It’s going to be stick-your-nose-to-the-grindstone from now until summer for students across West Virginia as districts cram more instruction into the remaining school year to make up for near-record numbers of snow days in some counties.
In an attempt to meet the 180 days of instruction required by law, many schools are canceling field trips, eliminating theater productions and other in-school activities, turning professional development days into instructional days and delaying the last day of school.
Students in Greenbrier, McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Preston, Summers and Tucker counties also missed 20 days or more of school, according to unofficial data collected by the state Department of Education. Forty districts have missed between 10 and 19 days, while eight, including Cabell and Kanawha counties, have missed less than 10.
According to the department, there has only been two days since Jan. 1 when all schools in the state’s 55 counties opened without delays.
Earlier this month, Gov. Joe Manchin signed legislation that gives counties more flexibility in arranging their calendars. The new law, which takes effect July 1, requires schools to plan for snow days and other emergencies and frees them from the current law that limits schools to starting no sooner than Aug. 26 and ending by June 8.
But the change won’t help schools this school year. Because teacher contracts prohibit counties from using spring break for makeup days, districts are forced to look at a variety of ways to create more time.
Summers County, where students have missed 24 days, is considering extending the school day by an hour next month. Even with the scheduling change, she predicts students will be in the classroom for 175 days this school year, as compared to the five-year average of 177 days.
Delaying the last day of class by four days is a given in Pocahontas County. Extending the school day is not an option because some students who live in more rural areas already don’t get home much before 6 PM.
Monroe is delaying the last day of class until June 8 and turning two upcoming teacher training days into early release days for students.
Mercer County is looking to make up 23 days, matching the number of days missed during the legendary winter of 1977.
While Mercer is converting six professional days into instruction days, the last day of class is already set as late as it can be.
With students being challenged to learn more each day, educators say they are sharing tips on how to help students remain focused by changing activities and varying instruction so learning is fun, yet remains on task.
For younger students, teachers are being encouraged to move story time and music lessons to the end of the day when children may have more trouble focusing on tasks.
Though the pace may prove challenging to educators as well they are hitting the ground running.
Most Americans are proud to proclaim that they are animal lovers, and many are loving and responsible pet owners. We are all disturbed and saddened when we see animals being starved or abused, or when we learn that animals must be destroyed because there are just not enough loving, responsible homes available.
But the sad fact is that, according to the Humane Society of the United States, more than 4 million pets are put down in U.S. shelters each year. Approximately 3.7 million of these are cats or dogs. A single cat can give birth to 18 kittens each year. One dog can produce 20 puppies each year. While kittens and puppies are cute, every unspayed or unneutered cat or dog that is allowed to roam free, or that is “set free” to fend for itself, contributes to the burgeoning overpopulation of dogs and cats that end up in shelters or dying of disease or starvation on the streets.
The only effective way to reduce the suffering of these loving companion animals is to limit their numbers to the amount of homes available. The best way to do this is to spay or neuter them, a relatively simple surgical procedure that can be performed in most veterinary clinics.
In February of each year, the Humane Society of the United States sponsors “Spay Day,“ a day of action to promote the spaying and neutering of pets. Inaugurated by the Doris Day Animal League in 1995, the Humane Society joined in sponsoring “Spay Day” in 2006 to encourage pet owners to spay or neuter their pets as an effective and humane way of decreasing the euthanasia of homeless animals in shelters.
In its first 15 years, “Spay Day” participants spayed or neutered approximately 1.5 million animals, potentially sparing many millions of animals from euthanasia and saving hundreds of millions of dollars in shelter costs. The Humane Society=s web site, at www.humanesociety.org, has information about “Spay Day” events.
On “Spay Day,“ many veterinary and humane society offices offer discounted spay/neuter clinics. Other reduced cost spay/neuter clinics may be available near you year round. Your local animal shelter may have recommendations from local veterinarians or other sources that can help cover the cost of spaying/neutering your pet.
I encourage everyone to be a responsible pet lover: look for your next pet at homeless animal shelters, and spay or neuter your animals to keep the population in the shelters and euthanasia down. ~~ By U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-WV ~~
As a working man, there is nothing I love more than the feel of a job well done. The sweat on your brow as your muscles ache with the tension from a hard days work is equally satisfying, as you know the labor is all worth the end result.
We don’t work heavy equipment in the Capitol, nor do we labor for ten hours in the hot sun. But we have our own battles to fight and instead of one boss, we have 1.8 million citizens telling us what to do.
When I can help something happen that will make all of my bosses happy, particularly those 24,000 who live in District 33, I really feel accomplished. That feeling returned this week when three of my sponsored bills passed the House.
House Bill 4145
Was the first of the two to pass through the House. This bill would greatly assist our veterans attending higher learning facilities. It would allow public colleges and universities to establish community activities in order to make our veterans feel more welcome, as well as create programs to assist those who need more help.
I am a veteran of the armed forces. I appreciate the men and women who stood beside me, and I appreciate those serving now. The state of West Virginia needs to step up and show how much we care about this group by committing legislative action to supporting them. This bill does just that.
House Bill 4593
Also passed the House this week, and was another bill that I am sponsoring this session. This bill would increase the maximum required school attendance from 16 years to 17 years old, as well as decreasing the number of unexcused absences allowed per school year to five. The bill continues to address the issue by authorizing up to five additional Juvenile Drug Courts to be established by Jan. 1, 2012 and it requires County Boards of Education to develop a plan to improve student retention and increase the high school graduation rate.
This bill is necessary for our state’s future. By passing this bill, the House of Delegates is saying that we know the risks for our kids, and we refuse to allow them to achieve anything the but the best. They deserve that and so much more.
House Bill 4524
Another bill I sponsored would revise the definition of “all-terrain vehicle” and include a definition for a utility terrain vehicle. It passed the House with a unanimous vote.
The passing of these three bills truly made my time in this session worthwhile, and I hope to increase this as session continues. However, you can never win them all.
House Bill 4292
I regret to inform you of the passing of House Bill 4292. This bill would require magistrates to have an associate’s degree, rather than just a high school education. This bill is a disgrace to the state of West Virginia, and although I lost the battle in the house, I have not lost the war of the legislative process. I will continue to do all I can to make sure this bill never hits the governor’s desk. If legislators do not commit to ensuring their citizens’ freedom, who will?
I always have my constituents in mind when I make decisions, but it is easier to make the right ones when I have direct contact with them. I am always happy to welcome visitors into my office, and this week I had the privilege of welcoming the Gilmer County Extension Office and the Minnie Hamilton Health System. Meeting with those groups was both enjoyable and enlightening, and I hope to meet with more groups and individuals in the future.
NATIONAL AND LOCAL FEEDER & STOCKER CATTLE SUMMARY - WEEK ENDING 02.26.2010
RECEIPTS: Auctions Direct Video/Internet Total
This Week 295,700 56,700 4,300 356,700
Last Week 255,600 72,100 48,000 375,700
Last Year 248,400 44,000 6,400 298,800
Compared to last week’s sharp gains, feeder steers and heifers weighing over 700 lbs sold mostly steady with several areas reporting newfound weakness to offset those that were still realizing strength left over from last week.
Stocker cattle and calves continued in high demand with price levels firm to 3.00 higher and some instances quoted as much as 7.00 higher than last week’s advances. Pressure was placed on the heavier feeders as the CME cattle futures opened the week lower and packers were able to talk feedlots into an early-week trading session at price levels that were steady to 1.00 lower, stifling the recent fed cattle market rally that cattle growers have cheered-on for the past three weeks.
Live slaughter cattle sales ranged from 89.00-92.00 (91.00-92.00 in the Southern Plains) and dressed sales were from 144.00-145.00.
Hedged feeders fell victim to an opening in the basis between cash and the maturing February Live contract that fell nearly 2.50 this week to end its reign as the spot market.
Stocker cattle trading remained active this week but were not quite as whippy as last week, with price levels reaching the point of diminishing self satisfaction for auction buyers that looked like a gaggle of texting teenagers as they figured price per head on their calculators.
Salebarn receipts were fairly heavy this week as country road conditions improved in many areas and sellers were able to move their livestock to market.
No one escaped the cold weather this winter with snow measurements recorded in all 50 states at the same time in February across the United States. However, signs of spring were reported this week as a few cattlemen unzipped their coveralls and folded up the earmuffs on their stocking caps.
Most Americans can’t remember a longer and colder winter, as we anticipate the sun spending more time on our side of the globe.
Backgrounders continue to assemble their late winter and early spring grazers, but temperatures in most areas will delay available forage for a few weeks longer than normal.
Mud will be the next inhibitor as frozen fields thaw out and wheat producing farmers will want cattle moved off pastures prior to March 15th.
Cow/calf producers are starting to welcome this spring’s calf crop into the world and many midwives (husbands) will stay up day and night for the next several weeks. Beef tonnage loss due to weight sapping weather has lessened the condition of every class of cattle and a higher subsequent death-loss of newborns is expected. Year to date cattle harvest is running right on schedule, but beef production (in pounds) is 1.5% lower so far compared to last year. This week’s reported auction volume included 54% over 600 lbs and 44% heifers.
Auction Receipts: 295,700 Last Week: 255,600 Last Year: 248,400
Regular Sale from Weston Livestock Market in West Virginia on February 20, 2010
Steers, 0 Head
Heifers, 4 Head
Weight M&L 1
400-500 85.00
500-600 93.00
600-700 84.00
700-800 75.00
Bulls, 11 Head
Weight M&L 1
400-500 105.00
600-700 90.00-91.00
700-800 80.00-83.00
800-1000 76.00
Slaughter Cows, 21 Head
Pct Lean Weight Range Hi Dress Avg. Dress Lo Dress
Breakers 75-80 1450-1510 55.50 49.00-51.00
Boners 80-85 1150-1425 53.50-56.00 49.00-52.00 46.50
Lean 85-90 870-1190 47.00 44.50 43.50
Canner 90 870 33.50
Heiferettes, 4 Head
800-1000 lbs. 49.00-56.00
1000-1200 56.00
Baby Calves Returned to Farms, 3 Head Beef Dairy
Newborn to 4 Weeks 185.00 95.00
Slaughter Hogs & Pigs,
Barrows & Gilts, U.S. 1-3, 6 Head
200-250 lbs 50.00-57.00
300 & up 45.00
Slaughter & Feeder Lambs
Feeders, S & M 1-2, 4 Head
75-90 lbs. 119.00
Goats, 16 Head
Selection 1 Selection 2
Kids,60-80 147.00-162.00
Sl. Small Nannies 87.50
Buckhannon Stockyards Buckhannon WV - Weighted Average Report for Thursday Feb 25, 2010
Cattle Receipts: 42 Last week: Last year:
Slaughter cows made up 64% of the offering, slaughter bulls 7%, replacement cows 2%, and feeders 26%.
The feeder supply included 36% steers, 18% heifers, and 45% bulls.
Near 36% of the run weighed over 600 lbs.
Feeder Steers Holstein Medium and Large 2
Head Wt Range Avg Wt Price Range Avg Price
4 490-490 490 58.00 58.00
Feeder Heifers Medium and Large 2
Head Wt Range Avg Wt Price Range Avg Price
2 470-470 470 72.00 72.00
Feeder Bulls Medium and Large 1
Head Wt Range Avg Wt Price Range Avg Price
1 550-550 550 93.00 93.00
3 650-685 663 87.00-88.00 87.33
1 700-700 700 86.00 86.00
Bred Cows Medium and Large 1 - 2 Young
Head Wt Range Avg Wt Price Range Avg Price
1 1200-1200 1200 675.00 675.00 Per Head 7-9 Months Bred
Slaughter Cows Breaker 70-80% Lean
Head Wt Range Avg Wt Price Range Avg Price
1 1375-1375 1375 49.50 49.50
3 1215-1245 1230 51.00-53.50 52.33 High Dressing
1 1525-1525 1525 51.00 51.00
4 1505-1585 1553 53.75-55.00 54.06 High Dressing
Boner 80-85% Lean
9 995-1380 1225 43.50-49.50 45.57
3 1145-1350 1258 49.75-52.75 51.20 High Dressing
3 1005-1130 1082 40.50-42.25 41.45 Low Dressing
1 1480-1480 1480 50.25 50.25 High Dressing
Lean 85-90% Lean
2 950-1320 1135 35.00-36.00 35.58
Slaughter Bulls Yield Grade 1-2
Head Wt Range Avg Wt Price Range Avg Price
1 2070-2070 2070 62.75 62.75
1 1630-1630 1630 67.00 67.00 High Dressing
1 1585-1585 1585 57.25 57.25 Low Dressing
Farm Bureau Food Collection for Ronald McDonald House This Monday
The Gilmer County Farm Bureau will be collecting food items to take to the Ronald McDonald House in Morgantown on Monday, March 01, 2010 at U-Pak and Foodland.
Ifyou would like to donate items they would be greatly appreciated.
These items will then be taken to the Ronald McDonald House on Saturday, March 06, 2010 by Farm Bureau Members.
Some items they are in need now are cake mixes,brownie mixes, non-stick cooking spray, coffee, creamers, sugar, papertowels, Lysol spray, laundry detergent, fabric softeners, cups, plates,plastic utensils and many other items.
HOCKEY SETS
Sportime is recalling BigBox Hockey Sets sold nationwide from November 2006 to October 2009. The surface coating on the boards, which are assembled together to form the floor hockey playing-field, contain excessive levels of lead.
This recall involves all sets of BigBox Hockey, each consisting of six boards, measuring 6’ long by 10” tall. The boards come in six colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet.
Consumers should contact Sportime at 888.388.3224 between 9 AM and 4 PM ET Monday through Friday or visitwww.schoolspecialty.comto obtain a full refund.
FOOTRESTS
Fellowes Inc. is recalling Fellowes Climate Control Footrests sold nationwide from October 2009 to January 2010. The footrest’s fan can become blocked and overheat when used in the upright position, posing a fire hazard.
The recalled footrests are black and made of plastic. The Fellowes brand item #80309 can be found on the serial label at the bottom side of the footrest, which can be identified by Revision or letter “A” on the label, which appears after the date code.
Consumers should contact Fellowes at 800.955.3344 between 7:30 AM and 5 PM CT or visit www.fellowes.com to arrange for the return and replacement of the product or a full refund.
ICE CUBE MACHINES
Scotsman Group LLC is recalling Scotsman® Commercial Modular Cube Ice Machines (Modular Cubers) sold nationwide from September 2006 to December 2009. The solenoid, an electrical component in the product, can fail and result in an electrical arc that can pose a fire hazard.
The recalled machines are designed to be installed on top of ice storage bins or ice dispensers, and typically are used in commercial establishments. Model numbers begin with C0322, C0330, C0522, C0530, C0630, C0830, C1030, C1448, C1848, C2148, EH130, EH222, EH330, or EH430, and serial numbers of the recalled machines within these model designations begin with 05, 06, 07, 08 or 09. Model and serial numbers are on the back of all machines and, depending on the model, behind the machine’s front panel either in the lower right corner of the machine or on the left side of the sheet metal wall that separates the larger (equipment) compartment from the smaller (ice-making) compartment.
Customers should contact Scotsman at 800.541.0520 between 6 AM and 8 PM CT Monday through Friday or visitwww.scotsman-ice.comto schedule a free repair.
SNOWMOBILES
Arctic Cat Inc. is recalling Arctic Cat Snowmobiles sold nationwide from October 2OO9 to February 2O1O. Fuel can leak from the fuel pump at the fuel tank mounting screws, posing a fire hazard.
The recall involves all Model Year 2010 Arctic Cat 500 Sno Pro models. The model name and number are displayed on the side of the seat and on the engine cowling.
Consumers should contact their local Arctic Cat snowmobile dealer to schedule a free repair.
Consumers can also contact Arctic Cat at 800.279.6851 between 8 AM and 5 PM CT Monday through Friday or visitwww.arctic-cat.com.
MARTHA STEWART TEA KETTLES
Bristol Model and Martha Stewart Collection® is recalling Copco and Wild Leaf Tea Co. Bristol model and Martha Stewart Collection® Enameled Steel Tea Kettles sold nationwide from October 2005 to January 2010. The handle on the tea kettle can come loose, posing a burn hazard.
This recall involves Copco and Wild Leaf Tea Co. Bristol model and Martha Stewart Collection® Enameled Steel Tea Kettles with enamel finishes in white, crème, blue, cobalt, sand, red and green.
Consumers should contact Copco at 866.255.9237 between 8 AM and 4:30 PM CT Monday through Thursday, and between 8 AM and 3 PM CT Friday, or visitwww.copco.comfor a refund.
• We don’t need it we have a bridge to cross the river..
• The bridge is of no benefit and therefore I do not think tax payers money should be wasted on it.
• I realize the bridge is historic, but if it cannot bring revenue to city then it needs to go.
• It is needed if a walking trail is built as well as a tourist attraction for downtown development
• might be worth selling as scrap
• The Bridge is History, and that’s it. It should be torn down.
• the streets need repaired
• Repairs can be made without using county or city money.
• You would think if State declared it Historic, then they would take care of it. They Should.
• Tearing it down could cost more than repair.
• The bridge is a piece of history. Please preserve it. Don’t toss it away!
• Create a neat walk/bike way. Make something unique.
• Historic Structures cannot be ignored. They should be maintained. Ignorance has caused this problem
• i thought the county owns it?
• Give it to someone interested in scrap metal
• We have enough garbage in this country to look at, tear it down and help some poor people.
• It would be nice if the state historic preservation folks could help out with the bridge
• MONEY IN TODAY"S WORLD IS TO TIGHT TO SPEND ON AN OLD BRIDGE WHEN PEOPLE ARE STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE..
• It’s an eyesore and could be a hazard to children in that area.
• Dominion Gas should contribute money due to the bridge holding a gas line across the Little Kanawha.
• It is part of what makes Gilmer County, Gilmer County. Once you’ve lost your heritage, what’s left?
• That bridge should have been taken down when the new one went was built. It is too dangerous!!
DEAR DR. DONOHUE:
My mother-in-law is 71 and does not like going to the doctor. For the past two years, her right leg swells up every day. She says that when she wakes up, she is fine and the leg doesn’t hurt. She refuses to see a doctor. My husband said, “I’m taking you,“ and she started crying. Is there anything you can say to encourage her to see a doctor?
- Anon.
ANSWER:
I can assure your mother-in-law that doctors aren’t such bad people. She might be surprised and actually like the one she sees. She has to find out the cause of her swelling and the appropriate treatment for it. Delaying treatment can lead to changes that are close to impossible to undo.
Our bodies are supplied with lymph vessels, tiny hoses that suction up tissue fluid and return it to the circulation. When something obstructs those lymph vessels, fluid remains in that part of the body. Most likely, this is what’s wrong with your mother’s leg. She has a lymph-vessel obstruction that causes her leg to swell. It goes down at night because the leg is elevated and gravity stops pulling fluid into the leg.
Or she could have trouble with the veins in her legs. Their valves might not be working well. In that case, blood stays in the leg veins and fluid oozes into the tissues.
If your mother-in-law is adamant about not consulting a doctor, she can do some things that will help her leg. She must elevate her leg as often as she can and for as long as she can during the day. By “elevation,“ I mean her leg has to be higher than her heart. She can attain that position only by lying down with her leg propped up on pillows. She should never cross her legs when she’s sitting. A swollen leg encourages infections, so she should never go barefoot or wear sandals. Compression hose (elastic hose), preferably fitted for her leg, squeeze fluid out of the leg and back into the circulation.
Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.
West Fork Conservation District Monthly Meeting - March 2010
The West Fork Conservation District Board of Supervisors monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 02, 2010 at the USDA Service Center at Mount Clare in Harrison County.
The meeting starts at 9:00 AM.
Contact Dinah Hannah, Administrative Officer, at 304.627.2160 for further information.
The West Fork Conservation District in West Virginia is comprised of the following four (4) counties located in the northern-central portion of the state:
• Doddridge County
• Gilmer County
• Harrison County
• Lewis County
Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19) - Don’t make any quick decisions that may affect your professional status on the 28th and 1st. You have to gauge what others are doing before making a move. You’ll get a good response if you approach someone to partner with you on the 2nd and 3rd. The equality of the relationship coupled with what you both bring to the table spells success. There is money to be made on the 4th and 5th if you put your creative imagination to work. An investment in property or anything that has to do with contracts or settlements is looking favorable and should bring in profits. You’ll have to make fast moves on the 6th to avoid being taken advantage of by someone untrustworthy.
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) - Don’t let too many opportunities confuse you on the 28th and 1st. Make your moves based on what will benefit you the most and be relentless in your pursuit. Taking an unusual approach to helping someone in need will bring you notoriety on the 2nd and 3rd. Your intuition will lead you in the right direction enabling you to make choices that will free you from ties that are holding you back. Focus on what you can do for others on the 4th and 5th and you will enhance your reputation and make contacts that will be able to return the favor. Don’t let your emotions sway you in the wrong direction on the 6th. Charity begins at home, put your family and your needs first.
Gemini (May 21-Jun 20) - Take precautions on the 28th and 1st if you are working with other people. It’s important not to let anyone take you for granted. Don’t let an unexpected change ruin your plans. Concentrate on doing the best job possible on the 2nd and 3rd. A mistake or not fulfilling a promise or deadline will be costly. Productivity coupled with a positive attitude will be your saving grace. Don’t let someone else’s responsibilities stand in the way of your progress on the 4th and 5th. Emotional blackmail can be expected. A power struggle can be expected on the 6th. Don’t feel guilty about something that really isn’t your fault or your responsibility. Prepare to move along fast.
Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22) - Don’t hold back the way you feel on the 28th and 1st. You can solve a lot of problems if you are open and honest about what you want and what you intend to do. Someone may play on your emotions on the 2nd and 3rd if you believe everything you hear. Taking on tasks that don’t belong to you will be taxing and stand in the way of your success. There is much to be gained on the 4th and 5th if you put your plans in motion. Your professional and personal position will be enhanced through the conversations you have and the places and people you visit. Get the facts before you react on the 6th. Nothing is as bad as it appears and can be cleared up with a few adjustments.
Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22) - Try not to give in on the 28th and 1st if you don’t feel you are getting a fair deal. A change of scenery will help everything look much brighter. A couple of alterations to your home or family plans will put you in a better position emotionally and financially on the 2nd and 3rd. A force play at work can be expected but if handled properly can give you the upper hand. Focus on what you can do to make your life better on the 4th and 5th. A move, trip or hanging out with the one you love most will all help you see your situation much clearer. You’ll be inclined to overspend on the 6th. You cannot buy love friendship or your way out of a situation that required time not cash.
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22) - Overreacting will be your downfall on the 28th and 1st. Stick to basics and don’t let anyone meddle in your personal affairs. Avoid acting on impulse. Concentrate on work money and getting in touch with anyone who can help you get ahead on the 2nd and 3rd. A partnership can turn out to be a prosperous venture. Love is in the stars. Plan to get out socialize and enjoy your good fortune. A trip or making future plans on the 4th and 5th with someone you care for will turn out well. An unexpected turn of events will enhance your personal life. Refrain from sharing your thoughts on the 6th. You are best to take a wait and see approach to domestic and partnership situations.
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22) - Hold whatever thought you have on the 28th and 1st. You don’t want to give away a secret or information that may hurt your chance to advance. Getting together with people who motivate and inspire you on the 2nd and 3rd will result in an opportunity to improve one of your creative projects. A window of opportunity is apparent regarding a professional change. There is money to be made on the 4th and 5th if you mix business with pleasure and attend events that allow you to share your plans for the future. Emotional matters concerning someone you feel responsible for will escalate on the 6th if you don’t make moves to correct the problem with a fail proof solution.
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21) - You’ll feel limited and frustrated on the 28th and 1st if you allow someone to give you ultimatums or put demands on you. Focus on what you want for a change and you won’t have regrets. Everything is within reach on the 2nd and 3rd if you are go about getting what you want with persistence. Don’t take no for an answer, be prepared to adapt and outmaneuver any setback you face. You can make up for lost time and past regrets on the 4th and 5th by sticking close by someone you love and cherish. Your undivided attention will make a difference. You’ll be overcome by emotions on the 6th if you haven’t done everything possible to eradicate an unfortunate personal mishap.
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21) - You are heading for trouble on the 28th and 1st if you haven’t lived up to your promises or you try to get away with something. Emotional matters will leave you in a vulnerable and uncertain position. Avoid travel or talks on the 2nd and 3rd that could lead to an unsavory situation. You have to be careful what you say and do if you want to avoid trouble. A chance to redeem yourself is apparent on the 4th and 5th if you are willing to give back to your community a friend or relative or anyone for that matter that you have been unfair with. An interesting turn of events on the 6th will help you express your concerns and your plans to do better and more in the future.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) - Money is heading your way from an unusual source on the 28th and 1st. An emotional exhibit you make will touch someone you care for bringing you closer together. Don’t take chances while traveling on the 2nd and 3rd. Keep your mind on what you are doing and refuse to let your emotions lead you down the wrong path. You can make professional and personal progress on the 4th and 5th if you put your imaginative industrious mind to work for you. Look at the past and use your experience to guide you. Don’t rely on others on the 6th if you want to get things done. Deception will leave you feeling betrayed. Prepare to do whatever needs to be done on your own.
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) - Expect the unexpected on the 28th and 1st and you won’t be caught off guard by what others do or say. You have to remain calm and play your position with dignity, ingenuity and truthfulness. One of your creative ideas can turn into a moneymaker on the 2nd and 3rd. Invest in something you enjoy doing and you will excel. Your intuition will not let you down. Talks will lead to an interesting partnership on the 4th and 5th. Be prepared to make a move that will allow you greater freedom to come and go as you please. You may know what you want on the 6th but someone you have to deal with may not agree or be willing to help you. Rethink your strategy.
Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) - You’ll be the one calling the shots on the 28th and 1st but before you put demands on others make sure that you aren’t asking too much. A personal partnership is due for a change. Don’t hesitate to make the first move. Use your charm on the 2nd and 3rd and you will get away with something that could damage your reputation. Don’t share secrets that you don’t want revealed. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to make cash on the 4th and 5th. Lay your plans on the table and negotiate a deal you feel is worth your while. A promise made is a promise kept on the 6th. If you cannot follow through you are best not to make the offer. Your reputation may be questioned.
All one must do to get to Heaven is live a good moral life….. Truth or Tradition?
A NECESSITY.
Certainly we must live a good moral life to the best of our ability, but is that sufficient to get us to Heaven? Haven’t we all sinned and come short of the glory of God? (Rom. 3:23). Didn’t John, a Christian, include himself when he wrote: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). Will God take sinners to Heaven? How can we be made free from those sins? Can living a good moral life free us from sin?
AN EXAMPLE. “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius…A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always” (Acts 10:1-2). We would be hard pressed to find a better “good moral man” than Cornelius. Many preachers would preach this man right into Heaven at the drop of a hat. Yet The Bible says that this good moral man was UNSAVED. The angel told Cornelius to send to Joppa for a man called Peter, “Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved” (Acts 11:14). His good moral life couldn’t save him.
THE PROBLEM.
Man alone is not capable of directing his own steps. The Bible says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12). And Jeremiah declares: “I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). If man could direct his own steps to Heaven, why did God send His only Son to suffer such agony on the cross? Why did He give us His Word to guide us, if we could make it on our own?
THE BLOOD.
God sent His Son to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. Shortly before His death, that night in the Upper Room, in instituting the Lord’s Supper, speaking of the cup, the fruit of the vine, Jesus said: “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matt. 26:28). The word remission comes from the same word as remit. When you receive a utility bill and send in the remittance, that bill is paid for. Remission of sins means those sins are paid for, and the price that was paid was the blood of Christ.
THE CONTACT.
The question is, How do you and I contact that blood today? Remember the blood was shed “for the remission of sins.” On the Day of Pentecost, Peter told those assembled: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Repentance and baptism does the exact same thing for us as does the blood. Could that explain what Paul meant when he wrote that we are “baptized into his death” ? (Rom. 6:3). The blood was shed in His death when His side was pierced. Could that be how we contact the cleansing blood today? . Where does The Bible suggest we contact the blood any other way?
Steer Creek Church of Christ, 3466 Rosedale Road, Stumptown WV 25267
Minister: Gene H Miller, 3281 Rosedale Road, Shock WV 26638-8410.
Phone: 304.462.0384 E-Mail: “ghmiller@rtol.net” Web Site: steercreekchurchofchrist.org
Dale W. “Pap” Keplinger
Age 69, of West Union, WV, died Friday, February 26, 2010, at his residence. He was born March 25, 1940, at Maysville, WV, a son of the late Stanley Thomas and Clara D. Rohrbaugh Keplinger.
Dale was self-employed, working in the logging business and as a welder. He loved the simple life, the outdoors and dirt track racing.
He is survived by six sons, Arnold Dale Keplinger, Summit Point, WV, Dale William Keplinger II, Ellenboro, WV, Michael Lynn Keplinger, Smithburg, WV, Thomas Boyd Keplinger, Buckhannon, WV, John Todd Sheets, West Union, WV, Michael Carson Sheets, West Union, WV; two daughters, Alisia Elaine Adams, Waynesboro, VA, and Tammy Jo Sheets, West Union, WV; two brothers; six sisters; nineteen grandchildren and a longtime companion Doris Sheets.
In addition to his parents, Dale was preceded in death by one brother, Gary Lynn Keplinger.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at 1:00 PM from the McCullough-Rogers Funeral Home, Pennsboro, WV, with the Pastor John Kopshina officiating, with burial to follow in the West Union Masonic Cemetery. Friends may call the funeral home from 4:00-8:00 PM on Tuesday, March 2, 2010, and from 9:00 AM until the hour of service on Wednesday.
Margaret Ruth Pulliam Stadwick
Age 82, of Dola, formerly of Warren, Ohio, departed this life peacefully on Thursday, February 25, 2010, at her home following an extended illness.
She was born April 10, 1927, in Gilmer County, a daughter of the late Cecil O. Pulliam and Susan M. Canter Pulliam.
Her husband of fifty-three years, Charles E. Stadwick, whom she married May 30, 1942, preceded her in death in 2005.
Surviving are one son, Larry E. Stadwick and his wife Kim of Canal Winchester, Ohio; two grandsons, Randy Stadwick and his wife Jen of Springfield, Ohio, and Gregg Stadwick and his wife Amber of Canal Winchester, Ohio; two great-grandchildren, Noah and Lindsay Stadwick of Canal Winchester, Ohio; two sisters, Ruby Thorp of Clarksburg and Emzie Pulliam of Ohio; her brother, Herman Pulliam and his wife Joan of Ohio; her sister-in-law, Juanita Robinson of Mannington; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Mrs. Stadwick was preceded in death by brothers and sisters-in-law, Denzil and Teresa Robinson, Frank Robinson, and Roscoe and Helen Robinson, Paul and Frances Pulliam, Freeman and Rose Pulliam, Henry and Nancy Pulliam, William and Lorraine Pulliam.
Margaret was a former employee at Hazel Atlas Glass Plant in Clarksburg, having owned and operated Marg’s Beauty Shop for over twenty years. She and her husband moved to Warren in 1953, where she resided until 2007, when she moved to Dola with her niece, Helen Newlon, and great-great-niece, Whitney Newlon. She was very much loved by her family and will be sadly missed by all. She was Protestant by Faith.
Family and friends were received at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison Street, Nutter Fort, WV, on Friday, February 26, 2010, from 5-6 PM. Funeral services were held at 6 PM at Amos Carvelli Funeral Home with Reverend Rita Robinson presiding. Interment will follow at Pineview Cemetery in Warren, Ohio.
Sally Ann Means
Age 62, of Camden, went home to be with Jesus, on Friday, February 26, 2010, at West Virginia University Hospital in Morgantown, following a short illness.
She was the wife of Bruce Dallas Means. They shared 43 happy years of marriage with never an argument.
Besides her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Gloria Kay Means of South Charleston; sons, Dallas Lee (Brenda) Means of South Charleston, and John William (Kathy) Means of Clover; and step-son, Ralph Pistore of Charleston.
Sally is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Robert, Brandon, and Jason McCord, Michael and Bruce Means, and Jessica Dillon. Brothers: John Johnson of Arizona, and Jerry (Tina) Reed of Germany. Sister: Pat Wagner of Camden.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Delbert and Edith Johnson of Milton Freewaters, Oregon; sister, Mary Johnson; and brother, Leslie Johnson both of Oregon.
A Home-going Celebration was Tuesday at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, with pastors Paul Thompson and Danny Whited officiating. Burial followed in B J Means Memorial Cemetery on Spring Hill Mountain. Viewing was held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Her children arise up and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Prov. 31: 28, 29.
Freda Ann Simms
Age 73, of Sutton died February 22, 2010 in CAMC General Division, Charleston, WV. She was born July 30, 1936 in Wilsie, WV a daughter of the late Homer H. & Ressie Gay Hamrick Cook. Also preceding her in death were her husband Theodore A. Simms; 2 sisters Hilda Allen and Jessie Cook; and one brother Edward Cook.
She was a member of the Little Birch Community Church, Little Birch and a dispatcher for Braxton Co. EMS 911.
She is survived by one son Bradley H. Simms of Sutton; 2 daughters Sandra Gail Belknap & husband Ronald of Sutton and Brenda Lea Estep & husband Larry of Huntington; 3 brothers Ford Cook of Sutton, Jim Cook of Gassaway and Jerden Cook of Rosedale; 3 grandchildren Matthew Belknap, Sara Belknap and Leigh Ann Estep; and 1 great grandchild Braelan Belknap and step-grand daughter Mercedes Braho.
Funeral service was held at 1:00 PM on Friday, Feb. 26, 2010 at Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton. Burial was in the Frame Cemetery, Frametown, WV. Friends called one hour prior to the service on Friday.
Funeral arrangements are by Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton, WV.
Today is Sunday, Feb. 28, the 59th day of 2010. There are 306 days left in the year.
Thought for Today: “In science, all facts, no matter how trivial or banal, enjoy democratic equality.“ — Mary McCarthy, American author and critic (1912-1989).
Today’s Highlight in History:
On Feb. 28, 1960, a day after defeating the Soviets at the Winter Games in Squaw Valley, Calif., the United States won its first Olympic hockey gold medal by defeating Czechoslovakia’s team, 9-4.
In 1844, a 12-inch gun aboard the USS Princeton exploded, killing Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur, Navy Secretary Thomas W. Gilmer and several others.
In 1849, the California gold rush began in earnest as regular steamship service started bringing gold-seekers to San Francisco.
In 1861, the Territory of Colorado was organized.
In 1940, the first televised college basketball games were broadcast, by New York City station W2XBS, as Pittsburgh defeated Fordham, 57-37, and New York University beat Georgetown, 50-27, at Madison Square Garden.
In 1953, scientists James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick announced they had discovered the double-helix structure of DNA, the molecule that contains the human genes.
In 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai issued the Shanghai Communique at the conclusion of Nixon’s historic visit to China.
In 1975, more than 40 people were killed in London’s Underground when a subway train smashed into the end of a tunnel.
In 1986, Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme was shot to death in central Stockholm.
In 1993, a gun battle erupted at a compound near Waco, Texas, when Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents tried to serve warrants on the Branch Davidians; four agents and six Davidians were killed as a 51-day standoff began.
In 1997, in North Hollywood, Calif., two heavily armed and armored robbers bungled a bank heist and came out firing, unleashing their arsenal on police, bystanders, cars and TV choppers before they were killed.
Ten years ago:
• Right-wing Austrian leader Joerg Haider resigned as head of the Freedom Party in an apparent bid to end Austria’s international ostracism following his party’s rise to power.
Five years ago:
• In Santa Maria, Calif., the prosecution and defense gave opening statements in the sexual molestation trial of Michael Jackson, who was later acquitted. A US District Judge, Joan Humphrey Lefkow, discovered the bodies of her husband and mother inside her Chicago home. (An unemployed electrician confessed to the murders in a suicide note.)
• A suicide car bombing targeted at security recruits killed 125 people in Hillah, Iraq.
• Lebanon’s pro-Syrian prime minister, Omar Karami, resigned amid large anti-Syria street demonstrations in Beirut.
One year ago:
• Paul Harvey, the news commentator and talk-radio pioneer whose staccato style made him one of the nation’s most familiar voices, died in Phoenix at age 90.
• Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper, free-agent NFL defensive lineman Corey Smith and former South Florida player William Bleakley died when their boat overturned in rough seas off the coast of Florida.
Today’s Birthdays:
Producer Saul Zaentz is 89.
Actor Charles Durning is 87
Svetlana Alliluyeva (ah-lee-loo-YAY’-vah), daughter of Josef Stalin, is 84
Architect Frank Gehry is 81
Actor Gavin MacLeod is 79
Actor Don Francks is 78
Actor-director-dancer Tommy Tune is 71
Hall of Fame auto racer Mario Andretti is 70
Singer Joe South is 70
Actor Frank Bonner is 68
Actress Kelly Bishop is 66
College Football Hall of Famer and retired NFL player Bubba Smith is 65
Actress Stephanie Beacham is 63
Actress Mercedes Ruehl is 62
Actress Bernadette Peters is 62
Energy Secretary Steven Chu is 62
Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman is 57
Comedian Gilbert Gottfried is 55
Basketball Hall-of-Famer Adrian Dantley is 54
Actor John Turturro is 53
Rock singer Cindy Wilson is 53
Actress Rae Dawn Chong is 49
Actor Robert Sean Leonard is 41
Rock singer Pat Monahan is 41
Author Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket) is 40
Actress Maxine Bahns is 39
Actress Ali Larter is 34
Country singer Jason Aldean is 33
Actor Bobb’e J. Thompson is 14
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“I love teaching, but I was surprised at the amount of planning it takes to keep lessons fresh. I also didn’t realize that you’re performing in the classroom, giving 45-minute presentations, almost all day. Then you do it again, day after day.“ —Peter Wilson, on switching careers to teaching.
Lady Pioneers Meet WV Wesleyans Today at 2 PM. Post Season Next Week, Who Will Go the Distance
Glenville State College’s Lady Pioneers are wrapping up a great season.
It seems altogether fitting the 50 Anniversary celebration of the WVIAC Championship Tournaments being held at their present location and head coach Bunky Harkleroad’s 10th collegiate coaching year overlap.
Both are reasons to celebrate.
Any of the top-rated teams could go the distance.
Teams across the WVIAC are sharing today’s time slots; who wins and losses will determine how teams will initially rotate into the conference championships.
Friday afternoon was their last ‘regular-season’ practice.
Below are a selection of pictures in honor of the Lady Pioneers’ 2009-2010 season.
On court or off, Donita Adams has forever etched
her accomplishments and into the legacy of what
makes the Lady Pioneers a great team.
Lady Pioneer head coach Bunky Harkleroad and
his assistant Crystal Davis have had a stellar first year.
Ginny Petties has had a memorable and
very strong freshman year.
Kristen Golden stays ‘in the thick of it’ taking
no prisoners in at center court.
This petite Lady Pioneer is a ‘Class Act’
who’s always a team player.
Kim Shephens help round-out the
Lady Pioneers defensively.
Tiffany Huffman, of nearby Gassaway, often “blasts on the court”
bolstering the Lady Pioneers scoring effort.
Beth Deren is comfortable in any role on the court.
Her improvement this year are notable.
Autumn Davis keeps the ball out of the hands of
her defenders as she looks for an open teammate.
Sarah Harvey has a knack for defensively
terrorizing opponents she up against.
Bet on Suzi Harvey’s smooth shot hitting it’s mark.
The Lady Pioneers had their last practice of
the 2009 - 2010 season Friday afternoon.
West Virginia’s Most Important Bat Cave Has White-Nose Syndrome
Biologists from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) report that white-nose syndrome (WNS) has been confirmed in a bat in Hellhole, Pendleton County, West Virginia, by the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study in Athens, Ga. If the effects of WNS on the bats in Hellhole are similar to those seen elsewhere, biologists expect that WNS will devastate the bat population in this cave, including endangered species.
Hellhole is the largest and most important bat cave in the state. An estimated 200,000 bats spend the winter hibernating in the cave. The cave is also important on a national level as it is designated critical habitat for two federally endangered species, the Indiana bat and the Virginia big-eared bat. Hellhole supports nearly 13,000 Indiana bats and 5,000 Virginia big-ears. The other bats in the cave are mostly the more common little brown bat. This single cave supports more than 40 percent of the world’s entire hibernating population of Virginia big-eared bats. Hellhole is privately owned and is closed to the public.
WNS is a serious wildlife health crisis estimated to have caused the death of more than 1 million bats during the past three years. It is named for a white fungus that often appears on the muzzles of hibernating bats. Once a cave is infected, the fungus spreads rapidly through the bat population, and mortality may exceed 90 percent.
WNS was first seen in early 2006 in a cave near Albany, N.Y. Since then, it has spread more than 500 miles to caves in 10 states from New Hampshire to Tennessee. Last winter it was documented in four caves in Pendleton County, but not Hellhole.
WNS is spread bat-to-bat as they cluster in caves and mines. In addition, scientists have evidence that it could also be transferred from one cave to another on the footwear, clothing, and gear of humans visiting caves. Infected caves and mines may not initially show obvious signs of its presence, so cavers may be unaware that their gear is contaminated.
Bats with WNS use up their fat stores too quickly and do not have the energy reserves they require to hibernate the entire winter. The bats exhibit unusual behaviors, such as flying out of caves during the winter, even in the middle of the day. Unfortunately, few insects are available for the bats to feed on, and eventually the bats starve to death. There have been no reported human illnesses attributed to WNS, and there is no evidence to suggest that WNS is harmful to any animals other than bats.
In January 2010, bats were observed flying out of the entrance of Hellhole. Laboratory tests conducted on a little brown bat captured as it left Hellhole confirmed that the bat was carrying the WNS fungus. WVDNR and USFWS biologists, in cooperation with the National Speleological Society and Germany Valley Karst Survey, are planning to conduct a trip into Hellhole to further document the condition of the bats.
Bats play a key role in keeping insects, including as agricultural pests, mosquitoes and forest pests, under control. Between April and October, each bat can eat its body weight in insects each night. Bats provide a tremendous public service in terms of pest control. If we lose our bat populations, we will lose the tremendous ecological and economic benefits the bats provide.
The USFWS and WVDNR are working with other partners to find ways to treat WNS and slow the spread. Because people may inadvertently transport WNS, in March 2009, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommended a moratorium on caving in states with confirmed WNS and all adjoining states. In addition, because scientists are concerned about the presence of WNS in the vicinity of the most important Virginia big-eared bat caves, last year a few of these bats were brought into captivity for the first time in an attempt to establish a healthy population that could be used to restore populations if that should become necessary.
Although it is not unusual to see an occasional bat flying on a warm day in winter, it is unusual to see large number of bats or bats flying during inclement weather. If you see bats flying during the day and feel something is “just not right,” please report those sightings to: Bat Report, PO Box 67, Elkins, WV 26241. Please mention the county, location, approximate number of bats, time of day, weather conditions and your contact information.
I have a blog / website devoted to the subject of cavers, bats and WNS. It’s an interesting read and raises some serious concerns that the actions and attitudes of cavers might be contributing to the spread of this disease.
EFFORTS TO DELAY HELP FOR THE WEST VIRGINIANS IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE “SHAMEFUL”
Senator Jay Rockefeller released the following statement about delay tactics stalling multiple attempts to extend critical expiring provisions, including unemployment insurance and COBRA benefits:
“I hear from West Virginia families everyday who are hurting, and who depend on unemployment insurance and COBRA benefits to take care of their families and make ends meet. Attempts to stop these benefits from getting into the hands of those in need is just shameful. We are in one of the worst economic recessions in our nation’s history and people are counting on us to do right by them. West Virginians have no time or patience for partisanship – these obstructionist tactics need to stop.”
Important Background Information
Senator Bunning from Kentucky has repeatedly blocked Senate passage of H.R. 4691, the Temporary Extension Act of 2010. The legislation had been expected to be considered and voted upon this week, but now there is uncertainty on how and when these benefits will be extended.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), enacted a year ago, provided additional weeks of unemployment benefits to laid-off workers struggling to find a job and boosted unemployment benefits by $25 per week. These benefits were extended for two months, until February 28, 2010 in the Finance package, included as part of end-of-year defense appropriations legislation under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA.
According to estimates by the National Employment Law Project, over 5000 West Virginians may lose access to federal benefits in March unless action is taken to extend the federal unemployment benefits. The Congressional Budget Office considers temporary additional unemployment benefits one of the most effective ways to boost output and employment. HR 4691 would extend for 30-days certain expiring provisions, including unemployment insurance, COBRA, flood insurance, highway funding, small business loans and small business provisions of the American Recovery Act, the Satellite Home View Act, and poverty provisions.
The following is a list of benefits that are included in the blocked legislation, most of which are extended until the end of March 2010, unless otherwise noted below:
Extension of Unemployment Programs: Extends Federal Unemployment Programs, including the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program, through April 05, 2010.
Extension of COBRA Assistance: Extends eligibility for 65% subsidy for COBRA premiums and includes technical improvements.
• Extension of Medicare Physician Update: Extends current Medicare payment rates for physicians (preventing a 21% payment reduction).
• Extension of Medicare Therapy Caps Exceptions: Extends exceptions process for beneficiary payment limits on outpatient therapy services.
• Extension of Poverty Guidelines: Extends current provision maintaining 2009 poverty guidelines.
• Extension of Surface Transportation Programs: Extends Surface Transportation Programs and related authority to make expenditures from the highway trust fund.
• Extension of National Flood Insurance Program.
• Extension of Small Business Loan Grantee Program: Extends program and appropriates an additional $60 million for the program.
• Satellite Television Extension: Extends the copyright license used by satellite television providers.
Last Monday, February 22 was the last day to introduce bills in the Senate and the House. The number of bill introductions totals 2071, with 1375 being House bills and 696 coming from the Senate. No new bills will be introduced unless a committee as a whole devises a new one or we need to transfer money from one agency to another. With this passed deadline, we now have a specific number of projected proposals to address. And we have to address our Senate bills by March 3rd. After that, we’ll be looking at House bills. To date, four bills have completed legislative action. I see long hours ahead.
The Senate has passed 67 of its bills which now have to go to the House.
Long debated, Senate Bill 230 did meet with the approval of the Senate this week. If signed into law, it would allow educated and certified optometrists with the proper training to perform three procedures using therapeutic lasers, but only in situations when the optometrist is working in collaboration with a West Virginia licensed ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist must be within 40 miles of the optometrist. The collaboration with an ophthalmologist provides a double layer of patient safety and increases access to care in the state.
In another area of health care, we passed a bill which would limit liability for anticipated automatic external defibrillator users who are not health care providers (SB 422) . Accordingly, an anticipated operator who is not a health care provider would only be liable for damages if he or she acted with gross negligence. Gross negligence is a conscious and voluntary disregard of the need to use reasonable care, which is likely to cause foreseeable grave injury or harm.
Another measure passed this week (SB 104) would require all employees of licensed private clubs and retail outlets selling alcoholic beverages, hired after July 1, 2010, to take an alcohol management course approved by the Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner. The course would begin within 60 days of employment and renewed every three years. Employees who are now working in bars and retail outlets too would be required to participate in an approved course before July 1, 2011, and participate in a refresher course every three years.
For those of you who trap fur bearing animals, Senate Bill 512 would require all game or fur-bearing animal traps to be marked with a durable plate or tag attached to the snare, trap, or trap chain bearing the name and address of the owner of the trap. And SB 511 would equalize the treatment of resident and nonresident trappers relating to tagging and checking beaver pelts. Currently, though it is permitted, there is no statute allowing nonresident beaver trapping. These two bills also passed the Senate this week.
As I mentioned, we’ve still a monumental number of bills we need to tackle but most remain in committee to date. For instance, in our Senate Finance Committee we are looking at “Brains for Business” (SB324) and the Economic Development Act of 2010 (SB493).
“Brains for Business” (SB 324) is designed to attract and retain the next generation of business men and women. The bill exempts the first $10,000 of salary from state income taxes for the first two years following graduation. This translates into a pay raise for educated young people and will give them a boost to get started in their careers and rooted in their communities. I believe after two years of living, working and contributing, they will be less likely to go elsewhere. It also gives businesses an added advantage when recruiting workers from other states. I predict it will help economic development professionals make a very strong case for businesses looking to expand or relocate to West Virginia.
The West Virginia Economic Development Act of 2010 (SB493), also before our Senate Finance Committee provides incentives for private investment in 21st Century technologies, which include: green computing, energy conservation, alternative fuels, renewable energy sources and clean coal technology.
As a co-sponsor of the tax credit act, I would like to see this measure be enacted into law. Consisting of the West Virginia Twenty-First Century Tax Credit Act, it would allow credit and exemption from certain taxes which would be under tax credit review by the Tax Commissioner—who is to report to the Governor, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Delegates. The report is to reflect accountability by evaluating the cost effectiveness of the credit. The criteria being evaluated includes numbers of taxpayers claiming the credit; the net number of new jobs created by all taxpayers claiming the credit; the cost of the credit; the cost of the credit per new job created; and comparisons of employment trends for an industry and for taxpayers within the industry that claim the credit.
The new section of state law encourages investment in businesses that create high-value jobs; position West Virginia as center for sustainable technology initiatives; develop technologies to help meet the challenges facing the state’s energy sector, including the coal industry; help reduce energy consumption and encourage the use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel systems and technologies. Overall, it would certainly diversify the state economy. I expect this bill to come to the Senate floor soon.
If you should have any questions or comments regarding any issues or on any other pieces of legislation when they come before the Legislature, feel free to contact me here at my Charleston office. To write me, my address is Senator Douglas Facemire, State Capitol, Building 1, Room 218-W, Charleston, WV 25305 or call me at 304.357.7845. I encourage all my constituents to remain active and become part of the legislative process.
In the House, Delegates pass a bill to allow a sales tax holiday for gun sponsored by Del. Doug Reynolds. And in the judiciary committee, the copy machine couldnt keep up with the demand for bills as today is the last day to send bills to the floor under normal rules. The committee debated for some time about a bill which would lower the minimum amount needed to constitute a felony in property crimes from $2,500 to $1,000.
DEAR DR. DONOHUE:
Please give me your opinion on the treatment for Grover’s disease, from which I have suffered for more than a year. I have a severe itch on my back and chest. Currently I use 1 percent hydrocortisone cream. It’s not working. - J.G.
ANSWER:
Grover’s disease is an outbreak of tiny, red bumps and tiny blisters, mostly on the skin of the trunk.
It can be intensely itchy. Sweat, sun exposure and heat are linked to outbreaks.
Perhaps a more-potent cortisone cream would help control the itch and rash.
Diprolene and temovate are two such products.
Dovonex, a psoriasis medicine, comes in creams and ointments and has worked for some with Grover’s. Or you can try soaking in a tub of colloidal oatmeal.
It often suppresses itching. Aveeno is one brand name.
Antihistamines control itching. If they make you groggy, use them only at night.
Kynlee Elizabeth Walton was born to Shaylynn Cherelle Walton and Anthony Shea Wimer on Thursday, February 05, 2010.
She weighed 5 lbs. 12 1/2 oz and was 19 inches.
The maternal grandparents are Jody Lynn Walton from Walkersville and Shawn Lee Chipps from Sutton.
Thank You, God, for the body You have given me.
Most of the time I take my health for granted.
I forget how fortunate I am to live without pain or disability, how blessed I am to be able to see and hear and walk and eat.
I forget that this body of mine, with all its imperfections, is a gift from You.
When I am critical of my appearance, remind me, God, that I am created in Your holy image.
If I become jealous of someone else’s appearance, teach me to treasure my unique form.
Help me, God, to care for my body.
Teach me to refrain from any action that will bring harm to me.
If I fall prey to a self-destructive habit, fill me with the strength to conquer my cravings.
Lead me to use my body wisely, God.
Guide my every limb, God, to perform acts of compassion and kindness.
I thank You, God, for creating me as I am.
Amen.
Winnie “Alice” Poling
Age 90, of 657 Locust Avenue Weston passed away at 1:50 AM on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital of Weston following an extended illness.
She was born in Taylor County on January 8, 1920; daughter of the late Wilbert C. Lawler and Polly H. (Richardson) Lawler.
She was married to John O. Poling, who preceded her in death on March 31, 1983.
She is survived by one daughter: Alicia Heater and husband Carl of Weston and one grandson: Ronnie Lee Heater. Also surviving is one brother: Wilbert C. Lawler of Cumberland, Ms., and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Poling was preceded in death by six brothers: Carl, Wayne, Blaine, Lealin, Ellis and Lawrence and four sisters: Grace, Wilma, Edna and Lillian.
Mrs. Poling was a retired dietary cook with Weston State Hospital. She was a member of Broad Street United Methodist Church of Weston where she was the children’s director and a volunteer for Our Neighbor of Weston.
Family and friends were received at the Hardman-Paletti Funeral Home, 730 N. Main Avenue Weston, on Thursday, February 25, from 5-8 PM. Funeral services were held on Friday at 11 AM from the Hardman-Paletti Funeral Home chapel with Reverend Clifford West officiating. Interment will follow services in the Machpelah Cemetery of Weston.
Donald Clark Post
Donald passed away February 15, 2010, at the Ohio Veterans Home, Sandusky, Ohio, from kidney failure.
He was born March 1, 1934, in Lewis County, Roanoke, and was the second son of William Karl Post, Sr and Edna Olita (Strader) Post.
After graduation from Walkersville High School in 1952 he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he spent 20 years. Retiring on the 30th of June, 1973.
During his military career he was stationed at Air Force bases in New York, Alabama, Japan, Washington, D.C., Texas, Alaska, Maine, Virginia, Vietnam, Guam and Ohio. When assigned duty in Alaska, he drove 5,200 miles from West Virginia to Fairbanks, Alaska, over 1,500 miles of gravel road on the Alaskan highway through Canada.
He joined the United States Postal Service and was a mail carrier for 15 years in Columbus, OH, until retiring March 1, 1989, with 35 years of military and postal service for the United States.
Don married Margie Hayes of Louisa, KY, in September 1970 and acquired a stepdaughter, Sharon. His wife Margie died of brain cancer on November 20, 1997.
In June 1998, Donald suffered a massive stroke that left him permanently paralyzed on his left side. In January 1999, he entered the Veterans Home in Sandusky, OH, where he resided until his death.
Donald is survived by his stepdaughter, Sharon Angel and her husband Carl; and two grandchildren, Cody and Abigail. He is also survived by two brothers, William Karl Post, Jr. and his wife Naomi of Fairmont, and David Linn Post and his wife Joan of Baltimore, MD; also several nieces and nephews.
A service was held at 12 PM on Friday, February 26, at Schoedinger Worthington Chapel, Worthington, OH. He was buried with a Military Honor Guard at the St. Joseph Cemetery, Lockburn, OH.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016.
Today is Saturday, Feb. 27, the 58th day of 2010. There are 307 days left in the year.
Thought for Today: “There is no inevitability in history except as men make it.“—Felix Frankfurter, U.S. Supreme Court Justice (1882-1965).
Today’s Highlight in History:
On Feb. 27, 1960, the U.S. Olympic hockey team defeated the Soviets, 3-2, at the Winter Games in Squaw Valley, Calif. (The U.S. team went on to win the gold medal.)
In 1801, the District of Columbia was placed under the jurisdiction of Congress.
In 1807, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was born in Portland, Maine.
In 1861, in Warsaw, Russian troops fired on a crowd protesting Russian rule over Poland; five marchers were killed.
In 1922, the Supreme Court, in Leser v. Garnett, unanimously upheld the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which guaranteed the right of women to vote.
In 1933, Germany’s parliament building, the Reichstag (RYKS’-tahg), was gutted by fire. Chancellor Adolf Hitler, blaming the Communists, used the fire as justification for suspending civil liberties.
In 1939, the Supreme Court, in National Labor Relations Board v. Fansteel Metallurgical Corp., outlawed sit-down strikes.
In 1951, the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, limiting a president to two terms of office, was ratified.
In 1973, members of the American Indian Movement occupied the hamlet of Wounded Knee in South Dakota, the site of the 1890 massacre of Sioux men, women and children. (The occupation lasted until May.)
In 1979, Jane M. Byrne confounded Chicago’s Democratic political machine as she upset Mayor Michael A. Bilandic to win their party’s mayoral primary. (Byrne went on to win the election.)
In 1991, President George H.W. Bush declared that “Kuwait is liberated, Iraq’s army is defeated,“ and announced that the allies would suspend combat operations at midnight, Eastern time.
Ten years ago:
• Texas Governor George W. Bush’s campaign released a letter to New York Cardinal John O’Connor in which the Republican presidential candidate said he deeply regretted “causing needless offense” by making a campaign appearance at Bob Jones University, a South Carolina school whose leaders had espoused anti-Catholic views.
Five years ago:
• Pope John Paul II made a surprise first public appearance after surgery, appearing at his Rome hospital window.
• The Iraqi government announced the capture of Sabawi Ibrahim al-Hassan, Saddam Hussein’s half brother and former adviser.
• Academy Awards went to “Million Dollar Baby,“ director Clint Eastwood, star Hilary Swank and Morgan Freeman.
One year ago:
• President Barack Obama told Marines at Camp Lejeune, N.C. that he would end combat operations in Iraq by Aug. 31, 2010 and open a new era of diplomacy in the Middle East.
• The Rocky Mountain News ceased publishing after nearly 150 years in business.
Today’s Birthdays:
Actress Joanne Woodward is 80
Actress Elizabeth Taylor is 78
Consumer advocate Ralph Nader is 76
Opera singer Mirella Freni is 75
Actress Barbara Babcock is 73
Actor Howard Hesseman is 70
Actress Debra Monk is 61
Rock singer-musician Neal Schon (Journey) is 56
Rock musician Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden) is 53
Actor Timothy Spall is 53
Rock musician Paul Humphreys (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) is 50
Country singer Johnny Van Zant (Van Zant) is 50
Rock musician Leon Mobley (Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals) is 49
Basketball Hall-of-Famer James Worthy is 49
Actor Adam Baldwin is 48
Actor Grant Show is 48
Rock musician Mike Cross (Sponge) is 45
Actor Donal Logue (DOH’-nuhl LOHG) is 44
Rhythm-and-blues singer Chilli (TLC) is 39
Rock musician Jeremy Dean (Nine Days) is 38
Rhythm-and-blues singer Roderick Clark is 37
Country-rock musician Shonna Tucker (Drive-By Truckers) is 32
Chelsea Clinton is 30
Rhythm-and-blues singer Bobby Valentino is 30
Singer Josh Groban is 29
Actress Kate Mara is 27
Mr. Hough, you are a liar, a coward, and a thief! You need to review the court record on the matter of 05-F-8 and turn to page 157. And if you fail to act another charge and another federal complaint will be made against you by the end of this business day.
Line 12 HOUGH: What share do you own in the property?
Line 13 R RAFFERTY: I believe that’s 1/6th
The title opinion brought forth in the civil action of Cecil Leon Ramsey II vs. Roanna Arbuckle Rafferty – firmly brings forth the fact that she owned 1/72 and that is it!
Also, if you check the court record Rafferty gave TWO completely conflicting reports to the Sheriff who illegally shut down my timber operation and stole four loads.
You will need to arrange for my attorney to interview all the members of the jury in this case and place yourself under arrest for being involved in a conspiracy to commit perjury causing great harm to another person.
I call for the Gilmer County Commission to immediately suspend Gerald B Hough.
Citizens of Gilmer County if this self important Gilmer County Commission does not act then, I recommend that we make moves to have them all replaced at once by any means possible.
By an expensive title opinion, born from this civil action a perjury in a Gilmer County Court case was revealed and proved by documents and fact.
When that perjury results in a wrongful conviction, and money is paid for that perjury, then a conspiracy can be concluded and misconduct of our Gilmer County Prosecutor is once again evident.
WHERE IS YOUR ANSWER GERALD B HOUGH?
This court case proved your wrongdoing and it proved Rafferty committed a crime.
Are you going to hold her accountable, or do you just protect your false witnesses?
Someone broke the law and made a fool out of you at the same time, but you see in Gilmer County that is how it is - if you are one of them it is cool to break the law - if you are out favor you are going to jail even if you are innocent!!
PROVES WITH COURT RECORD that false testimony was given in circuit court Also Judge Facemire, convinced the jury that we only owned 1/6 and 1/9 when we PAID TAXES on 3/6 which is a matter of record.
Hough did not do his homework- Facemire promoted false facts.
The judge is supposed to sit there and listen with no bias. But that did not happen!!
Hough did not do his homework and it cost me a few hundred thousand dollars
We want an answer Hough- You are as guilty as Rafferty for paying her to lie on the stand.
Give us an answer! What you did was a crime Hough and the citizens want an answer!
YOUR ARE CAUGHT HOUGH by the OUTCOME of this civil action. PROOF!!
Don’t know who is sending or taking the pictures of the trashy places in Glenville but you sure are getting some good ones.
A lot more out there though. Would be curious to see who owns that property that is For Sale.
Don’t figure they will come forth though and disclose their identity.
I don’t think if it were me, I would want to let people know that I let something like that get to the place it is now. Wow, I doubt they could give it away the way it looks and where it is located, let alone expect money for it.
Where is their pride? The Glenville Volunteer Fire Dept. could use these kind of places to train new firefighters, and give additional training to our already dedicated Volunteer Firefighters and rid the town and citizens of the rubbish and trash all at the same time.
If the owners do not want to pay to clean up this mess maybe the Fire Dept. would consider doing a controlled burn, they could bill the owners or our Town Council and the money be used for the Firehouse.
If the owner does not pay the Fire Dept. for cleaning the mess, fine or jail them or both. Just a thought.
There are several places on up River Street that they might get also. The yard beside the Church was mowed, yaaaa, improvement but more to be done. Junk cars and porch still piled up, but I guess one step at a time. The Church people will just have to close their eyes when attending Church, and the neighbors and people just driving by close your eyes..
Maybe someday we will get a surprise and it will be done.
The two houses by Jack’s Septic, pathetic. One even has a sign hanging that says chicken dinners $5.00. Did anyone ever find out who owned these houses?
The old Church property beside the auto shop is owned by Doug Cottrill. Where are you on cleaning this mess up? I wonder if they have very many Formal Complaints being filled out.???
Does it mean if there is not very many complaints filled out that nothing will be done? We the people should not have to file complaints. If the Gilmer County Commissioners, law enforcement, Health Dept. City Council, Mayor, done their jobs and opened their eyes they would see what a mess our town and County is in and take care of the problem.
Our county deserves better than this.
“In the case of Cecil Leon Ramsey II vs. Roanna Arbuckle Rafferty”
Roanna Rafferty perjured herself in a circuit court case –OVER THIS VERY SAME PROPERTY) in which Judge Facemire presided over. A court case in which I was charged with THREE felony charges and beat all three in court, due to the fact I should have never been charged in the first place. The false arrest cost me hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses (since the matter went all the way to the United States Supreme Court in Washington DC) AND LOSS OF WAGES!! It cost me my new radio show since I was arrested on false charges trying to report to my new cumulus broadcasting work station and KBED 102.9FM afternoon drive show 2-7pm
Roanna lied in court and said she owned 1/6 of the property in question and the jury was convinced of that by Gerald B Hough Gilmer County Prosecutor. It’s all a matter of court record and I have that next to me on my desk.
Actually Roanna Arbuckle Rafferty” had sold that 1/6 to her brother Roger Rafferty when he settled over a civil action accusing him a forging his mother Virginia Rafferty’s will years prior and was in full knowledge she no longer owned it when she appeared in court.
Roanna won the judgment of the 1/6 in the legal action and promptly sold it to Roger for $18,000 cash. My mother was awarded a gas well, but it was never put in our name and Lois Rafferty sold it, even though we owned it legally. That is called a fraudulent conveyance, but yet nothing was done when the criminal complaint was taken to the Sheriff Mickey Metz and the matter was brought to the attention of the prosecuting attorney for Gilmer County.
If during the trial the judge or the prosecutor could have added to 6 they would have discovered that there was a discrepancy in the amount of property everyone testified that they owned, and this matter was included in my recent federal complaint that was reviewed and accepted by an Asst US Attorney.
Actually according to a title opinion that Mr. Ramsey paid for it was determined that Roanna Rafferty only owned 1/72 of the property not 1/6. There were a total of 3/72 that were overlooked and it was determined my grandfather bought the property years ago and left 1/72 to each of his children, in which Roanna was included.
Ramsey paid a great deal of money for that title opinion and was most likely a cost greater than what the 1/72 was worth.
Rafferty also lied about the $1,000 dollars we sent her that she denied receiving from the sale of timber. We had the receipts and showed them in court and she was immediately caught in a lie, yet nothing was done.
A character in my latest book is based on Cecil Leon Ramsey the second who I feel is someone to look up to in the community, and someone that sets a good example about what living a clean wholesome life in West Virginia is truly all about, mixed with honest business relations, and down home consideration for other citizens.
The cost Mr Ramsey has endured just to prove the facts in the case far exceed the value of the property at dispute in this civil action.
What I want to know is where is the Justice in the Gilmer County Court system?
Judge Facemire knows who Roanna Rafferty is, since I am sure he recalls her testimony from a court case in which he has had to defend himself before the Judicial Investigation Commission for misconduct. I doubt that he has forgotten that, since the judges testimony in the matter is still at issue and was recently mentioned in my federal complaint.
If Rafferty is allowed to receive no punishment for perjury involving the amount of property owned which has been determined by this very civil action, then doesn’t that send a message to the public that it is OK to lie in a Gilmer County Court room regarding information referring to ownership of property? And that there will be absolutely no punishment for that false testimony just as long as Gerald B Hough is the prosecutor ?
The gas well that we received in a civil judgment, was sold by Lois Rafferty, but even though a complaint was filed with Sheriff Metz at 1pm on December the 28th 2007 –no action what –so –ever was taken by Sheriff Metz.
Justice in Gilmer County seems to be determined by who you know, and who you are and not actual facts- I have proved myself to be extremely unpopular since I cost the state 750, 000 or more to fight me in two state courts and three federal courts.
I want an answer and I want MR GERALD B HOUGH to explain to all of Gilmer County WHY, if you are caught in false testimony, that there is no consequence for that crime.
Roanna Rafferty was paid 700 dollars by Hough and Gilmer County to bring forward the false testimony.
I would think the county would want it’s money back and to punish Rafferty for the false testimony and making them look bad. But, that is not how it works up on the hill in Gilmer County.
The WV DOH did not allow trees to be planted on that site. The Glenville State College Environmental Organization did want to restore that site but was unable to. The WV DOH viewed the trees as a maintenance problem.
I had a desire to start my own organization, however I did not have enough amount of money to do this. Thank heaven my colleague recommended to utilize the loans. So I received the financial loan and realized my dream.
I agree. It looks to me the commissioners are just passing the buck and making it more difficult for concerned citizens. Or maybe they don’t have the guts to take the position to clean the county. They just want to say to the violators, “if it weren’t because of ‘….’, we would not be here bothering you about this.” What a crock. Or maybe they don’t want to take a position against themselves and their friends who own some of these properties. Or perhaps they are just blind to see and need someone to tell them. Which is it?
Just seen in the weekly paper that we the citizens of Gilmer County can fill out a Formal Complaint Form in the County Clerk’s Office for the neglected, fire hazards and unsafe properties in our County that we want to file a complaint against.
WHAT?
This is all thanks to our County Commission meeting where amendments were made to its Unsafe Buildings and Lands Ordinance.
First of all, I do not think that we as citizens should have to file a complaint. It is a given fact, that the town of Glenville, and all surrounding roads out, are open to anyone that travels this area and can be seen by anyone who has their eyes open.
A complaint form should not be necessary if the ones in authority were doing their jobs in the first place.
They would see it and do something about it without our telling them. People does not have or want to take the time to try to find a parking place at the Court House to go to the Clerk’s Office to fill out this form.
If you get a lot of names and complaints does this mean the problem will be solved or just a few, it will be forgotten?
It is nearly impossible to find a place to park because the College students that do not want to walk on the hill park in the Court House lot. Give that student/vehicle a first offense ticket, and on the second offense tow the vehicle and charge for the towing.
If it happens a third time confiscate the vehicle for 30 days. There are ways to remedy this. Second, a person who signs that complaint form with name address and phone number opens the door to danger and possibly harm to them or their family and home.
Am I right when I say that the records with the complaint forms are open to the public in the County Clerk’s Office? Not a good idea. Having to sign a Formal Complaint Form to get the problem taken care of is STUPID. Officials do your job!!! Anyone agree with this?
I would have loved to have heard that tape, obviously you did, and that is why she was convicted, because the taped evidence proved beyond a doubt there was “INTENT”
That was what nailed her then.
Without the phone recording, the case would have been weak.
The son should have just told the guy to get out of his pod, and made it known there was a conflict, thus saving his mothers career.
I believe the original charges involved conspiracy to intimidate a witness. Carolyn also was aware what was in the envelope because you can hear she and her son laughing about thir clever plot on the recording from the jail. Some things really are as simple as they appear
You sound very informed on this topic Louise, and it is great to have this type of a mainstream forum to discuss important issues.
I am confused about one issue in this case, and maybe someone can clear it up for me.
The son that was in jail, actually had a right to view all court documents pertaining to his case. If there was an issue with information given to the police, then, that persons name should have been redacted. It should have stated. Confidential informant number so and so stated such and such.
So, therefore, I am confused as to who really is at fault. If the defendant had a right to the documents, and they were delivered sealed from his attorney, then it should not matter who the person was that delivered the documents.
It was the taped conversation with a known drug dealer (the son) that brought about the warrant, so it is my believe, the charges are incorrect.
If there was a conspiracy to get the son, (the defendant) documents he was entitled to, then where is the crime?
The jail should have never had those two in the same pod and that situation could have been worked out by a five minute conversation with the shift commander.
Someone dropped the ball.
This is just another chapter In “The Perils Of Carolyn”. With her family’s feeling of entitlement
why on earth should she take responsibility for her actions when she can pass the blame to someone else? Although I find it rather curios that it took her all this time to think of a way to try to dodge her crimes and make a bit of spending cash too.
Thanks you for doing this feature…such is long overdue. Truth be told, some of the worst eyesores in town are owned by some pretty so-called important people. If the college really wants to attract students to this town, they need to focus on housing IN town, and not be involved in the building of exclusive places like Rivers View…who even ever sees that? But everyone coming to this town sees the deplorable condition of much of our housing. Also, it would be nice if city officials themselves drove around the community from time to time to assess conditions of everything….that is if they can get by on some of the streets that have tree limbs growing so far out they hit your car.
Mr Whitehead, I feel that the conduct at Military Funerals (or any funeral) has a lot more to do with conflicting with the mores of society than the constitution. However, the only recourse to the civilized is through the law. I understand and for the most part agree with your points but please understand my outrage toward those who have no respect for a grieving family. A funeral is not the place for Westboro’s members to voice their beliefs and the conduct should not have to be tolerated. I do not believe it should take a constitutional amendment but perhaps state laws regarding harassment should be revisited. There has to be a way to end the torment of citizens who have already paid the ultimate price for their country.
I think it is a good idea of publishing pictures of the dilapidated buildings, houses with junk and trash in yards and stacked to the ceiling on porches, high grass, and old junk cars.
It is so disgusting, and embarrassing to know that some people in our county live like this.
The Health Dept. should do something along with the law officials, Mayor and County Commissioners.
This is not only disgusting but a health hazard to the people who live in and around these trashy places.
Can you imagine the rats, bugs, snakes and other critters in those places, not to mention the diseases that can be gotten from such filth?
The sad thing is some children have to endure this type of environment.
Sad that we are allowing this by not stepping up to the plate and complaining until action is taken by our elected officials.
Someone needs to take action and get this problem taken care of ASAP.
If they do not clean the messes up, do one, some, or all of the following: pull their drivers licenses, fine them, put them in jail, publish their names and addresses in paper, take pictures of the junk holes and put them in the media.
Something is better than nothing.
Mayor, County Commissioners, law officials, Health Dept. please do something.
Where are you when you are needed?
Shame on you for not taking control of the situation.
I agree with Bobbi Hern.If Mr and Mrs S stop their work in Cedarville there will no more Cedarville Days.We drive along way every year to see old friends and familyand have great time so I hope they will cont’d to keep up the good work.Hang in there Mrs S some people would like to be in your shoes.
A donation should be just that, a donation. I was not asked for a donation, but gave one freely as I and my family have enjoyed the fireworks show for years. Anyone who has been to the fireworks knows that donations have always been take up, even by some whom I believe are doing the complaining now.
I do not believe any one was asked to leave for not giving a donation. If that were the case, there would not have been nearly as many there to watch as there was. I do not know how much was taken in by donations and I am sure many donated freely as well.
The attitude a person perceives coming from others is usually what they give off in the first place. I wonder if when some were asked for a donation what their attitude was, and if they were rude, maybe that is what they perceived they got back. Just a thought…..
I think everyone is getting off track and ignoring the original question: Should she have forced the people to pay for the fireworks which was not advertised as such?
I think these supporters of Mrs. S should answer it
There would be no Cedarville Community Assoc. if not for Mrs. S. It was her vision from the very start. She mows for hours not for her benefit, but for the upkeep of the community, because some don’t see the need to keep things looking nice themselves. I don’t know of a harder working person. I am proud to call her my friend as I hope she is to call me hers.
I believe some need to take a long look in the mirror before casting stones at others. “People is glass houses…“ GOD knows I am not perfect and I do not claim to be. None of us are. I hope and pray that the person who started this will take a long look at their reasons behind this and not keep trying to tear this small community apart. You have to be a good neighbor to have a good neighbor. I have lived in or near Cedarville my whole life, too. I guess my memories of who always created problems is different than others. Just goes to show that no two people see things in the same way.
A West Virginian looking at this from a Neutral point of view:
It is a shame for the WV legislature to allow Capito running for two federal offices at the same time.
It is not hard to see the objective of some republicans in this case.
They aren’t sure whether Capito can beat Governor Manchin for Byrd’s unexpired term, so they want to allow her to have her pie and eat it too.
Isn’t this a flawed reasoning?
Running for U.S. House and U.S. Senate at the same time?
Is it because Republican Party accepting the most obvious problem - they have no one else?
Wouldn’t Capito be disallowing another good Republican from running for one of these two offices?
If Capito insists on running for both, wouldn’t she prevent another Republican from winning and serving WV?
I think Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito should only choose one or the other office and cease this absurdity of possibly running for both.
Wouldn’t this be the right thing to do whether the candidate is Democrat or Republican?
The people of WV are tired of these games and want leaders, not self-servers, running for office and now offices.
One office should be more than enough for anyone. Shouldn’t it?
G. Dave Ramezan
I am glad to see that the internet age is still being used to tell lies and slander people who are trying to do good for their communities.I was once told never to believe what you read and only half on what you see.The article about Mr.S is not as it seems.If the person placing the article is so pure and heaven sent why don’t they become more civically involve with their community instead of pick a fight like the cowardly school yard bully of past.And don’t use the excuse of Mrs s because personally I am tried of your excuses.
JWL,
Yes, it begins with “S” and has three syllables and 4 vowels. Ask any member of the Cedarville community, past or present, and they will tell you who she is. She’s the Mayor! and only business ‘woman’ in C-ville. I’m sure every community has one but she really is one of a kind. No friends, so you can see her any evening finding something to do, ie. mowing grass (especially the properties that are not hers so she can lay claim to and control them)!
Really sad…..
Believe me, every small community has a Mrs. S., (too bad it’s not a Mrs. C., as in “Happy Days”...But there is always some one to stir the pot and they aren’t happy until they have drama! They thrive on it, Ignore them, they are like children ..But, this is like The Wheel of Fortune to the rest of us, can we at least know how many vowels are in her name? Is S. the first or last name? Sort of interesting…Our community had the same great thing going every year with a different theme, children & their families had a great time for years, it just took one women and then her “Klan” took it from there, and ruint it for the whole community, with lies and rumors. Sometimes we wonder why..But like I said, I do belive, like there is always one in the family , there is always one in a community that can’t stand to have a good time without DRAMA. Ours was and is Mrs. W. (and just 2 vowels).
It is good to see one mess cleaned up in the city that being the burned-out house in Brooklyn that should have been done months ago.
The pictures say it was the joint effort of Gilmer County Commission and the City.
Does that mean that maybe they will do the same with the other places that people have complained about recently, such as the house beside the Catholic Church, trashy trailers and houses in Brooklyn and other places as well?
I seriously doubt it. For some unknown reason they and our law officials do not want to bother with this type of thing.
Can anyone explain this to me???
Why do they not want to give citations for this?
Too much trouble maybe?
Or when they do give tickets the offenders are not made to pay their fines, why?
I bet the offenders get a real kick out of knowing they will not be forced to clean up their place or be forced to pay the fines.
This being a College town I would think they would want to show some pride in our community to draw people.
Not very impressive if you ask me. All four roads leading out of Glenville have many eyesores that need cleaned up.
County Commissioners, Mayor and Glenville City Council, law enforcement and the people who trash their places, please do something to correct this matter and clean up our County.
We the people of this county deserve some answers and most of all ACTION on this issue.
When nothing is done by the law, they are just as guilty as the one who does the trashing.
Well actually, if you want to get technical—If you check the figures, actual data that is available—about 70% of all people incarcerated in WV jails and prisons are there for non violent or non-violent property related crimes—crimes that can in no way be considered crimes against mankind. Also there are many people that should not be in jail at all because they are innocent—then there are the people that are claiming to be victims of CREATED CRIMES, crimes that were not crimes at all but somebody was arrested and held, even though later, the facts substantiate that no crime occurred.
I like your answer very much!!
Thanks,
Very snappy comment there sport!
I hope some of us have been able to identify another problem, just by reading that comment.
We have been thought 1+1 = 2. But not in politics:
Do you remember Heather Manchin Bresch situation at WVU?
An expensive investigation that found the Governor’s daughter to have not fulfilled the requirements for her MBA despite her insistence to the contrary.
That whole mess was during the short administration of Manchin’s good friend, ex-WVU President Mike Garrison.
When Garrison was put into office without anything like the qualifications of most university presidents, faculty, alumni, and the press all decried the Democratic partisan politics that put Garrison in this position.
Of course, the worst fears were realized, a little over a year into Garrison’s term, when the Garrison Administration appeared to be helping Governor’s daughter obtain a graduate degree without doing all the work.
Do you remember who was the head of the WVU Board of Governors in that affair?
A man named Steve Goodwin, one of the principals of the famed Goodwin family.
Goodwin did his best to help Garrison retain his position, but nothing could keep Garrison from taking the fall over the worst scandal in modern WVU history.
Now Governor Manchin has rewarded Steve Goodwin for all the many services rendered his family by giving the late Ripley lawyer’s son, Carte, the position of being U.S. Senator for a few months.
Carte’s aunt, Kay Goodwin, is also Manchin’s Secretary of the Arts and Education!
That’s just the problem!! Attorney’s are running the state of WV…
For some reason the governor does not think anyone is a leader ...unless they are a member of the WV Bar!!
We NEED leaders that are NOT attorney’s and have NEVER been an attorney!!
Myself, out of the many I have become acquainted with and gotten to know, there are only a few Lawyers I like—and less than that are honest!!
Attorney’s in West Virginia cover for each other, even when they know that another has done wrong!!
But, if we are going to appoint an attorney why can’t we appoint someone that, really truly will be a representative of the people. Someone who it would go against their very being to be dishonest—and someone we could all trust with our life and that is Jefferson Triplett from Elkins!
If we have to have an attorney for a leader, lets make the proper choice from the start.
This is absolutely disgusting what courts have done. It is awful anymore how filthy language has become common in anything you watch. You can hardly sit down and watch anything without bad language and references to sexual enhancements anymore.
Well, I have to say it’s also 2.85 in Jane Lew and Clarksburg now. But how is that possible if gas and oil prices are dropping??
I think the State Attorney General really needs to crack down on these stations that price fix!!
Where is the justice??????????
Capitalism and the free market don’t exist when it comes to necessities!!!
, there is always one in a community that can’t stand to have a good time without DRAMA. Ours was and is Mrs. W. (and just 2 vowels).