Tuesday, November 27, 2012
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Putnam County Grand Jury hands down Indictments Putnam County Prosecuting Attorney, Mark A. Sorsaia, reports that fifty indictments were returned on November 15th by the November 2012 Term Putnam County Grand Jury alleging sixty persons committed one hundred ninety felonies and thirty-three misdemeanors. The following is the date of birth, last known address, and offenses for which they were indicted. Dustin W. Allison, 10-20-90, 5571 Mudville Road, Woodford, VA – sexual abuse in the third degree and sexual assault in the third degree Amy M. Arbaugh, 2-10-80, 2404 ½ US Rt. 60, Hurricane, WV – Conspiracy to commit forgery, conspiracy to commit uttering a forged writing and conspiracy to commit obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation Paul T. Booth, 3-9-78, 14 Michael Street, Scott Depot, WV – possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and manufacturing a controlled substance Jonathan A. Brinkley, 3-9-87, 4500 1st Avenue, #65, Nitro, WV – driving under the influence of alcohol, third offense, and driving on a revoked license – DUI related. David A. Burdette, 7-16-80, 101 Maid Marian Terrace, Scott Depot, WV – attempt to operate SEE INDICTMENTS ON PAGE 8
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50 Cents Volume 143
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Police Fight Shoplifting in Walmart By Justin Waybright justin@theputnamstandard.com
HURRICANE - The holidays may bring goodness and warmth, but one ugly thing spurs this time of year: shoplifting. This real-life Grinch is one that workers at the local Walmart have seen frequently this fall. Hurricane City Manager Ben Newhouse said, "Shoplifting has been a constant problem.” The increase in this crime keeps the store’s security and Asset Protection Officers busy. But, Walmart has a friend, ready to stop shoplifters in their tracks: Hurricane Police officers. Hurricane Police Sgt. Dillon, said officers are busy late October through January, when this crime trend typically grows. This time of year, officers re-
Sgt. T.J. Dillon and Officer J. Lucas stand by their cruiser, in front of the Hurricane Walmart. City Police officers are making their presence known this holiday season, in an effort to deter people from shoplifting in area stores. Photo by Justin Waybright. spond to one-to-two cases per week, most arrests leading to misdemeanors, Sgt. Dillon said.
The police department has logged more than seven shoplifting cases this month, according
to police reports. “It’s the holiday season, and people get stressed out: the economy is down and funds are down,” he said. “You see decent people doing something they wouldn’t normally do… Some take it to the extreme.” Officials at Walmart are aware of the problem, and they are working closely with Sgt. Dillon and other officers to prevent and deter this from happening inside their Hurricane store. Walmart Spokesperson Kayla Whaling explained that her franchise “takes theft very seriously.” “We are committed to taking action to prevent it,” Whaling said. “If we can stop them in our store, they will be less likely to commit the crime in other stores in the community.” SEE FIGHT ON PAGE 4
County AddressesWater Issues in Black Betsy and Hometown By Justin Waybright justin@theputnamstandard.com
WINFIELD - Storm water in Black Betsy and Hometown flowed into discussions during the Nov. 20 Putnam County Commission meeting. More than 25 years of wear and tear have backed up and stifled the natural flow of water in ditches and culverts in both locations. Sediment has filled many of the ditches and culverts. Also, dust and silt from the area railroad tracks have gotten trapped inside the water drains. Throughout the past few months, workers have cleaned and revamped many of these aging water traps. The ditch maintenance in Hometown costs more than $30,000, with a substantial
This is one of many water drainage systems that have been renovated throughout Black Betsy and Hometown. This one stretches behind Hometown Elementary. Raynes and Co. finished the work on the drainage systems throughout Hometown. Photo by Justin Waybright. amount being funded from state grants, secured by WV Del. Brady Paxton (D).
Commissioners expect Black Betsy’s project to cost about $5,000.
They are pleased with the work completed in Hometown. The county is looking forward to good results. “Hopefully this improves things,” said County Administrator Brian Donat. Now, that work in Hometown is done, commissioners are hoping residents will do their part to maintain it. “The work is done, and our responsibility is ended,” Commissioner Stephen Andes said. With proper upkeep from residents, commissioners believe the new work on the ditches will hold up for at least the next 20 years. One of the latest revamped culverts is found behind Hometown Elementary. This water drainage system was re-dug and cleaned out to provide better SEE WATER ON PAGE 4
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