Big East Signs Agreement for New Bowl in Yankee Stadium

The BIG EAST Conference has reached an agreement with the New York Yankees to participate in a new college football bowl game to be played at Yankee Stadium. The game, which is pending the approval of the NCAA Bowl Licensing Committee, would begin at the conclusion of the 2010 season.

A team from the Big 12 Conference will be the BIG EAST’s opponent in the game. The BIG EAST will provide its third or fourth selection to the game. The Big 12 will provide its seventh pick. The agreement will run for four years, 2010 through 2013.

The name, date and television plans of the inaugural game are to be announced.

“Partnering with the New York Yankees to create a premier postseason bowl game is a natural way for the BIG EAST to further capitalize on its presence in New York City,“ said Commissioner John Marinatto. “The BIG EAST and its men’s basketball championship have become as much a part of New York City as Broadway, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden. The Yankees represent the very best in sports in the greatest city in the world. We believe this bowl game will become a staple for the BIG EAST Conference for many years to come.“

Yankee Stadium opened for the 2009 baseball season. The original Yankee Stadium hosted college football games beginning the year it opened, including Fordham University and New York University home games from 1923-46. Army played Notre Dame there from 1925-46. From 1968-73 and 1978-87 Grambling played in a series of games there which was known as the Whitney Young Urban Classic. In 1962, Yankee Stadium hosted the Gotham Bowl. Nebraska defeated Miami (FL.) 36-34.

The new Stadium already has scheduled regular-season football games in future years, including a game between Rutgers and Army in 2011.

The bowl at Yankee Stadium is the second new postseason game announced by the BIG EAST for 2010. The conference previously announced an agreement with the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, FL.

The BIG EAST has enjoyed significant bowl success over the past three seasons, compiling a 12-4 record. The BIG EAST is a charter member of the Bowl Championship Series.

2009 West Virginia Film Festival in Glenville and Sutton

The 10th annual West Virginia Filmmakers Festival starts Wednesday (Tonight) at Glenville State College, September 30, 2009 at Glenville State College, and October 2, 3, 4 in Sutton, WV at the Landmark Studio for the Arts and Elk Theater.  The festival is a juried showcase of works created by a variety of West Virginia film and video artists.

Starting in 2001, WV’s own filmmakers and filmmakers from around the country who made films about West Virginia have been premiering their films in Sutton at the Landmark Studio for the Arts and the Elk Theater. This year, in honor of the festival’s 10th anniversary, we have created a special category – 10-minute film.

Many of the films that have won honors were shown latter around the state and country. Last year’s “best film” winner, “Burning the Future: Coal in America” won many awards around the world including the international Pare Lorentz Award, given in honor of the work of West Virginia’s most famous filmmaker, Pare Lorentz of Clarksburg, WV. Each year, one filmmaker is selected as the “West Virginia Filmmaker of the Year.“ This award is the most prestigious award given annually to a West Virginia filmmaker.

Ticket price is $5 per event or $15 festival pass. Tickets maybe purchased at the festival.

Let’s Go Mountaineer Cheer

“Let’s goooo Mountaineers!“
One man is working to bring that traditional West Virginia University chant back to Game Day in Morgantown and he’s taken to YouTube to make it happen in time for Thursday night’s game against Colorado.

Redmond, who has attended every WVU home game since the 1960s, leads an instructional video on the chant.  He says the traditional chant started back in the 1930s at old Mountaineer Field.

“When the Mountaineers moved to the new stadium, it was bigger.  People were more spread out and the cheer was more difficult to do,“  Redmond says in the video that’s been viewed more than 10,000 times.  “Over time, it just kind of disappeared.”

In the video, he demonstrates the proper chant technique.  There are two parts to it.

“There’s the words, ‘Let’s Go Mountaineers,‘ and then there’s an arm pump that goes along with the words.“

Redmond says the ‘magic of the thing’ is when there are thousands of people doing the chant at one time.

NWS: FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 9 AM EDT THURSDAY

Issued by The National Weather Service
Charleston, WV
4:38 AM EDT, Wednesday, September 30, 2009

... FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 9 AM EDT THURSDAY…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHARLESTON HAS ISSUED A FROST ADVISORY… WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 9 AM EDT THURSDAY.

THE CLEAR SKY AND CALM AIR WILL ALLOW FOR THE FIRST FROST OF THE SEASON LATE OVERNIGHT THROUGH DAWN THURSDAY… MAINLY IN THE WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAIN VALLEYS… WHERE IT WILL BE MOST WIDESPREAD… AND IN THE TYPICALLY COOLER LOW SPOTS ACROSS NORTHERN WEST VIRGINIA AND ON BACK INTO SOUTHEASTERN OHIO.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A FROST ADVISORY MEANS THAT FROST IS POSSIBLE. SENSITIVE OUTDOOR PLANTS MAY BE KILLED IF LEFT UNCOVERED.

Gross Domestic Product 2009:Q2 (3rd est.)‏

News: Real gross domestic product—the output of goods and services produced by labor and property located in the United States—decreased at an annual rate of 0.7% in the second quarter of 2009, (that is, from the first quarter to the second quarter), according to the “third” estimate released today.

Although this is a decrease, but it is better-than-expected showing that buttressed beliefs the economy is growing now.

The small dip in gross domestic product for the April-June quarter follows the 6.4% annualized drop in the first three months of this year, the worst slide in nearly three decades.

In the final quarter of last year, the economy sank at a rate of 5.4%

Gilmer County Board of Education Meeting Report - 09.28.09

REGULAR BOARD MEETING of GILMER COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION GLENVILLE, WEST VIRGINIA MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28,2009 GILMER COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY - 7:00 PM

Opening of Meeting

Meeting was called to order by President Phyllis Starkey. All the members, Larry Butcher, Dorothy Rhoades, Alton Skinner, and Misty Pritt, as well as Mr. John Bennett, the Superintendent were present.
The minutes of previous meeting on September 14, 2009 were approved unanimously.

Superintendent Report

—- A report on supplemental insurance was made. Superintendent indicated that no decision had been made and the agents were still working to get him the information.

—- William-Scottman’s two miscellaneous charges questioned at last meeting:
The $750 charge was for electrical inspection.
The charge of $7000.00 was for the restroom in the modular classrooms. This charge was made because the modular did not come with restrooms. Superintendent said the charge was reduced to $3500.00 after the inquiry was made. This was a saving of $3500.00 for questioning the charge.

—- WVU engineers have been at Sand Fork Elementary School last Friday to perform necessary tests. They had also planned to return on Tuesday to perform additional tests.

—- The person who RESA VII had recommended for grade school counselor had submitted resignation. Superintendent thought position need reposted.

Board Report

Board member, Dorothy Rhoades reported on the meeting in Preston County ….

Administrative Reports

No Child Left Behind Report - Connie Frame, Brenda Bleigh
A report on No Child Left Behind was presented to Board members indicating that Gilmer had made AYP. Details of report were discussed as well as the fact only Gilmer, Calhoun, and Wirt Counties had made AYP. Comments were made that it was interesting because all the mentioned counties have benefited for having small schools.  It was noted that last year’s 4th and 11th graders scored the lowest.

Child Nutrition Report - Joe Frashure
Joe Frashure supported adding the two half time cooks for Glenville and Sand fork Elementary Schools. The idea was discussed in previous meeting because of number of students in these schools. State guideline is for 12 meals cooked per cook hour. Currently, the number is 21 for Glenville and 22 for Sand Fork. He said currently Glenville has 1.5 Cook, it should be 2.5, and Sand Fork has 1 and it should be 2. There were also extensive discussions on menu choice, Hot and Cold meals, and Offer vs. Served. Frashure indicated that WV has the strictest guidelines for menu and they tend going for more homemade food.

Executive Session

Board members and superintendent entered into executive session to hear the concerns of two parents.

Finance

Approval of Budget Carryover Supplement in the amount of (-$45,866.99)
The Treasurer Kendra Brown reported this amount was a carryover from 2004 and was the funds that were not spent.
Approval of Budget Supplements in the amount of $22,853.79
Motion made to approve by Dorothy Rhoades, seconded by Alton Skinner, passed 5-0.

Approval of Budget Transfers in the amount of $55,962.87
Motion made to approve by Larry Butcher, seconded by Alton Skinner, passed 5-0.

Approval of August 2009 Treasurers Report
Approval of August 2009 Financial Statement
Motion made to approve by Alton Skinner, seconded by Larry Butcher, passed 5-0.

Approval of Annual Report FY 2009
Motion made to approve by Alton Skinner, seconded by Misty Pritt, passed 5-0.

Approval of Payment of Invoices in the amount of $225,077.98
Questions were made about multiple invoices for further explanations.
Nasia Butcher, GCHS Principal was questioned about some charges.
An invoice for the amount of about $28000 for iPods for Sand Fork sparked some emotions. Board member Phyllis Starkey questioned Brenda Bleigh why they were not told about the purchase before and why it was not bid. The invoice was presented for payment in this meeting and Brenda Bleigh said funds had to be spent by September 30, 2009. Kendra Brown said they knew about the fund as early as September 1, 2009. Board questioned why they were not informed at the meeting of September 14, 2009? The board indicated that they need to know ahead of time what the money was to be spent on before being presented with an invoice for payment. Board members needed to know about the spending as they are the ones responsible for funds and balances at the end of the year. She pointed out that there were no objections about the purchase, only the fact the procedures were not followed.
Motion made to approve by Larry Butcher, seconded by Dorothy Rhoades, passed 5-0.

Executive Session

Board members, superintendent and Kendra Brown entered into another executive session by request of Superintendent.

Actions

Action on Additional Cook position
Upon return from executive session, Superintendent recommended a cook be contracted through RESA. This cook can be used in Glenville Elementary during breakfast and Sand Fork elementary for lunch.
Motion made to approve by Alton skinner, seconded by Misty Pritt, passed 5-0.

Action on additional Maintenance position
Superintendent reported on need for additional help in maintenance department. He reported that Jesse McVaney had said he would rather contract the work instead of hiring another person.

Action on Board Workshop
Board Workshop was discussed for needs project proposal and technology concerns. The workshop was set for Monday, October 5, 2009 at 4:00 PM at the Board Office.
Motion made to approve by Alton Skinner, seconded by Misty Pritt, passed 5-0.

Approval of GES , NES, SFES, TES and GCHS Volunteers for 2009-10
Approval of TES Fund Raising Groups for 2009-10
Motion made to approve by Misty Pritt, seconded by Dorothy Rhoades, passed 5-0.

Discussion and Possible Action on Investment in CGCC Project
Mr. Bennett reported that Calhoun-Gilmer Career Center was short of $4865.00 in budget after the money they had received for $352,500 from SBA for center improvements. The decision was made the amount can be supplied by Gilmer and Calhoun counties, with each paying one-half. The amount will be $2432.50 for each county.
Motion made to approve by Dorothy Rhoades, seconded by Larry Butcher, passed 5-0.

Discussion and Possible Action on Surplus Auctions
Normantown Elementary School Principal Patty Lowther, requested some surplus items to be auctioned to create more space.  Suggestion was made that other schools could take their surplus to Normantown Auction with proceeding going to each school for their items.
Motion made to approve by Alton Skinner, seconded by Misty Pritt, passed 5-0.

Personnel

Resignation of Kathy Davis accepted.
Motion made to approve by Misty Pritt, seconded by Dorothy Rhoades, passed 5-0.

Employment

Auxiliary Varsity Cheerleading Coach - GCHS 2009-10 – Alea Hinterer
Amber Frashure,  Mentor Teacher, Title I Reading for Erica Dennison
Marie Schimmel, Mentor Teacher, Itinerant Sp. Ed. (LD/MI/BD), GES/GCHS for Katie Martin
Halftime Itinerant Sp. Ed. Teacher (LD/MI/BD) GES for 2009-10 – Katherine Davis
Motion made to approve by Misty Pritt, seconded by Alton Skinner, passed 5-0.

Job Postings

Elementary Boys Basketball Coach 09-10 - Glenville Elementary
Elementary Boys Basketball Coach 09-10 - Normantown Elementary
Elementary Boys Basketball Coach 09-10 - Sand Fork Elementary
Elementary Boys Basketball Coach 09-10 - Troy Elementary
Elementary Girls Basketball Coach 09-10 - Glenville Elementary
Elementary Girls Basketball Coach 09-10 - Normantown Elementary
Elementary Girls Basketball Coach 09-10 - Sand Fork Elementary
Elementary Girls Basketball Coach 09-10 - Troy Elementary
Elementary Cheerleading Coach 09-10 - Glenville Elementary
Elementary Cheerleading Coach 09-10 - Normantown Elementary
Elementary Cheerleading Coach 09-10 - Sand Fork Elementary
Elementary Cheerleading Coach 09-10 - Troy Elementary
Assistant Varsity Girls Track Coach 09-10 – GCHS
Mini Titan Boys Track Coach -GCHS 2009-10
Mini Titan Girls Track Coach - GCHS 2009-10
Mini Titan Boys Basketball Coach - GCHS 2009-10
Mini Titan Girls Basketball Coach - GCHS 2009-10
Mentor Teacher, Music/Band - Randall J. Cook
Substitute Secretary
Tutor – All Schools 2009-10
Motion made to approve by Misty Pritt, seconded by Larry butcher, passed 5-0.

Discussions of Board Members Concerns

Mrs. Starkey indicated that she still needed to know about the state mandate on Technology issues that has been mentioned and not explained.

The Next Regular Meeting - October 12, 2009, GCHS library, 7:00 PM.

Photography Contest for Students

~~  By Susan Atkinson   ~~

Less Is More - Braxton County Reversing Course

Smaller Schools vs. Larger Schools?, Consolidate or Not?

Well, Braxton County Board of Education has decided to reverse course and is moving the 5th and 6th graders back to elementary schools.

This is quite an interesting move as West Virginia has spent more than $1 billion on closing over 300 small schools (one in every five in the state) since 1990.

There are fewer schools now, in spite of the fact the number of local administrators has gone up even as the number of students has declined.

The school closings have saved money in some places, but West Virginia now spends more of its education budget busing students than any other state. The state has saved no money overall and tens of thousands of students take excruciatingly long bus rides each day.

Braxton County officials are hoping that this move will result in better test scores.

Braxton County residents approved a school bond sale to make this move possible. The bond sale will generate the funds necessary to improve the elementary schools for this decision.

Additionally, the return of 5th and 6th graders to Braxton’s six elementary schools will help their enrollments currently ranging from 81 to 206.

Braxton County Superintendent also has noted another major reason for the decision: to avoid any possible school closing in each community they serve.

2009 GCHS Homecoming Parade

The Gilmer County High School Homecoming parade will be held on Friday, October 16, 2009 at 5:00 PM.
Those who are interested in being a part of the parade need to fill out a registration form and turn it in to the Gilmer County High School main office no later than Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 4:00 PM.
You can pick up parade forms from the High School office.
For more information or to have a form faxed to you, please contact Mr. Casey Smith at Gilmer County High School at 304.462.7960 or e-mail “cysmith@access.k12.wv.us”

Longer Seasons Likely to Increase Hunting Pressure

Like a growing number of states, West Virginia was aiming to make a dent in its fast-growing deer population when it created its first-ever September hunting season this year.

But the upshot of such changes across the country often is more hunters spending more time - and money - pursuing deer.

Federal government figures show more than 10 million big game hunters spent approximately $11.8 billion annually, a number that has increased despite waning participation in the sport.

As the number of hunters has dropped, the population of whitetail deer - by far the most common big game animal - has climbed across much of the United States.

Wildlife biologists have responded by increasing opportunities to kill whitetails, particularly in warmer-weather states where extreme winter cold doesn’t help check deer numbers.

Some states have lengthened hunting seasons, others have increased bag limits. Some have tried to increase access to private land.

State agencies are very supportive of keeping the traditions of hunting alive and one of the ways you do that is providing more opportunities for folks to get out there.

West Virginia opened its first-ever September archery season in the middle of the month, allowing bow hunters to pursue deer in 36 counties. The following week, the state opened a muzzleloader season. The changes are aimed at reducing the state’s deer population, which is estimated at 1 million. Last year, West Virginia hunters killed 162,371 deer, up from 145,937 in 2007.

Other states have tried different approaches.

Kansas has established a zone around Kansas City where the aim is to essentially eliminate the deer population, said Steve Williams, president of the Wildlife Management Institute, a 98-year-old conservation group.

Pennsylvania has established similar rings around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Some states have made it easier to shoot does - populations drop more quickly if the breeding females are eliminated - while others have increased seasons. Some require hunters to kill a doe before shooting a buck.

Just how many of West Virginia’s estimated 300,000 deer hunters take the hint and get out earlier than usual - or even buy an extra doe tag or two - is a tough call given the response to past efforts to expand hunting.

When West Virginia decided to overlap firearms seasons for bucks and does, the aim was to reduce the burgeoning deer population. That worked, but it’s less clear whether the change sent more hunters to the field or increased permit purchases.

The most recent National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation shows spending by big game hunters increased from 2001 to 2005 to $11.8 billion, from $10.1 billion. Overall, spending on hunting declined to $22.9 billion, from $23.5 billion in the same period. People who kept hunting, though, continued to spend an average of 17.5 days per year in the field.

Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources has taken a new approach to combating the state’s swollen deer population this fall by trying to hook up hunters with farmers in a state where 95 percent of land is in private hands. People looking for a place to hunt can sign up on huntohiofarms.com, as can farmers seeking hunters.

States such as Kansas and Montana already have programs that pay landowners to allow hunting parties.

Increasing programs to provide access is part of what agencies are supposed to do.

In Pennsylvania, giving hunters more opportunities to shoot does by overlapping the season for antlered and antlerless deer a number of years ago generated greater interest.

The change also gave hunters the opportunity to keep going after they took the first deer of the year, without waiting several weeks for a brief doe season.

GLENVILLE: LONGABERGER BASKET AND AUTHENTIC COACH PURSE BINGO

There will be Longaberger Basket and authentic Coach Purse Bingo on Friday, October 2, 2009.
Doors open at 5:00 PM and bingo starts at 6:00 PM.
There will be ten baskets and ten purses for a small fee.
There will be a special 21st game offered on the day of the Bingo for a super prize.
Concessions will be available.
For tickets, stop by the Senior Center or call 304.462.5761.

WV Getting Serious for Swine Flu Outbreak

West Virginia has taken a serious step in fighting a possible outbreak from the H1N1 virus.

The Department of Health and Human Resources has reactivated its swine flu incident command system in order to oversee and coordinate efforts in case of a widespread outbreak.

The H1N1 ICS was created this past spring amid reports of the initial spread of the disease in America and abroad. However, it was later deactivated in June and moved into more of a supporting role for work being done by the county health agencies.

With the arrival of the H1N1 vaccine on the horizon, the ICS will also head up the distribution efforts there. The DHHR is hoping widespread distribution can begin by early November.

WVU and MU Football

West Virginia University
Jarrett Brown watched the tapes of West Virginia’s loss at Auburn five times in a two-day span, looking for tips on how to overcome an awful performance.

The sessions, it turns out, gave him a boost of confidence.

Brown is determined to make things right after throwing four interceptions, losing a fumble and bruising his non-throwing shoulder when he was tackled in the fourth quarter of the 41-30 loss on September 19, 2009.

A bye week helped Brown’s shoulder improve, and by early this week, Coach Bill Stewart said Brown was his old self and will play Thursday night when the Mountaineers (2-1) host Colorado (1-2).

“Jarrett has that big smile back,“ Stewart said. “He was throwing lasers.“

Brown set career highs for passing yards, touchdown passes and total offense earlier this month in a home win over East Carolina. Then came the debacle at Auburn, Brown’s first career road start in which he said he did an “awful job taking care of the ball.

“I didn’t get much sleep that night because I was thinking about those plays over and over and over,“ Brown said. “I see that loss as a blessing because it humbled me so much and made me a much better player. I learned how to take a loss.

“I don’t want to put the whole thing behind me. I need something for motivation. Like I always say, experience is the best teacher you could have.“

Brown so far has brought a different look to a spread offense that ran 63% of the time last season when Pat White set the NCAA for most career yards rushing by a quarterback. Back in 2006 WVU ran the ball 72% of the time in White’s sophomore season.

Now, Stewart is stressing a downfield movement rather than plays that initially head laterally along the line of scrimmage. Too often in the past the offense got bottled down trying to spring someone to the outside, resulting at times in only minimal gains.

With Noel Devine leading the way, the Mountaineers are running the ball at only a 53% clip so far this season. Brown is sixth nationally in total offense at 335 yards per game and he’s taken Stewart’s aggressive approach to heart.

On a team where wide receivers’ job descriptions in the past mostly involved blocking, Brown is getting them the ball.

Nineteen of West Virginia’s offensive plays so far have gained 20 yards or more. Fourteen have involved Brown and five have been passes to wide receiver Jock Sanders, who is putting together another great season after leading the Mountaineers in receiving a year ago.

Sanders, who spent six months off the team following an alcohol-related arrest before being reinstated in August, is a short-pass threat at slot receiver and ranks third in the Football Bowl Subdivision with nearly 10 catches per game. Sanders has yet to speak to the media this season, but Stewart believes he has become a team leader with his work ethic.

“We are trying to spread the defense and Jock has an innate ability to get open and make catches, and he doesn’t drop the ball very often,“ Stewart said. “He has great explosion when he catches the ball.“

Brad Starks and Alric Arnett are solid downfield targets and average more than 18 yards per catch apiece. Starks, a converted quarterback, also gives WVU an element of surprise. He threw a 31-yard pass against Auburn.

“I think it gives defenses a lot more to think about than just coming in and worrying about a couple players,“ Starks said.

Colorado has allowed 19 plays of 20 yards or more, including seven of more than 40 yards this season, meaning Brown and Co. will look to pile up the yards - if he can stay out of trouble first.

“We’ve got a new plan for a different team,“ Brown said. “We’re going to focus on taking care of the ball and executing our plays. We’re going to play a lot harder.“

Marshall University
MARSHALL - Darius Marshall went off for 203 yards and three scores on the ground, as the Thundering Herd opened C-USA play with a 27-16 victory at Memphis. Marshall (3-1), which outgained Memphis 243-119 on the ground, has now won two straight games with East Carolina on tap this weekend.

Quarterback Brian Anderson wasn’t needed much with the success on the ground and he completed 10-of-18 pass attempts for 97 yards.

Tight end Cody Slate had three receptions for a team-high 45 yards in the victory.

EAST CAROLINA - Dwayne Harris scored a pair of touchdowns and the Pirates began defense of their C-USA title with a 19-14 win over UCF this past weekend.

Harris hauled in 10 balls for 121 yards and a score, in addition to rushing 25 yards for a second touchdown.

Quarterback Patrick Pinkney hit on 27-of-40 pass attempts for 293 yards and a score, helping the Pirates roll up 403 yards of total offense.

ECU’s defense also got involved, forcing five turnovers and recording four sacks in the win. C.J. Wilson and Linval Joseph each had 1.5 sacks for the Pirates, who snapped a two-game slide.

ECU will continue league play this weekend against Marshall in Huntington.

WVDA ISSUES TIPS FOR ASIAN LADY BEETLE CONTROL

The extremely wet summer West Virginia experienced in 2009 may result in a big Asian Lady Beetle (ALB) population this fall, and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is encouraging homeowners to begin taking action now to protect against severe infestations.

WVDA Entomologist Berry Crutchfield, Ph.D., recommends that all points of entry to a house be sealed with caulking, weather stripping, screens or other material. Concentrate around doors, windows, foundation, attic vents, seams in siding, under eaves or where pipes and wires enter the structure. Seal interior entry points to individual rooms, concentrating around windows, vents, light fixtures, electrical outlets, etc. These practices are often easier said than done, but are the most reliable long-term control methods.

In early to mid-October consider treating logical entry points on the exterior of the home with an insecticide labeled for “structure-invading” insect pests (e.g. Bayer Advanced Home Pest Control, Ortho Bug-B-Gone, Ortho Home Defense, Spectracide Bug Stop, Suspend, Tempo), or look for products with these active ingredients: Bifenthrin, Cyfluthrin, Deltamethrin, Esfenvalerate or Tralomethrin. Follow label directions. This treatment works best if performed just before beetles arrive.

During winter months periodically remove individual beetles in the living portions of the home with a vacuum cleaner. Empty and dispose of vacuum cleaner contents after each session, or use a nylon stocking stuffed into the vacuum hose and secured around the outside with a rubber band to prevent beetles from entering the vacuum cleaner and to minimize unpleasant odor. Place sticky boards or fly paper near select lights to attract and capture active beetles. Insecticide treatments are of little value during winter months.

Also known as the “Halloween” or “Japanese” lady beetle, the first established population of this insect was discovered in Louisiana in 1988. Since that time, the beetle has increased its range to include most areas of the United States and parts of southern Canada. It was first reported in West Virginia in 1992.

Contrary to popular myth, ALB has never been released by WVDA.

“Although several states attempted to release and establish the beetle as a biological control agent for fruit and nut tree pests, most of these release attempts were considered failures and it remains unclear exactly how the beetles entered the country. No such releases have ever been attempted in West Virginia, and their movement here was part of a natural expansion from other states,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. Commissioner Douglass noted that he has approached the U.S. Department of Agriculture about the complaints he has received over the years, but little progress has been made in finding a more effective control method for these insects.

WV Fire Season Starts Tomorrow

West Virginia’s fall forest fire season starts Tomorrow, Thursday, October 1 and runs through December 31, 2009.

During the three months of October, November and December, all outdoor burning is prohibited from 7 AM to 4 PM.

Residents may burn vegetative materials, including brush, leaves and limbs, only after 4 PM.

Anyone conducting outdoor burning must stay with the fire until it is completely extinguished, and all burning must be concluded prior to 7 AM.

C-GCC GED Classes

GED classes in Calhoun County are held at the Career Center on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

Due to changes in the GED program, the GED test is now free.

However, candidates must first pass an OPT Practice Test prior to taking the full-length GED test.

If you cannot attend a GED class to do this, please call 304.354.6151, and a time will be scheduled to take the practice test.

WV to Launch Revised Food Packages for WIC Program

Director of the Office of Nutrition Services Denise Ferris announced Tuesday statewide implementation of revised food packages provided by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.

The West Virginia WIC Program will begin offering new, healthy food choices October 1. Women, infants and young children participating in the program will receive a variety of healthier foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain products such as bread and cereal, jarred baby foods, and soy beverages.

Since 1974, WIC has combated childhood hunger, low birth weight, under-nutrition, and iron deficiency anemia so that WIC participants have better health outcomes. However, new dietary recommendations to eat less fat, more fiber, fewer overall calories, fewer sweetened beverages and more vegetables and fruits as well as changes in the factors affecting the health of women, infants and children prompted a review of the foods provided by WIC.

The new foods provided by the West Virginia WIC Program follow changes issued by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. It largely reflects recommendations made by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies in the final report of its analysis of the WIC food packages, WIC Food Packages: Time for a Change, as well as the latest nutrition science and the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The new choices also encourage breastfeeding and support infant feeding practices recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“We are pleased to announce that the new food packages will include fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which are essential to a healthier diet,“ says Ferris. “The addition of these foods better reflect the needs of mothers and children in the WIC program. The new food choices are designed to improve the health of our state’s pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children with nutrition education to support healthy eating habits.“

As a way to introduce friendly and engaging healthy messages into West Virginia’s new food package roll out, Sesame Street’s Healthy Habits for Life multimedia outreach kits will be distributed to WIC families. The kit consists of an original DVD and storybook starring the Sesame Street Muppets, featuring “The Get Healthy Now Show” that encourages children with the help of their friends, Elmo, Telly, and Rosita, to explore ways to eat and drink so they can play, learn, and grow up healthy.

It also includes a guide for parents and caregivers that contain strategies and hands-on activities for everyday and on the go.

WIC provides pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up until their fifth birthday with nutritious supplemental foods. The program also provides nutrition education and referrals to health and social services. More than 52,000 West Virginia participants receive WIC benefits each month, with a federal investment of over $48 million in FY 2008.

WIC food packages were first designed in 1974 to supplement participants’ diets with foods rich in five nutrients-vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and protein-because those nutrients were lacking in the diets of the WIC target population. The WIC program has long been considered one of the most successful federal health programs.

A copy of the federal interim final rule, can be found online.

For more information or for the WIC clinic nearest you, call 211 or 304.558.0030. You may also apply for WIC on the Internet.

Daily Prayer - 09.30.09

Jeanne Douty Bishop Westfall

Jeanne Douty Bishop Westfall
Left this world to be with her Heavenly Father on September 23, 2009, after a long and heroic fight with cancer.

She was born on August 29, 1918, in Weston, WV, to Paul Jacob Douty and Sylvia Douty.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 53 years, Paul Bishop; and husband, Doyle Westfall.

The family lived in Clarksburg, WV, until 1959, then relocated to Akron, OH. In their later years, Jeanne and Paul came back to Weston. Jeanne was a born again Christian, attending the Baptist Church and also teaching classes.

Her parents were part of the founders of the Jackson’s Mill Baptist Church. While raising her daughters, she was constantly sewing clothes and costumes. Very talented, she would volunteer her skills for plays and civic events. Jeanne worked for Amana Foods and Freezers in Polsky’s Department Stores and Sears in Clarksburg and Akron.

Always wanting to be a nurse, she finished her nurse’s training at the age of 50. She was a member of Chestnut Hills Garden Club in Clarksburg. She loved her flowers and playing Bridge.

She will be missed by her family: daughters, Sharon (George) Walters and Alecia Walent; son-in-law, Edward Gainer; granddaughters, Jennifer (Terry) Stone, Stephanie (Thomas) Seese; grandsons, Michael (Brenda) Gainer, Jeffrey (Nancy) Gainer and Scott (Melanie) Gainer; also, 12 great-grandchildren.

We will miss her smile and gentle nature.

The family would like to thank Hospice and all their nurses, aides, everyone who came in contact with Mom. Their concern and kindness was on a very personal level. There are not words to properly express our appreciation. She was their princess.

Cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held 1 PM Saturday, October 3, 2009, at Boyle Funeral Home, 322 Main Avenue, Weston, WV. She will be interred by the side of husband Paul in Peterson Cemetery, Weston.

Boyle Funeral Home, Weston.

len M. Linger

Helen M. Linger
Age 90, formerly of Weston, WV, died Sunday, September 27, 2009, at the Tygart Center at Fairmont Campus, following an extended illness.

She was born April 23, 1919, in Lumberport, WV, a daughter of the late Harry Coffield, Sr. and Francis Robey Coffield.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ova R. Linger, on December 1, 2006; two brothers, Harry Coffield, Jr. and Ralph Coffield; and one sister, Imogene Coffield.

She is survived by two sons, Larry Linger and wife Celia of Fairmont, WV, and Lou Gary Linger and wife Doloris of Weston; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Helen worked at the WV glass factory as a decorator and for the Lewis County Board of Education as a supervisor of the Weston Cannery.

She was a member of the Weston Church of God since 1966.

Friends called from 4 to 8 PM Tuesday, September 29, 2009, at Boyle Funeral Home, 322 Main Avenue, Weston, WV.

Funeral services will be held 11 AM Wednesday, September 30, 2009, at the Weston Church of God with the Reverend Randall Hughes officiating.

Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Weston.

Boyle Funeral Home, Weston.

09.30.09

Today: 09.30.yyyy

Today is Wednesday, Sept. 30, the 273rd day of 2009. There are 92 days left in the year.

Thought for Today: “You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t possibly live long enough to make them all yourself.“ — Sam Levenson, American humorist (1911-1980).

Today’s Highlight in History:

On Sept. 30, 1809, the Treaty of Fort Wayne (also known as the Ten O’Clock Line Treaty) was signed by Indiana Territory Gov. William Henry Harrison and representatives of four Indian tribes. (Under terms of the treaty, the Indians sold some 3 million acres of land to be used for U.S. settlements.)

In 1777, the Continental Congress — forced to flee in the face of advancing British forces — moved to York, Pa.

In 1791, Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute” premiered in Vienna, Austria.

In 1846, Boston dentist William Morton used ether as an anesthetic for the first time as he extracted an ulcerated tooth from merchant Eben Frost.

In 1938, after co-signing the Munich Agreement allowing Nazi annexation of Czechoslovakia’s Sudetenland, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain praised the accord on his return home, saying, “I believe it is peace for our time.“

In 1939, the first college football game to be televised was shown on experimental station W2XBS in New York as Fordham University defeated Waynesburg College, 34-7.

In 1949, the Berlin Airlift came to an end.

In 1954, the first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, was commissioned by the Navy.

In 1955, actor James Dean, 24, was killed in a two-car collision near Cholame, Calif.

In 1962, black student James Meredith was escorted by federal marshals to the campus of the University of Mississippi, where he enrolled for classes the next day.

In 1988, Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev retired President Andrei A. Gromyko from the Politburo and fired other old-guard leaders in a Kremlin shake-up.

Ten years ago: Defense Secretary William Cohen ordered a top-level investigation of accounts of mass killings of Korean civilians by U.S. soldiers at No Gun Ri in 1950. A major leak at a uranium-processing plant in northeastern Japan exposed dozens of people to radiation. German novelist Guenter Grass won the Nobel Prize in literature. The San Francisco Giants played the Los Angeles Dodgers in the last baseball game at Candlestick Park (3Com Park); the Dodgers won, 9-4.

Five years ago: President George W. Bush and Sen. John Kerry met at the University of Miami for their first debate, with Kerry accusing Bush of a “colossal error in judgment” in ordering the invasion of Iraq and the president noting that Kerry had voted to authorize the military action. Bombs killed some three dozen children in Baghdad as U.S. troops handed out candy at a government-sponsored celebration. The House followed the Senate in decisively rejecting a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Vioxx, the heavily promoted arthritis drug, was pulled from the market by its maker after a study found it doubled the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

One year ago: Congressional leaders and President George W. Bush rummaged through ideas new and old, desperately seeking to change a dozen House members’ votes and pass a multibillion-dollar economic rescue plan. Wall Street regained hope as the Dow industrials rose 485 points. More than 200 people were killed in a stampede of pilgrims at a Hindu temple in Jodhpur, India. J.L. Chestnut Jr., the first black lawyer in Selma, Ala. and a prominent attorney in civil rights cases across a half century, died in Birmingham at age 77.

Today’s Birthdays:
Baseball Hall of Famer Robin Roberts is 83
Author Elie Wiesel is 81
Actress Angie Dickinson is 78
Singer Cissy Houston is 76
Singer Johnny Mathis is 74
Actor Len Cariou is 70
Singer Marilyn McCoo is 66
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is 64
Pop singer Sylvia Peterson (The Chiffons) is 63
Actress Victoria Tennant is 59
Actor John Finn (TV: “Cold Case”) is 57
Rock musician John Lombardo is 57
Singer Deborah Allen is 56
Actor Calvin Levels is 55
Actor Barry Williams is 55
Singer Patrice Rushen is 55
Actor Vondie Curtis-Hall is 53
Actress Fran Drescher is 52
Country singer Marty Stuart is 51
Actress Debrah Farentino is 50
Rock musician Bill Rieflin (R.E.M.) is 49
Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) is 49
Actress Crystal Bernard is 48
Actor Eric Stoltz is 48
Rapper-producer Marley Marl is 47
Country singer Eddie Montgomery (Montgomery-Gentry) is 46
Rock singer Trey Anastasio is 45
Actress Monica Bellucci is 45
Rock musician Robby Takac (Goo Goo Dolls) is 45
Actress Lisa Thornhill is 43
Actress Andrea Roth is 42
Actor Tony Hale is 39
Actress Jenna Elfman is 38
Actor Ashley Hamilton is 35
Actress Marion Cotillard is 34
Actor Mike Damus is 30
Tennis player Martina Hingis is 29
Olympic gold medal gymnast Dominique Moceanu is 28
Actress Lacey Chabert is 27
Actor Kieran Culkin is 27
Singer-rapper T-Pain is 25

BreakingNews: Dominion Gives $300K to Schools for Math, Science - GCHS Gets $9000

Natural gas and electric company Dominion Resources says it has given more than $300,000 to 50 schools in nine states.

Richmond-based Dominion says the grants announced Tuesday are aimed at improving math and science skills for children from kindergarten through high school.

The Dominion Educational Grants Partnership Program helps schools strengthen the mathematics and science skills of students in grades K-12. The grants are made through the Dominion Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dominion Resources.

The Foundation awards individual grants of up to $10,000. The company has awarded more than $2.6 million in such grants since the program began in 1996.

Gilmer County High School in Gilmer County received $9,000 to purchase 10 wireless laptop computers equipped with Microsoft 2007, which Algebra I students will use to analyze, synthesize and evaluate the energy use in their homes and find cost-effective ways to reduce energy consumption. Students will create electronic portfolios containing results of their energy conservation study.

Doddridge County Middle School in Doddridge County received $2,000 to open a summer camp to 300 current 6th, 7th and 8th graders. The summer camp will use the First Lego League Robotics program to offer hands-on activities to students, as well as integrate math and science. The program will expand students’ knowledge in areas such as programming, mechanics, engineering, simple machines, sensors and electronics.

CommunityImprovement™: Improvements Continue at GSC’s

I.L. Morris Stadium – $65K New Lights
Improvements at the Glenville State College’s I.L. Morris Stadium continue as workers began installing new lights for the football field.

Since the lighting was initially installed several bulbs had burnt out,  resulting in less-even and dimmer lighting for night contests. Cost for replacement lights is estimated to be about $65,000.

Once the work is completed, by R.L. Allen Electric of Cross Lanes, the field will be lit to at or near NCAA Division II standards, officials said.

Eighty-six lights are being replaced. The project is expected to take two weeks. Once completed, the total of improvements at the facility in recent weeks will exceed $100,000.

Sunday (Oct. 4) the Lady Pioneers are hosting a softball tournament at the Sue Morris Sports Complex located just east of Glenville on Rt. 33 & 119. Several teams are expected; games begin at 10 AM

A 1 PM men’s baseball game is scheduled there as well, with West Virginia Tech taking on Davis and Elkins.

Students Help Spread New Mulch
Members of the Student Government Association (SGA) at Glenville State College pitched in to assist spreading about 900 bags of mulch around campus.

The SGA crew’s work was around shrubbery skirting the administration building.

Volunteering for the project were association president, Marlon Henry, Stephanie Legg and Staci Moore. Also lending a hand was GSC foundation officer Bob Henry Baber.

Building Demolition Nears Completion in Initial Phase of Site Prep for New Dorm
It took slightly under two weeks to pretty much demolish and haul away three buildings and several adult trees from the site of Glenville State College’s new dorm.

The Wesleyan Foundation, the TKE fraternity house, and most of what was the maintenance building are gone. Only the first floor of the maintenance building has been temporarily spared for storage.

No date has been set for formal ground-breaking ceremonies, although officials have indicated it will likely occur next month.

The construction site is framed by the Alan B. Mollohan Campus and Community Center to the north and Gilmer County’s Court House complex. When completed the $24-million structure will house almost 500 students.

Thus far work at the site has had little impact on traffic flow in the area. BBL Carlton of Charleston are general contractors.

~~  Story and Photos by Drew Moody   ~~

Gilmer County Circuit Court Report - 09.28.09

On Friday, September 25, 2009 Chief Judge Richard A. Facemire heard an abuse and neglect juvenile case and reset the matter for judicial review on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 9:30 AM.

On Monday, September 28, 2009 Judge Facemire appeared in Gilmer County for his regular monthly motion day. The docket was called for the November term of Court (Over which he will be presiding).

Two criminal cases were set for trial on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 those being:
State vs. Christopher McVaney  and State vs. Jesse Lee James Milk.  Both defendants are represented by R. Russell Stobbs of Weston.

Nobody appeared for or requested any civil cases be set for trial in November.

Judge Facemire also:
—- Heard and granted one name change petition,

—- Two juvenile abuse and neglect cases were heard, both being reset for adjudicatory hearings on Monday, October 26, 2009 at 1:15 PM.

—- Three juvenile delinquent cases were heard, all 3 being reset for motion day for Monday, January 25, 2010 at 9:00, 9:10 and 9:20 AM.

Two civil matters were heard as follows:

Equitable Gas Co. LLC vs. Jeffrey Greenlief.
Equitable had previously filed a law suit against Mr. Greenlief and appeared today to ask for an injunction to issue against him. Judge Facemire took testimony and ordered an injunction be issued and upon Equitable posting $1,000.00 surety bond with the Clerk, the Gilmer County Sheriff will be ordered to accompany Equitable to the Greenlief property to enforce the same.
The Judge also scheduled this matter for Monday, October 26, 2009 at 9:30 AM for a hearing regarding making the injunction permanent.

Ronald Anderson, et al vs. Norman Anderson.
Judge Facemire appointed Glen Sutton to appraise the property in dispute in this matter, and after the appraisal is made the parties can purchase the property for that appraised amount, or in the alternative hire an independent appraiser at their own expense, and then Judge Facemire would conduct a hearing upon the different appraisals.
However, if none of the parties desire to do this, then he will order the property to be sold to the highest bidder at the front door of the Court House.

TechAlert: Rouge Alpha Antivirus

Alpha Antivirus is a misleading anti-virus program that deliberately displays fake security alerts and reports false system security threats to trick you into thinking your computer is infected with spyware, adware, Trojans or other malicious software. The graphical user interface of this bogus application is almost identical to widely spread rogue’s anti-spyware application called Personal Antivirus. When the program is installed it will list a variety of infections and prompt you to pay for a full version of the program to remove infections which do not even exist. You shouldn’t purchase this program. We strongly recommend you to uninstall Alpha Antivirus from your computer upon detection.

Alpha Antivirus is installed through the use of fake online anti-spyware scanners and Trojan viruses. Trojans, usually FakeAV, display fake security alerts and notifications stating that your PC is infected or under attack by an Internet virus. FakeAV variants may also download additional malware. In this case is also installs a password stealer on the compromised computer. Once active, AlphaAntivirus will be automatically configured to imitate system scan and display bogus results each time you log on into Windows. As we have already mentioned, the scan results are fake, you may safely ignore them. The main goal of this infection is to trick you into purchasing totally useless software.

Furthermore, Alpha Antivirus will block anti-virus programs and security related websites to protect itself from being deleted. It may disable certain Windows tools and options too, for example Task Manager, Registry Editor and etc. The program will also impersonate Windows Security Center and state that you must purchase AlphaAntivirus to ensure full system protection. As you can see, this program is nothing more but a scam.

The following are installed by Alpha Antivirus:

Processes:
AlphaAV.exe
NetFilter.exe

Registry Values:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run “AlphaAV”
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run “Alpha Antivirus”
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Alpha Antivirus
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Alpha Antivirus
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Alpha Antivirus
%UserProfile%\Desktop\Alpha Antivirus.lnk

Files:
AlphaAV.exe
msnaoladdon.dll
Alpha Antivirus.lnk
NetFilter.exe
ndisapi.dll
NDISRD.sys

Directories:
%Program Files%\Alpha Antivirus
%Documents and Settings%\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Alpha Antivirus
%Documents and Settings%\All Users\Application Data\Alpha Antivirus

Students Are Encouraged to Participate in Education Department’s Video Contest

To get students invested in their education, President Barack Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan have announced a new video contest, asking students to “inspire” them with their stories. Advocates for educational technology say the contest is a great way to reach the digital generation and help students develop key 21st-century skills.

The contest, called “I Am What I Learn,“ is accepting entries from middle school, high school, and college students ages 13 and older. Students can submit videos up to two minutes long, and entries must be received by November 2, 2009.

The contest rules are:
—- Each video must be submitted by an active student, age 13 or older.

—- Contestants chosen as finalists will be contacted through their YouTube account and must respond within seven business days to confirm eligibility.

—- Finalists under the age of 18 must submit a parental consent form.

—- Videos must be two minutes or less in length.

—- The contest’s page on the U.S. Department of Education (ED) web site (www.ed.gov/IAmWhatILearn) must be featured in the video.

—- The video content must be original.

—- The video must convey the importance of education, as well as the student’s individual academic goals.

Aside from these requirements, there are no restrictions on the style of the video, and students are encouraged to be creative.

Winning videos will be chosen based on their creativity, strength and originality of content, and ability to inspire.

From November 2-9, 2009, video submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges, including Duncan. Judges will choose 10 finalists to promote on ED’s official YouTube channel. From November 9-24, 2009, the public can view the finalists’ videos and vote on their favorites.

The top three finalists with the most votes each will win a $1,000 prize issued by ED. Winners will be announced the week of December 1, 2009.

According to ED, its video contest is modeled after similar contests launched by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Environmental Protection Agency. They also include cash prizes.

Byrd Pitches WV for Federal Training Center

US Senator Robert C. Byrd is pitching West Virginia as the site for a new federal training center.

The West Virginia Democrat has asked the State Department to consider the state as the site for a consolidated Bureau of Diplomatic Security training center.

The General Services Administration is reviewing possible locations for the center, which would include a driving course, shooting ranges and other features. The GSA is looking at sites in West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland.

In a letter promoting the state, Byrd noted that through his efforts, West Virginia is the home to nearly 25 federal operations including the Federal Bureau of Investigation identification center near Clarksburg, and several training facilities in the Eastern Panhandle.

West Virginia State Class A Region I Golf Tournament

The Green Hills Country Club in Ravenswood was the site of the West Virginia State Class A Region I Golf Tournament on Monday, September 28, 2009.

The Yellow Jacket golfers of Williamstown took the Region I crown with an overall team score of 330. Weirton Madonna placed second with 352; Parkersburg Catholic scored 356; Gilmer County, 359; St. Marys, 369; Wheeling Central, 379; Wirt County, 392; Bishop Donahue, 437; and Paden City came in with a total score of 548.

The West Virginia High School State Golf Tournament was held on October 6-7, 2009 at Oglebay Park in Wheeling.

Study Shows Deer Crashes Are Likeliest in WV

For the third straight year, data gathered by State Farm Insurance shows that drivers in West Virginia are likelier to collide with deer than drivers in any other state.

State Farm estimates there’s a one in 39 chance of a vehicle striking a deer in West Virginia, up from one in 45 last year.

The Bloomington, IL-based insurer says West Virginia and several neighboring states fall into the “high risk” category for deer collisions. Pennsylvania ranks third on the list, while Virginia is 10th and Maryland is 13th. Washington, D.C., has a low risk, coming in at 43rd.

Rounding out the top five were Michigan, Iowa and Montana. Hawaii has the lowest risk of deer-vehicle collisions, with one in 9,931 odds.

GSC Movie Series - The Orphan

Date: 10.01.2009
Day: Thursday
Time: 9:30 PM
Title: The Orphan
Place: GSC’s MCCC Room 315A
For more information contact Kipp Colvin at 304.462.7361x6412.

The tragic loss of their unborn child has devastated Kate and John, taking a toll on both their marriage and Kate’s fragile psyche as she is plagued by nightmares and haunted by demons from her past. Struggling to regain some semblance of normalcy in their lives, the couple decides to adopt another child. At the local orphanage, both John and Kate find themselves strangely drawn to a young girl named Esther. Almost as soon as they welcome Esther into their home, however, an alarming series of events begins to unfold, leading Kate to believe that there’s something wrong with Esther—this seemingly angelic little girl is not what she appears to be. Concerned for the safety of her family, Kate tries to get John and others to see past Esther’s sweet facade. But her warnings go unheeded until it may be too late-for everyone.

US Income Gap Widens as Poor Take Hit in Recession

The recession has hit middle-income and poor families hardest; widening the economic gap between the richest and poorest Americans as rippling job layoffs ravaged household budgets.

The wealthiest 10% of Americans — those making more than $138,000 each year — earned 11.4 times the roughly $12,000 made by those living near or below the poverty line in 2008, according to newly released census figures. That ratio was an increase from 11.2 in 2007 and the previous high of 11.22 in 2003.

Household income declined across all groups, but at sharper percentage levels for middle-income and poor Americans. Median income fell last year from $52,163 to $50,303, wiping out a decade’s worth of gains to hit the lowest level since 1997.

Poverty jumped sharply to 13.2%, an 11-year high.

“No one should be surprised at the increased disparity,“ said Richard Freeman, an economist at Harvard University. “Unemployment hurts normal workers who do not have the golden parachutes the folks at the top have.“

Analysts attributed the widening gap to the wave of layoffs in the economic downturn that has devastated household budgets. They said while the richest Americans may be seeing reductions in executive pay, those at the bottom of the income ladder are often unemployed and struggling to get by.

Large cities such as Atlanta, Washington, New York, San Francisco, Miami and Chicago had the most inequality, due largely to years of middle-class flight to the suburbs. Declining industrial cities with pockets of well-off neighborhoods, such as Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Buffalo, NY, also had sharp disparities.

Up-and-coming cities with growing middle-class populations, such as Mesa, AZ, Riverside, CA, Arlington, Texas, and Henderson, NV, were among the areas showing the least income differences between rich and poor.

It’s unclear whether income inequality will continue to worsen in major cities, said William H. Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution. Many Americans are staying put for now in traditional cities to look for jobs and because of frozen lines of credit.

“During the years of the housing bubble, there was middle-class movement from unaffordable metros with high-income inequality,“ Frey said. “Now that the bubble burst, more of the population may be headed back to the high-inequality areas, stemming their middle-class losses.“

Among other findings:
—Income at the top 5% of households — those making $180,000 or more — was 3.58 times the median income, the highest since 2006.

—Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia had higher poverty rates than the national average, many of them in the South, such as Mississippi (21.2%), Kentucky, Arkansas and Louisiana (each with 17.3%). That’s compared with 19 states and the District of Columbia that ranked above U.S. poverty in 2007.

—Use of food stamps jumped 13% last year to nearly 9.8 million U.S. households, led by Louisiana, Maine and Kentucky. The increase was most evident in households with two or more workers, highlighting the impact of the recession on both working families and unemployed single people.

—Pharr, Texas, and Flint, Mich., each had more than a third of its residents on food stamps, at 38.5% and 35.4%, respectively.

—Between 2007 and 2008, income at the 50th percentile (median) and the 10th percentile fell by 3.6% and 3.7%, respectively, compared with a 2.1% decline at the 90th percentile. Between 1999 and 2008, income at the 50th and 10th percentiles decreased 4.3% and 9%, respectively, while income at the 90th%ile was statistically unchanged.

—Plano, Texas, a Dallas suburb, had the highest median income among larger cities, earning $85,003. Cleveland ranked at the bottom, at $26,731.

The findings come as the federal government considers new regulations to rein in executive pay at companies in which it has invested. President Barack Obama also typically cites the need for higher taxes on the wealthy to pay for health care overhaul and other measures, arguing that the wealthy have disproportionately benefited from tax cuts during the Bush administration.

The 2008 figures come from the Current Population Survey and the American Community Survey, which gathers information from 3 million households. The government first began tracking household income in 1967.

WV Towns Can Seek Unpaid Costs From Tax Refunds

Municipalities in West Virginias are getting help from the state in collecting delinquent fines, fees or other costs.

West Virginia Tax Commissioner Christopher G. Morris said Monday that municipalities can ask the tax department to withhold money from a delinquent taxpayer’s personal income tax refund to pay the debt.

Taxpayers are subject to the state withholding money from their income tax refund if they don’t pay municipal costs within 270 days of the judgment.

Morris says the goal is to increase voluntary compliance.

~~  Update from WV Tax Department - 03.01 PM   ~~

The West Virginia State Tax Commissioner Christopher G. Morris today announced municipalities may request a taxpayer’s state personal income tax refund be offset in order to settle debts stemming from unpaid or delinquent costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties. Taxpayers who fail to pay municipal fines will have the unpaid amounts and the State Tax Commissioner’s administration fee withheld from their personal income tax refund.

“As required by law, the State Tax Department will notify taxpayers of the refund offset, and of the requesting municipality or municipal court,“ Commissioner Morris said. “When all fines have been paid in full to the municipality or municipal court, the taxpayer will be removed from the offset program.“

Taxpayers who fail to pay municipal costs within 270 days of the judgment will be subject to the withholding or denial of their personal income tax refund. After the 270 days, the municipal court will send a list of unpaid municipal costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties to the State Tax Commissioner. The list will contain the taxpayer’s personal information and the amount of unpaid municipal costs.

“The goal of this program is to increase voluntary taxpayer compliance with West Virginia municipalities,“ Morris said. “When municipalities are paid the fines, fees, and penalties owed to them, taxpayers are better served.“

A taxpayer can challenge the delinquency designation by requesting a hearing before the West Virginia Office of Tax Appeals. Taxpayers must initiate a proceeding before the Office of Tax Appeals within 60 days after receiving the State Tax Department’s notice of the offset.

Leo H. Anderson

Leo H. Anderson
Age 85, of Fin Creek Rd., Linn, WV, departed this life at 7:45 PM Friday, September 25, 2009, at his residence following an extended illness.

He was born May 12, 1924, at Hacker Valley, Webster County, a son of the late Ballard Lee and Leola Cogar Anderson.

Leo was retired from the 3-M Corporation as maintenance supervisor. He was a strong-willed Irishman who could fix anything. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and woodworking and, of course, tinkering and fixing things.

On January 15, 1944, he was married to Dorothy Marie Taylor Anderson who preceded him in death on January 29, 2006.

Surviving are nine children: Marlene Fuhrmann and husband Rob of Belleview, Fla., Doris Leppa and husband Dick, of Finksburg, MD, Ballard Eugene Anderson and wife Linda of Linn, WV, Patty Worthington and husband George of Anderson, AL, Anita Destiche and husband Walley, of Green Bay, WI, Vicki Green and husband Ralph of Hanover, PA., Brenda Milk of Glenville, Mickial “Mike” Anderson and wife Teresa of Linn, WV and Marvin Anderson and wife Barbara of York, PA.

There are 25 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren surviving.

Surviving are two sisters and one brother, Winnie Mace, of Ravenswood, WV, Olive Wood of Keyser, WV, and Millard Anderson, of Elkins.

Leo was preceded by siblings Stella Della Ivy and Hugh and half siblings Nergie, Edna, Willie, Lizzy, Richard, Elda, Bessie Boyd and Viola.

The funeral services will be at the Ellyson Mortuary Inc., Glenville, at 11 AM Tuesday, September 29, 2009, where Rev. Bishop Charles Curry will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Rock Grove Cemetery, Linn, WV. Friends called from 5 to 8 PM Monday at the mortuary.

Ellyson Mortuary Inc. is assisting the family of Leo H. Anderson with arrangements.

Thelma M. Bonnett

Thelma M. Bonnett
Age 69, of Jakes Run Road, Glenville (Baldwin Community), departed this life at 10:41 PM, Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at her residence, following an extended illness.

She was born October 7, 1939, in Lewis County, a daughter of the late Bryon and Mildred Hawkins McCartney.

Mrs. Bonnett was a homemaker and mother, loved crafts, especially flower gardening, and was a Protestant by faith.

On September 13, 1966, she was married to Ronal Bonnett, who survives at their Jakes Run home.

Surviving are four sons and one daughter: Kenny Allman and wife, Martha, of Traver City, MI; David Bonnett and wife, Trena, of Jane Lew; Ronal Lee Bonnett and companion, Michelle, of Churchville; Adam Bonnett and companion, Melissa, of Camden; and Cathy Swiger and husband, Tim, of Sand Fork.

Three sisters and four brothers survive: Carrie Bleigh and Nelma Bailey, both of Rock Cave; Linda Walker, of Pittsburgh, PA; Glenn McCartney, of Rock Cave; Alvin McCartney, of Jane Lew; and Arnold McCartney and Charles McCartney, both of Crawford.

There are six grandchildren surviving.

Thelma was preceded in death by one daughter, Patty Bonnett, and two brothers, Cecil and James McCartney.

Funeral services were conducted on Monday, September 28, 2009, at the Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., Glenville, with Rev. Ronzel Roberts officiating. Burial followed in the Hiney Cemetery.

Ellyson Mortuary, Inc. assisted the family of Thelma M. Bonnett with arrangements.