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Published: December 25, 2008 07:15 pm
Taking a glance back at highlights from 2008
January
The area marked the first anniversary of the Jan. 30, 2007, Ghent Little General Store explosion that claimed the lives of four and left five others critically injured, and two Raleigh County residents, former Sen. Russ Weeks and Delegate Melvin Kessler, announced their bids to seek the office of governor.
- The U.S. Chemical Safety Board released a report announcing that the propane tank that exploded at outside the Ghent Little General was too close to the building. Also, a valve on the tank was permanently stuck open, causing propane to release rapidly from the tank during what should have been a routine changeover.
- The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charleston filed criminal charges against a businessman, former bank president and former bank board member for alleged crimes stemming from a multimillion-dollar cattle scandal in Greenbrier County involving First National Bank of Ronceverte.
- Fred Yost, owner of Fred’s Deli, passed away. Yost had owned the downtown Beckley staple for more than 30 years.
- The state PSC voted to create a second area code to ensure West Virginia does not run out of phone numbers.
- Former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway served as keynote speaker for the Mountain State Coal Classic tip-off banquet.
- Mountain State University celebrated its 75th anniversary.
- Dr. Olen E. Jones Jr., longtime president of West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, announced his retirement.
- President Bush spoke at The Greenbrier, where he lauded his economic stimulus plan and previewed parts of his 2008 State of the Union address, which dealt with national security measures.
- West Virginia defeated Marshall 66-64 in the annual Capital Classic.
- Beckley Police Detective Capt. Jeff Shumate was named chief of detectives following the retirement of 27-year veteran Capt. Greg Tanner.
- Former Beckley Councilwoman Madrith Chambers was the first recipient of the Seat for Social Justice award during the second annual Martin Luther King Jr. Educational Service Awareness Day ceremony at Beckley Elementary School.
- Convicted murdered Michael Martin was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for his role in the Aug. 29, 2006, shooting death of Beckley Police Detective Cpl. Chuck Smith.
- Mountain State University dedicates its newest building, Wiseman Hall, in honor of longtime Board of Trustees member Mona K. Wiseman.
- The Greenbrier County Recycling Center collected more than 17,000 pounds of electronics in an effort to help rid the county of items such as unused computers and cell phones.
- Beckley Police Detective Sgt. David Allard was named the Southern Regional Highway Safety Program Office of the Year.
- Lawyers for and against a proposed Greenbrier County wind farm pleaded their cases before the state Supreme Court.
- The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department approved a new physical fitness policy, requiring officers to pass yearly physical fitness exams regardless of their roles, ranks and ages.
- WVU defeated Oklahoma 48-28 to win the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.
- The Beckley-Raleigh County YMCA celebrated its grand reopening following $200,000 in upgrades.
February
As issues of national proportions fueled debates among presidential hopefuls, West Virginia residents fumed about rising fuel costs. State legislators sought to hammer out bills containing measures that would prevent a recurrence of the 2007 Ghent explosion. Economic developers in Raleigh County faced frustration as a proposed study of plans for a Z-way to ease traffic snarls stalled out.
- Legislators and free clinic directors debate bill that could jeopardize free prescription medication programs.
- Three plead guilty in $4.2 million cattle and banking scandal in Greenbrier County.
- House OKs $5,000 legislative pay increase.
- Castle doctrine makes its way to governor’s office.
- Pre-trial hearing continued for Monroe County bus driver charged with DUI.
- Sen. Robert C. Byrd injured in a fall.
- Several bills inspired by Ghent explosion considered by legislators.
- Lillian James, 94, executive director of the Lillian James Learning Center for more than 30 years, dies.
- Z-way study stalled.
- Feds warn state about lack of staffing in the Department of Transportation.
- The Richard Shelton Memorial Award given by the West Virginia Association of Counties bestowed on Raleigh County Sheriff Danny Moore.
- Fuel prices continue steady rise.
- Beckley residents want to put “nail in coffin” of proposed crematory.
- Pre-trial motions heard in the case against Thomas Leftwich, charged in the 2006 shooting of Beckley police detective Chuck Smith.
- West Virginia author Homer Hickam releases his 10th book, “Red Helmet.”
- Rahall Technology Center dedicated at Concord University.
- Raleigh County Memorial Airport offers service to nation’s capital.
- Monroe County bus driver charged with DUI resigns, admits drinking problem.
March
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton made campaign stops in Beckley. The month began with the state Senate voting to raise lawmakers’ annual pay by $5,000 annually. While lawmakers tried to justify voting themselves a pay raise, Corrections Commissioner Jim Rubenstein said by the end of March all facilities in West Virginia’s penal system would be smoke free.
- Two of the nation’s leading whitewater outfitters, North American River Runners of Fayette County and North Carolina’s Nantahala Outdoor Center, announced a partnership to provide a comprehensive network of rafting trips on nine of the East’s finest whitewater rivers, including the New and Gauley.
- Summers County’s girls basketball team routed Lincoln to repeat as Class AA champion. The team started the season ranked No. 1 in Class AA and ended the season on top after the 80-47 win in the title game.
- The trial of murder suspect Thomas Leftwich got under way. Leftwich was accused of the Aug. 29, 2006, shooting death of Beckley Police Detective Cpl. Chuck Smith. On March 14, Leftwich was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.
- A federal appeals court overturned the conviction of Bob Graham, the former director of the Wyoming County Council on Aging. Graham had been convicted in 2006 in a bench trial after cashing in $31,129 in sick leave payments without seeking the approval of the council’s board of directors. In a 3-0 ruling, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va., said federal prosecutors didn’t adequately prove Graham intentionally stole the money from the council.
- Woodrow Wilson High School’s boys basketball team won the state Class AAA title with a 67-55 upset over the favored South Charleston Black Eagles. The win gave Woodrow Wilson its 16th state championship. Wyoming East defeated Ravens-wood 50-48 in the Class AA championship game on the same day.
- “Big Foot” mania hit West Virginia. A group of Big Foot searchers came to southern West Virginia to hopefully unravel the mystery of Sasquatch. There were more than 50 alleged sighting in the state, according to the searchers. The creature was not found, despite reports of alleged sightings in Monroe County.
- Democratic candidate for president Barack Obama visited Beckley. Obama discussed coal, energy, veterans and economic concerns with over 2,500 people at a town hall-style meeting at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center.
- Former President Bill Clinton visited Beckley in an attempt to bolster his wife’s campaign for president. Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.
- Joe Hatfield, the West Virginia Housing Fund’s executive director, said despite the nation’s mortgage crisis, the West Virginia real estate market remained strong. West Virginia had the lowest foreclosure rate in the nation. Hatfield credited the state’s lending industry and a more diversified state economy.
April
Former Wyoming County Council on Aging executive director Bob Graham had his federal conviction overturned on appeal and was freed from incarceration. A Hico man charged with three murders was convicted in Fayette County, and Linda Lugar, executive director for the United Way of Southern West Virginia, announced her retirement.
- Gary D. Martin, 57, of Hico, is tried and convicted before Fayette County Circuit Judge John Hatcher of two counts of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree murder for gunning down three men on Memorial Day 2007.
- Greenbrier Valley Airport Authority officials said the airport could lose up to $1 million due to a recent downturn in business at The Greenbrier.
- United Way of Southern West Virginia executive director Linda Lugar stepped down after five years with the organization to tend to family needs in New England.
- The state Supreme Court heard arguments from flood victims seeking to overturn a Raleigh County circuit judge’s decision in a lawsuit they filed over devastating floods in July 2001.
- After months of rancorous debate among the general public, Oak Hill City Council voted 5-2 to allow the would-be proprietors of a micro-brewery to open for business on Main Street.
- Bob Graham, former director of the Wyoming County Council on Aging, was freed from federal prison after his conviction on a corruption charge was overturned.
- A severe spring thunderstorm in southern West Virginia knocked down trees and cut off electricity across the region and blocked roads in Fayette County.
- A Raleigh County jury convicted Shawn Stewart, 28, of malicious wounding, conspiracy to commit malicious wounding and robbery in the Dec. 30, 2003, beating and robbery of Donald Mabes.
- Students at Concord University used bullhorns, air sirens and signs to protest increasing fees and tuition costs.
- Truckers converged on the state Capitol to protest high fuel costs.
- Chelsea Clinton stumped for her mom’s Democratic presidential bid in Montgomery.
- Rocky Dale Wriston, 36, of the Rebecca Lane area of Gatewood, was arrested in McDowell County and charged with the murder and robbery of William Lee McGraw, 52, of Rowe Hollow Road off Gatewood Road in Oak Hill.
May
West Virginia voters headed to the polls during the long, bitter Democratic presidential nomination battle — and both candidates and their surrogates battled for votes in the Mountain State.
In early May, former president Bill Clinton stumped for his wife, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, in counties including Fayette, Greenbrier and Mercer. The day before the May 13 primary, Sen. Clinton herself then campaigned across southern West Virginia, making a stop in Wyoming County. Her chief rival, Sen. Barack Obama, rallied voters in Charleston.
Clinton won the West Virginia primary by a significant margin, but Obama won the Democratic Party’s nomination.
- Raleigh County Chief Deputy Steve Tanner defeated four other candidates and won the Raleigh County sheriff’s race.
- Bill Wooton, Sally Susman and incumbents Rick Moye, Virginia Mahan and Louis Gall won the Democratic Party’s nomination in the 27th District House of Delegates Race. Delegate Linda Sumner, Dereck Severt, Jeffrey Pack, Kevin Honaker and Philip Stevens won the Republican Party’s nomination.
- Fayette County Sheriff Bill Laird won the Democratic nomination for the 11th District state Senate race.
- Incumbents Margaret Staggers and David Perry and Tom Louisos won the Democratic Party’s 29th District House of Delegates nominations.
- Joan C. Browning and incumbent Tom Campbell won the 28th District House of Delegates Democratic nominations.
- During an emergency meeting, the Richwood Area Community Hospital’s board voted to close the hospital. The closure was expected to affect more than 100 full- and part-time employees.
- Mabscott’s nearly four-year effort to annex a portion of Robert C. Byrd Drive moved to Raleigh County Circuit Court.
- Beckley city officials faced more than 50 residents, mostly ones furious about a proposed ordinance that would limit the number of pets they could own to three dogs and three cats.
- Bob Graham, the former director of the Wyoming County Council on Aging, told The Register-Herald he believed the news media formed a “lynch mob,” encouraging federal prosecutors to scrutinize his handling of the agency.
- Officials from Raleigh General, Beckley Appalachian Regional and Summers County Appalachian Regional hospitals announced a mutual agreement that would ban tobacco use both indoors and outdoors anywhere on their properties.
- U.S. Airways Express, which serviced two flights a day from Pittsburgh and Charlotte, N.C., pulled out of Greenbrier Valley Airport.
n A wrongful death lawsuit filed May 5 claimed members of the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department acted negligently when they shot and killed 44-year-old Robert Webb, a Cabell Heights man who was firing an AK-47, on July 4, 2006.
- Raleigh County Circuit Judge H.L. Kirkpatrick sentenced Shawn Stewart, 29, a native of Wyoming County, to one to five years in prison for conspiracy, two to 10 years for malicious wounding and 25 years for robbery.
- Xavier Leroy Scott, 40, of Beckley, was charged with the Columbus, Ohio, murder of his ex-girlfriend Tina Mackey.
- Effie Pate, 76, died in a house fire at 114 Johnston St. in Beckley.
- Residents of Beckley’s Tank Hill neighborhood gathered en masse at a Beckley Common Council meeting, protesting Melton Mortuary’s plans to operate a crematory at its Sunrise Avenue facility.
- A wrongful death lawsuit accusing a Raleigh County anesthesiologist of leaving Baptist minister Sherman Sizemore paralyzed but fully awake during a 2006 gall bladder surgery — allegedly prompting Sizemore to take his own life two weeks later — was settled confidentially.
- A single mother and her four children lost their home in a fire at Oakmont Greene Apartments in Bradley.
- Citing a significant drop in volunteer fire departments’ bingo revenues, state Sen. Mike Green, D-Raleigh, suggested the Legislature examine other bingo operators to see if they are operating properly.
- A legislative audit gave the West Virginia Parkways Authority generally high marks for its efforts to operate more efficiently. At the same time, it pointed to diminishing toll revenues and noted $27 million West Virginia Turnpike improvements are being left on the shelf each year.
- U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton, who presided over the criminal trial of Vice President Dick Cheney’s former Chief of Staff Scooter Libby, was the keynote speaker at the Mountain State Bar Association Awards Banquet and Gala in Beckley.
- Gas prices of more than $4 a gallon caused problems for station owners with old analog pumps. Most could not calculate the new prices.
June
A bulletproof vest was credited for saving the life of a Fayette County sheriff’s deputy, embattled West Virginia University President Michael Garrison announced his resignation and record high temperatures baked the region.
- The director of the Nicholas County Office of Emergency Services and his personal assistant were arrested by State Police for allegedly using county funds for personal use, including hotel stays.
- Contract negotiations continued in the months-long collective bargaining dispute between union officials and The Greenbrier.
- Retired West Virginia University football coach Don Nehlen successfully endured triple heart bypass surgery at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.
- Fears of a “serial arsonist” put Hinton residents on edge and prompted the creation of a watch group to patrol the town.
- Raleigh County sheriff’s deputies received five new state of the art cruisers, courtesy of the Raleigh County Commission.
- Theatre West Virginia opened for its 48th season, featuring its three staple productions and two new attractions — “Cinderella” and “High School Musical.”
- Mike Garrison announced that he would step down in September as president of West Virginia University to stop the “controversy and clamor” regarding a degree scandal involving the governor’s daughter.
- A Fayette County sheriff’s deputy was shot while responding to an altercation in Montgomery. According to Sheriff Bill Laird, Deputy S.R. Morris’ life was spared by the bulletproof vest he was wearing.
- Record high temperatures baked the region with a 90-degree heat wave for several days.
- Sen. Robert C. Byrd, 90, was hospitalized several days for treatment of a mild infection.
- The president of the West Virginia Education Association sought salary improvements for Mountain State teachers.
- The Fayette County Board of Health voted to ratchet up the stringency of its already tough indoor anti-smoking regulations.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recall of certain tomatoes in a salmonella scare affected local businesses.
July
Summer storms ripped through the region in July as The Greenbrier labor dispute heated up. Union and resort officials met for the sixth straight month, but no agreement is reached.
- The Greenbrier County Commission agreed to subsidize a Delta Airlines flight up to $175,000 after Greenbrier hotel officials threatened to have the flight canceled.
- Margaret Ann O’Neal was named executive director of the United Way of Southern West Virginia.
- An early morning fire in Greenbrier County killed thousands of turkeys at one of the world’s largest poultry facilities.
- The 8,000-acre ATV and off-road dirt bike facility known as Burning Rock opened in Raleigh County.
- The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Beckley was the eighth largest city in West Virginia with 16,830 residents.
- Alan Wharton won the 2008 BNI Memorial golf tournament by seven shots over Don Jones with a final-round score of 73.
- The Kyle Petty Charity drive rolled into White Sulphur Springs.
- Country Music star Randy Travis performed at the annual Friends of Coal Auto Fair.
- A former correctional officer, David Wayne Masters, received one year of probation after being convicted of having sexual relations with an inmate at the Anthony Correctional Center.
- A former Mount Hope High School band teacher, Daryl T. Finley, was sentenced to home incarceration for four months after being convicted of sexually touching a 17-year-old high school student on a school bus returning from a football game.
- Beech Ridge Energy director Dave Groberg said construction of the $300 million Greenbrier County wind farm could begin as early as spring 2009.
- Strong storms with winds up to 50 mph swept through the Beckley area.
- Former Wyoming County Council on Aging director Bob Graham sued the federal government for “wrongful conviction.”
- A proposed Beckley crematorium was denied a permit for the second time by the state Department of Environmental Protection.
- Former Monroe County bus driver Clyde Watson was sentenced to 12 days in jail for being convicted of DUI after crashing his bus over a hill.
August
Gov. Joe Manchin opened the door to Raleigh General Hospital and other health care providers across the state to add more cardiac care options to their menu of services, and hundreds of West Virginia children became eligible for state health coverage after the Children’s Health Insurance Board approved a plan extending coverage to families of four earning up to $53,000.
- WVU’s Heisman hopeful, Patrick White, threw for a career-best five touchdowns as the Mountaineers mauled Villanova 48-21 in the season opener.
- The Fayette County Board of Health voted 3-1 to amend the county’s enhanced smoking ban, which went into effect Oct. 1. The amendment allowed bars, beer taverns, video lottery establishments, bowling alleys and fraternal organizations to permit indoor smoking under certain restrictions.
- A Kanawha County chemical plant was rocked by an explosion, injuring two people, shutting down highways and enforcing emergency officials to impose a shelter in place.
- City and state officials broke ground for the new Oak Hill police station. The city borrowed $1.25 million to pay for the project.
- Midnight fire destroyed rafting offices at Passages to Adventure in Fayetteville.
- Raleigh County sheriff’s deputies recovered nearly $90,000 in bronze vases stolen from cemetery headstones in one of their “worst” metal theft cases to date.
- Beckley native Lorna Scott starred in the hit Angelina Jolie movie “Wanted.”
- Shady High graduate Whitney Humphreys was recognized for playing professional softball in Netherlands.
- President Bush visited The Greenbrier to speak before the West Virginia Coal Association regarding energy plans, one of which includes the use of coal. Bush, who said the country had approximately 250-year supply of coal remaining, discussed the importance of clean coal research, nuclear power, wind and solar energy.
September
September witnessed a final report on the Ghent propane gas explosion that left four people dead, a move by the Raleigh County Commission to restrict video poker parlors, the death of Beckley leader Leslie Gates, controversy over a Medicaid redesign and West Virginia’s easy domination of Marshall in football.
- Retired chemical engineer Cliff Rotz called for legalization of more demonstrative fireworks as a means of generating money to give volunteer firefighters a pension.
- Second round of inductees lined up for honor at West Virginia All Black Sports & Academic Hall of Fame.
- Raleigh County Commission moved to restrict video poker parlors with a new ordinance aimed at keeping them out of residential neighborhoods.
- Greenbrier Valley Airport welcomed a new era of air travel as Continental Airlines made its inaugural flight.
- Fayette Schools Superintendent Chris Perkins disclosed the suspension of chief financial officer Annette Hughart without pay for alleged insubordination and neglect of duties.
- Gathering of Mountain Eagles organized to assist wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
- Not your usual race — but 7-year-old Emily Crook was no less jubilant than if she had been at Kentucky Derby after “Oreo” takes the prize in hamster race.
- Longtime Beckley resident and visionary business leader Leslie Gates died at home.
- Union leaders told the county commission they endorse the idea of letting voters decide casino-style gambling at The Greenbrier.
- Administrative law judge learned that the Public Service Commission and Beckley Water Co. agreed to a compromised rate hike of nearly 13 percent.
- Gambling at The Greenbrier put on ballot; ceremonies across Beckley area honored victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack.
- Officials could experience higher level of conflicts with mentally ill if Medicaid redesign isn’t reformed; DHHR Secretary Martha Walker says critics need to give redesign time to work.
- Service provider says Medicaid system not working for clients in redesign; House health leader Don Perdue called for dialogue to make amends.
- Grand jury indicted Mount View High head football coach Leon Steven Gravely in death of a bicyclist on the Coalfields Expressway.
- Improved technology should make traffic run a little smoother at intersections featuring new lights in Beckley.
- Bear hunters took to woods for a first-of-its-kind hunt in southern counties.
- Seven of West Virginia’s larger utility companies sought permission of the Public Service Commission to raise rates.
- Cell phone chatter in traffic resurfaced in Legislature after Gov. Joe Manchin disclosed his desire to see some restrictions imposed.
- Beth Thompson of Fairdale Elementary School was honored as Teacher of the Year in Raleigh County.
- Greenbrier County Commission contemplated a lawsuit against Western Greenbrier Co-Generation over the defunct power plant’s debt of $50,000 to the county.
- Raleigh General Hospital filed formal application with Health Care Authority for angioplasty service after a new rule was amended so patients living an hour from Charleston aren’t limited to care in the capital.
- In its final report on Ghent propane gas leak explosion that left four dead, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board termed the disaster “a tragic and preventable loss of life.”
- Marian McQuade, founder of Grandparents Day, died at 91 in an Oak Hill nursing home.
- It’s not exactly Alabama vs. Auburn or Ohio State taking on Michigan, but the WVU-Marshall rivalry is still heated, and this year, the Mountaineers staked bragging rights with a 27-3 mauling of Thundering Herd.
- An investigation is launched by Montgomery police chief into claims that a man was beaten by two of the city’s police officers.
October
Trying to prevent a deep national recession, the U. S. Senate passed a $700 billion financial bailout plan, allowing the government to spend billions of dollars to buy bad mortgage-related securities and other devalued assets held by troubled financial institutions. Within hours, President Bush signed the legislation.
Despite the national bailout plan, auto makers across the country began to suffer from the failing economy and Wall Street began record spirals.
Congressional hearings began in an effort to find the root of the economic meltdown, with giant financial institutions continuing to go belly-up.
- Less than a week after the government had to bail out American International Group Inc., company executives participated in a $440,000 retreat at a posh California resort, angering lawmakers and taxpayers. The tab included $23,380 worth of spa treatments for the executives.
- Area law enforcement officials warned residents and business owners crime could rise as the economy continued to fall.
- Drug companies, in concession to pediatricians, warned parents not to give over-the-counter cold medicines to children under 4 and not to give children antihistamines to help them sleep.
- Sen. Robert C. Byrd was honored on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry with the Dr. Perry F. Harris Distinguished Fiddler Award.
- A two-alarm fire destroyed the Itmann Food Bank, which provided food and clothing to needy residents each month. The food bank was temporarily relocated to the Mullens Opportunity Center.
- Saturday hours at more than one-quarter of West Virginia’s post offices were reduced in an effort to save costs.
- The Mass Litigation Panel, consisting of six circuit judges from across the state, convened at the Raleigh County Courthouse to discuss the status of 2001 flood cases, paying special detail to changes in the way the panel conducts business and how those changes will affect the flood litigation in particular.
- Tom Scott, administrator of Southern Regional Jail, was dismissed, just months shy of his pension. No explanation was provided to state lawmakers at the time. Four correctional officers soon followed, again with no explanation.
- Cpl. Stephen Gillespie, 48, a correctional officer at Southern Regional Jail, was arrested and charged with sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion on incarcerated persons. He was released on bond.
- Bridge Day drew thousands of visitors while police and emergency medical personnel held their collective breath. Only minor injuries, however, were reported in the annual celebration.
- Woodrow Wilson High School was evacuated following a bomb threat. No explosives were found in the school.
- Southern West Virginia counties readied for a record turnout in the November general election, checking and re-checking voting machines and training poll workers.
- A state funding cut of $100,000 placed the future of Theatre West Virginia in jeopardy.
November
The month began with a visit from former President Bill Clinton to rally last-minute support for Democratic candidate for president Barack Obama.
The month ended tragically when a Raleigh County man was charged in the shooting death of his 3-year-old son. Gary Wayne Garretson, 44, of Coal City was charged with the death, but authorities refused to release the details behind the shooting and arrest.
- A felony charge against a Raleigh County deputy was dropped during a preliminary hearing in magistrate court. Magistrate Mary Jennings said the felony worthless check charge against Randy Burgess was dismissed after a special prosecutor said he believed the state “didn’t have a case.” It was alleged Burgess wrote “multiple thousands” of dollars of worthless checks.
- Most West Virginians voted for Republican John McCain for president. However, the country overall overwhelmingly elected Democrat Barack Obama. West Virginia incumbent Democrat Gov. Joe Manchin easily defeated Republican challenger from Raleigh County Russ Weeks.
- The state Parkway’s Authority said the need to hike tolls on the West Virginia Turnpike was coming soon. There was also a discussion on the privatization of Tamarack, a financial burden on the state since its inception more than a decade ago.
- Sen. Robert C. Byrd announced he would be stepping down as chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee on Jan. 6. Byrd said a new day had dawned and that it was a “good thing.” Senators called the 90-year-old Byrd “a genuine American hero” and “a man of outstanding character and great wisdom.”
- Beckley hosted the state high school soccer championships at the YMCA’s Paul Cline Memorial Youth Sports Complex. Visitors and teams from around the state praised the Beckley facilities and the countless hours put in by local volunteers and businesses.
- It was reported that Sophia Town Hall closed with no word or reason given to the public. Citizens complained they were not able to pay city sewer and water bills. One councilman said he heard the town was going through a state audit, but couldn’t officially confirm it. Town hall only closed for one day. Sophia Mayor Harry Taylor said staff training was the reason and that it was posted 10 days prior that the town hall would be closed for a day.
- The Greenbrier County canvass was halted after it was believed that over 300 votes were not counted in the Nov. 4 general election. Human error was later blamed for the missed votes. However, those votes did not change any results of the election.
- Several cities and counties in southern West Virginia hosted parades to honor veterans on Veterans Day.
- Legendary West Virginia sport writer Mickey Furfari came to Beckley to sign copies of his new book, “Mickey’s Mountaineer Memories.” The book features 41 chapters on WVU athletes and coaching legends, including Jerry West, Sam Huff, Hot Rod Hundley, Rod Thorn and Don Nehlen. The book is still available to order online at www.register-herald.com.
- Up-and-coming local country band Taylor Made announced it would perform a benefit concert at Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley that would be recorded and possibly featured on Country Music Television.
- It was announced by the state Division of Natural Resources that there would be no gun deer season for Wyoming and McDowell counties as well as a limited season in Logan and Mingo counties. DNR officials said the deer population in those counties was not large enough to sustain a gun hunting season.
- The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department announced that anyone who operates a county vehicle for the department will face random drug testing twice a year and all other departments stand to be tested once per year.
- Three local hospitals — Raleigh General, Beckley ARH and Summers County ARH — began a new smoke-free campaign that eliminated smoking on the property and campuses of all three hospitals. The ban prevents tobacco use of any kind, inside or outside, of the hospitals properties.
- Former Gov. Cecil Underwood died. He was both youngest and oldest governor in the state’s history. His first and last terms in office were 40 years apart.
- Theatre West Virginia’s board voted to close it doors after it was announced the state Division of Culture and History would cut funding to the organization by $100,000.
- The Legislature and the governor’s office announced the state’s crowded prisons problems would be studied. The state’s 6,000 inmates already exceed the state’s prison capacity and the number is expected to surpass 8,000 by 2012, officials said.
December
Theatre West Virginia’s money troubles, prompted by a $100,000 cut in taxpayer funding, dominated December’s news, but it was also a month that saw news breaking out on a number of fronts.
For instance, Turnpike Manager Greg Barr suggested lawmakers could float a new bond to lessen the amount of an impending toll increase, incoming Raleigh County Prosecutor Kristen Keller strongly criticized the concept of drug courts, both House Speaker Rick Thompson and Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin predicted the sluggish economy could dictate the 2009 session, and gun sales shot up dramatically out of fears over Barack Obama’s presidency.
On the lighter side, a Wyoming County woman launched a balloon to honor her late aunt, and the object found its way across the Atlantic Ocean on an English beach.
- Gov. Joe Manchin hadn’t set a timetable for proposing an increase in tolls on West Virginia Turnpike.
- Officials of Beckley-Raleigh County Transportation Authority and state Department of Transportation agreed to move to the next step in proposed Z-Way roads project.
- Prosecutor-elect Kristen Keller strongly opposed the idea of drug court, telling the Raleigh County Commission the judicial system shouldn’t act as “therapists” for convicts.
- Hundreds gathered in Glen Jean to bid regional soldiers farewell in deployment to Middle East.
- Talk grew over the prospect of seeing if a private entity might be interested in leasing or buying financially ailing Tamarack on West Virginia Turnpike; Parkways Authority painted a grim picture of deferred road needs in building case for higher tolls.
- Theatre West Virginia officials met with Education and Arts Secretary Kay Goodwin to see how the drama company can keep the shows going in face of $100,000 budget cut this year.
- Barack Obama’s election inspires major upswing in the purchase of firearms and ammunition, out of fears the Democratic candidate, branded by the NRA as the “poster boy for gun control,” might seek to tinker with 2nd Amendment.
- House Speaker Rick Thompson and Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin say economic downturn in nation could have an impact on how Legislature functions in 2009 session.
- Two mistaken releases of inmates prompted the dismissal of the administrator at Southern Regional Jail, lawmakers told, but Authority Director Terry Miller avoided specifics, citing the grievance procedure involving five former employees.
- Legislative auditors say the West Virginia Parkways Authority needs to cut back on the five tourist information centers on the turnpike, saying elimination of the facilities could mean $1.2 million more each year for road upkeep.
- An assistant Fayette County prosecutor was fired after being charged with assault and brandishing a gun at the home of her boyfriend’s former wife in a domestic dispute.
- Turnpike Manager Greg Barr says one option to keep anticipated toll increase lower would be for Legislature to float a new bond.
- Senate Finance Chairman Walt Helmick says tough economic times might leave lawmakers no choice next year but to prepare a “lean and mean” budget with no increase in spending, and possibly some cuts.
- Two Fayette County men suffered fatal injuries when a pickup truck crossed U.S. 60 in Hico and slammed against a tree.
- The Raleigh County Commission agreed to put up $15,000 to help bail out Theatre West Virginia.
- A balloon launched in rural Wyoming County to honor White Osborne’s late aunt crossed the Atlantic Ocean and came to rest on a beach on the northwest coast of England.
- Gov. Joe Manchin confirmed that a portion of the first phase of the proposed Z-Way project, extending the East Beckley bypass from Grey Flats Road to Stanaford Road, is part of West Virginia’s package being submitted to President-elect Obama for inclusion in the proposed federal infrastructure stimulus package.
- In just three weeks, Theatre West Virginia, through a local and national appeal for help, raised nearly $90,000 to help offset a $100,000 reduction in state funds.
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