GSC Crews Had Busy Summer Sprucing Up Campus

When students arrived for the fall semester at Glenville State College, they surely noticed that many areas of the campus had received a bit of a facelift over the summer.

GSC Physical Plant employees spent many hours on multiple projects to improve the beauty and function of the campus.

River rock was added to shrub beds replacing the old mulch

Projects ranged from small flower bed renovations to large projects like the new Pioneer Center that is now under construction on Mineral Road.

“With assistance from the State of West Virginia, summer student workers, and contractors, our Physical Plant employees have been able to accomplish a great deal of improvements throughout the campus that will benefit our many users. As we continue to grow, the GSC Physical Plant remains committed to providing safe and comfortable facilities for the college and community to live, learn, and work,“ said GSC Physical Plant Director Tom Ratliff.

Crews begin work on retaining wall

Some of the larger projects that were worked on include:

•  The relocation and expansion of the College Completion Center in Clark Hall

•  Completion of the GSC Small Business Development Center and the Java City coffee shop on Main Street

•  Installation of new heating and cooling systems in the classrooms and labs in the Heflin Administration Building

•  Work on phase one of the construction of the Pioneer Center

•  Construction of new television and radio studios in the Mollohan Campus Community Center

New retaining wall behind Administration Building

Additionally, crews accomplished many projects designed to increase the beauty of the campus including:

•  Painting and installing night-time lighting for the fountain in the Dora Heflin Garden

•  Reworking and adding river rock to shrub beds campus-wide

•  Construction of a new retaining wall next to the Louis Bennett Hall stairs behind the Administration Building

•  New sidewalk and stairs from Goodwin Hall bus stop to library stairs

•  Remodeling and repainting of the pool in the Physical Education Building

•  Repainting of the field house at Morris Stadium

•  Completion of the remodeling of the first floor of the Heflin Administration Building with the addition of new furniture

•  Repainting several exterior building signs

GSC Physical Plant crews also assisted with improvements to the Firing Range on Mineral Road.

The safety of the range has been increased by the addition of dirt mounds to protect the shooting pavilions.

Crushed asphalt that was removed from the construction site of the Pioneer Center was spread on the access road and used to enlarge the parking area.

October will be another very busy month for Physical Plant workers as they prepare the campus for the annual Homecoming week which will take place the week of October 17-22, 2011.

WV Fall Foliage Report 2011: Beautiful Array of Color in Mountains – 09.30.11

Autumn’s arrival brought colorful fall foliage to West Virginia’s mountain areas.

West Virginia State foresters say this is the weekend to head to the mountains to catch foliage at its peak or near peak.

Higher elevations of Tucker County and the areas around Spruce Knob, Cheat Mountain and Kennison Mountain are at peak this week and will be past peak by next weekend.

Recommended drives in Tucker County include State Highway 32 through Canaan Valley and along U.S. Highway 219.

U.S. Highway 250 from Huttonsville to Durbin is the recommended Highway for viewing Cheat Mountain.

Drive State Highway 55 from Richwood to Kennison Mountain; foresters report excellent coloration around Richwood and Cherry River.

Regional Forester Tom Cover, stationed in the Beckley office in Raleigh County, recommends several sites for good color this weekend.

“Foliage is at peak from northern Randolph County near Harman southward through the headwaters of the Greenbrier River,” Cover said. “Excellent color continues along Shavers Fork to Snowshoe and extends south to the headwaters of the Gauley, Williams and Elk rivers.”

Pocahontas County is at peak in the western portion of the county along Cheat Mountain while the east end is approximately one week to 10 days from peak.

Webster County is at 70% peak.

Point Mountain is showing some color and should be at peak within the next 10 days.

The remainder of Pocahontas County should be at peak within two weeks.

Higher elevations of Grant and Mineral counties range from 50 to 75% peak color.

Foresters report good color in most locations, including reds, rusts and yellows in the mountain area near Mt. Storm in Grant County.

Sumac is showing bright red and maples are colorful in Mineral County.

Lower elevations of Grant and Mineral counties are showing little color right now.

Higher elevations around Beech Knob and Cold Knob in Greenbrier County are showing excellent colors, as are the higher elevations around Ansted in Fayette County.

Foresters also recommend a trip from French Creek in Upshur County to Helvetia in Randolph County.

A drive along either State Highway 5 or State Highway 14 into Elizabeth for Pioneer Days should present some color, although most of Wirt County is only 5% peak at this time.

Anyone attending next week’s Mountain State Forest Festival in Elkins should see nice coloration in the surrounding mountains.

WL @ GSC – 10.01.11 – 1:00 PM

West Liberty is coming off a loss to Fairmont State. L.D. Crow threw for 106 yards.

Brandon Schroeder hauled in four passes for 57 yards on the offensive front.

Alec Wood registered a team-best 10 solo tackles.

Wood also had two tackles for loss and recovered a fumble.

Brandon Thigpen added nine stops and forced two fumbles.

Thigpen also had a pass breakup and a sack in the contest.

The Hilltoppers will be looking for their first victory of the season.

Glenville State is coming off a 42-34 loss at UNC Pembroke.

Darold Hughes threw for 276 yards on 22 completions with a score.

Joe Mesadieu registered 27 carries for 121 yards and a score. Kareem Alexander added
111 with a touchdown on 19 carries.

Hughes had two touchdowns on the ground.

Nate Ingersoll recorded 13 tackles in the game.

Donald Marshall chipped in 12 for the Pioneers.

Last year, West Liberty registered a 42-27 win at home over the Pioneers.

The last time the teams played in Glenville, the Hilltoppers won 29-17 in 2009.

GSC last won a 42-39 contest at West Liberty in 2008.

Gilmer County High School Homecoming 2011

The Gilmer County High School Homecoming Parade will be held today,  Friday, September 30, 2011 at 5:00 PM.

The Homecoming Football game is set for 7:00 PM at Morris Football Field in Glenville where Titans host Tygart Valley.

Snowflakes in West Virginia This Weekend

Ski season is still eight weeks away, but they’re already thinking winter at Snowshoe Mountain Resort.

Snowflakes are forecast to fly in Pocahontas County starting late Friday night and again on Saturday night.

Snowshoe says some forecast models are calling for more than 1 inch of total accumulation.

Lows both nights are expected to dip into the lower 30s in Pocahontas County, and in the 20s in the highest areas.

Mother Nature seems to be a bit out of order.

Most of West Virginia has yet to approach the peak of fall foliage season, although the colors are getting there on the mountaintops.

Snowshoe didn’t experience a winter coating last September, but it’s likely happened before.

“It is fairly typical for them to see some flakes this time of year, since they’re at higher elevations,“ said Kevin Smith, a forecaster for the National Weather Service in Charleston. “It’s certainly not out of the ordinary.“

Temperatures will consistently dip low enough at Snowshoe to enable snowmaking operations to begin on November 01, 2011.

Opening day of the ski season is set for November 23, 2011.

In addition to Snowshoe, snow showers also are forecast in Elkins and Webster Springs on Saturday night. In lower elevations, lows will dip into the mid- to upper 30s by Saturday night.

Arctic blasts have frosted the state this early before, but it will be difficult to approach any records.

The record lows for Saturday are 22 in Elkins set in 1899, 30 in Huntington and 31 in Charleston, both set in 1947, and 31 in Beckley, set in 1972.

WVU and Marshall Football - 10.01.11

Mountaineers Seek to Ground Falcons in Morgantown

The Bowling Green Falcons will conclude their non-conference schedule in search of an upset this weekend in Morgantown, meeting up with the 22nd-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers.

Bowling Green is 3-1 for the first time in four seasons, and has already won twice on the road this year.

The Falcons haven’t won their first three home games since 2002 under former head coach Urban Meyer, and have a tall order Saturday in West Virginia.

The 3-1 start for Bowling Green is impressive considering the roster is one of the youngest in all of college football, with 54 freshmen and redshirt freshmen and 27 sophomores and redshirt sophomores.

The promising start bodes well heading into MAC play following the date with the Mountaineers, as the Falcons will travel to Western Michigan on October 08, 2011.

West Virginia is licking its wounds after last weekend’s 47-21 high-profile loss to now top-ranked LSU at home.

The Mountaineers are now charged to prepare for the Falcons before heading into Big East play on October 08, 2011, and head coach Dana Holgorsen has been drilling his team to not have a hangover from the LSU loss.

“We’ve got to be ready to go,“ said Holgorsen. “We’ve said this from week one to week two, and then week two to week three and all the rest of it: it’s about getting the game over with on Sunday, regardless if you win if you lose, if you play good or play bad, doesn’t matter.“

West Virginia leads the all-time series with Bowling Green, 2-0, with the last win coming in 1998 in Morgantown.

The Bowling Green offense has turned heads so far this season, and ranks first in the MAC in scoring with 38.5 points per game.

The Falcons also rank first in the league in total offense (468.5) and pass offense (303.8), while it is fifth in rushing with 164.8 yards per game.

The unit is led by quarterback Matt Schilz, who has thrown for 1,169 yards and 14 touchdowns in four games, all the while completing 65.7% of his passes.

Schilz ranks 15th in the country in passing yards per game with 292.2, and is tied for first in touchdown passes.

Eugene Cooper is his top target, with 21 receptions for 93.5 yards per game and six touchdowns, while Kamar Jorden has caught 26 passes for 266 yards and four touchdowns.

Anthon Samuel is the team’s leading rusher with an average of 107 yards per outing, including a seven yard per carry mark with three touchdowns scored this season.

The Falcon defense is allowing just 294.2 yards per game (second in the MAC), with 199.2 coming through the air and 95 (second in the MAC) on the ground per game. Bowling Green is fourth in the MAC in scoring defense, allowing 19.8 points per game.

Dwayne Woods leads the team with 29 tackles, including six TFLs, two sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception.

Chris Jones has added three sacks and 5.5 TFLs through the first four games.

“Defensively they’re young,“ said Holgorsen. “They’re very sound. They don’t take alot of chances, they’re not going to play alot of man coverage, they’re going to make you earn everything you got.“

West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith has had a stellar season thus far, and set school records last week in completions (38), attempts (65) and passing yards (463).

The Mountaineers had two receivers go over 100 yards for the second consecutive game in Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey, who combined for 19 catches and 302 yards and a touchdown against the Tigers.

Smith is averaging 367.8 yards per game and has thrown for nine touchdown against three interceptions.

Austin and Bailey have been dynamic; Austin is averaging 105.8 yards per game, while Bailey has scored three touchdowns on 23 receptions and has 344 yards receiving.

The offense is putting up 459.2 yards of total offense per game, and is particularly pass heavy with 189 passes coming against 112 runs.

West Virginia is averaging just 76.5 yards per contest, and the leading rusher is Vernard Roberts (121 yards on 41 carries in four games.)

The Mountaineers gave up 49 points to LSU a week ago, which was the most points scored on a West Virginia team at home since 2002.

The unit is surrendering 328.8 yards of total offense per game, including just 195.2 through the air.

West Virginia started the season strong in run defense, allowing Marshall and Norfolk State just 72 yards and 88 yards rushing respectively, but as the competition has elevated, so have the numbers.

Maryland ran for 188 yards and LSU posted 186 yards.

The Mountaineers have registered 24 tackles for loss through four games, with star defensive lineman Bruce Irvin leading the unit with 4.5 TFLs.

While Bowling Green doesn’t present the same matchup difficulties as LSU, Holgorsen is still looking for improvement this week out of the defensive unit, especially in creating turnovers.

West Virginia has three takeaways in four games.

“We haven’t done it,“ said Holgorsen of creating turnovers. “We have three picks in four games, and we’ve got zero strips or fumbles in four games, so that has to get better.“

 

MARSHALL:

The Thundering Herd lost the battle at the line of scrimmage, and thus were beaten 30-10 by No. 11 Virginia Tech.

The Hokies’ defense, which is ranked fourth in the country in run defense, held Marshall to six yards rushing and only allowed one visit to the red zone.

The Thundering Herd hung around thanks to a number of Virginia Tech errors, including two turnovers.

The Hokies dominated with their own running attack, piling up 21 yards and four touchdowns.

Rakeem Cato finished 17-of-33 for 245 yards and one touchdown to lead Marshall, which also got 17 tackles and a forced fumble from safety Omar Brown.

The Thundering Herd will finish its non-league slate at Louisville next weekend.

Black Cherry Is One of West Virginia’s Most Valued Hardwoods

Black cherry trees may be common in most parts of West Virginia, but the benefits they provide are anything but ordinary.

Black cherry wood is one of the most valued of all hardwoods and is prized for its luster and color.

Furniture, paneling, tool handles and toys are just a few of the products that are made with wood from the black cherry tree.

These trees are great for drawing in wildlife that enjoys eating the purplish-black cherries as they ripen in late summer.

Of course, animals are not the only ones who enjoy the fruit.

Humans use black cherries to make jellies, preserves and wine, as well as eat them right from the tree.

Leaves of the black cherry tree turn yellow or red fairly early in the fall foliage season.

When the leaves and the bark of the tree are crushed, they produce a cherry fragrance. Be careful, though; crushed leaves and bark are bitter to taste and can be poisonous to livestock.

The largest black cherry tree currently on record in West Virginia stands near Franklin in Pendleton County.

It measures 82.5 feet tall and has a crown spread of more than 74 feet.

Bare root black cherry tree seedlings are available for purchase from Clements State Tree Nursery in West Columbia, WV Clements, the only state-operated forest tree nursery in West Virginia, sells bundles of 25 seedlings for just $25 per bundle.

Buy extra bundles to share with your neighbors, family and friends.

For a complete catalog of seedlings for sale at Clements State Tree Nursery, visit www.wvcommerce.org/resources/forestry/treenursery.aspx or call the nursery at 304.675.1820.

Auctioneer Exam Registration Deadline Approaching

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture will conduct auctioneer and apprentice auctioneer exams Tuesday, October 18, at the Gus R. Douglass Agricultural Center at Guthrie.

Applications for examination are due Tuesday, October 04, 2011.

Applications and more information are available at www.wvagriculture.org/auctioneers.htm.

Completed forms should be mailed to Sandy Marinacci, Auctioneer Program Coordinator, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East, Charleston, WV 25305.

For more information, call 304.558.3550.

Gilmer County Senior Center Bingo - Friday, September 30, 2011

Wyatt Gregory Ratliff

William and Tabitha Ratliff of Jane Lew announce the birth of their first child, Wyatt Gregory Ratliff, on September 03, 2011, at Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital of Weston.

He weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces.

His mother is the former Tabitha Baldwin.

Maternal grandparents are Phillip and Sherry Baldwin of Kincheloe.

Paternal grandparents are David and Susie Ratliff of Kincheloe.

Elijah David Montgomery

Elijah David Montgomery was born August 30, 2011, at WVU Children’s Hospital of Morgantown to Jessica Kirkpatrick and Nathan Montgomery of Weston.

He weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces.

His mother is a stay at home mom.

His father works as a heavy equipment operator for the family’s contracting company, Dave’s Backhoe Service.

Maternal grandmother is Donna Prunty of Weston.

Paternal grandparents are Belinda and Ronnie Burkhammer of Weston.

G-Comm™: The Twilight Zone: At the Threshold of the Fifth Dimension

“I am not a meek conformist but a tired nonconformist.“—Rod Serling

On Friday, October 02, 1959, The Twilight Zone premiered on national television. Even though it was never a top 25 show, The Twilight Zone was an oasis in television wasteland that captured a generation. However, it almost didn’t happen. Its subject matter troubled television executives, and the fact that the episodes often left viewers hanging went against formula.

I was barely 13 when I saw the pilot episode, “Where Is Everybody?“ It left me speechless and compelled me to watch the following 156 episodes (which aired from 1959 to 1964).

The fact that children were fascinated by the show caught television executives off-guard. As Zone producer Buck Houghton recalls, “The appeal to children was a complete surprise to us. We never thought of that. I don’t think CBS did, either; it was on at ten o’clock. We got a lot of nasty notes from parents saying, ‘You’re keeping the kids up!‘“

Children quickly picked up on the most basic plot elements—Martians, space or time travel, talking dummies or dolls, grotesque creatures and the like. Although young people initially enjoyed the stories on a superficial level, they are in many ways more intelligent than adults, more honest and eager to learn. “Maybe that’s because kids are hungry for the full play of their imagination,“ Zone writer Charles Beaumont commented, “while the elders are inclined to fear it.“

Most Zone episodes dealt with vulnerability and the conflict of emotions that make up the human condition. Besides great storytelling, Rod Serling, the show’s creator, was a genius who had something to say. His onscreen narration tied the show together, but it also gave Serling the chance to moralize. He often emphasized the moral of the story, just in case we had missed the point. And unlike most television shows people watch today, Serling challenged his viewers while entertaining them with substance and intelligent subject matter. He was a teacher. In fact, Rod Serling can be seen as a “video Aesop, using the show ... to comment metaphorically on the aspects of human behavior and the human condition.“

But what makes The Twilight Zone—a show that many critics view as the best television series of all time—endure as a classic? Why does the series still influence both film and art? And why does it still speak to us today?

At its most basic aesthetic level, as Dan Presnell and Marty McGee note in their insightful book on the Zone, the series “can best be described as the ultimate Rorschach: No matter how many people have seen the series, they all see something different.“ As Stephen King sums it up in Danse Macabre:

Of all the dramatic programs which have ever run on American TV, The Twilight Zone is the one which comes close to defying my overall analysis. It was not a western or a cop show (although some of the stories had western formats or featured cops ‘n’ robbers); it was not really a science fiction show… not a sitcom (although some of the episodes were funny); not really occult (although it did occult stories frequently—in its own peculiar fashion), not really supernatural. It was its own thing.

The Twilight Zone was a paradox. Although the series is often seen as science fiction, ultimately it was not science fiction. Whatever weird or far out setting may have been involved in a particular episode, the focus was always on the angst, pain and suffering we face in the so-called “real” world. As author Marc Scott Zicree writes:

The Twilight Zone was the first, and possibly only, TV series to deal on a regular basis with the theme of alienation—particularly urban alienation…. Repeatedly, it states a simple message: The only escape from alienation lies in reaching out to others, trusting in their common humanity. Give in to the fear and you are lost.

Serling dealt with a human nature that was stressed to the max by a modern society dominated by emerging technology as commandeered by an authoritarian state. In fact, a question raised in many Zone episodes was whether or not we can maintain our basic humanness in a world dominated by machines.

Finally, Serling took pride in the writing—penning 92 of the 156 episodes. Besides himself, however, some of the best writers of the 20th century wrote Zone episodes: Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson, Charles Beaumont, Earl Hamner, to mention a few. As such, the Twilight Zone became the embodiment of great story-telling.

Although there are so many to choose from, the following are 12 of my favorite episodes:

Time Enough at Last: Mild-mannered Henry Bemis (Burgess Meredith), hen-pecked by his wife and brow-beaten by his boss, sneaks into a bank vault on his lunch hour to read. He is knocked unconscious by a shockwave that turns out to be a nuclear war. When Bemis regains consciousness, he realizes that he is the last person on earth.

I Shot an Arrow into the Air: Three astronauts survive a crash after their craft disappears from the radar screen. They find themselves on what they believe to be a dry, lifeless asteroid. Only five gallons of water separate them from dehydration and death. And temperamental crew member Corey (Dewey Martin) goes to great lengths to ensure his survival.

The Howling Man: During a walking tour of Europe after World War I, David loses his way and comes to a remote monastery. He is turned away but passes out, and the monks take him in. David regains consciousness and hears a bizarre howling. He eventually finds a man in a jail cell who the monks say is the Devil himself, kept in his prison by the “staff of truth.“

Eye of the Beholder: Janet lies in a hospital bed, her face wrapped in bandages, hiding the hideous face that has made her an outcast all her life. This is her eleventh hospital visit and the last allowed by the government. The faces of the doctors and nurses are also hidden by shadows and camera angles. Janet’s bandages are finally removed, and the medical staff retreat in disgust.

The Invaders: A haggard woman (Agnes Morehead) hears a strange sound on the roof. She climbs up to see a miniature flying saucer and tiny spacemen who invade her home. Their small ray guns sting, but she fights back.

Shadow Play: Adam (Dennis Weaver) is on trial, and the judge gives him the electric chair. Adam chortles that it’s all a joke, a recurring nightmare in which all the participants are bit players in a scripted play. But will anyone listen?

The Obsolete Man: Romney (Burgess Meredith) is a God-fearing librarian in a totalitarian state in which books and religion have been banned. Romney is judged obsolete by the government chancellor but is granted several requests before he dies. He chooses to have a television audience watch his execution. Forty-five minutes before he is to die, he invites the chancellor to his room and locks them both inside.

Nightmare at 20,000 Feet: Robert (William Shatner) boards an airplane after having been discharged from a mental hospital for a nervous breakdown. He looks out his window during the flight and sees a weird creature on the wing. Alarmed, he alerts others. However, when they look out, the creature disappears. Robert eventually realizes that what he sees is a demon trying to dismantle the plane so it will crash. Robert decides to act.

Living Doll: Erich (Telly Savalas) is angry at his wife for buying his stepdaughter an expensive doll. Erich has a nasty disposition and soon discovers that the doll has a life of its own and it dislikes him. In fact, the doll tells him so. Talky Tina says emphatically “I hate you” and “I’m going to kill you.“

The Masks: On his deathbed, Jason Foster calls his four heirs to his side on a Mardi Gras evening. Each heir has a character flaw—self-pity, avarice, vanity or cruelty. Foster demands that each wear a mask he has fashioned for them. If they refuse to keep the masks on until midnight, they will be disinherited. The masks are hideous, and the heirs do not want to don them. But out of greed, they slide them onto their faces.

It’s a Good Life: Peaksville, Ohio, a small community, has been “taken away” from the so-called normal world—ravaged by 6-year-old “monster” Anthony (Billy Mumy). By mere thought and/or wishes, Anthony can make things and people disappear or turn into hideous creatures. All of the adults kowtow to his every desire.

To Serve Man: The Kanamits—nine-foot-tall, large-headed creatures—come to Earth from outer space, bringing gifts, spouting peace and promising to end famine. After some initial resistance by earthlings, the world relents and humans become entranced by the visitors. However, government agent Mike (Lloyd Chambers) soon discovers a sinister and shocking plot being hatched by the Kanamits.

“Everything leads us to believe that there exists a spot in the mind from which life and death, the real and imaginary,“ writes surrealist Andre Breton, “the past and the future, the high and the low, the communicable and the incommunicable will cease to appear contradictory.“

To paraphrase Rod Serling, no tickets are needed to enter The Twilight Zone.

All one needs is imagination.

~~ by John Whitehead ~~

Fishing Report - 09.29.11

BEECH FORK
The reservoir level is slightly above summer pool.  The surface water temperatures are falling with cooler weather.  Anglers should call the Beech Fork Corps of Engineers office at 304.525.4831 for more information.  Bass will be holding in 6 to 10 feet of water near logs or rock shelter.  Panfish fishing is good right now with bluegill being easily caught.  Try jigging around submerged trees for both black and white crappie.  Channel catfish can be caught throughout the lake on chicken livers and cut.bait, Beech Fork is heavily stratified so don’t put your bait on the bottom in more than 10 feet of water.  Recently some large flathead catfish have been found in the tailwater and in the lake.

BLUESTONE
Fishing on the lake is improving with cooler temperature levels.  Anglers should try their luck around any downed trees or weed beds using worms, small minnows or jigs for sunfish.  Nice crappie are being creeled by anglers using live minnows, small jigs, and small beetle.spins jig.spinners).  Bass anglers should concentrate their efforts on structure such as downed timber, rocky drops or weed beds.  Top water baits such as rapalas, tiny torpedoes and sluggos are excellent choices fished early and late.  Recent reports also indicate stripers are hitting shad on top early and late.  Target these fish with top water baits and shallow shad imitating lures in white and silver when they surface to chase shad.  Anglers do well on other species such as smallmouth bass and hybrid stripers in the tailwaters on jigs and minnows.  Channel catfish can be caught from the tailrace and main lake using chicken livers, worms, or prepared dough baits Powerbait, etc.).  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.466.0156.

BURNSVILLE
The lake is at summer pool.  Fishing is good.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  Big flathead catfish are being landed on live bait.  Trout still remain in the tailwaters.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.853.2398.

EAST LYNN
The reservoir is slightly above summer pool with clear water in the main lake becoming a little more turbid in the upper arms.  The surface water temperature is falling with cooler weather.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.849.9861.  Bass will be holding deep in 6 to 12 feet of water near logs, stumps and fish attracting brush piles.  Bluegill and other sunfish can be found actively feeding in one to six feet of water.  Musky will be found near bush piles and fallen trees.  Channel catfish and flatheads are abundant in the lake and can be caught with a variety of baits.  Walleye have been seen in the upper reaches of the lake chasing schools of shad.

R.D. BAILEY
R.D. Bailey is a great place to try for bass and especially spotted bass.  Bass can be found along the rocky drops with points another good spot to try.  Good baits are plastic jigs in black and chartreuse colors or live shad.  Shad imitating lures work great in R.D. Bailey due to the presence of shad in the lake, a main forage item for all predatory fish.  Bluegills are providing consistent action in standing timber.  Best baits are worms and small jigs.  Hybrid striper and channel catfish fishing is good off of shallow points at night.  Best baits are chicken liver, shad, and soft shell crayfish.  For more information call the Corps of Engineers recorded message at 304.664.9587.

STEPHENS LAKE
Fishing is improving with falling temperature levels.  Stephens is very clear, to improve the odds of catching fish, use light line, cast far, reduce noise, fish quietly and carefully.  Many fish can be found positioned along the thermocline or deep water zone where temperature and oxygen are optimal right now.  Depth finders will show you where the fish are located, usually 15.18” down.  Bass anglers are successful using soft plastics and small crankbaits.

STONECOAL LAKE
The lake is three feet below summer pool.  Fishing is good.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait and jigs in the late evening around beaver huts and fish attractors.  Musky are being caught this month trolling.  Also, a few walleye are being caught.  Try early mornings and evenings for the best action.

STONEWALL JACKSON
The lake is five feet below summer pool and milky. Fishing is good.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait and fishing is great.  A few large musky in the 50 inch range have been reported.  A few channel catfish have also been caught.  Try early mornings and evenings for the best action.  A few trout still remain in the tailwaters.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.269.7463.

SUMMERSVILLE
The lake is 20 feet below summer pool and clear.  Fishing is good.  Bass are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  A few walleye are being caught at the mouth of McKee’s Creek.  Try early mornings and evenings for the best action.  Brood trout were stocked in the tailwaters on September 22.  If you are looking for a back country experience hike down in the gorge and enjoy some quality trout fishing.  For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304.872.5809.

SUTTON
The lake is at summer pool and clear.  Fishing is good.  Bass are being caught in about 10.15 feet of water.  Most are being caught in and around cover.  Bluegill and crappie are also hitting live bait.  Try fishing at the fish attractors artificial brush piles placed by WVDNR.in the lake to increase success.  Try early mornings and evenings for the best action.  The tailwaters are high and milky. Trout still remain in the tailwaters.  Before heading to the lake please call Corps of Engineers at 304.765.2705.

TYGART LAKE
The lake is about five to six feet below the summer level.  Walleyes have been caught during the day in the 30 to 40.feet depths.  Smallmouth bass can be caught using crank baits or tube jigs along the shoreline.  Look for white bass at the head of coves or the upper part of the lake.  Fish for many species in the fish shelters between the boat ramps at the marina.  Start fishing for walleye at dark when they move into shallow water to feed.

The tailwater temperature is 69 degrees.  There are lots of walleye and trout in the tailwater.  Walleye fishing is best during higher flows 1,500 to 5,000 cubic feet per second.and trout fishing is best at low flows less than 1,000 cubic feet per second).  Call the Corps of Engineers telephone hotline at 304.265.5953 for daily lake and tailwater conditions.

NORTHERN WEST VIRGINIA

OHIO RIVER New Cumberland, Pike Island and Hannibal pools and tailwaters):
Fishing success for all species continues to be good and the river is in good fishing condition.  Sauger, smallmouth bass, walleye and white bass are attracted to the currents at lock and dam tailwaters.  Walleye and sauger will start feeding about an hour before sunset and then throughout the night.  Jigs with minnows are particularly good baits but 3.inch plastic grubs will also be productive.  White or chartreuse are good colors.  Hybrid striped bass will also move in and out of the tailwaters and tributary mouths, and can be caught using large crank baits.

MONONGAHELA RIVER
The water temperatures is 65.67 degrees.  Flows are normal and fishing continues to be good during the day for smallmouth bass in the lock and dam tailwaters.  The best fishing success for sauger and walleye is during low light conditions at dawn and dusk.  Sauger, smallmouth bass, walleye and white bass are always attracted to the currents in the tailwaters.  Jigs with minnows are the best baits right now.  Channel and flathead catfish are abundant throughout the river.  Troll large crank baits for muskies anywhere on the river.

CHEAT LAKE – White bass schools can be seen breaking the surface throughout the lake.  Cast crank baits, spoons, or jigs for fast action.  The easiest way to fish the lake for all species is drifting along the shoreline with a night crawler or minnow on a hook with a couple of split shot at a depth of 10 to 15 feet.  Cast small rooster-tail spinners for large bluegills and pumpkinseed sunfish in downed trees along the shoreline.  Channel catfish can be caught throughout the lake but are particularly numerous upstream of Mt. Chateau.  Cheat Lake has been one of the top lakes for bass fishing tournament success for the past five years.  The embayments at the Cheat Lake Park are good areas for bank fisherman to catch sunfish and largemouth bass.

EASTERN PANHANDLE

South Branch and Cacapon Rivers
Flow in many streams and rivers throughout the eastern panhandle vary considerably due to localized thunderstorms.  Flow in some streams and rivers are near normal and clear while the lower South Branch is high and muddy.  Water temperatures in the mid 60’s to lower 70’s.  Anglers are catching smallmouth on topwater lures in the riffles near the head of pools.  Many smallmouth bass in the South Branch have been tagged as part of a fish movement and fish health study, so if you catch a tagged fish, please clip off the tag and return it to DNR for a reward.

Some streams throughout the eastern panhandle will receive fall trout stockings.  Check the 2011 fishing regulations to determine when and where these stockings will occur.  A new fishing guide is now available for the Eastern panhandle which includes a steam map.  The new fishing guides can be obtained free of charge from any of our district offices.

Shenandoah River
The flows in the Shenandoah River are still above normal but in great fishing condition.  Smallmouth bass can be caught in riffle areas at the head of pools and around aquatic vegetation just before dark.  Channel catfish can be caught at head of pools just after dark but usually stop biting just before midnight.  Recent biological surveys showed many large smallmouth bass and lots of large channel catfish.

North Branch River
The flows in the North Branch are currently near 300 cfs and projected to remain at that level for several more days.  This is a great time for trout fishing that should be excellent throughout the fall.

Small Impoundments
Small impoundments have become clear and are in great fishing condition.  Bass, bluegill and catfish are biting in small impoundments.  Small impoundments may be losing stratification which means deep water will have suitable oxygen levels for fish.  Some impoundments will receive fall trout stockings so check your fishing regulations to determine when and where trout stockings will occur.

Jennings Randolph Lake
Jennings Randolph Lake is currently 11 feet below conservation pool and dropping slowly.  Both the WV and MD ramps are open and anglers have been doing well fishing for smallmouth bass and trout, and some anglers are catching legal sized walleye.  Don’t forget you can buy a season boat launch pass for Jennings Randolph Lake and the pass is honored at both the MD and WV ramps.

Mt. Storm Lake
Anglers at Mt. Storm should target striped bass, black bass and walleye.  Anglers have been doing well catching both bass and walleye.  Fish can be caught throughout the lake but many anglers do well fishing with chicken livers near the discharges.  Recent fishing tournaments caught both smallmouth and largemouth bass.

CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

Water levels are normal and clear.  September is a great month to introduce a child to fishing.  The weather is nice and the bluegills are hitting.  If you are looking for a place to go, please check the fishing regulations and the WVDNR website for a list of public access sites or call your local WVDNR district office for some advice and a place to fish.  Lots of trout remain in area lakes, rivers and streams from the stocking season.  October trout stocking will be here soon.  Come out and enjoy a weekend of outdoor fun for all.

SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA

The New and Greenbrier rivers are providing very good fishing for smallmouth bass.  With cooling temperatures, bass will bite throughout the day over the next few weeks.  Anglers should try white or chartreuse spinner baits and buzz baits, white plastic grubs, or small rapalas in black and silver or live bait such as minnows.  Soft plastics fished slow and deep are always an excellent choice for smallmouth. Think . BSD for trophy smallmouth, ‘big slow and deep’.  A large smallmouth has a lot to choose from in the New to eat, make sure you bait is always in the strike zone to maximize your catch.  Big fish like access to deep water, even if found in a shoal or riffle area. Finally, to interest a trophy bass, use large baits.  These are simply suggestions, due to high fishing pressure on the New, anglers experience success also by finding a lure or lures that the fish have not seen before, and are able to capitalize on this factor.  Try the same strategy as well for success.  For bass in small impoundments, try fishing the end of points, or close to any visible structure.  Best baits include spinner baits, worms, senkos, spinners and buzz baits, or try to find what they like in your tackle box.  Lakes such as Plum Orchard, Stephens, Horse Creek, Hawks Nest and Pipestem all provide good bass fishing.  Most of these impoundments contain a channel catfish population, which are fun to catch also.  Best time to fish is late night and very early morning with chicken livers, cut bait, or soft shells.  This is a prime time to take a child fishing!  There is no better way to introduce a child or novice to fishing than to take them out for an evening of carp fishing.  Try chumming with creamed corn upstream of where you are fishing and use shredded wheat dough ball or whole kernel corn for bait.  Make sure your rods are anchored down with a rock or a carp may take it!!!  Good spots to catch a carp besides WV small impoundments in District 4 include Bluestone and R. D. Bailey lakes, and the New and Kanawha rivers.

SOUTHWESTERN WEST VIRGINIA

Lower Ohio and Kanawha Rivers

Recent rains should raise the level of the river and allow for some better sauger, white bass and hybrid striped bass fishing in the tailwaters.  Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass are actively feeding and can be caught on a variety of soft plastics and crank baits.  Channel catfish are abundant and can be caught throughout the river on a variety of baits.

Guyandotte, Coal, Poca, Elk, and Mud Rivers
Recent rains will make fishing these rivers difficult until some clearing of the water occurs.  Smallmouth, spotted and largemouth bass are actively feeding.  Panfish and rock bass can also provide some nice action in these streams.  Try using rooster tails and small crayfish imitators.  Now is a great time to plan a float trip on your local river.

Small Impoundments
Fishing for Channel Catfish should be excellent in area small impoundments that received catchable sized stockings.  Panfish and bass will be actively feeding and should be easily caught with nightcrawlers or artificial baits.  Bass fishing can be slow right now but with the cool nights lowering the water temperatures, look for feeding to pick up soon.

WEST-CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

Late summer is an excellent time to fish Ohio River tailwaters.  Anglers fishing below the Belleville dam are catching white bass, hybrid striped bass, and a few other species.  Lead headed jigs with twister tails white or chartreuses), which are fished along the bottom, are the lure of choice.  Recently, heavy metal lures have also been successful.  Best spots to fish these areas include eddies and back.current sections, and anywhere that river flows are unusual.  Schools of hybrid striped bass will periodically move up to the surface to ambush prey, so keep a look out for this activity.  When this activity is seen, agitator bobbers fished with rubber minnow imitations or fresh bait fished with surf casting equipment, generally provides the best result.  Fishing along the Willow Island tailwaters is restricted due to hydro.power development. Anglers now have access only to a point approximately 150 yards below the dam, and flows have changed significantly.

Elsewhere on the Ohio River, fishing for catfish has been good.  Channel catfish anglers should use night crawlers, chicken liver, or prepared catfish type baits. Live fish should be used for flatheads.  Good fishing sites for catfish include deep areas along islands and tributary mouths.

Fishing has been good for largemouth bass in area lakes. Spinner baits, rubber worms, crank baits, and surface lures are producing bass in areas of good cover.  Good choices for area lakes include Mountwood in Wood County, Conaway Run in Tyler, Charles Fork in Roane, North Bend Lake in Ritchie County, and Elk Fork, Woodrum, and O’Brien lakes in Jackson County.  These lakes can also supply good bluegill fishing.  For these sunfish use trout magnets or spinners, small jigs, or small worms.

Local musky streams are not expected to be fishable this weekend.

~~  Stream Conditions ~~

NORTHERN	Levels			Conditions
Ohio River (Wheeling)			High			Muddy
Fish Creek			High			Muddy
Fishing Creek			High			Muddy
Big Sandy (Preston)		Normal		Clear
Monongahela River		Normal		Clear
Buckhannon River
Wheeling Creek			High			Muddy
Buffalo Creek			High			Muddy
Blackwater River		Normal				Muddy
EASTERN PANHANDLE	Levels			Conditions
S. Branch (Potomac)			High			Muddy
S. Branch (Smoke Hole)			High	Clear
Shenandoah River			High	Clear
Patterson Creek			High			Muddy
N. Fork S. Branch			High	Clear
Cacapon River			High	Clear
Back Creek			High	Clear
Opequon Creek			High	Clear
Lost River			High	Clear
CENTRAL	Levels			Conditions
Elk (Sutton)		Normal			Milky
Little Kanawha		Normal			Milky
Elk (Clay)		Normal			Milky
West Fork River		Normal			Milky
Gauley River		Normal			Milky
Cranberry River		Normal			Milky
Cherry River		Normal			Milky
Cherry River (N. Fork)		Normal			Milky
Cherry River (S. Fork)		Normal			Milky
Williams River		Normal			Milky
Knapps River		Normal			Milky
Greenbrier (E&W Forks)		Normal			Milky
Little River		Normal			Milky
Shavers Fork		Normal			Milky
Buckhannon River		Normal			Milky
Holly River		Normal			Milky
Elk River (Webster)		Normal			Milky
Elk River (Back Fork)		Normal			Milky
SOUTHERN	Levels			Conditions
New River (Hinton)		Normal		Clear
Greenbrier (Hinton)	Low			Clear
Greenbrier (Ronceverte)		Normal		Clear
Anthony Creek		Normal		Clear
Big  Creek		Normal		Clear
Meadow River		Normal		Clear
Turkey Creek		Normal		Clear
Potts Creek		Normal		Clear
Second Creek		Normal		Clear
Pinnacle Creek		Normal		Clear
Horse Creek Lake		Normal		Clear
Big Huff Creek		Normal		Clear
Indian Creek		Normal		Clear
Glade Creek (New River)	Low			Clear
Marsh Fork	Low			Clear
New River (Gauley)		Normal		Clear
Glade Creek (Man)		Normal		Clear
Camp Creek	Low			Clear
East River	Low			Clear
Fork Creek		Normal		Clear
Dry Fork Creek		Normal		Clear
Berwind Lake		Normal		Clear
WESTERN & SOUTHWESTERN	Levels			Conditions
Little Kanawha River		Normal			Milky
Ohio River		Normal		Clear
Hughes River			High			Muddy

Bon Appétit: Garlic Marinated Steaks

Ingredients:

  1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  1/4 cup soy sauce
  3 tablespoons minced garlic
  2 tablespoons honey
  2 tablespoons olive oil
  2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  1 teaspoon onion powder
  1/2 teaspoon salt
  1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
  1 pinch cayenne pepper
  2 (1/2 pound) rib-eye steaks

Directions:

In a medium bowl, mix the vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, olive oil, ground black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, liquid smoke, and cayenne pepper.

Place steaks in a shallow glass dish with the marinade, and turn to coat.

For optimum flavor, rub the liquid into the meat.

Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days.

Preheat grill for medium-high to high heat.

Lightly oil the grill grate.

Grill steaks 7 minutes per side, or to desired doneness.

Discard leftover marinade.

Daily G-Eye™: 09.30.11

Spider Web in the Lattice
Lockney, WV

Submit photos for this daily feature. You may select to have your name listed as well.
Send your photo(s) to “tellus@gilmerfreepress.net”

Stargazing - 09.30.11

The Milky Way cuts the sky in half on autumn evenings.

In the eastern sky look for Delphinus, the dolphin.

It is a distinctive little constellation swimming below the Milky Way, just northwest of Altair, the brightest star in Aquila, the eagle.

Milky Way’s Heart V

Over the last couple of decades, astronomers have probed the heart of the Milky Way galaxy in amazing detail. They’ve confirmed that a giant black hole lurks at the galaxy’s center — something that wasn’t a surprise. But another discovery was a surprise. UCLA astronomer Andrea Ghez explains:

GHEZ: What we realize is that all the stars that we were using as probes of the black hole, they were all young. You don’t expect to see young stars near a black hole because a black hole is not a nice neighbor to a stellar nursery. Black holes tend to shred things apart. And to get stars to form you need a very gentle environment that allows big, fragile clouds of gas and dust to collapse under their own self gravity. So if you have a black hole right next to you which shreds the cloud apart, it’s very hard to imagine how to get stars to form. So it’s an interesting problem, we call this the paradox of youth. How in the world do you get these young stars in a region where you just don’t expect them.

The young stars could have formed farther from the black hole and quickly moved inward. Or they might not be young at all — they might simply look young. Or perhaps they formed just where they are now in one massive burst of starbirth, says Mark Morris, also of UCLA:

MORRIS: The stars that form in the galactic center, at first sight, seem to form in these incredibly rich clusters that form all at once, in one fell swoop, 10,000 stars, bang!

It’ll take more years of observations to solve the puzzle of the young stars in the heart of the Milky Way.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 09.30.11

‘What is your opinion?’

Ezekiel describes how the wicked can turn aside from their ways and live.

Is this being alive or just the absence of death?

The psalm describes how life is like abiding in a land that yields abundant fruit.

Paul elaborates, describing this love as embodied in Christ’s love and care for the world.

Without Christ our hope for love would be a mere fantasy.

In Christ, although such a model is a challenge, the love is real and gripping.

Yet we do not know who will recognise it.

The gospel points out how it is possible that sinners, institutions, systems and those who have exploited the poor to ruin and desperation, might turn and see their victim’s face and stop the wrongs they do.

Can this really be true?

How can it happen?

These are challenging questions indeed.

G. Ezekiel 18:25-28. Remember your mercies, O Lord—Ps 24(25):4-9. Philippians 2:1-11. Matthew 21:28-32.

Robert Frank Leady

Robert Frank Leady

On Saturday, September 24, 2011 Robert Frank Leady, age 78, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, after a brief stay at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, DE.

Known as Bob, he resided in Auburn, WV for the last 24 years, formerly of Salem and Gloucester Counties.

Devoted husband of 59 years to Ann Leady, he was a loving father to Ruthann (Michael) Arthur of Dover, DE; Barry (Robin) Leady of Prosperity, PA; Donna (Michael) Stipa of Tucson, AZ; Brian (Carla) Leady of Alloway, NJ; and PopPop to 11 grandchidren and 9 great grandchildren. He is survived by his brother, Don Leady of Barnsboro, NJ and his sister, Illeane Pierce of Westville, NJ.

Predeceased are his parents, Orvan and Thelma Leady and sister Thelma Conley.

Bob served during 1951-1955 with the US Navy aboard the USS Everglade and USS Sierra. He retired from New Jersey Bell Telephone Company as a repairman after 27 years.

He and Ann attended Camden Flats Baptist Church in Glenville, WV.

Bob loved spending time with family and helping others, and he knew no strangers. He and Ann remodeled seven homes together. Bob made his final home living on a 111 acre farm in the hills of West Virginia after his retirement.

Relatives and friends are invited to remember and celebrate Bob’s life at a graveside service at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at Chicory Chapel Cemetery, 607 Monroeville, NJ 08343.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the White Children Fund at The Bank, 125 Salem-Woodstown Road, Salem, NJ 08079.

‘A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering.‘

Arrangements are by Woodside Funeral Home.

A. Morris Clemans

A. Morris Clemans

Age 78, of 5870 US Highway 19N Jane Lew passed away on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 in Crestview Nursing Home of Jane Lew following a brief illness.

He was born in Benson Harrison County on April 24, 1933: son of the late Arnett Clemans and Mary Ruth “Sally” (Morris) Clemans.

On August 03, 1962, he married Janice L. (Hughes) Clemans, who survives.

Mr. Clemans is also survived by one son: Alan M. Clemans of Cross Lanes. He is also survived by one niece: Betty Jo Fridley of Lost Creek and two nephews: Dr. W. Michael McDonald of Jane Lew and James McDonald of Lost Creek.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Clemans was preceded in death by one sister: Anna Mae McDonald.

Mr. Clemans was a school teacher and principal in Harrison County for 33 years. He graduated from Unidus High School of West Milford. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Salem College and his Master’s degree at West Virginia University.

Mr. Clemans was a veteran of the United States Army serving as a sergeant during the Korean Conflict. He served in Germany with the 14th Armed Cavalry Regiment. He loved to farm and was an avid Turkey hunter. Mr. Clemans was a member of the Lions Club of West Milford.

Family and friends will be received at the Hardman-Paletti Funeral Home 730 N. Main Avenue Weston on Friday, September 30, 2011 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 01, 2011 at 11:00 AM from the Hardman-Paletti Funeral Home chapel with Reverend Bill Coffindaffer officiating, assisted by Reverend Tim Hughes.

Interment will follow services in Broad Run Cemetery of Jane Lew, WV. Full military honors will be conducted by the Lewis County Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Peoples Hospice P.O. Box 1680 Clarksburg, WV 26301.

Hardman-Paletti Funeral Home of Weston is in charge of arrangements for A. Morris Clemans.

09.30.11

Today - September 30, yyyy

Today is Friday, Sept. 30, the 273rd day of 2011. There are 92 days left in the year.

Thought for Today: “I don’t know whether war is an interlude during peace, or peace an interlude during war.“—Georges Clemenceau, French statesman (1841-1929).

Today’s Highlight in History:

On Sept. 30, 1955, actor James Dean, 24, was killed in a two-car collision near Cholame, Calif.

On this date:

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

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

In 1809, a treaty was signed by Indiana Territory Gov. William Henry Harrison and representatives of four Indian tribes under which the Indians sold some 3 million acres of land to be used for U.S. settlements.

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

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

In 1949, the Berlin Airlift came to an end.

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

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

In 1986, the U.S. released accused Soviet spy Gennadiy Zakharov, one day after the Soviets released American journalist Nicholas

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

Ten years ago:
•  Under threat of U.S. military strikes, Afghanistan’s hard-line Taliban rulers said explicitly for the first time that Osama bin Laden was still in the country and that they knew where his hideout was located.

•  George Gately, the creator of the “Heathcliff” newspaper comic strip, died in Ridgewood, N.J., at age 72.

Five years ago:
•  Five people were killed when an overpass near Montreal collapsed. Tony Award-winning actress Isabel Bigley died in Los Angeles at age 80.

One year ago:
•  Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton called Guatemalan leaders to apologize for 1940s U.S.-led experiments that infected occupants of a Guatemala mental hospital with syphilis, apparently to test the effectiveness of penicillin against some sexually transmitted diseases.

•  The government of Ecuador declared a state of siege after rebellious police angered by a law that cut their benefits plunged the small South American nation into chaos.

Today’s Birthdays:
Nobel Peace Laureate Elie Wiesel (EL’-ee vee-ZEHL’) is 83
Actress Angie Dickinson is 80
Singer Cissy Houston is 78
Singer Johnny Mathis is 76
Actor Len Cariou is 72
Singer Marilyn McCoo is 68
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is 66
Pop singer Sylvia Peterson (The Chiffons) is 65
Actor Vondie Curtis-Hall is 61
Actress Victoria Tennant is 61
Actor John Finn (TV: “Cold Case”) is 59
Rock musician John Lombardo is 59
Singer Deborah Allen is 58
Actor Calvin Levels is 57
Actor Barry Williams is 57
Singer Patrice Rushen is 57
Actress Fran Drescher is 54
Country singer Marty Stuart is 53
Actress Debrah Farentino is 52
Rock musician Bill Rieflin (R.E.M.) is 51
Former Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., is 51
Actress Crystal Bernard is 50
Actor Eric Stoltz is 50
Rapper-producer Marley Marl is 49
Country singer Eddie Montgomery (Montgomery-Gentry) is 48
Rock singer Trey Anastasio is 47
Actress Monica Bellucci is 47
Rock musician Robby Takac (TAY’-kak) (Goo Goo Dolls) is 47
Actress Lisa Thornhill is 45
Actress Andrea Roth is 44
Actor Tony Hale is 41
Actress Jenna Elfman is 40
Actor Ashley Hamilton is 37
Actress Marion Cotillard (koh-tee-YAHR’) is 36
Actor Stark Sands is 33
Actor Mike Damus is 32
Tennis player Martina Hingis is 31
Olympic gold medal gymnast Dominique Moceanu (moh-chee-AH’-noo) is 30
Actress Lacey Chabert (shuh-BEHR’) is 29
Actor Kieran Culkin is 29
Singer-rapper T-Pain is 27

Still No Sign of Missing 3-Year-Old in Lewis County

The FBI says the family of a missing 3-year-old Lewis County girl has been moved to an undisclosed location while the search for the toddler continues.

They offered no new details on their investigation during a Thursday afternoon press briefing.

Aliayah Lunsford of Bendale vanished Saturday.

She was last seen in purple pajama pants and a pink sweatshirt.

Authorities haven’t declared her disappearance a crime.

They’re still treating the search as a rescue mission.

FBI Special Agent Jeff Killeen tells media outlets that while abduction is among the possible scenarios, authorities have no suspects or evidence of foul play.

Police say the doors and windows of the family’s home were secure, and there were no signs of forced entry.

The area is now roped off with yellow crime scene tape.

WV Lottery - 09.29.11

1-5-6

9-5-2-9

03-06-13-14-20-24

New Digitalization Tools Preserving GSC History

Glenville State College employees are preserving campus history through technological advances in archiving.

The GSC Robert F. Kidd Library is home to many new tools that will make it easier and more efficient to save and share memories of GSC to both alumni and future students.

“Digitalization has become the way of archiving. This gives researcher’s unrestricted access to a bulk of material without fear of damaging original copies. It also enables local community members to submit materials to the archives without having to give up a family heirloom; a digital copy of the item is reproduced and the original can be given back,” said GSC Library Associate Jason Gum.

GSC Library Associate Jason Gum scans in an old edition of
the Glenville Mercury newspaper using a new scanner recently
added to the digitalization tools of the RFK Library.

GSC Library Director Gail Westbrook said, “Jason Gum has made tremendous strides in organizing and growing the Archives. While he is helping preserve the past, the library is continually moving forward into the digital world while staying grounded in the more traditional hardcopy domain.”

An important piece of archiving equipment at GSC is the Epson Perfection V750 Pro Scanner that can produce high-quality images from photographs, slides, and negatives.

Another scanner, the Bookdrive Pro, uses cameras to digitize large, fragile newspapers as well as smaller fragile/rare books without risking harm to the original materials.

This produces a searchable file that will soon make it possible to web search archived materials.

The main focus with this machinery is the preservation of ‘The Glenville Mercury,’ GSC’s former student newspaper.

The Archives also have the ability to digitize from cassette and VHS tapes.

Gum said, “This is only a small list of the different forms of technology being used to document the rich history of Glenville State College and the surrounding area.”

If you would like to submit a piece of history to the Glenville State College archives, contact Gum at “Jason.Gum@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6163.

Gilmer County Circuit Court Report – 09.28.11

Judge Jack Alsop heard cases in Gilmer County on Thursday September 22nd as follows:

•  One juvenile case was heard and set for further review on Monday, December 12, 2011 at 9:15 AM.

•  State of West Virginia vs. Kendra Kohler

She was before the Court for revocation of her probation.

Kohler was represented by David Karickhoff of Sutton and admitted to the allegations contained in the petition filed against her.

Judge Alsop sentenced her to not less than 1 nor more than 10 years in the penitentiary, said sentence to run consecutive with her Braxton County sentence previously handed down.

•  A second juvenile case was heard and a review set for Monday, November 14, 2011 at 11:00 AM.

•  State of West Virginia vs. Jamie Dennison

He was before the Court for a revocation of his probation and his probation was revoked and he was sentenced to not less than 1 nor more than 5 years in the penitentiary.

He was represented by Daniel Grindo of Gassaway.

•  Judge Alsop also performed 2 marriages while in Gilmer County.

 

On Monday, September 26, 2011 Chief Judge Richard A. Facemire presided over his regular monthly motion day in Gilmer County.

•  He set the docket for the November 2011 term over which he will be presiding; however there are no pending civil or criminal cases left to be tried.

•  Jurors for the November term have already been drawn and will be in the mail after October 01, 2011.

•  Grand jurors will report Tuesday, November 08, 2011.

Arraignments for those indicted will be held on Wednesday, November 09, 2011 at 9:00 AM.

•  Petit jurors will report on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 for indoctrination.

•  One fugitive from justice, Lonzo James Roberts waived extradition back to the state of Michigan.

He was represented by Clinton Bischoff of Summersville and authorities have until 4:00 PM on Tuesday, October 04, 2011 to pick Roberts up or Central Regional Jail will release him.

•  A pre-trial conference was heard in the case of Ryan Fieler vs. Gregory Smith with the trial still scheduled for Tuesday, October 25, 2011.

•  State of West Virginia vs. Kenneth Greenlief

He was before the Court and the status quo was maintained he remains in the custody of the DHHR.

Another status will be held Monday, March 26, 2012 at 9:00 AM in the matter.

Greenlief was represented by T. J. Drake of Gassaway.

•  A juvenile case was heard and set for further review Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 9:10 AM.

•  State of West Virginia vs. Stephanie Smarr

She was before the Court for sentencing and Judge Facemire sentenced her 1-5 on her Braxton County conviction and 1-10 on her Gilmer County sentence to run concurrently (together).

However, he suspended the sentence and ordered her to be placed in Anthony Center for Youthful Offenders.

Smarr was represented by Christina Flanigan of Buckhannon.

•  State of West Virginia vs. Richard Siers

He was before the court for sentencing; however a sex offender evaluation was ordered and must be completed prior to his sentencing.

Thus his sentencing was reset for Monday, November 28, 2011 at 10:15 AM.

Siers was represented by David Karickhoff.

Central Regional Jail was ordered to transport Siers to Dr. Dayman for the evaluation.

•  State of West Virginia vs. Billy Tomblin

He was before the Court for revocation of probation, but was reset for Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 9:00 AM.

Tomblin was also represented by David Karickhoff.

•  State of West Virginia vs. Joran Biscombe

He was before the Court for sentencing.

Judge Facemire sentenced him to 1-3 years to run consecutive to the sentence he received in Harrison County.

Then his sentence was suspended and he was placed on 5 years probation and ordered to pay $10,559.02 restitution.

He was represented by Timothy Gentilozzi of Clarksburg.

He must also perform 100 hours of community service per year of probation and attend NA and AA classes.

•  An old bound over case (09-BO-24) from magistrate court, State of West Virginia vs. Edwin Dale Kennison

He was dismissed without prejudice and his bond was released.

He was represented by Matthew Thorn and Natalie Stull of Morgantown.

•  One guardian proceeding was heard and granted.

•  One juvenile case was heard and reset for hearing on Thursday, November 03, 2011 at 9:00 AM.

•  State of West Virginia vs. Shannon Marks

She was before the Court for revocation of her probation.

Judge Facemire lifted the prohibition where she was not allowed contact with her husband and sentenced her to 10 days in Central Regional Jail for violating the same.

Then he readmitted her to probation.

Christina Flanigan of Buckhannon represented Marks.

 

On Tuesday, September 27, 2011 Judge Alsop presided over a jury trial in the case of

•  State of West Virginia vs. Felix Aviles, Jr.

The jury found defendant NOT GUILTY and he was released from bond.

Aviles was represented by David Karickhoff of Sutton.

Also on Tuesday, 2 criminal cases were dismissed upon motion of the prosecutor:

•  State of West Virginia vs. Christopher McVaney and State of West Virginia vs. James Shields saw their cases dismissed.

McVaney was represented by R. Russell Stobbs of Weston and Shields was represented by Christopher Moffatt of Charleston.

High School Football Game Night - 09.30.11

Hunters Helping the Hungry Program in place for the 2011 West Virginia Deer Seasons

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages hunters to donate legally harvested white-tailed deer taken during the various fall hunting seasons to the Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) Program.

“We are very pleased to note that the HHH Program has provided more than one million venison meals to needy West Virginians since it began back in 1992,” noted Gene Thorn, HHH Program Coordinator. “Thanks to generous West Virginia hunters who donated deer to the HHH Program over the years, many needy West Virginians have received highly nutritious meals. The DNR, along with its partners – Mountaineer Food Bank and Huntington Area Food Bank – truly appreciate the generosity shown by these hunters and acknowledge that without their help, this program could not exist.”

Under the HHH Program, two-pound packages of ground venison are collected from participating certified processors by the Mountaineer Food Bank, located in Gassaway, and the Huntington Area Food Bank. These food banks then distribute the packaged ground venison to participating statewide distribution centers such as food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, community centers, churches, orphanages and other institutions that provide the needy with highly nutritious venison meals. Although it may be too late for non-enrolled distribution centers to receive venison in 2011 (because of the minimum 60-day application review process), those interested are encouraged to enroll now so they may receive venison starting in the winter 2012.  Contact Mountaineer Food Bank at 304-364-5518 to discuss the application process needed to receive venison.

“Although DNR is very grateful for hunter-donated deer, the HHH Program still requires monetary donations to offset processing and distribution costs,” said Thorn. DNR is restricted from using sportsmen’s license dollars to fund this program and is completely dependent upon monetary donations by concerned individuals, businesses, conservation organizations, foundations, churches, and fund-raising events such as the Governor’s One Shot Hunt. “Without monetary donations, we simply could not continue the HHH Program,” said Thorn.

Hunters also can consult the website or pick up an HHH brochure at DNR offices to locate participating meat processors around the state.

Gilmer County Family Court Report – 09.28.11

On Friday, September 16, 2011 special Family Court Judge Culpepper appeared in Gilmer County and ran through a 2 page docket, finishing up around 4:30 in the afternoon.

•  One contempt proceeding was dismissed because neither party appeared for the hearing.

•  Two contempt hearings were heard.

•  Two modifications were heard.

•  One motion was heard in a divorce case.

•  Another divorce case was rescheduled due to defendant not appearing or answering.

•  One divorce case was granted between Mark Hainaut (22) of Glenville and Heather Hainaut (20) of Sand Fork.

•  Special Family Court Judge Amy Swisher presided over domestic violence cases on Wednesday, September 28, 2011.

Obama’s Jobs Bill Would Help West Virginia Schools

If the jobs bill from President Barack Obama were to pass Congress it could mean as much as $167 million in construction work for existing West Virginia schools.

West Virginia State School Building Authority Executive Director Mark Manchin admits that’s a big if with the criticism of the bill in Washington, but he says it’s possible a compromise jobs bill could mean some money too.

Manchin says the SBA would put it to good use.

“It would be for new HVAC systems, new windows, roofs and some major renovations for the sustainability of our existing schools,“ Manchin said.

The funding would also come at a good time according to Manchin because county school districts are submitting their latest “needs” projects to the SBA over the next several weeks for consideration.

Manchin expects the jobs bill to be dead or alive in the next 60 to 90 days.

The SBA also decided this week to explore the possibility of selling its next round of bonds next year instead of 2014.

Manchin says interest rates are nearing historic lows.

“We would be remiss if we didn’t explore the possibility,“ he said.

Selling the bonds two years early would give the SBA about $50 million a year to allocate for school construction projects.

Without it, the last few funding cycles would produce less than $20 million.

The option will be discussed again at the SBA’s December 12, 2011 meeting.

West Virginia Big Buck Contest Begins October 01, 2011

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR), Izaak Walton League of West Virginia, West Virginia Bowhunters Association, West Virginia Muzzleloaders Association, West Virginia Physically Challenged Advisory Board, and Toyota are again sponsoring the West Virginia Big Buck Contest for deer taken between October 01 and December 31, 2011, according to Gene Thorn, Chairman of the West Virginia Big Buck Contest Review Committee.

During this time, any hunter who bags a deer in West Virginia with antlers having eight or more points, a 26-inch beam length, and points that are more than eight inches long may have a winning buck. Antlers will be measured according to the official scoring system for North American big game animals established by the Boone and Crockett Club.

Plaques will be awarded to eight overall first-place winners for typical and non-typical bucks in gun, bow, muzzleloader, and crossbow (physically challenged) categories at the National Hunting and Fishing Days Celebration held at Stonewall Jackson State Park on the fourth weekend in September 2012.

Gun and muzzleloader hunters whose bucks score more than 140 points typical or 165 non-typical will receive certificates commemorating the entry of their buck into the West Virginia Big Buck Contest and Records Keeping Program.  Bowhunters or physically-challenged crossbow hunters whose bucks score more than 125 points typical or 155 non-typical will also receive certificates.

There were 66 new entries into the Big Buck Records last year that were taken during the 2010 season. The season total showed 11 bucks taken by gun hunters, one by muzzleloader, 52 by bowhunters, and two by crossbow.  Bucks taken in previous years may still be scored for a certificate and entry into the records, if they meet the minimum score.

Appointments must be made for scoring trophies.  Many hunters have their deer scored by a team of official measurers during the West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show, held in late January at the Charleston Civic Center. Hunters will be required to read and sign a Fair Chase Affidavit and must bring their official Game Check Tag with the antlers to be measured.

WVIAC Football Players of the Week – 09.26.11

Jonas Celian, Bobby Cooper and Frank Keenan have been named the WVIAC Football Players of the Week, as announced by the league office.

Cooper picked up the Offensive Player of the Week honor after hitting 15-of-17 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns. He completed 88% of his passes on the afternoon in Shepherd’s 59-10 victory over Charleston. Cooper directed the offense for scores on seven of the eight possessions he was in the contest.

Celian had another standout performance, earning him Defensive Player of the Week accolades. He helped guide West Virginia Wesleyan to a 34-10 win at Seton Hill. Celian registered 16 tackles on the day, six of which were solo stops. Included on the tackles were 4.5 that went for a loss. Celian also had 2.5 sacks for the undefeated Bobcats.

Keenan was honored as the Special Teams Player of the Week for his effort in the 41-12 win over West Liberty. He boasted a career-long 44-yard field goal make in the third quarter before besting it later with a 46-yard field goal. Keenan also went five-for-five on extra points.

Other Top Performers:

Offense: Ryan Stewart (Concord), Brian Kennedy (Concord), Logan Moore (Fairmont State), Adam Neugebauer (West Virginia Wesleyan)

Defense: Joe Greenway (Concord), Garrett Davis (Fairmont State), Robert Hayes (Shepherd)

Special Teams: DJ Scott (Shepherd)

WVIAC Player of the Week

Offense:
09.06.11:    Daniel Monroe (Fairmont State)
09.12.11:    Adam Neugebauer (West Virginia Wesleyan)
09.19.11:    Zack Grossi (Concord)
09.26.11:    Bobby Cooper (Shepherd)

Defense:
09.06.11:    Elijah Davis (Shepherd)
09.12.11:    David Pack (Fairmont State)
09.19.11:    Garrett Davis (Fairmont State).Dominic Tolson (Shepherd)
09.26.11:    Jonas Celian (West Virginia Wesleyan)

Special Teams:
09.06.11:    Matt Wilmer (Fairmont State)
09.12.11:    Griffin Yocum (West Liberty)
09.19.11:    Eddie McKay (Glenville State)
09.26.11:    Frank Keenan (Fairmont State)

G-FYI™: Save the Auburn Post Office 09.22.11

The following letter and additional documents were sent to Washington, D.C. in an effort to save the Auburn Post Office:

Save the Auburn Post Office Committee
P O Box 65
Auburn, WV 26325
304/349-2090

Town of Auburn
P O Box 37
Auburn, WV 26325
304/349-2478

September 22, 2011

Postal Regulatory Commission
901 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20268-0001

The Postal Service has informed us of a decision to close our post office by October 04, 2011.

This action is being taken meeting (according to them) the provisions of the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, and over our protestations.

We, the customers of the Auburn, WV Post Office, vigorously protest this action, in view of the provision in the Postal Reorganization Act that calls for the Postal Service to provide a maximum degree of effective and regular postal service to rural areas, communities and small towns where the post office is not self-sustaining.

The Postal Service’s decision to close our post office and provide rural delivery service raises questions concerning the sanctity of the mail and the risks involved in the handling of mail by non-career employees.  We also foresee inconveniences in purchasing money orders and stamps, and sending accountable mail.  We have the same concerns regarding the receipt of accountable mail, such as certified letters, registered letters and CODs.

We feel that, as citizens of the United States, we are entitled to the same efficient postal service provided to our counterparts in urban areas.  The Postal Reorganization Act is explicit in pointing this out.  We petition you, as members of the Postal Regulatory Commission, to respectfully consider our protest and order the Postal Service to give additional consideration to our service needs.

Respectfully,

AUBURN TOWN COUNCIL
SAVE THE AUBURN POST OFFICE COMMITTEE

SIGNED PETITIONS (Enclosed)

Enclosures:

Signed Petitions Reasons for not closing Auburn, WV post office
Auburn meetings - Letters to/from Post Office officials
Newspaper Articles - Channel 5 & 12 TV tape of April meeting
Letters from Senators and Representatives
Documents on Post Office Closing

AAA: Gas Prices Drop 9.1 Cents in West Virginia

The arrival of fall has coincided with dropping gas prices in West Virginia.

The price of an average gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline fell 9.1 cents in the past week to $3.51.

Prices range from $3.43 in Wheeling to $3.61 in Charleston.

Nationally, gas prices average $3.48.

According to AAA’s Fuel Gauge, crude oil prices fell dramatically last week on bearish indicators of economic growth and concern of a Greek default on its sovereign debt and the possible effects on an already sluggish international economy.

At the close of formal trading on the NYMEX yesterday, oil settled at $80.24, down from $85.70 last Monday.

At the same time, the U.S. dollar rose to a nearly six-month high versus the euro on speculation that the European Central Bank would cut interest rates to stimulate European growth.

With relatively lower interest rates overseas, the U.S. dollar becomes a more attractive investment and its value increases.

Commodities, including crude oil, are traded in U.S. dollars, and as the dollar strengthens relative to currencies abroad, the price of these products for those outside of the U.S. becomes more expensive, so the prices tend to fall.

The current national retail average price for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline is $3.479.

This is 13 cents lower than the monthly high price on September 5th and 50.1 cents lower than the $3.98 per gallon high price for the year set on May 05, 2011.

Today’s average price is 10.1 cents cheaper than one week ago but is still 78.5 cents more expensive than one year ago.

As gas prices fluctuate, it is important for motorists to be aware of prices in their neighborhoods and travel destinations.

This week’s average prices: West Virginia Average =  $3.509

Average price during the week of September 20, 2011 =  $3.600

Average price during the week of September 28, 2010 =  $2.735

Area Gasoline Prices on 09.28.11:

Arnoldsburg = $3.55

Burnsville = $3.59

Glenville
      » Go-Mart = $3.55
      » SUNOCO = $3.49
      » Rich = $3.47
      » Exxon = $3.49

Grantsville =  $3.?? (Big Bend)

Gassaway =  $3.59

Harrisville = $3.49

Jane Lew = $3.55

Linn = $3.69

Pennsboro =  $3.49

Sutton =  $3.59

Weston =  $3.55

West Union =  $3.39

Glenville: Music Fest 2011 - Tuesday, 10.11.11

G-Comm™: Identity Ecosystem: Big Brother Logs On

“Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busy bodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.“—C..S. Lewis

As business transactions and social interactions migrate from the streets and stores to cyberspace, government and corporate officials are clamoring to exercise control over the internet, which has become the bastion of democracy, anonymity and populism. Facebook’s facial recognition technology, corporate opposition to Net Neutrality legislation, and data retention mandates by Congress are all efforts to put the internet under strict government and corporate control. Similarly, President Obama’s plan to create an online ID system which would aid in verifying the identity of internet users communicating and initiating transactions on the web is yet another thinly disguised attempt to monitor, regulate and control the internet.

Such a system will give the government unprecedented access to Americans’ internet activities—something it has sought for years through a multitude of channels. For example, just last fall, the New York Times reported that the Obama administration was preparing to submit legislation to Congress that would make it easier for the government to wiretap the internet. As Charlie Savage noted, quot;Essentially, officials want Congress to require all services that enable communications—including encrypted e-mail transmitters like BlackBerry, social networking Web sites like Facebook and software that allows direct apos;peer to peer’ messaging like Skype—to be technically capable of complying if served with a wiretap order.“

In late July 2011, in a 19–10 vote, the House Judiciary Committee passed H.R. 1981, the cleverly titled “Protecting Children from Internet Pornographers Act of 2011.“ While the bill expands certain elements of existing child pornography laws, it also lays the groundwork for all internet traffic to be easily monitored by government officials by requiring Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to retain all user data for at least 18 months. In this way, government officials could dredge up information retroactively on anyone’s internet surfing habits, regardless of suspicion of wrongdoing and without a warrant. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D–CA) accurately summed up the bill when she dubbed it the “Keep Every American’s Digital Data for Submission to the Federal Government Without a Warrant Act.“

Now we have the Obama administration’s “Identity Ecosystem,“ would allow internet users to submit their credentials to a government or corporate agent in order to verify and catalog their identity. Users would then use a universal ID stored in a “smart” card to access a variety of online goods and services, such as shopping banking and paying bills. While neither consumers nor corporations are mandated to participate in the Identity Ecosystem, once enough corporations take part in the new program, it will be practically impossible for the average consumer to avoid registering as well.

Touted by Howard A. Schmidt, President Obama’s Cybersecurity Czar, for its convenience and so-called ability to enhance online trust and privacy, this Identity Ecosystem is yet another example of the collusion between government and corporate America, with the government providing a framework on which the market is to build an infrastructure of certifiable identification. However, if adopted, this system will certainly result in an overly-regulated bureaucratic system that will jeopardize the sanctity of one’s personal information, as well as one’s privacy and anonymity.

The information contained in the Identity Ecosystem database would be shared amongst a variety of institutions: governmental, financial, and corporate. Clearly, the potentials for abuse are many. If the government wanted to shut you out of the system, whether you’re a suspect in a crime or simply because you’ve spoken up against a government policy, they could do so quite easily. They would be able to rescind your verified credentials and tell Bank of America, Amazon.com or any other corporation to stop doing business with you until the matter is resolved.

Furthermore, corporations would have a field day with the personal information they are able to take from their customers. By observing what purchases and transactions a person makes, the corporate powers will hone their advertising to match the exact tastes of each and every one of us, eliminating the possibility for us to be introduced to new ideas or competing products. Indeed, this is already occurring on websites such as Google and Facebook.

Moreover, while the government insists that its Identity Ecosystem is not an attempt to establish a national ID card—in much the same way that Social Security numbers have come to be relied on by those outside government circles for identification purposes (everyone from cable and credit card companies to hospitals and utility companies)—it will not be long before such a universal online ID becomes a de facto national ID.

Whether maintained by the government or corporate America, the massive database necessary to store such a wealth of identifying information would also be an irresistible treasure trove for cyber thieves. Certainly, between government and corporate entities that have a sorry track record when it comes to securing and respecting the private data of technology users, and hackers and identity thieves with a knack for outfoxing and outmaneuvering security protocols, we’ll find ourselves even more vulnerable to cyber crime and bureaucratic error than ever before. Hacktivist groups such as Anonymous have been particularly successful at accessing and publicizing private information from supposedly secure databanks.

Yet Anonymous is far from being the only group to successfully hack into secure databases. Indeed, highlighting just how vulnerable these systems really are, government and corporate databases have been subjected to a multitude of high-profile attacks in recent years.

For example, in 2006, the Department of Veteran Affairs announced that the personal data of over 17.5 million veterans had been potentially compromised when a laptop containing their information was stolen from the home of an employee. The department offered to keep track of the credit of each person for one year at the cost of $160.5 million to taxpayers. Fortunately, the laptop was later recovered with the data not having been compromised.

In 2007, TJX Company Inc., whose retailers include TJ Maxx and Marshalls, announced that the personal data of more than 45 million customers had been compromised back in 2003.

In 2009, Heartland Payment Systems announced that their database of millions of credit card numbers had been compromised by a small group of hackers.

In February 2011, Aaron Barr, the CEO of HBGary Federal, a security firm with business ties to the federal government, threatened to unmask members of Anonymous, claiming that he had the identities of important members. In response, Anonymous hacked HBGary Federal’s website the next day, stealing hundreds of documents and e-mails. Anonymous stole the report which HBGary Federal was planning to sell to the FBI and released it for free. They also hacked into Aaron Barr’s Twitter account, posting his home address and Social Security number.

While the threats posed by a universal internet ID to one’s privacy and financial security are grave enough, Obama’s Identity Ecosystem would also seriously endanger anonymity and free speech, while giving the government the ultimate weapon for controlling an unruly populace. A key component of any free society is the ability to openly discuss ideas which may be unpopular with government and corporate officials without fear of retribution. Without the protections enshrined in our First Amendment, discourse over the internet would be greatly inhibited, protesters would be unable to organize, and dissidents and activists would be targeted by those in power and locked out of the system.

Similarly, online anonymity not only assures a free exchange of ideas among individuals, it also protects dissidents, victims of abuse, medical patients, and many others. As noted by the U.S. Supreme Court in McIntyre v. Ohio Election Commission, anonymous speech is part of “an honorable tradition of advocacy and dissent.“ Remember, the Federalist Papers and Common Sense were both published anonymously.

Unfortunately, attacks on anonymity are coming from a variety of sources, including corporations, judges, and citizen advocates. Many of these attacks arise out of a concern that anonymity emboldens people with radical agendas, bullies, and those who defame others. Google is one such company attempting to undermine internet users’ right to anonymity.. Their Google+ network, which was ostensibly a social network in the vein of Facebook, does not allow users to register accounts anonymously or with pseudonyms. By identifying users by their official names, Google is then able to track each individual’s internet activities. This is what Google Chairman Eric Schmidt characterizes as an “identity service.“

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that a system that can force people to identify themselves in all areas of their life can easily transition into a system that can shut them out altogether. For instance, a law proposed in the Italian parliament would allow anyone (corporate official or regular citizen) who believes someone is using copyrighted material without permission to report that user’s activities to government authorities. That user would then be barred from accessing the internet merely for being suspected of a crime..

Neither the government nor any single corporation has the right to know every single purchase, transaction and communication a person makes. With the Identity Ecosystem, the concept of having a private sphere of one’s life will be thrown out the window.

The last bastion of democracy may very well be the internet, and the government knows this. When all is said and done, it doesn’t really matter what party controls the White House or Congress, because the objective of our bureaucratic government remains the same: total control—of the nation, of the internet, and ultimately of you and me.

~~  by John Whitehead ~~