WV Lottery - 03.31.11

3-7-1

3-0-2-6

01-03-05-06-07-10

C-GCC Competes in WV SkillsUSA Competition

On March 25-26, 2011, twenty-two students and four staff members from the Calhoun-Gilmer Career Center attended the 2011 West Virginia SkillsUSA Leadership Conference and Skills Competition at James Rumsey Technical Institute in Martinsburg, WV.

SkillsUSA, is an educational student organization that is associated with career and technical programs.  Calhoun-Gilmer Career Center had student representatives participating at competition from the following programs:  building construction, automotive technology, welding technology, networking technologies, criminal justice and culinary arts.

One of the goals of the organization is to provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills.  Forty-one events were held on Saturday, March 26 consisting of both leadership and skills competitive events.  Judges for the competition were from the tri-state area.  Students were also able to take a day trip into Washington, DC.

Winning a third place bronze medal in the plumbing competition was Charles Self, Jr.  The Crime Scene Investigation team won a first place gold medal.  Members of the CSI team are April Frymier, Janie Parker and Samuel Dennison.  Also, April Frymier was elected as WV SkillUSA state secretary and will serve in this office for the 2011-2012 school year.

The CSI team is to compete at the national conference to be held June 20-25, 2011 at Kansas City, Missouri.  They will be representing WV as they compete against students from the other forty-nine states, Guam and Puerto Rico.

To defray costs of this trip, C-GCC SkillsUSA will be washing, waxing and detailing vehicles.  Also, donations will be accepted and appreciated.  Call the Career Center at 304.354.6151 for more information.

Gilmer County: Red Cross Campaign Carwash

The grassroots “Heroes Campaign” for the Mid-Ohio Valley American Red Cross organized a carwash on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at the Foodland plaza which raised a total of $300 in the short 9:00 AM - Noon timeframe.

With a campaign goal of $5,000, Darrel Ramsey with Co-Chairs Niki Ramezan, Lindsey Estep, Nicole Riffle, Tim Swiger and Meredith Gillett have been raising funds since March 10 and will wrap up the effort on March 31, 2011.

Great appreciation and admiration is felt for those in the public who braved the cold weather to support this cause!

For those wishing to donate to the American Red Cross disaster relief effort, contact Ramsey, the Co-chairs or Sharon Kesselring at Mid-Ohio Valley Chapter at 304.485.7311.

You can help people affected by disasters such as those which have affected Gilmer County as well as countless crises at home and around the world by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief.  Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters.

Thank you for publishing this for us.  Feel free to make it more professional!

~~  Submitted by, Campaign Co-Chair: Meredith Gillett ~~

WV Counties’ Health Ranking - 2011

Which West Virginia County can boast it’s the healthiest in the state? The rankings are in from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The private foundation is dedicated to improving health care in America.

Members of the foundation believe the quality of health programs offered locally impact the health of the entire community.

The ten healthiest counties in the state according to the report are:

•  Pendleton
•  Tucker
•  Monongalia
•  Grant
•  Wirt
•  Jefferson
•  Putnam
•  Hampshire
•  Marshall
•  Berkeley

The ten least healthy counties are:

•  McDowell
•  Mingo
•  Wyoming
•  Logan
•  Boone
•  Lincoln
•  Mercer
•  Wayne
•  Gilmer
•  Summers

The county with the healthiest population is Pendleton.

According to the RWJF rankings released Wednesday the county has the lowest number of premature deaths, low birthrate babies and only 13% of the population is considered in poor to fair condition.

That’s compared to the state average of 22%.

Pendleton also has a much lower than average smoking rate.

However, when it comes to obesity, Pendleton matches the state average of 32%.

The counties ranked just beneath Pendleton include Tucker, Monongalia, Grant and Wirt counties.

The unhealthiest county in West Virginia is McDowell.

The southern county has nearly double the state average of premature deaths. More than one-third of the county’s population is considered in poor to fair health.

46% of children live in poverty and the teen birth rate is more than triple the national average.

The counties ranking just above McDowell are Mingo, Wyoming, Logan and Boone counties.

The most populous county in the state, Kanawha, is ranked 37th. The fastest growing county, according to the 2010 Census, Berkeley came in at number 10.

Our area counties’ health ranking in order of least healthy are:

•  Gilmer
•  Lewis
•  Calhoun
•  Ritchie
•  Doddridge
•  Braxton

You can take a look at the detailed data for each county in the table below by just clicking the county (numbers beside the name is the ranking in the state - the lower the number, the better the county):

The Foundation and Virginia Commonwealth University’s Center on Human Needs also developed an interactive County Health Calculator to illustrate how social factors impact a person’s health.

Gilmer County Senior Center Menu for April 2011

AAA: WV Gasoline Prices Continue to Climb

West Virginia’s average price for a gallon of self-serve, regular unleaded gasoline increased 5.4 cents to $3.630 this week, according to AAA’s Fuel Gauge.

The current national retail average price for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline is $3.587. This is up 21.3 cents from a month ago and 78.7 cents from a year ago.

The average price in West Virginia for the week of March 22, was $3.576. The average price during the week of March 30, last year was $2.867.

Crude oil prices settled down $1.42 at $103.98 per barrel at the close of formal trading Monday on the NYMEX.

As has been the case for much of 2011, unrest in the Middle East and Northern Africa and the aftermath of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami has continued to drive the markets during the past week.

With significant uncertainty involving the situations in both regions, experts expect developments with these stories to continue to be at the center of crude oil price movement moving forward.

Area Gasoline Prices on 03.30.11:

West Union =  $3.599

Purple Beetle Traps Going Up in Ash Trees Statewide

Purple prism traps that resemble a three-sided box kite will again be seen in trees throughout the state as the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) continues surveillance for the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a non-native, wood-boring beetle that has killed tens of millions of ash trees in the eastern United States and Canada.

EAB has been discovered in Fayette, Morgan, Roane, Calhoun, Nicholas and Raleigh Counties in West Virginia.

The goal of this year’s trapping program is to locate new infestations within the state for possible biological control agent releases.

“We strongly suspect that EAB entered the state on firewood brought by campers,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. “Other pests can also be artificially transported by individuals moving firewood, so we are urging all visitors to buy their firewood near where they camp and not transport it from one area to another. If they do bring firewood with them it should all be burned before they leave for home.”

The entire state is under a Federal EAB Quarantine. This means that no firewood (except from evergreen trees), ash logs, ash seedlings, ash bark and other regulated articles can be moved outside the state without federal certification.

The purple traps are coated with an adhesive that captures insects when they land. The color is thought to be attractive to EAB, and is relatively easy for humans to spot among the foliage.

At times these traps can be blown out of the trees. To report a trap that is down or to get information on EAB, please contact the WVDA’s Plant Industries Division at 304.558.2212.

You can also obtain more information on EAB at www.wvagriculture.org/images/Plant_Industries/EAB.html.

West Virginia Make It Shine Statewide Cleanup Begins Friday

More than 4,000 volunteers have signed up to complete 113 projects around the state in the annual West Virginia Make It Shine Statewide Cleanup.

The two-week program begins on Friday, April 01, and runs through April 15, 2011.

The annual event is jointly sponsored by the state Department of Environmental Protection and the state Division of Highways. Last year, more than 3,000 West Virginians participated in the cleanup and removed close to 190 tons of litter and over 3,000 discarded tires from our state’s landscape.

This year, at least one cleanup is scheduled in each of the state’s 55 counties, including: Berkeley, where more than 300 students at the Mountain Ridge Intermediate School in Gerrardstown will pick up litter on school grounds; Cabell and Wayne, where more than 100 volunteers will clean up the park and shoreline at Beech Fork State Park; and Boone, where more than 130 volunteers will pick up trash and litter on Lick Creek.

The Make It Shine program provides resources such as cleanup materials, waste hauling and landfill fees to community groups volunteering to conduct litter cleanups on state streams or public lands.

“This is the perfect opportunity for West Virginians to show their pride in their state and to do their part in helping to make West Virginia the cleanest and most beautiful state in the nation,” Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said. “The many volunteers who take time out of their busy schedules to pick up unsightly litter across West Virginia are one of a number of examples of how our citizens are committed to keeping our state beautiful for all to enjoy.”

For more information, contact Make It Shine Coordinator Travis Cooper at 1.800.322.5530 or by email at “Travis.L.Cooper@wv.gov”.

High Tech Bullying Must Stop

Sticks and stones may break your bones but words can hurt you.

That’s the message at the state Bullying and Suicide Prevention Conference held in Charleston Tuesday.

The West Virginia Council for the Prevention of Suicide sponsored the event.

Seven hundred educators, social workers and medical professionals from around the state attended to learn more about bullying and how it can result in suicide.

Bob Musick, the CEO of the council, says the term ‘bully’ has taken on a whole new meaning.

“When I was a kid, if you had a fight at the playground, it stayed there. Everybody went home. But now with cyber bullying going on, it’s 24/7.“

Musick says in this age of technology, bullying has gone high tech.

“Kids are bullied at night through Twitter, through Facebook, through their cell phones,” he said. “It doesn’t leave them.“

That’s why Musick says it’s so important to reach out to adults to teach them the signs of bullying before it goes too far.

“Today bullying leads to kids beating up other kids, shooting other kids or kids killing themselves.“

During the past two legislative sessions, the council has been lobbying for lawmakers to pass the Jason Flatt Act.

The Jason Flatt Act would require teachers to do two-hours of in-service training at home by watching a video about bullying, its effect and ways to prevent it. The videos would be paid for by the Jason Flatt Foundation at no cost to the state. But Musick says both times it’s come before the Senate Finance Committee it’s failed to move on.

“We’re not going to go away,” he said.”We’re going to bring the bill back year after year.“

Musick says the training would go a long way toward stopping bullying behavior before it starts. He hopes the conference is the first step in educating the public and getting the word out about the dangers of a push, shove or unkind text.

~~  WVMN ~~

Sand Fork PTO Bingo - 04.09.11

Sand Fork PTO will be hosting a Longaberger Basket and Authentic Coach Purse Bingo on Saturday, April 09, 2011 at the Gilmer County Recreation Center.

Doors open at noon, Bingo starts at 1:00 PM.

There will be a Special 21st Game, Silent Auction, and Concessions will be available.

All proceeds will be used to purchase yearbooks for students and provide a Fun Day for them.

$20.00 Donation for 20 Games.

If you would like to purchase a ticket, please call the school at 304.462.7605.

Tickets will also be available at the door.

Rockefeller Urges Regulators to Investigate Gas Price Spikes

Senator Jay Rockefeller sent a letter urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to use its full authority to make sure that American consumers are paying a fair price for gas.  Gas prices have spiked recently, hurting families from coast to coast and threatening economic recovery.  Since the FTC received new authority in 2007, it now has the necessary tools to protect consumers from artificial gas price hikes caused by fraud or market manipulation.

“Even a small gas price increase translates to significant costs for consumers in West Virginia and across America, including higher costs for food and other essentials,” Rockefeller said.  “When gas prices rise, many people struggle to make ends meet, and must make difficult decisions about family budgets.  Recently, the rapid spike in gas prices has caused more financial strain for already struggling Americans. The FTC should aggressively use all of its authority to make sure people are paying a fair price for gas by reducing the risk of fraud or deceit in the petroleum market.  We must work to address problems that could wreak havoc on working families.”

According to AAA, gas prices have reached $3.65 a gallon in West Virginia, 77 cents more than the price from a year ago.

This year, Rockefeller has already taken multiple steps to address the rising cost of gas.  On March 3, Rockefeller sent a letter to President Obama asking him to be prepared to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, should further supply disruptions occur, in order to reduce the burden on struggling Americans, and help stabilize our oil and gas costs.  On March 16, Rockefeller sent a letter to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, pressing them to use their new authority in the Wall Street reform law to rein in market speculation, protect consumers, and help even out gas prices.

The text of the letter from Senator Rockefeller and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) from March 25 is as follows:

Dear Chairman Leibowitz and Commissioners Kovacic, Rosch, Ramirez, and Brill:

As Chairman Leibowitz stated when the Petroleum Market Manipulation Rule was finalized, “This new Rule will allow us to crack down on fraud and manipulation that can drive up prices at the pump.  We will police the oil markets – and if we find companies that are manipulating the markets, we will go after them.”  The high gas prices that are hurting American families and businesses today represent the first major test of FTC’s ability to protect consumers in this market.  We urge you to use the authority of the Petroleum Market Manipulation Rule aggressively in order to protect consumers from unnecessarily high and volatile gas and diesel prices.

Gilmer County Senior Center Upcoming Activities - 04.01.11

Upcoming Movies - 04.01.11

Source Code
Opens Friday, April 01, 2011 | Runtime: 1 hr. 33 min.
PG-13 - Some violence including disturbing images, and for language

When decorated soldier Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) wakes up in the body of an unknown man, he discovers he’s part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train. In an assignment unlike any he’s ever known, he learns he’s part of a government experiment called the “Source Code,” a program that enables him to cross over into another man’s identity in the last 8 minutes of his life. With a second, much larger target threatening to kill millions in downtown Chicago, Colter re-lives the incident over and over again, gathering clues each time, until he can solve the mystery of who is behind the bombs and prevent the next attack.

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright
Director: Duncan Jones
Genres: Action ThrillerSci-Fi ActionThriller

Hop
Opens Friday, April 01, 2011 | Runtime: 1 hr. 30 min.
PG - Some mild rude humor

The battle for Easter is on! In HOP, Despicable Me’s Russell Brand voices E.B., the teenage son of the Easter Bunny. On the eve of taking over the family business, E.B. leaves for Hollywood in pursuit of his dream of becoming a drummer. Once there, he encounters Fred (James Marsden), an unemployed slacker with his own lofty goals. Feigning injury, E.B. persuades Fred to take him in, and Fred finds himself living with the world’s worst houseguest. Back on Easter Island, a power-hungry chick who has lived in the shadows for far too long has been plotting a coup to take over one of the biggest jobs in the world. Now that E.B.’s gone, he’s got his chance. As E.B. discovers who he really wants to be and who he’s meant to become, everything will lead him and Fred to an epic showdown to try and save Easter.

Cast: James Marsden, Russell Brand, Kaley Cuoco, Hank Azaria, Gary Cole, Elizabeth Perkins
Director: Tim Hill
Genres: Children’s/Family

Insidious
Opens Friday, April 01, 2011 | Runtime: 1 hr. 42 min.
PG-13 - Violence, thematic material, terror, brief strong language and frightening images

A family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further.

Cast: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye, Ty Simpkins, Barbara Hershey
Director: James Wan
Genres: Haunted House FilmHorror

G-Comm: Into the Darkness: Where Constitutional Illiteracy Is Leading Us

When Newsweek recently asked 1,000 adult U.S. citizens to take America’s official citizenship test, 29% of respondents couldn’t name the current vice president of the United States. Seventy-three percent couldn’t correctly say why America fought the Cold War. More critically, 44% were unable to define the Bill of Rights. And 6% couldn’t even circle Independence Day (the Fourth of July) on a calendar.

Of course, civic and constitutional ignorance are nothing new with Americans. In fact, it is something that the public education system has been fostering for a long time. For example, a study in Arizona found that only 3.5% of public high school students would be able to pass the U.S. Immigration Services’ citizenship exam, a figure not significantly exceeded by the passing rates of charter and private school students, at 7% and 14%, respectively.

A survey of American adults by the American Civic Literacy Program resulted in some equally disheartening findings. Seventy-one percent failed the test. Moreover, having a college education does very little to increase civic knowledge, as demonstrated by the abysmal 32% pass rate of people holding not just a bachelor’s degree but some sort of graduate-level degree.

It is little wonder that a 2006 survey by the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum found that fewer than one percent of adults who responded to a national poll could identify the five rights protected by the First Amendment—freedom of religion, speech, the press, assembly and the right to petition the government. On the other hand, more than half (52%) of the respondents could name at least two of the characters in the animated Simpson television family, and 20% could name all five. And although half could name none of the freedoms in the First Amendment, a majority (54%) could name at least one of the three judges on the TV program American Idol, 41% could name two and one-fourth could name all three.

In a culture infatuated with celebrity and consumed with entertainment, it should come as no surprise that the American people know virtually nothing about their rights. They are constitutionally illiterate. “There was a depth of confusion that we weren’t expecting,” noted Dave Anderson, executive director of the museum. “I think people take their freedoms for granted. Bottom line.”

But it gets worse. Many who responded to the survey had a strange conception of what was in the First Amendment. For example, 21% said the “right to own a pet” was listed someplace between “Congress shall make no law” and “redress of grievances.” Some 17% said that the First Amendment contained the “right to drive a car,” and 38% believed that “taking the Fifth” was part of the First Amendment. Think about this for a moment. How could James Madison, who depended on horses for transportation in his day, have placed the “right to drive a car” in the First Amendment?

Educators do not fare much better in understanding and implementing the Constitution in the classroom. A study conducted by the Center for Survey Research and Analysis at the University of Connecticut found that while educators seem to support First Amendment rights in principle, they are reluctant to apply such rights in the schools. They support severe restrictions on freedom by forbidding student distribution of political and religious materials, thus endorsing a hypocritical double standard where belief and action collide. This is nowhere better illustrated than in the zero tolerance policies that expel children from school for innocent acts and speech without a hearing and regardless of circumstances. This obviously creates confusion for students when it comes time to learn about the Bill of Rights.

Government leaders and politicians are also ill-informed. Although they take an oath to uphold, support and defend the Constitution against “enemies foreign and domestic,” their lack of education about our fundamental rights often causes them to be enemies of the Bill of Rights.

Those who gave us the Constitution and the Bill of Rights believed that all citizens had rights that no government could violate—such as the right to free speech, the right to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures by government agents, the right to an attorney, the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishments, etc. And if any of these rights were violated, the Founders (as we call them) believed that the American people had the right and the authority to resist government encroachment of their rights. Abraham Lincoln’s famous declaration in the Emancipation Proclamation that we are a “government of the people, by the people, for the people” means exactly what it says. The government exists at the behest of its citizens. It is there to protect, defend and even enhance our freedoms, not violate them.

It was with those ideas in mind that our forefathers gave us the Constitution. As the Preamble proclaims:

It was no idle happenstance that the Constitution opens with these three powerful words: “We the people…” This, in effect, makes “the people” the guardians of America’s future.

Thomas Jefferson recognized that an educated citizenry is the only real assurance that freedom will survive—a citizenry educated on the basic freedoms. Jefferson wrote: “I know of no safe repository of the ultimate powers of our society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education.” Jefferson wrote that pre-university education was to “instruct the mass of our citizens in…their rights, interests, and duties as men and citizens.” As for university education, Jefferson said it was “to form the statesmen, legislators and judges on whom public prosperity and individual happiness are so much to depend.” Furthermore, “The People are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.”  But that’s where the problem arises for us today. Most citizens have little, if any, knowledge about their basic rights. And our educational system does a poor job of teaching the basic freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

So what’s the solution?

Instead of forcing children to become part of the machinery of society by an excessive emphasis on math and science in the schools, they should be prepared to experience the beauty of becoming responsible citizens. This will mean teaching them their rights and urging them to exercise their freedoms to the fullest.

Some critics are advocating that students pass the United States citizenship exam in order to graduate from high school. Others recommend that it must be a prerequisite for attending college. I’d go so far as to argue that students should have to pass the citizenship exam before graduating from grade school.

Anyone taking public office should have a working knowledge of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and should be held accountable for upholding their precepts. One way to ensure this would be to require government leaders to take a course on the Constitution and pass a thorough examination thereof before being allowed to take office.

If this constitutional illiteracy is not remedied and soon, I agree with Richard Dreyfuss that the miracle that was America will become a “fable.” And the darkness of an authoritarian government will be inevitable. In fact, we have already travelled far down that road.

Thus, ignorant of the very basis of citizenship and overwhelmed by the informational glut of modernity, it is little wonder that many, ostrich-like, are allowing an out-of-control government to move forward unimpeded. Yet while most may feel snug and secure in their technological wombs, they are only temporarily keeping the wolf at bay. Hiding from reality is not the solution. In fact, non-participation by the citizenry only makes matters worse. “Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote,” the drama critic George Jean Nathan once remarked. I would add that bad officials will run roughshod over citizens who are clueless.

~~  By John W. Whitehead ~~

Bon Appétit: Glazed Pork and Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:
1/2 c apple juice
2 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 lb pork tenderloin, trimmed
1/4 tsp cayenne
4 c broccoli florets
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 lb Yukon gold potatoes
1/2 c reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 c chopped parsley

Directions:
HEAT oven to 400°F.
Combine apple juice, honey, soy sauce, and half of the garlic in small bowl.
Sprinkle pork with cayenne.
TOSS broccoli with 1 tablespoon of the oil on baking sheet.
Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt.
HEAT remaining 1 tablespoon oil in medium ovenproof frying pan over high heat.
Add pork and cook, turning once, until browned, about 8 minutes.
Remove from heat.
Pour juice mixture over pork and transfer to oven along with the pan of broccoli.
Bake until pork and broccoli are done, 25 to 30 minutes.
PUT potatoes in medium pot while pork and broccoli cook and cover with cold water.
Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
LEAVE broccoli on baking sheet and transfer pork to cutting board.
Return frying pan to high heat and cook juice mixture until a thick glaze forms, 3 to 4 minutes.
Remove from heat.
DRAIN potatoes and return to pot.
Add sour cream, parsley, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining garlic.
Mash until smooth.
SLICE pork and put on plate.
Drizzle with glaze and serve with mashed potatoes and broccoli.

Daily G-Eye : 03.31.11

Stargazing - 03.31.11

M63, a spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici, is in the east in early evening and soars high overhead later on.

It’s also known as the Sunflower Galaxy for its beautiful shape and color.

It’s bright, so it’s visible through almost any telescope.

Sunflower Galaxy

If you’re an astronomer who studies faint, wispy objects like spiral galaxies, then this is your time to shine. The Moon will be new in a few days, so it doesn’t fill the sky with its glow. With the pesky moonlight out of the way, those faint galaxies shine at their best.

One example is M63, a spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. It’s in the eastern sky in early evening, and soars high overhead later on. It’s also known as the Sunflower Galaxy for its beautiful shape and color. It’s bright, so it’s visible through just about any telescope. But seeing any detail in its structure is enhanced by the moonless night.

In many ways, M63 resembles our own galaxy, the Milky Way. It’s about the same size and mass, and it appears to have a central black hole that’s about twice the size of the one at the heart of the Milky Way.

Also like the Milky Way, the outer edge of the galaxy’s disk is bent, and probably for the same reason: the gravitational pull of companion galaxies. In the case of M63, the companions appear to pull out long, faint streamers of stars that show up in long-exposure images.

And there’s one more similarity: Both galaxies are surrounded by haloes of dark matter. It far outweighs the bright matter, so it exerts a strong pull on the galaxy’s stars and gas clouds. But the dark matter produces no energy of its own, so there’s no way to see it—no matter how dark the skies are.

Meditation Moment - 03.31.11

‘Whoever is not with me is against me.’

Jesus pulls no punches when he reminds us that ‘every kingdom divided against itself is heading for ruin, and a household divided against itself collapses’.

Contrary to Jesus’ wish that his disciples should be one as he and the Father are one (John 17:21), the church today, reflecting the wider society, is bedevilled by disharmony between competing groups.

Sadly, there may also be a similar lack of unity in our personal relationships, even in the family circle.

Lent is a good time to assess whether, in our daily life, we are gathering with Jesus in keeping with his vision of the kingdom or scattering with the aid of the evil spirit of discord in pursuit of some selfish personal agenda.

‘Lord, open my lips and I will sing your praise and, empowered by you, I will speak words of healing and reconciliation.’

Jeremiah 7:23-28. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts—Ps 94(95):1-2, 6-9. Luke 11:14-23.

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. When you are seeking to bring big plans to fruition, it is important with whom you regularly associate. Hang out with friends who are like-minded and who are also designing purpose-filled lives. Similarly, be that kind of a friend for your friends.” -Sam Clemens/Mark Twain

Kenneth “Veon” Singleton

Kenneth “Veon” Singleton
passed away, Monday, March 28, 2011 at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV.

Visitation hours are being held from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Thursday, March 31, 2011.

The funeral will be held on Friday, April 01, 2011 at Stockert-Sizemore Funeral Home, Flatwoods, West Virginia.

Burial will follow the funeral at Short Cemetery, Orlando, West Virginia.

Thomas G. “Tom” Casto

Thomas G. “Tom” Casto
Age 63, of Burnsville, WV passed this life Monday, March 28, 2011 at home after a short hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born on April 20, 1947, the only son of the late Elbon G. and Helen McClanahan Casto.

Tom grew up in Putnam County and graduated from Buffalo High School in 1965 where he was very active in sports. He later attended and played football at WVU and always faithfully followed the Mountaineers.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Burnsville where he served as Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, taught the Adult Class and sang in the choir.

He was a Vietnam Veteran, member of the VFW Post in Burnsville, the Burnsville Lions Club and very active in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

He was currently employed by the WV Public Service Commission as a DOT Officer.

Tom leaves behind his wife Lamona Brown Casto; daughter, Pricilla Casto Klein and her husband, Kevin of Melbourne, FL; son, Aaron Thomas “Tommy” Casto of Summersville, WV; grandson, Joshua Thomas Casto and granddaughter, Jordan Anne Klein. He also leaves, sister, Paulette “Penny” McConnell and husband, Andy of Cincinnati, OH; brother/cousin Gordon McClanahan of Cross Lanes, WV. Also, many nieces and nephews including, Phil Samms, Greg Bragg, Conner and Cameron Bragg, Taylor and Logan Bragg.

The family wishes to thank Dr.’s Joe White and Steve Jubelirer and the team at CAMC Memorial.

They also wish to thank the churches and many friends and family for their prayers and phone calls, visits and concern during this difficult time. A very special thank you is extended to Hospice Care of Nicholas County for their help.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 02, 2011 at 1:00 PM at Stockert-Sizemore Funeral Home in Flatwoods, WV with Pastor Tony Conrad and Pastor Woody Willard officiating.

Burial will be in Little Kanawha Memorial Gardens in Heaters, WV.

Friends may call from 4:00 - 8:00 PM Friday evening at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to, The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Braxton County, WV, 301 RHL Boulevard, Suite 6 & 7, Charleston, WV 25309 or to the First Baptist Church of Burnsville, PO Box 387 Burnsville, WV. 26335.

Stockert-Sizemore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Lee Ross

Betty Lee Ross
Age 59 of New Milton departed this life on Wednesday, March 30, 2011.

She was born in Harrison County on December 07, 1951 a daughter of the late Boyd and Ila Bell Varner Weekley.

On June 01, 1974 she married Kermit “Smokie” Ross who survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Mary Elizabeth Ross, New Milton, Michelle Lynn Ross, Parkersburg, two sons, Kermit Lynn Ross and wife Mavis, New Milton, James Edward Ross and wife Kelly, West Union, a special nephew, John Ross, New Milton, three grandchildren, Jamie, Kiley and Ashlyn Ross, three step grandchildren, Theresa Sarah and Kevin, two sisters, Dorothy Jean Davis, Blandville, Carolyn Sue Smith, Bridgeport, two brothers, Jerry Weekley and Larry Weekley, Salem, several nieces and nephews. One sister, Patty Weekley and one brother, James E. Weekley preceded her in death.

Betty enjoyed NASCAR and was a fan of Dale Earnhardt Jr. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted in the Spurgeon Funeral Home 212 Front St. West Union on Saturday April 02, 2011 at 2:00 PM with Pastor John Kopshina.

Interment will follow in the Middle Island Seventh Day Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel on Friday, April 01, 2011 from 4:00-8:00 PM.

Spurgeon Funeral Home is privileged to serve the Ross family.

03.31.11

Today - March 31, yyyy

Today is Thursday, March 31, the 90th day of 2011. There are 275 days left in the year.

Thought for Today: “The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries.“ - Rene Descartes (ren-AY’ day-KART’), French philosopher and mathematician (born this date in 1596, died in 1650).

Today’s Highlight in History:

On March 31, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson shocked the country by announcing at the conclusion of a broadcast address on Vietnam that he would not seek re-election.

On this date:

In 1811, German scientist Robert Bunsen, who helped develop the Bunsen burner, was born.

In 1889, French engineer Gustave Eiffel unfurled the French tricolor from atop the Eiffel Tower, officially marking its completion.

In 1917, the United States took possession of the Virgin Islands from Denmark.

In 1933, Congress approved, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed, the Emergency Conservation Work Act, which created the Civilian Conservation Corps.

In 1943, the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Oklahoma!“ opened on Broadway.

In 1949, Newfoundland (now called Newfoundland and Labrador) entered confederation as Canada’s tenth province.

In 1976, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that Karen Ann Quinlan, who was in a persistent vegetative state, could be disconnected from her respirator. (Quinlan, who remained unconscious, died in 1985.)

In 1991, the Warsaw Pact spent the last day of its existence as a military alliance.

In 1995, Mexican-American singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez, 23, was shot to death in Corpus Christi, Texas, by the founder of her fan club, Yolanda Saldivar, who was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

In 2005, Terri Schiavo, 41, died at a hospice in Pinellas Park, Fla., 13 days after her feeding tube was removed in a wrenching right-to-die dispute.

Ten years ago:
•  Riot police laid siege to Slobodan Milosevic’s villa in an attempt to bring the former Yugoslav president to justice. But a defiant Milosevic rejected a warrant, reportedly telling police he wouldn’t “go to jail alive.“ (He was taken into custody the next day.)

Five years ago:
•  Auto parts supplier Delphi Corp. unveiled a broad restructuring plan that would cut 8,500 salaried jobs and shut or sell a third of its plants worldwide.
•  Seventy deaths were reported after three strong earthquakes struck western Iran.
•  A Brazilian airliner crashed, killing all 19 people on board.

One year ago:
•  President Barack Obama threw open a huge swath of East Coast waters and other protected areas in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska to oil drilling.
•  A Chechen militant claimed responsibility for deadly attacks on the Moscow subway two days earlier that claimed 40 lives; the claim came hours after two more suicide bombers struck in the southern Russian province of Dagestan, killing a dozen people.

Today’s Birthdays:
Actress Peggy Rea is 90
Actor William Daniels is 84
Hockey Hall-of-Famer Gordie Howe is 83
Actor Richard Chamberlain is 77
Actress Shirley Jones is 77
Country singer-songwriter John D. Loudermilk is 77
Musician Herb Alpert is 76
Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., is 71
U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., is 71
Actor Christopher Walken is 68
Comedian Gabe Kaplan is 66
Former Vice President Al Gore is 63
Author David Eisenhower is 63
Actress Rhea Perlman is 63
Actor Ed Marinaro is 61
Rock musician Angus Young (AC/DC) is 56
Actor Marc McClure is 54
Actor William McNamara is 46
Alt-country musician Bob Crawford (The Avett (AY’-veht) Brothers) is 40
Actor Ewan (YOO’-en) McGregor is 40
Rapper Tony Yayo is 33
Jazz musician Christian Scott is 28

WV Lottery - 03.30.11

7-6-3

4-8-6-3

11-20-24-25-32     HB: 04    

19-20-42-56-58     PB: 37   PowerPlay: x 4  

WV Boys Class A All-State List 2011

The Class A all-state boys basketball team selected by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association:

First Team:

Chris Martinez, Trinity, 6-5, Sr., 17.8 ppg (Captain)

Logan Snyder, Tucker County, 6-3, Sr., 21.0 ppg

Terrell Hill, Gilmer County, 6-1, Sr., 13.5 ppg

A.J. Mayle, Trinity, 5-11, Sr., 14.7 ppg

Jordan Simpson, Man, 6-1, Jr., 25.1 ppg

Clay Rokisky, Madonna, 6-2, Jr., 16.1 ppg

John Paul Tupta, Charleston Catholic, 6-5, Sr., 16.8 ppg

John Padden, Parkersburg Catholic, 6-1, Sr., 18.0 ppg

Second Team:

Matt Arnold, Wahama, 6-3, Sr., 20.2 ppg (Captain)

Jalan Jones, Mt. Hope, 5-9, Fr., 26.0 ppg

Josh Pierson, St. Joseph, 6-2, Jr., 17 ppg

Andre Wright, Valley Fayette, 6-3, Sr., 17.2 ppg

Derrick Orndorff, East Hardy, 6-4, Sr., 16.0 ppg

Casey Kessler, Midland Trail, 6-2, Jr., 16.0 ppg

Ryan Jones, Bishop Donahue, 5-10, Sr., 15.3 ppg

Emmett Rogers, Richwood, 5-7, Sr., 14.5 ppg

Third Team:

Connor Arlia, Madonna, 5-10, Sr., 12.1 ppg (Captain)

Cody Triplett, Trinity, 6-6, So., 10.8 ppg

Nolan Tucci, Notre Dame, 6-1, 190, Sr., 12.0 ppg

Bart Harris, South Harrison, 6-4, Sr., 18.3 ppg

K.D. Arnett, St. Marys, 6-1, Jr., 14.0 ppg

Corey Cook, Burch, 5-7, Jr., 16.0 ppg

Nick Fischer, Parkersburg Catholic, 6-2, Sr., 15.0 ppg

Nick George, Charleston Catholic, 6-3, Fr., 12.3 ppg

Honorable Mention:

Tyler Allen, Buffalo
Anthony Aviles, Gilmer County
Charles Bard, Richwood
Nick Battista, Madonna
D.J. Black, Hannan
Tyler Bennett, Meadow Bridge
Jordan Burdette, Midland Trail
Chaz Clusky, Matewan
Cameron Cochran, Valley Fayette
Daniel Collie, Parkersburg Catholic
Cole Cottrell, Cameron
Casey Deskins, Midland Trail
Cole Dotson, Doddridge County
Case Edgar, Williamstown
Isaac Gaines, South Harrison
Tyler Gardiner, Pendelton County
Chris Gray, Meadow Bridge
Shane Greskevitch, Wheeling Central
Phil Harris, St. Joseph
Chris Hatcher, Williamson
Ryan Hughes, Cameron
Brandon Ingram, Wheeling Central
Lakota Jonese, Pocahontas County
Levi King, Clay-Battelle
Isaac Lee, Wahama
Nick Lee, Williamson
Alek Marinaro, Notre Dame
Brandon Matthews, St. Marys
Michael McFarland, Mount Hope
Bo McKown, Charleston Catholic
Trent Moats, Pendleton County
Ronald Morris, Valley Wetzel
Devin Overholt, Bishop Donahue
Daniel Pendergrass, Montcalm
Chris Perna, Madonna
Brandon Pritt, Tygarts Valley
Josh Redman, Pendleton County
Korey Reed, Moorefield
Jordan Selders, Trinity
Jed Sheets, Pocahontas County
Devin Smith, Tucker County
Kyle Smith, Gilbert
Tyler Snyder, Tucker County
Dylan Wager, Wirt County
Cody White, Meadow Bridge
Luke Wright, Greater Beckley Christian
Garrett Yurisko, Bishop Donahue
Zach Yost, Paden City

Gilmer County Circuit Court Report - 03.29.11

Chief Judge Richard A. Facemire presided over a busy motion day on Monday, March 28, 2011 in Gilmer County Circuit Court.

•  Matthew Spratley, a fugitive from justice from the state of VA, waived extradition.
He was represented by TJ. Drake of Sutton.
Authorities in Virginia have until 4:00 PM on Wednesday, April 06, 2011 to pick him up at Central Regional Jail or he will be released.

•  A scheduling order was entered in the civil case involving Ryan Fieler vs. Gregory Smith. Mediation must be completed by Wednesday, August 31, 2011 and Michael John Aloi was appointed to act as mediator.
The pre-trial hearing will be Monday, September 26, 2011 at 9;00 AM with the trial commencing on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 9:00 AM.

•  One juvenile matter was taken up.

•  State of WV vs. Florence Parker
She will enter a plea on Monday, April 25, 2011 at 2:00 PM.
She is represented by TJ. Drake.

•  State of WV vs. Billy Tomblin
He was before the Court for revocation of his probation.
However, the petition must be amended.
He was represented by David Karickhoff of Sutton and further hearing will be held in this matter on Friday, April 29, 2011 at 2:00 PM.

•  State of WV vs. Shanna Johnson
She had a status conference in her case.
She will enter a plea on Friday, April 29, 2011 at 9:00 AM.
She is represented by Clinton Bischoff of Summersville.

•  State of WV vs. Walter Wallace Adkins Jr.
He was before the Court asking for a modification to the conditions of his bond.
However, Judge Facemire denied the same and he remains in jail with his trial being third on Tuesday, May 17, 2011.
He is represented by Christina Flanigan of Buckhannon.

•  State of WV vs. Jackie Belknap II
He was also before the Court for a probation revocation.
After taking testimony he was resentenced to 1 -3 in the penitentiary, with sentence suspended and he was readmitted to 5 years probation.
He must pay for his “alcohol bracelet”, pay court costs within 18 months of his release, perform 100 hours community service per year of probation, and attend AA/NA meetings.
He was also represented by Christina Flanigan.

•  State of WV vs. Brian Hardesty
He pled guilty to one count of grand larceny.
He was represented by R. Russell Stobbs of Weston, and will be sentenced on Monday, May 23, 2011 at 11:10 AM.

•  State of WV vs. Telerra Lowry
She pled guilty to conspiracy and will be sentenced on Monday, May 23, 2011 at 10:30 AM.
She was represented by Daniel Grindo of Gassaway.

•  State of WV vs. Shannon Marks
She pled guilty to conspiracy and will be sentenced on Monday, May 23, 2011 at 10:50 AM.
She was represented by Christina Flanigan.

•  State of WV vs. Roseann Shelton
She was before the Court for a plea,
However, the Judge denied the plea bargain agreement and stated it was not in the effective administration of justice.
She is now scheduled for the fourth trial on Tuesday, May 17, 2011.
She will have a pre-trial hearing on Friday, April 29, 2011 at 9;00 AM.
She was represented by David Karickhoff.

•  A scheduling order was entered in the case of Frances Frame vs. John Frame et al.
Pre-trial conference will be held on Monday, August 22, 2011 at 10:00 AM.
Trial is set for Wednesday, September 07, 2011.
Mediation must be completed by Friday, August 12, 2011.
Michael John Aloi was once again appointed as mediator.

•  A large crowd was in attendance for the final hearing of the day between Eddie Anderson et al vs. Gilmer County Board of Education et al.
Attorneys for both sides argued their case, although no testimony was taken.
The Judge ordered both attorneys to file findings of facts and conclusions of law by Monday, April 11, 2011 and then he will make his ruling in the case.

Animal Vaccinations Can Protect Humans against Growing Rabies Threat

West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass is urging residents to have their pets vaccinated against rabies and to consider vaccinating valuable livestock against the disease, which is widespread throughout much of the Mountain State.

State law currently requires dog and cat owners to vaccinate their pets every three years. Effective June 2010, a person who owns or possesses a dog or cat within the state of West Virginia shall have the dog or cat vaccinated against rabies with a vaccine capable of producing immunity for three years, boostered one year after initial vaccination and every third year thereafter. Dogs and cats need not be vaccinated before the age of three months, but must be vaccinated by the age of six months.

“Rabies vaccination is a simple and inexpensive safeguard against a common but extremely dangerous disease,” said Commissioner Douglass.

“Rabies is a threat to any warm-blooded animal and the public should be observant of any abnormalities in their farm animals, pets or wildlife. Wild animals that behave in an unusual or aggressive manner should be avoided and reported to the local health department. Livestock with similar symptoms should be seen by a veterinarian immediately,” added Commissioner Douglass.

West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) acting State Veterinarian Jewell Plumley said many people don’t give rabies the respect it deserves.

“People seem to be less fearful of rabies because it’s a familiar disease that has been around for a long time, but it’s not a matter to be taken lightly,” said Dr. Plumley. “Rabies is an extremely dangerous disease to all mammals and is always fatal if left untreated. It is carried by a wide variety of wild animals – especially raccoons, skunks and bats – and those wild animals can infect unvaccinated pets and livestock, which can then transmit the disease to unsuspecting humans.”

Commissioner Douglass noted that approved rabies vaccines are available for cattle, sheep and horses. “Those with valuable animals should definitely consider vaccinating them. A couple of dollars for a vaccination is a small price to pay to protect your investment,” he said.

WVDA has participated in a program in recent years to help slow the westward spread of rabies in raccoons. USDA-Wildlife Service’s Oral Rabies Vaccination program has air-dropped nearly two million vaccine-laden baits throughout West Virginia annually since the program was started here in 2001.

Ginseng Roots Must Be Weight Receipted by March 31

Diggers and dealers of the perennial herb ginseng have just days to have all the roots in their possession weight receipted. After Thursday, March 31, it is illegal to have any ginseng roots that have not been properly weight receipted by Division of Forestry personnel. Failing to meet this deadline can result in a fine or even jail time. All ginseng roots must be attached to a weight receipt from April 01 through August 31.

Robin Black, a technical assistant with the Division of Forestry who oversees the agency’s ginseng program, says that possessing legally harvested ginseng is not an issue as long as people make sure to have it weight receipted by the March 31 deadline.

“Due to fluctuating market conditions and other reasons, some folks like to hold onto their ginseng until the next season,” Black said. “That is fine as long as they make arrangements to see one of our foresters by March 31.”

Black added that just because ginseng has been weight receipted does not mean that it may be transported out of state or be sold to an out-of-state dealer. Only ginseng certified by a registered dealer is allowed to be transported or sold out of state.

Diggers and dealers should call their local Division of Forestry office as soon as possible to make an appointment to have their ginseng weight receipted. A list of dealers is available through the Division of Forestry’s website, www.wvforestry.com, or by calling Black at 304.558.2788 or emailing her at “Robin.S.Black@wv.gov”.

GCVFD: Hot Dog Sale

The Gilmer County Volunteer Fire Department Support Group would like to invite everyone to come and eat lunch at the Fire Department Concession Stand.

We will be set up EVERY WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, and FRIDAY from now until APRIL 29, 2011 at the Glenville Foodland Parking Lot.

We will be OPEN each day from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

The Menu each day includes:

•  Hotdogs (Chili, Onion, Slaw, Relish, Mustard, Ketchup)

•  Chips

•  Nacho’s

•  Pop

•  Candy bars

We would like to THANK everyone in this great county for all your support in each of our fundraisers throughout the year.

All money raised will benefit YOUR fireman in better assisting you in your time of need.

~~ Eric Squires - GCVFD ~~

GSC: Robert F. Kidd Library

Manchin, Rockefeller Announce $20,425 Grant for Weston Volunteer Fire Department

United States Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller (both D-WV), announced that the Weston Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. will receive $20,425 in funding through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The funds will go toward operations and safety, and can be used to purchase training and personal protective equipment, for wellness and fitness, and to make health and safety modifications to stations and facilities.

“I believe in our devoted firefighters, who ensure the health and safety of the people of West Virginia, and my experience working with the volunteer rescue squad in Marion County has allowed me to appreciate their hard work firsthand,” Senator Manchin said. “These grants will provide our first responders – who sacrifice so much – with the tools needed to make sure that they can quickly respond to West Virginians in times of need.”

“Firefighters provide life-saving services to people in our communities every day,” Rockefeller said. “We owe it to these hard working men and women to provide them with the most up-to-date resources and equipment they need to do their jobs.  I’m pleased that the Weston Volunteer Fire Department will receive money to improve the tools and training needed in order to continue keeping us safe and secure.”

AFG grants are funded through the annual Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act.

Gilmer County Special Olympics Is Now Selling McDonald’s McSavings Cards

The Gilmer County Special Olympics is now selling McDonald’s McSavings Cards.

Cards can be purchased by calling:

•  Genny Kirkpatrick at 304.462.8553

•  Mary Strickland at 304.462.7750

•  Martin Hess

The cards can be used through December 2011. And the cost is $5.00.

Money will be used to send athletes to the Special Olympics Summer Games on June 03-05, 2011.

•  Can be used at all 11 locations owned by John Ebert Bridgeport, Clarksburg, Nutter Fort, Shinnston, New Pointe, Weston, Glenville, Buckhannon, Elkins, Parsons and Philippi

•  May use more than one coupon (square) during your visit

•  8 squares on back of card - each square a coupon

•  Each square that states ‘limit 5’ - may use up to 5 times

•  Valued at over $99.00

•  Expires: 12.31.2011

G-Biz™: Pioneer Grill

Gilmer County 4-H Leaders Cheese Sale Fundraiser - 04.26.11

The Gilmer County 4-H Leaders Association will be selling a variety of delicious cheeses as a fundraiser for 4-H Camp scholarships.

The total cost of the 2010 Gilmer County 4-H Camp was almost $11,000.

The 4-H Leaders Association assisted with over $1,300 in camp expenses in 2010.

The cheeses are made by Heini’s Cheese Chalet in Ohio Amish country and offered for sale in 2 lbs. wheels for $11-13.

The cheese varieties offered are:
•  Colby
•  Colby-Jack
•  Fiesta Jack
•  Lacey Baby Swiss
•  Cheddar, Swiss
•  Butter Cheese
•  Farmers Cheese
•  Smoked Bacon Cheese
•  Garden Vegetable Yogurt Cheese
•  Vadalia Sweet Onion Cheese

Trail Bologna and Sweet Smoked Sausage are also available for order.

The last day to order is April 26, 2011.

Pick up will be at the Extension Office on May 16, 2011.

To order contact a Gilmer County 4-Her or 4-H Leader or call the Extension Office at 304.462.7061.

GSC Public Service Announcement: Monte Carlo Night - This Saturday

The Glenville State College Lady Pioneer Basketball program invites you to a Monte Carlo Night on Saturday, April 02, 2011 at the Mollohan Campus Community Center Ballroom from 6:00-11:00 PM.

The Evening Schedule includes:

Cocktails from 6:00 - 7:00

A Buffet Dinner from 7:00- 8:00

15 gaming tables including black jack, roulette, poker, and slots from 8:00 – 10:00

Live Band (Cane and the Ables) and Dancing from 7:00 - 11:00

There will also be an Auction, lots of prizes, and a Grand Prize.

Tickets are just $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Ticket includes admission, meal, drinks and start up chips. Additional chips are $20 per cup.

For tickets, call 304.904.0823, mail request and payment to: Shan Harkleroad, 200 High St, Glenville, WV 26351 or email “Shantelle.harkleroad@glenville.edu”.

ALL proceed benefit Glenville State College Women’s Basketball Team.