The annual Strawberry Festival wrapped up over the weekend in Buckhannon with the Grand Feature Parade on Saturday.  The day’s events also included a Strawberry Fun Run, a mile-long foot race over Strawberry Lane and concluded with Party Gras downtown.  Nashville recording artist Big T performed at the Main Street stage.  Sunday's events included the Jack Barker Memorial Canoe Race on the Buckhannon River, Irish Road Bowling on Turkey Run Road and a miniature horse show on the Bennett Farm.  The festival closed with a Gospel Sing on the Wesleyan campus.

More than 120 students will receive their diplomas during the Davis & Elkins College 104th Commencement.  The Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony was also held over the weekend.  Davis & Elkins College President G.T. ‘Buck’ Smith delivered the address. John C. Allen Jr., an architectural historian in Jefferson Count, was recognized with an honorary degree. Graceland Inn hosted a Commencement Buffet Luncheon following the ceremonies.  For more information on Davis & Elkins College, visit the College website at dewv.edu. 

 

For the next two decades, there will be more miners digging less coal in West Virginia. Morgantown consulting firm Downstream Strategies analyzed federal and other figures and pins the cause on thinner coal seams and to a lesser degree cheap natural gas. Their report says by 2040 central Appalachian coal production will be about a third of where it was at its 1997 peak. But Downstream’s president Evan Hansen says employment will actually rise.

 

"It takes more miners to produce a ton of coal. And generally that’s because the thickest, most easily accessible coal seams are being mined out."

Hansen says both production levels and per-miner productivity have already fallen a great deal in the last decade, and that will continue.

The industry attacks what it calls a “war on coal” by regulators. Hansen says their real enemy is geology. He says the thinner coal seams and cheap gas mean much of the demand for central Appalachian coal from power plants is going away. And the regulations often just don’t enter into it.

 

"If there’s less demand, then frankly it doesn’t matter how strict the regulations are. Because people are not going to buy as much."

The report says despite the decline in demand from power plants, the number of mining jobs will actually rise. Hansen says that's in part due to a shift from highly mechanized surface mining to supply coal for power plants, to more labor-intensive underground mining for coal to make steel.

According to the report, five West Virginia counties – Mingo, Kanawha, Lincoln, Boone and Nicholas – will be especially vulnerable as production declines. Hansen says they could face a tough patch, but devoting part of the severance tax to a future fund would help pay for the transition.

 

"Set aside that fund so that it can be used in these counties long into the future, as a perpetual source of funding to help diversify the economy."

 

The Division of Highways kicks off its Work Zone Safety campaign at the State Capitol Complex today.  Transportation Secretary Paul Mattox, officials with the DOH, Governor’s Highway Safety Program, West Virginia State Police, Federal Highways Administration and area contractors were expected to be on hand for the ceremony. The discussion is on the causes of accidents, driving tips and work zone safety. 

 

Davis & Elkins College is preparing for its 104th Commencement Weekend, scheduled for Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18. More than 120 students will receive their diplomas.  All ceremonies are open to the public and will be held in the Harper-McNeeley Auditorium. No tickets are necessary to attend.

Events begin at 4pm, May 17, with the Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony. Davis & Elkins College alumna and Army Nurse Corps Commissioned Officer Cpt. Carrie Ann Davidson, RN-BSN-BC, MPH, will serve as the keynote speaker. The traditional event will include a rose presentation and the candlelit Florence Nightingale pledge.

The Baccalaureate Service and Recognition of Graduates is scheduled for 7pm on May 17 with speaker Davis & Elkins College Benfield-Vick Chaplain the Rev. Kevin Starcher. Graduating seniors will lead the service of praise and worship celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2013. The service will include the presentation of Academic Hoods and Honor Cords.

D & E President G.T. ‘Buck’ Smith, President-Elect Michael Mihalyo, members of the D&E Board of Trustees, coaches, student-athletes and alumni will break ground this Friday, May 17, at 10 a.m., for a new synthetic turf field for soccer and lacrosse. The event will take place at the Allen Athletic Fields and is open to the community.

The groundbreaking ceremony will celebrate progress in the Finish the Field campaign and mark the beginning of converting the existing natural grass field into a modern, synthetic turf surface for D&E’s successful soccer and new lacrosse teams as well as the community.

The Davis & Elkins men's soccer team advanced to the NCAA Tournament this fall for the first time in 25 years. And the women's team, after getting off to the best start in school history at 8-0-1, finished the season 11-4-2. As the College looks forward to writing the next chapter for D&E soccer, it will also be launching men's and women's lacrosse as well as serving the youth in our community with the addition of this state-of-the-art athletic field.

On May 18, the 104th Commencement Ceremonies will be held at 10am, President G.T. ‘Buck’ Smith will deliver the address. John C. Allen Jr., an architectural historian in Jefferson County, WV, will be recognized with an honorary degree.

Graceland Inn will host a Commencement Buffet Luncheon following the ceremonies from Noon to 2:30 p.m. Reservations are required by calling 304-637-1600.For more information, please visit the College website at www.dewv.eduor call 304-637-1243. 

 

The Randolph County Commission will meet Thursday at 1:30 at the James Cain Court House Annex.  After public comment, discussion and actions will include a hearing to consider the closing of Delaine Street, consider funding for a trip to the national competition for FBLA members from Elkins High and Tygart Valley High Schools, review the annual contract between the commission and Randolph County Health Department, consider support for the Tygart Valley Apartments to receive low-income housing tax credits, two appointments to the Randolph County Deputy Sheriff Civil Service Commission, an appointment to the Randolph County Ambulance Authority, consider approval of the policy and procedure manual for 911 center and the commission will hold executive session to update consideration  of the old Elkins Armory and consider approval to move forward with negotiations with city, county and National Guards.  Randolph County Commission meetings are open to the public. 

 

The Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Jessica “Jess” Arbogast as the new Executive Director. Arbogast brings to the role her experience in graphic design and communications, plus a strong foundation in programming and multi-project coordination.

“The Board is excited that we have found the right person to fill the role of Executive Director for the Chamber moving forward,” said Kathy Leombruno, Personnel Chairman and Board Secretary.  “Jess is marketing savvy and has a lot of energy.  We’re confident she’ll take the Chamber and its members to another level of visibility.”  

Prior to joining the Chamber of Commerce, she was employed as a graphic designer for the West Virginia Department of Education in Charleston.  Arbogast is a graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College and holds a B.A. in Graphic Design and a minor in Marketing.  She graduated in the Class of 2006 from Elkins High School.

A native of Elkins, Arbogast served as jester coach for the Mountain State Forest Festival in 2011 and 2012.  She is co-owner of MadHat’n Designs – a specialty baking, custom art, and graphic design business in Elkins.   

“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors we welcome Jess to our team,” said Amy Schumacher, President of the Board.  “She had all the qualifications we were looking for and we take pride in bringing back to Elkins a young leader.  We encourage our members to stop by our Chamber office and congratulate Jess on her new role over the next few days.”   

Arbogast will begin the role as Executive Director on May 13 just in time to work on last minute details of the Chamber’s annual golf tournament scheduled for June 1 at Canaan Valley Resort and to prepare for the organization’s biggest event of the year – the three-day car show slated for July 5,6 & 7.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to serve as the Chamber’s Executive Director,” commented Jess Arbogast.  “To lead an organization such as this is an incredible opportunity and a true honor.  I’m excited to help the community I grew up in and the local businesses prosper.  I love Elkins and I am so grateful to be moving back home and have an opportunity to make a difference.”

 

The June 2013 issue of Wonderful West Virginia magazine, now on sale, celebrates its namesake’s 150th anniversary of statehood with a special “Day in the Life” issue featuring nearly 100 photos provided by readers. They were chosen by magazine staff from more than 5,000 entries submitted by nearly 1,000 photographers. The requirement was that each photo capture a moment of West Virginia life on a single day, September 15, 2012.

“As we began to look at the photographs, we were awed by their beauty and breadth,” said Clayton Spangler, the magazine’s photography editor. “Some photographers captured the ordinary goings-on of hometown life. For others, it seemed our request had become a personal quest, as they traveled the state from one end to the other in search of special images. In the end, there were far more outstanding ones than we had room for in this issue. Deciding which ones to publish was very difficult.”

The cover for this special issue was chosen by the public from among entries narrowed down to four by magazine staff. The winner is a delightful photograph of young cousins Drew and Lyla Davis, taken at 5:04 p.m. by their grandfather, Roger Davis of Parkersburg, at the Butcher Family Farm in Washington, Wood County.

Read Wonderful West Virginia on your iPad

As part of the state’s sesquicentennial celebration, Wonderful West Virginia will enter the digital world by becoming available in June in a version for the iPad. Subscriptions to the iPad version will be offered at an annual rate of $12 for 12 issues. Regular print subscriptions remain $18 for one year, or combined subscriptions for both versions are available for $20 per year.

“With so many people using tablets today, we think the iPad version of the magazine will be a popular addition to the print version,” said Bryan Hoffman, publisher of Wonderful West Virginia for the Division of Natural Resources. “Now the outstanding photography and articles that are the magazine’s hallmarks are just a touch away. Also, West Virginians who live out of the country can now subscribe. If the response to the iPad version is good, we will consider versions for other electronic platforms.  Subscribers to the iPad version will receive the special June issue and the April and May issues, at no additional cost.” 

Wonderful West Virginia magazine, the state’s premier full-color magazine of outdoor adventure, is published monthly by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. It is available at newsstands for $3 a copy, or by subscription by calling 1-800-225-5982 or online at www.wonderfulwv.com. Follow on Facebook at Wonderful West Virginia Magazine.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is asking anglers and boaters to help prevent the movement of Asian carp and other invasive species into West Virginia waters, according to WVDNR Director Frank Jezioro.  Aquatic invasive species pose threats to important recreational species, recreational fishing and boating, and ultimately, the economic benefits these activities provide. In West Virginia, the economic impact of fishing alone represents more than $600 million to the state’s economy creating more than 7,000 jobs statewide.

            “To prevent the movement and invasion of Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species, we are asking anglers and boaters not to transfer any live fish or water between water bodies,” said Chris O’Bara, DNR fisheries biologist. “We also ask them to properly clean and maintain all boats, live wells, and tackle after each boating or fishing trip.”  

            Anglers are asked not to release unused bait into any water body at the end of a fishing trip.  Bait that was collected from the water that they were fishing may be released back into that same water. Properly disposing of unused bait in the trash minimizes the movement of aquatic invasive species. These measures are especially important in the Ohio River where some species of Asian carp have been collected by Wildlife Resources Section biologists.

            A second way to help prevent the spread of  Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species is to learn about these organisms and how to distinguish these unwanted species from the state’s native species. Anglers and all outdoor enthusiasts can learn more about aquatic invasive species at wvdnr.gov/Fishing/Invasive_Species.shtm. Anglers and boaters also can provide information on potential sightings of Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species at the website.

 

The DNR will be stocking more than 10,000 catchable-size channel catfish during the week of May 13, according to Frank Jezioro, DNR director. This popular program provides fishing opportunities at popular and accessible lakes across the state.

Lakes to be stocked are: Anawalt Lake (McDowell Co.),  Barboursville Lake (Cabell Co.), Berwind Lake (McDowell Co.), Cacapon State Park Lake (Morgan Co.), Cedar Creek State Park Lake (Gilmer Co.),  Chief Logan State Park Lake (Logan Co.),  Conaway Run Lake (Tyler Co.), Edwards Run Pond (Hampshire Co.), Fort Ashby Lake (Mineral Co.), French Creek Pond (Upshur Co.), Handley Pond (Pocahontas Co.), Hurricane Lake (Putnam Co.), Indian Rock Lake (Nicholas Co.), Krodel Lake (Mason Co.), Laurel Lake (Mingo Co.),  Little Beaver State Park Lake (Raleigh Co.), Mason Lake (Monongalia Co.), Mountwood Lake (Wood Co.),  North Bend State Park Pond (Ritchie Co.), Pendleton Lake (Tucker Co.), Pipestem State Park Lake (Summers Co.), Poorhouse Pond (Berkeley Co.), Teter Creek Lake (Barbour Co.), Tomlinson Run State Park Lake (Hancock Co.), Turkey Run Lake (Jackson Co.), Wallback Lake (Clay Co.), Watoga State Park Lake (Pocahontas Co.), and Wirt County Farm Pond (Wirt Co.).

 

Tagged Channel Catfish to be Stocked in West Virginia State Parks Lakes

            As part of a cooperative effort with West Virginia State Parks, a total of 400 tagged channel catfish will be stocked into five state park lakes, including: Cacapon State Park Lake, Cedar Creek State Park Lake, Chief Logan State Park Lake, Pipestem State Park Lake, and Tomlinson Run State Park Lake.

            Anglers who catch a tagged fish are asked to return the tag or the tag number along with  information on the date of capture, if the fish was kept or released, and the name and address of the angler to WVDNR, 2311 Ohio Ave, Parkersburg, WV 26101. Anglers also can call in the information (304-420-4550) or provide the information via e-mail dnrfishtags@wv.gov. 

 

U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), John Boozman (R-AR), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Jon Tester (D-MT) introduced legislation allowing servicemembers to use their GI Bill benefits to provide them with the tools for a successful transition into civilian life. The Servicemembers Choice in Transition Act of 2013 requires men and women leaving military life be given the choice of education tracks as part of mandatory Transitional Assistance Program (TAP) classes.

“This bipartisan bill will make sure that when our brave veterans separate from the military, they are aware of the educational opportunities, counseling programs and benefits they have earned and deserve,” Manchin said. “I thank Senator Boozman for his leadership on this legislation and I am encouraged that this commonsense measure will help our veterans smoothly transition as they come home to their families, friends and communities.”

“The TAP program is essential to veterans’ achievement after they separate from service. Changing the requirements for this program provides more changes for success and allows these men and women to tailor TAP to their personal transition goals,” Boozman said. “We must continue our commitment to these men and women by providing opportunities for employment after they leave military life. Allowing our servicemembers to choose an education track they are interested in will help improve their long-term job success.”

“This legislation will help make certain that military members with entrepreneurial goals and seeking to own a small business can start pursing that dream during the Transition Assistance Program. After giving so much to our country, our service men and women should be given the choice to learn about entrepreneurship through the Transition Assistance Program before they step out on their own.  It only makes sense to empower them with this opportunity to grow as they move from one chapter of their lives onto the next,” Moran said.

“With their tremendous sacrifices, veterans earned our best efforts to help them transition back to civilian life,” Tester said. “Giving them more flexibility to choose the career track that fits their needs and ambitions will put more veterans on the path to success. I will continue to support common-sense efforts that help veterans and their families get the support they earned and live strong, healthy lives together.”  

This legislation provides an education track, entrepreneurship track, and a track for men and women interested in vocational or technical training. It also makes TAP more interactive and provides a better fit for each servicemembers’ interests. Congressman Bill Flores (R-TX) recently introduced companion legislation in the House.

“We owe it to our veterans to ensure that their transition into the workforce is as smooth as possible,” Flores said. “Through their service and sacrifice for our freedom they have earned their benefits. We must ensure that they know exactly what these benefits are and how they can be effectively be used. By modifying the required contents of TAP, we are offering our servicemembers alternative training paths that will help better suit their intentions and provide them with the tools for a successful transition into for civilian life.”

 

The future of the former Elkins National Guard Armory was the topic of discussion as Elkins City Council held a special meeting Wednesday evening.  Councilman Mark Scott made a motion for council to "give the mayor authority to continue to pursue the possible sale of the Elkins National Guard Armory.", it was passed unanimously by council. The meeting was then adjourned.

Mayor Broughton and council members have had meetings with Robbie Morris, the executive director of the Randolph County Development Authority and Mark Tomblyn of the Mountain State Forest Festival board of directors to discuss the Armory issue.

Elkins City Council will hold a special meeting today to discuss the Elkins-Randolph County Landfill. 

 

West Virginia students have used their creativity and knowledge to win a video contest about the U.S. Constitution.The contest, sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Education and the West Virginia State Bar, rewards students for the best creation of a 3-minute video with the theme, "We the People: The Constitution in Our Lives."

"Understanding the origins of the U.S. Constitution and the role it plays in our daily lives is something that benefits all students," said state Superintendent of Schools Jim Phares. "Students who participated in the contest developed a deep understanding of what the Constitution means today."

Sarah Law of Lewis County High School captured first place and Austin Susman of George Washington High School in Kanawha County was second in the high school division. In middle school, Lsaha Peak, a home-schooled student from Berkeley County, finished first, while Shamil Patel of Barboursville Middle School in Cabell County was second.

“As attorneys, we recognize how the Constitution impacts our lives in so many ways,” said Mike Frazier, attorney and member of the West Virginia State Bar Public Information Committee. “This contest is a fun way to get students to focus on something that seems to many young people an ancient relic.  With budget cutbacks, civics education sometimes gets forgotten and we want to help the next generation recognize the Constitution is still relevant today.”

First place winners receive $500 each. Second place finishers receive $250 each. Creators of the winning videos also are invited to attend the State Bar annual meeting on May 10 at Stonewall Jackson Resort. Videos were judged on originality, creativity, adherence to the theme and quality. The contest was open to West Virginia residents in sixth through 12th grades.

To view the winning videos click http://wvde.state.wv.us/wvstatebar/or for more information, contact Liza Cordeiro in the WVDE Communication Office at 304-558-2699.

 

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources needs help in locating whip-poor-wills, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Division of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Section.  “If you see or hear whip-poor-wills in West Virginia between the dates of May 10 and July 31, please email DNR Wildlife Resources Section biologist Rich Bailey at richard.s.bailey@wv.gov,” Taylor said.  “Include the date and location, beingvery specific; where you saw or heard the bird; your name and phone number; and whether you saw or heard the bird.” 

The whip-poor-will is a gray, black and brown bird with a black throat. It is well-camouflaged and is easier to hear than see. Its namesake song is a loud, rhythmic “whip-poor-will” which it sings repeatedly at night.  “Recent Breeding Bird Survey data indicate significant population declines of this bird in nearby states, and your observations will enable us to get a better sense of their population status in West Virginia,” Bailey said.  The Wildlife Resources Section is also interested in discovering locations of barn owls and bald eagle nests. Please email Bailey if you see or hear either of these species with the same information as for the whip-poor-will.  Barn owls have a distinctive white, heart-shaped face and a variety of unique calls including clicks, hisses, grunts and screams.   

 

Singer Phillip Phillips — winner of the eleventh season of the Fox television series American Idol — was to appear in concert on May 14 at Davis & Elkins College.   On May 6 the college was notified that Phillips has postponed the remainder of his spring tour due to illness.  A rescheduled date has not yet been set. Further details will be released when available.  All previously purchased tickets will be valid for future show.  Refunds for locally purchased tickets are available through the YMCA. Online purchased tickets can be refunded by contacting 1-800-594-TIXX.

Elkins Common Council

Special-Call Council Meeting

Agenda

401 Davis Avenue

Council Chamber, 2nd Floor

May 8, 2013

7:00 p.m.

(This meeting will be preceded by council’s on-site inspection of the Elkins National Guard Armory.)

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Call to order and roll call

New business - Elkins National Guard Armory.

Adjournment 

275 students received their diplomas on Saturday at West Virginia Wesleyan College's commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2013. College officials also awarded an honorary doctorate's degree on the Rev. Dr. William Wilson, a member of the Class of 1972.   Wilson is a former member of the school's Board of Trustees and has held several leadership positions in the Methodist Church. The Class of 2013 raised about $9,000 as its gift to the college; the money will be used to purchase high-quality printers and other technology. The class selected music professor Doug Van Gundy as its distinguished faculty member.

The Davis & Elkins College Art Department will host a showcase of student artwork from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, May 9 in the Art Department located in the lower level of Myles Center for the Arts. Featured work will be from the past semester, as well as the Capstone Exhibition of three graduating art majors, Eric Armstrong, Emilee Goodman and Brandon Knicely. The event is open to the public and there is no admission charge. 

 

West Virginia Radio Corporation of Elkins held the annual Radiothon for St. Jude on Thursday and Friday, encouraging listeners to become a partner in hope.  Along with the Bowling for St. Jude Kids event held in March, over $30,000 was raised, bringing the five year total to over $100,000.  It’s never to late to help the kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, call our business office at 304-636-1300 and we will point you in the right direction.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources was out in force this past week stocking trout streams and lakes. The following waters were stocked the week of April 29, 2013:

 

Anthony Creek

Bear Rocks Lake

Beech Fork Tailwaters

Blackwater River

Brandywine Lake

Brushy Fork Lake

Buffalo Fork (Brooke)

Buffalo Fork Lake

Bullskin Run

Camp Creek

Castlemans Run Lake

Cherry River

Clear Fork of Guyandotte River

Conaway Run Lake

Cranberry River

Cranberry River

Deer Creek (Nicholas)

Dillons Run

Dry Fork (Randolph, Tucker)

Dunkard Fork Lake

East Fork Greenbrier River

East Lynn Tailwaters

East River

Edwards Run

Elk River

Evitts Run

Fall Run

Fort Ashby Reservoir

French Creek Pond

Gandy Creek

Glady Fork

Greenbrier River

Horseshoe Run

Indian Creek

Jimmy Lewis Lake

Kimsey Run Lake

Knapps Creek

Laurel Creek of Cherry River

Laurel Fork (Randolph)

Laurel Fork of Holly River

Left Fork of Holly River

Little River East Fork Greenbrier River

Little River West Fork Greenbrier River

Lost River

Mash Fork

Mash Fork of Camp Creek (Children & Class Q)

Mason Lake

Meadow Creek of New River

Middle Creek

Middle Wheeling Lake

Mill Creek of Opequon Creek

Mill Creek of South Branch

Milligan Creek

New Creek

North Fork Fishing Creek

North Fork of Anthony Creek

North Fork of Cherry River

North Fork of Lunice

North Fork of Patterson Creek

North Fork of South Branch

North River

Opequon Creek

Paint Creek

Pinnacle Creek (lower section)

Pipestem Lake

Pond Fork

Red Creek

Rhine Creek

Rich Creek

Rock Cliff Lake

Rocky Marsh Run

Shavers Fork (Bemis)

Shavers Fork (lower section)

Shavers Fork (upper)

South Branch (Franklin)

South Branch (Smoke Hole)

South Fork Fishing Creek

South Fork of Cranberry River

South Mill Creek Lake

Spruce Knob Lake

Summit Lake

Thomas Park Lake

Tilhance Creek

Trout Run

Tuscarora Creek

Tygart Valley River Headwaters

Waites Run

Warden Lake

Watoga Lake

West Fork Greenbrier River

West Fork Greenbrier River (railroad grade)

West Fork Twelvepole

Westover Park Lake (Children/Class Q)

Wheeling Creek

Williams River

Williams River 

 

At a time when preschool funding has stalled in many states, West Virginia is being recognized for defying the trend and increasing pre-K resources. The State of Preschool 2012 released by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) showed West Virginia increased per pupil pre-K spending by $10 million in 2011-2012 to about $6,000 per child. Across the country, state funding for pre-K decreased by more than half a billion dollars in 2011-2012 to a national average of $3,841 – well below the inflation-adjusted national average of $5,020 in 2001-2002.

The report also noted that West Virginia maintained its ranking of 8^th in the nation for resources dedicated to state pre-K. The state continues to rank 5^th in the nation for access to pre-K, serving more than 60 percent of 4-year-olds. In addition, the state’s pre-K program meets eight of NIEER’s 10 benchmarks for quality standards – a big improvement over a decade ago when it met five.For more information, contact the Office of Communication at 304-558-2699.

 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of 110 grants to agricultural producers and rural businesses that will help create jobs and develop new products. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today's announcement is one part of the Department's efforts to strengthen the rural economy.

 In today's announcement, 110 awardees are being selected for USDA Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG). The grants help agricultural producers increase their income by expanding marketing opportunities, creating new products or developing new uses for existing products. Grant recipients include Fish Hawk Acres, LLC in Rock Cave, Upshur County, they will use a $45,000 grant to assist in marketing their salsa, salsa verde and Bloody Mary mix.

Value-Added Producer Grants are an important element of USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative, which coordinates USDA's work to support local and regional food systems. Previous VAPG awards supporting local and regional projects are mapped on the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food compass, http://www.usda.gov/maps/maps/kyfcompassmap.htm. 

 

First Ward School in South Elkins served the community as an elementary school for nearly 70 years, from 1907 to 1976 and now it will serve again, this time as senior housing.  Renovations to the building are nearly complete.

The property will provide 16 apartments for the community, according to Randolph County Housing Authority Executive Director Karen Jacobson. The construction will be complete on May 31 and the first tenants will begin moving in June 1.

Jacobson said the building's apartments range from 682 square feet to 1,600 square feet each. Eight of the apartments will have one bedroom and one bath and eight have two bedrooms and one and a half baths.  Residents must be 55 years of age and older, with incomes of $18,350 to $25,140. The rent will range from $375 to $575 per month."  The first floor of the First Ward School Apartments has a large hallway, laundry room and community gathering area.

Residents in the First Ward School Apartments will be part of a wellness collaboration. The Randolph County Housing Authority, Davis Health System, the Elkins Randolph County Senior Center and the Elkins Randolph Health Department will partner for a coordinated health and wellness program for the seniors.  For more information you can call Karen Jacobson at the Randolph County Housing Authority at 304-636-6495.  I sent six years at First Ward School  and I’m glad to see it being restored and re-purposed. 

 

One of the state’s experts on preventing bullying and making schools safe is teaching members of West Virginia’s caring professions how to do it. And with him is one secret to his success – his son. Social worker Gary McDaniel has done a lot to make the Morgan County schools safer and happier places. Often these days he talks about it accompanied by his son Aidan – a sophomore at Berkeley Springs High School. The two McDaniels collaborate on efforts at the school. Gary says that’s the point. He says students have to be involved, in a democratic way, because it’s their school.

 

"The thing that most secures a school are the people in it. The attitudes, and beliefs, and behaviors of our students, more than anything, creates the climate and culture of any school."

Gary and Aidan McDaniel will be delivering the Wednesday morning keynote at the annual conference of the National Association of Social Workers, West Virginia Chapter. That conference in Charlaeston is the largest event of its kind in the country.

Aidan says too often school safety has been treated as something that can be imposed by the teachers and administrators, which doesn’t work.

 

"The students’ problem that the adults had to fix. And we didn’t think that was accurate, because it’s everybody’s problem and it’s a solution that we can’t do without working with each other."

Gary says involving the students is more than a nice sounding idea – it has practical implications. For instance, he says every school has a lot more young people than adults. Which means the adults have to rely on the students to even know what’s going on.

 

"When something’s going to happen in a school, the people that know about it first are the students. When they know that they’re as responsible for creating a safe school they quickly make us aware of things that they believe are a possible threat."

A seminar on sexting and cyber-bullying will be held this evening at six at Tucker County High School.

  

 

The Randolph County Commission meets tomorrow at 1:30 at the James Cain Court House Annex… The meeting will open with a period of public comment, the commission will consider approval to close Delaine Street, a funding request for Coalton Days, consider a re-appointment to the Solid Waste Authority and certification of a contract between the commission and Davis Memorial Hospital to provide health care services to low income individuals.  Randolph County Commission meetings are open to the public.

Senator Jay Rockefeller has reintroduced his landmark mine safety legislation aimed at fixing the glaring safety issues revealed in the wake of the Upper Big Branch mine disaster on April 5, 2010, which claimed the lives of 29 miners in Montcoal, West Virginia.  Senator Joe Manchin cosponsored the legislation. The Robert C. Byrd Mine and Workplace Safety and Health Act was first introduced in 2010, and again in 2011 and 2012.

“Since the terrible tragedy at Upper Big Branch more than three years ago, some crucial steps have been taken to improve mine safety, but we are long overdue to make an even bigger leap forward by passing comprehensive mine safety legislation,” said Rockefeller, who has made protecting coal miner health and safety one of his chief goals.  “We owe it to families of the victims at Upper Big Branch, and to the miners of today and tomorrow, to pass mine safety legislation that moves us more strongly ahead.  Coal miners’ loved ones give thanks for answered prayers every time they walk through the front door.  We should be constantly vigilant for that safe return home.  We cannot wait for another tragedy before we act.  The time is now.”

“A strong mining industry begins with a strong commitment to our miners,” Manchin said.  “For many West Virginia families, mining is a way of life and has been an important part of our state’s livelihood for decades.  Every miner should wake up in the morning and expect to come home safely to their loved ones at night.  That is why we need to continue to improve mine safety so that our miners’ lives are never in jeopardy.  I look forward to working with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle on this important piece of legislation.”

In the three years since the Upper Big Branch tragedy, both Congress and the Administration have enacted some targeted laws and regulations to improve the health and safety of coal miners. However, comprehensive legislation still is needed to achieve important safety improvements, including those specifically recommended by West Virginia miners’ families and investigations into the Upper Big Branch disaster.

 

Progress Made on Mine Safety Since 2010

 

Since the Upper Big Branch disaster, Congress has held nine hearings on mine safety, and five federal, state, and independent entities have conducted investigations into the cause of the tragedy and released recommendations to improve our mine safety laws and enforcement.

 

·         Holding Mining Companies Accountable for Their Safety Records.  The Wall Street reform law included Senator Rockefeller’s language requiring publicly-traded mining companies to disclose serious safety violations to shareholders, the public, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  Mining companies that fail to properly disclose this information will face SEC penalties.

 

·         Increased Enforcement Against Repeat Offenders.  In January, MSHA issued a new rule -- using Senator Rockefeller’s legislation as a framework – to tighten standards when federal regulators cite a “pattern of violations” in mines that have been targeted for repeat safety violations.  Upper Big Branch had been cited by MSHA for 639 violations in the 15 months leading up to the explosion. 

 

·         Significant Reductions in Appeals Backlog.  At Senator Rockefeller’s urging, Congress appropriated $22 million through the Supplemental Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010 to help reduce the backlog of appeals at the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission.  During the year that this funding was available, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission was able to hire six additional judges and support staff and, along with the Department of Labor, and was able to dispose of 11,643 cases, including 6,924 cases that had been specifically targeted for backlog reduction. 

 

·         New Federal Rock Dusting Standards.  In June 2011, MSHA issued final regulations requiring mine operators to maintain incombustible content of combined dust of at least 80 percent in underground mines.

 

·         New Impact Inspections Targeting Unsafe Mines.  As of March 2013, MSHA has conducted 579 impact inspections, resulting in 10,036 citations, 946 orders, and 43 safeguards. 

 

Senator Jay Rockefeller is encouraging West Virginians across the state to properly dispose of unwanted or expired prescription drugs during the sixth National Drug Take Back Day.

On Saturday, April 27th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and its partners will set up locations across the state where West Virginians can rid their medicine cabinets of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

“Prescription drug abuse is plaguing families and communities across West Virginia.  We can all play a part in stopping this epidemic by participating in Saturday’s Drug Take Back Day,” said Rockefeller. “Studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, often without their knowledge.  For that reason, I urge all West Virginians to take a few minutes to clean out their medicine cabinets and safely dispose of any expired or leftover medicine at one of the many locations across the state.”

Take back event drop-offs are anonymous and no questions are asked. Participating locations in West Virginia, include.

 

WEST VIRGINIA STATE POLICE	WEST VIRGINIA STATE POLICE F/SGT. J.B. UTT (#304-637-0275)	1300 HARRISON AVENUE	ELKINS	WV, 26241	0 mi.	Map
RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE	DAVIS HEALTH SYSTEMS CORNER OF RANDOLPH AVE AND BUFFALO ST	32 RANDOLPH AVENUE	ELKINS	WV, 26241	0 mi.	Map
BARBOUR COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE	MACE'S PHARMACY PARKING LOT	204 CRIM AVENUE	BELINGTON	WV, 26250	11 mi.	Map
WEST VIRGINIA STATE POLICE	WEST VIRGINIA STATE POLICE F/SGT. B.B SWILER (#304-462-7101)	P.O. BOX 113	PARSONS	WV, 26287	18 mi.	Map
BARBOUR COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE	MACE'S PHARMACY	303 S. MAIN STREET	PHILIPPI	WV, 26416	21 mi.	Map
UPSHUR COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE	UPSHUR COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE	38 W MAIN STREET	BUCKHANNON	WV, 26201	22 mi.	Map

 

This year, nearly 2,000 West Virginia children will participate inLemonade Day, a free, community-wide program dedicated to teaching children how to start, own and operate their own business through the simple and time-honored act of building and running a lemonade stand. The young entrepreneurs will be setting up stands on Saturday, May 4, 2013 to learn a valuable lesson for business success: don't wait to find a job, create one.

The statewide economic and community development organization Vision Sharedis launching a pilot project called Lemonade Day. The project is funded, in part, by a grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. Additional support and promotion of Lemonade Day is provided by Brickstreet, the West Virginia Department of Education, Region 1 Workforce Investment Board, The Tamarack, and the West Virginia Alliance of Sustainable Families.

Pilot schools include Alban Elementary, Bluewell Elementary, Bradley Elementary, Charleston Montessori, Glen Fork Elementary, Homestead Elementary, John J. Cornwell Elementary, Lashmeet Elementary, Meadow Bridge Elementary, Moorefield Intermediate, Mountaineer Montessori, Romney Elementary, Slanesville Elementary, Union Elementary and Webster Springs Elementary.

To learn about ways to get involved in Lemonade Day visit www.westvirginia.lemonadeday.org. Or, for information about sponsorships, partnerships or volunteering on Lemonade Day, please contact Rebecca McPhail Randolph at 304-767-5189 or president@visionshared.com

Randolph County Development Authority is hosting the first Randolph County Job Fair on Friday from 11am to 3pm at the McDonnell Center at Davis & Elkins College.  The job fair is an effort to pair employers with possible employees according to executive director Robbie Morris. "We have over 50 employers coming and we think it will be a great opportunity for people to find a new job, find a career path and get the unemployment down in this area."

How about this job?  Because of Mayor Broughton’s resignation from his council seat, Elkins Common Council will be appointing a new Second Ward resident to fill that seat.The appointment lasts through March 31, 2015.  Interested parties should submit a letter of interest and a resume by May 13 to:

Mayor’s Office
Elkins City Hall
401 Davis Avenue
Elkins, WV 26241 

 

The state School Building Authority handed out more than $49 million in funding to a dozen school systems across the state at its meeting in Charleston.  Twenty-one school systems were hoping to receive funding. Eleven schools got money for construction projects, one a planning grant.

Boone County School Superintendent John Hudson thought the third time would be the charm for the project at Sherman Jr/Sr. High and he was correct. The SBA handed over $1.7 million. Part of that will go to build a bus loop so that students don't have to get off the school bus on busy Route 3. The rest of the funding goes toward safety upgrades at the school.  Hudson says they've asked for the funding two prior years. But he believes they finally got the money because the county pitched in $700,000.

Other counties who came out with funding include:

Cabell County, $3.5 million for additions & renovations at Culloden Elementary School

Pendleton County, $9.8 million for the construction of a new Franklin Elementary School

Berkeley County, $5.9 million for renovations at Martinsburg North Middle School

Harrison County, $8.1 million for a new Lumberport Middle School

Wood County, $2.6 million for additions and renovations to Edison Middle School

Webster County, $4.4 million for renovations at Webster County High School

Ritchie County, $4.5 million for upgrades at Harrisville Elementary School

Lewis County, $3.1 million for an addition & renovations to the existing Jane Lew Elementary School

Preston County, $4 million for a new West Preston Middle School

Wyoming County, $1.25 million to complete the project budget for the new Huff Consolidated PK-8 School

Wetzel County, $239,000 for improvements to Long Drain School, New Martinsville School, Paden City Elementary School and Short Line School

 

 

Many hope a tighter cell phone ban going into effect in West Virginia this summer will help people keep their eyes on the road – but they admit it isn't a problem that can be solved just by writing tickets. Starting in July, using any electronic device that isn't 'hands-free' will be enough to get you pulled over. Cheryl Parker with 'Triple A' says they're trying to get other states to adopt rules at least as tough as West Virginia's. She says the law isn't a total solution, but it will remind people how dangerous distracted driving is.

 

"Nationally, more than 3,000 people are killed and half a million are injured every year in crashes involving distraction. This is across the country, and West Virginia is no exception. "

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 20 fatal accidents in the state involved distracted driving in 2010 and 2011.  State police consider distracted driving as dangerous as drunk driving. But they say part of the problem is, it's a habit that's easy to pick up and tough to break. Joel Feldman founded the national Casey Feldman Foundation after his daughter, a 21-year-old college student, was struck and killed by a distracted driver in 2009. Feldman says three-quarters of all distracted driving injuries and deaths are unrelated to cell phones. He says ultimately, the responsibility belongs to the individual.

 

The state police will conduct a sobriety checkpoint on Friday from 6:00pm to Midnight on Route 92 West of Elkins at Crystal Springs.  The focus of the checkpoint is driving under the influence enforcement, but also reckless driving, speeding and seat belt violations.  The West Virginia State Police encourages the public to use the *SP system to report drunk drivers, stranded motorists or criminal violations.  By dialing *SP on a cellular telephone, motorists can contact the nearest state police detachment. 

 

The Randolph County Commission will meet tomorrow at 1:30 at the James Cain Court House Annex.  Items up for discussion include: a funding request for special projects at the YMCA, an emergency operation plan for the OEM, the yearly software systems contract, a proclamation observing April as Fair Housing Month in Randolph County, a national emergency grant for super storm Sandy clean-up, a funding request by CVB and consider an new hire in the Sheriff’s Department.  Randolph County Commission meetings are open to the public.

 

As part of National Health Care Decisions Day, the Palliative Care Service and Team from Davis Memorial Hospital will set up at three locations to encourage people to fill out advance directives.  Advance Directives include:  living wills, medical powers of attorney, do-not-resuscitate cards and physician orders for scope of treatment (POST) forms.  These documents provide health care professionals with directions on the care to be given and/or name the person the patient wants speaking for them.

Members of the palliative care team and people specially trained in discussing advance directives will be available from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 16. People will be set up outside the Davis Memorial Hospital cafeteria, in the outpatient waiting room, and in the lobby outside the administration area off Gorman Avenue.

Assistance will be available to both hospital staff and the general public, and notaries will be available for those who want to fill out forms on the spot. “We are always available to help people decide what sort of care they want near the end of life, but National Health Care Decisions Day offers a special opportunity to remind people of the importance of these advance directives,” said Pam Smithson, director of clinical programs. “Filling out a living will and a medical power of attorney is the best way to ensure people receive exactly the treatment they want – no more, no less.”

Smithson said in addition to filling out the forms, she recommends people opt-in to the new West Virginia e-Directive Registry. The registry is a secure, online database maintained by the West Virginia Center for End-of-Life Care that allows medical professionals to access advance directives for someone anywhere in the state. “Although many people think advance directives aren’t important until later in life, they really are vital for people of all ages,” Smithson stressed. “If you are involved in an accident, for example, physicians need to know what treatment you want, and who you want making decisions for you. A living will, medical power of attorney and WV POST form ensure those preferences are communicated if you can’t do it yourself.”  The Davis Memorial Hospital Palliative Care Team includes 14 people, led by Dr. Ronald Mudry and Smithson. Their goals include:

• Provide the best methods to relieve pain and other symptoms;
• Provide care to meet the needs of body, mind and spirit of both the patient and family;
• Support informed decision-making and ensure that patient and family wishes are respected;
• Provide dignity and quality of life for the patient and family.

 

If you are not able to attend the Tuesday’s events but would like more information about filling out advance directives, call Smithson at 304.637.3337.

 

U.S.Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) introduced the Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act, Manchin explained that the bill does three major things: 

1) expands the existing background check system to cover commercial sales, including sales at gun shows and internet sales; 2) strengthens the existing instant check system by encouraging states to put all their available records into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS); 3) establishes a National Commission on Mass Violence to study in-depth all the causes of mass violence in our country.

1.      Leveling the playing field for gun sales:  Under current law, if you buy a gun at a gun show from a licensed dealer, you have to undergo a background check by that dealer.  But you can go to a non-dealer table at the gun show, or into the parking lot, and buy a gun without a background check.  Our bill ensures that anyone buying a gun at a gun show has to undergo a background check by a licensed dealer.

Under current law, if you buy a gun online interstate (from one state to another), the gun must be shipped to a licensed dealer, you must go to that dealer and get a background check before you purchase the gun.  However, for intrastate (in the same state) sales, no background check is required and you can sell the gun to the person without ever meeting face-to-face.

Our bill requires that the current system for interstate sales be expanded to cover intrastate      sales as well—so all purchasers buying guns online must undergo a background check by a licensed dealer.

As under current law, background checks are performed by licensed dealers, and recordkeeping will not change—dealers will keep the records in bound books, like they do now.  The federal government cannot keep records.

Our bill explicitly bans the federal government from creating a registry and creates a new penalty for misusing records to create a registry—a felony punishable by 15 years in prison.   As under current law, temporary transfers do not require background checks, so, for example, you can loan your hunting rifle to your buddy without any new restrictions or requirements.

As under current law, transfers between family, friends, and neighbors do not require background checks.   You can give or sell a gun to your brother, your neighbor, your coworker without a background check.  You can post a gun for sale on the cork bulletin board at your church or your job without a background check.

Our bill also fixes problems in current law that unfairly limit the Second Amendment rights of law abiding gun owners by:

Allowing interstate handgun sales from licensed dealers.  Outdated current law only allows interstate sales of rifles and shotguns.  This will bring more sales into the background check system.

Allowing active military to buy firearms in their home states and the state in which they are stationed.  Current law restricts them to purchasing only from their duty station.

Allowing dealer-to-dealer sales at gun shows taking place in a state in which they are not a resident.  Currently these sales are only permitted for dealers from the same state in which the gun show is being held.

Protecting sellers from lawsuits if the buyer is cleared through the expanded background checks system and the weapon is subsequently used in a crime.  This is the same treatment gun dealers receive now.

Authorizing the use of a state concealed carry permit that has been issued within the last five years in lieu of a background check when purchasing a firearm from a dealer because background checks are required to receive conceal carry permits.

 

2.      Getting all the names of prohibited purchasers into the background check system

There are serious problems currently with states not putting records into the NICS system.  One tragic example:  records on the Virginia Tech shooter that would have put him on the prohibited purchasers list had not been entered into the system.

Our bill encourages states to provide all their available records to NICS by eliminating unnecessary responsibilities for states and directing future grant money towards creating systems to send records to NICS. The bill will also reduce federal funds to states that do not comply.

Provides additional Second Amendment protections to our veterans.

Requires that if a background check at a gun show does not result in a definitive response from NICS within 48 hours, the sale may proceed. After four years, when the NICS improvements are completed, the background check would be required to clear in 24 hours. Current law is three business days.

 

3.       Establishes a National Commission on Mass Violence

Creates a commission of non-elected experts in their fields who will study the causes of mass violence in the United States, looking at all aspects of the problem, including mental health, guns, school safety and portrayals of violence in the media. This broad approach is absolutely necessary to truly address our culture of violence.

WHAT THE BILL WILL NOT DO

The bill will not, in any way, shape, or form infringe upon anyone’s Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms.

The bill will not take away anyone’s guns.

The bill will not ban any type of firearm.

The bill will not ban or restrict the use of any kind of bullet or any size clip or magazine.

The bill will not create a national registry; in fact, it explicitly prohibits it.

 

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources advises people to leave all young wildlife alone.  “The spring season is the time of year when the woods and fields of West Virginia are full of new life,” said Gene Thorn, wildlife biologist at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center in French Creek.  “People have a great opportunity to view and enjoy young wildlife during this season, but it is especially important for the public to understand the need to avoid touching or disturbing these wild animals.”

Attempts to rescue or rehabilitate young wildlife are often counter-productive, according to Thorn. Picking up or getting too close to wildlife greatly increases the chance of harm to the animal and/or the persons involved in this unwise practice. By touching young animals, humans leave a scent that may attract a predator. Wildlife viewing is an enjoyable and perfectly acceptable activity; however, Wildlife Resources Section personnel recommend that this pastime be conducted from a safe distance and with the aid of binoculars.

“In addition to being detrimental to the welfare of young animals, handling wildlife potentially may expose humans to various wildlife-associated diseases, parasites and other health-related risks,” said Thorn. “Rabies, roundworms and other parasites such as lice and ticks can be transmitted to humans through the improper handling of wildlife.”

DNR offices statewide receive numerous calls each year concerning young wildlife, especially fawn deer that have been picked up by well-meaning residents. In almost every case these young animals have not been abandoned. The offspring are often hidden as the adult searches for food, and this separation can last for a few hours or all day.

Humans are poor substitute parents for wild animals, because young wildlife require special diets and learn survival skills from their parents. Removing young wildlife from its natural environment almost certainly leads to the death of the animal.

Many people often mistake a bedded fawn, with no mother in sight, as abandoned, but that is usually not the case. Hiding the fawn and leaving it while the doe searches for food is an important survival tactic. The spotted pattern and coloration of fawns and their lack of scent afford protection to these young animals and make them difficult for predators to detect. 

If a predator happens to approach close to a fawn, the young deer will normally hold very still until the threat passes. If discovered by a predator, the fawn will wait until the very last moment before fleeing to safety. The doe will come back to check on her fawn at feeding time.  As a final caution, remember that state laws and regulations prohibit the possession of wildlife without a permit. Under any circumstances, when you pick up a young animal in the wild, you have taken it into your possession. The fines for illegal possession of a fawn deer, black bear cub, baby raccoon, squirrel or any other species taken or possessed during the closed season range from $20 up to a maximum of $1,000 and/or up to 100 days in jail.

“We want everyone to enjoy wildlife in West Virginia,” said Thorn.  “For your own health and safety and to protect the state’s wildlife, remember these wild animals should be left alone and allowed to stay wild.” 

 

A student from West Virginia Children’s Home School, Elkins who was once a struggling reader has been named this year’s 2013 Scholastic All-Star Award for making incredible gains in reading achievement and overall student performance. Through the use of the Scholastic reading intervention program, READ 180, 8th grader Allyson Summerfieldiswell on her way to reading on grade level.

Allyson was repeating seventh grade when she arrived at West Virginia Children’s Home School, and was reading at a first-grade level. Family troubles left Allyson alone and she soon fell in with the wrong crowd and began skipping school. Through READ 180, Allyson has discovered her ability to learn and succeed when she applies herself. “READ 180 has changed my attitude about school,” Allyson explained. “This experience has changed my grades dramatically from all F’s and D’s to a 3.5 G.P.A.”  She is now receiving A’s and B’s on her report card and has advanced from a first-grade level to a fifth-grade level in less than two years.  Allyson wants to be the first child in her family to walk across the stage and receive her diploma.  Allyson has proven that it is never too late to catch up and turn your life around.

 

Kit’s Interactive Theater will present "Mother Nature" at the Randolph County Community Arts Center on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 7:00 pm. This popular and unique performer combines history or literature, improvisation, dance and music with audience members cast right into the show.

Kit’s Interactive performs 16 different shows—perfect for children of all ages. This presentation, “Mother Nature,” packs a powerful message with its depiction of local ecosystems. Combining ecology with mythology, Mother Nature and her friend, the Fairy Queen, teach the importance of preservation and respecting the delicate balance of the ecosystem.  This performance is part of the Arts Center’s Family Concert Series and is not included in the season pass. Tickets for adults and seniors are $7 and for students they are $5.

The Randolph County Community Arts Center, a non-profit organization promoting and supporting the arts in Randolph County and the surrounding areas, is located at the corner of Randolph Avenue and Park Street in Elkins. The Arts Center is supported by private donations as well as the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts. Call the RCCAC office at (304) 637-2355 or visit www.randolpharts.org for information on its arts education classes, exhibits, concert series, and children’s concert series. The Arts Center is committed to providing accessibility to individuals with disabilities. If you are in need of an accommodation, please contact our office in advance. 

 

A convenience store clerk injured at the Rich Oil station on the Beverley Five-Lane Friday night has lost partial sight as a result of incident. Randolph County deputies found the clerk bloody and wounded.  He was hit by fragments of glass and possibly bullet fragments as shots came through a glass door and window.   Video surveillance captured the incident and gave police some good leads to develop a suspect in the shooting.   The suspect fired the shots from outside the store, although the door to the store was open to the public and he could have come inside if he wanted to rob the station. The store clerk was released from Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown on Sunday.  He suffered severe facial cuts and loss of vision in one eye.

 

West Virginia State Police and other police agencies around the state are getting ready to crack down on texting while driving and other distracted driving practices. Sgt. Chris Zerkle, director of traffic records for the State Police, said the state recently got a federal grant of $168,000 to target distracted drivers. The money will be used to pay troopers and other officers overtime to look for those who are driving while distracted.

Zerkle said officials for the National Highway Safety Administration collected data and created a list of the 100 most accident-prone stretches of roadway in the state. Although based on DUI arrests and deaths, State Police are guessing the same stretches of road are equally dangerous for drivers who are texting or talking on their cellphones. Some studies suggest that texting and cellphone use while driving are just as deadly as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

State Police spokesman Sgt. Michael Baylous said the program has been dubbed Operation Chain Reaction. "Our goal is to start a chain reaction and eliminate distraction," said Baylous.  According to Zerkle, 21 counties with the most dangerous stretches of road will each get $8,000 through the federal grant.

State Police said distracted driving is usually thought of as texting or talking on a cellphone, but can be anything that takes a driver's attention away from the road. Baylous said he has seen people shaving, putting on makeup, reading the newspaper and even eating a bowl of chili while driving down the road.  Zerkle said trying to operate a GPS device or other electronic device that is not hands-free can also be considered distracted driving under the law.

Last year, the Legislature made texting and driving a primary offense, meaning drivers can be pulled over and ticketed if seen texting and driving. On July 1, talking on a cellphone or using other electronic devices that don't have hands-free controls will also become a primary offense. Breaking the law is punishable by a fine of $100 to $300. 

 

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month. The sixth annual Healing Through Music will begin at 5:30pm today in Robbins Chapel on the campus of Davis & Elkins College. Local musicians will perform throughout the evening. Women's Aid in Crisis, Elkins Mayor Van Broughton and the Randolph County Prosecutor's Office will be on hand.

If you’re in kindergarten through 12th grade, you’re eligible to enter a statewide art contest to celebrate West Virginia’s 150th birthday. Children in grades K-5 will create a birthday card for West Virginia’s special celebration. Students in grades 6-8 and 9-12 can create videos by themselves or in teams of two. Videos must not be longer than two minutes. Themes for the videos are “Happy 150th Birthday West Virginia - What Makes West Virginia Unique” and “What makes West Virginia special?” Students should wish West Virginia a happy 150th birthday within the videos.

Prizes include Kindles and gift cards and will be awarded in each age group. Winning artwork may also be showcased in the rotunda during the West Virginia 150th birthday celebration at the State Capitol. There is no entry fee and artwork may be submitted between April 1 and May 15, 2013. Each artwork or video must have an official application. Applications are available online at www.wvcommerce.org/art150

 

The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $2 billion in disaster loans to 32,500 residents and businesses in states affected by Hurricane Sandy.  Eight states (NY, NJ, CT, RI, MD, VA, WV, NC) and Puerto Rico received federal disaster declarations.  As of April 5, more than 30,000 home disaster loans had been approved for a total of $1.8 billion.  More than 2,500 business disaster loans have been approved for $260 million.

Details on the locations of Recovery Centers and the loan application process can be obtained by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955(800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. For more information about SBA’s disaster loan program, visit www.sba.gov/sandy.

 

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin co-sponsored the Postal Service Protection Act, which will address the United States Postal Service’s financial problems, prevent rural post office closures, protect Saturday delivery services and save American jobs. The bill would directly protect the Clarksburg mail processing plant from closing.

“In West Virginia, especially in our rural areas, post offices are more than just places to send and receive mail – they are truly the lifelines of their communities and the only way a town is able to stay connected,” Senator Manchin said. “I have been working closely with local officials to keep the Clarksburg mailing center open and will remain in close contact with them throughout this process. In the meantime, Congress must consider the Postal Service Protection Act to help fix the Postal Service’sfinancial problems while saving jobs, creating revenue and making sure our small businesses, seniors, veterans, and rural residents will continue to receive the mailing services they count on.”

The Postal Service Protection Act will:

(1)   Protect 6-day delivery.This bill would require the Postal Service to deliver mail on Saturdays. The Postal Service recently announced that it will be eliminating Saturday mail delivery beginning in August. Cutting six-day delivery is not a viable plan for the future.  Providing fewer services and less quality will cause more customers to seek other options. Rural Americans, businesses, senior citizens and veterans will be hurt the most by ending Saturday mail.

(2)   Ensure the timely delivery of mail and protect mail-processing facilities. The bill would re-establish overnight delivery standards for delivering first-class mail, which would ensure the timely delivery of mail, keep mail processing facilities open, and protect jobs. 

(3)   Protect Rural Post Offices. This bill would give the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) binding authority to prevent post offices from being closed based on the effect on the community and its employees. Right now, the PRC only has the authority to review a decision to close a post office, but it does not have any binding authority to prevent the closure, even if it finds the decision to close was flawed. 

(4)   Establish new ways the Postal Service can generate revenue, by ending the prohibition on providing new products and services, such as:

 Providing notary services, new media services, issuance of licenses (drivers licenses, hunting licenses, fishing licenses);

 Contracting with state and local agencies to provide new services;

 Shipping wine and beer; and

 Responding to the shift toward electronic mail and away from hard-copy mail.

This bill would also create a commission composed of successful business innovators, representatives of labor, and small businesses that would provide recommendations on how the Postal Service can generate new revenue to succeed in the 21st century.

(5)   Fix the immediate fiscal shortfall of the Postal Service by allowing the Postal Service to recover pension overpayments. The Postal Service Protection Act solves the most immediate financial problem facing the Postal Service by eliminating the requirement that the Postal Service pre-fund 75 years of future retiree health benefits in just 10 years. No other agency or company in America is required to pre-fund its retiree health benefits, especially on such an aggressive schedule. Since 2007, this pre-funding mandate is responsible for about 80 percent of the Postal Service’s financial difficulties.  

 

Senseless violence hit close to home with the tragic shooting of Mingo County Sheriff Eugene Crum: U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller released statements.

Senator Manchin said, “Gayle and I join all West Virginians in praying for Sheriff Crum’s wife, Rosie, and his family. Mingo County lost a longtime public servant today and our hearts are broken from this horrific tragedy.  My friend Sheriff Crum dedicated his life to serving the people of Mingo County and making southern West Virginia a safer place. He will be dearly missed. In memory of Sheriff Crum, let us never forget that our law enforcement and first responders selflessly put their lives on the line for West Virginians every day. We ask that all West Virginians keep Sheriff Crum’s family and friends in their thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time.”

Senator Rockefeller echoed Manchin’s shock and sadness saying,“This is tragic and truly awful news coming out of Mingo County today. I am heartbroken for Sheriff Crum’s family. Sharon and I are keeping them in our prayers today, as is all of West Virginia.” 

A suspect in the murder, 37-year-old Tennis Melvin Maynard, was arrested after being wounded in a shoot-out with police.  

 

 

New emphasis may be put on the dangers of carbon monoxide with the deaths of Buckwild star Shain Gandee and two other men.  Gandee, his uncle and a family friend died of carbon monoxide poisoning--that's the conclusion of a preliminary autopsy report from the state Medical Examiner's office. The men were off-roading early Sunday morning after leaving a Kanawha County bar---the Bronco they were in got stuck in a deep mud-pit near Sissonville--the muffler totally submerged in mud. Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper says the deaths have hit the Sissonville community hard. MTV officials have suspended production for, what would be, Season Two of "Buckwild."  The deaths will be classified as accidental. 

The Randolph/Tucker Children's Advocacy Center will host its second annual Champion for Children Event tomorrow at 6:30 at the St. Brendan's Catholic Church in Elkins. The fundraising dinner will celebrate the achievements of those who have supported the development of the CAC since 2003, when the first work began to develop a facility for abused children.  There’s a spaghetti and meatball dinner provided by the men and women of the church, an award ceremony.  There will be a live auction and door prizes  The public is encouraged to attend and help honor individuals for the work they do to protect children in our communities. Contact the Randolph/Tucker County CAC at 304-630-2214. 

The Randolph County Commission will meet Thursday at 1:30 at the James Cain Court House Annex.  On the agenda: The state auditor’s office will do an exit interview on the year audit, consider a request from the Elkins Fire Department to assist with installation of a generator, Tygart Valley Fairs & Festival’s request for funding for Mother’s Day Celebration, a request from Elkins Speedway to fund a special race this summer, Tucker County Foundation for sponsorship in 2013 Run For It program, consider a new hire for the Sheriff’s Tax Office.  Randolph County Commission meetings are open to the public and public comment is welcome.

The Town of Beverly will temporarily close Dodson Run Road to traffic for installation of a water booster pump.  The road will be closed between 8:00am and 6:00pm on Thursday, the public is advised to adjust their travel plans to avoid delays. Provisions will be made to accommodate buses, mail and emergency vehicles.  

State Director Bobby Lewis announced that USDA Rural Development approved a Community Facilities Direct Loan of $210,000 to the Ellamore Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., Upshur County, WV.  The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today’s announcement is one part of the Department’s efforts to strengthen the rural economy.

Rural Development funds will be used to assist in purchasing a new 2013 Class A Pumper Truck.  This will replace a 30 year old pumper that no longer meets National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code.  The new truck will carry an additional 250 gallons of water over the existing truck.

USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as USDA implements sequestration – the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act. USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $700 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible.

 

The Randolph County Community Arts Center invites all current Arts Center artist members to exhibit their work in the 2013 Member’s Exhibit. This exhibit will run from May 3rd through June 27th.  The Arts Center will hold an opening reception on Friday, May 3rd from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Each artist may submit two original works in either two or three dimensions.   If you are interested in participating in this exhibit, please call the office at 304-637‐2355 or e‐mail us at info@randolpharts.org by April 16th to reserve your space, provide the name, medium, and size of your pieces.

If you are not currently an Arts Center artist member, visit our website, randolpharts.org, to download a form to become a member. An annual donation of $30 or more to the Arts Center provides artists with several benefits. These cover inclusion on our website’s Artist Registry, reduced entry fee for our popular Gala and Mountain State Forest Festival exhibits, participation in our annual Artist Market, and more.

The Randolph County Community Arts Center, a non-profit organization promoting and supporting the arts in Randolph County and the surrounding areas, is located at the corner of Randolph Avenue and Park Street in Elkins. The Arts Center is supported by private donations as well as the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts. Call the RCCAC office at (304) 637-2355 or visit www.randolpharts.orgfor information on its arts education classes, exhibits, concert series, and children’s concert series. The Arts Center is committed to providing accessibility to individuals with disabilities. If you are in need of an accommodation, please contact our office in advance. 

 

At a special meeting of the Randolph County Commission Thursday, commissioners voted to approve and submit an application for a state Justice Assistance grant program. The $35,000 grant would be used to retain assistant prosecuting attorneys. At a special meeting on the county budget Tuesday, commissioners approved the county's 2013-2014 budget, which allocates money to support a third assistant prosecuting attorney position. Currently, the county only employs two assistant prosecuting attorneys, Lori Gray and Christina Harper. If awarded, the grant will go into effect July 1.

On Tuesday, commissioners unanimously approved a Community Corrections grant application for fiscal year 2013-2014; locally, the program provides services in Randolph, Tucker and Pocahontas counties.  Nearly $450,000 in state grant funds are available, while the local cash match is almost $200,000, split among the three counties.

 

The West Virginia Apprentice Hunting and Trapping License (Class AH) is now available online, according to Frank Jezioro, director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.  The license allows people to try hunting without completing a hunter education course.

“Hunter safety education can be a hurdle for novice hunters and we're really expecting to see many new hunters take advantage of this opportunity,” said Jezioro. "After these novice hunters get a taste of the experience, we believe they will complete hunter safety courses and become lifetime hunters." 

Apprentice licenses can only be purchased online at: www.wvhunt.comby people who have not previously held a hunting license. Residents who have reached their 18th birthday can purchase a Class AH license for $19. This license includes the same privileges as a Class A (resident hunting and trapping) license, so holders must buy a Class CS Conservation Stamp.

Nonresidents who have reached their 18th birthday can purchase a Class AAH license for $119. This license includes the same privileges as a Class E (nonresident hunting and trapping) license, so holders must buy a Class CS/LE Conservation Stamp/Law Enforcement stamp.

Resident and nonresident youth ages 15 through 17 can buy a Junior Apprentice Hunting and Trapping License for $16. The Class AHJ license for residents includes the same privileges as a Class XJ (junior sportsman hunting/trapping/fishing) license. The Class AAHJ license for nonresidents, combined with a Class CS/LE stamp, includes the same privileges as a Class XXJ license.

Hunters may buy up to three apprentice licenses within five consecutive years.  Apprentice license holders must be supervised by a licensed hunter at least 18 years of age. 

“We’re hoping this license will help us recruit first-time hunters, whether they be youth just getting a start or adults wanting to give hunting a try,” said Curtis I. Taylor, chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of DNR.  “Hunter recruitment is a prime topic around the country and is key to continuing the successful management programs we have implemented in the past.”  

 

At a roundtable conversation this week at Concord University on mine safety, Senator Jay Rockefeller called for a comprehensive approach to making mines safer – one that includes stronger laws, safety training and the development of new safety technologies. His remarks come just before the three-year anniversary of the Upper Big Branch disaster and amid a wave of mining deaths in West Virginia this year.

“Frankly, we don’t need any more wakeup calls. Our eyes should be wide open to the safety risks our coal miners face every day,” Rockefeller said. “We shouldn’t minimize the progress that’s been made, but the fact remains – and recent incidents show – that major reforms are needed to protect West Virginia’s coal miners. In the coming weeks, I’ll reintroduce my mine safety bill – with input from stakeholders like those gathered today – and aggressively work for its passage.

“We are just a few months into the year, and seven coal miners have died on the job – including five in West Virginia in separate incidents. Five coal miners with families who loved them and are mourning. Five too many.”  Acknowledging that legislation is just one component of stronger mine safety, Rockefeller brought together a roundtable panel that included representatives of the United Mine Workers of America, the coal industry, government regulators, the private sector, higher education, and an Upper Big Branch family member to discuss every facet of this issue.

“There is no silver bullet. There never is. But what we need is an open, honest look at what works. We know stronger laws can make mines safer, we know effective safety training saves lives, and we know how important it is to have the best technologies with our miners underground,” Rockefeller said. “Making our mines safer will take all of us working together – and that’s what today represents.”

Newly elected Elkins Mayor Van Broughton was sworn in on Wednesday by Judge Jaymie Godwin Wilfong at the Randolph County Courthouse. Wilfong administered the oath of office to Broughton and Elkins City Council members Lonnie Randall, Nanci Bross-Fregonara, Mitch Marstiller and Carman Metheny.  Broughton’s father, former Elkins mayor Virgil Broughton was on hand to see his son take the oath, as well his mother, Dolores. 

 

The rash of bomb threats at area schools continued on Wednesday, students at Belington Middle School were evacuated Wednesday afternoon after a student apparently found a bomb threat in the girls' bathroom. The note was found just before noon and all students and staff were evacuated to Belington Elementary School. Police called in the bomb squad to do a search the school. 

The Randolph County Commission has a special meeting this afternoon at 1:30 in the James Cain Court House Annex.  The purpose of the meeting is consideration or approval of the Justice Assistance Grant Application. 

And due to the unexpected inclement weather the Annual Easter Egg-Stravaganza planned for Saturday at Glendale Park, sponsored by West Virginia Radio Corporation and Elkins Parks & Recreation Commission has been cancelled, there are no plans at this time to reschedule. 

 

AARP West Virginia State Director Gaylene Miller thanked members of the West Virginia Senate for advancing legislation that encourages state adoption of “Complete Streets” policies that consider the safety, mobility and accessibility for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists and public transportation riders of all ages and abilities. 

The Senate passed on third reading Senate Bill 158 (Complete Streets Act legislation), which encourages the West Virginia Division of Highways to adopt a Complete Streets approach in future transportation design and planning in the state. The legislation also creates a 16-member Complete Streets Advisory Board, responsible for making recommendations to state transportation officials for design guidance and tracking the status of Complete Streets implementation and multimodal performance indicators.

During the past decade, nearly 300 pedestrians and cyclists have died on West Virginia roadways as a result of injuries sustained in motor-vehicle related traffic accidents, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Between 2000 and 2006, the total human capital costs associated with these types of motor vehicle accidents on West Virginia roadways was approximately $565 million ($80.7 million per year), based on a West Virginia University study that determined costs borne by individuals and corporations in medical costs, emergency services, property damage and lost productivity.

Statewide organizations and advocacy groups joining AARP West Virginia in support of the legislation include: American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC, WV), Citizens Action Group, Fair Shake Network, Generation Charleston, Generation West Virginia, WV Association of Counties, WV Connecting Communities, WV Healthy Lifestyles Coalition, WV Physical Therapy Association, and WV Public Transit Association.  The bill now moves to the West Virginia House of Delegates for further consideration.

West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance (WVDVA) Cabinet Secretary Keith Gwinn will join members of the West Virginia State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America at the State Capitol Complex on Saturday, March 30, 2013, in observance of the second annual Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day.  The event will include several guest speakers, an honorary wreath laying ceremony, musical performances, and complimentary food courtesy of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 733, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 4326. 

“Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day provides an opportunity for us to say ‘thank you’ to a special group of veterans,” Secretary Gwinn said. “These men and women served with bravery and valor. I am so pleased to see an event dedicated entirely to them, and I encourage all West Virginians to come celebrate in their honor.”  The event is scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the West Virginia Veterans Memorial.  

Anthony Creek

Back Fork of Elk River

Bear Rocks Lake

Blackwater River

Bullskin Run

Burnsville Tailwaters

Cacapon Park Lake

Camp Creek

Cherry River

Conaway Run Lake

Cranberry River

Desert Fork

Dry Fork (Tucker, Randolph)

East Fork Greenbrier River

East River

Elk River

Evitts Run

French Creek Pond

Gandy Creek

Glady Fork

Horseshoe Run

Indian Creek

Jennings Randolph Tailwaters

Kimsey Run Lake

Kings Creek

Knapps Creek

Krodel Lake

Laurel Creek of New River

Laurel Fork (Randolph)

Left Fork of Holly River

Little Kanawha Headwaters

Little River East Fork Greenbrier River

Lost River

Lower Cove Run

Mash Fork

Mash Fork of Camp Creek (Children & Class Q)

Middle Creek

Mill Creek of New River

Mill Creek of Opequon Creek (Berkeley)

Mill Run of Back Creek (Berkeley)

Mountwood Park Lake

New Creek

North Fork of Anthony Creek

North Fork of Cherry River

North Fork of Lunice

North Fork of Patterson Creek

North Fork of South Branch

North River

Opequon Creek

Paint Creek

Pond Fork

R.D. Bailey Tailwaters

Red Creek

Rich Creek

Right Fork of Little Kanawha

Rocky Marsh Run

Seneca Lake

Shavers Fork (Bemis)

Shavers Fork (lower section)

South Branch (Franklin)

South Branch (Smoke Hole)

South Mill Creek Lake

Stonewall Jackson Tailwaters

Sugar Creek

Summit Lake

Sutton Tailwaters

Teter Creek Lake

Tomlinson Run

Tomlinson Run Lake

Trout Run

Tygart Headwaters

Waites Run

Warden Lake

Watoga Lake

Wheeling Creek 

 

The Randolph County Commission will hold a special meeting at 10:30am Tuesday at the James Cain Court House Annex.  The purpose of the meeting is to Consider / Approval of Budget for Fiscal Year 2013 / 2014 and Consider / Approval of Community Corrections Grant Application for Fiscal Year 2013 / 2014.  Randolph County Commission meetings are open to the public.

The Upshur County Sheriff’s Department, Law Enforcement Division reported on their activities for the month of February 2013.  During the month the vehicle fleet logged 15,523 miles traveled during investigation, prisoner transport, process serving and routine patrol.  As a result of action taken by Deputy Sheriffs there were 61 arrests, 20 were traffic arrests, 33 were misdemeanor arrests and there were 8 felony arrests.  A total of 106 process papers were served for magistrate and circuit courts.  A total of 101 hours doing bailiff duties in Circuit, Magistrate and Family Law Judge Courts. 

 

The Public Service Commission of West Virginia is encouraging West Virginians to help put a stop to the more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted from household leaks each year during “Fix a Leak Week.”  Sponsored by WaterSense, a partner of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Fix a Leak Week (March 18-22, 2013) is an opportunity to improve water efficiency in homes and yards by checking and fixing leaks from toilets, faucets, and spigots. “Leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water in an average home every year – the amount of water it takes to wash 270 loads of laundry,” said PSC Chairman Mike Albert.  “As a WaterSense partner, we are encouraging consumers to find and fix leaks to save water in our community.”   

To help save water for future generations, the PSC is asking consumers to check, twist and replace: Check for leaks.  Look for dripping faucets, showerheads, sprinklers, and other fixtures.  Also check for toilets with silent leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank, waiting 10 minutes, and seeing if color appears in the bowl before you flush.  Don’t forget to check irrigation systems and spigots too. Twist and tighten hose and pipe connections.  To save water without a noticeable difference in flow in your bathroom, twist on a WaterSense labeled faucet aerator.  Replace the fixture if necessary.  Look for WaterSense labeled models, which are independently certified to use 20 percent less water and perform as well as or better than standard models.  You can find more information on the PSC’s website at www.psc.state.wv.usor by visiting the WaterSense website at www.epa.gov/watersense.

This weekend is the annual Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs expo at Elkins High School.  Vendors of outdoors products will be on hand, along with many games and displays for the kids.  HOFNOD gives away hundreds of fishing poles to young anglers.  The expo will be open Saturday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday from Noon to 5:00pm, admission is free.  

 

Both Elkins High School and Midland Elementary were evacuated due to a bomb threat at the high school Wednesday morning.  Students were loaded on to buses and taken to the Elkins-Randolph County Airport.  All activities at the schools were cancelled and many parents picked up there children at the airport, while others were taken home by their normal buses.

This incident happens on the heals of an evacuation of Philippi Elementary School Tuesday after that school received a bomb threat, according to police that is the fifth one targeting a Barbour County school this year.  Students there were taken to Philippi Middle School so law enforcement could search the building.  A K-9 unit from the state police was brought in and nothing was found. Authorities have not found a connection between these two threats.  Evacuation of students went smoothly in both cases and there were no injuries reported.  Anyone with information relating to these incidents should contact their local police.  

 

West Virginia Radio Corporation’s Bowling for St. Jude Kids event was held on Saturday at Elkins Recreation Center, 48 bowlers took to the lanes to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.  Businesses sponsoring teams included McDonalds, Shop N Save Express, Budweiser, All American Auto Center, Salon Bumbi, Clayton Homes of Elkins, Hinzman Auto Repair, Talbott Funeral Home, Save-A-Lot, Bates Carpet & Furniture, Elkins Fordland and WDNE Radio.  The team raising the most money was Elkins Fordland with $2,900, highest individual amount raised was P.J. Bender from Elkins Fordland with $1,150 and the Clayton Homes Team had the highest combined score with 2560 points.  A big thank you to all who contributed, when all was said and done, nearly $19,000 was raised for St. Jude kids. 

 

West Virginia Radio Corporation’s Bowling for St. Jude Kids event was held on Saturday at Elkins Recreation Center, 48 bowlers took to the lanes to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.  Businesses sponsoring teams included McDonalds, Shop N Save Express, Budweiser, All American Auto Center, Salon Bumbi, Clayton Homes of Elkins, Hinzman Auto Repair, Talbott Funeral Home, Save-A-Lot, Bates Carpet & Furniture, Elkins Fordland and WDNE Radio.  The team raising the most money was Elkins Fordland with $2,900, highest individual amount raised was P.J. Bender from Elkins Fordland with $1,150 and the Clayton Homes team had the highest combined bowling score with 2560 points.  A big thank you to all who contributed, when all was said and done, nearly $19,000 was raised for St. Jude kids. 

 

A bill that would require county sheriff's deputies to be issued a bulletproof vest is moving forward at the State Capitol. House Bill 2717 was passed Thursday by the House Judiciary Committee. Bill sponsor Roane County Del. Bob Ashley says it just makes sense to have this bill. "We are just trying to do safety and save our deputies as they put their lives on the line for us," said Ashley. Currently, it is not state law that Sheriffs Departments need to purchase bullet proof vests for every deputy, although several do in the state. This bill, would require that all deputy sheriffs be issued ballistic vests upon law-enforcement certification. Vice President of West Virginia Deputy Sheriff's Deputies Association David Gentry said having a vest on is very important and he knows first hand that bullet proof vests save lives. "As being a deputy sheriff for twenty some years and being shot twice in the line of duty, taking a .44 magnum in the hand and a .44 magnum in the hip, I had a vest on and I paid for the vest at that time," said Gentry. The average cost of a bullet-proof vest is about $1,200 and normally it would be the deputy that would pay for it. But in the bill, Sheriff's Departments would purchase them through the use of several different funds. Delegate Ashley says the bill calls for the money to come from an existing equipment fund that sheriff's departments have. "That fund is looked at and if that fund is not available and does not have enough money, then they look at the county commission's funds," said Ashley. If the commission doesn't have enough money for the purchases, then the departments can apply to the Deputy Sheriff's Association for funding through grants. Gentry said no deputy should go without one of these vests. "A very much needed part of equipment on a daily basis," said Gentry. The bill next heads to the House Finance Committee.

 

West Virginia kicked off a new initiative Friday aimed at helping children who are considered at-risk for developmental challenges. It's called the Help Me Grow Initiative and it currently is being replicated in 18 states, including West Virginia. "It focuses on the early detection of young children who are at risk of developmental and behavior problems and the linkage of those young children and their families to community based programs and services," said Dr. Paul Dworkin, Director of the Help Me Grow National Center. On Friday morning, the West Virginia Office of Maternal, Child and Family Health hosted an informational  summit at the Charleston Marriott in downtown to officially launch it's affiliation with the program. Medical providers and state agency heads will come together to learn about the program, where West Virginia sits in regards to the program, and discuss how to move forward in actually implementing the program. According to a recent Center to Bridge Research, Practice & Lab article, developmental disabilities affect an estimated 13 to 17 percent of children in the United States and between 10 to 13 percent of infants and toddlers experience developmental delays. Dworkin said the program helps. "When we see the first signs of children whose development is not optimal, we know that by linking those children and their families to developmentally stimulating, developmentally enhancing programs it will make a difference," said Dworkin. He is confident the state will be successful. Help Me Grow was first launched in Hartford, CT and began operating as state wide system in 2002. 

 

Expectant mothers worry that having a seat belt buckled can damage their unborn child in a crash, but a new study finds that not wearing a seat belt is worse. Brandi Thompson with Safe Kids U-S-A says the best way to protect the unborn child is to protect the mom-to-be  although there is a right and wrong way to put on a seat belt if you're pregnant.

 

"Actually, the lap portion of the belt needs to be placed securely underneath the baby, underneath the belly. So, crossing on that pregnant woman’s hard hip bones, the seat belt actually should not be interfering with the baby."

 West Virginia lawmakers are considering tightening the state's seat belt requirements. They could make driving without your seat belt buckled enough cause for police to pull you over. Under current law, there has to be some other separate violation.

Thompson says there is also a worry that impact with an air bag could cause injury to the unborn child, but that is also unfounded. She says it does help to keep as much space as possible between mom and the air bag.

 

"Move that driver’s seat or front passenger seat, whichever, back away from where that air bag is going to deploy, trying to keep a ten-inch distance between the center of their chest and the steering wheel or dashboard."

The study found that overly cautious, first-time mothers are more likely to drive unrestrained. The study also found that children who have been taught the habit of buckling up will prompt their mothers to do the same.

 

West Virginia Radio Corporation will hold a Bowl-a-thon on Saturday.  Bowling for St. Jude Kids will start at 1:00pm at Elkins Recreation Center.  12 teams from area businesses will compete, but the winner will be the kids at St. Jude Rehabilitation Hospital in Memphis, TN.  Team members have been collecting pledges for the total points of their 3 game series and set donations.  All proceeds will go directly to St. Jude, the event is open to the public. If you would like to make a pledge or donation call during business hours at 304-636-1300.

 

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said his office has joined with 47 other Attorneys General in a letter asking the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ensure that generic manufacturers of opioid prescription drugs use tamper-resistant and abuse-resistant formulations.

The letter, which was sent to FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg, says prescription drug abuse is a significant danger and has reached epidemic levels in many states. The letter states the development of tamper-resistant opioid-based prescription pain relievers help to deter abuse and can be a part of a comprehensive approach when combined with prevention, interdiction, prosecution and substance-abuse treatment.  Significantly, the Attorneys General from 46 states and two U.S. territories say they are concerned that nonmedical users are shifting away from the new tamper-resistant formulations to non-tamper-resistant formulations of other opioids as well as to illegal drugs.

West Virginia suffers from an epidemic of prescription drug abuse.  The most recently available information from the Centers for Disease Control shows the Mountain State had one of the highest rates of drug overdose deaths in the nation in 2008 with more than 25 deaths per 100,000 people.

Attorneys General in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky and North Carolina are the lead authors of the letter.  It applauds the FDA for proposing guidelines to establish clear standards for manufacturers who develop and market tamper-resistant and abuse-resistant opioid products while considering incentives for undertaking the research and development necessary to bring such products to market.  The letter also encourages the FDA to assure that generic versions of the prescriptions are designed using formulations that deter abuse and misuse.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/rxbrief/

 

Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, along with U.S. Representative Nick Rahall, applauded $3.3 million in federal funding to raise student achievement in West Virginia’s schools.

“West Virginia’s schools are absolutely critical to preparing our students for their futures and creating a strong workforce for our state. Schools everywhere can almost always benefit from targeted improvements,” said Rockefeller. “This funding provides important resources so schools can make performance adjustments that help strengthen our students’ education. Raising the bar in our schools benefits students across West Virginia, and empowers them to learn and achieve more.”

“When we talk about what we value as West Virginians and as a country, our children should be at the top of that list,” Manchin said. “We have a responsibility to provide them with the best education possible to help lead our next generation to a brighter future – one in which our children can compete in the global marketplace that makes our economy strong and keeps jobs here at home. These grants have already seen effective results in schools across the country, and I am encouraged they will help our West Virginia schools get the resources necessary to educate our kids for future success.”

“I firmly believe that we must give our schools and teachers the resources they need to do their job,” said Rahall, a senior member of the House Rural Education Caucus. “While trimming our budget as a nation, we must be diligent in our pursuit to improve graduation rates and ensure that our children have the 21st century skills to compete in the ever-growing global economy.  Every child deserves an opportunity to succeed in life.”

The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s School Improvement Grant (SIG) program, and will be awarded to the West Virginia Department of Education, which will then distribute the money to schools that demonstrate the greatest need for funding. 

 

A car dealership in Buckhannon for more than 50 years is closing this week.  Margaret Kelley, owner of Kelly Motors in Buckhannon and Elkins, says both locations will be closing on Friday.  No reason for the closure was given, but the Buckhannon dealership did lose its Chevrolet franchise a few years ago as part of General Motors' 2009 bankruptcy reorganization.  26 employees will be out of a job.

 

Are you interested in learning how to do business with the federal government? Are you looking to expand your business through government contracting but don’t know where to start? If so, join the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) at the fourth annual Dynamic Networking for Small Business (DYNET) Conference.  

The free day-long event will be at the Robert H. Mollohan Research Center, in Fairmont, on Wednesday, March 27. The conference is from 8:30am to 4:00pm. The SBA will offer workshops to help businesses start, grow, and succeed in the federal government contracting arena. SBA training sessions include: Government Contracting 101, registering as a Veteran Owned Small Business, SBA Woman Owned Small Business Certification, and Securing Lines of Credit.

“There is a lot of opportunity for small businesses to acquire government contracts,” said Judy McCauley, director of SBA’s West Virginia District Office. “Take advantage of the free training at the DYNET Conference and educate yourself on the ins and outs of government contracting.”

The DYNET Conference is hosted by the I-79 Development Council. In addition to the SBA, participating organizations include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Pittsburgh District and Huntington District.  Registration is limited, sign up today at www.score.org, to secure your spot. 

 

Senator Jay Rockefeller has introduced legislation offering a tax credit to incentivize short line rail companies to invest in rail track upgrades.   Such upgrades are particularly important for rural areas like West Virginia – the country’s second largest producer of rail ties -- where short line service is often the only railroad service available for many companies trying to ship their products.   

“This tax credit is about boosting manufacturing in West Virginia, improving our rail infrastructure, and creating jobs,” said Rockefeller.  “And with the right incentives, we can make all of these things happen through private investments.  Since this tax credit went into effect, about 750,000 more railroad ties have been purchased nationwide than would have taken place without the credit.  That has huge benefits across West Virginia, especially since our state is a leader in rail ties production.  I’m fighting to make sure this tax credit continues into the future.”

Originally enacted in 2004, this tax credit encourages short lines rail companies to rehabilitate rail tracks by providing a credit of 50 cents for every dollar spent on track improvements.  This tax credit means better, safer railroad tracks and more reliable, competitively priced railroad service for companies to transport their products.   The credit is currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2013, and Rockefeller’s bill would extend it for another three years.

More than 12,000 rail customers across America depend on short line railroads, which are small freight rail companies responsible for bringing goods to communities that are not directly served by large, trans-continental railroads.  Supporting small railroads allows the communities surrounding them to attract and maintain businesses and create jobs. 

 

On Friday March 8, 2013, a majority of local emergency managers from Region 4 which is comprised of Barbour, Braxton, Gilmer, Lewis, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Randolph, Tucker, Upshur, and Webster Counties, met regarding there upcoming Regional exercise Mountain TIC 2013, on March 21. Mountain TIC was to compliment a larger state-wide exercise on the same day known as Bluestone Dam. When the State had to postpone Bluestone Dam for the second time, local emergency managers had to decide if the local participation momentum is beyond the point of no return.

Emergency Managers agreed that, even though the State has postponed its exercise, local emergency response leaders want to continue to respond to a simulated disaster on March 21. Emergency Managers are now formulating a new exercise plan to conduct a full-scale exercise, with less than 2-weeks to re-write the local plan.

The key skill they want to evaluate is inter-agency communication during a telephone failure and use of the Incident Command System to assist flood evacuees who are seeking food, shelter, and solace. The ten counties will establish two major Temporary Evacuation Points, one in Upshur County, and the other in Braxton County to service evacuees who are northbound on I-79 and WV 20 from the simulated flood zone.

Region 4 counties intend to deploy various trailers of Mass Migration supplies bought for them over the past several years through Homeland Security grants. Counties such as Lewis and Upshur will be deploying volunteers from their Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) to set up among other items, an Emergency Pet Shelter. Community organizations and media who are seeking more information on the exercise should contact their local Office of Emergency Management. 

 

Senator Jay Rockefeller has introduced legislation to rebuild and expand the nation’s transportation infrastructure.  The American Infrastructure Investment Fund Act of 2013 calls for an infrastructure fund that incentivizes private, state and regional investments in transportation projects around the country. 

“All options need to be on the table to rebuild and expand our rail systems, ports, highways, and airports in West Virginia and around the country,” said Rockefeller, chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. “Frankly, our transportation infrastructure is in bad shape, and we have to do something about it now. Building up our roads, bridges, airports and railways will create jobs for hundreds of out-of-work West Virginians. I’m working hard with my colleagues to move this bill forward.”

Transportation infrastructure is an essential part of the U.S. economy.  Every day, Americans rely on our nation’s infrastructure to commute safely to work, visit family and friends, and travel freely around the country.  Businesses depend on a well-functioning transportation system to manage their supply chains and move their goods and services to market.  A well-maintained, efficient transportation system is essential to the economic competitiveness of the U.S.  

However, investment into transportation infrastructure has lagged in recent decades and America has developed an infrastructure investment backlog.  Notably, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) estimates a cumulative 5-year investment need of $2.2. trillion into our nation’s rails, roads, bridges, ports, transit systems, and other infrastructure in order to meet the needs of our country.  The Society has graded the nation’s infrastructure at a “D”.  If this investment backlog is not addressed by 2020, ASCE estimates the U.S. will cumulatively lose more than $3.1 trillion in GDP and $1.1 trillion in total trade. 

 

West Virginia Trout Stocking Week of March 4-8

ELKINS, W.Va. – The following waters were stocked the week of March 8, 2013: 

Anthony Creek

Barboursville Lake

Bear Rocks Lake

Bullskin Run

Cacapon Park Lake

Cherry River

Clear Fork of Guyandotte River

Clear Fork of Guyandotte River (Catch & Release)

Coonskin Pond (Children & Class Q)

Deer Creek (Nicholas)

Dog Run Lake

Dry Fork (Randolph, Tucker)

Dunloup Creek

Elk River

Evitts Run

Fall Run

French Creek Pond

Gandy Creek

Hills Creek

Hopkins Fork

Horseshoe Run

Huey Lake

Jimmy Lewis Lake

Kanawha State Forest Pond (Children & Class Q)

Knapps Creek

Larenim Lake

Laurel Creek of Cherry River (Greenbrier, Nicholas)

Left Fork of Holly River

Logan County Pond (Children & Class Q)

Lost River

Mason Lake

Meadow Creek of Anthony Creek (Greenbrier)

Meadow Creek of New River (Summers)

Middle Creek

Milligan Creek

Mill Creek of Opequon Creek

Mill Creek Reservoir

Millers Fork Pond (Children & Class Q)

Moores Run

New Creek

North Fork of Anthony Creek

North Fork of Cherry River

North Fork of Fishing Creek

North Fork of Lunice

North Fork of Patterson Creek

North Fork of South Branch

North River

Opequon Creek

Paint Creek

Paint Creek (Catch & Release)

Pinnacle Creek (upper and lower sections)

Pipestem Lake

Pond Fork

Raleigh County Airport Pond (Children & Class Q)

Red Creek

Ridenour Lake

Rocky Marsh Run

Rollins Lake

Shavers Fork (Bemis)

Shavers Fork (lower section)

South Branch (Franklin)

South Branch (Smoke Hole)

South Fork of Fishing Creek

South Mill Creek Lake

Teter Creek Lake

Thomas Park Lake

Tilhance Creek

Trout Run

Tuckahoe Lake

Tuscarora Creek

Tygart Valley River Headwaters (Randolph)

Underwood Lake (Children & Class Q)

Waites Run

Warden Lake

Watoga Lake

Wheeling Creek 

 

U.S.Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill) issued a joint statement regarding Senator Chuck Schumer's current background check proposal:

“We are committed to continuing to work in a bipartisan effort with Senators Schumer, Coburn and others in order to find a commonsense solution for enhanced background checks, however, Senator Schumer's current proposal is one we cannot support as it stands today. Our goal is to pass a bill that will close loopholes in the current background check process in a way that does not burden law-abiding citizens. Any bill we support will guarantee that Americans’ Second Amendment rights are clearly protected. We simply want to make sure firearms do not end up in the hands of convicted criminals or people who are deemed mentally unstable by court ruling.  “While the bill Senator Schumer introduced today doesn’t meet this standard, we will continue to work with Senator Schumer, Senator Coburn and other colleagues to find a commonsense compromise.”

We all lose an hour of sleep this weekend as Daylight Saving Time starts at 2am this Sunday, March 10. That means you need to “spring forward”, move your clocks ahead one hour.  But, on the plus side, we get more sunlight later in the evening—more time for the kids to play outside—and it makes it feel like spring is finally on its way. Spring 2013 officially starts on Wednesday, March 20.  Many electronic devices, like your cell phone and computer, automatically adjust when Daylight Savings Time begins or ends. 

 

The Randolph County Commission will meet on Friday at 1:30 at the James Cain Courthouse Annex.  On the agenda: Award Sheriff Roy his service pistol, consider funding requests for the Blues Festival and Tucker All-Hazards Conference Training, open sealed bids for asbestos inspection to hazard mitigation properties, consider an appointment to the Leadsville Public Service District, consider a part-time hire in the Sheriff’s Department and consider approval to change phone service from Lumos to Frontier.  Randolph County Commission meetings are open to the public.

 

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin encourages eligible West Virginia schools, libraries and local organizationsto receive free books through the Library of Congress Surplus Books Program.

“Just last week I had the opportunity to read to West Virginian students on Read Across America Day and talk to them about the importance of books. The power of reading is so special and so valuable; it is something that never leaves us. I strongly encourage all schools, libraries and eligible organizations in our great state to help our local communities build their own book collections by taking advantage of this tremendous program. This is a unique opportunity from the world’s largest library to provide free books to West Virginians.”

For more information on eligibility and how to apply, please contact Senator Manchin’s office at 202-224-3954, or visit the Library of Congress Surplus Books Program web page at http://www.loc.gov/acq/surplus.html

 

The results are in and Elkins has a new Mayor-Elect, Van Broughton defeated incumbent Mayor Duke Talbott and current Third Ward Councilman Mark Scott.Broughton won three of the five wards, 1st, 2nd, and 5^th, Talbott won 4th Ward and Scott took 3rd.  Broughton received 495 votes to Talbott’s 346 and Scott’s 208.

In 1st Ward, Lonnie Randall beat incumbent Charles Kinnison for the council seat. Randall took 166 votes to Kinnison’s 139. Kinnison was appointed to the seat after the resignation of former Councilman Rob Beckwith.  In 4th Ward, incumbent Councilwoman Nanci Bross-Fregonara defeated challenger Hollis Vance, 176 to 67. There is now an opening in council in the 2nd Ward that will have to be filled. 

 

Occasionally, the West Virginia State Police conducts statewide Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Blitz campaigns in the interest of highway safety.  Such was the case from March 1, 2013, through March 3, 2013.  This Blitz was made possible by federal grant money received through the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.  The following activity was reported:

Actual Traffic Citations Issued:  352

Warning Traffic Citations Issued:  1767

DUI Arrests:  67

Misdemeanor Arrests:  91

Felony Arrests:  54

Arrests for Driving on a Revoked License for DUI:  23

Citations Issued for Driving Suspended:  53

Fugitives Arrested:  2

“It is disheartening to see 67 DUI arrests across the state during one weekend.  Obviously some motorists are not getting the message that driving under the influence has negative consequences.  Ideally, we would like to conduct such a blitz and see no arrests for driving under the influence.  Until that happens, we must continue to educate the public on the hazards of such reckless behavior.”– Colonel C. R. “Jay” Smithers   

On March 5, Election Day, polling places will be open from 6:30am to 7:30pm.  Persons in line at 7:30 will be allowed to cast their votes.

Polling places:

• Ward 1: Church of God Family Worship Center (1402 Taylor Avenue)
• Ward 2: Mountain State Forest Festival Building (101 Lough Street)
• Ward 3: Day's Inn (1200 Harrison Avenue)
• Ward 4: Randolph County Courthouse Annex (4 Randolph Avenue)
• Ward 5: Old Brick Playhouse (329 Davis Avenue)

 

2013 Municipal Election: Candidates

Mayor

• Van Broughton (challenger; 2nd Ward council member)
• Mark Scott (challenger; 3rd Ward council member)
• Duke Talbott (incumbent)

First Ward

• Charles Kinnison (incumbent)
• Lonnie Randall (challenger)

Second Ward

• Mitch Marstiller (challenger; incumbent is not running for reelection)

Third Ward

• Carman Metheny (incumbent)

Fourth Ward

• Nanci Bross-Fregonara (incumbent)
• Hollis Vance (challenger)

Fifth Ward (4 years)

• Jim Bibey (incumbent)

Fifth Ward (Unexpired/2 years)

•  Joe Sabatino (incumbent; appointed to replace resigned member; WV constitution requires appointees stand for next general election following appointment)

 

The Elkins Municipal Election is tomorrow, but many voters have already cast their vote at City Hall. Even though early voting was shortened this year to meet state guidelines, the number of early voters has exceeded last year’s.  There are about 4,500 registered voters in Elkins and a good turnout is expected perhaps because three candidates are seeking the mayoral seat in Tuesday's election: incumbent Duke Talbott and Elkins City Councilmen Van Broughton and Mark D. Scott. Talbott has served as Elkins mayor for two terms and is seeking a third two-year term. Broughton has been a councilman for three terms in 5th Ward and one term in 2nd Ward. Scott has served one term as 3rd Ward councilman in Elkins.

Charles G. Kinnison and Lonnie E. Randall both are seeking an Elkins City Council spot in 1st Ward.  Incumbent Kinnison was appointed by council in November 2011 to fill a vacant seat created by the resignation of Rob Beckwith. Both Nanci Bross-Fregonara and Hollis C. Vance hope to win the election for 4th Ward seat. Incumbent Bross-Fregonara has served one term as city councilwoman for 4th Ward. Vance has served three terms prior as an Elkins city councilman in the 4th Ward.  Candidates in non-contested races for the city of Elkins municipal Election are Mitch L. Marstiller, 2nd Ward; Carman L. Metheny, 3rd Ward; James S. Bibey, 5th Ward; and Joe Sabitino, 5th Ward, two-year unexpired term. 

 

The West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority is sponsoring a State Employment Expo on Saturday, March 2, between the hours of 10am to 5pm.  Several State government employers, including the Division of Personnel and Work Force West Virginia, are participating.  The purpose of this event is to enhance community awareness as it relates to being employed by the State of West Virginia.  The public is encouraged to attend and refreshments will be provided.

Tygart Valley Regional Jail opened in 2005 and was designed to house approximately 300 inmates.  Currently, they are housing approximately 500 inmates.  We are a detention center for Pre-trial misdemeanors, Pre-trial felons, Convicted misdemeanors, Convicted felons, Division of Correction inmates awaiting transfers to prison, and federal detainees. Approximate 260 female Division of Corrections inmates are currently housed at Tygart Valley Regional Jail pending their transfer to a DOC facility.

Currently the Tygart Valley Regional Jail has 97 full time permanent positions with the full time benefit package, including the retirement program provided by the State of West Virginia.  Approximately 12 entry level positions are vacant and they are seeking to fill them immediately.  Civil Service testing for the entry level Correctional Officer positions can be accomplished on-site during the Employment Expo.  

 

State Director Bobby Lewis announced that USDA Rural Development approved a Community Facilities Direct Loan of $765,000 to City of Buckhannon Municipal Building Commission.  Rural Development funds will be used to participate in the construction of a conference center as part of the new West Virginia Army National Guard Readiness Center on Brushy Fork Road in Upshur County.  The Building Commission will finance certain fixtures, equipment and improvements for the conference center as well as a waterline extension to the new facility.

Rural Development serves as the lead Federal entity for rural development needs and administers program assistance through its housing, business, community and infrastructure programs. Further information on USDA Rural Development may be obtained by visiting USDA’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. 

 

The Office of Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney Michael W. Parker has announced that bond return for the Grand Jury indictments in the February term will be on March 6 at 9:00am at which time bond will be set and trial dates will be determined.  Defendants will be required to return on that date.  The Randolph County Grand Jury meeting on Monday and Tuesday of this week, returned true bills on 35 defendants on charges ranging from drugs to DUI’s, burglary, sex offenses, kidnapping and child neglect and abuse.

Doctors and their patients are telling Governor Earl Ray Tomblin that expanding Medicaid is a life or death issue. The governor is considering broadening the Medicaid program to cover folks up to one-and-a-third times the federal poverty level, an option under health care reform. Teresa Brown says her husband, a coal truck driver, has delayed skin cancer treatment for two years because they can’t afford it. She says the insurance would cost about what they make per month.

 

"I am begging Governor Tomblin to help us. I’m not asking for a free ride, but I cannot afford $2,000 a month for insurance."

According to figures from the American Institute of Medicine, about four West Virginians a week die as a result of lack of medical insurance – many of them are members of the working poor who delay treatment. The governor is expected to announce his decision soon.

Doctors at low-cost clinics say they see patients like Brown every day. Both physicians and patients were at the Capitol Tuesday to lobby for Medicaid expansion. Teresa Brown says they have long known that the skin cancer on her husband's nose could eventually become life-threatening, but their income is too high to qualify for Medicaid and they can’t afford to pay out-of-pocket.

 

"My husband does have cancer on his face. It was gonna cost $2,600 to over $20,000 to get the cancer removed, to keep it from getting into his eye."

The federal government will pick up the full cost of the expansion for three years. After that, the support will gradually fall to 90 percent. Some have argued that West Virginia can’t afford that ten percent. 

In the midst of tax season, Senator Jay Rockefeller urges working West Virginians to see if they qualify for a refundable federal tax credit, which helps put an average of $2,000 back in the pockets of eligible individuals and families, as they prepare their taxes this season.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which Rockefeller fought to expand multiple times over the years, makes taxes a little fairer for working West Virginians.  In 2011, nearly 160,000 West Virginians benefited from the EITC, receiving a total of approximately $328 million or $2000 on average for each credit. Unfortunately, 40,000 eligible West Virginians did not claim this credit on their tax returns, which is why it is important for workers to check their eligibility.

To be eligible for the EITC, individuals must work full or part-time and have earned income during the year. Click here to see if you qualify this year.  Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) helps West Virginians prepare and file their taxes free of charge and is IRS-certified. For free tax preparation, visit one of more than 90 VITA sites in West Virginia. Click here to find a VITA site near you. 

Blood donors are Everyday Heroes who help save lives. During Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross recognizes these lifesavers, thanks them for their generosity and encourages others to join their ranks. The need for blood is constant. From cancer patients and accident victims to premature babies and those with blood disorders, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. For local blood donation opportunities, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

 Some upcoming blood drives in Elkins include:

Feb. 28 – Davis Memorial Hospital - 2:00pm - 7:00pm                                                                                                                                           March 4 – Elkins High School – 8:30am - 2:30pm                                                                                                                                        March 20 – First United Methodist Church – Elkins – 12:00pm – 6:00pm                                                                                                       April 5 – Davis & Elkins College / Madden Student Center – 12:00pm – 6:00pm 

AARP West Virginia leaders discussed the organization’s agenda and goals for the 2013 West Virginia legislative session during a news conference, today at the West Virginia State Capitol.  Gaylene Miller, AARP West Virginia state director said“As AARP prepared its work agenda for the 2013 Legislative Session, we actively engaged our members for input on the issues that are most important to them. Home energy affordability, retirement security, financial exploitation issues and the sustainability of livable communities are issues that really resonate among our nearly 300,000 members in the Mountain State,” Miller was joined by AARP West Virginia State President Randy Myers, as well as members of the West Virginia Legislature.

Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced that the Committee will hold a hearing on February 27 at 2:30pm entitled “The Power of Transparency: Giving Consumers the Information They Need to Make Smart Choices in the Health Insurance Market.”  This hearing will examine the benefits of providing consumers with clear and concise information to make an informed decision when purchasing healthinsurance.

Full Committee Hearing
Date: Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Hearing Start Time: 2:30 p.m.
Location: Room 253, Russell Senate Office Building

Please note the hearing will be webcast live via the Senate Commerce Committee website.  Refresh the Commerce Committee homepage 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to automatically begin streaming the webcast.

  

 

As the Elkins Municipal Election approaches West Virginia Radio gives you a chance to hear from the candidates for Mayor.  Each will appear on Talk of the Town on 1240 WDNE, today incumbent mayor Duke Talbott will be on the noon time show, on Tuesday challenger Mark Scott and Thursday challenger Van Broughton. Monday, March 4, the day before the election all three candidates will come back to the Elkins studio for a joint forum.  If you have a question for the candidates, you can post it at the 1240 WDNE Facebook page.

 

It's been at least two years in the making and as of March 1, the U.S. Treasury Department officially makes the transition to "paperless" benefits – depositing benefit payments such as Social Security and SSI checks directly into a person's bank account or onto a debit card. But millions of people still haven't made the arrangements for the switch.  If there's a senior in your life, it's a good time to ask them if they've let Social Security know how they want to receive their benefits – or help them with the transition. And Cristina Martin Firvida with A-A-R-P says while it's important to get it done, don't worry too much about the deadline.

 

"If they have not made the switch by March first, they should not worry. They will continue to receive their benefit. This is so important to reassure everyone – their benefit will still come in the mail after March first."

She says a bank or credit union can help arrange for direct deposits or a debit card. It can be done online, at 'godirect.org,' or by calling the Treasury Department at 800-333-1795. 

 

As budget negotiations continue in Washington, AARP released an analysis showing the negative impact one proposal – the so called “chained CPI” -- would have on West Virginia’s veterans’ compensation and pensions.  The chained CPI would change the way the cost-of-living adjustment is calculated for veterans’ compensation and Social Security, reducing amounts veterans receive every year, and over time cutting benefits the most for the oldest veterans, including those with severe disabilities.  AARP joins more than a dozen veterans’ groups in opposing adoption of the chained CPI, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America and Disabled American Veterans. 

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, West Virginiawas home to 178,000 veterans in 2011.  Using data from the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, AARP calculates that adoption of the chained CPI would result in the Mountain State’s veterans losing more than $103 million over a 10-year period.  Nationally, 23 million disabled veterans and military retirees would see their compensation and benefits cut by $17 billion over that 10-year period.

And our nation’s youngest veterans – especially those who were wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan -- would face harmful cuts according to the Congressional Budget Office.  Replacing the current COLA formula with the chained CPI would cause a 30-year-old veteran with severe disabilities to see his or her veterans’ benefits reduced annually by $1,425 at age 45, $2,341 at 55 and $3,231 at 65.  Researchers at West Virginia University’s School of Public Health say a clear majority of West Virginians would support a substantial increase in taxes on tobacco products on the condition that the extra revenue collected would benefit public health.

 

West Virginiaadults participating in last year’s Adult Tobacco Survey (WVATS) were asked whether or not they favored a conditional tax increase and how much that increase should be. Sixty percent favored a significantly higher, dedicated cigarette tax, with 43 percent supporting a state tax increase of $2 or more (which would make West Virginia’s tax rate $2.55 cents per pack of cigarettes). Slightly more were behind a tax increase for smokeless tobacco products. Researchers were surprised to find that 38 percent of smokers spoke up in favor of a tax hike on cigarettes in addition to the two-thirds of nonsmokers who responded similarly.

Both genders were found to favor a cigarette tax increase to benefit public health improvement. Women were found to be particularly supportive of a tax increase: more than twice as many favored such a measure (64 percent) than opposed it (30 percent). The remaining 6 percent had no opinion or did not answer the question. 

The 2013 municipal election for the city of Elkins will be March 5, 2013. On that date, a mayor will be elected for a two-year term; one council member from each of wards 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be elected for four-year terms; and two council members from ward 5 will be elected, one for a two-year term and one for a four-year term.  Early in-person voting is offered at City Hall, 401 Davis Avenue.  Elkins Common Council changed the city’s early voting period. The new period is as follows:    February 20-March 2 (Mon.-Fri. and two Saturdays: Feb. 23 and March 2)

Hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.      Saturdays: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

 

The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, has announced that country music superstar Kenny Chesney will top a star-studded musical lineup at The Greenbrier Classic Concert Series, July 1-7, 2012, coinciding with the resort's fourth annual PGA TOUR Fed Ex Cup Event, The Greenbrier Classic.

Kenny Chesney, a four-time Country Music Association and four-consecutive Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year, as well as the fan-voted American Music Awards Favorite Artist, is known for his high-energy concerts that regularly sell out NFL stadiums. Having recorded 19 #1s, including the multiple week chart-toppers "There Goes My Life," "Summertime," "Living in Fast Forward," "You & Tequila" and "When the Sun Goes Down," the man who's sold almost 30 million albums has become the sound of summer, good times and good friends for the 21^stcentury.  

"This country is an amazing place," says Chesney. "I can see it every night at my shows: all the heart, the passion and the fun I can see out in the crowd. And to be able to spend the 4^thof July somewhere as historic as The Greenbrier, that's a pretty incredible place to celebrate our nation's birthday!"

"We couldn't be happier to have an American superstar like Kenny Chesney to top the bill at our Greenbrier Classic concert series," says Jim Justice, owner of The Greenbrier. "Kenny's at the top of his game--making him the perfect performer to match the world's best golfers who will be teeing off on The Old White TPC course that week!"  Chesney will headline The Greenbrier Classic Concert Series at 8:30 on Thursday, July 4, 2013, also the first day of The Greenbrier Classic PGA TOUR event, at the State Fair of West Virginia amphitheater in Fairlea.

Admission to the star-studded Greenbrier Classic Concert Series is included in the price of weekly Greenbrier Classic tournament badges, which are priced from $199 per person.  For more information about The Greenbrier Classic and The Greenbrier Classic Concert Series, please visit www.greenbrierclassic.com. 

 

Randolph County Relay for Life held their kickoff party in the Caboose room of the Elkins Depot Welcome Center on Monday night.  The theme for this year's event is "All Aboard the Cancer Cure Express".  Relay For Life director Judy Ritchie announced that this years event will run from Noon to Midnight June 8 at a new location, the Elkins Town Square behind the train depot and teams should decorate their tents with a railroad theme.

The American Cancer Society has altered some Relay For Life rules, enabling Randolph's Relay to be eligible for national awards. Previously, Relay For Life events that did not last overnight didn't qualify to receive these honors.

The deadline for early bird registration is April 15, and participants who have paid $10 and registered online will be rewarded at Relay For Life, visit www.relayforlife.org to register.  Team captain meetings will take place Mondays at 6pm in the Caboose Room at the train depot on: March 4, March 18, April 1, April 15, May 6, May 20 and June 3.

For more info, contact Judy Ritchie by email at judy.ritchie@claytonhomes.com or Mike Alkire by email at Michael.Alkire@cancer.org. Regular updates are also available @ the Randolph County Relay For Life's page on Facebook.

The path may soon be clear for a new kind of teaching program in West Virginia, one lawmakers are considering.  It's called Teach for America, a domestic Peace Corps type effort that recruits college grads and young professionals, who might not be teaching otherwise, for the profession.  Those who sign up make a two year commitment to teach in rural or low income areas.

Will Nash, the Director of the Appalachian Region of Teach for America, says Teach for America could help fill some of the more than 600 classrooms in West Virginia that go without certified teachers each year. As this year's legislative session continues, lawmakers are considering changes to the certification requirements, clearing the way such programs, in West Virginia as part of a list of possible education reforms. 

In what could be important good news on the federal deficit, projections for how much the Medicare program will cost by the end of the decade have fallen by half a trillion dollars. The Congressional Budget Office now expects Medicare to spend five hundred billion dollars less by 2020 than it had projected just three years ago. That’s important because long-term, health care – especially Medicare – is expected to be the biggest cause of federal budget headaches. That makes Paul Van de Water at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities cautiously optimistic.

 

"The recent data on slower health-care cost growth is good news, and even in the somewhat blasé world of Washington budgeting, that’s a lot of money."

More than one out of five West Virginians is enrolled in Medicare, the second highest proportion of any state.

 

Senator Jay Rockefeller has cosponsored legislation, the Excellence in Mental Health Act, that would help close the behavioral health treatment gap in West Virginia – one of the primary identified barriers to curbing the substance abuse epidemic in the state. Annually, an estimated 21,000 West Virginians in need of addiction treatment don’t receive it.

The Excellence in Mental Health Act would support the modernization and construction of behavioral health center facilities used to provide mental health and substance abuse services – providing greater access to services for West Virginians in need of treatment. States like West Virginia can apply for federal grants to build or upgrade existing facilities that offer a wide range of settings from traditional counseling to inpatient detoxification.

This legislation is the latest in Rockefeller’s ongoing work to curb the prescription drug abuse epidemic in West Virginia. Just last week, he reintroduced his comprehensive Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, which, among other provisions, requires the development of quality standards for substance abuse treatment services.  

Back Fork of Elk River

Bear Rocks Lake

Blackwater River

Buckhannon River

Buffalo Fork Lake

Burnsville Tailwaters

Camp Creek

Conaway Run Lake

Curtisville Lake

Deer Creek (Pocahontas)

Desert Fork

Dog Run Lake

East Fork Greenbrier River

East River

Elk River

Greenbrier River

Hills Creek

Horseshoe Run

Indian Creek

Indian Rock Lake

Left Fork of Right Fork Buckhannon River

Little Beaver Lake

Little Kanawha Headwaters

Little River East Fork Greenbrier River

Long Marsh Run

Mash Fork

Mason Lake

Mash Fork of Camp Creek

Meadow Creek of New River

Mill Creek Reservoir

Mill Run of Back Creek

Milligan Creek

Mountwood Park Lake

North Fork of Fishing Creek

Panther Creek

Paw Paw Creek

Poorhouse Pond

Potts Creek

R.D. Bailey Tailwaters

Red Creek

Rich Creek

Right Fork of Buckhannon River

Right Fork of Little Kanawha Headwaters

Rockhouse Lake

Rollins Lake

South Fork of Cherry River

South Fork of Fishing Creek

South Fork of Potts Creek

Spruce Laurel Fork

Stonewall Jackson Tailwaters

Sugar Creek

Summersville Tailwaters

Summit Lake

Sutton Tailwaters

Tilhance Creek

Tuscarora Creek

West Fork of Twelvepole

Wheeling Creek

Whiteday Creek 

 

Senator Joe Manchin voted to pass the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA), legislation that is critical to the continued funding of grant programs that prevent domestic crimes and violence across West Virginia. The bill passed in the Senate by a vote of 78-22.  In 2010, there were more than 11,000 domestic violence investigations in West Virginia, Manchin said. “Any act of violence is one too many, and fighting on behalf of all victims who suffer violence is of the highest priority to the people of West Virginia. That is why I have proudly cosponsored the Violence Against Women’s reauthorization. Making sure that women and children have adequate protection against violence just makes common sense. Violence Against Women programs make a tremendous difference in West Virginia and across our nation. They save lives and strengthen communities. They offer protection and create channels of hope.” 

The West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance (WVDVA), the West Virginia Veterans Council and the West Virginia Veterans Coalition invite all West Virginians and visitors to the State Capitol for Veterans’ Visibility Day on Monday, February 18, 2013. Events will take place in the House Chamber at 9am and in the Senate Chamber at 11am.

 

Veterans Visibility Day is held in honor of our men and women in uniform and provides them an opportunity to share their concerns and priorities each year with state lawmakers. WVDVA Cabinet Secretary Keith Gwinn said, “West Virginia’s citizens and leaders continue to prove their commitment to veterans and military families, but it is our responsibility to keep them informed of what we need most. I hope that veterans and citizens from throughout the state will join us in celebrating all that the Mountain State has accomplished for veterans thus far, and in discussing how we can better serve them in the future.”  

This year’s observance will be comprised of two consecutive ceremonies, one to be conducted by the House and one by the Senate. The event will include guest speakers, proclamation presentations and additional announcements of interest to veterans throughout the state.  

 

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin is considering opening the Medicaid system to many of the working poor, an option under 2010’s health care reform. Some are concerned about the future cost, but close observers of healthcare finance believe expansion will actually save taxpayers millions. Senate President Jeff Kessler says it may sound contradictory, but the budget will be improved by reducing the unpaid emergency room care for people who are now uninsured.

 

"Those folks will still be seen; we don’t throw them out on the street to die. They end up getting treated, and usually in an uncompensated care setting. And it’s not a very efficient way to deliver medical services."

Senate President Kessler says once the complex math becomes clear, the expansion could be a 'no-brainer.'

Separate changes in federal payments for current Medicaid patients mean the state's program faces a 160-million-dollar shortfall, moving some to oppose expansion. But according to the Urban Institute, covering 130-thousand uninsured folks will save the state millions overall.

 

"We have people receiving care where they should receive it, when they should receive it. We have a more organized health care delivery system, because we have fewer people in the emergency departments."

West Virginia hospitals now give 740-million-dollars worth of uncompensated care every year, which is part of the reason half are losing money. They may continue to lose money on a new Medicaid patient, but the loss would be smaller than on someone receiving uncompensated care. 

 

RIF is not a term teachers want to hear, it stands for Reduction-In-Force. The Randolph County Board of Education heard arguments for and against the elimination of county school positions on Monday and Tuesday.  Superintendent Terry George recommended six positions for elimination, hearings were held and instructors were scheduled to speak before the board to present their case. Each instructor was given time to speak to the board following testimony given by George's counsel, Greg Bailey.  The board must now decide whether or not to eliminate the positions, a decision will be made this evening.

Senator Jay Rockefeller today said the creation of the Children’s Health Insurance Program was one of Congress’ most important children’s health initiatives and is responsible for covering 40,000 West Virginia children and 8 million across the country.February 4marks the fourth anniversary of the reauthorization of CHIP, which was originally passed in 1997 based on legislation Rockefeller authored to create the landmark program. The Senator was a leader in the fight for its reauthorization in 2009, and led a successful effort during health reform to extend funding for CHIP for an additional two years, through September 30, 2015. 

“Health care is a right, not a privilege, and is essential for giving kids a strong start and fair shot in life,” Rockefeller said. “That’s why championing CHIP is one of my proudest fights in nearly 50 years of public service.”

Today, CHIP and Medicaid together provide access to health care for more than 42 million children across the U.S. and aim to continue lowering the number of children who are uninsured. The CHIP Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) of 2009 expanded eligibility to cover more children – and in 2011, more than 200,000 children were covered by Medicaid or CHIP in West Virginia. 

 

In an effort to combat the increasing burden of diabetes in West Virginia, the state’s Department of Health and Human Resources’ Diabetes Prevention and Control Program has partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to introduce the National Diabetes Prevention Program in West Virginia. It’s a year-long intensive lifestyle change program for people with pre-diabetes and those at high risk.  Participants work with a lifestyle coach in a group setting to achieve specific weight loss and physical activity goals.  One-hour sessions are conducted once a week for sixteen weeks, followed by six monthly sessions.

West Virginia has a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes than the rest of the nation.  In 2010, 11.7 percent of West Virginia adults (229,379) had diabetes.  It was estimated that approximately 466,000 West Virginians had pre-diabetes. It is projected that by 2025, diabetes will affect almost 315,000 West Virginians and cost the state over three billion dollars.  For additional information on the West Virginia Diabetes Prevention and Control Program visit www.wvdiabetes.org

United Way of Randolph County teamed up with local media and sponsors to produce the 3rd annual LIVE UNITED telethon on Saturday at the Beverly Elementary School. The 12-hour event was televised on WETV, Channel 3 from 9 am – 9 pm and streamed simultaneously on www.wdnefm.com and www.947welk.com.  With generous donations from businesses and the public the United Way was able to reach their goal of $30,000. The theme for the 2013 telethon is “Randolph Roundup: A Live United Production”. With a goal of $30,000

 

A new report estimates nearly two hundred billion dollars a year in revenue is lost to offshore tax havens - enough to not only stop the automatic federal spending cuts threatened for March 1st, but also cover all state and local firefighting budgets nationwide for twelve months. Dan Smith wrote The Hidden Cost of Offshore Tax Havens for U.S. PIRG. He says they estimate the U.S. loses a hundred and fifty billion a year, and states lose another forty billion – more than a hundred million dollars in West Virginia state taxes alone.

 

"It’s not a victimless offense. The winners are the big banks, pharmaceuticals and high tech companies. And the losers are small businesses and ordinary taxpayers."

Smith says many corporate subsidiaries are little more than a complicated legal fiction. Products might be created and sold here, but the profits can magically bounce around the world before ending up in a Caribbean P.O. box.

 

"In the Cayman Islands there is actually a single building, five stories tall, that has nearly nineteen thousand corporate headquarters registered to it."

According tothe West Virginia Center On Budget and Policy, the state has closed one big loophole that had allowed companies to hide profits in other states. But he says it’s hard to confirm how much we lose to offshore tax havens, because companies don’t even report the figures. 

 

Working families can get free help with their taxes. And the Community Action Agencies that operate the service say it’s an excellent opportunity for families who could use a boost. Last year, West Virginia Volunteer Income Tax Assistance helped file nearly nineteen thousand returns, saving close to four million according to Jim Boniey with CHANGE, Inc.

 

"A lot of times they go to the for-profits and it’s rushed through. And their not getting like the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit that they so rightly deserve."

Tag:  He stresses that with direct deposit, VITA refunds can come back in a few days, nearly as fast as an expensive refund loan. To find a VITA site dial 211 or go to wv eitc dot com. Working families can also file their taxes for free online at www.myfreetaxes.com

An announcement from the Elkins Treasurer’s Office: The city of Elkins now accepts debit and credit cards for payment of utility bills. The fee for using debit cards is $2.50 per payment; the fee for using credit cards starts at $2.50 per payment. Please call the Treasurer’s Office with any questions: 304-636-1414, ext. 1318. 

 

The United Way of Randolph County’s “Live United” Telethon is scheduled to air from 9am to 9pm this Saturday.  "Randolph Round-up: A United Way Production" is the theme of this year's telethon that will air on WETV, Channel 3, with live streams on www.wdnefm.com and www.947welk.com. The event airs live from Beverly Elementary School. Calls and texts will be accepted on the AT&T telethon phone number at 304-642-1334. The goal of the Live United Telethon this year is to raise $30,000.

 Many West Virginias are upset with the Postal Service’s decision to end Saturday deliveries, including U.S. Senator Joe Manchin who issued a statement:  “I am disappointed in the Postal Service’s decision to end Saturday deliveries,” “In our rural areas, these postal facilities are more than just places to send and receive mail – they are truly the lifelines of their communities and can be the only way a town is able to stay connected.  Although the Postal Service must cut back on spending and get its fiscal house in order, cutting the muscle instead of the fat from its budget will not benefit the agency and will harm our communities in West Virginia and across our country.” 

 

The Randolph County Commission will meet on Thursday at 1:30pm in the James Cain Court House Annex.  Items up for discussion or action include: a funding request from Elkins High School for their graduation lock-in, a funding request from Harman High School for their after prom party, presentation and budget request from Heather Biola on the Kump Center, a presentation regarding the USDA grant for Camp Pioneer, they’ll consider an appointment to the Huttonsville PSD, consider a request to help fund a generator for the Randolph County Emergency Squad, Highland Park / North Elementary School Sidewalk and Safety Project and award the bid for a Courthouse Basement Project.  Randolph County Commission meetings are open to the public.

And making Meth by the book… The Belington Police Department arrested Adam Keplinger for operating a clandestine meth lab.  Materials used in operating a meth lab were seized, they also found a book in Keplinger’s possession titled “How To Make A Meth Lab”. 

 

Senator Jay Rockefeller shared resources for West Virginias looking to further their education, underscoring the importance of college and career planning.  “College Goal Sunday” is a statewide event on February 10 that provides free financial aid assistance.  The event will have 300 volunteers at 23 locations across the state providing free assistance with completing the “FAFSA”, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  One of those locations is Davis & Elkins College, anytime between 1 and 4pm in the Eshleman Science Center, get more details at www.dewv.edu

February is American Heart Month; a month to spread awareness about the importance of heart health.  Each year, countless American families are impacted by heart disease and stroke.  Although its risk factors can be prevented and controlled, it is still the leading cause of death for all Americans.  Fortunately there are many simple steps we can take to prevent heart disease, such as eating healthy foods, exercising regularly and not smoking.  The Million Hearts initiative takes aim at this disease, with the goal of preventing one million heart attacks and strokes over five years.  For more information on American Heart Month, visit www.millionhearts.hhs.gov

 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that USDA is adding 15 more states including West Virgnia to a pilot program that enables current USDA borrowers to save money on housing costs by refinancing their mortgages with lower interest rates. USDA’s expansion of this program will help more rural borrowers refinance their mortgages to reduce their monthly payments and ease their financial burdens.  USDA unveiled the initiative almost one year ago. It initially included borrowers in 19 states hardest hit by the downturn in the housing market. To date, 3,394rural borrowers have benefited from the USDA refinancing pilot program.  These loans total nearly $453 million.

Break out the suntan lotion, West Virginia’s official weather prognosticator French Creek Freddie emerged from his den in the groundhog pen at the West Virginia Wildlife Center in Upshur County on Saturday morning at 10am.  He was greeted by overcast skies and did not see his shadow.  According to legend it means an early spring.  Freddie’s counterpart in Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney Phil agreed, no shadow and an early spring. 

 

The flu is a serious illness that strikes up to 20 percent of the U.S. population each year and kills more Americans than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined. The disease is of particular concern for children. About 20,000 children are hospitalized with the flu each year and more than 100 children die from the disease most years.  Beth Bond is the Infection Preventist at Davis Memorial Hospital.  (The population that’s usually hit the hardest are the very young and the very elderly, that’s why it’s so important to make sure that population is vaccinated)  And it’s not too late to get your flu shot.  (It’s absolutely not too late; I encourage you to see your primary physician or the health department)

Anyone planning to go to college knows they should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid,. But for many, filling out a government form can be downright daunting. Fortunately area residents can get free help filling out and submitting the FAFSA during College Goal Sunday at Davis & Elkins College on February 10 anytime between 1 to 4 p.m. in the Eshleman Science Center.

Students who plan to attend a two-year or four-year college in the next 12 months can (and should) attend the College Goal Sunday workshop. It is open to everyone, regardless of age or income. High school seniors, current college students, and adults who want to go to college can attend.  For more information, contact D&E Site Coordinator, Carol Suder-Howes, Director of the Davis & Elkins College TRiO program, (304) 637-1989 or howesc@dewv.edu. For complete details, including directions and a list of what to bring, go to Related to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Davis & Elkins College is located in Elkins, 2 hours east of Charleston, 3 hours south of Pittsburgh and 4 hours west of Washington, DC. For more information, please visit the College website at www.dewv.edu or call 304-637-1243. 

New classes and workshops begin in February at the Randolph County Community Arts Center. Students from 4th grade to adult can take part in “Mardi Gras Masks” workshop on Saturday, February 2. There are two classes to choose from: 9:00 - noon and 1:00 - 4:00. Students will create Mardi Gras masks using a variety of media—paper, paint, collage, and more. The cost is $30. Other classes this month include “Valentines Day Origami”, “Simple Printmaking”, the ever-popular “Lab Band” returns, “Open Pottery Studio for Older Teens and Adults”, Classes have already started for the “After School Art Club” but young students can still join.  Additional classes begin each month. Information and descriptions about winter and early spring classes and events are available online at www.randolpharts.org

Late winter presents an often-overlooked opportunity for hunters in the Mountain State, according to Jeff McCrady, district wildlife biologist with the West Virginia DNR. Rabbit, grouse, fox, bobcat and raccoon are in season through the end of February.  For a complete list of hunting seasons and regulations go to www.wvdnr.gov

 

Elkins City Council will hold a special meeting tonight at 6:30, the topic is early voting in city elections.  Mayor Duke Talbott was contacted by legal council for the Secretary of State, it seems the state and city codes don’t match and Elkins early voting has been running a week longer than the state allows.  The city code opens voting 20 days before Election Day and ends 3 days before the election, according to the state it should begin 13 days before of the election.  The concern is: if the city does not precisely adhere to the state’s requirements for early voting, the city could be vulnerable to a lawsuit arguing that its early voting was improperly long. 

A June 2012 study found that over the past decade, the number of people imprisoned in West Virginia rose three times faster than the national average. Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin introduced a proposal that aims to increase public safety and improve the efficiency of West Virginia's criminal justice system, while also reducing state Division of Corrections spending.  The Justice Reinvestment Working Group- would save taxpayers more than $140 million and reinvest $25.5 million in substance abuse and addiction treatment for people on community supervision. 

 

The Randolph County Relay For Life will kick-off the 2013 event at 6pm Feb. 4 at the Elkins Depot Caboose Room.  Director Judy Ritchie says "Cancer survivors, family, friends and compassionate residents make great team members," and she encourages everyone to attend the event.  New team packets and information about registration, prizes and fundraising ideas for the 2013 event will be available. This year's relay is slated for noon to midnight June 8. Refreshments will be served at the kick-off and door prizes will also be given away. More information about Randolph County Relay For Life is available online at www.relayforlife.org/RandolphWV, or on Facebook at Randolph County Relay For Life. Director Judy Ritchie is available by email at judy.ritchie@claytonhomes.com or by calling 304-516-7059.

The Office of Response and Recovery at FEMA in a letter to Governor Tomblin, dated January 25, has denied Individual Assistance (IA) to Upshur County homeowners for dwelling damage incurred by Superstorm Sandy. The reason given for the denial of the initial request by Upshur and for the appeal denial by other WV counties is, (abridged) “… the damage to dwellings from this event is not of the severity and magnitude as to warrant implementation of the individual assistance program.” 

 

The Greenbrier Resort has signed a landmark five-year agreement with the Greenbrier Council of Labor Unions, which represents more than 1,100 members in eight labor unions at the resort.  The agreement, which was unanimously endorsed by the unions' bargaining committee and presented for a vote in White Sulphur Springs, was ratified by the union membership and signed by representatives of the unions and the resort.

"The agreement signed today is an incredibly important milestone not only for The Greenbrier and our employees, but also the resort's guests," said Jim Justice, owner of The Greenbrier. "It speaks volumes for the resort's longevity, and the strong partnership we have established with the hard-working employees at The Greenbrier."  It was also announced that singer Kenny Chesney will be a featured performer at this years Greenbrier Classic, Chesney’s show will be on the Fourth of July.  For more information about The Greenbrier, please visit: www.greenbrier.com.  

 

Officials of the American Red Cross are concerned about the combined effects of the wintry weather and widespread colds and flu on its efforts to meet collection targets.  More healthy blood donors of all blood types are needed, particularly those with type O negative and B negative blood. Colds and flu may be contributing factors to an increased number of donor appointment cancellations.  This past week’s extreme temperatures and periods of snow have resulted in blood drive cancellations and lower than usual donor turnout.  According to the Red Cross, approximately 38% of the public is eligible to donate blood, while only a fraction of those donate blood each year.

Donating blood will not cause you to be more susceptible to the flu. Your resistance to the flu will not be compromised simply by giving blood. There is no waiting period to donate blood after receiving a flu vaccine, as long as you are feeling healthy and well the day of donation.  To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org for more information.

 Monday, January 28,2013

Clarksburg: 8:30am to 2:30pm, Liberty High School, One Mountain Dr

Clarksburg: Noon to 6:00pm, Emmanuel Christian High School, 1318 N 16th St

Hedgesville: 1:00pm to 7:00pm, Central Chapel, 2546 Back Creek Valley Road

Martinsburg: Noon to 6:00pm, Martinsburg Mall, 800 Foxcroft Ave.

New Martinsville: 9:30am to 3:30pm, Wetzel County Hospital, 3 East Benjamin Drive

Wheeling: Noon to 6:00pm, American Red Cross Donation Center, 2000 Eoff St.

Tuesday, January 29,2013

Morgantown: 8:00am to 2:00pm, West Virginia Junior College, 148 Willey St

Morgantown: 12:30 pm to 6:30 pm, WV Public Broadcasting, 191 Scott Ave.

Philippi: Noon to 6:00pm, Alderson Broaddus College, Burbick Hall, College Hill

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Little Birch: 12:30pm to 6:30pm, Little Birch Elementary School, Little Birch Road

Morgantown: 1:00pm to 7:00pm, WVU Boreman Hall, Boreman Hall North

Romney: Noon to 6:00pm, Potomac Center, One Blue Street

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Berkeley Springs: 1:00pm to 7:00pm, American Legion, Alderton Dawson Post 60

Bridgeport: 12:30pm to 6:30pm, Simpson Creek Baptist, 231 W Phildelphia Ave

New Cumberland: 2:00pm to 7:00pm, New Manchester Elementary, 128 Frankfort Rd.

Parsons: Noon to 6:00pm, Parsons Presbyterian Church, 304 Walnut Street

Saint Marys: Noon to 6:00pm, Marina Building, Riverside Drive

Terra Alta: Noon to 6:00pm, Terra Alta Ambulance Building, 1124 East State Ave 

 

Think you have the right stuff to become a Police Officer?  The City of Elkins is testing for new officers on February 9 at 8:30 am; the test location isthe American Legion at 326 Railroad Avenue.  All applicants must be 18-40 years of age and will undergo extensive testing and evaluation.  Applications are available from the City Clerk and are due: by 4:00 pm, Friday, Feb. 8. Entry-level pay for officers is just over $27,000 + benefits & OT pay. $7,500 signing bonus for WV- certified officers.  Apply: City Clerk, 401 Davis Avenue, Elkins, WV. Phone: 304-636-1414, x 1211.

It’s time for the sixth annual When I Grow UP essay contest, sponsored by the State Treasurer’s Office. This annual essay contest gives elementary students an opportunity to learn about the importance of higher education. Plus it gives them a chance to win up to 5-thousand dollars invested into a SMART529 college savings account. Teachers also have the opportunity to compete for a cash prize. For contest rules and information go to SMART-529 (dot) com. 

 

It sounds like a kid’s nightmare, year-round schooling, but Upshur County Schools are talking about it. Possible changes in West Virginia's educational system could result in schools following a balanced calendar, commonly referred to as year-round schooling. Upshur County Schools recently received calendar instructions from the state board and may implement the year-round learning technique as early as next school year. That doesn't mean students won't get a break from school.  Instructional time would occur throughout the year, divided into nine-week intervals. Instead of having months off in the summer, students would have three-week breaks in between each nine-week period.  For more information, contact the Upshur County Board of Education at 304-472-5480. The next meeting of the board will be at 7pm Feb. 12 at Buckhannon Academy Elementary School.

The next meeting will also address new social media guidelines policy.  The guidelines will allow the school board to stay one step ahead of social media conduct and prevent problems before they arise. Copies of the policy are available at the board of education office or online at www.upshurcountyschools.com. 

 

The 2013 municipal election for the city of Elkins will be March 5. On that date, a mayor will be elected for a two-year term; one council member from each of wards 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be elected for four-year terms; and two council members from ward 5 will be elected, one for a two-year term and one for a four-year term. Early in-person voting will be offered at Elkins City Hall.  The City of Elkins website now features election information, including dates, polling place locations and the option of downloading an application for an absentee ballot: http://www.cityofelkinswv.com/index.php/municipal-elections.

The Randolph County Community Arts Center winter classes are about to start —with several new classes and workshops being offered including the very popular “After School Art Club”. The Art Club, for kindergarten through 5th graders, meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-5:30. The class is designed to provide children with a supportive and fun environment to develop their creativity, stretch their imagination, and learn art concepts and techniques.  Information and descriptions about winter and early spring classes and events are available online at www.randolpharts.org.

 

Senator Jay Rockefeller announced $999,947 in federal grant funding from the health reform law for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources to help measure and improve the treatment of adults on Medicaid.  More than 438,000 West Virginians – 23 percent of our state’s population – count on Medicaid, which according to Rockefeller, makes improving health care for Medicaid recipients that much more important.The funding comes from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Adult Medicaid Quality Grant Program, which helps states develop a system of data reporting and collection to evaluate the quality of health care provided to adults covered by Medicaid. Having this data available allows states to assess how they can improve care for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Its trout stocking time in West Virginia and the DNR is hard at work.  The following waters were stocked this past week:  Blackwater River, East Fork Greenbrier River, Krodel Lake, Laurel Fork (Randolph), Lick Creek Pond, Little River East Fork Greenbrier River, Little River West Fork Greenbrier River, Middle Wheeling Creek, North Fork South Branch (C&R), Rollins Lake, Shavers Fork (upper section), South Branch (C&R), South Branch (Smoke Hole), Spruce Knob Lake, Summit Lake, Wayne Dam, West Fork Greenbrier River, Williams River 

 

Barbour County Sheriff John Hawkins reports a threat was received against the schools of Barbour County on Friday.  All schools were evacuated and students kept at secure locations until they could be released to go home.  Canine units were called in to assist with searching the schools.  The West Virginia State Police Philippi Detachment, Belington and Junior police departments assisted in securing the schools and evacuating students. 

Sheriff Hawkins made it clear, “The false threats being reported against schools have become a growing problem”.  He said, “These incidents not only put the children and staff at risk, but also the first responders and law enforcement”. “An officer responding to any call puts his life and the lives of other innocent parties at risk”. “Unnecessary emergency responses risk the life of all involved”.  The penalty for this is very serious and authorities will work with the board of education to find the culprits and to prevent future incidents.

Anyone having information on this incident should contact the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office or Philippi Police Department. 

 

Elkins City Council met Thursday in council chambers, new business included: Application to the Governor’s Community Participation Grant Program for funds related to the Glendale restrooms project. Designating the municipal courtroom as a location for absentee in-person voting. Appointment of a uniform election board. Proposed changes to the city clerks job description.  A number of building permits were approved and the meeting concluded with administrative officer reports and the Mayor’s comments.

In an effort to prevent the spread of flu, many hospitals including WVU Healthcare have established new visitor policies.  Children under the age of 12 are discouraged from visiting the hospital. Those who have experienced flu symptoms for the previous 24 hours, particularly those who have had a fever, should not visit. Patients and visitors exhibiting cold or flu-like symptoms are asked to wear a mask. Ruby Memorial Hospital and WVU Children’s Hospital visitors will be required to register and obtain a visitor’s badge before entering patient areas. For more information on WVU Healthcare see www.wvuhealthcare.com. 

 

The juvenile who allegedly stabbed a classmate at a Tygarts Valley High School football game will be tried as an adult in Randolph County Circuit Court.  Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Parker announced in a press release Monday that the state's motion to transfer the case of Thomas Chevy Vas from the juvenile docket to the adult criminal docket had been granted by Judge Jaymie Wilfong.

Vas allegedly stabbed Dustin "Dusty" White, 17, another Tygarts Valley student, outside the TVHS stadium Oct. 26, 2012. White died from injuries he suffered during the incident, which occurred about 20 minutes before kickoff in the TVHS and Hundred High School matchup. The case will be presented to a Randolph County Grand Jury.

"After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of this case and upon consultation with the investigating officer and the victim's family, the state determined that this is a case that should be handled on the court's adult criminal docket," Parker wrote in the release. "As such the state proceeded with the motion to transfer the case to adult jurisdiction."

Preliminary figures for the 2012 fall turkey hunting season show a harvest of 1,233 turkeys, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The 2012 harvest was four percent higher than the 1,186 birds checked in during the 2011 fall season and three percent higher than the five-year average.  Three districts saw increases above average harvests, while the other three districts had slight decreases. “Fall wild turkey harvests are highly influenced by hunter participation, annual recruitment of young turkeys and hard mast conditions,” said Taylor.  “The above-average but scattered acorn crop of 2012 concentrated birds in areas of abundant mast, making those birds somewhat more susceptible to harvest, especially in our non-traditional, fall hunting counties.”  Top counties for 2012 were Greenbrier (139), Nicholas (98), Randolph (91), Monroe (89) and Summers (71).  The traditional fall hunting counties, including Preston County, the Eastern Panhandle and the mountain regions of the state, accounted for 56 percent of the total fall kill, which was almost identical to last year. Interestingly, these same traditional fall counties contributed only 19 percent of the total spring wild turkey hunting season harvest in 2012.  

 

The Randolph County Commission will meet on Thursday at 1:30pm in the James Cain Courthouse Annex.  Items up for discussion or action include:

Open bids for the upgrade of utilities in the courthouse basement.

They will consider funding requests for the Hillbilly Hardball Classic and Harman High School after prom lock-in.

Consider approval, relocation or purchase of a generator for an emergency shelter for Mill Creek / Huttonsville area.

Randolph County Housing Authority will give their report on housing and transportation and a request for grant funding match for the Highland Park – North Elementary School sidewalk and safety improvement project.

The Commission will consider approval of a resolution for a small cities block grant.

Country Roads Transit will report and request funding for their next budget year and they will consider approval of a part-time hire at the 911 center.

Randolph County Commission meetings are open to the public. 

 

Highlands Trail Foundation will host a press conference Thurs., Jan 24 at 5 p.m. at the Elkins Depot Caboose Room. HTF board member Robbie Morris will provide information on the construction of  a section of the Allegheny Highlands Trail from its present southern trailhead at Highland Park to the Elkins Depot. Funded by a TEP grant awarded to the Randolph County Development Authority in 2009, the “Rail-Trail Connector” project will connect the AHT from Highland Park to the Elkins Rail Yard. Recent changes in design management will allow the project to move forward in 2013.  Highlands Trail Foundation was founded in 1995 as a non-profit organization dedicated to creating recreational and alternate transportation opportunity through development of a regional trail system in the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia. The Allegheny Highlands Trail is the backbone of that system.  Constructed by the WV Division of Highways in conjunction with the Corridor H highway, the AHT follows the former Western Maryland Railway route for 25 miles from Elkins to Hendricks.  The connector project will add nearly a mile to the trail. 

Preliminary counts of game checking tags indicate West Virginia hunters harvested a total of 131,444 white-tailed deer during the recently completed bucks-only, antlerless, muzzleloader, archery and youth deer seasons, according to Division of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro. This year’s total harvest was three percent below the 2011 deer harvest of 135,696. A total of 56,658 bucks, 45,169 antlerless season deer, 24,571 bow-killed deer and 5,046 muzzleloader season deer were taken during the 2012 season. 

 

 

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources is continuing to monitor influenza activity across the state.  While illness containing flu-like symptoms is widespread, there have only been 1,393 confirmed cases this season.  The important health message right now for the public is that influenza is preventable.  Even though we have less than 1,500 cases reported of confirmed flu, prevention is key.  The best tool that we have available to protect ourselves and our families from flu is to get a flu shot.  It is never too late to get your flu shot.  To learn more about influenza in West Virginia go to dhhr.wv.gov

CanaanValley Tube Parkofficially opened Friday, giving outdoor enthusiasts another option for winter fun.  Downhill skiing was in full force on Canaan’s ski trails as Canaan Valley Tube Park hosted more than 50 people for their opening ceremony.  Canaan Valley Tube Park and ski improvements are part of a larger improvement program.  A new 168-room lodge with expanded services at Canaan Valley Resort is scheduled to open later this year.   For information visit www.canaanresort.com  

 

The Randolph County Office of Emergency Management is launching the Nixle Community Information Service to send residents warnings or other important information via text or email.OEM Director Jim Wise said participants will get their information in "real time."anything from pending severe weather, boil water advisories to flood warnings or a major traffic incident Randolph County will start using Nixle this Monday. The program is free.You can sign up on the Randolph County OEM's Facebook Page

A three-member delegationwill represent Davis & Elkins College at a peacemaking conference Jan. 18-20 in Montreat, NC. The Consultation on “New Approaches to Peacemaking and Nonviolence for the 21st Century” will bring together college chaplains, faculty members, and students from Presbyterian-related schools, as well as others engaged in action and reflection on peacemaking and justice seeking. Representing D&E are the Rev. Kevin Starcher, Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Jeffrey Rutter, and student Erik Johnson. 

 

A woman was killed in an early morning accident Wednesday in Barbour County.  Deputies of the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office observed the accident at the intersection of 4-H Road and U.S. 250.  A Hyundai did not stop at the intersection and was struck by a log truck.  The driver of the car 34-year-old Shekinah Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene, the driver of the log truck was not injured.  Route 250 was closed for a short time while the road was cleared.

Davis & Elkins College announces a new Community Education program featuring 12 non-credit evening courses designed for members of the community age 14 and older. Courses will include a wide range of activities, including music, decorating, computers, and more. Classes will begin Feb. 4 and run through March 29.  Registration can be completed online at www.dewv.edu, or by phone at 304-637-1210 

 

A special meeting of the Randolph County Board of Education is scheduled for 5pm Jan. 16.  A representative of the WV State Board Association, will offer training for the board in hiring a permanent superintendent.  Special personnel meetings will be at 6pm Feb. 11, 12 and 13.

Graduation dates for Randolph County's high schools have been set. Tygarts Valley and Harman's graduation will be 7pm May 23. Elkins High School's graduation will be 7pm May 24 and the Pickens School graduation will be 1pm May 25.  The next regular monthly meeting of the board will be at 6pm Jan. 22.

From the “I never win anything file”… A Pocahontas County woman is a quarter of a million dollars richer after winning in the Mega Millions Lottery.  West Virginia Lottery Director John Musgrave says Jennifer Feury of Marlinton won the $250,000 after matching five numbers.  She purchased the ticket at Fast Break on Route 219 North of Marlinton. 

 

Senators Rockefeller and Manchin have announced $920,849 in federal funding for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources to maintain its immunization program, which gives West Virginians, including many children, critical vaccines.  “Providing access to immunizations is one important form of preventive care for West Virginians,” said Rockefeller. “To provide that care, we must maintain a top-notch vaccination program that works closely with local health centers to make sure that they are well equipped to give everyone in our state the vaccines they need. This grant supports vaccine providers across the state, and helps keep West Virginia healthy.”  “Improving preventive care access across our great state will help West Virginians maintain a healthy lifestyle,” Manchin said. “It is so important that all West Virginians, especially our children, have access to the vaccinations that they need to keep our state strong and successful.” The funding comes from the Department of Health and Human Services’ National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. It provides support for local health centers and Vaccines for Children (VFC) providers, which make vaccines available to families that want them regardless of their ability to pay. The grant also funds the maintenance of an immunization registry, and important site visits to help train health centers to properly store and handle immunizations.  

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, who was just sworn in for a full term in the Senate, issued a statement saying, “As we begin the work of the 113th Congress, I start with a fresh optimism and determination to put our country’s fiscal house in order. I truly believe that we can – because the simple fact is we must. He went on to say, he will continue to fight for his top priorities: Keeping our promises to our seniors and veterans, achieving energy independence, addressing mass violence and ending the war in Afghanistan.

In other news: The Center for Disease Control has released their mortality statistics for 2012 and a startling statistic about in-home causes of death surfaced.  According to the CDC, Radon Gas causes over 20,000 deaths annually in the United States.  To put that into perspective, Radon caused more deaths in 2012 than drunk driving, fires, and carbon monoxide.January is National Radon Action Month, you can find out more about the dangers of radon gas at www.RadonMonth.org. 

 

Elkins City Council met Thursday evening in council chambers.    On the agenda, new business included resolution 417, Dedicating coal severance funds to both the police and fire departments.  Council previously authorized the use of coal severance funds for capital outlays for equipment within the fire department, but now authorize the coal severance funds be used for public safety purposes which would include both the fire department and police department.  Also on the agenda were Sanitary Board appointments, presentation of nominations for election workers, legal matters were discussed concerning street sweeper violations and Eleventh St. property.   A number of building permits were approved and administrative officer reports came from the Operations Manager, Treasurer, Police Chief and Fire Chief.  The meeting concluded with the Mayor’s comments and announcements.  

 

Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, along with Congressman Nick Rahall, urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reconsider its decision to deny individual assistance to West Virginia property owners affected by a winter storm worsened by Hurricane Sandy in October.

 Rockefeller, Manchin and Rahall supported Governor Earl Ray Tomblin’s appeal to FEMA, following its decision to deny individual assistance to Fayette, Nicholas, Preston, Randolph, Tucker, Uphsur, Webster and Wyoming counties. 

 “It’s important to understand just how tough this storm was on individual families,” Rockefeller said. “While we are thankful for the federal assistance that is already being used to repair the state’s infrastructure, the fact remains that many individual homes were damaged and lives adversely impacted. I respectfully urge FEMA to reverse its decision and get assistance into the hands of West Virginians as quickly as possible.”

 "West Virginians have worked hard to recover from Super storm Sandy, and the federal government should reconsider this decision to deny individual assistance in this disaster," Senator Manchin said. "The fact is, many homeowners who I met with were overwhelmed by the devastation they faced, and this is the time they need their government most, to help them get back on their feet and rebuild."

 "West Virginians need and deserve Federal disaster assistance for uninsured losses. I intend to keep working with State and Federal officials to convey the needs of our State and pushing hard to ensure West Virginia families and businesses get every Federal dollar they are entitled to under the law," said Rahall, top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over FEMA.

The New Year is upon us, and at least one expert suggests making resolutions a "family affair." Clinical psychologist Dr. William Hansen says it’s a good idea for parents and children to sit down together, to reflect on the past 12 months and look ahead to 2013. Hansen says parents might even learn something new about their children's wants or fears.

 

"Resolutions are about looking backward – about this year that’s just coming to an end, what was good, what wasn't so good – and then making plans moving forward, things you’d like to achieve, things you’d like to do. So, as a family, it stimulates that sort of discussion, greatly."

If spending more time together is your resolution, Hansen suggests aiming for a nightly family dinner. He says planning resolutions together helps family members support one another and hold each other accountable.

A survey by the National Wildlife Federation found 94 percent of parents say their children aren't spending enough time outdoors – even in states with a lot of woods like West Virginia. Lindsay Legendre, who manages the federation's "Be Out There" program, says a resolution for some fresh air every day is a good start.

 

"Really encourage balance. So, 'If you want to play video games for an hour, that's great – and then, take the next hour and go burn up some energy outside.' "

On the website 'BeOutThere.org,' there are lists for winter treasure hunts, tips on weather-proofing outdoor adventures, and a directory of nearby play areas.

If a child's resolution involves taking up a brand new activity or interest, Dr. Hansen says it's a parent's job to help them understand exactly what it will involve, so they'll know if it’s the right fit.

 

"Talk about what it entails and the commitment that it would take, and help them measure whether or not they’re ready for that sort of commitment – and if so, with them, explore the various options."

To stay on track with resolutions, Dr. Hansen suggests using a chart or list as a tool to monitor behavior or progress toward the goal. Some people also make weekly or monthly resolutions, breaking big goals into more manageable time periods. 

 

While the flurry of holiday spending may be good for the economy, it can prove to be exactly the opposite for an individual or family struggling to pay for necessities. Melody Bell is with Financial Beginnings, a nonprofit group that teaches money-management skills. She says a new year means a new chance to get on track with a monthly budget.

"It’s such a hassle sometimes writing out the budget. But really, statistic after statistic has shown that we are more likely to achieve our goals if we write out a plan. And it's not enough to just say, ‘I resolve to have no debt this year.’"

Bell suggests ending 2012 with this question: 'What can I realistically do to improve my financial situation in the coming year?' And make the 2013 budget with that in mind.

People say they spent an average of about 200 dollars more this year than last on the holidays. Ellen Harnick with the Center for Responsible Lending says part of the solution to holiday overspending involves family dynamics – and honest conversations about getting the budget and the expectations in line.

"Anyone who you love enough to be out there shopping for a gift for does not want you to take on a debt obligation that's going to put you in financial peril for the rest of the year."

January is the time to add a category to the family budget, putting away a little money each month to fund the 2013 holiday spending without going into debt.

 

 

West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration performed a series of compliance checks in Randolph County. The ABCA visited 19 establishments in the county, to see whether the businesses would sell alcohol to a minor without asking for proper identification. An underage person is accompanied to each business by a member of the ABCA, for their protection.If a business fails to check for identification the individual, action can be taken by the ABCA to urge future compliance with the law. The ABCA reported that four of the nineteen businesses, did not pass their compliance checks. The ABCA is allowed to issue citations and liquor license suspensions if a business does not pass its check. A monetary fine usually corrects any problems.

West Virginia Writers, Inc., will soon be accepting submissions for its two annual writing contests, offering a total of $5,850 in cash prizes. The organization’s main writing contest for adults and college students will celebrate its 31st year with 13 writing categories to choose from. For the second year, WV Writers is also offering an additional category, the Pearl S. Buck Writing for Social Change Award, which seeks prose and poetry submissions on the theme of encouraging societal improvement.There is a $10 fee for each adult contest entry, and a $12 fee for the book-length category.

In addition to the adult contest, WV Writers is also accepting entries for the 2013 New Mountain Voices Student Writing Contest, open to young writers in three different age groups; grades 1 – 5, grades 6 – 8, and grades 9 – 12. For information and an official contest entry form and contest rules, visit wvwriters.org/contest.html.Or email contest coordinator, Eric Fritzius, at wvwcontest@gmail.com.

 

Former Randolph County Superintendent of  Schools Dr. James Phares will be sworn in as the 28th State Superintendent of Schools on January 2nd at 10:00am at the West Virginia State Capitol Complex.  Phares has earned a reputation for turning around troubled schools.  He will oversee West Virginia’s 55 county school districts, which serve about 282,000 students in  preschool through 12th grade with an operating budget in excess of $2.5 billion dollars.

The Randolph County Commission will have it’s first meeting of the new year on January 3rd at the James Cain Court House Annex at 1:30pm.  Items up for discussion or actions include electing the Randolph County Commission President for 2013, a request for funding for a coyote program from the Randolph County Farm Bureau, appointing Jim Wise as full time director of OEM / 911 and consider the hiring of two deputies for the Sheriff’s Department.  County Commission meetings are open to the public.