On Wednesday, February 15, 2012 Dr. Carl Armour, a member of the Gilmer Schools Coalition, and I met with Deputy State Superintendent of Schools, Charles Heinlein and his attorney to discuss the State’s takeover of Gilmer County Schools and to seek clarification on some of the most frequently asked questions.
Most will remember the listing of those questions in a January 05, 2012 letter to State Superintendent Marple.
Dr. Armour and I both found the meeting to be informative and productive.
One of the questions members of the Coalition had early on was whether Gilmer County had an approved facilities plan. Deputy State Superintendent Heinlein assured us that the County has a facilities plan and that it is public information and it is available in the County Board Office. As of now, the plan has a shared elementary school with Troy and Alum Bridge at Linn and one additional elementary school that may be sited at one of three locations.
In our discussion the question concerning the usability of Normantown School came up ; however, Dr. Armour and I were not well enough informed on the condition of Normantown School to discuss the issue. Perhaps the Coalition should seek information on the question.
The County’s plan has not been approved by the School Building Authority as yet and the level of funding available is uncertain. The location and configuration of facilities for elementary schools remains a topic of great interest to parents and taxpayers in the county.
The specific reasons for the State takeover have been included in the Audit Report of October 11, 2011. While many would disagree with some of the cited deficiencies, there were some issues of concern which had existed for some period of time.
A complete listing of the deficiencies that have been submitted to the County Superintendent for addressing is in a document entitled Gilmer County Required Revisions to the County Electronic Strategic Plan and like the facilities plan, it is public information. As the specific items are addressed, the list will grow shorter.
We all agreed that the public should be kept abreast of the progress that is being made toward meeting the completion of the charge given by the State Board of Education.
Many have asked the question about when we can expect the State to return the administration of the County schools back to the duly elected members of the Gilmer County Board of Education and the taxpayers of the county.
Dr. Armour and I learned about the process that the State utilizes in such cases. As explained the return is not instantaneous but rather a gradual process. AS the local school board addresses specific issues, an audit of the progress is done, sometimes in a very short time, to determine what responsibilities can be returned to the local level. Progress may be in finance, personnel, certification, technology or other areas on a gradual basis until it is thought that the county is ready to assume full responsibility.
How soon this occurs depends upon how the local board and the superintendent come together to satisfy the requirements of the audit. What is apparent is that after a takeover happens, it is in the best interests of the local board to assess the steps that need to be taken to move forward and begin to return responsibility to the local level.
As spokesperson for the Coalition, I was encouraged at the sense of willingness on the part of State officials to work with the county to restore ownership of the schools to the local board. I believe that while there were some very real problems with the way the takeover was done, our challenge now is to understand how we move forward to get our county schools back and achieve improvements technology, academics, personnel practices, and facilities planning.
The long-term goals will require concessions and compromises but also open the door to improved educational opportunity for the students of Gilmer County.
There is one great area of agreement with both local citizens and State Officials and that is the need to have open lines of communication and complete transparency with the public’s interests.
All in all I believe that Dr. Armour and I came away from the meeting better informed and optimistic about the prospects for the future.
Deputy State Superintendent Charles Heinlein and Gilmer County Superintendent Blankenship are expected at our next Coalition meeting.
An announcement of the meeting date, time and place will be forthcoming and the public will have a chance to hear from these officials and ask questions.
This week I am to meet with Dr. Gus Penix who is in charge of performance audits.
William K. Simmons
Gilmer Schools Coalition
This is what I am talking about. Professional, intelligent individuals discussing issues. This is how positive communication is performed, dialogue established and evidentually issues resolved.
This is an example of leadership, transparency and how information should be made available to the public. Perhaps the county commission could take notes of the coalition’s fact finding and reporting to the public to understand how to make progress and keep the citizens of Gilmer County informed.
Thank you Dr. Simmons and Dr. Armour.
Thank you Dr Simmons and Dr Armour for your time, your efforts and your report. It is appreciated.
One item you did not hit on, which likely is in the top three of all volatile issues, is the GCHS administration.
I am sure there are parents, staff, teachers, students and others, waiting anxiously to see positive change in this area.
Actually seeing change in HS Administration, would give a lot of GC citizens hope that there is remedy to our school ills.
This topic could be put to rest fast and easily, if someone has the where with all to take the necessary steps.
With no change in the administration, we have little hope of seeing other positive improvement, at least from this citizen.
The Gilmer County Parks & Recreation Board would like to thank everyone
who attended our Chicken Dinner on Sunday, February 05, 2012 to make it such a success.
We would also like to thank all the volunteers, the wonderful band,
and everyone who donated desserts and time.
Lisa K Smarr
Director, Gilmer County Parks and Recreation
Glenville State College has chosen a professional educator with extensive science credentials to head the GSC JASON Project.
GSC is proud to announce that Tamie Shiplett has been named the new JASON K-12 Science Education Coordinator.
Glenville State College has partnered with the JASON Project to enhance the efforts of GSC’s Hidden Promise Consortium goal of unlocking the ‘hidden promise’ of K-12 students. The partnership strives to create highly qualified teachers by increasing their knowledge of science and preparing them to inspire and motivate their students through use of the JASON Curriculum. Through this partnership, teachers are receiving special training in science that they will utilize in their classrooms.
Shiplett has twenty years of experience as a high school science teacher that should prove invaluable in promoting the Jason project curriculum to teachers and students across West Virginia. Her background in the science field makes her a perfect fit to take over the reigns of the expanding JASON program at GSC.
“We are extremely pleased to have someone with Tamie’s knowledge and experience join the GSC JASON Project. Under her leadership, Glenville State College will continue to reach out to K-12 teachers and students across the state in an effort to increase their interest in Science” said James Spears GSC Senior Vice President for External Relations.
Shiplett holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Comprehensive Science from Walsh University and a Master’s Degree in Science Curriculum and Technology from the University of Phoenix. She also has earned an additional twenty-seven graduate credit hours of science course work.
“I am looking forward to promoting interest in science content through the hands-on experience that JASON offers teachers and students. I love science and hope to pass my passion on to others,” said Shiplett.
Since 2009, approximately one-hundred and ninety-six teachers have learned the JASON curriculum at teacher workshops at Glenville State College. These JASON trained teachers have incorporated the JASON curriculum into their classrooms bringing the excitement of the world of science to over six-thousand West Virginia students. Additional JASON curriculum teacher workshops and summer camps for students will be held again this summer at Glenville State College.
Shiplett says that the GSC JASON project is expected to continue to grow. “Our goal is to expand JASON training to teachers throughout West Virginia. We want to make the JASON curriculum available to as many students as possible. Eventually, we would like to have our program be a model that other states will follow,” said Shiplett.
Prior to accepting her position at GSC, Shiplett was a curriculum writer for Wheeling Jesuit University. She and her husband Jerry reside in Glenville. “We have only been here a short time, but so far we love living in small college town atmosphere. The people here are friendly, and the area is beautiful,” said Shiplett.
For more information about the JASON Project visit www.jason.org.
For more information about Glenville State College’s partnership with the JASON Project, contact Tamie Shiplett, GSC JASON K-12 Science Education Coordinator at “tamie.shiplett@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6025.
The next Glenville State College Theatre production will be ‘Tartuffe’ on February 23rd, 24th, and 25th, 2012, at 7:00 PM in the GSC Administration Building Presidents Auditorium.
This comedy was written by Jean Baptiste Poquelin and originally performed in Paris, France in 1664 but was recently adapted by Jeffrey Hoeper into modern English.
“This play has been considered both controversial and relevant by every generation that has seen it. Come expecting clowning, conning, and carousing,“ said GSC Theatre Director Dennis Wemm.
‘Tartuffe’ follows a comically traditional family that is tricked out of money by a drifter posing as a man of religion. The family consists of a gullible war hero father, an independent mother, a hot-headed son, a boy-crazy daughter, an immature grandmother, a wise-cracking sister-in-law, and a maid that can’t be quiet.
The Assistant Director and Stage Manager for this production is Rose Johnson, a GSC junior psychology and Sociology Major from Glen, West Virginia (Clay County).
The cast includes GSC students, faculty and staff as well as local residents:
• The thief, Tartuffe, is being played by Jace Parker, a GSC sophomore English Education 5-9 major from Weston, West Virginia (Lewis County).
• The father, Orgon, is being played by Dr. Gary Morris, GSC Department of Science and Mathematics Chair, who resides in Glenville, West Virginia (Gilmer County).
• The mother, Elmire, is being played by Whitney Stalnaker, Interim GSC Land Resources Department Administrative Secretary and 2011 GSC graduate, who resides in Glenville, West Virginia (Gilmer County).
• The son, Damis, is being played by Brandon Nelson, a GSC sophomore Computer and Information Systems major from Glenville, West Virginia (Gilmer County).
• The daughter, Mariane, is being played by Brittany Ferguson, a GSC sophomore Forest Technology major from Glenville, West Virginia (Gilmer County).
• The grandmother, Madame Pernelle, is being played by Ryan Konarske, a GSC junior English major from Gandeeville, West Virginia (Roane County).
• The sister-in-law, Cleanthe, is being played by Jamie Stanley, a GSC sophomore English major from Point Pleasant, West Virginia (Mason County).
• The maid, Dorine, is being played by Samantha Wolford, a GSC sophomore Education Math 5-Adult major from Buckhannon, West Virginia (Upshur County).
• Mariane’s fiancé, Valere, is being played by theatre volunteer Patrick Montgomery, a resident of Sand Fork, West Virginia (Gilmer County).
• The bailiff/police officer, M. Loyal, is being played by Lois Miller, GSC Dining Services Office Manager and GSC alum ‘83, who resides in Glenville, West Virginia (Gilmer County).
• Madame Pernelle’s servant, Flipote, is being played by Rose Johnson, a GSC junior psychology and Sociology Major from Shaker Heights, West Virginia (Clay County).
• Tartuffe’s servant, Laurent, is being played by Jesse King, a GSC sophomore Forest Technology major from Frametown, West Virginia (Braxton County).
Wemm says the play may not be suitable for children due to some adult situations.
General admission is $3.00 and free for GSC students with IDs.
For more information, contact Wemm at “Dennis.Wemm@glenville.edu” or call 304.462.6323.
Wildlife biologists counted 3,716 ducks and 3,904 Canada geese during the annual mid-winter waterfowl survey in early January, according to Steve Wilson, waterfowl biologist for the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Compared to 2011, the number of ducks and geese counted decreased 26% and 36%, respectively, for the 2012 survey.
“These numbers are actually higher than I expected considering the extremely mild weather before and during the survey,” Wilson said. “When the ground is not snow covered and small streams and ponds are not frozen over, waterfowl are scattered across the landscape instead of being congregated on large water bodies where they are easily surveyed. The 2012 numbers are actually above the 10-year average for ducks by 23%, and goose numbers were only 10% below the 10-year average.”
Canada geese, mallards and black ducks, as usual, were the most commonly observed species in the 2012 survey. Other waterfowl observed include: scoters, scaup, ring-necked duck, redhead, bufflehead, mergansers and snow geese.
Twenty-one bald eagles and one golden eagle were also observed.
The survey was conducted on January 04, 06 and 10, 2012, and included portions of the Kanawha, Ohio, Shenandoah and New River as well as Tygart and Bluestone lakes.
|
Area |
2012 |
2011 |
2010 |
2009 |
2008 |
|||||
|
Ducks |
Geese |
Ducks |
Geese |
Ducks |
Geese |
Ducks |
Geese |
Ducks |
Geese |
|
|
Kanawha River (Upper |
243 |
421 |
121 |
673 |
160 |
465 |
253 |
326 |
299 |
683 |
|
Kanawha River (Lower) |
245 |
59 |
102 |
182 |
66 |
483 |
123 |
304 |
74 |
151 |
|
Ohio River (Lower) |
1,342 |
1,017 |
1,195 |
764 |
849 |
1,321 |
290 |
501 |
318 |
824 |
|
Ohio River (Middle) |
1,134 |
2,067 |
2,712 |
3,536 |
1,424 |
4,915 |
975 |
1,365 |
808 |
1,514 |
|
Tygart Lake/Pleasant Creek |
254 |
16 |
82 |
15 |
212 |
170 |
72 |
128 |
37 |
70 |
|
Shenandoah River |
81 |
57 |
136 |
588 |
18 |
154 |
102 |
422 |
68 |
180 |
|
Bluestone Lake/New River |
417 |
267 |
696 |
389 |
139 |
281 |
218 |
229 |
110 |
44 |
|
Total |
3,716 |
3,904 |
5,044 |
6,147 |
2,868 |
7,789 |
2,033 |
3,275 |
1,714 |
3,466 |
|
10-Year Average |
3,036 |
4,352 |
3,333 |
4,729 |
4,905 |
5,154 |
5,012 |
4,764 |
5,505 |
4,881 |
West Virginia exports reached a record $9 billion in 2011. With an increase of 39.5% over 2010’s level of $6.4 billion, West Virginia led the nation in the percentage of growth. Overall, U.S. exports grew 15.8% during this period.
“Exports contribute greatly to West Virginia’s growing and increasingly diverse economy. I commend the exporters of West Virginia for this incredible accomplishment,” said Governor Tomblin. “West Virginia companies continue to successfully compete in world markets by delivering high quality coal, chemicals, plastics, machinery and other products. Our forward-thinking business men and women, skilled workforce, natural resources and innovative technology were important factors in achieving this success.”
The increase of coal exports from $2.8 billion to $5.3 billion accounted for much of the growth. Also, non-coal exports reached a record level of more than $3.6 billion. Plastics, the second largest product sector, exceeded the $1 billion level for the first time in the state’s history.
West Virginia’s top 10 product sectors for 2011 are:
West Virginia products were sold to 139 countries in 2011. The top 10 markets are listed below.
The International Division of the West Virginia Development Office (WVDO) facilitates international trade development by providing consulting and helping build international business relationships. For more information on WVDO international services, visit www.worldtradewv.com or contact Debra Martin at 304.957.2042 or Caitlin Ashley at 304.957.2014.
West Virginia University Extension in Gilmer and Calhoun County is now accepting applications for the 2012 West Virginia Master Gardener Program.
This program consists of a volunteer training course designed to provide experienced home gardeners with the information and skills necessary to share their experience and knowledge with others.
Weekly classes will be held in the month of April.
In exchange for 30 hours of indoor and outdoor instruction, candidates must agree to donate 30 hours of volunteer service to West Virginia University Extension.
Volunteer activities include but are on limited to demonstration and community gardens, public beautification projects, helping with farmers market, community gardening education, plant pest problem solving and many more.
There is a program fee of $70 to cover the cost of the training manual and other materials.
Applications are being accepted through March 15, 2012.
For more information, please contact the Gilmer and Calhoun County West Virginia Extension offices. Gilmer County 304.462.7061, Calhoun County 304.354.6332.
Daisy Fryman
ANR Extension Agent
Statement of Nondiscrimination
Programs and activities offered by the West Virginia University Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, and marital or family status.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 08 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Director, Cooperative Extension Service, West Virginia University.
Questions were posed for decades about effects of the plastic pipe factory on the health of children and adults at Glenville Elementary School.
There have been allegations that something unusual was occurring there because of allergies and more serious conditions, but the allegations were ignored under the guise of undue alarmism.
One outcome of the State’s takeover of our schools was that official concerns were stated about the school’s safety.
Specifically, in the State’s report entitled Initial Education Performance Audit Report For Gilmer County School System June 2011 it was stated, “The facility is located next door to an industrial site (plastic plant).”
A study should be conducted to determine how much if any the plant may have affected the health of students and adults at the school.
The emphasis should be on determining how to deal with latent health effects which may have been triggered and to provide medical treatment to those who may already have health problems from being at the school.
Even If linkage between the plant and health problems is not proven, a new elementary school should be built as soon as possible to whisk students and adults away from the existing site with its potential for a calamity including a fire.
~~ Author on File ~~
Thanks GFP for enabling citizens to read the Audit Report. There is convincing information in it to prove that serious problems exist with our school system, there is more than enough blame for all levels, and it will be a challenge to get the County’s system on track. Hopefully the transition can be made from the present blame game phase to one of honest cooperation in solving our problems. The focus must be on doing what is best for our youth, not counter productive efforts with motives for revenge and blame assignment. Dr. Simmons’ coalition letter has set the needed tone for future initiatives so let us move forward with hatchets sheathed.
1. Iran has threatened to fight back if attacked, and that’s a war crime.
War crimes must be punished.
2. My television says Iran has nukes.
I’m sure it’s true this time.
Just like with North Korea.
I’m sure they’re next.
We only bomb places that really truly have nukes and are in the Axis of Evil.
Except Iraq, which was different.
3. Iraq didn’t go so badly.
Considering how lousy its government is, the place is better off with so many people having left or died.
Really, that one couldn’t have worked out better if we’d planned it.
4. When we threaten to cut off Iran’s oil, Iran threatens to cut off Iran’s oil, which is absolutely intolerable.
What would we do without that oil?
And what good is buying it if they want to sell it?
5. Iran was secretly behind 9-11.
I read it online.
And if it wasn’t, that’s worse.
Iran hasn’t attacked another nation in centuries, which means its next attack is guaranteed to be coming very soon.
6. Iranians are religious nuts, unlike Israelis and Americans.
Most Israelis don’t want to attack Iran, but the Holy Israeli government does.
To oppose that decision would be to sin against God.
7. Iranians are so stupid that when we murder their scientists they try to hire a car dealer in Texas to hire a drug gang in Mexico to murder a Saudi ambassador in Washington, and then they don’t do it—just to make us look bad for catching them.
7. b. Oh, and stupid people should be bombed.
They’re not civilized.
8. War is good for the U.S. economy, and the Iranian economy too.
Troops stationed in Iran would buy stuff.
And women who survived the war would have more rights.
Like in Virginia.
We owe Iranians this after that little mishap in 1953.
9. This is the only way to unite the region.
Either we bomb Iran and it swears its eternal love to us.
Or, if necessary, we occupy Iran to liberate it like its neighbors.
Which shouldn’t take long.
Look how well Afghanistan is going already.
10. They won’t give our drone back.
Enough said.
~~ by David Swanson ~~
Ingredients:
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic powder
3 tablespoons lime juice
Directions:
In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, cayenne, paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, thyme and parsley.
Sprinkle spice mixture generously on both sides of chicken breasts.
Heat butter and olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat.
Saute chicken until golden brown, about 6 minutes on each side.
Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons garlic powder and lime juice.
Cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently to coat evenly with sauce.
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Six years ago, my father died of a stroke.
My mother tried to rouse him from bed, but he responded with confusion and was unable to speak.
She called for an ambulance.
He was in the hospital only four hours before he died.
The doctor said he would have lived if he had gotten treatment sooner.
My mother has felt guilty about this ever since.
She lives with us now.
I don’t want to miss a stroke if she has one.
How do you recognize one, and what should be done right away in an emergency? - T.B.
ANSWER: Nearly 900,000 strokes occur yearly in the United States, and of those victims, 200,000 die.
Many of the survivors are left with great disabilities.
Strokes come in two types: One is an ischemic stroke, and the other is a hemorrhagic stroke.
“Ischemic” means “deprived of blood.“
It’s the more common kind of stroke, accounting for 80% of all strokes.
The flow of blood to part of the brain is blocked by a clot in an artery.
It’s the brain’s equivalent of a heart attack.
The other 20% comes from bleeding in the brain, a hemorrhagic stroke.
Signs of either kind of stroke include slurred speech, sudden confusion, numbness of the face, arm or leg, trouble seeing, dizziness and severe headache.
Many advocate testing the person to decide if a stroke has occurred.
Asking the affected person to stick out his or her tongue and seeing if it deviates to the side is one of those tests.
Don’t waste time doing tests.
Immediately call 911.
I’m limiting what I say about treatment to strokes resulting from the obstruction of blood flow.
Brain cells begin to die within minutes.
However, there’s a three-hour window during which clot-dissolving medicines can be given.
They almost always lead to a full recovery of function.
Now the window has been opened wider, to 4.5 hours.
That doesn’t detract from the important message that the earlier the treatment, the better the result.
The booklet on strokes tells their signs and their treatments. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue - No. 902, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow two weeks for delivery.
• 1865 The governor approved an act requiring state banks to redeem issues in United States legal tender only.
• 1869 The West Virginia Legislature amended the charter of the town of West Union, Doddridge County, defining its corporate limit.
• 1883 The West Virginia Legislature passed an act changing the boundary line between Calhoun County and Gilmer County, annexting a portion of Gilmer County to Calhoun County. It was approved by the governor on February 23.
• 1883 The West Virginia Legislature passed an act imposing a twenty-five cent tax on every $100 valuation of real and personal property. It was approved by the governor on February 24.
• 1895 The West Virginia Legislature passed an act authorizing county courts to establish schools at the places of “reception for the poor.“ It was approved by the governor on the same day.
• 1901 The West Virginia Legislature passed an act establishing the Independent School District of Flatwoods, Braxton County. It was approved by the governor on February 23.
• 1905 The West Virginia Legislature passed an act establishing the Independent School District of Burnsville, Braxton County. It was approved by the governor on February 25.
• 1905 The West Virginia Legislature passed an act establishing the Independent School District of Henry, Clay County. It was approved by the governor on February 25.
• 1909 The West Virginia Legislature passed an act creating a State Board of Control and a State Board of Regents to oversee all public institutions. It was approved by the governor on February 27.
• 1909 The West Virginia Legislature passed an act creating a state school book commission and authorizing the procurement of a uniform series of textbooks. It was approved by the governor on February 26.
• 1956 West Virginia NAACP President T. G. Nutter filed suit in the United States District Court against the McDowell County Board of Education for not properly integrating its schools.
• 1982 Democrat Alan Mollohan announced his candidacy for the First Congressional District. The seat was being left vacant due to the retirement of Mollohan’s father, Representative Robert Mollohan.
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Send your photo(s) to “tellus@gilmerfreepress.net”
Orion climbs high across the south this evening, not far from Sirius, the night sky’s brightest star.
The Milky Way arches high overhead, while an astronomical zoo stretches from Leo, the lion, in the east to Pisces, the fish, in the west.
Supernova 1987A, II
Astronomers have been hunting for a neutron star for 25 years, but they haven’t been able to find it. They know that it was born 25 years ago tomorrow as seen from Earth. And they know just where it is. But no matter how hard they’ve looked, they haven’t been able to find it.
The neutron star was born when a supergiant star exploded in a companion galaxy to the Milky Way. The blast is known as Supernova 1987A.
Astronomers know that the blast gave birth to a neutron star because they detected an outburst of the particles known as neutrinos shortly before the supernova itself became visible.
Theory says that as a supergiant star uses up the nuclear fuel in its core, the core collapses to form a neutron star or black hole. The collapse triggers the birth of enormous numbers of neutrinos, which race outward with a shockwave that blasts the star apart.
The outburst of neutrinos lasted a few seconds — long enough to indicate that the collapsing star formed a super-dense neutron star. A shorter outburst would have meant that the collapse formed a black hole, which would have prevented most of the neutrinos from escaping.
Even so, no telescope on Earth or in space has been able to see the neutron star. That could mean that it’s just too quiet and faint to detect. Or it could mean that, soon after the blast, a lot of material fell back on the neutron star, causing it to collapse even more — forming a black hole.
‘This is how you should pray.’
Today, the first day of Lent, is a time of fast and abstinence.
Lent is traditionally a time of penance, reflection and fasting, a time that prepares us for Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Today we take some time to ask: What does Lent mean for me?
How will I prepare for Easter?
For some, Lent is a time for giving; for others, it is a time to do without.
Maybe Lent is a time for removing distractions from our life so that we can make time and space for God.
Dear Lord, I offer you my Lenten promise, in preparation for Easter.
I pray for the grace and strength I need to keep my promise.
I draw courage from your example and thank you, Lord, knowing that you keep your promises to me.
Amen.
Ash Wednesday. DAY OF FAST AND ABSTINENCE. Joel 2:12‑18. Be5merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned—Ps 50(51):3-6, 12-14, 17. 2 Corinthians 5:20 – 6:2. Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
William F. “Bill” Foster II
of Charleston, West Virginia, peacefully departed this life for his heavenly home on Thursday, February 16, 2012.
Bill was born February 25, 1970, the son of Sandra Foster, presently of Charleston, and William “Bill” Foster and wife Tammy of Glenville, West Virginia.
He leaves behind thousands of mourning relatives and friends who loved, valued and cherished him. These include Amy Adamson, his lifelong companion and love of his life; his aunt Dr. Carol Foster and her two daughters, Jennifer and Melissa Head. Jennifer and Melissa were loved and cared for by Bill and were as close and dear to him as if they were his children. Grieving in their own way are his two little beloved dogs, Becca and Buckeye (Little Man).
Bill’s grandparents include Lorraine Marshall of Ripley, West Virginia, Bud Foster of Glenville and Sebert and Clara Lucas who greeted him in Heaven.
Also grieving this loss are Bob and Judy Jones of Sand Fork, West Virginia, Dallas and Charlotte Igo of Glenville, Calvin and Helen Lucas of Spencer, West Virginia, and hundreds of cousins across the state and nation.
Bill loved the Lord Jesus Christ as was evident by his Facebook posts and the many tributes that are presently being paid to him through this medium.
Bill was saved and baptized when he was seven years old and attended church wherever he lived, in college and law school, and at his passing was a member of River Ridge Church, Charleston.
Bill was a graduate of Gilmer County High School, Shepherd University and West Virginia University College of Law. He also attended Downing College at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. He was admitted to the West Virginia State and Federal Bars in 1995 and began practicing law with the law firm of Jacobson, Maynard & Tuschman and served as a partner in the Kay, Casto & Chaney law firm for five years before starting The Foster Law Firm in Charleston.
Bill possessed extensive medical legal knowledge and was adept at handling medical litigation matters. His clients knew he cared for them in a very professional and personal manner. He was a member of many fraternal and legal organizations and proudly served on various community organizations including the Board of Directors for Covenant House, Kanawha Pastoral Counseling Center, and Charleston ArtWalk. He served on the Corporate Relations Committee for the Clay Center for the Arts and Science. Bill was also an avid West Virginia University football and basketball fan.
Funeral services will be conducted at the Sand Fork Baptist Church, Friday, February 24, 2012 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Bryan Groves and Pastor Ben Tuel officiating.
Burial will follow in the Sand Fork Cemetery, Sand Fork, West Virginia.
Friends may call 4:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday and one hour prior to services Friday.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Charleston Humane Association, 1248 Greenbrier St. Charleston WV 25301, or Young Life Ministries, P.O. Box 533, Morgantown, WV 26507.
Ellyson Mortuary Inc. is assisting the family of William F. Foster II with arrangements.
Steven Matthew Jones
Age 30 of Winchester, VA, formerly of Pennsboro, WV, passed away February 17, 2012 at Reston Hospital Center in Reston, VA.
He was born in Parkersburg, WV on October 16, 1981, son of Angela Hurst Miller of Harrisville, WV and Steven L. Jones of Cross Junction, VA.
Steven was the owner/operator of Steven M. Jones and Son construction company out of Winchester, VA. He loved spending time with his family and friends and enjoyed doing anything outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was also an avid Redskins fan.
Besides his mother and father, Steven is survived by his fiancé Brigette Michaels; daughter Olivia; son Steven; stepmother Darleen Jones; father and mother-in-law Doug and Lorrie Hines; paternal grandmother Betty Jones; grandmother-in-law Loretta Saville; sisters Stephanie Jones, Leslie Jones Hardman, and Courtney Jones; brothers Shawn Jones and Brett Jones; brothers-in-law Colin Hardman, Derek Saville, and Dougie Hines; close family friend Mike Mitchell; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Steven was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Curtis Jones, maternal grandfather Clarence Hurst, maternal grandmother Betty Hurst, and grandfather-in-law Bernie Saville.
Funeral services were held earlier in the week at McCullough-Rogers Funeral Home, Pennsboro, WV.
He was laid to rest at Buck Run Cemetery in Pennsboro, WV.
Memorial contributions can be made to Huntington Bank, Harrisville, WV in care of his mother Angela Miller.
Loretta Jean Simmons
Age 73, of Sutton,WV passed away on February 19, 2012 at CAMC General Hospital in Charleston, WV.
She was born on September 15, 1938 in Centralia, WV to the late Victor Cogar and Sarah Skidmore Barker.
She was a retired Secretary at Flatwoods Canoe Run Public Service District.
She was a member of the Stump Chapel Baptist Church in Tesla.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband Walter Glen Simmons who died on December 09, 2011, her parents, and her brothers Bud, Jack, and Bill Barker and her sister Nola Tinkey.
She is survived by her daughters: Drema Justice and husband Earl of Columbia, MD, Karen Maxey and husband Randy of Middleton, OH, step-daughters Linda Bright and Sheryl Stout and husband Lenny, all of Hernando, FL, , sons: Phil Simmons and wife Janet of Burnsville, Tim Simmons and wife Teresa of Sutton, step-sons Dale Simmons and wife Kathy of Ripley, Larry Simmons, Bill Simmons and Debbie, and Bob Simmons all of Hernando, FL, brothers: Edward Barker of Tampa, FL, and Roger Barker of Mansfield, OH, sisters: Ida Mae Henderson of Waynesburg, PA, Phyllis Shaw of Delaware City, DE, Betty Hutchinson, Carol Erhart, Vickie Pendelton, and Marie Singletary all of Mansfield, OH, 17 Grandchildren, and 6 Great Grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton with Rev. Bill Hopkins officiating.
Burial will follow at Braxton Memorial Cemetery near Sutton.
Friends may call on Wednesday, February 22, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.
The family suggests donations to: Hospice Care Corp. P.O. Box 323 Burnsville, WV 26335
Awstin Mikael Cottrill
Age 5 of 1546 Ogden Ave., Warren, Ohio, died at 2:17 PM Thursday, February 16, 2012, in the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Hospital of complications following a heart transplant.
Awstin was born April 25, 2006, in Pittsburgh, the son of Judith Lynn Owens and Russell Eugene Cottrill.
He met wrestler John Cena through the Make A Wish Foundation. He loved cars and Disney cartoons.
Survivors include his parents; two brothers, Russell Jr. and Tylor; a sister, Kayla; his maternal grandmother and grandfather, Lynn Wiseman of Warren and Bobby Owens of Barbouville, KY; paternal grandparents, Shirley Cottrill of Niles and Harry Cottrill of Glenville, WV; and his maternal great-grandmother, Marjorie Thompson of Warren.
Friends may called from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at the Robert P. McDermott Memorial Home, where funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday.
Today is Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22, the 53rd day of 2012. There are 313 days left in the year.
Thought for Today:
“It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.“ President George Washington (1732-1799).
Today’s Highlight in History:
On Feb. 22, 1732 (New Style date), the first president of the United States, George Washington, was born in Westmoreland County in the Virginia Colony.
On this date:
In 1784, a U.S. merchant ship, the Empress of China, left New York for the Far East to trade goods with China.
In 1862, Jefferson Davis, already the provisional president of the Confederacy, was inaugurated for a six-year term following his election in November 1861.
In 1865, Tennessee adopted a new constitution which included the abolition of slavery.
In 1909, the Great White Fleet, a naval task force sent on a round-the-world voyage by President Theodore Roosevelt, returned after more than a year at sea.
In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge delivered the first radio broadcast from the White House as he addressed the country over 42 stations.
In 1935, it became illegal for airplanes to fly over the White House.
In 1940, the 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) was enthroned at age 4 in Lhasa, Tibet.
In 1959, the inaugural Daytona 500 race was held; although Johnny Beauchamp was initially declared the winner, the victory was later awarded to Lee Petty.
In 1967, more than 25,000 U.S. and South Vietnamese troops launched Operation Junction City, aimed at smashing a Vietcong stronghold near the Cambodian border. (Although the communists were driven out, they later returned.)
In 1973, the United States and China agreed to establish liaison offices.
In 1980, the “Miracle on Ice” took place in Lake Placid, N.Y., as the United States Olympic hockey team upset the Soviets, 4-3. (The U.S. team went on to win the gold medal.)
In 1987, pop artist Andy Warhol died at a New York City hospital at age 58; talk-show host David Susskind was found dead in his Manhattan hotel suite; he was 66.
Ten years ago:
Police in San Diego arrested David Westerfield in connection with the disappearance of seven-year-old Danielle van Dam. (Westerfield was later sentenced to death for Danielle’s murder.)
The Angolan army and government announced the killing of UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi.
Cartoon animator Chuck Jones died in Newport Beach, Calif., at age 89.
Five years ago:
Britain’s Ministry of Defense announced that Prince Harry, a second lieutenant in the British army, would be deployed to Iraq (officials later reversed the decision because of insurgent threats).
The U.N. nuclear watchdog agency said Iran had ignored a Security Council ultimatum to freeze uranium enrichment, and instead had expanded its program by setting up hundreds of centrifuges.
One year ago:
A defiant Moammar Gadhafi vowed to fight to his “last drop of blood” and roared at supporters to strike back against Libyan protesters to defend his embattled regime.
A magnitude-6.1 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, killed 184 people.
Somali pirates shot to death four Americans taken hostage on their yacht several hundred miles south of Oman.
Former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel was elected mayor of Chicago.
Today’s Birthdays:
Announcer Don Pardo is 94
Actor Paul Dooley is 84
Hollywood “ghost singer” Marni Nixon is 82
Movie director Jonathan Demme (DEH’-mee) is 68
Actor John Ashton is 64
Actress Miou-Miou is 62
Actress Julie Walters is 62
Basketball Hall of Famer Julius Erving is 62
Actress Ellen Greene is 61
Former Sen. Bill Frist, R-Tenn., is 60
White House adviser David Axelrod is 57
Actor Kyle MacLachlan is 53
World Golf Hall of Famer Vijay Singh is 49
Actress-comedian Rachel Dratch is 46
Actor Paul Lieberstein (TV: “The Office”) is 45
Actress Jeri Ryan is 44
Actor Thomas Jane is 43
Actress Tamara Mello is 42
Actress-singer Lea Salonga (LAY’-uh suh-LONG’-guh) is 41
Actor Jose Solano is 41
International Tennis Hall-of-Famer Michael Chang is 40
Rock musician Scott Phillips is 39
Actress Drew Barrymore is 37
Actress Liza Huber is 37
Singer James Blunt is 35
Rock singer Tom Higgenson (Plain White T’s) is 33
Actor Zach Roerig (TV: “The Vampire Diaries”) is 27
Actor Daniel E. Smith is 22.
Representatives from the Glenville State College Hidden Promise Scholars Program held a ‘Meet and Greet’ community gathering on the evening of Monday, February 13, 2012 at the Y Restaurant in Arnoldsburg, West Virginia.
The event was set up to meet with parents and students from Calhoun County to answer any questions they have about the program.
Nine GSC Hidden Promise Scholars along with their parents enjoyed dinner and met with GSC Hidden Promise Mentor Coordinator Jenny Boggs, Hidden Promise Program Director Teresa Sterns, and Hidden Promise Coordinator Keith Barr. Calhoun County Hidden Promise Mentor Joseph Overbaugh, a GSC freshman from Mount Zion, West Virginia was also in attendance.
The Hidden Promise Scholars program is an alliance among Glenville State College and county school districts across West Virginia aimed at improving communication between higher education and K through 12. Other goals include increasing the number of high school and college graduates as well as aligning the K-12 and higher education curriculum.
Hidden Promise Scholars are students in the eighth through twelfth grade from central West Virginia. Selected by county superintendents and principals, these students interact with Glenville State College students and faculty and explore the vistas that a college education opens. Hidden Promise Scholars will mentor with college students at their home schools and participate in an array of campus visits.
There are currently thirty-one students in Calhoun County who have been selected as Hidden Promise Scholars.
Upon high school graduation, Hidden Promise Scholars who enroll at Glenville State College receive an annual scholarship. The annual grant is renewable throughout their enrollment at GSC as full-time students maintaining standard academic progress.
Similar ‘Meet and Greet’ events are planned for each of the twenty counties and Belpre, Ohio school systems that participates in the GSC Hidden Promise Scholars Program. “These meetings are important because they provide an opportunity for us to meet face-to-face with students and parents so they understand the many benefits of our Hidden Promise Scholar-one Program,“ said Boggs.
To learn more about the GSC Hidden Promise Scholars Program, contact GSC Hidden Promise Scholars Mentor Coordinator Jenny Boggs at “virginia.boggs@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6059.
West Virginia is the first state to have a comprehensive plan in place to address the debt created by health care costs for future state retirees.
Governor Earl Ray Tomblin signed the OPEB bill into law Monday afternoon.
OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits) was a $10 billion unfunded liability just a year ago.
Now West Virginia’s plan would have that debt paid for by 2040.
Two key decisions will make that happen.
The state Public Employees Insurance Agency Finance Board passed a plan last year that caps state subsidies for retirees’ health care.
That move alone cut the $10 billion debt in half.
The legislature did the rest by passing the OPEB bill last week.
The new law will require the state to take $30 million a year for 24 years, beginning in 2016, and apply it to the unfunded liability.
The payment will come from money currently being used to pay down the debt in the old workers’ compensation fund, which will be completed in 2016.
Governor Tomblin said the PEIA Finance Board’s decision will keep health insurance premiums at reasonable rates.
But West Virginia Education Association President Dale Lee is taking a wait and see approach.
“The jury is still out on it,“ Lee said. “It’s really going to depend on inflation, the medical rate of inflation.“
Lee says that’s why it was so important for the teachers union to keep the 12 cost containment measures in the final version of the bill.
He says keeping costs down will help retirees to be able to have premiums they can afford.
“We need to do everything we can to keep premiums to a point where they can afford to make the decision whether they have health insurance and medicine or food,“ Lee said.
West Virginia American Federation of Teachers President Judy Hale says county boards of education will no longer have to put money aside to address their OPEB debt.
She says that money should now be freed up to hire the personnel necessary to teach the children.
“For the last few years every time they have laid off somebody or we have needed a computer lab for example they’ve said, ‘We’ve got to put money back for OPEB,‘ okay, that money for OPEB is now freed up,“ Hale said. “Even though the counties are not saying it—they will not have to spend one penny on the OPEB liability.“
High school meat processing programs are growing in popularity in West Virginia, providing workforce-ready graduates with the training to help meet demand for locally-grown products. Across the state, 35 schools are now providing programs in facilities that meet or exceed those required of a commercial meat-cutting business, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. Brand new facilities are under construction in Pleasants and Marshall Counties. Doddridge County just opened a brand new facility, and a number of school systems are offering multiple levels of meat science classes.
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) approves blueprints before facility construction begins, then makes periodic visits to ensure plans are followed and only approved materials are used. Once operating, the Department inspects programs for sanitation issues and production procedures and ensures all products prepared within the facilities are properly labeled before being offered for sale.
“The Department has been working for a number of years on getting schools to upgrade their facilities mainly to support the FFA ham and bacon auctions that occur throughout the state. But the student interest in this profession and the directions these programs are moving has exceeded my expectations,” said Commissioner Douglass. “Perhaps the only problem we’re seeing is that student demand is outgrowing some of the facilities.“
Some schools are producing sausage or processing deer for school fundraisers. Some are producing cooked, ready-to-eat products, and others are doing country curing and smoking.
The mainstay of meat programs continues to be the FFA ham and bacon programs in which most of the work is done outside of regular class hours.
At Jefferson County High School, FFA Advisor Jeremy Green says that the school’s new $100,000 lab has spiked interest in the ham and bacon programs. Plus the FFA program has used the facility to make and sell sausage as an extremely popular fundraising project. But next fall, the school plans to offer a class in the fundamentals of animal processing that will be open to all students.
“With the huge investment involved in the meat lab, we want to utilize it as much as we can. We did an interest survey and it was really high,” said Green. “Demand for locally grown products is up and this class will be a good opportunity to show the kids some of the opportunities for entrepreneurship, as well as jobs possible at local processors and grocery stores.”
Jefferson County will participate in a tri-county ham, bacon and egg sale at the Berkeley County Fairgrounds on March 02, 2012.
The 69th State FFA Ham, Bacon and Egg Show and Sale will be held in Building 7 of the State Capitol Complex on March 12, 2012 at 6:00 PM.
Resignations
• William Ratliff, Substitute Custodian effective 01.09.2012
• Tamyra Cundiff, Substitute Teacher effective 01.27.2012
• Cheryl Heater, Medicaid Coordinator effective 01.31.2012
• R. J. Cook, Music/Theatre/Band Teacher effective 02.17.2012
Transfers (2012-13)
Professional Personnel:
• Colin Sprouse
• Virgil Paul Peggs
• Amber Frashure
• Ronni Facemire
• Tony Minney
• Vada Woodford
Service Personnel:
• Lu Ann Drake
• Lorrie McCord
Reduction In Force (2012-13)
Professional Personnel:
• Bobbi Bell
• Kyre-Anna Minney
• Samantha Dent
• Tracy Arnold
• Clarice Burns
Postings (2011-2012)
• P12-501-15 Mentor Teacher, Social Studies, GCHS
• P12-501-16 Mentor Teacher, Spanish, GCHS
• P12-205-04 Special Education Teacher, TES
• P12-203-01 Special Education Teacher, SFES
• P12-501-17 Music, Theatre, Band 7.2012, GCHS
Employment
• P12-205-03 Elementary Teacher, TES - Tracy Arnold
• P12-202-01 Special Education Teacher, NES - Clarice Burns
• P12-203-01 Special Education Teacher, TES - Paul Peggs
• P12-501-09 Math Intervention Teacher, GCHS - Cristina Stout
• P12-501-15 Mentor Teacher, Social Studies, GCHS - Karen McClain
• P12-001-00 Substitute Teachers - Caitlyn Bailey
• E12-501-14 Mini Titan Boys Track Coach, GCHS - Jodi Reinhardt
• E12-501-12 Assistant Varsity Girls Track Coach, GCHS - Traci Evans
• E12-501-11 Assistant Varsity Boys Track Coach, GCHS - Brooke Adams
• E12-501-10 Assistant Softball Coach, GCHS - Tim Farmer
Here is a COPY of the 8th-grade exam used in schools in Bullitt County, Kentucky, in 1912.
It was recently donated to the Bullitt County History Museum, which is a service of the Bullitt County Genealogical Society.
In 2010, we published an exam from 1931 by the West Virginia education department for students seeking graduation from 8th grade.
That test was by John N. Beall of Wilmington, NC, who received it from his father, the teacher who administered the exam in a one-room school in Gilmer County, West Virginia.
Take the Kentucky exam and then see how it differs from the 1931 8th-grade exam in West Virginia.
Then go to the Web site for the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a standardized test called “the nation’s report card,” and check out those 8th-grade questions.
All of these exams may not have been given at the same time in the eighth-grade year, but it’s still interesting to see the differences in question difficulty.
A Special Thank You
On behalf of the FBC Cancer Fund for Gilmer County we would like to thank the Gilmer County Community for coming out and supporting our baked steak dinner that was held on Sunday, February 19, 2012.
God has tremendously blessed this ministry through the support, donations, and continue prayers of the many churches, business and people of Gilmer County.
It takes the community working together to make this ministry a success.
Continue to pray for the outreach ministry and the compassion that we have for these cancer patients.
In Christian Love,
FBC Cancer Fund for Gilmer County
The 2012 tour schedule for Wild and Wonderful West Virginia Irish Long Bullets Road Bowling recently was released.
With new events in Chief Logan State Park and Coopers Rock State Forest, this ancient sport is now available in all regions of West Virginia.
The sport continues to grow in popularity, and the first West Virginia Irish Road Bowling Singles League Championship was held this fall at Stonewall Resort.
Travis McClintic, Lewisburg physical therapist and professional bullrider, won the 2011 championship by a few yards on the final shot.
With the score tied, McClintic’s long uphill throw decided the match, edging Stephen Wallington, of Culloden, by just a few yards on their last throws across the finish line.
Jerod Putnam, one of the founders of West Virginia Irish Road Bowling, from Ireland, opened the 4-handed score with a booming 200-yard plus throw from the start line, to take the early lead over McClintic, Wallington and Clifton Colebank, of Morgantown.
All four bowlers stayed even for more than a quarter mile, then McClintic began to push ahead, while Wallington cut tight into a curve, kicked up gravel flying, then came back into the road for his own very long shot. As Putnam dropped off two short shots passing the Lodge, and Colebank fought to stay near the leaders, McClintic powered to a lead uphill to the finish.
However, Wallington battled back. He played a perfect curb rub around the uphill curve, then another long throw up the straightaway, to draw close to McClintic near the finish line. Wallington had about a 15-yard deficit, at 30 yards from the finish to McClintic’s 15 yards to the finish.
The throw-out road past the finish was a steep uphill, then curved to the right. Wallington threw first, drove it uphill with plenty of speed, but the bowl held slightly to the left, went through the curve and off the road, without following the curve up to the right. McClintic was faced with a 100-plus yard uphill throw for the win - his shot was more to the center, did catch the curve right, passing Wallington’s mark for the championship. Both McClintic and Wallington covered the 1.2 mile road in 15 throws.
Many thanks to Kevin Smith of Glade Creek United for designing the Singles League with 12 separate schedules, coordinating the WVIRBA’s first-ever Singles League competition, and keeping track of the standings all year long. Twelve of the most experienced players in West Virginia spent the spring, summer and fall traveling all over West Virginia, with scores on all the state’s road bowling roads. Thanks to all the road bowlers who participated.
For the 2011 Ladies’ Long Shot at Stonewall Resort, 10 hard-throwing ladies scorched the pavement. When the smoke cleared, Elise McClintic threw the longest shot. Aleacha Wallington had the next longest throw for runner-up.
Many thanks to Stonewall Resort for their support of the WVIRBA.
More information is available online at www.wvirishroadbowling.com.
Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and the West Virginia State Tax Department encourage taxpayers to take advantage of free online filing services available through the state’s partnership with the Free File Alliance.
The Free File Alliance has established Free File programs in over 20 states, giving more than 70% of taxpayers free access to leading commercial tax preparation software.
Taxpayers who meet adjusted gross income requirements can visit www.WVTax.gov to prepare, complete and e-file state and federal returns at no cost.
“West Virginia has continued its relationship with the Free File Alliance member companies to better serve our taxpayers,“ Governor Tomblin said. “We want them using the best tools available to help eliminate the stress of tax season and meet the April 17 deadline.“
At www.WVTax.gov, users will find a selection of Free File Alliance member companies. After making a choice, users are transferred to the company’s website to prepare, complete and file income tax returns.
“Free File makes tax time simple, fast and free for about 70% of West Virginians,“ State Tax Commissioner Craig Griffith said. “The service is secure and provides critical step-by-step support to taxpayers.“
Refunds can be directly deposited into bank accounts in as little as a week for correctly e-filed returns. For paper-filed returns, refunds could take 6 to 8 weeks.
According to a 2009 Internal Revenue Service survey, 96% of users said they found Free File easy to use, while 98% said they would recommend the program to others.
West Virginia trappers are reminded that the various trapping seasons for affected species will be ending soon, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
• The hunting and trapping seasons for red and gray fox, bobcat and raccoon will end on February 29, 2012.
• The trapping seasons for coyote, otter, mink and muskrat will also end on February 29, 2012.
• Trapping season for beaver will be in until March 31, 2012. Beaver trappers are reminded that it is illegal to set traps other than water sets during March.
All beaver, bobcat, otter and fisher pelts are required to be checked at an official game checking station within 30 days of the close of their respective season. Hunters and trappers are required to field tag bobcats before removing the carcass from where it was harvested.
Trappers, hunters and fur dealers are reminded that furs shipped out of West Virginia must have a fur shipping tag, which is available at WVDNR district offices and most game checking stations. Also, anyone who plans to sell an otter or bobcat pelt outside of the state of West Virginia should obtain a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) seal for each pelt. All otter and bobcat pelts, usually exported from the United States by licensed fur buyers, must have a CITES seal from the state where the animal was harvested.
The general public is reminded that now, before the trapping season ends, would be a good time to deal with nuisance muskrat or beaver problems. Trappers may be more likely to assist landowners with nuisance problems while their gear is in working order and pelts are prime.
A small but growing number of teens and even younger children who think they were born the wrong sex are getting support from parents and from doctors who give them sex-changing treatments, according to reports in the medical journal Pediatrics.
It is an issue that raises ethical questions, and some experts urge caution in treating children with puberty-blocking drugs and hormones.
An 8-year-old second-grader in Los Angeles is a typical patient. Born a girl, the child announced at 18 months, “I a boy” and has stuck with that belief. The family was shocked but now refers to the child as a boy and is watching for the first signs of puberty to begin treatment, his mother told The Associated Press.
Pediatricians need to know these kids exist and deserve treatment, said Dr. Norman Spack, author of one of three reports published Monday and director of one of the nation’s first gender identity medical clinics, at Children’s Hospital Boston.
“If you open the doors, these are the kids who come. They’re out there. They’re in your practices,“ Spack said in an interview.
Switching gender roles and occasionally pretending to be the opposite sex is common in young children. But these kids are different. They feel certain they were born with the wrong bodies.
Some are labeled with “gender identity disorder,“ a psychiatric diagnosis. But Spack is among doctors who think that’s a misnomer. Emerging research suggests they may have brain differences more similar to the opposite sex.
Spack said by some estimates, 1 in 10,000 children have the condition.
Offering sex-changing treatment to kids younger than 18 raises ethical concerns, and their parents’ motives need to be closely examined, said Dr. Margaret Moon, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ bioethics committee. She was not involved in any of the reports.
Some kids may get a psychiatric diagnosis when they are just hugely uncomfortable with narrowly defined gender roles; or some may be gay and are coerced into treatment by parents more comfortable with a sex change than having a homosexual child, said Moon, who teaches at the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics.
It’s harmful “to have an irreversible treatment too early,“ Moon said.
Doctors who provide the treatment say withholding it would be more harmful.
These children sometimes resort to self-mutilation to try to change their anatomy; the other two journal reports note that some face verbal and physical abuse and are prone to stress, depression and suicide attempts. Spack said those problems typically disappear in kids who’ve had treatment and are allowed to live as the opposite sex.
Guidelines from the Endocrine Society endorse transgender hormone treatment but say it should not be given before puberty begins. At that point, the guidelines recommend puberty-blocking drugs until age 16, then lifelong sex-changing hormones with monitoring for potential health risks. Mental health professionals should be involved in the process, the guidelines say. The group’s members are doctors who treat hormonal conditions.
Those guidelines, along with YouTube videos by sex-changing teens and other media attention, have helped raise awareness about treatment and led more families to seek help, Spack said.
His report details a fourfold increase in patients at the Boston hospital. His Gender Management Service clinic, which opened at the hospital in 2007, averages about 19 patients each year, compared with about four per year treated for gender issues at the hospital in the late 1990s.
The report details 97 girls and boys treated between 1998 and 2010; the youngest was 4 years old. Kids that young and their families get psychological counseling and are monitored until the first signs of puberty emerge, usually around age 11 or 12. Then children are given puberty-blocking drugs, in monthly $1,000 injections or implants imbedded in the arm.
In another Pediatrics report, a Texas doctor says he’s also provided sex-changing treatment to an increasing number of children; so has a clinic at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles where the 8-year-old is a patient.
The drugs used by the clinics are approved for delaying puberty in kids who start maturing too soon. The drugs’ effects are reversible, and Spack said they’ve caused no complications in his patients. The idea is to give these children time to mature emotionally and make sure they want to proceed with a permanent sex change. Only 1 of the 97 opted out of permanent treatment, Spack said.
Kids will more easily pass as the opposite gender, and require less drastic treatment later, if drug treatment starts early, Spack said. For example, boys switching to girls will develop breasts and girls transitioning to boys will be flat-chested if puberty is blocked and sex-hormones started soon enough, Spack said.
Sex hormones, especially in high doses when used long-term, can have serious side effects, including blood clots and cancer. Spack said he uses low, safer doses but that patients should be monitored.
Gender-reassignment surgery, which may include removing or creating penises, is only done by a handful of U.S. doctors, on patients at least 18 years old, Spack said. His clinic has worked with local surgeons who’ve done breast removal surgery on girls at age 16, but that surgery can be relatively minor, or avoided, if puberty is halted in time, he said.
The mother of the Los Angeles 8-year-old says he’s eager to begin treatment.
When the child was told he could get shots to block breast development, “he was so excited,“ the mother said.
He also knows he’ll eventually be taking testosterone shots for life but surgery right now is uncertain.
The child attends a public school where classmates don’t know he is biologically a girl. For that reason, his mother requested anonymity.
She said she explained about having a girl’s anatomy but he rejected that, refused to wear dresses, and has insisted on using a boy’s name since preschool.
The mother first thought it was a phase, then that her child might be a lesbian, and sought a therapist’s help to confirm her suspicion. That’s when she first heard the term “gender identity disorder” and learned it’s often not something kids outgrow.
Accepting his identity has been difficult for both parents, the woman said. Private schools refused to enroll him as a boy, and the family’s pediatrician refused to go along with their request to treat him like a boy. They found a physician who would, Dr. Jo Olson, medical director of a transgender clinic at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Olson said the journal reports should help persuade more doctors to offer these kids sex-changing treatment or refer them to specialists who will.
“It would be so nice to move this out of the world of mental health, and into the medical world,“ Olson said.
February 06, 2012
Genny Kirkpatrick
County Director
Gilmer County Special Olympics
Glenville, WV 26351
Dear Mrs. K,
Once again we had a great time at Winter Games. The food was excellent and the resort staff as always was very helpful and friendly. The games management team did a wonderful job making a three day event fit Into two days. Our team was the best behaved that I have ever taken to Winter Games and they all did their best to perform even in adverse weather conditions. Jason Chapman had a lot of responsibility on him especially on training day, due to the fact that he had to coach both downhill and snow board as I was working with the cross country athletes. He met the challenge even though most of hi athletes were first timers. Becky and Carrie as always not only coached our team, but also offered assistance and encouragement to fellow athletes in other counties. You can be proud of Gilmer County.
Sincerely,
Barry G. Leady
Gilmer County Beekeepers will have their first meeting of the year on Tuesday, February 21, 2012.
The meeting will begin at 6:00 PM at Bobbi Cottrill’s residence at 140 Bear Run Road in Glenville, WV.
We encourage all present members and anyone interested in beekeeping to attend.
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Copyright MMVIII-MMXII The Gilmer Free Press. All Rights Reserved
"It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds."
~~ Samuel Adams ~~
Thank you Dr Simmons and Dr Armour for your time, your efforts and your report. It is appreciated.
One item you did not hit on, which likely is in the top three of all volatile issues, is the GCHS administration.
I am sure there are parents, staff, teachers, students and others, waiting anxiously to see positive change in this area.
Actually seeing change in HS Administration, would give a lot of GC citizens hope that there is remedy to our school ills.
This topic could be put to rest fast and easily, if someone has the where with all to take the necessary steps.
With no change in the administration, we have little hope of seeing other positive improvement, at least from this citizen.
By Thank You for Your Help on 02.22.2012
From the entry: 'G.S.C. Report: Meeting with Deputy State Superintendent of Schools – 02.22.12'.
This is an example of leadership, transparency and how information should be made available to the public. Perhaps the county commission could take notes of the coalition’s fact finding and reporting to the public to understand how to make progress and keep the citizens of Gilmer County informed.
Thank you Dr. Simmons and Dr. Armour.
By anon on 02.22.2012
From the entry: 'G.S.C. Report: Meeting with Deputy State Superintendent of Schools – 02.22.12'.
This is what I am talking about. Professional, intelligent individuals discussing issues. This is how positive communication is performed, dialogue established and evidentually issues resolved.
By Roy Jones on 02.22.2012
From the entry: 'G.S.C. Report: Meeting with Deputy State Superintendent of Schools – 02.22.12'.
Thanks GFP for enabling citizens to read the Audit Report. There is convincing information in it to prove that serious problems exist with our school system, there is more than enough blame for all levels, and it will be a challenge to get the County’s system on track. Hopefully the transition can be made from the present blame game phase to one of honest cooperation in solving our problems. The focus must be on doing what is best for our youth, not counter productive efforts with motives for revenge and blame assignment. Dr. Simmons’ coalition letter has set the needed tone for future initiatives so let us move forward with hatchets sheathed.
By Anderson on 02.22.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: Is Glenville’s Elementary School A Serious Health Hazard?'.
In Gilmer County if you want justice go to a #####, if you want screwed go to the law.
By cheyenne wells on 02.21.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: Failing Systems at All Levels'.
“One of the sites is the Butcher’s property on old auction barn land.“
We may recall when a PUBLISHED “Threatening letter from jail mentioned the intentional burning down of the Auction Barn and that it was another THUG who did it”
It appears that selling this property for a VERY SIZABLE SUM was always in the plans for the Butchers and they were willing to BREAK THE LAW to do it, but more importantly the law enabled the entire crime to take place ...not that says a lot!
Gross breach of ethics? NO! It is a crime, just like taking over 10,000 a day in cash from the AJ Woofter estate.
I vote for taking matters in OUR OWN HANDS, for what else can you do with a CROOKED SHERIFF like METZ who is in on all the CRIME!
By Council of Concerned Citizens on 02.21.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: Failing Systems at All Levels'.
If data on pages 12 and 16 are analyzed the College ranks eighth among nine institutions in its data set for numbers of grads earning bachelor’s degrees/total students enrolled. The College’s value is 161 degrees/1,831 enrolled=.088. Shepherd University ranked first for the statistic with a 76.2% higher value. Bluefield State had a 27.2% higher value compared to the College’s. The unit cost for total expenditures at institutions in the data set per bachelor’s degree produced could not be estimated. That type of information should be important when the WV Legislature appropriates money for the institutions.
By vance on 02.21.2012
From the entry: 'CommunityConcerns™: How Did Glenville State Fare with Its Report Card?'.
The situation at Gilmer County High School is pathetic. A boy has been punched hard enough to require surgery and the parents of this boy have the right to sue the “pants” off the State BOE, County BOE and the ones who have been cuddling him in the courts”. Bullying, students harming themselves, forced withdrawal from school because of harassment from others, fear, a “do nothing cover it up” Principal and Vice Principal, State Superintendent, County Superintendent and PA and others who will not do anything. What has to happen in this County to open eyes to this school system horror? A student bringing a weapon to school and harming other students, a student suicide or another severe injury, where is it going to end? This has to stop before something really tragic happens. Shame on all of you who could do something but choose not to. This will in some way, shape or form come home to you all to answer to.
By ANONYMOUS on 02.21.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: Failing Systems at All Levels'.
The CEFP committee, chaired by Nasia Butcher, recommended four properties as candidates for the new elementary school. One of the sites is the Butcher’s property on old auction barn land. Why can’t the County’s land at the rec. center and the College’s land be considered too? What an act of magnanimity it would be if the College donated land for the school to demonstrate that it is committed to partnering with the County to build a show piece school without money having to be spent for land. Getting back to Nasia Butcher, explain why is was not a gross breach of ethics if not inept personal judgement on her part when a recommendation was made to include her family’s property on the list. Does anyone believe that the Butchers would donate that land for free? What about Arbuckle land on the list? Do the Butchers have any financial interests there so they would profit personally if the school were to be built on it?
By Johnson on 02.20.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: Failing Systems at All Levels'.
To: Will Come Out
You may be right because the attacker’s grandmother is from a well known Gilmer Co. Family who tend to shoot each other and burn down houses. So maybe those involved are afraid to do the right thing out of fear for the well being of themselves and their families. I mean this child’s mother did attempt to poison her ex-husband and even though she admitted in and out of court to a DHHR worker that she did this action and intended to take the other boys and run, the legal system informed the father they could not bring charges against her because he did not have any of the contaminated food as evidence. Her admission of guilt wasn’t enough I guess.
By Just An Opinion on 02.20.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: Failing Systems at All Levels'.
Knowing a little something about this situation I can honestly tell you that to my knowledge the child attacked in this situation was not related to “the elite” and technically the child who pursued the attack is not of “the elite”. However, Mr. Hough seems to have a score to settle with relatives of the attacker so he continues to prosecute the attackers father who keeps yelling for someone to get his boy some help before something serious goes wrong, and has made several attempts to present Mr. Hough and Judge Jack Alsop with the truth. Justice is blind folks because she chooses to be and these are the people we elect! Of course I tend to worry and wonder at times if good people are forced to be corrupt because the power those most corrupt have themselves.
By Just An Opinion on 02.20.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: Failing Systems at All Levels'.
Did you notice how HOPE takes the entire matter off topic and far away from the TEXT of the Letter to the Editor, and we should take NOTE.
For that is HOW THEY DO IT in Gilmer County.
The main SUBJECT is favoritism toward SPECIAL FOLK but HOPE goes far away from the main point of the ELITE gets protected with special treatment for committing CRIMES!
The point was also made that the people that protect the elite, also have people that protect them, and those people should also be held accountable too.
I heard Doug Cottrill had a MAJOR in the SP get him off all the drugs with COCAINE he got caught with. If true, than immediate action needs to be taken against the major, and Cottrill, get it HOPE?
Or are you hopeless?
By No HOPE for HOPE on 02.20.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: Failing Systems at All Levels'.
You sound like a teacher. Well sister, what makes you so special? If one ornery kid in your class is all you have to worry about, then I can bet there are some teachers at the high school that would trade places with you in a New York minute. Having said that, the student you are talking about is one of many. Getting a bad apple removed from your classroom is impossible, unless of course you are one of the chosen few who get what they want. Yes, all some teachers have to do is whine a little and a new teacher is hired just for that student or the kid is dumped in the foods class or greenhouse to create havoc where no one cares. A cell phone violation gets a kid in more trouble than use of tobacco, threats against school employees or other students, or possession of dangerous objects. Your best bet is to plant a cell phone on the kid and then write him up.
By Hope on 02.20.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: Failing Systems at All Levels'.
The line between being a ‘protector’ or being an ‘enabler’ is pretty fine.
All of the names mentioned are one or the other.
The ‘thinking’ of being a protector very often is just more enabling which just exacerbates the problems.
When this situation really turns violent, who will be blamed?
The “enablement gang” will simply say we were trying to help him, and walk off with no responsibility attached to themselves.
That said, the enablers maybe will keep sticking their necks out, far enough and often enough, that some one will take a swing at them.
Sooo…. name of the parents or grandparents were known, would that explain the ‘protectors’ actions?
Sooo….. who is ‘really’ being protected? Child? Parents? Grandparents?
By It Will Come Out on 02.20.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: Failing Systems at All Levels'.
Why is it that we see GERRY HOUGH at the top of the BAD LIST ALWAYS - Although I would prefer all the names used to get the full story, I can understand the concept of protecting the innocent, however the BAD LIST of BAD PEOPLE from Gilmer County in this story are ... Can I have the envelope please?
1. Gerald B Hough
2. Tara Kennedy
3. Shelly Morris DeMarino
4. Nasia Butcher
5. Jay Chambers
Recently an official complaint was made against TARA KENNEDY for wrongdoing and not one darn thing has been done about her bad behavior. It is important that the people that get CAUGHT covering for these people also be held accountable.
Can we have the protecting people list please?
By Council of Concerned Citizens on 02.20.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: Failing Systems at All Levels'.
Y’all….. I’ll bet anyone a donut, give ol’ Mz Marple a scale, she can’t fine ONE student in the whole, entire, great State of West Virginia one, just one, kiddie with an ol’ 50 pound bookbag. Its rumored we’re paying 165k a year for this thinking? LMAO
By keep diggin' y'all.. on 02.19.2012
From the entry: 'State School’s Superintendent Looks to Address WV Education Audit'.
Dear Mr. William Parker,
I have had an abortion. I committed murder, plain and simple. I will regret it until my dying day. I cannot create life, so how dare I destroy it. By the grace and love of God I have been forgiven. However, there are some abortions that are not murder.
Let me assure you that there are thousands of people who would adopt a child. Personally, I always wanted at least twelve (12) sons in order to have my own baseball and basketball teams. You now have a name.
Yet, I know that I am not alone for there are multiplied hundreds, if not thousands, of foster parents across this very nation who adopt children that have been placed in their homes. Plenty of barren couples want these children as well.
FYI - I’m a proud graduate of Gilmer County High School. Please, forgive my grammar and writing skills. I am only human. Thank you.
By Deana J. Burke on 02.19.2012
From the entry: 'WV: Bill Would Ban Abortions after 20 Weeks'.
It has been stated here, the GC community financial health is tied closly with GSC financial health.
Can anyone provide these few statistics?
A graph showing the GSC incomes from 2000?
A graph showing the GSC indebtedness from 2000?
A graph showing the GSC asset values from 2000?
Then mark the year Pete came to town on said graphs?
Bet there would be more questions than answers.
By Ben Dover on 02.19.2012
From the entry: 'CommunityConcerns™: How Did Glenville State Fare with Its Report Card?'.
Congratulations Mrs. Marple as March 01, 2012 will be your first year anniversary as WV State Super. Of Schools. The Gilmer County School System has shown much improvement since the takeover. You and Mr. Blankenship with the help of our Gilmer County High School administration has been a tremendous success in turning our school system around. For those who are unaware of what has been done I want to list 5 major changes you have made since the take-over:
1. ummmmm
2. ummmmm
3. well
4. ummmmm
5. I’m still thinking
Oh yeah, now I remember…...ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!! But then this is what “the powers” to be want, so guess you are doing the job very well. Students of the county are real APPRECIATIVE of the concerns and efforts put forth by the State School System for them. As the ole saying goes, “ With friends like you, who needs enemies.“
By Improvements for 2012 ??? on 02.19.2012
From the entry: 'State School’s Superintendent Looks to Address WV Education Audit'.
Some GCHS graduates say “I seen,“ because they heard it at home growing up. I have heard many teachers correct this type of grammar over and over without success. Much of the blame lies in the home. And I doubt very seriously if that problem is unique to Gilmer County. In fact, I know it is not. It is a problem statewide, including among students at WVU.
By anonymous on 02.19.2012
From the entry: 'WV: Bill Would Ban Abortions after 20 Weeks'.
Is Mrs. Marple (Mrs. Darrell McGraw) really doing the students a favor by taking away their 50 lbs. bags and replacing with little computers? I say not. She is helping them to get fatter! Kids need all the exercise they can get. They are already spending enough time using their digital devices and playing games using them. Mrs. Marple and educators are giving in to the equipment manufacturers and those who lobby for them. She says her plan will complete in year 2020!! Does she not know in 6 years her plan regarding technology will be obsolete? 
By WatchDog on 02.19.2012
From the entry: 'State School’s Superintendent Looks to Address WV Education Audit'.
Ms Marple said , re the computers, It would enable students “to access the whole virtual world and will be able to learn 24-7,“ Marple said. “[They] can stop carrying 50-pound book bags because they can have PDF files on their computers to access textbooks.“
So, what she is saying is that ALL students could be homeschooled if they had computers. How do they think homeschoolers operate? You can access teachers online, from your house or wherever you happen to be. If Ms Marple thought this out, she would suggest eliminating most buildings, nearly all busing, have well paid teachers available for student consultation online and save millions of dollars a year. Education should be based on children learning, not on buildings and employees!
By Karen Pennebaker on 02.19.2012
From the entry: 'State School’s Superintendent Looks to Address WV Education Audit'.
According to reliable information a senior VP on the College’s payroll actively campaigned against Dr. Simmons’ hiring with the threat that if he were to be hired the State takeover would occur. The effort expended with interference in local affairs should have been directed at swamp cleaning at the College. Had Dr. Simmons been installed he would have been a treat to those running the College because he would have advocated for full transparency and accountability. That is what the College’s power crowd fears. Take Ike’s aborted project at Pioneer Field. Why the news censorship? Why don’t they openly admit that the highly publicized promises made to the community won’t be kept, the project has been stopped, its scope is being pared back, and the job is up for rebidding? No, they think that they can pull off their deception unnoticed because Gilmer’s citizens have impaired memory spans.
By Hap Jenkins on 02.19.2012
From the entry: 'CommunityConcerns™: How Did Glenville State Fare with Its Report Card?'.
Pete White and everyone. You say “mind blowing!“ ? No. Not really.
The community for the past 20+ years, has known that GSC operates as “GSC does”.
It has gone dramatically downhill since Dr Simmons retired. Nothing made public anymore.
Until after the fact. Hide behind a big, tall wall of silence. The GSC “gang” knows whats best for GSC….and everything else in GC I will add. Whats a lie or two here and there?
This is the elitist way of operation. We do it because we can and because of who we are.
But, Mr White, hang tight. The wind has changed direction. The smelly ‘stuff’ is slowly floating to the surface. People do not have the fear of open discussion and talking like was once the
case in the “Land of Gil”. If you have “right” on your side, you do not have to be afraid anymore.
Even the County Commission headed by Mr Kennedy himself, says we need “transparency”. Now, don’t misunderstand, these changes are not happening willingly. They know they best start to clean up the smelly stuff or they will be finding themselves smack dab right in the middle of it.
Think about the recent court case with the College, the lawyers, the PA, all in the middle of it. The stench could be smelled all the way to Charleston. Why do you think that Freedom of Information Lawsuit was filed? Nothing like getting caught with you hand in the cookie jar.
These elitists do no longer make the community look bad. They are turning the spotlights straight upon themselves. Knowing the skeletons in the closets of some running for elected office, they might want to reconsider and withdraw there election bids. The pot is simmering pretty good now. It will boil over at some point. These candidates know just what I am talking of.. Couple of them should run from the election.
Secrecy will no longer be tolerated. Wrong doings will, and those doing it, also will be exposed.
Perpetrators of ill, deceit, back room deal making, are all on thin ice. The ice is melting.
Mr Ramazan’s Gilmer Free Press is shining on that thin ice. Thank you Mr Ramazan for all you are doing for our community.
By anon on 02.19.2012
From the entry: 'CommunityConcerns™: How Did Glenville State Fare with Its Report Card?'.
So sorry to hear this Dave. Till you meet again.
By Donnie & Paula Stout on 02.18.2012
From the entry: 'Lois Ann Conner'.
Mind blowing! Prior to Larry Chapman and Brian Kennedy approving the $28,000,0000 County bond issue for Goodwin Hall, College officials including the two Butcher brothers claimed the dorm was needed to accommodate the overflow from Picken’s Hall due to an enrollment surge, Ike campaigned for the bond issue with gusto, and it went through without voter approval. Now we learn that the Picken’s Hall overflow claim was untrue, it is no longer used to house students, the College purchased a motel claiming that the space was needed for the criminal justice program, and we learned that the highly celebrated enrollment surge was engineered by enrolling prison students. Did any of this involve fraud? We need an investigation, preferably by the feds. Tell us where any of this is wrong.
By Pete White on 02.18.2012
From the entry: 'CommunityConcerns™: How Did Glenville State Fare with Its Report Card?'.
Follow the process. Ensure that solid evidence exists. If it exists file a formal complaint with Blankenship by certified return mail with a copy to Dr. Marple by certified return mail. If action is not taken immediately consider naming them in a heavy duty lawsuit if a good lawyer experienced with bullying cases advises that the issue is legally actionable.
By I. Reed on 02.18.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: GCHS Bullying'.
That’s the problem Dr. O’Cull. The school boards are expected to “play ball” and have no power. That is no way to bring accountability to administration. Will the SBA approve the two projects submitted for Gilmer County schools? One elementary school for us and another blending our students with and in Lewis County. You managed to get the facilities plan done the way the local level ball players wanted. Where were the students as constituents in that?
By When will you be Accountable? on 02.18.2012
From the entry: 'West Virginia School Board Association Meeting in Charleston'.
We can talk this bullying mess to death. It is wrong. Nothing seems to be getting done about it.
The State BOE is inept at the very least? They now are the “owners” of the Gilmer County School District Debacle. They have improved little to nothing?
Some things may actually be worse? There is constant turmoil and complaints? You remember who the two persons were, who talked down to our fellow Gilmer citizens.
Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe one was Mz. Marple and the other was Mrs. Senator Manchin. Its “their” mess, they “own” it. Have they done anything?
Do we still have an incompetent administration running the show? The longer this goes, the better it proves the results of all the reports and surveys to be correct. I am loving this.
They have dug their own hole. Reports confirm it. They are likely bumfuddled by their own actions. We still have the same issues they complained about, and getting worse, because they apparently have no stomach to fix it. Remember poor MacDowell County school system.
After being under state control for 10 years, Mrs Senator Manchin (Gayle) goes on television saying they now have a Five Year Plan for MacDowell schools. What a funny dang deal. It took them TEN years to put together a FIVE year plan…....they tell us will be the “Model for West Virginia Schools”! Isn’t that a blast!!? ROTFLMBO !
And then check out all the job postings for the GC school district. Look very closely at the spelling. And its been that way for a long, long time. Hollywood writers couldn’t write this stuff!
By Lets Hope the Coalition Can Fix It! on 02.18.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: GCHS Bullying'.
I seem to remember a group of teachers who kept our children in our schools when they had a regular Student Assistance Team. This group of dedicated teachers met every afternoon if needed. They gave of their time to any and every student - even when the student did always appreciate it.
This SAT group of teachers led an “Alternative Group” every week where students met in group session, exercised(walking) and did community service around the school. Students who did their required service often came back - I know I did. What did students do to get into this group? fighting, tobacco use, yelling at teachers, skip school, and the like….as I recall, it was in county policy. I think it was in the Safe and Drug Free School policy. We always had four or five in the group.
The teacher who led the group was about the only teacher at the high school who showed he cared in deeds, and words.
By annonymous - myrtle beach, sc on 02.18.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: GCHS Bullying'.
It is a testament to how well the schools in Gilmer county are doing when many, many of it’s graduates use such poor grammar. “I seen” is one of the glaring examples. Can a child from Gilmer county keep up with students at WVU?
By Just wondering on 02.18.2012
From the entry: 'WV: Bill Would Ban Abortions after 20 Weeks'.
Information in the Report Card has triggered intense demand for full transparency and accountability at the College. Emphasis shifted away from a mission of providing quality educations at affordable prices to building and appearances. Regarding finances, the unit cost concept is basic in the private sector. It would be revealing for accurate accounting to occur to include all costs, obvious and hidden, to document the total institutional cost per bachelor’s degree produced at the College for comparison to that cost at other State colleges and universities. The exercise would have to include a thorough analysis of finances of the Pioneer Athletics Club, the Foundation, the Research Corporation, and the Housing Corporation. Presently, financial dealings are hidden to promote beliefs that a shell game is operating at the College.
By W. Asherton on 02.18.2012
From the entry: 'CommunityConcerns™: How Did Glenville State Fare with Its Report Card?'.
The low number of bachelor degrees indicates in part that the enrollment numbers have been inflated by inmates at the prison. It’s doubtful that the inmates are enrolled in programs to attain a four year degree.
The other indicator is the drop out rate. Those students won’t receive degrees from GSC.
When the college replaced a perfectly good steel roof on the Fine Arts Building because it was the wrong color, you get some insight into the BOG’s priorities. Apparently the BOG is more concerned about how things look, and athletics of course, rather than how well the college is doing academically.
The nursing program fiasco, which previously surprised the BOG, shows how out of touch the BOG is.
What happened to the foreign students on the campus? What’s the number of out of state students vs in-state students at the college?
The college may see this as an us vs. them situation, but most know that without the college in Gilmer County, the county will suffer greatly.
By anon on 02.18.2012
From the entry: 'CommunityConcerns™: How Did Glenville State Fare with Its Report Card?'.
The Report Card is crammed with numbers in need of interpretation. For one example, look at page 12. If the FTE count for 2010 for each of the eight bachelor’s awarding institutions (8) is divided by bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2010 by that institution, Glenville State ranked 7 out of 8 for a poor showing. Does this suggest that graduating West Virginians with bachelor’s degrees in no longer emphasized at the College, there is an unbalance of students not enrolled in bachelor’s programs or does the statistic relate to the College’s students having to take more than four years to graduate? Regardless, it is justified to ask if the College is giving WV taxpayers their money’s worth compared to the other institutions? Dr. Barr and BOG members, this is the type of close scrutiny coming down the pike.
By R. Coglin on 02.17.2012
From the entry: 'CommunityConcerns™: How Did Glenville State Fare with Its Report Card?'.
Thanks so much for getting this on her so quickly. Greatly appreciate your help in our advertising.
By Lisa K Smarr on 02.17.2012
From the entry: 'Gilmer County Park and Recreation Center Meeting - Monday - 02.27.12'.
Thank you for the analysis of Glenville State College’s information in the report card.
Unlike every other college or university in WV except one, the male enrollment significantly exceeds the female enrollment. This is further evidence that prison inmates have been a primary source of GSC’s enrollment growth.
It would also account for the relatively small amount of four year degrees awarded by the college given the enrollment
The college is facing a future without the diversity of programs offered by competing schools. Instead the board of governors seems to have chosen to give the college what appears to be a face lift in the hope of attracting students. Has that worked?
If WV enters a financial crisis like many other states, what will prevent GSC from ending up on the chopping block or being transferred to the control of another institution like Fairmont or WVU with the corresponding loss of local jobs?
By anon on 02.17.2012
From the entry: 'CommunityConcerns™: How Did Glenville State Fare with Its Report Card?'.
Look at what happened when one student attacked another student sending him to the hospital via squad transport. 4 Days suspended and back in the classroom causing trouble again.
By Just An Opinion on 02.17.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: GCHS Bullying'.
Lots of propaganda talk from the ‘hill’.
Lots of straight talk from the report ‘card’.
This old saying rings so true:
“Figures don’t lie, but liars can figure.“
By anonymous on 02.17.2012
From the entry: 'CommunityConcerns™: How Did Glenville State Fare with Its Report Card?'.
Very interesting. First, there is no Mr. Parker, It was made up to provide credibility to the post. It’s easier to attack a person. The real issue is woman’s rights.
A note to. Marissa Fox, You say you will “help find a home for the baby”, I’m calling BS. Exactly how much will this “helping” cost in $$, and how do we contact you. We don’t believe that you are sincere.
A note to Amanda, You are obviously ignorant. You really need to use a grammar checker before you RIGHT your post. Also, Like I asked, give me a name of someone who is willing to adopt.
To JR Smith, you’re on the right track. Thank you. And you say, “should the baby pay the price,“ The answer is of course not. Abortion is the answer.
And for you Margaret Collins. Exactly what gives you the right to call it murder, That’s the voice of an ignorant inbred. I mean, WWJD. Won’t you please adopt an unborn child, or would that interrupt your soaps? See ya in Church.
By William Parker on 02.16.2012
From the entry: 'WV: Bill Would Ban Abortions after 20 Weeks'.
Its amazing that a man ( William Parker) would right such comments. First of all have you given birth ? Have you carried a baby for 9 months ? Have you looked a monitor seeing your baby for the first time and hearing their heartbeat ?
On another note do you know anyone who has lost a baby, who tries every day to get pregnant but can’t ?
Talk to one of those woman William Parker and they would tell you they’ll be waiting at the clinic and yes they would take any baby that was unwanted because those are the woman who want to be mothers and would never turn down the opportunity to have a baby.
By Amanda on 02.16.2012
From the entry: 'WV: Bill Would Ban Abortions after 20 Weeks'.
In 1975 was attending full days of school. It is kindergarten. We are expecting children at this age to spend a full day developing social skills not build a Sherman Tank. Besides in most average homes both parents are working so if their five year old is not in Kindergarten where are they going to be a babysitter? daycare? It is all about the same isn’t it? Besides there is a good chance that at least with a full day of school the child will get at least two nutritional meals. Why be upset?
By Just An Opinion on 02.16.2012
From the entry: 'West Virginia Leads Most Other States in Offering All-day Kindergarten'.
@ Dan Bingman….I am sorry that you took my statement so offensively. I apologize, but I do know exactly what i am talking about….more than you know! It was not down sizing the crime that Casey committed, but stating it was a misdemeanor.
Should he have had more of a sentence? Yes! But he plead no contest, which gave him less of a sentence.
If he would have fought it and been found guilty he would have gotten 30 days in jail, replaced with a 1 year probation, and if he broke that he would serve the 30 days. I hate what you went through, but like I said it is problems with the laws and the judicial system.
By concerned parent on 02.16.2012
From the entry: 'G-FYI™: GCHS Teacher Pleads No Contest'.
My name is Marissa Fox. Please contact me if you are considering an abortion. I will meet you at the hospital on the day of the birth of your child and help you find a home for your baby, if you feel like you can not provide it yourself. Thank you.
By Marissa Fox on 02.16.2012
From the entry: 'WV: Bill Would Ban Abortions after 20 Weeks'.
William, the state needs to set a child limit of 2 so welfare bums can’t keep having kids for the sake of more money. I also think they should drug test them which would help weed out a lot of them from our system. I for one would pay for that child over their mom and dad’s drug habit. For those of you that will read this and say drug testing is against are rights, Drug testing is not infringing on any one’s rights by the way. Any state and federal employee are subject to random drug testing. They earn state and federal wges BY WORKING. Same should go for those who collect state and federal support who are to LAZY TO WORK (this is a whole other topic in itself). Abortion is not a get out of jail free card and that’s how it is being used. People need to step and take responsibility for their actions. I understand there are exceptions, but most of the time those don’t apply. The baby didn’t choose for mommy to lie on her back so should the baby pay the ultimate price William?
By JR Smith on 02.16.2012
From the entry: 'WV: Bill Would Ban Abortions after 20 Weeks'.
I say again, Just what gives you and or any government the right to decide on abortion? You presume to say that a woman should serve, for the rest of her life, a sentence of attempting to raise an unwanted child in this day and age. She goes on welfare if she’s not already parked at DHHR and you folks will be the first complaining of the costs of taking care of this unwanted burden on society. Lets see $6.00 for a sixpack of bud light, $5.00 for a pack of Marlboro’s at the carry-out, $291,000 to raise a child to the age of 17. Then that child goes on welfare…priceless. Well maybe you folks don’t mind paying that, I mean you’re probably on welfare already, But I do.
And, In addition, I challenge you to give me the name of a person. who qualifies to be sane to go with me to an abortion clinic and take the first alive baby flying down the chute. Come on, “Show me the money”, Or shut up.
By William Parker on 02.15.2012
From the entry: 'WV: Bill Would Ban Abortions after 20 Weeks'.
Your right Mr. Editor on life is definitely not all sugar coated and positive things. I guess we all have to take the good, the bad and the ugly.
The prison is ugly for our community due to the fact in the back of our minds we wonder if the time will come of an escape not caught.
It has brought more people into our community. New residency/or passing threw. These people have put forth spending their time and money at our local stores. One would know that if they had the time to stop and observe.
The bad, not so bad. It is sad that we lost a local grocery store. However; we have gained a bigger and much better Dollar General. Hopefully this will help our local residents pocket,by not having to go out of town to find better bargains.
Our Hospice Store is a good thing. Hospice is about helping the needy,and sick. I don’t see a closed signed on the door.
My motto: “over look what you can’t change,and look what you can do for your community.“
By Anonymous on 02.15.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: A Chuckle Today'.
Nasia Butcher’s name has been mentioned countless times on this web site and others addressing issues in Gilmer County. There is no doubt that she is a controversial figure contributing to building anger and turmoil associated with the State’s take over of our schools. Without attacking Mrs. Butcher or saying anything negative against her, why does Dr. Marple not take a courageous leadership step by replacing Mrs. Butcher with another principal? That act alone would be invaluable to the State in beginning to help restore harmony and cooperation in the County to benefit our children. What do you say, Dr. Marple?
By C. Short on 02.15.2012
From the entry: 'G-FYI™: GCHS Teacher Pleads No Contest'.
To the man who says he is not from this planet. Is it any of our business what a woman does to her body? No…you are right, providing it is ONLY HER body she is harming. But that changes when it is destroying the life of a unborn child, that is murder in the 1st degree for she knew exactly what she was doing and killed that unborn child and any Dr. that performs an abortion is guilty too. It is a human being. This baby did not ask to be born, but did not ask to die either. And yes Mr. Parker, there are many people who would step up and offer to take the baby in place of abortion if given that opportunity.
By Margaret Collins on 02.15.2012
From the entry: 'WV: Bill Would Ban Abortions after 20 Weeks'.
To Concerned Parent
“Truth be known, this is only a misdemeanor, so the punishment was not expected to be severe!“
I actually take great offense at that statement, since I was convicted of a misdemeanor in Gilmer County that not only am I completely innocent of!
I GOT ONE YEAR IN JAIL ON A MISDEMEANOR CONCERNED PARENT!
That time greatly effected my health and two men that were in my pod that got staff infections like I did from a dirty jail that were my same age DIED shortly after being released, and one of them within three days after his release.
WAKE UP! You have absolutely NO IDEA what you are talking about!
It really ###### me off that you are that uniformed!
By Dan Bingman on 02.15.2012
From the entry: 'G-FYI™: GCHS Teacher Pleads No Contest'.
Well William Parker, You may not care and it may not be anyone’s business. However, do you think it was that baby would have said “hey mom create me then kill me” I don’t figure so. Now I agree in some cases, for instance: rape, having the baby may kill the mother (if mother is unaware when she gets pregnant), or if the baby is going to be born with severe medical problems casuing harm. Having said that, the baby didn’t choose for her mom to get in a drug or drunken stooper and not realize what she was doing, that baby didn’t choose for her mom to not use birth control or any other type of contraception, and that baby didn’t tell her mom to lie there and have sex in the first place. Women and men who make these choices need to except the consequences. They can’t be given a get out of jail free card. Don’t want a kid or risk having a kid. then don’t take you clothes off to begin with. The baby I bet would choose adoption over being killed. Wouldn’t you have?
By JR Smith on 02.15.2012
From the entry: 'WV: Bill Would Ban Abortions after 20 Weeks'.
My 11 year old is overweight. He was completely on track with his size until he started school. By his second year (Kindergarten), he had started to get heavier. I agree with the idea of the time spent on the bus, but what about recess and PE? The kids in Gilmer County get PE two or three times a week for about 40 minutes - minus the 10 to 15 minutes they spend changing in and out of gym shoes and going to the bathroom. Then they have one substantial break a day after lunchtime. Children can learn as much by doing as by sitting in front of a computer for 90 minutes a day. Our public schools are robbing our kids in so many ways…...
And for anyone who’s wondering….I don’t give my kids a lot of junk food. They eat food we canned from our garden in the winter and fresh food from the garden in the summer.
Kids just don’t get out and play like they used to.
By Rose on 02.15.2012
From the entry: 'Childhood Obesity A Public Health Crisis for West Virginia'.
As a parent I do not understand how in any circumstance that the child could be at fault. I know Casey and have been friends with him for a while. I agree that he is very nice, and very generous, but that does not change the fact that he acted irresponsible and negligent. His behavior is very suspicious. When a child is intrusted with another adult, especially a teacher, that child should never be put in a position of deciding morals. That is the adults position to set a good example, not to make that child another statistic.
Concerning the judgement…..the problem is not who decided the judgement, but the laws themselves. Truth be known, this is only a misdemeanor, so the punishment was not expected to be severe. It is the judicial system in itself, not so much the people in the system. As for his job, that has been left to the state. They will investigate the matter. They will take in consideration the safety of ALL the students and make their decision.
By concerned parent on 02.15.2012
From the entry: 'G-FYI™: GCHS Teacher Pleads No Contest'.
I’m not from this planet, but I really don’t understand why it’s anybody else’s business what a woman does with her body.
As far as any abortion goes, I want to see the first person step forward and say “wait, don’t abort, I’ll take the baby”.....
By William Parker on 02.15.2012
From the entry: 'WV: Bill Would Ban Abortions after 20 Weeks'.
If I am understanding it correctly, anonymous says since this was done in Wood County and tried in Wood County that this is why the $100.00 fine and $160.00 court fees are proper?
Is there any REMOTE possibility that our PA told him how to plead knowing full well what the outcome would be?
Is there any REMOTE possibility that our PA talked to Wood County PA to brief them on this case?
Is there any REMOTE possibility that this is “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours?
Is there any REMOTE possibly that higher ups controlled this situation?
Is there any REMOTE possibility that he will lose his job as a teacher in Gilmer County? Just sayin’ and askin’ !!!
By Just askin' on 02.15.2012
From the entry: 'G-FYI™: GCHS Teacher Pleads No Contest'.
To Anonymous
So, what you are saying is WOOD County is ALMOST just as Crooked as Gilmer County. Well, we know that, and so is Logan County and Clay County, they are all on the list,and it would take weeks and months of documents and files to present these facts.
The people spoke, and the outcome of that case was unfavorable to the general populous.
So please understand my argument is NOBODY GIVES A Darn SCARLETT what the jurisdiction is!
The outcome of the “CASEY” case is a matter of concern for citizens of Gilmer County, and if you think we are going to buy the old, “Our law enforcment, PA and courts had nothing to do with the case,“ well then we have some slum lord HOUGH properties we would like to sell ya.
By Anonymous on 02.15.2012
From the entry: 'G-FYI™: GCHS Teacher Pleads No Contest'.
Is it Nasia’s call of whether or not to fire Casey and if not who has the responsibility? Maybe the issue must go up the chain of command to stop with Dr. Marple because of the State’s take over of our schools. It would be interesting to know what each of our elected board members thinks about the issue. It is fair to ask Nasia what she thinks should be done.
By R. Strother on 02.15.2012
From the entry: 'G-FYI™: GCHS Teacher Pleads No Contest'.
Before people spout off they should note that the alleged crime occurred in WOOD COUNTY and the penalty was assessed in WOOD COUNTY. Our law enforcment, PA and courts had nothing to do with the case because they had no jurisdiction. Not taking up for anybody or putting anybody down, it’s just the facts. Now what happens to his teaching career and position in Gilmer County is another matter entirely.
By anonymous on 02.14.2012
From the entry: 'G-FYI™: GCHS Teacher Pleads No Contest'.
A comment on here by TAMMI is different than what most everyone else sees.
This teacher had a minor MALE student in another County, many miles from home, no other persons with them, alcohol, and the teacher had sleeping pills. This is not a normal situation, not proper and should not have been allowed. It spells TROUBLE. Why did this upstanding and honest person and who would do no harm to anyone offer “gifts” to several other MALE students?
Why was he told to enter a no contest plea? If the writer of the comment would do a search on What does a No Contest plea in a Court Room mean she will get the reason why he pleaded this. The student should not have drunk the alcohol, but it should not have been offered to him to begin with by the teacher. The ones who “live in glass houses” as you put it are not throwing stones, just stating plain facts of a improper situation that this teacher was in control of. Stand behind him 100% if you wish, but you are of the wrong gender so it wouldn’t matter. It’s wrong, plain and simple. This man has NO BUSINESS around kids and should have been fired immediately. Tammi do you have sons and would you trust them to be with this man alone?
By anonymous on 02.14.2012
From the entry: 'G-FYI™: GCHS Teacher Pleads No Contest'.
TAMMI—Many folks in the community know Mr Smith. I do suspect that if this incident had involved a child of yours,you likely would feel quite different. What if the outcome had been different, a serious accident of some type or ever a death. Not likely you be Mr Smiths’ cheerleader. Qaddafi, Assad, Bin Laden, all had their supporters as well. Just a word of warning, choose carefully whom you support and stand behind. The next time could involve a real tragedy. All of this said now, will there actually be a tragedy in our communities future because Mr Smith will still be in the midst of our fragile and impressionable children? If something more happens, the blame will rest squarely on Blankenship, Butcher, and Marple. When people ‘'get away’‘ with something, everytime, human nature is to be emboldened, and history will repeat itself. Let us hope this is not the case.
By Anonymous on 02.14.2012
From the entry: 'G-FYI™: GCHS Teacher Pleads No Contest'.
So….trusting a student too much?! How does that make ANY sense? He was in a position of trust and he allowed this student to drink, underage. But, let’s go ahead and blame the child because this guy is scum, grooming him for who knows what. No upstanding, law respecting citizen should ever put a MINOR in a position where he’d have to “trust” the child wouldn’t tell. If you have to “trust” a student, you probably shouldn’t be doing it. Children look to adults to set standards, be the example…..and personally, this is no lesson I want my children to learn from a teacher. Ever.
By Parent on 02.14.2012
From the entry: 'G-FYI™: GCHS Teacher Pleads No Contest'.
I have known Mr. Smith for many years and he has always gone out of his way to help anyone who needed help. He is an upstanding and honest man, who would not do anything to harm anyone. The only thing that he may have done wrong, is to use bad judgement on trusting a student too far. So those of you who “live in glass houses, should not throw stones”. I am behind you, Casey 100 percent.
By TAMMI on 02.14.2012
From the entry: 'G-FYI™: GCHS Teacher Pleads No Contest'.
They don’t see that the problem is because kids sit on a bus to go to school, sit in school; after 6 hours of school, they get on a bus, sit, go home. In the winter, it’s about dark. They sit in front of TV or computers (or smart phones), maybe sit and do homework, and go to bed.
Meanwhile, they eat as much or more than people did when they walked to and from school, had time to play outside, and even did some work like haul firewood or feed chickens. Most kids get no exercise.
Look at the calorie consumption of kids who snack on prepared snacks before, during and after school! A lumberjack doesn’t need that many calories.
Now, with the push to send kids to school younger and younger, kids get fat faster and earlier. Society caused this mess when they took the responsibililty for raising children away from parents and gave it to governments!
By Karen Pennebaker on 02.14.2012
From the entry: 'Childhood Obesity A Public Health Crisis for West Virginia'.
Teacher shortage? Braxton county has had major rif lists for the past two years! We are all wondering when we will lose our jobs because we are supposedly overstaffed. Great teachers are being lost every year!
By Mrs. S on 02.14.2012
From the entry: 'Bills Advance to Increase West Virginia Teacher Pool'.
Well well. SURPRISE SURPRISE SURPRISE
“Gilmer County elites” scores again in crimes being committed and nothing being done. We might as well place an ad in all the state papers and tell all criminals to come to Gilmer County if you want to commit a crime and do NO time. A disgrace to our people, our County and our State but most of all it is a disgrace to our students of Gilmer County that they see we have no law to protect them or any other honest person. Parents protest and remove your students from school until the State Board of Education, who remember is now in control of Gilmer County schools, has the BACKBONE TO STAND FOR WHAT IS THEIR DUTY AND THE JOB THEY ARE BEING PAID BIG BUCKS FOR. What a waste. A fine of $100.00 and $160.00 in court cost…..not bad. This was in all probability paid by the Principal of GCHS. Cheap enough that maybe they will try again since it is “do the crime” and “do NO time” and “not much fine”. Did this teacher lose his job? Hah check in other counties and see what happens to their teachers. Oh ya, and there is no bullying going on in the school either. TV news where are you? Please come to Glenville. Are you proud “elites” of what you have done to this county in exchange for control.
Wonder who told him to plead “No Contest….hmmmmmm?“
By Come to Glenville on 02.14.2012
From the entry: 'G-FYI™: GCHS Teacher Pleads No Contest'.
I would assume that this perpatrator of bad deeds has been fired? Or is Mr Easy Money covering for Jones as well as who he was sent by Charleston to protect?
By Anonymous on 02.14.2012
From the entry: 'G-FYI™: GCHS Teacher Pleads No Contest'.
Now you see how they do it?
An elite PET does something absolutely disgusting and against the norms and mores of society and he gets a slap on the wrist.
I don’t know about everyone else, but I am getting sick and tired of METZ with his refusing to accept complaints against public officials even though evidence confirms a crime was committed.
Gerry Hough actually protects rapists and then puts women AT RISK just to preserve the image of GSC, and now of course this, Nasia’s q***r PET BOY walks!
I submit to everyone that this decision can not be accepted, but it was JUST OK with Gerry Hough!
We need to remove the public officials from office that continually put everyone’s children and women at the college in danger.
It has become a public safety concern.
By Anonymous on 02.14.2012
From the entry: 'G-FYI™: GCHS Teacher Pleads No Contest'.
Rest assured that an analysis of the Report Card’s implications for the College is being done for posting on the GFP soon to enable citizens to judge for themselves.
By GSC ALUM on 02.13.2012
From the entry: 'Injury Suit against Glenville State Set for August'.
Here’s an idea: Let’s all go to the Dinner and everybody bring their high school diploma or equivalent to the dinner and embarrass Mickey Metz into producing his and if he doesn’t have it, we can turn the dinner into a roast. It would be a weenie roast, since Metz is such a big WEENIE.
By J.R. on 02.13.2012
From the entry: 'Gilmer County Democrat Country Dinner - 02.26.12'.
People. If you have *any* interest in Glenville State College, and their future, you really need to read this report. The person who told you to look at page 18 and page 12 was correct. But that is but a tiny peek. The current administration has to be cahoots with the GSC Board of Governor’s, or is complicit in a vast cover up of the “true state of GSC”. Administration and or the Board of Governors are either ignorant or inept. I suspect the latter. The Board of Governor’s is likely being spoon fed male cow dung from the top down. Housing and tuition costs have skyrocketed. Enrollment figures are very questionable as to what really is going on. I would say from “male enrollment stats” that the prison or off campus numbers are incorrect. There is something wrong with the numbers somewhere. Some of what might be encouraging stats, have so greatly increased, that likely they are showing cover up, errors, or cooked books. If I can find time I will attempt to analyze some of the info. Possibly some other GSC Grad or Alumni has the time to look at this report as well, and do an analysis of it. Summation: The “State of GSC”, this report points out, I have to wonder why there is no investigation of the college at the state level. Or is there?
By Anonymous on 02.13.2012
From the entry: 'Injury Suit against Glenville State Set for August'.
When I hear this, “We don’t tolerate election law violations no matter who tries to do that,“ Secretary of State Tennant said Sunday ...
I think to myself WHAT A PHONY, and WHAT A LIAR!!
Tennant is feeding everyone cow dookie, for where was the punishment for the three misdemeanor charges against the former Clerk Beverly Marks, and the current clerk that wants TO MAKE UP HER OWN RULES and then say, “That’s the way we always do it in Gilmer County,“
THERE WAS NO PUNISHMENT!!
For the truth, google this:
VOTER FRAUD in GILMER COUNTY COURTHOUSE! Secretary of State Natalie Tennant and SOS investigator Amber Kroening suspected in COVER UP of Voter Fraud!!
By VERY CONCERNED Citizen on 02.13.2012
From the entry: 'OddlyEnough™: WV Secretary of State Says, 'We Don't Tolerate Election Law Violations'!'.
Look at the Report Card for 2011 posted on the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and West Virginia Community and Technical College System’s website.
Check page 18 for enrollment by FTE since 2006 and most noteworthy, the number of four year degrees awarded by Glenville State College compared to other state institutions of higher education shown on page 12. Draw your own conclusions.
By anon on 02.12.2012
From the entry: 'Injury Suit against Glenville State Set for August'.
To Ex family member,
Why would Mr Singleton deserve everything he gets because YOU SAY he is an alcoholic? Is that a documented medical fact, or just your expert medical opinion?
Why do you bring up the son who was not there AGAIN, and AGAIN? Get over it, he was not there and is not part of the issue.
WHO SAYS Singleton struck the officer? In fact, you may consider, this is Gilmer County, the county famous for making things up and backing false evidence all the way to the Supreme Court in DC.
NO 76 year old man should have his lights knocked out. He may be suffering from a Alzheimer or some other disease, or is hard of hearing and could not judge properly the circumstance.
Ex family member, you had your say on the free press, and we have heard what you said, and all can consider your argument.
Thanks for sharing.
By Council of Concerned Citizens on 02.12.2012
From the entry: 'Gilmer County Man in Intensive Care, But Officers Deny Hurting Him – Update'.
OMG r u really believing this *** Mr singleton is an alcoholic and deserves every thing he gets in my opinion. He hit the officer first and should have had his lights knocked out!!!Good Job GCSD If you know this family and many of you do than you can only imagine what happened that night, I wish I could have witnessed his so called severe beating looks to me like he bumped his arm on a corner of something to get those bruises. His Son Rodney has beat him up worse than that. If the truth be known Rodney probably did that…Cant wait to see ya’ll loose your a**es in court LOL!!
R***** has beat up his own Dad a couple well I think 4 or fives times and beat EVERY wife that he has had 3 to be exact. He damn near killed Kendra, to be a fly on the wall
By EX-family member 4 a reason on 02.12.2012
From the entry: 'Gilmer County Man in Intensive Care, But Officers Deny Hurting Him – Update'.
I am happy to see that those legitimately running for magistrate were forthcoming in providing their educational qualifications and experience. What doesn’t surprise me is that Mickey Metz has not. If you have nothing to hide provide the proper documentation Sheriff! For myself, it says a lot when someone is not willing to disclose educational or other pertinent documents when running for an elected office. It brings reasonable doubt that the document even exists. Do the citizens of Gilmer County a favor Sheriff, withdrawal from the race and let a more qualified, professional, moral, impartial, unbiased, educated candidate hold the seat. One who has the intestinal fortitude to serve the citizens without biased and special favors.
By Retired LEO on 02.12.2012
From the entry: 'G-Editorial™: Challenge to Candidates for Gilmer County Magistrate - 2012 - Result'.
Prof, when the County Commission authorized the 28 million dollar bond issue for the College’s new dorm citizens were told that there was increasing enrollment and more dorm space was needed badly to accommodate excess demand. Now, we are told that the old dorm is not used anymore to house students to suggest that the County was duped. County Commissioners, you are requested to update citizens on the issue to include details about how the old dorm is being used. While at it could you provide accurate trend line data for the on-campus FTE count for the past decade? If that information is withheld by Dr. Barr and the Board of Governors perhaps a FOIA would be necessary.
By Jesup on 02.12.2012
From the entry: 'Injury Suit against Glenville State Set for August'.
The conclusion by those with access to the College’s records is that if FTEs for students who actually come to the campus to work on degrees are counted and FTEs for dual credit courses by high school students and courses for prison inmates are excluded it would require creative accounting to have a total FTE count of 1250. For those unfamiliar of why FTEs are used, the WV legislature tired of game playing with enrollment numbers and it demanded numbers to be expressed in FTEs, not head counts. As an example of how games can be played with enrollment numbers,there could be 1500 students taking one credit each. Some administrators would count that as an enrollment of 1500 students (head count). The correct way would be 1500/15=100 FTEs. Dr. Barr is invited to confirm what the current campus FTE count is and to include data for each of the past ten years to enable citizens to know the trend line.
By College Prof on 02.11.2012
From the entry: 'Injury Suit against Glenville State Set for August'.
The Hospice Thrift Store has fired Robin Young, the manager for they say “not bringing in enough money”. Well, rumor has it, they will be taking in even less in the coming days. I have heard that some have said they will NOT be buying any more from this store, nor will they donate articles to be sold by Hospice. I have personally been in this store and purchased things and have been met by very friendly store workers and Robin is one of the most friendly people you would want to meet. The decision made by the head office will hurt the business, donated articles will decline, and many customers will not be customers any more. I AM ONE OF THOSE CUSTOMERS. I will not go back or support this organization. What a shame that this has happened and we could possibly see another store failure in the months to come. Robin you done a GOOD job and it is Hospice’s loss. Also the volunteers that worked there done good jobs and all should be commended. Wonder how the next manager and volunteers will do for Hospice??? Thanks Robin !!!
By ANONYMOUS on 02.11.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: A Chuckle Today'.
Citizens believe that emphasis at the College has shifted to construction projects and athletics instead of top rated academic programs to promote increased campus enrollment. Citizens know about construction projects including Ike’s stalled work along Mineral Road. What about the enrollment Dr. Barr? What are the yearly stats for the past ten years for full time equivalents (FTEs=total hours taken by all students on campus/15) on campus? To account for prison inmates taking training a separate data set expressed in FTEs would be informative, and it could include FTE stats for State workers coming to Ike’s criminal justice center for skill upgrading. Also, it would be informative for the yearly FTE count to be disclosed for off campus, dual credit high school courses. If there is a massive bump in enrollment as claimed what would be wrong to provide referenced data to end the confusion?
By S. Amos on 02.11.2012
From the entry: 'Injury Suit against Glenville State Set for August'.
Whoever came up with the idea of “full day kindergarten” must have wanted to start a baby sitting service. I have a grandson in “full day kindergarten”, which goes from breakfast through afternoon. Kids don’t have enough time to be kids when all they do is go to school, eat and sleep. 5 and 6 year olds need 12 hours of sleep a night. Kind of hard to do with full day kindergarten and do anything BUT go to school, eat and sleep.
If you ask me, forcing young children to keep hours illegal for industry to force on adults is pretty stupid!
By Karen Pennebaker on 02.11.2012
From the entry: 'West Virginia Leads Most Other States in Offering All-day Kindergarten'.
Sure, the prison gave us tons of jobs and created a housing boom, Larry Chapman didn’t give himself a salary at the EDA and we know all about the Little Kanawha Parkway Authority monies and the county clerks lawsuit because they’re so honest with the tax payers. Metz has a GED he doesn’t want to show because we should just believe. Fred HIll’s death was investigated along with every rape and drug dealing charge at the college and every one in this county gets equal protection under the law.
No one bullies or threatens anyone and proven thieves aren’t rewarded with jobs. Oh yeah, the state didn’t take over the schools.
By Gilmer Bedtime Stories on 02.10.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: A Chuckle Today'.
Are you saying that the elite of GC need to have >their< person as magistrate? Like so the rapists don’t have to make the trip to Flatwoods? And then have the rape charge reduced to just trespassing? What a crock for the chief law enforcement person to do to a resident of GC! She gets raped and then banged by the law! How do we get word of this out, so innocent girls don’t sign into Glenville State College? These young women are deserving of their day in court.
By keep diggin' y'all on 02.10.2012
From the entry: 'G-Editorial™: Challenge to Candidates for Gilmer County Magistrate - 2012 - Result'.
Bullying, huh? You want to talk about bullying?
Well, the “pro’s” at the bully process at seated, housed, and paid by taxpayer dollars right in Charleston, WV. Yep, that’s right. The State Board of Education. They know how to do it and are good at it.
There is no one, not even the Governor or Legislature that can or will reign them in. All talk. Report after report about the BOE failures and ineptness. Anything changing? I think not.
You see, they know “how to do it” and then “get away with it”. They know they are above the law, so to speak. They are untouchable. Who will slap their hands? They are out of reach of voters. Taxpayers cannot touch them. Appears even the legislature is incapable of effecting any positive change. The goons, thugs, bullies, all know well they are safe. Yes, they are the “professionals” that they claim they are.
You see they bullied Gilmer County and took control of our school system. They very well know they were not justified in doing so. They said we “know” that bunch of hicks up there will be a pushover. Lets bully Gilmer County. They know they did not give Gilmer any chance to remedy any issues they might have had. Yay, lets go bully. It was simply a move to cover the big butt of one of their own. Yep, those “professionals” really stick together. Bullying can get the job done.
So they take us over, then pay their own “professional” buddy-bully, to keep the high school administration “professional” bully on the job, doing the same old professional bullying that have the teachers and staff continually upset. Now if the teachers and staff are continually upset, don’t you think this has an effect on all the students? Sure, it does. The whole school system, employees, staff and children all are suffering together at various levels. GO! State BOE bullies! You can almost hear their elite, Cubbie “cheerleaders” cheering.
Of course, being a bully and then getting backed up by the “professionals” in Charleston, will just empower our local bullies even more.. “Professional administrator bullies.“ We’ve got them in the ‘Land of Gil’.
Does this promote a good educational environment? Ha! That answer is quite obvious.
But here is the big question now folks.
Has any of the State Board of Education employee “professional” attended any of the Gilmer School Coalition meetings?
If they really wanted to get issues remedied and the school district settled on their own, they would show their faces in Gilmer County. Have anyone seen any of them? Do they attend any Gilmer Board of Education meetings? Think not.
“And the beat goes on…..
By ANONYMOUS on 02.10.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: GCHS Bullying'.
Mickey METZ feels he is above the law and he has been living this way a long time, and if we knew the real truth about Mickey Metz Sheriff of Gilmer County it would shock the entire State of WV.
Metz has become a YES man for the elite and has covered for their crimes and that is his primary function.
When METZ refused the criminal complaint involving the beating of Don Singleton it only stood as a reminder how he also refused to take a legitimate complaint against Beverly Marks for removing a piece of evidence from a court case during the trail which is a CRIME.
When the complaint was made, METZ refused to take the complaint and then went to the local detachment of the State Police to try to have the person making the complaint arrested.
THIS ALL BLEW UP BIG IN THEIR FACES AND THEY WERE ALL DISGRACED IN FRONT OF OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT—AND THE FBI HAD TO STEP IN AND PUT AN END TO IT ALL.
The matter is currently being investigated by the WVSC and HOUGH is just as guilty!
By Anonymous on 02.10.2012
From the entry: 'G-Editorial™: Challenge to Candidates for Gilmer County Magistrate - 2012 - Result'.
Mr. Reale spoke as an advocate which is what lawyers are paid to do. Wasn’t he on Ike’s payroll? To cut him slack what he claimed, compared to cheer leading promotions by the Butchers, was tame. No, we did not get that Shoney’s, a WalMart, all those jobs, or any of the other goodies. It is easy to list what we did get. How about more crime including the drug epidemic, continuing population loss, more businesses shutting down, loss of a grocery store, and much more. Folks, this is another example of need to rely on our judgement & not that fed out by those who will profit from manipulations for personal gain.
By Red Abernathy on 02.10.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: A Chuckle Today'.
If reasonable and unbiased citizens were to evaluate information uncovered about the State’s seizure of our schools most would conclude that the action was politically motivated. What do we do now? One action that would aid in dampening the anger would be for Dr. Marple to replace administrators at the GCHS. The principal in particular is a polarizing individual contributing to a worsening firestorm. Another action would be to replace Blankenship with someone who does not have strong ties to the Butchers who are believed to have been principle players in the mess along with other members of the “Cubie” group. Who leads that group anyway and how can any of its members defend a conclusion that the County is any better of with the State in charge?
By E. Fitz on 02.10.2012
From the entry: 'G-LtE™: ODE TO THE KING - 2nd Edition'.
