Sand Fork
Sand Fork
SAND FORK TOWN HALL: VETERAN’S PLAQUES DEDICATION CEREMONY – May 25, 2013
TOWN OF SAND FORK
VETERAN’S PLAQUES DEDICATION CEREMONY
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013 AT 5:00 PM
SAND FORK TOWN HALL
On Saturday, May 25, 2013at 5:00 PM the Town of Sand Fork will dedicate the first two granite plaques honoring Veterans from the Sand Fork Area and Gilmer County who have or are serving their Country.
The first plaques will list 52 names each, but all names submitted to date will be read and honored at the ceremony.
Additional plaques will be installed as they are filled..
Names may still be submitted to be added the plaques.
Everyone is invited to attend this ceremony.
Questions? Contact Council Members Sue Edwards or Judy Jones.
Father Daughter Dance - June 15, 2013
Attention Attention Attention
Father Daughter Dance
Saturday, June 15, 2013
7:00 – 10:00 PM
Sand Fork Baptist Church Gymnasium
Fathers and Daughters of all ages
$20 a ticket (includes: ticket and 5x7 picture, small souvenir)
Sponsored by: Gilmer County Girl Scouts
Contact: Tracy Thorne or Donna Fox for reserved tickets.
Tracy may be contacted at Sand Fork Elementary or 304.300.8311
Donna Fox may be contacted at 304.462.7009
Must pay to reserve ticket at this time which is Non-refundable, unless Girl Scout issue
Ticket should be purchased no later than June 03, 2013
Dance is semi-formal with a D.J., light show and finger food provided
Please come help the girl scouts celebrate their fathers
Public Notice: Vaccination of Dogs and Cats – 2013
Gilmer County Assessor, Gary L. Wolfe, would like to announce that William R Moodispaw, DVM, will be at the following named places on the dates listed below, to vaccinate dogs and cats AS REQUIRED BY WV CODE §19-20A-1.
All dogs and cats, which have reached SIX MONTHS OF AGE AND HAVE NOT BEEN VACCINATED WITHIN THE PAST 24 MONTHS, are required to be vaccinated before June 01, 2013.
The fee for rabies vaccination will be $8.00 according to WV Code §19-20A-1.
Due to Dr. Moodispaw’s schedule, he will only be at the following locations on the dates and times listed below:
FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2013
08:30 - 09:00 AM Mouth of Jesse’s Run
09:15 - 10:15 AM Tanner
10:30 - 11:15 AM Heiney’s
12:00 - 01:00 PM Dawson’s Farm
01:15 - 02:15 PM Normantown
02:45 - 03:45 PM Cedarville
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013
08:00 - 09:00 AM Court House
09:15 - 10:00 AM Camden Flats
10:15 - 11:15 AM Sand Fork
11:30 - 12:05 PM Mouth of Ellis
01:30 - 02:30 PM Somerville Store
02:45 - 03:30 PM Troy School
GCPSD: Boil Water Advisory for Sand Fork, Dusk Camp Area Has Been Lifted
The Boil Water Advisory for the Sand Fork Extension has been lifted.
GFP - 05.17.2013
Community •
Gilmer County •
Dusk Camp •
Sand Fork •
Stouts Mills •
Events | Announcements •
Advisory | Notice | Cancellation •
(3) Comments •
~~~ Readers' Comments ~~~
Can we be certain that the children at Sand Fork are NOT drinking and washing their hands in the bad water?
By the way—-
What is the status/outcome of Superintendent Blankenship standing in defiance of the Health Department Order to close the Sand Fork School in April when there was not water, and the unsanitary conditions that resulted?
Has there been any testing of students and staff to determine if any hepatitis or other disease issues have resulted in the defiance of Health Department Order?
By GC citizen on 05.17.2013
It is the job of the Principal to make sure the drinking fountains are covered, water to the sinks turned off while providing hand-sanitizer and drinking water plus make sure any water used for meals or dishes has been boiled. Did they do it? Last time someone was too busy looking down their nose with a do what I want attitude. Last time they had no water at all.
By Reason for Concern on 05.17.2013
The boil advisory was lifted on Friday. Today, Sunday in Stouts Mills Area the water is brown and muddy! Is it safe to drink it? Should the advisory have been lifted so soon?
By Concerned Resident on 05.19.2013
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SAND FORK TOWN HALL: VETERAN’S PLAQUES DEDICATION CEREMONY – 05.25.13
TOWN OF SAND FORK
VETERAN’S PLAQUES DEDICATION CEREMONY
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013 AT 5:00 PM
SAND FORK TOWN HALL
On Saturday, May 25, 2013at 5:00 PM the Town of Sand Fork will dedicate the first two granite plaques honoring Veterans from the Sand Fork Area and Gilmer County who have or are serving their Country.
The first plaques will list 52 names each, but all names submitted to date will be read and honored at the ceremony.
Additional plaques will be installed as they are filled..
Names may still be submitted to be added the plaques.
Everyone is invited to attend this ceremony.
Questions? Contact Council Members Sue Edwards or Judy Jones.
GCPSD: Boil Water Advisory for Sand Fork, Dusk Camp Area
On Thursday, May 16, 2013 the Sand Fork line of the Gilmer County PSD will be under a Boil Water Advisory beginning at 8:00 AM from the Lambert Fitzwater residence to the end of the line including the Dusk Camp and Sliding Run area.
The Boil Water Advisory is due to repair of a fire hydrant and will remain in effect until further notice.
G-Editorial™: IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Annual Linkage meetings have been completed for all schools in the county. At those meetings Principals, LSIC members, Teachers and Students presented the state of the state of Gilmer County Schools before the Board of Education and the public.
The Students are to be congratulated. Each presenter was articulate, knowledgeable and captured the audience attention. Did you know we have aspiring artists, journalists, rocket scientists, meteorologists, broadcasters, documentary film producers, story tellers and homemakers in Gilmer County? That we do and so much more to be very proud of.
The Teachers must receive credit for encouraging those young minds and letting them know that they can dream and achieve. Both tenured and new are striving to make our schools a better place. Are we working to support them? That needs to be a question in the forefront when it comes to educating the children. Teaching professionals need to know that their hard work is appreciated. With the introduction of new curriculum known as Common Core the task ahead will not get any easier. We need and must support good Teachers.
Community attendance and interest was very evident at the Sand Fork, Troy and Normantown Elementary meetings. They were upbeat and positive as Principals spoke about their schools future goals and how fun the past year had been. Unfortunately the numbers were very low at the two Glenville school meetings. Is this indicative of a pocket of apathy or perhaps bad timing? Hope public participation improves next year.
It was disturbing that behavioral problems including high numbers of reported physical assaults were an issue reported at Glenville Elementary. The Principal emphasized a need for an elementary alternative learning center to handle problems. One expulsion was documented. There was also one reported at Troy. However the Principal at Troy said they use a room across from the office as their alternative area to separate a problem child, get them refocused and prepared for return to the group setting. That is a proactive response geared to keeping a child in trouble within a peer setting that should be applauded. Gilmer County schools are not overstaffed. It takes caring and quick thinking using the resources at hand to get it done.
Most are aware of incidents at the High School over the past year. The presentation was well done and very informative. Incidents of discipline numbers decreased from the prior year but included documentation of 3 expulsions. A local mother who will have a child entering High School next school year expressed serious concern and wanted to know what was being done about the bullying, bomb threats and drug busts. She reported that State Police said there had been an arrest. This was confirmed by the Principal who stated there were others under investigation but it was an ongoing Police matter and could not be discussed.
The Vice Principal and the State Superintendent voiced the opinion that these things happen at every school and went on to say that many times the first thing they hear of a problem is when the parent calls wanting something done about it. Administrators were in agreement that Parents not taking enough responsibility for their child’s behavior was a contributing factor to the problems here. The Mother reminded them she could not be concerned about other schools, just the one her child attended and demanded to know what was being done. Then members of the Board Of Education spoke up, saying they had no knowledge of any expulsions in Gilmer County. Expulsion indicates total removal of a child from the school system and of those brought before the board this year none had been expelled. It was asked why they were not using the alternative learning experience at the Career Center rather than expel. The senior member stated “We do not throw our children away.” Shortly thereafter the meeting was adjourned.
Since there was no administrative explanation, no denial, the question remains who approved the expulsion of Gilmer County Children? Who is in charge? By WV Code and advisement of the State BOE that is a function of the local board even under intervention.. No child is to be suspended beyond 10 days without being brought before the local board for hearing either in executive session or open public meeting as decided by their parent or legal guardian and may have an attorney present. They are entitled to due process under the law, not to be pushed around at the state’s discretion.‘’
To that end Parents must join together and stay involved guaranteeing not a single Gilmer County child will be tossed to the side. No one can do that but you. Expulsion is a very serious matter that can set the tone for the rest of life. It should be used only as a last resort. Nothing can be done to avoid it, no assistance provided when events are cloaked in secrecy. Apparently you must insist upon being informed. Information will not be offered. Attendance at all school meetings must become a priority.
State BOE, do not take arbitrary action behind closed doors. When it comes to how you treat the children here there can be no secret acts. Protect the student name if the family wishes but follow your own rules and state laws. Follow educated and well thought out procedures. Do this for the only reason you exist, Do this for the good of the children. Expulsion must not become a routine punishment. It solves no problems. It shoves students in trouble out of the door, away from possible help and into a world they are obviously not prepared for. Gilmer County doesn’t give up on its children.
~~ The Gilmer Free Press ~~
Father Daughter Dance - Saturday, 06.15.13
Attention Attention Attention
Father Daughter Dance
Saturday, June 15, 2013
7:00 – 10:00 PM
Sand Fork Baptist Church Gymnasium
Fathers and Daughters of all ages
$20 a ticket (includes: ticket and 5x7 picture, small souvenir)
Sponsored by: Gilmer County Girl Scouts
Contact: Tracy Thorne or Donna Fox for reserved tickets.
Tracy may be contacted at Sand Fork Elementary or 304.300.8311
Donna Fox may be contacted at 304.462.7009
Must pay to reserve ticket at this time which is Non-refundable, unless Girl Scout issue
Ticket should be purchased no later than June 03, 2013
Dance is semi-formal with a D.J., light show and finger food provided
Please come help the girl scouts celebrate their fathers
Community Concerns™: Delegates Walker and Boggs, Why Tolerate Withholding of Information ....
Community Concerns™: Delegates Walker and Boggs, Why Tolerate Withholding of Information for Gilmer County’s Schools
The second year anniversary for the State’s seizure of Gilmer County’s school is near. Seizing control of the schools by the State humiliated the County and to add insult, citizens have not been informed of improvements the State has made during its rule plus the remaining tasks to be completed before the school system can be restored to local control.
The failure of the State to disclose information promotes a belief that it is treating Gilmer’s citizens similar to conquered people under martial law. In addition to be denied information they have no say in how their tax money is used for schools or anything else associated with administration of the County’s public schools.
Despite assurances that the State’s knows what it best for public schools there is no credible proof that in other counties with seized school systems education outcomes have markedly better. Take McDowell County for an example. After a decade of State control too many of its children remain non-proficient in reading and math.
Honorable Delegates, you have authority to require the WV Department of Education to provide citizens with the following information and an urgent appeal is made for your intervention. The information is known to be accessible through your authority as legislators.
# By referring to the audit report preceding the seizure of the County’s schools what are the specific tasks that have been completed to eliminate documented deficiencies?
# What specific tasks remain to be completed before all the school system’s deficiencies are corrected?
# What is the State’s schedule for completing remaining tasks to enable citizens to know when the school system can be returned to local control, and why did the State fail to submit its official exit plan promised in 2012?
With the State’s present way of doing business it appears that it authorized itself open ended options to do as it pleases with Gilmer County’s schools while avoiding any accountability, an anathema to good government.
GFP - 05.13.2013
Community •
Calhoun County •
Gilmer County •
Glenville •
Normantown •
Sand Fork •
Troy •
CommunityConcerns™ •
Education •
Politics | Government | Election •
Local •
State-WV •
(13) Comments •
~~~ Readers' Comments ~~~
Taking away local oversight caused more than one problem. The Super hired a principal for Troy who was unable to work and he was paid anyway, the Super failed to secure natural gas access for the new Linn school and that blunder will cost taxpayers unnecessary money because of higher electricity costs, and we hear that the Super plans to use excess levy money to purchase the school site along Cedar Creek. Before the election he assured us that the money was needed for basic expenses to keep the school system functioning and nothing was disclosed about its use to purchase land. We were hoodwinked big time folks. What else is there that we don’t know about because of the State’s lid on information?
By Ralph Morgan on 05.13.2013
Gilmer residents who voted for the levy should know their tax money is not used for students as indicated. Just to mention one, Blankenship illegally used the excess levy funds to replace the phone system for about $80,000.00.
There was not anything wrong with the phone system when he replaced them. But now we have a system, which does not work and does not function as promised. In Gilmer County under state control the kids and teachers are not first.
By a boe employee [23] on 05.13.2013
There are very important legal issues that need addressed in this Gilmer School debacle.
Apparently both Superintendent Blankenship and principal Butcher have stated publicly, that there have been several students expelled from school.
Expulsions from more than one school.
The elected school board was not informed nor were they involved either.
Discipline and school trips were the only two items your school board can vote on. These issues are under their control.
Seems Blankenship has taken it upon himself alone to be the “court of expulsion” without informing or involving the school board.
These students and their parents were denied their “day of court” with the school board being excluded.
How long must Gilmer County citizens be treated in this fashion?
Governor Tomblin and Delegate Boggs and Walker. Please help!
Obviously there is NO oversight of Blankenship. There is NO oversight of the State of West Virginia Board of Education.
Governor, Delegates. You have a responsibility to resolve these issues.
By its your elected duty on 05.13.2013
I attended one of the levy meetings where Superintendent Blankenship and Board President Bill Simmons was actually telling all of us how desperate this levy was for the children. The levys funds would be used to buy books and tablets that were needed but there was not enough money in the budget to purchase. The Superintendent and the school board appeared to be ‘selling’ the levy to those of us attending.
Are you saying that the levy funds are and will not be used as was presented to us in the public meetings?
By really? on 05.13.2013
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
If the school board, as a balanced group of elected representatives are supposed to have control of discipline, but Blankenship jumps ahead of the Board, wouldn’t the parents and students have a solid basis for a suit against both Blankenship and the State ? Parents, you need to speak out!
So how many times has this happened that the board and no one else is aware of?
What makes Blankenship think he has been appointed judge, jury and hangman for our Gilmer County children?
By where's the oversight on 05.13.2013
To the Board of Ed[23] employee and the 80K unnecessary, non-working phone system. The bus drivers say that their bus radios were working OK when Blankenship had them replaced. Can you tell us how much that cost the taxpayer? Do you know how much the salary was that was paid to the Troy Principal who never showed even one day for work? And people wonder why the taxpayers are hissed off with this mafia payola system?
Superintendent Blankenship. You are a *radio guy* ? How about telling where all those good used radios reside today? Tell your school board in a public meeting, so everyone knows.
By in crooked county on 05.13.2013
Buying unnecessary stuff is a habit of Blankenship. This is the way he makes his kickbacks under the table!
By think about it on 05.13.2013
This glaring example of purposely withholding information from the public extends to Mr. Ted Matterin, Mr. Charles Heinlein, Dr. Linger, Gayle Manchin, and Governor Tomblin. The problem could be resolved within days if the individuals would exhibit courage to act. An investigation needs to be done to expose how State interventions have failed, what the expenses to WV taxpayers have been, and how our public school children have suffered from the gross incompetency while the State tinkered over the years. Does anyone know if Ron Blankenship receives his 120 K salary in addition to his State retirement money, and does Ted Matterin get his consulting fees paid in addition to his regular State retirement? It is no wonder that the individuals do not want to speed up the return of our schools to County control because it is would be against their financial interests.
By J. D. Lingenfelter on 05.14.2013
Mrs. Hurley, could the Coalition get us information for the compensation for Ron Blankenship and Ted Matterin for a GFP posting? Citizens have a right to know. This school mess raises serious questions about who profits from funds being spent and the treatment of Williamson and Shriver is one of many issues needing to be looked into. Why does the firm get what is believed to be no-bid contacts to have a monopoly on school building projects? Is any of Mark Manchin’s SBA money to W & S from federal sources to give the feds justification for investigating?
By Earl Batson on 05.14.2013
Good point Earl Batson. Remember, the ‘education budget’ portion of state expenses, is over 50% of the entire state budget. Mark Manchin is son of A.J., former treasurer. Remember that deal? If our new AG ever starts investigating corruption, he will need to at least double his staff.
By Anonymous For a Reason on 05.14.2013
Earl B. So sorry to be late responding, had some down time. Last year’s BOE financial statement showed Mr. Blankenship receiving $123,000 and a little over $4,000 in travel. As to Mr. Mattern, I will try to find who issues his contract and if we would be provided that info or will a Freedom of Information request necessary.
I know that Gilmer County BOE did not hire W&S. There was no bid.The state issued that contract. It is my understanding the state has a list of “approved vendors”. I believed those were vendors that meet state criteria such as insurance, bonding, product specs. etc. I have found no evidence that being included on that list exempts a company or an entity from the laws regarding public improvements and bidding whether education or no.
By N Hurley on 05.15.2013
Norma, are Blankenship and Matterin double dipping to receive their regular State retirement benefits plus full compensation for their school system work too This is information WV taxpayers should know. Thank you.
By O. B. Rankin on 05.16.2013
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Public Notice: Vaccination of Dogs and Cats – 2013
Gilmer County Assessor, Gary L. Wolfe, would like to announce that William R Moodispaw, DVM, will be at the following named places on the dates listed below, to vaccinate dogs and cats AS REQUIRED BY WV CODE §19-20A-1.
All dogs and cats, which have reached SIX MONTHS OF AGE AND HAVE NOT BEEN VACCINATED WITHIN THE PAST 24 MONTHS, are required to be vaccinated before June 01, 2013.
The fee for rabies vaccination will be $8.00 according to WV Code §19-20A-1.
Due to Dr. Moodispaw’s schedule, he will only be at the following locations on the dates and times listed below:
FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2013
08:30 - 09:00 AM Mouth of Jesse’s Run
09:15 - 10:15 AM Tanner
10:30 - 11:15 AM Heiney’s
12:00 - 01:00 PM Dawson’s Farm
01:15 - 02:15 PM Normantown
02:45 - 03:45 PM Cedarville
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013
08:00 - 09:00 AM Court House
09:15 - 10:00 AM Camden Flats
10:15 - 11:15 AM Sand Fork
11:30 - 12:05 PM Mouth of Ellis
01:30 - 02:30 PM Somerville Store
02:45 - 03:30 PM Troy School
Father Daughter Dance - 06.15.13
Attention Attention Attention
Father Daughter Dance
Saturday, June 15, 2013
7:00 – 10:00 PM
Sand Fork Baptist Church Gymnasium
Fathers and Daughters of all ages
$20 a ticket (includes: ticket and 5x7 picture, small souvenir)
Sponsored by: Gilmer County Girl Scouts
Contact: Tracy Thorne or Donna Fox for reserved tickets.
Tracy may be contacted at Sand Fork Elementary or 304.300.8311
Donna Fox may be contacted at 304.462.7009
Must pay to reserve ticket at this time which is Non-refundable, unless Girl Scout issue
Ticket should be purchased no later than June 03, 2013
Dance is semi-formal with a D.J., light show and finger food provided
Please come help the girl scouts celebrate their fathers
Kathleen “Kathy” Jackson
Kathleen “Kathy” Jackson
On May 07, 2013, our beloved, Mother, Sister, Soon-to-be Grandma, Aunt, and dear Friend, Kathleen “Kathy” Jackson, left this earth. Her ever-lasting spirit returning home, forever taking its rightful place, along-side our dear Heavenly Father. She was surrounded by her loving sons and caring family members.
Kathy was born June 30, 1952, in Princeton, WV, to Ennis and John McCabe.
Kathy attended Concord College, graduating in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She then went on to receive her license to practice social work in 1974. Kathy touched the lives of so many people with her smile and generosity. This amazing lady dedicated her life to social work. She started at Bluefield Regional Hospital where she spent eight years before moving to Princeton Community Hospital for the next twenty-five years. She was passionate about connecting with patients and families to assist in difficult decisions. Kathy was a caring person who only looked for the good in people and treated everyone with generosity.
She was active in various committees at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
After the death of her darling husband Jackie Jackson in 1997 Kathy demonstrated her skills as a fighter and survivor overcoming several health obstacles while still maintaining her independence. In her spare time she enjoyed reading and cooking but mostly loved spending time with her family, in particular her two sons.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ennis McCabe, and her husband Jackie Jackson.
She will be forever missed by two sons, Brent Eugene Jackson and his wife Andrea Ramezan-Jackson of Washington, D.C., and John Daniel Jackson of Princeton; one grandson due in July; one sister, Patricia E. “Pat” Johnson and her husband John of Princeton; two brothers, James P. “Dobber” McCabe of Princeton and Michael F. “Mike” McCabe of Charleston; two nephews, Kevin McCabe and Brian McCabe and his wife Amanda; two nieces, Christina Naylor and Kerry McCabe; two great-nephews, Aaron and Brady McCabe; and two great-nieces, Brooke and Addison McCabe.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 11, 2013, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Princeton with Father Paul Wharton as Celebrant.
Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Friends may call from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM Friday, May 10, 2013, at Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton where a Christian Wake Service will be conducted at 7:30 PM.
The Jackson family is being served by Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton.
G-LtE™: Gilmer County It is Time to Act
Well Gilmer County, here we are. Our school system is still under State intervention and we still have unanswered facilities issues. For the second consecutive year the Superintendent’s request for SBA consolidation funding was denied.
The plan, one elementary school to be located on Little Crooked Run is an attempt to bring all students in to one central location. Once more a plan that fails to meet the transportation timeline requirements established in W.V. Code and greatly increases the cost. This is a plan to build a school that will have no gymnasium, no library and no auditorium. Is that what you really want? Do we really want to have to drive the children from a secondary to a main road in order to catch a bus? Don’t even think about the “hollers”.
I write this letter to discover if it is fact that the Parents, Grandparents, Caregivers and Tax Payers really want just one elementary school in Gilmer County. Will that meet the needs? We know it cannot meet the laws. President Simmons reports on the desire of every citizen he has spoken to and has reported to our Board of Education that they speak in favor of this one school. Is this reality or, given the fact there is no project started, would you like to see Gilmer County have the opportunity to vote on a bond issue to be used to construct a second school? Would you like to see a vote on that? One funded by Gilmer County Taxpayer bonds to run concurrent with funding for a second to be requested from the W.V. School Building Authority. If we are ever going to do this the time is now. Another funding cycle and it will be too late. Permission has to come from the State Board of Education to even try. We are quickly reaching the point of now or never.
Fayette County school district has been under state authority for quite some time but was recently granted approval to vote for bonds and avoid unwanted consolidation through WV State Board of Education. Fayette County was given the legal right and opportunity for their citizen’s voice to be heard no matter what the outcome.
Why shouldn’t Mr. Blankenship and State Board of Education Superintendent James B. Phares restore that same right to the people of Gilmer County? It is a question some feel should be asked and can be pursued if that is the will of the people. SBA Director Manchin has indicated to both the Democrat reporter and Coalition Facilitator they would look favorably on such an effort. It was the original deal.
If our right to vote is returned we can debate whether one should be located close to town but toward Sand Fork (already SBA approved) and possibly one at the also approved Letter Gap site, maybe one for 240 students and one for 155 to accommodate our remaining 395? Or discuss any other possibilities you want. Gilmer County can come to an intelligent consensus if given options and the opportunity to hear proposals and be part of the decision making process. Surely this is food for thought for all concerned Gilmer County citizens? If we funded a bond and consolidated to two schools would there be reason for the large excess levy that supported four?
Most know we don’t need 79 acre sites for an elementary school. A future high school was projected by Superintendent Blankenship, Principal Butcher and President Simmons in public meeting not to be needed for at least 15 years. A high school must meet the centralized need of the students for Glenville State College and Calhoun/Gilmer Career Center access and, given a greater amount of time by law to transport the older students, can be done. That must be for future discussion at a more relevant time. Today, the needs of our youngest are on the table.
Hope to see community comments to this letter, It will also be taken to the Glenville Democrat/Pathfinder as well. Mr. Ramezan, Mr. Corcoran, will you please run a public opinion poll asking whether Gilmer County feels the need of one elementary school or two and if they would vote for a bond issue to fund a second school? The time is now. This is the last chance to even try. After one school is funded it will be too late. The subject must be broached to the State before time runs out to try and make it possible. Neighbors, your consideration and feelings on this important issue would be appreciated.
~~ Author on File ~~
GFP - 05.07.2013
Community •
Gilmer County •
Glenville •
Normantown •
Sand Fork •
Troy •
CommunityConcerns™ •
Education •
Opinions | Commentary | G-LtE™ | G-Comm™ | G-OpEd™ •
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State-WV •
(16) Comments •
~~~ Readers' Comments ~~~
No matter what I WANT MY RIGHT TO A VOTE! What makes the State Board of Education think they have any right to take that for any reason? This is a Gilmer County problem not the states and they need to exercise some common sense and stop the bullying.
We would vote for two schools. This one central idea is not practical and will only cause hardship for people having to drag their kids out even earlier to get them to a bus stop or find a babysitter and it will hit our local BOE budget hard in the end. I know that is the fact of what will come from this. Mr. Blankenship warned parents to expect it from the day he was put here. The man won’t even show the new attendance area maps and we know he had to work on them for the Lewis County school let alone this Crooked Run.
By Don't Take My Rights on 05.07.2013
WHY is 79 acres necessary or even being considered? The site where they wanted to purchase is not a good location to start with. I wonder if they considered about getting students home when the roads are snow covered and they would have to travel up the steep hill from the Crooked Run site or high water. Where would they place the students in case of a bomb threat, in the woods maybe? Would be a long WALK to the college. Where are the heads of all these high paying positions people that have the big degrees but no COMMON SENSE. I can tell you where their heads are and it is not pleasant. Build the one school for the county that they say will have no gymnasium, no library, and no auditorium? Wow, we have SMART people in control. After all Gilmer County wants to be noted for their smartness. There you are, “here’s your sign.“ I am in favor of firing every single one from the county level to the state level. Pull some people with common sense off the street and give them the jobs. They certainly could not do any worse than what we have representing us now. I hope the elites who are behind all this stupidity for this county is held accountable and would step up to the bat and say hey we made a mistake in what we are doing and do what is right for the kids. I don’t think that will happen, but one can always hope.
By Sad but so true on 05.07.2013
West Virginia Constitution 12-10. Creation of independent free school districts.
No independent free school district, or organization shall hereafter be created, except with the consent of the school district or districts out of which the same is to be created, expressed by a majority of the voters voting on the question…..................................
They didn’t ask Troy and Alum Bridge to vote. Now they want to combine the rest no questions to be asked or answered? Free? Where’s the freedom?
Linger wants to say they are giving more local control, to who? Show us where. You guys haven’t said a word about intervention counties. Neither did you Governor. Did we disappear when you waved your magic wand and labelled us a problem? Do you consider us serfs to the master? Seems so. What, do you just pick an area and say well you’re not free anymore, you don’t matter and can’t be part of this state? You don’t have a voice and what you think doesn’t count because we say so? We’ll tell you what to do with your children and you better like it?
HECK NO!
By Put It To a Vote on 05.07.2013
Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn’t there a referendum for a bond a couple of years ago to pay a portion of the funds for building two new elementary schools? And wasn’t this referendum voted down?
It would seem to fly in the face of the author’s argument for a solution. I would think the reason it failed is the majority of the property owners and therefore tax payers for such a bond either don’t have kids in the schools or don’t believe that such a solution will address the real issues. I don’t know, but I do know that such a vote was held and I wonder where was the push then? To do the process again will take much more than just a vote, it requires plans, lawyers, etc. John Bennett could enlighten all on the effort, but I assure you it is no small undertaking in time or effort.
By Roger Moore on 05.07.2013
Does anyone know the cost of the Crooked Run site as well as the other two sites that were looked at? Shouldn’t that be part of the discussion?
By anonymous on 05.07.2013
Bus travel time is an important part of the placement of any school in our county, isn’t it? Gayle Manchin sits on this board so I have read. Husband Senator Manchin signed into WV Law limiting bus ride time limits for our children. This is all the more reason to see that schools are built at locations for the travel time to meet those requirements.
By anyone watching? on 05.07.2013
To Mr. Moore,
I would support a bond for two schools. The real reason it failed before is because the all the choices presented to the people included major renovations for the high school. We need to focus on the young children right now, like the writer said. Let’s take one step at a time and do the right thing for our kids. According to the article in the Democrat last week, Mark Manchin said the SBA would build a school if the tax payers would build one. Let’s take him up on that offer!
By Rose [1] on 05.07.2013
That first bond was voted down because the majority WANTED TO KEEP ALL OF THEIR SCHOOLS and not consolidate at all. We wanted to save our communities and did not know we had no other choice. Nobody told us it wouldn’t matter what we wanted but that has become very clear now that Troy Elementary was thrown away by the State appointed Superintendent.
It needs to go back to the ballot. That’s the only way Gilmer County can have ANY SAY about ANYTHING that happens when it comes to education now. This one school absolutely won’t serve our needs and puts children and families in a terrible position. Those folks who bring their kids in on their way to work from out Sand Fork way won’t find it so great to drive over to Crooked Run and back to Glenville to work, then back over the bridge and back to town just to pick up their children & get home.Let alone for any extra curricular activities. (if there are any). With the High School out there the cost and wear & tear to get the buses back and forth to the career center and GSC will go higher and take twice as long. With no gym and the other schools gone the only way the kids can play basketball will be if they can get time in the High School gym. Don’t be so quick to give my right to vote away just because some self appointed big shot thinks they know what’s best for us. From what we experienced since this takeover happened I say vote on it.
By O. A. Hill on 05.07.2013
Mr. Moore maybe you need to work on your math skills.The author’s argument is very valid. When that bond was voted down for 2 schools what did we have left? Four, not one. I don’t think there’s a soul would doubt if the bond was ran for one school it would have been voted down even faster and by an even higher margin.
Our schools are the heart of our communities. Now the state wants to tear that heart out and stomp on it calling that progress. We’ve produced some pretty successful adults from those small buildings and nobody wants to see them go. But if they must, then I say we have to try for two. One school just won’t cut it for Gilmer County. If Pickens can have a PK-12 school built for 37 and Ritchie an elementary school at Smithville for 89, both funded by the SBA, then there’s no reason our county can’t have two. The topography and areas of population density demand that at the very least.
If the state won’t help Gilmer County then we’ll have to help ourselves. It’s not the first time but just let them know it will be the last time the Governor and this do nothing Commission gets a check on the ballot from me or mine and wouldn’t count on too many excess levies if Blankenship doesn’t give us the right to vote on this.
By J.P. on 05.07.2013
When the voters voted down consolidating 4 schools into 2, that should have been the end of the consolidation business. The problem in education is not schools with too few children in them. The problem is government control of education in the first place. Parents and teachers should decide how schools should operate - not bureaucrats in some office who have no vested interest in what happens to the children involved. The state took over Gilmer County schools because they wanted to control people, not to improve education!
By Karen Pennebaker on 05.07.2013
Whomever “J.P.“ is, has summed it up well. The fact the SBA has funded small schools in other sparsely populated counties, basically says ‘Gilmer buzz off’. We are treated as second class probably because someone has the ego drive to think that Gilmer County needs an ‘all-in-one’ show palace. You can rather guess that idea would manifest from top of Court Street.
Education is supposed to be about exactly that. Education. Educating children, preparing them for life in the real world. Not stroking the ego of self serving elites.
The Democrat party has kept a strangle hold on our State and look how we stack up? Bottom of every measure. You see it everywhere you look in our community too.
Sorry to say many of my family have checked that block too. Do not look for any of them to repeat their mistake again. The other side is not much different, but they will
get all our votes from here forward.
Ike Morris runs this county. We all know that. Ike, get us some small schools built. Talk to Earl Ray, Joe, Brent, Dave and the rest. Do what is right for Gilmer County.
Maybe we would think different by the next election.
By please on 05.08.2013
Mr. Moore. Most of the voters I have talked with, voted against the levy because they felt it did not address the somewhat complicated school issues. There were not enough, rather not the proper options put in front of the voter. It failed for that reason. Likely a *well thought out plan* would still pass in the county. I know several that would support a bond. The right options would have to be in place with community input. I do not think either, that it was a money deal that killed it. Bad plans.
By anonymous on 05.08.2013
In response to previous question. The Sand Fork site was offered for less than $70,000 at the time, nothing was ever said about the Lettergap pricing but the reported price for this Crooked Run is just shy of a half million for more land than any elementary school would ever need. The Lewis County site Gilmer supposed to pay $167,500 as half the cost. No sense applies when it comes to spending other people’s money. If the state’s buying shoot for the moon is the rule for people with no conscience. Until recent years this county did its level best to stay in the black and work with what we had. That doesn’t seem to be what the greedy want. Just spend it all, ask for more and say what’s the problem?
By Needs to Change on 05.08.2013
Resolution on Behalf of the Gilmer County Board of Education
Authorizing a Lease Purchase Agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Ms. Heather Hutchens Deskins, General Counsel to the WVBE and WVDE, presented a resolution on behalf of the Gilmer County Board of Education authorizing a lease purchase agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc. for the Board’s consideration. Gilmer County Schools wishes to finance the purchase of Motorola school bus communications equipment in the amount of $114,538.66 with financing at 4.59% interest, payable over five years with annual payments of $26,156.42 from Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Dr. Johnson moved that the WVBE adopt, on behalf of the Gilmer County Board of Education, the resolution authorizing the Lease Purchase Agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc. Ms. Phillips seconded the motion and upon the call for the question the motion was carried unanimously. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment L.)
Just a little reminder from Sept 5, 2012 of what the state BOE likes about Gilmer County… They obligated us for five years of debt and didn’t even bat an eye. In the meanwhile most sat here with their hands over their mouths keeping still and ignoring the ones who tried to let them know like good little puppets. How far has that gotten us?
By Lily [1] on 05.08.2013
The Office of Education Performance Audits recommended the West Virginia Board of Education return local control of the county school system to McDowell pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding between the two boards effective July 1, 2013, subject to three conditions:
- The current appointed superintendent, Nelson Spencer, remains in that position for four years
- Training is provided to the McDowell County board in the following areas: personnel, finance, and board leadership
- The McDowell board be mindful that it is under the watchful eye of the WVBOE as noted in West Virginia Code 18-2E-5 (q)(2), which indicates the state board may intervene immediately in the operation of the county school system, “… if the state board finds the following: That the conditions precedent to intervention exist as provided in this section and that the state board had previously intervened in the same school system and had concluded the intervention within the preceding five years.”
GEE, I’D LIKE TO CONGRATULATE MCDOWELL COUNTY BUT JUST AM NOT SURE WHAT FOR. STILL A STATE SUPER,FIVE YEARS PROBATION, STILL NO MONEY, STILL TERRIBLE BUILDINGS AND THEIR BOARD WILL BE WATCHED AND WORRIED LIKE POOR CHILDREN WONDERING IF THE WELFARE WORKER IS GOING TO COME TAKE THEM AWAY AGAIN.
By But Lot's of Luck on 05.08.2013
McDowell has been told. ‘You all listen up here’. Its a false ‘return’. They state is STILL controlling the school district. State Board of Ed is simply hiding behind the smoke and mirrors.
By dogandponyshow on 05.09.2013
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Daily G-Eye™ : 05.06.13
From the Glenville State Art Club bench project with students from
Glenville Elementary School, Normantown Elementary School, Sand Fork Elementary School
Troy Elementary School, Gilmer County High School, and Glenville State College.
Gilmer Public Library - Glenville, 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”
Sand Fork: AMERICAN BAPTIST WOMEN’S MINISTRIES GARAGE SALE/ BAKE SALE
MAY 02,03,04, 1013 – Thursday thru Saturday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM DAILY
1101 SAND FORK ROAD
(Near Mack Worl Bridge)
Sand Fork, WV
David and Beverly Pritt Residence
Baked Goods, good quality clothing, household items and other yard sale items something for everyone
Janice I. Martin
Janice I. Martin
Age 83, of Glenville, West Virginia, departed this life at 8:55 AM, April 30, 2013 in the St. Mary’s Hospital, Huntington, West Virginia follow an extended illness.
Born October 30, 1929 in Gilmer County, West Virginia, daughter of the late Albert and Eva Spencer Maxwell.
Janice was a graduate of Tanner High School, class of 1949, graduate of Glenville State College in 1961 with degrees in Home Economics and English. She taught school at Lewis County High School, Tunnelton High School in Preston County, Byesville High School in Byesville, Ohio, and her last job was Food Service Supervisor for the Calhoun County Board of Education.
She loved sewing, knitting, crocheting, and especially quilting.
She also attended the Church of God of Prophecy in Sand Fork, West Virginia.
On May 24, 1969 she was united in Marriage to L. Clifford Martin who preceded her in death on October 22, 1977.
Surviving are 1 son, Jerry Maxwell and wife Barbara of Cross Lanes, West Virginia, 1 grandchild, Kayla Bailey and husband Cameron of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, 3 brothers, Albert W. Maxwell and Willis J. “Jack” Maxwell both of Glenville, WV, and Frederick L. Maxwell of Mentor, Ohio, and 2 sisters, Louella Stalnaker and Mary Ann Radabaugh both of Glenville, WV.
Along with her parents and husband, Janice was preceded in death by 2 sister-in-laws, Donna and Betty Maxwell, 1 brother-in-law, Lyonel Stalnaker , 1 niece, Karen Phillips, and 1 great-nephew, Tyler Maxwell.
Funeral Services will be conducted at the Ellyson Mortuary Inc., 2 Vanhorn Drive, Glenville, WV 26351, at 1:00 PM, Saturday May 04, 2013 with Pastor Bryan Groves officiating.
Burial will follow in the Job’s Temple Cemetery, WV Hwy 5 West of Glenville.
Friends may call Saturday from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, the funeral hour.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Job’s Temple, C/O Louella Stalnaker, 9 Lorentz Drive, Glenville WV. 26351.
Ellyson Mortuary Inc. is assisting the family of Janice Martin with arrangements.
G-FYI™: Who Is Auditing The State’s Screw Ups? They Knew Better, Didn’t They?
The public should know this incident happened on April 18, 2013 at Sand Fork Elementary School in Gilmer County, WV. The school system is under state control with Ron Blankenship as state appointed superintendent.
The following is part of INTERCEPTED LETTERS, enough to show you how the Gilmer County Schools are run by Mr. Blankenship who is known to say “I am not aware of it”, “Everything is under Control”, and “this type of decisions are above my pay grade.”
Gilmer County Board of Health
Carl E. Nichols, M.D., Health Officer
809 Medical Drive Suite #3
Glenville, WV 26351
April 23, 2013
Ms. Marian Swinker, Commissioner for Public Health
Bureau for Public Health
350 Capital Street, 7th Floor
Charleston, WV 25301
Re: Written Statement—- Water outage at Sand Fork Elementary School in Gilmer County
Dear Dr. Swinker;
Here is the Written Statement you requested. The Health Department staff and myself worked together to get it wrote up correctly.
We first received a call from Gilmer PSD around 8:20 AM stating that the water was turned off at Sand Fork area due to a water line break. Around that same time, Carol Beam, Administrator, faxed to the Board of Education and to Sand Fork Elementary School a copy of the Environmental Health Procedure Manual section: Drinking Water, Procedure # DW-18 {2 pages).
Around 10:15 received the second call from PSD saying "all pressure has been released."
Around 10:30 AM we started receiving calls from the staff at Sand Fork Elementary School regarding the unsanitary conditions. "No way to wash our hands, no way to flush the toilets, some children are gagging from the foul odors." We got other calls from parents complaining also.
After discussing the complaints with the Administrator, Carol Beam, she called Superintendent Ron Blankenship to discuss the problem. Mr. Blankenship told her everything was under control. They had gotten some drinking water and the Fire Department was bringing water to flush the toilets. Mr. Blankenship was then informed by Ms. Beam that the Health Officer and the Public Health Nurse were going to make a site visit to the school to evaluate what was going on. Mr. Blankenship then informed Ms. Beam that "that was not necessary, but do whatever you want to do".
As we were leaving to go to the school, we received another call from (does not want name mentioned, for fear of losing job), who stated that they were in the process of flushing the toilets with the fire department water hose, there was too much pressure and feces, urine, toilet paper and water went everywhere, in the bathroom floor and into the hallway.
As the Public Health Nurse and I arrived on scene [Sand Fork Elementary School], it appeared they were cleaning up the floor with water the fire department had brought.
Upon some further investigation, myself and the public Health Nurse come to the conclusion that it was not safe for children or staff to be there at this time, due to unhealthy and unsanitary conditions.
Mrs. Radabaugh, Acting Principal was informed that the school needed to be closed until repairs could be made and the place properly cleaned and sanitized.
I then called Mike Pickens, State Board of Education to update him on his findings and recommendations, as he requested I do.
Mr. Pickens agreed with my action to close the school till repairs were done and the place was cleaned and sanitized properly. Mr. Pickens stated that his office backed me 100%.
Called Mr. Blankenship [Gilmer County Superintendent of Schools] by telephone, his extension, no answer, left a message on his voice mail informing of my Actions and my conversation, and of the State Board of Education's Approval to shut down Sand Fork Elementary School till repairs were done and it was properly cleaned, sanitized and inspected.
Received a phone call from a school employee stating they just received a phone call from the BOE secretary with a message from Mr. Blankenship that “school will not close until regular closing time.”
I then called Mr. Pickens, State Board of Education office and updated him as to Mr. Blankenship's' behavior, that Mr. Blankenship was defiling my Order to close the school. And he was keeping the school open till normal closing hour. This action was placing the students and staff at risk of infection. The contaminated area had not been cleansed or sanitized properly. Mr. Pickens stated he would have to report this to his superior, Mr. Heinland, who in turn would call Mr. Blankenship and resolve this issue. He would call me if any problems or questions arose.
I received no further calls from Mr. Pickens or Mr. Heiland.
Friday morning I found out that school was not shut down, and it remained open as usual. I heard nothing back from Mr. Pickens or from Mr. Heiland. Therefore I assumed the problem was taken care of on Thursday.
I also called Gene Johnson, Board of Health President to make him aware of what was going on. I attempted to call BOE office—- no answer.
Amy Atkins, Division of Local Health Director, was contacted at this time. She will investigate this matter and get back in touch with me.
Carol Beam, GCHD [Gilmer County Health Department] Administrator called Chief Sanitarian, Penny Mangold of Fairmont District Office, to come and do an inspection before Monday. She did come down on Friday and did the inspection. She will send me a report as soon as she gets all information put together.
The Health Department received a phone call around 10:15 on Friday, April 19th from the Gilmer PSD stating "the boil water advisory had been lifted.
On Tuesday, April 23, I received a phone call from Amy Atkins, Director of Local Health. She had spoken with you regarding all of the above. She stated to me that everything was handled correctly and that I did have the authority to shut the school down. The BOE does not have a Health Officer; therefore they must follow the county Health Officer’s recommendations.
I hope I did not overstep my boundaries. I did what I felt was best for the children and staff at the school. lf there was something handled incorrectly, please let me know. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Carl E. Nichols, M.D.
Gilmer County Bd. Of Health Officer
cc: Gilmer County Board of Health
Gilmer county BOE members
Amy Atkins, Director of Local Health
Mike Pickens, State BOE
Click H E R E to See the Printable Intercepted Letters
Finally, the following is a quote from WV State Superintendent of Schools:
“...I do know that county boards of education or superintendents do not have the authority to refute an order from a public health officer. “
James B. Phares
GFP - 05.01.2013
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Gilmer County •
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(21) Comments •
~~~ Readers' Comments ~~~
Total disrespect for Gilmer County children,their families and even employees now a proven fact. Remember when the kids had to stand out at the bus stops in sub-freezing wind chills because this Superintendent wouldn’t delay start time? Fear of this state driven totalitarian regime is now documented.The water was off the next day in Troy but with Mr. Blankenship not available to stop it the school was closed for the day as it should have been. Ronald Blankenship, State Board of Education, it is time for you to GO! You came in here with no good cause and based on your actions no good purpose in mind. Knowing better, you to feel no responsibility to do better. Urine and feces blown out into the hallways and you left children as young as four years old in the building the rest of the day?
By The Last Straw on 05.01.2013
Get this James B Phares, if even one of these kids get diarrhea or an infection we will see you in court!They couldn’t wash their hands, how did you keep little ones from sitting on those dirty toilets? How did you feed them lunch? Who do you really think you are?
By Believe It on 05.01.2013
What a disgrace. The Superintendent has actually committed a crime against our little children. Teachers, did you file a grievance with your union? You have a big part in this mess too. Quite apparent, the State has placed someone in charge that is clueless, no common sense, no respect for anyone. Just in it for the dollars!
By Anonymous on 05.01.2013
Gov. Tomblin is absolutely right. State Education needs more oversight! Governor - - - Are you up to it?
By doesn't seem so on 05.01.2013
Sure Phares, that’s what you said to a parent over a case when you were Randolph County Super. So now that your over the state office the rule doesn’t apply anymore? Your own Deputy was called, Mr.Chuck Heinlein, so you were well informed. Who did Michael Pickens call for instructions? You. Mr.Pickens as State Facilities Director you are in charge of school closures. If you don’t believe it review your own areas of responsibility on the WVDE website.
This is one more case of turning Blankenship loose on the citizens and children of Gilmer County to take revenge on the voters that would not renew his contract here or support his candidacy later on
.
Governor Tomblin, Delegate Boggs, Delegate Walker, you too must stand responsible for not exercising Legislative oversight of the people you not only put in power but also fund via state budgets. It is you who must hold them accountable. They are not within reach of the voters but remember, you are.
If something is not done about the gross mistreatment of Gilmer and the other intervention counties of this state it can be safely predicted that you will be the ones paying the political price.
What would you do if your grandchildren were forced to stay put in such an environment? Oh, that’s right, they would have closed the school for you because if not,someone would pay.
Do something to actually help the people of this state.Instead of faking protection of the children by interventions designed to get at the checkbook, actually protect them. Put some common sense, responsibility and accountability behind your actions or don’t be surprised come next election.
By Please: Think Beyond Your Own Wants on 05.01.2013
In any other area, those children would have been sent home right then. What on earth do people in this county have to do to convince the state education department that the state takeover has been a total disaster? If I were a parent at Sand Fork, my children would not set foot in there until there were some answers to why children were literally kept captive under unsanitary conditions. The principal should not have needed the superintendent’s permission to decide the area was unsafe. If Dr. Nichols said it was unsanitary, that should have been enough to close the school.
By Karen Pennebaker on 05.01.2013
This situation goes well beyond anything that the community can resolve. Delegate Boggs, Walker, and others need to involve themselves and see that Superintendent Blankenship is removed. There certainly appears to be continuing, ongoing issues with this gentleman since day one when the State took over our schools. Quite obvious the state education department is either unable or unwilling to clean up the mess they have so well created. What a shame that little kids and school staff have to be subjected to such as this.
By anonymous on 05.01.2013
Mr. Heinlein, on the WVBOE organizational chart you are directly under Mr. Phares. The line runs straight to him with no other area of responsibility. The buck gets passed to you and stops with him. Please give one good reason why the people of Gilmer County should have to stomach such vile maltreatment. Our county pays $123,000 at your direction for a Superintendent with no ethics,moral compass or class. Are you cut from the same cloth? If so you and your boss should resign immediately. While you are at it take the State Board with you. Your kind of oversight is not needed. I read that letter Phares wrote to the citizen. In it he compares himself to a gatekeeper. Too many Ghost Busters movies, not enough human decency would be my guess.
By Pickles on 05.01.2013
If there was NO water, how could the cooks prepare and serve food!!!!????
Not to be able to wash hands…...is STRICTLY AGAINST ALL FOOD HANDLERS RULES AND LAWS ! ! !
Blankenship is doing Governor Tomblin, State School Superintendent James Phares, State Board President Wade Linger real proud.
This would make a GREAT EPISODE of “BUCKWILD” for America to watch. Ronald Blankenship - - - doing West Virginia PROUD !
This situation was all made possible by your neighbors, the ones who wore the CUBE T-Shirts. Doing their community a great job!
I believe they are a gang of bullies and cowards. Do they wear their t-shirts?
By its irresponsible on 05.01.2013
Gilmer taxpayers’ should be outraged with this irresponsible action by Blankenship.
How can you live with yourselves allowing this man continue to be insensitive to innocent children? Mistakes happens, but this man keeps doing it thinking parents and citizens are too coward to face him.
By wakeup people on 05.01.2013
Thank you Dr. Nichols and the Health Department Staff. Thanks to the brave school employees who did what was right and reported this problem in spite of their fear. It is a shame you must fear doing what is best for the children in your care or that anyone has to be afraid to do the right thing. Hope we all live to see dictatorial bullying end in Gilmer County. That would be a great day. Now we will see how the state Health Department operates.
By Thanks Again on 05.01.2013
Attention ALL school districts! The rest of you could be in the same place, the same situation as Gilmer County is in!
If you are taken over for any reason, you are stripped of your board. Your elected voices are silenced!
Your elected represenatives in Charleston turn a deaf ear to you. They say ‘we aren’t involved in education’.
You are stuck, you are ‘skrewed’. You pay the bills while your children suffer.
It appears the t-v and radio pundits are afraid to touch the sad situation in Gilmer County.
Even the WV Record is missing in action.
James Phares. Where are you? Joe Manchin laid the foundation for this mess?
Delegates Boggs and Walker where are you?
By anonymous on 05.01.2013
Throw all the stones and barbs you want at Blankenship. He is laughing at ALL of West Virginia, including his employer. Think a minute. He is making over $2,500.00 a week for three days or less. Comes out to over $800.00 a day. He laughs every time he sees his bank statement. I laugh too, every time I think about him having B. Simons’ job. What a fun world we live in.
By lyao 2 on 05.01.2013
THE FACTS OF VIRTUAL SCHOOLING, THIS IS WHAT WE ARE FACING. IT IS NOT THE ANSWER
BOULDER, CO (May 2, 2013) –A national study, released today by the National Education Policy Center (NEPC), offers a comprehensive review of 311 full-time virtual schools operating in the United States and finds serious and systemic problems with them.
University of Colorado Boulder Professor Alex Molnar, who edited Virtual Schools in the U.S. 2013: Politics, Performance, Policy, and Research Evidence, summed it up this way: “Even a cursory review of virtual schooling in the U.S. reveals an environment much like the legendary wild west. There are outsized claims, lagging performance, intense conflicts, lots of taxpayer money at stake, and very little solid evidence to justify the rapid expansion of virtual schools.”
Lagging Performance – Soaring Enrollment
On the publicly-available metrics of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), virtual schools lag significantly behind traditional brick-and-mortar schools
In the 2010-2011 school year, 52 percent of brick-and-mortar district and charter schools met AYP, contrasted with 23.6 percent of virtual schools – a 28 percentage-point gap. Virtual schools also enroll a far smaller percentage of low-income students, special education students, and English language learners than brick-and-mortar public schools.
“It now appears that early adopters of the virtual school model were largely home-schoolers who were used to studying alone and who generally had lots of parental guidance,” said Western Michigan University Professor Gary Miron. “As virtual schools have expanded, it appears that their performance has slipped dramatically.”
Currently virtual schools enroll more than 200,000 elementary and secondary students in 39 states and the District of Columbia. McLean, Virginia- based K12 Inc. is by far the largest private operator in this sector.
Expansion Driven by Lobbying and Advertising Rather than Student Success
Despite virtual schools’ track record of students falling behind their peers academically or dropping-out at higher rates, states and districts continue to expand virtual schools and online offerings to students.
Publicly-funded virtual school expansion appears to be driven by lobbying and advertising dollars. It is not justified by the research evidence, nor is it governed by thoughtful policy.
Columbia University Professor Luis Huerta, another of the report’s authors, noted that, “In the past two years a number of states, including Wisconsin, Oregon, Louisiana, and Michigan, either raised or eliminated enrollment caps for full-time virtual schools.” Co-author Jennifer King Rice, a University of Maryland professor, points out that at the same time, ”None of those states passed legislation strengthening accountability and oversight.”
By Reality Not Rhetoric on 05.02.2013
Thank you Doctor Nichols and the Gilmer Health Department for your efforts to keep our children safe at the Sand Fork school.
It is beyond belief that Superintendent Blankenship and the State, has, and is failing the community as they are.
Thank you Free Press for bringing this information to our attention.
By anonymous on 05.02.2013
Dr. Simmons, I know you are a good man and have tried to work with these people. Please keep into account the fact twice they have backstabbed you. This is an experience you should not forget. Blankenship and his bosses are evils and care less about you, the students, and teachers. You should change your strategy and support your people who voted for you. Thank you
By Please Sir on 05.02.2013
Some seem to feel they are superior to the majority of people they were elected to serve. The “strategy” of supporting those of like mindset has failed the citizens and children here for many years. It is time to reevaluate many things. Our voting strategy will be one of them.
By No Second Class Citizens Here on 05.02.2013
A writer who signs “Please Sir” states that Dr Simmons has been ‘backstabbed twice’. That is likely true. The part about ‘good man’. Here we can have some discussion and many will agree. It is common knowledge the ONLY reason BS was elected to school board was to work with the Coalition. We all heard his comments while campaigning for the school board. No secrets here in Gilmer. Will the “court of public opinion” will pull the lever on the “gallows” and that will be the abrupt end of the political career. We locally know what is said about those in Charleston as well as what is said here. Playing both ends against the middle is always a recipe for failure.
By election cometh on 05.02.2013
Well, guess there are more of us in this meter reading story. We had thought we were alone. Our bill was about $75 for a long, long time. Got to looking way back at old bills. Meter not read for a couple years. Did a reading, tried three times to call it in. Waited over a half hour twice, third time about 15 minutes. For my trouble they sent us a $327. bill. This included the 3 weeks we were without electric with the big storm last June. Wondering now what the next bill will look like.
By Sand Fork resident on 05.03.2013
EC you are right. Eyes open about a lot of things that’s been told. I suspect more than one in this state and county will find things different come election time. Most people don’t care much for being two faced with get ahead lies. What was said before the election don’t half compare to what was said after.
By Waiting for the Ballot Box on 05.03.2013
I think it is time for a good old fashioned uprising, if you bring the tar, I’ll bring the feathers.
By anonymous on 05.03.2013
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Sand Fork: AMERICAN BAPTIST WOMEN’S MINISTRIES GARAGE SALE/ BAKE SALE
MAY 02,03,04, 1013 – Thursday thru Saturday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM DAILY
1101 SAND FORK ROAD
(Near Mack Worl Bridge)
Sand Fork, WV
David and Beverly Pritt Residence
Baked Goods, good quality clothing, household items and other yard sale items something for everyone
G-LtE™: The Emperor Has No Clothes
The Emperor has No Clothes
or you would say?
GC is WITHOUT a School Board President
Once upon a time, in the Land of Gil, there was a legal, active, school board. The Land of Gil still has a school board, but they have been reduced, made largely inactive by people in Kanawha County who are out of the reach of taxpayers. The Wise One in the Big House has seen that this is good and wants all to continue. This keeps people under control and also keeps them from pointing fingers at the Wise One.
Anyhow, in the Gil Land of Fairies and Tales, the Wise one has seen to it there is NO President of the elected school board. This is how the people are managed, shackled and kept on their knees. Oh yes, there is ‘one’ who is referred to as the ‘big man’ or school board president. But that is all an illusion. It is not to be.
You see, the Wise One and his underlings have seen to it that the school board in the Land of Gil, has little power or authority. No, that has been removed, taken from them. The Wise One controls all. The school board in the Land of Gil can only vote on school trips and expulsion issues. Yes, they are held on a very short rope.
So you see, to have a school board President, that the school board will choose that person form our legally elected members. The group of five. Oh yes, they did decide to call one of their own a ‘president’. But alas! That cannot be! They have no authority to so. That authority was stripped from them when Mz. Marple and company removed Bennett, fired the never on the payroll Simmons, and told the rest, ‘just come to the meetings now’.
So you see, there is NO school board President in the Land of Gil. It does appear that one is claiming to be President, but if there was a vote to elect Mr Simmons as board President, it was simply a superficial act. Illegal even? Going thru the motions in the Land of Gil.
~~ author on file ~~
GFP - 04.29.2013
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~~~ Readers' Comments ~~~
The problem is our king thinks he has the cloth but in reality he has not realized there is a dictator ruling and taking advantage of him. The dictator is having the king to do his dirty work. While the dictator is laughing his A** off, the king is getting all the flak. Isn’t it time for the king to wake up and realize he can achieve more results by siding with his court and go after the dictator? King should see his land is in ruins while the dictator is making out in his castle not even in kings land. Your majesty, please wake up and serve your kingdom instead of serving the dictator. The dictator has no interest in improving your kingdom. We can see the results for many years. He is only after money and gold. Instead of blasting your court, you need to go after the dictator. Your kingdom is really disappointed at you and does not approve of what you are doing. You are shooting yourself in the foot with arrows while the dictator is doing the same to your back. Your majesty, enough is enough. Please.
By Justice on 04.29.2013
Therein lies the real problem. We do not need a King. What we need are people willing to give of their time and willing to put in the work it takes to be a knowledgeable public servant. But there’s no glory, no personal gain in being “just” a public servant. The reward there can only come from a job well done with the entire community in mind not a select few. If we learn anything from this it is how quick some are to run away from responsibility and forget how to keep those shoes on the right feet when the going gets rough.
By Tired of That on 04.29.2013
A person wouldn’t think it would be very hard to put children first, boy were we wrong.
By Pickles on 04.29.2013
Oh the vanity of people with so little power. Can’t vote, can’t set the agenda, can’t bring a bond up for vote before the public. Has a State Superintendent to to spew the state agenda. What exactly does this “President” do? Last time I read an agenda it said the Pledge of Allegiance was Superintendent Designee. Heard that the trips brought up have already been taken and signed off on by Mr. Blankenship who handles 99% of the discipline behind the boards back.
No clothes you say? I’d say that “big Man” has no conscience, could care less about elementary and high school kids and would to do anything to finagle a way back into college business.
By Fooling Nobody on 04.29.2013
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Sand Fork: AMERICAN BAPTIST WOMEN’S MINISTRIES GARAGE SALE/ BAKE SALE
MAY 02,03,04, 1013 – Thursday thru Saturday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM DAILY
1101 SAND FORK ROAD
(Near Mack Worl Bridge)
Sand Fork, WV
David and Beverly Pritt Residence
Baked Goods, good quality clothing, household items and other yard sale items something for everyone
Gilmer County Board of Education Special Meeting - 04.30.2013
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
Gilmer County Board of Education
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 - 6:00 PM
Normantown Elementary School
Normantown, WV
I. Call to Order
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Introductions
IV. LSIC Chair or designee:
The following areas must be addressed during the presentation, but in no particular order.
A. Describe how instruction is provided for students who have been excluded from class, suspended from school or expelled?
B. Describe the alternative settings available for students?
C. Describe how the in-school suspension program is used. If one is not present, are there future plans to implement one?
D. Describe any preventive discipline or student involvement programs, i.e., Peer Mediation, Natural Helpers, Responsible Students Program, that are in place.
E. Describe what the school has done to promote anti-bullying and prevent harassment.
F. In the event of a crisis, what procedures are in place to communicate and coordinate with local emergency service agencies?
G. Does the school have a discipline plan/code in place? In what manner has the plan/code been discussed with students, staff and parents?
H. Describe how the LSIC has analyzed school discipline data. What action steps have been taken to identify meaningful consequences and improve student behaviors and school culture?
I. When did the LSIC conduct its annual meeting to engage parents, students, school employees and other interested parties in a positive and interactive dialogue regarding effective discipline policies? Provide the agenda and describe the comments received.
J. How does the LSIC know the discipline code is enforced fairly and consistently? If the LSIC determines that student discipline is not enforced fairly and consistently, it shall transmit that determination in writing, along with supporting information, to the county superintendent of schools.
K. Describe school/student performance.
L. Describe school curriculum.
M. Describe the status of the school in meeting the school strategic plan.
N. Describe the status of the school in meeting the county strategic plan.
O. Describe the status of your PTO and how it functions with the school.
P. What other information, comments or suggestions do you have for improving your school?
V. Adjournment.
Daniel Ray Riffle
Daniel Ray Riffle
Age 45, of 257 West Fourth St. Weston, WV passed away at 3:45 PM Saturday April 27, 2013 in the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.
He was born on December 20, 1967 in Weston, a son of Ray Riffle who lives in Weston and the Joyce Lee Hoover who lives in Jane Lew.
He was preceded in death by his step-mother, Helen Riffle.
Surviving are four siblings: Rodney Riffle, Crystal Myers, and Tracy Riffle, all of Weston and Greg Riffle of Buckhannon; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Danny was employed as a cook at the Stonewall Jackson Resort and his family particularly enjoyed his blackened catfish and trout. He loved the outdoors, especially when he could go hunting and fishing. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and a passionate Nascar enthusiast, following Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Friends may call at the Pat Boyle Funeral Home at 144 Hackers Creek Rd. Jane Lew Monday April 29, 2013 from 5:00-8:00 PM.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday from the Pat Boyle Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Dwayne Brown officiating.
Interment will follow in the McHenry Cemetery in Sand Fork, WV.
The Pat Boyle Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored and privileged to serve the Riffle family.
G-LtE™: MR. BLANKENSHIP, FIX THIS MESS
MR. BLANKENSHIP, YOU HAD THE CONTROL AND THE TIME TO PREPARE FOR THIS PROJECT, THE CONSOLIDATED GILMER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
IN SPITE OF THAT THERE WAS NO CORE DRILLING, NO WETLAND ASSESSMENT AND NO OBLIGATION FOR THE LAND UNTIL AFTER THE DATE APPLICATION WAS DUE TO THE SBA.
AT THE CEFP MEETING TO SELECT THE SITE FOR THE CONSOLIDATED GILMER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, THE ARCHITECT ADMITTED THEY HAD NOT BEEN WHERE THE BUILDING WOULD BE SET.
DIDN’T WILLIAMSON & SHRIVER SEE CEDAR CREEK?
IT WAS ON THE MAP THEY DREW. DIDN’T THEY ADVISE YOU THAT A WETLANDS STUDY WOULD BE REQUIRED?
IT APPEARS YOU ARE DELIBERATELY HOLDING GILMER COUNTY HOSTAGE TO MAKE SURE YOUR CONTRACT IS RENEWED AND/OR THIS TAKEOVER NIGHTMARE CONTINUES. EITHER THAT OR YOU ARE TOTALLY INCOMPETANT. WHICH IS IT?
IT IS ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING THAT LEWIS COUNTY TOOK HOME THE MONEY ONE MORE TIME WHILE THE SOIL QUALITY FOR THE INTERCOUNTY SCHOOL IS SO POOR FOR HEAVY CONSTRUCTION THAT YOUR ARCHITECTS HAD TO RECONFIGURE BUILDING DESIGN. THAT IS WHY YOUR ENGINEERS WERE HIRED, TO PREVENT ANY “FORESEEABLE PROBLEMS” SUCH AS THE DESIGN CHANGE FROM GAS TO ELECTRIC BECAUSE THEY HAD NO GAS?
CALL THEM YOURS BECAUSE THE STATE HIRED THEM, NOT GILMER COUNTY. WE DID NOT HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO GO TO BID.
THE STATE WAS BOSS. WE’RE JUST A CHECKBOOK.
BUT IT SEEMS LEWIS COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT MACE WAS TOLD HOW TO DOT EVERY EYE AND CROSS EVERY TEE TO MAKE SURE THE INTERCOUNTY SCHOOL HAPPENED.
WHY IS THAT?
YOU SAID THE REASON WE DIDN’T GET MIP MONEY FOR DESPERATELY NEEDED HEATING AND A/C AT GILMER COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL WAS DUE TO “NASTY POLITICS” AT THE SBA MEETING.
GCHS HAS MOLD BUT NO MONEY CAME OUR WAY WHILE WE PAID FOR LEWIS COUNTY LAND. HOW MUCH MORE WILL THE POLITICS OF THIS SITUATION COST US?
AT THE LAST GILMER BOARD OOF EDUCATION MEETING YOU SAID THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE NEEDS APPLICATION RELATIVE TO WETLANDS OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT WOULD STOP FUNDING OF A GILMER COUNTY SCHOOL. OBVIOUSLY THAT WAS NOT TRUE.
YOU INSIST ON FOLLOWING STATE LAW DOES NOT APPLY RULES, GET IT DONE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS PROCEDURES AND NO MEANINGFUL COMMUNICATION POLICIES.
HOW’S THAT WORKING OUT FOR YOU?
PLEASE DON’T ASK US, ALL WE SEE IS LESS IN THE CHECK BOOK AND DECREASING STUDENT PERFORMANCE.
~~ A CONCERNED CITIZEN ~~
GFP - 04.23.2013
Community •
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~~~ Readers' Comments ~~~
TO A CONCERNED CITIZEN 
WOW: You said this very well. Shame there are not enough SMART ones in the local Gilmer County School System and the State Board of Education to understand what you wrote. They only see things their way, which by the way is not working for the betterment of this county or it’s students. It’s working for them, not us. More money, power and control is all the “elites” are looking for, not a better education for our children. Lewis County comes out smelling like a rose and it comes from the hard working people of Gilmer County not Lewis. Thanks to us, the Gilmer County taxpayers. The three top people at this county BOE, (Blankenship, Simmons, Armour) are on the bottom of the list of about every citizen of this county. Maybe we could send them to Washington. They would fit right in.
By just a thought on 04.23.2013
Never wanted consolidation, definitely not one school. The state is going to just stay here while our community schools are shut down one by one and for what? Can’t be to protect the kids safety due to dangerous buildings because they are still sitting at the same desk in the same locations two years later.
Drop out rates on the rise, graduation rates dropping, drugs in the school,technology access poor and breaking down, inappropriate conduct right and left. Taking children to juvenile court and expelling them is no answer. All these years such things seldom if ever seen in Gilmer County.
Out of control State BOE encouraging families to leave by forcing their children into a poorer performing school district in the name of consolidation. Supposedly saving money while we watch neighboring counties go broke trying to lease bus service and stuck with the contracts. The cost so prohibitive they can’t pick the kids up even close to their home anymore. Rural elementary schools here have always had better testing results and discipline records but the State BOE wants to force them to into a cookie cutter system.
Nothing that shows consolidation has ever improved education. It’s been going on for YEARS and W.V. still gets a failing grade at the national level.
By State BOE Don't Ruin Gilmer Over Egos on 04.23.2013
There is NO fix to this mess.
So many individuals who have had a part in it, due to their self inflated egos, and all are out the reach of the voters.
The CUBIES set this in motion. They should be ashamed for what they clearly imposed on our children.
Not to mention, parents, taxpayers, school staff and others.
The ONLY ones who can do anything, to date, have done nothing.
Please, Governor Tomblin, all of the Legislature, please come to the aid of Gilmer County citizens ! PLEASE !
You do have a responsibility to Gilmer citizens.
By anonymous on 04.23.2013
Gilmer Board of Education is powerless.
Citizens. voters, public, parents, staff have all been effectively silenced.
The Board of Education for the State of West Virginia shows incompetence daily.
Charleston elected officials must approve, as we have experienced no improvement in our schools.
By Gilmer Observer on 04.23.2013
Many people don’t know who the CUBES are?
Lets have a “CUBES in the Park Day” !
They can once again proudly wear their CUBIE T-Shirts !
Have not seen them around. They must be saving them for a Special Occasion !
By Giv It. Tooemm on 04.23.2013
That NASTY PARAGRAPH that Superintendent Blankenship, displays on the School Board Meeting agenda, shows exactly what an immature, cowardly, group of people the state board of education has set in place. You voters up in Glenville have been skru-ed!
By watching from away on 04.23.2013
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Gilmer County Board of Education Special Meeting – 04.24.13
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
Gilmer County Board of Education
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 - 6:00 PM
Troy Elementary School
Troy, WV
I. Call to Order
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Introductions
IV. LSIC Chair or designee:
The following areas must be addressed during the presentation, but in no particular order.
A. Describe how instruction is provided for students who have been excluded from class, suspended from school or expelled?
B. Describe the alternative settings available for students?
C. Describe how the in-school suspension program is used. If one is not present, are there future plans to implement one?
D. Describe any preventive discipline or student involvement programs, i.e., Peer Mediation, Natural Helpers, Responsible Students Program, that are in place.
E. Describe what the school has done to promote anti-bullying and prevent harassment.
F. In the event of a crisis, what procedures are in place to communicate and coordinate with local emergency service agencies?
G. Does the school have a discipline plan/code in place? In what manner has the plan/code been discussed with students, staff and parents?
H. Describe how the LSIC has analyzed school discipline data. What action steps have been taken to identify meaningful consequences and improve student behaviors and school culture?
I. When did the LSIC conduct its annual meeting to engage parents, students, school employees and other interested parties in a positive and interactive dialogue regarding effective discipline policies? Provide the agenda and describe the comments received.
J. How does the LSIC know the discipline code is enforced fairly and consistently? If the LSIC determines that student discipline is not enforced fairly and consistently, it shall transmit that determination in writing, along with supporting information, to the county superintendent of schools.
K. Describe school/student performance.
L. Describe school curriculum.
M. Describe the status of the school in meeting the school strategic plan.
N. Describe the status of the school in meeting the county strategic plan.
O. Describe the status of your PTO and how it functions with the school.
P. What other information, comments or suggestions do you have for improving your school?
V. Adjournment.
Spaghetti Dinner at Sand Fork Baptist Church - 04.21.13 - This Sunday
G-LtE™: Comments and Questions on Editorial Letter: “Are We Going from Bad to Worse”
This letter, its contents, its implications do not bode well for the children of Gilmer County.
Also disturbing are the two posts, one from R.Ross and the other from Gilmer School Facilitator.
These two comments are at the least contradictory. I do not know who “R.Ross” is, but we all know who the identity of our Gilmer Coalition Facilitator. As always, a signed response is likely to be more accurate.
The comments from R. Ross raise more questions than are answered. That is fine. Questions are always good.
Ross summarily states that the Gilmer Boards duties are limited to voting on trips and leading the pledge.
This being the case, why is board member Simmons leading the meeting? Apparently he does not have the authority to do so, but Blankenship allows this to happen?
Ross also states that Simmons contacted three groups who stated that it is “improper” for board members to serve a dual roll at meetings? That word “improper” is a long ways from being unlawful or illegal. The fact that Simmons was trolling for advice seems to give credence that he was aware of his position, his own plans, and he was simply laying groundwork to provide cover for a future confrontation?
Ross. Please provide the name of who “requested” Simmons attendance at Boggs meeting as well as those other than Armour. Please explain why Armour was chosen.
There are board members with considerably more experience than either Simmons or Armour.
Now to a very questionable part of this letter. Ross clearly states and I quote “Prior to the meeting there was language in the bill to exclude Gilmer County from having an equal say”.
The School Coalition Facilitator clearly has stated previously that the bill was all ready in the Senate Committee waiting for passage, prior to the politically motivated schmooze trip to Delegate Boggs office, if I have read postings correctly?
After talking with other sources, it certainly appears the intercounty governing bill was in Superintendent Blankenship’s office, prior to this Boggs meeting.
Ross, you may well want to continue your conversations with Simmons to see if you can get to the bottom of these opposing stories.
Is Simmons attempting to schmooze with the political crowd in Charleston to get Blankenships job? Is Simmons attempting to some other ploy? It has become very clear that since day one of this Gilmer School tragedy, the whole issue is politics and nothing to do with the welfare of our children.
All this is adult ego feed. Reminds one of the movies showing phiranna feeding on their victims.
Shame on of you involved in the politic game. How do you sleep at night?
~~ author on file ~~
Spaghetti Dinner at Sand Fork Baptist Church - 04.21.13
Boil Water Advisory for Sand Fork, Stouts Mills Area
There is a boil water advisory for customers in Sand Fork, Stouts Mills area until further notice.
The boil advisory is due to a line break on WV Highway 5 E.
LITTLE KANAWHA ABW MINISTRIES SPRING RALLY - 04.18.13 - Today
LITTLE KANAWHA ABW MINISTRIES SPRING RALLY
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013
RUSH RUN BAPTIST CHURCH
5:30 - 6:30 PM REGISTRATION & REFRESHMENTS
SILENT AUCTION WILL BE HELD AND ITEMS WILL BE
ON DISPLAY FOR BIDS DURING REGISTRATION/ REFRESHMENT TIME.
6:30 PM…. PROGRAM BEGINS
ALL LADIES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND
INFORMATION CONTACT PRESIDENT SHARON RADABAUGH OR SECRETARY SUE EDWARDS.
G-LtE™: Are We Going from Bad to Worst?
For just a few minutes imagine the following. You attend a public meeting of a publicly funded entity under state control in rural America. There are five elected representatives from your communities at a table. Every dollar of the budget this entity lays claim to comes straight out of the pocket of you and your neighbors in the form of taxes whether assessed by local government levies or federal and state taxation. Imagine that.
Imagine that one of those duly elected officials addresses the audience saying no matter what you want, what you need, he will see that you get it. He qualifies that with he is only one voice but he can guarantee you get what you want. Could you even conceive such a thing in general but especially if you knew those officials had no say whatsoever over that budget under state control. How long would any public entity with limited funding exist if they gave everyone what they wanted? Your thoughts might run toward “nice dream”.
Imagine that same elected official tell you that he takes another of the group sitting next to him, a personal friend, to “closed door meetings for his own protection” and constantly drops names of people in positions far higher up on the electoral or business ladder. How would you feel about that? Would you put a lot of faith in what you heard? Or would you wonder “What closed door meetings?” Who sent HIM to that? Who is paying for that? Might cross your mind just another good old boy politician in the pocket of the elite doing business as usual?
Then imagine that same duly elected official, still under state control, tells you that he has decided who can and can not speak at THIS meeting. Listen as he tells a co-member, duly elected, charged with the same duties of office, that they are not to speak as a citizen. Knowing full well the person was denied the right to speak as a member in a previous “closed door” meeting he took part in. That they can not do the job they were elected for and told CANNOT participate. What if, after all the self important political connection speeches and closed door meeting rhetoric, the same elected official with no more power that the other four beside him, does not want to hear any citizen in public delegation “comment” on what he feels is “political” without specifying what subject matter that covers. HE does not relate why his own insinuation of political influence is OK but be careful what you say everyone else not on any ballot in the state. Would you be real happy to find out freedom of expression was no more in your town?
After such a meeting , could you be confident that the other officials are able to operate free from undue influence, favoritism or threat? Would it encourage you to attend let alone speak at a public meeting ran in such a fashion? Would you personally feel free from undue influence, favoritism and threat if it came your time to speak as a concerned citizen?
What you just read is not imaginary. It is an accurate description taken from the meeting of the Gilmer Board of Education held at Glenville Elementary School April 11, 2013 at 6 PM in front of a captive audience of Teachers that had worked all day but had to wait for the BOE meeting to finish before their required Linkage presentation was allowed. The speaker was Mr. Simmons, Board President, his regular companion at closed door meetings Mr. Armour and the member denied any right to participate in meeting or delegation was Mrs. Starkey. Regular citizens cautioned as delegation Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Hurley. IMMEDIATELY After the meeting, Superintendent Ronald Blankenship denied ANY PRIOR KNOWLEDGE of Mr. Simmons intended actions.
IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT MR. BLANKENSHIP DID NOTHING TO STOP NOR RECTIFY THIS TRAVESTY.
PART TWO WILL BE FORTHCOMING—
~~ AUTHOR ON FILE ~~
Gilmer County Board of Education Special Meeting – 04.16.13 - Today
Special Meeting
Gilmer County Board of Education
Glenville, WV
Central Office
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
4:15 PM
I. Call to Order
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Lay Levy (Information)
IV. Adjourment
LITTLE KANAWHA ABW MINISTRIES SPRING RALLY - 04.18.13
LITTLE KANAWHA ABW MINISTRIES SPRING RALLY
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013
RUSH RUN BAPTIST CHURCH
5:30 - 6:30 PM REGISTRATION & REFRESHMENTS
SILENT AUCTION WILL BE HELD AND ITEMS WILL BE
ON DISPLAY FOR BIDS DURING REGISTRATION/ REFRESHMENT TIME.
6:30 PM…. PROGRAM BEGINS
ALL LADIES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND
INFORMATION CONTACT PRESIDENT SHARON RADABAUGH OR SECRETARY SUE EDWARDS.
Basel Knight
Basel Knight
Age 88 years young, of 18 Tumbling Run Rd. Orlando, WV, went to be with the Lord at 1:12 AM on Sunday, March 31, 2013. He passed peacefully at his home following a courageous journey with cancer.
He was born in Gilmer County, WV on March 03, 1925, a son of the late Loyd Burl and Clarice Moore Knight.
For 42 years, he was married to the former Mary Louise Crutchfield, who survives.
Also surviving is one son, Alva Jackson Knight of Sheffield Lake OH; two daughters: Carol Ann Knight of Fredricksburg, VA and Linda Lou Knight Williams of Sheffield Lake, OH. He will be greatly missed by his four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Basel was an Army Veteran of World War II with the 82nd Airborne Division. He was stationed in Germany and Belgium, and fought in the battle of Normandy. He was preceded in death by two brothers: Ulyssus Andrew Knight, and Alva Jackson Knight, who died in the battle of Normandy while fighting alongside Basel.
He retired from the engineering firm, Pfaudler Inc., as a professional sandblaster.
Basel will be missed for so many reasons, but especially for his witty joke telling. He never knew a stranger and enjoyed life everyday. He liked to read Louis L’Amour novels and watch John Wayne movies, while cracking pistachios, with his beloved dog Cupcake by his side. He loved to be outdoors and was looking forward to putting in his garden and going fishing this spring. He was a daredevil right to the end, riding motorcycles and 4wheelers.
Basel has chosen cremation and there will be a Graveside Family and Friends Gathering to celebrate Basel’s Journey held at 1:00 PM at the Blackburn Cemetery near Sand Fork, WV on Sunday May 26, 2013, with Reverend Hart officiating. He will be celebrated with Full Military Honors.
The Pat Boyle Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored and privileged to serve the Knight family.
CommunityConcerns™: Gilmer County High School’s 2013 Third Tier OEPA Rating
West Virginia’s Office of Education Performance Audits (OEPA) published its 2013 Report of School Ratings (www.oepa.wv.us) including those for Gilmer County’s five public schools.
The ratings in a decreasing order of desirability are:
• EA=Exemplary Accreditation
• DA=Distinction Accreditation
• FA=Full Accreditation
Among our schools the Normantown Grade School received the highest rating with a DA.
The other four schools including the high school received a third tier FA rating.
The high school’s diminished rating is alarming.
In any other WV County there would have been bold print newspaper headlines to address the suboptimum performance to cause citizens to demand corrective actions, but the news was not printed. Why?
Citizens deserve to know specific causes for the high school’s third tier rating.
Why was monitoring not done by the State to prevent the third tier rating, and most importantly what are the specific actions planned to elevate the rating to the EA category?
Governor Tomblin, Dr. Linger, Dr. Phares, Dr. Gus Penix, and Delegates Boggs and Walker, all of you were informed of our high school’s problems so what will it require to receive your corrective involvement?
Our School Board is powerless to act with its authority stripped by the State to emphasize the utmost necessity for your help.
This community concern deserves top priority attention in Gilmer County.
Gilmer County Economic Development (GCEDA), Glenville State College (GSC), those who caused the takeover (CUBIES), Gilmer Schools Coalition (G.S.C.), parents, teachers, and all other interested citizens, we have an urgent and immediate need to unite to achieve performance improvements at our high school.
Please attend future Board meetings to show community support for changes.
High praise is extended to Normantown Grade School’s students, principal Chambers, and its admirable teachers and staff for earning a DA rating.
With consolidated grade schools pending, proactive initiatives must occur to ensure that they are EA performers.
Because the Gilmer High School will not be replaced by consolidation, the community must demand whatever may be required, including a change of administration if necessary, to elevate its rating to an EA level. Anything lower than top performance will be unacceptable to prevent our high school students from continuing to be victimized.
Kudos to the GFP and Mr. Dave Ramezan for providing this important information to Gilmer County’s citizens.
~~ Author on File ~~
Area Residents Featured in GSC ‘West Virginia Veteran’s Legacy Project’ Book and Documentary
In September of 2011, Glenville State College established the ‘West Virginia Veteran’s Legacy Project’. This project builds on Glenville State College’s World War II Heroes Project, which records and preserves the experiences of West Virginia veterans from that specific conflict.
The ‘West Virginia Veteran’s Legacy Project’ focuses on collecting, preserving, and broadcasting stories of West Virginia war veterans who served in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War as well as the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Historically, West Virginia has had and continues to have the highest per capita military service rate in the United States.
Over two-hundred interviews with veterans and family and friends of deceased veterans have been conducted for the project. The stories they tell and the memories they reveal are creating a living picture of the brutality, confusion, and sacrifices of war.
The project has resulted in the publishing of a book and the production of a film documentary that highlights many of the veterans who have participated in this extensive endeavor.
The book ‘Heroes Among Us-A Tradition of Service’ is a collection of photographs, both new and old, with succinct vet quotes and short stories that have been collected by the project.
Braxton County residents who are featured in the book are:
• George Lee Fisher of Little Birch
• John Morrison of Little Birch
• Gary King of Gassaway
Calhoun County residents who are featured in the book is:
• Richard McCartney of Grantsville
Gilmer County residents who are featured in the book are:
• Willie Barton of Glenville
• Ann Jones of Cox’s Mills
• Joseph Kemper of Cox’s Mills
• Benjamin Mick of Cedarville
• Warren Matheny of Sand Fork
• Damon West of Troy
• Dr. Peter Barr of Glenville
• Dr. Ed Wood of Glenville
Copies of ‘Heroes Among Us-A Tradition of Service’ may be purchased for just $10 each.
The documentary ‘Tradition of Service’ is approximately 50 minutes long and gives a brief overview of West Virginians’ history of service in the military, while including actual interview material and photographs from the ‘West Virginia Veteran’s Legacy Project’. The documentary was shown on West Virginia PBS during November 2012. Kenneth Freshour of Sutton and George Lee Fisher are Braxton County residents who are featured in the film. DVDs of the documentary can be purchased for $10 each.
A package deal is available that includes a DVD and book for just $15. This would make a meaningful gift for veterans and their family and friends.
Purchases may be made at the GSC Foundation Office in the Heflin Administration Building. Orders may also be mailed to you by contacting Michelle Clowser at “www.Michelle.Clowser@ glenville.edu” or by calling 304.462.6380. A $2.50 base shipping charge does apply to all mail orders.
The GSC ‘West Virginia Veteran’s Legacy Project’ has also created a traveling photo exhibit which is now on display at the Beckley Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The photo exhibit and a traveling historical display are both available free of charge for display at other healthcare facilities, businesses, libraries, events, and organizations’ meeting areas.
To reserve the exhibits, contact the GSC Public Relations and Marketing Department at 304.462.4115.
Gilmer County on the Move - Walking Group Challenge II - 04.08.13
Gilmer County Board of Education Special Meeting - Tuesday - 04.09.13
AGENDA
Special Meeting
Sand Fork Elementary School
Tuesday, April 09, 2013
6:00 PM
I. Call to Order
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Introductions
IV. LSIC Chair or designee:
The following areas must be addressed during the presentation, but in no particular order.
A. Describe how instruction is provided for students who have been excluded from class, suspended from school or expelled?
B. Describe the alternative settings available for students?
C. Describe how the in-school suspension program is used. If one is not present, are there future plans to implement one?
D. Describe any preventive discipline or student involvement programs, i.e., Peer Mediation, Natural Helpers, Responsible Students Program, that are in place.
E. Describe what the school has done to promote anti-bullying and prevent harassment.
F. In the event of a crisis, what procedures are in place to communicate and coordinate with local emergency service agencies?
G. Does the school have a discipline plan/code in place? In what manner has the plan/code been discussed with students, staff and parents?
H. Describe how the LSIC has analyzed school discipline data. What action steps have been taken to identify meaningful consequences and improve student behaviors and school culture?
I. When did the LSIC conduct its annual meeting to engage parents, students, school employees and other interested parties in a positive and interactive dialogue regarding effective discipline policies? Provide the agenda and describe the comments received.
J. How does the LSIC know the discipline code is enforced fairly and consistently? If the LSIC determines that student discipline is not enforced fairly and consistently, it shall transmit that determination in writing, along with supporting information, to the county superintendent of schools.
K. Describe school/student performance.
L. Describe school curriculum.
M. Describe the status of the school in meeting the school strategic plan.
N. Describe the status of the school in meeting the county strategic plan.
O. Describe the status of your PTO and how it functions with the school.
P. What other information, comments or suggestions do you have for improving your school?
V. Adjournment.
Longaberger Basket & Authentic Coach Purse Bingo - 04.05.13 - Today
Gilmer County Board of Education Special Meeting - 04.09.13
AGENDA
Special Meeting
Sand Fork Elementary School
Tuesday, April 09, 2013
6:00 PM
I. Call to Order
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Introductions
IV. LSIC Chair or designee:
The following areas must be addressed during the presentation, but in no particular order.
A. Describe how instruction is provided for students who have been excluded from class, suspended from school or expelled?
B. Describe the alternative settings available for students?
C. Describe how the in-school suspension program is used. If one is not present, are there future plans to implement one?
D. Describe any preventive discipline or student involvement programs, i.e., Peer Mediation, Natural Helpers, Responsible Students Program, that are in place.
E. Describe what the school has done to promote anti-bullying and prevent harassment.
F. In the event of a crisis, what procedures are in place to communicate and coordinate with local emergency service agencies?
G. Does the school have a discipline plan/code in place? In what manner has the plan/code been discussed with students, staff and parents?
H. Describe how the LSIC has analyzed school discipline data. What action steps have been taken to identify meaningful consequences and improve student behaviors and school culture?
I. When did the LSIC conduct its annual meeting to engage parents, students, school employees and other interested parties in a positive and interactive dialogue regarding effective discipline policies? Provide the agenda and describe the comments received.
J. How does the LSIC know the discipline code is enforced fairly and consistently? If the LSIC determines that student discipline is not enforced fairly and consistently, it shall transmit that determination in writing, along with supporting information, to the county superintendent of schools.
K. Describe school/student performance.
L. Describe school curriculum.
M. Describe the status of the school in meeting the school strategic plan.
N. Describe the status of the school in meeting the county strategic plan.
O. Describe the status of your PTO and how it functions with the school.
P. What other information, comments or suggestions do you have for improving your school?
V. Adjournment.
Longaberger Basket & Authentic Coach Purse Bingo - Friday, 04.05.13
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