Vol. 139, No. 38 • Since 1874 • Wayne, WV • Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Tractor Supply Dog show

ONE OF THE BEST – Jaylynn Collins walks Ms. B around the show ring for the annual Wayne County Junior Fair Board Dog Show Saturday at Tractor Supply in Lavalette. Ms. B was one of four dogs in the show that received awards in different classes. WCN photo by Diane Pottorff

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Kenova mayor assures floodwall compliance

BY MICHAEL HUPP
Staff Writer

KENOVA – A local mayor responded to issues within his city’s section of a common levee that is affecting a neighboring town.

Kenova mayor Ric Griffith said Thursday night that his city is looking at ways to remedy several issues with the city’s section of the levee shared with Ceredo. This past week, both Griffith and Ceredo mayor Otis Adkins received a letter from the Army Corps of Engineers stating that after investigating both town’s sections of levy, the overall system is rated “unacceptable.”

The Corps investigation of the levee system conducted in April 2012 revealed that Ceredo’s portion was “minimally acceptable” – while Kenova’s section had several deficiencies that gave the overall levee the “unacceptable” rating. The Corps also noted that several of Kenova’s issues have been so for the past three inspections.

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DOING ART – Buffalo Playmates special needs students do some art work at the Huntington Museum of Art where a new program, “Art Alive,” is working to get children and their parents interested in the museum. WCN photo by Diane Pottorff

Wayne County kicks off new program at museum

By DIANE POTTORFF
Staff Writer

HUNTINGTON – Dr. Eugenia Damron has been with the Regional Education Service Agency, Region 2, for a while since leaving Kellogg Elementary.

While there, she wondered how RESA 2 could get children and parents involved with visiting the Huntington Museum of Art.

“I wanted to have an ‘Art Alive’ program like they do at the Clay Center,” Damron said. “So, we wanted the preschools to do a children’s performance for their families to come and visit the museum.”.

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NEW STAGE – Stakes mark the spot of where a new stage will be placed for the restored amphitheater at Dreamland Pool. WCN photo by Diane Pottorff

Work on amphitheater stage underway

By DIANE POTTORFF
Staff Writer

KENOVA – Phase I of restoring the amphitheater at Dreamland Pool is getting underway with the construction of a 25 by 50-foot stage Thursday. Contractor bids were opened Thursday for construction of the stage, said Ed Layman, member of the Kenova Parks and Recreation Board. The electrical housing has been completed for the area and the board is waiting for Appalachian Power to complete the box and place a meter.

Restoration of the amphitheater has been a long-term project for the board as it worked to find funding for the project. Layman said once completed, concerts, outdoor theater and any stage show can be performed on the stages.

In the area where the amphitheater was once located, a tree had been cut down and the board is waiting for the removal of the tree stump as well as work on a drainage system to be put in place.

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WCCSO celebrates Older Americans Month

WAYNE – Every year since 1963, May has been the month to appreciate and celebrate the vitality and aspirations of older adults and their contributions and achievements.

It is a proud tradition that shows our nation’s commitment to honor the value that elders continue to contribute to the communities.

This year’s Older Americans Month theme is “Unleash the Power of Age!” that emphasizes the important role of older adults. The Wayne County Community Services Organization Inc. provides services, support and resources to older adults year round and Older Americans Month is a great opportunity to show special appreciation.

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Corps deem Ceredo-Kenova floodwall unacceptable

BY MICHAEL HUPP
Staff Writer

CEREDO – The Army Corps of Engineers has recently deemed Ceredo’s section of the common floodwall shared with Kenova “minimally acceptable” but the overall floodwall unacceptable due to deficiencies within Kenova’s section.

In a letter addressed to Ceredo Mayor Otis Adkins and read at Monday’s Ceredo council meeting, the Corps listed several deficiencies in Kenova’s floodwall system that forced a lower rating for Ceredo. The two communities share a common levee system.

The general inspections are conducted to determine eligibility for the Rehabilitation Inspection Program. The investigation revealed that Ceredo’s floodwall was “minimally acceptable” while the condition of Kenova’s section fetched the overall “unacceptable rating.”

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Wayne Prom 2013

KING AND QUEEN – Tayler Messinger and Brandon Spurlock were elected Queen and King of the Wayne High School Prom for 2013. The Wayne Prom was in the conference center of the Big Sandy Superstore Arena Saturday. For more scenes of the Wayne Prom go to page 8A. WCN photo by Diane Pottorff

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Letter being sent to officials for floodwall

By DIANE POTTORFF
Staff Writer

WAYNE – The Wayne County Commission approved a letter to be sent to Kenova Mayor Ric Griffith on the status of the floodwall after the commission received one from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The commission received the letter last week that stated because Kenova had not met with compliance of its floodwall, there is the possibility that not only it would fail inspection, but Ceredo’s would also, since it connects to Kenova.

“Ceredo is in compliance,” Commission President Bob Pasley said. “It is not fair to punish one town because their floodwalls are connected. Overall, this is not acceptable.”

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School Board honors several for achievements

BY MICHAEL HUPP
Staff Writer

WAYNE – The Wayne County Board of Education honored students and staff for accomplishments at Tuesday’s regular meeting.

The Board honored several athletes and volunteers associated with Special Olympics. The Wayne County Special Olympics basketball team took first place in Division II. They went undefeated throughout the tourney and did so through, “hard work, dedication and very good team work,” according to Joy Bailey, Wayne County Special Olympics organizer.

The Board presented each player and coach with a certificate of achievement. Coach and Buffalo Middle School student Kaleb Hardin was applauded for taking time away from AAU basketball to mentor players and coach the squad.

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NOW OPEN – Camden Park has opened for the season and area residents took advantage of Saturday’s good weather to visit West Virginia’s only amusement park. This year will be the first full season for The Rattler which opened in July. WCN photo by Diane Pottorff

Camden Park now open

By DIANE POTTORFF
Staff Writer

HUNTINGTON – The Happy Clown opened its gates Saturday for the 2013 season. A nice crowd attended opening day at Camden Park, according to park officials.

Camden Park has more than 30 rides and attractions including The Rattler, which opened in July. This will be the first full season for the ride, a pendulum ride that rotates as it swings.

This year, officials lowered the admission price to $19.99. Specials will be announced during the season including Mothers’ and Fathers’ day, Memorial Day Weekend, Fourth of July and Labor Day weekend. The 10th annual Children’s Festival will be every Tuesday from June 4 to July 30 with special attractions. one town because their floodwalls are connected. Overall, this is not acceptable.”

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Misc

Relay schedule announced

By DIANE POTTORFF
Staff Writer

WAYNE – Plans are coming together for the Wayne County Relay For Life, sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

This year’s relay will be June 1 at Spring Valley High School.

It is the first time a Relay event has been on a Saturday, said Terri Francis with the American Cancer Society.

The schedule includes setup for teams between the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Teams will be able to sell food, crafts and other items to raise money for the Relay.

At 3:30 p.m. legendary disc jockey Jack O’Shea will play music until about 5:30 p.m. when the Spring Valley Jazz Band takes the stage.

Cancer survivors will tap their lap at 6 p.m. followed by care givers and teams.
The popular Mr. Relay will start at 7:30 p.m. followed by a Basket Auction at the band bleachers.

At 9:30 p.m., the Luminaries will be lit with the Fight Back Ceremony ending the event at 11:30 p.m.

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SUPPORT OF THE WHOLE SCHOOL – Tolsia freshman, Ashley Armes was the last performer in the American Rebel talent show Thursday afternoon at Tolsia High School. The young singer garnered the support of the entire student body and faculty because by the end of her performance, everyone in Rebel Arena were on their feet. WCN Photo by Jason Perry

American Rebel at Tolsia High School

By JASON PERRY
Sports Writer

GLENHAYES – With the school year winding down and the WESTEST finished, it was time for Tolsia High School to unwind with American Rebel.

The school’s annual talent show, which is also a parody of the popular television show “American Idol,” is a showcase of a wide array of talent sometimes well hidden in the day-to-day workings of a school.

This year 16 students participated in the show.

The kids showcased singing, dancing, comedy, and other abilities to show today’s generation isn’t just about the latest technological gadget.

Before the student body and a panel of judges consisting of three members of the faculty, the participants entertained classmates for the afternoon.

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Summer food program announced

WAYNE – The Wayne County Board of Education announces the sponsorship of the Summer Food Service Program. In accordance with Federal law and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this Institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

Breakfast and Lunch are open to all children, ages 18 years and under, who would like to participate.

Meals will be served at the following sites:
• Buffalo Elementary June 24-28, Breakfast 8-8:30 a.m., Lunch 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Genoa Elementary June 24-28, Breakfast 8:30-9 a.m.
• Kellogg Elementary July 15-18, Breakfast 8-8:30 a.m., Lunch 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Kenova Elementary June 17-27, Breakfast 8-8:30 a.m., Lunch 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Prichard Elementary June 3-6, Breakfast 8-8:30 a.m., Lunch 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Tolsia High June 3-July 3, Breakfast 8-8:30 a.m, Lunch 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Vinson Middle June 3-July 3, Breakfast 8-8:30 a.m., Lunch 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Wayne Middle June 3-July 3, Breakfast 8-8:30 a.m., Lunch 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

If you have questions concerning any of these programs, please contact Brenda Arrowood, Food Service Director 304-272-5116 ext. 338

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More than 1,500 to graduate from MU

HUNTINGTON – More than 1,500 students will graduate from Marshall University Saturday, May 11, in a pair of commencement ceremonies at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.

Marshall will conduct two commencements for the second consecutive year. The 9 a.m. ceremony is for undergraduates, and a 2 p.m. ceremony the same day is for graduate students.

MU Registrar Roberta Ferguson said the decision to split commencement into two events last year was a popular one and both ceremonies went smoothly.

“We received excellent feedback from last year and the overwhelming opinion was good,” Ferguson said. “Two shorter ceremonies rather than one very long one makes it easier on the graduates and their families and friends. With this format we can still honor each graduate individually without taking too long.”

Among the 1,507 students receiving degrees are 986 undergraduates, 439 graduate students and 72 from the School of Medicine. The commencement ceremony is for tentative May 2013 graduates only. Ferguson said she expects about 650 undergraduates and 175 graduate students to take part in their respective ceremonies.

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Spring festival slated for Saturday

By DIANE POTTORFF
Staff Writer

HUNTINGTON – What began as an open house for area residents to view the Appalachian artifacts of A. Michael and Henriella Perry has turned into one of the largest spring festivals in the Tri-State.

Saturday is the annual Spring Festival at Heritage Farm Museum and Village.   

According to a media release, the entire village will come alive with all of the Museum exhibit buildings open to tour. 

Some activities include the sawmill/shingle mill; corn mill, where visitors can buy fresh ground cornmeal, wooden buckets shop; the one room school house; blacksmith shop; progression of the washing machine, churns, irons and much more. 

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New festival for Wayne

By DIANE POTTORFF
Staff Writer

WAYNE – Wayne Councilman Scott Robertson wanted to take what he learned at the Brushy Fork Institute and have a celebration for spring.

Trout Hill Day is what came about.

Named after the founder of the Town of Wayne, Jacob Trout, visitors to the town can take part in activities on Saturday that will include homemade items, climbing a rock wall and a community yard sale.

“The idea for me came in a session of Brushy Fork Institute at Berea College, Ky.,” Robertson said. “People talked about festival days in the spring where local artists set up booths in the town square. I thought, why not do this in Wayne?”

After presenting the idea to the town council, Robertson got to work finding vendors through the town’s Facebook page.

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Kenova to host block party

BY MICHAEL HUPP
Staff Writer

KENOVA – The City of Kenova is hosting a Community Block Party this month to celebrate its designation as an OnTrac Community by the state.

Once given the designation, a community can utilize a network of resources to assist the community in economic development. Although the designation does not provide funding through grants or other financial assistance, the resources provided are important to help with planning, tourism and other economic development facets of the community.

The Kenova Community Block Party May 11th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. is part of Kenova’s plan to bring people into the city to shop, eat and play.

Ed Layman, Kenova resident and event organizer, said the block party is a way to bring people into the city and check out what is happening in the City of Wonders.

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