This new bridge replaces an extension ladder the Clay County couple had been using – Photo Courtesy WV VOAD
By: Jeff Jenkins | Posted: April 19, 2018 | Source: WV MetroNews
IVYDALE, W.Va. — The number 50 looked great to Jenny Gannaway Thursday afternoon along a small stream in Clay County. (more…)
Coach Jason Nichols explains how backed up drains from the 2016 flood led to collapse of the school’s football field – Chris Lawrence, WVMetroNews.com
By: Chris Lawrence | Posted: April 19, 2018 | Source: WV MetroNews
CLAY, W.Va. — Two years after the massive West Virginia flood and the recovery goes on. The work to make repairs to the Clay County High School football field is expected to get started next month. Coach Jason Nichols said once that process is underway, it will be a race against the clock until August. (more…)
By: Phil Kabler, Staff Writer | Posted: April 18, 2018 | Source: WV Gazette-Mail
With House Speaker Tim Armstead, R-Kanawha, stepping down after nearly 20 years in the West Virginia Legislature, the House of Delegates’ 40th District is a wide-open race, with one Democrat and three Republicans vying for the open seat.
While the platforms of two of the Republicans, business owner Dean Jeffries and lawyer Kenneth Tawney, check off several of the traditional GOP boxes — anti-abortion, pro-Second Amendment, less government and lower taxes — the third candidate is a bit unique.
Ron Shamblin, a longtime union crane operator, shares many of the traditional party values, but also objects to the Republican majority’s votes to repeal West Virginina’s prevailing-wage law and to enact the right-to-work law, and supports increasing the severance tax on natural gas to fund state programs.
Shamblin first ran against Armstead in 2016, irate over repeal of prevailing wage and enactment of right to work.
He said repeal of prevailing wage sent a message to construction workers that, “We are not worth what we were being paid.”
Shamblin said he believes measures such as right to work, which he considers anti-union, not only hurt the state, but, ultimately, the Republican Party itself.
“Probably about 60 percent of our union membership are Republicans, and when the Republicans sit there and blast the unions, they’re not realizing they’re blasting their own people,” he said.
While many of the projects Shamblin has worked on in recent years involve natural gas drilling sites, he also supports increasing severance taxes on natural gas, and said he was irritated that legislative leadership would not even consider an increase to fund education and teacher pay.
Shamblin said he believes the booming natural gas industry would hardly notice a small severance tax increase, adding, “When it comes right down to it, this belongs to our state.”
Shamblin faces formidable opposition in the May primary election.
Elkview insurance agent Dean Jeffries bills himself as a “Christian Conservative Republican,” and has endorsements from Armstead and the Kanawha County Republican Executive Committee, which said that, as a small-businessman, Jeffries knows the challenges business owners face in the Mountain State.
“Mr. Jeffries is a vocal supporter of the Second Amendment, right to life, [and] supports limited government and fiscal responsibility,” the endorsement states. “He stood side-by-side to help those who were affected by the 2016 flood.”
Jeffries said the aftermath of the flooding in the Elkview area was one of the reasons he decided to run.
“We’ve watched a lot of people leave since then,” he said. “It’s been kind of an unfortunate opportunity for a lot of people to leave.”
Likewise, he said, it is difficult when his teenage children discuss possibly having to leave the state at some point for job opportunities.
“As a local businessman, as you watch your population decrease, you want to do something about that,” Jeffries said. “I want to do things to bring jobs back to West Virginia.”
Jeffries said he is optimistic going into the primary, particularly with Armstead’s endorsement.
“I’ve known Tim for a while. I’ve worked with him on some things,” Jeffries said. “We feel pretty good about it.”
Lawyer Kenneth Tawney could not be reached for comment, but his campaign website says he wants to use his “experience, skills and conservative values to keep our State moving in a positive direction toward prosperity.”
Tawney’s platform includes promoting economic growth by “lowering the barriers to new businesses,” cutting state government spending, promoting better roads and infrastructure, including expanding high-speed internet access, and “protecting Constitutional rights, including the right to life and right to bear arms.”
Like Jeffries, Tawney worked on flood recovery efforts in 2016, noting, “I am frustrated every time I drive from Big Chimney to Clendenin and see so much that remains to be done. One thing I am confident about is that ‘Elk River Strong’ is not just a cliché. We can and will meet this challenge, and I want to do everything I can as a legislator to provide the resources and the assistance required to rebuild our communities.”
Shamblin, meanwhile, said he believes his 2016 primary race, when he got nearly 25 percent of the vote running against Armstead, bodes well for the May 8 primary, and said he believes mainstream Republicans will not be dissuaded by his pro-union positions.
“I have conservative values,” he said. “I’m a Christian. I’m pro-life. I’m very, very strong Second Amendment pro-gun, but I’m also a 21-year union crane operator. I know the value of labor, and the Republican Party used to know the value of labor, as well.”
The winner of the Republican primary will face Democrat Melissa Riggs Huffman in the general election. Huffman, an Elkview teacher, is running unopposed in the 40th District Democratic Primary.
Reach Phil Kabler at philk@wvgazettemail.com,304-348-1220 or follow @PhilKabler on Twitter.
On December 16, 2017, with the assistance of Hoyt’s wife Sandy, Susan Jack and Mark Burdette from the Clendenin Leader interviewed Mr. Hoyt Newman at his home nestled on Goad Hill overlooking the town of Clendenin. Hoyt, a lifelong Clendenin resident and owner of the historic Clendenin Dairy Queen that was lost during the flood of 2016, is now 77 years old. His mind is still sharp, his familiar humor and wit are totally intact, and his storytelling is as good as it ever was.
Hoyt and Sandy bravely admit that there have been bumps in the road over the many years of their marriage and partnership. However, they have remained steadfast and together through it all and feel that they are closer now than ever before.
The publishing of this interview will be done in a multi-part series, comprised of both a highlight summary written article, and actual video footage taken during our interview. Although many may feel that they know the man, this interview is sure to enlighten readers and viewers to interesting facts you may not have known about Hoyt.
The Leader’s philosophy and intent is to help propel our community into the future, however we feel strongly that we must also celebrate our past, our people, and our rich history. Hoyt Newman is a local treasure to most in the Clendenin and Elk River area. He is known near and far as the owner of the iconic Clendenin Dairy Queen that served up those fantastic hotdogs and stood the test of time. We feel that he is the very definition of a “living legend” within our community and we could not think of a better person to feature in our inaugural edition.
The Clendenin Leader would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to both Hoyt and Sandy, for allowing us into their home and entrusting us with this task. It is truly an honor to help tell this story.
Enjoy!
Hoyt Newman 3 yrs old and his mother Geraldine “Jerry” Davis
Hoyt Everett Newman was born February 9, 1941 and was the oldest of two boys born to Elva Geraldine “Gerry/Jerry” Osborne. His father was never involved with them as a family, making it extremely difficult for his single mother to raise them on her own. She placed him in the hands of his grandparents, Willet and Ervie Osborne. Hoyt had a tremendous amount of respect for his grandfather, who in his eyes was “the best man that ever hit the world”. Willet Osborne worked at the old Elk Refinery and only made about $1 an hour, but Hoyt recalls that he doesn’t ever remember his grandfather complaining about a thing. Hoyt credits his grandfather with instilling in him good Christian values that stayed with him throughout his life, even in times when he wasn’t as devoted. In Hoyt’s words, “it never left me”. He said, “I think going to church with him (his grandfather) saved my heart. All the years that I didn’t go to church, it still stayed there.” Hoyt added that he, himself, had been saved about five or six years ago.
Hoyt Newman 7th grade
Hoyt indicated that the most fun he ever had in his younger years, was attending a one-room schoolhouse called Roadside School. It was located close to the Kanawha/Roane County borderline, near what used to be Sandy Brae Golf Course. He is very proud of that fact saying, “Not very many people went to a one-room school”. He reflected on the Parker Family and their children that attended school with him there. They lived not far away and would invite him to their house and secretly feed him a hot lunch many times because all he had packed for lunch was a biscuit. They were careful not tell his grandmother, for she would have been upset about it, and as Hoyt put it, he would have received a “whip’in” for bumming. They had one single teacher at that one-room schoolhouse and he would divide his time among all the children, working with each of them individually according to their grade level. Hoyt attended this school through the 7th grade. “I’ll never forget it. I learned a lot there, maybe not with the bookwork, but I learned a lot.”, Hoyt said.
Hoyt Newman, Senior, Clendenin High School
After being asked about his fondest childhood memory, Hoyt paused for several minutes thinking. He then laughed and said, “Learning how to squirrel hunt probably.” He proceeded to tell a squirrel hunting story about he and a childhood friend competing to see who could kill the most squirrels. It is interesting to note, that even at an early age, competition was an important part of life for Hoyt. As you will see, this mindset ultimately served him well later in life, as he dealt with the many challenges of business ownership and competition related to it.
Hoyt Newman and mother Geraldine “Jerry” Davis
Hoyt remained with his grandparents until the age of 14. He then moved into the town of Clendenin and back in with his mother who was now married to Mr. Blake Davis. She had since had another baby, Julia Ann Davis, nicknamed “Tootie”, and she was running Davis Diner, a roadside diner owned by her husband’s brother French Davis. Most of Hoyt’s days consisted of going to school in Clendenin, then coming home to babysit his little sister Tootie and helping his mother at the restaurant.
Davis Diner
Davis Diner was constructed of two streetcars, one of which housed the restaurant portion and the other for storage. It had been moved into Clendenin back in the 1930s and was located on Route 119 where the former Smith’s Foodfair parking lot is now. It was one of those classic iconic diners for its day, having booths for sit-down dining and neon lights around the exterior. Hoyt went on to discuss the landscape in that area at that time and the people involved in shaping it. The Clendenin Dairy Queen was built by the Davis family in 1956, adjacent to the diner. In 1957 Hoyt’s mother leased the DQ and managed both it and the diner. In 1958 she purchased the Dairy Queen outright. “She give $40,000 for it” Hoyt said with a chuckle. “Yeah, that’s what she give for it. And I bought it off of her. That’s what I give for it.”, continued Hoyt, laughing a little harder. Hoyt purchased the Dairy Queen from his mother in 1977 and she worked for him for many years when she was able.
Geraldine “Jerry” Davis
Hoyt and his mother were very close. He loved her dearly, stating that she was a good person and added, “Boy she was a worker. Work, work, work, work, work.” Although her given name was Geraldine, everyone called her Jerry, so that is what Hoyt had placed on her headstone after her death years later. Hoyt had her buried at Tyler Mountain and he recalled a conversation he had with her about their burial plots there. He laughed and said, “I told Mom, I’m gonna be right at your feet.” She responded, “Like always.” There is no doubt that she provided a great example of work ethic and determination for Hoyt and was a tremendous influence on his life. Hoyt’s wife Sandy later summed up Hoyts feelings for his mother by saying, “He loved her more than anyone that has ever walked.”
Check out the video interview for more, and stay tuned for Part II of this interview series to be released soon! Teaser: You’ll see Hoyt talk about his military service, love at first sight, and business challenges he faced over the years while owning and operating the Clendenin Dairy Queen.
Miss Stover and Lucy Gonzales of Clay County Middle School.
Posted: April 17, 2018 | Source: Clay County Free Press
For over 30 years, the West Virginia Young Writers Contest has celebrated student writing in the state. The YWC grows out of a deep commitment to writing in all subjects, and to the publishing, displaying and celebrating of student writing. (more…)
Posted: April 18, 2018 | Source: Stevens & Grass Funeral Home
Lisa Dawn Hobbs, 39, of Campbell’s Creek, passed away on Saturday, April 14, 2018, after a long illness. (more…)
Posted: April 17, 2018 | Source: WV Divison of Natural Resources
News Release: April 17, 2018
Media Contact: Samantha Smith, Commerce Communications Director
(304) 957-9364 | samantha.smith@wv.gov
Contact: Kayla Donathan, Wildlife Resources Section
(304) 558-2771 | kayla.m.donathan@wv.gov
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Approximately 500 students from 55 schools participated in the 13th annual Archery in the Schools state tournament, hosted by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources at the Summersville Arena and Conference Center on March 24. (more…)
By: Briana Warner, Communications Director | Posted: April 16, 2018 | Source: KCBOE
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Charleston, W.Va. – Kanawha County Schools announced today that they’re accepting applications for their new virtual online school pilot program for middle school students, which will begin this Fall. The pilot program will allow 30 Kanawha County 6-8 graders to participate in a full-time or part-time virtual school program. This program is free to students who are currently being homeschooled and public school students in Kanawha County. Applications are available at the Kanawha County Schools board office or on the KCS website.
“Our high school pilot project has been going very well and we are pleased to be able to offer the program to middle school students,” said Kanawha County Schools Executive Director of Virtual School, Valery Harper. “The virtual online school option meets the needs of so many students and provides another tool to give our students a world class education, no matter their situation.”
The Kanawha County Schools virtual program, and other virtual programs across the state, are possible after state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 630 – the Accessibility and Equity in Public Education Enhancement Act – during the 2017 regular legislative session. The bill allows for the creation of virtual programs by county boards.
The Kanawha County Schools Virtual School Policy is available on the KCS website through this link.
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You can reach Briana Warner at bwarner
By: William Dean | Posted: April 17, 2018 at 6:20 p.m. | Source: The Dominion Post
HUNDRED — Floods seem to be a fact of life in West Virginia the past several years, but one city official who has seen his share of high water is sharing knowledge and supplies.
Governor Jim Justice declared a state of emergency in 10 counties Monday, following heavy rain. Counties affected are: Barbour, Braxton, Gilmer, Lewis, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Randolph, Tucker, Upshur and Webster.
“If you haven’t been through it before it’s hard,” Hundred Mayor Charles Goff said. “You don’t know what the first steps to take are.”
Goff said when the July 2017 floods hit Hundred he was a first responder and lost a firetruck attempting to get to his family, who he didn’t hear from until 7 a.m. He said flooding is an emotional time and he personally lost three vehicles and his home was flooded.
Extra supplies are available to any organization with the infrastructure to give them to those in need, Goff said. Those interested should contact the Hundred Volunteer Recovery Center at 304-775-2575.
Supplies include bleach, buckets, muck boots, brooms, mops, gloves and all kinds of cleaning supplies.
Goff also said he’s available to offer advice to those who need it. He said after his community was devastated, he visited Clendenin and White Sulphur Springs, in Greenbrier County, for advice on how to deal with flooding.
One suggestion Goff has is to hire a consultant to help with the process of getting money from FEMA, should there be enough damage to declare a federal disaster.
