The Putnam Standard

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

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Boil water advisory lifted for residents NITRO -- A boil water advistory that had been in effect in part of Putnam County following a water disruption over the weekend has been lifted.

The advisory was lifted by West Virginia American Water on Monday.

The situation began last Thursday afternoon with West Virginia American Water workers repairing a broken valve near Locust Street in Nitro that was gushing large amounts of water.

The valve led to one of two main river crossings that supply St. Albans with water.

“We appreciate everyone's patience,” said Laura Jordan, external affairs manager for West Virginia American. “Unfortunately, mobilizing millions of gallons of water to thousands of customers at all different elevations through a complex network of water mains, booster stations and water-storage tanks is a complicated and lengthy process.”

She said the leak was discovered Thursday evening, but crews had difficulty accessing the broken valve because of the sheer volume of leaking water and the fact the valve was located 10 feet underground.

Initial attempts to isolate the problem by shutting off valves in Nitro and opening fire hydrants

Embattled Hurricane High School teacher resigns

By David Payne Sr. davidpayne@theputnamstandard.com

WINFIELD -- Hurricane High School teacher Christian St. John, who previously said he would fight his termination, has apparently decided to gracefully bow out and resign after reaching an agreement with school ofto avoid outright ficials termination.

“What this says,” said Victoria Sewell, mother of two of St. John's former students, “is that giving children a good education is not as important as sticking to the administration’s rules, even when they don't make sense.”

Monday night, the Putnam County Board of Education accepted the resignation of St. John, who earlier this month said he had reached an agreement with school officials to allow him to keep his benefits and retirement, although he would not be able to teach in the county. However, after a public outcry in his support, he said that he would fight to keep his job and withdrew his initial resignation.

It appears that the final agreement was reached just a short while before Monday's meeting, which was attended by around 60 people, many of whom were

By Jack Bailey jackbailey@theputnamstandard.com

PHONE: (304) 743-6731 FAX: (304) 562-6214

St. John's students, former students or parents.

The original agenda, posted on the county's Web site, w w w. p u t n a m s c h o o l s . c o m , called for an executive session and a vote on a termination action for insubordination, but was revised so soon before the

meeting that copies of the new agenda were delayed.

It wasn't available until just before the meeting was called to order and had been updated to include St. John's resignation.

During the meeting, Board president Craig Spicer struck the executive session and changed

the suspension/termination clause to read: "To ratify the 10day suspension imposed by the superintendent and accept the settlement agreement recommended by the superintendent and executed by Christian St. SEE TEACHER ON PAGE 3

Annual Civil War Weekend set to kickoff Friday at Valley Park

SEE WATER ON PAGE 3

HOW TO REACH US

Marsha Bradbury speaks in support of former Hurricane High School teacher Christopher St. John at Monday night’s meeting of the Putnam County Board of Eductaion. Photo by David Payne Sr.

HURRICANE – The 15th annual Civil War Weekend at Valley Park in Hurricane will take place March 23-25 with a host of new activities for the public to enjoy.

“This has become one of our

biggest events of the year,” said Putnam County Parks Director Scott Williamson. “And it is the first event of the re-enactors season. We are trying some different things this year and it should be a lot of fun.”

The Civil War Weekend will actually begin on Thursday night

with a dinner and presentation with Abe Lincoln at the Commons of Putnam County (formerly the Museum in the Community). President Lincoln will be portrayed by Fritz Klein from Springfield, Ill., who is nationally known for his portrayal of Lincoln.

Klein has appeared at the Civil War Weekend previously, but Williamson said that the dinner format will give him a chance to better showcase his re-enactment of the Civil War era president.

SEE WAR ON PAGE 12

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

Page 2 – March 19-23, 2012 Song & Praise Service On Sunday, March 25, 2012 The Whisnants will be at Rock Branch Independent Church located at 133 Cross Lanes Drive Nitro, WV at 7:00pm for a FREE Song & Praise service. A love offering will be taken. For more information contact the church at 304-755-1364.

HHS Band Boosters to host Longaberger Basket Bingo The Hurricane High School Band Boosters will host a Longaberger Basket Bingo on March 24th in the HHS Commons. Doors will open at 5pm and bingo will start at 6pm. All baskets will be filled. Cost is $20 to play 20 regular bingo games, with 5 special games at $1 per card. Concessions will be available. Proceeds from this fundraiser will be used for routine band expenses (such as band camp, instrument repair and replacement, care of uniforms) for our 2012 season.

St. Francis Bingo St. Francis Church at 525 Holley Street, St. Albans holds Bingo every Monday evening beginning with Early Birds at 5pm. Concessions are available. Please call (304) 727-3033 for more information.

Literacy Volunteers of Putnam County Would you like to make a difference? Do you know someone who needs help with reading? Become a literacy volunteer and help adults improve their basic academic skills. We will teach you how to help others through our free 10 hour training session which will give you the skills you need. Call 304-757-1550.

South Charleston Public Library to hold Monthly Meeting The South Charleston Public Library Board will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 26, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. The agenda is available at the library.

The public is welcome to attend.

Community Calendar Caregiver Support Program The Family Caregiver Support Program offers support, training and relief to those providing fulltime caregiving for a loved one.

Services include in-home respite and counseling. Putnam Aging, the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services and the Metro Area Agency on Aging sponsors the program.

For more information, contact Sally Halstead, 304-562-9451.

Spring Bazaar The Buffalo Nazarene Church will have a Spring Bazaar on Saturday, March 24, 10 AM – 3 PM. Homemade candy and desserts, hot dogs, baked beans, potato or macaroni salad. Eat in or carry out. Everyone Welcome.

Election Workers Needed If you are registered to vote in Putnam County and would like to work as an election worker in the May 8, 2012, primary election, please contact the office of the Putnam County Clerk at 304586-0202, by March 30. Workers will be placed on a first come basis. Both evening and day training sessions will be available.

Maintenance Position Putnam County Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking a qualified individual to fill the position of Maintenance Worker. The position is full time, hourly with benefits. The successful applicant must be willing to perform a variety of maintenance tasks on an individual and collective basis. Experience in construction, plumbing and electrical work is helpful.

To obtain a job description and application form, visit our web site at www.putnamcountyparks.net or come to the Administrative Office located at #1 Valley Park Drive, Hurricane, WV 25526 or call 304-562-0518 ext.

10. The completed application, cover letter, resume and references are to be mailed or delivered to the park office by 3 p.m. on Friday March 23, 2012.

Winfield, West Virginia, USPS 451-160 The Putnam Standard (ISSN, 451160) is published weekly at P.O. Box 179, Winfield, WV 25213. Yearly subscription rates: In-County $22.00; In-State $38.00; Out-of-State $48.00. Bill Unger, Publisher. Periodical Postage paid at Main Post Office, Winfield, WV, and additional mailing offices under the act of March 3, 1979. Postmaster: Send Address changes to the Putnam Standard, P.O. Box 179, Winfield, WV 25213. We reserve the right to accept or reject and to edit all news and advertising copy.

National Medal of Honor Day The United States Congress has designated March 25th of each year as National Medal of Honor Day, a day dedicated to Medal of Honor recipients.

This is the only award presented by the President in the name of Congress.

As a Patriotic American there are things that you can do to commemorate this day: Fly your flag and remember our heroes.

Instructors Needed Putnam County Parks & Recreation Commission is looking for instructors to teach classes. If anyone has a trade and would like to teach a class please contact the park office at (304)5620518 ext. 10.

Bingo Every Wednesday night (7:00 p.m.) VFW Post 9097, Teays Valley Road. Public invited.

PCTC Career Day Putnam Career & Technical Center is sponsoring a Career Day for high school students, adult students and community members on Thursday, March 29th, at the PCTC in Eleanor.

Area employers, labor unions and post-secondary school representatives will be in attendance to discuss career opportunities with all participants.

All community members who are seeking employment and/or post-secondary training are encouraged to attend. Times will be 8:50 until 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.

It is suggested that participants dress appropriately and bring resumes with them for potential employers. There are no fees for this service which is a School-toWork activity.

Free Scrapbooking Classes Free Scrapbooking classes “On a Budget” are held at Hometown Senior Center every Monday & Thursday at 10 a.m. For more information, call 304-586-2745.

Bridge Walk across the New River Gorge Bridge Bridge Walk, 9 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m. Mondays-Sundays.

Bridge Walk provides the New River Gorge guest with an opportunity to walk across the New River Gorge, 851 feet above the New River, on the 24-inch wide catwalk under the New River Gorge Bridge. The catwalk runs the entire 3,030 foot length of the bridge.

The walk is for anyone who is healthy, willing and able to walk 1-1/2 miles. Walk physical requirements are 48 inches tall, 10 years old or older and less than 285 pounds.

Tours are between 2-4 hours in length and operate year round, weather permitting.

For reservations, call 304-5741037 or visit www.bridgewalk.com.

New River Gorge Bridge is located on U.S. 19, at Fayetteville.

Cost is $69 per person.

The Putnam Standard p.m. Located in the Commons of Putnam County.

For more information or to register please contact Dusty at 586-0201. You may also register on her link at www.lovehappinessphoto.com.

Pool Pass Discounts Purchase your season pass by April 1, 2012 and receive a 20% discount.

If a season pass does not work for you, we offer a book of 20 tickets for (adults 12 yrs. and over) $160.00 (children 5 – 11 yrs. old) $120.00. County Pool $90.00.

So hurry into the park office located at #1 Valley Park Dr. Hurricane or call (562-0518 ext. 10) before the time passes you by.

Nitro Senior Citizen Center The Nitro Senior Center, Second Avenue and 21st Street, is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. All seniors are invited to visit, have lunch, play pool or cards, use exercise machines and enjoy other activities. For those needing a ride, the senior van is available by calling 304-755-5502 before 9 a.m.

PCTC Adult Learning Center provides Academic Remediation Students prepare for various types of testing including ACT, GED, and LPN. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on Friday. For more info. call 5862411.

University of Charleston announces upcoming Speakers The University of Charleston Speaker Series announces the following schedule: Energy: Who’s Got the Power??

March 27 – “The Power of Coal” – with Kevin Crutchfield, CEO of Alpha Natural Resources April 12 – “Global Power Plays” – with Barry Worthington, Executive Director, U.S. Energy Association All events begin at 6:30 p.m. in Geary Auditorium, Riggleman Hall, and are free and open to the public. No tickets needed. Details, photos, and speaker bios are available on our website, www.ucwv.edu/speakerseries.

For more information, please contact: University of Charleston Office of Communications, (304) 3574716; communications @ucwv.edu.

Photography Class – (Tuesday’s) May 10 – June 14, 2012 Putnam County Parks & Recreation Commission is hosting a photography class instructed by Dusty Hurley starting May 10 thru June 14, 2012. Class will be on Tuesday’s from 6:15 – 7:45

Order Your Easter Eggs NOW The United Methodist Women of Forrest Burdette United Methodist Women are taking orders for ½ pound Easter Eggs, available in vanilla, coconut, cherry nut, maple nut and the most favorite of all, peanut butter. Each egg is hand decorated.

Cost $3.50.

The eggs will be available for pick on Saturday, March 31st, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Forrest Burdette United Methodist Church, 2848 Putnam Avenue in Hurricane. Also, on that day, books, crafts, baked goodies and hot dogs will be on sale for the Spring Festival.

To place an order, call Jan, 304562-2053 or email your order to jrowsey593@aol.com with the subject Eggs!

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 304549-3266 or debarm@suddenlink.net.

Marita Sodaro named to Dean's List at Grove City College Marita Sodaro, a junior Early Childhood Education major at Grove City College, has been named to the Dean's List with Distinction for the fall 2011 semester. Marita is a 2008 graduate of Teays Valley Christian School and is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Sodaro from Scott Depot, WV. Students eligible for the Dean's List have a GPA of 3.40 to 3.59; for the Dean's List with Distinction a GPA of 3.60 to 3.84 and for the Dean's List with High Distinction a GPA of 3.85 to 4.0.

Founded in 1876, Grove City College stands on its founding ideals of faith and freedom, made possible by an unwavering commitment to Christian principles and rigorous academics at a price within the reach of families with modest means.

The College, located 60 miles north of Pittsburgh, Pa., has an enrollment of 2,500 students and teaches the liberal arts, sciences and engineering. It is an advocate of the free market economic system and accepts no federal funding.

Tuition is about half the national average for private colleges.

The Putnam Standard

Community News

WATER FROM PAGE 1

TEACHER FROM PAGE 1

to drain water into storm sewers were unsuccessful to relieve water pressure at the broken valve, she said.

Once that 30-inch line was shut down, thousands in the county found themselves with low water pressure and later no water at all after storage tanks had drained.

West Virginia American Water first issued a boil advisory for approximately 2,000 customers in Nitro and St. Albans as the workers tried to access the valve.

Once that main transmission line was closed, the interruption spread throughout much of Putnam County.

The boil advisory later expanded to include approximately 10,000 customers in Kanawha, Putnam and Lincoln counties, including all of Nitro, customers along West Virginia 62 from Poca to Buffalo, W.Va. 817 from St. Albans to Pliny.

Affected areas included: Nitro, St. Albans, Bancroft, Eleanor, Buffalo, Pliny, Winfield, Frazier's Bottom, Hurricane Creek Road, Turkey Creek, Clymer Creek, Ridges Creek, Upper Coach, Upper Charlie's Creek, Sycamore and Winchester Drive.

For many, however, there was no water to boil Saturday and the utility deployed two potable water tanker trucks, one at the Nitro Moose Lodge and another at Winfield High School, for customers to draw potable water.

By 5 p.m. Saturday, crews were able to reach the valve and had it repaired by 6 p.m. Then, they began reopening the numerous valves that had been shut down that morning to facilitate the repair.

Once the system had re-pressurized overnight, crews began gathering samples to be send back to the company's state-certified lab in Charleston.

After initial testing, the water samples must incubate for 24 hours and be deemed safe before an advisory can be lifted.

John and the superintendent."

Three people addressed the board Monday, including Marsha Bradbury, who said, “we all hope he is given a second chance to remain an educator in Putnam County Schools” and Theresa Catanzarite, who credited St. John with helping her daughter through a difficult time.

“What kind of choice is it,”

Bradbury said after the meeting, “to resign or be fired and lose the thing you love most in life.”

Students and former students, angry and bewildered about the end of St. John's decades-long career, spoke of him as an approachable educator.

Many had stories about friends suffering extreme depression – even on the brink of suicide – whose confiding in St.

John literally saved their lives.

“He could inspire anyone,” said former student Mark Shaffer, “to do anything.”

Lucas Willis, a 2009 graduate of Hurricane, said St. John convinced him to give college a try.

“He motivated you,” Willis said. “He would stick up for you.

He works with whatever teaching style fits you. If something didn't work, he kept trying until

March 19-23, 2012 – Page 3

he reached you. He made me believe I could do anything. He helped me in other classes. He even helped me with college classes. How many teachers do you keep up with years after you graduate? How many teachers will help you after you graduate?”

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

SBA disaster loans available to businesses in Putnam County WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced that federal economic injury disaster loans are available to small businesses in Putnam County following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration for several counties in West Virginia affected by severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, mudslides and landslides from Feb. 29 to March 5, 2012.

"The U.S. Small Business Administration is strongly committed to providing the people of West Virginia with the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist homeowners, renters, and businesses with federal disaster loans. Getting businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA,” U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Karen G. Mills said.

The disaster declaration covers the counties of Lincoln, Marion and Wayne in West Virginia , which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disas-

ter Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Boone, Cabell, Harrison, Kanawha, Logan, Mingo, Monongalia, Putnam, Taylor and Wetzel in West Virginia ; Boyd, Lawrence, and Martin in Kentucky ; and Lawrence in Ohio .

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate.

Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, in-

To Advertise Here Call 304.743.6731 today!

ventory, and other business assets.

The SBA may increase a loan up to 20 percent of the total amount of disaster damage to real estate and/or leasehold improvements, as verified by SBA, to make improvements that lessen the risk of property damage by future disasters of the same kind.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

Interest rates are as low as 1.875 percent for homeowners and renters, 3 percent for nonprofit organizations and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years.

Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant's financial condi-

tion.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 800(3362), (TTY) 621-FEMA 800-462-7585 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Additional details on the locations of Disaster Recovery Centers and the loan application process can be obtained by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Those affected by the disaster may also apply for disaster loans electronically from SBA's website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela /.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is May 15, 2012 .

The deadline to return economic injury applications is December 17, 2012 .

For more information about the SBA's Disaster Loan Program, visit our website at www.sba.gov.

State Farm® Providing Insurance and Financial Planning Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710

Tom Midkiff, Agent P.O. Box 661 Winfield, WV 25213 Bus 304-586-1000 tom@tommidkiff.com

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

Community News

Page 4 – March 19-23, 2012

Pamela Thompson graduates Summa cum Laude Pamela Thompson has graduated from Mountain State University with a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Business, Organizational Leadership.

Ms. Thompson achieved the highest distinction of honors, Summa Cum Laude. The formal graduation will occur in May, 2012.

Thompson formerly Ms. worked for Alltel and Verizon Wireless in Hurricane.

A native of Park Ridge, New Jersey, she now resides in Huntington.

Debbie’s Poetry Corner

By Debra J. Harmes-Kurth

Send your poetry to Debra Harmes-Kurth 1042 Pike Street • Milton, WV 25541

Poca HS Winners, State DECA Competition, March 11-12, 2012 Congratulations, DECA members, for your success at the WV DECA State Competition! The winners and their events include: 1. Emily Robinson and Josh Higginbotham, 3rd Place, Marketing Communications Team Event 2. Elizabeth Lamachia and Taylor Turley Placed 4th In The Hospitality Services Event 3. Jordan Baria and Ethan Witt Won 2nd Place In The Fashion Merchandising Promotion Plan 4. Haley Felty and Rianna Kern Placed 4th In The Buying and Merchandising Team Event 5. Tabita Johnson, Cheyenne Kinder, and Kim Robinson, 1st Place Chapter Of Distinction 6 Josh Higginbotham, 2012-13 Vice-President of The WV DECA State Action Team 7. Ethan Witt, 2012-13 President, WV DECA State Action The Poca High School Chapter was also presented an Award for having the largest DECA Chapter in the state of West Virginia!

First- and second- place winners and the officers will be participating in the DECA International Career Development Conference at Salt Lake City, Utah, where they will represent the state of WV in late April.

March Birthdays!

Happy Birthday to ALL

Donna Gibson Josh Linville Joan Adkins Samantha Neese Shannae Ratliff Cameron Shinn Patrick Rolfe Carolyn Meadows Judie Allen Sara Bailey Beverley Ball Brenda Bassett Olin Bird Charlette Chester David Clark Richie Dailey

The Putnam Standard

Ronnie Davis Thomas Dawson Martha Fletcher Trena Flora Larry Foster Illya Harrell Gary Sargent Annette Chapman Jason Drown Taylor Adkins Marilyn Harris Tommy Harbour Arbutus Higginbotham Mary Hight Mary Hudnall Derek Hutchinson

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

In the last few columns I have been writhing about the basics of putting a poem together, observing or collecting your thoughts and getting them written down so that they will not be forgotten or lost. The next step in the process is deciding what type of form to present your poem in.

For those of you unfamiliar with the numerous forms in which a poem can be presented I recommend that you visit your local library or bookstore.

There are some excellent books available for any poet regardless of how long you’ve been writing.

Today I am going to write briefly on “free verse”; free verse is a form of sorts, in the fact that there must have a strong rhythm. Free verse does not have to rhyme, have a syllable count or pattern. I will give you an example here: I stood in my yard at sunset, waiting for the moon to make her appearance.

These lines would be considered prose rather than free verse, because of how they are presented. However, I could take those same lines with a few revisions and make them into free verse.

In my yard near sunset I stood in wait, for the moon to show herself.

Can you hear the difference in rhythm in these two sets of lines?

One is more conversational, while the other is poetic. This week your

challenge is to try to take your notes and write them down in a poetic form that is comfortable to you. So until next time keep reading and writing, remember you can mail your work to the above address or email it to: cabellputnamstandardpoetry@hotmail.com. *** take a minute take a minute hold it close when there is sunlight and we can walk in it when there is rain and we can see a rainbow in it take a minute

sometimes it’s all we have jani johe webster, NY

*** Faith In Absentia Is my Lord an absent Father?

For in my calling He neglects to answer.

Of my needs He pays no support.

Tho I sorrow He offers no embrace Is my Lord

an absent Father?

Behold I do glimpse an illuminated figure at a shadowed crossroad.

For in my calling He doth beckon.

Of my needs he promises a mansion for a dwelling.

Tho I sorrow He vows erasure of melancholy memories.

If I but prove To be a worthy son of an absent Father.

Rod Sargent, WV

*** Sailing Standing on the deck, early morning, water a clear mirror of the sky above; peace and serenity after a storm-filled night, pitching and rolling in angry storm.

The sea has a personality, reacting to dark and light, daring seafarers to control it as they fight to dock in remote territories.

Hypnotized by gentle movement I look up to the sails now risen; home tomorrow if all goes well, to await the sea’s next challenge.

Charlotte Ann Zuzak, PA

Special Easter Bunny to visit the Mall SUBMITTED ARTICLE BARBOURSVILLE – JeffersonWhitney, a Hurricane based insurance, investment and financial planning firm that

Small Fruits Workshops Join us for a FREE 5-part workshop series to learn how to grow your own fresh fruit, even in your own backyard. The information is pertinent to any grower looking to grow his or her own small fruits. Workshops are made possible by a Specialty Crop Block Grant from the West Department of Agriculture.

Schedule March 27 - Grapes April 3 -Fruit Trees

Time 10:00 - Noon

Workshops will be held at the Pumpkin Park in Milton, WV To register, contact Jeanie Sutphin at 304-204-4305 or extension@wvstateu.edu West Virginia State University R&D Corp. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran.

places an increased focus on those with special needs, is sponsoring Special Easter Bunny at The Huntington Mall in Barboursville.

This event will be held in the Community room Saturdays March 24 and 31 from 9 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Special Easter Bunny is geared towards families with children with special needs.

Eliminating the busy mall environment and providing a more calm experience will help families continue the tradition of visiting the Easter Bunny.]

Photos and a special gift will be provided to participants.

JeffersonWhitney is located at 3466 Teays Valley Rd. and serves clients throughout the tri-state area.

For more information, please v i s i t www.jeffersonwhitney.com or call Stacie Thomas at (304) 3976517.

The Putnam Standard

Community News

Commissioners approve zoning change for Teays Valley Road Property

By Jack Bailey jackbailey@theputnamstandard.com

WINFIELD – The Putnam County Commission approved a zoning change at its Tuesday, March 13, meeting that would allow a property developer to have more commercial development options for a 4.8 acre tract of land located along Teays Valley Road across from the Kmart and Kroger gas station.

Commissioners unanimously approved the zoning change from a C-1 suburban commercial district to a C-2 high density commercial district.

Property owner Yeager Land LLC had asked for the zoning change in order to have more development options for the property, according to John Butterworth of the Putnam County Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission had earlier voted to recommend that the County Commission approve the rezoning request.

Butterworth said that that developer did not indicate a specific project when applying for the zoning change, but said they wanted to have more flexibility in trying to recruit new businesses to locate there. The zoning change allows for a higher building height and increased paving for parking among other things.

Commissioner Steve Andes

said that there had been some concern over the amount of traffic increased development could bring to an already busy road, and encouraged the state Division of Highways to look at widening that section of road to three lanes.

In other news at the March 13 meeting, Putnam Farm Bureau President Noah Perry came before the Commission asking for up to $5,000 in order to purchase a portable animal handling facility. Perry said that such a portable facility could be used by the Animal Shelter as well as at the new Buffalo High School when it reopens in the fall and is expected to add an agricultural program.

Perry also added that such a portable facility was very much needed at the annual Putnam County Fair in order to safely move animals around the fairgrounds.

Commissioner Joe Haynes said that he was sympathetic to Perry's request but suggested putting off making a final decision until after the Commission completes work on the county budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2012.

The Commission is expected to finalize the budget for the upcoming year at its next meeting on March 27.

Also at the March 13 meeting of the Commission, a second

public hearing was held concerning the county's application for $1.5 million in HUD Small Cities Block Grant Funding in order to extend waterline service along Manilla Ridge. No one spoke at the public hearing and following its conclusion, Terry Martin of the Regional Intergovernmental Council said that he would submit the application for funding. If approved, the funding would allow for a six-inch waterline to be extended to 39 homes along Manilla Ridge.

In other news at the March 13 meeting, commissioners approved a reimbursement request from the YMCA for approximately $2,000 for new bleachers, and another reimbursement request of $14,700 that was used to replace windows at the courthouse in Winfield.

Commissioners also approved a $9,687 payment order to engineering firm QK4 for work done on design services to fix flooding problems in the community of Hometown.

Also at the March 13 meeting, commissioners appointed Craig Young to the Putnam County Parks Board and Gary Sigmon to the Putnam County Health Department.

The next meeting of the Putnam County Commission will be March 27 at 9 a.m. at the courthouse in Winfield.

County in need of poll workers for May 8 primary election

By Jack Bailey jackbailey@theputnamstandard.com

WINFIELD – Putnam County Clerk Brian Wood said that he is in need of poll workers for the upcoming May 8 primary elections.

Wood said that he needs both Republican and Democrat poll workers.

“Anyone interested should please contact my office,” Wood said. “This being a presidential election we would like to have a stockpile of workers to draw from.”

Wood said that he needs poll workers both to work the polls the day of the primary election and also to man information booths that he plans to set up in high traffic voting areas. Wood

said that he thinks the information booths are necessary because of recent redistricting changes so that voters know the proper places to vote.

“We can use all of the people we can get,” Wood said.

In order to be eligible to be a poll worker, Wood said that you must be a resident of Putnam County, must be 18 years of age and registered to vote.

A training session is provided for poll workers before the primary election, Wood said.

In addition to performing a civic duty, Wood said that poll

workers are also paid for their services.

Workers receive $50 for attending the training session and then $150 for working on Election Day. Wood said that anyone who is interested in becoming a poll worker should contact his office as soon as possible at (304) 5860202.

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755-3306

March 19-23, 2012 – Page 5

Volunteers Needed Volunteers are needed for River Sweep 2012 scheduled for Saturday, June 16, along the shoreline of the Ohio River and its many tributaries.

River Sweep is a riverbank cleanup that extends the entire length of the Ohio River and beyond. More than 3,000 miles of shoreline will be combed for trash and debris. This is the largest environmental event of its kind and encompasses six states.

“The Ohio River Sweep is very important because for a few hours on one day volunteers can help make a difference in the appearance of this great natural resource,” said Jeanne Ison, Project Director. “The Sweep has grown so much in the past few years, we’ve been able to expand the project to tributaries and feeder streams of the Ohio River.”

Persons wanting to volunteer for this event can call 1-800-359-3977 for site locations and county coordinators in their area or visit the website at www.orsanco.org and click on River Sweep. Each volunteer will receive a free T-shirt.

The River Sweep is sponsored by the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO). Other sponsoring agencies are the West Virginia Make It Shine Program, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Illinois EPA, and Kentucky River Authority. ORSANCO is the water pollution control agency for the Ohio River and its tributaries.

Second Annual "Best of the Counties" Pie Bakeoff LEWISBURG - The 2012 State Fair is set for August 10th through 18th and fair officials are looking for West Virginia's best pie baker!

The second annual "Best of the Counties" pie bake off is a competition between each of West Virginia's fifty-five counties to determine bragging rights for being the home of West Virginia's best pie baker!

To nominate a neighbor, friend or family member simply visit www.statefairofwv.com and complete the pie bake off ballot. The person receiving the most votes for a particular county will be invited to participate in the contest at the State Fair on Saturday, August 11th. All nominations must be received by the Fair office no later than 12 noon on April 6th.

Page 6 – March 19-23, 2012

Community News

Heavenly Orange Fluff Salad

(Gathel Jordan) 2 small boxes orange Jello 2 cups hot water 1 small can undiluted frozen orange juice 1 large can pineapple (crushed) 2 cans mandarin oranges Topping 1 cup cold milk 1 small box lemon instant pudding 1 container cool whip Mix Jello & water in cake pan size 11-3/4 x 7-1/2 x 1-3/4. Add frozen orange juice mix well, drain pineapple & oranges. Add to the Jello mixture, put in refrigerator until set.

Make topping and pour on top, cut into squares.

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

Main Office Loan Center Office 2761 Main Street • Hurricane, WV 25526 2761 Main Street, Hurricane 304-562-5055 • 304-562-9109 (fax)

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)

The Putnam Standard

Pair of Putnam players lead Marshall men’s soccer team signings for 2012 STAFF REPORT HUNTINGTON – A pair of Putnam County natives lead the signing class of the Marshall University men's soccer team announced this week.

Tommy Trupo of Scott Depot and Trevor Starcher of Hurricane were among seven signees announced by the Thundering Herd men's soccer team this week.

The class is head coach Bob Gray’s 18th since he became leader of the Thundering Herd prior to the 1995 season, and contains players from the West Virginia, national, and international soccer scenes.

The class is headlined by Trupo, a two-time West Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year that led the state in scoring this past season playing for Charleston Catholic.

An NSCAA High School AllAmerican and member of the ODP Regional squad, Trupo is described by Gray as a player with “tremendous upside and loads of speed.”

Trupo is the son of Frank and Gail Trupo and plans to major in biology – pre-dentist when he enrolls at Marshall.

Starcher is described by Gray as a strong, physical player who possesses the versatility to play in multiple positions on the field. He is a two-time FirstTeam All-State midfielder and was named 2010 AAA Midfielder of the Year playing for Hurricane High School. He is the son of John and Dee Starcher. He plans to major in sports management at Marshall.

The other player to sign with the Herd from West Virginia is Ian Lovern.

Lovern never played high school ball, instead opting to play club soccer with the Roanoke Star.

Like Starcher, Lovern is a versatile player, and will be vying for time out on the wing. “Trevor is a big, strong, aggressive kid with an edge to his game that I like,” said Gray, “and Ian is a tremendously passionate player with a high level of fitness that will let him move up and down the field without tiring.”

“Overall, we’re thrilled to get three quality players from our own state,” said Gray. “It’s been awhile since we were able to snag West Virginia kids who can play at this level, but I strongly

believe all three of these guys are more than capable.”

The other two American signees are Jack Hopkins of Birmingham, Ala., and Bijan Gloston of Clarksville, Tenn.

Hopkins, a three-year starter for Vestavia Hills High School, has tallied 59 goals and 31 assists in his tenure there, and was named to the Alabama All-State team in 2011.

Gloston is the Herd’s lone goalkeeper signee for the upcoming year, and hails from Clarksville High School where he was All-District and All-County from 2008-11. A member of FC Alliance – one of the top club teams in Tennessee – Gloston is a three-time state and premier league champion as the team’s starting goalkeeper.

The final two incoming freshmen are Jesus Mafouta and Brandyn Murray of Beaumont, France, and the Caiman Islands, respectively.

The sevenfold class will arrive at Marshall this August with hopes of improving the team’s 88-1 record from a season ago.

Until their arrival, the Herd will play in seven spring matches this semester.

Emergency Low Income Energy Assistance Program Begins SUBMITTED ARTICLE CHARLESTON -- The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) Bureau for Children and Families began accepting Emergency LIEAP applications March 19, 2012 at all local DHHR county offices.

The Emergency LIEAP program will operate until LIEAP funds are exhausted.

West Virginia residents must apply for Emergency LIEAP in person at their local DHHR office.

Households must meet all program guidelines to qualify

for Emergency LIEAP assistance.

In addition, there must be an emergency that will cause disruption to the home’s primary heating source if not met.

Customers whose primary source of heat is either natural gas or electricity must bring their cut-off notice with them when applying for emergency LIEAP. Households using other primary heating sources or bulk fuel may qualify for assistance if their heating fuel is at a low level during the application period.

Media questions regarding the Emergency LIEAP program should be directed to Danita Jones at 304-356-4619.

West Virginia residents wanting information about the Emergency LIEAP program should contact their local DHHR office.

The Putnam Standard

Outdoor News

March 19-23, 2012 – Page 7

Largemouth Bass Virus discovered in four West Virginia Lakes

David Payne Sr.

By David Payne Sr. davidpayne@theputnamstandard.com

The presence of Largemouth bass virus has been discovered in four West Virginia lakes, officials say.

Recent fish health surveys conducted by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources revealed the presence of large-

mouth bass virus in four West Virginia lakes, East Lynn (Wayne County), North Bend (Ritchie County), Stonewall Jackson (Lewis County), and Sutton (Braxton County) lakes.

Fish health surveys also were conducted at Mount Storm (Grant County) and Moncove (Monroe County) lakes and Little (Wood County), Kanawha Monongahela (Monongalia County), Tygart (Barbour County), and New (Summers County) rivers. No virus was found in those fish.

“Largemouth bass virus is a common pathogen found primarily in southern United States largemouth bass populations, but has been expanding throughout North America,” said Chris O’Bara, DNR fisheries research biologist. “LMBV has not been linked to any human health concerns but, as always, fish should be properly prepared prior to eating.”

Bret Preston, DNR wildlife resources assistant chief, said that just because the fish had been exposed to the virus, doesn't mean they were ill with it.

“We've documented largemouth-bass virus is some fish – that doesn't mean they were sick and we haven't seen any that were sick. That just means that the virus is present. It's not uncommon to have viruses in animals that are present, but not active. We've had no die-offs or kills that can be attributed to this virus,” Preston said.

Biologists say the virus poses no threat to humans and has been found in at least 20 states.

However, they are concerned that if there are other stresses present in a fish's environment, such as improper handling by anglers before release, it could become vulnerable to the virus.

Preston said anglers should handle fish that are to be released as little as possible to pre-

serve the fish's health. Besides the stress of being out of water too long, a mucus membrane that covers fish and protects them from infection can be damaged when fish are handled with dry hands. Always wet your hands before handling a fish.

“The virus can hit hard,” he said. “There have been fish kills elsewhere attributed to it. It tends to be larger fish that are vulnerable during the warmer months. The best thing you can do is minimize handling of fish and minimize that stress to the fish, especially during warmer temperatures. Fish are not unlike us, if our immune system is stressed, we might be more susceptible to a cold virus, for example. Other times, if you are in good shape and don't have stress factors, you can fight it (virus) off and it doesn't become an issue.

The same is true for fish.”

Surveys performed during the summer and early fall of 2011 were

focused on monitoring overall fish health in water bodies where WVDNR staff collects broodstock for hatchery production. Several species of fish were collected from 10 water bodies and samples were sent to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Lamar Fish Health Laboratory for analysis.

The DNR is asking anglers to help curtail the virus' spread by keeping their boats and livewells clean to make sure that the virus isn't accidentally transported.

“Don't move fish from one body of water to another and be careful about live wells and boat trailers where (possibly infected) water, plants, or even mud could be transported. Clean your boat and trailer,” he said.

The DNR will be expanding this survey into other bodies of water later this year.

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

The ancient art of Flyfishing

By David Payne Sr. davidpayne@theputnamstandard.com

Imagine yourself on a brown trout stream in ancient Macedonia.

You've done well fishing with live worms or bugs on a hook all year, but then a large hatch ensues, with millions of tiny flies casting off their cases and using the water's surface tension to dry their wings in the mountain air.

The trout are in a frenzy, nipping these flies from the surface and ignoring any type of bait at your disposal. You try to bait your hook with one of these flies, but it crumbles and falls to the ground. But then, you have an idea.

You gather up some wool and feathers and tie them to your hook with a piece of horsehair that looks like the insect the trout want. Soon, your buddies are all plucking hairs from their horses' tails and pulling bits of wool from their clothes for their own flies.

While that precise moment of the birth of flyfishing wasn't recorded, it may have happened something like that. Nearly 2,000 years ago, the Roman Claudius Aelianus described Macedonians fishing for brown trout with artificial flies they used to represent what he described as a bee-like insect that the trout were feeding

on.

The earliest recipes for fishing flies are found in “Treatyse of Fysshynge Wyth an Angle” from the 1400s. It's usually attributed to Dame Juliana Berners, although it may have been written by someone else – an authorship can of worms best opened in its own column.

The author has the reader using live baits and some homemade oven-baked stink baits, made with bread and blood to be used except for when “the trout leapeth.”

When the trouth “leapeth,” that was time for tied flies “according to the month,” followed by as far as I know with the oldest known hatch chart.

These patterns and a few other

Dame Juliana flies are collectively known as the Treatise Flies. People still tie similar flies today, though the designs have evolved with modern materials.

For April, there is the Dun Fly: “the body of black wool. The wings of the blackest drake (male duck) and the lay under the wings and under the tail.”

For May, there is the Stonefly: “the body of black wool, yellow under the wing and under the tail and the wings of the drake. In the beginning of May, a good fly.”

Also for the month is the Yellow Fly: “the body of yellow wool, the wings of the red cock hackle and of the drake yellow.”

In June, it was time for the Black Louper: “the body of black wool and lapped about with the

herle of the peacock tail and the wings of the red capon with blue heed.”

The Manure Fly was the fly of choice for July: “the body of dark wool, the wings of the blackest male of the wild drake.”

The Drake Fly was the fly of choice for August: “the body of black wool and lapped about with black silk: wings of the Blake drake with a black heed.”

The Treatise author doesn't mention the flies floating under their own buoyancy and I doubt they did, but that doesn't mean they weren't fished as dry flies.

He or she does go at length to describe the medieval tackle used and how to make it, so we know that fishing of that time was up close and personal with a short section of line attached to the rod. The author used various colors of dyed horse hair for camouflaging line in different water conditions, cork for bobbers and even wire leaders for pike. It was more like fish hunting than any common modern-day fishing technique.

Yet, there was no need for the fly itself to float because you simply dangled it on the surface of the water.

The need for the flies to float by themselves came with the appearance of the fishing reel.

While the reel is referenced in

Chinese art in the 12th Century, it doesn't seem to appear in Europe until the 1600s.

The first reference to a fishing reel is in Thomas Barker's “The Art of Angling” from 1651. It was probably a simple spool that you wound excess line onto, but the ability to have excess line gave the angler the power to cast much farther out. Now, his flies need to float.

So it's no coincidence that Barker also mentions floating flies.

As far as I know, his book is the earliest known discussion of which materials float best. “I work much of hog's wool,” he writes, “for I find it floateth best.”

Those early fishing books boast an extraordinary understanding of fish behavior and reading water. Much of the advice still applies.

You'll also find some ideas in them that seem remarkably modern, such as this from the Treatise: “When ye have sufficient mess,” the author writes, “ye should covet no more (fish) at that time. Also, ye shall help yourself to nourish the game in all that ye may.”

That's as good advice today as it was a half millennium ago.

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

Leisure

The Putnam Standard Across 1. Site of 1956 Summer Games 10. Sorcerers 15. Once more (2 wds) 16. Related maternally 17. Suspends in the air 18. Full range 19. “-zoic” things 20. Cutlet?

21. Litmus reddeners 22. Renal calculus (2 wds) 25. “Gimme ___!” (start of an Iowa State cheer) (2 wds) 28. Dust remover 29. Clickable image 30. Present 32. Intermittently (3 wds) 36. Computer info 37. Despot’s duration 39. Length x width, for a rectangle 40. Female employee (2 wds) 42. Academy Award 43. Dressing ingredient 44. Juliet, to Romeo 46. Absorbed, as a cost 47. Unrestrained 51. Kiss 52. Charged particles 53. Alternative to acrylics 57. Express 58. Italian restaurant

March 19-23, 2012 – Page 8

60. Change, as a clock 61. Having high regard 62. Amount of hair 63. Female clairvoyants

Down 1. Blemish 2. “... happily ___ after” 3. Bulgarian units of money 4. Lively 5. ___ grass 6. Land on Lake Victoria 7. Popularity of TV program based on audience poll 8. Bridget Fonda, to Jane 9. Lifting to heaven with praise 10. Measure of explosive power 11. Tropical constrictors 12. Street urchin 13. Short composition for a solo instrument 14. Adjusts, as a clock 23. Anger 24. Computer picture 25. “No ifs, ___ ...”

26. Wyle of “ER” 27. “What’s gotten ___ you?”

31. Crowning achievements

WORD SEARCH

32. Black gold 33. Boat in “Jaws” 34. Accomplishment 35. Charge 37. Baltic capital 38. Religious recluses 41. Dark red gemstones

Adds Aims Ants Application Brass Bright Caps Cereal Club Comparatively Conversations Depth Eats Encyclopedias Envy Ever Exports Fair Feels Gain Gases Gear Goat Guides Half Haze Idle Jail Keys Knit Late Lays Lion Much

42. “___ moment” 44. Kind of seat 45. Heavy overcoat 47. Certain berth 48. Bing, bang or boom 49. 1962 and 1990 Tony winner Robert

News Noise None Oath Ocean Once Pinch Plait Pump Rare Rent Safe Sails Salt Ship Significance Slid Sofa Soul Suffered Swan Task Thin Though Ties Tiny Tool Tour Unit Vague Wash Yell Zinc

50. Sentences 51. Breed 54. Western blue flag, e.g.

55. Ancestry 56. Declines 59. Athletic supporter? (golf )

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

Obituaries

Page 9 – March 19-23, 2012 JOHN PAUL BLACKWELL SR. WILMA LEE BRADSHAW HEATHER ASHLEY BROOKS DARRELL DAVID DEW SR. MILFORD G. FISHER ELBERT EUGENE FLANAGAN SR. LUCAS NESTOR ADRIEN FLEMING JANET J. HENSLEY RUBY MELBA SHANNON HUTCHINSON EUGENE M. MEEKS ROGER HAYWARD PRITT JO ANN ROBERTS MARY ANN HUDNALL TAYLOR CARROLL STANLEY VERNATTE MARTHA FRANCES WIBLEN

JOHN PAUL BLACKWELL SR. John Paul Blackwell Sr., 69, of South Charleston went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 9, 2012, after a long illness.

He was a graduate of George Washington District High School and had been employed by the Marvin Restaurant, was a former manager of Shoney's Restaurant and also worked for Advance Security Service.

Surviving are his son, John Paul Blackwell II of South Charleston; two daughters, Geneva Blackwell of Hurricane and Crystal Blackwell of Charleston; and one brother, J.D. (Delbert) Blackwell of South Charleston.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 14, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with Pastor Mark D. Thaxton officiating.

Burial followed in Cunningham Memorial Park.

Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, was in charge of arrangements.

WILMA LEE BRADSHAW Wilma Lee Bradshaw, 75, of Garretts Bend went home to the Lord on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, after a long illness.

She was a member of Alum Creek Church of Christ.

Wilma was the daughter of the late Sim Carson and Celeste (Runyan) Belcher. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Jane Ann Curry; granddaughter, Michelle Midkiff; grandson, Corey Bradshaw; and brothers, Boyd Wilson, James Edward, Leo Herbert "Bill," Donald Arthur and Jesse Delmar Belcher.

She is survived by her husband, Robert "Bob" Bradshaw; two daughters, Bronda (Rick) Adkins of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Janet Lea Bradshaw of Orlando, Fla.; son, Mark (Gail) Midkiff of St. Albans; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Barbara Ruby and Doris (Roger) Escue of Garretts Bend and Helen (Marvin) McClure of Yawkey.

Funeral services were held Friday, March 9, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, with Ministers Joseph Watts, Louie Watts

and Richard Runyan officiating.

Burial followed in Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston.

Please consider making donations to Breast Cancer Awareness in memory of Jane Ann Curry, her daughter, c/o Susan G. Komen for the Cure, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.curryfuneralhome.org.

HEATHER ASHLEY BROOKS Ms. Heather Ashley Brooks, loving daughter, sister and granddaughter, 22, of Poca went home to be with the Lord on March 9, 2012.

Heather was employed by Bob Evans of South Charleston, a 2007 Graduate of Poca High School, where she was very active in DECA and SADD, and attended Everest Institute in Cross Lanes.

She is survived by her mother, Sherry Browning of Poca; father, Donald and wife, Becky Brooks, of New Jersey; maternal grandparents, Ruth and James Browning of Madison; paternal grandparents, Barbara and Donald Brooks of New York; sister, Kimberly Pearman of Poca; niece, Karissa Renee Pearman; uncles, James Browning Jr. of Kentucky, Paul Browning of Chapmanville and Bradley Browning of South Carolina; and aunt, Vanessa Marshall of St. Albans. Heather is survived by other family, and a host of cousins and friends.

A tribute to the life of Heather was held Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home with her grandfather, Pastor James Browning, officiating.

Burial followed in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

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

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

DARRELL DAVID DEW SR. Darrell David Dew Sr. passed away Sunday, January 8, 2012, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Darrell was born December 3, 1942, in Hernshaw to the late James Hayden and Ruby Wamsley Dew. Darrell will be greatly missed by family and friends. He was an operator for DuPont. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish, and was of the Methodist faith.

In addition to his parents, Darrell was preceded in death by a sister, Wanda Pauley.

Survivors include his wife, Janice K. Dew; daughter, Christine (Ray) Cochran of Poca; sons, Shawn Gordon Dew of St. Albans and Darrell David Dew Jr. of Arbovale; grandchildren, Jessica Branham, Brandon Kelly, Curtis

Cochran, Stephanie Dew and Megan Dew; and brothers, Donald R. Dew of Cuyahoga, Ohio, James E. (Judith) Dew of Vale, N.C., and Michael R. (Andrea) Dew of Martinsburg.

A memorial service was held Saturday, March 17, at Hebron Baptist Church with the Rev. Paul Murdock officiating.

Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, Arbovale was in charge of arrangements.

Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.

MILFORD G. FISHER Milford G. Fisher, 82, of Poca, formerly of St. Albans, passed away into the loving arms of his Savior on March 11, 2012.

Milford was born September 2, 1929, in Charleston to the late Luther Edgar and Luda Jane Rhodes Fisher. He was preceded in death by his wife, Emma; grandson, Steven Wayne Lipscomb; and brother, Kendall Fisher.

Milford was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Korea. He was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, working out of the Cross Lanes office, and was the owner of Milford G. Fisher Advertising. He was a member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association, and charter member of the Southern West Virginia Rabbit Breeders Association. He was the first licensed judge for the A.R.B.A. in West Virginia. Milford was a Mason, and a member of the Washington Lodge #58, St. Albans. He was saved on March 2.

Surviving are his children, Phyllis R. Fisher of Poca, Kimberly Keeling and husband, Fred, of Bancroft, Larry Fisher and wife, Deniese, of St. Albans, Eddie Fisher and wife, Diane, of Poca, Pam Parish and husband, Sam, of Cross Lanes and Sandra Riffle and husband, Otis, of Bancroft; sister, Drema Layne of Tucson, Ariz.; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank caregivers, Vickie Canterbury and Tammy Brewer, and the staff of Hubbard Hospice House West, and they would also like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 14, at Elk Funeral Home, Charleston, with the Rev. William Berry and Pastor Mayford Whitt officiating. Burial followed in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes with military honors by American Legion Post #61 of Clendenin, and Masonic Rights by Washington Lodge #58 of St. Albans.

The family suggests donations are made to Hospice of Kanawha County, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W., Charleston, WV 25387.

Arrangements were in the care of Elk Funeral Home, Charleston.

The Putnam Standard ELBERT EUGENE FLANAGAN SR. Elbert Eugene Flanagan Sr., 90, of Nitro passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at Hubbard HosHouse West, South pice Charleston.

Born March 31, 1921, in Moundsville, Elbert was a son of the late William Joseph and Margaret Belle McWhorter Flanagan.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Helen Flanagan.

Elbert retired from the Department of Public Safety as the Director of State Police Communications with 37 years’ service, and served his country in the United States Navy.

Elbert is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Colleen and Dale Nichols of Cross Lanes; son and daughter-in-law, Elbert and Sharon Flanagan Jr. of Nitro; four grandchildren; and seven greatgrandchildren.

Funeral services were held Sunday, March 11, at BartlettChapman Funeral Home, St. Albans, with Dr. David Buckley officiating. Burial with military honors followed in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

LUCAS NESTOR ADRIEN FLEMING Lucas Nestor Adrien Fleming, 65, of Hurricane, formerly of Boynton Beach, Fla., and St. Martin, French West Indies, died Friday, March 9, 2012, after an extended illness.

Born December 21, 1946, on the island of Curacao, he was the son of the late George and Catalina Halle Fleming. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brothers, Harry, George and Robert.

He moved to Hurricane in 2002, and was a member of The Catholic Church of Ascension.

He spoke five languages, and never forgot his Caribbean roots.

He loved St. Martin, the beach and good Caribbean food.

Lucas's other passions included fishing and good conversation, watching the Miami Dolphins, Florida Marlins and the Cincinnati Reds play.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Jennifer Higginbotham Fleming; his children, Heather (Frankie) Gumbs of Augullia and Vanessa Flemming of St. Bartholemew; two sisters, Rita LaBelle of Florida and Mary Ann Fleming of St. Martin; two grand-

sons, Tishon and Valencio; one granddaughter, Trich; and several loving nieces and nephews, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Thursday, March 15, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, St. Albans, with Father Patrick M. McDonough officiating. Entombment followed in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.

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

Memorial donations may be made to Luke's favorite charities: St. Joseph Hospital, The American Diabetes Association and the American Cancer Society.

Luke's family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at St. Mary's Medical Center and Thomas Memorial Hospital, Health South Rehabilitation Hospital, and extends a very special thank you to his caregiver, Drema.

JANET J. HENSLEY Janet J. Hensley, 79, of St. Albans passed away March 3, 2012, on a beautiful, sunny afternoon, at Hubbard Hospice House with her family by her side.

Janet was born June 10, 1932, in Clay to the late Walter and Anna Pierson. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Hensley.

Janet worked for Center Hardware in St. Albans, where she retired after many years of service.

She was a Jehovah's Witness, and attended meetings at the Kingdom Hall in Dunbar.

Janet is survived by her loving sisters, Melinda "Nell" Pierson of Clendenin (Jan's full time caregiver), Arlene Walker of Clay, Wanda Longacre of Charleston and Katherine Davis of St. Albans. She is also survived by her brother, Frank Pierson and wife, Carol, of Clay; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Charles and Betty Hill of St. Albans; and many nieces and nephews who "filled in" as her children.

The family would like to thank Janet's Hospice Care workers, Cheryl Harper, Janet Metz and Ritchie Hill, as well as the staff at Hubbard Hospice House and Hubbard Hospice House West for the respite care they provided.

Janet donated her body to the WVU School of Medicine.

A memorial service was held at the Kingdom Hall in Dunbar on

Obituaries

The Putnam Standard Saturday, March 10.

The family suggests donations are made to Hubbard Hospice House, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W., Charleston, WV 25387.

RUBY MELBA SHANNON HUTCHINSON Ruby Melba Shannon Hutchinson passed away February 28, 2012, at her residence in the Broadmore Assisted Living Facility in Hurricane.

She was born near Clear Fork in Wyoming County on November 7, 1916, the daughter of Lee Harrison and Opal Cook Shannon, and was educated in the Williamson and Oceana schools.

Her husband, Samuel David Hutchinson, of Keyrock, Wyoming County, who she married in 1934, died in 1994. He had served for a year-and-a-half in the Naval Transport Service in the Atlantic Theater in World War II, and retired from the Belle Dupont Plant in 1971. Her parents and her three siblings, Georgia Shannon Williams, U.J. Shannon and Peggy Shannon Hatfield, along with a daughter-in-law, Davietta Sue McCallum Hutchinson, and an infant son, Samuel Lee Hutchinson, preceded her in death.

She and her husband had lived in the Hurricane community since 1950, where they farmed on McClung Road for nearly 20 years, while I-64 took much of their best acreage. She was an excellent cook, and a thrifty homemaker, "stretching the dollar about as far as it would go." She was a member of the local Farm Home Demonstration group, and sold eggs and butter to supplement the family income while cultivating large gardens and canning their produce. Gradually the farm was sold off into subdivisions and, in 1998, she sold what property was left and moved into Hurricane, living on David Street for nearly eight years before moving into the Broadmore Assisted Living facility in June 2007, where she received excellent care from a dedicated, client focused staff which consistently went beyond family expectations in providing for her welfare.

She is survived by a son, David Hutchinson of Frankton, Ind.; a daughter, Frances (Donald) Moore of Washington Court House, Ohio; five grandchildren, Edward (Jami) Hutchinson of Delphi, Ind., Christina Hutchinson and Alice Hutchinson Flow-

ers, both of Anderson, Ind., Diana Moore (Aaron) Baines of Carlsbad, Calif., and Alexander Moore of Washington, D.C.; great-grandchildren, Heather and Samuel Hutchinson, William White and Nicholas and Jacob Flowers; two great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mildred Rose Shannon of Pineville, Joyce Hutchinson Pendry of Reston, Va., and Brenda Williams of Fairfield Glade, Tenn.; nieces, Joan (Hank) Walton of Reston, Va., Pat (David) Olsen of Fairfield Glade, Tenn., Cheryl (Guy) Hamilton of Crossville, Tenn., and Virginia Lee Corbin (Wayne) McCoy of Pineville; nephews, Mike Shannon of Riverside, Calif., Paul (Linda) Browning of Princewick and Rex (Donna) Browning of Slab Fork; and neighborhood friends, Grace Murrell, Dorsey and Barbara Johnson, Rebekah Jarrell, Steve Alford, Rex and Charlene Jones, Laura George and James and Esther Matthews.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 17 under the direction of Allen Funeral Home, Hurricane.

EUGENE M. MEEKS Mr. Eugene M. Meeks, 87, of Hometown, also known as "Blue Eyes" to his grandchildren, passed away at home on March 9, 2012.

He was born May 11, 1924, to the late Herbert and Blanche Gibson Meeks of Hometown. Eugene was also preceded in death by his sisters, Dare McClintock, Betty McGrew and Eunice Null.

Eugene was a World War II veteran and proudly served as Staff Sergent for the Co. F. 27th Int. Reg. 25 Division. He was a machine gun NCO (604) operator.

He was a recipient of the Purple Heart medal, good conduct medal, victory medal and bronze star.

He retired from C.H. Heist Corp in Dunbar. Eugene was a Christian and a member of the Painters Local No. 970 and the VFW in Teays Valley. He enjoyed fishing, working in the garden and always kept his lawn manicured.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mrs. Emma Jean Brewer Meeks; five children, Mike and wife, Linda Meeks, of Winfield, Judie and husband, Bob Anthony, of Eleanor, Deborah and husband, Gary Whittington, of Las Vegas, Nev., Phil and wife, Cathy Meeks, of Teays Valley and Trudy and husband, Mark

Totten, of Hurricane; sisters, Jo Ann and husband, Barney Walls, of Sarasota, Fla., Katie Muck of Red House and Molly Brown of Red House; brothers, Harley and wife, Phyllis Meeks, of Swansboro, N.C., and Guy Meeks of Sarasota, Fla.; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Special thank you to Dr. Enrique Sta Ana, Pastor Greg Blake, Hospice, Gary Whittington, Mark Totten, Bob Anthony and Jerry Null.

A tribute to the life of Mr. Eugene Meeks was held Monday, March 12, 2012, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home with Pastor Greg Blake and his nephew, Jerry Null, officiating. Burial followed in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

The family suggests donations are made to Hospice.

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

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

ROGER HAYWARD PRITT Mr. Roger Hayward Pritt, 76, of Poca passed away March 10, 2012.

Roger was retired from Nitro Shade and Awning; an Army veteran; and a member of Kanawha Valley Baptist Church, Eleanor.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandson, Korey Jones.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Mrs. Patricia Pritt; children, Cynthia Jones of Poca, Lisa Franke of Wheeling and Stephen Pritt of Poca; sisters, Rosemary Compano of Ohio, Annie Mease of Florida and Alyce McKeny of Florida; and four grandchildren, Tim Jones, Jason Jones, Laken Franke and Jake Franke.

A tribute to the life of Roger was held Saturday, March 17, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home with Pastor James Kessick officiating. Burial followed in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

The family suggests donations are made to Kanawha Valley Baptist Church, P.O. Box 464, Eleanor, WV 25070.

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

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

JO ANN ROBERTS Jo Ann Roberts, 70, of Hurricane died March 6, 2012.

Funeral services were held Friday, March 9, at Koontz Funeral Home, Hamlin.

MARY ANN HUDNALL TAYLOR Mary Ann Hudnall Taylor was born January 3, 1948, in Charleston. She passed away unexpectedly at home on March 3, 2012. She was a lifelong resident

March 19-23, 2012 – Page 10 of West Virginia, graduating from Charleston High School in 1966.

Mary Ann recently retired from Jackson Kelly Law offices, where she worked as a legal secretary for almost 33 years. She loved her job and the people she worked with, especially her boss, Gary Hart.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her mother, Martha Lea Ferrell Hudnall; father, William Daten Hudnall Sr.; one brother, William "Billy" Daten Hudnall Jr.; sister, Sue Wolfe Hubert; sister, Martha Rowena "Rennie" Hudnall Stone (Lloyd D. Stone Sr.); one nephew, William E. "Bo" Stone; three dogs, Budweiser "Bud" Taylor, Booger Troy and Butch Troy; and three cats, Bill Troy, Sierra Troy and Bandit Troy Taylor.

Survivors include one daughter, Malibu Taylor Troy of Charleston; granddaughter, Nicole Troy Myers (Brandon); and great-granddaughter, Brandi Nicole Myers, whose recent birth made her extremely happy; nephews, Lloyd "Smokey" Martin and Jubie and Forrest "Cleve" Stone; one niece, Marylee (Pinky/Stone) Wallace; several grand- and great-grand-nieces and nephews; and seven grieving dogs, Blacky Ann Taylor, Smokey Dale Taylor, Sabien Taylor, Hooch Budweiser Booger Troy, Sandi Sara "PeePee" Troy, Jasmine Jasper Troy and Bandi Lou "Cujo" Troy.

Mary Ann had various dogs who she loved throughout the years. Her favorite was Bud, whose ashes will be buried with her. Throughout her life, she would put family first above all else. She was known to be a very hard and dedicated worker who took pride in her work. Mary Ann was honest to a fault, sometimes brutally so. Her passing has created a void which cannot ever be filled. Our only consolation is that she was happy, finally able to stay home doing what she enjoyed.

Most importantly, Mary Ann knew we loved her deeply and will ever hold her in our hearts.

Funeral services were held Friday, March 9, at Tyler Mountain Funeral Home by Brother John Jenkins; burial followed in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.

Online condolences may be sent to www.tylermountainfuneralhome.com.

CARROLL STANLEY VERNATTE Carroll Stanley Vernatte, 88, of Huntington, W.Va., died Sunday, March 11, 2012, in St Mary's Medical Center.

Funeral services were conducted Thursday, March 15, 2012, at Chapman's Mortuary, Huntington, with Pastor Jennifer Obermueller officiating.

Burial followed in Spring Hill Cemetery.

Carroll was born August 11, 1923, in Huntington, a son of the late Andrew H. and Alice Wilson Vernatte.

He worked at the former A&P

Grocery store and retired from Kroger. He was a WWII veteran serving with the U.S. Army, and was a member of the St Paul Lutheran Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Huff Vernatte, one sister Nakoma Rogers, and two brothers, Douglas and Dale Vernatte.

Survivors include two sistersin-law, Alice Raney and Virginia Ritter, both of Huntington, one niece Martha Osborn of St Albans, W.Va.; and one nephew Hudson Vernatte of Tampa, Fla. He was truly a fine gentleman and will be remembered by many friends and neighbors. He resided for the past three years at Chateau Grove Senior Living; the family would like to thank them for their kindness.

Donations may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or the Cabell Wayne Association for the Blind.

Online condolences may be made to www.chapmans-mortuary.com.

MARTHA FRANCES WIBLEN Martha Frances Wiblen, 88, of Huntington, W.Va., passed away Friday, March 9, 2012, in Jackson General Hospital, Ripley, W.Va. She was born Nov. 15, 1923, in Hurricane, W.Va., a daughter of the late Charles Edward and Helen Mae Taylor Burns. She was preceded in death by her husband, Forest J. Wiblen Sr.; a son, Timothy K. Wiblen; and two brothers, Clarence E. Burns and William Amos Honaker.

She was a retired registered nurse graduating from St. Mary's School of Nursing and she worked at the former C & O Hospital, and was director of nursing service at the Barboursville State Hospital.

She was a member of Bethesda United Methodist Church of Ona, W.Va., and was active in Troop 92 Boy Scouts of America for many years and achieved a Silver Beaver award in 1977.

Survivors include a son, Forest J. Wiblen Jr. and his companion Jane Utt of Ripley, W.Va.; a daughter-in-law, Sharon Wiblen of Ona, W.Va.; two grandchildren, Brian Wiblen of Columbus, Ohio, and Danielle Wiblen Snyder of Huntington; and a great-granddaughter, Reagan Snyder.

Funeral services were conducted Monday, March 12, 2012, at Chapman's Mortuary, Huntington, with Rev. Marie Mulford officiating.

Chapman's Mortuary assisted the family.

Inurnment will be at a later date at Forest Memorial Park, Milton, W.Va. Memorial contributions may be made to the building fund at Bethesda United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.chapmans-mortuary.com.

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Page 12 – March 19-23, 2012

Community News

The Putnam Standard

WAR FROM PAGE 1 “He is very excited about doing this,” Williamson said. “When he has been here before he has been so busy talking to people one on one and having his picture taken with them that he hasn't been able to do something like this.”

The dinner and presentation with Abe Lincoln will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under.

On Friday, the Civil War weekend will kick off in earnest. Beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing throughout the day, area school children will be coming to Valley Park to see presentations from the re-enactors and learn more about living at the time of the Civil War. A new feature for the school kids this year will be a presentation by the Western Virginia Military Academy, a group of middle school students from Cabell County.

Cadets from the Academy are re-enactors who are from the 1859-1860 period, right before the Civil War. They don military academy dress of the time and perform military drills.

President Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by Fritz Klein of Springfield, Ill., salutes troops as they pass by during last year's Civil War Weekend at Valley Park. This year, Klein will be returning to once again portray President Lincoln during the weekend long event from March 23-25. Putnam Standard file photo.

On Friday they will be showcasing some of those drills for area school children, and also teaching them about the Civil War era time period.

Then throughout the weekend, the Cadets will participate in the re-enactments by re-creating a Civil War era hospital scene.

“Hopefully, they will be an inspiration for some of our kids in Putnam County,” said Williamson, who added that he would like to see a similar living history group brought to the

school system here.

While the dinner with Abe Lincoln and the addition of the Western Virginia Military Academy cadets are new for this year, perhaps the biggest change that people who attend the weekend will notice is that the site where re-enactors recreate the skirmish of Hurricane Bridge and the Battle of Scary Creek has been changed.

Previously, the battles were recreated on the large soccer field at Valley Park, but this year

thanks to a lot of hard work and elbow grease, the area around the creek behind the shelters at Valley Park has been cleaned of brush and the battles will be reenacted there.

“That was our biggest criticism, from the re-enactors and the public, that the battles took place on a soccer field,” Williamson said. “But this year, we are actually portraying the Battle of Scary Creek at the creek.

This will be a very accurate portrayal of what happened.”

Moving the battlefield was no easy task and Williamson credits the Park Staff, area Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts and Putnam Day Report workers for doing a tremendous job in clearing brush and debris to make it possible.

Williamson said that the newly cleared area will provide a great vantage point from every angle for those turning out to watch the battles re-enacted.

Typically, several hundred people turnout to watch the battles, and Williamson suggested trying to arrive early.

The battles will be recreated at 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Williamson suggested trying

to arrive by noon to allow ample time for parking and finding a seat.

In addition to watching the reenactment of the battles, there will be plenty of other activities spread around the grounds at Valley Park.

There will be vendors selling a variety of items, and various presentations throughout the weekend.

On Saturday at 3 p.m. there will be a Ladies Tea at the Valley Park Community Center and all ladies ages 8 and above are invited to attend.

Then on Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. there will be a Military Ball at the Community Center.

While many of the re-enactors who are there for the weekend will appear at the Ball in period dress, no special dress is required.

Also going on throughout the weekend will be storytelling, night firing, parade drills, and a lantern tour.

For more information on the Civil War Weekend call Putnam County Parks at (304) 562-0518 ext. 10 or the Putnam County Visitors Bureau at (304) 562-0727.