Tuesday, January 22, 2013
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Author Overcomes Tragedy By Justin Waybright justin@theputnamstandard.com
TEAYS VALLEY – Jan. 19 is a date Jack Runion will never forget. Tragedy struck hard when Runion lost his father to suicide. He tattooed the inerasable emotions he felt in a journal. That journal became the book: “A Bad Good-bye.” In one of his first entries, he writes: “On January 19, 2008, the bottom fell out of my world. My dad Charles Daniel Runion shot and killed himself. It still hasn’t sunk in –don’t know if it ever will…” His style is raw and honest. Runion’s soul bleeds into every tear-stained sentence of this 154page inner battle. One year’s worth of journal entries, combined with advice, answers and experiences fill this quick read. Although five years have passed since Charles Runion took his life, the question of why still haunts the Runion family. “He left no note,” said Runion before the book signing. “We never imagined this was someSEE AUTHOR ON PAGE 5
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Big Miracle in a Small Package By Justin Waybright justin@theputnamstandard.com
BUFFALO – Last Friday, Heaven touched earth in this town. A divinely serene presence overtook the inside of the Buffalo Church of the Nazarene. Teachers, preachers, children and community leaders fixed their eyes on a 7-year-old boy. The surreal day took Joseph Goddard by surprise. Recently, this Buffalo Elementary student cut more than 1- foot of his hair to donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Margie Sutphin, a representative from St. Jude’s explained to Goddard how much his act of kindness is appreciated. “You’ll never know who might benefit from this hair,” said Sutphin. “This will give someone confidence because of what you
St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital awards Joseph Goddard for donating more than 12-inches of hair. Photo by Justin Waybright. did.” She then gave Goddard an award from the hospital.
Others, one-by-one applauded him. “In a society where you hear
about the bad; isn’t it awesome when you can come together and celebrate a person’s life,” said Pastor Sherry Kinsey. “His focus was to help someone and he wasn’t going to let anyone stop him.” Commissioner President Joe Haynes was all smiles. “The Bible tells us not to neglect strangers, and we think of Jesus, who came not to be served by others, but to serve them,” said Haynes. “This is true generosity, and you set an example for all of us.” The commissioner gave him an award from the county. Steve Deweese, Putnam County’s new sheriff showed gratitude. “I want to focus on one thing: the selfless service of this sevenyear-old,” said Deweese. “He leads by example.” He gave Goddard a “Sheriff SEE MIRACLE ON PAGE 16
Crime Spree has Community on Alert By Justin Waybright justin@theputnamstandard.com
HURRICANE – Daytime break-ins have haunted a residential area near U.S. 60. For about two months, more than seven homeowners within 3,500 feet of each other have suffered these crimes, according to police reports. Lower Coach, Kingswood Estates and Linden Lane are the hot areas. The suspect remains unknown. Hurricane’s 16-officer police force is patrolling the 12-squaremiles of the city, looking for the alleged armed burglar. They believe the suspect may live near the reported incidents, and is on foot.
Police presence has picked up in the Sycamore Road area, following a slew of daytime break-ins. Putnam deputies, state troopers and city officers are working with detectives, community leaders and area residents to find the person responsible for more than seven break-ins in the past two months. Photo by Justin Waybright. Authorities, residents, K-9s and community leaders scouted
the Sycamore road area after the burglary calls started to hit the
police department. “We were there until 4 a.m., surveying the city,” said Hurricane Mayor Scott Edwards. Putnam County Sheriff’s deputies and W. Va. State troopers are also involved in the ongoing investigation. Last week, deputies and officers patrolled the area every day. Putnam Sheriff Steve Deweese is confident that the suspect will be caught soon. “I feel hopeful we’ll find him,” said Deweese. “Eventually, we’ll catch up with him.” His department met in Hurricane Friday to speak with officers and troopers to strategize. Hurricane Police Chief Mike Mullins is ready to make an arSEE ALERT ON PAGE 5
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