By Gary Lee Stuber
Mayor of the Town of Clay, Jason Hubbard, came before the Clay County Commission’s first regular meeting of June to make a request of the commission. Commissioner Joyce Johnson was the only one present in the room. Commissioner David Schoolcraft was present by telephone, with County Clerk Shelia Stone taking notes. Commissioner Duane Legg, Joyce said, was working and not present. Mayor Hubbard asked if the commission would repeat what they did last year during the Apple Festival, and keep the courthouse open on Saturday, Jun. 28 so that crowds could use bathroom facilities, drink from the water fountain, and get out of heat that might beat down on that Saturday afternoon. He was granted permission. They also gave him permission to use the front square.
Mayor Hubbard announced that the Independence Day celebration, and subsequent fireworks, would be held that last Saturday of June, rather than on the fourth to accommodate citizens who expressed that if held on a weekend, it would be easier to participate. He said the fireworks would begin fifteen minutes after dark. He hoped to have food vendors set up through Clay and possibly porta-potties. He would also keep the water on at the sprinkler park until fireworks started. He was open to other suggestions. It was too early to know if other entities would be participating but he was not opposed to musicians or others who wanted to come in and join the activities. He said, traditionally, the activities would begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jun. 28. If you have ideas that can enhance this year’s activities, contact the Mayor’s Office.
Following the town council meeting, Mayor Hubbard made more announcements about the Independence Day activities. The Local Tim Miller band will be playing at the courthouse square from about four or five until the fireworks start. There will be a cornhole competition and registration is free. There is a $200 prize. More than 17 vendors some of these, food trucks, will be set up along the street. CMI2 out of Fort Andrew in Lizemores will, for the second year in a row, provide the high quality firework display. If you remember last year it was Clay’s best firework presentation ever. Clay County’s own Representative Roger Hanshaw will again this year provide three bouncy houses for children located at the old IGA parking lot. There will be porta-potties located all over town and the courthouse will be open to get out of the heat, drink from the fountain or use the restrooms. Local businesses will be open for those who want to shop downtown. More events may be added later. For more information call the Mayor’s office at Clay City Hall at 304-587-4233.
The commission quickly took care of regular business: minutes from the previous meeting, bills, purchase order, budget revisions, erroneous assessments and fiduciary appointments as presented by the Assessor. Speaking of the Assessor, she announced that the Clay County Land & Personal Property Books for the year 2025 were done and ready to be delivered.
The Commission approved the reappointment of Barry McCune to the Regional Intergovernmental Council and accepted invoices as presented by Terry Martin for the Judicial Annex, The Big Otter Water Project and the Nebo/Walker Road Waterline Extension.
Donna Salisbury with the Clay Family Center announced on Jun. 23 they would be holding ‘Connections Matter’ Classes. They will have a ‘Darkness to Light’ presentation at 9 p.m. that evening instructing how and when to call CPS. On Jun. 24 they will host a ‘Mental Health First Aid review.’ On Jun. 28 during the Independence Day celebration they would be passing out goodies to children at their location across from the courthouse. She intended, if funds were approved, to repave the two-run basketball court and pave an additional space for a pickle-ball court.
They commission’s next regular meeting will be 9 a.m. on Jun. 23.
