today.
Sept. 15 pm Assembling early this
morning, around 30 protesters raised signs and asked passing motorists
to honk horns in support of their cause. At issue is a child custody battle
between grand parents and a deceased mother's live in companion.
Some of the cardboard signs advocated grand parent rights while others
sought removal of homosexual rights to child custody. Family Law Master
Ruckman and Circuit Judge Jack Alsop decisions in the matter are being
appealed and before the WV Supreme Court .
Sept. 15 pm One protester said she
wanted Family Law Master Ruckman to know they were unhappy with his decision.
Ruckman was inside the Courthouse during the protest. Another
fellow said they planned to protest each Wednesday until the Supreme Court
makes a decision this winter.
Sept. 15 pm Around 10:45 today,
TV 3 News crews were seen heading into Clayberry. Watch for coverage on
the 6 and 11pm news casts.
Sept. 15 pm Today at 2pm WYAP-LP
radio is providing an on air memorial show for Nancy Nelson. Locally, the
non profit station broadcasts on 101.7FM and around the globe on the internet.
For details, go to their web site. The link is near the top left on our
home page.
Sept. 15 am Nancy June Nelson, see
FUNERAL page
Sept. 15 am Here in Clayberry, paint
is being applied, the carnival is setting up and the grand daddy of them
all, The Apple Festival is getting ready to open. For all intent and purposes,
beginning Thursday evening, Main Street will be wall to wall people.
Sept. 15 am Rumor had it that
for four hours Saturday, Main Street would be shut down to allow more room
for Apple Festival parade spectators. Organizer Bill Dunn commented late
last week, that although he asked permission, the State Road folks had
never given the OK.
Sept. 15 am Monday night at 10:29pm
911 called for an ambulance. A minute later they toned again. At
10:31 pm A driver was available but no medical personnel, 911: We're giving
it to Braxton.. I have to go ahead and move it.... I don't have time. At
10:25 pm our on duty crew went on a "spider bite" call
Sept. 15 am Last night the
Health Dept. Board of Directors met and pretty much gave the thumbs up
on a new 100% No Smoking Ban for county businesses. The real vote will
come during their next meeting. Don't wait for a public meeting to express
your concerns. There won't be one! They said they could vote in any healthy
regulation without holding a public romp. Instead, the Boardsters
will allow the public an opportunity to write letters.
Sept. 15 am That's a No Smoking
Ban everywhere except at the Lion's Club Bingo Casino which has been exempted
from ANY anti smoking ordinance. Seems, that second hand smoke can kill
you anywhere other than while playing Bingo.
Sept. 15 am Notice the post said
" pretty much" gave the thumbs up for the ban. In attendance, Joe Morris,
Bobby Stover, and Herman Rogers spoke in favor of the ban. Chair Connie
Harper made no comment and Lorretta Bird was again absent from public service.
Full meeting details in this Friday's Communicator.
Sept. 15 am Ever hear of a "tasting"?
The Craft Mall over at Two Run is hosting a "tasting" this Saturday, 10
to 6pm. Samplings include items from Ordinary Evelyn, Zeke's Hillbilly
Salsa, and Sandy's Simple Treats.
Sept. 15 am Tommy Young Jr. had
a bond reduction hearing Monday. Since those dealings are all secret, he's
still a juvenile for another couple months, don't know what was decided.
Sept. 15 am Friday night's Clay
High vs Calhoun County Football game will be broadcast on WYAP-LP. For
our international clickers, you can listen in via the internet. Walk over
to www.clayfm.com for details
Sept. 15 am Go Clay Middle School
Girls Volley Ball team!!!!!!! Last night both the JV and Varsity beat Calhoun.
The next home game for CMS is this coming Monday evening.
Sept. 15 am Get your last minute
event or classified listing in by Thursday 11am please. We hope to get
the paper all typed up early enough so we can head over to the Golden Delicious
Festival too!
Sept. 14 pm Sadly we post the passing
of Nancy Nelson early this morning in CAMC hospital. In Clayberry, the
talk is quieter and the mood is somber. We morn.
Sept. 14 am We won't get all the
news posted this morning so check back later this afternoon for more posts.
Sept. 14 am As of last night around
10:30pm, here's the way we've got the shooting story.
Sept. 14 am Nancy Nelson was found
with multiple gunshot wounds in her bed Monday morning before 11 am.
We understand she is on life support in CAMC General Division with one
wound in the chest, one in the head, another in her hand and remains in
critical condition surviving only on life support.
Sept. 14 am After fleeing, Nelson's
husband, Larry Thomas, called 911 from his corner of the Kanawha Blvd.
apartment and confessed her "murder". Shortly thereafter with a pistol
and bottle beside him, he took a bunch of pills. Thomas was taken to CAMC.
Sept. 14 am Nancy owns and operates
the county's popular and recently expanded restaurant at the Rt. 4 and
36 intersection. The news of the shooting stunned the county. We moved
a little slower and talked a little quieter yesterday.
Sept. 14 am Last night the County
Commission held a public meeting on crime in the county. The guess is,
it'll be the last Town meeting style meeting they hold for a while!
With over 75 irate residents in attendance, the locals made it very clear,
they were tired of lawlessness in the county and were prepared to take
law into their own hands.
Sept. 14 am Prosecutor Gringo and
Commissioner Sams took the most heat for different reasons. Grindo was
asked about his job performance, low conviction rates, the number plea
bargains, and more. At one point, someone in the back yelled back, " GO
BACK TO BRAXTON COUNTY!!!" Grindo held his cool and maintained. When he
replied that he had a better than 80% success rate in Court, it was all
over. No one believed him from then on.
Sept. 14 am In the Aug.
9th edition of The Communicator, Sheriff Fields reported that the county
had lost a bunch of rent money from the Family Law Master's office. Why?
Because Commissioner Sams' nailed a Ten Commandment plaque to the CCC room
wall where the Family Law Master holds court. According to Fields,
the court system has been unwilling to pay the $700 a month rent
until the County Commission room met their standards and their standards
do not include violating the separation of church and state.
Sept. 14 am Last night during Crime
in Clayberry meeting at Clay High, Magistrate Boggs asked Sams if it was
true, that the "10" had cost the county $30,000? Sams him hauled about.
The question came again. As Sams was evading the question, the crowd yelled
out "Yes or No Sams!!!!!!!" They didn't get an answer as Sams came back
with something like: If they don't get religion at home they're going to
get it at the Courthouse.
Sept. 14 am Keeping in mind this
is the Billy Sunday belt, the crowd all but threw rotten tomatoes at Sams!
Isn't that interesting? Just a few years ago when Sams nailed up the "10",
the county supported his election year tactic nearly 100%. With court decision
after court decision going against displaying religious items on public
buildings, and now with the county out enough money to pay for at least
one Deputy, Sams nearly got boo'd off the high school stage.
Sept. 14 am Sure can't forget about
Commissioner Triplett who didn't fair much better than Sams or Gringo.
After trying to explain why the CCC couldn't fire Prosecutor Grindo among
other things, the crowd turned on him too.
Sept. 14 am by the end of last night's
meeting, there was nearly a vigilante attitude in the room as one guy yelled
out, "Raise your right hands and we'll take care of the problem!" Others
chimed in too.
Sept. 14 am As Municipal Judge Boone
( Gassaway and Clendenin) was giving a political speech supporting Randy
Holcomb for Sheriff, the crowd turned again! This time they yelled they
didn't want politics, they wanted answers and results! Things got Hot!!
Sept. 14 am Many in the crowd were
upset and said so... Loudly said so! The most alarming part of the
meeting came from Commissioner Sams and Town Cop Buckshot Butcher who openly
supported the crowd's perspective, take matters in your own hands, and
to H with law and order.
Sept. 14 am More posts today...
we haven't even talked about yesterday's County Commission meeting yet!
Sept. 13 5pm Details are sketchy
on the shooting of Nancy Nelson at this time. Here's what we know. Around
11 am, the first 911 calls came in followed by 11:40am with Health net
taking the local business lady to the hospital in critical condition with
gun shot wounds, one to the head.
Sept. 13 5 pm After lunch,
three green shirt vehicles and one Deputy mobile were parked in Ms
Nelson's driveway. One Green Shirt was across the road talking to neighbors
at 12:20pm this afternoon. A little later it looked like 2 Green
Shirts were heading South to Clendenin. We checked with the Magistrate's
office no charges or arrest warrants have been filed as of 3:30pm.
Sept. 13 5pm At 4:29 today scanner
traffic asked a Green Shirt to meet with TV - 3 News crews who were in
the county covering the attack. Might want to check the TV 3 news
casts at 5 and 6pm.
Sept. 13 5 pm As for a reason or
a name tagged to the shooter, we don't have it. Rumors are running wild
in the county. Adding them all up, it sounds like a domestic between irate
lovers and ex lovers. All speculation so far clickers.
Sept. 13 pm NOON At 11 am
this morning a call came in to 911 of a shooting. By 11:40 am Health net
had taken "the owner of Nancy's restaurant" to the hospital in critical
condition with a head wound according to 911.
Sept. 13pm Our prayers
extended to Nancy Nelson and family.
Sept. 13 am This is the big big
week for the county as the Golden Delicious Festival opening up on Thursday.
100s will be coming into the Clayberry to visit and revisit. the link to
the official Apple web site is on our home page.
Sept. 13 am This morning the County
Commission meets in regular session beginning at 10 am. We're into our
third month with no Commissioner Mathew "HAC" Bragg in attendance while
continuing to collect his taxpayer paid for check. If you live in District
A, that's the District HAC is suppose to be representing, you haven't had
a voice on County Court in months... actually years!
Sept. 13 am Tonight
at 7 the public is encouraged to come to a "Crime In Clayberry"
public meeting. The gathering will be held at the High School with law
enforcement, the judicial folks and elected leaders invited to hear from
the public.
Sept. 13 am People are up
in arms over the amount of criminal activities going on in the county.
One lady said there are more crank houses in the county than church houses!
The interesting part will be whether locals care enough to come to a meeting
or stay at home and watch football. Our prediction: a dismal
light turn out, hope we're wrong!
Sept. 13 am Now for the criminals,
with all law enforcement to be at the meeting tonight, here's a golden
opportunity to strike it big.
Sept. 13 am Hard to believe
but the Clay County schools web site is nearly up to date. Click SCHOOLS
and bookmark it for future reference.
Sept. 13 am Remember Jim Bakker
from the PTL network? We've got another high dollar TV evangelist in the
grease. Click CAUGHT
for more
Sept. 12 am Belated Birthday Wishes
to Bill Fisher. You don't look a day over 80!
Sept. 12 am From the last
7 days, here's our week that was....
Sept. 12 am Gene King was selected
Demorat of the Year.... Rain soggied the place for three days.... Sycamore's
took on that dried up golden hue.... kids were treated to time off when
an electric outage brought a two hour school delay Thursday, And..
Sept. 12 am Central Appalachia Empowerment
Zone (CAEZ) held their annual "Time to Celebrate a Good Year of Growth"
Dinner at the Courthouse. Lots of good food, hand shaking, and a speech
on how good Joe Manchin will do as our next governor. After 10 years on
the job, Clay County is still waiting on jobs, growth, and opportunity
Sept. 12 am Clay Development Corp
(CDC) held a special meeting to change its by laws. After Charleston Newspaper's
blew the lid off corrupt senior service activities in Bob Graham's
Wyoming County senior program, the big boys in Charleston forced by law
changes on all senior service providers in the state. For CDC, that meant
changing the Board make up to include reps from professionals like doctors
and lawyers.
Sept. 12 am It appears the 10 year
delayed Amma/Left Hand water line extension project will finally get started.
Although almost twice as expensive as originally estimated, Clay Roane
PSD says the rate increases will not have to go up.
Sept. 12 am Tommy Young Sr finally
got his preliminary hearing on Friday. Lots of good flip flopping, court
room testimony. In the end, probable cause was found and Sr remains behind
bars unable to make bail.
Sept. 12 am The hard working Apple
Festival crews began getting the town cleaned up for the annual event.
The Clay Fire Dept. washed down the streets as a pretty face was put on
the Town.
Sept. 12 am And another first for
the county this week. Friday night, the Clay High Football game was broadcast
LIVE around the world by WYAP-LP 101.7FM, our local non profit radio station.
Sept. 12 am By Saturday, absolutely
undocumented
reports traveled the county.... a body was found in double bagged garbage
bags near Murder Mountain. One guy said he heard shots fired Friday afternoon
in the same area.
Sept. 11 am Benjamin G. Thomas,
see FUNERAL page
Sept. 11 am Pearl Harbor, Nov. when
we lost JFK, Sept. 11th, black days in America. Today we remember Moms,
Dads, and kids. 3000 lives lost when air liners turned into rockets
of destruction. The only thing worse than 9/11 is the loss of over 1000
more men and women in W's war with the wrong country. Today, three
years after the assault on our land, we know we can topple a government
in three weeks but can't admit those "pockets of resistance" have
grown into a united assault on the occupying American forces; we have the
power to take over an oil supply but not the ability to humanly deal with
prisoners; and, $200 billion dollars is not enough to scratch the surface
of repair.
Sept. 11 am Yesterday Prosecutor
Grindo referenced our mid week web post where we gave him H over blowing
another case after not linking a Samples subject to illegal pot charges.
Mr. Grindo commented Friday afternoon that a witness had recanted earlier
testimony. While we appreciate the info, the dismal prosecution rate during
the last 21 months remains glaring example of efforts not meeting
the demands of the job.
Sept. 11 am Tommy Young Sr
finally had his preliminary hearing after a three week delay. Magistrate
King found probable cause in the five felony case. During the hearing Richard
Cummings provided his recollections from Aug. 17th when Murder Mountain
went wild and he ended up with 5 bullet holes. Cummings was on his best
behavior and testified that he was completely against illegal drugs.
Sept. 11 am The old Courthouse was
packed with kids and family from both sides of the warring clans. Young
Sr was chained and quiet as he listened to every word Cummings spoke.
Sept. 11 am Defense attorney Novobilski
worked on Cummings during lengthy hearing. At one point Cummings was sure
Sr was the one that had shot him while later he testified it was dark,
there were three firing with assault weapons, and he wasn't exactly sure
which person's bullets struck him.
Sept. 11 am With probable cause
found, Tommy Young Sr remains behind bars without the means to make $150,000
bond, Tommy Young Jr. is locked up in a Juvenile Center unable to make
his $400,000 cash bond. Quieter on Murder Mountain now? Yes, but
neighbors said they heard shots fired yesterday!
Sept. 11 am Last night Clay High
Panthers put it all over the Valley Fayette Greyhounds 54 to 8 making a
3 and 0 season so far this year. And would have ever thought it... Last
night's game was broadcast around the world on WYAP-LP! Little Clayberry
has finally made the big time. Friends, supporters, and relatives can now
listen be apart of hometown football no matter where they live. Goooo Clay!
Sept. 10 am We're going into another
wet sloppy day of overcast skies and dampness. Yuck Yuck.
Sept. 10 am We do have some good
news from last night's Clay Roane PSD meeting. For those that have been
wanting water service in the Amma Left Hand extension, it looks like it
might really happen! I know, those in Roane County have heard that
for 10 years and us in Clay County have heard it for nearly 20 years BUT
BUT BUT
Sept. 10 am If they can get
a few more Rights of Way agreements, secure the Dept. of Highways permits,
and get the PSD accountant to finish his paperwork, ground breaking could
happen Nov. From the time the first shovel makes contact,
the clock starts ticking. The contractors have 333 days to complete the
job.
Sept. 10 am We only caught the tail
end of the scanner traffic but is sounded like, yesterday: a drive by style
shooting in Procious; a shooting on Samples Hollow Road last night around
8:45pm; and three ambulance calls came in leaving our emergency ambulance
crews with their pants down. Sounded like our unit went out, then a call
to Braxton for a unit and when the third emergency request came in, well,
there was a delay in service to say the least. We'll check for details
today and post.
Sept. 10 am Clayberry is setting
up for the biggest event of the year, the Apple Festival. The two buildings
beside the Courthouse are being cleaned out to house crafters. Last night
the Clay Fire Dept. was out in force hosing down he streets washing off
a year's worth of grime.
Sept. 10 am We forgot to post TV
3 news crews at Ivydale earlier this week doing a story with Monk Cunningham
and Sheriff Fields on the lawlessness and lack of Deputies in the county.
The segment aired Tuesday night and Wed am. Hey they even had our fearless
Prosecutor Grindo involved!
Sept. 10 am Tonight Clay High takes
on Valley Fayette in the first home game of the season. Be at Bradley/Schoonover
Field by 7 for a good seat and bring a radio to listen to WYAP 101.7FM
for coverage. Tollhouse Frank will provide the commentary.
Sept. 10 am The Calhoun County Grand
Jury returned 10 indictments Tuesday including: Sean Andrew Thacker,
29, of Maysel, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of second degree
sexual assault.
Sept. 9 late am No fans humming,
no clocks ticking, too quiet to be true..... Clay County woke to no electricity
this morning. Around 6 am came the decision to operate the school system
on a 2 hour delay. No sure what happened to the power but by 7:40 am, parts
of the county were once again electrified.
Sept. 9 am This morning at 10, Clay
Development Corp (CDC) will hold a Special Board meeting to vote on big
time changes in the group's by laws. The change will require 3 readings
and a vote of the general membership. Tonight Clay Roane PSD meets at 7pm
at the CDc building on Main Street across from the Courthouse.
Sept. 9 am Happy Birthday Wishes
to Chris and Christina on their 26th Birthday
Sept. 9 am Young ladies, if you
work for McDonald's, Playboy
magazine
has a job for you.
Sept. 9 am Does it sound like we
give Prosecutor Grindo too much grief? Yesterday Grindo blew another case
where a Samples subject was in deep doo doo over pot. During the
jury trial our man Grindo neglected to link the defendant to the illegal
hemp. Judge tossed the whole case. So how well prepared was the young Prosecutor?
As we understand it, not one Badge was there to testify.
Is it any wonder law enforcement is often perceived as just sitting on
their butts? Why try to bring in the bad guys when all the Prosecutor does
is let them off the hook!
Sept. 9 am County Commissioners
Jimmy Sams and Tim Butcher appointed Grindo to the job, Dec 8, 2002
after Jeff Davis resigned the elected post. Earlier in
the year Grindo remarked that he had single handily reduced the back log
of cases pending. Getting them tossed is one way to reduce the backlog
Sept. 9 am On Friday, Tommy Young
Sr will finally get his long delayed preliminary hearing after spending
three weeks in the slammer unable to make $150,000 bail. The hearing was
delayed because Grindo was away from duty in the county for over a week.
Juvenile Tommy Young Jr will also have a bond reduction hearing. jr is
locked up unable to come up with the $400,000 cash only bail.
Sept. 9 am In spite of all the misleadership
in the county, some people are trying to make a go of it. Take for instance,
the new O'Brion Oval Speedway, Sister's Restaurant, Scented Wonder Craft
Mall. With little to nothing in the way of government help, they've set
up shop and are providing employment. Look around at
the impact of the speedway on the county. Drivers and spectators from several
counties have all ready came to the area and spent big bucks here.
Scented Wonders offers a showcase for Clay County artisans giving them
an opportunity to bring in some jingle.
Sept. 9 am During Tuesday night's
grand CAEZ hallway luncheon, a power point presentation was provided which
highlighted a big long list of Clay County CAEZ accomplishments like...
well, let me think.... the new dam? Nope! Filcon? Yelp! CAEZ was replaced
in July as the lead economic development agency for the county. The Clay
County Business Development Authority assumed the duty.
Sept. 8 am Clara Townsend
97, of Hartland see FUNERAL page
Sept. 8 am Gladys... You there?
Gladys in Vermillon Ohio, Francis says Hello
Sept. 8 am Monday evening scanner
listeners heard Town Chief of Police Buckshot Butcher respond to a Pierson
lad tearing the ripping off the back door knob off the Foodland building
followed by bashing the pop machine on the front side of the store. Green
shirts were later called in. No charges filed as of Tuesday evening
Sept. 8 am also from Monday
night, Gene King was selected as the Demorat of the Year.
Sept. 8 am Last night the Central
Appalachia Empowerment Zone (CAEZ) held their by laws mandated annual dinner.
The event was held in the hallway of the Courthouse with tables zig zagged
around the staircase. Called a dinner it was more of a political rally
for Joe Manchin. The quest speaker was Brian Kastack who works the campaign
trail for Smokin Joe Manchin.
Sept. 8 am at 4pm Clay Town
Council met in regular session. There they agreed to purchase two new computers
and buy Buckshot a new pair of shoes along with the first reading of a
new ordinance that allows employees to come inside your home or business
and check to see what kind of water source you have hooked up. We'll provide
more coverage from both meetings as well as the school board meeting later.
Sept. 8 am The sad news is the death
toll in W's oil war just topped 1000 young men and women. Click Is
it Worth it for details. John Kerry spoke out on the tragic
milestone.
Sept. 8 am New Bush National guard
records mysteriously surface. Click More
Details Still Needed
Sept. 8 am If you head over to the
WV
Public Service Commission web site , click monthly calendars, and type
in Sept. 2004 , you can see all the hearing info including Larry McLaughlin
vs the Clay County PSD hearing slated for this month.
Sept. 8 am And finally for
this wet Wednesday morning, something to pep you up: A man fell out
of a tenth story window. He hit the sidewalk with a thud, got up
and brushed himself off.
A witness rushed over and
breathlessly asked, what happened? The man gave the witness
a puzzled look and exclaimed, "I don't know--just got here myself.
Sept. 7 am Just as we were about
to post last night around 11, something happened. Can't explain it, but
the web host just shut down. Looks fine this morning.
Sept. 7 am This afternoon
at 4 Clay Town Council convenes at the water plant. Never know what you
might learn by attending the gathering
Sept. 7 am How about some
free food? Tonight at 6pm the Central Appalachia
Empowerment Zone (CAEZ) is hosting
the annual dinner for the world at the Courthouse.
With empowerment zone and enterprise
community Federal designations expired ( after 10 years), this will
be the last supper as we know them now. CAEZ by laws require the annual
event and a report to the public on what's been accomplished in the last
12 months. Should
be a short report.
Sept.
7 am Last night around 9pm, police were told to be on the look out for
a gold colored Lincoln Town car heading this way. The occupants were involved
in a domestic and possible kidnapping.
Sept.
7 am The Oil War death toll came closer to 1000 this weekend with the loss
of 7 more American Soldiers Monday. There have been 1,120 coalition deaths,
993 Americans, 65 Britons, six Bulgarians, one Dane, two Dutch, one
Estonian, one Hungarian, 19 Italians, one Latvian, 10 Poles, one
Salvadoran, three Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and eight Ukrainians,
in the war in Iraq as of September 6, 2004
Sept.
7 am Years ago Clay County was promised much improved emergency response
times if Nicholas County took over dispatching for us. As we coughed
up $100,000 for mapping, addressing, and equipment, head honcho back
then Jinks Hinkle said that when emergency service headed out for
a situation, they would have a printed out map ready to direct them to
the scene. That was then..
Sept.
7 am Last night at 10:14pm Badges were trying to respond to a possible
domestic something or other and asked 911 Dispatch in Nicholas County for
better directions, " Can
you look on a map or something?"
911 Dispatch responded, " We do NOT have a map of
Clay County at this time."
Sept.
7 am Those are the folks we pay each month to dispatch emergency service
crews and after providing the service for 5 years, they don't have a map
of our county.
Sept. 6 am We're taking the day
off but before we go...
Sept. 6 am In rural
America, some vandalism is tolerated like last night's mailbox bashing
on Triplett Ridge. Of course those with bashed and burnt mailboxes might
not be so happy today.
Sept. 6 am Hello Chaz
Sept. 6 am how about a brain
test... Below are four (4) questions. You have to answer them
instantly. You can't take your time, answer all of them, immediately.
First Question: You are participating in a race. You overtake
the second person. What position are you in? Answer: If you
answered that you are first, then you are absolutely wrong!
If you overtake the second person and you take his place, you are
second!
Sept. 6 am Try not to screw
up in the next question. Second Question: If you overtake
the last person, then you are...? Answer: If you answered
that you are second to last, then you are wrong. Tell
me, how can you overtake the LAST person? YOU are the last person. You're
not very good at this are you?
Sept. 6 am Third Question:
Very tricky math! Note: This must be done in your head only.
Do NOT use paper and pencil or a calculator. Try it:
Take 1000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1000. Now add 30.
Add another 1000. Now add 20. Now add another 1000.
Now add 10. What is the total? Answer: Did
you get 5000? The correct answer is actually 4100. Don't
believe it? Check with your calculator!
Sept. 6 am Today is
definitely not your day. Maybe you will get the last question right?
Fourth Question: Mary's father has five daughters: 1. Nana,
2. Nene, 3. Nni, 4. Nono. What is the name of the fifth daughter?
a, e, i, o,u)? Answer: Nunu? NO! Of
course, not. Her name is Mary. Read the question again.
Sept. 6 am Happy Labor Day clickers
Sept. 5 am Finishing up this week
means we're finishing up the summer season. With the pool closed, corn
stalks turning brown, schools open and the sugar maples already turning
orange and read, summer is gone. From the week that was....
Sept. 5 am There have been
1,110 coalition deaths, 979 Americans, 65 Britons, six Bulgarians, one
Dane, two Dutch, one Estonian, one Hungarian, 19 Italians, one Latvian,
10 Poles, one Salvadoran, three Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and eight
Ukrainians, in the war in Iraq as of September 2, 2004.
Sept. 5 am Wouldn't you just know
it???? All of a sudden, the Feds say they are close to finding Osama
bin Ladem!!!!!! Just 2 months before the election and ..... No one
would have guessed that!
Sept. 5 am Tuesday morning
(5:19am) our ambulance crew slept while the tone went off over and over
for 19 minutes. Only after off-duty Morgy Triplett threw on some clothes
and drove over to the ambulance station, we're the on duty folks rousted
from bed.
Sept. 5 am 10 days ago we found
out about the misdeeds of Dept of Health, WIC Director, Marlene Helvey,
whose unbridled over spending resulted in three people losing their jobs.
Three days ago, Teresa Morton resigned from the Health Dept. Her departure
will make room for County Sanitarian Jay Carper to remain employed.
Sept. 5 am We got some good news
this week clickers. With additional funding secured, and the bids coming
in $130,000 lower for the Amma/Left Hand water project, the dirt may actually
start flying in the 9 year stalled project. With an additional $1m debt
load, the only question remains: Once built, can anyone afford the water.
Sept. 5 am Two days ago, Richard
Cummings made bond and was out on the streets of Clayberry. Tommy Young
Sr and Jr. remain locked up for now. The Ovapa area remains quiet for now.
Sept. 5 am And late Friday afternoon,
The Communicator made it to the news stands. 20 pages of the best who do
in the county including full details on the layoffs at the Health Dept.
and several pages on Murder Mountain including court room action with Tommy
Young Sr and Richard Cummings.
Sept. 5 am A RECENT STUDY FOUND
OUT WHICH DAYS MEN PREFER TO HAVE SEX. IT WAS FOUND THAT MEN PREFERRED
TO ENGAGE IN SEXUAL ACTIVITY ON THE DAYS THAT STARTED WITH THE LETTER "T".EXAMPLES
OF THOSE DAYS ARE AS FOLLOWS: TUESDAY THURSDAY
TODAY TOMORROW THANKSGIVING THATURDAY
THUNDAY
Sept. 5 am Why is it that
no matter what color of bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with the hopes that
something new to eat will have materialized?
Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum
cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give
their vacuum one more chance?
Why is it that no plastic garbage bag will open from the end you first
try?
How do those dead bugs get into closed light fixtures? Considering all
the lint you get in your dryer, if you kept drying your clothes would they
eventually just disappear?
Why is it that when you're walking up the stairs and you get to the top
you always think there's still one more step?
Why do old men wear their pants higher than younger men?
Do Chinese people get hungry an hour after they eat American food?
Sept. 4 am The Communicator made
it to the news stands yesterday around 5 pm. 20 pages of solid near award
winning coverage of the place we call home, Clayberry. Lots of good Murder
Mountain follow up coverage too.
Sept. 4 am And belated, from the
email bag: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR MOMMY MARIA SCHOONOVER THORNE ON FRIDAY
SEPT 3RD. WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH. PRINCESS HANNAH AND
PRINCE JONJON
Sept. 4 am Even without a
stoplight in the entire county, it's not often we have a traffic jam. While
contractors clean out ditch lines and culverts going into downtown Clay,
vehicles have been stopped for long periods of time. Yesterday morning
a school bus serving the Two Run area of town somehow managed to "forget"
to pick up students thus avoiding setting in traffic.
Sept. 4 am New business in the county
doesn't' happen very often. Today Sister's Place Restaurant opens at Procious
in the old Exxon station. After spending over a $100,000 refurbishing the
place, the eatery looks nice and fit for a king. Door prizes today too.
Sept. 4 am From the Baptist
Outreach Ministry web site: We
mourn the loss of our dear friend and one of our finest missionaries. While
serving on the field of Zambia, Brother Steve Richards was called home
to be with the Lord with an apparent heart attack on August 11, 2004.
Please pray for his wife Linda and their family. It was Brother Richards'
desire to be buried in Zambia. The funeral will be held Sunday, August
22 in Livingston. Dr. Vick and Dr. Dykes will leave today (August 16, 2004)
to attend. They will return with Linda on August 27, 2004. There will be
a memorial service at the Richard's home church on Saturday, September
4, 2004 at 2:00pm (Clay First Baptist Church, PO Box 849 Clay, WV 25043
- Pastor Ralph Davis).
Sept. 4 am As we the summer season
closed, so goes the live outdoor concerts at WYAP radio. Tonight beginning
at 6 the last for the year features Jamie Oats, Bob and Ruth Bell, Harold
Allen, and Gene &Dana Perkins. Come and support the community station
and WV musicians
Sept. 4 am We're going to take a
day or so off to enjoy a beautiful weekend. See you Monday evening.
Sept. 3 am No new posts until we
get the Communicator out the door around 4pm.
Sept. 3 am Except Richard Cummings
made bond Thursday afternoon and is now out and about. Cummings was the
man shot four times during the Aug. 17th Murder mountain shoot out. Lots
of details in the Communicator today.
Sept. 3 am Clay Middle lost
their season opener to Braxton last night 37 to 0
Sept. 3 am Yesterday bids came in
$130,000 cheaper than expected for the Amma Left Hand water line
extension project #2. According to engineer Jim Hildruth, funding is now
in place for the project to proceed.
Sept. 3 am Clay County Development
Corp has to change their corporate by laws to meet new state requirements.
The Board will also be cut back to 9. Full details you know where
later today.
Sept. 3 am How Are a Texas
Tornado And a WV Divorce The Same? Somebody's Gonna Lose A
Trailer
Sept. 3 am What Is The Difference
Between a Harley And a Hoover? The Location Of The Dirt Bag.
Sept. 3 am What's The Difference
Between Roast Beef And Pea Soup? Anyone Can Roast Beef.
Sept. 3 am What Do Eskimos Get From
Sitting On The Ice too Long? Polaroid's
Sept. 2 pm Forgot to mention in
the morning post that Clay Middle School starts the football season tonight
at home at 7. CMS takes on Braxton. Friday night Clay High takes
on Braxton, away. Go CLaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!
Sept. 2 pm Richard Cummings is charged
with growing pot on Murder Mountain. This morning Mag King held the preliminary
hearing on the charges. Attorney William Lester worked it hard and brought
allegations that the neighbor's kids, that's Tommy Young's family brought
over the pot plants in an attempt to frame arch rival Cummings. The request
to dismiss the charges or reduce the bond to $2000 didn't work. Cummings
remains in custody awaiting a trial.
Sept. 2 pm The state was represented
by Special Prosecutor Brian Lanham. Clay County Prosecutor Grindo announced
last week that he would be away from duty this entire week.
Sept. 2 am If you want your
classified in tomorrow's Communicator, email it over by 3 pm today please
Sept. 2 am Richard Cummings will
appear before Magistrate King this morning at 9 am for a preliminary hearing.
This evening at 5pm the Business Development Authority will meet in the
County Commission room. Prosecutor Daniel Grindo is off for the week and
a special Prosecutor, Brian Lanham, has been called in to handle the court
room work today.
Sept. 2 am We had Roy Brown's mug
shot on yesterday's home page. Brown was picked up on capias for worthless
checks. You might remember that Roy had just got out of the slammer and
was in attendance the morning that Tonya Salisbury received her super light
plea in the Chad Salisbury murder case.
Sept. 2 am Here's a strange
one. We understand County Sanitarian Theresa Morton quit her position Wednesday
at the Health Dept. WV Civil Service sanitarians are paid $22,000
while Morton made over $44,000 as a Sanatarian/RN. During stormy Health
Board meetings a couple years back, Morton got the job description change
with Board approval. Jay Carper got his pink slip during an emergency Health
Bd meeting last week. Carper, an RN too, received sanatarian training last
winter and was serving in that capacity. Looks like Carper may have get
his job back. Just a guess.
Sept. 2 am 5:16 am Tuesday
morning 911 toned out our ambulance crew for a man with chest pains. They
toned again and again and again. 19 minutes after the first attempt to
awaken the sleeping crew ,around 5:35am, the crew marked up as in route.
Mr. Holcomb's obit can be found on our Funeral page
Sept. 2 am Kids were playing
Tuesday evening before dark on the Scenic Drive road near Camp Creek. A
stray dog known for biting, went after 9 year old honor student Misti
Flores. Mrs. Flores feared the dog may have been rabid and
when she tried to catch the animal, it tried to bite her. With cops and
ambulance called, the Father took his 12 gauge shotgun, fired three times
killing the large animal. Raise your hand if you wouldn't do the same thing
if a stray dog bit your child.
Sept. 2 am The Father, Thomas Flores
was arrested after the incident and charged with three felony wanton endangerment
charges and one of animal cruelty. He is out on bond pending a trial. According
to Ms Flores, a neighbor, Waldon Dennis, was about 1/2 a football field
away and complained to the Green Shirts.
Sept. 2 am Flores biggest complaint:
The Badges spent 30 minutes talking with Dennis before checking on the
condition of the little girl. Full details Friday in the Communicator.
Sept. 1 pm Roger Lee Holcomb,
57, of Indore see FUNERAL page
Sept. 1 pm Sometimes local leaders
don't pass the muster on getting the job done in a timely manner.
To get millions in grant dollars for the own of Clay water plant upgrade,
they have to dot the i's and cross the t's. Seems they've dropped the ball.
Click, Paperwork?
for info from the WV Public Service Commission.
Sept. 1 pm The name Sandra Kahlif
has graced the pages of The Communicator and this web site many times.
A couple days back we made mention that Sandra doesn't use the Kahlif name
in Clay County Magistrate records but instead goes by Sandra Guy. Just
two years ago during the Tatto Vince trial, the Roane County Court system
referred to her as Ms Kahlif.
Sept. 1 pm yesterday afternoon an
upset Sandra didn't mince words on the media coverage and the last
name question and more. On the streets of Clay in front of the Post Office
the stirred up lady said she didn't appreciate media mentioning her children,
that she was the only person that stands up for the kids and any mention
of the kids SHOULD NOT be in the paper or on the site. Although we've never
printed her children's names and explained that to her, she was still worked
up.
Sept. 1 pm Ms Guy went to say that
she changed her name and moved to help protect her kids and get them out
of a dangerous environment in Ohio. About now a great big Hmmmmm is in
order but that would probably make her madder still so no Hmmmmm.
Sept. 1 pm Thursday evening at 5
the Clay County Business Development Authority meets at the Courthouse.
Sept. 1 pm
Sept. 1 am How Do You Catch a Unique
Rabbit? Unique Up On It.
How Do You Catch a Tame Rabbit? Tame Way, Unique Up On It.