Clendenin Library Events

Clendenin Branch Library

The Clendenin Library has been open for four months in its new/temporary location after a two year absence due to the 2016 flood in Clendenin. Located in the old Middle School building on Koontz Avenue, the library offers nearly all of the services that were available at the former library. The hours are: Tuesday and Thursday 10-8, Wednesday 12-6, Saturday 10-3.

Although the space is smaller, there are plenty of books, audiobooks, DVDs and music CDs.  Other services the library offers includes public computers, Wi-Fi, and copy machine. The Clendenin Library is excited to be back in the community to provide these services.

Programs for all ages are also being offered as in the past.  Monthly events are as follows:

  • Preschool Storytime—first three Thursdays each month at 11:00 a.m.
  • Teen Time—second Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.
  • Book Group—first Tuesday each month at 12:00 p.m.  (For Adults and Seniors)
  • Purls and Chains, a knitting and crocheting group—first Thursday each month at 6:00 p.m. (For Teens through Seniors)

Many other programs and special events are held throughout the year and a calendar of these events is available at the library or on their website kanawhalibrary.org.  

Make it a part of your routine to visit the library!

Tammy Parker, Branch Manager
Clendenin Branch Library
304-548-6370
Kanawhalibrary.org
 

Elk River Boxing Club Seeks Donated Weight Equipment to Give Local Youth Safe, Drug-Free Place

 

By: Stacy Nelson | Posted Oct. 13, 2018

Elk River Boxing Club is located at 5522 Elk River Road, in Elkview, West Virginia. They currently offer kickboxing, karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu MMA classes for all ages and skill levels; however, according to Coach Rob Fletcher, they are in need of donated weight equipment. They are starting construction on a new weight room in order to expand on the services they are offering which also provides a positive outlet for youth in the community.

According to Fletcher, they currently have 10-15 school age members, many of which ride the bus to the gym after school each day. “A majority of the kids we work with are on our scholarship program. They usually arrive around 4:30 PM and the parents pick them up between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM. We start each day with warm-up exercises and fitness training, then depending on which day it is, we have class in either boxing, Kick Boxing or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”  Fletcher wants to provide a safe, positive, drug-free environment for more kids, who may not be interested in combat sports.  Fletcher continued, “I started working with the kids from the Elk River area in 2012 that would come to my gym in Charleston. Some I would pick up and take home and some caught the KRT to there. I could see a lot of these kids were in a place in their lives where they could choose two paths. My main objective has been to help the area kids, and if we can change a path some of these kids are on before it’s too late, then everything we do here is worth it.”

If anyone is interested in helping Elk River Boxing Club with their mission or has weight equipment they would like to donate, contact Rob Fletcher at (681) 313-6001. Check them out on Facebook.

Warner Reminds Citizens That October 16th is the Last Day to Register to Vote

 

Charleston, W.Va.  – Secretary of State Mac Warner is issuing a statewide reminder that the last day to register to vote in order to participate in the November 6th General Election is fast approaching. October 16th is the last day for an eligible citizen to register to vote. 

Online registrations must be received by 5:00 p.m. October 16th.  Voter registrations sent in by mail must be postmarked by 5:00 p.m. on the 16th.

To register to vote online or to update your current voter registration, go to www.GoVoteWV.com.

Secretary Warner encourages citizens with questions to contact their county clerk or to call the WV Secretary of State Elections Division at (304) 558-6000.  A listing of all county clerks can be found at https://sos.wv.gov/elections/Pages/CountyClerkDirectory.aspx.

 

Obituary-Lester E. Sears

Posted: October 12, 2018 | Source: Adams Mason Funeral Home

Lester E. Sears, 90, passed away October 5, 2018. He lived in the Akron area since 1952, and was a native of Clay County, West Virginia, son of the late Lanta W. and Joda B. Sears.

He served his country in the U.S. Army as a truck driver after WWII. He graduated from Fairmont State College in Fairmont, West Virginia, and was a member of Adoniram Masonic Lodge. Les retired from the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company with 35 years service and was later employed part time at various companies.

He is survived by one aunt; one uncle; and many friends. Friends may call 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Tuesday October 16, 2018 at the Adams Mason Funeral Home (791 East Market Street), where funeral services will immediately follow at 1:00 PM. Rev. Larry Knight will officiate. Interment Greenlawn Memorial Park. Arrangements entrusted to Adams Mason Funeral Home (330) 535-9186

Advertising with The Clendenin Leader

By: Stacy Nelson | Posted: Oct. 9, 2018

After eight short months The Clendenin Leader has become a trusted source for reliable information and uplifting stories concerning the Elk River community. We would like to thank you for welcoming us into your lives and allowing us to share the progress and resiliency of our community.

We have been making upgrades to our platform in order to accommodate the influx of traffic that we have been experiencing. It humbles us to see that our Facebook posts alone have reached over 36,500 people with more than 14,000 likes, comments and shares from just the past 28 days. Several of our original content articles on the website have been viewed by 1,500 to 3,000+ people each, and the geographical statistics show us that The Clendenin Leader’s reach is heavily focused on the Elk River and surrounding communities, as well as those with connections to the area, but currently live elsewhere.

Up until now, we have not aggressively pursued advertising opportunities, choosing to focus on creating a platform to serve the community over ad sales. To those who chose to advertise with us from the beginning, before we even had statistics, we thank you for believing in us and our vision. We welcome businesses, organizations, associations, politicians, crafters, musicians, churches, schools and others to advertise with The Clendenin Leader. We have display advertising rates starting as low as $100 a month and we have the ability to customize a program that works for you, including email, social media, print, and more. You can view our online media kit at http://clicky.me/media-kit and contact us by one of the methods below to discuss advertising opportunities. We look forward to working with you.

Web Form: HERE

Email: clendeninleader@gmail.com

Susan Jack: (304) 741-0161

Mark Burdette: (304) 747-8711

Stacy  Nelson: (681) 533-6246

Lauren Gorman, Clendenin Homecoming Festival Teen Queen to Compete in Miss WV Teen USA Pageant

 

By: Stacy Nelson | Posted: Sept.  10, 2018

On October 13-14th, 2018, Clendenin Homecoming Festival Teen Queen-Lauren Gorman will be competing in the Miss West Virginia Teen USA competition held at the Creative Arts Center Lyell B Clay Theatre at West Virginia University. Lauren has placed in the Top 5 for the last two years at this pageant and was third runner-up last year.  According to pageant director, Heather Rouch, “This year Lauren is in a great position to take the crown.  If she does, she would then go on to represent at the Miss Teen USA pageant.”

Lauren is a scholar athlete and currently attends Roane County High School where she is a senior.  She is actively involved in Varsity Volleyball and will also be leaving next week to prepare for New York Fashion Week where she is modeling for several designers.

Rouch indicated that sponsors are required for the competition. The Clendenin Homecoming Festival will be paying for her entry fee to compete; however, Lauren will need to prepare for competition and will need a wardrobe as well as beauty expenses. According to Rouch, sponsors will be listed in the official program, on the Miss Teen WV USA website as Lauren’s sponsor, and  will be promoted on Gorman’s social media for the entire term of her reign.  In addition, Gorman will be available for appearance opportunities.

Rouch stated, “Lauren is one of the most unique and amazing young women I’ve ever encountered. I could not think of a better person to represent our state at the Miss Teen USA pageant. She has been a wonderful representative for Clendenin and we are all so proud of her and can’t wait to see what she accomplishes in the future.”

If you are interested in helping to sponsor Clendenin Homecoming Festival Teen Queen, Lauren Gorman, to compete in the Miss West Virginia Teen USA Pageant, contact Heather Roush at hroush.director@gmail.com.

Clendenin Homecoming Festival Pageant Winners

The 1st Annual 2018 Clendenin Homecoming Festival Pageant was held on May 26-27 at Elkview Middle School. Congratulations to all of the winners.

MRS Contestants

#1 Misty Adkins (3rd RUNNER UP)

#2 Alicia Casto (MRS WINNER)

#3 Krystal Rectenwald (2nd RUNNER UP)

#4 Krista Wilkinson (1st RUNNER UP)

 

TEEN Contestants

#6 Kennedy Fox

#7 Lauren Gorman (TEEN WINNER & MOST PHOTOGENTIC)

#8 Carigan Hayes (1st RUNNER UP)

#9 Elizabeth Kingrey (2nd RUNNER UP)

 

QUEEN Contestants

#10 Caitland Boggs

#11 Charley Clayton (QUEEN WINNER & MOST CONGENIALITY)

#12 Michaela Everette

#13 Tayo Oluwafemi (1st RUNNER UP)

#14 Lyndsee Plantz

#15 Rebecca Rhodes (2nd RUNNER UP)

 

Children’s Pageant Royalty

Baby Mister: Zachary Brake II

Little Mister: Wyatt Russell

Baby Miss: McKenna Garnes

Tiny Miss: Sophia Casto

Little Miss: Grace Fletcher

Junior Miss: Natalie Donohew

 

View pictures of the Children’s Pageant Royalty below and keep scrolling down for pictures of the rest of the Clendenin Homecoming Festival Pageant.

Children’s Pageant pictures submitted by Heather Roush

View the pictures below from the event.

Clendenin Homecoming Festival Quickly Approaching

Excitement is in the air as the 1st Annual Clendenin Homecoming Festival quickly approaches. June 22-24, 2018 the Town of Clendenin will welcome guests from near and far to witness the progress of a once flood ravaged town and to celebrate the rebirth of the community. The resilience and spirit of those who call Clendenin and the Elk River home is remarkable and unmistakable.

The Clendenin Homecoming Committee is a growing group of local citizens working tirelessly since last year to plan and coordinate the upcoming festival.  In addition to the carnival and parade, the festival will feature numerous activities like a kayak race, horseshoe tournament, fishing tournament, numerous concerts, fireworks, craft and food vendors, and so much more. See below for a complete list of the festival agenda. Craft/sales and food vendor applications are still being accepted, so it is not too late to register for a booth.

2018 Clendenin Homecoming Festival Pageant winners: (L-R) Teen Queen Lauren Gorma, Queen Charley Clayton, and Mrs. Queen Alicia Casto

The Clendening Homecoming Festival recently crowned its royalty at the recent Clendenin Homecoming Festival Pageant. Winners included Teen Queen Lauren Gorma, Queen Charley Clayton, and Mrs. Queen Alicia Casto.  The Children’s Pageant Royalty includes: Baby Mister-Zachary Brake II, Little Mister-Wyatt Russell, Baby Miss-McKenna Garnes, Tiny Miss-Sophia Casto, Little Miss-Grace Fletcher, and Junior Miss-Natalie Donohew.

Various businesses in Clendenin have re-opened their doors and new businesses have made Clendenin their home since the June 2016 Flood; however, to date, Clendenin does not have a hotel. Many who attend the festival will stay with family and friends in the area; however some may seek other accommodations. There are hotels in neighboring towns, including nearby Elkview, and local Bed and Breakfast’s in and around Clendenin. Country Road House & Berries is located in Clendenin and has a Bed & Breakfast, along with the best strawberries in the area. You can contact them for room availability at (304) 553-5761 or by visiting their website.

Airbnb and Home Away are also great places that you can search for places to stay during the festival. Both Airbnb and Home Away are online marketplaces which lets people rent out their properties or spare rooms to guests. If you live in Clendenin or the surrounding areas and you are interested in learning how you can earn extra money by renting your room(s) and/or property during the Festival, here are some great resources:

In preparation for the festival, the Town of Clendenin along with the Kanawha County Commission, Chuck Grishaber with the Kanawha County Planning Department, and 25045- A New Clendenin, are sponsoring an Elk River Cleanup in Clendenin on June 9. Volunteers are asked to meet at Smith’s Foodfair parking lot at 9AM. View more details HERE.

2018 CLENDENIN HOMECOMING FESTIVAL AGENDA

Friday, June 22

6:00 PM: Myers Amusements Carnival (Across from the Post Office)

7:00 PM: Audio Outlaws Concert (Main Street Stage)

Saturday, June 23

8:00 AM:  Horseshoe Tournament Registration (Railroad Track)

9:00 AM: Opening  Ceremony (The Gazebo)

9:00 AM: All craft and food vendors open (Main St. & Maywood Ave)

9:00 AM: Kayak Race (Begins at Queen Shoals Bridge River Access)

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM: The Hoppy Express – from Smith’s Lot to Main Street and Back

11:00 AM: Horseshoe Tournament (Railroad Track)

12:00 PM: Parade Lineup (Poca Valley Bank)

12:00 PM: Carnival Opens (Across from the Post Office)

2:00 PM: Duck Race (Old Bridge to New Bridge)

4:00 PM: Royalty Coronation (Main Street Stage)

6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Joanna Young Concert (Main Street Stage)

6:30 PM: Adam Tucker Meet & Greet (Main Street Stage area)

7:30 PM: Adam Tucker Concert (Main Street Stage)

After Adam Tucker Concert: Fireworks by Zambelli’s (on hill behind Smith’s lot)

Sunday, June 24

6:30 AM: Fishing Tournament (details on Facebook Event: Elk River Fishing Tournament)

5:00 PM: Fishing Tournament Awards (Main Street Stage)

Sponsors for the Clendenin Homecoming Festival include First Bank of Charleston, Pulmonary Associates, Poca Valley Bank, Shafer Equipment, Charleston Blueprint, FYAO, Cabin Creek Health Systems, Cantrell’s Florist, Houff Transfer, Teays River Construction Company, The Yak House, Kanawha County Commission, O.V. Smith and Sons, Inc., Town of Clendenin, and The Clendenin Leader.

You can stay up-to-date with The Clendenin Homecoming Festival by visiting their Facebook page.

MAINTENANCE: Amma, WV

The Jim C. Hamer Company is a leading producer of hardwood products with locations throughout West Virginia and Kentucky. Our employees are given the tools and opportunities to maximize their talents and achieve professional success. We are seeking an experienced and hardworking Maintenance Technician for our Amma, WV location.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive compensation structure
  • Weekly pay
  • Great work environment
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • Company sponsored retirement plan
  • Safety bonus
  • Attendance bonus

What You Will Do:

  • Possess strong technical knowledge
  • Electrical experience
  • Must be able to cut and weld
  • Maintain an clean and organized area
  • Commitment to follow all applicable safety policies without compromise
  • Take personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of your work

Requirements:

  • Two years previous experience
  • High School education or GED

For more information please call (304) 453-6381 ext. 116. All qualified applicants are also invited to apply in person. You can do so Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at:

190 Industrial Park Drive

Amma, WV 25005