2018 Mid-Term Election Resource Guide for Kanawha, Roane, and Clay Counties

By: Mark Burdette | Posted Oct. 29, 2018

The 2018 mid-term election is just around the corner. Early voting has already begun and Tuesday, November 6th will be here before we know it. We have pulled together the most comprehensive election guide specifically focused on the Elk River area to help you, the voter, inform and educate yourself on the issues and candidates on the ballot.

To ensure we cover everyone in our service area we will be providing resources on all candidates running for public office in Kanawha, Roane, and Clay Counties in West Virginia. If you are a public official reviewing this article and we do not have any resources or links for you or any information posted is incorrect please submit changes and/or additions via email to clendeninleader@gmail.com and we will be sure to promptly update this article.

We want to make it clear that we do not endorse any political candidate. We are grateful that we live in a country where we have the right to vote and we believe every vote counts. We will include any and all candidates running including third-party candidates.

To find out if you are registered to vote click here.

To find your polling place click here.

To view your sample ballot click here, then choose your county from the list and then select your precinct number.

To view 2018 Early Voting Locations click here. Early voting will go through Saturday, November 3rd.

For the full list of public services regarding the 2018 election in the state of West Virginia please click here to go to WV Secretary of State’s website.

Please share this resource with your friends and family and encourage everyone to get out and vote on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

As of May 2018, West Virginia officially recognized four political parties in the Mountain State: the Democratic, Libertarian, Mountain, and Republican parties. For your convenience, we have listed the four parties below and included their website and social media links.

Please note that all red text throughout the article are hyperlinked and will take you away from The Clendenin Leader website.

Democratic Party

Libertarian Party

Mountain Party

Republican Party


U.S. Senate (Vote For ONE)

Check Live Election Results

Rusty Hollen (L)  – Challenger

Joe Manchin (D)  – Incumbent

Patrick Morrisey (R) – Challenger


West Virginia U.S. Congressional District 2 (Vote For ONE)
 

(All of Kanawha, Roane, and Clay counties are in the 2nd Congressional District)

Check Live Election Results

Daniel P. “Danny” Lutz Jr. (M) – Challenger

Alex. X. Mooney (R) – Incumbent

Talley Sergeant (D) – Challenger


West Virginia Supreme Court

Division 1 – Unexpired Term (Vote For ONE)

Tim Armstead

Harry C. “Bo” Bruner Jr.

Robert H. Carlton

Ronald H. Hatfield Jr.

Mark Hunt

Hiram “Buck” Lewis IV

D.C. Offutt Jr.

Joanna I. Tabit

Chris Wilkes

Jeff C. Woods

 

West Virginia Supreme Court
Division 2 – Unexpired Term (Vote For ONE)

Jim Douglas

Robert J. Frank

Evan Jenkins

Jeffrey Kessler

Brenden D. Long

Jim O’Brien

  • Website
  • Campaign Website
  • Facebook
  • Campaign Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Gazette Candidate Profile

William Schwartz

Marty “Redshoes” Sheehan

  • Website
  • Campaign Website
  • Facebook
  • Campaign Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Gazette Candidate Profile

Dennise Renee Smith

William Stewart Thompson

 

Kanawha County

State Senate – District 8 (Vote For ONE)

View Senate District 8 Map HERE

Ed Gaunch (R – Kanawha, 08)Incumbent

Richard Lindsay (D – Kanawha)Challenger

Glenn Jeffries (D – Putnam, 08)Incumbent
Not up for re-election in 2018 (Term ends 2020)


State Senate – District 17 (Vote For ONE)

View Senate District 17 Map HERE

Tom Takubo (R – Kanawha, 17) – Incumbent

Terrell Ellis (D – Kanawha, 17) – Challenger

Corey Palumbo (D – Kanawha, 17)Incumbent
Not up for re-election in 2018 (Term ends 2020)

  • Website
  • Campaign Website
  • Facebook
  • Campaign Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

House of Delegates – District 39 (Vote For ONE)

View House District 39 Map HERE

Dana J. Ferrell (I – Kanawha, 39) – Challenger

David “Woody” Holmes (D – Kanawha, 39)Challenger

Jesse Johnson (M – Kanawha, 39)Challenger

Sharon Lewis Malcolm (R – Kanawha, 39)Incumbent

House of Delegates – District 40 (Vote For ONE)

View House District 40 Map HERE

Melissa Riggs Huffman (D – Kanawha, 40) – Challenger

Dean Jeffries (R – Kanawha, 40) – Incumbent


Kanawha Circuit Judge

Unexpired Term – 13th Judicial Circuit (Vote For ONE)

Gregory Elliott

Dan Greear

Tera Salango

 

Kanawha County Commissioner (Vote For ONE)

Kent Carper (D) – Incumbent

Bill Huddleston (R) – Challenger

Kanawha County Commissioner
Unexpired Term (Vote For ONE)

Ben Salango (D) – Incumbent
Running Unopposed

 

Roane County

State Senate – District 3 (Vote For ONE)

View Senate District 3 Map HERE

Mike Azinger (R – Wood, 03) Incumbent

Jim Leach (D – Wood, 03) – Challenger

Donna J. Boley (R – Pleasants, 03) Incumbent
Not up for re-election in 2018 (Term ends 2020)

  • Website
  • Campaign Website
  • Facebook
  • Campaign Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

State Senate – District 4 (Vote For ONE)

View Senate District 4 Map HERE

Mitch Carmichael (R – Jackson, 04)
Senate President
Not up for re-election in 2018 (Term ends 2020)

Mark Drennan (R – Putnam, 04) Incumbent
Not on the ballot. Defeated in primary by Eric J. Tarr.

Eric J. Tarr (R – Putnam, 04) – Challenger

Brian Prim (D – Mason, 04) – Challenger

Amy Nichole Grady (I – Mason, 04) – Challenger

House of Delegates – District 11 (Vote For ONE)

View House District 11 Map HERE

Martin Atkinson III (R – Roane, 11) – Incumbent

Sarah Duncan (D – Roane, 11) – Challenger


Roane County Commissioner (Vote For ONE)

Andrew Corkrean (R)

David McCutcheon (D)


Roane County Sheriff

Unexpired Term (Vote For ONE)

L. Todd Cole (D) – Incumbent

  • Website
  • Campaign Website
  • Facebook
  • Campaign Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email


Clay County

State Senate – District 12 (Vote For ONE)

View Senate District 12 Map HERE

Douglas E. Facemire (D – Braxton, 12) Incumbent
Not up for re-election in 2018 (Term ends 2020)

  • Website
  • Campaign Website
  • Facebook
  • Campaign Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Mike Romano (D – Harrison, 12) – Incumbent

Waymond Cork II (R – Harrison, 12)Challenger

House of Delegates – District 32 (Vote For Not More Than THREE)

View House District 32 Map HERE

Tom Fast (R – Fayette, 32) Incumbent

Kayla Kessinger (R – Fayette, 32) Incumbent

Shirley Love (D – Fayette, 32) Incumbent
Assistant Minority Whip

Austin Haynes (R – Fayette, 32) – Challenger

Margaret Anne Staggers (D – Fayette, 32) – Challenger

Melvin “Mel” Kessler (D – Fayette, 32) – Challenger

Luke Lively (D – Fayette, 32) – Challenger

David “Elliott” Pritt (M – Fayette, 32) – Challenger

House of Delegates – District 33 (Vote For ONE)

View House District Map 33 HERE

Roger Hanshaw (R – Clay, 33)Incumbent
Speaker of the House

David Walker (D – Clay, 33)Challenger

Clay County Commissioner (Vote For ONE)

Connie Kinder (D)

  • Website
  • Campaign Website
  • Facebook
  • Campaign Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Billy R. Truman (I)

  • Website
  • Campaign Website
  • Facebook
  • Campaign Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Here is a list of issues that will be on each ballot by County.

Kanawha County

  • School Levy
  • Amendment No. 1: No Constitutional right to abortion Amendment (Source: Ballotpedia)
    • A “yes” vote supports this amendment to add language to the West Virginia Constitution stating that “nothing in the Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of abortion.”
    • A “no” vote opposes this amendment to add language to the West Virginia Constitution stating that “nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of abortion.” 
    • VOTE Yes on 1 (Official Website)
    • VOTE No on 1 (Official Website)
  • Amendment No. 2: Judicial Budget Oversight Amendment (Source: Ballotpedia)
    • A “yes” vote supports amending the state constitution to authorize the legislature to reduce the budget of the state judiciary by up to 15 percent.
    • A “no” vote opposes amending the state constitution to authorize the legislature to reduce the budget of the state judiciary, thereby keeping the provisions preventing the legislature from altering the budget of the state judiciary.

Roane County

  • Amendment No. 2: Judicial Budget Oversight Amendment (Source: Ballotpedia)
    • A “yes” vote supports amending the state constitution to authorize the legislature to reduce the budget of the state judiciary by up to 15 percent.
    • A “no” vote opposes amending the state constitution to authorize the legislature to reduce the budget of the state judiciary, thereby keeping the provisions preventing the legislature from altering the budget of the state judiciary.

Clay County

  • Amendment No. 2: Judicial Budget Oversight Amendment (Source: Ballotpedia)
    • A “yes” vote supports amending the state constitution to authorize the legislature to reduce the budget of the state judiciary by up to 15 percent.
    • A “no” vote opposes amending the state constitution to authorize the legislature to reduce the budget of the state judiciary, thereby keeping the provisions preventing the legislature from altering the budget of the state judiciary.

Obituary-Wallace Franklin “Jack” Suttle

Posted: Oct. 13, 2018 | Source: Hafer Funeral Home

Wallace Franklin (Jack) Suttle, loving husband, caring father and grandfather, respected businessman and a minister of the gospel went home to be with the Lord on October 11, 2018, at CAMC Memorial Division after losing his battle against pancreatic cancer. Jack was born October 22, 1943, in Rupert, WV. He was preceded in death by his parents Paris Franklin and Eugenia Alice Suttle and sister Barbara Ely.

Jack’s entrepreneurial spirit began at the age of 10 as a paper carrier in Rainelle, WV and had the rights to carry every route in town by the time he was 14. After graduation from Rainelle High School, he moved to Charleston School of Commerce to study accounting and later graduated from Morris Harvey College (University of Charleston) with an accounting degree. He then founded Suttle & Stalnaker, PLLC with his business partner, David Stalnaker and served many years as the managing partner of the firm. During his 40-year accounting career, he was a visionary and focused on improving his profession. He was a past President of the West Virginia Society of CPAs and a former board member of the West Virginia Healthcare Financial Management Association.

After heart conditions forced his early retirement from the firm in 2004, he volunteered as the accounting teacher at Elk Valley Christian School and became the school’s principal from 2013-2018. He dearly loved his students and cared for them as his own children.

Jack lived to serve Christ and others. In 1970, he began singing with the Servants Quartet and in 1977 he began singing with his family, the Suttles, and did so until 2005. He was passionate about sharing God’s love through song and became an ordained minister in 1978 and began holding evangelistic meetings throughout the eastern United States and various missionary trips to India. Jack also served Christ as a Deacon, School Board Member and Sunday School Teacher at his home church, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Jo Suttle; his brother, Bill (Delane); two children: Lynette Lucas (Tony) and Wallace F. (Wally) Suttle, II (Spring) and four grandchildren: Zachary Lucas (Kayla), Parker Lucas (Kaley), Wallace F. (Trey) Suttle and Meredith Suttle. He is also survived by two great-granddaughters and another to be born soon.

The family would like to thank his great medical team at CAMC and Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. They would especially like to thank his cardiologist, Dr. Stanton for keeping him “ticking” all of these years and his oncology team Dr. Sissoko, Dr. Elmore, Dr. Weiss, Dr. Shah and the nurses on the MICU floor (Robin, Kenny and Justin) for their tremendous care.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Elk Valley Christian School for construction of awnings over the steps of the Jack Suttle Elementary Building.

Jack was a giver his whole life, and his final act of gratitude came when he donated his body to the West Virginia University School of Medicine to assist doctors in finding a cure for pancreatic cancer. Cancer stripped him of his goal to donate his organs, but he felt he could have a greater impact on the world if he gave his whole body.

2 Timothy 4:7-8, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness . . .

A visitation will be held on Monday, October 15, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Elkview, WV. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 16 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, at 7 p.m., with Rev. Lee Swor and Rev. Regan Jett officiating.

Online condolences may be sent to www.haferfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements are in the care of Hafer Funeral Home, 50 North Pinch Road, Elkview.

To send flowers to the family of Wallace Franklin “Jack” Suttle, please visit Hafer’s Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Kanawha County Schools Address Bus Driver Shortage

By: Mark Burdette | Posted: Sept. 19, 2018

Recently, The Clendenin Leader sat down with Briana Warner, Communications Director of Kanawha County Schools and Brette Fraley, Executive Director of Kanawha County Schools Pupil Transportation to address the bus driver shortage at the Elkview School Bus Terminal in Elkview, West Virginia.

Below is the full interview where you can learn more about this issue that has been in the news and the topic of online conversation.

We also touched on the change in start time that many parents on Elk River have been vocal about, especially as the weather begins to turn cooler and winter will be upon us.

You can help with the bus driver shortage by encouraging those that need a job to apply at the Kanawha County Schools website. Click on Employment at the top of the page to begin the application process.

We will continue to follow this story so be sure to stay connected to The Clendenin Leader and get engaged and let us know what you think about this these important issues related to our children and schools.

Elk River Native Dean Jeffries Sworn In As Newest Member of WV House of Delegates

Dean Jeffries next to his name on roll call board. Photo Credit – Mark Burdette

By: Mark Burdette | Posted: Sept. 7, 2018

On Friday Elk River native Dean Jeffries (R) was sworn in as the newest member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. Jeffries will serve the people of the 40th District which covers the Elk River Valley area in Kanawha County replacing Tim Armstead’s vacancy upon his recent appointment to the WV Supreme Court.

Surrounded by close family and friends, Jeffries was sworn in by Judge Dan Greear as other key members of the House of Delegates were in attendance. The new Speaker of the House, Roger Hanshaw welcomed Jeffries by appointing him to the Joint Committee on Flooding effective immediately.



Dean Jeffries First Committee Assignment Joint Committee on Flooding 9 7 2018 (Text)

Jeffries said,  “It was a great honor and blessing to have my family with me while I was sworn in by Judge Greear this morning to the WV House of Delegates. The response from the Elk River Community since being appointed has been overwhelmingly incredible. I love our people and our community. They were first and foremost in my heart as I took the oath today. The swearing-in ceremony today was for the Elk River Area. Those that were involved from the Legislature are well aware of my passion to serve the people of this District. I was welcomed with an antique photograph of the town of Clendenin and an appointment by the Speaker of the House to the Joint Committee on Flooding. Speaker Hanshaw understands my commitment to the revitalization of the Elk River Community. It was a huge honor to have Speaker Hanshaw’s confidence in me to place me on the Joint Committee for Flooding. I am excited and ready to serve the 40th District and the Great State of West Virginia. Before leaving my new office at the Capitol I placed a river rock from Queen Shoals in my desk drawer. I will never forget why I am there or who I am there to serve. God bless the Elk River Area and the Wonderful State of West Virginia!!”

Jeffries will face Melissa Riggs Huffman (D) in the general election on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

Listen to Dean Jeffries swearing-in ceremony and acceptance speech.

WV State Capitol on Sept. 7, 2018 when Dean Jeffries was sworn-in to serve the 40th District in the WV House of DelegatesDean Jeffries name on the roll call board in green lights. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean Jeffries name on the roll call board in green lights up close. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteHouse Chamber prior to Dean Jeffries Swearing-in Ceremony. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteVacant 40th District Seat in House of Delegates prior to Dean Jeffries being sworn in. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteJudge Dan Greear swearing-in Dean Jeffries with Stacey Jeffries holding The Bible. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean Jeffries with Stacey Jeffries sharing a few words after swearing in ceremony. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean Jeffries signing his oath of office agreement. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteJudge Dan Greear signing Dean Jeffries oath of office agreement. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteSteve Harrison signing Dean Jeffries oath of office agreement. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean and Stacey Jeffries in WV House of Delegates. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean and Stacey Jeffries. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean and Stacey Jeffries with children Brynn, Lexie and Landon. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean Jeffries with brother Bob Jeffries and their mother Mary Williams Jeffries. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean and Stacey Jeffries with wife's family (Jane and Bob Rowsey). Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean Jeffries with former Speaker of the House Tim Armstead. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean Jeffries with Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean Jeffries being presented with letter to serve on Joint Committee for Flooding. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean Jeffries with Roger Hanshaw and Jeff Billings talking about Joint Committee on Flooding. Photo Credit - Mark BurdettePicture of downtown Clendenin in 1929 being presented to Dean Jeffries for his new office by Chief of Staff Jeff Billings. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean Jeffries with picture of downtown Clendenin in 1929 for his new office. Photo Credit - Mark Burdette

Elkview School Bus Garage Experiencing a 35 Percentage Drivers-Run Shortage

By: Mark Burdette | Posted: Sept. 7, 2018

The Clendenin Leader recently reached out to Briana Warner, Communications Director with Kanawha County Schools to learn more about the bus shortage that is currently affecting the Elk River area.

According to Warner the Elkview bus garage is the largest terminal in Kanawha County and is currently operating with a 35% shortage of drivers/runs being taken every day.

We offered Warner the opportunity to offer a statement to help the Elk River Community understand what exactly is going on and what they can do to help.

Here is the current list of open runs (meaning no permanent full-time assigned driver) or ones that cannot be run due to no drivers:

709 / 702 / 1103 /1109 / 1121 / 1114 / 1118 / 1204 / 1205 / 1211 / 1212 / 1213 / 1214 / 1215 / 1218 / 1219/ 1221 = total of 17 runs. “To break it down farther if you estimate 50 students per run x 3 runs per morning and 3 runs per afternoon = around 5,000 seats that cannot be offered to our students”, said Warner.

Currently, KCS has multiclass employees (mechanics, technicians, other transportation staff) running 1204, 1211, 1212, 1213, 1214.

The Kanawha County Board of Education and the Executive Director of Transportation are working on streamlining the training process so that they can maintain training and safety standards, but also move interested applicants through the process more quickly.

Anyone interested in becoming a bus driver can apply here:

https://www.applitrack.com/kanawha/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Bus+Operator

A training class begins on Monday, Sept. 10 and they are working on further training classes now.

We have received several comments from concerned parents about the later start time in Kanawha County and asked Warner to comment on that issue as well.

Warner stated, “All of this is happening separately from the bell schedule change. If we ran last year’s schedule, we would be in a worse situation with more problems. This year’s schedule was designed for efficiency, but due to the shortage, we are not able to run as it is designed.”

Warner provided us the following link with additional details regarding the bus driver shortage and encourages everyone to take time to review.

https://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us/Article/4750/kcs-bus-driver-shortage-information

The Elk River Community can help by sharing this important information and encourage anyone looking for a job to apply.

The Clendenin Leader will continue to follow-up on this story so please stay tuned.

Elk River Native Dean Jeffries Appointed to House of Delegates in District 40 by Governor Justice

By: Mark Burdette | Posted: Sept. 5, 2018

CLENDENIN, WV – Earlier today Gov. Jim Justice announced that he has appointed Warren “Dean” Jeffries (R) to the House of Delegates seat in District 40. Jeffries fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Delegate Tim Armstead who himself was recently appointed to the WV Supreme Court.

The Clendenin Leader reached out to Jeffries for immediate comment on his recent appointment to the House of Delegates. Jeffries said, “I am humbled and honored by the governor‘s decision to appoint me to the seat vacated by former Speaker of the House, Tim Armstead. I love the Elk River Area and our great state. West Virginia is making a comeback. I will work as hard as I can to bring jobs to West Virginia so that those who love the state as much as I do can continue to call it home.”

According to Jeffries, his immediate priorities are to address the road issues plaguing Blue Creek area and Little Sandy Road along with school-related issues including the shortage of school bus drivers and the later start time that is specifically affecting Herbert Hoover High School. Jeffries went on to add that his number one priority is to bring jobs back to West Virginia and the Elk River. Jeffries said, “My heart is with Clendenin. Anything I can do for Clendenin I will. We’ve got to revitalize that town. My heart is there, I will tell you that.”

Mayor Shana Clendenin welcomed Jeffries’ appointment by saying, “Dean has been actively involved in the happenings of Clendenin and the Elk River for a long time. His appointment is a sensational victory for all of us in District 40.”

Jeffries’ appointment will conclude at the end of Armstead’s current term at the end of this year. Jeffries will be running against Melissa Riggs Huffman (D) for the 2-year term in District 40 coming up this November.

Jeffries, an insurance agent, resides in Elkview with his wife Stacey and four children, Tyler, Alexis, Brynn and Landon.

Clendenin Community Hears YMCA Desire to Invest in Elk River Area

The old historic Clendenin Elementary School as of August 27, 2018 | Photo Credit: Mark Burdette

By: Mark Burdette

CLENDENIN, W.Va. – News started to spread last week on social media and throughout the Town of Clendenin and the surrounding Elk River community, that Josh Humphreys, Branch Director of the YMCA of Kanawha Valley was going to speak at Monday evening’s Clendenin Town Council Meeting. Just shy of a packed house, over 25 people from the community turned out, not counting town council members, town police and local media. Normally, these meetings aren’t as well attended, but on Monday, August 27, 2018, people came out to hear what Humphreys had to say.

Josh Humphries Presenting Proposed YMCA in Clendenin | Photo Credit: Mark Burdette

Josh Humphreys, Branch Director with the YMCA of Kanawha Valley | Photo Credit: Mark Burdette

According to Humphreys, following the 2016 flood, he began working and advocating for the YMCA of Kanawha Valley to expand into, and serve, the Elk River Community. Recently he received the green light from YMCA CEO, Monty Warner to do just that. Several locations on Elk River have been scouted according to Humphreys, but all roads lead back to one building in particular, the old Clendenin Elementary School building. Humphreys toured the building extensively to determine the extent of damage, and stated, “Its not that bad.” He sees it as the most attractive and viable option in the Elk River Community.

Since the 2016 Flood there have been concerns from the local community about what exactly will happen to the historic Clendenin Elementary School building. Many from the community have expressed at previous Town Council meetings and Clendenin Planning Commission meetings, and on social media, the desire to explore how the building can be re-purposed to benefit the local community and perhaps the local economy as well. However, it is widely known among citizens in the community that a non-profit organization based in Clendenin called “25045 – A New Clendenin”, has been adamant to destroy the building and convert the site into a “greenspace” and walking area.

Rewind to sometime in 2017. FEMA representatives started holding meetings with “25045 – A New Clendenin”, that were not widely publicized, in which they jointly formulated a proposal to use FEMA dollars to demolish the old Clendenin Elementary School building rendering the site a “greenspace”. “25045 – A New Clendenin” has expressed publicly that if the building is signed over to the town, then it could become a burden to the town at some point and therefore they think it should be demolished and the property signed over to them.

The building is currently owned by the Kanawha County Board of Education and it is important to note here that there is no legal requirement to tear down the building. In fact, the building is somewhat protected due to its historical status. The KCBOE can choose to use FEMA funds for demolition now, and create a “greenspace”, however should the building remain in place, under different ownership, those funds would not be available for demolition later.

On August 3, 2017 the Town of Clendenin posted on their Facebook Page the “Notice of public meeting regarding the Section 106  review under the National Historic Preservation Act and the development of a Memorandum of Agreement for the demolition of Clendenin Elementary School, 503 Maywood Avenue East, Clendenin, WV seeking public comment to be held at the Clendenin Community Center, 101 First Street, Clendenin, WV 25045, August 17, 2017, 6:30 – 9:00 PM”.

The public meeting was held as scheduled, attendance was good, and FEMA representatives gave a presentation on their proposed use of the site in coordination with “25045 – A New Clendenin”. FEMA agreed to demolish the building, build a walking track around the area to include historical markers, insert a flagpole in the center of the grassy area, upgrade the ballfield, and pay for a painted mural on the Little League building. The Kanawha County Board of Education would transfer ownership to “25045 – A New Clendenin”.

The vast majority of citizens in attendance, and those who chose to speak at that meeting, where respectfully NOT in favor of this particular proposal. Comments of opposition varied from some pointing out that the town already had enough “greenspace”, to others that did not see the need for a walking track due to the fact that Clendenin was already a “walking town” with the topography being quite level all the way through town. It was also noted that there is a track just 2 miles downriver at the old Herbert Hoover High School complex. The underlying sentiment of the majority in attendance was that although they did not want to see the building remain empty or see it fall into disrepair, they would rather see the building re-purposed and/or see a better use of the resource than what was being proposed by FEMA and “25045 – A New Clendenin”. They also indicated that they would like to see something go in at that location that would draw people into town and felt that a “greenspace” and walking path would not accomplish that.

Despite those sentiments expressed at the public meeting by the majority of attendees, “25045 – A New Clendenin” continued to pursue the proposed plan anyway. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was drafted and executed by the following federal, state, and county agency representatives, as well as “25045 – A New Clendenin”, however, no signature lines were provided or required, for the Clendenin Town Council Members nor the Mayor of the Town of Clendenin. Many in Clendenin were left wondering why FEMA and the organization “25045 – A New Clendenin” even held a public meeting to begin with, if in the end, the majority opinion of the citizens did not matter, and their elected town officials were completely cut out of the process as well. Signatures included on the executed MOA include the following:

  • Emily E. Breslin, Public Assistance Branch Chief with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • Stephanie Everfiled, Acting Regional Environmental Officer withthe Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, State Historic Preservation Officer with the West Virginia State Historic Preservation Officer
  • Jimmy Gianato, Director of the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
  • Frank L. Blackwell, Executive Director of the School Building Authority of West Virginia
  • Dr. Ron Duerring, Superintendent of the Kanawha County Board of Education
  • Kay M. Summers, Vice President with 25045 – A New Clendenin, Inc.

 



Clendenin Elementary MOA FINAL Executed (Text)

Fast forward to now. As of this date, the building still stands, and according to Humphreys, the historic Clendenin Elementary School building would be a perfect location for a new YMCA facility and would easily accommodate many of their popular programs that serve a wide-range of children, teens, adults and seniors.

Early in Humphreys presentation, he shared the following video that showed the services available and the positive impact the Y can have in a community.

Humphreys alluded to a lot of moving parts and community support required to pull off bringing a YMCA to the town of Clendenin. One possible scenario would be for the School Building Authority to donate the building to the town of Clendenin and access federal dollars to fix and renovate the building. According to Humphreys, the YMCA operates on three things: 1) a shoe-string budget, 2) donations, and 3) volunteers. He made it very clear that the YMCA does not have the money to come in and do this all on their own. They need the entire Elk River community to come together and help make this happen.

Councilman Dave Knight, a member of “25045 – A New Clendenin”, was the most vocal during Humphreys’s presentation stating, “We all would love to see a Y come here. You may want to consider other options because you are asking us, as Town Council, stewards of our tax dollars, to stick our necks out and in case it doesn’t work out, we will be left with it to have to demolish it.” Humphreys responded, “That is part of the reason I am here to tell the community it can’t work without the community getting involved and without everybody coming out, signing up and volunteering.” Knight added, “Well if you’re gonna buy this and do it, that would be great. As far as asking us to do it, I don’t see it myself.” To which a citizen replied, “What’s gonna happen to it? [Are] we just going to stand there and look at it for 100 years?” Knight emphatically responded, “It’s going to be torn down. There’s going to be a track put around it. There’s going to be “greenspace”. There’s going to be a splash park”. At this point the citizens began to rumble in disagreement. Humphreys jumped in to further explain that although there are a few locations that could work and house the YMCA, the old Clendenin Elementary School property would allow the YMCA to service the most amount of people in the community, from the very young to our seniors. Humphreys stated, “The more space we’ve got the more things we can do. That’s what it all boils down to.”

Clendenin Town Council Meeting on Monday, August 28, 2018 | Photo Credit: Mark Burdette

Clendenin Town Council Meeting on Monday, August 28, 2018 | Photo Credit: Mark Burdette

Humphreys went on to explain, “The CEO and the board members of the Y are on board and want to do something to serve the Elk River community.” He continued by expressing concerns of the YMCA board members, stating “They hear about the things that go on up here about the petulant infighting and ridiculous attitudes that some people have up here and it worries them a little bit that the community isn’t going to come together and get behind it.” Humphreys then detailed a vision for the Y, which eventually could serve the entire flood-affected area. The Coonskin pool could be converted to a year-round facility and a location could be set up in Clay. They would customize programs to fit the needs of the community, whether it be exercise classes, daycare, tutoring services, or many other program options. Humphreys further stated that Clendenin could be the central hub for the Y to service the Elk River communities.

Hollie Schoolcraft, President of the Clendenin Homecoming Festival, asked Humphreys, “Is there a way or a place where we can go to keep abreast on what is going on and what we need to do?” Humphreys encouraged everyone to contact Mayor Shana Clendenin, town councilCommissioner Kent CarperCommissioner Ben Salango, and Commissioner Henry Shores with the Kanawha County Commission along with Senator Shelley Moore Capito (choose ‘Send an email to comment on legislation’ from the drop-down), Senator Joe Manchin’s office and Congressman Alex Mooney. Susie Azevedo, District Representative with Congressman Alex Mooney’s office was in attendance and expressed her support for the YMCA to come to Clendenin and offered to help in any way they could.

In order to serve our community better, we have resources available to our readers on our website to make it easy for you to contact your town, local, state and federal officials (click the corresponding link).

Town resident and community volunteer, Midge Forwood made a great observation that a lot of the town’s patrons are not from Clendenin, but from the surrounding areas in Clay and Roane counties. Humphreys echoed that sentiment that those areas needed served as well and the Y is about serving the entire community.

Schoolcraft added, “There comes a time when you have to take a leap of faith. We can sit around as a community and whine for the next 20 years like I’ve heard for the last 50 years ‘there’s nothing to do, there’s nothing for our kids, we don’t have anything for the seniors, Clendenin is dead’, well…Pick up a shovel!”

Humphreys exclaimed, “What’s going to do the community the best, is what I want to strive for, is strive for the best.”

Susan Jack, community volunteer and co-owner of The Clendenin Leader agreed, “That’s right! We need to strive for the best and quit settling for second best, and we need to go big or go home! We’ve got tremendous potential in this town. We have to start thinking more of ourselves, and we have got to get out and recruit interest with people in Clay and Roane County and get them on board with us. Trust me, there is going to be a lot of people in Clay and Roane counties that will be just as excited about this as the people of Clendenin. Personally, I would love to see that school building saved. I know that’s a risk, but what isn’t in life? I would love to see the school building saved as opposed to more “greenspace”. We have a lot of “greenspace”, rail trails, and we have a walking town. I think it would be a great use of that resource if we can make that work.”

Clendenin Town Council Meeting on Monday, August 28, 2018 | Photo Credit: Mark Burdette

Clendenin Town Council Meeting on Monday, August 28, 2018 | Photo Credit: Mark Burdette

Anita Edmonds made the most profound quote of the evening saying, “When you think about it, every one of us took a risk when we put our houses back together. We didn’t have to do that. I think we all deserve this and I think it’s a good thing.”

Councilman John Shelton encouraged everyone to get involved and come out to the Town Council meetings and show your support if you want to a YMCA in your local community.

I asked Mayor Shana Clendenin what she believes is the next steps in pursuing this opportunity with the YMCA, and she said, “I believe the next steps are to band together and come up with a plan to secure funding for the project. I wholeheartedly believe in the capabilities of the YMCA and the immense opportunity their presence in Clendenin would have on not just the children, but for our adults and seniors as well. I have been working and talking with several key players for this project for a while now. Community support and togetherness is key in making this dream come true for Clendenin’s future.”

Many residents expressed a desire to see the Clendenin Elementary School building saved, and as expressed so eloquently by Midge Forwood, “It is part of our history”.

Ruth Trembula delivers letter written by Karen McClure to Town Council

Clendenin resident Ruth Trembula also read a letter from Karen McClure, who wasn’t able to attend, to express her support for the YMCA to come to Clendenin and occupy the old Clendenin Elementary School building | Photo Credit: Mark Burdette



Karen McClure Letter to Clendenin Town Council Meeting August 27, 2018 (Text)

Local supporters of the YMCA coming to Clendenin have started a Facebook Group called Elk River Community FOR YMCA in Clendenin, WV. They have also created the following social media graphic to allow supporters to change out their Facebook profile picture to help spread the word and encourage others to support the cause. Just right click on the graphic below and save it to your computer or mobile device to upload it to your Facebook page and update your profile picture.

FULL AUDIO of YMCA Presentation by Josh Humphries

FULL AUDIO of Interview with Josh Humphries

Nation’s Oldest Community Reunion Kicks Off This Weekend in Pinch, WV

By: Angela Brown | Posted: August 8, 2018

PINCH, W.Va. – For the 117th year in a row, the annual Pinch Reunion will be held from Friday, August 10th through Sunday, August 12th, 2018 in Pinch. WV.

Considered the oldest community reunion in the United States, the event was founded by Judge William Wertz, and originally included civic debates, music, and various community events.

This year’s Pinch Reunion weekend will be filled with a variety of activities for all ages; 5K run/Walk; pie, cookie, cake and cupcake baking contest; car show, vendor and craft fair, games for kids, and a parade. In keeping with tradition, live music will take place Friday and Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Wigwam. Sunday’s festivities include a community church service followed by live Gospel music and free hot dog lunch at 1:30 p.m.

Schedule of events include: Friday: 6:30 p.m. at the Pinch Reunion Grounds Wigwam: Free music including local legend “The Earl of Elkview” George Dougherty, followed by bluegrass music by Band Wagon at 7 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m., 5K Run/Walk beginning at Pinch Elementary School, with registration beginning at 7 a.m.; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Car Show at New Beginnings Church; 10 a.m., The Coopers Creek CEOS Pie and Cookie Baking Contest submission drop-off at Heritage Baptist Church (for information call 304-541-9026); 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Vendor/Craft Fair at the VFW building; 4 p.m., Parade beginning at Pinch Elementary School with lineup beginning at 3pm; 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., Family Fun Night at Mt. Tabor Church; 7:00 p.m. Awards presentations at the wigwam, 7:15 p.m. – 9 p.m. free concert with opening act Jake and Jocelyn Hayhurst, followed by a country music concert by Clay County native Joanna Young at the Wigwam. Sunday 11 a.m., Community Church Service at Heritage Baptist Church; 1:30 p.m., Reunion closing ceremonies will begin followed by a free hot dog lunch and gospel sing from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the wigwam. For more information, visit www.pinchreunion.webs.com or look up Pinch Reunion WV on Facebook.

For more information about this year’s Pinch Reunion contact Angela Brown at (304) 553-2114.

Roane County reports math teacher shortage less than a month before classes begin

By: Lauren Talotta | Posted: July 19, 2018 | Source: WCHSTV

Earlier this month, the Board of Education called it “a problem of crisis proportions.” Nearly half of the mathematics teaching positions at the high school – vacant

Earlier this month, the Roane County Board of Education called it “a problem of crisis proportions.” Nearly half of the mathematics teaching positions at the high school – vacant. School officials are carefully weighing their options, looking for the solution to filling those positions.

Grandfather Robert Parrish still has some time before Niyah and Blake attend Roane County High School, but that doesn’t mean he’s not concerned about the county’s teacher shortage now.

“Finding math teachers is always a hard position anyway. Even going back 40 years, I know that was my hardest subject,” Parrish said.

Hiring those who are qualified is an equation of its own. But Superintendent Dr. Richard Duncan said…

CONTINUE TO READ FULL STORY AT WCHSTV.COM

Kanawha board hires Hoover architect, Crawford relative; no bats found

By: Ryan Quinn | Posted: July 18, 2018 | Source: WV Gazette-Mail

The Kanawha County Board of Education Wednesday hired away an architect on the new Herbert Hoover High who’s also a board member’s relative, and heard no protected bats were found on planned properties for Hoover and the consolidated Bridge/Clendenin elementary.

The elementary school is expected to open in fall 2020, and the new Hoover school in fall 2021.

Charles Wilson, the county school system’s executive director of facilities planning, said he doesn’t expect the absence of bats to move up completion by an entire school year, but perhaps could allow a mid-year finish.

The school board voted 4-0 to hire Charleston-based Williamson Shriver Architects employee Andrew Crawford, effective Aug. 13, as one of the county’s two facility planning coordinators. Board member Jim Crawford, who recused himself from the vote, said Andrew Crawford is his brother’s grandson.

Carol Hamric, Kanawha’s human resources executive director, said…

CONTINUE TO READ FULL STORY AT WVGAZETTEMAIL.COM