4/26/08-E.M.T. class at Lizemore Fire Dept.
Starting May 23rd at 6:00pm
Classes will be held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings
Instructor is: Loella Dancy
Call 587-6056 or 587-6058

4/12/08-Boy Scout Troop 123 to Host Meet the Candidate Dinner
Sunday, May 4, 2008
12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.
Clay County High School Cafeteria
Menu: Choice of Baked Steak or Ham, Green Beans, Corn, Salad, Roll, Choice of Dessert and Drink$6 ages 12 and up/$4 ages 4-11
Whole Cakes and Pies For Sale
   All proceeds go to Troop 123.
   A special 'thank you' to Dr. R. B. Legg and Morgan Triplett for their donations.  Candidates who have accepted invitation so far: Sue Blake Andersen, Tom Auxier, Ronald Blankenship, Diane Clouthier, Larry Cole, Larry Cottrell, James Davis, Rick Facemire, Randy Holcomb, Tom Louisos, Joe Morris, David Perry, David Pierson, Mike Pierson, John Pino, Richie Robb, Margaret Ann Staggers, J. Michael Teets, Morgan Triplett, Peter Triplett, and David Walker.  Candidate Forum will begin at 1:00 p.m. Roger Hanshaw is the Moderator.  If you have any questions, contact Jason Triplett, Scoutmaster, at 587-2370.

4/8/08-Voters Registration Deadline
   The last day to register to vote, in order to be eligible to vote in the May 13, 2008 Primary Election is April 22, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. You may register to vote in the Clay County Clerk’s office at 246 Main Street, Clay, WV 25043.  If you have any questions about your voters registration, please call Connie Workman, County Clerk at 404-587-4259.

4/8/08-Clay County Schools After School Program
   Clay County Schools is in the 5th year of a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant.  There is an After School program at all 6 schools 4 evenings a week.  Not only do teachers work with students in enrichment opportunities and academic skills, but community organizations are invited to have activities, classes, or parent workshops.
   In the summer, there is a centralized elementary summer school at Clay Elementary, but students from all over the county are invited to attend.  The Middle and High School have programs for credit recovery.  This year Energy Express will be joining us at Clay Elementary for current K-1st students.  If we are funded again for next year, the biggest news will be a free after school supper program for all students.
   The after school programs hosted events to prepare for the Kid’s Fair and held competitions to find school winners in some of the events held today.  Those school winners will compete today for county championships in Dance, Dance Revolution (sponsored by Primary Care and Wellness Centers) and the Clay County History Bee (sponsored by the Health Department).
   Clay County Schools and the After School programs sponsored events that will be announced today:
Reading Contest-the student that read the most books during March.
   Community Service Essay-Describe a community service opportunity that you have had or would like to have.
   Clay County Schools is thrilled to partner with all community groups and would like to thank the Clay County Health Department for making this event possible!

3/29/08-Coaches Needed
   The Clay County Little League is needing coaches for the following teams, Ivydale T-Ball, Ivydale Little League, and Procious Little League.  Anyone interested should contact Terry Duffield at 565-7048, Doug Thomas 587-6068, or Scott Burkhamer 587-2537.
If no coaches are found, the players signed up will be sent to other teams.  If interested we need contacted by March 29th.

3/13/08-Clay FFA Attends State Ham, Bacon and Egg Show
   On March 11, 2008, the Clay County FFA Chapter attended the State Ham, Bacon, and Egg Show. Twelve members of the FFA contributed in helping the sale and packaging of the sold products. Hillary Tinney, Kessel Lilly, Glenn Boatwright, Brandon Johnson, Tasha Jones, Michael Taylor, Logan Ramsey, Jeremiah Neff, Michael Hopkins, and Thomas Mullins were some of the volunteers that helped with the sale. Appreciation goes out to Mr. Boatwright for help with transportation. It turned out to have a swell ending with the West Virginia FFA raising over 50, 000 dollars in scholarship money. The work and dedication of these fine students is exemplary. They do a fine job contributing to the Clay County FFA Chapter.

3/1/08-Clay Students Achieve Honors at Festival
   Student musicians from Clay County had a big presence at the Regional Solo and Ensemble Festival at West Virginia State University. Participating students from Clay County Middle School Band were Sydnee Vance, Sara Davis, Savannah Miller, Madison Stone, Zach Williams, Daniel Hershberger, Joanna Young, Amanda Harvey, Brandy Harvey, Holly Rhodes, Kaitlyn Murphy, Claire Wayne, Skyler Withrow, Michaela Sheldon, Michael King, Eliza Cercone, and Tyler Mullins. Levi Ferrebee, Jarrett Neville, and Cody Lockhart represented Clay Elementary, with Deanna Taylor and Audra Thomas performing from Clay High School. Practically all these students were rated "Superior" in performance, with some students receiving Superior Ratings in more than one performance.
   The highest honors went to two performances that were recommended by the judges to compete for additional honors by submitting recordings to the WV Music Educators Association. If our students are selected they will get to perform this spring at a convention for the WV Music Educators. Students who received these top honors are in the accompanying photo: front - Michaela Sheldon, Skyler Withrow, and Eliza Cercone. Back: Claire Wayne, Tyler Mullins, and Michael King.
   The students are under the direction of Doug Wayne.

2/16/08-CROSSFIRE BAND
   There will be a concert and dance...
Location:  Arnoldsburg Community Park
Arnoldsburg, WV
Date:  February 22, 2008
Time:   7:00 pm
Cost:   $5 at the door
EVERYONE WELCOME
Concessions available
Door Prize and 50/50 Drawing
Come out and enjoy an evening of
Upbeat, hard driving Country Music

2/5/08-CLAY COUNTY RESIDENTS/NICHOLAS COUNTY BUSINESS OWNERS CREATE NEW GSC LAND SURVEYING SCHOLARSHIP
   Two Clay County residents are making the dream of studying Land Surveying at Glenville State College reality for area students. Marshall and DeVona Robinson of Widen have announced the formation of a new scholarship program. The money will assist in the education of young men and women from Clay, Nicholas, Braxton, and Webster Counties in the Land Surveying Program at Glenville State College. The scholarship will provide complete tuition and fees assistance to the recipients throughout their education at GSC. The Robinsons are owners and officers of Allegheny Surveys, Inc. in Birch River. Mr. Robinson attended Glenville State College in the early 1980s graduating with an Associate of Science Degree in Land Surveying and a Regents Bachelor of Arts Degree. He then started his own business in Nicholas County. Allegheny Surveys has become the largest surveying company in West Virginia serving the boundary needs of the public as well as the timber, coal, construction, development, and oil and gas industries. Allegheny Surveys employs more than a dozen Glenville State College graduates representing over a third of its work force. Robinson said, "The respect for the knowledge and work ethic shown by these GSC graduates has reinforced my desire to give more students the opportunity to gain the degree that will help assure them of a successful career."
   Dennis Pounds, Vice President for College Advancement at Glenville State College, notes a trend is developing where more and more GSC graduates who have become successful in their careers are giving back to the institution, "So many of our graduates came from similar economic and social backgrounds as those facing graduating high school students in central West Virginia today. These alumni have strong connections to the hopes and dreams of these young men and women, and they are showing their support through scholarship programs such as this exemplary program that Marshall and DeVona have initiated." Mr. Robinson is a strong believer in the quality of the Glenville State College Land Resources Department. He praises Department Chair Rick Sypolt's efforts and dedication as being instrumental in motivating not only himself but hundreds of others throughout the years and continuing a stream of highly qualified Land Resources graduates for the industries in the state.
   "Rick Sypolt and the Land Resources Department have provided me and my employees with an opportunity to practice and prosper in our chosen profession, and, in doing so, to help this great state to achieve its potential and retain its young people. The Land Resources Division is remarkable and unique, and I know of none like it in this part of our nation. This scholarship is a means of expressing my gratitude to Rick and the division for all they have contributed to my life, my family, my employees, and my profession, and to allow the program to do for many others what it has done for me," said Robinson.
   Any interested high school students from Clay, Nicholas, Braxton, and Webster Counties should note on the application for enrollment to Glenville State College that they are interested in being considered for the Samuel Elliot Robinson Scholarship Fund. Applications may be obtained from the high schools' guidance counselors or online at www.glenville.edu.

2/2/08-Volunteers Are Vital to our Success!!  The Golden Delicious Festival Needs You!!
   In September of this year, Clay County will celebrate the 35th annual Clay County Golden Delicious Festival.  The Clay County Golden Delicious Festival is one of the top festivals in the State of West Virginia.  This year's festival dates are September 18-21, 2008.  The festival was started with one purpose: to promote the golden delicious apple through an annual festival.  Anyone who has ever eaten a golden delicious apple picked straight off the tree, or tasted fresh homemade apple butter, knows what a treat the early autumn apple harvest season is.
   Be a part of our heritage and be one of this year's volunteers.  Attend one of our meetings and see if there is an area you would be interested working on.  You as a volunteer help us reach our goals and objectives of making the Golden Delicious Festival a great place to visit.
   Since the first festival in 1973, volunteers have come and gone many times over and the community feeling unity is evident.
   Each year new events are added and some are tossed by the wayside.  Through a series of trial and error, the hard working and dedicated officials have weeded out what works, and what doesn't, to make a successful festival year after year.
   The committee meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Clay Lions Community Building.  Due to some scheduling changes please feel free to contact us 587-4455 or 587-4492 to verify the meetings.
Be a part of the biggest tourist attraction in Clay County!!!

1/21/08-Christopher Dwier Killed
In Single Car Accident
   Christopher Dwier, 29 of Clay, was killed in an early morning wreck Friday about 2 miles south of Clay on State Route 16, near the Lick Branch road, just below Pierson Lumber Company.
   The accident is still under investigation at press time.
   Dwier was employed as a grounds man for Jeff Morris Tree Company. 
   He is survived by his wife, Allie Dwier of Clay along with his mother, father, brothers and sister.

1/19/08-Gentleman of the Month
   Our Gentleman of the Month for December, 2007 was Danny Cruickshanks.  Danny is the son of Ray and Euna Cruickshanks.  He has two sister and three brothers.  Danny has one son, Teddy Cruickshanks.  Danny does a really wonderful job at preaching and singing God's word.  His favorite bible verse is: John 3:16.  Danny loves going to church and going hunting.  When you see this young man out, let him know how special he is and always lift his name up in your prayers.  Danny, we love you.
Women of the Nebo Baptist Church

1/7/08-Sport Parent Code of Conduct
   Sport Parent Code of Conduct for the important message it holds about the proper role of parents in supporting their child in sports. Parents should read, understand and sign this form prior to their children participating. 
   Any parent guilty of improper conduct at any game or practice will be asked to leave the sports facility and be suspended from the following game. Repeat violations may cause a multiple game suspension, or the season forfeiture of the privilege of attending all games.
   Preamble
   The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles:
 Trustworthiness,
 Respect,
 Responsibility,
 Fairness,
 Caring, and
 Good Citizenship

The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character.”

I therefore agree:

1. I will not force my child to participate in sports
2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability to ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
4. I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league
5. I (and my guests) will provide positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials, and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.
6. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with an official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands, or using profane language or gestures.
7. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well being of the athletes.
8. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violent.
9. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials, and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex, or ability
10. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than wining, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance
11. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time
12. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition
13. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.
14. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
15. I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss or confront coaches at the game field, and will take times to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place
16. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs tobacco and alcohol and will refrain from their use at all sports events.
17. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices until I am one of the official coaches of the team.

1/3/08-Three charged in dozer theft
   Three Clay County men have been charged with the theft of a dump truck and trailer in Spencer and the attempted theft of a bulldozer near Newton the same night.
   The dump truck and trailer were taken from the Boggs Natural Gas garage on U.S. 119 in the Maple Hills area in the early morning hours of Nov. 28.  The equipment was taken to the Grannies Creek area near Newton to assist with the theft of a dozer from a logging site.
   Police said the dozer was loaded onto the trailer and the thieves were preparing to leave when the truck began having mechanical problems.  The equipment was left sitting in the middle of Grannies Creek Road when police found it around 6 a.m.
   Trooper F.L. Hammack said three Clay County residents, all 21 years of age, were charged this week.  Charges include three counts each of grand larceny, one count of felony destruction of property and four counts of conspiracy.
   Tommy Young Jr. of Procious was arrested Tuesday and lodged in the Central Regional Jail after he was arraigned in Roane Magistrate Court.  Hammack said Young is already under indictment in Clay County on a grand larceny charge. 
   David Hanshaw of Maysel was already in the regional jail on other charges and was served the new arrest warrants while still in jail.  He was awaiting arraignment on the latest charges.
   Adam Gray of Maysel turned himself in to authorities Wednesday morning and was released on bond after his arraignment in magistrate court.
   Hammack said a 15-year-old from Procious also would be charged in connection with the crimes.  His name was not released because of his age.

12/29/07-Christian 4H'ers Do Their Part
   The Clay Christian Mountaineers 4-H Club, along with the other students at Clay Christian Academy, decorated one of the Christmas trees at the Clay County Courthouse on December 14, 2007.  This is the first year the 4-Her’s or other CCA students have participated in this event.  The younger students made paper chains, snowmen, gingerbread houses, and angels to put on the tree.  The 4-Her’s helped the smaller children hand their crafts.  Decorated with the student’s crafts and white Christmas lights, the tree sends forth a very festive glow.  Way to go Clay Christian Mountaineers 4-H Club and Clay Christian Academy students!

12/29/07-First Aid/CPR Class
January 5th, 2008
At 9:00 a.m.
Clay Co. Amb. Service

12/29/07-The Marching Band and the Mixed Chorus held their annual Christmas Concert on December 17th.  A great time was held by all at this merry event.  The Music Department put on three shows during the day.  Two of them were for students of CCHS and the last one was open to the public.  During all three performances, admission was only a can of food or a dollar that was donated to those in need this time of year. The Mixed Chorus gave a blissful show with some excellent solos by some of CCHS’s best. The Band performed two sets including a stage band setting.  Stage band is a jazz type band that requires many different instruments, so many of the students were playing an unfamiliar instrument. The final set was a traditional concert band setting where they performed such classics as “Joy to the World” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”   If you missed out your chance to see the Band or Chorus, they will be performing again during their spring concert.

12/17/07-Tolsia defeats Clay 79 to 50
   The Rebels, (3-0) led just 14-13 after the first quarter but opened up with an 11 point lead in the second half and continued their lead for the rest of the game.  Sierra Carver scored a game-high 23 points while Kelly Cole had 18 for Clay.

12/11/07-Weather Change Closes Schools
   Clay County has finally been hit with some wintry weather this past week.
   A snow storm, dropping up to 4 inches in some places around the county, closed the area schools on Wednesday, December 5th and caused a two-hour delay on Thursday.
   So far, at the start of this new week, heavy rains have creeks rising and the mighty Elk swollen with a muddy mixture.

11/27/07-State Search For Mother of the Year 2008
   American mothers of West Virginia is announcing the sponsorship of the annual search for the state mother of the year.  The organization has actively conducted the search for thirty years.
   American mothers, Inc. (AMI), organized in 1993, is an interfaith organization that supports the moral and spiritual foundation of families.  In addition, it provides educational, cultural, and spiritual programs for mothers of all ages, as well as opportunities for service in many areas, helping reach individual mothers in significant and meaningful ways.  For more details about the organization, please visit the website at: www.americanmothers.org.  To receive a nomination packet outlining procedures and responsibilities of a candidate, contact Ollie M. Harvey, 304-372-9516 or write her at 403 Cedarcrest Drive, Ripley, WV 25271.  Deadline for nominations to be received is January 1, 2008.

11/13/07-A We Care Club 2007 Christmas Drive Thank You
   We the sponsors of the Clay County High School's We Care Club would like to thank you the public for your continued support and contributions in our efforts to teach tolerance, compassion and ethics in our students.  The scriptures are explicit in telling us that we need to be our brother's keeper and that we need to help those in distress or need.  We thank you for what you have done during our recent Helmet Brigade to help us meet some of the needs of the needy in this area of our state.
   In the book of Matthew 25, verses 34-40, the following is stated: "..Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.  Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee?  Or thirsty, and gave thee drink?  When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in?  or naked, and clothed thee?  Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?  And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
   We owe a great deal of appreciation to the Brothers of the Wheel, M.C. Central West Virginia Chapter who drove in to help us do the Helmet Brigade with the students.  We would like to thank all of them, "Zig", John Zsigray, President and from Glenville, West Virginia.  "Uncle", James Collins and it seems we could not have this event without his presence, from Craigsville, West Virginia.  A special thank you needs to be extended to "Mudflap", who rode his motorcycle from Roanoke, Virginia to help us this day.  "Rabbit", Larry and Cathy Grogg from Sutton, West Virginia who always shows up to help us and Carl Woody for his continued interest and support.  We thank you and realize that many people have the wrong impression of motorcycle groups but you have proven to us, with our continued support, coming to high school to spend time with our students, encouraging our students and helping with special needs in this county, that the image that most people have is a false one.
   The We Care Club students proudly wore their new We Care Club T-Shirts, created and printed by Christy Ramsey and funded by David Pierson/Pierson Lumber Company; Kate Whitteker of Amma; Ronda Maskus and Mike Tonka; Bruce Cunningham/Cunningham Motors; Fran King/King's Wrecker Service; Jeff Sheets of Jeff's Auto, Quick, West Virginia; Vonda Keener's Beauty Shop and Jacob Nichols of The Clay County Free Press.  The students wore their new shirts with pride.  Lindy Carper, would like to extend a big thank you to all of our contributions to reward these worthwhile students.
   We also need to thank Clark Samples, D.O.H., for providing the traffic cones; Suzanne Cummings, who is a community volunteer and works at Big Otter Elementary; the employees of the Gassaway Bank for their assistance; Connie Kerr, Clay County High School Art Instructor and her students for making the wonderful signs for this event; Lolita Nutter, manager of the Go-Mart Inc. #65 Clay, for cups and ice; Debbie McKinney and the Buffalo Gals of the Welcome Center for letting us use their facilities; Tom and Freda Auxier and the Lizemore Christian Center; the Sheriff's Department, the State Police, the Ambulance Service, Jack Brown, Mayor of Clay and Jacob Nichols for pictures and news coverage; Pat Black, Youth Advantage Program and Stanley Truman for taking and printing the Santa Claus pictures; Connie Lupardus and the Central Appalachian Empowerment Zone for their continued support; Jerry Linkinoggor who did a great job as Santa Claus; Mary Lou Legg who made her own costume and was Mrs. Santa Claus; Debbie Shafiei, who is the school sponsor of the We Care Club and does a wonderful job keeping everything running smoothly with the students at the high school; Lindy (Community Vice President and Community Coordinator) for outstanding work and her husband and son, Mike and Gavin Carper for their assistance, and we especially want to thank Becky Lane Pritt and Kathy Lane Legg for the preparation and servicing the food that was enjoyed by everyone present.
   If we have accidentally left anyone out, we apologize, but we want you to know how much we appreciate you and again a great thank you for all those people who gave.  Let us take the words of St. Matthew at heart and try to help those that are less fortunate than we are.
   A Special Note: First, if you are not busy during the time that all the churches are coming together to feed the hungry at Thanksgiving, please call and donate some time and help at Clay County High School that day.  Secondly, on the flyer that is being sent out by the Gassaway Bank and the Clay County Bank to help us get donations we would like to explain the December 31, 2007 cut off date.  The reason we extended this beyond Christmas is because many times we must meet the needs of some families immediately after and we could not get them at Christmas.  The extra money really help us to meet the needs of some families that have fallen through the cracks, home has burned, or are having to deal with unforeseen circumstances and this gives us an opportunity to help.  Thirdly, if any of you would like to donate money, you can do at our banks, but if you have food or toys to be dropped off you can drop those off at Bob Morris' room at Clay County High School in the Vocational Department, or our large Christmas Box that has been placed at Rite Aid Store in Clay by Brian Holcomb and his carpentry students as a dropping off point.  We would like to thank Freda, the manager of the Dollar General Store for placing a box in their store as a drop off point and both the Clay County Bank and the Gassaway Bank will have a drop off box.  We thank all of you for your continued help and support.  God Bless You through this wonderful season.

11/7/07-Community Partnerships Schedule of Events
   Nov. 13, 2007 @ 11:30 at the Clay County Board of Education Board Room- Community Partnership Meeting/Luncheon with Clay County Schools.  Come have lunch & discuss ways to partner.  Topics include the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, We All Care Together Project, Afterschool Volunteer programs, creating MOU’s, grants, D.A.T.E, etc!  Please let us know if your organization will be represented by calling 587-1179, 587-4266, or emailing cdwillis@access.k12.wv.us or ktanner@access.k12.wv.us, or jhaynie@access.k12.wv.us.
   Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
   Clay County has been chosen as one of 5 Pilot Sites in West Virginia to provide free books for children 0 to 5 monthly (total of 60 books per child).  Our job is to get these children all registered.  The Kick-Off Event is a “Reading Street Fair”!  Please try to attend these events and get your organization involved!
   Nov. 13, 2007 @ 10:30 a.m. at the Clay Board of Education-Plan Meeting for Participating Groups in the “Reading Street” Fair.  Can your organization sponsor a table, have an activity planned, and/or do a giveaway item?  If so, can someone attend this meeting?
   Nov. 29, 2007 @ 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. from the Courthouse to the Health Department to the Library- Reading Street Fair!  The program begins at the Courthouse where The First Lady Gayle Manchin will read a proclamation to designate Main Street as Reading Street.  There will also be a very short program.  There will be tables, displays, and activities at the Courthouse, the Health Department, and the Library.  We need your group or organization to plan an activity or have a table/display in any of these 3 areas.
   Send your organization’s name, address, phone,and website address (if you have one) to cdwillis@access.k12.wv.us to be included on the Dolly Parton Imagination Library website and also on Clay County School’s website on our list of partners.

11/6/07-WV Crime Victims Compensation Fund
   What is the WV Crime Victims Compensation Fund?  Who can use it?  How do you gain access to it?  These questions and many others will be addressed at a town meeting to be held on November 29 at 6 p.m. in the county commission room.
   The WV Crime Victims Compensation Fund has been in existence for 25 years and many people who are eligible to file a claim have not taken advantage of it.
   The average yearly number of claims filed in West Virginia is 625; only 5 were filed in Clay County last year.  On the average, a total of $184,000 is awarded each month and a total of about 2 million each year.  The average award per claim is $5,000 and only about 16% of the claims are denied.
   Attend the town meeting on November 29th at 6 p.m. and learn how to take advantage of this opportunity.

10/29/07-Lizemores Ambulance Operation On Hold
   During the Clay County Commission meeting, Wednesday, October 24th, Earl Elliott addressed the commission and asked that the Lizemores Ambulance be put on the 911 system to be first responder to receive calls in that service area.
   Elliott stated that the ambulance was nearly stocked with supplies and that the license was on the way.
   Commissioner Jerry Linkinoggor stated that he was in favor of the ambulance, but suggested that the commission “move cautiously” in regards to the Lizemores ambulance. “I’ve gone over the numbers, and I just don’t think that you all are going to have enough runs in that area to support the service,” said Linkinoggor.
   Commissioner Fran King began with her questioning, having received a list of the total number of runs from January to October 2007 for the Lizemores service area which equal to 213 runs. “The highest number of runs was 31 and the lowest number of runs per month, in that area, was 8,” said King. “If you run the ambulance service with 2 people, 24 hours a day, with a salary at least at $7.25 per hour, plus benefits, you would have somewhere around $8.25 per hour on salary alone. That translates to $148, 920 per year on salary alone.” King continued, “That means $2, 863.85 per week. If the runs, which usually average $450, average $500, then on the month with 31 runs, you can meet the salary, but on the month with 8 runs, you won’t meet the salary requirements, much less maintenance, re-supply, and other bills.”
   Based on the average of the financial figures above, the service would run at $200 per week short on the salary side alone.
   The commission did not grant Elliot’s request at the meeting, since the license had not been issued yet, but if all of the requirements are met and the service is seen to be viable, then the commission reserved the right to act on the request at that time.

10/23/07-Charity Fraud Presentation
   Therese Cox, Senior Outreach Coordinator for Secretary of State Betty Ireland, will be at the Clay Two Run Senior Center at 11 a.m. on November 9th to make a presentation informing seniors of the methods of unscrupulous charitable organizations.
   Cox plans to give the seniors a list of questions to ask soliciting organizations in order to ensure the validity of the organization.

10/16/07-Thanksgiving Dinner Planning
Where: Carol’s Restaurant, Maysel
When: Thursdays at 6 p.m. until the dinner.
Please send a rep from your church to help plan the dinner.  Your input is very important.  Any questions, call 587-2158 or Carol’s Restaurant.

10/15/07-Thank You
   The family of William Gary Clifton would like to thank everyone for their cards, flowers, well wishes and prayers both during his illness and his passing.
   Sincerely,
   The Clifton Family

10/9/07-WVGOP Announces Online Voter Registration For Convention
   The WVGOP Presidential convention announced that online voting registration for the convention began October 1st and continues through November 30th.
   The online voting will be used to select the at-large delegates to the WV Republican State Presidential Convention on February 5th, 2008.
   In addition to online voting, many counties throughout the state will also hold county conventions to allow voters to vote for the delegates of their choice.
   For more information, contact a member of the Clay Republican Party or follow the link: WVGOP Convention

10/3/07-Clay County Democrat of the Year 2007-2008
   James "Jimmy" Sams was born in Clay County and spent all but two years of his life here.  He has been a lifelong democrat and has been involved in politics since 1980.  He is very proud to have served as Clay County Commissioner for 12 years.  He served on the CAEZ Board, 911 Advisory Board, Workforce Investment Board, Ambulance Authority Board and Business Development Authority Board.  He is currently serving as a member of the Democrat Executive Committee and also as a member of the Clay County Board of Health.  He is very honored to have been chosen as 2007's Democrat of the Year and hopes to continue serving Clay County.

9/26/07-WVARSE Council
   The annual council of the West Virginia Association of Retired School Employees met at Days Inn at Flatwoods September 5th & 6th on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary.
   Attending from Clay County was President, Rozella Stover, Delegates Marlene Potasnik Tanner and Wanita Mollohan.
   Governor Joe Manchin was the guest speaker.  He addressed many issues facing West Virginia Education, also retirees concerns.
   Membership is open to all retired school employees in the State of WV.  All retirees are urged to join.  This organization works with our Legislature for better benefits and cost of living raises.
   Retirees include teachers, aides, secretaries, cooks, bus drivers, maintenance personnel – anyone retired from the school system.

9/21/07-Clay FFA Wins Big at Regionals
By Hillary Tinney, FFA Reporter
   On Monday, September 10, the students of the Clay FFA chapter traveled to Ravenswood to compete in Career Developments Events at the regional level.
Placings and teams include: Entomology 1st place team Jese Vance - 2nd place individual Breken Gray - 5th place individual Tyler Caruthers - 6th place individual Teresa Edgar - 7th place individual Dairy Products Judging 1st place team Hillary Tinney - 1st place individual Rachel Burdette - 2nd place individual Katrina Adkins - 3rd place individual Tasha Jones - 4th place individual Forestry 1st place team Kenny Scott - 1st place individual Johnny Peck - 2nd place individual Justin McCallister - 4th place individual T.J. Young - 5th place individual Plant Pathology 2nd place team Michael Taylor - 4th place individual Catherine Nottingham Logan Ramsey Sarah Kise Meats Judging 1st place team Megan Moore - 1st individual Jennifer Reed - 2nd place individual Rebecca Creel - 3rd place individual Sara McCune - 4th place individual Floriculture 1st Place Team Hayley Mooris - 1st place individual Sidnee Morris - 2nd place individual Savanna Brown - 3rd place individual Darrin Sizemore - 4th place individual Michael Hopkins - 5th place individual Agriculture Mechanics 3rd Place Team Jeremy Mullins - 5th place individual Chase Murdock, Cory Mayes ,Justin Sanders, Jarrod Dawson ,Chapter Advisor - Robert Morris , and the Clay FFA would like to thank Mike Shamblin, who helped with Plant Pathology, Forestry and Entomology, and John, who helped the Agriculture Mechanics team. Your contributions are greatly appreciated.

9/5/07-Big Otter Volunteer Fire Department Hosts Ice Cream Social
By Christy Keen
   On Sunday August 26, 2007 the Big Otter VFD held their 2nd annual Ice Cream Social at Station 30 in Big Otter. 
   Over 50 people stopped by to beat the heat with some cool Edy's Ice Cream.  The celebration was the prize in an essay contest held each year by Edy's.  The essay subject was how BOVFD is working to bring our communities together as we open the new Big Otter Elementary School-joining Ivydale & Valley Fork. 
   A great day was had by all those in attendance with several taking the short drive to the top of the hill and getting a first look at the school.

8/29/07-Clay County Library Revamps Children’s Section
   The Clay County Library recently completed the renovation of its children’s books section.
   Vicki Neeley, Clay Library Director, said, “Children are the most important assets of the county, and likewise, their education and literacy must be a top priority. We hope this new set up will make visiting the library more fun and attractive to the younger children.”
   The renovations were made possible with $4,100 of legislative discretionary funding, formerly known as Budget Digest funds.
   Neeley also discussed the library’s new street sign, provided by the local headquarters of the WV Division of Highways, and the library’s ten new laptop computers provided by Mission West Virginia. “More and better technology means more and better opportunities for the community.”
   Neeley hinted that more excitement was planned for the library but that we would have to wait to see.

8/24/07-Convicted killer of Fla. girl sentenced to death

Man found guilty of kidnapping, raping, burying alive 9-year-old

To See Story Click HERE

8/23/07-Special Olympics Volunteers Needed
   Volunteers and a Director are needed to get Special Olympics up and running again in Clay Co.
   Lots of help is needed to get Special Olympics going again in Clay Co.  We have not been able to offer this for several years now, but feel there are a lot of great athletes in Clay County that would like to participate and a lot of great people to help us get it off the ground. 
   If you would be willing to volunteer or be the Director please contact:
Chris Nooney, Prestera, 587-4205
Lynn Romano, FRN, 587-4389
   We need to get a meeting organized soon, as fall games are in November and we need to have 8 wks of practice. 

8/22/07-Regular Bus Run Drivers and Schedules
Bus #  Driver  Route      First Stop
1  Brenda Griffin Twistabout/Two Run/Clay    7:05
3  Mary Kincaid Bentree/Pack Fork/Grassy Creek/Lizemore  6:50
4  Mike Evans   Elkhurst Road/Hartland/Pisgah   6:50
5  Delno "Dood" Coen Grassy Creek/Indore/Clay    7:00
6  Tony Salisbury  Special Education     7:00
7  Goldie Woods  Blue Knob/Maysel/Dawson's Driveway/Deer Track 6:45 9  Steve Butler  Widen/Harrison/Ivydale/Big Otter  6:20
11  Arthur Smith  Bird Hollow/Ida Church/Lizemore/Clay  6:33
12  John Paul Rogers  Ovapa/Valley Fork/Clay     6:55
14  Mike Barss   Moore Fork/Otter Lick/Ivydale/Clay   6:25
15  Greg Legg   Dille/Harrison/Clay     6:43
17  Dan Sizemore  Calhoun Co./Otter/Rush/Ivydale/Clay  6:40
21  Glen Nichols  Big Sycamore/Brown/Clay    7:06
22  Earl Tanner  Head of Sandy Fork/Valley Fork/Big Otter 6:43
33  Richard Talbot  Oak Hill/Varney/Town/Clay    6:45
38  Roger Morris  Fola/Bickmore/Clay     6:50
40  Gary Keen   Pumpkin Ridge Road/Reed Fork/Clay   6:50
43  Paul Edwards  Bell Creek/Bentree/Lizemore/Clay   6:40
44  Cary Salisbury  Leatherwood/Clay      6:50
45  Aaron Belt   Duck/Horse Ridge/Harrison/Clay   6:30
47  David Belt   Enoch/Swandale/Clay     6:45
48  Wyona Ramsey  Adonijah/Lizemore/Clay     6:42
49  Norman Ramsey Glen/Bomont/Queen Shoals/Clay   6:30
50  Ronald Tanner  Walker/Nebo/Clinic Road/Rush Fork/Big Otter7:05
51  Allan Morris  Valley View/Queen Shoals/Bomont   6:31
52  Luther Simmons  Glen/Bomont/Porters Creek    6:35
53  Andrea Cruickshanks Braxton Co. Line/O'Brion Road/Ivydale/Two Run/Clay     6:15
54  Pat Legg   Laurel Fork/Brown Hollow/Clay   6:48
55  William Schoolcraft Special Education     6:40
55  Vercel Douglas  Upper TwoRun/ HansfordForkRoad/ Daubenspeck/BigOtter            6:52
57  Dustin Fitzwater FallingRock/Bomont/CampCreek/ Clay/FallingRock/Right Fork       6:35
58  Dallas Hanshaw  Summers Fork/Valley Fork/Clay   6:55

8/17/07-Bickmore Baptist Church Annual Homecoming
August 26, 2007
All Day Services
David Bowen will be singing in the afternoon.
Everyone Welcome.
Pastor Ralph Lane

8/14/07-Clay County FFA Members Headed Back to Oklahoma
Dawson Scores a perfect 400
   The Clay County FFA took 12 members to the West Virginia State FFA Leadership Camp and Convention July 10-14, 2007.  Official delegates to the convention were President Jese Vance, Vice-presidents Sarah McCune and Sara Kise, and Tasha Jones.  While at the convention members had the opportunity to attend leadership sessions, compete in scholastic career development events and to meet members from all across the state.  Our members competed well.  Jake McLaughlin, Chris Holcomb and Tyler Caruthers competed in tractor driving with Jake bringing home 3rd place honors.  Hillary Tinney placed 3rd in the state in extemporaneous public speaking.  Jese Vance and Jarrod Dawson received the State FFA degree, the highest award the WV Association can bestow upon a member.  Jese also received a 2nd place in the state in Turfgrass Management, while TJ Taylor brought home 2nd in Forestry.
   For the fourth time in the past six years, The Clay County FFA will represent West Virginia at the National Land and Range Judging Contests in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma as winners of both the State Land Judging and Homesite evaluation contests.  Jennifer Reed was 8th individual in homesite, Nadina Wyant was 7th, Jarrod Dawson was second with a score of 444 out of a possible 448.  Jeremy Mullins was 2nd, also with a 444.  The team was 1st.  In Land Judging, Nadina was 8th place individual with 355 points.  Clay County had the top 3 individuals in the state, as Jeremy Mullins scored 370 for 3rd, Jennifer Reed was 2nd at 375 and Jarrod Dawson scored a PERFECT 400!!  Jarrod’s 400 is only the second such score ever in West Virginia state FFA competition.  As always, these FFA members represented the county well.  Congratulations to each of them for their hard work and dedication.  GOOD LUCK AT NATIONALS!!!!!
   Clay County was selected as a West Virginia Superior Chapter for the 28th year in a row.

8/7/07-Hartland Bridge Is Falling Down?
Gets Another Inspection
   At the request of Governor Joe Manchin, WV Department of Transportation Secretary Paul Mattox issued a memorandum to all Division of Highways (DOH) District Engineers and Managers directing an immediate review and inspection of all structures similar to the I-35 W Bridge that tragically collapsed in Minneapolis on Wednesday.
   West Virginia currently owns and maintains 7,000 bridges. Of that number, 18 fit into the category of "similar structure" to the I-35 W Bridge.
   The Hartland Bridge on Route 16 in Clay County falls into that category. The bridge is already on a replacement schedule, but a rush on that order may be called for.
   The DOH currently employs 55 bridge inspectors and each bridge is in a continuous state on inspection. Federal regulations require all bridges to be inspected in three two-year cycles, with one detailed inspection and two interim inspections. Some bridges, like the New River Gorge Bridge, are inspected yearly, but Governor Manchin hopes to avoid another catastrophe with this special inspection.

8/1/07-Clay County Resident Pleads Guilty for his role in Attempting to Bomb the County Sheriff
   Charleston, WV – Donnie Welch, 26, of Clay, WV, pled guilty yesterday before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. to various charges stemming from his involvement in an attempt to bomb the Sheriff of Clay County.
   A federal grand jury sitting in Charleston returned a nine-count superseding indictment charging Welch with multiple federal offenses, including: conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; possession of a bomb, aided and abetted by another person; possession of a bomb in furtherance of a methamphetamine conspiracy; use of a telephone to facilitate a drug conspiracy; providing false statements to federal agents; possession of a firearm while being a user of or addicted to illegal drugs; and perjury.
   At his hearing, Welch pled guilty admitting he and Samuel Todd Murphy, aided and abetted by each other, possessed a bomb intended to kill the Sheriff of Clay County. Welch also entered a guilty plea to making false statements to a Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigating the attempted bombing of the Sheriff, and to possessing a firearm while using methamphetamine. Additionally, Welch admitted he committed perjury when he falsely testified under oath before a federal grand jury in an effort to hide the fact that he and Murphy had conspired to blow up the Sheriff to avoid prosecution.
   In an effort to impede the Sheriff of Clay County from aggressively prosecuting methamphetamine cases, Welch admitted he and Murphy attempted to kill the Sheriff. The duo planned to place a bomb in a pre-determined location and then lure the Sheriff to the bomb site. Welch and Murphy traveled to a telephone booth where Murphy made an anonymous call to the Sheriff falsely reporting a methamphetamine lab at the location where the bomb was place. On
Sunday, August 7, 2005, before the Sheriff received the message, two men looking for items to recycle found the bomb hidden in a box and set to explode by a pressure switch when opened. The men opened the box and the bomb/device exploded. Other components found at the location, including pipe bombs, were detonated by the West Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office.
   Welch also admitted he possessed a loaded Smith and Wesson pistol on October 22, 2005, following an automobile accident. At the time he possessed the firearm, Welch had consumed methamphetamine and marijuana.
   Welch faces up to 30 years in prison when he is sentenced on October 25, 2007. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica K. Schwartz handled the prosecution.

7/26/07-Braxton County Fairs and Festivals
July 31st-August 4th
Holly Gray Park
Airport Road, Sutton
Season Ticket $25.00
Admission includes all shows and carnival rides

7/25/07-Clay County Golden Delicious
Amateur Karaoke Contest
$1,000.00 cash will be awarded! ***Top 4 in each Division will receive cash prizes*** Open to ALL WV Residents (Valid Photo ID Required for all ages) Preliminary - Saturday Sept. 8th @ CCHS Auditorium (starts @ noon) ***Top 4 contestants in each division will compete in the finals*** Finals - Thursday Sept. 13th during the Apple festival. Divisions: Teen: 13 - 17 yrs. Adult: 18+ Entry Fees: Teen: $30 (early bird only $25 if received by Aug. 3rd) Adult: $40 (early bird only $35 if received by Aug. 3rd) **ALL entries MUST BE RECEIVED by SEPT. 1st 2007** NO LATE OR DOOR ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED! For More Information or an application please visit: www.claygoldendeliciousfestival.com Or Call: Pam @ 587-7370 or Lisa @ 587-4853.

7/24/07-Board of Education County of Clay
Regular Meeting of the Board
Monday, July 16, 2007
Members present: Dr. R.B. Legg, President; Mr. Gene King, Vice-President; Mr. David Pierson, Mrs. Beth Cercone, and Mr. Rick Tanner, Member
Purpose: Approve agenda, approve minutes from previous meeting, introduce Kim (White) Carroll as Substitute Teacher, approve the employment of personnel, approve voluntary removal of personnel, approve the transfer of an employee, approve the purchase of uniforms for Bus Operators, approve the purchase of a Security System for the Board Office, approve the cost to repair band instruments, approve the increase of adult lunch and breakfast, recognize TSA Participants, Doug Wayne to appear before the Board, Jack Brown (Mayor) to appear before the Board, and any other matter that may come before the Board.
   Motion to move recognition of TSA Participants to item 1A and to approve the Agenda. 
   TSA Participants were recognized.
   Introduced Kim (White) Carroll as Substitute Teacher
   Approved minutes from previous meeting.
   Approved the employment of the following Substitute Teachers for the 2007-2008 School Year.
LeAnn Bennett  Pam McKinney
Keven Brown  Evelyn McLaughlin
Jeannette Browning Amy Osborne
Tina Burnette  Tina Price
Kim (White) Carroll Lynn Romano
Larry Cottrell  Crystal Samples
James Dawson  Garrett Samples
David Derby  Connie Schoonover
Janice Derby  Jennifer Sirk
Linda Grandinette Ron Sirk
Janet Hamilton  Mary Stanley
Pauline Hedrick  Bob Stover
Alicia Holcomb  Jerry Stover
Larry Holcomb  Joan Tanner
Shawn Krajeski  Andrea Taylor
John Lambey  Shelly Ware
Stacy Marks  Rick Willis
Jamie McDonough
   Approved the employment of the following positions:
Athletic Director  Clay Middle School Geoff Hamrick
Head Wrestling  Clay Middle School Geoff hamrick
Cheerleader Coach Clay Middle School Stacy Dorsey
Assistant Wrestling Clay Middle School No bids
Assistant Boys' Basketball Clay Middle School Bob Dorsey
Assistant Volleyball Clay Middle School Gail Simons
Head Baseball  Clay High School  Larry Ramsey
Head Golf  Clay High School  Mike Kearns
Assistant Boys' Basketball Clay High School  Larry Ramsey
Assistant Volleyball (Girls)Clay High School Jo Carver
   Approved the transfer of Jeanie Davis from 1/2 Title I Teacher to Pre-School Teacher Aide at Clay Elementary School.
   Approved the voluntary removal of Mary Dorsey's name from the Substitute Teacher Aide list, effective immediately.
   Approved the purchase of uniforms for Bus Operators in the amount of $150.00 each.
   Approved the transfer of Tina Hall from Title I Teacher at Lizemore Elementary to 3rd Grade Teacher at Lizemore Elementary.
   Approved the purchase of a Security System for the Clay County Board of Education Office in the amount of $3,300.00 when including ancillary accessories such as cable, fittings, etc.
   Approved the cost to repair band instruments at Clay County High School in the amount of $2,079.18.
   Approved the increase of adult breakfast to $2.50 and adult lunches to $3.25, effective for the 2007-2008 school year.

7/17/07-The Church Family
   The Church family at New Antioch Baptist would like to extend an invitation to attend our Friendship Sunday.
July 22nd, 2007
Sunday School  10:00 am
Church  11:00 am
Sunday evening 7:00 pm
   We would like to introduce you to the best friend you could ever have. JESUS.
Proverbs 18:24 Everyone is Welcome!
Pastor Tim Butcher 587-7290

7/11/07-Child Find Screening for July
   During the month of July, Clay County schools will be offering a child find screening.  You can have your child's speech and language development, hearing and vision screened for possible delays.  Clay county school personnel will use the Titmus for vision, pure tone and impedance audiometry for hearing and the Brigance for speech and language development screening.  If delays are found we