It’s going to be stick-your-nose-to-the-grindstone from now until summer for students across West Virginia as districts cram more instruction into the remaining school year to make up for near-record numbers of snow days in some counties.
In an attempt to meet the 180 days of instruction required by law, many schools are canceling field trips, eliminating theater productions and other in-school activities, turning professional development days into instructional days and delaying the last day of school.
Students in Greenbrier, McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Preston, Summers and Tucker counties also missed 20 days or more of school, according to unofficial data collected by the state Department of Education. Forty districts have missed between 10 and 19 days, while eight, including Cabell and Kanawha counties, have missed less than 10.
According to the department, there has only been two days since Jan. 1 when all schools in the state’s 55 counties opened without delays.
Earlier this month, Gov. Joe Manchin signed legislation that gives counties more flexibility in arranging their calendars. The new law, which takes effect July 1, requires schools to plan for snow days and other emergencies and frees them from the current law that limits schools to starting no sooner than Aug. 26 and ending by June 8.
But the change won’t help schools this school year. Because teacher contracts prohibit counties from using spring break for makeup days, districts are forced to look at a variety of ways to create more time.
Summers County, where students have missed 24 days, is considering extending the school day by an hour next month. Even with the scheduling change, she predicts students will be in the classroom for 175 days this school year, as compared to the five-year average of 177 days.
Delaying the last day of class by four days is a given in Pocahontas County. Extending the school day is not an option because some students who live in more rural areas already don’t get home much before 6 PM.
Monroe is delaying the last day of class until June 8 and turning two upcoming teacher training days into early release days for students.
Mercer County is looking to make up 23 days, matching the number of days missed during the legendary winter of 1977.
While Mercer is converting six professional days into instruction days, the last day of class is already set as late as it can be.
With students being challenged to learn more each day, educators say they are sharing tips on how to help students remain focused by changing activities and varying instruction so learning is fun, yet remains on task.
For younger students, teachers are being encouraged to move story time and music lessons to the end of the day when children may have more trouble focusing on tasks.
Though the pace may prove challenging to educators as well they are hitting the ground running.
Most Americans are proud to proclaim that they are animal lovers, and many are loving and responsible pet owners. We are all disturbed and saddened when we see animals being starved or abused, or when we learn that animals must be destroyed because there are just not enough loving, responsible homes available.
But the sad fact is that, according to the Humane Society of the United States, more than 4 million pets are put down in U.S. shelters each year. Approximately 3.7 million of these are cats or dogs. A single cat can give birth to 18 kittens each year. One dog can produce 20 puppies each year. While kittens and puppies are cute, every unspayed or unneutered cat or dog that is allowed to roam free, or that is “set free” to fend for itself, contributes to the burgeoning overpopulation of dogs and cats that end up in shelters or dying of disease or starvation on the streets.
The only effective way to reduce the suffering of these loving companion animals is to limit their numbers to the amount of homes available. The best way to do this is to spay or neuter them, a relatively simple surgical procedure that can be performed in most veterinary clinics.
In February of each year, the Humane Society of the United States sponsors “Spay Day,“ a day of action to promote the spaying and neutering of pets. Inaugurated by the Doris Day Animal League in 1995, the Humane Society joined in sponsoring “Spay Day” in 2006 to encourage pet owners to spay or neuter their pets as an effective and humane way of decreasing the euthanasia of homeless animals in shelters.
In its first 15 years, “Spay Day” participants spayed or neutered approximately 1.5 million animals, potentially sparing many millions of animals from euthanasia and saving hundreds of millions of dollars in shelter costs. The Humane Society=s web site, at www.humanesociety.org, has information about “Spay Day” events.
On “Spay Day,“ many veterinary and humane society offices offer discounted spay/neuter clinics. Other reduced cost spay/neuter clinics may be available near you year round. Your local animal shelter may have recommendations from local veterinarians or other sources that can help cover the cost of spaying/neutering your pet.
I encourage everyone to be a responsible pet lover: look for your next pet at homeless animal shelters, and spay or neuter your animals to keep the population in the shelters and euthanasia down. ~~ By U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-WV ~~
As a working man, there is nothing I love more than the feel of a job well done. The sweat on your brow as your muscles ache with the tension from a hard days work is equally satisfying, as you know the labor is all worth the end result.
We don’t work heavy equipment in the Capitol, nor do we labor for ten hours in the hot sun. But we have our own battles to fight and instead of one boss, we have 1.8 million citizens telling us what to do.
When I can help something happen that will make all of my bosses happy, particularly those 24,000 who live in District 33, I really feel accomplished. That feeling returned this week when three of my sponsored bills passed the House.
House Bill 4145
Was the first of the two to pass through the House. This bill would greatly assist our veterans attending higher learning facilities. It would allow public colleges and universities to establish community activities in order to make our veterans feel more welcome, as well as create programs to assist those who need more help.
I am a veteran of the armed forces. I appreciate the men and women who stood beside me, and I appreciate those serving now. The state of West Virginia needs to step up and show how much we care about this group by committing legislative action to supporting them. This bill does just that.
House Bill 4593
Also passed the House this week, and was another bill that I am sponsoring this session. This bill would increase the maximum required school attendance from 16 years to 17 years old, as well as decreasing the number of unexcused absences allowed per school year to five. The bill continues to address the issue by authorizing up to five additional Juvenile Drug Courts to be established by Jan. 1, 2012 and it requires County Boards of Education to develop a plan to improve student retention and increase the high school graduation rate.
This bill is necessary for our state’s future. By passing this bill, the House of Delegates is saying that we know the risks for our kids, and we refuse to allow them to achieve anything the but the best. They deserve that and so much more.
House Bill 4524
Another bill I sponsored would revise the definition of “all-terrain vehicle” and include a definition for a utility terrain vehicle. It passed the House with a unanimous vote.
The passing of these three bills truly made my time in this session worthwhile, and I hope to increase this as session continues. However, you can never win them all.
House Bill 4292
I regret to inform you of the passing of House Bill 4292. This bill would require magistrates to have an associate’s degree, rather than just a high school education. This bill is a disgrace to the state of West Virginia, and although I lost the battle in the house, I have not lost the war of the legislative process. I will continue to do all I can to make sure this bill never hits the governor’s desk. If legislators do not commit to ensuring their citizens’ freedom, who will?
I always have my constituents in mind when I make decisions, but it is easier to make the right ones when I have direct contact with them. I am always happy to welcome visitors into my office, and this week I had the privilege of welcoming the Gilmer County Extension Office and the Minnie Hamilton Health System. Meeting with those groups was both enjoyable and enlightening, and I hope to meet with more groups and individuals in the future.
NATIONAL AND LOCAL FEEDER & STOCKER CATTLE SUMMARY - WEEK ENDING 02.26.2010
RECEIPTS: Auctions Direct Video/Internet Total
This Week 295,700 56,700 4,300 356,700
Last Week 255,600 72,100 48,000 375,700
Last Year 248,400 44,000 6,400 298,800
Compared to last week’s sharp gains, feeder steers and heifers weighing over 700 lbs sold mostly steady with several areas reporting newfound weakness to offset those that were still realizing strength left over from last week.
Stocker cattle and calves continued in high demand with price levels firm to 3.00 higher and some instances quoted as much as 7.00 higher than last week’s advances. Pressure was placed on the heavier feeders as the CME cattle futures opened the week lower and packers were able to talk feedlots into an early-week trading session at price levels that were steady to 1.00 lower, stifling the recent fed cattle market rally that cattle growers have cheered-on for the past three weeks.
Live slaughter cattle sales ranged from 89.00-92.00 (91.00-92.00 in the Southern Plains) and dressed sales were from 144.00-145.00.
Hedged feeders fell victim to an opening in the basis between cash and the maturing February Live contract that fell nearly 2.50 this week to end its reign as the spot market.
Stocker cattle trading remained active this week but were not quite as whippy as last week, with price levels reaching the point of diminishing self satisfaction for auction buyers that looked like a gaggle of texting teenagers as they figured price per head on their calculators.
Salebarn receipts were fairly heavy this week as country road conditions improved in many areas and sellers were able to move their livestock to market.
No one escaped the cold weather this winter with snow measurements recorded in all 50 states at the same time in February across the United States. However, signs of spring were reported this week as a few cattlemen unzipped their coveralls and folded up the earmuffs on their stocking caps.
Most Americans can’t remember a longer and colder winter, as we anticipate the sun spending more time on our side of the globe.
Backgrounders continue to assemble their late winter and early spring grazers, but temperatures in most areas will delay available forage for a few weeks longer than normal.
Mud will be the next inhibitor as frozen fields thaw out and wheat producing farmers will want cattle moved off pastures prior to March 15th.
Cow/calf producers are starting to welcome this spring’s calf crop into the world and many midwives (husbands) will stay up day and night for the next several weeks. Beef tonnage loss due to weight sapping weather has lessened the condition of every class of cattle and a higher subsequent death-loss of newborns is expected. Year to date cattle harvest is running right on schedule, but beef production (in pounds) is 1.5% lower so far compared to last year. This week’s reported auction volume included 54% over 600 lbs and 44% heifers.
Auction Receipts: 295,700 Last Week: 255,600 Last Year: 248,400
Regular Sale from Weston Livestock Market in West Virginia on February 20, 2010
Steers, 0 Head
Heifers, 4 Head
Weight M&L 1
400-500 85.00
500-600 93.00
600-700 84.00
700-800 75.00
Bulls, 11 Head
Weight M&L 1
400-500 105.00
600-700 90.00-91.00
700-800 80.00-83.00
800-1000 76.00
Slaughter Cows, 21 Head
Pct Lean Weight Range Hi Dress Avg. Dress Lo Dress
Breakers 75-80 1450-1510 55.50 49.00-51.00
Boners 80-85 1150-1425 53.50-56.00 49.00-52.00 46.50
Lean 85-90 870-1190 47.00 44.50 43.50
Canner 90 870 33.50
Heiferettes, 4 Head
800-1000 lbs. 49.00-56.00
1000-1200 56.00
Baby Calves Returned to Farms, 3 Head Beef Dairy
Newborn to 4 Weeks 185.00 95.00
Slaughter Hogs & Pigs,
Barrows & Gilts, U.S. 1-3, 6 Head
200-250 lbs 50.00-57.00
300 & up 45.00
Slaughter & Feeder Lambs
Feeders, S & M 1-2, 4 Head
75-90 lbs. 119.00
Goats, 16 Head
Selection 1 Selection 2
Kids,60-80 147.00-162.00
Sl. Small Nannies 87.50
Buckhannon Stockyards Buckhannon WV - Weighted Average Report for Thursday Feb 25, 2010
Cattle Receipts: 42 Last week: Last year:
Slaughter cows made up 64% of the offering, slaughter bulls 7%, replacement cows 2%, and feeders 26%.
The feeder supply included 36% steers, 18% heifers, and 45% bulls.
Near 36% of the run weighed over 600 lbs.
Feeder Steers Holstein Medium and Large 2
Head Wt Range Avg Wt Price Range Avg Price
4 490-490 490 58.00 58.00
Feeder Heifers Medium and Large 2
Head Wt Range Avg Wt Price Range Avg Price
2 470-470 470 72.00 72.00
Feeder Bulls Medium and Large 1
Head Wt Range Avg Wt Price Range Avg Price
1 550-550 550 93.00 93.00
3 650-685 663 87.00-88.00 87.33
1 700-700 700 86.00 86.00
Bred Cows Medium and Large 1 - 2 Young
Head Wt Range Avg Wt Price Range Avg Price
1 1200-1200 1200 675.00 675.00 Per Head 7-9 Months Bred
Slaughter Cows Breaker 70-80% Lean
Head Wt Range Avg Wt Price Range Avg Price
1 1375-1375 1375 49.50 49.50
3 1215-1245 1230 51.00-53.50 52.33 High Dressing
1 1525-1525 1525 51.00 51.00
4 1505-1585 1553 53.75-55.00 54.06 High Dressing
Boner 80-85% Lean
9 995-1380 1225 43.50-49.50 45.57
3 1145-1350 1258 49.75-52.75 51.20 High Dressing
3 1005-1130 1082 40.50-42.25 41.45 Low Dressing
1 1480-1480 1480 50.25 50.25 High Dressing
Lean 85-90% Lean
2 950-1320 1135 35.00-36.00 35.58
Slaughter Bulls Yield Grade 1-2
Head Wt Range Avg Wt Price Range Avg Price
1 2070-2070 2070 62.75 62.75
1 1630-1630 1630 67.00 67.00 High Dressing
1 1585-1585 1585 57.25 57.25 Low Dressing
Farm Bureau Food Collection for Ronald McDonald House This Monday
The Gilmer County Farm Bureau will be collecting food items to take to the Ronald McDonald House in Morgantown on Monday, March 01, 2010 at U-Pak and Foodland.
Ifyou would like to donate items they would be greatly appreciated.
These items will then be taken to the Ronald McDonald House on Saturday, March 06, 2010 by Farm Bureau Members.
Some items they are in need now are cake mixes,brownie mixes, non-stick cooking spray, coffee, creamers, sugar, papertowels, Lysol spray, laundry detergent, fabric softeners, cups, plates,plastic utensils and many other items.
HOCKEY SETS
Sportime is recalling BigBox Hockey Sets sold nationwide from November 2006 to October 2009. The surface coating on the boards, which are assembled together to form the floor hockey playing-field, contain excessive levels of lead.
This recall involves all sets of BigBox Hockey, each consisting of six boards, measuring 6’ long by 10” tall. The boards come in six colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet.
Consumers should contact Sportime at 888.388.3224 between 9 AM and 4 PM ET Monday through Friday or visitwww.schoolspecialty.comto obtain a full refund.
FOOTRESTS
Fellowes Inc. is recalling Fellowes Climate Control Footrests sold nationwide from October 2009 to January 2010. The footrest’s fan can become blocked and overheat when used in the upright position, posing a fire hazard.
The recalled footrests are black and made of plastic. The Fellowes brand item #80309 can be found on the serial label at the bottom side of the footrest, which can be identified by Revision or letter “A” on the label, which appears after the date code.
Consumers should contact Fellowes at 800.955.3344 between 7:30 AM and 5 PM CT or visit www.fellowes.com to arrange for the return and replacement of the product or a full refund.
ICE CUBE MACHINES
Scotsman Group LLC is recalling Scotsman® Commercial Modular Cube Ice Machines (Modular Cubers) sold nationwide from September 2006 to December 2009. The solenoid, an electrical component in the product, can fail and result in an electrical arc that can pose a fire hazard.
The recalled machines are designed to be installed on top of ice storage bins or ice dispensers, and typically are used in commercial establishments. Model numbers begin with C0322, C0330, C0522, C0530, C0630, C0830, C1030, C1448, C1848, C2148, EH130, EH222, EH330, or EH430, and serial numbers of the recalled machines within these model designations begin with 05, 06, 07, 08 or 09. Model and serial numbers are on the back of all machines and, depending on the model, behind the machine’s front panel either in the lower right corner of the machine or on the left side of the sheet metal wall that separates the larger (equipment) compartment from the smaller (ice-making) compartment.
Customers should contact Scotsman at 800.541.0520 between 6 AM and 8 PM CT Monday through Friday or visitwww.scotsman-ice.comto schedule a free repair.
SNOWMOBILES
Arctic Cat Inc. is recalling Arctic Cat Snowmobiles sold nationwide from October 2OO9 to February 2O1O. Fuel can leak from the fuel pump at the fuel tank mounting screws, posing a fire hazard.
The recall involves all Model Year 2010 Arctic Cat 500 Sno Pro models. The model name and number are displayed on the side of the seat and on the engine cowling.
Consumers should contact their local Arctic Cat snowmobile dealer to schedule a free repair.
Consumers can also contact Arctic Cat at 800.279.6851 between 8 AM and 5 PM CT Monday through Friday or visitwww.arctic-cat.com.
MARTHA STEWART TEA KETTLES
Bristol Model and Martha Stewart Collection® is recalling Copco and Wild Leaf Tea Co. Bristol model and Martha Stewart Collection® Enameled Steel Tea Kettles sold nationwide from October 2005 to January 2010. The handle on the tea kettle can come loose, posing a burn hazard.
This recall involves Copco and Wild Leaf Tea Co. Bristol model and Martha Stewart Collection® Enameled Steel Tea Kettles with enamel finishes in white, crème, blue, cobalt, sand, red and green.
Consumers should contact Copco at 866.255.9237 between 8 AM and 4:30 PM CT Monday through Thursday, and between 8 AM and 3 PM CT Friday, or visitwww.copco.comfor a refund.
• We don’t need it we have a bridge to cross the river..
• The bridge is of no benefit and therefore I do not think tax payers money should be wasted on it.
• I realize the bridge is historic, but if it cannot bring revenue to city then it needs to go.
• It is needed if a walking trail is built as well as a tourist attraction for downtown development
• might be worth selling as scrap
• The Bridge is History, and that’s it. It should be torn down.
• the streets need repaired
• Repairs can be made without using county or city money.
• You would think if State declared it Historic, then they would take care of it. They Should.
• Tearing it down could cost more than repair.
• The bridge is a piece of history. Please preserve it. Don’t toss it away!
• Create a neat walk/bike way. Make something unique.
• Historic Structures cannot be ignored. They should be maintained. Ignorance has caused this problem
• i thought the county owns it?
• Give it to someone interested in scrap metal
• We have enough garbage in this country to look at, tear it down and help some poor people.
• It would be nice if the state historic preservation folks could help out with the bridge
• MONEY IN TODAY"S WORLD IS TO TIGHT TO SPEND ON AN OLD BRIDGE WHEN PEOPLE ARE STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE..
• It’s an eyesore and could be a hazard to children in that area.
• Dominion Gas should contribute money due to the bridge holding a gas line across the Little Kanawha.
• It is part of what makes Gilmer County, Gilmer County. Once you’ve lost your heritage, what’s left?
• That bridge should have been taken down when the new one went was built. It is too dangerous!!
West Fork Conservation District Monthly Meeting - March 2010
The West Fork Conservation District Board of Supervisors monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 02, 2010 at the USDA Service Center at Mount Clare in Harrison County.
The meeting starts at 9:00 AM.
Contact Dinah Hannah, Administrative Officer, at 304.627.2160 for further information.
The West Fork Conservation District in West Virginia is comprised of the following four (4) counties located in the northern-central portion of the state:
• Doddridge County
• Gilmer County
• Harrison County
• Lewis County
Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19) - Don’t make any quick decisions that may affect your professional status on the 28th and 1st. You have to gauge what others are doing before making a move. You’ll get a good response if you approach someone to partner with you on the 2nd and 3rd. The equality of the relationship coupled with what you both bring to the table spells success. There is money to be made on the 4th and 5th if you put your creative imagination to work. An investment in property or anything that has to do with contracts or settlements is looking favorable and should bring in profits. You’ll have to make fast moves on the 6th to avoid being taken advantage of by someone untrustworthy.
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) - Don’t let too many opportunities confuse you on the 28th and 1st. Make your moves based on what will benefit you the most and be relentless in your pursuit. Taking an unusual approach to helping someone in need will bring you notoriety on the 2nd and 3rd. Your intuition will lead you in the right direction enabling you to make choices that will free you from ties that are holding you back. Focus on what you can do for others on the 4th and 5th and you will enhance your reputation and make contacts that will be able to return the favor. Don’t let your emotions sway you in the wrong direction on the 6th. Charity begins at home, put your family and your needs first.
Gemini (May 21-Jun 20) - Take precautions on the 28th and 1st if you are working with other people. It’s important not to let anyone take you for granted. Don’t let an unexpected change ruin your plans. Concentrate on doing the best job possible on the 2nd and 3rd. A mistake or not fulfilling a promise or deadline will be costly. Productivity coupled with a positive attitude will be your saving grace. Don’t let someone else’s responsibilities stand in the way of your progress on the 4th and 5th. Emotional blackmail can be expected. A power struggle can be expected on the 6th. Don’t feel guilty about something that really isn’t your fault or your responsibility. Prepare to move along fast.
Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22) - Don’t hold back the way you feel on the 28th and 1st. You can solve a lot of problems if you are open and honest about what you want and what you intend to do. Someone may play on your emotions on the 2nd and 3rd if you believe everything you hear. Taking on tasks that don’t belong to you will be taxing and stand in the way of your success. There is much to be gained on the 4th and 5th if you put your plans in motion. Your professional and personal position will be enhanced through the conversations you have and the places and people you visit. Get the facts before you react on the 6th. Nothing is as bad as it appears and can be cleared up with a few adjustments.
Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22) - Try not to give in on the 28th and 1st if you don’t feel you are getting a fair deal. A change of scenery will help everything look much brighter. A couple of alterations to your home or family plans will put you in a better position emotionally and financially on the 2nd and 3rd. A force play at work can be expected but if handled properly can give you the upper hand. Focus on what you can do to make your life better on the 4th and 5th. A move, trip or hanging out with the one you love most will all help you see your situation much clearer. You’ll be inclined to overspend on the 6th. You cannot buy love friendship or your way out of a situation that required time not cash.
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22) - Overreacting will be your downfall on the 28th and 1st. Stick to basics and don’t let anyone meddle in your personal affairs. Avoid acting on impulse. Concentrate on work money and getting in touch with anyone who can help you get ahead on the 2nd and 3rd. A partnership can turn out to be a prosperous venture. Love is in the stars. Plan to get out socialize and enjoy your good fortune. A trip or making future plans on the 4th and 5th with someone you care for will turn out well. An unexpected turn of events will enhance your personal life. Refrain from sharing your thoughts on the 6th. You are best to take a wait and see approach to domestic and partnership situations.
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22) - Hold whatever thought you have on the 28th and 1st. You don’t want to give away a secret or information that may hurt your chance to advance. Getting together with people who motivate and inspire you on the 2nd and 3rd will result in an opportunity to improve one of your creative projects. A window of opportunity is apparent regarding a professional change. There is money to be made on the 4th and 5th if you mix business with pleasure and attend events that allow you to share your plans for the future. Emotional matters concerning someone you feel responsible for will escalate on the 6th if you don’t make moves to correct the problem with a fail proof solution.
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21) - You’ll feel limited and frustrated on the 28th and 1st if you allow someone to give you ultimatums or put demands on you. Focus on what you want for a change and you won’t have regrets. Everything is within reach on the 2nd and 3rd if you are go about getting what you want with persistence. Don’t take no for an answer, be prepared to adapt and outmaneuver any setback you face. You can make up for lost time and past regrets on the 4th and 5th by sticking close by someone you love and cherish. Your undivided attention will make a difference. You’ll be overcome by emotions on the 6th if you haven’t done everything possible to eradicate an unfortunate personal mishap.
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21) - You are heading for trouble on the 28th and 1st if you haven’t lived up to your promises or you try to get away with something. Emotional matters will leave you in a vulnerable and uncertain position. Avoid travel or talks on the 2nd and 3rd that could lead to an unsavory situation. You have to be careful what you say and do if you want to avoid trouble. A chance to redeem yourself is apparent on the 4th and 5th if you are willing to give back to your community a friend or relative or anyone for that matter that you have been unfair with. An interesting turn of events on the 6th will help you express your concerns and your plans to do better and more in the future.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) - Money is heading your way from an unusual source on the 28th and 1st. An emotional exhibit you make will touch someone you care for bringing you closer together. Don’t take chances while traveling on the 2nd and 3rd. Keep your mind on what you are doing and refuse to let your emotions lead you down the wrong path. You can make professional and personal progress on the 4th and 5th if you put your imaginative industrious mind to work for you. Look at the past and use your experience to guide you. Don’t rely on others on the 6th if you want to get things done. Deception will leave you feeling betrayed. Prepare to do whatever needs to be done on your own.
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) - Expect the unexpected on the 28th and 1st and you won’t be caught off guard by what others do or say. You have to remain calm and play your position with dignity, ingenuity and truthfulness. One of your creative ideas can turn into a moneymaker on the 2nd and 3rd. Invest in something you enjoy doing and you will excel. Your intuition will not let you down. Talks will lead to an interesting partnership on the 4th and 5th. Be prepared to make a move that will allow you greater freedom to come and go as you please. You may know what you want on the 6th but someone you have to deal with may not agree or be willing to help you. Rethink your strategy.
Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) - You’ll be the one calling the shots on the 28th and 1st but before you put demands on others make sure that you aren’t asking too much. A personal partnership is due for a change. Don’t hesitate to make the first move. Use your charm on the 2nd and 3rd and you will get away with something that could damage your reputation. Don’t share secrets that you don’t want revealed. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to make cash on the 4th and 5th. Lay your plans on the table and negotiate a deal you feel is worth your while. A promise made is a promise kept on the 6th. If you cannot follow through you are best not to make the offer. Your reputation may be questioned.
All one must do to get to Heaven is live a good moral life….. Truth or Tradition?
A NECESSITY.
Certainly we must live a good moral life to the best of our ability, but is that sufficient to get us to Heaven? Haven’t we all sinned and come short of the glory of God? (Rom. 3:23). Didn’t John, a Christian, include himself when he wrote: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). Will God take sinners to Heaven? How can we be made free from those sins? Can living a good moral life free us from sin?
AN EXAMPLE. “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius…A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always” (Acts 10:1-2). We would be hard pressed to find a better “good moral man” than Cornelius. Many preachers would preach this man right into Heaven at the drop of a hat. Yet The Bible says that this good moral man was UNSAVED. The angel told Cornelius to send to Joppa for a man called Peter, “Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved” (Acts 11:14). His good moral life couldn’t save him.
THE PROBLEM.
Man alone is not capable of directing his own steps. The Bible says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12). And Jeremiah declares: “I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). If man could direct his own steps to Heaven, why did God send His only Son to suffer such agony on the cross? Why did He give us His Word to guide us, if we could make it on our own?
THE BLOOD.
God sent His Son to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. Shortly before His death, that night in the Upper Room, in instituting the Lord’s Supper, speaking of the cup, the fruit of the vine, Jesus said: “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matt. 26:28). The word remission comes from the same word as remit. When you receive a utility bill and send in the remittance, that bill is paid for. Remission of sins means those sins are paid for, and the price that was paid was the blood of Christ.
THE CONTACT.
The question is, How do you and I contact that blood today? Remember the blood was shed “for the remission of sins.” On the Day of Pentecost, Peter told those assembled: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Repentance and baptism does the exact same thing for us as does the blood. Could that explain what Paul meant when he wrote that we are “baptized into his death” ? (Rom. 6:3). The blood was shed in His death when His side was pierced. Could that be how we contact the cleansing blood today? . Where does The Bible suggest we contact the blood any other way?
Steer Creek Church of Christ, 3466 Rosedale Road, Stumptown WV 25267
Minister: Gene H Miller, 3281 Rosedale Road, Shock WV 26638-8410.
Phone: 304.462.0384 E-Mail: “ghmiller@rtol.net” Web Site: steercreekchurchofchrist.org
Dale W. “Pap” Keplinger
Age 69, of West Union, WV, died Friday, February 26, 2010, at his residence. He was born March 25, 1940, at Maysville, WV, a son of the late Stanley Thomas and Clara D. Rohrbaugh Keplinger.
Dale was self-employed, working in the logging business and as a welder. He loved the simple life, the outdoors and dirt track racing.
He is survived by six sons, Arnold Dale Keplinger, Summit Point, WV, Dale William Keplinger II, Ellenboro, WV, Michael Lynn Keplinger, Smithburg, WV, Thomas Boyd Keplinger, Buckhannon, WV, John Todd Sheets, West Union, WV, Michael Carson Sheets, West Union, WV; two daughters, Alisia Elaine Adams, Waynesboro, VA, and Tammy Jo Sheets, West Union, WV; two brothers; six sisters; nineteen grandchildren and a longtime companion Doris Sheets.
In addition to his parents, Dale was preceded in death by one brother, Gary Lynn Keplinger.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at 1:00 PM from the McCullough-Rogers Funeral Home, Pennsboro, WV, with the Pastor John Kopshina officiating, with burial to follow in the West Union Masonic Cemetery. Friends may call the funeral home from 4:00-8:00 PM on Tuesday, March 2, 2010, and from 9:00 AM until the hour of service on Wednesday.
Margaret Ruth Pulliam Stadwick
Age 82, of Dola, formerly of Warren, Ohio, departed this life peacefully on Thursday, February 25, 2010, at her home following an extended illness.
She was born April 10, 1927, in Gilmer County, a daughter of the late Cecil O. Pulliam and Susan M. Canter Pulliam.
Her husband of fifty-three years, Charles E. Stadwick, whom she married May 30, 1942, preceded her in death in 2005.
Surviving are one son, Larry E. Stadwick and his wife Kim of Canal Winchester, Ohio; two grandsons, Randy Stadwick and his wife Jen of Springfield, Ohio, and Gregg Stadwick and his wife Amber of Canal Winchester, Ohio; two great-grandchildren, Noah and Lindsay Stadwick of Canal Winchester, Ohio; two sisters, Ruby Thorp of Clarksburg and Emzie Pulliam of Ohio; her brother, Herman Pulliam and his wife Joan of Ohio; her sister-in-law, Juanita Robinson of Mannington; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Mrs. Stadwick was preceded in death by brothers and sisters-in-law, Denzil and Teresa Robinson, Frank Robinson, and Roscoe and Helen Robinson, Paul and Frances Pulliam, Freeman and Rose Pulliam, Henry and Nancy Pulliam, William and Lorraine Pulliam.
Margaret was a former employee at Hazel Atlas Glass Plant in Clarksburg, having owned and operated Marg’s Beauty Shop for over twenty years. She and her husband moved to Warren in 1953, where she resided until 2007, when she moved to Dola with her niece, Helen Newlon, and great-great-niece, Whitney Newlon. She was very much loved by her family and will be sadly missed by all. She was Protestant by Faith.
Family and friends were received at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison Street, Nutter Fort, WV, on Friday, February 26, 2010, from 5-6 PM. Funeral services were held at 6 PM at Amos Carvelli Funeral Home with Reverend Rita Robinson presiding. Interment will follow at Pineview Cemetery in Warren, Ohio.
Sally Ann Means
Age 62, of Camden, went home to be with Jesus, on Friday, February 26, 2010, at West Virginia University Hospital in Morgantown, following a short illness.
She was the wife of Bruce Dallas Means. They shared 43 happy years of marriage with never an argument.
Besides her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Gloria Kay Means of South Charleston; sons, Dallas Lee (Brenda) Means of South Charleston, and John William (Kathy) Means of Clover; and step-son, Ralph Pistore of Charleston.
Sally is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Robert, Brandon, and Jason McCord, Michael and Bruce Means, and Jessica Dillon. Brothers: John Johnson of Arizona, and Jerry (Tina) Reed of Germany. Sister: Pat Wagner of Camden.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Delbert and Edith Johnson of Milton Freewaters, Oregon; sister, Mary Johnson; and brother, Leslie Johnson both of Oregon.
A Home-going Celebration was Tuesday at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, with pastors Paul Thompson and Danny Whited officiating. Burial followed in B J Means Memorial Cemetery on Spring Hill Mountain. Viewing was held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Her children arise up and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Prov. 31: 28, 29.
Freda Ann Simms
Age 73, of Sutton died February 22, 2010 in CAMC General Division, Charleston, WV. She was born July 30, 1936 in Wilsie, WV a daughter of the late Homer H. & Ressie Gay Hamrick Cook. Also preceding her in death were her husband Theodore A. Simms; 2 sisters Hilda Allen and Jessie Cook; and one brother Edward Cook.
She was a member of the Little Birch Community Church, Little Birch and a dispatcher for Braxton Co. EMS 911.
She is survived by one son Bradley H. Simms of Sutton; 2 daughters Sandra Gail Belknap & husband Ronald of Sutton and Brenda Lea Estep & husband Larry of Huntington; 3 brothers Ford Cook of Sutton, Jim Cook of Gassaway and Jerden Cook of Rosedale; 3 grandchildren Matthew Belknap, Sara Belknap and Leigh Ann Estep; and 1 great grandchild Braelan Belknap and step-grand daughter Mercedes Braho.
Funeral service was held at 1:00 PM on Friday, Feb. 26, 2010 at Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton. Burial was in the Frame Cemetery, Frametown, WV. Friends called one hour prior to the service on Friday.
Funeral arrangements are by Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton, WV.
Today is Sunday, Feb. 28, the 59th day of 2010. There are 306 days left in the year.
Thought for Today: “In science, all facts, no matter how trivial or banal, enjoy democratic equality.“ — Mary McCarthy, American author and critic (1912-1989).
Today’s Highlight in History:
On Feb. 28, 1960, a day after defeating the Soviets at the Winter Games in Squaw Valley, Calif., the United States won its first Olympic hockey gold medal by defeating Czechoslovakia’s team, 9-4.
In 1844, a 12-inch gun aboard the USS Princeton exploded, killing Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur, Navy Secretary Thomas W. Gilmer and several others.
In 1849, the California gold rush began in earnest as regular steamship service started bringing gold-seekers to San Francisco.
In 1861, the Territory of Colorado was organized.
In 1940, the first televised college basketball games were broadcast, by New York City station W2XBS, as Pittsburgh defeated Fordham, 57-37, and New York University beat Georgetown, 50-27, at Madison Square Garden.
In 1953, scientists James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick announced they had discovered the double-helix structure of DNA, the molecule that contains the human genes.
In 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai issued the Shanghai Communique at the conclusion of Nixon’s historic visit to China.
In 1975, more than 40 people were killed in London’s Underground when a subway train smashed into the end of a tunnel.
In 1986, Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme was shot to death in central Stockholm.
In 1993, a gun battle erupted at a compound near Waco, Texas, when Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents tried to serve warrants on the Branch Davidians; four agents and six Davidians were killed as a 51-day standoff began.
In 1997, in North Hollywood, Calif., two heavily armed and armored robbers bungled a bank heist and came out firing, unleashing their arsenal on police, bystanders, cars and TV choppers before they were killed.
Ten years ago:
• Right-wing Austrian leader Joerg Haider resigned as head of the Freedom Party in an apparent bid to end Austria’s international ostracism following his party’s rise to power.
Five years ago:
• In Santa Maria, Calif., the prosecution and defense gave opening statements in the sexual molestation trial of Michael Jackson, who was later acquitted. A US District Judge, Joan Humphrey Lefkow, discovered the bodies of her husband and mother inside her Chicago home. (An unemployed electrician confessed to the murders in a suicide note.)
• A suicide car bombing targeted at security recruits killed 125 people in Hillah, Iraq.
• Lebanon’s pro-Syrian prime minister, Omar Karami, resigned amid large anti-Syria street demonstrations in Beirut.
One year ago:
• Paul Harvey, the news commentator and talk-radio pioneer whose staccato style made him one of the nation’s most familiar voices, died in Phoenix at age 90.
• Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper, free-agent NFL defensive lineman Corey Smith and former South Florida player William Bleakley died when their boat overturned in rough seas off the coast of Florida.
Today’s Birthdays:
Producer Saul Zaentz is 89.
Actor Charles Durning is 87
Svetlana Alliluyeva (ah-lee-loo-YAY’-vah), daughter of Josef Stalin, is 84
Architect Frank Gehry is 81
Actor Gavin MacLeod is 79
Actor Don Francks is 78
Actor-director-dancer Tommy Tune is 71
Hall of Fame auto racer Mario Andretti is 70
Singer Joe South is 70
Actor Frank Bonner is 68
Actress Kelly Bishop is 66
College Football Hall of Famer and retired NFL player Bubba Smith is 65
Actress Stephanie Beacham is 63
Actress Mercedes Ruehl is 62
Actress Bernadette Peters is 62
Energy Secretary Steven Chu is 62
Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman is 57
Comedian Gilbert Gottfried is 55
Basketball Hall-of-Famer Adrian Dantley is 54
Actor John Turturro is 53
Rock singer Cindy Wilson is 53
Actress Rae Dawn Chong is 49
Actor Robert Sean Leonard is 41
Rock singer Pat Monahan is 41
Author Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket) is 40
Actress Maxine Bahns is 39
Actress Ali Larter is 34
Country singer Jason Aldean is 33
Actor Bobb’e J. Thompson is 14
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“I love teaching, but I was surprised at the amount of planning it takes to keep lessons fresh. I also didn’t realize that you’re performing in the classroom, giving 45-minute presentations, almost all day. Then you do it again, day after day.“ —Peter Wilson, on switching careers to teaching.
Lady Pioneers Meet WV Wesleyans Today at 2 PM. Post Season Next Week, Who Will Go the Distance
Glenville State College’s Lady Pioneers are wrapping up a great season.
It seems altogether fitting the 50 Anniversary celebration of the WVIAC Championship Tournaments being held at their present location and head coach Bunky Harkleroad’s 10th collegiate coaching year overlap.
Both are reasons to celebrate.
Any of the top-rated teams could go the distance.
Teams across the WVIAC are sharing today’s time slots; who wins and losses will determine how teams will initially rotate into the conference championships.
Friday afternoon was their last ‘regular-season’ practice.
Below are a selection of pictures in honor of the Lady Pioneers’ 2009-2010 season.
On court or off, Donita Adams has forever etched
her accomplishments and into the legacy of what
makes the Lady Pioneers a great team.
Lady Pioneer head coach Bunky Harkleroad and
his assistant Crystal Davis have had a stellar first year.
Ginny Petties has had a memorable and
very strong freshman year.
Kristen Golden stays ‘in the thick of it’ taking
no prisoners in at center court.
This petite Lady Pioneer is a ‘Class Act’
who’s always a team player.
Kim Shephens help round-out the
Lady Pioneers defensively.
Tiffany Huffman, of nearby Gassaway, often “blasts on the court”
bolstering the Lady Pioneers scoring effort.
Beth Deren is comfortable in any role on the court.
Her improvement this year are notable.
Autumn Davis keeps the ball out of the hands of
her defenders as she looks for an open teammate.
Sarah Harvey has a knack for defensively
terrorizing opponents she up against.
Bet on Suzi Harvey’s smooth shot hitting it’s mark.
The Lady Pioneers had their last practice of
the 2009 - 2010 season Friday afternoon.
West Virginia’s Most Important Bat Cave Has White-Nose Syndrome
Biologists from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) report that white-nose syndrome (WNS) has been confirmed in a bat in Hellhole, Pendleton County, West Virginia, by the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study in Athens, Ga. If the effects of WNS on the bats in Hellhole are similar to those seen elsewhere, biologists expect that WNS will devastate the bat population in this cave, including endangered species.
Hellhole is the largest and most important bat cave in the state. An estimated 200,000 bats spend the winter hibernating in the cave. The cave is also important on a national level as it is designated critical habitat for two federally endangered species, the Indiana bat and the Virginia big-eared bat. Hellhole supports nearly 13,000 Indiana bats and 5,000 Virginia big-ears. The other bats in the cave are mostly the more common little brown bat. This single cave supports more than 40 percent of the world’s entire hibernating population of Virginia big-eared bats. Hellhole is privately owned and is closed to the public.
WNS is a serious wildlife health crisis estimated to have caused the death of more than 1 million bats during the past three years. It is named for a white fungus that often appears on the muzzles of hibernating bats. Once a cave is infected, the fungus spreads rapidly through the bat population, and mortality may exceed 90 percent.
WNS was first seen in early 2006 in a cave near Albany, N.Y. Since then, it has spread more than 500 miles to caves in 10 states from New Hampshire to Tennessee. Last winter it was documented in four caves in Pendleton County, but not Hellhole.
WNS is spread bat-to-bat as they cluster in caves and mines. In addition, scientists have evidence that it could also be transferred from one cave to another on the footwear, clothing, and gear of humans visiting caves. Infected caves and mines may not initially show obvious signs of its presence, so cavers may be unaware that their gear is contaminated.
Bats with WNS use up their fat stores too quickly and do not have the energy reserves they require to hibernate the entire winter. The bats exhibit unusual behaviors, such as flying out of caves during the winter, even in the middle of the day. Unfortunately, few insects are available for the bats to feed on, and eventually the bats starve to death. There have been no reported human illnesses attributed to WNS, and there is no evidence to suggest that WNS is harmful to any animals other than bats.
In January 2010, bats were observed flying out of the entrance of Hellhole. Laboratory tests conducted on a little brown bat captured as it left Hellhole confirmed that the bat was carrying the WNS fungus. WVDNR and USFWS biologists, in cooperation with the National Speleological Society and Germany Valley Karst Survey, are planning to conduct a trip into Hellhole to further document the condition of the bats.
Bats play a key role in keeping insects, including as agricultural pests, mosquitoes and forest pests, under control. Between April and October, each bat can eat its body weight in insects each night. Bats provide a tremendous public service in terms of pest control. If we lose our bat populations, we will lose the tremendous ecological and economic benefits the bats provide.
The USFWS and WVDNR are working with other partners to find ways to treat WNS and slow the spread. Because people may inadvertently transport WNS, in March 2009, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommended a moratorium on caving in states with confirmed WNS and all adjoining states. In addition, because scientists are concerned about the presence of WNS in the vicinity of the most important Virginia big-eared bat caves, last year a few of these bats were brought into captivity for the first time in an attempt to establish a healthy population that could be used to restore populations if that should become necessary.
Although it is not unusual to see an occasional bat flying on a warm day in winter, it is unusual to see large number of bats or bats flying during inclement weather. If you see bats flying during the day and feel something is “just not right,” please report those sightings to: Bat Report, PO Box 67, Elkins, WV 26241. Please mention the county, location, approximate number of bats, time of day, weather conditions and your contact information.
EFFORTS TO DELAY HELP FOR THE WEST VIRGINIANS IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE “SHAMEFUL”
Senator Jay Rockefeller released the following statement about delay tactics stalling multiple attempts to extend critical expiring provisions, including unemployment insurance and COBRA benefits:
“I hear from West Virginia families everyday who are hurting, and who depend on unemployment insurance and COBRA benefits to take care of their families and make ends meet. Attempts to stop these benefits from getting into the hands of those in need is just shameful. We are in one of the worst economic recessions in our nation’s history and people are counting on us to do right by them. West Virginians have no time or patience for partisanship – these obstructionist tactics need to stop.”
Important Background Information
Senator Bunning from Kentucky has repeatedly blocked Senate passage of H.R. 4691, the Temporary Extension Act of 2010. The legislation had been expected to be considered and voted upon this week, but now there is uncertainty on how and when these benefits will be extended.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), enacted a year ago, provided additional weeks of unemployment benefits to laid-off workers struggling to find a job and boosted unemployment benefits by $25 per week. These benefits were extended for two months, until February 28, 2010 in the Finance package, included as part of end-of-year defense appropriations legislation under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA.
According to estimates by the National Employment Law Project, over 5000 West Virginians may lose access to federal benefits in March unless action is taken to extend the federal unemployment benefits. The Congressional Budget Office considers temporary additional unemployment benefits one of the most effective ways to boost output and employment. HR 4691 would extend for 30-days certain expiring provisions, including unemployment insurance, COBRA, flood insurance, highway funding, small business loans and small business provisions of the American Recovery Act, the Satellite Home View Act, and poverty provisions.
The following is a list of benefits that are included in the blocked legislation, most of which are extended until the end of March 2010, unless otherwise noted below:
Extension of Unemployment Programs: Extends Federal Unemployment Programs, including the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program, through April 05, 2010.
Extension of COBRA Assistance: Extends eligibility for 65% subsidy for COBRA premiums and includes technical improvements.
• Extension of Medicare Physician Update: Extends current Medicare payment rates for physicians (preventing a 21% payment reduction).
• Extension of Medicare Therapy Caps Exceptions: Extends exceptions process for beneficiary payment limits on outpatient therapy services.
• Extension of Poverty Guidelines: Extends current provision maintaining 2009 poverty guidelines.
• Extension of Surface Transportation Programs: Extends Surface Transportation Programs and related authority to make expenditures from the highway trust fund.
• Extension of National Flood Insurance Program.
• Extension of Small Business Loan Grantee Program: Extends program and appropriates an additional $60 million for the program.
• Satellite Television Extension: Extends the copyright license used by satellite television providers.
Last Monday, February 22 was the last day to introduce bills in the Senate and the House. The number of bill introductions totals 2071, with 1375 being House bills and 696 coming from the Senate. No new bills will be introduced unless a committee as a whole devises a new one or we need to transfer money from one agency to another. With this passed deadline, we now have a specific number of projected proposals to address. And we have to address our Senate bills by March 3rd. After that, we’ll be looking at House bills. To date, four bills have completed legislative action. I see long hours ahead.
The Senate has passed 67 of its bills which now have to go to the House.
Long debated, Senate Bill 230 did meet with the approval of the Senate this week. If signed into law, it would allow educated and certified optometrists with the proper training to perform three procedures using therapeutic lasers, but only in situations when the optometrist is working in collaboration with a West Virginia licensed ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist must be within 40 miles of the optometrist. The collaboration with an ophthalmologist provides a double layer of patient safety and increases access to care in the state.
In another area of health care, we passed a bill which would limit liability for anticipated automatic external defibrillator users who are not health care providers (SB 422) . Accordingly, an anticipated operator who is not a health care provider would only be liable for damages if he or she acted with gross negligence. Gross negligence is a conscious and voluntary disregard of the need to use reasonable care, which is likely to cause foreseeable grave injury or harm.
Another measure passed this week (SB 104) would require all employees of licensed private clubs and retail outlets selling alcoholic beverages, hired after July 1, 2010, to take an alcohol management course approved by the Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner. The course would begin within 60 days of employment and renewed every three years. Employees who are now working in bars and retail outlets too would be required to participate in an approved course before July 1, 2011, and participate in a refresher course every three years.
For those of you who trap fur bearing animals, Senate Bill 512 would require all game or fur-bearing animal traps to be marked with a durable plate or tag attached to the snare, trap, or trap chain bearing the name and address of the owner of the trap. And SB 511 would equalize the treatment of resident and nonresident trappers relating to tagging and checking beaver pelts. Currently, though it is permitted, there is no statute allowing nonresident beaver trapping. These two bills also passed the Senate this week.
As I mentioned, we’ve still a monumental number of bills we need to tackle but most remain in committee to date. For instance, in our Senate Finance Committee we are looking at “Brains for Business” (SB324) and the Economic Development Act of 2010 (SB493).
“Brains for Business” (SB 324) is designed to attract and retain the next generation of business men and women. The bill exempts the first $10,000 of salary from state income taxes for the first two years following graduation. This translates into a pay raise for educated young people and will give them a boost to get started in their careers and rooted in their communities. I believe after two years of living, working and contributing, they will be less likely to go elsewhere. It also gives businesses an added advantage when recruiting workers from other states. I predict it will help economic development professionals make a very strong case for businesses looking to expand or relocate to West Virginia.
The West Virginia Economic Development Act of 2010 (SB493), also before our Senate Finance Committee provides incentives for private investment in 21st Century technologies, which include: green computing, energy conservation, alternative fuels, renewable energy sources and clean coal technology.
As a co-sponsor of the tax credit act, I would like to see this measure be enacted into law. Consisting of the West Virginia Twenty-First Century Tax Credit Act, it would allow credit and exemption from certain taxes which would be under tax credit review by the Tax Commissioner—who is to report to the Governor, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Delegates. The report is to reflect accountability by evaluating the cost effectiveness of the credit. The criteria being evaluated includes numbers of taxpayers claiming the credit; the net number of new jobs created by all taxpayers claiming the credit; the cost of the credit; the cost of the credit per new job created; and comparisons of employment trends for an industry and for taxpayers within the industry that claim the credit.
The new section of state law encourages investment in businesses that create high-value jobs; position West Virginia as center for sustainable technology initiatives; develop technologies to help meet the challenges facing the state’s energy sector, including the coal industry; help reduce energy consumption and encourage the use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel systems and technologies. Overall, it would certainly diversify the state economy. I expect this bill to come to the Senate floor soon.
If you should have any questions or comments regarding any issues or on any other pieces of legislation when they come before the Legislature, feel free to contact me here at my Charleston office. To write me, my address is Senator Douglas Facemire, State Capitol, Building 1, Room 218-W, Charleston, WV 25305 or call me at 304.357.7845. I encourage all my constituents to remain active and become part of the legislative process.
In the House, Delegates pass a bill to allow a sales tax holiday for gun sponsored by Del. Doug Reynolds. And in the judiciary committee, the copy machine couldnt keep up with the demand for bills as today is the last day to send bills to the floor under normal rules. The committee debated for some time about a bill which would lower the minimum amount needed to constitute a felony in property crimes from $2,500 to $1,000.
Kynlee Elizabeth Walton was born to Shaylynn Cherelle Walton and Anthony Shea Wimer on Thursday, February 05, 2010.
She weighed 5 lbs. 12 1/2 oz and was 19 inches.
The maternal grandparents are Jody Lynn Walton from Walkersville and Shawn Lee Chipps from Sutton.
Thank You, God, for the body You have given me.
Most of the time I take my health for granted.
I forget how fortunate I am to live without pain or disability, how blessed I am to be able to see and hear and walk and eat.
I forget that this body of mine, with all its imperfections, is a gift from You.
When I am critical of my appearance, remind me, God, that I am created in Your holy image.
If I become jealous of someone else’s appearance, teach me to treasure my unique form.
Help me, God, to care for my body.
Teach me to refrain from any action that will bring harm to me.
If I fall prey to a self-destructive habit, fill me with the strength to conquer my cravings.
Lead me to use my body wisely, God.
Guide my every limb, God, to perform acts of compassion and kindness.
I thank You, God, for creating me as I am.
Amen.
Winnie “Alice” Poling
Age 90, of 657 Locust Avenue Weston passed away at 1:50 AM on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital of Weston following an extended illness.
She was born in Taylor County on January 8, 1920; daughter of the late Wilbert C. Lawler and Polly H. (Richardson) Lawler.
She was married to John O. Poling, who preceded her in death on March 31, 1983.
She is survived by one daughter: Alicia Heater and husband Carl of Weston and one grandson: Ronnie Lee Heater. Also surviving is one brother: Wilbert C. Lawler of Cumberland, Ms., and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Poling was preceded in death by six brothers: Carl, Wayne, Blaine, Lealin, Ellis and Lawrence and four sisters: Grace, Wilma, Edna and Lillian.
Mrs. Poling was a retired dietary cook with Weston State Hospital. She was a member of Broad Street United Methodist Church of Weston where she was the children’s director and a volunteer for Our Neighbor of Weston.
Family and friends were received at the Hardman-Paletti Funeral Home, 730 N. Main Avenue Weston, on Thursday, February 25, from 5-8 PM. Funeral services were held on Friday at 11 AM from the Hardman-Paletti Funeral Home chapel with Reverend Clifford West officiating. Interment will follow services in the Machpelah Cemetery of Weston.
Donald Clark Post
Donald passed away February 15, 2010, at the Ohio Veterans Home, Sandusky, Ohio, from kidney failure.
He was born March 1, 1934, in Lewis County, Roanoke, and was the second son of William Karl Post, Sr and Edna Olita (Strader) Post.
After graduation from Walkersville High School in 1952 he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he spent 20 years. Retiring on the 30th of June, 1973.
During his military career he was stationed at Air Force bases in New York, Alabama, Japan, Washington, D.C., Texas, Alaska, Maine, Virginia, Vietnam, Guam and Ohio. When assigned duty in Alaska, he drove 5,200 miles from West Virginia to Fairbanks, Alaska, over 1,500 miles of gravel road on the Alaskan highway through Canada.
He joined the United States Postal Service and was a mail carrier for 15 years in Columbus, OH, until retiring March 1, 1989, with 35 years of military and postal service for the United States.
Don married Margie Hayes of Louisa, KY, in September 1970 and acquired a stepdaughter, Sharon. His wife Margie died of brain cancer on November 20, 1997.
In June 1998, Donald suffered a massive stroke that left him permanently paralyzed on his left side. In January 1999, he entered the Veterans Home in Sandusky, OH, where he resided until his death.
Donald is survived by his stepdaughter, Sharon Angel and her husband Carl; and two grandchildren, Cody and Abigail. He is also survived by two brothers, William Karl Post, Jr. and his wife Naomi of Fairmont, and David Linn Post and his wife Joan of Baltimore, MD; also several nieces and nephews.
A service was held at 12 PM on Friday, February 26, at Schoedinger Worthington Chapel, Worthington, OH. He was buried with a Military Honor Guard at the St. Joseph Cemetery, Lockburn, OH.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016.
Today is Saturday, Feb. 27, the 58th day of 2010. There are 307 days left in the year.
Thought for Today: “There is no inevitability in history except as men make it.“—Felix Frankfurter, U.S. Supreme Court Justice (1882-1965).
Today’s Highlight in History:
On Feb. 27, 1960, the U.S. Olympic hockey team defeated the Soviets, 3-2, at the Winter Games in Squaw Valley, Calif. (The U.S. team went on to win the gold medal.)
In 1801, the District of Columbia was placed under the jurisdiction of Congress.
In 1807, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was born in Portland, Maine.
In 1861, in Warsaw, Russian troops fired on a crowd protesting Russian rule over Poland; five marchers were killed.
In 1922, the Supreme Court, in Leser v. Garnett, unanimously upheld the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which guaranteed the right of women to vote.
In 1933, Germany’s parliament building, the Reichstag (RYKS’-tahg), was gutted by fire. Chancellor Adolf Hitler, blaming the Communists, used the fire as justification for suspending civil liberties.
In 1939, the Supreme Court, in National Labor Relations Board v. Fansteel Metallurgical Corp., outlawed sit-down strikes.
In 1951, the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, limiting a president to two terms of office, was ratified.
In 1973, members of the American Indian Movement occupied the hamlet of Wounded Knee in South Dakota, the site of the 1890 massacre of Sioux men, women and children. (The occupation lasted until May.)
In 1979, Jane M. Byrne confounded Chicago’s Democratic political machine as she upset Mayor Michael A. Bilandic to win their party’s mayoral primary. (Byrne went on to win the election.)
In 1991, President George H.W. Bush declared that “Kuwait is liberated, Iraq’s army is defeated,“ and announced that the allies would suspend combat operations at midnight, Eastern time.
Ten years ago:
• Texas Governor George W. Bush’s campaign released a letter to New York Cardinal John O’Connor in which the Republican presidential candidate said he deeply regretted “causing needless offense” by making a campaign appearance at Bob Jones University, a South Carolina school whose leaders had espoused anti-Catholic views.
Five years ago:
• Pope John Paul II made a surprise first public appearance after surgery, appearing at his Rome hospital window.
• The Iraqi government announced the capture of Sabawi Ibrahim al-Hassan, Saddam Hussein’s half brother and former adviser.
• Academy Awards went to “Million Dollar Baby,“ director Clint Eastwood, star Hilary Swank and Morgan Freeman.
One year ago:
• President Barack Obama told Marines at Camp Lejeune, N.C. that he would end combat operations in Iraq by Aug. 31, 2010 and open a new era of diplomacy in the Middle East.
• The Rocky Mountain News ceased publishing after nearly 150 years in business.
Today’s Birthdays:
Actress Joanne Woodward is 80
Actress Elizabeth Taylor is 78
Consumer advocate Ralph Nader is 76
Opera singer Mirella Freni is 75
Actress Barbara Babcock is 73
Actor Howard Hesseman is 70
Actress Debra Monk is 61
Rock singer-musician Neal Schon (Journey) is 56
Rock musician Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden) is 53
Actor Timothy Spall is 53
Rock musician Paul Humphreys (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) is 50
Country singer Johnny Van Zant (Van Zant) is 50
Rock musician Leon Mobley (Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals) is 49
Basketball Hall-of-Famer James Worthy is 49
Actor Adam Baldwin is 48
Actor Grant Show is 48
Rock musician Mike Cross (Sponge) is 45
Actor Donal Logue (DOH’-nuhl LOHG) is 44
Rhythm-and-blues singer Chilli (TLC) is 39
Rock musician Jeremy Dean (Nine Days) is 38
Rhythm-and-blues singer Roderick Clark is 37
Country-rock musician Shonna Tucker (Drive-By Truckers) is 32
Chelsea Clinton is 30
Rhythm-and-blues singer Bobby Valentino is 30
Singer Josh Groban is 29
Actress Kate Mara is 27
Your annual Girl Scout cookies have arrived and will soon be at your door.
Troop leaders from the Black Diamond Girl Scout Council serving West Virginia, started lining up to pick up their orders when the trucks arrived early Friday morning underneath the interstate bridge in Charleston.
Members of the Black Diamond Girl Scout Council sold 188,000 cases of cookies this year. This totals to 2.25 million boxes of cookies.
Due to inclement weather, the Glenville State College Brass and Woodwinds Concert scheduled for Friday, February 26, 2010 at 7:00 PM has been cancelled.
And the GSC ‘Swim for a Cure’ Relay for Life Swin Meet scheduled for Saturday, February 27, 2010 has also been cancelled.
The GSC Senior Recital for James Messenger and Travis Truax scheduled for Saturday, February 27, 2010 has been moved from 3:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
~~ Annette Barnette - Public Relations & Marketing Director ~~
The Gilmer County Extension Service met at 6:30PM on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at the Holt House in Glenville.
In addition to the Board of Directors, several representatives from WVU, Jennifer Shirey, Larry Chapman as well as several citizens were present at this meeting.
Although a lot of areas were covered at the meeting, this short report will only point out what is relevant to the Community Concerns about the 4-H program.
Mr. John Bennett, Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Larry Butcher, Gilmer County Board of Education Vice President, Mr. Dave Hess, and Gilmer County Commissioner was present as members of the Board of Directors.
Jennifer Shirey started by describing the Love Series class she taught at Glenville State College. The following is the highlight of her presentation:
• Class was offered as part of the services the Extension Service offers.
• She had decided to offer the class.
• Class has nothing to do with Glenville State College. She is only using the campus because there is no other space available to teach the class.
• Class is only for adults mainly targeting students at the college.
• She showed a book to those present about the love subject and noted that the information in the book is information that everyone should know.
• She presented everyone with a hand-out describing the class and the need for it in the community.
• She referred to the article in Gilmer Free Press and suggested it was blown out of proportion.
• She said the levy funds were not used to pay for the materials purchased.
• She said the Exercise Bands were for use by Gilmer CEOS.
• She said the amount reported was incorrect.
(L-R) Extension Service board of Directors: Brenda McCartney, John Bennett, Dave Hess, Ann Nestor,
Keith Cole, Larry Butcher, and Gary Bush.
And Jennifer Shirey - Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development WVU Extension: Gilmer County
After this presentation, Larry Chapman spoke and declared that Gilmer County Commissioners should have studied the invoice more closely before approving the payment.
In an effort to end the problem he said the Commissioners will pay for the material rather than taking the money out of 4-H funds. (Invoice was approved and paid on 02.25.10).
Chapman stated that he took such action because of the Commission’s mistake. However, he made sure to point out it was not right that the extension office purchased such materials with levy funds and the purchase would not set well with Gilmer County Citizens.
The Gilmer Free Press explained that information published in GFP was a part of community concerns. It was investigated by GFP prior to publication. GFP commented that the book shown in the presentation had nothing to do with the series of books that Citizens were concerned about. GFP had taken no position as to whether the materials were appropriate as GFP plays a neutral role and just reports the Community Concerns.
GFP explained the procedures and how it verified the facts. GFP pointed out the amounts were taken directly from the invoice. Click to see the invoices: PAGE 1PAGE 2
Gilmer Free Press questioned why when all parties were given the opportunity to address the issue, the Extension Office did not comment? GFP noted that the public is entitled to know, and ignoring the requests for clarification only makes the matter worse.
There was also discussion about the use of the Levy funds: $30,000.00 from Gilmer County Commission, and $25,000.00 from Gilmer County Board of Education.
In short, although one Extension Board Member and a Citizen did not see any problem with the class, the majority did not like it and some really complained.
The Extension Service voted unanimously that any future classes must be approved by the Board before being offered.
As this part of the meeting was coming to an end, Gilmer Free Press asked for parties involved to communicate with the public instead of surprising them. GFP offered its platform for such disclosures as well as informing and educating the public about all the great programs the Extension Service offers.
When the Board was ready to move on to another topic, Extension Service Board Member, Larry Butcher, pointed out that problems still existed with the Love Series class and asked that the class be terminated immediately. His motion was seconded and passed 2-1. Larry Butcher and Keith Cole Voted FOR, and Gary Bush Voted AGAINST. Other board members did not vote.
It is worthy to note that the intent of the levy to most individuals who voted for the levy was that the funds would be used exclusively for normal 4-H activities.
All responses are posted as they are. Gilmer Free Press does change the content or fix any typos or check the spelling.
================== Community Responses - 02.26.10 11:07 AM ==================
Now that this issue is answered, let me say this. I fully recognize the dedication of the Extension Service Committee and the high value of the 4-H for the children of our Communities. I fully support the County Levy for this purpose and personally appeal to our citizens to vote for the Vital Services Levy this fall which also supports our Senior Citizens, Board of Health and Public Library.
Thanks for this opportunity to speak.
Norma J.Hurley
================== Community Responses - 02.26.10 12:21 PM ==================
I would like to know who paid for the books for the “love” class? At the meeting last nite Chapman handed them a check to pay for them…where did the check come from? Why wasn’t the Hot Monogamy book one of those that was presented to the board last night? That book is not fit for anyone to read with its explicit content.
================== Response from Jennifer Shirey - 02.26.10 01:10 PM ==================
Mr. Ramezan,
I appreciate your attendance of the Extension Service Committee’s meeting last night.
I did receive your email on Wednesday, February 24th and I did take action at the time it was received to provide you with an informational response to your concerns.
However, as you may know, the WVU Extension Service in Gilmer County is only a small part of the entire program at West Virginia University and as such, it took time for the many individuals involved within my office and with state office to coordinate and correspond with the best informational response about the program in question. By not giving us enough time to response to your request, your article further escalated the problem at hand.
As I stated last night, I have attached the informational response that WVU Extension Service has provided about the ?Love Series? being offered by the county?s Extension Office.
In response to your follow up article posted today, the statement ?The Extension Service voted unanimously that any future classes must be approved by the Board before being offered? is incorrect. The members of the Extension Service committee asked that I have a more open line of communication with them about the programming that I offer. They expressed the need to have more frequent meetings than one each year. They did not move to approve all of my programs.
As with other correspondence that I send to you about our programming, I fully expect that the attached press release will be posted and available to all concerned citizens.
This email is being shared with all of the individuals who have been vital in dealing with the press related to the “Love Series” program. Along with you, I am emailing it to the two local newspapers. The individuals that are copied on this email are as follows:
Ann Berry ? Associate Director, Organizational Advancement
Debbie McDonald - 4-H Youth Development Program Unit Director
David Snively - Associate Director, Operations
Kim Suder ?Human Resources Administrator
Jane Riffe - Extension Specialist ? Family and Human Development
Cindy Fitch ? Families and Health Program Unit Director
Thank you,
Jenny
================== Material Supplied by Jennifer Shirey ==================
The WVU Extension Service in Gilmer County offers a variety of educational programs to the citizens of Gilmer County in areas of 4-H, families, health, nutrition, agriculture and community development. A new Healthy Families program, called “Love Series,” is being held on the campus of Glenville State College once a month from January to April. To date, six people have attended.
In the past week, there have been some questions and concerns – and misinformation – about the program. Here is some information which we hope clarifies the nature and goals of the program and addresses the questions.
WVU Extension Service supports strong and healthy families. Our educational programs are aimed at helping families stay together, which benefits adults, youth, and communities. In today’s busy world, many couples are finding it difficult to remain close and connected in our stressful life of hectic schedules, high expectations, and Hollywood hype. The program helps to provide a basic foundation in how to develop and maintain a healthy relationship.
The core curriculum of the training programs consists of: (1) Relationship education for married couples and those considering marriage; (2) Relationship education for low-income couples; (3) Relationship training for cohabitating couples; and (4) Education to engage absent fathers.
The Love Series program is not a sex education program. The goal of the program, quite simply, is to help strengthen families, save marriages, and help those who are entering a relationship make smart, informed choices. The target audience of this program is adults who are not yet married. This Healthy Relationship program is open to anyone in the community to attend. This series is adapted from the Love: What Everyone Needs to Know media course from Governors State University authored by Dr. Pat Love, Ed.D. and Jon Carlson, Psy.D., Ed.D.
All of the books purchased were recommended by the program authors for further reading and were being offered as a door prize for participants. The book was not part of the curriculum and is not used as part of the WVU Extension teaching materials.
Research and statistics
The “Love Series” program is research based, and here is some of the research behind the need to provide programming on healthy relationships:
• Marriage is a valuable institution and an integral component of many strong families. Research shows that healthy marriages and relationships lead to healthier men, women, and children that in turn lead to strong and successful communities.
• Both men and women involved in healthy marital relationships are physically and emotionally healthier, wealthier, are less likely to engage in drug and alcohol abuse, and have better relationships with their children.
• Children raised in a stable family environment are also physically and emotionally healthier, are less likely to engage in juvenile delinquent behavior, are less likely to become pregnant as teen-agers, are more likely to attend college, and are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.
West Virginia Statistics
• In 2001, for every 100 couples who married, 66 divorced
• In 2000, 28% of families with children were headed by a single parent
• Most divorces occur between the second and fifth year of marriage
National Statistics
• Between 40 to 50% of all marriages end in divorce.
• The number one reason why couples divorce is they never learned conflict resolution skills
• Children and couples in healthy marriages tend to live longer, have healthier lifestyles, and are more financially secure.
Research about commitment
• Cohabitating couples who marry divorce at a higher rate than couples who do not cohabitate prior to marriage.
• Men in cohabitating relationships have a very low level of commitment.
• Men in marriage have a high level of commitment.
• Women in cohabitating relationships have a significant higher level of commitment than their cohabitating male partner.
• The level of commitment for women in cohabitating relationships is slightly lower than that of women who are in marriages.
For more information
This information is available athttp://hfhc.ext.wvu.edu/about_hfhc/about_marriage. This website is about the Healthy Families-Healthy Children (HFHC) Initiative project. Currently there are 14 counties partnering with the WVU Extension Service to provide marriage education and relationship skills training programs through the HFHC project. The HFHC Initiative is looking to expand into other counties if the funding becomes available and Gilmer County has been selected as one of those potential new partners.
If you have any other questions or concerns about the programs offered by the WVU Extension Service, please contact Jennifer Shirey, WVU Extension Agent, at the Gilmer County Extension Office (304.462.7061).
================== Community Responses - 02.26.10 02:10 PM ==================
This was wrong to do through levy fund and 4-H program.
—————————————————————————————————-
Ms. Shirey trying hard to go around her bad decision.
—————————————————————————————————-
We don’t care what WVU does but we do care what our 4-H kids get exposed to. The issue of sex is a relative issue, so don’t try to shove it down our throat as good and necessary.
—————————————————————————————————-
She is trying to justify her action pointing to problems in communities. Jenny Shirey, when we think of 4-H we definitely don’t think about SEX. Just stop and think about of our long time 4-H volunteers and leaders that you brought tears to their eyes because they were shameful of your action.
—————————————————————————————————-
If she wants to teach classes using public funds which by the way are all of it, it better be what the people want and not what she wants.
—————————————————————————————————-
This was a bad decision and Jenny need to tough it out and accepts it. Instead from what I have read she keeps talking about miss-information. The only miss-information that I see has been from her.
—————————————————————————————————-
Even if she thinks her class was for good of the community, then her choice of books for this class was horrible.
—————————————————————————————————-
I like to thank those members that understood our concern. For those who opposed it, you cannot use the 4-H program and get these filthy books.
—————————————————————————————————-
If she continues sticking with her bad decision, the citizens of Gilmer County will not vote for levy coming up in November. Apologize to those you offended.
================== Mr. Keith Cole - 02.26.10 05:05 PM ==================
Mr. Keith Cole, The President of Gilmer County 4-H Leader Association and a member of the Gilmer County Extension Service Board of Directors has notified The Gilmer Free Press that he likes for public to know that he has been Dead Against purchase of these books .
================== Community Responses - 02.26.10 05:47 PM ==================
Explain this Jennifer Shirey, do you have issues with sex? If so, then you need to quit and pick a profession addressing sexual relationships. When we think about 4-H, we think about kids, dedicated leaders, animals, farm, garden and such. Never Sex in the context that you have promoted it. I don’t know where you have come from? But in our community adult porn material is not accepted.
—————————————————————————————————-
Her data has nothing to do with a 4-H program. There are many reasons people resort to divorce. Of which she only chose sex. We just hope her teaching did not include hands-on experiments.
—————————————————————————————————-
She did not respect the community and the will of the people for this bad decision.
—————————————————————————————————-
Have you heard the expression, ‘when in Rome do as Romans do’? Our extension agent did not follow what people do in this Rome. She must learn that no matter where she works, she has to take into account the people’s belief, culture, standards and values. Shirey failed in this and tried to impose trash on us and our kids.
—————————————————————————————————-
This lady is a selfish, narrow-minded, disrespectful person. She makes a big mistake and in place of apologizing for it, attacks the information. She is in denial. If the books were ok why didn’t she provide the board with a copy of them?
—————————————————————————————————-
Everyone noticed how fast crooked politicians cover-up their continuing mistakes? Practice makes perfect Larry Chapman!
================== Community Responses - 02.27.10 08:58 AM ==================
This is the poorest excuse I have heard in my life. Hot monogamy door prize? Our Extension Agent says she got them because some author suggested them! Did the author also suggest getting a life or jumping off a cliff?
—————————————————————————————————-
I find it interesting that this ‘Love Series’ was not advertised like other programs have. Why? Because she even knew no one would appreciate it from the get go?
—————————————————————————————————-
Perhaps ms. Jenny needs considering going elsewhere to promote her programs she is referring to. Place where she may get away with it.
—————————————————————————————————-
I have never been involved with 4-H or any 4-H programs. I know it involves kids. This program, the books and procedures are all wrong. In addition, from what I read this extension agent has a bad attitude and trouble to communicate. Since she is working in a publicly funded job she has to take into account the public and those she serves. These are my programs and I am doing it is not good.
—————————————————————————————————-
Most of the times institution get involve in programs because funding is available and they can get more money. They even know it may not be good. Just because WVU has the program it does not make it good. WVU as well as other institution often impose programs that may not be good just to meet their funding requirement. Using a write-up from WVU with data as old as 2000 and 2001, and treating it like a bible to convince the public, is what I see going on here. I see she is avoiding the main issue and mistakes and side tracking to blame others for the information we did not know about. We are thankful some are watching. Rather than using the term misinformation over and over, she should know it was her that misinformed the public and those she serves to begin with. She needs to sit back; take a deep breath, quit being arrogant and publicity apologize to all parties involved. She also has to commit to always work for the will of the people.
================== Community Responses - 02.27.10 03:88 PM ==================
Gary Bush was the only one vote that wanted to keep the disgusting program. I cannot figure Ann Nestor out. If she supported Jenny then why didn’t she for keeping the program? I think she was just totally out of it and really was not paying attention to how serious the matter was. The only question she asked why people didn’t the people call Jenny. What good do you think that would have done with the attitude that Jenny has? This was a dumb question, by the way.
—————————————————————————————————-
I wonder if Gary Bush was in the class to get some help.
—————————————————————————————————-
The board members must take a more active role to make sure program has integrity and in-line with the will of the people. Our kids, the program, and the volunteer leaders deserve this.
—————————————————————————————————-
I think she just used very bad judgment. She should not try to attack the ones who noticed her poor choice of material paid for by levy funds.
—————————————————————————————————-
When you read her response to Mr. Ramezan, she seems very arrogant and rude, I think. Also read the part that says board is not to decide on HER programs.
================== Community Responses - 02.28.10 11:23 AM ==================
It is very disturbing to see Mr. Gary Bush, the President of Gilmer County Farm Bureau supported the program and the disgusting book selections to go with it. I thought he knew better, but I was wrong.
—————————————————————————————————-
Gilmer County voted for 4-H levy thinking it get used for kids activities. Unless there are drastic changes with living proof we say NO to levy in November. We voted for these levy in good faith and trust that are used properly. These abuses of levy funds by 4-H Extension Service and Gilmer County Board of Education only results in citizens not wanting their money wasted.
—————————————————————————————————-
It is upsetting that so many members chose not to vote and take a position. If they are neither for it nor against it, then they need to remove themselves as unqualified decision makers.
Chief Judge Jack Alsop appeared in Gilmer County Circuit Court on Thursday, February 25, 2010 and tried a civil case with Judge Facemire’s November, 2009 panel of jurors.
The November 2009 term ends on Friday, February 26, 2010 with Judge Alsop starting his March 2010 term on Tuesday, March 02, 2010 when the grand jury will appear at 8:30 AM to consider their indictments.
Although Circuit Clerk Karen Elkin had left a message on the juror telephone that the trial was still on for Thursday unless school was cancelled.
Judge Alsop called her early on Thursday morning (while jurors were still calling the recording) and asked her to contact as many of the jurors as she could reach and have them still appear for trial.
Clerk Elkin immediately turned off the message and she and her staff began calling jurors personally and asking them if they could make it to Court.
Thirteen of the twenty jurors eventually showed up and the trial began and ended at 11:45 AM with a jury verdict in favor of the plaintiffs and awarded them $16,051.95.
Judge Alsop thanked the jurors for their service at the November term on behalf of himself and Judge Facemire and excused them for the term.
The civil trial was Lynn and Lola Moneypenny vs. Annette Kraus
It involved a car accident and injuries.
Moneypennys were represented by Dan Cooper of Clarksburg and Ms. Kraus was represented by Tanya Kesner of Charleston, WV.
GSC BUSINESS DEPARTMENT OFFERING TAX RETURN ASSISTANCE
Those who need help filing their 2009 income tax returns may want to take advantage of a free service being provided by the Glenville State College Business Department through the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
Free tax help is available to GSC students, faculty, staff, and the general public. The VITA program offers assistance to low to moderate income (generally $49,000 or below) people who need help preparing their basic income tax returns. Completed returns may be electronically filed.
GSC senior Accounting major Megan Claytor of Strange Creek in Braxton County West Virginia is providing tax return assistance under the direction of GSC Associate Professor of Business Cheryl McKinney, CPA.
GSC senior Accounting student Megan Claytor (left) and Professor Cheryl McKinney
(right) help GSC student Joe Evans of Sutton,complete his 2010 tax returns.
This is the third year that Evans has taken advantage of the
GSC VITA program file his returns.
Claytor volunteered for the program and has completed an IRS training and certification course in basic income tax preparation using materials provided by the IRS. “There was a lot of reading and research required for the program. I was surprised at the depth of the training,” she said.
The GSC VITA program is located in the lower level of the Robert F. Kidd Library. Tax assistance is available on Tuesdays from 3:00-7:00 PM through April 13, 2009 with the exception of Tuesday, March 09, 2010 when Glenville State College is closed for spring break. A few sessions will be scheduled before the April 15, 2010 tax deadline to make-up for the sessions that were cancelled due to winter weather. The exact dates and times will be announced when available.
Those who wish to receive free tax assistance from the GSC VITA site, should bring this year’s tax package, wage and earnings statements (Form W-2) from all employers, interest and dividend statements (Form 1099), a copy of your 2008 tax return if available, any relevant information about income and expenses, Social Security numbers for taxpayers and dependents, and bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit information.
“The benefit of the VITA program for Glenville State College is two-fold. First, the free income tax assistance provides a needed service to the campus and community. Secondly, it affords some of our Accounting students to gain practical experience and apply the concepts they have been learning,” said Cheryl McKinney.
This is the third consecutive year that GSC has offered the VITA Program which has assisted thirty tax payers each year.
For more information about the GSC VITA program, contact McKinney at 304.462.7361xt6263. ~~ Bob Edwards - Public Relations Department ~~
The writer’s “Internal Evidence” is one of the lamest pieces of sophistry I have ever seen.
To us the bible as proof of its own inspiration is, in logic, a classic example of circular reasoning. It is like saying “I’m right because I say I am”.
The writer confuses evidence with proof.
In the case of the blood, the blood is only the evidence; it is the scientific knowledge of blood that is the proof. The white granular substance is only the evidence; the lab test is the proof.
With regard to the bible, we have been testing the “thing itself’ through higher criticism for a century and a half and the “thing itself” does not pass the tests.
WV is a full-fledged participant in the new national Common Core Standards program. The confusion is caused by the State’s reference to the Next Generation program that is actually the Common Core Standards program for K-12 English learning arts and math. One advantage of joining the national program is that there will be on-line testing to determine how individual schools, and county school systems in WV compare with education outcomes, and the State’s overall performance can be compared to other states. The objective for Common Core is to strive to establish the USA as a world leader in education, something we lag badly with now.
Your government ‘sells’ this sort of stuff to make you feel good, when in actuality, its just more invasion into your life, causes bigger government, and in the end you have less input and they have more control?
I can just picture pans of them in the showcase at the local grocery store.
Not sure the effect it would have on this community. Doubt the store would have to reorder often.
It is the job of the Principal to make sure the drinking fountains are covered, water to the sinks turned off while providing hand-sanitizer and drinking water plus make sure any water used for meals or dishes has been boiled. Did they do it? Last time someone was too busy looking down their nose with a do what I want attitude. Last time they had no water at all.
Can we be certain that the children at Sand Fork are NOT drinking and washing their hands in the bad water?
By the way—-
What is the status/outcome of Superintendent Blankenship standing in defiance of the Health Department Order to close the Sand Fork School in April when there was not water, and the unsanitary conditions that resulted?
Has there been any testing of students and staff to determine if any hepatitis or other disease issues have resulted in the defiance of Health Department Order?
Next Generation CSO Crosswalk to 21st Century CSOs.
You can find this link on the WVDE web site.
“The Crosswalks Documents were created by the work groups in English Language Arts and Mathematics who studied the Common Core State Standards and then placed these standards into the West Virginia Framework for Next Generation Standards.“
WV does not plan to comply with Common Core.That was revealed from RESA at the last Gilmer County BOE meeting. They will institute Next Generation standards. RESA now has their own consortium. We are aware WV has joined multiple consortia that were funded by federal grant monies.
When all is said and done, the WV BOE must be the ones held accountable for passing or failing to meet national standards. Right now deferral from meeting NCLB requirements another year is pending. Nothing shows it will ever happen.
Does any of this improve the educational future of WV children? Westest results in Gilmer County declined during the past two years ofintervention.
You can spend a lifetime following the political money trail,never be bored and often upset.That can only be changed at the ballot box. One of the most fundamentally important questions on the table right now should be, are the children getting true value for tax dollars spent on education today?
Norma, are Blankenship and Matterin double dipping to receive their regular State retirement benefits plus full compensation for their school system work too This is information WV taxpayers should know. Thank you.
Earl B. So sorry to be late responding, had some down time. Last year’s BOE financial statement showed Mr. Blankenship receiving $123,000 and a little over $4,000 in travel. As to Mr. Mattern, I will try to find who issues his contract and if we would be provided that info or will a Freedom of Information request necessary.
I know that Gilmer County BOE did not hire W&S. There was no bid.The state issued that contract. It is my understanding the state has a list of “approved vendors”. I believed those were vendors that meet state criteria such as insurance, bonding, product specs. etc. I have found no evidence that being included on that list exempts a company or an entity from the laws regarding public improvements and bidding whether education or no.
Dear Burnt. I can’t wait until our IRS gets their hands on your med records to go with the financial records. We will be able to have more scandal with all that good stuff. thanks, ‘J’
Shipley is correct. As Karen P. has pointed out on here many times, smaller is better.
Home schools do better.
Amish schools do better.
Catholic schools do better.
Voucher systems do better.
Local control and local responsibility work. Thousands of tiny systems are custom built for the students they serve. Thousands of small experiments discover what works in education, and what doesn’t. These schools can spend more time chasing excellent teachers and less time chasing grants and they don’t have layer on layer of administrators looking out for administrators.
The U.S. Dept. of Education is a failure and the State Dept of Education is not much better, but don’t worry, they will take care of themselves!
I would like to try and summarize this article.
I am Jay Rockefeller and I just helped spend another 2.4 million of your tax dollars on more government that you didn’t even need or want.
He neglected to mention that you will also be getting thousands of new IRS agents to enforce the law.
Good point Earl Batson. Remember, the ‘education budget’ portion of state expenses, is over 50% of the entire state budget. Mark Manchin is son of A.J., former treasurer. Remember that deal? If our new AG ever starts investigating corruption, he will need to at least double his staff.
Great that the Feds FINALLY prosecuted somebody who actually violated this law. One out of HOW MANY? They don’t need new laws until the really start enforcing the ones they already have,
Mrs. Hurley, could the Coalition get us information for the compensation for Ron Blankenship and Ted Matterin for a GFP posting? Citizens have a right to know. This school mess raises serious questions about who profits from funds being spent and the treatment of Williamson and Shriver is one of many issues needing to be looked into. Why does the firm get what is believed to be no-bid contacts to have a monopoly on school building projects? Is any of Mark Manchin’s SBA money to W & S from federal sources to give the feds justification for investigating?
This glaring example of purposely withholding information from the public extends to Mr. Ted Matterin, Mr. Charles Heinlein, Dr. Linger, Gayle Manchin, and Governor Tomblin. The problem could be resolved within days if the individuals would exhibit courage to act. An investigation needs to be done to expose how State interventions have failed, what the expenses to WV taxpayers have been, and how our public school children have suffered from the gross incompetency while the State tinkered over the years. Does anyone know if Ron Blankenship receives his 120 K salary in addition to his State retirement money, and does Ted Matterin get his consulting fees paid in addition to his regular State retirement? It is no wonder that the individuals do not want to speed up the return of our schools to County control because it is would be against their financial interests.
This is just going to prove out as superfluous, ‘put a new dress on the old problem, and no one will recognize it’ ,government styled charade.
Remember how Linger and board of education told the Governor how ‘they’ were not in agreement of the audit?
To the Board of Ed[23] employee and the 80K unnecessary, non-working phone system. The bus drivers say that their bus radios were working OK when Blankenship had them replaced. Can you tell us how much that cost the taxpayer? Do you know how much the salary was that was paid to the Troy Principal who never showed even one day for work? And people wonder why the taxpayers are hissed off with this mafia payola system?
Superintendent Blankenship. You are a *radio guy* ? How about telling where all those good used radios reside today? Tell your school board in a public meeting, so everyone knows.
If the school board, as a balanced group of elected representatives are supposed to have control of discipline, but Blankenship jumps ahead of the Board, wouldn’t the parents and students have a solid basis for a suit against both Blankenship and the State ? Parents, you need to speak out!
So how many times has this happened that the board and no one else is aware of?
What makes Blankenship think he has been appointed judge, jury and hangman for our Gilmer County children?
Mr. Manchin,
I understand your statement of over dose on drugs. But what about the people that need pain pills and you fix it till they can’t get the medicine they need. That is not the right thing to do.
The doctors know when the patience is taking to many pain pills, and then he should stop them. But to take them away from the people that are suffering will not work. A lot of people get hooked on them, but that is because they are not trying to do what they are suppose to do with the medicine.
You have to be responsible for yourself and the medicine you take. Take it the way it is suppose to be taken and you won’t over dose on it.
We have a hard enough time trying to make ends meet. Do we have to suffer along with that to?
Think about it, one day you will get older and you may have to have pain medicine to. What if the doctor looks at you and say sorry, this is what you wanted.
Sincerely yours,
Betty
Our problem is the superintendent who thinks he is knows it all. He has always does his work, if any, in secrecy. He really likes his back scratched in all of his dealing. I hope I am getting the point across. He does not want the state to communicate with people in the county. How many times the state officials have mentioned that Blankenship should have explained or been at a meeting?
By must look at the source of problem on 05.13.2013
I attended one of the levy meetings where Superintendent Blankenship and Board President Bill Simmons was actually telling all of us how desperate this levy was for the children. The levys funds would be used to buy books and tablets that were needed but there was not enough money in the budget to purchase. The Superintendent and the school board appeared to be ‘selling’ the levy to those of us attending.
Are you saying that the levy funds are and will not be used as was presented to us in the public meetings?
There are very important legal issues that need addressed in this Gilmer School debacle.
Apparently both Superintendent Blankenship and principal Butcher have stated publicly, that there have been several students expelled from school.
Expulsions from more than one school.
The elected school board was not informed nor were they involved either.
Discipline and school trips were the only two items your school board can vote on. These issues are under their control.
Seems Blankenship has taken it upon himself alone to be the “court of expulsion” without informing or involving the school board.
These students and their parents were denied their “day of court” with the school board being excluded.
How long must Gilmer County citizens be treated in this fashion?
Governor Tomblin and Delegate Boggs and Walker. Please help!
Obviously there is NO oversight of Blankenship. There is NO oversight of the State of West Virginia Board of Education.
Governor, Delegates. You have a responsibility to resolve these issues.
“If you’re a school or district leader who is considering using education technology and digital learning in your schools, STOP—and go no further—until you have a comprehensive plan that addresses your district’s specific challenges and learning goals for all students,” said Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education and former governor of West Virginia. “Project 24 will help districts plan for the future and fully integrate digital learning into classrooms and school systems to achieve the goal of college and career readiness for all students.”
The “24” in Project 24 represents the next twenty-four months, a time during which the nation’s education landscape will change greatly as states and districts face numerous challenges, including the need to implement college- and career-ready standards for all students; utilize online assessments to gauge comprehension and learning; push for greater system and classroom innovation; deal with shrinking budgets; and contend with demands of states’ waivers from key provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act.
