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

The mangled remains of the 2007 Honda Civic Coupe driven by Blythe Horton after colliding with a tractor trailer. Mrs. Horton was severely injured in the accident and listed in critical condition in ICU at CAMC.

RIPLEY – A severe car accident near Ripley prompted authorities to temporarily shut down Interstate 77 and snarled traffic for hours Nov. 19.

Blythe Louise Horton, a resident of North Augusta, SC, was traveling north on I-77 in a 2007 Honda Civic Coupe. At approximately 5:25 p.m., for unknown reasons, Horton drove across the highway median and into oncoming traffic, straight into the path of a southbound 2007 Peterbilt semitrailer driven by Eric Raymond Peoples from Grove City, Pa. Peoples attempted to avoid Horton’s car, but struck it head on; the crash caused Peoples to lose control of his truck, which in turn traveled across the median and into the northbound lane.

The semi then struck an embankment, with its trailer blocking both lanes of traffic. The wreck took place near mile marker 136 between Ripley and Fairplain. Read the full story

Approximately 40 jobs affected

RAVENSWOOD — Medical Claims Service (MCS) is closings its doors, the company’s parent corporation announced Friday.

The first in a series of scheduled layoffs is scheduled to begin December 12.

EBS-RMSCO, Inc., the parent company of Medical Claims Service, announced Friday via a press release that “due in part to the recent downturn in the economy” they would be consolidating areas of their operations. Read the full story

RAVENSWOOD — Ravenswood may have been unable to reclaim the Hatchet, but the Red Devils are more interested in a trip to Wheeling for a state championship. That journey began Friday night at Flinn Field against the Webster County Highlanders. On paper, the opening round Class AA playoff game between seventh and tenth seeds should have been close. 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

RIPLEY — A Parkersburg man faces up to 45 years in prison on charges of sexual abuse.

Robert Atkinson, 51, was convicted by a jury of two counts of first-degree sexual abuse and two counts of sexual abuse by a custodian in August.

Atkinson was accused of molesting a foster child placed in his care in March 2007.

His sentencing hearing was held Nov. 12.

Atkinson’s family members, who spoke at the hearing, described him as a kind, caring, and religious family man, and Atkinson himself expressed remorse for his crime. Read the full story