Judge rules in favor of city Thursday, May 8, 2014
By Kelly Stadelman kelly@theputnamstandard.com
A judge ruled the city of Hurricane can move forward with its investigation of contaminated water dumping at the DSI Landfill owned by Waste Management. The landfill accepted waste that contained the chemical MCHM from Freedom Industries, which contaminated the drinking supply of nine counties. Mayor Scott Edwards said city manager Ben Newhouse will serve as the lead investigator for the city. “He is very knowledgeable about the case and has been working and talking with our attorneys,” he said. “We are fighting for the citizens of Hurricane and will not be stepped on. The company simply made a mistake, and it needs to make it right.” The landfill did stop taking the tainted water after being served legal papers in March. Shortly after that, the state Department of Environmental Protection revoked the modified permits. Newhouse said at Monday night’s council meeting that Putnam County Circuit Judge Phillip Stowers ruled on the motion on Friday. “The judge went back and reviewed the constitution, specifically Chapter 8,” Newhouse said. “The judge said the city has the right to protect its citizens under the state home rule law. The city has the right to investigate if it is a public nuisance or a health concern for its citizens.” Newhouse has been asked to find out exactly what happened at SEE JUDGE ON PAGE 3
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Students experience military life By Kelly Stadelman kelly@theputnamstandard.com
Students in Putnam County’s three military clubs received hands-on experience May 1 while learning about the academic offerings of West Virginia State University. “We are showing the students what the Army and ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) is like while also showing them the college and what it is all about,” said Bill Kinsey of the Yellow Jacket Battalion. About 70 students from Hurricane, Poca and Winfield high schools spent their day outside the classroom at the campus in Institute. The students started the day with a tour of the college, then completed four different critical-thinking tests plus a physically-demanding obstacle course. “This is a lot better than I thought it would be,” Hurricane’s Ariel Raines said. “I thought we would be in the classroom all day.
Students in Putnam County’s three military clubs received hands-on military experience at West Virginia State University. Above, Ryan Thayer and Travis Harrah work with other Poca High School military club members to solve the problem of how to get the team and supplies across a river without falling in the water. We’ve been doing a lot of mental and physical exercise. I just broke my nail.” Each task involved required the students to use problem-solving
skills, work together and listen to the team’s leader. The tasks were timed and the team incurred penalties if the instructions were not followed.
Hurricane’s Kaitlyn Eads found the test that involved moving tactical equipment across a river SEE STUDENTS ON PAGE 6
Winfield plans spring cleanup
Hurricane Senior football players prepare for the annual fundraiser Lift-A-Thon that will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 31. Above are seniors who have played football all four years. Front row: Dylan Kimble, Connor Cunningham, Luke Browne, Matt Cooper and Josh Petry. Back row: Matt Spradling, Chris Brown, Brad Hodges, Dylan Tinsley, Chase Ross and Jared Zickafoose. Not pictured are Brian Hughes, Alex Lucas and Alec Hayes. Photo by Colton Cunningham.
Hurricane prepares for Lift-a-Thon The Redskins’ football season might have ended in December, but as most players know, the season never really ends. Starting Jan. 2 the players were
back in the field house, lifting weights and engaging in Cross Fit to prepare for the next training SEE LIFT-A-THON ON PAGE 3
Winfield spring cleanup for city residents has been scheduled for the following dates and times: May 17 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and May 18 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The city has arranged for Waste Management to place six dumpsters on the lot in front of the Wastewater Treatment Plant for your unwanted items. Again this year, there will be two dumpsters from R.J. Recycling for unwanted scrap metal. We can accept anything metal; grills, swing sets, old windows, etc. No refrigerators, freezers, propane tanks or anything containing freon can be accepted. Also, the city will not be accepting tires this year.
There will be no charge for city residents; however, you must bring a copy of your sewer bill showing your physical address for proof of residency and present it to the police officer on duty. This cleanup is for city residents only - no commercial or contractor’s trash will be accepted. The cleanup cannot accept: trees, limbs or brush, radioactive or asbestos material, batteries, paint (unless dried up in the can), white goods containing freon, propane tanks, volatile, corrosive, flammable, explosive, biomedical, infectious, bio-hazardous, regulated medical waste or toxic substance or material defined by or listed under federal, state or local laws or regulations.
Inside This Week: HIGH SCHOOL SPRING SPORTS - PAGES 5-11 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY - PAGES 11-12
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