By: Chris Dickerson | Posted: Mar. 27, 2018 at 1:17 p.m. | Source: West Virginia Record
CHARLESTON – A federal judge has ruled that a civil judgment against a Clay County man who attacked a television reporter is not a dischargeable debt in bankruptcy court.
Chief Judge Frank W. Volk entered the order March 26 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of West Virginia granting veteran WCHS-TV reporter Bob Aaron’s motion for summary judgment against Howard Lilly.
In March 2016, a Clay County jury awarded Bob Aaron $11,000 in damages for a 2014 attack while he was out on assignment.
Lilly pleaded no contest in 2015 to a felony charge of destruction of property. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to drop felony robbery and grand larceny charges.
On July 7, 2014, Aaron received a tip on a potential story regarding neglected mules and horses near a home on Bomon Road and went to report on the story. While filming, Lilly allegedly took Aaron’s camera tripod and attacked the television reporter with it. Aaron was injured and the lens of his camera was smashed.
Lilly shouted at Aaron to stop filming and to “head down the road,” according to the suit, however, when Aaron informed him that he was on a public road and would leave once he was finished with the video, Lilly attacked him.
As part of the plea agreement in the criminal case against Lilly, he agreed to pay $2,800 to WCHS-TV for damage to the camera and more than $2,000 in medical expenses for Aaron.
After the civil trial, Lilly filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Dec. 20, 2016. Travis Griffith, Aaron’s attorney, says that was an attempt to avoid paying the judgment.
Soon thereafter, Griffith moved for summary judgment on the issue that Lilly “had acted with the prerequisite intent and maliciousness … to preclude the debt from being dischargeable in bankruptcy court.”
Griffith, who operates the Griffith Law Center in Charleston, said he considers this victory one not just for Aaron but for all media representatives working to inform the public.
“We, as a people, need to ensure the abilities of a free and impartial press to perform their duties to inform,” Griffith said. “This includes the right of a reporter to stand on a public roadway and inform the public on what he or she perceives.
“Walter Cronkite is noted as saying that ‘freedom of the press is not just important for democracy, it is democracy.’ Those who have taken it upon themselves to inform the rest of us should be able to do so without threat of attack from those who would choose to silence them.”
U.S. Bankruptcy Court case number 2:16-bk-20692
Photo by Jay W. Bennett Ravenswood High School senior Isaiah Morgan, pictured here at the Class A state tournament earlier this month, was honored by league coaches as the Little Kanawha Conference’s Player of the Year.
By: Jay W. Bennett, Sports Writer | Posted: Mar. 25, 2018 | Source: The Parkersburg News and Sentinel
PARKERSBURG — Only one player on this year’s all-Little Kanawha Conference boys basketball squad is a three-time first-teamer — Ravenswood’s Isaiah Morgan. (more…)
Chef Noah Miller prepares main courses, including pan-roaster halibut, seared sea scallops, eggplant-wrapped swordfish and beef fillet, at Noah’s Restaurant & Lounge in downtown Charleston for its soft opening Tuesday. Craig Hudson, Gazette-Mail photos
By: Maria Young, Features Editor | Posted: Mar. 24, 2018 | Source: WV Gazette-Mail (Full Article and Photo Gallery)
Watching Chef Noah Miller whip up a meal for a restaurant full of hungry patrons is like watching a ballet — or maybe a hip-hop performance — that’s been carefully choreographed around searing flames, glistening knives and lots of breakable glass.
By: Caity Coyne | Posted: Mar. 23, 2018 | Source: Charleston Gazette-Mail
CHARLESTON — For the fifth consecutive year, Kanawha County topped the state in the number of people leaving a county, according to 2017 population estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.
With 2,804 people leaving Kanawha in 2017, the county holds the 10th-highest population decrease by individuals of all counties in the nation. In 2016, it ranked 19th.
“Sometimes, these numbers don’t mean a lot. When people leave here, they could be leaving 8 miles down the road to a new [housing] development or something similar,” said Kent Carper, Kanawha County Commission president. “It’s not good, we don’t like to see our people leave, but with some new activities we have going — some new construction jobs, and other things — we expect to see that turn around in 2018.”
The last time Kanawha saw an increase in population was 2012, when an estimated 51 individuals moved to the county.
That also was the last time West Virginia as a whole saw an increase in population.
Farther south, McDowell County held the highest percentage of population decrease, with 3.5 percent — 683 individuals — leaving the county. This percentage decrease was the fourth-highest in the nation, according to the Census, and leaves the county with a total population of 18,456 people. In 2016, the county ranked 13th highest in percentage of population loss.
McDowell has been consistently losing residents for more than six years, and while the news is disappointing, McDowell County Commissioner Cecil Patterson said he isn’t surprised.
The most eastern counties in the Eastern Panhandle held the top three highest percentages of population growth in the Mountain State. Berkeley saw a 1.5 percent increase, Jefferson, 0.9 percent, and Morgan, 0.6 percent.
This was the first year in the past six that Monongalia County had less than 500 people move within its limits. In 2012, roughly 1,700 moved to that county. Last year, the population increase dipped below 1,000 for the first time, with 631 people moving in. This year, only 259 individuals moved to Monongalia.
West Virginia’s population as a whole is on a steady decline, according to past Census numbers. If the trend continues, the Mountain State could lose one of its three congressional seats by 2022.
In 2017, a total of 45 counties had a population decline. Nine saw population increases, and one — Pleasants County — stayed exactly the same.
By: Briana Warner, Communications Director | For Immediate Release: Mar. 22, 2018 | Source: KCBOE
Charleston, West Virginia – Forty-three high school students from Herbert Hoover High School, Nitro High School, Sissonville High School and St. Albans High School have qualified to compete in the national competition at the DECA International Career Development Conference April 21 – 24 in Atlanta, GA. DECA is a nonprofit international student organization that prepares students for a future in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. (more…)
By: Ryan Pritt, Staff Writer | Posted: Mar. 22, 2018 | Source: WV Gazette-Mail Preps
As far as season openers go, Thursday night’s was certainly eventful for the defending Class AA softball state champions.
And while there was certainly some rust and some developing parts, for both teams, Herbert Hoover eventually picked up where it left off last season — with a win.
Nick Loftis won 10 games last season for Class AAA state champion St. Albans – Kenny Kemp Gazette-Mail
By: Rick Ryan, Staff Writer | Posted: Mar. 22, 2018 | Source: WV Gazette-Mail
Three Kanawha Valley baseball teams reached championship games at last year’s state tournament, and all three figure to be in the running for postseason honors again.
St. Albans, which won its first Class AAA title by beating Hurricane in the state finals, returns 10 key contributors from a year ago, the same number as the Redskins.
Meanwhile, Charleston Catholic brings back six starters from its Class A championship team to go along with some promising newcomers.
St. Albans coach Rick Whitman realizes expectations will be soaring for the Red Dragons, who return a pair of first-team all-state players in pitcher-infielder Nick Loftis and pitcher-outfielder Jake Carr from last year’s 32-9 squad that started two freshmen and four sophomores much of the season.
“I think when you have that type of season last year,” Whitman said, “and return as many guys as we do, expectations are going to be high. That’s what we want. We expect to be good, a No. 1 ranked team. That’s where you want to be. It’s all a matter of how you handle it.”
Loftis and Carr served as the top two pitchers on SA’s staff last season, with Loftis carrying a 10-1 record and 1.56 earned run average and Carr going 6-2 with a 2.61 ERA. Each averaged better than a strikeout per inning, with Carr punching out 110 in 561/3 innings and Loftis getting 81 Ks in 712/3 innings.
Both also contributed at the plate. As a leadoff hitter, Carr batted .349 and drew 34 walks. Loftis hit .345 and drove in 27 runs.
Other top returnees for SA include designated hitter Noah Cummings (.387, 40 RBIs), infielder Nic Feazelle (.375, 21 RBIs), outfielder Connor Fizer (.323, 29 RBIs), pitcher-first baseman Chayce Matheny (4-2, 2.85), shortstop Casey Kemplin (.305, 35 runs), utility man Akili Johnson (.328), pitcher Easton Thewes (4-1, 0.87) and outfielder Travis Atkins (.250).
Matheny was the man of the hour in last year’s title game, holding Hurricane to four hits in 62/3 innings as St. Albans prevailed 8-2.
With so much talent back, the Red Dragons have to be ready to be “the game” on opponents’ schedules.
“We talked a lot with our guys about everybody gunning for them this year,” Whitman said. “You’ve got to bring your A-game because you’re going to get the A-game from everyone else. They’ve been good and worked hard in the off-season. Obviously, we enjoyed the run we went on last year. The kids have been all business. It’s a pretty dedicated and focused group.”
Hurricane (30-8 last year) was the state tournament favorite much of last season, and has the weapons to return to Appalachian Power Park again.
Back for the Redskins is first baseman Nate Dunham (.392, 38 RBIs), a first-team All-Kanawha Valley pick last year, along with position players such as outfielder-catcher Noah Birthisel (.364, 39 RBIs), catcher Jake Allen (.363, 29 RBIs), utility Noah Short (.403), infielder Logan McClure (.397), outfielder Bo Adkins (.386, 26 RBIs), infielder Chandler Kelley (.305) and outfielder Austin Dearing (.319).
Several experienced pitchers return in Liam Bailey (4-1, 3.14), McClure (5-3, 3.11), Short and Adkins. And the staff got a boost with the arrival of left-hander Jonathan Blackwell, a Coastal Carolina commit who went 5-4 at George Washington with a 2.01 ERA and 56 Ks in 482/3 innings.
“We’ve got 10 seniors,” said Hurricane coach Brian Sutphin, “and these guys have been together for a while. They’ve certainly put the work in, and they’re excited to be going. They’re starting to get their feet under them.”
Charleston Catholic went 28-8 last season, including an 8-2 victory over No. 1 seed Ravenswood in the Class A finals at Power Park.
The Irish will lean on the bat work and pitching of Brandon Combs, a returning first-team all-state and All-Valley player. Combs hit .467 with four homers and 56 RBIs and went 8-1 on the mound, carving out a 1.35 ERA in 621/3 innings.
Other returning starters include infielder Thomas Blaydes (.432, 41 runs), infielder John Hufford (.370, 35 RBIs), catcher Dominic Martin (.336, 31 RBIs), outfielder Brendan Lanham (.356) and outfielder Timothy Kawash.
Besides Combs, the pitching staff is fortified by Hufford (6-2, 3.10), Lanham (5-2) and Marshall Pile, who missed much of last season with an injury. Other candidates for mound work include Marc Spiegel, J.W. Armstrong and Jake Hufford.
“Like any other year, we expect a lot out of ourselves,” said Irish coach Bill Mehle. “We expect to be competitive. We lost our 1-2-3 hitters in the lineup to graduation, so we’ve got some big holes to replace, but everybody’s gotten a year older and stronger and improved their baseball skills.
“We expect to be in the mix. The question becomes whether everybody buys into the hard work throughout the course of the season.”
Here are capsule looks at the rest of the Kanawha Valley teams (with last year’s records):
Contact Rick Ryan at 304-348-5175 or rickryan@wvgazettemail.com. Follow him on Twitter @RickRyanWV.
By: Staff Reports | Posted: Mar. 22, 2018 | Source: WV Gazette-Mail
Taevon Horton, Fairmont Senior, Sr. (captain)
Drew Williamson, Chapmanville, Sr.
Zyon Dobbs, Fairmont Senior, Jr.
Obinna Anochili-Killen, Chapmanville, So.
Jalen Bridges, Fairmont Senior, Jr.
Jude Akabueze, North Marion, Sr.
Jeremy Dillon, Mingo Central, Sr.
David Shriver, Philip Barbour, Sr.
Mookie Collier, Bluefield, Sr. (captain)
David Early, Logan, So.
Shane Jenkins, Westside, Sr.
Braeden McGrew, Winfield, Sr.
Andrew Work, Oak Hill, Jr.
Joel Sweat, Nitro, Jr.
Corey Hatfield, Westside, Sr.
Luke LeRose, Nicholas County, So.
Cole Whited, Philip Barbour, Sr. (captain)
Cole Browning, Braxton County, Sr.
McQuade Canada, Wyoming East, So.
Colin Breeden, Berkeley Springs, Sr.
Qwailei Turner, Nitro, So.
McKinley Mann, James Monroe, Jr.
Keyshawn Faulks, Weir, Sr.
Tayton Stout, Braxton County, Sr.
Michael Beasley, Oak Hill; Tanner Bifano, Bridgeport; Caleb Bish, Grafton; Grant Bonner, Herbert Hoover; Jake Bowen, Bridgeport; Kyle Browning, Chapmanville; Terrance Chapman, Logan; Zach Cook, Man; Braden Crews, Bluefield; Jacob Ellis, Westside; Cory Fazalare, Lincoln; Jack Faulkner, Grafton; Jon Hamilton, Scott; Alex Harvey, East Fairmont; Jonathan Hatcher, River View; Drew Hatfield, Mingo Central; Devin Heater, Roane County; Cole Honaker, Shady Spring; R.J. Hood, Wyoming East; Jalen Hudson, Liberty Raleigh; Andrew Huff, Winfield; Tanner Huffman, Nicholas County; Triston Hulderman, North Marion; Dasilas Jones, Fairmont Senior; Tanner Kennedy, Robert C. Byrd; Chris Kokoski, Oak Glen; Broderick Lantz, Liberty Harrison; Jonathan Leep, Lincoln; Brayden Lesher, Bridgeport; Levi MacAdam, Philip Barbour; Jesse Maddox, East Fairmont; Andrew Mahairas, Nitro; Corey Marcum, Wayne; Darrick McDowell, Oak Hill; Evan McKneely, Poca; Peyton Meadows, PikeView; Khori Miles, Robert C. Byrd; Shawn Moran, Lewis County; Gunner Murphy, North Marion; Dino Noe, Logan; Nick Nutter, Nicholas County; Kade Oliver, Point Pleasant; Hunter Pool, Petersburg; Noah Price, Philip Barbour; Reed Reitter, Weir; Kolbe Rogers, Winfield; Nate Samples, Sissonville; Kyle Saunders, Independence; Ryan Shoemaker, Keyser; Dylan Smith, Chapmanville; Ethan Travis, Oak Glen; Tanner Walls, Lincoln County; Dalton Westfall, Liberty Harrison; Zack Whitacre, Frankfort; Eliot White, Elkins; Steven Williams, Shady Spring; Isaac Workman, Clay County
By: Paul Adkins | Posted: Mar. 22, 2018 | Source: Williamson Daily News
It may often be overstated but the Cardinal Conference is a very good softball conference.
Just try these facts on for size if you are not so convinced. (more…)
