| The Herald daily reports positive events, frequently honoring Calhoun citizens for their contributions to community life. The 2010 list represents some of the top stories of the year, including those most read:
1. PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE - The top story of the year is an accumulation of dozens and dozens of stories about Calhoun people who have come to the aid of their neighbors during tough times, often through fundraisers or special efforts. It is neighbor helping neighbor that makes life special in this rural community, including outreach extended by community organizations.
2. JUSTICE CATCHES UP IN DOUBLE MURDER CASES - Kirk Miller, 33, was sentenced to two consecutive life with mercy sentences for the double murder of Mike and Julie Flanagan, shot at close range Easter weekend in 2009. Miller won't be eligible for parole for 30 years.
Ronnie Rush plead guilty to the brutal murders of Ward Groves and Mary Hicks in 2003, and was sentenced to prison for 30 years. Sources at the trial indicated Rush could be released after 15 years, but it was unclear what part the seven years he has already served could affect his actual release
Under law, he is eligible for a parole hearing after 7 1/2 years.
The never-ending trial suffered multiple complications, with the verdict being overturned twice by the WV Supreme Court, related to bungling of the case by the WV State Police.
3. DENMARK CASE PENDING - Since State Police brought multiple charges against Seth Denmark, a criminal complaint accusing him of killing and burying teen David Beach with a key witness claiming she was kidnapped and witnessed the incident, several other charges related to Denmark and his family have been dropped or restructured. No body has been found. Seth Denmark will be appearing in Calhoun Circuit Court in January.
4. CALHOUN'S EXISTENCE AT STAKE - With increased costs, mandates, a regional jail bill and a stagnant tax base, Calhoun County could be approaching its' midnight hour, with county commissioners challenged with delivering a balanced budget and providing operational funds to keep county offices open.
5. NEW INVESTIGATION MT. ZION PSD - The WV Commission on Special Investigations is now looking into management problems at Mt. Zion Public Service District, following a troublesome list of problems and lost records, and a one-year audit by the West Virginia PSC, which said the management was in a mess, while praising the re-grouped board for putting the district back on track.
6. BANK ROBBERY - Calhoun experienced its' second bank robbery in two years, those being the first in the history of the county, with the latest suspect Richard Vance in Central Regional Jail, waiting a trial.
7. WATER PROJECT UNDER CONSTRUCTION - A long sought $5.2 million, 21-mile public water project is under construction in the Millstone-Sand Ridge and Rt. 16 south section of the county, bringing much-needed water. Water is expected to flow in 2011.
8. FIREMAN SHORTAGE - Calhoun's three fire departments are suffering a critical shortage in volunteers, a situation that is affecting departments around the state, with several being on the verge of closing. Fire department services directly affects insurance rates for property owners, but few community members have been willing to step up to the plate, which involves considerable training in addition to serious dedication.
9. PROSECUTOR RESIGNS OVER STATE POLICE PROBLEMS - Calhoun prosecutor Shelly Morris DeMarino resigned, saying "The situation between myself and law enforcement has led me to this decision ... There have been matters that have arisen that I feel make it impossible for me to continue in this capacity."
West Virginia State Police spokesman Sgt. Michael Baylous said he was not aware of the situation or alleged problem in Calhoun County, but "would talk to senior staff and get an answer," according to a Charleston Gazette story. No explanation was forthcoming.
Newly assigned State Policemen to the Grantsville detachment are responding and appear to be dealing professionally with the public.
10. OFFENDER CHRISTOPHER TODD SMITH - Christopher Todd Smith, perhaps Calhoun's most frequently accused offender, was sentenced to one year in prison for a drug related offense from 2007, and charged with numerous other crimes in the county. He is reportedly under investigation by a federal grand jury for what role he might have played in the sudden death of his girlfriend Kelli Lawson in 2009.
11. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT DENIES PUBLIC INFORMATION - The West Virginia Department of Highways strangely denied what seemed to be a generic request for public information regarding contracted highway improvements in Calhoun and regional counties for 2010, with local highway administrator Charles Holmes declining to return phone calls and the agency denying a Freedom of Information request.
12. CALHOUN 911/OES PROGRESS - Former Calhoun 911 Director Gary Buchanan was praised by state officials for the completion of E-911 addressing and mapping in Calhoun, ahead of most WV counties. Calhoun's communication system is undergoing a major upgrade that will improve service for emergency responders and the public, according to current Director Kathy Wood.
13. ILLEGAL DOG FIGHTING? - Calhoun officials discovered 32 dogs, mostly Pit Bulls, on the 87-year-old Edward Barrera property near Orma, following his unattended death. When Animal Control officer Bob Groves was seeking to place the remaining dogs, he and other authorities discovered equipment used to train the dogs for illegal fighting, currently being investigated.
14. CALHOUN MIDDLE-HIGH SCHOOL STRUGGLING TO MEET STANDARDS - Calhoun Middle-High School has failed to meet Average Yearly Progress four of the past five years, related to student achievement. "The NCLB grading system, in many ways does not adequately recognize progress," said Superintendent Roger Propst, with the school sometimes failing the standard by a point or two. Pleasant Hill and Arnoldsburg Elementary met the standards.
15. BROADBAND ACCESS - Calhoun and regional counties continue to be behind the loop with high-speed broadband service, with Frontier Communications telling WV customers they will provide service to 85% of state residents by the end of 2011. Frontier has yet to respond to requests defining broadband improvements for Calhoun and regional counties.
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