The Putnam Standard

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

EXTRA ONLINE EDITION

ATTORNEY GENERAL TARGETS ‘PILL MILL’ DISTRIBUTORS. PAGE 10

PSD awarded $1.5 million USDA loan SUBMITTED ARTICLE HURRICANE -- USDA Rural Development State Director Bobby Lewis has announced that USDA Rural Development has approved a Water and Waste Disposal Loan of $1,500,000 for the Putnam County Public Service District, Putnam County.

Rural Development funds will be used to construct new sanitary sewers and pump stations to serve approximately 277 customers in the Rocky Step and Kilgore Road areas, to replace sanitary sewers in the Marina Park Mobile Home Park with gravity sewers and precast concrete manholes, to construct gravity sewers to approximately 56 new customers along Route 60, and to rehabilitate existing manholes in Lexington Estates.

Rural Development serves as the lead Federal entity for rural development needs and administers program assistance through its housing, business, community and infrastructure programs.

Further information on USDA Rural Development may be obtained by visiting USDA’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

In West Virginia, call 1-800295-8228 to be put in touch with the appropriate personnel serving your county.

HOW TO REACH US PHONE: (304) 743-6731 FAX: (304) 562-6214

Hurricane man wins state truck driving championship HURRICANE -- Hurricane resident and professional truck driver John Hodges was named Grand Champion of the West Virginia Trucking Association’s 57th Annual Truck Driving Championship, held Saturday, June 23 in Charleston, association representatives announced.

Hodges, a driver for UPS Freight, took the top honor after competing in variety of skill and safety tests.

This is the third time Hodges has won the Grand Champion Award, placing first in 2008 and 2010.

Jan Vineyard, President of the association, said, “The purpose of the Truck Driving Championship is to give trucking professionals the opportunity to test their driving and safety skills against their West Virginia peers.

The competition mirrors what professional truck drivers must do day-in and day-out to maintain safety records unmatched by any other segment of the driving public.”

In addition to the driving competition, which included over 50 professional truck drivers repre-

senting 11 West Virginia-based motor freight companies, the association recognized drivers for their 2011 safety accomplishments during an awards banquet Saturday evening.

Vineyard said Paul Gray, a Mt. Nebo, West Virginia resident who drives for Petroleum Transport, was honored with the West Virginia Professional Driver-of-theYear Award. Gray has driven over 2.6 million miles in his 35 year career with no accidents.

Keith Miller, a Marlinton, West Virginia, resident employed by Burns Motor Freight, was honored with the State Police Safety Award. Miller has driven for 33 years and 3 million miles without any accidents. He was named Driver Of The Year in 2007, has won Driver Of The Month five times and received the Outstanding Driver Award four times.

Randy Johnson, a driver with Petroleum Transport Inc. and a Summersville, West Virginia resident, earned the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration SEE DRIVER ON PAGE 3

John Hodges of Hurricane has been named Grand Campion of the West Virginia Trucking Association’s Annual Truck Driving Championship. Courtesy photo

Commission awards bid to build Animal Shelter

By Jack Bailey jackbailey@theputnamstandard.com

WINFIELD – The Putnam County Commission has awarded Charleston-based building contractor BBL Carlton the bid to build the new Putnam County Animal Shelter.

BBL Carlton submitted the low bid of $2,053,967 for the project at a special meeting of the Com-

mission on June 21. Following review of the six bids that were submitted, the Commission confirmed the selection of BBL Carlton to build the new animal shelter at its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 26.

Following the awarding of the bid, County Manager Brian Donat said that officials hope that ground can be broken on the new animal shelter in July.

The new animal shelter will be located on the Eleanor side of the Ross Booth Memorial Bridge at Winfield. It will replace an existing facility in Winfield that has been in use for 27 years.

In other news at the June 26 meeting, commissioners voted to keep the county's property and liability insurance with The Travelers, through the Hurricanebased Payne & Garlow Insurance.

The Commission had also heard a presentation from the West Virginia Counties Risk Pool at its June 12 meeting and had asked for time to consider both proposals.

At the June 26 meeting, both Harold Payne of Payne & Garlow and Steve Rawlings of the West Virginia Counties Risk Pool were SEE COMMISSION ON PAGE 3

The Putnam Standard SEND YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS TO US AT JACKBAILEY@THEPUTNAMSTANDARD.COM

Page 2 – June 25-29, 2012 Notice The July 4th Putnam Union PSD water meeting has been changed to July 11, 2012 because of the holiday.

Alcoholics Anonymous Can Help If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help.

Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 1.800.333.5051 or find meeting locations at www.aawv.org.

Childbirth Education Classes FamilyCare offers ongoing childbirth education classes in the Teays Valley area. These classes discuss birth options, the labor process, medications and more.

This class series meets for four Mondays each month from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Registration is required, and Medicaid patients are welcome. To register, contact Debi Ellis at 304-757-6999, ext 80, or Debi.ellis@familycarewv.org.

SC Public Library Closed July 4th The South Charleston Public Library will be closed Wednesday, July 4, 2012 for the holiday.

They will reopen on Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 9 a.m.

SpeakEasy Singles: Bicycle Riding with Keith and Jerry When: Saturday, June 30.

Where: University of Charleston, 2300 MacCorkle Ave. SE. Charleston.

More info. call 304-357-4750.

Attention Putnam County Seniors Farmers Market Vouchers will be given out Monday, July 2nd from 9 am – 1 pm at all Putnam Senior Centers.

All seniors must bring identification!

Community Calendar Buffalo Senior Center, #48 Wrights Lane in Buffalo, phone 304-937-3352 Hometown Senior Center, 100 -1st Ave in Hometown, phone 304-937-3352 John Henson Senior Center, 2800 Putnam Avenue in Hurricane, phone 304-562-9451 Nitro (Putnam), 302 21st Street in Nitro, phone 304-7557592.

Alzheimer Support Group Alzheimer support group held on the first Wednesday of each month at 12:00 noon at Hometown Senior Center. There is no charge.

This group is for the caregiver, spouse, or family member of the Alzheimer patient.

Hometown Senior Center is located at 100 First Ave. N. in Hometown.

No need to sign up ahead of time.

For more information you may call 304-586-2745.

Buffalo Church of God Vacation Bible School NOW thru Friday June 29 from 6:30 – 8:45 PM Theme: Sonrise National Park Classes: Nursery – Teen Pastor Jake Eldridge welcomes you

Buffalo July 4th Celebration!

Buffalo’s July 4th celebration will be held Wednesday, July 4th, starting at 1 p.m. with a parade.

All day musical groups, inflatable’s and games plus fireworks at 10 p.m.

For more information or to rent a booth space, call Barbara 304-937-2452.

New Hope Animal Rescue looking for new Members New Hope Animal Rescue

(formerly the Putnam County Humane Society) meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at its thrift store, Paws and Shop, 2806 Putnam Ave. in Hurricane.

NHAR is a nonprofit, no-kill animal rescue. The group is seeking new members, volunteers, foster homes or anyone who would like to help. Call 304-562-0300 for more information.

Network Of Women (NOW ) Monthly Meeting Date: July 19, 2012 Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM at the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Office.

About NOW: This committee is led by women in business in the community. Programs are designed to support women in the business community. Typical programs conducted throughout the year are a blood drive, the “Uniquely Me” Program, “Ladies Night Out” and “In the Know”. The group also participates in “Bell Ringing” for the Salvation Army and collected non-perishable food items throughout the year and distributed to the local food pantry to give back to the community.

NOW is open to all women working for and with Putnam County Chamber member businesses interested in expanding their professional, personal and social relationships with other women.

Senior Fitness Classes Senior fitness classes are held at the John Henson Senior Center in Hurricane from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. A certified fitness instructor leads the class. For more information, call 304757-0016.

Why not volunteer to Walk Dogs at the Animal Shelter?

Putnam Animal Relief Center, Winfield, WV, could use your help any time from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. To volunteer or for more information, call 304-444-0060.

Bob Thompson to perform at FireSide Grille Bob Thompson is scheduled to perform at the FireSide Grille, 4170 W.Va. 34, Teays Val-

ley, on Thursday, July 19.

Riverfest – St. Albans Join in the fun, June 28th – July 1st, 2012 at St. Albans Roadside Park.

Mark your calendar NOW for the following upcoming events: Riverfest Pageant – May 19th Children’s Pageant – May 20th Golf Tournament – June 3rd Idol Preliminary Audition – June 23rd Headliners for this year include: Thursday, June 28th – Darryl Worley Friday, June 29th – The Reflections Saturday, June 30th – Lyndsey Highlander Sunday, July 1st – Rick K. and the Allnighters.

For more information, visit www.saintalbansriverfest.com or go to facebook.com/riverfestwv.

T.O.P.S. No. 599 Weekly meetings of TOPS "Take Off Pounds Sensibly," are held at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesdays at St. Patrick Church, 207 Jefferson Street, Bancroft. Questions, call Sharon, 304-523-4618.

Do you enjoy working with Children?

And want to work out of your own home? Then home-based child care is the ticket for you.

As a home child care provider you have the luxury of making your own flexible schedule and being your own boss.

More importantly, you have the power to make a positive difference in the lives of many young children.

You must be 18 years of age or older and your home must meet the state requirements.

If interested please call Link Child Care Resource and Referral Agency today at 1-800-8949540 or 304-523-9540. In the Logan, Boone, and Mingo area, please call 1-304-752-3932.

Car & Bike Show!

Mark your calendar now for the 4th Annual Point Pleasant River Museum Car and Bike Show, to be held Saturday July 14, 2012 at 28 Main Street, Point Pleasant, WV (across from Tu-Endie-Wei State Park).

The Putnam Standard Registration time will begin at 9:00 am with the Show being held from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

This Benefit for the Point Pleasant River Museum, will offer food and drinks, music & awards, great door prizes and a 50/50 drawing.

Classes are: 1985 & newer; 1984 & older; Motorcycle and Motorized bikes. There is a $10.00 entry fee.

For more information, please contact: Jack Fowler or Ruth Fout at 304-674-0144.

Let’s Decorate for the 4th of July!

The Buffalo Citizens Action Committee encourages the residents of Buffalo to decorate the street signs for the 4th of July celebration. If you are interested or need additional information contact Linda 304-937-3427

Nitro Antique Car Club Cruise-in When: July 6 Where: Putnam County Bank, 300 Hurricane Creek Road, Hurricane, WV Time: From 5 p.m. to dusk.

There is no entry fee for cruise-in events.

For more information, call Paul Lett at 304-755-4187, Earl Taylor at 304-776-2117 or Jeary Mullins at 304-9651594.

Huntington's Disease Support Group Formed A peer-led Huntington's Disease Support Group has been formed in Charleston for patients, families, caregivers and those at risk. The meetings are held on the second Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Saint Francis Hospital.

For more information, call 304-549-3266 or debarm@suddenlink.net.

Transportation available to Seniors Transportation is available to join others for lunch Monday – Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the Hometown Senior Center, located at 100 1st Ave., in Hometown. On the way home, stops can also be made at grocery store, post office, or pharmacy. Call 304-586-2745 for more information.

SOUTHERN MINI STORAGE • No Deposit • All sizes available • Starting a $25.00 • Boat & RV Storage Fenced & Lighted • Residence Managed Security • 24 Hr. Access • Call Anytime 105 Pickens Rd., Nitro, WV

755-3306

The Putnam Standard

Community News

COMMISSION FROM PAGE 1

DRIVER FROM PAGE 1

on hand to offer additional information and to field questions from commissioners.

Payne actually presented commissioners with a lower premium proposal than he presented at the June 12 meeting, saying that “Travelers doesn't want to lose the account.” Payne & Garlow has carried the county's insurance for the past 15 years.

Payne's new premium proposal was for $400,640, while the cost of the Risk Pool's proposal was $374,561.

Despite the higher premium costs, all three Putnam County commissioners questioned language in the contract proposal from the Risk Pool that allowed for the Pool to come back and charge assessments during the year if the Pool faced a situation where it was unable to make payouts on behalf of its members.

“You mean we could be doing everything right here in Putnam County and could still have an assessment because some other member of the pool was negligent,” Commissioner Steve Andes asked Rawlings. “Heaven help us to be in there with Lincoln County (where two elected officials recently pleaded guilty to federal vote buying charges).”

Rawlings said that while the Risk Pool reserved the right to make an assessment if circumstances arose, it would be very unlikely.

Rawlings also questioned Payne & Garlow dropping the premium from the one it first proposed on June 12.

“Where was that two weeks ago,” Rawlings said.

In the end, commissioners voted to keep the county's insurance business with Payne & Garlow, citing the local office and high level of service the county has received through the years.

“Is the value there to justify paying more,” Commissioner Joe Haynes said. “Yes, I think it is. I think we are better off staying with a company that we know and that we have received a high level of service from through the years.”

In other news at the June 26 meeting, commissioners approved a Payment In Lieu Of

Driver of the Year Award. Johnson has driven for nearly 27 years and has logged over 2.7 million miles without an accident.

Other winners include: Rookie of the Year: Eric Johnson, FedEx Freight Team Champions – UPS Freight 1st Place Straight Truck – James Priddy, FedEx Freight 1st Place 3-Axle Tractor Semitrailer – John Hodges, UPS Freight 1st Place 4-Axle Tractor Semitrailer – Tim Hodges, UPS Freight 1st Place 5-Axle Van – Clarence Jenkins, Jr., UPS Freight Tank Truck – John Gibson, ABF Freight Systems

This piece of land on the Eleanor side of the Ross Booth Memorial Bridge in Winfield is the future home of the Putnam County Animal Shelter. On Tuesday, the Putnam County Commission voted to award the construction contract for the new Animal Shelter to BBL Carlton. Photo by Jack Bailey Taxes (PILOT) Agreement with West Virginia Steel.

Under the agreement, West Virginia Steel will pay no real property taxes for two years. The company is planning a 60,000 square foot expansion project and the money that would have gone to taxes will instead be put into expanding the company. Ultimately, company officials say that once the expansion is complete they hope to be in a position to also add 40 additional workers.

The Commission approved the PILOT Agreement on a 2-1 vote with Commission President Gary Tillis voting against the agreement.

In other news at the June 26 meeting, commissioners approved a change of scope request for the Putnam County Fair Board to use a $5,000 Community Partnership Grant to perform work on the amphitheater at the fairgrounds. The grant had originally been awarded for new bathroom construction.

Commissioners also approved a number of extension requests for a variety of community participation grants, including one for work on the flooding problem in Hometown.

Commissioners also set a public hearing for July 24 at 9:30 a.m. for two annexation requests for property to be brought into the town of Winfield. Both pieces of property are located on Winfield

Road, with one being .75 of an acre and the other being just over 1 acre.

Commissioners also approved a participation agreement to participate in the state's local govpurchasing card ernment program.

Donat said that purchasing cards would be used primarily for gas and other smaller purchases and that county employees would be trained on what can be bought with the cards.

The next meeting of the Putnam County Commission will be July 24 at 9 a.m. at the courthouse in Winfield.

June 25-29, 2012 – Page 3

Flatbed – Kenneth Grimmett, Con-Way Freight Twin Trailers – Richard Spaur, Con-Way Freight Sleeper Berth – Steve Looney, Petroleum Transport First Place Step Van – Tim Bailey, Jr., UPS Ground Pre-Trip Inspection Award – Gerald Pugh, FedEx Freight Written Test Score Winner – Kenneth Grimmitt, Con-Way Freight All first place drivers will compete in the American Trucking Associations’ National Truck Driving Championship – also known as the Super Bowl of Safety – taking place in Minneapolis, MN, August 7-11, 2012.

Dining with Diabetes class to be offered beginning in July WINFIELD -- The WVU Putnam County Extension Office will be offering Dining with Diabetes class beginning Tuesday, July 17, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Teays Valley.

Dining with Diabetes is a once-a-week class that runs for four weeks. Participants will then be invited back to a threemonth follow-up class.

This class is open to those

with diabetes or pre-diabetesand their family members.

The classes are free, but space is limited and pre-registration is required. Participants must attend all class sessions. Participantswill learn how to prepare meals that are healthy, easy, and tasty.

Registration for this program can be made by calling the Putnam County Extension Office at 304-586-0217 by Monday July 9.

Community News

Page 4 – June 25-29, 2012

The Putnam Standard

Several Putnam students graduate from University of Charleston SUBMITTED ARTICLE CHARLESTON -- University of Charleston students graduated in May 2012, including the following local students: Paige Bayes of Hurricane, who earned an Associate of Arts degree from the School of Health Sciences in Nursing Emily Bess of Winfield, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the School of Arts and Sci-

ences in English Education with a minor in Psychology, summa cum laude Kaily Boggs of Scott Depot, who earned an Associate of Arts degree from the School of Health Sciences in Nursing Laura Deal of Poca, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Health Sciences in Nursing with a minor in Leadership

Jennie Judy of Hurricane, who earned an Associate of Arts degree from the School of Health Sciences in Nursing Katherine King of Hurricane, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Arts and Sciences in Biology, magna cum laude Chelsea Laska of Hurricane, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of

Arts and Sciences in Biology, summa cum laude Shelley Shamblin of Poca, who earned an Associate of Arts degree from the School of Health Sciences in Nursing Michelle Stewart of Scott Depot, who earned an Associate of Arts degree from the School of Health Sciences in Nursing Lisa Toms of Nitro, who earned an Associate of Arts de-

gree from the School of Health Sciences in Nursing, with honors Ashlea Wallace of Winfield, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Arts and Sciences in General Studies The University of Charleston is a small, private college with approximately 1,400 students from 31 states and 26 countries.

Business Fundamentals workshop to be offered July 10 CHARLESTON — A workshop on “Business Fundamentals” is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, July 10, in Charleston.

The workshop is part of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WVSBDC) training and business coaching program Three Step Jump Start to help small business owners receive the right information at the right time.

The workshop will be held in

the Charleston Area Alliance building, 1116 Smith St., Room 312, in Charleston. To register, call Dreama Wolfingbarger at 304-957-2083 or email dreama.l.wolfingbarger@wv.gov.

Registration is required at least two days in advance. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

Three Step Jump Start helps

entrepreneurs and small business owners in West Virginia accelerate their potential success by learning the structure and services provided by WVSBDC. The first step is to view the Three Step Jump Start video on the agency’s website, www.wvsbdc.org.

Individuals can then attend the Business Fundamentals workshop, designed specifically for start-ups and new businesses.

The workshop provides essential information on what an entrepreneur needs to know to start a business successfully. There is a $35.00 per person fee per workshop.

After completing the workshop, interested entrepreneurs or business owners may schedule an appointment with WVSBDC for one-on-one coaching sessions. The WVSBDC coaches provide assistance with business

plan development, financial statement preparation, cash flow analysis and other services.

The WVSBDC is part of the West Virginia Development Office and creates economic impact through offering entrepreneurs and small businesses cost-effective business coaching and technical assistance. The West Virginia SBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. SBA.

Habitat for Humanity to break ground on home Thursday

By Jack Bailey jackbailey@theputnamstandard.com

HURRICANE – Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha and Putnam Counties will hold a groundbreaking on Thursday, June 28, at 1 p.m. in Hurricane for construction of its first home to be built in Putnam County since 2004.

The groundbreaking will take place at 2950 Montana Ave. in Hurricane and local Habitat for Humanity officials are encouraging the community to turn out and celebrate the milestone with them.

The new homeowner has lived in the Teays Valley area for the past eight years with her two

June Birthdays!

Happy Birthday to ALL Margo Rutledge (June 26) Virginia Valentine Myrtle Villars William Villars Janet Wallace Rhonda Wallace Rita Wallace David Weant Renda Weekley Pauletta Wilson Rebecca Wiley If you - or someone you know - will be celebratrating a birthday in the coming months...

Call 304-743-6731 and give us their name - OR just email the information to trudyblack@theputnamstandard.com

adolescent sons, works full time locally and will have put in over 250 hours of sweat equity and homeowner education classes prior to her move- in.

The home will be the 149th built by the local organization since its inception in 1988.

“The creation of Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha and Putnam began in Putnam County in 1988, with our 25th anniversary upcoming we are excited that we will return to Putnam County to

build home number 149,” said Ken Adams, Development Director, Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha and Putnam. “We realized early on that Putnam was being underserved and thanks to the strong efforts from our Putnam County Advisory Committee we’re here serving partner families once again.”

Earlier this year, Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Shawn Means pledged that the group wants to build 10 homes

Joseph Oliverio (Painting Contractor)

Specializing in Large/Industrial business sites.

304-626-3004

Supports an I-64 Interchange in Culloden.

in Putnam County by 2016.

The organization is currently accepting applications from Putnam County residents who fit the profile of a Habitat for Humanity homeowner.

To be approved for a Habitat for Humanity home, a family must have income between 30 percent and 70 percent of the area median, be living in substandard conditions and willing to partner by helping to build their own home. Interested applicants should contact Lori Wyatt at 304-720-0141, ext. 12 for more information and to find out if they qualify. It takes about six months for a family to work through the application process and be qualified.

In addition to homeowners, Habitat for Humanity is also seeking donations of land, money, and volunteers to help build the homes.

Anyone interested in helping in Putnam County may contact Habitat for Humanity at 304720-0141.

More information is also available online at http:// hfhkp.org.

The Putnam Standard

Community News

June 25-29, 2012 – Page 5

Is Putnam County an Alligator Haven?

David Payne Sr. Column by David Payne Sr. davidpayne@theputnamstandard.com

It would seem that Putnam County is apparently a haven for alligators. Last June, a man spotted an alligator on Teays Valley Road and last week, there was an alligator sighting in Poca River backwater along West Virginia 25 near Poca.

When you are a journalist, you get used to seeing and hearing about these sorts of things. People see weird stuff all the time and when you see something

weird, you generally call the newspaper or television station to let them know about it.

At the daily newspaper where I used to work, I had a saying for anytime we got such a report: “remember the octopus” - don't get too excited until it's confirmed.

Several years ago at that newspaper, we got a call reporting that an octopus had been sighted in the Ohio River and it had actually been caught by an angler.

I immediately declared it bogus, but called the people anyway.

When I asked to see the octopus, he nervously told me to call back later and it naturally amounted to absolutely nothing.

Of course it did. The octopus lives in saltwater only. If you put an octopus in freshwater, it would be just like putting salt on a slug – only in reverse – and it would die. They certainly wouldn't be infesting the river and taking fishing lures or minnows or whatever.

As I remember the octopus here, the most plausible explanation that comes to mind is a regular old gar. They have jaws that

look more like a crocodile than an alligator, but they could be mistaken for one anyway. They also like to laze around at the surface – looking like a log – which alligators also do. They actually, like alligators, can breathe air. However, unlike alligators they also have fish gills, but they do spend a lot of time at the surface and do look a lot like alligators when they do so.

But as I remember the octopus, I have to also remember some other animals as well, like the Russian deer road-kill in Belpre, Ohio, about 10 years ago. I got a call about a weird deer that someone had struck with a car and killed. It turned out to be a Sitka deer, which are native to Russia.

Another extremely relevant memory is the attic alligator. A few years ago, there was a house fire in Parkersburg and as the firefighters fought the blaze inside, there in the smoke and flames was a five-foot alligator, which ran out of a window and into the yard. The fire chief actually wrestled the alligator to keep it from escaping and secured its jaws

with duct tape.

I also remember a hunter spotting an African lion in the woods in Greenbrier County a few years ago and who could forget the Ohio man who turned loose dozens of animals, including lions, cougars, tigers and camels before committing suicide last year.

In Ohio, such weirdness is commonplace. Ohio's laws have historically been extremely lax on keeping exotic animals and even if Ohio were to allow every pet save dogs, cats and ferrets, the weirdness would continue. That Sitka deer in Belpre, for instance, was thought to have been descended from some deer that escaped a wildlife facility that had been gone for so long, not many people could remember it.

The alligator-wrestling fire chief told me that drug dealers sometimes use alligators to protect their drug inventory or labs.

I would assume that would be from other drug dealers or users – not the authorities, who wouldn't just leave an alligator wandering around.

Regardless of the intentions,

people have some weird animals.

I remember once I did a story on a rattlesnake found in Wood County during the U.S. 50 construction – it was newsworthy because the county was pretty far out of the rattlesnake's natural range. The DNR surmised that some rattlesnakes had hitched a ride on a coal train and then fallen off nearby and established a little population. The worker who found that snake took it home to keep as a pet. Why anyone would keep a rattlesnake for a pet is beyond me, but people do keep weirder pets and pets sometimes get loose. Sometimes, people also turn their pets loose when they can't or don't want to care for them anymore. It happens.

If the alligator is real, somebody else is going to see it and it'll eventually get found and captured. If not, it will just become a part of local lore.

A five-foot gator will be pretty hard to miss.

Contact David Payne Sr. at davidpayne@theputnamstandard.com.

Obituaries

The Putnam Standard MICHAEL R. BOGGESS JOHN ROGER CARTWRIGHT MAYLON JOHN ERLANDSON DONALD D. GILLESPIE JR. NEVA MAE HAER PHYLLIS M. SALMON HALL LARRY JOE HARMON DOROTHY JUANITA HEATHERLY EDITH IRENE HOLT WILLIAM BURTON JARRETT WILLIAM K. LEWIS JR. IRENE JOSEPHINE RUTAN LYONS BILLY CARL McCALLISTER NELLIE CHRISTINE JOHNSON McCALLISTER KENNETH C. McNEELY AFOSI GORDON WAYNE MEADOWS FREDERICK V. "FRED" MESSENGER HAROLD WILLIAM OURS VIRGINIA "GINNY" ANN WARDER-REYNOLDS JOSEPH WAYNE STONE DOROTHY WILLIAMS WIGINGTON GORDON F. WORTH

MICHAEL R. BOGGESS Michael R. Boggess, 48, of Scott Depot passed away Friday, June 15, 2012, at CAMC-Teays Valley.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Frances Byrnside; and his aunt, Jenny Douglas.

Michael is survived by his parents, Joan and Steve Rogers of Scott Depot; brothers, John (Lori) Boggess of Kenna, and Scott E. (Kizmet) Rogers of St. Albans; grandfather, Calvert McNeely of St. Albans; uncles, James V. McNeely of Crystal River, Fla., and Zane (Francis) Bell of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.chapmanfuneralhomes.co m.

The family suggests memorial contributions are made to the Spina Bifida Association, 4590 MacArthur Blvd., NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20007.

Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, was in charge of arrangements.

JOHN ROGER CARTWRIGHT On March 5, 1941, as a "little skip" of snow fell, John and Glenna Cartwright were blessed with the birth of their first child, John Roger Cartwright. On Mon-

day, June 18, 2012, he began his heavenly journey home, surrounded by the love of his life, wife Peggy and his family.

John was preceded in death by his parents John and Glenna Cartwright, his mother-in-law Lois Taylor Matthews and sisterin-law Dama Steele.

John is survived by his loving wife Peggy of Culloden, W.Va.; brothers David, Daniel "Blacky" and wife Evelyn Cartwright; sisters Barbara (Gene) Couch, Beverly (Jimmy) Brown, Belinda (Elbert) Cooper, Kimberly (Bill) Wilson, "Kimbo" his baby sister was like their own daughter; several nephews and nieces that adored him, his co-workers and a host of friends; his pets Buddy, Princess and Tiny.

John was an avid Civil War buff. He also rescued and cared for many animals, especially the stray cats at Special Metals.

While stationed in Korea, he volunteered at an orphanage, he cherished those memories.

John was actively employed at Special Metals in Huntington. He was there for 42 years as a pipe fitter. John was a dedicated and loyal employee. He loved his job and co-workers, was a mentor and father figure to many.

While serving in the U.S. Army in Arkansas, John met the love of his life, Peggy Taylor. After returning from a tour of duty in Korea, John and Peggy were wed in Arkansas; they rode a train to Huntington. They resided in this area for the entire forty six and half years of their marriage.

Funeral services were held Thursday, June 21, 2012, at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Scot Depot, W.Va., with Rev. Kenny Stidham, brothers-in-law Rev. Jerry Taylor and Rev. Jimmie Taylor officiating. Burial with full military honors followed at Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane, W.Va. Allen Funeral Home, Hurricane, assisted the family.

Contributions may be sent to the local Humane Society in John and Peggy Cartwright's name in honor of their love of all animals.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.allenfuneralhomewv.com.

MAYLON JOHN ERLANDSON Maylon John Erlandson, 72, of St. Albans passed away on Friday, June 15, 2012, at Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston, sur-

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rounded by his family.

Born June 26, 1939 in Viroqua, Wis., John was a son of the late Stephen and Carla Erlandson.

John proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, 145 Platoon, 1st Battalion, Company B. Throughout his 9 ½ years with the Corps, John formed lifelong friendships with his fellow Marines.

Although a humble man, John excelled with the Corps and was awarded the Outstanding Drill Instructor Recruit Trainer and was recognized by several highranking officials for his excellent years of honorable service to his country. He will always be our hero.

John is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Loretta; his children, Robbin Thompson of St. Albans, Carla and husband, Clayton Bishop, of Winfield, Johnny Erlandson of St. Albans, and James Erlandson and wife, Amanda, of Sissonville; grandchildren, Cassidy, Noah, Lindsy, Chase, Josee, Corrie, Kendra, Jayna, Samantha, Christian, John, Patricia, and Madelyn; great-grandchildren, Christopher and Chloe; siblings, Marian Stanek, Dode Erlandson, and Winnie Kanadle, all of Wisconsin; as well as other family members and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held Monday, June 18, 2012, at Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, St. Albans, with the Rev. Stan Smith officiating. Burial with military honors followed in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Visit www.bartlettchapmanfuneralhome.com to share memories of John or to express condolences.

DONALD D. GILLESPIE JR. Donald D. Gillespie Jr., 83, of Point Pleasant, W.Va., went home to be with his Lord and loving wife, Monday, June 18, 2012, at Pleasant Valley Hospital.

He was born August 2, 1928, in Point Marion, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Donald D. Gillespie Sr. and Jeannette (Lilley) Gillespie.

Don was a member of New Hope Bible Baptist Church in Point Pleasant. He had served his country in the U.S. Army, was retired from Kaiser Aluminum, and was a member of American Legion Post No. 23 of Point Pleasant, Stewart-Johnson VFW Post No. 9926 of Mason, and the USWA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Emma Marie "Wimpy" Gillespie; step-mother Eurlace Gillespie; and several brothers and sisters.

Don is survived by a daughter Dawn Gillespie of Point Pleasant; three sons, Steve (Jeanie) Gillespie of Florida, Jeff (Debby) Gillespie of Leon, W.Va., and Aaron (Leigha) Gillespie of Lexington, Kentucky; four grandchildren,

June 25-29, 2012 – Page 6 Derrick (Jessica) Gillespie, Jeffrey Gillespie II, Lindsay Huddleston and Jaxson Gillespie; two greatgrandchildren; two brothers, Sherman Gillespie and Larry Gillespie; five sisters, Lea Smith, Joyce Riffle, Terry Carpenter, Deanna Facemire and Drema Hines; and special friend Ray Pickens.

Funeral services were held Thursday, June 21, 2012, at New Hope Bible Baptist Church in Point Pleasant with Rev. Charlie Moses and Pastor Steven Sanderson officiating. Burial followed at Kirkland Memorial Gardens in Point Pleasant.

Wilcoxen Funeral Home, Point Pleasant, was in charge of arrangements.

The family suggests donations are made to: New Hope Bible Baptist Church, 3 Robinson Street, Point Pleasant, WV 25550.

Online condolences may be made at www.wilcoxenfuneralhome.com.

NEVA MAE HAER Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15 On Friday, June 15, 2012, Heaven gained another precious angel, when Neva Mae Haer, 94, of Buffalo, formerly of Nitro, departed this life following an extended illness. She was a Christian and founding member of the Landmark Baptist Church in St. Albans, and attended the Buffalo Church of God. Born July 19, 1917, in Robertsburg, she was the daughter of the late John C. Haer and Samaria Badgley Haer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Vada Haer, Margaret Dunn, Gracie Dunn, Elva Bane, and Hazel Kimberling; and by a brother, Oliver Haer.

She is survived by her daughters, Sandra K. (Tom) Brown of Cross Lanes, and Judith L. (Nyle) Whittington of Eleanor; granddaughter, Noel Whittington; and grandson, Nicholas Whittington, both of whom were her pride and joy and the light of her life; along with several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Heartland of Charleston for the love and compassion shown to their mother. Special thanks to Nettie "Mary," whom she considered to be her third daughter; to her daily care nurse, Annette, who faithfully and lovingly attended to her needs; to Jane and Karen who went above and beyond; to HospiceCare for their professional and dignified service; to all the church members and musicians who volunteer their time to visit the residents of nursing care facilities - you are truly a blessing; and to the Hometown Independent Church for their love, prayers and support.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Pastor Darren Persinger officiating.

Burial followed in the Walker Chapel Church Cemetery,

Robertsburg.

Online condolences may be sent to the Haer family and the online guestbook signed by visiting www.raynesfuneralhome.com.

Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, was in charge of arrangements.

PHYLLIS M. SALMON HALL Phyllis M. Salmon Hall went to be with the Lord at the age of 89.

She had been a lifelong resident of Milton until the past five years, when she resided at Broadmore Senior Living in Teays Valley.

She was born March 12, 1923, at Dry Creek in Milton, W.Va. She was preceded in death by her first husband Homer Salmon; second husband Montrose Hall; parents Everett and Violet Glenn Jacks; and two brothers, Glenn and Elmer "Bub" Jacks.

She was a homemaker and a member of Milton United Methodist Church for many years.

She is survived by sister-in-law Lula Bradford of Atlanta, Ga.; brother-in-law Leonard Salmon of Grove City, Ohio; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Broadmore Senior Living staff and residents for making Phyllis' last years very enjoyable.

Also, we wish to thank CAMC Teays Valley Hospital for the excellent care she received.

A celebration of Phyllis' life was held Thursday, June 21, 2012, at Milton United Methodist Church with Pastor Lynn Cartwright and the Rev. Craig Gobel officiating. She was laid to rest beside her husband Homer in Ridgelawn Memorial Park, Huntington, W.Va. Memorial contributions may be made to Milton United Methodist Church, PO Box 597; Milton, WV 25541 or to your favorite charity.

Heck Funeral Home, Milton was in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.heckfuneralhome.com.

LARRY JOE HARMON Mr. Larry Joe Harmon, 57, with calloused hands and a plentiful heart, passed away on the family farm on June 12, 2012.

He was a 35-year employee of Leslie Equipment and a member of the American Angus Association for 25 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Pearl Harmon.

He is survived by his wife, Vanessa Harmon; children, Larry Joe Harmon Jr. and wife, Katrina, and their son, Nathaniel Joe; Jessica Hively and husband, Todd, and their children, Katelyn and Cortney; Daniel Harmon; Amber Harrison and her children, Gregory, Kayla and Jack; Jason Hanshaw and wife, Heather; Nicholas Hanshaw; Rachel Hanshaw and

Obituaries

Page 7 – June 25-29, 2012 her son, Jeremiah; and Ashley Bowman; sisters, Betty Casto, Barbara Stone, Judith Grady and Colleen Stone; and brother, Gary Harmon.

A tribute to the life of Larry Joe Harmon was held Saturday, June 16, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Darren Persinger officiating. Burial followed in Mount Zion Cemetery.

The family suggests donations are made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hardingfamilygroup.com.

Gatens-Harding Funeral Home, Poca, assisted the Harmon family.

DOROTHY JUANITA HEATHERLY Dorothy Juanita Heatherly, 86, of St. Albans passed away peacefully on June 12, 2012, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Muscle Shoals, Ala., with her family at her side.

She was born on March 24, 1926, in Silush, W.Va., the daughter of the late Jess Howard and Ruby Mullins. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased in death by her husband, Robert "Doc" Heatherly; and her brothers, Clell Mullins and Lowell Mullins.

She is survived by son, James H. Heatherly of Georgia; daughter, Donna Cox and her husband, Harold, of Muscle Shoals, Ala.; sister, Barbara Elkins and her husband, Carl, of Hamlin, W.Va.; four grandchildren, Catherine, Elizabeth, James II, and Stacy; five great-grandchildren; three nieces; and one nephew.

Juanita graduated from Duval High School and attended Capitol City Business School. She was a member of St. Peters United Methodist Church and the St. Albans Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a wonderful wife, mother and mamaw who touched many lives with her loving soul and generous heart. Following Doc's death, she spent her time in Alabama with Donna and Harold, enjoying her granddaughter, Stacy, and her family, and her special friend, Harold's mother, Sara Way. The family would like to thank Hospice of Tennessee Valley and her caregivers from Elder Care for their loving care, kindness and compassion during her illness.

A celebration of Juanita's life was held Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at St. Peters United Methodist Church, St. Albans, with the Rev Steve Rhodes officiating. Burial followed in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

The family suggests memorial contributions are made to St. Peters United Methodist Church building fund or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.casdorphandcurry.com.

EDITH IRENE HOLT Edith Irene Holt, 87, of St. Albans, passed away June 12, 2012, at

home.

She was born September 17, 1924, in Scott Depot, and was a daughter of John and Myrtle Taylor Wymer, who preceded her in death. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Frank William Holt; sister, Mabel Wiseman; and brothers, Carl, Edward and James Wymer.

Edith was a Christian. She was a 50-year member of the St. Albans Moose, and she was an avid CB'er who was known by the handle of "Morning Glory." She loved flowers, and taking care of her beautiful lawn. She was a loving mother to her children, and was also known as the "neighborhood mother" to all.

Edith is survived by three sons, Frank Holt Jr., Roger Holt and his wife, Debbie, and Clinton Holt, all of St. Albans; sister, Evelyn Collier of San Antonio, Texas; grandchildren, Jodi Pete, Kathy Snyder, William "Billy" Holt, Eric Holt, Daniel Holt, Brittany Holt, April Wooten, Andy Wooten and Tommy Wooten; great-grandchildren, Adam, Santanah, Rachael, Elexa, McKenzie, Isaiah and Haley; and close family friend, Debbie Hale.

A celebration of Edith's life was held Friday, June 15, at Casdorph and Curry Funeral Home, St. Albans, with James "Jammer" Marcum and Carl Justice officiating.

Burial followed in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.casdorphandcurry.com.

WILLIAM BURTON JARRETT William Burton Jarrett, 82, of Barboursville, W.Va., passed away Sunday, June 17, 2012.

He was born September 21, 1929, in St. Albans, W.Va., a son of the late Burton Eli and Gaye B. Good Jarrett. He was also preceded in death by one daughter Alice Ann Jarrett.

He was retired from C&P Telephone after thirty-seven years of service and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

He is survived by his wife Betty Lou Samples Jarrett; children Joseph Ray (Terri) Jarrett of Milton, Gay Marie "Gigi" Ward of Barboursville, and Robert Alan Jarrett of Nella's Nursing Home, Elkins, W.Va.; brothers and sisters, Eugene (Norma) Jarrett of Nitro, Martha (Ron) Hillard of St. Albans, Hugh (Katie) Jarrett of St. Albans, David (Shirley) Jarrett of St. Albans, Betty (Rev. Larry) McCallister of St. Albans, and James Jarrett of St. Albans; three grandchildren, Danielle (Scott) Wilson, Brett Jarrett and Krista Ward; and four great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Jadon, Emmaleigh and Tasha Wilson.

Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, June 20 at the Wallace Funeral Home & Chapel by the Rev. Larry McCallister. Burial followed in White Chapel Me-

morial Gardens with military graveside rites conducted by the Veterans Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.

WILLIAM K. LEWIS JR. William K. Lewis Jr., 84, of St. Albans, passed away Monday, June 18, 2012, at Teays Valley Center, Hurricane.

Born October 3, 1927, in Crossville, Tenn., he was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was preceded in death by his parents, William K. Sr. and Josie Edmonds Lewis; and his wife, Daune Rita Acree Lewis.

William was a manager for Kroger for 43 years and a member of The Crossing, St. Albans.

He is survived by sons, Bill Lewis and wife, Sheila, and Greg Lewis and wife, Bobbi, both of St. Albans; daughter, Joan and husband, Ernest Smith of St. Albans; grandchildren, William Lewis IV, Brandi Edens, Jessica Daune Lewis and Evan Lewis; great-grandchildren, William Lewis V, Abigail Lewis and Allen Edens; and step-grandchildren, Becky Davis, Mary Rizk and Ernest P. Smith.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 20, at BartlettChapman Funeral Home, St. Albans, with Pastor Victor Keathly officiating. Burial followed in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Visit www.bartlettchapmanfuneralhome.com to share a memory or express condolences.

IRENE JOSEPHINE RUTAN LYONS Irene Josephine Rutan Lyons, 87, of Eleanor passed away on June 15, 2012, and is now resting peacefully in her heavenly home. No more doctors, no more hospitals, no more oxygen masks, no more struggling for her next breath. She is happy and free.

Irene was a faithful member of Shiloah Independent Church and a lifelong homemaker. One of her greatest pleasures was quilting for her family and friends.

Born May 7, 1925, in Red House, she was the daughter of the late Henry Rutan and Austie Rine Rutan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Ronald Lyons; a daughter, Bernice Casto; sisters, Eva Knapp, Mary Kessel Cochran, Gertrude Cochran, Virginia Beller, Maxine Sutphin, and Dorothy Wiggins; brothers, Otis Rutan and Thomas Rutan; granddaughter, Anita Lyons; and great-grandsons, Matthew Lyons, Jonathan and Joseph Reedy.

She is survived by her husband of sixty-eight years, Ernest Lyons; a daughter, Edna (Raymond) Reedy of Buffalo; a son, Bobby (Pam) Lyons of Cross Lanes; grandchildren, Jeff, Jonathan, Tim, Tod, Troy, Misty, Karen, and Amanda; nine great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Mon-

The Putnam Standard day, June 18, 2012, at Shiloah Independent Church, Red House, with Pastor Paul Browning and Pastor Larry Mobley officiating. Burial followed in the Shiloah Church Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to the Lyons family and the online guestbook signed by visiting www.raynesfuneralhome.com.

Raynes Funeral Home Eleanor Chapel, Eleanor, was in charge of arrangements.

BILLY CARL McCALLISTER Billy Carl McCallister, 72, of Hurricane, passed away at his home, with his wife at his side, on June 12, 2012.

He was born the only son to the late Thomas and Anna Elizabeth Smith McCallister on May 18, 1940, in St. Albans.

Billy was retired from the West Virginia Department of Public Safety (West Virginia State Police) with their radio communications program. He was the first one to install and operate modern radio communications in Putnam County, where he also founded Electronic Services Inc., Winfield, which his son currently operates.

Billy was very active in amateur radio, especially the Virginia Ham Net, with his call sign WB8OEC. Billy was a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church and Putnam Masonic Lodge No. 139 AF&AM. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Alice Faye Johnson McCallister; and son, Aaron and his wife, Brandi McCallister, and their son, Noah, of Winfield.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 15, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Ron McClung and Pastor David White officiating. Burial followed in Culloden Community Cemetery.

Anyone wishing to leave online condolences or memories may do so at www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com.

Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, was honored to handle Billy's arrangements.

NELLIE CHRISTINE JOHNSON McCALLISTER Nellie Christine Johnson McCallister, 93, of Winfield, passed away Sunday, June 17, 2012, at Thomas Memorial Hospital, after a long illness.

Nellie was a 72-year resident of Winfield and a member of Judson Baptist Church.

Nellie, who will be greatly missed by her children and friends, was a talented lady who excelled in many creative ways.

She understood the meaning of style in her own life as well as in her ability to create beautiful garments for herself, her children and grandchildren. Her interests included crocheting, gardening, baking and treating others with kindness. She was a selfless person and those who knew her considered her outstanding in many ways. Her kindness to others and her positive outlook on life exemplified her

Christian life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucy and Fulton Johnson; her husband, Estil McCallister; her son, Keith McCallister; sister, Mary Wilson; and brothers, Joe and Jess Johnson.

Nellie is survived by her daughter, Hope Coleman and husband, James, of Winfield; son, C. Brent McCallister and wife, Diana, of Altamonte Springs, Fla.; brother, Jim Johnson of West Palm Beach, Fla.; grandchildren, Jason (Sandy) McCallister, Jeremy (Tara) McCallister, Todd Coleman, Leslie Shreve (Don), Christina Salisbury (Jerry) and Stacie Webb (Brandon); and nine great-grandchildren.

A service to celebrate Nellie's life was held Thursday, June 21, at Cooke Funeral Home, Nitro, with Pastor Fred McCallister officiating.

Burial followed in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Nellie's family wants to thank North Central WV Aging Services for the many services they provided. They especially want to thank Sabine Vent and the late Debbie Rosiek, who were truly loving and caring and provided much comfort and concern for Nellie.

You may express online condolences at www.cookefuneralhome.com.

KENNETH C. McNEELY AFOSI Kenneth C. McNeely AFOSI, 60, of Fraziers Bottom passed away on May 29, 2012, following a sudden illness.

He was a retired Air Force veteran with 21 years of service. He was a former employee of the Pinkerton Agency with several years of service.

Born January 10, 1952, in Madison, he was the son of the late Elizabeth Webb. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by one brother, Jerry R. McNeely.

Survivors include daughter, Shannon (Eric) Berthiaume of Nashua, N.H.; grandchildren, Mackenzie, Zachary, Madison and Travis Berthiaume, all of Nashua, N.H.; sisters, Georgia Cook and Judy Ashley, both of West Virginia, and JoAnn Baldwin of North Carolina; and brothers, Jackie L. McNeeley of Madison, and DeWayne Webb of Iowa.

Services will be held at a later date in New Hampshire with military honors.

Online condolences may be sent to the family and the online guestbook signed by visiting www.raynesfuneralhome.com.

Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, was in charge of arrangements.

GORDON WAYNE MEADOWS Gordon Wayne Meadows, 78, of Winfield passed away on Saturday, June 16, 2012, at Hubbard Hospice House West, South Charleston.

Born July 21, 1933, in Winfield, he was a son of the late William Adison and Vennie M. Ball Meadows.

He was also preceded in death

Obituaries

The Putnam Standard by infant son, Steven Dale.

Gordon was retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber, Apple Grove, and was a member of Nitro Moose Lodge No. 565 and VFW Post No. 9097. He served his country with the United States Army during the Korean War. He was also an avid golfer.

Surviving are his loving wife of 57 years, Janet Meadows; his son, Stanley Meadows of Hurricane; his daughter, Rebecca Adkins of Poca; his sister, Jean Terry of Hurricane; three granddaughters; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield, with Pastor Paul Boggess officiating.

Burial with military honors followed in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.

Online condolences may also be made by visiting www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com.

The family suggests memorial contributions are made to Hubbard Hospice House West, 4605-A MacCorkle Ave. S.W., South Charleston, WV 25309.

FREDERICK V. "FRED" MESSENGER Frederick V. "Fred" Messenger, 54, of St. Albans passed away suddenly on Saturday, June 16, 2012, at Jackson General Hospital.

Fred was born on September 8, 1957, in South Charleston. He was a graduate of St. Albans High School. He then worked for Mountaineer Gas as a safety coordinator.

Fred loved boating on the river and watching his children play sports. He was a true friend to

many and a very proud father.

Fred was preceded in death by his father, Woodrow V. Messenger.

He is survived by his daughter, Rachel M. Shannon (Jason) of Culloden; sons, Zachary J. Messenger (Danielle) of South Charleston and Patrick A. Messenger of Charleston; mother, Marguerite Messenger of St. Albans; brother, Edward K. Messenger (Elizabeth) of Nitro; sisters, Susan E. Tolbert (Harold) of Teays Valley and Judith K. Suytak (Michael) of Beckley; grandchildren, Anna, Aidan and Austin Shannon of Culloden.

Funeral services to honor the life of Frederick V. Messenger were held Wednesday, June 20, 2012, at Snodgrass Funeral Home. Burial followed at Cunningham Memorial Park in St. Albans.

Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary icon.

Snodgrass Funeral Home of South Charleston was in charge of arrangements.

HAROLD WILLIAM OURS Harold William Ours, 82, of Milton passed away on Friday, June 15, 2012, at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House, Huntington.

Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at Heck Funeral Home, Milton, with Pastor Windell Shull officiating.

Burial followed in Milton Cemetery.

He was born September 29, 1929, in Huntington, a son of the late Charles and Margaret Ours.

LOCAL DIRECTORY Main Office • 2761 Main Street, Hurricane 304-562-9931 • 304-562-2642 (fax)

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Interstate Office 300 Hurricane Rd. • Hurricane, WV 25526 304-562-9005 • 304-562-7092 (fax) Valley Office 3058 Mount Vernon Rd. • Scott Depot, WV 25560 www.putcobk.com 304-757-2477 • 304-757-2503 (fax)

304-562-9931 304-562-2642 (fax)

He was also preceded in death by one brother, Calvin Ours.

Mr. Ours was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served during the Korean War in which he fought in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, where later the survivors were referred to as the "Chosin Few." He was a retired construction worker with the Local 132 Operating Engineers. During his employment, he helped build the New River Gorge Bridge.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jane Johnson Ours; two daughters, Sharon Atkinson and Connie Callopi, both of Milton; special son-in-law, Larry Atkinson of Milton; four grandchildren, Harold "Wilkie" (Kelly) Shull of Milton, Jason Holley (Bethany) of Milton, Greg Callopi (Anna) of Huntington and special granddaughter, Alisha Callopi of Huntington; two brothers, Travis Ours and John Ours; one sister, Eloise Ours Davis; two great-grandchildren, Whitney and Mya; five stepgreat-grandchildren, Marshall, Kyra, Dustin, Camron and Kale; and his Marine brother and friend, Carl Lamb.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.heckfuneralhome.com.

VIRGINIA "GINNY" ANN WARDER-REYNOLDS Virginia "Ginny" Ann WarderReynolds, 86, of St. Albans passed away on Friday, June 15, 2012.

Born July 18, 1925, in Fairmont, Va., she was a daughter of the late Earl B. and Blanche Smith.

In addition to her parents, Ginny was also preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Beth Warder-Jones.

Ginny was an active member of

June 25-29, 2012 – Page 8 St. Mark's Episcopal Church, St. Albans. She participated in various activities within the church.

She was the former choir director and organist and volunteered with Christ's Kitchen. She was also involved with many community groups, the St. Albans Women's Club and the D.A.R. Virginia received her Master's degree in education and retired after 29 years of service as a teacher with Kanawha County Schools, specializing in elementary education.

She is survived by her sons, Paul Stephen Warder and wife, Barbara, of Charleston, and John Marshall Warder of St. Albans; and grandson, Jonathan Seth Warder of Denver, Colo.

A memorial service in honor of Virginia Ann Warder-Reynolds will be held at a later date.

The family requests donations to be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1601 Second Ave., Charleston, WV 25387.

Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, St. Albans, was in charge of arrangements.

JOSEPH WAYNE STONE Joseph Wayne Stone, 30, of Charleston, passed away Saturday, June 16, 2012, after a long illness.

He was born February 18, 1982, one of two sons of the late Jeffrey A. Stone and Diana L. Prue and stepfather, William A. Prue.

He is survived by wife, Shelly Cummings; stepdaughter, Akalya Cummings; brother, Michael A. Stone of Charleston; stepbrother, Franklin G. Prue; grandson of Bobby and Louise Snodgrass of Charleston, and Joann and the late Robert Stone of Hurricane; three nephews; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services were held

Concerned Citizens’ Committee For An I-64 Interchange at Culloden, W.Va. Gary P. Adkins, Chairman 304-743-4074 e-mail gadkins4074@suddenlink.net Purchased and Promised by the DOH since 1957

Thursday, June 21, at Stevens & Grass Funeral Home, Malden, with Pastor Mike Long officiating.

Burial followed in Mountain View Memorial Park, Charleston.

The online guestbook for Joseph Wayne Stone may be accessed at www.stevensandgrass.com.

DOROTHY WILLIAMS WIGINGTON Dorothy Williams Wigington, 93, of Broadmore Assisted Living, formerly of Valentine Circle, passed away on June 16, 2012, with her family by her side.

She was born February 24, 1919, in Acme, a daughter of Jess and Laura Farley Anderson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Earl R. Williams; and her second husband, Leo Wigington; and sisters, Zelpha Boggess, and Jessie Jarrell.

She was an active member of Abney Street Church of God and loved singing in the choir as her health permitted her.

She will be sadly missed by her three daughters, Doris Campbell of Charleston, Norma St. Clair and her husband, Herman, of Princeton, and Sandra Cottrell and her husband, Richard, of Winfield; sisters, Louise Baker of Ripley and Freda Clark of Cottageville; five grandchildren, Vicki Monk and husband, Jeff, Sherri Snuffer and husband, Mike, all of Charleston, Jeff St. Clair of Phoenixville, Pa., Tim Cottrell and wife, Barbara, of Hurricane, and Terri Workman and husband, Jim, of Hurricane; eight great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Dorothy's life was held June 19, 2012, at Casdorph & Curry Funeral Home with the Rev. A.C. Jack Lawrence and the Rev. Arley Cravens officiating. Burial followed in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.casdorphandcurry.com.

GORDON F. WORTH Mr. Gordon F. Worth, 80, of Poca, passed away June 13, 2012.

Gordon was a lifelong resident of Heizer Creek; a former coal miner; and a Christian. Gordon attended Heizer Creek Community Church and Lett Creek Community Church.

He is survived by his daughter, Debra Mortazavi of Buffalo; and four grandchildren.

A tribute to the life Gordon was held Friday, June 15, at GatensHarding Funeral Home Chapel with pastors Kevin Starcher and Willard Beller officiating. Burial followed in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hardingfamilygroup.com.

Gatens-Harding Funeral Home, Poca, assisted the Worth family.

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Free estimates. (4tp 2-7)

FOR RENT: 2 BEDROOM HOME, ONA – Reduced rent for retired female to care for 3-year-old next door, 6-8 days/month. 304-412-1926. (2tc 2-21)

GIVE US A CALL AND ADVERTISE HERE 304-743-6731

HOUSE FOR RENT – Milton, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, brick. $700 month/$500 damage deposit. 304-743-0334, 304-939-2294. (1tp 2-28) MILTON APARTMENT FOR RENT – 1 BR upstairs. Electric range/refrigerator.

Walking distance to stores/school. No pets. $350/month + 1 month security. 304743-8606. (2tp 2-21)

EMPLOYMENT: CCCSO IS GROWING – We are looking for CNAʼs and Home Care Aide that would like to grow with us. Starting wage: CNAʼs $8.75; Home Care Aid $8.00. For more information please contact Mrs. Perry at 304-529-4952. (2tc 2-21)

COMMERCIAL CLEANERS IMMEDIATE OPENINGS - Buffalo, full-time, Day & Evenings. Benefits and Vacation. Must pass background check. 304-768-6309. (4tc 2-7 occ)

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS - @ Sarah's Heart Childcare, serious inquiries only 304-757-7701. (4tc 1-24 shc) MILTON TEACHER NEEDS – dayshift help with adult autistic son, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. Reliable, caring adult only apply. (304) 743-2429. (5t 2-7)

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June 25-29, 2012 – Page 9

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Page 10 – June 25-29, 2012

Community News

The Putnam Standard

McGraw files lawsuit against ‘pill mill’ distributors

By Chris Dickerson www.wvrecord.com

CHARLESTON - Attorney General Darrell McGraw's office on Tuesday filed lawsuits seeking to crack down on prescription drug distributors who he says are behind a "major scourge" in West Virginia.

Two lawsuits were filed Tuesday in Boone Circuit Court against 14 out-of-state drug distributors "for their roles in creating and profiting" from a "prescription drug epidemic."

"Prescription drug abuse costs West Virginians over $430 million a year, devastates families, and hangs enormous burdens on our hospitals, courts, law enforcement, and communities," McGraw said. "With today's filing, we are seeking to make major drug distributors that have substantially benefitted from prescription drug abuse accept responsibility and pay for their illicit actions."

Last month, McGraw's office filed a lawsuit to shut down a key supplier of dangerous designer drugs such as "bath salts" and "incense." And McGraw also noted previous settlements with

Attorney General Darrell McGraw speaks Tuesday during a press conference at the state Capitol. Photo by Chris Dickerson drug manufacturers that have secured funding for drug offender rehabilitation, alternative sentencing options and Day Report Centers throughout the state.

At a press conference Tuesday in his offices, McGraw said the Centers for Disease Control lists West Virginia as the nation's most-medicated state, filling nearly seven more prescriptions per person annually than the national average. He also said prescription drug abuse costs West

Virginia about $430 million annually and is a burden on our "hospitals, courts and law enforcement."

His office's press release said that in 2006, two small pharmacies in Kermit -- a small mining town of 300 that Salon.con called "ground zero of the prescription drug epidemic" -- filled prescriptions of hydrocodone totaling 3.19 million dosage units, a total that ranked 22nd for the entire nation. An average pharmacy in

the United States dispenses only 97,000 doses in a year.

Chief Deputy Attorney General Fran Hughes said Tuesday one of those pharmacies in Kermit was making $500,000 a month from Oxycontin.

"It's a simple theory of economics," she said. "There is no black market without an excess of supply. People who legitimately need these pain medications are going to take the medicine. They aren't going to sell it."

McGraw stressed that people who have a legitimate medical need for these medications aren't going to be affected.

"We are fully cognizant of those who need these medications for pain management and pain relief," he said. "The issue is making these pills available for non-medical purposes."

He said the complaints were filed in Boone County, just south of Charleston, because it's one of the southern counties where this is a big issue.

"It's magnified there," he said.

"But that's not to say it isn't a problem everywhere in West Virginia."

McGraw cited with the West Virginia State Police, the Metro Drug Unit, county sheriffs, and

local law enforcement agencies.

"It will take the cooperation of a dedicated team fighting drug abuse on many fronts to make West Virginia a safer, healthier place," McGraw said. "With today's court action, we aim to cut off the distribution routes of prescription drug suppliers."

The complaints seek to enjoin these 14 "pill mill" companies from distributing any controlled substance for non-medical purposes, to recover damages, to set up in-state medical monitoring for drug abuse victims and to force the companies to promptly inform state authorities of all suspicious orders for controlled substances from West Virginia.

The complaints say these companies supplied controlled substances -- including oxycodone -to drugstores which dispensed the drugs based on prescriptions from physicians who prescribed them for non-legitimate medical purposes.

McGraw says the companies were integral parts of the "pill mill" process.

"These pill mill schemers are like dealers," McGraw said.

"They profit from the suffering of their victims."