12/29/07-Lady Mustangs Lighting Up the Gym
 Clay Co. Middle School may have no need of flipping on the lights for tip-off because the Lady Mustang basketball team is lighting it up for the fans. Over the last two games they've averaged 70 points which is equivalent to scoring 93 points in a high school game, quite impressive for a group of middle school kids.  These girls are continuing to prove the doubters wrong who said this crew couldn't score points.  They not only can score, they also play a very aggressive man defense.  Tuesday the girls played host to Spencer.  The girls were on fire all night as they shot 54% from the field pulled down 54 rebounds and outscored Spencer 73-6.  Jacee Markle led the way with 29 points and 8 rebounds, Montana Barker, Summer Dufflield, Autumn Pierson and Savannah Boggs had 10 points a piece, and Corena Gray had 4 points.  Thursday night they played home against Webster Springs, again they started out on fire, they shot 51% from the field and had 42 Rebounds.  They were led by Montana Barker and Jacee Markle who each had 20 points.  Jacee recorded a Triple-Double with 20 points, 12 Rebounds and 10 Steals.  Summer Duffield had 6 rebounds and 6 points, Autumn Pierson had 4 rebounds and 4 assists, Savannah Proctor 6 points, Savannah Boggs 2 points and 4 rebounds, Brittany Schwartz 2 points and 5 rebounds, Corena Gray had 4 points.  The Girls play again January 2nd against Richwood, game time is 5:30.  They are an exciting group of kids to watch, if you've not had the opportunity to watch these girls play please come out and support them.  You won't be dissapointed.

12/17/07-Lady Mustangs Jump to a 3-0 Start
   The Mustangs are on fire at the beginning of the season as they have won their first 3 games convincingly. They have been playing really good basketball while moving the ball up the court at a very fast pace. Their first game was against rival Walton. They started the game out slow, but the pace picked up throughout the quarter as the final score was 56-31.  Jacee Markle led the way with 21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals. Montana Barker had 4 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Autumn Pierson had 14 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Summer Duffield had 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 steals. Savannah Boggs pulled down 5 rebounds and had 2 steals. Savannah Proctor had 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Brittany Schwartz finished with 5 rebounds. 
   On Friday the 7th they traveled to Montgomery to take on Valley, a team that won their conference tournament last year, so it looked to be a good test for this Mustang team. The game was very aggressive throughout the contest, Clay only led by two points at half time, 16-14. They came out with a difference attitude the second half and scored 33 points in the half, making the final score 49-36. The team shot 70% from the free throw line which put them over the top.
   The next game was back in Clay as they played Glade. It was a great team effort as they pulled down 51 rebounds, 22 assists, and shot 50% from the field. They sure gave the fans a treat in this game as they played extremely fast and in your face defense. The final score was 66-12. Savannah Proctor played extremely well in this game as she had 6 rebounds and 9 assists. Montana Barker had 12 points, hit two 3’s, and 3 steals.  Autumn Pierson had 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Jacee Markle had a team high 28 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Savannah Boggs had 8 points, and a team high 12 rebounds. Summer Duffield had two points, played extremely good defense, pulled down 9 rebounds and 4 assists.  Brittany Schwartz and Corena Gray combined for some solid play underneath as they combined for 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals. 
   The Junior Varsity also pulled out a great victory against Walton as they won 37-5. Corena Gray led the way with 11 points, Emily Boggs 9 points, Megan Bragg 7 points, Nikki Butcher 2 points, Courtney Gray 2 points, Allison Coleman 2 points, Jessica Woodrum 2 points, Jessica Beasley 2 points. Newcomers Andrea Litton and Nikki Alshire played solid defense to help the team to victory. The girls will play next Tuesday the 18th of December, game time starting at 6:00 p.m. Please come out and support these girls, they won’t disappointed and they will entertain you with their style of basketball.

12/11/07-Clay Lady Panthers Defeated By Lady Raiders 65-38
   The Clay Lady Panthers were defeated this week by the Roane Lady Raiders.
   Kelli Cole and Sierra Carver scored the majority of Clay’s total points with 12 points each.

12/11/07-Clay Lady Panthers defeated by Sissonville, 81 to 33
   Friday night at the Donny Fenton Shootout in Williamstown, the Sissonville Indians overtook the Lady Panthers with an ending score of 81 to 33.  Sierra Carpenter led the Lady Panthers with 15 points during the game.

12/11/07-Congratulations!!!
   Congratulations to those beautiful Middle School cheerleaders and their coach who placed 1st in the CWVAC competition.  What a great accomplishment girls!  I know it takes lots and lots of time and hard work to achieve these awards and how much time the coaches and parents give to these activities.
   I just wanted to congratulate Rachel Kirk for making all-tournament and let her know how much her family loves her.  She is the daughter of Patricia Taylor of Bickmore and Bill Kirk of Elkview.  I love to read about our county school children's accomplishments in the paper. 
Vernal Taylor

12/11/07-West Virginia Deer Hunters Harvest 66,570 Bucks
   Preliminary data collected from game checking stations across the state indicate deer hunters in West Virginia harvested 66,570 bucks during the two-week buck season, which ran from November 19 through December 1, according to Frank Jezioro, Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.  The 2007 buck harvest was slightly higher than the 2006 harvest of 66,115. The top ten counties for buck harvest were as follows: Preston (2,323), Hampshire (2,231), Greenbrier (2,215), Hardy (2,104), Mason (2,083), Jackson (2,070), Braxton (1,986), Randolph (1,960), Monroe (1,952), and Roane (1,903).
   Twenty-nine counties reported an increase in the buck kill over 2006 while 22 reported a decrease.  The decline in several counties may be related to an outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD-Serotype II virus) that occurred in several northern and western counties during the months of September and October.  The EHD virus, which is spread by a midge, disappears with the first frost; however, the mortality rate in localized areas can reach as high as 20 percent, and this may have contributed to the decrease in harvest in certain portions of counties affected by the disease.
   Wildlife Biologists and Wildlife Managers operating biological checking stations in Hampshire, Upshur, Mason and Tyler counties reported deer in good body condition with improved antler development.  "Maintaining deer densities at level compatible with existing habitat conditions and within carrying capacity as outlined in the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources' White-tailed Deer Operational Plan will continue to provide healthy deer herds and good hunting opportunities in the Mountain State," said Jezioro.
   White-tailed deer are the product of the environment. Too many deer on a given tract of land will result in loss of body weight, reduction in antler development, decrease in reproduction and death due to starvation during winter months.  "The state's deer management program is designed to be very responsive to changing population conditions," noted Jezioro. "Deer regulations are adjusted annually to become either more conservative or more liberal, depending upon our data analysis and management objective for a given county."  For example, in those counties where deer populations were above the population objective, liberal antlerless seasons were implemented in 2007.  More conservative antlerless deer bag limits were applied to counties that were below their population objectives.
   Wildlife Biologists will analyze data from the combined 2007 deer seasons
(i.e., buck, antlerless, archery and muzzleloader) for each of the state's 55 counties, before making appropriate recommendations for next year's deer season.
   Jezioro reminds hunters that the traditional six-day antlerless deer season in selected counties on both public and private land ends December 8.  The Youth and Class Q antlerless season will open on Monday and Tuesday December 24 and 25 and be followed by a four-day reopening of antlerless deer season (December 26-29) on private land in 42 selected counties. Muzzleloader deer season begins December 10 and runs through December 15.

WEST VIRGINIA ANTLERED BUCK GUN HARVEST, 2003-07       
                                               
County         2003         2004         2005         2006         2007       
Braxton       1,796       1,539       1,244       1,308      1,986       
Clay              660           472            370            399         540       
Nicholas      1,401       1,091       1,009         991       1,178       
Roane         2,020       1,909       1,616       1,691      1,903

11/27/07- First Buck Colton Moore, 8-year old son of Chuck and Jenni Moore of Ivydale, killed his first buck on Thanksgiving afternoon.  He killed the 8-point buck with the lever action 30/30 he borrowed from his Grandpa John Moore of Indore.   Congratulations Colton!!

11/13/07-Deer Hunter's Breakfast
November 19, 2007
Open at 4:00 a.m.
Come join us for a homecooked breakfast or a sandwich to go.
Sponsored by the Buffalo Gals at the Clay County Welcome Center in front of Go-Mart.
For more information call 587-7476 or 382-6574

11/6/07-Intermediate Football Banquet
   The Clay County Panthers Intermediate Football will be hosting a banquet for all football players and cheerleaders that participated in and completed the 2007 season. The banquet will be held in the Cafeteria of the Clay County High School on Nov. 15th at 6:00 pm. Everyone will be asked to turn in all issued uniforms and equipment at the beginning of the banquet. The league will provide food, drinks, and awards for all participants. Everyone is welcome to attend and we hope to see you there.

10/29/07-Clay Volleyball Has Successful Year
   With 10 wins and 4 losses in the season (3 to Wirt and 1 to Spencer) the CCMS Volleyball Team came to the conference tournament with a second place standing.  They met Calhoun first and defeated them fairly easily.  The next match was with Wirt.  This was the only team they hadn't beaten all season.  Wirt came out on top in two games.  The girls won their way back up the losers bracket by defeating Calhoun again.  Now it was only Wirt standing in the way of their Championship victory.
   With the help of a rowdy crowd consisting of parents, friends and Coach J. Holcomb, the girls rallied and won their first game against Wirt.  But that wasn't it...they had to beat them twice to win it ALL.
   In the final match-up Clay girls kept their spirits high and played like a true team.  With every point scored, the girls could taste victory.  They defeated the White Tigers with a final score of 25 to 22.
   It has been an honor and a privilege to coach this team this year.  They are not only wonderfully talented athletes, but SUPER young women I am blessed to know.  A special thanks to: Linda McKinney for keeping our books all season, Assistant Coach Gail Simons, her daughter Samantha Simons, Coach Justin Holcomb and high school players Alysia Hively and Tara Triplett for helping us out this season.  Also thank you to Allison Morris who was our team manager this year.  The girls and I appreciate you all.
Sincerely,
Coach Rebecca Boggs
Varsity   Jr. Varsity
Montana Barker  Eliza Cercone
Savannah Boggs  Allison Coleman
Kaitlyn Legg  Ashley Lambey
Jacee Markle  Megan Sears
Beidget McLaughlin Tasha Adkins
Beth Morris  Nikki Aleshire
Autumn Pierson  Brandy Harvey
Amanda Harvey

10/29/07-Clay County Jr. Wrestling
What: Wrestling Practice and Sign-Ups
When: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: High School Wrestling Room - beside Bradley Field
Bring a copy of your birth certificate and current medical insurance
The cost to register is $15 per child
Any questions call Brian Stewart at 304-587-7799

10/23/07-Handgun Safety Training Class
Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 4:00 p.m.
Lizemore Fire Department
Must Have Photo I.D.
Cost $45.00
This class meets the requirements for a West Virginia concealed weapon permit

10/16/07-Shawn Michael Memorial Coon Hunt Shirts
   It's time once again for the annual Shawn Michael Memorial Coon Hunt, which will take place on Saturday, October 27, 2007 at the Boy Scout Camp on Dundon Hill.  We are taking orders for shirts and hats starting now.  Prices are as follows: T-shirts - $10.00, sweatshirts - $20.00, and hats - $8.00.  All orders must be received no later than October 19, 2007.
   For more information, you may call Dawn Whiteley at 304-332-5018 and leave a message or mail your order w/ money to:
Shawn Michael Memorial Coon Hunt
c/o Dawn Whiteley
304 Raven Rock Lane
Clay, WV 25043
Thank you and hope to see you there!
5tnc10/3

10/15/07-2nd Annual Shawn Michael Memorial Coon Hunt
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Dundon Hill Boy Scout Camp
Clay, WV
Bench Show - 4:00 p.m.
Treeing Contest - 5:00 p.m.
Dash Contest - 6:00 p.m.
Biggest Coon Hunt - 7:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
(Bench, Treeing, and Dash contest are $3 each if not entering into the Biggest Coon Hunt)
($20 for Bench, Treeing, Dash, and Biggest Coon Hunt)
Entry Fee - $15 per person
Deadline registration for hunt - 7:30 p.m.
Hunt in groups of 2 to 4 - 1 dog per person
(You pick your own group)
Registered or non-registered dogs may participate
*Hunting regulations must be observed*
Trophies will be awarded to winners of each contest!
There will be concessions, T-shirts, hoodies, and more for sale.
50/50 drawing - door prizes - raffles
All proceeds go to "Shawn Michael Memorial Fund" for a scholarship
For more information call: Dawn Whiteley 332-5018 or Andrea King 332-5380
* All Coon Hunters Welcome!*

10/9/07-Panthers Lose a Tough One
   The Panthers faced their archrivals from Roane County last Friday during Homecoming.  It was the perfect night for a football game and all of the Homecoming activities.
   Panthers got started early when Jordan Adkins scored from the 7 yds out to make the score 6-0.  Jordan would tack on another touchdown run to put the Panthers ahead 12-0 at the half.  The Panthers had everything going their way until the start of the second half.  Clay fumbled on its second play from the scrimmage and 4 plays later the Raiders scored their first touchdown of the night with the Panthers still leading 12-6.
   The Panthers would answer back with a 2 yard run by JD Johnson and the two point conversion was caught by Dylan Vaughn, the score now being 20-6.
   The Raiders would come back with another touchdown pass of their own and two-point conversion, the Panthers still leading 20-14.
   Clay took the ball on the next kick off and marched it down the field to the Raiders 30 yard line.  It was there that the Raiders intercepted a pass and scored from 75 yards away to tie the game.  The extra point was kicked and good, putting the Raiders ahead for the first time 21-20.  In the end the Raiders went on to score one more time making the final score 27-20.

10/3/07-Twirler ‘amazed’ to win title
by Kelly L. Holleran
Daily Mail staff
Wednesday September 26, 2007
   Under a clear sky and a full moon, Herbert Hoover High School senior Chelsea Morton stood shaking in shock and crying in excitement as her name was announced as winner of Miss Kanawha Majorette 2007 at the 61st annual Daily Mail Kanawha County Majorette and Band Festival.
   "I am amazed," she said Tuesday, breathless with enthusiasm. "I am a twirler. I never even thought I would be considered. It's my last year, and I'm so happy."
   Her parents, Tammy and Dirk Morton, were equally excited about their daughter winning the crown. They rushed down to the field to hug and congratulate Chelsea.
   Twirling was something Chelsea had always dreamed of doing, Tammy said.
   "We're really proud of her," she said with tears in her eyes.
   Morton, 17, has been a twirler since she was in seventh grade.
   She said she hopes to continue twirling next year in the West Virginia University band and eventually go to dental school there.
   As Morton made her way back to the football field to have her picture taken, people surrounded her, congratulating her.
   One person to give Morton a big congratulatory hug was Stevi Ryder, Miss Kanawha Majorette 2006.
   Ryder also graduated from Herbert Hoover High School and was rooting for one of her alma mater's majorettes to win.
   Ryder made a special trip from WVU to the festival to present the new Miss Kanawha Majorette with a trophy and crown.
   She headed back to school today for her 11 a.m. class.
   "I miss it," she said while watching the bands perform.
   She has continued to practice her twirling and hopes to join WVU's band as a twirler next year.
   Ryder clapped loudly as yet another Herbert Hoover High School student, Maridith Helper, won first place feature twirler and a $2,500 scholarship in honor of Jo Ann Jarrett, who was a first place twirler in 1949 and 1950. Kathi Burton and John Holland, Jarrett's daughter and son, were on hand to present the scholarship. Reprinted from the Charleston Daily Mail.

9/26/07-Clay Pounds Hoover
   The Clay County Panthers beat the Hoover Huskies Friday night at Bradley Field.  The Huskies led 12-7 at the half before the Panthers took control, churning out 414 total yards to win the battle of the Elk River.
   Clay (4-1) took a 14-12 lead in the third quarter on a one-yard run from J.D. Johnson then went up 20-12 when Jared Kleman returned a fumble 51 yards.  Jordan Adkins scored on a 17 yard run in the fourth quarter, followed by a 42-yard touchdown run by Kleman.  JD Johnson completed 5 of 7 passes for 70 yards.
   The Panthers amassed 344 yards rushing while their defense held Hoover to a 190 total yards.
   Adkins carried 18 times for 128 yards and two TD's while Kleman had 125 yards on 18 carries and two scores.
   Panthers go on the road this Friday to take on the White Falcons (5-0) of Wahama.  Let's Go Panthers!
   Defensive Player of the Game is Donnie Sizemore.  Donnie collected 10 tackles, pressured the Husky quarterback and stripped the ball from the running back to set up a score.
   Offensive Players of the Game are the entire offensive line for the Panthers.  The line produced 414 yards and 34 points to help the Huskies continue their losing streak.  The following boys played the line Friday night: Donnie Sizemore, Dylan Vaughn, Jarrod Dawson, Luke Smith, Jared Sams, Caleb Thomas, and Stephen Miller.
   Clay County Bank Player of the Game is Jordan Adkins who carried 18 times for 128 yards and 2 TD's.

9/21/07-Panthers Stun 3rd Ranked Sissonville
   The Clay County Panther football team, after winning two in a row, took their act on the road to Ripley High School to face the third ranked Sissonville Indians.  The Indians took their opening kickoff and went 70 yards for the first touchdown of the game.  The Panthers countered with their own drive to the ten yard line and had to settle with a 26 yard field goal from Jared Kleman making the score 7-3.  The Indians scored on the second drive to take a 14-3 lead over the Panthers.  Again the Panthers came back with another drive getting it into the end zone on a two yard run by Jared Kleman making the score 14-10.  By the end of the half the Indians would tack on another score making the half time score 21-10 Indians.
   When the Panthers took the field the second half it was evident that they were on a come back mission by taking the ball down the field and scoring on a 30 yard pass from UJD Johnson to Allen Tanner.  Bringing the score 21-16.  As the defense took the field Panther linebacker, Luke Smith was injured on the third play from scrimmage.  The Panther defense came to life and stopped the rugged Indians running game.  Following the punt that landed on the Panther 12 yard line is where the offense took over.  On the first play from the scrimmage Jared Kleman took the ball and was able to run for an 88-yard touchdown, with excellent blocking from the offensive teammates, this touchdown put the Panthers ahead for good.
   The coaches and fans were really proud of the team because they demonstrated a lot of Heart during a tough situation.  Congratulations Team!
   This Friday night the Panthers take on the Hoover Huskies at 7:30 at Bradley Field.  Come out and show your support for the Panthers.
   Offensive Player of the Game was Allen Tanner who scored one touchdown and had several key blocks for the running backs.
   Defensive Player of the Game was Mason Hamrick who had eight tackles, one fumble recovery and had several key stops for the Panthers.
   Clay County Bank Player of the Game was Jared Kleman.  Jared had 268 yards rushing with two touchdowns and caught five passes for 105 yards and kicked a 26 yard field goal.

9/21/07-Clay Intermediate Football
   The Clay County Panthers Intermediate Football Teams went to Cowen to face the Raiders on Saturday September 15, 2007. The temperature took a fall but the Panthers were on fire. The Panthers Flag team tied with a score of 26 to 26.    The Panthers C-team took a win with a score of 36 to 8. The Panthers B-team won with a score of 32 to 16, and the Panthers A-team with a win as well with a score of 20 to 0. Great job to all the teams and coaches.
   Come out a support these teams this Saturday as they take on the Fayetteville Pirates at home on the Clay County High School field. Flag game is scheduled to start at 11:00am C-team 12:00 B-team 2:00pm A-team 4:00pm......

9/5/07-Panthers Win Backyard Brawl
   The annual Backyard Brawl with the Braxton Eagles took place at Bradley Field on Friday night with the Panthers coming out on top 18-13.  The Eagles started out by taking their first drive and scoring on a 44 yd. run by Cord Metz making them the first on the board with a 7 to 0 lead over the Panthers.
   The Panthers came back and put 6 pts. on the board with Jared Kleman scoring from the 2 yard line.  The extra point kick was blocked making the score 7-6, Eagles.  The Panther defense shut down the Eagle attack and put up two more touchdowns of their own on the board.  Jared Kleman scoring on a 44 yard pass from J.D. Johnson and the Kleman scoring from 2 yards out to make the score at half-time 18-7.
   The Eagles came out like they did the first half and took the ball down the field with Christ Shuman scoring from the 1 yard.  To cut the Panthers lead to 18-13.  The Panther defense toughened up after giving up the early score to shut out the Eagles and preserve a win for the Panthers.  It was a very exciting game for the fans and the boys appreciate all of the support from the community on Friday night.
   The Panthers play Ritchie County at home this Friday with kick off beginning at 7:30.  After Ritchie the Panthers play the next three Friday night games away.
   Offensive player of the game this week was Jordan Adkins.  He rushed for 94 yards on 16 carries and caught 3 passes for 31 yards.
   The Defensive player of the game was Allen Tanner.  He had 9 tackles, 1 interception and good coverage during the game.
   Clay County Bank Player of the Game is Jared Kleman.  Jared rushed for 112 yards on 20 carries, caught 7 passes for 11 yards and scored 3 touchdowns.  Defensively he had 14 tackles, 2 sacks, and one pass deflection that helped preserve a win for the Panthers.

8/29/07-Intermediate Football
   On Saturday August 25, 2007 the Clay County Panthers Intermediate Football took on the Braxton County Redskins...The Panthers Flag team won with a score of 24 to 6...Panthers C-team won with a score of 18 to 0...Panthers B-team won with a score of 22 to 8...And the Panthers A-team put a great defensive game but fell short with a score of 0 to 6...GREAT job to all the teams and the coaches....

8/22/07-Hunting Classes
   Beginning August 1, 2007, alternative delivery hunter education classes are being offered throughout West Virginia.  Division of Natural Resources Law Enforcement District 3 offices in Braxton, Clay, Nicholas, Randolph, Upshur, Pocahontas, Lewis and Webster Counties will be offering certification course testing on September 29, 2007 and once each month thereafter.
   The alternative delivery classes may be taken by obtaining a study guide and workbook from DNR offices statewide or on-line at www.ihca.com.  These classes are available to anyone 10 years of age or older.  To complete the course, students must either complete the study guide workbook or complete and print out the chapter final exams on the internet lessons at the www.ihca.com website.  After completion of these requirements, students must register at 304-924-6211 Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.  They will then receive a date and location where they can complete certification requirements by successfully completing a practical gun handling exam and written exam.  Upon successful completion of these requirements, students will be issued a hunter education certification card which will be valid in all fifty states, all Canadian Providences and Mexico.
   Positive identification, including complete social security number, will be required at the time of testing, before a student will be tested or certified.

8/17/07-Cheerleaders Picking Up Steam
   It’s that time of year again Panther fans – football, cheerleading, practices, games. July 30th; 2007 started off the football + cheerleader season.  19 young girls were chosen to represent CCHS Cheer Squad.  They have been working hard for two weeks and are preparing for their first home game on August 24th.  The cheerleaders are selling ads for their football program. The money raised will purchase new uniforms and pom poms.  A big thanks to all the businesses and people who purchased an ad. Anissa Hamrick is the new cheer coach; She is excited and hoping to bring some “old school” back to our fields and gyms. Good luck cheerleads and football players. Have a great season!

8/3/07-Clay County High School
2007-2008
Varsity Football Schedule
Date  Opponent  H/A  Time
8-24  Nicholas Co. H  7:30 p.m.
8-31  Braxton Co.  H  7:30 p.m.
9-07  Ritchie Co.  H  7:30 p.m.
9-14  Sissonville  A  7:30 p.m.
9-21  Herbert Hoover A  7:30 p.m.
9-28  Wahama  A  7:30 p.m.
10-05  Roane Co.  H  7:30 p.m.
10-12  Oak Hill  A  7:30 p.m.
10-19  Ravenswood  A  7:30 p.m.
10-26  Tyler Co.  H  7:30 p.m.

JV Football Schedule
Date  Opponent  H/A  Time
8-27  Oak Hill  H  6:00 p.m.
9-10  Nicholas Co. A  6:00 p.m.
9-24  Herbert Hoover H  6:00 p.m.
10-01  Webster Co.  A  6:00 p.m.
10-08  Roane Co.  A  6:00 p.m.
10-15  Braxton Co.  A  1:00 p.m.
10-22  Sissonville  H  6:00 p.m.

7/26/07-Clay High School Volleyball Try-outs
   Volleyball tryouts for girls in grades 9-12 will be August 6th at the High School, starting at 8:30 a.m.  Practice will go until 2:30 p.m.  Try-outs will be 2 days, team will be picked Tuesday.  Must have a PHYSICAL in hand and given to Coach before you are allowed to try-out.  Need pair of tennis shoes, other than what you wear to practice, knee pads or any other necessity you find important to bring.  Lunch will be provided.  If you have any questions, contact Head Coach Justin Holcomb at 587-2605.

7/25/07-New State Record Striped Bass
   A state record for striped bass was recently caught by Michael Pittman, Jr., of Wayside in Monroe County, according to Frank Jezioro, Director of the Division of Natural Resources. Pittman caught the 40.88-inch, 21.38-pound fish from Bluestone Lake in Summers County on July 8th, 2007. He caught the record striped bass using a crank bait while fishing near the mouth of the Bluestone River. Pittman's catch establishes a new West Virginia record for length. The previous length record for stripped bass was a 37.75-inch fish caught by Harold Mills from Bluestone Lake in 2006. The current state record weight for striped bass is a 29.56-pound fish caught by Terry Watkins at Bluestone Lake. 
   Anglers who believe that they have caught a state record fish should check the record listing in the 2007 Fishing Regulations brochure. The brochure also outlines the procedure to follow for reporting their catch.

7/24/07-Clay County High School Football
   There will be a meeting for all players that are playing football this season, and their parents on July 26, 2007 at 5:30 in the CCHS cafeteria.  Bring your physical papers if you have them and if not, you will need to have a physical by Monday, July 30th.
   Football practice begins Monday, July 30, 2007 for all CCHS players.  All players need to be at the cafeteria by 8:00 in the morning.  Activity buses will be running.  There will be an activity bus schedule posted in the Free Press and/or you can call the Clay County Board of Education to find out what time the bus ill be in your area.  Bring your cleats, shorts, and t-shirts for practice.
GO PANTHERS!!

7/17/07-Clay High School Volleyball Try-outs
   Volleyball tryouts for girls in grades 9-12 will be August 6th at the High School, starting at 8:30 a.m.  Practice will go until 2:30 p.m.  Try-outs will be 2 days, team will be picked Tuesday.  Must have a PHYSICAL in hand and given to Coach before you are allowed to try-out.  Need pair of tennis shoes, other than what you wear to practice, knee pads or any other necessity you find important to bring.  Lunch will be provided.  If you have any questions, contact Head Coach Justin Holcomb at 587-2605.

7/10/07-Water Exercise Classes - Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. located at the Clay Pool at Bradley field.  Wednesday a free session will be given to anyone wanting to try it before they join. Call Jo Nicholas at 587-4947 for more information.

7/5/07-Panther Den Boxing walks away as Junior Olympic winners!
   The Olympics is every young athletes dream, and this past month two teens from Panther Den Boxing in Clay had an opportunity to take the Gold!
   By winning the Junior Olympic State Tournament on April 21st, 2007 in Ashland, KY - Ernie Carper (age 15) and Glenn Boatwright (age 14) were able to represent West Virginia, with 13 other peers from Ohio and Kentucky as our Regional Junior Olympic team.
   During May 18th - 21st in Richmond, VA, Coaches Tom Hanshaw, Head Coach (Westwood Boys Club - Ashland, Ky) and Jim Boatwright, Assistant Coach (Panther Den Boxing - Clay, WV) led this group of young men and women in the fight of the year to come back with victories.
   Panther Den was proud to have Glenn Boatwright win 1st place in the regional event, while Ernie Carper took 2nd place.  Only Junior Olympic winners over the age of 15 can advance to the National Junior Olympic meet being held in Marquette, Michigan this year, but Glenn holds the title of East Coast Regional Champ.
   Do you wanna fight?
   Jim Boatwright, head trainer and Joey Myers, assistant trainer, are hoping to bring back another fight this year during our local festival.  If you're interested in training at Panther Den Boxing come by on Tuesday, Thursday or Sundays from 6:30-8:30pm for more information or just to take a look at our facility.
   Located above the Clay Lion's Club, the gym is run entirely on donations and is free to all youths and adults, with a yearly $40.00 fee to USA Boxing which covers insurance fees and licenses you as a USA Boxer to compete in sanctioned events.
   Our many thanks to the Clay Lions Club for its generous use of the upstairs of their building, and when the Lions Club has meetings or functions on a training night, we respectfully hold our practice at another gym's location. 
   For additional information, please call (304) 587-7714.

7/2/07-Clay Gold All-Star Team
   The Clay Gold All-Star Team won the District 8 Tournament by defeating Elkins and Summersville. They advance to the state tournament, which will begin on July 13th. Members of the team are Kody Schultz, Noah Taylor, Logan Knopp, Rhys Jelich, Bryan Burkhammer, Jonah Bodkins, Storm Carver, Zach Ahart, Connor Jelich, Stephen Cole, Eddie Flores, Michael Gray, Manager Chris Burkhammer and Coach Joe Jelich. The 11 & 12 year old All-Stars begin tournament action this weekend at Craigsville.

6/21/07-Ivydale Wildcats, Clay County Little League Champs
   For the first time ever the Wildcats are League champs, with only one loss during the season..
Front row L-R: Christopher Schultz, Chaseton Cutlip, Jimmy Brogan, Hunter Hannah, Dalton Holcomb, Zach Stevenson. Back row L-R: Zach Hedrick, Brandon Hedrick, Dakota Keener, Austin Rogers, Cody Schultz. Coaches L-R: Rick Hannah, Eric Holcomb Congratulations and thanks for a great season !!!!

6/15/07-Adult Channel Catfish Stocking for Free Fishing Weekend June 9-10
   To help celebrate the 18th annual Free Fishing Weekend, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has stocked 15 small impoundments with 5,800 lbs. of adult farm-raised catfish, which includes the Wallback Lake in Clay County.  Free fishing weekend is June 9-10 and residents and nonresidents can fish in West Virginia without a license.

6/12/07-Youth Football and Cheerleading
   The Clay County Panthers Intermediate Football will be having football and Cheerleading sign ups in front of the Clay County High School on July 21 2007 from 9:00 to 12:00. Please bring a copy of your child's birth certificate as well as a new completed sports physical given to your child by a physician. Registration fee is $30.00 for first child and $15.00 for each additional child. The first practice will being on July 23rd at 6:00 pm at the Dundon baseball field. If you have any questions please call Cam 587-1140 for football, and Angie 587-2537 for Cheerleading.

6/7/07-June Snow Boarding and Snow Skiing Now a Reality in Ohio
   Ohio dreams action sport camp opens June 10th, 2007 in Butler, Ohio near Mansfield as one of only three action sport camps in the nation. Ohio Dreams is a facility where campers age 7-17 train in the latest actions sports activities, including skateboarding, BMX bicycling, inline skating, water-skiing and ski and snowboard free-ride water ramps.
   Ohio dreams was designed by the renowned ramp designer Nate Wessel, the mastermind behind the ESPN X-games, Discovery Channel's Stunt junkies and pro rider Ryan Nyquist's BMX Park.  Ohio dreams is open 12 weeks each summer at a cost of $750 per week.

6/5/07-2007 West Virginia Gobbler Harvest Reported
   Hunters in West Virginia harvested 9,976 turkeys during the 2007 spring gobbler season, according to Curtis L. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR). Preliminary harvest figures indicate this year's spring turkey harvest was 15 percent lower than the 11,735 birds taken in 2006. 
   Forty-seven of the state's 55 counties had lower service this year, with much of the harvest decreased occurring in the southern counties.  The Clay spring harvest season for 2007 was 69, which is 13 lower than it was in 2006. 
   The reduced gobbling activity and lower harvest rate this spring were the result of a poor wild turkey brood production year in 2005.  A population with fewer 2-year-old gobblers can greatly affect the spring gobbler harvest.  Even though the state's turkey populations generally higher due to last year's good brood production, the low numbers of 2-year-olds bird in the population affect the harvest this spring.  Wildlife Biologist have determined the level of brood production accurately forecasts spring turkey harvest two years later, as these 2-year-old birds tend to gobble more and more susceptible to harvest. Field reports also indicate that hunting pressure in many areas of the state was lower than normal. Hunters can look forward to a better spring gobbler harvest next year, since brood production was good in 2006.

5/23/07-Jessica Davis, a senior at Clay County High School signed a letter of intent to play softball with the WV Tech Golden Bears on May 15th. Jessica will be awarded a partial scholarship to further her education. Jessica is shown below signing with coach Amanda Fowler, Tech's head women's softball coach.

5/16/07-Clay Loses to Sissonville
   Clay played Sissonville last week to start off the post season.  Clay lost to Sissonville in the Class AA Region 4, Section 1 tournament, which eliminated them from the post season.  The final score was 8 to 11.  The Clay High Baseball Team ended their season being one of the top ranked baseball teams in AA in the state.

5/15/07-Umpires Needed
Clay Co. Little League is in need of umpires.  If you are interested please call 587-6068 and leave your name and number.  We will hold an umpire clinic to train you if needed. 

5/3/07-Skateboarding Exhibition!!!!!
Saturday, May 5th at the Clay County Park (Maysel)
Events are a part of Youth Awareness Day 11-4.
Skateboarding exhibition and contests begin at 2:00 p.m. (skateboarders should wear safety gear)
Contests for Highest Ollie and Best Trick.
Marc Fuentes will offer a skateboarding demonstration.
Drawings and Concessions will be available all day.
All Skateboarders must have a signed waiver in order to skateboard (no exceptions)
   The waiver form is available at our website at