Let’s Go Mountaineers

Doddridge County: Kermit VanScoy Invitational Results

Gilmer County 59,  Calhoun County 29

Doddridge County 51,  Ritchie County 50

Doddridge County 45,  Gilmer County 40 (OT)
Doddridge County scored the first seven points of overtime and defeated Gilmer County 45-40 in the championship game.

Doddridge County’s Jamie Barr hit a 3-pointer with 7.9 seconds remaining in regulation to send the game into the extra session tied at 37.

Samantha Bailey led Doddridge County (3-2) with nine points, while Barr and Hunter Holland each finished with eight points.

Maggie Lilly led Gilmer County (2-3) with 12 points.

Ritchie County 54, Calhoun County 28
Leandra Villers poured in 17 points to lead Ritchie County (5-3) past Calhoun County 54-28 in the consolation game.

Calhoun County, led by Savannah Church’s 13 points, trailed 26-15 before Ritchie County outscored the Red Devils 16-5 in the third to pull away.

2010: We Are Headed Into A Deep Freeze

The National Weather Service is calling for much colder than normal temperatures for next week.

NWS in Charleston sums it up like this:  “Very cold, windy with scattered snow showers.“

The jet stream isn’t working in our favor as it blows in that cold Canadian air.

“That has dropped well south into the United States. That’s allowing all this Arctic air to come down with it.“

So what can we expect for our New Year’s Weekend?  NWS says no matter where you are in the state; you’ll need your warmest coat along with a hat and gloves.

“We’re looking for temperatures not getting out of the 20s for highs and lows well down into the teens.  There will be on and off snow showers that could lay down some minor accumulations at any time.“

In the lowlands of West Virginia, that could add up to three inches by the end of the weekend, but the mountains will see even more.

“It’s going to be colder and windier and they’re going to have more snow. By the end of the weekend, they could have anywhere from 6 to 12 inches of snow on the ground by Monday morning.“

NWS says don’t expect to see the mercury to hit above the freezing mark until late next week.

Gator Bowl: West Virginia vs. Florida State

West Virginia (9-3)  vs. Florida State (6-6)

WHEN: 1:00 PM EST on Friday.

WHERE: Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville.

TV: CBS (Verne Lundquist will do play-by-play, with Gary Danielson as the analyst).

THE LINE: West Virginia by 2.5.

RECORDS VS. BOWL TEAMS: Florida State 2-6, West Virginia 5-3.

NCAA SCHEDULE STRENGTH: Florida State 8th, West Virginia 37th.

BCS RANKINGS: Florida State unranked, West Virginia 16th.

OFFICIALS: A crew from the Big Ten.

COACHES: Florida State - Bobby Bowden (21-10-1 in bowls); West Virginia - Bill Stewart (2-0 in bowls).

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: This is the final game in Bowden’s legendary career. Can his players send him out a winner? He has had just one losing season at FSU his first.

KEY STAT: West Virginia ranks eighth in the nation in net punting, while Florida State’s Greg Reid leads the nation in punt-return average.

KEEP AN EYE ON: West Virginia RB Noel Devine often comes up big in the Mountaineers’ biggest games, so don’t be surprised if he has a huge performance. He’s the type of breakaway threat who could cause all kinds of problems for Florida State’s leaky defense. FSU likely will spend much of the day running the ball behind G Rodney Hudson, who won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the ACC’s top offensive lineman this season. Hudson missed Florida State’s final two regular-season games with a knee sprain, but he is expected to play in the Gator Bowl.

WHO GETS THE EDGE?
Florida State rush offense vs. West Virginia rush defense: Florida State’s running attack struggled a bit early in the season before coming on late. Jermaine Thomas has rushed for 711 yards and seven touchdowns, and he reached the 100-yard mark in three consecutive games during a late-season stretch against North Carolina State, Clemson and Wake Forest. Freshmen Lonnie Pryor and Chris Thompson also have shown flashes. The Seminoles’ running attack could get a boost from the anticipated return of All-America G Rodney Hudson, who missed the last two regular-season games with a knee sprain. West Virginia ranks 29th in the nation in run defense and has given up 3.6 yards per carry, but the Mountaineers have allowed Cincinnati’s Isaiah Pead to rush for 175 yards and Pittsburgh’s Dion Lewis to gain 155 yards in two of their past three games.
Edge: Florida State

Florida State pass offense vs. West Virginia pass defense: E.J. Manuel led Florida State to back-to-back victories over Wake Forest and Maryland in his first two starts after replacing an injured Christian Ponder, but he had all kinds of problems in a 37-10 loss to Florida. Manuel has thrown six interceptions with only two touchdown passes in his three starts. West Virginia ranks 26th in the nation in pass efficiency defense. Manuel’s mobility makes him a similar type of quarterback as USF’s B.J. Daniels, who threw three touchdown passes without an interception in the Bulls’ 30-19 victory over West Virginia. But Daniels is a bit more polished than Manuel at this point in their careers, though Manuel undoubtedly learned quite a bit in that loss to Florida.
Edge: West Virginia

West Virginia rush offense vs. Florida State rush defense: Florida State fans figured they had a shot at signing Noel Devine because former Seminoles great Deion Sanders mentored him through the recruiting process. The Seminoles sure would love to have him on their side in this game. Devine has rushed for 1,297 yards and 12 touchdowns. He rushed for 220 yards in a nationally televised Thursday night win over Colorado and gained 134 yards in a victory over Pittsburgh. Devine has rushed for 100 yards in only one of his past five games, but he could be poised for a big game against a Florida State defense that ranks 108th in the nation against the run. Devine and mobile QB Jarrett Brown could wreak havoc all day.
Edge: West Virginia

West Virginia pass offense vs. Florida State pass defense: Brown has thrown only 11 touchdown passes and has passed for 200 yards in only one of his past seven games, but he still might end up having a big day against FSU’s dreadful pass defense. The Seminoles have a way of making even average quarterbacks look outstanding, and Brown is better than average. Florida State has given up 26 touchdown passes and ranks 113th in the nation the lowest of any team from one of the six major conferences in pass efficiency defense.
Edge: West Virginia

Florida State special teams vs. West Virginia special teams: FSU freshman K Dustin Hopkins is 15-of-22 on field-goal attempts and 7-for-13 from at least 40 yards, though he also has missed four extra-point attempts. West Virginia’s Tyler Bitancurt has gone 13-of-14 on field-goal attempts and made a game-winning 43-yarder on the final play against Pitt. West Virginia ranks eighth and Florida State is 53rd in net punting. West Virginia must watch out for FSU freshman Greg Reid, who leads the nation with an average of 18.4 yards per punt return.
Edge: West Virginia

Florida State coaching staff vs. West Virginia coaching staff: Florida State’s staff certainly has the edge in experience. This marks Bobby Bowden’s 33rd and final season at Florida State, while Bill Stewart is in his second full season at West Virginia. Bowden has a reputation as one of college football’s greatest coaches in bowl games, but Stewart also has delivered in the postseason. Stewart got this job part in large part for his ability to bring West Virginia together and lead the Mountaineers to a Fiesta Bowl upset of Oklahoma as an interim coach, and he beat North Carolina in the Meineke Car Care Bowl last season. Florida State didn’t have a whole lot of cohesiveness on its coaching staff this year. Now that Bowden has announced he is stepping down and offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher has begun putting together his own staff for the 2010 season, perhaps things will be a little more settled.
Edge: Florida State

X-factor: The records certainly suggest West Virginia is better than Florida State, but this is one bowl in which statistics might not matter. This marks the last game of Bowden’s legendary career. He is coaching in his home state in front of a sellout crowd. Do the Seminoles really want to send their coach out with his first losing season since 1976? Or do they want to carry Bowden on their shoulders after giving him one final victory? FSU should enter this game intent on delivering an inspired effort. If the Seminoles can take an early lead, that emotion could sustain them all day long.

Florida State will win if: The Seminoles have to run the ball effectively to control the clock and keep their vulnerable defense on the sideline as long as possible.

West Virginia will win if: The Mountaineers need to take an early lead to take the crowd out of the game. They also need to get the ball in the hands of their playmakers as often as possible. WVU has a big-play offense that is facing a defense that has given up far too many big plays this season.

EXPERT PICKS
Olin Buchanan: West Virginia 38, Florida State 31
Tom Dienhart: West Virginia 32, Florida State 29
David Fox: Florida State 31, West Virginia 30
Mike Huguenin: West Virginia 38, Florida State 34
Steve Megargee: Florida State 34, West Virginia 31
~~  AP – rivals.com   ~~

GCHS Boys Basketball Results

Gilmer County (3-0) defeated Roane County 74-64 on Wednesday night.

Ryan Hough led Gilmer County with 19 points, while James pitched in 18 points.

Cam Kinder finished with 13 points.

Ian Morris scored in double digits with 12 points.

Scoring in double figures for Roane County (0-3) were Alex Mace with 19 points and Colter Taylor with 16 points.

Varsity Scoring Summary

Gilmer County JV 53     Roane County JV 60

Junior Varsity Scoring Summary

~~  Report and Photos by Emily Ramezan   ~~

Braxton County: Special Olympics Meeting

Braxton County Special Olympics will be meeting with a representative from the State Special Olympics office to discuss the future of Special Olympics in Braxton County on Wednesday, January 6, 2009 at 6:00 PM. at Sutton Elementary School.

All Special Olympic athletes, coaches, family members and anyone else interested in Special Olympics are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Upcoming Movies: 01.01.10

Nine
Runtime: 1 hr. 50 min.
PG-13  - Sexual content and smoking

Famous film director Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) grapples with epic crises in his personal and professional life. At the same time, he must strike a balance among the demands of the numerous women in his life, including his wife (Marion Cotillard), his mistress (Penélope Cruz), and his confidant (Judi Dench) .

Cast:   Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penélope Cruz, Kate Hudson, Nicole Kidman
Director:   Rob Marshall
Genres:   Musical Drama, Musical

UPCOMING RELEASES (Dates Subject to Change; Not All Films in All Areas)  
January 8:   Daybreakers, The Last Song , Leap Year. Youth in Revolt
January 15:   Lovely Bones, Book of Eli, Spy Next Door, Hoodwinked Too: Hood v Evil
January 22:   Legion, Tooth Fairy
January 29:   Edge of Darkness, When in Rome
February 5:   From Paris With Love, Dear John
February 12:   Valentine’s Day, The Wolfman
February 19:   Shutter Island
February 26: Cop Out, The Crazies, Defendor, The Yellow Handkerchief
Release dates subject to change; not all films will play in every market and/or every theatre.

WV: 21st Century Education

In 1999, the West Virginia Securities Commission, which is a division of the State Auditor’s Office, launched a comprehensive financial literacy program in partnership with county schools systems, state and federal agencies.

On this edition of the State Dollar, State Auditor Glen B. Gainer III and his guest, State Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven L. Paine, will discuss financial literacy in the West Virginia classroom.

The Securities Commission was interested in bringing an Investor Education Program to citizens to help teachers and students stem the tide of investor fraud while offering educational tools for the West Virginia classroom.

Finance University, begun in 2002, is dedicated to increasing the financial knowledge of our educators by bringing in many of those original financial experts for a free week-long institute offering educators university credit.

The second program called Money Matters has become the school classroom aspect of our investor education program. It brings an investor education expert to classrooms of all sizes and grade levels for discussions on personal finance as well as an exciting and interactive stock market game.

AAA: WV Gasoline Prices Up 2 Cents Per Gallon

West Virginia motorists will pay an extra two cents for a gallon of gas this week. The average price for regular, unleaded is $2.662 per gallon.

According to the AAA Fuel Gauge, oil prices ended Monday, December 28 up 64 cents to close at $78.69 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Looking back at retail fuel prices in 2009, prices climbed gradually throughout the year and were marked by long periods of stability. The slow, gradual climb in retail gasoline prices for 2009 stands in stark contrast to the rollercoaster in prices witnessed in 2008. Befitting of this trend, the year’s lowest average price for a gallon of self serve regular was recorded on January 1st at $1.62. The year’s highest average recorded price for a gallon of self serve regular for 2009 occurred on October 30th, at $2.695. Interestingly, the national average price for self serve regular never broached $2.70 per gallon – something quite notable given that prices had climbed above $4.00 per gallon in 2008.

The speed and vigor of the economic recovery will have a major influence on retail gasoline prices and market oil prices in 2010.

Despite the erratic changes in market oil prices, retail gasoline prices have managed to stay steady for the past week. As of Monday, the national average retail price for a gallon of self serve regular stood at $2.603. This is only about a penny higher than the average price one week ago.

This week’s average prices: West Virginia Average =  $2.662
Average price during the week of December 22, 2009 =  $2.645
Average price during the week of December 30, 2008 =  $1.680

13 WV Water Systems to Share $48 Million

Braxton and Lewis Counties are among 13 West Virginia communities to share more than $48 million in federal stimulus funds to improve public drinking water.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau for Public Health, announced funding commitments Tuesday that also include money from the Drinking Water Treatment Revolving Fund.

City of Fairmont will receive $8.9 million to upgrade its water treatment plant, which has been the source of numerous boil water advisories and supply shortages.

City of Morgantown will receive $9.4 million to install a 2 million gallon storage tank and other upgrades.

Other beneficiaries include water systems in Fayette, Grant, Harrison, Jefferson, McDowell, Morgan, Putnam and Randolph counties.

Happy New Year

Gilmer County Court House Hours

The Gilmer County Court House will be open unit 12:00 Noon today.

Court House will be closed on Friday 01.01.10 – New Year’s Day.

Blue Moon to Shine on New Year’s Eve

It happens only once in a blue moon—and scientists say a blue moon is exactly what we’ll see in the skies this New Year’s Eve.

Don’t expect an azure glow over our lunar satellite, however. The term “blue moon” simply refers to the second full moon in a calendar month, something that hasn’t happened on a New Year’s Eve for nearly 20 years, NASA says.

“December 1990 ended with a blue moon, and many New Year’s Eve parties were themed by the event,“ said Professor Philip Hiscock of the department of folklore at Memorial University of Newfoundland, in Canada. “It was a lot of fun.“

Most months have just one full moon, because the 29.5-day cycle of the moon matches up pretty well with the length of calendar months. Occasionally, there will be two full moons in a month, something that happens about every 2½ years, NASA says.

But a blue moon on December 31 is rare.

Elvis Presley crooned about it when he sang the old Rodgers and Hart song “Blue Moon,“ in which he stood alone without a dream in his heart or a love of his own.

He struck a more hopeful tone in another tune, singing about his love returning to his arms “When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again.“ He also covered Bill Monroe’s bluegrass classic, “Blue Moon of Kentucky.“

It is possible for the moon to have a cerulean hue, NASA says, but that’s sometimes caused by fine dirt circulating in the Earth’s atmosphere or the dark blue tone of the sky.

A blue moon hasn’t always meant the second full moon in a month. Hundreds of years ago, it simply meant “never” or “absurd,“ Hiscock said.

“The phrase ‘blue moon’ has been around a long time, well over 400 years, but during that time its meaning has shifted,“ he said. “I have counted six different meanings which have been carried by the term, and at least four of them are still current today. That makes discussion of the term a little complicated.“

When the Indonesian volcano Krakatoa erupted in 1883, it put so much dust in the atmosphere that the moon actually appeared blue—an event so unusual that the term “once in a blue moon” was coined, according to NASA’s National Space Science Data Center. The effect lasted for almost two years, Hiscock said.

Full moons used to have 12 names, one for each month, such as “harvest moon,“ NASA said. The term “blue moon” referred to the 13th full moon in a year.

The term acquired its current meaning in the 1940s, after the Farmer’s Almanac of Maine offered an astronomical definition of a blue moon “so convoluted that even professional astronomers struggled to understand it,“ NASA wrote on its Web site.

A writer at Sky and Telescope magazine in the late 1940s tried to explain the almanac’s definition by saying it referred to the second full moon in a month.

“That was not correct, but at least it could be understood,“ NASA wrote. “And thus the modern blue moon was born.“
~~ CNN   ~~

MOON MONIKERS
The Farmers’ Almanac lists these Algonquin Indian names for the full moon of each month:
•  January: Wolf Moon
•  February: Snow Moon
•  March: Worm Moon
•  April: Pink Moon
•  May: Flower Moon
•  June: Strawberry Moon
•  July: Buck Moon
•  August: Sturgeon Moon
•  September: Corn Moon
•  October: Harvest Moon
•  November: Beaver Moon
•  December: Cold Moon

NWS: Slick Roads, Bridges, Overpasses

Issued by The National Weather Service
Charleston, WV
1:48 AM EST, Thursday, December 31, 2009

HERE IS A SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE…

MIXED PRECIPITATION WILL MOVE SOUTHWEST TO NORTHEAST ACROSS THE AREA DURING THE PREDAWN HOURS EARLY THIS MORNING. WHILE THE PRECIPITATION WILL BEGIN AS A LIGHT RAIN FOR MUCH OF THE AREA…

IT WILL SWITCH TO WET SNOW OR SLEET. THIS WILL RESULT IN A SLUSHY ACCUMULATION OF UP TO AN INCH IN THE LOWLANDS…

AND UP TO TWO INCHES FOR THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS. MUCH OF THE WET SNOW OR SLEET IN THE LOWLANDS WILL MELT…

BUT SLICK SPOTS ARE STILL POSSIBLE FOR UNTREATED ROADWAYS…

ESPECIALLY BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES.

THE LIGHT SLUSHY ACCUMULATION WILL MELT LATER THIS MORNING.

Bon Appétit: SAUSAGE STUFFING WITH APPLES AND SAGE

Ingredients:
6 tablespoons butter
2 small red onions, finely diced
4 celery sticks, finely diced
4 to 5 ounces dried apples, cut into thin strips
1 pound sweet or spicy Italian sausage
3 cups chicken broth, divided
14-ounce bag herb stuffing mix
15 fresh sage leaves, lightly chopped
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Direction:
Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a large sauté pan over medium-high, melt the butter.
Add the onion and celery, then sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent.
Add the apples and cook for about 2 minutes.
Remove the sausage from the casings and add to the pan.
Sauté until the sausage is fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add 2-1/2 cups of the broth and the herbed stuffing mix.
Mix well.
Add the sage and toss well.
Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray, then pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of broth.
Spoon the stuffing into the casserole dish, then bake for about 10 to 15 minutes.

servings: 12.

Jerec Trip Loudin

Jamie Persinger and Jeremy Loudin of Sand Fork announce the birth of their second child, a son, Jerec Trip Loudin, on December 9, 2009, at Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital of Weston.
He weighed 7 pounds 14.5 ounces.
He has one brother, Jobe.
His mother is employed by United Summit Center.
Maternal grandparents are Gene and Debra Persinger of Linn.
Paternal grandparents are Daniel and Judy Loudin of Sand Fork.

Isaac Andrew Pickens

Isaac Andrew Pickens was the name chosen for the first child born to Emilee Riffle and Zachery Pickens of Weston.
The little boy was born December 11, 2009, at Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital of Weston.
He weighed 9 pounds 6.5 ounces.
His mother is a stay at home mom.
His father is employed by Hardees.
Maternal grandparents are Wayne and Amy Hedrick and Donna and Eric Riffle, all of Weston.
Paternal grandparents are Tammy and Denis Byme and David Pickens, all of Weston.

Casey Avery Dale Isenhart

Casey Avery Dale Isenhart was the name chosen for the third child born to Nikki Huneycutt and Charles A. Isenhart of Exchange.
The little boy was born December 10, 2009, at Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital of Weston.
He weighed 7 pounds 7 ounces.
His father is employed in the oilfield.
Paternal grandparents are Roger and Della Isenhart of Clarksburg.

BYRD’S EYE VIEW: The Census: A Constitutional Requirement

Once again, it is time to stand up and be counted, because 2010 is a census year. Article 1, Section 2, of the Constitution of the United States mandates that, “The actual enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent term of 10 years, in such manner as they shall by Law direct.“

Many people may wonder why a census, or count, of the population is so important that it rates a direct order in the Constitution. The answer is that census data play an important role in determining how government resources are allocated. The number of seats that each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives is based on state population. More than $400 billion in taxpayer funds are allotted to states or within states each year based on formulas that use population or other census data. These funds are used for things like hospitals or job training centers, schools or senior centers, bridges and other public works projects, and emergency services.

For privacy and security reasons, the 2010 census forms cannot be completed on line, but will be mailed or delivered to primary residences in March. It will contain just ten questions, including name, sex, age, birth date, race, household relationship, and whether you own or rent your residence. Neither the form nor actual live census takers will ask for your Social Security number or the legal status of respondents. It will take only a few minutes to complete and mail back in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you do not respond to the census, as required by April 1, expect to be visited by a census taker to obtain information in person.

The Census Bureau will protect personal information, and private information is never published. It is against the law to disclose or publish individual names; addresses, including GPS coordinates; Social Security numbers; or telephone numbers. All information collected is used to produce only aggregated statistical information.

In preparation for the census, the U.S. Census Bureau is now recruiting temporary, part-time census takers. These jobs offer good pay, flexible hours, and paid training. Hundreds of thousands of census workers will be needed across the United States to help locate households and conduct brief personal interviews with residents. Interested applicants can contact their local Census Office, or call 1-866-861-2010.

So stand up and be counted: It is the American thing to do.
~~  By Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-WV   ~~

Daily Prayer - 12.31.09

Gracious God, all around me people are suffering.
When I turn away from my own problems, I feel sorrow for the problems of others.
Through the news, the media, and my conversations, I am daily confronted with the pain and suffering of so many innocent people in my life and in the world.
Suffering seems to eagerly eat at the edges of life until people are worn down with sadness and despair.
Even though I do not understand the reasons for suffering, I believe that you are a God of love, a God of compassion.
I pray that you will be with all those this day that are in pain, who suffer silently and alone, who feel abandoned and left by the side of life’s road.
Wrap your arms of grace around them, until they know they are safely held in your embrace.
And, I pray, that you will fill my heart with the same compassion, and give me eyes to see how I can lovingly be a part of their healing.
I ask this for the sake of your great love.
Amen.

12.31.09

Today: 12.31.yyyy

Today is Thursday, Dec. 31, the 365th and final day of 2009.

Thought for Today: “No one ever regarded the first of January with indifference. It is the nativity of our common Adam.“ _ Charles Lamb, English essayist and author (1775-1834).

Today’s Highlight in History:

On Dec. 31, 1909, the Manhattan Bridge, spanning the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn, was officially opened to vehicular traffic by New York City Mayor George B. McClellan, Jr. on his last day in office.

In 1759, Arthur Guinness founded his famous brewery at St. James’s Gate in Dublin.

In 1775, the British repulsed an attack by Continental Army generals Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold at Quebec; Montgomery was killed.

In 1857, Britain’s Queen Victoria decided to make Ottawa the capital of Canada.

In 1879, Thomas Edison first publicly demonstrated his electric incandescent light in Menlo Park, N.J.

In 1946, President Harry S. Truman officially proclaimed the end of hostilities in World War II.

In 1969, Joseph A. Yablonski, an unsuccessful candidate for the presidency of the United Mine Workers of America, was shot to death along with his wife and daughter in their Clarksville, Pa. home by hitmen acting under the orders of UMWA president Tony Boyle.

In 1974, private US citizens were allowed to buy and own gold for the first time in more than 40 years.

In 1985, singer Rick Nelson, 45, and six other people were killed when fire broke out aboard a DC-3 that was taking the group to a New Year’s Eve performance in Dallas.

In 1986, 97 people were killed when fire broke out in the Dupont Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Three hotel workers later pleaded guilty in connection with the blaze.)
In 1997, Michael Kennedy, the 39-year-old son of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, was killed in a skiing accident on Aspen Mountain in Colorado.

Ten years ago: People around the world celebrated while awaiting the arrival of the year 2000. Russian President Boris Yeltsin announced his resignation (he was succeeded by Vladimir Putin). The eight-day hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane in Afghanistan ended peacefully. The United States prepared to hand over the Panama Canal to Panama at the stroke of midnight. Former Attorney General Elliot L. Richardson died in Boston at age 79.

Five years ago: President George W. Bush pledged $350 million to help tsunami victims, and didn’t rule out sending even more U.S. aid to help people recover from what he called an “epic disaster.“ Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych resigned, admitting he had little hope of reversing the presidential election victory of his Western-leaning rival, Viktor Yushchenko.

One year ago: The U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting on an Arab request for a binding and enforceable resolution condemning Israel and halting its military attacks on Gaza. A man left four gift-wrapped bombs in downtown Aspen, Colo. in a bank-robbery attempt, turning New Year’s Eve celebrations into a mass evacuation. (The man, identified as 72-year-old James Chester Blanning, shot and killed himself.) A woman gave birth aboard Northwest Airlines Flight 59 while en route from Amsterdam to Boston.

Today’s Birthdays:
TV producer George Schlatter is 80
Actor Sir Anthony Hopkins is 72
Actor Tim Considine (“My Three Sons”) is 69
Actress Sarah Miles is 68
Rock musician Andy Summers is 67
Actor Ben Kingsley is 66
Rock musician Peter Quaife (The Kinks) is 66
Producer-director Taylor Hackford is 65
Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg is 63
Actor Tim Matheson is 62
Pop singer Burton Cummings (The Guess Who) is 62
Singer Donna Summer is 61
Actor Joe Dallesandro is 61
Rock musician Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith) is 58
Actor James Remar is 56
Actress Bebe Neuwirth is 51
Actor Val Kilmer is 50
Singer Paul Westerberg is 50
Actor Don Diamont is 47
Rock musician Ric Ivanisevich (Oleander) is 47
Rock musician Scott Ian (Anthrax) is 46
Actress Gong Li is 44
Author Nicholas Sparks is 44
Pop singer Joe McIntyre is 37
Rock musician Mikko Siren (Apocalyptica) is 34
Rock musician Bob Bryar (My Chemical Romance) is 30

Gator Bowl 2010

West Virginia
The Mountaineers started off hot, winning six of their first seven, looking to take the Big East title. Those aspirations left when they lost two of their next three, both conference games. West Virginia would rebound, winning their final two to finish 9-3.

The Mountaineers rely heavily on their rush game, riding them to 183.50 yards a game (32nd in NCAA FBS). That starts with junior RB Noel Devine, who rushed for 1,297 yards and 12 touchdowns. His 108.08 yards per game was 20th among NCAA FBS rushers. Senior QB Jarrett Brown has the weaponry to run or throw, racking up 2,552 all–purpose yards and 16 total touchdowns.

As effective as West Virginia is running the ball, they are as effective stopping the run, holding opponents to 118.42 yards a game (29th in NCAA FBS). That has helped lead to a 24th ranked scoring defense (20.75 points a game). Sophomore DE Julian Miller is a producer in the 3-3-5 formation West Virginia runs, racking up 49 tackles (13.5 for loss) and eight sacks. Junior LB Pat Lazear leads the team with 73 tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble. West Virginia has a solid overall team that can win any Saturday.

Florida State
A lot of people expected Florida State to contend for the ACC title this year, attempting to win for the first time since 2005. An early season upset in BYU had Seminole fan’s talking. Three straight losses following that had prominent Seminole boosters talking, this time for Coach Bobby Bowden’s head. At 2-4, FSU did just enough to win four of their last six and finish at a barely bowl-eligble 6-6.

Florida State’s success came mostly from the offense. They finished 27th in NCAA FBS with 421.92 yards a game. It was led mostly by the 16th ranked passing game (278.75 yards a game), which was led by junior QB Christian Ponder.

Unfortunately, Ponder was injured against Clemson, putting the season in sophomore QB E.J. Manuel’s hands. The Seminoles adjusted with an emphasis on rushing, turning to sophomore RB Ty Jones. He responded with 711 yards and seven touchdowns, gaining almost half of that amount in the last four games. WRs Bert Reed and Rod Owens are the Seminoles top receivers, combining for 1,403 yards and three touchdowns (all Owens).

Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews once had a defense that was feared all over the nation. That defense is long gone, since replaced by a defense that finished 110th in yards allowed (443.50 yards a game) and 98th in points allowed (30.75 points a game).

The Seminoles have given up 25 or more points in all but two of their games. Senior LB Dekoda Watson is the leader of the team, notching 60 tackles (10 for loss), and 4.5 sacks. Sophomore LB Nigel Bradham contributed 88 tackles (4.5 for loss), a sack, fumble return, and interception. The Seminoles defense is a shadow of their old self, and that could be the deciding factor before the game even begins.

Gator Bowl Matchup
West Virginia is 13-15 in bowl games, having won four in a row during their current eight year bowl run.

Florida State is 21-14-1 in bowl games. This is their 28th straight year of bowl eligibility, and they won their 2008 matchup against Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl.

FSU has beaten West Virginia twice in the Gator Bowl, most recently 30-18 in 2005.

This game is as well known for the impact it will have in NCAA history. Former West Virginia and current FSU head coach Bobby Bowden is retiring after 44 years of coaching, 34 at Florida State. He has never lost in the Gator Bowl, going 4-0 in his career. While it is fitting to have one of the greatest NCAA coaches leave with his two teams going head-to-head, West Virginia will be looking to spoil the going away party.

Behind the legs of Noel Devine, it’s going to be tough for one of the most inconsistent defenses in FSU history. Knowing outgoing defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, he will use pressure to keep Devine within the tackles, preventing big runs when he gets to the outside, and to hopefully force Brown into mistakes. Brown has thrown eight interceptions on the season. The issue is that leaves a young secondary all alone, and if Brown can escape the pressure with his speed, he could hit a downfield receiver for a big gain, something FSU has given up all season.

FSU has switched to using the run heavily since Ponder’s injury, but they are facing a defense that can stop the run. The 3-3-5 offers a lot of different looks and blitz packages, which could offset Manuel, making only his fourth start. Manuel is quick and accurate, but mistake prone, throwing six interceptions in his four games. He has playmakers on the outside in Reed and Owens, but will have to get the ball out quickly, relying on their athleticism for big plays downfield.

Gilmer County 4-H Teen Leaders

The Gilmer County Teen Leaders had a Christmas Party on the 8th of December at the Holt House.

We exchanged gifts, watched movies, had pizza, played games, and just had fun!

After the party we had a short meeting and decided to sell Blue Smoke Salsa in January.

Contact the Gilmer County Extension Office 304.462.7061 for more information on our upcoming fundraiser.

All interested teens are invited to attend the next meeting that will held on January 12th at the Holt House starting at 6:00 PM.

Also at the January meeting we will be starting to plan the 2010 Gilmer County 4-H camp starting around 7:00 PM.

~~  By: Valeri Sprouse, Club Reporter   ~~

Successful WV Bond Sales Provide Funding for New Schools and Huge Savings for Taxpayers

In November, West Virginia sold two separate bond issues that will provide significant funding for secondary schools and higher education institutions throughout the state.

While bond sales are not uncommon to finance state construction projects, the most recent ones are significant because of the low borrowing cost the state was able to achieve, and the high percentage of in-state retail investors.

On November 17, 2009 the West Virginia School Building Authority sold approximately $48 million in bonds to finance primary and secondary school facilities.

This was the second financing for the SBA for Qualified School Construction Bonds, a financing program authorized in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that has enabled the state to borrow at a substantially reduced overall cost.

In July, West Virginia became the first state in the country to utilize the Qualified School Construction Bonds program statewide.

For the November school construction bond issuance, the state’s borrowing rate was approximately 1.75%, compared with a borrowing cost of approximately 4.35% if traditional financing methods were used.

The governor said the importance of maintaining healthy bond ratings for the state may not on its surface sound like a priority, but the strategy is paying off for taxpayers. “When it comes to financing our state’s needed infrastructure, we’re saving millions of dollars because we’ve been responsible and our bond ratings are very high,” the governor said. “By being able to issue bonds at lower rates, we not only have a smaller debt service, we have more money to put toward essential school projects.”

The second financing was a $78 million bond issue by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to finance capital improvements for community and technical colleges.

For HEPC financing, retail investors submitted orders for the bond totaling over $54 million, a substantial number of orders from retail that reflects the confidence of investors in the state’s finances.

In other words, about 70% of the issue was from retail investors, most of which are in-state, and which may be the highest ever percentage for a West Virginia bond issue.

This is another indicator of the state’s strong financial health, the governor said.

Coal Miners in Clay County Get to Keep Their Job for a While

U.S. District Judge Robert Chambers has granted a temporary stay to CONSOL Energy which runs both the Little Eagle and Fola surface mine sites near Bickmore in Clay County pending the outcome of continued challenges to an earlier ruling.

After ruling in favor of the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition earlier this year because of problems with the water permit for the Ike Fork operations, Consol gave notice to 500 workers to be laid off starting in February.

The limited stay, which was granted Monday, means surface mining can continue at six Ike Fork valley fill locations “pending further order of the Court.“

The layoffs would have impacted 104 workers at Little Eagle and 378 at Fola Coal.

Basketball: GSC at WVWC

Both GSC Men and Women basketball teams return to court on Sunday, January 3, 2010.

The away games are against West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Lady Pioneers start at 2:00 PM, followed by Pioneers at 4:00 PM.

Lewis County: Former Church Counsellor Facing Charges

A former Lewis County church counsellor who used a digital Camera and a cell phone to take dozens of pictures of him and 16- year old girl, having sex, is facing charges.

Randall Osburn, 50, of Buckhannon, is charged with filming of minors engaged in sexually explicit content, a felony, back in January 2009.

According to State Police, Osburn has admitted to taking the pictures, but then “accidentally” destroyed them.

He posted a $20,000 bond on Tuesday in Lewis County magistrate court.

WV Lawmaker Eyes Police Accountability

A state senator and former sheriff is considering ways to keep an eye on misconduct by police officers.

Sen. Bill Laird, D-Fayette, says one plan might include a central database tracking disciplinary actions taken against police officers.

Laird served four terms as sheriff of Fayette County.

He says the vast majority of police officers are dedicated professionals, but it’s important to identify misconduct where it exists.

State Police Sgt. Curtis Tilley, chairman of a law enforcement training subcommittee in the governor’s office, says police misconduct is rare.

He estimates that fewer than 1% of West Virginia’s 3,500 or so police officers run afoul of the law.

Bon Appétit: BROWN SUGAR AND SPICE RUBBED PORK TENDERLOIN

Ingredients:

For the Seasoning Blend:
2/3 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons pink peppercorns
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
2 teaspoons dried diced onion
2 teaspoons dried parsley

For the Brine:
3 cups water
1/4 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 cups ice

For the Pork Loins:
Two 12-ounce pork tenderloins, silver skin removed
2 large yellow onions, diced

Direction:
To make the seasoning blend, in a small bowl combine all ingredients.
Transfer half of the mixture to a large saucepan.
Set aside the remaining seasoning blend.
To make the brine, add the water, salt and brown sugar to the seasoning blend in the saucepan.
Set the pan over high and boil until the sugar and salt dissolve.
Remove from the heat, then add the ice and stir until cooled.
Place the pork in a large zip-close bag.
Pour the cooled brine over it, then seal the bag and refrigerate for 3 to 6 hours.
When ready to cook, heat the oven to 375 degrees.
Remove the pork from the brine, patting it dry with paper towels.
Rub the remaining seasoning blend over both tenderloins.
Scatter the onions over the bottom of a roasting pan, then set the pork over them.
Roast for about 30 minutes, or until the tenderloins reach 145 F at the center.
Let the pork rest in the roasting pan for 15 minutes before cutting into thin slices.
Serve over the roasted onions.

servings: 4

WV PSC Approves Allegheny Power Rate Increase

The West Virginia Public Service Commission has approved a $118 million rate increase for Allegheny Power.

The action means the average residential customer will pay nearly $8 a month more for 1,000 kilowatt hours.

The current average residential bill is about $83.

Pennsylvania-based Allegheny Power originally sought a $141 million increase to help offset the cost of fuel and to purchase power from other suppliers.

The PSC says its approval will allow Allegheny Power to recoup its energy costs for next year, and to make up for prior periods when its rates didn’t cover the utility’s energy costs.

Allegheny Power provides electricity to more than 500,000 customers in West Virginia.

Sutton: Artist Group Workshop

Amateur artist group is seeking those, interested in painting, oil, acrylic, etc, or sketching, to join their workshop.

If you would enjoy spending the day painting, learning together, exchanging ideas and fellowship join us at 9:00 AM each Wednesday at the Senior Citizens’ Center Art and Crafts room.

For more information call 304.364.4042 or 304.364.5089.

Karen Diane Jolliff

Karen Diane Jolliff
Age 54 of Buckhannon, West Virginia, departed this life at 4:58 PM Sunday December 27, 2009 at the St Joseph Hospital Buckhannon following an extended illness.

She was born April 2, 1955 in Lewis County.

She was the daughter of the late Roscoe and Velma Lake Hitt.

Karen was a graduate of Lewis County High School. She enjoyed the outdoors, taking walks, snow, her flowers, crossword puzzles, and spending time with her kids. She also attended the Rock Grove Baptist Church.

Surviving are 2 daughters and 1 son, Alicia Jolliff, Crystal Jolliff and Michael Jolliff all of Glenville WV; 1 sister and 2 brothers also survive, Helen Lowther of Cox’s Mill WV, Danny and Greg Hitt both of Weston WV.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Thursday December 31, 2009 at the Ellyson Mortuary Inc., Glenville with Pastor Bryon Groves and Rev. Kenny Fisher officiating.

Burial will follow in the Rock Grove Cemetery in Linn, WV.

Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, December 30 at the mortuary.

Ellyson Mortuary Inc. is assisting the family of Karen Jolliff with arrangements.

Kelli Nicole Stamper-Lawson

Kelli Nicole Stamper-Lawson
Age 28, of Weston, West Virginia passed away Sunday, December 27, 2009 at her home following a sudden illness.

She was born in Weston on January 6, 1981 the daughter of the late Robert Stamper and Vicki (Butcher) Shaver of Grantsville, West Virginia.

Kelli is survived by one son, Dylan Lawson and one daughter, Morgan Lawson both at home, one brother, Robert Stamper of Weston and one sister, Stephani Stamper of Grantsville.

Kelli loved to play with her kids. She loved the outdoors and especially fishing and skating. She also liked to listen to the Trinity Broadcast Network.

Family and friends will be received at the Hardman-Paletti Funeral Home 730 N. Main Avenue Weston on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 PM at the Hardman-Paletti Funeral Home chapel with Reverend Kevin Church officiating.

Interment will follow services in the Weston Masonic Cemetery.

Eugene William Granlund

Eugene William Granlund
Age 86, formerly of 121 Westfield Road Jane Lew, passed away on Friday, December 25, 2009, at 1:28 PM in Crestview Manor Nursing Home following an extended illness.

He was born on February 24, 1923; son of the late Victor and Hannah Granlund.

On May 9, 1954 he married Stella (Casteel) Granlund, who preceded him in death in January of 2002.

Mr. Granlund is survived by one daughter-in-law, Sondra Granlund of Jane Lew; two grandchildren, Cheryl Rahming and Cathy Hoover, both of Jane Lew. Also surviving are five great-grandchildren, Jordan Rahming, C.J. Rahming, Jacob Rahming, Logan Hoover, and Brenton Hoover.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Ganlund was preceded in death by one son, Ronald Granlund; five brothers; and one sister.

Mr. Granlund worked as was a watch maker and was a veteran of WWII where he served in the United States Navy and was a member of the American Legion in Pennsylvania.

At the family’s request there will be no public visitation. Interment was held in the Floral Hills Memorial Gardens on Tuesday, December 29.

Hardman-Paletti Funeral Home of Weston is in charge of the arrangements for Eugene William Granlund.