By Erica Kearns
Connie Sizemore, organizer of the Clay fishing derby, appeared before the County Commission at their regular meeting on Wednesday, March 12 to request donations for the annual event. The fishing derby has been held for nearly a decade and takes place every spring at the Wallback Lake. Emphasizing the message of being hooked on fishing, not drugs, the event generally hosts 200 plus children who each go home with their own fishing gear. The success of the derby is based largely on donations, which are running low this year. Sizemore requested the help of not only the county commission, but the individual members, political candidates and civil organizations to ensure this year’s derby was a success. Although the county commission as an entity could not donate, each commissioner personally did. This year’s fishing derby is scheduled for April 19 at 8:00 am. Anyone wishing to help Connie acquire the much needed donations should contact her at 304-587-4492.
After some discussion, the meeting continued with the customary agenda items including the approval of minutes, bills, purchase orders, assessments, budget revisions and estate settlements.
Early voting for the upcoming 2014 election has been set for April 30 through May 10. During this time period, the county clerk’s office will be open during regular business hours as well as on Saturday May 3 and Saturday May 10 from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm for registered voters to cast their early ballots. Early voting will conclude precisely at 5:00 pm on Saturday, May 10. Republican and Democratic poll workers for the May 13, 2014 election were appointed as well as absentee ballot commissioners.
Upon recommendation by the State Tax Department, the County Commission voted to correct both the 2013 and 2014 coal appraised value for a 4,922 acre plot of mineral, oil and gas owned by Braxton-Clay Land & Mineral, Inc, also known as Consol from $849,873 to $4,363,491 and from $1,633,995 to $4,123,086. Braxton-Clay Land and Mineral has requested a hearing to dispute this change. Arguments will be heard on March 26.
Amid discussion at the end of the meeting, Commissioner Linkinoggor announced that the Clay Health Department would hold their annual health fair on Tuesday, April 8 from 7:30-11:30 am. The first 100 individuals to participate will receive blood work and a variety of tests free of charge. A reminder that the Clay Lion’s Club holds Bingo every Monday night at 6:00 pm in order to provide scholarships to Clay High graduates was also noted.
The commission adjourned until Friday, March 14, when they will hold their yearly budget meeting.