Gassaway
Fire Dept. unhappy with Recycling Center move
The first meeting of
the fiscal year last Friday, was predictably a long
one for the Braxton County Commission since they had
cancelled their first meeting in July. While a number
of individuals addressed the body in person the Gassaway
Volunteer Fire Department forwarded a written objection,
they had filed with the Braxton County Solid Waste Authority,
pertaining to their proposed relocation of the Recycling
Center. The communications stated the GVFD endorsed
recycling in their community but did not feel that locating
the center in a building adjacent to the fire station
was a good move. “If the fire department expands its
building, we do not feel there would be an adequate
fire break between the two buildings… we feel the types
of materials stored at this facility would create a
possible fire hazard… we feel this facility would create
a health hazard since the county fire department breathing
air system is located at the Gassaway Fire Department,”
the oppositing petition read. The communications was
signed by eighteen members of the GVFD. After reviewing
the document, Commission President Terry Frame stated
that the opposition would be noted for the record and
the topic placed on the next meeting’s agenda for further
discussion.
Sutton Mayor J.L. Campbell was the first to address
the Commission. He requested a $5,000 donation toward
a new police cruiser for his city. The Mayor stated
that the city has obtained a grant from the FDA that
would pay 15 percent of the purchase price. He added
that the donation would allow the town to finance the
balance, over three years, with a manageable payment.
Terry Frame told the Mayor that the Sheriff’s vehicles
and the county’s ambulances were in bad shape and she
thought they should be given attention first. She added
that the Commission would look at the request once the
carry-over from the fiscal year was determined.
Gary Crutchfield addressed the Commission on behalf
of the town of Burnsville and the Burnsville Fire Department.
The representative requested a contribution from the
county of up to $1,500 to help upgrade the equipment
in the city playground. He also asked that the Fire
Department be reimbursed for $1,016 they expended to
repair the gutters on the Burnsville Community Center
which houses the fire department. Commissioner Mike
Chapman asked if the reimbursement and the use of the
building for meetings had been discussed with the Park
and Recreation Board. Crutchfield stated that to his
knowledge that had not been done, as he didn’t understand
that move was necessary since he had made the request
to the Commission. James Lee Wine, a member of the Board
was in attendance and said it was his understanding
that the Fire Department had made the repairs at their
expense, since they didn’t pay any rent on the bottom
floor of the building that housed the BVFD. He added
that no discussion had been held pertaining to the fire
department’s use of other portions of the building.
Terry Frame stated that she was not willing to “go over
the Board’s head.” Crutchfield stated that if that was
the desire of the Commission he would be glad to do
so.
Frame stated that funding was low for the County at
this time and she did not feel that a donation or reimbursement
could be made. The representative brought up his understanding
that the County had received a $17,000 grant which could
be used for the purpose. Frame stated that the Commission
knew of no such funding.
Fred Thompson, County OES Director was next to address
the Commission. He stated that while he had received
commitments for $2,500 to implement Project Lifesaver,
he still needed $500 to place the initial order of monitoring
bracelets and batteries. Terry Frame stated that she
would personally donate $100 toward the cause. Commissioner
Mike Chapman stated that he would duplicate that commitment.
Gary Ellyson stated that he would provide the remaining
$300.
Ted Elonis was next to address the Commission. He stated
that he had attended the County Solid Waste Authority
meeting the previous week and gave those in attendance
a report on the activities. Elonis also provided the
Commission with a written request that he be appointed
to the Solid Waste Authority. Mayor J. L. Campbell stated
that since Sutton was the authority’s biggest single
user he would also like to be considered for a seat
on the Board. The Commission acknowledged that they
did not appoint all the members of the BCSWA and would
have to research the matter to see if any vacancies
exist.
He also presented the Commission with an order from
Judge Richard Facemire pertaining to the appointment
of a special prosecutor to look into allegations of
mis-appropiations by a previous employee of the Braxton
County Solid Waste Authority. The Commission acknowledged
that they had received a copy of the order which ratified
the appointment of Dwayne Vandevender, Prosecuting Attorney
of Webster County, as recommended by the Executive Director
of the West Virginia Prosecuting Attorney’s Institute
to serve as a Special Prosecutor in the matter.
Elonis also stated that he would be attending the Flatwoods
Canoe Run PSD on Monday to represent the Richardsons
who voiced concerns to the Commission, pertaining to
water service, at a previous meeting.
Mike Sims, new Frontier Communications General Manager
for this area introduced himself to the Commission and
those in attendance and outlined his company’s plans
for upgrades and service to the central WV area.
Craig Smith voiced his opposition to criticism at a
previous meeting that his newspaper overcharged for
a legal advertisement. He referred to a letter (see
letter on page 2 of this issue) from Gloria Flowers,
executive director of the West Virginia Press Association
stating that it exonerated him of any wrong doing. He
explained that the charge, while greater than what the
Citizens’ News charged, was a result of large columns
of type. He repeatedly stated that he did nothing wrong.
When given the opportunity to rebut Smith’s claims,
Ed Given, publisher of the Citizens’ News stated that
the letter from Flowers only stated that both newspapers
were qualified and eligible to publish legal advertisements,
which was never an element of contention. He added that
her letter clearly stated that the Association was not
a monitoring or policing agency and that the Commission
should evaluate State Code and determine if it was properly
applied. Given reemphasized that state code allowed
his newspaper to charge 12 cents a word based on its’
circulation while Smith could only charge 11.5 cents
per word.
In other business, the Probate appointments and short
form settlements for the month of June were approved
as presented on a motion by Mike Chapman.
The following exoneration requests were also approved
on a motion introduced by Chapman: J.B. Fisher, Leslie
D. & L Michelle Wilson, Donal D. and Donna Yurkovich
and Johnny T. & Michelle Butcher. The same motion
also approved a request to split classes for tax purposes
from Karen Singleton.
Following a brief discussion a motion by Commission
Chapman approved the reappointment of the existing members
of the Braxton County Development Authority who wished
to continuing serving. They included, Jim McQuain, John
David Jordan, John Gibson, Carla Nardella, Jeff Lilly,
Roy Huffman and Donna Stout.
Terry Frame made a motion to accept the resignation
of Mike Chapman from the Development Authority and thanked
him for his service to the organization.
The Commission acknowledged a petition form residents
in the Frametown area requesting water service. The
Commission stated they would review the request with
Sugar Creek PSD.
Mike Chapman made a motion to authorize the president
to sign necessary documents pertaining to grant for
the Court Security system, Fellowship home Mountain
Lakes Festival and Frametown Parks and Recreation Board.
A request to appoint the Sheriff to the 9-1-1 Advisory
Board was passed over after it was clarified that the
Sheriff or his designee automatically held a position
on the board.
David Jack made a motion to hire Kristi Allen as a full-time
employee with the 911 mapping and addressing team. She
will be paid $10 per hour with full county benefits.
David Jack made a motion to set July 28 at 10:00 a.m.
as the time and date for an ADA hearing.
Mike Chapman made a motion to approve sending Jerod
Gerwig, Terry Frame and Brenda Slaughter to the next
available WEAPONS class for 9-1- dispatchers.
The Commission reviewed invoices for the EMS. Vouchers
for County expenses were not available due to the death
in an employee’s family. Mike Chapman made motion to
approve EMS bills and pay the county’s reoccurring bills
that were due on or before the Commission’s August 6
meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 11:28 a.m. on a motion by David
Jack. The next regular meeting of the Braxton County
Commission will be on August 6 beginning at 9:00 a.m.
County residents not immune to autism
By Erica
Whitney
Autism is a disease that was virtually unheard of only
a few short years ago. Recently however, new light has
been shed on the problem. Families with loved ones that
have been affected are now being given new resources.
May 2010 statistics show that Braxton County Schools
have a total of fifteen students diagnosed with autism.
Experts estimate that two to six children out of every
1,000 will suffer from the disease. Research shows that
males are four times more likely to be affected than
females.
Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the
first 3 years of life, and affects the brain’s normal
development of social and communication skills. Most
parents of autistic children suspect that something
is wrong by the time the child is 18 months old and
seek help by the time the child is age 2. Children with
autism typically have difficulties in, pretend play,
social interactions, and verbal and nonverbal communications.
There are some children with autism that show no symptoms
before age 1 or 2 and then suddenly “regress” and lose
language or social skills they had previously gained.
This is referred to as a regressive type of autism.
Autism is a physical condition linked to abnormal biology
and chemistry in the brain. The exact causes of these
abnormalities remain unknown, but this is a very active
area of research. There are probably combinations of
factors that lead to autism, both genetic and environmental.
People with autism may be overly sensitive in sight,
hearing, touch, smell, or taste. They may tend to exhibit
signs of unusual distress when routines are change,
perform repeated body movements, or show unusual attachments
to objects. The symptoms may vary from moderate to severe.
An early, intensive, appropriate treatment program will
greatly improve the outlook for most young children
with autism. “Most programs will build on the interests
of the child in a highly structured schedule of constructive
activities,” said Dave McChesney, Braxton County Board
of Education Special Education Director School services
are available for students beginning at age 3. These
services vary with the student’s educational needs and
are directed by the student’s Individualized Education
Plan (IEP). Often a team of professionals, such as a
regular education teacher, a special education teacher,
speech language therapist. Physical therapist and an
occupational therapist provide the services. Students
may receive their special education service in the regular
classroom or in special classes”.
Anyone with questions regarding the school system the
director of special education is Dave McChesney, he
can be reached at 304 765-7101 x 622 or email at dmcchesn@access.k12.wv.us.
The West Virginia Autism Training Center (http://www.marshall.edu/coe/atc/)
is an excellent resource for teachers and parents.
Peeking behind the kitchen doors of Braxton Eateries
Lake’s Carryout – 2
noncritical violations, Coldin Cooler not clean on the
inside, beer cooler not clean on the inside;
The Spot – No Violations;
Little General #5285 – 1 noncritical violation, No paper
provided at back room hand washing station; Arby’s –
1 critical violation, 3 noncritical violations, Reach
freezer seals and inside surfaces not clean, stainless
steel cleaner stored next to clam shells (single service
items), buffalo sauce tray not clean, Meat (beef) temp.
probes not clean to sight and touch;
R & L Grocery – 2 noncritical violations, Potato
freezer not clean, shelf not clean in the video department;
Goodies Galore – 1 noncritical, hand washing signage
needed at both hand sinks;
Taco Bell/KFC – 1 critical violation, 3 noncritical
violations, Can opener blade not clean to sight and
touch, Taco Bell warmer seals and inside surface not
clean, three compartment sink leaking water from first
compartment, Taco Bell cooler not clean on the inside
bottom surface;
McDonalds – 2 critical violations, 4 noncritical violations,
grease container not clean, kitchen hand sink not clean,
breakfast reach-in not clean on the bottom, hamburger
trays not clean to sight and touch, can opener not clean
to sight and touch (blade), breakfast prep station not
clean;
Little Birch Elementary – 2 noncritical violations,
paint peeling in the dry store room and kitchen, roof
leak in the dish machine room;
Subway – No violations;
Creamy Castle – 1 noncritical violation, lights not
shielded in the dish room;
Lloyd’s Family Restaurant – 2 critical violations, raw
hamburger stored above cheese in reach-in frig., dish
machine not dispensing sanitizer;
Little General #5300 – 1 noncritical violation, sandwich
microwave not clean on the inside;
Burnsville Elementary School – no violations;
Sutton Elementary School – 3 noncritical violations,
paint peeling on the wall behind the dish machine, back
splash in poor repair (must be replaced with a water
proof/resistant material, i.e. stainless steel), trash
bin not large enough to contain trash, bags stored on
the ground;
79’er - 5 noncritical violations, stand-up frig. needs
cleaned on the bottom, metal shelves in poor repair,
need painted or resurfaced, walk-in cooler racks in
poor repair –need painted or replaced, dish machine
not clean on the top, stand-up freezer not clean on
the bottom;
Millstone Grocery – 1 noncrititcal, lights not properly
shielded in the pizza prep. room; Flatwoods Elementary
– no violations;
Davis Elementary – no violations; Vae’s Diner – 6 noncritical,
table top oven not clean, Gibson freezer not clean on
the inside, deep fryers not clean, flour not labeled
as required, floor not clean in the kitchen area, True
frig. not clean on the bottom;
Braxton County Middle School – no violations;
Braxton County High School – 1 noncritical, floor in
poor repair next to steam kettle, holes in the floor
in other areas;
Frametown Elementary School – 1 critical, some food
products were prepared in a private home (i.e. cream
cheese roll, deviled eggs, noodle bake). Food products
prepared in a home are from an unapproved source, violation
corrected on site;
Little Birch Elementary – 1 noncritical, Hobart Frig.
seals in poor repair;
Sutton Pool – no violations;
Sutton Lake Marina – 1 noncritical, Sutton Queen hand
sink not clean;
Sutton Moose Lodge 825 – 3 noncritical, plumbing leak
under three compartment sink, plumbing leak – reach
–in frig., Reach-in frig not clean on front surface;
Braxton Health Care – no violations;
Custard Stand – no violations;
China Buffet – 1 critical, 15 noncritical, mop sink
not clean, walk-in cooler seal in poor repair, prep.
line refrigerator seals not clean, reach-in frig. seals
not clean, thermometer not available for taking food
temperatures, prep. line frig. not equipped with thermometer,
reach-in frig. not equipped with a thermometer, cutting
bards pitted, need resurfaced, wiping cloths for food
spills not stored in chemical sanitizer, floor in poor
repair next mop sink, flour containers not clean, in-use
utensil for flour not clean, rice cooker not clean to
sight, cart for chicken not clean, utensil containers
not clean;
Visions – Days Inn - 8 noncritical violations, walk-in
cooler gasket in poor repair, salad cooler gasket in
poor repair, bus cart not clean, plumbing leak beneath
three compartment, dish washer chemical station not
clean, front kitchen floor not clean behind prep. table,
floor covering in poor repair in the front kitchen,
floor not clean behind soda dispenser station;
Mad Annie’s Tavern – no violations;
Boardwalk Shaved Ice of Buckhannon – no violations;
C & M concessions- no violations;
C & S Concessions – no violations;
Herb’s Sausage – no violations;
High School golfers to organize Thursday
There will be a meeting
at 6;00 p.m. Thursday, July 22, at Braxton County High
School for all students interested in playing golf this
fall. Golf coach Bill Mitchell, who plans to meet these
students in front of the high-school building, announced
that golf practice begins August 1, and the first match
is set for August 2.
Bikers
for Babies event adds Swap Meet
Organizers of the March
of Dimes statewide motorcycle ride, Bikers for Babies,
have announced a new addition to this year’s event.
The vending area will also feature a motorcycle related
swap meet. “Anyone having motorcycle parts is invited
to become a swap vendor and sell their merchandise at
the August 20-21 event,” said a spokesperson. Both commercial
parts vendors as well as motorcycle enthusiasts, who
have accumulated a garage or basement full of spare
parts, is encouraged to participate. New, used, vintage
motorcycle parts and accessories are welcome. Old parts,
custom parts, take offs, sheet metal, wheels, chrome
novelties, leather and more should be among the items
for sale. All brands of motorcycles are welcomed at
the event as well.
Vendor spaces for both swap and novelty vendors are
specially priced this year at $50. Tables under a tent
will be available to small, non-commercial vendors for
$10 each. A limited number of spots will be available
on a first come first serve basis.
The ride will take place on Saturday August 21 beginning
at 11:00 a.m. from Braxton County Middle School. Registration
will begin on Friday evening at Mountain Lakes Amphitheater.
There will be a pig roast and concerts on Friday and
Saturday for participants.
Anyone interested in being a vendor should call Ed at
304-765-5193.
The registration fee for ride participants is $40 which
includes free t-shirts for the registered rider and
passenger-if applicable; tickets to the pig roast; the
Second Helping –a Lynard Skynyrd tribute band and The
Davisson Brothers concerts. A Saturday only package
is available for $25 plus $10 for a passenger. Participants
receive a free t-shirt and tickets to the post ride
concert with the Davisson Brother and other activities.
To register on line, go to: www.bikersforbabies.org
or call 304-720-2229 or 800-313-2911.
News
from our Capitol
It’s always enjoyable
when the grandkids come to visit and last week with
Collin and Gavin here was great. The week passed way
too quickly as they headed back to South Carolina on
Sunday morning.
As expected, Governor Manchin moved up the call date
for the second special session of 2010 to last Thursday
in order to put forth his legislation regarding filling
the U.S. Senate vacancy created by the passing of Senator
Robert C. Byrd. Also last Friday, Governor Manchin appointed
Carte Goodwin, his former chief legal counsel, to fill
the Senate vacancy until a special election can be held
later this year. I congratulate Carte on this great
honor and I’m certain he will serve West Virginia with
distinction during his tenure until voters select a
new Senator.
The Senate passed their version of the election legislation
(SB 2001) on Saturday. The House, after initially rejecting
the measure, reconsidered the vote and passed the bill
(HB 201). Late Saturday evening, a conference committee
of three members from the House and Senate will meet
to attempt to iron out differences in the versions,
chaired by Sen. Oliverio and Delegate Miley.
Meanwhile, the House and Senate received the latest
revision of the Governor’s proclamation, further expanding
the call to include several education bills that the
House-Senate working group has addressed in their meetings
for several weeks. Conspicuously absent from the call
is the proposal to establish charter schools. Since
this was by far the most contentious of the Governor’s
proposals, omitting it may well pave the way to having
several other education bills passed this week. Far
too many questions on charter schools was still unanswered.
As of Sunday afternoon, here is the list of bills introduced
by the Governor. (Note: the bills listed are House bills.
Identical Senate bills have also been introduced. For
instance, HB 201 is the same as SB 2001 when introduced).
HB 201 United States Senatorial succession
HB 202 Supplemental appropriation bills for Secretary
of State (for special election expense)
HB 203 Relating to investments by Marshall and WVU
HB 204 Creating a compulsory comprehensive health screening
for public school students
HB 205 Relating to improving schools and school districts
HB 206 Encouraging teacher collaboration through the
establishment of alternative school-level decision-making
bodies
HB 207 Providing alternative certification for principals
and providing alternative certification programs for
teachers
HB 208 Relating to the evaluation of professional personnel
in the public schools
HB 209 Establishing pilot programs for increasing academic
achievement
HB 210 Providing uniformity in alternative schools and
requiring a pilot program that will allow alternative
schools in elementary and middle schools
HB 211 Allowing more counties to apply to participate
in the military and overseas voting pilot program for
the 2010 general election
HB 212 Removing the sunset provision regarding family
court appeals
In addition to the already scheduled interim meetings
for July, this will be a most hectic schedule for the
coming week. We need to get as much accomplished as
possible in a short period of time, mindful of balancing
operational efficiency with not sacrificing thorough
debate on bills.
Please send address your inquiries to the Capitol Office
at: Building 1, Room 226-M, Charleston, WV 25305. Or,
feel free to call the Capitol office at 340-3220 or
my Assistant to the Majority Leader, Mr. Tom Bennett
at 340-3262 or fax to 340-3213. If you have an interest
in any particular bill or issue, please let me know.
For those with Internet access, my e-mail address is:
Brent.Boggs@WVhouse.gov
You also may obtain additional legislative information,
including the copies of bills, conference reports, daily
summaries, interim highlights, and other information
from the Legislature’s web site at http://www.legis.state.wv.us/.
If you write or leave a message, please remember to
include your phone number with your inquiry and any
details you can provide. Additional information, including
agency links and state government phone directory may
be found at www.wv.gov and on the Facebook site of the
West Virginia Legislature.
Remember to thank a veteran for their service to our
nation and continue to remember our troops - at home
and abroad - and keep them and their families in your
thoughts and prayers. Until next week – take care.
As expected, Governor Manchin moved up the call date
for the second special session of 2010 to last Thursday
in order to put forth his legislation regarding filling
the U.S. Senate vacancy created by the passing of Senator
Robert C. Byrd. Also last Friday, Governor Manchin appointed
Carte Goodwin, his former chief legal counsel, to fill
the Senate vacancy until a special election can be held
later this year. I congratulate Carte on this great
honor and I’m certain he will serve West Virginia with
distinction during his tenure until voters select a
new Senator.
The Senate passed their version of the election legislation
(SB 2001) on Saturday. The House, after initially rejecting
the measure, reconsidered the vote and passed the bill
(HB 201). Late Saturday evening, a conference committee
of three members from the House and Senate will meet
to attempt to iron out differences in the versions,
chaired by Sen. Oliverio and Delegate Miley.
Meanwhile, the House and Senate received the latest
revision of the Governor’s proclamation, further expanding
the call to include several education bills that the
House-Senate working group has addressed in their meetings
for several weeks. Conspicuously absent from the call
is the proposal to establish charter schools. Since
this was by far the most contentious of the Governor’s
proposals, omitting it may well pave the way to having
several other education bills passed this week. Far
too many questions on charter schools was still unanswered.
As of Sunday afternoon, here is the list of bills introduced
by the Governor. (Note: the bills listed are House bills.
Identical Senate bills have also been introduced. For
instance, HB 201 is the same as SB 2001 when introduced).
HB 201 United States Senatorial succession
HB 202 Supplemental appropriation bills for Secretary
of State (for special election expense)
HB 203 Relating to investments by Marshall and WVU
HB 204 Creating a compulsory comprehensive health screening
for public school students
HB 205 Relating to improving schools and school districts
HB 206 Encouraging teacher collaboration through the
establishment of alternative school-level decision-making
bodies
HB 207 Providing alternative certification for principals
and providing alternative certification programs for
teachers
HB 208 Relating to the evaluation of professional personnel
in the public schools
HB 209 Establishing pilot programs for increasing academic
achievement
HB 210 Providing uniformity in alternative schools and
requiring a pilot program that will allow alternative
schools in elementary and middle schools
HB 211 Allowing more counties to apply to participate
in the military and overseas voting pilot program for
the 2010 general election
HB 212 Removing the sunset provision regarding family
court appeals
In addition to the already scheduled interim meetings
for July, this will be a most hectic schedule for the
coming week. We need to get as much accomplished as
possible in a short period of time, mindful of balancing
operational efficiency with not sacrificing thorough
debate on bills.
Please send address your inquiries to the Capitol Office
at: Building 1, Room 226-M, Charleston, WV 25305. Or,
feel free to call the Capitol office at 340-3220 or
my Assistant to the Majority Leader, Mr. Tom Bennett
at 340-3262 or fax to 340-3213. If you have an interest
in any particular bill or issue, please let me know.
For those with Internet access, my e-mail address is:
Brent.Boggs@WVhouse.gov
You also may obtain additional legislative information,
including the copies of bills, conference reports, daily
summaries, interim highlights, and other information
from the Legislature’s web site at http://www.legis.state.wv.us/.
If you write or leave a message, please remember to
include your phone number with your inquiry and any
details you can provide. Additional information, including
agency links and state government phone directory may
be found at www.wv.gov and on the Facebook site of the
West Virginia Legislature.
Remember to thank a veteran for their service to our
nation and continue to remember our troops - at home
and abroad - and keep them and their families in your
thoughts and prayers. Until next week – take care.
