Local News | The Lincoln News Sentinel

Unemployment nears 1,000 in Lincoln County

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:41:59 -0400

~June rate 11.6 percent

By SEÁN O’DONOGHUE

Managing Editor

HAMLIN - After May's jobless data suggested the unemployment rate in Lincoln County had been leveling off, June's report halted the trend with another steep hike in unemployment. The number of those unemployed in the county is now close to 1,000.

According to data released recently by WorkForce West Virginia, there were 950 people unemployed in the county in June. The June rate of unemployment was 11.6 percent, well up from May's rate of 10.7 percent. The rate of unemployment for the same June period last year was just 5 percent, representing 410 individuals out of work.

Lincoln County's rate continues to be worse than the state…

The private lives of public officials

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:39:53 -0400

By LEE H. HAMILTON

Former U.S. Congressman

As happens every so often, we have recently been through a spate of embarrassing reports about the lives of prominent public officials. Adulterous affairs by Nevada Senator John Ensign, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, and former presidential candidate John Edwards, entanglements in prostitution by Louisiana Senator David Vitter and former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer — these are just the latest in a long line of dismaying revelations about people in whom the American voters once put their trust.

Celebrities often disappoint. Baseball players use steroids; track stars and internationally known bicyclists enhance their performance with…

Region 2 WORKFORCE offers work-learning program for Lincoln County youth

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:29:35 -0400

HUNTINGTON - The Region 2 WORKFORCE Investment Board recently announced that it has received funding for the Region 2 WORKFORCE Investment Board Summer Youth Program. Backed by the American Recovery and Reinve-stment Act (ARRA) of 2009, the Summer Youth Program is a work-learning program for economically disadvantaged youth between the ages of 14 to 24. R2WIB has met its goal for this summer of 45 work sites, with more than 150 youth participants.

“It is encouraging to have the opportunity to offer educational and training programs for the youth of West Virginia, especially in these challenging economic times,” said Claude “Jake” Hunt. “R2WIB is designed to encourage youth participants to…

Roach indicates swift replacement for Huffman

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:39:13 -0400

SOURCE: THE LINCOLN JOURNAL INC.

By SEÁN O'DONOGHUE

Managing Editor

HAMLIN - Lincoln County Superintendent of Schools David Roach indicated Monday evening, that a new assistant superintendent could be named as early as the end of this week. Roach was speaking at the regular session of the Lincoln County Board of Education in Hamlin. All five members of the board were present for the meeting.

Roach noted that the posting for the position, to replace Jeff Huffman who took up an appointment in Boone County last week, was taken down last Friday, July 17. He added that Delores Ranson, who has been contracted to fulfill some of Huffman's duties, is reviewing various aspects of the applications.…

Public hearing on gay marriage ban well attended

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:24:06 -0400

By TOM MILLER

CHARLESTON – A crowded public hearing on efforts to amend the state constitution to prohibit same-sex marriages in West Virginia kicked off the three days of monthly interim meetings at the State Capitol here last week.

An overflow crowd showed up for the hearing including President Jeremiah Dys of the Family Policy Council of West Virginia who told delegates and senators on the interim study committee that they have “no legitimate reason” to deny his membership their desire to have a statewide vote on this controversial issue.

Opponents of the proposed constitutional amendment claim the state’s Defense of Marriage Act, a law passed by the 2001 Legislature that prohibits…

Clay Center Arts program impacts Lincoln

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:22:50 -0400

CHARLESTON – The Clay Center wrapped up the first year of its Clay Community Arts program with many successes for the 15 instructors and 297 students enrolled since last summer.

Programming reached out to inner city Charleston and Mason, Clay, Lincoln, Logan and Mingo counties.

One fifth grader, Kaleb Kirk of Mingo County, recently demonstrated how an education in the arts can positively affect learning in other subject areas. Clay Community Arts instructor Heidi Muller taught dulcimer lessons once a week at the Able Families after-school project.

Clay Community Outreach Manager Kate McComas said Muller noticed that Kirk was having trouble in a group class, so she provided…

Congressional delegation welcomes funding for LPCC

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:16:27 -0400

$567,660 for center in Hamlin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Jay Rockefeller and Robert C. Byrd, together with Congressmen Nick J. Rahall and Alan B. Mollohan (all D-WV), recently applauded an announcement by the Obama Administration that community health centers across the country – including 28 in West Virginia – are being awarded funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (“Recovery Act”) to support existing jobs, create new construction jobs and address immediate and pressing facility and equipment needs.

Among the funding provisions is $567,660 for Lincoln Primary Care Center in Hamlin.

“West Virginia’s community health centers are absolutely vital to people in rural…

Walk for Independence 2009

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:09:18 -0400

Mountain State Centers for Independent Living is having its sixth annual walk, the Walk for Independence 2009.

The proceeds from the Walk for Independence benefit the Community Living Services Program. The Community Living Services Program is available in 19 counties in West Virginia, including Lincoln county.

The Community Living Services Program assists people with disabilities to function more independently in their homes and communities. State and federal funding for this program provides services that allow people to continue to live in their homes independently.

Even with government funding there is still a two year wait for services in most areas. Services include home…

Funds for history teaching in Lincoln

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:06:48 -0400

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) last week announced the awarding of additional “Teaching American History Grants” from the U.S. Department of Educa- tion to three local jurisdictions in West Virginia. Each grantee will be awarded approximately $1 million over a five year period. These grants are designed to raise student achievement by improving teachers’ knowledge and understanding of and appreciation for traditional U.S. history.

“By helping teachers develop a more complete and well-rounded understanding and appreciation of American history, this program will, in turn, ensure that our students get the education they need in this important subject area,” said Byrd, who…

Board of education to meet in special session today

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:03:30 -0400

By RON GREGORY

Staff Writer

HAMLIN - The departure of Assistant Superintendent Jeff Huffman and filling vacancies in principal positions has apparently spurred the Lincoln County board of education to schedule a special meeting for 1 p.m., today, Wednesday, July 15. The meeting will be held at the schools' central office in Hamlin.

According to one of the board members, three members requested the special session.

"Among other things, we are concerned about a lack of communication," said board member Thomas Ramey, Jr.

Members, including President Carol Smith, have told The Lincoln Journal that Huffman's resignation was never officially relayed to the board.

"We know we are not in charge…