Page 6a, The Wayne County News, WeeKeND, MaRCH 25 & 26, 2017

PRIORITIES from Page 5A

substance abuse. Of the more than 44,000 inmates booked into a regional jail last year, for instance, nearly 19,000 had to be placed on a detoxification or withdrawal program. That means that 43 percent of West Virginia’s jail inmate brought a substance abuse problem in with them.

West Virginia’s correctional agencies also continue to attack sub-stance abuse through treatment and recovery services for offenders seeking to return to lawful and productive lives.

The prison system has nine Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) units offering six-month to one-year inpatient treatment programs. Two RSATs, one for males and the other for females, debuted last year for Corrections-sentenced inmates at the Southwestern Regional Jail in Logan County. There are a total of 551 treatment beds, and their programs’ completion rate is 61 percent.

Through Justice Reinvestment, West Virginia has also committed millions of dollars to fund community-based treatment and recovery services, both residential and outpatient, for offenders returning to society via parole, probation or other forms of supervised release.

Juvenile Services provides substance abuse therapy as well, through its medical services contract, while 12-step-type programs are available in the prisons and jails. Corrections is also participat-ing in a pilot program overseen by the Department of Health and Human Resources that provides exiting inmates with Vivitrol, also known naltrexone, which blocks the effects of opioid medication. The regional jails plans to join this pilot program.

addressed by Obamacare? What of the ACA regulations that have pushed preventative care, in effect causing patients to be proactive rather than reactive with their health? And what else are we forget-ting? Yes, the ACA needs improvements, but it would seem a more manageable and successful endeavor to work on what’s broken.

Consider that 20 million more people got health care under the ACA and now the nonpartisan CBO predicts that 24 million may eventually lose health insurance under the new plan. Shouldn’t the test for your vote be “do no harm”? The proposed health care bill covers fewer people, with weaker protections, at a higher cost. This is less a health care bill than a huge tax break - $275 billion - for the top 2 percent. The fact that this demographic has been the only one to thrive as we fight back from the Great Recession underscores the unfairness of the current proposal to give short shrift to those who voted in desperation for Trump. Morally, what does it mean that we would throw people off insurance in order to give tax breaks to the wealthy and the pharmaceutical and insurance industries?

Promises were made in this election. A new paradigm has our state investing in working people. Before this can succeed, however, we must be well.

Laura Deveny is a member of the Huntington Area League of Women Voters.

have no interest in the properties and let them continue to rot and languish. They simply want the 1 percent interest per month. That’s about the best deal anyone can get on an investment these days.

This situation particularly affects communities that have had massive job and population losses. West Virginia’s legislature turns a blind eye to this. Michigan, Ohio and other states with older hous-ing stock have addressed this problem more capably. Lawrence County, Ohio, received over $4 million for its new land bank pro-gram to clean up over 200 dilapidated or abandoned buildings.

In the past few years, HURA has taken title to over 300 proper-ties, sold many and cleaned and boarded up others. But a small municipal agency is no match for deep-pocketed investors. What is needed is a revision to the county tax auction process. Additionally, legislation has been requested to give HURA and similar West Virginia Land Bank sponsors right of first refusal in obtaining the liens on distressed properties.

In 2007, the Herald-Dispatch editorial said, “The Legislature must step in here and devise a new program that allows local governments and school boards to receive the money they are entitled to while at the same time providing residents with safe, secure and attractive neighborhoods they need.” It’s now time for West Virginia’s tax lien system to stop encouraging slums.

Diane W. Mufson is a retired psychologist. Her email is dwmufson@comcast.net.

Homer Franklin Meadows

of Huntington Homer Franklin “Frank”

Meadows, 78, of Huntington, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at River’s Bend Nursing Home, South Point, OH.

Funeral services will be con-ducted on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 2 pm by Pastor Bob Hale at the Reger Funeral Chapel. Entombment will follow at White Chapel Mausoleum.

Homer was born on May 2, 1938 in Huntington, WV to the late Earl Franklin and Cynthia Collins Meadows. He was a gradu-ate of Marshall University and a member of the Good Samaritan Church. He was a retired Cabell County elementary and middle school teacher, he was a former Huntington High School soccer coach, Vinson High School baseball coach, he was a youth soc-cer and baseball coach a high school and college soccer referee and Homer was the founder of the Wayne County Youth Soccer League.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by one sister, Gloria Jean Eskew. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty Ann Dowis Meadows; a son and daughter-in-law, Kevin Lee and Jennifer Gallagher Meadows of Laplata, MD; three grandchildren, Jackson Meadows, William Meadows, Nicholas Meadows; one sister, Phyllis Ann Strathman of Proctorville, OH; brothers-in-law, Billy Ray and Bonita Dowis, Bobby Joe and Gail Dowis all of Huntington.

Friends may call from 1 pm until service time on Saturday at the Reger Funeral Home. Military rites will be conducted by the Huntington Honor Guard of American Legion Post 16 Huntington. Contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Church Community Building, 1610 Florence Ave., Huntington, WV 25701. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.regerfh.com.

ObituariesDwight Vance

of Prichard Dwight Vance, 67, of

Prichard, W.Va., went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 21, 2017. He was born July 25, 1949 in Wayne County, West Virginia, a son of the late Lilia and Owen Vance, Jr. One sister, Elsie “Susie” Hager, also preceded him in death. Dwight proudly served in the United States Army and was a retired tool and die maker. He attended Beulah Freewill Baptist Church and loved farming.

Survivors include his loving wife, Linda Vance; his daughter Theresa Lynn (Alberto) Sanchez; three grandchildren, Joshua, Maria, and Tatsiana; and one great grandson, Aurelio Sanchez, all of Richardson, Tex.;

Also surviving are three brothers, Hi (Cora) Vance of West Hamlin, W.Va., Cecil (Dorothy) Vance of Berea, Ky., and Edgar Vance of Branchland, W.Va.; three sisters, Ruthie (Dan) Bustos of Hurricane, W.Va., Fannie (Richard) Casey of Milton, W.Va., and Georgie (Johnny) Harris of Branchland; special friends Estel Moore, Phillip Finley, and Gary Queen; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Johnson Tiller Funeral Home with Brother Gary Queen and John Harris officiating and military honors performed by the American Legion Post 93 of Kenova. Burial will follow at Queen’s Ridge Cemetery. Friends may call after 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Erma Lucille Dean-Ratliffof Fort Gay Erma Lucille Dean-

Ratliff, 98, of Fort Gay passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at her home.

She was born at Tabors Creek on September 18, 1918 one of seven children to the late Ollie Jeffrey and Mary Skeens-Dean.

Erma was a home-maker and a member of the Tabors Creek Church.

Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Okie Ratliff; one son Okie Darrell Ratliff; seven siblings James Dean, Fred Dean, Elizabeth Mullins, Allen Dean, Merle Dean, Glen Dean and Frank “Sam” Dean as well as two sons in law Ray Evans and John Presley.

She leaves behind a loving family including six children Joan (Bennie) Morgan of New Straitsville, Ohio, Teresa Ratliff of Fort Gay, Louvada Evans of Charleston, SC, Carl (Joann) Ratliff of Fort Gay, Barabara (Everett) Spicer of New Lexington, Ohio and Letha Presley of Huntington; 32 grandchildren; 56 great grandchildren and 25 great great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be under the direction of Young Funeral Home and will be held at the Tabors Creek Church on Friday, March 24, 2017 at 1:00 pm with Pastors Luther Dingess and Ray Church officiating, burial will follow at the Fort Gay Cemetery.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2017 from 6-8 pm at the Young Funeral Home.

Richard Keith Bootonof Lavalette

Richard Keith Booton, 84, of Lavalette, WV, went home to his Heavenly Father, surrounded by his family, Tuesday March 21, 2017 at his residence. Funeral service will be conducted at noon Friday March 24, 2017 at Chapman’s Mortuary Huntington with Pastor Bob Talbert officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Kenova WV.

Richard was born January 14, 1933 in Cabell County, WV a son of the late Richard S. and Gertrude Martin Booton. He retired from CSX Railroad and was a U.S. Army veteran serving during the Korean War. He was a born again Christian and attended Mays Chapel Church. He was always lending a helping hand to anyone in need. Also preceding him in death was a son, Rick Booton. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Lois Plymale Booton, one daughter Karen Belcher and husband David whom he loved like a son, one brother John Booton and wife Linda, four grandsons, Brad, R.K., Alex and Evan, three granddaughters, Beth, Abigail and Adrienne, three great granddaughters, Kylie, Maggie and Vivian, two great grandsons, Eli Keith and Braden, loving daughter-in-law, Susan Booton, brother-in-law Lowell D. Plymale and family, spe-cial niece, Angela who helped with his care, special friends Darol and Connie Kendrick, Gary and June Thompson, Peggy Davis and Sherri Faudree. Donations may be made to Hospice of Huntington. Philippians 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. Military graveside rites will be conducted by Veterans Honor Guard Post 16. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM Friday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to www.chapmans-mortuary.com.

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MUFSON from Page 5A

CONTRABAND from Page 5A

OBIT POLICY – It is the policy of The Wayne County News to run obituaries FREE. However there are a few guidelines. All obituaries must come from a funeral home and be the ‘official’ obituary. We do not take submissions directly from the families. This is to avoid any conflict between factions of families. If you would like to run an obituary from out of state please contact the funeral home that handled the arrangements and have them send it to us via email to editor@waynecountynews.com.

Ona Faye Heraldof Prichard

Ona Faye Herald, 75, of Prichard, WV, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2017 at Kings Daughters Medical Center. Ona was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and granny. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kelly and Hulda Fry Williamson, one brother Harvey Williamson, and two infant sisters, Ida Pink and Narvey Williamson, father and mother-in-law Sam and Ollie Belle Corns Herald, four broth-ers-in-law: Clarence, Jennings, David Herald, and Carter Williamson, two sisters-in-law, Anne Williamson and Jewell Williamson. Those left to grieve her absence include her loving husband of 55 years, John R. Herald, two daughters, Kay Herald and Angela Chadwick (Mike), two sons; John Marvin Herald and Gregory Scott Herald (Tammi), three lov-ing grandsons: James Andrew Stafford, Michael Trevor Chadwick and Gregory Scott Herald II, one special granddaughter, Katie Anne Chadwick, four very special great grandchildren: Abbigail, Kadance, Brendan and her unborn great-granddaughter Kayleigh Renee Stafford. Ona also leaves behind three brothers and their wives; James (Freda), AJ (Doris) and Melvin Williamson, along with one sister Della (Al) Neace, two brothers-in-law; Roy Herald (Brenda), Clyde Herald (Geraldine) and two sisters-in-law; Mary Williamson (James) and Grace Williamson (Paul), along with many nieces, nephews and close friends. Ona will be missed by all who knew her and will continue to be the light of her family. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, March 26, 2017 at Morris Funeral Home Chapel, Wayne with Brothers Larry Davis and Woody Jude officiating. Burial will follow at the Herold Corns Cemetery, Crum. Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Morris Funeral Home Chapel, Wayne. Ona’s sons, grandsons and her dear friend Jeremy Leslie will serve as pallbearers.

Billy Francis Pridemore of Louisa

Billy Francis Pridemore of Louisa Kentucky was born January 25th 1947 in Louisa, Kentucky and departed his fam-ily and friends on March 20th 2017 at Three Rivers Medical Center in Louisa, Kentucky at the age of 70 years old. Billy left behind a loving wife, Tammy Pridemore and the 5 pets in which he thought of as his chil-dren, Chilly, Pepper, Snoopy, Weasel, and Knot Head. He also left behind loving brothers and sisters which include, a sister Joyce Terry and family, Virginia Thompson and family. He also leaves behind a large amount of extended family in-laws nieces and nephews. Billy is preceded in death by, both parents, three sisters, two brothers and a father in law. The family would like to extend a gratitude to all the members of the Cherryville Missionary Baptist Church for their support. Also want to thank the staff and doctors at the Three Rivers Medical Center for their courteous understanding in time and sadness and grief. Billy you will be missed by all your family. Love you forever and always.

Stella Perry Mayo Stella Perry Mayo, 86,

went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 17, 2017 in Dayton, Ohio. She was born on September 16, 1930 in Wayne County, W.Va., to the late Melvin and Malissee Toppins Perry. Stella was the eldest of nine children. She met her husband, Dr. Shelby Mayo of Huntington, W.Va. and they married in 1953. Stella and Shelby served their Lord in full time ministry in Ohio before being called to overseas missions. On March 17, 1970 (47 years to the date of Stella’s death) they arrived in Indonesia to begin their ministry with World Baptist Fellowship in a country that they came to love. They went on to serve in New Zealand, Singapore, and Hawaii. Stella assisted her husband in starting several churches and seeing many people from these various cultures come to faith in Christ. Stella and Shelby semi-retired in Clearwater, Fla. They attended the Bible Baptist Church in Palm Harbor, Fla. In addition to her parents, Stella was preceded in death by her beloved husband Shelby Mayo; son, Dwight Mayo; step-mother, Maxine Perry; sister, Yorkie Perry Stender Werth; brother, Walter Perry; and great granddaughter, Eliana Densmore. Stella is survived by three children, Jeanetta (Chet) Tibbetts of Kettering, Ohio; Barbara (Richard) Neville of Christchurch, New Zealand; and Paul (Sara) Mayo of Pantego, Texas, four brothers, Randall Perry (Sue) of Felicity, Ohio, Dolphus Perry of Lavalette, WV, Orval Perry (Brenda) and Michael Perry (Debbie) all of Wayne, WV, three sisters, Joann Perry Perkins of Lavalette, WV, Brenda Sue Maynard (Roger) and Melva Lou Maynard (Dale) all of Wayne, WV, 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at Morris Funeral Home Chapel, Wayne with Rev. Brian Densmore offici-ating. Burial will follow at the Mayo Cemetery, Spring Valley. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.