Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Draft of WV K-12 Standards Released to Public

A draft of the West Virginia Department of Education’s new K-12 core standards for English/language arts and math is now available for public review.

The agency released the draft standards Wednesday. They are expected to be finalized in early spring.

The public can provide feedback by completing an online survey.

The draft standards are posted on the Web site www.corestandards.org and the survey can be accessed by clicking on “Submit Feedback.“

The deadline for completing the survey is April 02, 2010.

The draft standards were developed by teachers, administrators and experts as part of the national Common Core State Standards Initiative.

CommunityConcerns: GCPR Tractor - USE or Mis-USE

The Gilmer County Commission applied for a grant for a tractor to be used at the Gilmer County Recreation Center in Glenville.

The grant was awarded on June 30, 2009.

Now the Gilmer County Commission has decided to use the grant to purchase the tractor.

Mr. Larry Chapman, the President of the Gilmer County Commission, wants to use the Tractor at the Glenville Golf Club as well. This action by Mr. Chapman is not setting well with the citizens and there are Community Concerns about his decision.

——This is a copy of the award letter:

WEST VIRGINIA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, WV 25305-0311
(304) 558-2234 • (800) 982-3386
www .wvopenforbussiness.com
June 30, 2009
File: PNRS-GCC
SAI-WV9 0629-066

BL:ts
cc:    USE –VRD
        Region VH

Click  H E R E  to see the actual Printable Award Letter.

——This is a copy of the RFP put out by Gilmer County Commission:

The Gilmer County Commission will be accepting sealed bids through 2 PM on March 15, 2010 for a 4WD LCG DIESEL TRACTOR to be used at the Gilmer County Recreation Center and County Golf Course located at the Sycamore Road, Glenville, West Virginia.  The bids will be opened at 3 PM that day March 15, 2010 in the Commission Room of the Gilmer County Courthouse located at 10 Howard Street, Glenville, West Virginia.

This purchase is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Any questions should be directed to the Office of the Gilmer County Clerk.  Phone: 304-462-7641 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All bids should be mailed to the Gilmer County commission, 10 Howard Street, Glenville, W.V. 26351

——Several years ago the Gilmer County Commissioners told the WV Alcohol Commission that the Glenville Golf Club was not part of the Gilmer County Recreation Center and as the result the Glenville Golf Club was allowed to apply and received a State of WV license to sell Alcoholic Beverages. Had Glenville Golf Club been part of the Gilmer County Recreation Center it could not get the license.

•  Why does Glenville Golf Club get to use the Tractor? They don’t publicly report to the Commission or the public about their activities.

•  Why do Commissioners make such decisions again without discussing it first with the public?

•  Glenville Golf Club is no longer under the umbrella of the Gilmer County Commission. They separated a while back when they wanted to get a license to serve alcoholic beverages.

•  Why is the Glenville Golf Club still claiming to be part of Gilmer County Commission and claim tax exempt status and does not pay sales tax?

•  Shouldn’t the tractor first be used for other county function before the Golf Club?

•  If Golf Club gets to use it, shouldn’t the Citizens of Gilmer County?

•  Is the use of the Tractor for a Non-Government entity OK with the grant? Why didn’t Mr. Chapman apply for the grant for Golf Course use if it were OK?

Gilmer Free Press contacted Mr. Chapman about his decision, but as of this time (03.10.10 - 03.02 AM) there has been no response.

The Gilmer County Commission, the applicant, requested USDA funds last year for a tractor to be used for public benefit at the Gilmer County Recreation Center. The terms of the grant provide for the applicant to fund 25% of the cost of equipment. Of the projected $36,000.00 new tractor cost, the commissions share will be $9,000.00. The grant was approved, advertised for bids and bids will be opened the afternoon of March 15. The tractor will be housed in the Agriculture Barn when not being used. When not being utilized by the Rec Center, tractor will also be made available to the Golf Course. Both park director Darrell Ramsey and golf course director Lance Woodford have wholeheartedly supported this concept called sharing. They currently share another tractor in addition to offering assistance with other small power equipment. The Gilmer County Commission acknowledges that both organizations provide recreational opportunities to our citizens and applauds their efforts of working together.

Both the Recreation Center and Golf Course are non-profit organizations. They both rely on fees to exist. Both organizations should be tax exempt from sales tax. The Gilmer County Commission appoints the board members of the Recreation Center whereas the Golf Course directors are appointed by its members. The Recreation Center is funded in part by the Gilmer County Commission while the Golf Course is self-supported. Both organizations meetings are open to the public.

Unemployment Rate Rises in all WV Counties

West Virginia’s unemployment rate jumped nearly 2% to 10.5% in January 2010.

All counties reported rising unemployment rates as well.

The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered much worse than average when compared to the state rate declined slightly in January.

This group included Grant (15.9%), Wirt (16.2%), Clay (16.5%), Wetzel (16.8%), Roane (16.8%), and Calhoun (21.3%).

The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered better than average when compared to the state rate was unchanged in January.

This group included Cabell (8.7%), Kanawha (8.6%), Marion (8.5%), Putnam (8.2%), and Jefferson (7.8%).

Once again, Monongalia (5.8%) was the sole county recording an unemployment rate considered much better than average when compared to the state rate.

Calhoun County (21.3%) recorded the worst unemployment

Unemployment Rates for area Counties:

Former Dollar General Managers File Separate Suits

Five former managers ofDollar General Stores who dropped a class action against the retailer in federal court have filed new suits as individuals.

They claim Dollar General classified them as managers without giving them managerial duties, in order to deny them overtime pay.

They seek back pay, damages, penalties, and an injunction against further violations of fair wage laws.

Thomas Dyer of Clarksburg and Michelle Massingale of Charlotte, NC, filed the suits on January 28, 2010.

Anna Malcomb of Sand Fork, in Gilmer County, claims she worked at the Glenville store in 2006 and 2007.

Patsy Helmick of Clarksburg claims she worked at West Milford from 2006 to 2008.

Ron Weaver of Salem claims he worked there in 2005 and 2006.

Tammy Audia of Harrison County claims she worked at Gore in 2005 and 2006.

Thomas Lee Brown Jr. of Fairmont claims he worked there in 2005 and 2006.

These five and nine others sued Dollar General in 2008, proposing a class action on behalf of all managers claiming overtime pay.

Last May, District Judge Irene Keeley set a hearing for Oct. 9, to evaluate potential expert witnesses.

She cancelled the hearing 11 days before she would have held it, and soon after that Dyer and Massingale dismissed the class claims without prejudice.

When Dyer and Massingale filed individual suits, the court assigned them to Keeley.

Dollar General already faced 10 similar suits that a federal judge in Alabama transferred to the court in Clarksburg a year ago.

In those cases, Dyer and Massingale represent Melva Bosley, Mary Howell, Connie Outen, Tawana Proctor, Fabra Stewart, Della Thorne-Judkins, Kimberly Weller, James Morgan, Angela Mayne-Harrison and Christine Richards.

District Judge John Preston Bailey presides over their claims.

GCHS Longaberger Basket Bingo

There will be a Longaberger Basket Bingo on Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 4:00 PM at the Gilmer County Recreation Center.

Doors will open at 3:00 PM.

The cost is $20.00 per ticket.

Refreshments will be sold.

Donations go toward the Junior Class GEAR UP field trip and Prom.

For more information, please call the GCHS office at 304.462.7960.

E-911 Center Feasibility Study Meeting

MARK YOUR CALENDER

E-911 Center Feasibility Study Meeting

Friday, MARCH 26, 2010 6:00 PM

Cedar Creek State Park Conference Center

Public Invited

Bring a Covered Dish

HealthTip: Pregnant Women and Flu Protection

When women are pregnant, their immune system changes and their risk of flu complications rises.

That’s true with seasonal flu, and pregnant women are at even greater risk of severe illness with H1N1 flu. That’s why pregnant women were one of the five groups given priority for initial doses of H1N1 flu vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says pregnant women should get flu shots against both seasonal and H1N1 flu. They can get the shots at any time during pregnancy.

“In addition to the protection provided for pregnant women, influenza vaccine given during pregnancy has been shown to prevent influenza in infants less than 6 months of age, who are unable to get the influenza vaccination themselves.“

GCHS Class of 1985 Reunion

Glenville Community Church Presents:  TEEN REVOLUTION Every Thursday 3:30 - 5:30 PM

All teens grades 7th and up are welcomed.

Please join us for:
•  FUN
•  FOOD
•  GAMES
•  MUSIC
•  FELLOWSHIP!

Serving School video series featuring ‘Don’t Be a Statistic!’

ALL are also welcome to join us for regular service:
•  Sunday School at 10:00 AM
•  Sunday Service at 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM
•  Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM
•  Join us on the radio Sunday Mornings at 9:00 AM, station 100.3 FM.

Glenville: Friends of the Library Meeting - 03.15.10

Friends of the Library will be meeting at the Gilmer Public Library at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 15, 2010.

Friends of the Library look forward to seeing you and hearing new ideas.

New members are welcome.

Flashback: What Happened on March 10, ....

•  1835 - The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated The Virginia Slave Insurance Company in Charles Town, Jefferson County for the purpose of compensating slaveholders of runaway slaves. Subscription books were opened under the direction of the following: James Hite, John Yates, Braxton Davenport, William Butler, George Reynolds, Matthew Ranson, Edward Lucas, Sr., and George Bell.

•  1856 - The Virginia General Assembly passed an act incorporating the town of Glenville, Gilmer County.

•  1848 - The Virginia General Assembly passed an act establishing separate polling places on the Northwestern Turnpike Road in Ritchie County and in Wood County.

•  1851 - The Virginia General Assembly passed an act which incorporated the Salem and Harrisville Turnpike Company to construct a road from Harrisville in Ritchie County, to the headwaters of the south fork of Hughes River, to a point on the Northwestern Turnpike Road at or near Salem in Harrison County. Subscription books were opened in Harrisville, under the direction of the following commissioners: Thomas Stenchcomb, Jacob B. Blair, Ephraim Bee, William F. Randolph, Philip Cox, Jr., John Harris, and John L. Porter.

•  1852 - The Virginia General Assembly passed an act incorporating the town of Ravenswood, Jackson County.

•  1879 - The Fourteenth West Virginia Legislature adjourned.

•  1881 - The West Virginia Legislature passed an act forbidding the collection of tolls on the Kanawha River and abolishing the Kanawha Board. It was approved by the governor on March 11.

•  1881 - The West Virginia Legislature passed an act altering the boundaries of Charleston and amending its charter. It was approved by the governor on March 12.

•  1911 - Jesse Cook was executed by hanging at the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville (Marshall County) for a murder committed in McDowell County.

•  1977 - FMC began negotiations with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning charges of toxic spills.

•  1981 - United Mine Workers (UMWA) members marched in Washington, D. C. in protest of proposed changes in black lung eligibility requirements by the Reagan Administration.

•  1992 - Authorities captured Tommie Lee Mollohan near Isaban, Mingo County, the third and final escapee to be captured from the February 19 breakout from the West Virginia State Penitentiary in Moundsville, Marshall County.

•  1992 - UMW union members marched in Washington, D. C., and in Cedar Grove, Kanawha County, in support of the proposed legislation of Senator Jay Rockefeller to stabilize the UMW health and retirement funds.

WV House and Senate - 03.09.10

One of the sleeper bills this session is SB186 that would create a new panel of administrative law judges in the Department of Transportation to deal with drunk drivers. It breezed through the Senate but members of the House Judiciary Committee decided it needed several revisions Tuesday morning. A key change would be that the Division of Motor Vehicles would relinquish its authority to decide punishment for drunk drivers.

Texas Company Is Awarded WV School Food Contract

The West Virginia Department of Education has awarded a contract to a Texas company to improve its food service operations at schools across the state.

Houston-based Cybersoft Technologies Inc. said Tuesday that its Primero software suite will be implemented on a centralized state database.

The software will help school cashiers determine when a meal is served whether the student has special nutritional or medical needs, or is eligible for the free and reduced price meal program.

It also will allow the transfer of students’ eligibility for free and reduce price meals when they move to another county.

State Office of Child Nutrition Executive Director Richard Goff says the software will simplify management of food service operations.

Personal Income Tax Tip #6: The Federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the WV Family Tax Credit

Life is a little easier with the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the West Virginia Family Tax Credit (WVFTC). Both tax credits are designed to help working people.

The EITC is a federal tax credit applied against federal income tax for people who work, and earn low to moderate incomes. Taxpayers who qualify and claim the credit could pay less federal tax, pay no tax or even get a tax refund.

The West Virginia Family Tax Credit (WVFTC) against West Virginia personal income tax, and is available individuals or families as specified in the credit law. The WVFTC may reduce or eliminate their West Virginia personal income tax. In Tax Year 2008, nearly 75,000 West Virginia personal income tax filers claimed the WVFTC for a total of $12.8 million. For the second year, the maximum WVFTC is 100% of the taxpayer’s pre-credit income tax liability. That means bigger refunds could be coming to those who qualify.

Each tax credit has different qualifications taxpayers must meet in order to claim the credit. To qualify for the EITC for Tax Year 2009, taxpayers must have adjusted gross income of less than:
■  $13,440 ($18,440 if married filing jointly) with no qualifying children.
■  $35,463 ($40,463 if married filing jointly) with one qualifying child.
■  $40,295 ($45,295 if married filing jointly) with two qualifying children.
■  $43,279 ($48,279 if married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children.
■  Special rules may apply for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and taxpayers in designated major disaster areas.
■  Additional qualifications apply. Visit www.eitc.irs.gov for more information.

You may be eligible for the 2009 WVFTC if:
■  Your modified gross income was equal to or less than $2,700 above the federal poverty guideline income for 2009.
■  You made less than $39,710 in 2009.
■  Additional eligibility requirements must be met. Additional details can be found on page 40 of the IT140 tax booklet.

Glenville: FRN Board Meeting - 03.12.10

The Gilmer County Family Resource Network Board Meeting is on Friday, March 12, 2010 at 12:00 Noon at the FRN Conference Room at 313 E. Main Street, Glenville.

Gilmer County FRN is currently seeking volunteers to serve on its Board of Directors.

If you are interesed, please call Donna Wadel at, 304.462.7545.

Ask the Doctor: Help Fight Diabetes with a Diet

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am concerned about my medicine. I am 72. About four years ago, my doctor said I was prediabetic and prescribed Avandia.

I go for a checkup every three months, and the doctor checks my sugar, blood pressure, etc.

A few months ago, I read that there were questions about Avandia’s safety. My doctor did not know about the risks, but said to keep taking it. Will you tell me more about it?
- F.B.

ANSWER: Prediabetes is the condition where the fasting plasma glucose (blood sugar) ranges from 100 mg/dL to 125.

It’s a widespread condition with about one-quarter of older adults having it. It’s not diabetes.

However, around 11 percent of prediabetics become true diabetics within three years, and about half do so within 10 years.

Weight loss, daily exercise and a change of diet often can take people out of the “prediabetes” category and put them in the “normal” category.

Many doctors favor treating their prediabetic patients with oral diabetes medicines in order to prevent progression to diabetes.

Avandia is an oral diabetes medicine that’s been around for many years. It causes some people to retain fluid. Retention of fluid, in turn, can lead to congestive heart failure in a few instances.

It has been suspected of possibly inducing angina and heart attacks. These side effects are limited to a small number of people, and the proof of the relationship isn’t accepted by all authorities. You’ve been on the medicine for four years without any trouble. It’s not likely that you would ever get into any trouble.

If you’re uneasy about the medicine, you have two options. One is to try to control your prediabetes with diet, exercise and weight loss.

The second is to take one of the many other oral diabetes medicines. You have to discuss this with your doctor.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

Hazel Dell Hoffman

Hazel Dell Hoffman
Fell asleep in death March 7, 2010.

Born at Creston, Wirt County, WV on Dec. 16, 1905, she is the daughter of George Greenlow “Doc” Wix and Mary Elizabeth Criss Wix. Hazel is the widow of John Charles Hoffman (deceased 1988) and the mother of Guy Eugene Hoffman and James Allen Hoffman (both deceased 1971 and 1990). Hazel has five grandchildren, Leigh Ann (Roger) Full, Pam (Mark) Richards, James (Mary Ann) Hoffman, Michael Hoffman and David (Ronna) Hoffman. She has many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Hazel is survived by one brother, Robert Wix of Parkersburg, WV

She was preceded in death by her parents, five sisters and two brothers.

Hazel was a member of Stout Memorial United Methodist Church and the “Lydia” Circle. She was also a member of the Eastern Star, Chapter 14 (of Parkersburg), Bethany Shrine #4, and the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine and Eastern Star Past Matrons Clubs. She attended Creston School (grades 1-8), and Normal Teachers’ College in Fairmont, WV She taught at Pine Alley School in Annamoriah, WV, at Big Bend School in Calhoun County, WV, and at Monaville School in Logan County, WV

Hazel married John Hoffman on June 8, 1925. She sold cosmetics from home (Mary Kay) and then was employed at Woolen Mills, which made men’s clothes, located on 6th Street in Parkersburg.

Hazel was a warm and loving mother and grandmother, and she always created happy, lasting memories for us, while we were growing up. She especially enjoyed family gatherings at her home and at the family farm in Calhoun County, WV.  Until we see her again, she will be sadly missed.

Visitation at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 400 Green Street, Parkersburg, WV will be 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM Wednesday.

Funeral services will be 2 PM Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor Scott Sears officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

An online guestbook for condolences is available at www.lamberttatman.com.

Henrietta Oleta Gordon

Henrietta Oleta Gordon
Age 95, of Blakely, GA, died March 8, 2010, at her residence.

She was born Sept. 2, 1914 at Burnt House, WV, the daughter of the late Winfield and Bernice Crummett Westfall.

She is survived by four sons, Lloyd (Barbara) Higginbotham of Bradenton, FL, Charles (Donna) Higginbotham of Williamstown, WV, Gary (Shirley) Higginbotham of Blakely, GA, and Willard (Bonnie) Jenkins of Wintersville, Ohio; stepdaughter, Norma Jean Echard of Harrisville; 18 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.

Henrietta was preceded by son, Donovan (Ann) Higginbotham; and stepsons, Dale, Robert, Ralph, Ernest, and Wayne Jenkins.

Funeral services will be held 3 PM Thursday at Raiguel Funeral Home, Harrisville. Burial will be in the King Knob Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home today from 4-8 PM Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcculloughrogersfuneralhome.com

Glenn E. Starcher

Glenn E. Starcher
Age 68, of Reedy, WV, died Sunday, March 7, 2010, at Eldercare in Ripley after an extended illness.

He was born at Rocksdale in Calhoun County, a son of the late Denvil and Bertie Starcher.

He was a retired oil field worker and a member of Reedy Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jeanie Starcher; a son and daughter-in-law, Travis and Lisa Starcher of Mineral Wells; brothers, Denvil Jr. (Judy) of Elizabeth and Arnold (Janie) Starcher of Tampa, FL.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dean.

There will be no visitation but a memorial service were Tuesday at 3:00 PM at Gilboa Baptist Church.

Eileen Stevens Yoak

Eileen Stevens Yoak
On March 7, 2010, Eileen Stevens Yoak, 89, went to be with Jesus and to her heavenly home. She passed away peacefully at the home of her niece, Bernita Werner in Belpre, Ohio.

Eileen was born May 17, 1920, in Calhoun County, WV, a daughter of the late Elza and Dora Freed Stevens. She was the loving wife of the late Harold R. Yoak for 65 years. She and Harold had one daughter, Connie Sue Morris, who preceded her in death in 2005.

Eileen was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church for a number of years, Eastern Star, and a volunteer at the Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital.

She is survived by three grandchildren, Rebecca Voight (Chris) of Cincinnati, Ohio, Mark Hussell (Missie) and John Hussell (Rhonda), both of Point Plesant, WV; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; daughter, Connie; three sisters, Mildred Stevens, Thelma Wade and Geraldine McCoy; and one nephew, Steve McCoy.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and caregivers of Amedysis Hospice, friends from the church, and her neighbors for the loving care of Eileen.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 AM Thursday at the Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 400 Green St., Parkersburg, WV, with Pastor Jon Lands officiating.

Entombment will follow at the Sunset Memory Gardens Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 3-7 PM Wednesday at the funeral home.

A guestbook is available for sending online condolences to the family at www.lamberttatman.com

Daily Prayer - 03.10.10

Gracious God, in the vulnerability of a child, we recognize our own fragility.
In their tender innocence, we are reminded that life is meant to be lived with curious and joyful abandon.
Help us, who are no longer children, to retain the freshness of childhood and to be the protectors and mentors of those whose lives are just beginning.
May we see in their eyes the clear window of heaven.
Guide us in the ways to keep all children safe and in your great love, O God, hold them in your peaceful embrace so they are not overcome by loneliness, fear, or danger.
We ask this for the sake of your love.
Amen.

03.10.10

Today: 03.10.yyyy

Today is Wednesday, March 10, the 69th day of 2010. There are 296 days left in the year.

Thought for Today: “Show me a man who claims he is objective and I’ll show you a man with illusions.“ _ Henry R. Luce, American magazine publisher (1898-1967).

Today’s Highlight in History:

On March 10, 1876, the first successful voice transmission over Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone took place in Boston as his assistant heard Bell say, “Mr. Watson _ come here _ I want to see you.“

On this date:

In 1496, Christopher Columbus concluded his second visit to the Western Hemisphere as he left Hispaniola for Spain.

In 1785, Thomas Jefferson was appointed America’s minister to France, succeeding Benjamin Franklin.

In 1848, the Senate ratified the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War.

In 1880, the Salvation Army arrived in the United States from England.

In 1910, luggage maker Samsonite Corp. had its beginnings as the Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Co. was founded in Denver by Jesse Shwayder.

In 1948, the body of the anti-Communist foreign minister of Czechoslovakia, Jan Masaryk, was found in the garden of Czernin Palace in Prague.

In 1949, Nazi wartime broadcaster Mildred E. Gillars, also known as “Axis Sally,“ was convicted in Washington, D.C. of treason. (She served 12 years in prison.)

In 1969, James Earl Ray pleaded guilty in Memphis, Tenn., to assassinating civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. (Ray later repudiated that plea, maintaining his innocence until his death.)

In 1980, “Scarsdale Diet” author Dr. Herman Tarnower was shot to death at his home in Purchase, N.Y. (Tarnower’s former lover, Jean Harris, was convicted of his murder; she served nearly 12 years in prison before being released in January 1993.)

In 1985, Konstantin U. Chernenko, who was the Soviet Union’s leader for just 13 months, died at age 73.

Ten years ago:
•  Pope John Paul II approved sainthood for Katharine Drexel, a Philadelphia socialite who had taken a vow of poverty and devoted her fortune to helping poor blacks and American Indians. (Drexel, who died in 1955, was canonized in Oct. 2000.)

Five years ago:
•  Lebanon’s president reappointed staunchly pro-Syrian politician Omar Karami as prime minister.
•  A suicide bomber blew himself up at a funeral in Mosul, Iraq, killing at least 47 people.
•  Former President Bill Clinton underwent surgery in New York to remove scar tissue and fluid from his chest.
•  Michael Jackson, clad in pajamas and walking gingerly, arrived one hour late to his child molestation trial after the judge threatened to have him arrested him for tardiness; a back injury was blamed. (Jackson was acquitted.)

One year ago:
•  A gunman, 28-year-old Michael McLendon, killed 10 people, including his mother, four other relatives and the wife and child of a local sheriff’s deputy across two rural Alabama counties before committing suicide.
•  In his first major speech on education, President Barack Obama called for tying teachers’ pay to student performance and expanding innovative charter schools.

Today’s Birthdays:
Talk show host Ralph Emery is 77
Bluegrass/country singer-musician Norman Blake is 72
Actor Chuck Norris is 70
Playwright David Rabe is 70
Singer Dean Torrence (Jan and Dean) is 70
Actress Katharine Houghton is 65
Rock musician Tom Scholz (Boston) is 63
Former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell is 63
Producer-director-writer Paul Haggis is 57
Alt-country/rock musician Gary Louris is 55
Actress Shannon Tweed is 53
Pop/jazz singer Jeanie Bryson is 52
Actress Sharon Stone is 52
Rock musician Gail Greenwood is 50
Magician Lance Burton is 50
Actress Jasmine Guy is 48
Rock musician Jeff Ament (Pearl Jam) is 47
Music producer Rick Rubin is 47
Britain’s Prince Edward is 46
Actor Stephen Mailer is 44
Actress Paget Brewster is 41
Actor Jon Hamm (TV: “Mad Men”) is 39
Country singer Daryle Singletary is 39
Rapper-producer Timbaland is 38
Actor Cristian (kris-tee-AHN’) de la Fuente is 36
Rock musician Jerry Horton (Papa Roach) is 35
Actor Jeff Branson is 33. Singer Robin Thicke is 33
Actress Bree Turner is 33
Olympic gold-medal gymnast Shannon Miller is 33
Contemporary Christian singer Michael Barnes (Red) is 31
Country singer Carrie Underwood is 27
Actress Emily Osment is 18

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

WV Lottery - 03.09.10

0-0-6

4-9-1-5

01-08-12-14-15-22

14-16-18-19-29 MB: 16   Megaplier: x 2    

Gilmer County Board of Education Meeting Tonight - 03.09.10

The next meeting of Gilmer County Board of Education is tonight Tuesday, March 09, 2010 at 7:00 PM.
Meeting is held at Gilmer County High School Library.

Lucille Collins

Lucille Collins
Passed away this morning, Tuesday, March 09, 2010 at 7:06 AM.

She is the mother of Jim Collins and Saunnie Hoard of Glenville.

Gilmer County Circuit Court Report - 03.08.10

On Wednesday, March 03, 201 Chief Judge Jack Alsop heard 2 juvenile cases and transferred the Fugitive from Justice case of Ross Lee Marks back to Judge Richard A. Facemire for disposition because Facemire had recently sentenced Marks in a Gilmer County felony case.

On Thursday, March 04, 2010 the Circuit Court room was very full with 13 attorneys, many defendants, various police officers, witnesses, and friends and family members appearing for criminal docket call.

Nine pages of cases were docketed, and although Judge Alsop eventually called the cases that needed capias’ renewed in them, he first called and set the docket for pleas and trials.

Criminal trials were set for Wednesday, March 10, 2010 (the first day petit jurors report), Tuesday, March 16; Tuesday, March 23; Tuesday, June 01 and Thursday, June 03, 2010 as follows:

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 will see State vs. Jessica Self as the first trial.
Ms. Self is charged with 19 counts of embezzlement and is represented by R. Russell Stobbs of Weston.

The second trial that day will be State vs. Adam Batton
Who is charged with 3 counts of delivery of a Schedule I controlled substance, and is represented by Christopher Moffatt of Charleston.

Third trial set for March 10th is State vs. Audrianna Claypool
Charged with 2 counts of delivery of a Schedule I controlled substance, 1 count of delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance and 1 count of conspiracy.
She is represented by Christina Flanigan of Buckhannon.

The first trial set on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 is State of WV vs. Christopher Yoho
Charged with 1 count of delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance and 1 count of conspiracy, and is represented by Daniel Grindo of Gassaway.

The second trial set on March 16th is State vs. Darriel Craig
Charged with third offense DUI. He is represented by Brian Bailey of Horner.
Pre-trial motions were taken up on March 4th in Craig’s case.

The third trial that day is State vs. Dustin Chad Reed
Who is charged with 7 counts of forgery and uttering, 1 count of forgery and 1 count of grand larceny.    Mr. Reed is now represented by Keisha May of Charleston.

The first trial set on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 will be State vs. Cammie Yoho
Who is charged with 3 counts of conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance.
She is represented by William Martin of Sutton.

Second trial on March 23rd will be State vs. Joseph Lee Milford Smith
Who is charged with 1 count of Delivery of a Schedule I controlled substance, 1 count of Delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance and 2 counts of Delivery of a Schedule III controlled substance and 1 count of conspiracy.
He is represented by R. Russell Stobbs of Weston.
A plea bargain is being considered in this case.

June 1st the trial of State vs. Christopher McVaney
Charged with 1 count of child abuse resulting in injury will take place.
Special prosecutor Kelly Hamon McLaughlin (the Braxton County Prosecuting Attorney) will try this case for the state and McVaney is represented by R. Russell Stobbs.

June 3rd the trial of Seth Seelbach will occur.
Seth is charged with 2 counts of conspiracy and Judge Alsop heard pre-trial motions in Seelbach’s case on 03.04.10 in a closed Court room, and ordered Prosecutor Houghto contact state police officer Shingler and cause him to appear forthwith in the Court room to produce ALL evidence in this case.
Judge Alsop also wanted to see a copy of a January 15, 2010 letter written by Gerry Hough to Senior Trooper Jared Brewer and Sgt Andrew Shingler with copies sent to both Judges and Colonel Timothy Pack of the WVSP.
After nobody could produce a copy of this letter, Circuit Clerk Karen Elkin stated she had a copy of it in her office and thereafter produced it to the Judge.

Twenty-eight (28) cases where defendants have never appeared before the Court (some cases having been filed 10 years ago) saw orders signed by the Judge renewing capias’ in them.

In the matter of State vs. Travis Buford, Hough presented a dismissal order to be signed by Alsop.

In State vs. Larry Michael Snider
He appeared with his attorney, Jason M. Glass of Jane Lew, and moved the Court for a competency evaluation.
Whereupon Judge Alsop placed Snider in the custody of Sheriff Mickey Metz to be transported to Central Regional Jail to await an appointment for his evaluation.

A suppression hearing was conducted in the case of State vs. Darriel Craig.
Chief John Moss testified in the hearing and his case was set for trial.

In the case of State vs. Billy Tomblin this matter is before Judge Facemire, who took the plea bargain under advisement and set the matter for Monday, March 22, 2010.

Pleas were set for Tuesday, March 09, 2010 (which is also arraignment day):
09:45 AM
John Edgar Phillips plea.
He is charged with conspiracy to inflict injury to persons or property, 3 counts of grand larceny, 2 counts of breaking and entering, destruction of property, burglary and 2 counts of conspiracy to commit an offense against the state.
He is represented by David Karickhoff

10:00 AM
Justin Allen Wortham will plead.
He is charged with 3 counts of delivery of a schedule I controlled substance and conspiracy to commit an offense against the state.
He is represented by Kevin Duffy.

10:45 AM
Jeremy Allen Wolfe will plead.
He is charged with delivery of a Schedule III controlled substance and is represented by Kevin Hughart.

11:30 AM
Jermaine Graham will plead.
He is charged with 4 counts of delivery of a Schedule I controlled substance and possession of a Schedule I controlled substance.

01:00 PM
Bonnie Riddle will plead.
She is charged with Delivery of a Schedule I controlled substance and Delivery of a Schedule IV controlled substance.

01:45 PM
Bobby Wayne Townsend will plead.
He is charged with 2 counts of Delivery of a Schedule IV controlled substance.

Also on Tuesday, March 09, 2010 a suppression hearing is scheduled in the case of State vs. John Huffman Jr.
Charged with DUI resulting in death.
He is represented by Christina Flanigan.

Attorneys appearing were: Keisha May, R. Russell Stobbs, Christina Flanigan, David Karickhoff, Jason Glass, Christopher Moffatt, William Martin, Daniel Grindo, Joyce H. Morton, Kevin Duffy, Brian Bailey, T.J. Drake, and Garth Beck.

Also in the case of State vs. John Manis Richards, 08-F-2.
Mr. Richards will be sentenced on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 10:00 AM by Larry Starcher, retired Supreme Court Justice.
Richards has had several medical problems that have delayed this sentencing.
He pled guilty to one count of grand larceny on August 20, 2009.
Richards is represented by Christopher Moffatt.

GSC Music Audition Day A Success

The annual Glenville State College Department of Fine Arts ‘Music Audition Day’ held on Tuesday, February 23, 2010   is being called a success.

The event took place from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and was held in the GSC Fine Arts Center.

Eleven students from across the state auditioned giving them an opportunity to receive scholarships from the GSC Music Department.

Due to inclement weather, the original date of February 16th was cancelled. Some students could not attend the event on the day it was rescheduled, so other audition times are being scheduled during the remainder of the semester.

“During auditions, we listen to students perform scales, etudes, solos, or whatever type of music they prepared for us to listen to. We speak to them concerning their grades, ACT scores, their high school activities, honor bands/choirs they may have been involved in, their career goals, and other important information,” said GSC Department of Fine Arts Chair Lloyd Bone.

‘Music Audition Day’ participants also meet the entire GSC music faculty as well as talk to select members of GSC administration, see performances by all the major ensembles, eat lunch with current GSC music program students.

To schedule an audition time or for more information, contact GSC Department of Fine Arts Assistant Sheri Skidmore at “Sheri.Skidmore@glenville.edu” or at 304.462.4130.
~~  By Annette Barnette – GSC Public Relations & Marketing Director   ~~

Gilmer County Family Court Report - 03.08.10

On Thursday, March 04, 2010 Timothy Paul Evans (52) of Indiana, PA divorced Edith Jayne Evans (54) of Coxs Mills, WV.

On Friday, March 05, 2010 Family Court Judge Larry Whited appeared and held 9 hearings.

Divorces were granted in the cases of:

Carlena Kerby (35) of Glenville, WV divorced Billy Kerby (42) of Glenville, WV.

Verner Goodrich Jr. (32) of Rosedale divorced Melanie Goodrich (31) of Elyria, OH.

WV House and Senate - 03.08.10

In the House today, a public hearing was held by Health and Human Resourses Committee Chairman Don Perdue concerning SB230 which would allow optometrists to do limited laser surgery and similar procedures currently only performed by ophthalmologists. We hear from both sides of the issue.

Sole/Flounder Au Gratin

Ingredients:
4 fillets of sole or flounder (about 3/4 lb.)
2 tablespoons plain bread crumbs or Ritz crackers (finely crumbled)
1 sprig fresh tarragon leaves
1 tablespoon dry white wine
1 small garlic clove
1/3 fresh lemon
1-1/2 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 teaspoons butter (unsalted)
Black pepper
Sea salt

Direction:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Finely mince garlic and set aside.
Remove the tarragon leaves from their stem, chop the leaves, then set them aside.
Place fillets in a baking dish with the olive oil, dry white wine, minced garlic, chopped tarragon, 2 generous pinches of pepper and 1 pinch of salt.
Marinate for one hour, turning fillets at least once.
After marinating the fillets, squeeze the lemon juice and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and at least 2 tablespoons of crumbs over the fillets.
Place 1 tablespoon of butter on top of each fillet and cook for 25 to 30 minutes.
The bread crumbs should be golden brown.

Servings: 2.

Culinary Classic Weekend at Stonewall Resort State Park

More than 20 of West Virginia’s finest and most innovative chefs, along with regional wine and food stewards, offer a weekend of dine-around, multi-course meals, seminars and demonstrations.

“This is the 7th Annual Culinary Classic and one of our most popular winter weekend events,” says Mike Hager, general manager at Stonewall Resort.

The event is on Friday and Saturday March 12-13, 2010.

6th Annual Mid-Ohio Valley Heritage Quilt Show

Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History’s 6th Annual Quilt Show continues through March 28, 2010.

An open house on Saturday, March 13, 2010 is planned from 11 AM - 5 PM.

This day will feature local vendors and needle art artists in addition to quilt and museum exhibits.

There is no charge to visit the museum and exhibit during open house.

“March 20 is National Quilt Day and also a great time to visit,” says Donna Smith, park superintendent.

The Museum, featuring three floors of exhibits and artifacts, is open daily, except for Mondays and admission is $4.

The Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History is located in Parkersburg on the corner of Juliana and Second streets.