As we grow older we can’t help but notice the changes all around us relative to how we did things when we were young. Changes in how we socialize, changes in how we communicate, changes in how we travel and work, just to name a few. Some changes are for the better, some for the worse and some are still yet to be determined. (more…)
CLENDENIN, WEST VIRGINIA (The Clendenin Leader)
With the West Virginia teacher walkout/strike well into its second week, I was on assignment to do a story about volunteers comprised of various organizations, who had coordinated an effort to provide hot meals for children in need, due to the continued shutdown of the schools. As I wrapped up the interview, I decided to speak with some of the children that were hanging around the facility, just to get their take on the situation. After all, their lives have been disrupted by this situation maybe more than any, and I had not seen any media coverage concerning the student’s thoughts and opinions of the situation. (more…)
CLENDENIN, WEST VIRGINIA (The Clendenin Leader)
School Nurses from Clendenin/Bridge Elementary, Pinch Elementary, Elkview Middle and Herbert Hoover High School.
Susan Jack | The Clendenin Leader
It is widely known that many children are deprived of a hot meal when school is not in session.
Due to the continuation of the teacher walk-out, prompting more school cancellations in the area, the Clendenin Health Center (Cabin Creek) decided to provide hot meals at lunchtime on Thursday for any students or families in need.
Volunteers with the Clendenin Health Center teamed with Elk River Backpack Blessings, the Clendenin United Methodist Church, Principal Vanessa Brown, and school nurses from Clendenin/Bridge Elementary, Pinch Elementary, Elkview Middle, and Herbert Hoover High School, to help insure that children had an opportunity for a hot meal on this day.
Despite a wide-spread power outage in the area, they stuck with the plan as the Clendenin Volunteer Fire Department graciously volunteered their facility where they had generators on hand.
Due to the disruption caused by the power outage, turnout was lower than expected, so volunteers quickly shifted to Plan B.
They jumped in and set out to deliver the meals personally, going door to door, to those they knew might be in need, and Elk River Backpack Blessings assisted in delivering hot meals along with their normal backpack deliveries today as well.
Susan Jack of The Clendenin Leader spoke with Mary Grandon, Physician’s Assistant at the Clendenin Health Center about this teaming effort and how important community service is to the staff at the Clendenin Health Center.
According to the College Foundation of West Virginia’s (CFWV) tweet, today is the deadline to file the FAFSA and complete the PROMISE scholarship application to be considered for PROMISE.
TODAY is the deadline to file the FAFSA and complete the #WVPROMISE Scholarship application to be considered for PROMISE! https://t.co/oMdo3p9ee5
— CFWV (@CFWV) March 1, 2018
To learn more about the West Virginia PROMISE scholarship and eligibility requirements visit CFWV’s website.
The PROMISE Scholarship is a merit-based financial aid program for West Virginia residents. Students who achieve certain academic requirements are eligible to receive funds to help pay for college. Eligible high school graduates will receive annual awards up to $4,750 to cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at public or independent institutions in West Virginia. Awards are contingent upon annual funding of the program by the West Virginia State Legislature.
UPDATED: Mar. 1, 2018 at 12:33 p.m.
For more details on the power being restored in Clendenin watch WCHSTV’s segment below.
UPDATED: Mar. 1, 2018 at 11:47 a.m.
Our own Susan Jack has reported that power has been restored in the Clendenin area. According to Appalachian Power’s outage map confirms service has been restored in the affected areas.
UPDATED: Mar. 1, 2018 at 11:26 a.m.
According to Anna Taylor of Eyewitness News WCHS8/FOX11 the number has raised to over 5,000 without power in Clendenin due to equipment failure.
Appalachian Power’s outage map indicates multiple outage cases have been reported.
In total, 5,128 customers are currently affected.
Appalachian Power still anticipates power to be restored about 12:30 p.m.
UPDATED: Mar. 1, 2018 at 11:09 a.m.
According to @wchs8fox11, @AppalachianPowe says more than 2,100 without service after equipment failure in Clendenin, WV.
As reported by Eyewitness News WCHS8/FOX11 according to the outage map, 2,141 customers are currently affected.
The outage started 8:22 a.m.
Appalachian Power anticipates power to be restored about 12:30 p.m.
.@AppalachianPowe says more than 2,100 without service after equipment failurehttps://t.co/V6Yq68Tjad
— Eyewitness News (@wchs8fox11) March 1, 2018
ORIGINAL POST
Due to widespread power outages in Clendenin and surrounding area has affected Clendenin Medical Center’s ability to feed students who are still out of school due to the teachers strike.
The Clendenin Volunteer Fire Department has stepped up to the plate quickly and fired up their generators so the center can keep their promise to feed students from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Food for students will now be available at the Clendenin Volunteer Fire Department located at 109 Maywood Avenue East, Clendenin, WV 25045.
According to the Herbert Hoover High School Counseling Department Twitter account, Cabin Creek is serving lunch at their office in Clendenin for students from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 1.
Cabin creek is serving lunch at their office in clendenin for students from 11-1 tomorrow. Please share!
— HHHS Counseling Dept (@HHHSCounseling) March 1, 2018
The Cabin Creek office is located in the old Clendenin Middle School building where the Clendenin Medical Center is located at 107 Koontz Avenue, Suite 102, Clendenin, WV 25045. For more details call (304) 548-7272.
Photo courtesy: ananaline/iStock
The West Virginia Division of Forestry recently announced the new outdoor burning times that go into effect starting tomorrow, March 1. Forest Fire Season runs each year between March 1 and May 31, and October 1 and December 31. Commonly known as the 5:00 P.M. Burning Law it allows citizens to burn nonflammable material between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
According to the West Virginia Division of Forestry website no person can set fire or cause to be set on fire any forest land, or any grass, grain, stubble, slash, debris, or other inflammable materials. Any fire set between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. must be extinguished prior to 7:00 a.m. prevailing time.
Fire must be attended at all times. Area must be cleared down to mineral soil for a minimum distance of 10 feet around what is being burned. If your fire escapes, you are liable for the costs of fighting the fire and any damage the fire may cause to others.
The Clendenin Leader reached out to Kevin Clendenin, Fire Chief for the Clendenin Volunteer Fire Department to comment on safety precautions for the upcoming burn season. Clendenin said, “Never leave a fire unattended. If the fire would happen to get out of your control get away and call for help immediately. Do not attempt to fight the fire by yourself.” He added, “Never start fires with accelerate such as gasoline or burn on windy days.”
Walt Jackson with the West Virginia Division of Forestry said, “Debris burning causes most of the fires in West Virginia costing thousands of dollars to fight and hundreds of thousands of dollars of property damage.” “Preventative measures such as keeping water and hand tools nearby to keep fire under control and to not burn during dry and windy days will drastically reduce the chance of starting a fire.”
Remember, it is illegal to burn household trash and solid waste. Willfully setting fires is a felony and punishable by fine and/or imprisonment. The maximum fine for the violating the burning law is $1,000. If you have any information regarding arson activity call the West Virginia Arson Hotline at 1-800-233-FIRE (3473). There is a $1,000 reward for information to the arrest and conviction of an arsonist.
For more detailed information on West Virginia Forest Fire Laws visit the West Virginia Division of Forestry website at http://www.wvforestry.com/firelaws.cfm.
Download and share the Fire Law Flyer [PDF] sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Forestry, West Virginia Forestry Association and the United State Forest Service.
Mayor Shana Clendenin brought to order the Town Council Meeting for Feb. 26, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Council reviewed the meeting minutes and revisions for the prior meeting on Feb. 12, 2018. A motion was made by Councilman Knight to accept the meeting minutes and it was seconded by Councilman Shelton. All were in favor.
During the committee reports, Councilwoman Erica Kearns, reported balances for the following accounts:
Town Council reviewed invoices that need to be paid for approval, and then reviewed invoices that had already been paid since the last meeting. A motion was made by Councilman Bird to accept the invoices and it was seconded by Councilman Townsend. All were in favor.
Mayor Clendenin reported that members of the Clendenin Fire Department, who are part of the West Virginia National Guard Swift Water Rescue Team, were deployed for the first time last Friday to Moundsville, WV in preparation for flooding that was expected. All members returned home safely Sunday evening.
According to Mayor Clendenin there have been 11 arrests since Feb. 4th. Mostly drug seizures, including a vehicle and drug money. The Clendenin Police Department will be updating their Facebook Page this week in preparation to start posting arrests moving forward. Public posts will include name, picture, location, reason for arrest, and where they will be held.
Members of the Clendenin Police Department went to Roane County for training with the Charleston Police Department and West Virginia State Police on how to work and interact with a canine unit if an officer brings a K-9 on scene.
Councilman Bird reported all vehicles and equipment are in good working order. Bird also reported that West Virginia American Water and Mountaineer Gas still had areas to work on and finishing paving. The street department has been focused on cleaning up drains the past couple of weeks, including fixing holes on North Point Drive.
Councilman Shelton reported that all town buildings, grounds, and Town Hall are in good working order. Shelton added that Grant 4210 West Virginia 05 is awaiting payment of funds from FEMA to pay for the demolition costs of 8 houses. Proceeding with the remainder of the project agenda in order to close it out. Project is currently on schedule. Project Worksheets (PW6, PW7 and PW8) have minor contractual issues that are currently being addressed. The contractor has already started another job. Pending those contract concerns it is unknown at this time when the contractor would be able to start the job to repair slips. Shelton added that he is working on documentation for other projects in preparation for a review request for closed projects to receive any funds due on the remaining Project Worksheets (PW). All other proposed grants for elevations and rebuilds are still awaiting the documentation review process.
Councilman Townsend had nothing to report on Koontz and Mary Osborne cemeteries.
Councilwoman Kearns reported a street light outage on North Point, stating that the street department has been notified to fix light. An ordinance enforcement letter has been sent to one homeowner on Koontz Avenue. Kearns went to court regarding a property on the north end of town; it is currently a work-in-progress and will be revisited on March 14.
Councilman Knight reported that Pamala Allen, owner of Allen’s Laundromat, purchased the old Poca Valley Bank building beside State Farm on Main Street. According to Knight, Pamala plans to expand her clothing and gift shop that is currently located inside of Allen’s Laundromat. The Clendenin Leader has reached out to Pamala to learn more about what her plans are with the building. In other economic development news, Knight reported there is currently a contract on the Chase Bank on Main Street ,which is good news for the Town of Clendenin, and its ongoing recovery efforts.
In new business, a motion was made by Councilman Townsend to appoint Councilwoman Kearns to Town Recorder, and it was seconded by Councilman Bird. All were in favor.
Kerns’ appointment of Town Recorder created an open seat on Town Council, which goes to the next highest vote-getter from the past town election, who was Russell Underwood. Mayor Shana Clendenin announced that Mr. Underwood had accepted to fill the opening on Town Council and was immediately sworn in as councilman by the Mayor.
At the January 22, 2018 meeting, Town Council discussed a fee increase for an overdue parking meter from $3 to $5. Fines that are not paid within 10 days will increase the fee to $20. Mayor Clendenin announced the resolution and called for a vote. A motion was made by Councilman Townsend to adopt the fee increase and it was seconded by Councilman Bird. All were in favor.
At the Feb. 12, 2018 meeting, Town Council approved moving $5,000 to the Fairs and Festivals account to assist with the fireworks contract for the upcoming fireworks display during the Clendenin Homecoming Festival that is scheduled for June 22-24, 2018. Since the matter dealt with funds, Mayor Clendenin had a resolution prepared for Town Council to sign on the record.
Mayor Clendenin suggested to Town Council for consideration to hire a part-time Town Clerk to be trained to cover duties for Diana Holcomb during sick, personal, and vacation time on an as-needed basis. A motion was made by Councilman Townsend to hire a part-time Town Clerk and was seconded by Councilman Bird. All were in favor. Interviews to fill position will begin in the coming weeks.
In old business, the closing date was scheduled last week for the purchase of Jim White’s building, which used to be the old feed store between Town Hall and the Clendenin Fire Department. The building is currently being used as storage for equipment. According to Kearns there were some alignment issues with the legal documents. Kearns indicated that the town administration is working with the bank’s attorneys to make sure things are in order and in the best interest of the Town of Clendenin. A new closing date will be forthcoming.
During the council concerns portion of the meeting Councilman Knight brought up the idea for the administration to look into accepting credit card payments for fines to make it more convenient. The town administration is currently looking into what it would take to offer this as a convenience.
A motion was made by Councilman Shelton to adjourn the meeting and it was seconded by Councilman Underwood, as his first order of business since being sworn in as the newest member of Town Council.
The next Town Council meeting will be held on Monday, March 12, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at the Clendenin Recreational Center.
The Office of the Secretary of Education and the Arts, on behalf of the Governor’s STEM Initiative, recently approved mini-grant funding to five Kanawha County schools. Herbert Hoover High School was one of the five recipients for their Flash Flood Water Level Sensor Project. According to an announcement by Briana Warner, Communications Director with Kanawha County Schools, the mini-grant program supports learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math across the state of West Virginia. Selected schools were awarded up to $3,000 to implement their STEM project. (more…)
The emergency food pantry, located at the Clendenin United Methodist Church, provides a valuable service to the local residents. The pantry is operated by the Clendenin Ministerial Association, which includes the United Methodist Church, Church of the Nazarene, Clendenin Advent Christian Church, Liberty Christian Ministries, Clendenin First Baptist Church, and Reamer Gospel Tabernacle.
According to Clendenin United Methodist Church Minister and food pantry coordinator, Scott Ferguson, the pantry has been helping 8-10 families per week, which translates to 40-50 people per week in the 25045 area. Those who need emergency food assistance can contact the Clendenin United Methodist Church. At this time emergency assistance is available to qualifying families every two months.
Donations to the food pantry are always needed and can be delivered to the Clendenin United Methodist Church on Tuesdays 5PM to 6PM. Items accepted include: boxed food, pancake mix, jiffy mix, dry beans, canned food, canned fruit, canned vegetables, pasta, mac & cheese, sugar, flour, oil, ramen noodles, cereal, granola bars, bottled water, and other non-perishable items.
