Millions gallons of water that poured out of the abandoned mine and flowed across Route 20 in Leivasy. Photo courtesy of Pete Young

Abandoned mine breaks in Leivasy An abandoned coal mine filled with water burst open and sent what is estimated to be millions of gallons of water down a hillside and across Route 20 in Leivasy on Sunday afternoon, May 11. According to Lane Robinson of the Nettie Volunteer Fire Department, which initially responded to the call, the incident occurred near Hominy Falls Road in Leivasy. Nicholas County Office of Emergency Services Director Joey DeRito said the water was about 18 inches deep and covered an area 80 feet wide. Robinson said the water washed out the driveway at the residence of Craig Amick located across the road before flowing into nearby Brushy Meadow Creek. The rushing water also washed away part of the embankment near the road along with the berms and ditches. “We think with all the water in the mine and all the water going into it from the soil due to the heavy rains, it may have breeched,” said DeRito. He noted that the abandoned mine was sealed with earth rather than some type of solid structure as is now required by law. The matter is under investigation by the West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection.

 

 

 

Blankenship and Facemire win hotly contested Democratic races; Adkins and O’Dell elected to school board

Incumbent Nichols County Commissioner Tom Blankenship and current Chief Deputy Circuit Clerk Debbie Facemire won the two most hotly-contested county races in the Democratic Primary on Tuesday, May 13.

The final results were completed around 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday evening. Voter turnout was heavy with 46.31 percent of the county’s registered voters going to the polls, according to Nicholas County Clerk Wanda Hendrickson.

Blankenship edged Democrat Larry Tucker by a 66-vote margin. Blankenship received 2,592 votes while Tucker had 2,526 votes. Charles Monroe had 749 votes.

Blankenship will face Republican candidate Dr. Yancy Short this November for re-election to a six-year term on the Commission from Birch District

For the unexpired term for Circuit Clerk on the Democratic side, Facemire won over current Circuit Clerk Gary Jarrell by 187 votes with Facemire receiving 2,979 votes to 2,792 for Jarrell.

In the three-way race for prosecuting attorney on the Democratic ticket, James Milam emerged as the winner with 2,441 votes. Keith McMillion was 229 votes back with 2,212 and current prosecutor Mark D. Hudnall received 1,119.

Two current members of the Nicholas County Board of Education were elected on a non-partisan basis to four-year terms on the Board. Board President Dr. Lloyd Adkins of Richwood, Cherry District, led the way with 3,452 votes and Bob “Digger” O’Dell of Leivasy, Gauley District, won the second seat with 3,225 votes. Challenger Jason Swager of Mount Lookout, Gauley District, received 2,816 votes.

For sheriff on the Democratic side, incumbent Wetzel Bennett won handily over three challengers. Bennett totaled 2,662 votes to 1,714 for Bob Vaughan Sr., 907 for Lonnie Thomas and 351 for Ken Myers.

In the Democratic race for Nicholas County Circuit Court Judge, incumbent Gary L. Johnson was nominated for another eight-year term after receiving 3,407 votes. Challenger Tim Ruckman received 2,409 votes.

For election as Mayor of Richwood, John McClung received 313 votes to defeat four other candidates. Jim Thompson received 144 votes, Milton Howard had 126 votes, Frank White 114 votes and Barbara Murphy 52 votes.

In the race for Recorder, James Fitzpatrick was the winner with 324 votes. Ralph Johnson was 47 votes back with 277 and Beverly Rose had 136.

In Legislative races, Sue Blake Andersen of Craigsville won handily in Nicholas County for State Senator in the 11th District with 3,474 votes to 1,350 for William R. Laird and 898 for Jerry Cook.

On the Republican side, Aubry Wilson of Buckhannon ran unopposed with 871 votes.
In the 36th Delegate District, incumbent Democrat Joe Talbott had 809 votes to 634 for challenger Mary Ann Carpenter.

Incumbent Sam Argento ran unopposed in the 35th Delegate District and received 3,606 votes.

In national races on the Democratic ticket, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York won Nicholas County handily with 4,039 votes. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois had 1,243 votes and John Edwards had 565 votes.

On the Republican side, Sen. John McCain of Arizona had 870 votes.

Storm keeps local fire departments busy Sunday

Sunday’s high winds kept several volunteer fire departments in the county busy dealing with fallen trees and downed power lines

The most significant result of the heavy winds was that power was knocked out in the Richwood area and the Mount Nebo and Mount Lookout areas. This left several schools in those areas without electricity and forced the cancellation of Nicholas County schools on Monday, May 12.

Featured Events

REUNIONS
Cox family reunion Memorial weekend, May 24 and 25, at the home of Greg Cox at the foot of Little Elk Mountain approximately 15 miles east of Gauley Bridge, Rt. 39. Bring a covered dish. No alcoholic drinks please. Descendants of Joshua and Elizabeth Frame Cox. Call 304-872-1761 for information.

Hughes Family
Family of CE and Orpha Hughes reunion will be at the Ruritan Building at Canvas on May 25, 2008. 12 until ? Any questions call 872-3158.

Southside Reunion
The 14th annual Southside Reunion will be held June 7 at Richwood Middle School. Bring a covered dish. Meat, beverages, and tableware will be provided. Dinner will be served at noon. There will be an auction at 2 p.m., proceeds benefit the 2009 Reunion. Door prizes. For information, phone 846-6982.

“Music in the Mountains” Bluegrass Festival.
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, June 26, 27, 28, 29 — 28th annual “Music in the Mountains” Bluegrass Festival. Summersville Music Park. Music continuous each day from 9 a.m. to midnight. Top bands in the U.S. perform here. For more information, call 304 872-6853.