Retiring mail carrier Byron Euler holds up his service award certificate while Postmaster Cynthia Walcutt looks on.

MILLWOOD – On Nov. 25, employees of the Millwood post office threw a surprise party for mailman Byron Euler, who retired last month after 39 years of service.

“I’m gonna miss him,” said Postmaster Cynthia Walcutt, who described Euler as an honest, helpful worker. “He’s one of the most dedicated employees I’ve had in my career.”

In recognition of his accomplishments, Euler received a service award certificate from District Manager Karen E. Schenck, who could not be present for the festivities.

“The good reputation the postal service enjoys is built on the loyal service of people like you,” Schenck said in a letter, “and I am happy to commend you for your contribution to our efforts for a better postal service.” Read the full story

Michael Ihle of Ravenswood entered his contact information on a website to receive promotional materials from Fred Thompson supporters. He ended up participating in two presidential campaigns in three states.

RAVENSWOOD – Many people choose to advertise their choice of political candidate by placing campaign signs on their lawns or bumper stickers on their cars. That was all Ravenswood resident Michael Ihle intended to do in the summer of 2007. Now, less than two years later, his involvement with politics has led him to travel extensively, rub elbows with the political elite, and even run for office himself.

“I’ve always been politically active,” says Ihle, 21, “but this season by far I’ve been the most involved in.”

Ihle’s odyssey began in June 2007, when he began scrutinizing the field of potential candidates for president of the United States. Ihle, a Republican, had always admired actor and former Tennessee senator Fred Thompson, and decided that he was the best choice, even though Thompson had not yet formally declared his candidacy for office. Ihle visited a website set up by Thompson’s supporters with the intention of receiving a few campaign materials, and supplied his cell phone number. Read the full story

Ashley Sauls (left) and Breana Swisher (right)

RIPLEY - Jackson County Schools held its annual Spelling Bee November 18 at the Ripley Elementary School Multipurpose room.

Two students from each of the elementary and middle schools participated in the event.

Teachers, Janet McCauley, Patricia A. Miller and Patricia L. Miller judged the event.

The winner of the spelling bee was Ashley Sauls, seventh-grader at Ravenswood Middle School and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eric Sauls.

The runner-up was Breana Swisher, fifth-grader at Ripley Elementary School and daughter of Nathan and Sarah Swisher.

The alternate is Jenny Gibbs, seventh-grader at Ripley Middle School and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Gibbs. Read the full story

Glen M. Gardner, Jr., national Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, addresses members of American Legion Post 107 in Ripley on Nov. 17.

RIPLEY — American Legion Post 107 in Ripley held its monthly meeting Nov. 17.

Glen M. Gardner, Jr., national Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, was on-hand to speak with Legionnaires and congratulate them for their efforts.

“It’s a great honor to be here tonight and have the opportunity to address this great organization,” said Gardner.

Gardner said that many veterans are being denied the entitlements they were promised when they entered the service, such as GI Bill benefits and health care. He cautioned that as the number of surviving veterans continues to decline in the coming years, veterans will lose the influence on government policymakers needed to keep these programs funded and intact. Read the full story

RAVENSWOOD — Veteran’s Day was celebrated Tuesday with an American Flag cake and red, white and blue drinks.

ACE Gaming Center honored veterans with the cake and by offering a discount for all veterans and families toward all gaming for the day.

Mayor Lucy Harbert was present to help honor the veterans as well as other council members. Amanda Wilson made the cake with the help of BP Super Stop Kitchen.

Wilson said the icing alone was over seven gallons. There were 18 cake mixes and six-dozen eggs. Read the full story

RIPLEY — After three days of events, Alysia Thompson, 16, was crowned Miss West Virginia Teen USA on October 26 in Flatwoods, W.Va.

This is the second time the Ripley High School junior has participated in the pageant. Last year Thompson placed in the top 12.

There were 32 other teens from all over West Virginia vying for the title, but after a swimsuit competition, evening gown competition and an on-stage interview with the top five, Thompson was crowned by reigning Miss West Virginia Teen 2008 Micah Michael. Read the full story

RIPLEY – The City of Ripley held its annual Veterans Day memorial ceremony Nov. 11.

Services were held on a chilly, overcast morning on the lawn of the Jackson County Courthouse.

Several times, blustery winds knocked over flags that had been erected to commemorate the event.

“This cold weather’s not helping us any,” said Stanley Shaffer, Commander of American Legion Post 107 in Ripley.

Despite the cold, a crowd of dozens turned out to pay tribute. Read the full story

KENNA — When the time came for members of the Grass Lick Baptist Church in Kenna to choose a new monthly service project, they left the choice to their children.

Donny Jones decided that he wanted to be homeless.

“Homelessness and substandard housing are issues that are very important to Donny,” said his mother, Mary Jones.

Donny organized a “Shack Attack”; he and about 10 other church youths pledged to spend one night living in cardboard boxes in order to better understand the plight of homeless people. The children collected and decorated boxes for the project and accepted sponsorships from church members as well as their own families. Read the full story

Members of the Jackson County Community Educational Outreach Service present a Nintendo Wii to the Ripley Senior Center on Tuesday morning. Top: Bea Lowe, Rosemarie Dubites, and Wilma Jones. Bottom: Mary Patterson, Carolyn Nickelson, Gina Taylor, and Gerry Dunbar.

RIPLEY — The Jackson County Community Educational Outreach Service (CEOS) presented a Nintendo Wii video game console to the Jackson County Multipurpose Senior Center in Ripley on Oct. 28.

The CEOS uses its funds to educate its members and provide volunteer services to the community.
While attending the West Virginia Governor’s Summit on Aging in September and the annual West Virginia CEOS Conference earlier in October, members learned about the importance of exercise for seniors and how the Wii could be used to provide it. Read the full story

Date of Birth: September 15
Children: 2 sons, David, 5, and Daniel, 10.
Occupation: Independent Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics and Housing Consultant at Ripley Home Place.
Originally from: Clendenin
Resides in: Evans
Hobbies: Reading, watching movies, playing with the kids and travel.
Biggest Pet Peeve: To go to get something and it not be there and the last person who used it didnʼt replace it, soap, paper towels, whatever.
Historical Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Mary Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics. She was voted Americaʼs greatest female entrepreneur in the business community and her values and beliefs. I would like to have had the opportunity to meet her.
Favorite Time of Day: Early morning.
Proudest Moment: Becoming a sales director with Mary Kay and my childrenʼs births.
Fondest Childhood Memory: At Easter we always went to my auntʼs house to hunt Easter eggs and play lawn darts and croquet.
Likes Most About Jackson County: The fact that its safe. I feel it is a great place to raise kids. People are friendly, nice.
What Jackson County Needs Most: They need more businesses. They need a mall. Iʼd like to shop at a mall and not have to drive to Charleston or Parkersburg.