Monday, February 08, 2010

School Closings & Delays Due to Weather - Tuesday 02.09.10

Status of Area School Systems’ Operation on Tuesday, February 9, 2010
•  Braxton County:  —-
•  Calhoun County :  2-Hour Delay
•  Doddridge County :  Closed
•  Gilmer County :  —-
•  Gilmer County Headstart:  Closed - Staff to Report
•  Lewis County :  —-
•  Lewis County Headstart:  Closed - Staff to Report
•  Ritchie County :  2-Hour Delay
•  Ritchie County Headstart:  Closed - Staff to Report

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT

Issued by The National Weather Service
Charleston, WV
3:50 PM EST, Monday, Februa 8, 2010

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHARLESTON HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR SNOW… WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TUESDAY TO 7 PM EST WEDNESDAY.

A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL MOVE NORTHEAST ON TUESDAY. SNOW… ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SYSTEM… SHOULD OVERSPREAD THE REGION TUESDAY MORNING… AND THEN CONTINUE INTO WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. THE SNOW SHOULD THEN TAPER OFF TO SNOW SHOWERS WEDNESDAY EVENING. SOME OF THE SNOW MAY MIX WITH RAIN OR FREEZING RAIN ON TUESDAY… ESPECIALLY ACROSS PORTIONS OF WEST VIRGINIA.

TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS BY WEDNESDAY EVENING WILL RANGE FROM 5 TO 8 INCHES… WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS.

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL… KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT… FOOD… AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

GCHS: Basketball Cancellation

The Varsity Boys basketball game at South Harrison for tonight has been cancelled.

Diana Sharps
GCHS Athletic Director

Yeager Airport: Another Aborted Takeoff

A Delta flight from Charleston to Cincinnati was aborted at Yeager Airport Monday morning when a tire blew.

The plane going down the runway for takeoff and right in the middle of leading up to takeoff it apparently blew a tire.

The pilot applied the brakes and the plane came to a stop before reaching the airport’s emergency stopping system. That system is set to be repaired soon after being used last month after an apparent electrical problem caused a pilot to abort takeoff on a regional jet bound for Charlotte.

The pilot stopped the plane quickly. The passengers could see material coming up and smell the burning of rubber after the tire blew.

“He (pilot) seemed to do a pretty good job grasping the situation and bringing the plane to a safe stop,“ a passenger said.

No one injured after tire blows on flight bound for Cincinnati.

How to View Your Annual Free Credit Report

Government Mandates Free Credit Reports for All Consumers
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires that U.S. consumers be entitled to a free credit report each year. The government’s goal is to make sure that consumers stay informed, fight identity theft, and get fair treatment.

Credit reports are important because they are the raw data that go into your credit score.

In the past, not everybody was entitled to a free credit report. Instead, consumers had to pay or qualify based on certain activity within the credit report. Some states required that residents periodically be entitled to a free credit report, but it is now nationwide.

How do I Get my Free Credit Report?
The nation’s credit reporting agencies have teamed up and built a website that you should use to get your free credit report. The site is www.annualcreditreport.com. You can also call them at 877.322.8228 and request your free credit report.

Contacting the Credit Agencies Directly
You can also call the major credit agencies directly and ask about a free credit report. However, the FCRA-mandated “Annual Free Credit Reports” are only available through the website and phone number above. In other words, you might have to pay if you contact a credit agency directly.

I cannot overemphasize that the only way to get your annual free credit report is by using the organization above. If you go any other route, you may have to pay or subscribe to a private service.

What Information do I Need for a Free Credit Report?
You’ll need to be prepared with your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. You’ll also need any prior addresses from the past few years. Finally, you’ll be asked to disclose something that only you know (like the amount of a given payment, for example) as a security measure.

When Can I See my Free Credit Report?
In order to manage the process, availability is only available to certain regions at certain times. As of September 1st, 2005, the entire nation has access to a free credit report.

If your region is up and running, you can see your free credit report instantly online (at www.annualcreditreport.com). If you use the toll-free number, it may be 15 days or so until you receive the report.

What Else Should I Know About Free Credit Reports?
The regulations only entitle you to get a free credit report - not a free score or any other service. As you order your reports, watch out for sneaky attempts to sell additional items that cost money.

WV Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program Plans Spring Workshop

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announces that the spring Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop at Canaan Valley Resort State Park will be April 23-25, 2010.

Have you ever wanted to learn a new skill but have never had the opportunity to try?  Or, have you wanted to take up an outdoor sport but were afraid to purchase all the equipment and then find out later that you hated it?  Well, the West Virginia Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (WV BOW) Program is definitely for you!  Women who are at least 18 years old can learn a new outdoor skill.

This spring BOW will offer outdoor classes that include archery, biking, shooting, camping, fly tying, fishing, nature walk, self defense and outdoor cooking, to list a few.  Registration is now open with a fee of $150, which covers lodging, some meals, and some class materials during the workshop.

For more information or to register for the workshop, please contact BOW at 304.558.2771 or “Billie.J.Shearer@wv.gov”.

The registration form can be downloaded at www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/bow.shtm

GCHS Class of 1985 Reunion

Legislative Update – by – Delegate Brent Boggs - House Majority Leader - 02.08.10

Sutton Cub Scouts
As I write this week’s column, I’m back at the Capital on Sunday evening.  Among the many guests that visited last week, I was honored to have Cub Scouts from Sutton on the floor of the House last Thursday to lead the Pledge of Allegiance and also for several of their members to serve as pages for the day.  Thanks to all that attended, including parents and scout leaders.  Also, my apology to one scout, Christian Given, who attended his name was inadvertently left off the introduction list.

School Calendar Bill is Now a Law
As of last Friday, February 5, a total of 1,590 bills have been introduced – 1,091 in the House and 499 in the Senate.  The House has passed 16 bills; the Senate has passed 3 bills. Both bodies have approved one bill, House Bill 4040 – the school calendar bill, requiring 180 days of instructional time – was signed into law by the Governor last week.

Children Abuse, Salvia Divinorum, Farm Use Exemption
Among the bill passed last week, House Bill 2612 would increase penalties for failing to report child abuse. The penalty would be up to 30 days of jail time, up to $1000 fine, or a combination of the two. A person having reasonable cause to suspect that a child is neglected or abused or observes the child being subjected to conditions that are likely to result in abuse or neglect must report the suspicion.

Another, House Bill 4018, would prohibit the production, manufacture and possession of salvia divinorum; a leafy herb being used as a hallucinogenic drug; HB 2561 – Providing that an applicant for a farm use exemption certificate may not be required to appear before any assessor for renewal We also are waiting for Senate action on the major ethics reform bill (HB 4016) which passed the House earlier in the session.

Regular Session Target Dates
The Legislature is less than a week away from the midpoint of the 2010 Regular Session.  We are working diligently in committees to meet several internal deadlines imposed by the Legislature.

February 22 - last day for members to introduce legislation for consideration.
February 28 – bills are due out of committee in house of origin to ensure the required three separate readings.
March 3 – last day to consider bills on third reading in the house of origin.
March 13 – 60th Day

How It Works
Finally, One day last week, a member of the House addressed the membership and announced that he would be attempting to suspend the rules if he did not his bills out of committee and brought to the House for a vote.  While this member is obviously frustrated with his legislation not being considered in a time frame of his liking, it is virtually impossible for all bills introduced to be worked in committee and sent to the floor for a vote.  The only possible way to accommodate every bill each year would require a dramatic increase the length of the 60 day legislative session.  This is not allowed by the WV Constitution and not practical for taxpayers in terms of cost.

Every legislator experiences frustrations with legislation they either sponsor or support, including this legislator.  No doubt, there will be numerous attempts to circumvent the committee process to bring several bills to the full House without going through committees and his comments will likely add to the number.

Whether you are a sponsor of a bill; or in favor of or opposed to a particular bill, abandoning the committee process is not a good way to proceed and one that I cannot support regardless of the issue.

I have consistently held for my legislative tenure that no matter which side you find yourself on an issue, once you start down the path of bypassing committees, there will be no drawing the line as to what issue, group or initiative will be given special consideration and what is to be excluded from such treatment.

It is human nature to want to get our own way, and as a bill sponsor, I’d certainly like to get my way on all the many economic development, education and health-related bills I’ve sponsored.  I also care about the pro-marriage amendment, pro-life legislation and other issues of concern, but on all bills, I support passage of them through the committee process.

As I’ve said many times, sometimes you have to lose a battle or two along the way to ultimately win the final victory.  On the constitutional amendment on marriage, we already have a 2001 law that defines marriage as between a man and woman that has withstood a state Supreme Court challenge.  We also have an elected WV Supreme Court, which is not the case in states where state laws on marriage have been overturned.  If the resolution does not pass this year, ample time exists to run a bill when and if a court challenge would ever emerge.

At times it may appear the easy way out is to grandstand by trying to change the rules.  If a challenge does emerge to change the rules on how bills are considered, I will oppose it, regardless of my personal position on a bill, resolution or issue.  Or even if I’m a sponsor.

Attempting to change the rules late in the game may be an attractive option today, but it can cost everyone dearly in the long run.  I’ll stick to my values, principles and beliefs with the perseverance to see these issues to a successful conclusion.  Short term gain should never trump abiding by the rules, despite the outcome.

How to Contact
Now that the session has arrived, please send address your inquiries to the Capitol Office at: Building 1, Room 226-M, Charleston, WV 25305.  Or, call the Capitol office at 304.340.3220 or my Assistant to the Majority Leader, Mr. Tom Bennett at 304.340.3262 or fax to ,b>304.340.3213.  If you have an interest in any particular bill or issue, please let me know.

For those with Internet access, my e-mail address is “Boggs34@aol.com”. You also may obtain additional legislative information, including the copies of bills, conference reports, daily summaries, interim highlights, and other information from the Legislature’s web site at http://www.legis.state.wv.us/.  If you write or leave a message, please remember to include your phone number with your inquiry and any details you can provide.  Additional information, including agency links and state government phone directory may be found at www.wv.gov and on the Facebook site of the West Virginia Legislature.

Conclusion
Remember to thank a veteran for their service to our nation and continue to remember our troops - at home and abroad - and keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers.  Until next week – take care.

GSC’s February Premium Night

The public is invited to the Glenville State College Mollohan’s Restaurant on Thursday, February 11, 2010 from 4:30 until 7:00 PM for GSC’s February Premium Night.

The menu for the dinner includes:
•  Carved Prime Rib
•  Shrimp and Crab in a vodka sauce with Penne
•  Fried Ravioli with Zesty Marinara
•  Oven Roasted Zucchini
•  Steamed Broccoli
•  Baked Potato Bar
•  Seasoned Rice Pilaf
•  Full Salad Bar
•  Cheesecake Bar with Toppings
•  Warm Rolls with choice of Butter, Honey Butter, or Garlic Butter
•  and Much More!

The costs for the February Premium Night are:
•  $11.99 for guests
•  $10.99 for seniors and faculty/staff using Flex Dollars
•  $8.99 for students using Flex Dollars
•  $6.99 for children 6-12 years old
•  Free for children under five

Please call ahead for reservations. To make reservations or for more information, contact the GSC Aramark Dining Services Office at 304.462.6360. You may leave your reservations on the voice mail.

Gilmer Gadabouts Red Hats Society Meeting – 02.11.10

Gilmer Gadabouts will hold their meeting at the Presbyterian Church in Glenville on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at Noon.

Lunch will be served at a nominal charge.

Sunny Cal Gals from Grantsville will be on hand to assist in hat decoration.

Bring your red hat(s) and have fun adding that special decor to enhance its beauty.

Movie: Box Office 02.07.10

TW = This Week     LW = Last Week     WOC = Weeks On Chart

WV Higher Education Wants To Make It Easier for High School Students

Education is the key to West Virginia’s future and first lady Gayle Manchin wants to make it as easy as possible for those who want a college degree to find the information they need to do it.

Mrs. Manchin along with West Virginia Higher Education Chancellor Brian Noland unveiled the College Foundation of West Virginia’s College Access Web Portal at Capital High School on Friday.

The website, www.cfwv.com, is free and will help guide students through the process of searching for the right school, a major, applying for admittance and help in getting financial aid.

“It shows the students the economic opportunities that they have, scholarship opportunities that sometimes students are not aware of or parents are not aware of,” the first lady said.

By creating an account on the site students can fill out forms one time and then send them on to whatever schools they choose to apply for in West Virginia.

“I think the easier and more accessible we make these avenues for students and those are non-traditional and our 18-year-olds that we certainly will see that increase and surge [in college enrollment] that we need to have,” Mrs. Manchin said.

The portal also has ACT, SAT and GRE testing tools that can give students an idea of what they need to work on before they take the actual test.

Organizers stress the portal is for students considering all sorts of higher education options in West Virginia.

“We’re talking about community colleges, technical learning centers, 4-year colleges, universities,” Mrs. Manchin said. “We’re talking about anything beyond the high school diploma.“

Since the CFWV created the portal and began training educators on how to help students use it, more than 20,000 West Virginians students have created accounts.

Ask the Doctor: Blood Pressure and Cholesterol-Lowering Medicine

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My husband is on blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering medicine. He is now trying herbal medicines ordered from a catalog. I understand that when you are on medicines, you should consult your doctor before making changes or discontinuing them.

My husband says that he is going to stop all medicines. He is 57. I always thought blood-pressure medicine was for life. What is the truth? — P.

ANSWER: The truth is that stopping medicines without consulting the doctor is foolhardy.

Some people can get off blood-pressure medicine by adhering to a strict, low-salt diet, losing weight and exercising. And some people can get off cholesterol medicine by adopting a low-fat — especially low-saturated-fat — diet.

Giving up medicines blindly is asking for trouble, as is substituting unproven remedies.

Paul G. Donohue, M.D. 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.

2009 Tax Law Changes Provide Saving Opportunities for Nearly Everyone

In 2009, numerous new and expanded deductions and credits came into being for a broad cross-section of taxpayers: College tax benefits for parents and students; energy credits for homeowners who are going green; and even tax breaks for home buyers and car buyers.

Following is a summary of these and other key changes taxpayers will find when they start preparing their 2009 federal income tax returns.

Note: See Fact Sheet 2010-6 for more information on the first-time homebuyer credit and Fact Sheet 2010-7 for details on the making work pay credit.

American Opportunity Credit Helps Pay for First Four Years of College
More parents and students can use a federal education credit to offset part of the cost of college under the new American Opportunity Credit. This credit modifies the existing Hope credit for tax years 2009 and 2010, making it available to a broader range of taxpayers. Income guidelines are expanded and required course materials are added to the list of qualified expenses. Many of those eligible will qualify for the maximum annual credit of $2,500 per student.

In many cases, the American Opportunity Credit offers greater tax savings than existing education tax breaks. Here are some of its key features:

•  Tuition, related fees and required course materials, such as books, generally qualify. In the past, books usually were not eligible for education-related credits and deductions.

•  The credit is equal to 100 percent of the first $2,000 spent and 25 percent of the next $2,000. That means the full $2,500 credit may be available to a taxpayer who pays $4,000 or more in qualified expenses for an eligible student.

•  The full credit is available for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is $80,000 or less ($160,000 or less for filers of a joint return). The credit is reduced or eliminated for taxpayers with incomes above these levels. These income limits are higher than under the existing Hope and lifetime learning credits.

•  40% of the American opportunity credit is refundable. This means that even people who owe no tax can get an annual payment of the credit of up to $1,000 for each eligible student. Existing education-related credits and deductions do not provide a benefit to people who owe no tax. The refundable portion of the credit is not available to any student whose investment income is taxed, or may be taxed, at the parent’s rate, commonly referred to as the kiddie tax. See Publication 929, Tax Rules for Children and Dependents, for details.

Though most taxpayers who pay for post-secondary education qualify for the American Opportunity Credit, some do not. The limitations include a married person filing a separate return, regardless of income, joint filers whose MAGI is $180,000 or more and, finally, single taxpayers, heads of household and some widows and widowers whose MAGI is $90,000 or more.

There are some post-secondary education expenses that do not qualify for the American Opportunity Credit. They include expenses paid for a student who, as of the beginning of the tax year, has already completed the first four years of college. That’s because the credit is only allowed for the first four years of a post-secondary education.

Students with more than four years of post-secondary education still qualify for the lifetime learning credit and the tuition and fees deduction.

For details on these and other education-related tax benefits, see Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education.

Many Energy Improvements Qualify for Expanded Tax Credits
People who weatherize their homes or purchase alternative energy equipment may qualify for either of two expanded home energy tax credits: the and the residential energy efficient property credit.

Non-business Energy Property Credit: This credit equals 30 percent of what a homeowner spends on eligible energy-saving improvements, up to a maximum tax credit of $1,500 for the combined 2009 and 2010 tax years. This means that a homeowner can get the maximum credit by spending at least $5,000 on qualifying improvements. Homeowners must make the improvements to an existing principal residence; this tax credit is not available for new construction. Due to limits based on tax liability, other credits claimed by a particular taxpayer and other factors, actual tax savings will vary. The cost of certain high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and stoves that burn biomass all qualify, along with labor costs for installing these items. In addition, the cost of energy-efficient windows and skylights, energy-efficient doors, qualifying insulation and certain roofs are also eligible for the credit, though the cost of installing these items does not count.

Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit: Homeowners going green should also check out a second tax credit designed to spur investment in alternative energy equipment. The, equals 30 percent of what a homeowner spends on qualifying property such as solar electric systems, solar hot water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, wind turbines, and fuel cell property. Qualifying property purchased for new construction or an existing home is eligible for the credit. Generally, labor costs are included when calculating this credit. Also, no cap exists on the amount of credit available except in the case of fuel cell property.

Not all energy-efficient improvements qualify for these tax credits. For that reason, homeowners should check the manufacturer’s tax credit certification statement before purchasing or installing any of these improvements. The certification statement can usually be found on the manufacturer’s Web site or the product packaging. Normally, a homeowner can rely on this certification. The IRS cautions that the manufacturer’s certification is different from the Department of Energy’s Energy Star label, and not all Energy Star labeled products qualify for the tax credits. Use Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits, to figure and claim these credits.

New Vehicle Purchase Incentive
New car buyers can deduct the state or local sales or excise taxes paid on the purchase of new cars, light trucks, motor homes and motorcycles. There is no limit on the number of vehicles that may be purchased, and eligible taxpayers may claim the deduction for taxes paid on multiple purchases. However, the deduction is limited to the tax on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of each qualifying new vehicle. Qualifying new vehicles must be purchased, not leased, after Feb. 16, 2009, and before Jan. 1, 2010.

Taxpayers who buy a new vehicle may deduct state or local fees or taxes that are similar to a sales tax whether or not their state imposes a sales tax. To qualify, the fees or taxes must be assessed on the purchase of the vehicle and must be based on the vehicle’s sales price or as a per-unit fee.

The amount of the deduction is reduced for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is between $125,000 and $135,000 for individual filers and between $250,000 and $260,000 for joint filers. This deduction is available regardless of whether a taxpayer itemizes deductions on Schedule A. Itemizers claim the deduction on either Line 5 or Line 7 of Schedule A. See the Schedule A instructions for details. Non-itemizers claim the deduction on new Schedule L, Standard Deduction for Certain Filers.

Tax Credits Increased for Low and Moderate Income Workers
More workers and working families are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. In particular, expanded benefits are now available for those with three or more qualifying children and married couples. The EITC helps taxpayers whose incomes are below certain income thresholds, which in 2009 rise to:

•  $48,279 for families with three or more qualifying children
•  $45,295 for those with two or more children
•  $40,463 for people with one child
•  $18,440 for those with no children

One in six taxpayers can claim the EITC, which, unlike most tax breaks, is refundable, meaning that individuals can get it even if they owe no tax and even if no tax is withheld from their paychecks.

In addition, the earned income formula for the additional child tax credit is revised for tax years 2009 and 2010. As a result, more low and moderate income families qualify for the full $1,000 child tax credit. See Form 8812 for more information.

Standard Deduction Increases for Most Taxpayers
Nearly two out of three taxpayers choose to take the standard deduction rather than itemizing deductions such as mortgage interest and charitable contributions. The basic standard deduction is:
•  $11,400 for married couples filing a joint return and qualifying widows and widowers, a $500 increase compared with 2008
•  $5,700 for singles and married individuals filing separate returns, up $250
•  $8,350 for heads of household, up $350

Higher amounts apply to blind people and senior citizens. The standard deduction is often reduced for a taxpayer who qualifies as someone else’s dependent.

In addition, eligible taxpayers can further increase their standard deduction by any of the following three deductions:
•  State or local real estate taxes paid in 2009
•  A net disaster loss reported on Form 4684 and
•  State or local sales or excise taxes on the purchase of a qualifying new motor vehicle.

Use new Schedule L, Standard Deduction for Certain Filers, to claim these additional deductions.

AMT Exemption Increased for One Year
For tax-year 2009, Congress raised the alternative minimum tax exemption to the following levels:

•  $70,950 for a married couple filing a joint return and qualifying widows and widowers, up from $69,950 in 2008
•  $35,475 for a married person filing separately, up from $34,975
•  $46,700 for singles and heads of household, up from $46,200

Under current law, these exemption amounts will drop to $45,000, $22,500 and $33,750, respectively, in 2010. Form 6251 and the AMT calculator provide more information.

Other Changes
The standard mileage rate for business use of a car, van, pick-up or panel truck is 55 cents for each mile driven. The standard mileage rate for the cost of operating a vehicle for medical reasons or as part of a deductible move is 24 cents per mile. The rate for using a car to provide services to charitable organizations is set by law and remains at 14 cents a mile.

The value of each personal and dependency exemption is $3,650, up $150 from 2008. Most taxpayers can take personal exemptions for themselves and an additional exemption for each eligible dependent. This is one of more than three dozen individual and business tax provisions that are adjusted each year to keep pace with inflation. A complete rundown of these changes can be found in 2009 Inflation Adjustments Widen Tax Brackets, Change Tax Benefits.

The amount of taxable investment income a child can have without it being taxed at the parent’s rate is $1,900, up $100 from 2008. For details, see Form 8615.

There are several modifications to the definition of a qualifying child. For example, the child must be younger than the taxpayer, unless the child is totally and permanently disabled. These changes affect who can claim various tax benefits including the dependency exemption, child tax credit, credit for child and dependent care expenses, head of household filing status and the EITC. See the instructions for Forms 1040 or 1040a for more information.

A new rule applies to the noncustodial parent in situations where a couple is divorced or legally separated after 2008. To claim a child as a dependent, the noncustodial parent must attach Form 8332 or a similar statement to his or her tax return. For pre-2009 divorces and separations, the noncustodial spouse still has the option of attaching certain pages from the divorce decree or separation agreement, instead of Form 8332. See Form 8332 for further details.

A $3,500 or $4,500 voucher or payment made for such a voucher under the CARS “cash for clunkers” program is not taxable to the consumer buying or leasing a new car.

Unemployment benefits up to $2,400 received in 2009 are tax free for unemployed workers. Every person who receives unemployment benefits can exclude the first $2,400 of these benefits on their return. Unemployment benefit amounts over $2,400 are taxed.

Remember that all of the web page addresses for the official IRS website, IRS.gov, begin with http://www.irs.gov.
Don’ t be confused or misled by Internet sites that end in .com, .net, .org or other designations instead of .gov.
The address of the official IRS governmental Web site is http://www.irs.gov/.

~~  IRS Publication   ~~

Poll Result: Superbowl XLIV

In WV 1 in 5 Infants Are Exposed to Alcohol and Drugs

According to a new study a fifth of all infants born in the state of West Virginia are born having been exposed by their mothers to drugs and alcohol all throughout the pregnancy.

Umbilical cord tissues revealed that marijuana, opiates and alcohol were all found to be commonly used by 19% of pregnant women in the study.

7% had exposed their children to marijuana, 5% to alcohol and 5% to opiates including painkillers. Many of these women had used a combination of harmful substances.

While the numbers may be startling to those outside the state’s drug care programs for those who are inside the situation it’s a relief to finally have the decade long problem made clear to the public. The problem has been steadily increasing in that time.

Dr. Chaffin, a doctor who was a part of the study, has seen babies “zonked out on Valium”, drowsy, frail, and fighting to breathe, vomiting and crying as the small baby fights the symptoms of opiate withdrawal.

Between 10 and 14 % of US babies are exposed to drugs and alcohol during their mother’s pregnancy. The mother’s drug and alcohol addiction affects the baby long after it is born and often leads to mental retardation in babies affected by alcohol. Even infants who show no obvious signs at birth can later have learning and social development difficulties.

759 umbilical cord samples from infants born this August were analyzed during the study. Early intervention is pivotal to resolving the problem and reducing the potential damage to the baby, but many mothers don’t admit to their use out of fear of being judged for it.

Many skip pre-natal checkups to avoid being caught. West Virginia lawmakers passed the “Uniform Maternal Screening Act this year which requires all maternity health providers to screen for pregnancy risks such as substance abuse. If substance abuse is present the use is to be kept from authorities until the pregnancy is over. 20,000 babies are born each year in the state and addiction could be hurting up to 4,000 babies annually.

Daily Prayer - 02.08.10

Gracious God, I am easily undone when things don’t go my way, when troubles descend, when negativity circles.
It takes so little for me to lose my balance; my temper rises even when I break a glass or my internet connection fails.
When I begin unraveling, gather the tatters and weave them into wholeness again.
Make me bold enough to look past the bad in a situation and unearth the good at the center of our lives.
I ask this for the sake of your love.
Amen.

02.08.10

Today: 02.08.yyyy

Today is Monday, Feb. 8, the 39th day of 2010. There are 326 days left in the year.

Thought for Today: “Health is the thing that makes you feel that now is the best time of the year.“ _ Franklin P. Adams, American journalist (1881-1960).

Today’s Highlight in History:

On Feb. 8, 1910, the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated.

In 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots was beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle in England after she was implicated in a plot to murder her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I.

In 1693, a charter was granted for the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg in the Virginia Colony.

In 1837, the Senate selected the vice president of the United States, choosing Richard Mentor Johnson after no candidate received a majority of electoral votes.

In 1904, the Russo-Japanese War, a conflict over control of Manchuria and Korea, began as Japanese forces attacked Port Arthur.

In 1924, the first execution by gas in the United States took place at the Nevada State Prison in Carson City as Gee Jon, a Chinese immigrant convicted of murder, was put to death.

In 1960, work began on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located on Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles.

In 1968, three college students were killed in a confrontation with highway patrolmen in Orangeburg, S.C. during a civil rights protest against a whites-only bowling alley.

In 1978, the deliberations of the Senate were broadcast on radio for the first time as members opened debate on the Panama Canal treaties.

In 1989, 144 people were killed when an American-chartered Boeing 707 filled with Italian tourists slammed into a fog-covered mountain in the Azores.

In 2007, model, actress and tabloid sensation Anna Nicole Smith died in Florida at age 39 of an accidental drug overdose.

Ten years ago:
•  Internet vandals continued an unprecedented campaign of electronic assaults against the biggest names in cyberspace, disrupting access for consumers to popular Web sites including eBay, Amazon.com and CNN.com.
•  Republican George W. Bush won the Delaware presidential primary.

Five years ago:
•  Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (ah-ree-EL’ shah-ROHN’) and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas (mahk-MOOD’ ah-BAHS’) announced a cease-fire at a summit in Egypt.
•  An earlier-than-usual Mardi Gras festival opened in New Orleans with sparse crowds.
•  Longtime CBS newsman George Herman died in Washington D.C. at age 85.
•  Doobie Brothers drummer Keith Knudsen died in Kentfield, Calif. at age 56.

One year ago:
•  Robert Plant and Alison Krauss won five Grammys, including album of the year, for “Raising Sand.“ R&B singer Chris Brown was arrested on suspicion of making a criminal threat (he was later sentenced to five years of probation for beating his longtime girlfriend, singer Rihanna).
•  The NFC rallied to a 30-21 victory over the AFC in the Pro Bowl.

Today’s Birthdays:
Composer-conductor John Williams is 78
Former ABC News anchor Ted Koppel is 70
Actor Nick Nolte is 69
Comedian Robert Klein is 68
Actor-rock musician Creed Bratton is 67
Singer Ron Tyson is 62
Actress Brooke Adams is 61
Actress Mary Steenburgen is 57
Author John Grisham is 55
Actor Henry Czerny is 51
Rock singer Vince Neil (Motley Crue) is 49
Rock singer-musician Sammy Llanas (YAH’-nus) (The BoDeans) is 49
Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lisa P. Jackson is 48
Actor Gary Coleman is 42
Actress Mary McCormack is 41
Rock musician Keith Nelson (Buckcherry) is 41
Retired NBA player Alonzo Mourning is 40
Actor Seth Green is 36
Actor Josh Morrow is 36
Rock musician Phoenix (Linkin Park) is 33
Rock musician Jeremy Davis (Paramore) is 25
Rock musician Max Grahn (Carolina Liar) is 22
Actor Ryan Pinkston is 22
Actress Karle Warren (“Judging Amy”) is 18

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.“    —Howard Zinn (1922-2010)

Sunday, February 07, 2010

School Closings & Delays Due to Weather - Monday 02.08.10

Status of Area School Systems’ Operation on Monday, February 8, 2010
•  Braxton County:  —-
•  Calhoun County : 2-Hour Delay
•  Doddridge County : All Closed
•  Gilmer County : 2-Hour Delay
•  Gilmer County Headstart: Closed
•  Lewis County :  2-Hour Delay
•  Lewis County Headstart: Closed
•  Ritchie County : All Closed

Gilmer County Board of Education Meeting - 02.08.10

The next meeting of Gilmer County Board of Education is Monday, February 08, 2010 at 7:00 PM.
Meeting is held at Gilmer County High School Library.

WV Snow Storm

West Virginians are digging out in many parts of West Virginia after a Winter Storm that left behind a couple of feet of snow in some areas.

According to West Virginia Emergency Services, the Northern Panhandle and the Eastern Panhandle took the brunt of it.

There was a lot of heavy, wet snow along with trees coming down, the power lines down as damage assessments continue.

More than 30 inches of snow was reported unofficially in parts of Jefferson County, 30 inches in Pocahontas County, 18 inches in Monongalia County, between nine and 15 in Greenbrier County, 8 inches in Raleigh County and upwards of a foot in Brooke County and other parts of the Northern Panhandle.

You can see snow total information spotters are providing to the National Weather Service by Clicking H E R E. 

The American Red Cross has already set up emergency shelters in Monongalia County, Wetzel County, Marion County and Hancock County and is working with the Salvation Army at sites in Ohio County and Brooke County.

Members of the West Virginia National Guard are canvassing areas that might be cut off by snow.

At the high point of the storm, Allegheny Power was dealing with more than 90,000 outages.  That number had been reduced to about 37,000 by early Sunday afternoon.

At one point, more than 50% of Allegheny’s customers in Wetzel County and more than 41% in Doddridge County did not have electrical service.  More than 3,000 outages were reported in Marion County alone. There are power outages in Braxton, Calhoun, and Gilmer Counties

More than 1,000 additional line workers have now joined crews working to fix downed power lines.

Power Company Officials say there’s still two to three feet of snow out there.  There are still roads that are impassable.  The storm brought down a great number of trees. These are the obstacles the crews are facing.

BYRD’S EYE VIEW: George Washington Slept in West Virginia

In February, our Nation celebrates the birthdays of two of our greatest presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. West Virginia was born from the Civil War conflict during which Abraham Lincoln was President. However, George Washington made little known, but notable contributions to our state before it was a state.

In 1748, at the age of 16, George Washington ventured into the land that would become West Virginia for the first time to survey the Eastern Panhandle and Potomac Highlands.

By the time he was 20 years of age, Washington had purchased several tracts of land in what was to become the State of West Virginia, with Rock Hall Tract, just west of Charles Town, being the first. Within a few years, he had acquired extensive land holdings. As a result of his service in the French and Indian War, Washington was granted thousands of acres along the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers, and titles to land around Belle and Moundsville.

Washington became a promoter of the early development of our State. In 1775, he sent an expedition to colonize his holdings along the Kanawha River. The colonists cleared the land, planted orchards, and built houses. But after a few years, the colony mysteriously disappeared; becoming Washington’s and West Virginia’s A Lost Colony.

Washington also promoted our State=s early infrastructure. He proposed the building of various canals and roads, including the Staunton (Virginia)-to-Parkersburg turnpike. In 1785, Washington secured funding for a route from the Atlantic Ocean to Cedar Grove which was eventually designated Route 60, and became a part of one of America=s first trans-continental highways. The Washington Heritage Trail is a 137-mile highway that was inspired by a trip Washington made through what is now the Eastern Panhandle.

George Washington was a regular visitor. In 1770, he made a trip that began in Wheeling and followed the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers, making camp and hunting along the way. He enjoyed the spas at Berkeley Springs, which still features Washington’s bath tub. And he was also fond of visiting his brother Charles, the founder of Charles Town, at his house there, “Happy Retreat.“

Washington also made West Virginia an integral part of our national security. As a Colonel of the Virginia Regiment (1755-1758), he ordered the construction of Fort Edwards (Hampshire County), Fort Ashby (Mineral County), and Forts Seybert and Upper Tract (Pendleton County). And, it was President Washington who selected Harpers Ferry as the site for the federal arsenal, thus setting the stage for John Brown=s uprising.

Happy Birthday, President Washington and thank you for your contributions to our great State.
~~  By Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-WV   ~~

Lewis County Commission Helping Ritchie County Humane Society

The Lewis County Commissioners is asking for donation to help the Ritchie County Humane Society after one of their buildings was destroyed by fire last month.

Donations can be dropped off at the commission building in Garton Plaza in Weston from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

Lewis County Commission says they’ll accept donations and keep making trips to Ritchie County as long as they keep coming in.

Recalls - 02.05.10

TOY GUNS
Dollar General is recalling Special Forces and Police SWAT Toy Gun Sets sold at Dollar General Stores in 35 states from September 2009 to October 2009. The orange tips located at the end of the toy guns’ barrels, which are designed to distinguish them from real guns, can easily be removed from the barrels, posing a choking hazard.
This recall includes a Special Forces Weapons and Accessories Set and a SWAT Police Play Equipment Set. Each set includes two toy guns and related accessories. The number 48JQH09 is printed on the right side of the larger gun included in the recalled sets.
Consumers should return the toys guns to any Dollar General for a full refund or a replacement product.
Consumers can also contact Dollar General Corp. at 800.678.9258 between 9 AM and 6 PM ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.dollargeneral.com.

CHILDREN’S BRACELETS
Schurman Fine Papers is recalling Papyrus Brand Greeting Cards with bracelets sold nationwide from February 2004 to September 2009. The surface paint coating on the bracelets sold with greeting cards contain excessive levels of lead.
This recall involves Papyrus brand children’s greeting cards sold with an attached wooden bead bracelet. The front of the card says “Happy Birthday To You” and includes an attached bead in the shape of a heart with the word “smile” printed on it. The back of the greeting card reads, “BD 63401 | © Jean Card & Gift Company” and the card insert reads, “USA $6.95 | CAN $10.50 | Made in China | © Jean Card & Gift Company” and includes UPC number 734524634013 in the lower right hand corner.
Consumers should contact Schurman Fine Papers at 888.990.9095 between 8 AM and 5 PM ET Monday through Friday for instructions on how to receive a refund.

CHILDREN’S SWEATSHIRTS
New Mode Sportswear is recalling 21 Pro USA Children’s Pullovers and Hoodies sold on the West Coast from January 2006 to July 2006. The children’s sweatshirts have a drawstring through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard.
This recall involves children’s hooded pullover and zip hooded sweatshirts in sizes S-XL.  Brand name “21 Pro USA” Sportswear and RN#92952 are printed on a label sewn into the neck of the sweatshirts.
Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings or return the garments to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers can also contact New Mode Sportswear at 888.899.0888 between 8 AM and 4:30 PM PT Monday through Friday, or visit www.21prousa.com.

CHILDREN’S JACKETS
GTM Sportswear Inc. is recalling Children’s Jackets with Drawstrings sold nationwide from January 2003 to December 2009. The children’s jackets have drawstrings through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard.
This recall involves children’s hooded nylon jackets in sizes XXS-XL (2T-16) and in various colors. “GTM Sportswear” is printed on a label sewn in the neck of the garments. Styles include Youth Medalist Jacket (YJA180), Youth Legacy Jacket (YJAPT01), Youth Eclipse Jacket (YLJA186), Youth Dominator Jacket (YJA3800), Youth Booster Jacket (YJA150), Youth Achiever Jacket (YJA161).
Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings or return the jackets to their place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers can also contact GTM Sportswear at 800.437.9560 between 7 AM and 7 PM CT Monday through Friday, and on Saturday between 8 AM and 1 PM, or visit www.gtmsportswear.com.

TOY JEWELRY SETS
Playmates Toys is recalling Tiny Tink and Friends Children’s Toy Jewelry Sets sold nationwide from November 2008 to November 2009. A cylindrical metal connector on a charm can contain levels of total lead in excess of 300 ppm, which is prohibited under federal law.
This recall involves charms sold with the Tiny Tink and Friends toy jewelry sets. The charm is attached to a cord using a metal ring and cylinder and included with the sets as a separate accessory that children can attach to the toy necklace, bracelet or key chain.
Consumers should contact Playmates Toys at 888.810.1133 between 9 AM and 5 PM PT Monday through Friday or visit www.playmatestoys.com for a replacement charm accessory.

WV: College Tuition Increases Inevitable

Pressured by Governor Joe Manchin to keep tuition rates in check this year, West Virginia’s public colleges and universities are warning lawmakers that a funding crisis is near.

Higher Education Policy Commission Chancellor Brian Noland told the House Finance Committee on Thursday that student-paid revenues must be revisited soon, in the absence of additional state funding.

“As unpalatable as it may be, we have to examine tuition revenues in the year to come if we’re going to sustain access and quality,“ Noland said. “If not, then we are looking at closing things down.“

The latter remark follows a legislative audit that, in part, questions whether West Virginia has the population to justify all 11 of its four-year colleges and universities. Committee members also challenged that finding Thursday.

The state budget proposed for the fiscal year that starts July 1 requests $1.88 billion from various revenues for higher education, a 6% drop from current-year spending. The state’s 10 community and technical colleges account for about 11% of the higher education budget.

Noland said the funding issue is particularly critical given the record-setting enrollment of 93,712 students in West Virginia’s four- and two-year institutions.

“If we continue to increase enrollment but something does not move with revenues, and here I’m talking fees, it’s a lot like trying to eat soup,“ Noland told the committee. “I can thin the soup and thin the soup and thin the soup, but sooner or later there’s not going to be any meat, not going to be any noodles.“

Manchin called for a one-year tuition and fee freeze in his State of the State address last month. He has since written the governing boards of the public two- and four-year schools, urging them to heed this call.

The letter also rejects the state’s college graduation rate as unacceptable. The commission’s latest report said that 48.5% of students who began at a four-year school in 2003 and stayed with the public system earned a degree within six years.

Noland said federal stimulus funds will allow schools to comply with Manchin’s tuition freeze request.

“We can hold the line on fees this year,“ Noland said. “Down the road, we will not be able to hold the line.“

But some lawmakers object to the freeze.

Senate Education Chairman Robert Plymale blasted Manchin in a Thursday floor speech. The Wayne County Democrat argued that such decisions should be left with the two commissions that oversee the four- and two-year schools.

“That authority does not rest in the executive branch,“ Plymale told fellow senators.

Plymale also predicted that the freeze would hurt the community and technical colleges more, as they have fewer funds and greater needs.

West Virginia only recently separated these two-year schools from their four-year counterparts. Plymale cited Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College in Institute and New River Community and Technical College in Beckley as two schools with critical needs for additional funding.

“It would be foolish for us to sit here and say, You can’t get something when you need it,“ he said.

As for the legislative audit, lawmakers have defended schools in their districts since its release. It found that West Virginia has more four-year schools per capita than the 15 other states in the Southern Regional Education Board.

Legislative Auditor Aaron Allred said the system dates from an era before modern highways crisscrossed West Virginia, when the state was both more populous and segregated.

“You have WVU-Tech now competing with WVU when it didn’t in 1960,“ Allred told the committee. “We have two institutions in Mercer County because of the institutional racism that existed.“

But Allred also stressed the audit’s main finding: the link between income levels and college completion rates. Behind most other states in per-capita income, Allred said West Virginia has public four-year schools with graduation rates as low as 20.7%.

The audit also called for further study of the number and needs of commuting students, and the role they play in graduation rates, while recommending performance-based funding for schools.

Top DVD Rentals - 02.06.10

TW = This Week     LW = Last Week     WOC = Weeks On Charts

Ask the Doctor: 10,000 Steps

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I hear that taking 10,000 steps a day is all that a person needs to stay healthy. Is this so? How much time does that take? Do you count all the steps you take in a day, or are these 10,000 steps in addition to what you normally take? - G.D.

ANSWER: The 10,000-steps-a-day program originated in the Surgeon General’s office some years back.

It’s been shown, more than once, that people who increase their total daily steps to 10,000 (counting the ones they normally take) have less body fat, lower blood sugar and lower blood pressure.

There is more to staying fit than taking 10,000 leisurely steps. Strength building is also important.

Ten thousand steps are approximately five miles (3.6 to 4.9 miles; 6 to 8 kilometers). How much time does this take? The walking should be brisk. That’s defined as taking 90 to 100 steps a minute.

For the entire time involved, you can do the math. However, these steps don’t all have to be taken in one session. You can amass them throughout the day. A hundred steps a minute is a quick pace. You might not be up to it. It’s OK to start more slowly and gradually work your way to the 100-steps-a-minute goal, and not all the 10,000 steps have to be such fast ones.

The goal of 10,000 steps is another thing that can take you a while to reach. Don’t try to do all this on the first day. Start out by taking an extra 200 steps a day, and gradually work your way to 10,000 over a couple of months.

You can’t count these steps without driving yourself crazy. You need a pedometer, a gadget that records your steps. Pedometers range in cost from $17 to $80. They can be worn on a belt, put in a pocket or worn around the leg. They register steps by the movement of the hips or the impact of the foot against the ground.

If you want to be really healthy, you have to add some resistance exercise to your program. Resistance exercise is lifting weights.

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.

Gilmer County PSD Meeting

The next meeting of Gilmer County Public Service District will be held at the Gilmer County Senior Center in Glenville on Monday, February 8, 2010 at 7:00 PM.

TRUTH OR TRADITION: Our Purpose - 55

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES.
Jesus admonished: Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. John 5:39. Luke, in his treatise on the Acts of the Apostles, commended the Christians in Berea because they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:11. More than just a casual reading, the word “search” suggests a diligent seeking for something in particular.

SO MUCH TRADITION.
There is so much tradition in religious faith and practice today,  because we fail to “Search the Scriptures”.  So many today are tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine (Eph. 4:14), because they fail to “Search the Scriptures”.  Things we have heard all our lives, we tend to take for granted as true,  and fail to “Search the Scriptures” to see if these things are so.

BACK TO THE BIBLE.
There is a great need in our day to go “Back to the Bible”.  Generally speaking, folks today do not know The Bible like our parents and grandparents did. Did you ever notice on some of these quiz shows that when “The Bible” is a category, it’s usually the last one selected?  They seem to know much about everything but The Bible.

MY FAITH.
I cannot get to heaven on the faith of my parents,  my preacher, or my church. Somewhere,  somehow I must develop a faith of my own.  Since faith cometh by hearing,  and hearing by the word of God (Rom. 10:17),  I must spend time with The Word.  I must come to believe because I have examined the evidence for myself, and can come to no other logical conclusion.  Only then does it become my faith.  We hope to challenge you to do just that with this column.

OUR PURPOSE.
Our purpose in this column is to challenge all of us (self included) to examine the Scriptures to see if what we believe and practice is in agreement with them.  We are not going to be judged by what I believe, or what you believe, or what is written in this column, but we will be judged by what is written in God’s Holy Word.  That’s what we need to order our lives by.  The apostle Paul challenges us all: Examine yourselves,  whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. 2 Cor. 13:5. The soul is too precious to take anything for granted.

TO STIR UP.
Peter said his purpose in writing his second epistle was to stir you up by putting you in remembrance. 2 Peter 1:13.  Sometimes when we get a little lax with The Word,  we need to be “stirred up”  we need to be challenged to go “Back to the Bible”  to “Search the Scriptures”.  That’s what we hope to accomplish with this column.

Steer Creek Church of Christ,  3466 Rosedale Road,  Stumptown WV 25267
Minister: Gene H Miller,  3281 Rosedale Road,  Shock WV 26638-8410.
Phone:  304.462.0384     E-Mail:  “ghmiller@rtol.net”  Web Site:  steercreekchurchofchrist.org