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Wayne County Progress 2016

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

THE NEWS WAYNE COUNTY

Weekend, March 26 & 27, 2016

“The most effective force in building a good community is a good newspaper

Michael Hupp, WCN; Don Perdue, EDA editorials – Page 2D Wayne Courthouse Renovations, BOE Transparency – Page 4D Otis Adkins, Terry Carpenter C-K Editorials – Page 8D Wayne County Reading Programs – Page 9D

Progress on Intermodal slow moving BY MICHAEL HUPP Managing Editor PRICHARD – “If you build it, they will come.” That has become one of the most famous lines ever quoted in a movie after “Field of Dreams” starring Kevin Costner was released more than two decades ago. It is an adage that state and local officials have been hanging their hat on with the Heartland Intermodal Facility in Prichard. Millions of dollars have been pumped into the project. Construction has been completed and the facility is currently seeking to open full scale, but outside issues continue to hamper progress. Earlier this year U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., announced he is calling for an immediate Senate investigation into Canadian Pacific’s plan to acquire Norfolk Southern – the major benefactor of the facility. Senator has called for an investigation into the proposed merger, calling it an attempt to “dismantle” a company that provides jobs to West Virginians and has the potential to be antithetical to purpose behind the Heartland

Intermodal Gateway facility. Northfolk Southern invested millions of dollars the past several years to expand area rail tunnels to accommodate the double-stack rail cars that would travel to the facility once opened for distribution to the East and Midwest. Canadian Pacific has been attempting what Manchin called, a hostile takeover” since late last year. The move sent reaction from not only Manchin but local leaders as well. “There is some concern (about the merger) because of an agreement that is in place that Norfolk Southern will support the facility by stopping there a certain number of times every week over the next few years,” said State Sen. Robert Plymale, D-Wayne, 5. “Now that the facility is finished, the first five years are critical to its success.” The West Virginia Port Authority identified 1,500 potential jobs that could be created as a direct result of the Heartland Intermodal Gateway Plymale, former director of the Rahall Transportation Institute, said he also has

Aerial view of the Heartland Intermodal Gateway facility in Prichard. Photo submitted

concerns because the kind of merger proposed by Canadian Pacific could jeopardize the quality of service West Virginia receives from Norfolk Southern and hamper what the Heartland Intermodal Gateway was intended to do. “There is a want and need to diversify our economy,” Plymale said. “The intermodal facility is vital for us to try and do that.” Longtime House of Delegates member and current executive director of the Wayne County Economic Development Authority Don Perdue said he remains opti-

mistic about the facilities future despite the delays and a possible merger still looming. “HIG has been a slow burn, to a degree but is certainly still coming along. Any delays, I believe, are largely because the major shippers have not closed their contracts for 2017 yet,” Perdue said. “I believe there is still some concern about the rail Industry in general and the possibility that a merger that might not auger well for the HIG could occur.”

Port Authority director Neal Vance did not return calls for an interview, but did respond to Perdue in an email asking for an update on the facility. According to Vance, the facility’s progress continues to move forward. “We are currently working with multiple companies that want to use the port. We will be receiving chassis shortly and are working to stage empty containers at the site. Phone and Internet service was installed (over the last

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The sign directing traffic at the Heartland Intermodal Gateway Facility at Prichard. WCN photo by Michael Hupp

week) and the security cameras are operational,” Vance said in the email. While there is a mix of doubt and optimism about what many believe is the best chance for economic development in Wayne County currently – according to Vance, he is still unaware if there is a known date for a grand opening. HD reporter Brandon Roberts contributed to this story

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C M Y K 50 inch Page 2D, Progress, WEEKEND, MARCH 26 & 27, 2016

Time to roll up our sleeves to reach the end goal – a better and prosperous Wayne Co. ing tough decisions – even residents are tightening the purse strings. We saw the closure of two major mines in the Southern end of the county. The impact of those closures is just now being realized. There are empty buildings throughout the county that either housed middle-class thriving families or once useful bustling businesses. You can drive from one end of the county and see the impact the job losses have taken. The Town of Fort Gay still struggles with water issues. Kenova is still battling their water and sewer lines. Big strides have been made, but still short of resident’s expectations. The Kenova Water Department recently upgraded their offices thanks to some much needed grant money. The courthouse hasn’t looked better. The new schools in Crum and Kenova are going to be wonderful shiny new buildings for our children, but is it spurring the economy here? The short-term answer is, “No.” The last figures presented in the Secretary of State’s BIG List (Business and Industry Growth) showed that Wayne County was 54 of 55 counties in business growth. Since November, Wayne County has basically lost more businesses than is being created. Growth has been minimal to stagnant. As editor of this paper, this is one of the things that keeps me up at night. I own a home here. I graduated high school from here. I have lived in several parts of the county, while working in all the others. I have met wonderful people…

Michael Hupp Managing Editor The Wayne County News

good salt of the Earth hardworking people that care about their families, community and future. You can see the concern on people’s faces. There is a lot of uncertainty. I like many others want to rest here ultimately. I want to continue to raise my kids in the place I grew up, but things are getting harder and harder for many to remain. The proof is in the numbers. Wayne County Schools lost more than 90 students in total enrollment forcing several hundred thousand dollars in budget cuts. The impact has meant that several teachers have had to be transferred, some positions completely cut. There has been sacrifice. Even the economic opportunities that we do have are held in front of our face like a carrot. The Prichard Intermodal is not moving as fast as we need it to. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but this is the economic shot we need in the arm – yet it is another example of lack of progression. Maybe it is my lack of patience, but this facility is needed so desperately. I drove to the facility to take pictures recently and it is almost a surreal scene when you cross the bridge. The place reminds me of a well-

WCEDA has had a very active year in 2016 so far, with a number of projects that are beginning to unfold While much has been done (The West Edge Development, The acquisition of the old Kenova Elementary, the pending acquisition of the old Fort Gay Elementary, the opening of the Heartland Intermodal Gateway at Prichard, the grant funding for Brownfields exploration, the new Power Plus Grant for development of educational programs in Agriculture, and etc.), there is a great deal more to do to follow up on these accomplishments and see them through to fruition. Completing the process of setting up a produce aggregation facility at the Fort Gay Elementary is a priority and our work with the state Dept. of Agriculture has been very positive. Like any governmental endeavor there have been hoops to pass through but we are very close to completing those in the next several months. As an added element of this initiative we are in the very early stages of bringing together a large cattle farming company to a potential site in Wayne County. Along the same lines, we are pursuing a second Power Grant to gain capital expense monies to refurbish the old

Don Perdue Executive Director, Wayne County Economic Development Authority

school for classrooms and etc. in order to best apply the funds we have gotten to set up the educational coefficient for our Refresh West Virginia campaign (in concert with the Mingo County Re-Development Authority). In the past two weeks we have been contacted by a large Behavioral Health Corporation interested in locating a facility somewhere in rural Wayne County. This has promise of not only creating jobs, but

kept but abandoned military facility. There are new roads and buildings, but only two employees for the whole place right now – a far cry from the hundreds of jobs the facility promises to provide. The possible hostile takeover of Northfolk Southern looms in the distance putting the facilities future in jeopardy before it even began. The possibilities are there. You can almost close your eyes standing at the entrance and envision rail car after double stacked rail car being unloaded onto a line of waiting trucks. Those cars will either head to a river shipping facility near the Intermodal or to South Point or to Tri-State Airport. Hundreds of employee vehicles filling the lots and the sleepy little burg of Prichard booming with vitality – providing hope for this county. Unfortunately it is still a few years away if ever. That is the reality of it folks. Then there is the issue of Beech Fork Lodge. I have to admit out of any restaurant in the entire 50-mile radius that Wedge at Silo in Lavalette is hands down my favorite place to dine. It provides an atmosphere that is not commonly found in this county. You know what it is close to? Beech Fork and its proposed

ing market booms. When people move into those houses they will need places to shop and eat and get gas etc… Municipalities will have new residents for revenue as will the county. The school enrollment will increase to the levels once seen before. When that happens, more funding will come to our school system returning jobs. I am sorry for the negativity. You have to take the good with the bad. There are positives. The return of a focus on agriculture is a good sign. There are many positive things that can come from that but it will take creativity and innovation. Our business and community leaders cannot get bogged down in the way “it used to be.” Sometimes the past can guide us but progress by definition is moving forward. It is moving ahead with your feet to the ground and nothing blocking your path. This county has some of the most diligent and tried population known to all. We are resourceful and proud. We can pull ourselves out of this. We can make Wayne County a place we are all want to live. We can provide opportunity for our children and those graduating college. We can encourage businesses to locate to our towns. We can help give life to the Southern end of the county that has been hit so hard in recent years. We can and will progress… sometimes it just takes rolling up your sleeves, pulling yourself away from the comfortable mindsets that have stalled our futures and coming together collectively to reach the end goal – a better, financially booming and prosperous Wayne County.

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avenues for our citizens in need of help with substance abuse issues. We continue to catalog and pass along potential development sites growing out of the Intermodal facility’s opening. We are told by the Port Authority that interest is growing during this time because the new shipping contracts for overseas transport are being negotiated now. At the end of the day the international shipping concerns have most to say about who and what will be going out of our facility. Finally, our existing manufacturers and small businesses continue to thrive, despite the extremely negative position the Energy Sector has become entangled in. Our monthly meetings with Wayne County businesses have shown that they are moving forward in a largely positive and profitable way. Yes, there is much to do to revitalize our economy and we know that. But all evidence points out that we here in Wayne County are getting there, perhaps more slowly than we would like, but steadily and in spite of obstacle.

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lodge site is what it is near. Can you imagine the growth and excitement that Lavalette once witnessed several years ago as buildings sprang up seemingly overnight? Again, it is another facet of growth being held up by an outside force. I am not a financial analyst or whiz by any means, but I still do not understand completely the whole bond issue and financing of this project It was signed, sealed and delivered yet the first piece of dirt has yet to be turned. Then there is the issue of the roads. The roads of more empty promises and missed opportunities. I graduated from the final class of CeredoKenova High School in 1998. Work had started on the I-73/74 Corridor the summer I graduated. There was work done near Prichard and some work directly off the I-64 exit. It promised to get travelers from the area to Myrtle Beach in five hours or less. No road and it still takes eight hours to get there from here. Lack of progress. Here we are nearly 20 years later still fighting for the road to be completed. The thing that blows me away the most is the fact the completion of the road along with King Coal Highway not only benefits Wayne County, but our entire state. Folks tend to forget that our world is like the human body. When all the organs are working together with muscle, blood, tissue and fiber – the body is healthy. All of those elements are dependent on the other. If we fix the roads, then we make the Intermodal more attractive. If the Intermodal brings in jobs, then the hous-

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I am about to do something no other editor in the history of the Wayne County News has ever done before. The Progress Edition is our annual look at business, education, government and overall for lack of better words, the county’s progress. In year’s past the edition has highlighted businesses that make an impact in the community. You honestly cannot thank companies such as Braskem and Marathon enough for all they do. Wayne Lumber Company continues to be a fixture as is the Hamer family. Griffith & Feil is holding strong as a down-home pharmacy full of charm from a time long gone. Camden Park will open soon to the joy of thousands of families from the area. There are attractions such as Heritage Farm that continues to grow, educate and amaze everyone that visits. Autumnfest was incredible this year. West Edge continues to grow as an artisan center and training facility. The Prichard Industrial Center is home to several companies along with Sogefi-Allevard that provide good paying jobs in Wayne County. That is about as far as I can go or write. To be honest with you, this should be called the “Lack of Progress” edition. We did not feature any specific businesses per se for a reason this year. I will be the first to say that Wayne County is in trouble financially. From the county government making cuts to our Board of Education downsizing its workforce and budget to our municipalities mak-

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C M Y K C M50Y inch K 50 inch The Wayne County News — Saturday, March 26, 2016

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C M Y K 50 inch Page 4D, Progress, WEEKEND, MARCH 26 & 27, 2016

Exterior Improvements Project completed at Wayne Co. courthouse

BOE continues WWI statue restored free of charge working on transparency

By NIKKI DOTSON Staff Writer WAYNE – The Wayne County Courthouse recently finished a construction project that began in November 2015 that improved the exterior of the building. The Wayne County Commission’s Exterior Improvements Project included the installation of weep tubes on the courthouse windows, pressure washing and application of a water repellent sealant on the exterior facades of the entire courthouse, cleaning and resetting coping stones along the periphery of the courthouse roofs and plaster repair to approximately 13 interior windows which were damaged as the result of past water/moisture infiltration issues. The majority of the work was completed using funds from a $100,000 grant through the West Virginia Courthouse Facilities Improvement Authority’s 12th Cycle grant and was completed by Advanced Building Restorations of South Point, Ohio. Soon after beginning the approved scope of work, County Administrator Jim Boggs was approached by David Muth, owner of Advanced Building Restorations, who noted several condition issues with the World War I Memorial on the northeast corner of the courthouse lawn. “In discussing the condition issues, Mr. Muth volunteered his services to help the Commission address these issues,” Boggs said. “When asked what the cost would be to the county, he offered that he would do the work at no cost to the county – his efforts were simply being offered as a means of recognizing and honoring the county’s veterans.” Muth also had family who served in the military. Improvements to the WWI Memorial began in December. The first step was completed by Advanced Building Restorations and included the pressure washing and application of a water repellent sealant to the memorial. Secondly, Muth was able to get Buckeye Monuments of Ironton, Ohio to sandblast the three bronze plaques that adorn the front of the monument. Once the plaques were sandblasted and cleaned, Buckeye Monuments repainted the plaques and completed finishing work to bring out raised lettering underneath. Then a weather sealant was added to protect the plaques. Finally, Advanced Building Restorations added new mortar and caulking to the masonry joints of the memorial to prevent further water intrusion and subsequent damage.

Board updating polices, preparing for budget cuts

An employee of Buckeye Monuments completed finishing work to bring out raised lettering underneath on a bronze plaque on the Wayne County Courthouse’s World War I Memorial.

“I would simply like to express our thanks to Mr. Muth, the employees of Advanced Building Restorations and Buckeye Monuments for all their service,” Boggs said. “I am not sure what the personal cost was to Mr. Muth to undertake this project, but I am sure his cost in donated labor and materials was considerable. For that, I would simply like to recognize his contribution – both to the county, and most importantly, its Veterans.”

Workers tape off plaques on the Wayne County Courthouse’s World War I Memorial.

By NIKKI DOTSON Staff Writer WAYNE – The Wayne County Board of Education has been continuing efforts to make county school system policies more accessible to the public. In 2014, now President of the board Trey Morrone and members Lois Little and Johnita Jackson all talked in their campaigns about how the they could address complaints from the public about not knowing what county school policies entailed and where to find them. It was then, board members decided to come up with a systematic way to be more open with the public on what the policies were. Immediately upon being elected, the members collaborated with the board to start the process of making the policies accessible via the board’s website, along with reviewing each policy to make sure they were a good fit for the county. “We immediately contacted Neola,” Morrone said. “Past members had talked about doing something like this, but for whatever reason it never materialized, but everyone was on board with the idea.” Neola is a service for developing and updating board bylaws and policies who’s mission is to “help school leaders set direction through policy and address the policy implications and mandates of the ever-evolving laws and regulations from all levels of government,” according to its website. The firm started 40 years ago, and it Wayne County School’s main source for policy. The board has been holding weekly special meetings in an attempt to sort through all polices and make changes, accept as is or adopt new polices. This process allows members to read through a selection of policies biweekly and then vote to put each policy out for public comment. During this stage the public can view the policy and comment concerns, etc. Once this is finished, the board votes to accept the polices, and then they are then updated on the website and available for anyone to view. “It’s a great feeling to be able to do this,” Morrone said. “This is an important component of what the board should be doing, and I’ve been very proud to be working together to make it happen.” David Lycan, counselor for the board, said the board has been very involved in making policy changes. “This board has been very inquisitive,” he said. “They have looked closely at these policies, and have had a lot of good questions for me.” Lycan has worked with Neola closely in efforts to clarify policies for the board throughout the process, and has paid special attention to polices that have to do with state and federal laws. He then helps the board translate those into what is needed for the county. Morrone stated that the

Trey Morrone

board intends to constantly monitor policy changes needed according to what is best for students and what the State Legislature passes into law. “Being an attorney, I actually enjoying doing things like this,” Morrone said. “It’s something that needed to be done.” Policy isn’t the only thing undergoing changes in Wayne County Schools, the board is also looking very closely at budgeting. According to Morrone, the bad news that pointed to budget cuts started last year around October. “We received notice that the government had cut state aide,” he said. The cuts came at a time when money had already been budgeted for fiscal year 201516, therefore the board was forced to make cuts to suffice. Morrone said the board had no choice in the matter. The next bit of bad news came when the board was notified that enrollment had dropped by 99 students. Schools receive funding according to enrollment numbers, therefore the cut in students left the board facing a major cut in funding. Another issue that lends to budget problems for the school board is West Virginia State tax payers not paying taxes. In the county alone, there are upwards of $40M of tax monies owed that have not been paid. This leaves the board with $2.3M lost in funding due to companies not paying or even filing bankruptcy. As a result, the board is looking to cut that amount of money from the 2016-17 budget. One way the board intends to do so is by doing teacher RIFs or Reduction in Force, which has already been in progress. According to Morrone, Wayne County Schools was already over the state formula for employees supposed to be employed. Among RIFs are transfers and positions being absorbed. The board also plans to cut down on substitute teachers, which will allow a projected $1.1M in savings. Morrone said it is important that people remember that the board is looking to do the best they can to ensure children are offered the best education possible. “Every county and state has a budget,” he said. “Our main goal is to ensure a quality education of children. We are legally obligated to stay within a budget. We are working hard, and staying late at night to analyze the budget and looking at ways to cut.”

C M Y K C M50Y inch K 50 inch The Wayne County News — Saturday, March 26, 2016

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The Wayne County News — Saturday, March 26, 2016

WAYNE COUNTY

SCHOOLS

Sandra Sturgell Pertee, Superintendent

Superintendent Sandra Sturgell Pertee’s budget letter to the community

Although our school system is facing a 2.4 million dollar deficit, this is a time for Wayne County Schools to grow stronger. At this time last year, we were all coming together as a county bracing ourselves for the shutdown of the final coal mine located in Wayne County. That one event left 450 coal miners unemployed. The impact from the loss of coal mines in Wayne County and West Virginia has not only affected our school system; it has left our entire county and state to face unprecedented

“Together, we are stronger for the efforts of those working in our school system… our schools are a great place to work; a great place for students to learn and grow.” budget cuts creating dire and uncertain financial situations, loss of jobs, loss of businesses, and thus loss of tax revenue. With the West Virginia Department of Education looking over our shoulder, we are faced with the

necessity to take aggressive steps to make immediate impact to meet a 2.4 million dollar deficit. Over the past two school years, our school system lost a million dollar in tax revenues. In addition, during this school year our school system has taken a 1% budget cut from the Governor at $300,000; along with the loss of 99 students county-wide further creating an additional $500,000 loss. For the third year straight, we are once again facing approximately $1,000,000 in loss of tax revenue. Considering that 84% of our school system’s budget is dedicated to salaries and that our school system is 95 employment positions over state formula, like many other school systems in West Virginia we have faced the unfortunate situation of Reduction in Force (RIF’s) and Transfers at an unprecedented number. In addition, we are making every effort to save money in every area and department such as main-

tenance, transportation, and line items funded by county funds. Our work in reducing the budget deficit is ongoing as we continue to face the uncertainty of an unstable economy. Amidst the decisions we are required to make regarding the budget deficit, many positive things have happened in the past year. Our Board of Education, Central Office Staff, and our county professional and service personnel staffs continue to do whatever it takes to make our students the number one priority, College and Career Ready, “Every Child, Every Day” with renewed confidence to keep Wayne County Schools on the right track. Below, we have provided an outline of the many positive things that have and are taking place in the past school year. Together, we are stronger for the efforts of those working in our school system…our schools are a great place to work; a great place for students to learn and grow.

Academic Coaches increase student achievement

WAYNE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS Trey Morrone President Vicky Boyd Vice President Joann Hurley Member Johnita Jackson Member Lois Little Member

Attendance Matters!

Happy to announce that we have a Licensed Social Worker, Lora Stevens on board. She was hired by a grant that was written through Federal Programs. Lora will be working with neglected and delinquent youth as well as students who are at risk due to truancy. Marsha McCallister, School Based Probation Officer and Terri Lynn Queen, Attendance Director are working closely with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to divert truancy throughout the county. Wayne County is leading the way with the Juvenile Multi- Disciplinary Team which holds meetings by-weekly with youths and their families to set a diversion plan in place to keep families out of the court systems. Other members of the JMDT are Prosecuting Attorney Sean Maynard, Defense Attorney Valerie Maynard, Prestera, DHHR, and Lora Stevens Social Worker for Wayne County Schools. The Attendance Department is working with Mr. Tim White with Prestera and local law enforcement agencies to start the Handle with Care Program in Wayne County. Law Enforcement will notify Mrs. Queen anytime an officer is called to a home where school age children reside. This gives school staff notification that a child has had a traumatic experience and will need a little more love and care.

Fifth graders to participate in Civil War Reenactment

Left to Right: Sue Akers-Math Coach, Debbie Bowen- Reading Coach, Judy McCormmick- Reading Math, Gail Maynard- Math Coach, Shane Runyon, Director of Elementary, Patrick Fluty- School Improvement Coach, Beverly Shannon- Math Coach, Mary L. Perry-Director of Curriculum/Professional Development. Rhonda Dotson-Reading Coach, Mary Ann Lucas- Reading Coach, (Not Pictured)

Title II Federal Funds support Academic Coaches to increase student achievement. Wayne County utilizes coaching to provide embedded professional learning, support school leadership teams and assist individual educators. Academic Coaching makes a definable difference in the ability of individuals to transfer learning into daily practice. Coaching supports teachers as they implement new strategies and amplifies the benefits of other forms of professional development. Thus, coaching offers a tremendous “return on investment” for schools and districts serious about supporting new teachers in becoming accomplished educators who are equipped to increase student learning.

Wayne County West Virginia Young Writers County Winners

Grade 1-2: Kaylee Roland, Lavalette Elementary – Make a Difference – Adopt a Pet Grade 3-4: Emma Maynard, Lavalette Elementary – No Business Like Show Business Grade 5-6: Kendra Fischer, Buffalo MS - Secrets Grade 7-8: Layton Sydenstrickler, Buffalo MS – Hooves Grade 9-10: James Spaulding, Tolsia High School – The Desk Grade 11-12: Hannah Stanley, Spring Valley HS – Normandy

Wayne County’s 5th grade classes will be participating in a Civil War Reenactment on April 7th at Buffalo Elementary’s football field. To prepare for this unforgettable day, each class is completing a project based learning assignment in which they research and create a presentation. Each school’s presentation centers around their respective community’s involvement in the Civil War. Throughout the day, students will be engaged in multiple learning centers and end their day with a Harper’s Ferry battle reenactment.

Federal Programs

The Title 1 Department would like to inform the members of Wayne County Schools about some very exciting and wonderful events occurring in our schools during the summer of 2016. Below you will find a list of Summer School Student Events and Staff Professional Development Trainings taking place with our Wayne County Schools Administrative Team and School Staffs sponsored and funded from the Wayne County Title I Department. 1. Energy Express – Summer Reading, Writing, Physical Education, and Nutrition programs for elementary aged students. 2. Kinder College – summer activities for students entering Kindergarten for the 2016-17 school year. 3. Science camp – Summer hands-on learning science and writing activities. 4. Principal’s Academy – Summer Principal’s training of current policies, procedures, and professional development preparations for 2016-17 school year. 5. Teacher’s Academy – Summer Teacher’s training of current policies and academic skills preparations for 2016-17 school year.

C M Y K C M50Y inch K 50 inch The Wayne County News — Saturday, March 26, 2016

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WAYNE COUNTY

SCHOOLS

Sandra Sturgell Pertee, Superintendent

County Social Studies Fair All Wayne County Middle Schools participated in school level Social Studies Fairs and the students listed below placed at the County Social Studies Fair. Only the 1st Place Winners from the County Fair moved onto the RESA II Regional Social Studies Fair held at Big Sandy Superstore Arena, March 3, 2016 ANTHROPOLOGY Individual: 1st Best of Broadway, (WMS) Katie Queen 2nd Greeks & Gods, (Crum) Emily Justice 3rd Fantasy Genre, Gary Coffman (BMS) Team: 1st Dancing Through Time (Crum) Levi Watts & Jace Litton 2nd & 3rd NO WINNERS ECONOMICS Individual: 1st Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Shawna Lockhart (Crum) 2nd & 3rd NO WINNERS Team: 1st Louisana Purchase (Crum) Camree Davis & Skyla Hall 2nd & 3rd NO WINNERS PSYCHOLOGY Individual: 1st No Winner 2nd Schizophrenia, Kayla Pratt (CKMS) 3rd The Price of Gold, Raygan Dotson (Crum) Team: 1st Autism (Ft. Gay) Lyndsie Wilson, Ashley Hofmeister, Cassie Chapman 2nd Mengele’s Children (Crum) Bethany & Candace Jarrell 3rd NO WINNER SOCIOLOGY Individual: 1st Amish Lifestyle, Maddie Nicholas (CKMS) 2nd Teenage Pregnancy, Sarah Maddox (BMS) 3rd No Winner Team: 1st A City Under Siege (Crum) Kaylin Johnson, Danish Ratcliff 2nd Social Anxiety (Vinson) Brianna Slone & Karlee Tackett 3rd NO WINNERS

STATE & LOCAL Individual: 1st 4H Fosters Civic Engagement Zara Harold (Vinson) 2nd The Bunker, Jacob Hutchinson (CKMS) 3rd Dingess Tunnel, Madison Marcum (WMS) Team: 1st & 2nd NO WINNERS 3rd Hatfield & McCoy’s (Wayne) Ashley Smith & Shelby Adkins US HISTORY Individual: 1st Quilts of the Underground Railroad (Crum), Jade Bragg 2nd How Technology Changed Sports (VMS) Marshall Fortner 3rd Sacagawea, Megan Bailey (FGPK8) Team: 1st Stock Market Crash (CKMS) Raegan Agee, Raegan Crum, Kennedy Stanley. 2nd Alcatraz (Crum) Ray Muncy & Jesse Muncy WORLD HISTORY Individual: 1st No Winner 2nd Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Crum), Haylee Porter 3rd Julius Caesar, William Totten (CKMS) Team: 1st NO WINNER 2nd Engineering Disasters (Crum) Katie Copley & Sarah Dillon and World War II (CKMS) Gabe Yeoman & Chris Webb 3rd Eiffel Tower (Vinson) Ming Wu, Emmalee Samples, Mackenzie Bowen

Kate Queen, Wayne Middle School, scored a perfect 100% on her Social Studies Fair project, The Best of Broadway, and was awarded a special Honorable Mention Award as the highest scoring project at the County Social Studies Fair held at Crum Middle School.

Way to go!

The students listed below placed at the RESA II Regional Social Studies Fair held at the Big Sandy Arena March 3, 2016 and the 1st Place Winners will represent Wayne County at the upcoming State Social Studies Fair in April. Zara Harold Vinson Middle School 1st Place Division II State and Local Studies Individual

Jade Bragg Crum Middle School 1st Place Division II U.S. History Individual

C M Y K 50 inch Page 8D, Progress, WEEKEND, MARCH 26 & 27, 2016

Keeping Ceredo on the golden path It is with great pleasure that I present to the Common Council and residents of Ceredo this annual report, the one hundred fifty-eighth such report presented since our incorporation and the eighth annual report of my tenure as your Mayor. I am pleased in the national election year to say that we don’t need to “make Ceredo whole again” or “make Ceredo great again.” Despite difficult times in America and even in West Virginia, Ceredo is faring well. On both a personal and professional level I extend my appreciation to our elected officials, Recorder Stanley Fink and Councilmen Dennis Adkins, Jim Billups, Steve Diamond, Bob Leslie and Joe Ratcliff. Each of these men have continued their dedicated service, well beyond that generally provided by elected officials, to insure that our town remains the most outstanding place to live in West Virginia. The City Clerk and Water Department staff at Town Hall continue to provide exemplary service to our residents, the museum under the direction of Syd Hanson continues to grow, and our maintenance department under the supervision of Marvin Jordan, although small in number, provides the services that truly separate from similar sized municipalities. During recent heavy snows the maintenance department willingly worked weekend hours to insure that our streets were clear and that sidewalks to every church in town were passable. Water Department Supervisor Doug Adkins, assisted by Monty Adkins, has maintained and upgraded an aging infrastructure with minimal interruption of service. This is a remarkable feat accomplished only through hard work and years of knowledge in working with several utilities that serve our town. Police Chief Tony Poston and Volunteer Fire Chief David Caudill lead groups that first class in every respect. Our police force is well trained and well equipped, protecting the peace and dignity of the town while being true public servants. Our Volunteer Fire Department continues to hold the highest rating of any volunteer fire organization in West Virginia. In addition to these regu-

lar employees and volunteers, Ceredo has seen a resurgence of community volunteers, citizens that step forward to perform deeds that improve the town as a whole. Whether it is sweeping a block, collecting liter or taking part in one of our many committees, we are truly fortunate to have so many community-minded individuals. Special mention is in order to the ladies of South Main Street for their holiday decorative work, to B Street residents John and Bailey McKinney for their working in maintaining upper B Street and to Barry Mosser for maintaining the Twelve Pole Bridge. If the state and nation had our percentage of residents willing to sacrifice for the good of the whole, our country would be a better place. I need not recite to you the fiscal troubles facing our state. The near-elimination of the coal industry has left many persons unemployed and severely depleted tax revenues, forcing Ceredo to become even more self-dependent in 2015 and years to come. Programs such as coal severance and revenue sharing that once greatly aided the Ceredo budget are either gone or reduced, signaling an end to the years of excess revenue that allowed us to undertake many nonessential projects. Still, thanks to the foresight and cautious approach to financial matters by the Common Council, our financial position is such that our residents have not seen a drop in municipal services. This is an accomplishment of which we should be most proud. In a time when many cities are witnessing business closures Ceredo is fortunate to have had several new businesses open in 2015. Jason Moore State Farm Insurance, Waylen’s Tire Center, Ross Pharmacy and Pam’s Video Lottery have opened in our town. Most recently, the Iron Skillet Restaurant opened in Ceredo Plaza and appears to have quickly established a strong customer base. We thank each of these entities for having confidence in Ceredo. During 2015, we were able to continue our sidewalk and street repair program, replacing asphalt in several alleys and streets, widening High Street to better accommodate traf-

Otis Adkins Mayor of Ceredo fic to the middle school, and extending the curve between the middle school and Ceredo Manor to accommodate school buses. The last remaining brick sidewalk in town, located in the 600 Block of B Street, was replaced with a concrete walk. As we look to 2016, we hope to continue the annual maintenance and upgrade program on town streets as well as working

our needs for several years. We are now in the process of purchasing a new police cruiser to place a unit that exceeds 150,000 miles. The safety of our police employees is most important, and we have been fortunate to provide them with state of the art equipment to not only insure their safety but to better protect the public. Three new police officers were

with the State Department of Highways to encourage repaving and repairs to several stateowned roadways within the city limits, including Route 60 and Broad Hollow Road. These have been neglected way too long. We were pleased last year to obtain a new garbage truck, purchased at the cost of $125,000. The new truck was necessary to replace a 12-year-old truck that has served to its mechanical limits. The new truck will allow us to continue twice-weekly garbage serve and should meet

hired last year to replace officers lost to normal attrition, and the department obtained its first police dog, a non-biting animal trained to locate drugs. Much has been reported over the last year about he Department of Environmental Protection stormwater program. Following the unfunded federal mandates requiring flood wall upgrades of 2013-14, we were forced to create a stormwater control program that included a permitting process and creation of a Stormwater Control Board. I am pleased to inform you

that Ceredo is in full compliance, our MS-4 Permit has been approved, all requisite Ordinances have passed, and local resident Dustin Long has been hired as Stormwater Director. Mr. Long is fully certified by the DEP and will be in charge of monitoring our compliance with stormwater runoff as well as assisting the Stormwater Board. Again, we are fortunate to have been able to financially handle thus unfunded federal mandate, and while by regulation we were forced to create the Stormwater Board and make it self-sufficient through the imposition of a municipal fee, the Common Council made every effort to make this fee as small tolerable possible. The annual Antique Automobile Club Show at Ceredo Plaza, the Veteran’s Day Parade, and C-K Autumnfest were successful events in 2015 and hopefully will return in 2016. The antique car show is cone of the largest outdoor shows of its kind and has become a fixture in Ceredo. Looking to 2016, we will continue the sidewalk and street maintenance program in as aggressive manner possible. Plans are underway for beautification improvements that will include hanging flower baskets and new holiday decorations as we hope to revitalize the beautification efforts that have been so important to Ceredo. Our Police Department will continue working with our schools and youth groups as we continue efforts to stem the drug program that faces every town in America. The concept of “community policing” is most appropriate for towns our size, and our officers have embraced the concept. During the coming months the Council will revisit our dilapidated building ordinance with intent to property eliminate any buildings that have become dilapidated beyond repair or public nuisances, and will consider a proper method of funding and use for the Ramsdell House, our only property on the National Register of Historic Places. Renovation and restoration of town facilities, including the maintenance and water department facilities, is underway

with general cleaning, painting and inventory. We will continue to provide city services that are second to none, and we will continue to hold municipal fees at the lowest possible level. We have been successful over the past few years in reaching several goals – bringing a grocery store to Ceredo, having ANR come back to life as viable industry, and bringing a new dining establishment to town – most of which were aimed at providing more convenient services to our aging residents. Going forward we will continue to identify the needs particular to our residents and direct our efforts to that end. The days ahead of Ceredo are bright. Perhaps we will not enjoy disposable revenues as we once did, and perhaps we will never again have large industrial or retail concerns in our town, but we will continue with a population that is proud to call Ceredo home and willing to make personal sacrifices of time and energy to keep our standing as the most livable town in West Virginia. It will be most imperative moving forward that our elected officials exercise fiscal responsibility to insure that were are able to maintain essential services at the levels our residents have to come to expect, and that our officials have the foresight to plan the future of Ceredo. Developing a business model for the town and having the ability to attract businesses that meet the needs of our residents will be essential. It is a wonderful thing to report that our town finances are in order, each department operating in the black and emergency fund available, but it is a heavy burden to maintain this status in the years to come. In closing, I would like to express my sincere thanks to each of you for the trust you have placed in me as Mayor and for the assistance each of you have provided when called upon. I’m sure many of you share my feeling that Ceredo is where I want to be, and to have served as your Mayor is the greatest honor I could have. Together we can keep Ceredo on the golden path that we have enjoyed over the past years. May god bless each of you, and may God bless Ceredo.

Terry Carpenter Mayor of Kenova

The State of Kenova 2016

First year has been productive and rewarding for our City. We have made significant progress in the unfunded mandates by the WV DEP, FEMA and EPA in obtaining compliance, providing ongoing training in all aspects to our employees and increasing the effectiveness and safety of the work force. The City has made progress in attracting National and local attention for economic growth with new business wanting to locate in Kenova. This comes as very good news with the downturn in the coal industries. The City has accepted the financial cost of the new water line to the school to provide the needed infrastructure for future growth. Our police Department has seen a needed increase in police officers with the hiring of five new officers. PFC Coey just recently graduated the instructor course for RAD, a self defense situational training which will be offered to the public. Our plan is dedicated to increase the level of service to the public we serve as we

move forward in procuring a snow plow, dozer to maintain alley ways and replacement of dilapidated sewer lines. This year we have completed many projects that were on the table from last year. Gazebo at Virginia Point refurbished. City Hall Clerk Office remodeled, Police Sally Port and evidence room built, new phone system, rebuilt wonderland playground, fenced dreamland pool area and begun start of work on front of house building within the Dreamland recreation complex. Many more changes are planned for the year ahead. Professional horse shoe pits, goofy golf and refurbishment of the tennis courts. Along with the proposed renewal of the levy , which will not increase taxes, we can assist in providing our public library, field house, youth sports, volunteer fire department, museum, dreamland pool, public works and parks and recreation at the high level of expectation the citizen have come to expect. The Council and Mayor look forward to serving the citizens in a professional and neighborly manner.

Pat Fluty addresses members of the newly formed Wayne County Farmer’s Co-op, one of the only such entities in southern West Virginia. More than seventy people attended the organizational meeting held Saturday, March 12 at the Dunlow Community Center to learn about the logistics of a co-op and what benefits it can bring.

Wayne Co. Farmer’s Co-op formed By Robert Thompson WAYNE – Southern Wayne County has seen increased economic hardship in the last few years with the loss of two major coal companies in Rockspring Development and Argus Energy along with hundreds of jobs. A dedicated group of people in the Dunlow area are now working to help lessen the strain on the economy in their region and improve Wayne County in the process. On Saturday March 12, the Wayne County Farmer’s Co-op was created and will be one of the only such entities in southern West Virginia. More than seventy people attended the organizational meeting held at the Dunlow Community Center to learn about the logistics of a co-op and what benefits it can bring.

For decades, the people of Wayne County, particularly in the south, relied on farming to make a living and support their families; however, with the development of industries such as logging and coal mining, farming fell by the wayside to a large degree. Given the hard economic situation facing the county now, many people see agriculture as a way to build the county’s fortunes back up. The co-op will be an organization of farmers that will work collectively to build markets and distribution methods for produce and meat so that people in Wayne County who are involved in agriculture can more easily sell their products, supplement their income, and potentially make a living.

Additionally, the co-op will allow farmers to bargain collectively for better prices on necessary supplies and equipment. The co-op anticipates adding refrigeration equipment and processing equipment so that food can be preserved before sale. The crowd that attended the organizational meeting seemed hopeful and excited about their prospects for getting the co-op up and running. All Wayne County farmers, no matter how small or large, are encouraged to join the co-op so that they can work as a larger entity rather than individuals. For more information about the Wayne County Farmer’s Co-op, please contact Pat Fluty at 304-385-4445

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County involved in programs to improve student’s reading

Free Libraries in various locations throughout By NIKKI DOTSON the county. Staff Writer These little libraries that look much like an WAYNE – In an effort to help kid’s reading oversized bird house, are meant for readers to abilities as well as to help cultivate a love for “take one and leave one.” the past-time, Wayne County will have three The mission of the creators is to “promote Energy Express sites this summer including literacy and the love of reading by building free Crum elementary, East Lynn Elementary and book exchanges worldwide and to build a sense Fort Gay Pre K-8 along with the continuing of community as we share skills, creativity and additions of Little Free Libraries through the wisdom across generations.” county. In the beginning – which Energy Express is an eightwas 2009 – Todd Bol of week AmeriCorps summer serHudson, Wisconsin, built a vice opportunity that makes a model of a one room schooldifference in the lives of W.Va. house that was a tribute to his children. The program will mother; she was a teacher who take place from June 27-July loved to read. 29 for student participants. He filled it with books Energy Express promotes and put it on a post in his school success by focusing front yard. His neighbors and on reading and related activifriends loved it. He built sevties, serving two nutritious eral more and gave them away. family-style meals each day, Each one had a sign that said working with children in small FREE BOOKS. groups, involving older youths Rick Brooks of and community members in UW-Madison saw Bol’s dochildren’s learning, increasing it-yourself project while they family involvement and ultiwere discussing potential mately making reading fun for social enterprises. Together, children. the two saw opportunities to According to Terri Collier, achieve a variety of goals for the academic success and litTerri Collier the common good. eracy specialist with the WVU Each brought different Extension Service and director skills to the effort. of Energy Express, the proBol was a creative artisan gram makes a tangible impact experienced with innovative on the lives of thousands of enterprise models; Brooks was W.Va. youths during the suma youth and community develmer. opment educator with a back“For more than two ground in social marketing. decades, Energy Express has The two were inspired provided fundamental support by Andrew Carnegie’s supfor thousands of W.Va. chilport of 2,509 free public dren,” she said. “The energetic libraries around the turn of individuals who serve at our the 19th to 20th century, the sites are helping to ensure our heroic achievements of Miss state’s youths are learning, eatLutie Stearns, a librarian ing well and having fun in a who brought books to nearly safe, secure environment dur1400 locations in Wisconsin ing the summer.” through “traveling little librarJulie Tritz, WVU Extension Julie Tritz ies” between 1895 and 1914, Agent, said the program is a “take a book, leave a book” great way to reduce the “sumcollections in coffee shops and mer slide.” public spaces, Neighborhood “It’s a wonderful program kiosks, TimeBanking and comof great benefit to youth,” she munity gift-sharing networks said. “This is the first time and grassroots empowerment since my time here there have movements in Sri Lanka, India been three sites, so we are and other countries worldwide. very excited about that.” As time progressed, more The staff will include and more people called them 15 college student menLittle Free Libraries. tors and three Community Erin Fitzpatrick, first Grade Coordinators. teacher at Genoa, said the Free College student mentors Little Library located outside serve the purpose of making the school she works at has learning fun for children by been successful because there creating an enriching environare books for all ages. ment focused on reading, writ“There are books for kids ing, drama and art. Mentors along with chapter books for also eat breakfast and lunch Erin Fitzpatrick more advanced readers,” she with the children, which helps said. develop bonds. Fitzpatrick said she encourages her students Community Coordinators work to raise to read as much as possible. awareness and involve parents and community “I challenge my kids to read every night, learning. They work to recruit, train and supervise volunteers to read with children and engage or at least 15 nights a month,” she said. “They use both our school library and the Little Free in other activities at each site. Library located outside the school to get reading In return for 300 hours of service, material.” Americorps mentors and community coordinaShe also said that reading is crucial to chiltors receive a $1,850 summer living allowance dren’s futures. and a $1,210 Segal AmeriCorps Education “The more kids read, the better readers they Award valid for up to seven years to pay for will become,” Fitzpatrick said. “It is proven that college tuition or loans. They will serve from kids who read more frequently perform better June 16 to August 5. in class and on standardized tests.” The county is still looking for colFitzpatrick added that reading lege mentor volunteers, an applishouldn’t just be a requirement cation for which is available at for school. wayne.ext.wvu.edu.energyex“Even with a world filled press. with technology, it is imporIn 2015, Energy Express tant that not only children served 71 communities in and students, but everyone 34 West Virginia counties. reads for entertainment as Participating children and well.” other community youth The original goal of the were served more than little libraries was to build 10,000 meals while 74 per2,510 Little Free Libraries— cent of participants maintained as many as Andrew Carnegie— or increased reading achieveand keep going. ment levels. The first part of that goal accomThe program is under the leaderplished in August of 2012, a year and a half ship of WVU Extension Service’s 4-H Youth before our original target date. Development Program. It is funded, in part, After national media attention, there were by grants from the West Virginia Department nearly 400 Little Free Libraries across the U.S. of Education and the Arts and Volunteer West by the end of 2011, and by the end of January Virginia. 2016, that number had grown to As another way to improve reading skills more than 36,000. among children as well as try to help cultivate a love for the skill, the county has been placing what are known as Little

Progress, WEEKEND, MARCH 26 & 27, 2016, Page 9D

Newly installed Little Library at Genoa Elementary. Photos submitted

Buffalo Elementary dedicated their Little Free Libraries on March 4. This library is filled with various books for children of all ages and is accessible to everyone in the Buffalo school community. Little Free Libraries help promote literacy and a love of reading. Those that participated in this dedication included (l-r): Landon Napier, Andrew Walker - both in Ms. Wiles 3rd grade class at Buffalo Elementary together with Ruth Sullivan, After School Coordinator. The library will be maintained throughout the year by the Buffalo Elementary Student Council and the after school program. This project was supported by the WVU Extension Service of Wayne County.

SWEET READ – The Hoback family in Sweet Run hit the books in front of the county’s first rural Little Library. The WVU Wayne County Extension Office had secured a grant through the West Virginia Humanities Council to construct Hoback’s Little Library and three others throughout Wayne County. Photo submitted

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The Wayne County News — Saturday, March 26, 2016

WAYNE COUNTY

SCHOOLS

Sandra Sturgell Pertee, Superintendent

Wayne County Math Field Day Regional Qualifiers All Wayne County Schools competed in Math Field Days competitions and sent school level winners to the County Math Field Days at the various programmatic levels. The students listed are the county level winners and represented the county at the Regional Math Field Day held at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College recently. Fourth Grade: 1st -Ava Coburn, Buffalo 2nd -Madison Adkins, Buffalo 3rd-Alexander Caudill, Kellogg Alt-Destinae Dalton, East Lynn Fifth Grade: 1st -Lauren Smith, Kellogg 2nd -Jakeb Wells, Wayne 3rd-Mason Adkins, East Lynn Alt- Lillian Adkins, Lavalette

Sixth Grade: 1st Kendra Fischer, Buffalo 2nd Isaac Chinn, Wayne 3rd Kayla Pratt, CKMS Alt Minu Wu, Vinson Seventh Grade: 1st Hannah Thompson, Wayne 2nd Karli McCloud, Buffalo 3rd Michael Tyree, Vinson Alt Ethan Bowens, Wayne Eighth Grade: 1st Lexi Leonard, Buffalo 2nd Craig Spaulding, Buffalo 3rd Jace Yost, Buffalo Alt Allen Lin, Wayne

High School Division 10-12: 1st Brandt Maynard, SVHS • 2nd Shirley Ma, SVHS 3rd Alex Kleppe, SVHS • 4th Abby Chaffins, SVHS 5th Drew Harper, SVHS, 5th Casey Hinchman, SVHS 6th Blass Morrone, SVHS, 6th Alex Conely, WHS 7th Hunter Farley, WHS • 7th Shane Stokes, WHS Alt Mason Miller, THS, Alt Josh Blatt, SVHS Team Regional High School Champions: 1st Place, Wayne County, 2nd Place, Cabell, 3rd Place, Mingo Wayne County Individual MFD State Qualifiers: Elementary – 5th Grade: 1st Place Lauren Smith, Kellogg Alt. Mason Adkins, East Lynn High School - 1st Place, Brandt Maynard, SVHS 3rd Place, Shirley Ma, SVHS • 7th Place, Alex Kleppe, SVHS Alt, Mason Miller, THS • Alt, Shane Stokes, WHS

Ninth Grade: Tie for 1st Nick Bowen, SVHS and Braden Ross, WHS, 3rd, Hunter Donahoe, SVHS, Alt Tyler Dudding, SVHS

C M Y K C M50Y inch K 50 inch The Wayne County News — Saturday, March 26, 2016

WAYNE COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC.

The Executive Director is the key management leader of Wayne County Community Service Organization. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs and strategic plan of the organization. Other key duties include fundraising, grant writing, marketing, and community outreach. The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Administrative Duties: • Works with board in order to fulfill the organization mission. • Administer all programs contracted through governmental agencies consistent with all guidelines and polices; • Develop and maintain a Wayne County Community Service Organization website. • Responsible for effective administration of Wayne County Community Service Organization operations. • Responsible for leading Wayne County Community Service Organization in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defmed by the Board of Directors. • Responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions. • Hire, train, manage and monitor all employees and staff, and terminate the same if necessary. • Assure compliance with all policies and procedures by all employees and staff. 2. Financial Performance and Viability: • Develop resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization. • Responsible for fundraising and developing other resources, including grant writing, necessary to support Wayne County Community Service Organization’s mission. • Responsible for the fiscal integrity of Wayne County Community Service Organization, to include submission to the Board of a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements, and be responsible for securing timely and accurate audit report; which accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization and all its programs. • Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position. 3. Organization Mission and Strategy: • Works with board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning and community outreach, and planning senior events; • Responsible for strategic planning to ensure that Wayne County Community Service • Organization can successfully fulfill its mission into the future. • Responsible for the enhancement of Wayne County Community Service Organization’s image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic and private organizations, and government agencies. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: • A Bachelor’s Degree, with three (3) years experience OR • Associate Degree, with at least five (5) years experience in a related field OR • Ten (10) years experience in management and administration of a §501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. •Related Fields include: • Business Management • Public Administration • Accounting in non-profit sector or public sector • Social Services • Open and Transparent, high degree of integrity, good leadership skills. • Hands-on budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision making and reporting. • Strong organizational abilities including planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation. • Experience and/or knowledge of grant writing strategies unique to nonprofit sector. • Strong written and oral communication skills and strong public speaking ability. • Demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate with staff. • Competent in Computer skills (Quickbooks, Excel, Microsoft Word)

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COMPENSATION: • Salary commensurate with experience and other qualifications. • A quality benefits package is available. RESUME AND REFERENCES: A letter expressing an interest in the position, along with a resume’ and references should be received by April 15, 2016 at 4:00p.m. at the following address: Darrell Pratt, Chairman of Search Committee PO Box 68 Wayne, VVV 25570

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The Wayne County News — Saturday, March 26, 2016

WAYNE COUNTY

SCHOOLS

Sandra Sturgell Pertee, Superintendent

Agriculture Education Blooms in Wayne County

Wayne County is on the threshold of an agriculture awakening, the Wayne County Board of Education has brought back this occupation to our county. This school year many of our schools have started teaching students gardening and farming. Tolsia High School, under the guidance of Gary Selby, has included agriculture in their Career and Technical Program. The goal is to bring farming jobs back into our state! Such programs as “farm to school” allow students and local farmers to sell farm products to the county school system. With the amount of money leaving the state, close to seven billion dollars for food, the number of potential farms is unlimited. With the loss of jobs and the present financial crisis the development and education of agriculture could help utilize the resources of our county. Many of our schools are or have started programs:

Crum Elementary, Dunlow Elementary, East Lynn Elementary, Fort Gay PK8, Genoa Elementary, Pritchard Elementary, Crum Middle, Wayne Middle, Tolsia High, Wayne High, and Spring Valley High. Wayne County’s goal will be to include all schools in this initiative. The County Board is planning to initiate next year at Spring Valley a new agriculture program. These programs will educate our students into an occupation that they will have the ability to perform if they so choose. Some of the programs that have been started are mushroom production, high tunnel farming, specialty crops such as maple syrup etc. The resources are available in our county; the guidance and knowledge from our schools can help the students to earn a living from farming.

Gary Selby, Tolsia High School

Technology within the school system growing Technology in Wayne County Schools is moving forward at lightning speed. Our students and staff enjoy the latest Microsoft Office products allowing for improved productivity, learning and collaboration. We are currently in the second year of a 1:1 computer project at all three high schools where every student 9th through 12th grade receive a mini laptop computer for their use. The project has been very successful, providing the students with online resources and tools to excel in their studies. We offer Distance Learning which provides access to classes that otherwise could not be offered. Wayne County Schools is very proud of the technology resources we provide from the tools we use to the support we offer. We understand the relevance and importance of having first class technology to provide an enriching education al experience which will prepare our students for rewarding careers.

Patrick Fluty, School Improvement Coach

Career & Technical Education Initiative

Tolsia High School 1. New Agribusiness program 2. New Agribusiness Building 3. HOSA Students qualified for the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Nashville TN – June 22-25 4. JROTC – 1st place overall at Riverside High School

Spring Valley High 1. New Agribusiness Program 2. JROTC – State Competition – 1st place – Drill Ceremony 4th Brigade Best of the Best Regional Competition in NC – 3rd Place Overall Drill Ceremony 3. Regional Vex Qualifying Competition in Fairmont, WV Robotics – Sportsmanship Award 4. State SkillsUSA officer – Shyanna Hatten – State Secretary 5. PLTW – Virtual Design Project 6. PLTW Showcase 7. Braskem –Sustainability training with PLTW 8. SkillsUSA – Community Service Project

Wayne High School 1. Regional Vex Qualifying Competition Fairmont, WV Design Award, Programming Award and Qualified to compete in World competition in Louisville KY April 20-23 2. JROTC – State Competition – 1st place Air Riffle Competition 3. Agriculture Class – Hydroponic Growing Process County-Wide 1. Health Informatics Dual Credit with MCTC 2. PLTW Dual Credit with Marshall University and West Virginia University 3. Simulated WorkPlace 4. CTE Day at the Legislature – Great Showing for Wayne County CTE 5. PLTW Launch being Piloted in Wayne Elementary and Genoa Elementary Schools 6. PLTW Gateway being Piloted in Wayne Middle School

Wayne County Schools Office of Special Programs 2016

• Special Programs website: http.//waynecountyschools-ops.weebly.com The website is designed to provide information and support to educators, parents and anyone who works with exceptional children. Included in the site is an events calendar, staff contact information, current announcements/news and informational support for various topics related to special education. Theses topics include Student Assistance Teams (SAT), Teaching Strategies by Exceptionality, Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM), Behavior Intervention, 504s, Assistive Technology and other resources and links. We appreciate OSP Specialist, Diana Whitlock, for all her efforts in creating and maintaining the website.

• Facilitated Individualized Education Program (FIEP) Training The Special Programs Director, Kim Adkins, has received extensive training in conflict prevention and resolution through IEP Meeting Facilitation. This is a new process in which parents or districts may request assistance from WVDE for challenging and contentious situations. Kim Adkins is now a certified trainer for the State Department and is using this training successfully in Wayne County. • Functional Living and Pre-Employment Skills Support Our department supports several middle and high school classrooms in their efforts to teach daily living and pre-employment skills. One of our classrooms for students with significant disabilities at Ceredo-Kenova Middle school has developed a simulated restaurant workplace for students called “Janna’s Cafe”. The Café offers lunch to staff and community members once a month and each student performs one

of the various jobs that are found in a typical restaurant. This activity type of instruction is an excellent projectbased activity that challenges students and gives them the opportunity to apply their academic and social skill objectives to a real life situation. • Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Prevention (CPI) Trainers Recently, three Special Programs staff; Diana Whitlock, Melissa Perry and Jason Cox, were certified as CPI trainers. The training encompasses many facets of classroom management and prevention techniques that are applicable to all classrooms and individual students with intensive behavior needs. Our department is currently working on a county-wide training plan for all staff for the 2016-17 school year. • Social Skills Groups School Psychologist, Angela Mellace, has started a Social Skills group at Kenova Elementary for several students with Autism. This is an area that many students on the Autism Spectrum have difficulties with on a daily basis. The structured group activities provide the support students need to be successful in school and their communities. We hope to expand theses groups to other schools and students in the future. • Surrogate Parent Training Our Parent Educator Resource Coordinator (PERC), Patricia “Trish” Cline, recently held a training for volunteers who will attend IEP meetings and assist with educational decisions for students who are living in residential centers in our county. This training educates the volunteers on the special education process and the procedural safeguards afforded to students with disabilities. Patricia is also reaching out to foster care agencies to include foster parents in this training. If you

are interested in becoming a surrogate parent, call Trish Cline at 304-272-5116 x330 • Parent Chats Patricia “Trish” Cline also plans and coordinates monthly trainings for parents that cover a wide range of topics and utilizes various speakers from local agencies. This information is distributed to the schools, media, and is posted on our Wayne Co. BOE website. • Disability Awareness Training Specialist, Melissa Perry and Diana Whitlock, developed this training after attending the summer autism conference in Denver, CO. This training has been provided to school staff and parent groups.

• Visually Impaired Expanded Core Curriculum Students with Visual Impairments also need specific direct instruction in areas such as independent living, community orientation and mobility skills (example public transportation), self-advocacy skills, and career education. Our Visual Impairment specialists, Beverly Bailey and Samantha Morris have organized several trips in the community to address the expanded core curriculum skills necessary for a visually impaired student’s future success. • Gifted Program Several gifted students will be going to Space Camp in Huntsville, AL in May! Their four day trip will also make stops at Pigeon Forge and Craigshead Caverns in Tennessee. This school year, gifted students have completed various projects: Prezi Presentations, Circuity Rovers, Simple Machines, Miniature Solar Powered Cars, Hydro-electric Generators, and Hydroponic Gardens.