By Gary Lee Stuber
The first regular meeting of the Clay County Commission for the month of September was held on Monday, Sept. 8, at 9 a.m. and was marked by catching up on mostly regular business since only one August meeting was held. All three commissioners were present: David Schoolcraft; Joyce Johnson, president; and Duane Legg. County Clerk Shelia Stone was also present. Routine business included approving minutes from the previous meeting, bills, purchase orders, budget revisions, and erroneous assessments as presented by the Assessor. Other regular duties of the county’s highest government officers included fiduciary appointments as presented by the county clerk, affidavit and waivers of final settlements, and last will and testaments.
The county acknowledged that Ambulance Service employee Aiden Taylor had a major status change advancing from Basic to an Advanced EMT. This comes with a pay raise. At the same time they accepted resignations of Paris Williams and Brittany Pierson from the 911 Communication Center. Vickie Gency was approved for employment by the Clay County Circuit Clerk.
Despite Terry Martin’s absence to announce and explain it, the Commission approved payment request #11 for $210,044.55 for the Big Otter Nebo Waterline Extension Project.
Probably the most important, or at least, most moving moment of the meeting was the Clay County 2025 Childhood Cancer Awareness Proclamation. This was read by Commissioner Legg, and in part, says:
“Whereas, to date, childhood cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 19 in the United States, and whereas in the US forty-six children, between the ages birth through age 19 will be diagnosed with cancer every day, totaling more than 16,000, and in West Virginia alone there are more than 70 children diagnosed with cancer a year. WV children are being treated at WVU Children’s Hospital in Morgantown, Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center at Hoops Children’s Hospital in Huntington/Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington and CAMC Children’s Cancer Center in Charleston…”
And later finishes with:
“Whereas all children affected by cancer, their families, medical professionals, caregivers, and friends join West Virginia Kids Cancer Crusaders, Inc., to continue the collaborative efforts to provide support network, raise awareness, and funds for those affected by childhood cancer, and make a positive difference for patients, families and survivors in the future. Now therefore, be it resolved that we, the Clay County Commission, do hereby proclaim September 25 as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. We ask all citizens in Clay County to participate and are encouraged to join us in this observance.”
There are very few Clay County citizens who do not know, or are related to someone presently receiving cancer treatment. Those who cannot contribute financially can offer prayer for all these children.
The commission also approved new members to the Clay Business Development Authority and includes: Sierra Marling, Samantha Ramsey, Sara Blankenship, and Linda Rhodes.
Three days after being appointed to the Clay Business Development Authority, Linda Rhodes suddenly passed away. Linda has functioned over these many years on various boards, including being an active member of CAEZ of WV, Inc. She also worked with the FFA and her special passion was for 4-H. In a world where too many people are self-centered and do not participate in any community efforts, Linda was diamond in a field of glass. She will certainly be missed by many.
