Anniversaries, Retirements
Friends, colleagues, co-workers and members of the community paid a tear-filled, bittersweet farewell recently to a beloved, long-serving Gilmer County Magistrate at a retirement party in his honor.
Gilmer County Magistrate Robert W. Minigh will officially retires December 31, 2012 when his current terms expires.
Minigh, who has served as a magistrate for the past 36 years chose not to run for re-election in 2012.
He leaves behind long-held professional and working relationship with many in the local judicial and legal community.
Bob, who found it difficult to hold back emotions, thanked all of those he has worked with over the years.
Gilmer County’s longtime magistrate, Carol Wolfe presented the retiring magistrate with certificate of appreciation on behalf of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals thanking him for his many years of dedicated and outstanding service to Gilmer County Magistrate Court and the citizens of the state.
Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia
Chief Justice Menis E. Ketchum II
Justice Robin Jean Davis
Justice Brent D. Benjamin
Justice Margaret L. Workman
Justice Thomas E. Mchugh
Be It Known That Robert W. Minigh Has Rendered Valuable and Distinguished Services to The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals and to All The Citizens of The County of Gilmer as Magistrate Tirelessly Giving of Himself in The Proper, Equitable, and Professional Administration of Justice For 36 Years.
By The Authority Vested in The Supreme Court of Appeals, There Is Hereby Conferred And Awarded To Him This Certificate of Recognition.
Signed
Menis E. Ketchum, II, Chief Justice
Steven D. Canterbury,
Administrative Director
Supreme Court of Appeals
Bob is a highly respected member of the community. Many of you know Bob as a Little League Coach for Normantown Elementary. He led the girls and boys to many victories, probably more than any other coach in the county.
In those days, Bob did not coach because his son or daughter was on the team. He coached because he loved the game. Of all the coaches, Bob Minigh was the most fair. He believed that every child deserved the opportunity to play the game, and everyone on the team had an equal chance, no matter who the child was related to.
Bob was known as a coach who would take a chance on a kid that no one else would give a second glance.
Many of these kids could not afford shoes or equipment, but Bob made sure they had everything they needed. They were the sharpest team on the field.
As an example, some of you may remember when Bob coached 5th and 6th graders in basketball at Normantown.
He had seven basketball players who played in the championship game against Glenville Elementary, a team of twenty boys.
In the first quarter, two of the Normantown ball players fouled out. After a third ball player fouled out, the Normantown team had to finish with four ball players.
Those four Normantown boys were exhausted, but Glenville Elementary had a bench full of boys itching to get into the game.
Glenville coaches kept their starters in because they wanted to win.
When Normantown Elementary won the championship game with four players, the opposing team fell to their knees and cried in defeat.
They had given all they had, but that was not enough to conquer Bob Minigh’s Normantown Vikings.
The citizens of Gilmer County will never be able to repay Bob for his kindness to the youngsters in the county because Bob is not an ordinary man.
He is a hero to many young people who have grown into respectable, caring people who use Bob’s example in their everyday lives.
Although Tuesday marks the 75th anniversary of its completion, the nearly 2,200-mile path from Georgia to Maine is never really finished.
In the decades since the original path was built, 99% has been relocated or rebuilt, and transferred to public ownership.
That means the trail and some 250,000 contiguous acres are better protected from development.
Mark Wenger is executive director of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in Harpers Ferry.
He says that as desirable land becomes available, it will continue to shift.
Wenger says the relocations and rebuilding have also made the path itself more sustainable.
It was originally routed straight up and down many mountains, which worsened erosion and made hiking much harder.
For more information : www.appalachiantrail.org
Thank You for Years of Service
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Rodney and Brenda Somerville of Cox’s Mills will celebrate their 50th anniversary.
The couple were married by the Rev. Flesher on March 25, 1962, at Weston.
She is the daughter of the late Guy and Lena Bailey.
She is retired from Gilmer County Schools.
He is the son of the late Hayward Murrus and Roena Gae Somerville.
He is retired from East Resources and Pennzoil with 41 years of service.
They are the parents of Claudia Diane (Dwaine) Doss of Linn and Rodney David (Julie) Somerville of Charleston.
They have six grandchildren, Jodi, Stephanie, Mike, Katy, Megan and William Cole.
They have three great-grandchildren, Lena, Elijah and Mckenzie.
An open reception will be held by their family from 1:00 - 4:00 PM March 24, 2012 at Senior Citizens Center in Glenville.
It is requested that gifts be omitted.
After three decades of service to Glenville State College, Susie Persinger is saying farewell to the job she has truly enjoyed.
On September 30, 2011 Persinger officially retired from the GSC Financial Aid Department where she has worked for the last thirty years.
She originally started working at the college book store, but after six months, moved into the Business Department as a Financial Aid Assistant.
Susie Persinger retires from GSC after 30 years of service
“I have really enjoyed being able to work closely with the students and helping them find the funds they needed to attend GSC. It is satisfying to know that I had at least a small part in helping many of them complete their education so they can be successful in life. Many of the students I have worked with have stopped by to see me and say hi when they have returned to campus over the years, and that always makes me feel good that they thought of me,“ said Persinger.
Now she is looking forward to the ‘good life’ and has lots of plans that will keep her busy and enjoying retirement. “I will have more time now to ride our horses and go four wheeling on our farm. I love plants and have many of them, so I will spend a lot of time nurturing them. “Persinger says she also enjoys scrapbooking and will now have more time to dedicate to that as well.
Persinger lives on a farm in Little Ellis in Gilmer County with her husband Jacky, a 1983 graduate of GSC who is a semi-retired accountant. They have two children, Tina and John, and two grandchildren Jacob (11) and Lucas (6).
Tina received a Regents Bachelor of Arts Degree from GSC in1998 and is currently enrolled at GSC seeking a Bachelor of Arts in Education while working as a student worker in the GSC Registrar’s Office. John is a GSC junior majoring in History.
Persinger retirement party
“The GSC community really is like a family. I have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people, and I have made a lot of friends. Though I am looking forward to retirement, I will miss being with all of them. I am glad that I will still be in the area and will have a chance to still see them.“ said Persinger.
The Financial Aid Department hosted a retirement reception on Thursday, September 29, 2011 for co-workers, family, and friends to congratulate Persinger and wish her well.
“Susie has been a loyal and dedicated employee. She has assisted students all these years with sincerity and dedication to her job. It will be difficult to replace thirty years of experience and knowledge. She will be missed,“ stated GSC Director of Financial Aid Karen Lay.
Come pop a balloon at Poplar Forest for a $1.00, $2.00, $5.00 or $20.00 ticket inside the balloon for any purchase in the store Saturday July 23, 2011.
Also every person who comes in the door will receive a genuine leather key ring until supplies run out that day.
Bob Henry Baber, the Mountain Party gubernatorial candidate will be signing his just released book Pure Orange Sunshine that day. And he will offer the book at $10.00 off of retail just for Sutton.
Poplar Forest, the home of West Virginia collectible crafts, will join the 50th year Celebration of the Sutton Dam and the Sutton Artz Market on Saturday July 23, 2011.
Look for the purple star and the purple flag at 200 Second Street downtown Sutton.
Parking is available across the street on the lot at the corner of Main and Second Street.
That evening at 7:00 PM Eskar Morris and friends will be playing his brand of West Virginia rockin country in the Elk Hotel lobby.
For more info e-mail “poplarforest@yahoo.com” or call 1.304.300.7767.
The Sutton Dam’s war-interrupted construction 50 years ago will be marked this week with a ceremony.
Construction of the 210-foot-high dam was authorized by Congress in 1938, but construction didn’t start until 11 years later.
Then the Korean War suspended that work, which was resumed in 1956.
The dam was dedicated in July 1861, and it’s proved its worth.
The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers says the dam has provided more than $400 million in flood damage reduction.
A program on Friday will recognize those who worked on the dam’s construction.
Claude and Sharon White of Parkersburg celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on January 21.
The couple was married in 1961 by Rev. Gerald Maynard at the Presbyterian Church in Glenville.
They are the parents of three daughters, Connie (Edwin) Staats of Ravenswood, Kim (Tom) Long of Ravenswood and Pam Piggott of Parkersburg.
They have five grandchildren, Jennifer Staats Long of Ravenswood, Beth Staats Carrodus of Parkersburg, Jon Long of Ravenswood, Chelsea Long of Ravenswood and Blake Piggott of Parkersburg.
They are the great-grandparents of Calli Long and Addison Long of Ravenswood and C.J. Carrodus and Austin Carrodus of Parkersburg.
Mr. White is the son of the late Claude and Mae Brady White of Baldwin. He served in the U.S. Army and retired from Shell Chemical with 35 years of service.
Mrs. White is the daughter of the late Shirley and Rema Wright Wilfong of Glenville. She worked part-time as a bookkeeper.
They are both longtime members of Calvary Memorial Church in Parkersburg.
A reception held by their family will be at 2:00 PM July 16, 2011 at Calvary Memorial Church, 607 Wayside Farm Road, Parkersburg.
No gifts, but cards are welcome.at 296 Edison Drive, Parkersburg, WV 26104.
The children of Bill and Donna (Bush) Grogg are pleased to announce that on June 10, 2011 they will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They were united in marriage on June 10, 1961 at Mt. Zion in Calhoun County by the Rev. Glendon McKee.
Bill and Donna are the parents of three children, Louie Grogg of Newberne, Curtis Grogg of Glenville and Clarissa Grogg Ferrell of Glenville. They have five grandchildren, Emilee Grogg Nichols; Olivia Ferrell; Cody Grogg; Cory Grogg and Dayton Grogg; and two great-grandsons, Wyatt Nichols and Wattson Nichols.
Bill is retired from Teamsters after 24 years of service. He then went to work for and retired from Equitable Gas. Bill now works at Foodland in Glenville running the greenhouse. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge. Donna is a homemaker and enjoys working in the produce department at Glenville Foodland. Bill and Donna enjoy spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandsons as well as being outdoors working in their garden and camping.
In celebration of this special milestone, Bill and Donna were treated to a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee in May, 2011 with their children, grandchildren, great-grandsons and Donna’s Twin Brother, Don Bush and his wife, Karen.
Forrest and Mildred McNemar celebrated their 60th anniversary on April 16.
The couple were married in Orlando, WV, by the late Charles Parrish.
He is a Korean War veteran with a Purple Heart and other medals. He retired from Aramat Plant after more than 33 years. He does gardening and woodworking.
She had a sewing shop in her home for 18 years and retired from Camden Clark Medical Center.
She does gardening and sewing.
They have five children, Donald (Martha) of Lawrenceville, GA; Paul (Susan) of Parkersburg; Robert (Sherry) of New Martinsville; Kathryn (Tom) of Vienna and David of Parkersburg.
They also had 13 foster children. They have 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
~~ Photos by Devin Shackleford ~~
Gene and I would like to thank our children, grandchildren, family and friends for making our 50th Wedding Anniversary so very SPECIAL.
The video of our life together was so extra special and very emotional and moving, the beautiful song of ‘How Great Thou Art’ sung by our wonderful and beautiful granddaughter Lindsey, the food was delicious, the cake was beautiful, the decorations and tables were lovely and the cards and gifts beautiful.
The ones who attended made it special and the ones who could not be there, we know were with us in spirit.
We thank you all. We are truly blessed and we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
Gene and Margaret Collins
Please join the children of Eugene and Margaret Collins in celebrating the couple’s 50th wedding Anniversary.
They were married at the Trinity Methodist Church by the Rev. Lawrence Sherwood March 19, 1961.
They have two children, Tammey Collins Webb married to Richard Dean Webb of Big Springs and Wesley B. Collins married to Amy Wolfe Collins of Parkersburg.
Another that they consider like a daughter is Sharie McVicker of Capon Bridge, WV.
They have four beautiful grandchildren, Lindsey Nicole Webb, Laura Ann Webb, Evan Garrett Collins and little Molly McVicker. All are the light of their lives.
“We thank God for these happy 50 years. We are truly blessed said Margaret”, Said Eugene and Margaret.
Friends are asked to join the couple and their family at the First Baptist Church, Glenville to celebrate on Sunday March 20, 2011 beginning at 2:00 PM.
Refreshments will be served along with some very nice surprises for the couple from their children and grandchildren.
They are requesting no gifts, but cards are welcome.
Please come join them in the celebration.
Hope to see you there.
~~ Photos by Gary Collins ~~
Gilmer County West Virginia County Clerk Beverly Marks Retirement
Gilmer County West Virginia County Clerk Beverly Marks Award
~~ By Gary Collins ~~
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RETIREMENT CELEBRATION FOR BEVERLY MARKS, COUNTY CLERK
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2010
12:00 NOON - 4:00 PM AT THE GILMER COUNTY COURTHOUSE
GLENVILLE, WV
Red Hats will celebrate their sixth birthday with a Halloween party at Pizza Hut in Glenville on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 12:30 PM.
Dues of $2 will be collected, plus a $3 assessment fee for expenses.
Please be present or notify Yvonne or Mona of your intentions to join for another year.
Gerald “Brownie” and Eleanor Maxine West Amick Sr. of Route 1, Cairo, WV, (Nutter Farm area) Ritchie County will be celebrating their 60th anniversary Friday, July 30, 2010.
The couple were married this date 1950 at the 13th and Liberty Street Church of God by the Rev. J.N. Richardson.
Mrs. Amick is the daughter of the late George F. and Roberta Belle Powell West of Volcano, WV. She is retired from the Ritchie County Board of Education after 22 1/2 years of employment.
Mr. Amick is the son of the late George H. and Mary L. Clayton Amick, of Route 1, Cairo, WV. He is retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a rural mail carrier. He is a World War II veteran serving in the Pacific Conflict. He also had the recent privilege to go to Washington, D.C., on the Honor Flight to view the WWII Memorial.
Mr. and Mrs. Amick are the parents of three children, Diana L. Amick Bungard (Emerson) of Davisville (Little Stillwell), Judy Amick Boyd (Richard) of Deer Park, Texas, and “Gerry” Gerald B. Amick Jr. of Route 1, Cairo. They have one grandchild, Rachel E. Boyd of Deer Park, who is a graduate this year from Baylor University, Waco, Texas.
Cards would be appreciated and may be sent to the Amicks at Route 1, Box 43, Cairo, WV 26337.
Kermit and Patricia Poling of Pennsboro, WV, celebrated their 45th anniversary on June 12, 2010.
They were married in 1965 at the First Evangelical United Brethren Church in Grafton by the Rev. Durward W. Poling, father of the groom.
Mrs. Poling is the daughter of the later Dorsey and Maxine (Hawkings) Groves, and is a retired EMT who is still active in church and community endeavors.
Poling is the son of the late Rev. Durward and Della (Boyles) Poling. He is a retired United Methodist minister, and is pastor emeritus of the Pennsboro U.M. Church.
The Polings have two sons, David of Pennsboro and Mikael of Vienna.
They have three grandchildren and two stepgrandchildren.
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Thomas, of Newark, OH celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary April 23, 2010.
Barbara Short and Joe Thomas were marred April 23, 1960, in Charleston, WV, by the Rev. Walter Overstreet.
They are the parents of Dr. John Thomas, of Weston, WV.
They have one granddaughter.
Mr. Thomas retired from the U.S. Air Force, Sears and Denison University.
Mrs. Thomas retired from Arlington Nursing Home and Interim Home Health as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
The couple celebrated their anniversary with a weekend at Stonewall Lodge & Spa, Roanoke, WV, hosted by their son and granddaughter.
Diane & Mark Haynie, Eddie & Debbie Ratliff, and Scottie Ratliff are pleased to announce the celebration of their parents, Alvie Ratliff and Pauline (Campbell) Ratliff’s Golden Wedding Anniversary.
Alvie and Pauline were married on April 11, 1960 by Rev. Neal Dent at Burnsville WV.
Pauline is the daughter of the late Nellie and Everett Campbell of Sand Fork, WV.
She attended Sand Fork Grade and High School and Glenville State College where she received a degree in Associates in Arts in Administrative Science.
She is employed by P & C Oil and Gas Inc/ P & C Business Solutions Inc in Linn, WV.
Alvie is the son of Ben and Ollie Ratliff, Stouts Mills WV.
He is self employed Livestock Dealer.
They are the parents of three children, Diane, who is married to Mark Haynie of Pearisburg, Virginia, Eddie, who is married to Debra Hamrick of Sand Fork, WV, and Scottie Ratliff of Orlando, WV. They are also the proud grandparents of three grandsons, Marcus and Brooks Haynie, of Pearsburg, VA, and Christopher Ratliff of Sand Fork.
Family and friends are invited to help them celebrate at an open house on Sunday, April 11, 2010 from 3:00 - 5:00 P.M. at their residence in Orlando, WV.
They will be having a Trailride, which is something they both enjoy doing, that morning, starting at 10:00 AM at their home. If anyone would like to join them for the ride feel to bring your horse and ride along with them.
Cards are welcome, no gifts, please.
Damon and Edna West of Troy will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Wednesday, March 31, 2010.
The couple was married on March 31, 1945 in Baltimore, Maryland by the Rev. Linweaver.
Mrs. West worked in Baltimore during World War II and is a homemaker.
Mr. West is a retired teacher, coach and athletic director in Gilmer County.
He is also a World War II Veteran.
They are the parents of one son, Larry, and wife Debbie of New Martinsville, and one daughter, Lucy Ann West of Glenville.
They have four grandchildren: Chad West, Adam West, Nicole West Nastasi and husband Nathan West.
An open house will be held Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Gilmer County Senior Center in Glenville.
Cards are appreciated, but it is requested that gifts be omitted.
HAPPY GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY
ROY & ELAINE MORRIS
MARY, RONNIE, RHONDA AND STEPHANIE AND THEIR FAMILIES WOULD LIKE TO INVITE ALL FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION OF THEIR PARENTS ROY & ELAINE MORRIS 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY AT CEDAR CREEK STATE PARK IN THE AIR CONDITIONED BLDG. ON SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2009 FROM 2:00 TO 4:00 PM.
ROY AND ELAINE WERE MARRIED ON JUNE 11, 1959 IN MARIETTA, OH.
THEY WOULD LOVE TO SEE EVERYONE AND SAY HELLO;
AND ASK ALSO THAT THE CLASSMATES OF US KIDS STOP IN.
IF YOU CAN NOT ATTEND AND WISH TO MAIL A CARD YOU CAN MAIL IT TO:
3610 STEER RUN RD., NORMANTOWN, WV 25267.
REFRESHMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE SO, PLEASE STOP IN, SAY HELLO, AND STAY FOR A WHILE.
Copyright MMVIII-MMXIII The Gilmer Free Press. All Rights Reserved
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“Insanity: Doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results.” — Albert Einstein
By We're Livin' It on 05.17.2013
From the entry: 'G-Comm™: Rotten to the Common Core'.
It is the job of the Principal to make sure the drinking fountains are covered, water to the sinks turned off while providing hand-sanitizer and drinking water plus make sure any water used for meals or dishes has been boiled. Did they do it? Last time someone was too busy looking down their nose with a do what I want attitude. Last time they had no water at all.
By Reason for Concern on 05.17.2013
From the entry: 'GCPSD: Boil Water Advisory for Sand Fork, Dusk Camp Area Has Been Lifted'.
Imagine the EPA getting this ‘wrong’ ?
By lol on 05.17.2013
From the entry: 'University of Delaware-Led Study: EPA Standards Overestimate Poultry Pollution'.
Can we be certain that the children at Sand Fork are NOT drinking and washing their hands in the bad water?
By the way—-
What is the status/outcome of Superintendent Blankenship standing in defiance of the Health Department Order to close the Sand Fork School in April when there was not water, and the unsanitary conditions that resulted?
Has there been any testing of students and staff to determine if any hepatitis or other disease issues have resulted in the defiance of Health Department Order?
By GC citizen on 05.17.2013
From the entry: 'GCPSD: Boil Water Advisory for Sand Fork, Dusk Camp Area Has Been Lifted'.
Next Generation CSO Crosswalk to 21st Century CSOs.
You can find this link on the WVDE web site.
“The Crosswalks Documents were created by the work groups in English Language Arts and Mathematics who studied the Common Core State Standards and then placed these standards into the West Virginia Framework for Next Generation Standards.“
WV does not plan to comply with Common Core.That was revealed from RESA at the last Gilmer County BOE meeting. They will institute Next Generation standards. RESA now has their own consortium. We are aware WV has joined multiple consortia that were funded by federal grant monies.
When all is said and done, the WV BOE must be the ones held accountable for passing or failing to meet national standards. Right now deferral from meeting NCLB requirements another year is pending. Nothing shows it will ever happen.
Does any of this improve the educational future of WV children? Westest results in Gilmer County declined during the past two years ofintervention.
You can spend a lifetime following the political money trail,never be bored and often upset.That can only be changed at the ballot box. One of the most fundamentally important questions on the table right now should be, are the children getting true value for tax dollars spent on education today?
By Coalition Facilitator on 05.17.2013
From the entry: 'G-Comm™: Rotten to the Common Core'.
I thought Robert E. Carpenter was working for GSC?
By Mary Lee K on 05.17.2013
From the entry: 'Gilmer and Lewis County Men Sought by WV State Police'.
Anyone know if there is a relationship in these cases to the rise in meth usage?
By anonymous on 05.17.2013
From the entry: 'Child Abuse Cases Rising in WV after Brief Decline'.
It appears after doing some web searches, that some states have all ready bailed out of the common core education. Must be finding out problems?
By anonymous on 05.16.2013
From the entry: 'G-Comm™: Rotten to the Common Core'.
For a better understanding of this thing called Common Core, go to: stopcommoncorenow.com
By GC Resident on 05.16.2013
From the entry: 'G-Comm™: Rotten to the Common Core'.
Norma, are Blankenship and Matterin double dipping to receive their regular State retirement benefits plus full compensation for their school system work too This is information WV taxpayers should know. Thank you.
By O. B. Rankin on 05.16.2013
From the entry: 'Community Concerns™: Delegates Walker and Boggs, Why Tolerate Withholding of Information ....'.
Earl B. So sorry to be late responding, had some down time. Last year’s BOE financial statement showed Mr. Blankenship receiving $123,000 and a little over $4,000 in travel. As to Mr. Mattern, I will try to find who issues his contract and if we would be provided that info or will a Freedom of Information request necessary.
I know that Gilmer County BOE did not hire W&S. There was no bid.The state issued that contract. It is my understanding the state has a list of “approved vendors”. I believed those were vendors that meet state criteria such as insurance, bonding, product specs. etc. I have found no evidence that being included on that list exempts a company or an entity from the laws regarding public improvements and bidding whether education or no.
By N Hurley on 05.15.2013
From the entry: 'Community Concerns™: Delegates Walker and Boggs, Why Tolerate Withholding of Information ....'.
Dear Burnt. I can’t wait until our IRS gets their hands on your med records to go with the financial records. We will be able to have more scandal with all that good stuff. thanks, ‘J’
By anonymous for a reason on 05.15.2013
From the entry: 'Funding from Health Reform Law to Help Uninsured West Virginians Get Affordable Health Coverage'.
Shipley is correct. As Karen P. has pointed out on here many times, smaller is better.
Home schools do better.
Amish schools do better.
Catholic schools do better.
Voucher systems do better.
Local control and local responsibility work. Thousands of tiny systems are custom built for the students they serve. Thousands of small experiments discover what works in education, and what doesn’t. These schools can spend more time chasing excellent teachers and less time chasing grants and they don’t have layer on layer of administrators looking out for administrators.
The U.S. Dept. of Education is a failure and the State Dept of Education is not much better, but don’t worry, they will take care of themselves!
By Burnt Weiney on 05.15.2013
From the entry: 'G-Comm™: Rotten to the Common Core'.
I would like to try and summarize this article.
I am Jay Rockefeller and I just helped spend another 2.4 million of your tax dollars on more government that you didn’t even need or want.
He neglected to mention that you will also be getting thousands of new IRS agents to enforce the law.
By Burnt Weiney on 05.15.2013
From the entry: 'Funding from Health Reform Law to Help Uninsured West Virginians Get Affordable Health Coverage'.
Good point Earl Batson. Remember, the ‘education budget’ portion of state expenses, is over 50% of the entire state budget. Mark Manchin is son of A.J., former treasurer. Remember that deal? If our new AG ever starts investigating corruption, he will need to at least double his staff.
By Anonymous For a Reason on 05.14.2013
From the entry: 'Community Concerns™: Delegates Walker and Boggs, Why Tolerate Withholding of Information ....'.
Great that the Feds FINALLY prosecuted somebody who actually violated this law. One out of HOW MANY? They don’t need new laws until the really start enforcing the ones they already have,
By Skip Beyer on 05.14.2013
From the entry: 'G-otcha™: Lewis County Resident Entered Guilty Plea to Providing a False Statement'.
Mrs. Hurley, could the Coalition get us information for the compensation for Ron Blankenship and Ted Matterin for a GFP posting? Citizens have a right to know. This school mess raises serious questions about who profits from funds being spent and the treatment of Williamson and Shriver is one of many issues needing to be looked into. Why does the firm get what is believed to be no-bid contacts to have a monopoly on school building projects? Is any of Mark Manchin’s SBA money to W & S from federal sources to give the feds justification for investigating?
By Earl Batson on 05.14.2013
From the entry: 'Community Concerns™: Delegates Walker and Boggs, Why Tolerate Withholding of Information ....'.
This glaring example of purposely withholding information from the public extends to Mr. Ted Matterin, Mr. Charles Heinlein, Dr. Linger, Gayle Manchin, and Governor Tomblin. The problem could be resolved within days if the individuals would exhibit courage to act. An investigation needs to be done to expose how State interventions have failed, what the expenses to WV taxpayers have been, and how our public school children have suffered from the gross incompetency while the State tinkered over the years. Does anyone know if Ron Blankenship receives his 120 K salary in addition to his State retirement money, and does Ted Matterin get his consulting fees paid in addition to his regular State retirement? It is no wonder that the individuals do not want to speed up the return of our schools to County control because it is would be against their financial interests.
By J. D. Lingenfelter on 05.14.2013
From the entry: 'Community Concerns™: Delegates Walker and Boggs, Why Tolerate Withholding of Information ....'.
This is just going to prove out as superfluous, ‘put a new dress on the old problem, and no one will recognize it’ ,government styled charade.
Remember how Linger and board of education told the Governor how ‘they’ were not in agreement of the audit?
By you foot the bill on 05.13.2013
From the entry: 'Action Plan Comes Alive to Meet Governor's Education Challenges'.
Buying unnecessary stuff is a habit of Blankenship. This is the way he makes his kickbacks under the table!
By think about it on 05.13.2013
From the entry: 'Community Concerns™: Delegates Walker and Boggs, Why Tolerate Withholding of Information ....'.
To the Board of Ed[23] employee and the 80K unnecessary, non-working phone system. The bus drivers say that their bus radios were working OK when Blankenship had them replaced. Can you tell us how much that cost the taxpayer? Do you know how much the salary was that was paid to the Troy Principal who never showed even one day for work? And people wonder why the taxpayers are hissed off with this mafia payola system?
Superintendent Blankenship. You are a *radio guy* ? How about telling where all those good used radios reside today? Tell your school board in a public meeting, so everyone knows.
By in crooked county on 05.13.2013
From the entry: 'Community Concerns™: Delegates Walker and Boggs, Why Tolerate Withholding of Information ....'.
If the school board, as a balanced group of elected representatives are supposed to have control of discipline, but Blankenship jumps ahead of the Board, wouldn’t the parents and students have a solid basis for a suit against both Blankenship and the State ? Parents, you need to speak out!
So how many times has this happened that the board and no one else is aware of?
What makes Blankenship think he has been appointed judge, jury and hangman for our Gilmer County children?
By where's the oversight on 05.13.2013
From the entry: 'Community Concerns™: Delegates Walker and Boggs, Why Tolerate Withholding of Information ....'.
Mr. Manchin,
I understand your statement of over dose on drugs. But what about the people that need pain pills and you fix it till they can’t get the medicine they need. That is not the right thing to do.
The doctors know when the patience is taking to many pain pills, and then he should stop them. But to take them away from the people that are suffering will not work. A lot of people get hooked on them, but that is because they are not trying to do what they are suppose to do with the medicine.
You have to be responsible for yourself and the medicine you take. Take it the way it is suppose to be taken and you won’t over dose on it.
We have a hard enough time trying to make ends meet. Do we have to suffer along with that to?
Think about it, one day you will get older and you may have to have pain medicine to. What if the doctor looks at you and say sorry, this is what you wanted.
Sincerely yours,
Betty
By Betty on 05.13.2013
From the entry: 'Manchin's Message from the Hill to the Mountains: TIME FOR THE FDA TO STOP STALLING ON PAIN KILLERS'.
Our problem is the superintendent who thinks he is knows it all. He has always does his work, if any, in secrecy. He really likes his back scratched in all of his dealing. I hope I am getting the point across. He does not want the state to communicate with people in the county. How many times the state officials have mentioned that Blankenship should have explained or been at a meeting?
By must look at the source of problem on 05.13.2013
From the entry: 'Community Concerns™: Delegates Walker and Boggs, Why Tolerate Withholding of Information ....'.
Wouldn’t it be great if they could actually read and do simple math by 6th grade ?
By anonymous in Crooked County on 05.13.2013
From the entry: 'Action Plan Comes Alive to Meet Governor's Education Challenges'.
I attended one of the levy meetings where Superintendent Blankenship and Board President Bill Simmons was actually telling all of us how desperate this levy was for the children. The levys funds would be used to buy books and tablets that were needed but there was not enough money in the budget to purchase. The Superintendent and the school board appeared to be ‘selling’ the levy to those of us attending.
Are you saying that the levy funds are and will not be used as was presented to us in the public meetings?
By really? on 05.13.2013
From the entry: 'Community Concerns™: Delegates Walker and Boggs, Why Tolerate Withholding of Information ....'.
There are very important legal issues that need addressed in this Gilmer School debacle.
Apparently both Superintendent Blankenship and principal Butcher have stated publicly, that there have been several students expelled from school.
Expulsions from more than one school.
The elected school board was not informed nor were they involved either.
Discipline and school trips were the only two items your school board can vote on. These issues are under their control.
Seems Blankenship has taken it upon himself alone to be the “court of expulsion” without informing or involving the school board.
These students and their parents were denied their “day of court” with the school board being excluded.
How long must Gilmer County citizens be treated in this fashion?
Governor Tomblin and Delegate Boggs and Walker. Please help!
Obviously there is NO oversight of Blankenship. There is NO oversight of the State of West Virginia Board of Education.
Governor, Delegates. You have a responsibility to resolve these issues.
By its your elected duty on 05.13.2013
From the entry: 'Community Concerns™: Delegates Walker and Boggs, Why Tolerate Withholding of Information ....'.
PROJECT 24
“If you’re a school or district leader who is considering using education technology and digital learning in your schools, STOP—and go no further—until you have a comprehensive plan that addresses your district’s specific challenges and learning goals for all students,” said Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education and former governor of West Virginia. “Project 24 will help districts plan for the future and fully integrate digital learning into classrooms and school systems to achieve the goal of college and career readiness for all students.”
The “24” in Project 24 represents the next twenty-four months, a time during which the nation’s education landscape will change greatly as states and districts face numerous challenges, including the need to implement college- and career-ready standards for all students; utilize online assessments to gauge comprehension and learning; push for greater system and classroom innovation; deal with shrinking budgets; and contend with demands of states’ waivers from key provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act.
By Stay Informed on 05.13.2013
From the entry: 'Action Plan Comes Alive to Meet Governor's Education Challenges'.
Gilmer residents who voted for the levy should know their tax money is not used for students as indicated. Just to mention one, Blankenship illegally used the excess levy funds to replace the phone system for about $80,000.00.
There was not anything wrong with the phone system when he replaced them. But now we have a system, which does not work and does not function as promised. In Gilmer County under state control the kids and teachers are not first.
By a boe employee [23] on 05.13.2013
From the entry: 'Community Concerns™: Delegates Walker and Boggs, Why Tolerate Withholding of Information ....'.
Taking away local oversight caused more than one problem. The Super hired a principal for Troy who was unable to work and he was paid anyway, the Super failed to secure natural gas access for the new Linn school and that blunder will cost taxpayers unnecessary money because of higher electricity costs, and we hear that the Super plans to use excess levy money to purchase the school site along Cedar Creek. Before the election he assured us that the money was needed for basic expenses to keep the school system functioning and nothing was disclosed about its use to purchase land. We were hoodwinked big time folks. What else is there that we don’t know about because of the State’s lid on information?
By Ralph Morgan on 05.13.2013
From the entry: 'Community Concerns™: Delegates Walker and Boggs, Why Tolerate Withholding of Information ....'.
Wouldn’t you think that Gayle Manchin would be DEMANDING our school districts, to put in place plans to meet the bus transportation-time-limits. After all, it was Governor Manchin who signed that law.
By all show no go on 05.11.2013
From the entry: 'Wednesday, May 08, 2013 Marked a Monumental Day for McDowell County Schools'.
Wondering if the board of education in Charleston is starting to come to the realization, that day to day operation of a county school system, is above their pay grade? Do they understand that local boards of education were set in place to oversee and manage the schools? That from afar, its very difficult to be effective managers? That micro-managing causes problems and has limitations?
By will they ever learn on 05.11.2013
From the entry: 'Wednesday, May 08, 2013 Marked a Monumental Day for McDowell County Schools'.
How many generations of WV good old boy network politicians should have been held accountable for the conditions in McDowell County schools? But no, big coal was king and they were only coal miners kids after all. Even after tragic floods the state didn’t run to fix McDowell and watched it fade away but they held the line for coal.
Don’t know how they could look in the eyes of those people and take over their school board. Now G. Manchin says they found out it takes more than one group to fix the problems there and they are so proud give it back.
No kidding Gayle? After over eleven you admit what they knew all along? It takes the community, the school board, the taxpayers, the state, communities, family and business efforts pulling together?
There’s no comparison to the small problems of Gilmer County but we new that all along. You should have asked. If it wasn’t for the community Normantown Elementary wouldn’t have covers over the walkways to protect the children from the weather. That didn’t happen because of this silly intervention but in spite of it because the community cares and your state Super doesn’t give a tinkers darn about Gilmer County children so. Our board was working on buildings until you stopped them. Now nothing gets done from the BOE but pay another inflated salary and force our local board to keep their mouth shut if they don’t agree. I’m sure McDowell knows how that feels.
By anonymous42 on 05.10.2013
From the entry: 'Wednesday, May 08, 2013 Marked a Monumental Day for McDowell County Schools'.
D. STEWART was the WV BJE State Superintendent in 2001. But MARK MANCHIN was the Superintendent they sent in to run McDowell. At the time he spewed so much public sympathy for them but gee how that changed after he got appointed the Director of the SBA. Good old boy network and ride your family coat tails is the name of that game no matter what happened in the past and they’re still in power today. Gayle still using her appointments and public offices to try and save Joe’s name but the points are dropping. Maybe people will get that some day.
By Apathy Kills on 05.10.2013
From the entry: 'Wednesday, May 08, 2013 Marked a Monumental Day for McDowell County Schools'.
Nothing monumental about McDowell schools on May 8th.
This is nothing more than political double-speak. Dog and pony show. Smoke and mirrors. Same old -hit, another day.
There is nothing monumental coming from the people who sit on that board of ed in Charleston.
If they want to do something really monumental, they should all resign. A new group with no political baggage could be effective.
WHO was the STATE Superintendent when they were taken over? lmao Does anyone remember?
By Hi Mark on 05.10.2013
From the entry: 'Wednesday, May 08, 2013 Marked a Monumental Day for McDowell County Schools'.