$100 a remote chance major upgrade for to lead in lincoln...

By SEÁN O’DONOGHUE Managing Editor

HAMLIN - Lincoln County Sheriff Gary Linville and the Lincoln County Commission have collaborated for a major enhancement to the coun-ty’s tax ticket system. As of last week, Lincoln County property owners can now view their tax tickets online, including the amount paid or the amount still owing. The listings include real estate and per-sonal property. In addition, Lincoln County motorists can now renew their vehicle registrations at the DMV’s website. For many years, Lincoln was one of a hand-ful of counties in the state lacking that functionality.

The matter was dis-cussed briefly at the April 2, 2020 special session of the commission in Hamlin. At that meeting, the commis-sioners unanimously approved purchasing the inter-net tax inquiry system for $6,250 from Morgantown-based Software Systems, to include software, setup, and installation. The company has long been the system provider for the county’s tax tools. The cost was heavily discounted by around 50 percent. The arrangement will see Sheriff

Linville pay the monthly $100 maintenance costs for the prod-uct from his concealed weapons fund. That decision by the commission and the sheriff ensured that a week later, the first phase of the upgrade was rolled out. By Thursday morn-ing, April 9, the inquiry ability was up and running at the fol-lowing website: lincoln.soft-

waresystems.com. By the middle of last week,

discussion had turned to Phase 2 of the upgrade, which will allow taxpayers to not only view and print their tickets, but to also pay their county taxes online. When that function is added in the near future, a

Vol. 116 No. 33 “Discussed by many, Cussed by a few...Read by all” • Wednesday, April 15, 2020 •www.lincolnjournal.com$100

Per Copy

304-824-5554 Phone • 304-824-2544 FaxWalk-ins are welcome and Quotes are always FREE

LOVEJOY QUINTRELL

AND

9826 Straight Fork Rd. • West Hamlin Handicap Accessible

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Owners: Lena Lovejoy & Diann Quintrell

• Auto • Home • Business • ATV’s • Motorcycles • Campers • Boats • Antique Autos

INSURANCE SERVICES

304-824-2900 White’s Plaza

Hamlin

Cool off with our soft-serve

cones, sundaes, smoothies, frapes

and shakes

PHARMACYPhone: 304-824-MEDS (6337)

Phone: 304-824-

5806

WWW.LINCOLNJOURNAL.COM

TRY THESE THREE

VISIT US ONLINE:

Rand McNally

publishes its

first road atlas.

1. What poison is known for having the aroma of bitter almonds? 2. What classic novel's subtitle is "The Saga of an American Family”? 3. What US state capital is located on the Hudson River?

1. Cyanide 2. Roots 3. Albany

WEATHER Wednesday

55/37 • Sunny Thursday

57/39 • Sunny Friday

64/40 • Showers

TODAY IN 1924

Did you take ZANTAC?ZANTAC?

Did you have cancer? CALL JOE STEVENS

LAWYER 304-824-5253

Re-Elect Lincoln County Commissioner

Phoebe Harless

Pai

d f

or

by

the

can

did

ate

•A Proven Leader •The Obvious Choice

A remote chance to lead in LincolnSSuuppeerriinntteennddeenntt iinntteerrvviieewwss wwiillll bbee ddoonnee bbyy vviiddeeoo lliinnkk By SEÁN O’DONOGHUE Managing Editor

HAMLIN - As expected, the interviews to determine who will be the next superintendent of schools in Lincoln County will be done remotely. Speaking to The Lincoln Journal, last week, Lincoln County Board of Education President Steve Priestley said that due to COVID-19 concerns, the board felt it would be unwise to ask the four can-didates to come to Hamlin for i n - p e r s o n interviews. “We plan to interview the four superintendent final-ists on Saturday, April 25,

2020. We will be doing them virtually at Lincoln County High School,” Priestley said.

The process of choosing the school system’s next chief executive got underway in recent weeks. A total of 28 applicants applied, including four

from inside Lincoln County. The board con-vened on March 20 and whittled

the 28 down to just four for interviews.

The members had previously

determined that 10 questions will be asked of each can-didate, or two per board mem-

ber. The time for each

answer will be five minutes. With

a n a d d i -

tional 10

See Lead Page 2a

Major upgrade for county’s tax system

•Tickets viewable, online payments soon •Commission, sheriff combine for roll out

One of the first major effects of the upgrade is that Lincoln County motorists can now renew vehicle registrations at the DMV website. As of 11:30 a.m., last Thursday (left image), Lincoln County was one of a handful of counties still missing from the dropdown menu. By Friday morning (right image), Lincoln County had been added, with the DMV site now able to link up with the county’s personal property tax records.

See Tax Page 2a

Bids for Bobcat gym upgrades accepted

School board round-up: March 17, 2020 session


HAMLIN - The five members of the Lincoln County Board of Education unanimously approved all items moved for a decision at the March 17, 2020 reg-ular session in Hamlin. The meeting got underway at 6 p.m. with the statutory session for the presentation of the levies for the fiscal year set to begin on July 1, 2020. During the regular session that followed, the five board members,

•Placed a revised policy (5421 - Grading) on public review for comment for 30 days.

•Accepted the low bid from Davis Athletics for the replacement of the bleach-ers at Hamlin PK-8 at a cost of $88,750.

•Accepted the low bid from RM Huffman for the replacement of the gym floor at Hamlin PK-8 at a cost of $130,000.

•Approved out-of-state travel for CTA Director Angela Urling to Illinois, this spring, for a math and intervention summit; for Jerica Adkins to Virginia, this spring, for a family engagement summit; for Jerica Adkins to Florida, this sum-mer, for a model schools conference; and for Courtney Frazier to Ohio, this spring, for Microsoft Excel training. Superintendent of Schools Jeff Midkiff noted that while the items were being approved, there was some expectation that the various events would end up being postponed or cancelled due to the COVID-19 situation nationally.

•Approved an out-of-state trip for Harts PK-8 kindergarten and first grade students to Louisville, Kentucky on May 26, 2020. •Approved lists of school volunteers for Duval PK-8, West Hamlin Elementary, and LCHS. •Approved a contract with Paula Staley for the provision of school improvement services at Guyan Valley Middle School (GVMS) during the current school year. As

reported previously in The Lincoln Journal, Staley’s contract is worth $550 per day for up to 80 days for a total cost of $44,000 to the end of the current school year. •Approved a special education salary upgrade for Duane Estep. •Approved the payment of invoices totaling $731,475.98. •Approved budget supplements totaling $6,883,399.06. As has become customary in recent months, the board entered into an executive session at the request of Superintendent Jeff Midkiff to discuss legal matters pertaining

to personnel. The closed door discussion got underway at 7:32 p.m. and continued until 9:15 p.m. It was the first opportunity for the board members to privately discuss the events that unfolded in Charleston a week earlier when state board members approved five motions pertaining to Lincoln County. The state board actions followed the release of a report critical of recent events at GVMS. The 24-page report was published in full in the March 18 issue of The Lincoln Journal.

The March 17, 2020 session.

FFiirrsstt CCOOVVIIDD--1199 ccaassee ccoonnffiirrmmeedd iinn LLCCBy SEÁN O’DONOGHUE Managing Editor

HAMLIN - Lincoln County’s first case of COVID-19 was confirmed Friday evening, April 10, 2020. The Lincoln County Health Department issued a statement at around 9 p.m. Earlier in the evening, mention of a possible case had surfaced on social media from the patient’s family.

“At 6:00 p.m., April 10, 2020, the Lincoln County Health Department received notice of its first confirmed case of COVID-19. The patient and their

See Case Page 2a

STATEMENTS: Suiter, Stowers, Linville

a - Wednesday, April 15, 2020 - THE LINCOLN JOURNAL - WWW.LINCOLNJOURNAL.COM

minutes for follow-up questions and discussion, each interview is expected to last around one hour. The Saturday, April 25 interviews are expected to begin at 9 a.m.

The four candidates are: •Dr. Shannon O. White,

Executive Director of Exceptional Children Services, Onslow County Schools, NC

White holds a doctorate and is a National Board Certified Teacher. She is currently employed as an executive direc-tor in the Onslow County School District in North Carolina. The county is located on the east coast of North Carolina and is home to U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. In terms of population, Onslow is nine times the size of Lincoln County, with 177,000 people. The school district has over 27,000 students who attend 20 elementary schools, eight middle schools, and seven high schools, as well as an early col-lege high school, an early child-hood development center, an alternative learning program, and the Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center.

•Kirk King, Lincoln County Assistant

Superintendent of Schools King was appointed assistant

superintendent following the retirement of Bill Linville last fall. King had previously served as the director of federal pro-grams at the central office in Hamlin. Prior to that role, King was principal at West Hamlin Elementary. While administrator at the Home of the Rough Riders, King spearheaded the efforts that led to the facility being designat-ed a West Virginia School of Excellence in 2012.

• Jeff Kelley, Principal, St. Albans High School Kelley has been principal at

the Home of the Red Dragons since October of 2010. Prior to that role, Kelley was assistant principal from January 2006. Before joining the Red Dragons, Kelley worked at Horace Mann Middle School in Charleston. As principal at St. Albans High, Kelley heads up a school with an enrollment in excess of 1,000 students.

•Greg Webb, Director, Buildings and Grounds, Cabell County Schools

Webb is listed as a member of the senior leadership team in Cabell County Schools. He pre-viously served as principal at Huntington High School until 2016. He is an almost 30-year employee of the school system, two decades of which has been in administration. Webb served as principal at Huntington High School for around a decade. He was also employed as an assis-tant principal, the evening school principal, principal at Enslow Middle School, and principal at Cabell Midland High School.

The new chief executive will take over from Superintendent Jeff Midkiff whose retirement takes effect after June 30, 2020. However, the identity of the new appointee is expected to be known much sooner than that as the superintendent’s remunera-tion must be set by June 1. Midkiff was in the second year of a four-year contract. His first contract was for three years prior to the current contract. When he retires, he will have been the county’s top school official for five years. Midkiff’s annual salary has been $118,500 for the current contract.

From Page 1a Lead

clickable “pay your taxes online” button will appear on the same screen.

The second phase of the upgrade is expected to cost a further $5,000, again at a discount of around 50% according to people familiar with the matter. Lincoln County Commission President Josh Stowers told The Lincoln Journal that commissioners will take up that matter for consid-eration at the April 23, 2020 regular session. If the commission approves the sec-ond phase upgrade as expected, the ability to pay taxes online should appear at the website within a few days.

Speaking at the April 2 meeting, Stowers spoke about the convenience for taxpayers, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response and the courthouse closure.

Sheriff Linville voiced his broad satisfaction with the roll out of the upgrade. “This was among my campaign commitments back in 2016. Being a rural coun-ty, our taxpayers need this ability to remotely pay. This has been long overdue,” said Linville. “With Phase One being implemented last week, our taxpayers are now able to view their tickets. In addition, they can renew their vehicle registra-tions online at the DMV’s website,” Linville added. He reminded taxpayers that his team of tax deputies continue to answer the phones during the courthouse closure. “Once we reopen, we look forward to assisting taxpayers again in per-son,” Linville concluded.

From Page 1a Tax

The home screen that greets users at lincoln.softwaresystems.com.

Plea deal expected after victim and accused make peace


HAMLIN - A Lincoln County man, indicted earlier this year on four felony counts in connection with a shooting incident last fall, is expected to enter into a plea deal once the court system reopens after the COVID-19 situation. Lester Gale Doneff, 50, appeared in Lincoln Court Circuit Court on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 for pretrial proceedings. However, with a separate victim from the one named in the indictment in court confirming to the judge that she and the accused had “patched things up,” the discussion turned to the preparation of a plea agree-ment.

As reported previously in The Lincoln Journal, Doneff was indicted two months ago on one felony count for malicious wounding and three felony counts for wanton endangerment. Doneff’s crimes were alleged to have been committed on October 5, 2019. He was accused of shooting and wounding a named male vic-

tim by using a revolver. For the three other counts, he was fur-ther alleged to have fired shots in the vicinity of the same male victim. The indict-

ment was based on the information of State Trooper Workman. The criminal com-plaint for that indicted listed multiple charges for Doneff including domestic assault, felony malicious wounding, felony wanton endangerment, and misde-meanor possession of a controlled substance.

The incident unfolded earlier on Saturday, October 5. Doneff is alleged to have shot a male victim shortly after 1 a.m. The accused fled the scene and remained on the run for several hours. According to reports, the victim was stable in the wake of the shooting. The shooting happened on Blue Lick.

In court on March 10, Doneff was present with his defense counsel, Jim McCoy. Lincoln County Assistant Prosecutor Jackie Stevens told Chief Circuit Court Judge Jay Hoke that the case before the court involved a domestic situation. “A victim came to me saying she didn’t want to proceed. They’ve patched things up and may even get married,” said Stevens, adding that if she went on record with those assertions, he would have no objection to finalizing a plea offer.

Judge Hoke addressed the victim, seated in the public benches. “Are you telling me today things have patched up? Have yourself and Mr.

Doneff worked things out?” asked the judge. “Yes,” replied the victim, who also confirmed that she wanted the no contact

provision lifted by the court. She further indicated that marriage might be possible at a later date.

Judge Hoke lifted the no contact stipulation. Stevens told the judge that an offer had been made and would be finalized in due course. Earlier, Doneff had pleaded not guilty to the counts in the indictment and had even sought a speedy trial. In court on March 10, McCoy told the court that Doneff would withdraw the request for a speedy trial and indicated that he will likely accept the offer being made by the state.

The parties agreed to use the previously set trial date of March 23 for the final plea hearing. However, with the COVID-19 situation closing the courthouse and forcing the staying of all proceedings, Doneff’s plea will now have to wait until a later date. He remains free on bond.

Grand larceny no contest plea secures release


HAMLIN - A Lincoln County man pleaded no contest to grand larceny in Lincoln County Circuit Court recently, bringing to an end court proceedings that saw him previously refuse to be arraigned in a lower court.

Larry Junior Nelson, with an address in Harts, appeared before Chief Circuit Court Judge Jay Hoke, Tuesday, March 10, 2020. He had been transported from jail for the plea hearing and was joined in court by his defense counsel, Jim McCoy. The state was represented by Lincoln County Assistant Prosecutor Jackie Stevens. Nelson had been behind bars since May of 2019.

The Lincoln Journal reported that Nelson previously refused arraignment in Lincoln County Magistrate Court, and also fired his legal counsel. On Wednesday, June 5, 2019, Nelson was brought before Chief Judge Hoke, for initial arraignment on charges. However, the way the proceedings unfolded in the lower court necessitated the matter being brought to the nearby circuit courtroom.

Nelson, 42, was the subject of multiple media reports last May seeking his where-abouts. He was described by West Virginia State Police as having a “violent criminal past.” Nelson’s criminal past includes mali-cious wounding, malicious assault, battery, wanton endangerment, and being a prohib-ited person found in possession of a weapon. He was nabbed by troopers on Saturday, May 25, 2019.

Nelson was brought into Judge Hoke’s courtroom at 11:45 a.m. on June 5, 2019. The judge noted that Nelson was present for two reasons, namely, to have new coun-sel appointed and to be arraigned on new charges.

According to a criminal complaint filed

in Lincoln County Magistrate Court, Nelson’s newest criminality is alleged to have happened on May 25, 2019. He was charged with receiving and transferring stolen property. In the complaint, Trooper McMillian noted that he had spoken with a male victim on Wednesday, May 29, at around 8:20 p.m. The victim said his red Honda ATV had been stolen. He valued it at around $5,000. The victim had been in hos-pital since Sunday, May 5 and found it missing when he returned home. Having obtained the VIN for the ATV, the trooper determined it had already been recovered on May 25, 2019 at around noon during the arrest of Nelson. A witness gave a statement during the recovery of the ATV to Senior Trooper Lewis. The witness said Nelson had arrived at his residence that Saturday morning on the ATV. Trooper McMillian had already seen the accused on the ATV at around 12:30 a.m., Saturday, along Sand Creek Road in Harts. Nelson had fled at that time, but Trooper McMillian was able to identify the ATV as the same unit by the leather tool pouch on the left front fender and its impeccable condition. Accordingly, a charge of receiving and transferring stolen property was added to Nelson’s criminal allegations. In court last summer, Judge Hoke noted the new charge and advised him that the sentence for the offense was one to 10 years and a fine of up to $2,500. A plea of not guilty was entered for the accused. Judge Hoke advised Nelson of his constitutional rights. He also appointed new counsel for Nelson. The accused told the judge that his prior counsel, H.C. Woods had not been fired. "Technically, he fired himself,” said Nelson, explaining to Judge Hoke that he did not want a competency evaluation as had been recommended by Woods.

Judge Hoke told Nelson that he ought to

think carefully about the evaluation propos-al. The judge did not alter the $100,000 cash only bond for Nelson, who was returned to the Southern Regional Jail later in the day. He was being held on both Lincoln County and Greenbrier County charges. His litany of alleged offenses included obstructing, fleeing in a vehicle, fleeing on foot, and being a felon in posses-sion of a firearm.

Almost nine months later, Nelson was back before Judge Hoke for the March 10, 2020 plea hearing that would secure his release. As reported two months ago in The Lincoln Journal, Nelson was indicted by the January grand jury as follows:

•20-F-18 One felony count for grand larceny. One felony count for receiving or trans-

ferring stolen property. One misdemeanor count for obstruct-

ing an officer. Nelson was alleged to have committed

the crimes between May 24 and 29, 2019. He was accused of taking an ATV from a named male victim. He was further alleged to have received or transferred the ATV. In addition, Nelson was alleged to have obstructed an officer. The indictment was based on the information of State Trooper McMillian.

He was separately indicted on three misdemeanor counts for crimes alleged to have been committed just two weeks earli-er.

•20-M-1 One misdemeanor count for receiving

or transferring stolen property. One misdemeanor count for fleeing in a

vehicle. One misdemeanor count for obstruct-

ing an officer.

Nelson was alleged to have committed these crimes on May 8, 2019. He was said to have taken a revolver, a holster, and rounds from an unknown person. He was further accused of fleeing on an ATV on Riverbend Road in Ranger. Nelson was also alleged to have obstructed an officer. The indictment was based on the informa-tion of State Trooper McMillian.

Judge Hoke noted that the plea being proposed would see Nelson plea no con-test to grand larceny. He would be sen-tenced to one to 10 years, be given credit for time served, have the remaining sen-tence suspended, and be released to the probation service for a period for 36 months subject to early release at 24 months.

Addressing the court, Stevens said that Nelson had already served around 10 months. He reminded the court that there had been two indictments, but confirmed that the state would dismiss the misde-meanor counts in the 20-M-1 case, as well as the other felony and misdemeanor in the 20-F-18 case.

Judge Hoke addressed the accused and told him that a no contest plea meant he was acknowledging that while there’s a sufficient amount of evidence against him, he would not be saying whether he did or did not do the crime. The judge explained that the binding plea obliged the various parties to the stipulations in the deal. However, he cautioned Nelson that any violations of the terms would see him brought back into court and likely incar-cerated.

After Nelson pleaded no contest, the judge imposed the agreed sentence. The 10-minute hearing ended at 11:07 a.m. Nelson was transferred back to jail later in the day before being released from cus-tody to begin probation.

known contacts have been identified. All par-ties have agreed to self-quarantine themselves,

thus, greatly reducing the risk to public health in Lincoln County. We ask that the public respect the pri-vacy of the family during their recovery,” the statement from Administrator Suiter said.

Lincoln County Commission President Josh Stowers said, “Our prayers are with the affected indi-vidual and their family as they go through this difficult time.” Stowers added, “While we were hoping to avoid this day, we were prepared for the day that it would come to Lincoln County. Our first responders are pre-

pared and will be adequately supplied with needed Personal Protective Equipment to respond to any and all COVID cases as they arise,” the president conclud-ed.

“We also ask that our community to continue to be vigilant with following the guidance from your health department and the CDC. This includes following social distancing recommendations, washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, and utilizing cough / sneeze covering techniques,” the statement from Administrator Suiter concluded.

Lincoln County Sheriff Gary Linville also issued a statement to The Lincoln Journal. “The past few weeks have been very trying times for the world, for us as a

nation, and for us as a community and family. The pan-demic has tested our strength and perseverance in ways most never anticipated, but despite these hardships, the first responders of Lincoln County will continue to protect and serve even through the most difficult times. There has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Lincoln County, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family affected. Now more than ever, we need to draw strength from one another as a community, and help to offer aid to those most impacted by the unfor-tunate crisis we find ourselves apart of. Rest assured, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office will continue to protect its community, and will be available to offer assistance to those in need,” said Sheriff Linville.

From Page 1a Case

MISSING DOG

White Eskimo Spitz - deaf, and not wearing a collar. Last seen on Scary Creek, April 11, 2020.

Call 304-824-6985

Reward $25

THE LINCOLN JOURNAL - WWW.LINCONJOURNAL.COM - Wednesday, April 15, 2020 - a

754 Marconi Drive, Hamlin

Tri River Transit Authority provides safe, reliable, and low cost transportation to all citizens in Boone, Lincoln, Logan, Mason and Wayne Counties. We provide the residents of our communities with access to jobs, educational opportunities, access to medical services and shopping.

If you or someone you know, needs transportation to a medical appointment, and receives Medicaid, call logisticare at 1-844-549-8353 to schedule your ride with us.

Visit us online at www.tririver.org for bus schedules, or call us at

304-824-2944 or 1-877-212-0815

County Clerk Baker secures another $8,682 for records


HAMLIN - The three members of the Lincoln County Commission unanimously approved all items moved for a decision at the March 19, 2020 regular session in Hamlin. The sparsely attended meeting was live streamed online by The Lincoln Journal by prior arrangement with the commission, given the closure of the courthouse and the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Commission President Josh Stowers and Commissioner Phoebe Harless were present in person, with Commissioner Charles Vance joining by phone. The commission,

•Approved releasing fire levy funding to the Hamlin Volunteer Fire Department (VFD). The funding had been held by the commission in recent times given the lack of audit reports from the VFD. However, following the receipt of audit reports from the VFD, and the confirmation that an accountant is now being retained by the department for financial controls, the commission moved to release the money. The com-mission collects the fire levy funding through the sheriff’s tax collections. The commission then generally releases those funds to the various fire departments. However, in recent months, the commission has issued checks directly to creditors and vendors when bills came due to be paid by the VFD. Those direct payments are now no longer expected to be needed, with the VFD itself being in a position to pay its bills.

•Tabled taking action on whether to let the Lincoln County Solid Waste Authority proceed with a $15,000 grant application. The authority was seeking a matching amount from the commission.

•Approved the invoices as submitted for payment. •Approved the appointments, wills, and settlements as submitted by Lincoln County Clerk Direl

Baker. •Approved declaring April as Fair Housing Month with Commission President Stowers signing the

proclamation. •Approved a state revision as submitted by CAO Mary Napier. •Approved the budget for the year beginning July 1, 2020. The budget was published, as required, in

The Lincoln Journal. In brief remarks during the meeting, Commission President Stowers said that each of the courthouse’s departments were asked in a memorandum to make a 10% cut in their operating budg-ets. According to Stowers, the commission itself cut its own budget by around 10%. However, he said there had been no major cuts to other departments. “I would hope this is an effort to show we’re trying to stretch taxpayers’ dollars as much as possible,” concluded Stowers.

•Approved the audit submitted by BHM. •Appointed Timothy Davis to a vacancy on the Lincoln County Board of Health. •Authorized the use of the Lincoln County Circuit Court courtroom for a March 28 county convention

to select Lincoln County Democratic Party delegates for the state convention. However, that event was later shelved due to the COVID-19 situation.

•Authorized Stowers to sign the agreement with the Department of Arts, Culture, & History for a $8,682 grant to the office of Lincoln County Clerk Direl Baker. It’s the latest records preservation grant secured by County Clerk Baker. The new funding is expected to be used to continue his program of restoration and encapsulation of records, with the 1906 and 1908 landbooks next up for the clerk and his staff.

The commission’s next session is set for the third Tuesday in April. That April 21 6 p.m. meeting will include the statutory session for laying the levies for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020.

County Clerk Direl Baker

Bond reduced but burglary accused remains jailed


HAMLIN - A hearing for a man indicted on three felony counts, including burglary, saw his bond reduced. However, as of press time, he remained behind bars. James Russell Robinson, 42, was brought before Chief Circuit Court Judge Jay Hoke on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. He was joined in court by his defense counsel, Jeff Blair. The state was represented by Assistant Prosecutor Jackie Stevens.

As reported in January in The Lincoln Journal, Robinson was indicted as follows: •One felony count for burglary. •One felony count for grand larceny. •One felony count for conspiracy. Robinson’s crimes are alleged to have been committed between May 19 and May 25, 2019.

He is alleged to have entered the home of a named male victim. He is further alleged to have taken two semi-automatic rifles, a machine pistol, a semi-automatic handgun, and another handgun. Robinson is alleged to have conspired with a named male. The indictment was based on the information of State Trooper Wood.

Robinson appears to have been in custody at the Western Regional Jail in Barboursville for some time. According to jail authorities, Robinson is being held on Kanawha County charges (prohibited person in possession of a firearm) in addition to the Lincoln County offenses. He is also listed as a Division of Corrections (DOC) parole violator.

In court on March 10, Judge Hoke noted that Robinson is in DOC custody. Stevens briefed the court on the underlying allegations in the case. Blair also spoke, telling the judge that his client advised him that he had made parole on other charges, and if he could make bond in Lincoln County, he’d be released. Blair said his client would waive a reading of the indictment, a reading of his rights, and would waive his right to a speedy trial. He asked the judge to reduce the bond to $15,000. Stevens did not object to the proposal.

Judge Hoke told Robinson that should he make bond, home confinement would be part of the stipulations. The judge said he’d allow a 10% option, advising Robinson that $1,500 cash would be accepted. The accused was advised of the conditions of bond, including having no contact with victims, having no contact with a co-accused, and being subjected to random drug and alcohol testing at his own expense.

The judge heard that discovery had been provided by the state. However, Blair indicated that a suppression hearing would likely be needed in the case. The court again heard that Robinson would likely be released should he make bond. Accordingly, Judge Hoke warned Robinson again that any violations of the terms would see him subject to an additional one to five years in prison. After consulting with the attorneys, Judge Hoke continued the case to Wednesday, April 8. However, just two days later, Governor Jim Justice closed schools around the state as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response. A few days later, the county courthouse was closed to the public. In addition, a week after the Robinson hearing, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals suspended court hearings statewide in response to the COVID-19 situation. A few days later, in declaring the statewide judicial emergency, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals said that “all proceedings directed to take place and all acts required to be done during the emergency period of March 23, 2020, through April 10, 2020, are stayed and will be rescheduled to a date subsequent to April 10, 2020, by the presiding judicial offi-cer.” The judicial emergency was extended on Friday, April 3. The judicial emergency is now set to run until May 1, 2020.

Despite the assurances in court about Robinson’s potential release, he was still in custody as of press time for this issue of The Lincoln Journal.

Hamlin round-up: April 6, 2020 session


HAMLIN - With three of the elected officials present in person, and four taking part by telephone, the April 6, 2020 regular session of Hamlin Town Council saw all items moved for a decision approved during 30 minutes of business. The public’s ability to observe proceedings during the current COVID-19 pandemic was facilitated via The Lincoln Journal’s live stream of the meeting. Present in person at the session were Mayor David Adkins, Recorder Danny McKay, and Councilwoman Olive Hager. On the phone were Councilman Bill Browning, Councilwoman Ann McClure, Councilwoman Deidra Roberts, and Councilwoman Trina Barrett. The members,

•Approved the minutes of the March 2 and March 23 monthly and special sessions. •Approved the treasurer’s report. •Received the minutes from Hamlin - Lincoln County Public Library board for the September and

December quarterly sessions. •Agreed generally to a provision in the personnel policy whereby the town’s employees are allowed to be

paid for unused vacation days. The members noted that the relatively solid financial situation currently enjoyed by the town would allow such a facility. “We can always go back if finances go bad,” said Mayor Adkins.

•Heard that Mayor Adkins has proclaimed April as Fair House Month. •Heard an update from Councilwoman Olive Hager about the ongoing work of the Hamlin Lions Club.

She spoke about plans to develop a newsletter and a welcome box for newly arrived citizens in the munici-pality.

•Approved an already budgeted allocation of $700 for the town’s beautification committee for the pur-chase of metal and living flowers to be placed at the town’s welcome signs.

•Were briefed by the mayor on an update regarding the postponed primary election date, received from the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office.

•Were briefed by the mayor on a draft plan from Region 2 Planning & Development Council, the multi-county entity on which the mayor serves. Mayor Adkins told the council members that the town clerk would send them a copy of the plan.

•Agreed generally to move to 6 p.m. meetings instead of the 7 p.m. time. •Councilman Browning mentioned that he had been asked by a citizen about a neighbor’s leaves. Mayor

Adkins said he had also been contacted about the leaves. Both the mayor and councilman agreed that “only God can take care of the leaves.”

The mayor added, “I’m like you, Bill, I don’t have an answer for them.” •Councilwoman Roberts asked about the census. She suggested that citizens be reminded, perhaps by elec-

tronic notice boards, of the need to complete their census forms, either online or by paper. •Councilwoman Barrett asked about the status of Police Office Hunt’s training at the police academy.

Adkins told the council that she will now have to start this summer or later given the ongoing pandemic response. He did note, however, that she could complete DUI and radar elements of the training first. That would at least allow her to issue enforcement tickets to motoring transgressors.

•The April town clean up was postponed due to the pandemic. •The May session of the council is expected to include the scheduling of the June dumpsters for use of

town citizens, usually in the early part of the month. •The council was advised that the Tuesday, April 21 statutory session to lay the levy for the coming fiscal

year will proceed at 6 p.m. Members were told by McKay that the meeting should only last a few minutes and that they could take part by telephone once again.

Recorder Danny McKay, Mayor David Adkins, and Councilwoman Olive Hager, last week.

County commission round-up: April 2, 2020 special session


HAMLIN - The three members of the Lincoln County Commission participated in a previously unscheduled special session on April 2, 2020. Commission President Josh Stowers called the meeting to order at 10 a.m. He was joined in person by Lincoln County Clerk Direl Baker and Chief Administrative Officer Mary Napier. Commissioner Charles Vance and Commissioner Phoebe Harless participated by telephone. The courthouse remaining closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Lincoln Journal broadcast a live stream of the meeting by prior arrangement with the commission. The commissioners swiftly worked through a light agenda, as follows:

•Purchased the internet tax inquiry system for $6,250 from Software Systems, to include soft-ware, setup, and installation (see story page 1a).

•Approved the bills as submitted for payment. •Approved the exoneration orders as submitted by Lincoln County Assessor Guy Browning. •Approved 200 hours of the 400 requested overtime hours for election preparation as requested

by County Clerk Baker. Addressing the matter, Stowers suggested to his colleagues that the commis-sion approve half of the requested hours for now. He reasoned that this would firstly allow Baker’s staff enough added hours for the coming weeks, and would also allow the commission time to see how tax collections are over the coming weeks given that the courthouse remains closed for in-per-son payments.

•Approved the list of election officials for the 2020 primary election.

Commission President Josh Stowers presided at the April 2 session.

Commissioner Phoebe Harless and Commissioner Charles Vance

took part by phone.

We have written on this page about the frustrating omission of Lincoln County from online DMV capability. We noted, for exam-ple, that the DMV thought it was perfectly appropriate to spend thousands of dollars on two billboards, at West Hamlin and Yawkey, telling us to “Skip The Line” and to use the DMV website to renew registrations and such. Well, we couldn’t, until last Friday.

As we report in our news pages this week, Lincoln County Sheriff Gary Linville and the Lincoln County Commission have combined to roll out a major upgrade to the county’s tax ticketing system. As of last Wednesday, anyone can now look up their real and personal property tickets online to see what’s due and what’s paid. And there’s every expectation that the second phase of the upgrade will be completed around two weeks from now. At that point, citizens will be able to pay their county taxes also.

To get back to our long running pet peeve, as of last Friday,

motorists in Lincoln County are now able to renew their vehicle registrations. We did ours Friday morning. It was seamless. The DMV site was able to find our vehicle renewal. Then, after we had looked up our personal property tax receipt at the newly launched lincoln.softwaresystems.com website, the DMV website pulled all the information together. A credit or debit card was the final step. A receipt arrived in an email and our sticker should be here soon, maybe by the end of this week.

This new functionality is long overdue. We are a rural county and the new upgrade will allow folks to pay their taxes and renew their registrations from home, from work, or via their smart phone. At this time of courthouse closures and the global pandemic, a service like this is even more important.

We commend the county commission for this worthwhile and discounted investment, and the sheriff for committing to paying the monthly maintenance fee. We urged readers to give it a try.

The apparently shoddy work at the Midway Elementary sewer system. We reported in depth on the county’s applica-tion for state funding, the awarding of the money for systems at Midway and Duval PK-8, and the bid selection process. The red tape was the easy part, it seems. Now, with the Mustangs’ sewer plant installed less than a year, our school board has

been shown images of the concrete surround having been fitted with bolts and plates to hold it together. Some board members have speculated that the whole plant may need to be redone. It’s far from satisfactory. We commend Director Greg Gosnay for his update to the board and wish him well in his search for answers.

Lincoln County High School staff, stu-dents, and others who overcame the various pandemic inconveniences to create face shields and masks for health professionals in recent days. The school deployed its numerous 3D printers to create the high quality products. The innovation and cre-ativity was not only featured in last week’s Lincoln Journal, but was also the subject of

a news release from the West Virginia Department of Education and a TV news spot by WSAZ. We commend everyone involved in mak-ing this happen. It’s just one more example of our community com-ing together at this difficult time. We know the health professionals were deeply thankful.


THE INCOLN OURNALL OPINIONP. O. Box 308 • 328 Walnut Street Hamlin, West Virginia 25523 E-mail: [email protected] • www.lincolnjournal.com

Quote of the Week

LETTERS TO THE EDITORTHE LINCOLN JOURNAL welcomes signed letters

of no more than 250 words from our readers and will consider longer guest columns. Please include name, address and telephone number for verification purposes.

Mail to THE LINCOLN JOURNAL - Letter to Editor, P. O. Box 308, Hamlin, W.V. 25523 or e-mail at [email protected].

The views expressed in our Opinion Section represent the views of the writer and not the views of THE LINCOLN JOURNAL. Anyone wishing to respond to a column or editorial may call (304) 824-5101, write: P. O. Box 308, Hamlin, West Virginia 25523 or send e-mail: [email protected].

OPINION

THE LINCOLN JOURNAL USPS # 313-640

Thomas A. Robinson, Owner-Publisher P. O. Box 308, Hamlin, WV 25523

Published weekly at 328 Walnut Street Periodical postage paid at Hamlin, WV. Postmaster: Send address changes to:

THE LINCOLN JOURNAL P. O. Box 308

Hamlin, WV 25523 Subscription rates: $23.95 a year in Lincoln County; $31.45 in West Virginia and $40.25 out of state.

THE LINCOLN JOURNAL, INC., publishes two newspa-pers and one Total Market Coverage Publication. THE LINCOLN JOURNAL and Lincoln News Sentinel are paid circulation newspapers which are mailed periodical class on Tuesdays and placed in over 65 vendor boxes throughout Lincoln and surrounding counties. The Lincoln Times is mailed to every home in Lincoln County.

Thumbs Down To:Thumbs Up To:

“We write to ask that any future coronavirus stimulus package contain funding to support local journalism and media.”

19 U.S. Senators in a let-ter to President Trump, last week

A long wait ends at just the right time

INCOLNOURNAL

[email protected]

Thomas A. Robinson - Owner/Publisher

[email protected]

Patty Robinson - Office Manager

[email protected]

Seán O’Donoghue - Managing Editor

[email protected]

Gidget Huffman - General Manager

[email protected]

[email protected]

Justina Linville - Sales

[email protected]

Phyllis Stowers - Lifestyles Editor

[email protected]

Ryan Prichard - Sports Writer

Verona Miller - Circulation

JL

THE

Phone: (304) 824-5101

CROSSWORDTheme: COFFEE AND TEANUMBER 692

Sudoku

ACROSS 1. Bookie's number 5. Parents org. 8. Slang for microwave 11. Time distortion 12. One with biggest share? 13. Like a case of appendicitis, possibly 15. Decanter 16. Knowing about 17. Mister in Madrid 18. *Usually served on ice, 2 words 20. Barber's sound 21. Accepted truth 22. Took a load off 23. Artist's office 26. Excites passions, 2 words 30. Comic book cry of horror 31. Rude or sarcastic 34. Chips, perhaps 35. Roleplay 37. Chinese "way" 38. Ice floaters 39. 100 centavos 40. Merry 42. Table scrap 43. Breastbone 45. *Double shot of espresso 47. Feather's partner 48. Not here 50. Nickname for Putin? 52. *Revolutionary event 55. *"Tea is the only simple pleasure left to us," he wrote 56. Research facil. 57. Typically used in the fair-way 59. Goodbye to amiga 60. Plenty 61. Why not 62. *Black tea, in China 63. Bard's "before" 64. Pay close attention

DOWN 1. Be in the red 2. Crows' cousins 3. Actress Barrymore 4. More like rumors 5. '70s Ford model 6. Native American emblem 7. Dwarf buffalo 8. Pueblo tribesman 9. On top 10. For each 12. Cosmetic cabinet staple 13. Allegro ____ in music, Italian 14. *____ Perk from "Friends" 19. Exit plus s 22. Eye infection 23. Oozes 24. Article of faith 25. Romanov's edict 26. *A ____ of tea, in U.K. 27. Prowl around 28. Embryo cradles 29. Green pasta sauce 32. One on the list 33. Faux one 36. *Equal parts espresso and warm milk 38. Fauna's partner 40. Hudson's Bay Company original ware 41. Experts 44. Nose channels 46. Kick the bucket 48. Between countertenor and baritone 49. Make this, not waste 50. Affected by the moon 51. Went down a slippery slope 52. Kitchen flooring choice 53. Tried follower 54. Bygone era 55. *The Revolutionary one followed #52 Across 58. The Simpsons's neighbor

Last Week’s Solution

J

West Virginia History Week of April 12th thru 18th April 12 On April 12, 1925, former Governor William Ellsworth Glasscock died in Morgantown. April 13 On April 13, 1873, John W. Davis, the Democratic nominee for President in 1924, was born in Clarksburg. April 14 On April 14, 1856, the first Calhoun County Court met at the home of Joseph Burson near Bigbend. April 15 On April 15, 1872, Peter Godwin Van Winkle, who represented West Virginia in the United States Senate from1863 to 1869, died in Parkersburg.

April 16 On April 16, 1923, Arch A. Moore, Jr., who served three terms as gov-ernor of West Virginia, was born in Moundsville. April 17 On April 17, 1861, delegates of the Richmond Convention approved an ordinance of seces-sion, leading to the withdrawal of Virginia from the Union. On April 17, 1970, archaeologists and state officials determined that a majority of the "mystery walls" atop Armstrong Mountain in Fayette County had been destroyed by strip mining. April 18 On April 18, 1861, United States troops destroyed the United States Armory and Arsenal at Harpers Ferry shortly before the town was captured by Confederate troops.

ATTENTION: If your church is closing, or has a change in servic-es, as a precau-tion to the C o r o n a v i r u s , please let me know and I’ll advise the public. Thank you, Phyllis. Aarons Creek Comm., Ranger, Wed. 7pm Bible study; Sun. school 10:30am, visita-tion evening. NEW: Mike Abshire Alum Creek Ch. of Christ, 2368 Childress Rd., Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10am, 6pm. C. B. Keeney, Robert Matthews Bear Branch Ch. of Christ, S p u r l o c k v i l l e , CLOSED UNTIL F U R T H E R NOTICE DUE TO COVID-19. Brian Barrett Beech Grove Bapt., Yawkey, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10, 11am, 6pm. Johnny Helvey Berry’s Br. Ch. of Alkol, Bulger Rd. No services at this time. NEW: WAYNE THOMP-SON Bethel Bapt., Upper Mud Rv., Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10am, 6pm. Bethlehem UB, Sun. 10am, 7pm; Tue. 7pm. Big Laurel UM, Upper Mud Rv., Thur., 6pm; Sun. 10am, 6pm. B l o o m i n g d a l e Bapt., 5241 WV 10, Salt Rock, Services tem-porarily stream-lines only, no in-house - Wed. 7pm Master Clubs; Sun. school 9:45, 10:45am, 6pm. Chris Fulks Branchland UB, Wed. 7pm Prayer/Kids learn-ing; Sun. school 10am, 7pm Kids L e a r n i n g ; Business Meeting 7pm Sat. Earl Ramey Buffalo Interden., Big Buffalo Rd., off Lower Mud, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10, 11am. Joe Bias Bulger Comm., Dog Bone Rd., Alkol, Wed. 6pm Bible Study; Sun. 10am, 6pm. Camp Br. UB, WV 10 S., Branchland, Wed. 7pm busi-n e s s meeting/Youth/Prayer; Sun. school 10, 11:10am preaching after Sunday School, 6pm; Wed. Youth/Prayer. Bob Burns Carroll Mem., 7301 Lynn Ave., Sat. 7pm. Bob Watts Center Point UB, WV 3, W. Hamlin, Wed. 7pm youth/prayer/Bible

study; Sun. school 10am, 6pm. Local pick-up Sun. & Mon. only, call by 5pm (824-5248) leave message. Lenny Romans, Jonah Adkins Central Big Ck. Bapt., off WV 34 N., Hamlin, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10am, 7pm. Chapman Mem. FWB, 21 E. Frk. Rd., Harts, Wed. 7 p m , Prayer/youth; Sun. 10am. Joe Triplett Charity, 4 Mile Rd., Branchland, Wed. 6pm; Sun. 10, 11am, 6pm. O. F. Adkins Christ Chapel, 4 Mile Rd., Branchland, Sun. 10am, 6pm. Terry Clay Cobbs Ck. Miss. Bapt., 1446 Midway Rd., Sod, Wed. 7pm p r a y e r / B i b l e study/Youth/Teens; Sun. 10, 11am, 6pm. Clyde Gwin Cole Br. Ch. of Jesus Christ, Harts, Wed. 7pm Bible study/youth; Sat. 7pm; Sun. school 10:30am. Jimmy Carter Cove Gap UB, Wed. 7pm; Sun. school 10, 11:30am. Mark Hatfield.

Crawley Ck. F W B , C h a p m a n v i l l e , Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10:30, 7pm. Jim Dalton Crooked Ck. Ch. of God, Alum Creek, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10, 11am, 6pm. Mark Thaxton Culloden UB, WV 34, Charlies Ck., Wed. 7, 7:30pm children; Sun. 10am, 6pm. Doorway of Hope, Outreach Ministeries, 8036 Lynn Ave., Hamlin, Sun. 10am; Mon. 7pm. Jack Cummings East Frk. FWB, Ranger, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10:30am, 1pm. Ernest Vance Eden Bapt., WV 3, Griffithsville, Wed. 7pm, youth; Sun. 10am, 6pm. Rick Cooper Elizabeth Bapt., 1532 Garretts Bend Rd., Sod, Wed. 7pm prayer/youth; Sun. 9:45, 11am, 6pm. Homer Hensley Enon Miss. Bapt., Tyler Ck., Salt Rock, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10, 11am, 6pm. Chris Griffith Ethel UB, Scary Ck. Rd., Sweetland, Thur. 7pm; Sun. school 10, 11am, 6pm. Steve Eplin Faith Bapt., Bulger Rd., S p u r l o c k v i l l e , Wed. 7pm Bible

study; Sun. 10, 11am, 6pm. F e r r e l l s b u r g Bapt. Comm., WV 10, Comm. Bldg., Sun. 10, 11am. Kevin Mullins Ferrellsburg Ch. of God, WV 10 S, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10am, 6pm. Clifford Ellis 1st Bapt. of Hamlin, State St., Services stream-lined for now - Wed. 7pm svc.; Sun. 10, 11am, 7pm. Jim Lutz 1st Bapt., Woodville, WV 3, Wed. 7pm youth; Sun. 10, 11am. Forks of Coal Miss. Bapt., WV 214, Coal Rv. Rd., Alum Creek, Wed. 6:30pm, youth 7pm, Bible study/choir prac-tice 8pm; Sun. 10, 11am, 6pm. Keith A. George 4 Mile Ch. of C h r i s t , Branchland, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10:30am, 6pm Eddie McComas preaching. Jason McComas 4 Mile UB, Harless Frk., Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10am. Fisher Vance 14 Mile Ch. of Christ, Wed. 6pm Bible Study; Sun. 10:45am, 6pm. Ron Nelson Frances Ck. FWB, Little Harts, Tue. 7pm Bible study; Sun. 10:30am, 7pm. Steve Slate Freedom FWB, 5 miles w. of SR 10 on WV 37, Kiahsville, Wed. 7pm Bible study; Sun. 10am, 6pm. Danny Roberts Friendly, Smith Ck., Salt Rock, Wed. 7pm svc./children; Sun. 10am, 7pm. Weston Cremeans Garrett Chapel, Harts, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10am, 6pm. John Workman Glory-Way Bapt., Roach Rd., Salt Rock, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10am, 6pm. Good Hope FWB, New Hamlin, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10am. Donald Lovejoy Grace Bapt., WV 10, Midkiff, Wed. 7pm Bible study; Sun. 9, 10, 11am, 6pm. Joey Ferguson Green Valley Bapt., Madison Ck. Rd., Branchland, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10am, 7pm. Herman Maynard Greenshoal FWB, Harts, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10:30am, 6pm. Jerry Bryant Griffithsville Ch. of Christ, WV 3, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10am, 6:30pm. Guyan FWB, Little

Harts, Wed. 7pm Bible study/youth; Sun. school 10, 11am. Eric Rakes Hamilton Creek, Ranger, Larry Sperry Hamlin Bapt., 8138 Sycamore Ave., Services canceled until until further notice. James Caldwell Hamlin Ch. of Christ, 8041 Vine Ave., Sun. 10 Bible study, 10:45am svc. Hamlin UM, Lynn Ave., Wed. 10:15am, 7pm; Sun. school 10, 11am, 6pm. Bob Fulton Harts Bapt., WV 10, Sun. 10, 11am. Donald Manns Harvey’s Ck. UB, WV 34 N, Hamlin, Wed. 7pm Bible Study; Sun. 10, 11am. Hebron Miss. Bapt., Tom’s Ck. Rd., Barboursville, Wed. youth 6:30pm, 7pm; Sun. school 10, 11am, 6pm. James Jobe High Adventure, Harts, Sun. 10am, 7pm. Bill Mitchell Hoover Ch. of Jesus Christ, Big Harts, Thur. 7pm Bible study; Sun. school 10:30am, 12:15. Stirlin Robinson Hopewell Bapt., Brounland Rd., Alum Creek, Sun. school 10, 11am, 7pm. Dwight McClure House of Prayer Full Gospel, 6644 Sheridan St., W. Hamlin, Thur. 6pm; Sun. school 10, 11am, 6pm; Mon. 6pm Bible Study. Tom & Marci Stowers I n d e p e n d e n t Miss. Bapt., Alum Creek, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10, 11am, 6pm. Daniel Dent Joe’s Creek Indep. Miss. Bapt., Tango Rd., Wed. 7pm Bible study; Sun. 10, 11am, 7pm. Kitchen Comm., WV 10 between Harts and C h a p m a n v i l l e , Wed. 7pm; Sun. school 10:30am, 2:30pm. Gary P. Browning Left Fk. Bapt., Bulger Rd., Alkol, Wed. 7pm youth/Bible study; Sun. 10:30am, 6pm. Roger Reed Liberty UB, 4 Mile Rd., Branchland, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10am, 7pm; Mon. 7pm youth. Larry Perry, Jamie Clay Lincoln Bapt., WV 10 N, Pl. View, Wed. 6:30 Youth Ministry, 7pm; Sun. 10, 11am, 6pm. Travis Edwards

Lincoln Ch. of God, WV 10 N, W. Hamlin, Wed. 7pm, children; Thur. 6:30pm Recovery Group; Sun. 10, 11am, 7pm. Lonnie Wilson Little Harts FWB, WV 10 S, Atenville, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10:30am, 6pm. Moses Vance Lory Bapt., Corr. G, Julian, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10, 11am, 7pm/Jr. svc. Garry Bowman Madison Ck. Bapt., Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10, 11am, 6pm, Robert Hatfield preaching. Maple Hill Bapt., Morrisvale, Sun. 10, 11am svc. 7pm. McClarity Bapt., 4 Mile Rd., Branchland, Wed. 7pm Bible study; Sun. school 10, 11am, 7pm. Eddie Chapman McCorkle FWB, 175 McCorkle Rd., off Corr. G, Sod, Wed. 7pm Bible Study; Sun. 9:45, 11am svc./chil-dren, 6pm. Isaiah Hatfield Merritts Ck. B a p t . , Griffithsville, Tue. 7pm; Sat. 6:30pm; Sun. 10am. Elmer Stowers Merritts Ck. Ch. of Christ, 5229 WV 10 N, Salt Rock, Wed. 7pm Bible class; Sun. 10am Bible study, 6pm. Middle Ck. UB, WV 3 E, Sun. 10am, 6pm; Wed. 7pm. Rodney Linville Middle Fk. Bapt., WV 3 E, Sweetland, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10am, 7pm. Jerry Duncan Midkiff Meth., Sun. school 10, 11am. Paul Stevens Mildred UB, 2 Mile Rd., Branchland, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10am, 6pm. Greg Dial Milton Ch. of Christ, 1702 2nd St., Wed. 6pm Bible study; Sun. 9:45 Bible study, 10:30am, 6pm. Bud Lucas Montana FWB, WV 37, 2 miles off WV 10 S, Ranger, Thur. 7pm; Sun. 10:30am, 6pm. Tom Frye Morning Star Comm., (Closed temporarily DUE TO CORON-AVIRUS EPIDEM-IC until further notice - Intersec. Upper Mud, Lower Big Ck., Hamlin. Eugene & Brenda Byrd Morrisvale Miss. Bapt., off WV 3 E, Wed. 7pm Bible study; Sun. 10, 11am, 7pm.

Mt. Calvary FWB, WV 10 S., Dry Br., Sun. 10:30am, 7pm; Tue. 7pm. Charles Rakes Mt. Calvary Non-Denom., Guyan Rv. Rd., Salt Rock, Sun. 10, 11am. Ronnie Eplin Mt. Era, Buck Fk., Harts, all 6pm services: Tue. youth, Wed.; Fri. Men’s Fellowship; Sat.; Sun. 10:30am. Norman Adams Mt. Moriah UB, WV 10 S, Fall Ck. Rd., Branchland, Sun. school 10am, 11am. Steve Johnson Mt. Zion FWB, 6 Mile Rd., Branchland, Sat. 7pm; Sun. 10am; Tue. 7pm. Michael Abshire Mullins Christian, 79 Riverbend Rd., Ranger, Mon. & Thur. 10am, 3pm; Fri. 10am & 1pm. Bro. Mullins Myra UM, Upper Mud Rv. Rd., Sun. 10. New Bethel Bapt., Upper Mud Rv. Rd., S p u r l o c k v i l l e , Tues. 7pm; Sun. 10am, 6pm. Jeff Black New Covenant Bapt. Rt. 214, Alum Creek, Wed. 7pm svc./youth; Sun. sch. 10, svc./youth 11am, 6pm. Jackie Miller New Covenant Fellowship, Sun. school 10am, noon. Elmer Mullins Open Door Bible, 6711 WV 34 N., Hamlin, Wed. svc./ youth 7pm; Sun. 10, 11am, 6pm. Robert McCallister Our Redeemer Evang. Luth., 3047 Washington Blvd., Huntington, Divine svc. Sun. school 9:45, adult Bible class 11:15am. George Fyler III Palermo UM, Upper Mud Rv. Rd., Wed. 6pm; Sun. 10, 11am. Peaceful Valley FWB, Coon Ck., Hamlin, Wed. 7pm; Sun. school 10am, 6pm. Mark Terry Peaceful Valley, Long Br. Rd., off WV 10 N., W. Hamlin, Wed. 7pm; Sun. school

10:30am, 6pm. Michael P. Vance Pine Gr. Bapt., Corr. G Exit, Wed. 6 : 3 0 p m svc./youth; Sun. 10, 11am, 6pm. Aaron Graley Pine Gr. Meth., 9 Mile Rd., Midkiff, Thur. 7pm; Sun. school 10am, 7pm. Paul Stevens Pineview FWB, Big Ugly, Sun. 10:30am, 6pm. Ernest Neace Piney Comm., W. Fork, Harts, Sun. 10:30am, 6pm. Kenny Kirk Pl. Hill Bapt., 2.5 miles down Lower Mud, Hamlin, Wed. 7pm serv-ice/youth; Sun. 10am, 6pm. Ron Brewer Pl. View UB, WV 10 S, Wed. 7pm Bible Study; Sun. 10, 11am, 6pm. Bobby Lawson Portersville Miss. Bapt., 12 miles down Lower Mud, Hamlin, Wed. 7pm svc./Bible study; Sun. 10am, 6pm. Harry Moore Praise Assembly of God, 2281 Childress Rd., Alum Creek, Wed. 7pm svc./youth; Thur. 10am; Sun. 10, 11am, 6pm/children; Tue. 10am free cloth-ing, 7pm Bible Study. Dan & Rose McCormick Sr. Praise & Worship Ctr. Ch. of God, 445 Cherry St., Hamlin, AA Mon. & Fri. 6pm; Sat. 7pm; Sun. school 10, 11am, 5:30, 6pm; Tues. Ladies 1pm & 6pm in b a s e m e n t . Michael France Ranger Ch. of Christ, Wed. 6pm Bible study; Sun. 10:30am, 6pm. Ranger Full Gospel, (WV 10)2626 McClellan Hwy., Ranger, Tues. 7pm; Fri. 7pm Recovery Support Group; Sun. 10:30am, 7pm. Clifford Vance Ranger UB, WV 10 S, Wed. 7pm Youth, all ages; Sun. 10am, 6pm. Darnell Cyfers Red Tool House, off Bear Fk. Rd., Fri. & Sun. 6pm. Jerry Runion R e d e e m e r Lutheran, #1

Deerwalk Ln., Charleston, off 119 on Paula Rd., Sun. school 9:30, 11:45am. Frank Ruffato. Rock South. Bapt., beside Salt Rock 7-11, Sun. 10am. Dustin Clark Rose of Sharon, 463 Walnut St., St. Albans, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 11, 11:45 Sun. school. David Bragg Sacred Heart Co-Cath., Charleston, Mass: Sun. 8, 10am, noon, 5pm - Morn. Mass: Mon.-Sat. 8am, Vigil 5:30pm; Tues.-Fri. noon. Very Rev. Donald X. Higgs Salem UB, Bowen Ck. Rd., Branchland, Wed. 7pm; Sun. school 10am, 6pm. Jody Thompson Salt Rock Comm., WV 10, Wed. 7pm Bible study; Sun. school 9:30, 10:30am, 6pm. Jason Salmons Sand Fk. Miss. Bapt., Sugartree, Griffithsville, Wed. 6:30pm; Sun. 10am, 6pm. Terry Sponaugle Sheltering FWB, 10 Mile, Midkiff, Thur. 7pm; Sun. 10:30am, 6pm. Sumerco Ch. of God, WV 214 S, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10am, 6pm. Richard McCallister Summit Comm., Laurel Fk. Rd. off WV 214 S, Sumerco, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10, 11am, 6pm. Kevin Workman Sybene Bapt., Sybene, OH, Sun. 11am, 6pm; Mon., Tue., Wed. 7pm Sycamore Gr. Miss. Bapt., WV 3 E, Alkol, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10, 6pm. Jody Pauley Sycamore Indep. Miss. Bapt., 5839 Sycamore Rd., Hurricane, Wed. 7pm; Sun. school 10, 11am, 7pm. David Vickers Tom’s Ck., off WV 214 S, Wed, 6pm Bible Study; Sun. 10, 11am. Kenneth Blankenship Tornado Apost. Ch., Lincoln/ Kan. Co. line, Tues. & Thur. 7:30pm; Sun. 10am, 6pm. Wilson Hudson Trace Fk. Miss. Bapt., WV 34 N,

Hamlin, Sun. 10am. Trinity Christian, 1128 Kan. Forest Dr., S. Charleston, Sun. 10:30am, 6:30pm. Terry Walker Union Bapt., James Rv. Twpk., Milton, Sun., 10, 11am. Brent Beckett Upper Smith Ck. Bapt., 1.3 miles off WV 10 N, Salt Rock, Wed. 7pm; Sun. school 10, 11am, 6pm. Ron Donohoe Upper 10 Mile Bapt., #7 10 Mile Rd., Ranger, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10am, 6pm. Timothy Davis Valley of Dec., Tyler Ck., Salt Rock, Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10, 11am, 5pm VYF, 6pm. Kevin Shull Valley View FWB, Va. Ave., Hurricane, Wed. 7pm; Sun. school 10am, 7pm. Vision of Harvest Bapt., Cobbs Ck., off WV 214 S, Wed. 7pm; Sun. school 10, 11am, 7pm. Billy Silva Welcome Home Bapt., 1 Mile Rd., W. Hamlin, Tues. Youth 7pm; Wed. 7pm; Sun. 10am, 6pm. Jimmy Adams Weltha Nelson FWB, Sand Ck., Ranger, Wed. & Sat. 7pm; Sun. school 11am. Michael Vance W. Hamlin Ch. of Christ, 6866 SR 3, Wed. 6pm sing.; Sun. 11am. Cecil Mullins W. Hamlin UM, Wed. 7pm Bible study; Sun. 10, 11am, 7pm. Thomas Jeffrey Whitten FWB, Left Fk., Alkol, Sun. 2pm. E. J. Dolen Woodville Comm. Gospel Ch. of Jesus, WV 3 E., Wed. & Sat. 7pm; Sun. 6pm. Larry Sperry Workman Fk. UB, West Fk., Little Harts, Thur. 6pm; Sun. school 10:30, 11:45am. Millard Hensley Yawkey Meth., WV 3, Wed. 7pm Bible Study; Sun. school 10, 11am. Eddie Johnson Yawkey Miss. Bapt., Wed. 7pm; Sun. school 10, 11am, 6pm. Darrell Searls

THE LINCOLN JOURNAL - WWW.LINCONJOURNAL.COM - Wednesday, April 15, 2020 - a

Lincoln Area Churches • Please call Phyllis at 304-824-5101 for any changes.

CHURCH LISTINGS

Back in TimeBy Phyllis Stowers, Lifestyles Editor 1974: The April 17th edition of The Lincoln Journal reported:

Sewer problems, hepatitis illness linked to Harts School; Believing in miracles, 'Ma Bird' now can see; West Hamlin approves '74 budget; Teachers want $1,000 raise for 1974-75; Lincoln County gets $258,452.73 in utility money; Thomas O. Settle seeks GOP sheriff nomination in May; Oren H. Ellis seeks Board of Ed. seat; Jerry Weaver announces for Circuit Clerk; Magistrates unhappy with salaries.

OBITUARIES PUBLISHED: Ella McGhee, Hamlin; Lawrence Midkiff, 80, Branchland; Osbern Z. Adkins, 60, Midkiff.

IN THE SERVICE: All recent gradu-ates of Hamlin High School, Rodney Curry, David Sowards and Gary Saunders, left last week for Paris Island, South Carolina Marine Base; USAF Tech./Sgt. Curtis May, Jr. member of the recruiting detachment has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, a 1953 Hamlin High School graduate; USN Fireman Apprentice Howard J. Redman is aboard the USS Concord for extensive cruise in the Mediteranean.

STATE POLICE REPORTS / COURTHOUSE RECORDS: 31 arrests. / Two marriage license issued; Seven real estate transfers.


Think it is too cold for bar-becuing? Not to worry, the oven or broiler can be used for barbecuing steak, beef briskets, pork or chicken. Adding a dash of liq-uid smoke to commercial sauce, or make your own, gives the meat a sweet and spicy true barbecue flavor. Serve with cole slaw, baked potato wedges and good crusty bread.

OVEN BARBECUED

STEAK 2# boneless, round steak 1 T. vegetable oil 3/4 c. catsup 1/2 c. cider vinegar 1 to 2 T. brown sugar 1 T. prepared mustard 1 T. Worchestershire sauce 1/2 t. salt 1/2 t. coarsely ground black

pepper

Trim fat from steak and cut into serving size pieces. Heat oil in a large skil-let, add steak and brown well on both sides. Transfer steak to a shallow baking dish.

Combine all remaining ingredients and pour over steak. Cover and bake at 325˚ 1-1/2 to 2 hrs., until fork ten-der. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

BARBECUED BEEF

BRISKET 5# fresh beef brisket - not

corned beef 1/2 t. onion salt 1//2 t. celery salt 1/4 t. garlic powder 1 T. liquid smoke 1/4 c. plus 2 T.

Worcestershire sauce 3/4 c. good commercial

barbecue sauce Sprinkle beef with onion

salt, celery salt and garlic pow-der. Place in shallow oven proof baking pan. Pour liquid smoke and Worcestershire sauce over meat, cover with foil and refrigerate several hours or overnight, turning once.

Bake covered at 300˚ 4 to 4-1/2 hours, or until meat is tender when pierced with fork. Pour commercial barbe-cue sauce over beef and contin-ue to bake for an additional 30-40 minutes. Makes 6 to 8 serv-ings.

SPARE RIBS WITH ORANGE SAUCE

4# spare ribs 1-1/2 t. lemon pepper sea-

soning 1 small can orange juice

concentrate- undiluted 1/2 c. catsup 1/4 c. butter or margarine 2 T. brown sugar 1 T. soy sauce

2 t. prepared mustard 8 green onions, finely

chopped Sprinkle both sides of ribs

with lemon pepper; cut into serving size pieces. Place ribs in single layer in a large, shal-low roasting pan. Cover with foil and bake at 350˚ for 45 minutes.

Combine remaining ingre-dients in a small saucepan; simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Brush sauce over ribs, cover and bake an addi-tional 45 minutes, basting and turning ribs occasionally. Makes four serv-ings.

French fried potatoes are good to serve with any barbe-cue

OVEN FRIED FRENCH

POTATOES 2 lg. baking potatoes,

scrubbed and wiped dry 2-1/2 t. olive oil

salt and pepper to taste Cut potatoes lengthwise

into 8 wedges each. Place pota-toes in single layer on a large shallow baking sheet. Brush each potato wedge with one tsp. olive oil. Bake, uncovered, at 375˚ for 5 minutes.

Uncover and brush with 1 tsp. of oil, bake for another 5 minutes. Brush with remaining oil and bake another 10 min-utes, or until potato wedges are crisp, golden brown and tender. Serves 4.

Whenever I purchase a

rutabaga turnip, the check-out person usually asks “What is this?” If you have never tried rutabaga turnips, it is worth the trouble of paring and cutting the large root vegetable, which is a real chore in itself.

TURNIPS GLAZED WITH

HONEY AND LEMON 1 med. size rutabaga turnip,

peeled and cut into 1/2-in. cubes.

2 T. honey 1 T. unsalted butter 1/2 t. grated lemon rind dash of salt and pepper In a medium size sauce

pan, bring two cups water to a boil. Add turnips and cook, uncovered, for 20 minutes, until fork tender. Drain. Add honey, butter, lemon rind, salt and pepper. Warm over low heat, shaking pan occa-sionally, until butter has melted and turnips are glazed. Serves 4.

Or, drain turnips, puree in batches in food processor. Add butter and 1 or 2 Tbsp. sugar, according to taste; return turnip puree to saucepan and heat over low for several minutes, until but-ter has melted and puree is hot. Serve immediately.

Recipes from the Past*Below are recipes from Trudy Robinson’s

cooking columns published in the Valley Press during the 1980s.

Foods for the soul

OBITUARIES & MEMORIES

HAROLD PUCKETT, 91, of Hamlin, WV, and loving Husband, Dad and Papa, entered the gate of his Heavenly Home Wednesday, April 8, 2020. He was born September 25, 1928 to the late Sill Puckett and Mae Thompson Puckett of West Hamlin, WV. Also preceded in death by: three brothers, Darrell, Larry and Leonard; two sisters, Pearl Slone and Sissy Stratton.

He proudly served his coun-try in the US Navy during WW II. He retired from CSX Railroad with over 40 years as a brakeman. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and dearly loved his Church Family.

Harold was a true family man that enjoyed sharing beach and camping trips with rela-tives and friends and porch time with all 20 grandchildren.

Those that remain to treasure cherished memories are: his wife of 67 years, Beunice Walls Puckett; four daughters, Vickie (Artie) Samples, Patty Puckett, Karen (Jack) Swann, Mitzie Lakes; two sons, Steve (Darla), Shawn (Angie); one sister, Anna Lee Spencer; 11 loving grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

A family graveside service held in Enon Cemetery, Salt Rock, WV. Koontz Funeral Home, Hamlin, WV handled arrangements.

JOSEPH WILLIAM ESTEP, Tornado, WV, died Sun., Apr. 5, 2020.

CHARLES RAYBUR HAGER, 87, Culloden, WV, died Sun., Apr. 5, 2020; born Aug. 7, 1932.

JOHN ALLEN HOLSTEIN, 87 Sod, WV died Sat., Apr. 4, 2020, in Hubbard Hospice House W., after a short illness; son of late Allen & Kathleen Nicholas Holstein. Commercial const. rigger many years; USN Korean War vet.

In keeping with his wishes, he was cremated, service at a later date. Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, WV, served the family.

MISTY MARLENE KRUEGER, 41, Hamlin, WV, died Thur., Apr. 9, 2020.

Memorial service at a later date; Koontz Funeral Home, Hamlin, WV served the family.

ALBERT LANDO WIB WALDEN, 95, Hamlin, WV, died Mon., Apr. 6, 2020. Husband of Betty Brown Walden. 60-yr. Columbia Gas Trans. truck driver retiree.

Graveside service & burial 1pm, Wed., Apr. 8, Miller Cem., Sweetland, WV, by Robert Fulton, with Koontz Funeral Home, Hamlin, WV assisting.

TERRY DWAYNE WOODRUM, 55, Sumerco, WV, died Sun., Apr. 5, 2020, after a long illness; son of late Franklin Dee & Arizona Marie Allen Woodrum. Husband of 22 years to Teresa.

A 2pm private graveside service Thur., Apr. 9, in Old Pine Grove-Anderson Cem., by Jody Pauley. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations for services to Curry Funeral Home, PO Box 9, Alum Creek, WV 25003.

Lincoln County Court records

LAND TRANSFERS, etc.: Lots deed between Scott Carl Jr. & Jacqueline A. Adkins and Catherine D. Adkins & Paul Brunty II, $87,000., Hamlin, Lots 105 & 106, Sec. 1, as of 1-10-20. 32.5 ac. deed between Michael Allen & Tammy Jo Plumley and Louis B. & Margaret Wilmoth, $12,800., Laurel Hill Dist., as of 1-10-20. Deed between Connie F. Hatfield and Lester Odell Cochran Jr., $40,000., Laurel Hill Dist., as of 1-13-20. 25 & .5 ac deed between Linda Swann & Margaret Nelson and Linda Swann & Anita Edmonds, Carroll Dist., as of 1-13-20. Right of way Richard & Stephanie D. Gillenwater as of 1-13-20. Right of way between Glenn

& Darial Stickler & APCO, as of 1-13-20. Right of way between Gary L. & Alice Meeks and APCO, as of 1-13-20. Right of way Richard & Arnold Stratton, Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church as of 1-13-20. Deed between G. Russell Rollyson Jr. & Beverly Greenhill, and Landon & Landon Harper, $600., West Hamlin, Cert. #224993, as of 1-14-20. 2 ac. deed between G. Russell Rollyson Jr. & CO - 1st Alert Security LLC and John Cummings, Laurel Hill Dist., 14 Mile Creek Cert. #224946, as of 1-14-20. Min. deed between G. Russell Rollyson Jr. & Judith Ann Gillenwater and Titan Energy Appalachia LLC, $30., Jefferson Dist., 1/3 of 1/6 of 1/3 of 130 ac., Bear Branch Cert. #224935, as of 1-14-20.

Min. deed between G. Russell Rollyson Jr. & Maynard Crit etal Maynard Joseph est. and Titan Energy Appalachia LLC, $30., Harts Dist., 12 Pole Creek, 19/20 of 9/10 of 9/10 of 65 ac. Cert. #224925, as of 1-14-20. Min. deed between G. Russell Rollyson Jr. & Maynard Crit etal Maynard Joseph est. and Titan Energy Appalachia LLC, $30., 12 Pole Creek, 19/20 of 9/10 of 9/10 of 12 ac. Cert. #224924, as of 1-14-20. Min. deed between G. Russell Rollyson Jr. & Maynard Crit etal Maynard Joseph est. and Titan Energy Appalachia LLC, Harts Dist., 12 Pole Creek, 19/20 of 9/10 of 9/10 of 35 ac. Cert. #224923, as of 1-14-20. Min. deed between G. Russell Rollyson Jr. & Carl Aldridge and Titan Energy Appalachia LLC, $30., Min. 1/4 of 1/5 of 40 ac. WS Guyan, Cert.

#224919, as of 1-14-20. Lot deed between G. Russell Rollyson & Madeline Johnson and Landon Harper, $30., Hamlin, 17 Mansion St., as of 1-14-20. Min. & Gas deed between G. Russell Rollyson Jr., Yvonne F. Hensley & Andre Mullins by will and Garnet Gas Corp., $100., 1/7 of 1/7 of 94 ac. Horse Creek Cert. #224903, as of 1-14-20. Sur. .35 ac. deed between G. Russell Rollyson Jr., Kathleen & Paul E. Green and John Cummings, Duval Dist., Laurel Fork of Joes Creek Cert. #224901, as of 1-14-20.

MARRIAGES: William Franklin Earl Leach, 18, Hamlin, WV & Shannon Nickole Houdek, 19, West Hamlin, WV. Vernon Rex Duncan II, 55, Sumerco, WV & Kimberly Dawn Mollett, 46, Thelma,

KY. Justin Charles Chafin, 34 & Stephanie Marie Bennett, 41, both of Branchland, WV. Jamey Eugene Honaker, 39 & Minnie Ellen Adkins, 36, both of Branchland, WV. Freddie Brewster, 66, Ranger, WV & Elsie Hager, 66, Branchland, WV. Justin Allen Bowyer, 36 & Stephanie Dawn Adkins Nash, 32, both of Salt Rock, WV. Jonathan Patrick Browning, 37 & Ashley Hope Wiley, 20, both of Harts, WV.

Magistrate records MISDEMEANOR CASES:

20-M22M252 Trevor Alan Brown has been charged with Domestic battery - unlawful physical contact of insulting/provoking nature (Family/Household Member) offense as of 3-25-20. 20-M22M253 Carl A. Goodman has been charged

with Obstructing officer; penalties; definitions. (Felony Disarming Officer), Persons prohibited possessing firearms (Domestic Violence) & Violations of protective orders - Parole in other juris-diction offenses as of 3-27-20. 20-M22M256 Jack Alton Williams has been charged with Domestic Assault - Committing violent injury or causing apprehension of same (Family/Household Member) & Obstructing officer; penal-ties; definitions offenses as of 4-3-20. 20-M22M254 Dustin Workman has been charged with DUI 1st, DUI drugs, both under review; Driving while license suspended or revoked; General, Knowingly or inten-tionally possessing controlled substance without valid pre-scription & Limitations on overtaking on left offenses as of 3-28-20.

MARRIAGES

LAND TRANSFERS

FELONIES MISDEMEANORS

CIVIL SUITSBANKRUPTCIES

PERMITS

MARRIAGES

BANKRUPTCIES FELONIES

PERMITS

BIRTHS

LINCOLN COUNTY COURTHOUSE RECORDS

Locally Owned and Operated Since 1974

St. Rt. 152-N, Wayne, WV • 304-272-5804Monuments

Ferguson

From the JERRY WEAVER

family We have No words

that could ever express our apprecia-tion for the love, sup-port and especially the prayers you have shown to us during this sorrowful time. We are deeply grateful for our wonderful community of Lincoln County, which we consider family, and ask that you continue to pray for us.

$100 a remote chance major upgrade for to lead in lincoln...

Documents