75 cents Consolidated Energy abandons support for water...
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Volume 125 No. 13 Periodical Postage Paid at Clay, West Virginia 25043-0180 Wednesday, March 26, 2014 75 cents See SPORTS on Page 1B Panthers begin their season. Dalton Holcomb was dropping bombs. Kanawha County Prosecutor Mark Plants Arrested By Shanna Paige Consolidated Energy abandons support for water extension project in Clay County Family Resource Network donates to the Fishing Derby By Shanna Paige Family Resource Network holds regular meeting By Shanna Paige The Birch River PSD received a for- mal reply from Consolidated Energy (CONSOL) that their application for funding to help complete a waterline extension project for residents in the Wilson Ridge and Rock Camp area of Clay County had been denied. CON- SOL cited the following reasons for not following through on their earlier promises to the county. “We have had significant lay-offs in Clay County and our work there is primarily focused on reclamation” “Deep cuts have been im- posed on our philanthropic budget in various communities in which we oper- ate across the company”, and “virtually no new projects are being considered at this time”. T.G. Griffith, Board member for the Birch River PSD, was obviously frus- trated with CONSOL’s decision for a number of reasons. “They’re the ones who came to us and asked us if it would be possible for the Distract to provide water to residents on Wilson Ridge with public water because intended mining in the area by CONSOL might destroy the water table. We agreed to pursue that cause with the understanding, of which C9ONSOL agreed, that if the burden for completing the project would fall upon the District, CONSOL would fund the shortfall so the District would not incur any debt service that would raise our current customers’ rates.” Griffith went on, “We spent four years working on this project, securing per- mits, designing the project, obtaining EPA permits, and searching for fund- ing agencies. During that time we also worked closely with CONSOL. In fact, during the construction of the Dille/ Widen Water Extension Project, they asked us to implement some changes in the design and construction of some areas in Widen because they anticipated heavy traffic areas there that would call for reinforcing the waterline. The Dis- trict complied with those requests. All the while, CONSOL continued core drilling all around in the area. Eventu- ally, Abandon Mine Land (AML) not only agreed to fund 75% of the $2.6 million dollar project but would also ex- tend the project area another mile from the first proposed extension and add the area of Rock Camp to their grant. The good people of Clay County and some of our legislators petitioned the State Government for some help and secured ENERGY continued on page 4A Local HubCAP Team Focuses on Expanding Clay County Park Multi-use dining hall and cabins could bring 4-H camp back to the county. Ever feel like our commu- nity resembles the stories of Thomas the Tank Engine af- ter the Island of Sodor is sold off. If you have small chil- dren, you may understand a little better. In a nutshell, the Island of Sodor, Thomas’ home, is owned and operated by a wealthy businessman and everyone works for him. That’s exactly what Clay County used to resemble in the boom days of coal and timber. Today unfortunately, not much remains. Some would even go so far to ask, “Is our county worth fighting for?”. After all, we are a financially depressed area with drug use and… the negativity could go on. But the reality is that this is our home. It’s where our chil- dren and grandchildren live. It’s where we live and work and play and go to church. Our answer to such a pre- posterous question, “Is our county worth fighting for” should be a resounding YES! So for a moment, let me share some encouraging news with you. Let me share something positive. A small work group has been meeting regularly and is working on a strategy to move Clay County Park for- ward, with help through the WV Community Develop- ment Hub’s HubCAP initia- tive (the Hub’s Communities of Achievement program). At the very least, this group will make improvements and there’s already been prog- ress. The group has obtained a $10,000 grant from the Hub to restore the aged plan for the Park and gather com- munity input. We were also well received by our Dele- gates and Senators at the WV Legislature as we requested a $25,000 grant through the Governor’s Community Par- ticipation Grant Program. We’ll keep you posted. We can’t thank our Delegates and Senators enough for see- ing us. Clay County Park has been a dream for us for many years. It could serve our county and its children in so many ways. For example, the area is perfect for the construction of a summer camp. Cabins and a dining hall would al- low 4-H Camp and Band Camp to be done inside the county. More kids would attend. Family and school reunions could be held and out of town folks would have housing. An outdoor the- ater is proposed on the north slope. These are but a few possibilities. It’s been especially en- couraging to see the agen- cies of our county around the same table. The WVU Extension Service, Clay Schools, 4-H, Central Appa- lachian Empowerment Zone and the Parks and Recreation Board have been consistently represented. The momentum is building. Some really neat ideas have surfaced. To achieve success, we’ll need the involvement and help of the entire community. We need planners, thinkers, doers, advocates and cheer- leaders. There is a role for virtually anyone and every- one in helping us achieve our goal. In today’s world, busi- nesses locate where their owners and workers want to live. Making Clay County a more attractive place to live, with more amenities and ac- tivities, not only builds our community — it is also an important economic devel- opment strategy. Our group meets on the 1 st and 3 rd Mondays of each month at 12:00 at Clay County High School. You’re more than welcome to join us. Positive attitudes and open minds are required for meeting attendance. Keep watching. We’ll report more positive things as they un- fold. We hope to see you at our next meeting! Tuesday March 18, 2014 The Family Resource Net- work donated shirts, coloring books, markers and crayons for the upcoming youth fish- ing derby. The youth fishing derby is an event centered on keeping the children in our area off drugs. Drugs are becoming more of a problem in our community. Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs fishing derby will be held on April 19, 2014 at Wallback Lake. Pictured left to right are Don Jarvis, Jerry Linkinoggor, Tim White, Hunter Sizemore, Ryan Sizemore and Dalton Sizemore. Family Resource Network held it regular business meet- ing on Tuesday March 18. The meeting was held to dis- cuss upcoming events hap- pening in Clay. The month of April is packed with exciting things to do and see. Twenty three people from various organizations were in atten- dance to help out. Business meetings are open to the public on every 3 rd Tuesday of the month at 3:00 in the Health Department Confer- ence room. Kanawha County Prosecutor Mark Plants was arrested Tuesday morning for allegedly violating a domestic violence protection order involving his ex-wife. Mark Plants has said he and his ex-wife had an agreement that spanking their children was an appropriate form of dis- cipline. He says the allegation is politi- cally motivated. West Virginia State Po- lice are investigating claims by Plants’ former wife that he used excessive dis- cipline on one of their two sons. The West Virginia Supreme Court last week appointed a special prosecutor in child abuse allegations against Plants. Clay County Board of Education Meeting at Clay Middle School By Erica Kearns Winter weather once again forced the county’s Board of Education meeting to be rescheduled. Held on Thursday, March 20 at Clay Middle School, the assembly began with the approval of the agenda and the min- utes from the previous meeting. Board of Education members were given a copy of the proposed 2014-2015 levy orders, wellness policy and school calendars for approval. Rene Moore was approved as a substitute bus driver for as long as needed in Dallas Han- shaw’s absence. Jessica Ramsey was hired as the band auxiliary coach at Clay High School and Larry Ramsey was approved as volun- teer baseball coach at Clay Middle School. The overnight trip for Clay High School Skills USA students to South Charleston was approved. After voting on the above action items, the group met with the Clay Middle School LSIC committee before adjourning for the evening. Silver Alert Cancelled By Erica Kearns West Virginia State Po- lice in Clay County issued a Silver Alert for 88 year old Kenneth Butcher on Satur- day after he was last seen leaving his home on Ivydale Road Friday in a black 2013 Mazda. Neighbors, friends and search crews combed the area he was last seen in, fearing the worst. Thankfully Butcher was found in rural area of Nicholas County and appeared to be in good con- dition. Butcher was taken to the hospital for evaluation as a precautionary measure. During the month of Feb- ruary, cooperation was the character education theme at Big Otter Elementary School. Students learned what it means to be coopera- tive with school administra- tors, teachers and staff, and their peers. The following students received the Awe- some Brave award for the month of February: PreK: Mrs. Boggess’ class – Jes- sica Crites; Mrs. Rhodes’ class - Abigail Runion, Mrs. Marks’ class - Ariel Dobbins Kindergarten: Mrs. Col- lins’ class – Malachi Nichols; Mrs. Taylor’s class – Colten Craddock 1st grade: Miss Douglas’ class – Noah Collins; Miss Jarvis’ class – Allison Miller 2nd grade: Mrs. Witt/Adkins’ Class – Olivia Witt; Mrs. Knopp class – Kaycee Thorne 3rd grade: Mrs. Under- wood’s class – Lydia Hamrick; Mrs. McKin- ney’s class – Jack Haverty 4th grade: Mrs. Kl- eman’s class – Aly Chinn, Mrs. Holcomb’s class- Christopher Barss 5th Grade: Mrs. Helmick’s class – Sylindria Gill; Mrs. Chapman’s class – Jaydin Walker Big Otter Elementary Awesome Braves Clay County 4-H receives grant By Erica Kearns $390,259 of grant money was recently distributed by the The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation Board of Trustees and Clay County received $4,400 of it. The Clay County 4-H leaders association received the funding to support scholarships to 4-H camp, including positive youth development with an array of educational classes and assem- blies. The Greater Kanawha Valley Founda- tion’s mission is to positively improve the quality of life for those living within Boone, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln and Putnam counties. Those wishing to apply for grants during the 2014 year should visit the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation’s website at www.tgkvf.org.
Transcript of 75 cents Consolidated Energy abandons support for water...
Volume 125 No. 13 Periodical Postage Paid at Clay, West Virginia 25043-0180 Wednesday, March 26, 2014 75 cents
See SPORTS on Page 1B
Panthers begin their season.
Dalton Holcomb was dropping bombs.
Kanawha County Prosecutor Mark Plants ArrestedBy Shanna Paige
Consolidated Energy abandons support for water extension project in Clay County
Family Resource Network donates to the Fishing DerbyBy Shanna Paige
Family Resource Network holds regular meetingBy Shanna Paige
The Birch River PSD received a for-mal reply from Consolidated Energy (CONSOL) that their application for funding to help complete a waterline extension project for residents in the Wilson Ridge and Rock Camp area of Clay County had been denied. CON-SOL cited the following reasons for not following through on their earlier promises to the county. “We have had significant lay-offs in Clay County and our work there is primarily focused on reclamation” “Deep cuts have been im-posed on our philanthropic budget in various communities in which we oper-ate across the company”, and “virtually no new projects are being considered at this time”.
T.G. Griffith, Board member for the Birch River PSD, was obviously frus-
trated with CONSOL’s decision for a number of reasons. “They’re the ones who came to us and asked us if it would be possible for the Distract to provide water to residents on Wilson Ridge with public water because intended mining in the area by CONSOL might destroy the water table. We agreed to pursue that cause with the understanding, of which C9ONSOL agreed, that if the burden for completing the project would fall upon the District, CONSOL would fund the shortfall so the District would not incur any debt service that would raise our current customers’ rates.”
Griffith went on, “We spent four years working on this project, securing per-mits, designing the project, obtaining EPA permits, and searching for fund-ing agencies. During that time we also
worked closely with CONSOL. In fact, during the construction of the Dille/Widen Water Extension Project, they asked us to implement some changes in the design and construction of some areas in Widen because they anticipated heavy traffic areas there that would call for reinforcing the waterline. The Dis-trict complied with those requests. All the while, CONSOL continued core drilling all around in the area. Eventu-ally, Abandon Mine Land (AML) not only agreed to fund 75% of the $2.6 million dollar project but would also ex-tend the project area another mile from the first proposed extension and add the area of Rock Camp to their grant. The good people of Clay County and some of our legislators petitioned the State Government for some help and secured
ENERGY continued on page 4A
Local HubCAP Team Focuses on Expanding Clay County ParkMulti-use dining hall and cabins could bring 4-H camp back to the county.
Ever feel like our commu-nity resembles the stories of Thomas the Tank Engine af-ter the Island of Sodor is sold off. If you have small chil-dren, you may understand a little better. In a nutshell, the Island of Sodor, Thomas’ home, is owned and operated by a wealthy businessman and everyone works for him. That’s exactly what Clay County used to resemble in the boom days of coal and timber. Today unfortunately, not much remains.
Some would even go so far to ask, “Is our county worth fighting for?”. After all, we are a financially depressed area with drug use and… the negativity could go on. But the reality is that this is our home. It’s where our chil-dren and grandchildren live. It’s where we live and work and play and go to church. Our answer to such a pre-posterous question, “Is our county worth fighting for” should be a resounding YES!
So for a moment, let me share some encouraging news with you. Let me share something positive.
A small work group has been meeting regularly and is working on a strategy to move Clay County Park for-ward, with help through the WV Community Develop-ment Hub’s HubCAP initia-tive (the Hub’s Communities of Achievement program).
At the very least, this group will make improvements and there’s already been prog-ress. The group has obtained a $10,000 grant from the Hub to restore the aged plan for the Park and gather com-munity input. We were also well received by our Dele-gates and Senators at the WV Legislature as we requested a $25,000 grant through the Governor’s Community Par-ticipation Grant Program. We’ll keep you posted. We can’t thank our Delegates and Senators enough for see-ing us.
Clay County Park has been a dream for us for many years. It could serve our county and its children in so many ways.
For example, the area is perfect for the construction of a summer camp. Cabins and a dining hall would al-low 4-H Camp and Band Camp to be done inside the county. More kids would
attend. Family and school reunions could be held and out of town folks would have housing. An outdoor the-ater is proposed on the north slope. These are but a few possibilities.
It’s been especially en-couraging to see the agen-cies of our county around the same table. The WVU Extension Service, Clay Schools, 4-H, Central Appa-lachian Empowerment Zone and the Parks and Recreation Board have been consistently represented. The momentum is building. Some really neat ideas have surfaced.
To achieve success, we’ll need the involvement and help of the entire community. We need planners, thinkers, doers, advocates and cheer-leaders. There is a role for virtually anyone and every-one in helping us achieve our goal.
In today’s world, busi-nesses locate where their
owners and workers want to live. Making Clay County a more attractive place to live, with more amenities and ac-tivities, not only builds our community — it is also an important economic devel-opment strategy.
Our group meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 12:00 at Clay County High School. You’re more than welcome to join us. Positive attitudes and open minds are required for meeting attendance. Keep watching. We’ll report more positive things as they un-fold. We hope to see you at our next meeting!
Tuesday March 18, 2014 The Family Resource Net-work donated shirts, coloring books, markers and crayons for the upcoming youth fish-ing derby. The youth fishing derby is an event centered on keeping the children in
our area off drugs. Drugs are becoming more of a problem in our community. Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs fishing derby will be held on April 19, 2014 at Wallback Lake.
Pictured left to right are Don Jarvis, Jerry Linkinoggor, Tim White, Hunter Sizemore, Ryan Sizemore and Dalton Sizemore.
Family Resource Network held it regular business meet-ing on Tuesday March 18. The meeting was held to dis-cuss upcoming events hap-pening in Clay. The month of April is packed with exciting things to do and see. Twenty three people from various organizations were in atten-dance to help out. Business meetings are open to the public on every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 3:00 in the Health Department Confer-ence room.
Kanawha County Prosecutor Mark Plants was arrested Tuesday morning for allegedly violating a domestic violence protection order involving his ex-wife. Mark Plants has said he and his ex-wife had an agreement that spanking their children was an appropriate form of dis-cipline. He says the allegation is politi-cally motivated. West Virginia State Po-lice are investigating claims by Plants’ former wife that he used excessive dis-cipline on one of their two sons. The West Virginia Supreme Court last week appointed a special prosecutor in child abuse allegations against Plants.
Clay County Board of Education Meeting at Clay Middle SchoolBy Erica Kearns
Winter weather once again forced the county’s Board of Education meeting to be rescheduled. Held on Thursday, March 20 at Clay Middle School, the assembly began with the approval of the agenda and the min-utes from the previous meeting. Board of Education members were given a copy of the proposed 2014-2015 levy orders, wellness policy and school calendars for approval. Rene Moore was approved as a substitute bus driver for as long as needed in Dallas Han-
shaw’s absence. Jessica Ramsey was hired as the band auxiliary coach at Clay High School and Larry Ramsey was approved as volun-teer baseball coach at Clay Middle School. The overnight trip for Clay High School Skills USA students to South Charleston was approved. After voting on the above action items, the group met with the Clay Middle School LSIC committee before adjourning for the evening.
Silver Alert CancelledBy Erica Kearns
West Virginia State Po-lice in Clay County issued a Silver Alert for 88 year old Kenneth Butcher on Satur-day after he was last seen leaving his home on Ivydale Road Friday in a black 2013 Mazda. Neighbors, friends and search crews combed
the area he was last seen in, fearing the worst. Thankfully Butcher was found in rural area of Nicholas County and appeared to be in good con-dition. Butcher was taken to the hospital for evaluation as a precautionary measure.
During the month of Feb-ruary, cooperation was the character education theme at Big Otter Elementary School. Students learned what it means to be coopera-tive with school administra-tors, teachers and staff, and
their peers. The following students received the Awe-some Brave award for the month of February: PreK: Mrs. Boggess’ class – Jes-sica Crites; Mrs. Rhodes’ class - Abigail Runion, Mrs. Marks’ class - Ariel Dobbins Kindergarten: Mrs. Col-lins’ class – Malachi Nichols; Mrs. Taylor’s class – Colten Craddock 1st grade: Miss Douglas’ class – Noah Collins; Miss Jarvis’ class – Allison Miller
2nd grade: Mrs. Witt/Adkins’ Class – Olivia Witt; Mrs. Knopp class – Kaycee Thorne 3rd grade: Mrs. Under-wood’s class – Lydia Hamrick; Mrs. McKin-ney’s class – Jack Haverty 4th grade: Mrs. Kl-eman’s class – Aly Chinn, Mrs. Holcomb’s class- Christopher Barss 5th Grade: Mrs. Helmick’s class – Sylindria Gill; Mrs. Chapman’s class – Jaydin Walker
Big Otter Elementary Awesome Braves
Clay County 4-H receives grantBy Erica Kearns
$390,259 of grant money was recently distributed by the The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation Board of Trustees and Clay County received $4,400 of it. The Clay County 4-H leaders association received the funding to support scholarships to 4-H camp, including positive youth development with an array of educational classes and assem-blies. The Greater Kanawha Valley Founda-tion’s mission is to positively improve the quality of life for those living within Boone, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln and Putnam counties. Those wishing to apply for grants during the 2014 year should visit the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation’s website at www.tgkvf.org.
