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The
HINTON NEWS
(Continuing the Hinton DaiI 7 News & The Weekend Loader)
Home of the W. Va. Water Festival
Volume 90 No. 34
Hinton, West Virginia Tuesday Dec. 1 7, 1991
25 Cents
Dillon Gives His Opinion
By Fred Long
An opinion why the county school
system failed to gain state funds for
an $8 million high school, charges
alleging wrongdoing involving for-
mer superintendent Jim Tassos and
an explanation why the school sys-
tem is operating under a $250,000
deficit were offered by School Board
President Bill Dillon during the
Thursday meeting of the Board of
Education.
=We have had a lot of comment
about our deficit," Dillon told a large
crowd of service employees and
teachers that attended the meeting.
Dillon said budget cuts ordered
by Gov. Gaston Caperton in 1989
forced the county school system,
along with every county in the state,
to return money to Charleston.
According to Dillon, Summers
County had to return a total of
$303,703.76. The return of
$75,415.81 for the "special educa-
tion" pay back last year increased
the amount to $379,119.57. =So,
Dillon said, "had we not had those
reductions placed on us, along with
the special education pay back, we
would have been in the black in-
stead ofthe red. I just thought this
needed to be said because a lot of
other things are being said that are
just not true."
When it came to employment,
Dillon said, board members "have
very little leeway concerning those
recommendations" presented to
them. =We either have to accept
them or we have to reject them. One
or the other. Over the last 10 or 11
years most recommendations, good
or bad, have been accepted by a
majority vote."
Dillon said over the last 10 or 11
years the-control of the Board
members =has been essential for
prior administrations; but, this
Board did not rubber stamp recom-
mendations offered by the superin-
tendent. =You have some free think-
ers; although you might want to
classify some of us rubber stamps
because we don't always agree with
your train of thought."
As an illustration, Dillon made
reference to the August 1989 em-
ployment of Harold Bandy. Former
Superintendent Jim Tasses was
suspended on charges alleging he
failed to follow =state laws and board
policy prior tohis recommendations
that Bandy be placed in the admin-
istrative position at the Career
Center.
=Mr. Bandy was selected after Mr.
Davis retired," Dillon told the audi-
ence. =You have to remember, he
was selected by a 3 -2 vote. He
served in that position for a couple of
years. Three people applied for that
job and at the Board meeting, when
this person was hired, I stated in the
open that of the three people who
applied for the position, the one that
is being recommended for that posi-
tion has the least qualifications for
the job. Dr. Mathews and I did not
vote for this person. But Mr. Lilly,
Mr, Shanks and Billy Joe Lilly, the
other former Board member did. By
all means people here in Summers
County should check the record of
voting. We now have someone in
that position that is very qualified
[Stuart Oxley] andheis doing a good
job for us. He went in on a 3 - 2 vote
and when he did it was political.
When Mr. Bandy went in I never
opened my mouth. I voted my con-
science, I got beat and Mr. Bandy
went in as our Career Center Direc.
tor."
Dillon said =if you check the rec-
ord, probably Mr. Shanks has voted
against [acting Superintendent
=Richie"] Redes recommendations
more in the last three months then
he ever voted against Mr. Tassos'
recommendations in the last three
years. I think that needs to be said.
"Now, I need to address the [state
School Building Authority] SBA situ-
ation to clear up a few things. Dil-
lon, while making reference to a
cartoon that was published in the
Hinton News, said the school system
was "never Offered $8 million dol-
lars" and the drawing was a fabri-
cation" of the facts.
Dillon said the plan seeking state
fundS ng incl uded"other renovations
that needed done"besides the build-
ing of ..a new high school for the
COunty.
=I will reiterate what I have previ-
ously said about Mr. Tassos and my
presentation to the SBA.committee
in Morgantown. Mr.Tassos did make
an excellent presentation to this
committee. I've said it publicly, I've
said it privately and I'm saying it
again here tonight. I believe my
presentation was also good."
The presentation hadthree parts,
he said. =Mr. 'lassos' presentation,
my presentation and a question and
answer session. That question and
answer session was handled by the
superintendent of the board. Tas-
sos answered the questions truth-
fully "but they had to come across
very negatively because we couldn't
respond positively and be telling the
truth."
Dillon said he believe the =main
objective of the SBA=was to consolS.
date schools. Summers Countyhas
only one high school, Dillon pointed
out, and =to fund our county and still
have only one high school was to no
gain to the overall objective of the
SBA. When you have one and two
years later you build a new one and
you still have one, you still have one.
Consider what is going on in Monroe
County. They have tohigh schools.
They were awarded the funds and
were going to chip in approximately
$600,000 or $700,000 of their own
money. But they have two high
schools going to one high school.
Mercer Coun'y was awarded funds
and they ae eliminating fern' high
schools. They are eliminating four
high schools tobui|d one high school.
So by awarding funds to other coun-
ties, their overall objective could be
reached more easily."
In 1980 the board did what the
SBA was trying to do," Dillon contin-
ued. That year "Summers County
closed the only other high school,
Talcott High School. All I can think
is that counties that surround us
also have had funds awarded to them
and they too were eliminating sev-
eral schools. I just ask Summers
County to put their thinking caps on
when it comes to facts, not fiction,
facts not cartoons, facts not Fred
Longs opinion, because what he
operates is an opinionated, one sided
newspaper."
Dillon said the answers in the
question and answer segment
=probably sealed our fate as far as
receiving any SBA funds. Mr. Tas-
sos didn't tell lies, he only told the
truth, but they did not impress the
committee, in my opinion."
Dillon said"other people," includ-
ing some Board members Bud
Shanks and John Lilly, "have ar-
gued that putting the plan on hold
was the reason we did not receive
funding. I don't believe that. I
believe that putting that plan on
hold [for public comment] changed a
3 - 2 vote to a 4 - I vote and solidified
the position even more." Public
comment was required, he said. A
few weeks ago in Monore Co. SBA
Director Clacy Williams testified
that public comment was required
prior to submission of the plan. =I
believe that is the context of the suit
brought in Monroe Co. court as to
whether they will win or lose. The
people said they were eliminated for
the process. After we did put the
plan on hold we did take public
comment and Dr. Mathew$ and
myself changed our position. The
comments were 90 to 10% in favor,
so we changed. I dont think to ask
for public comment and not change
it wouldhave been very smart. Why
ask for it if you are not going to take
their advice?"
Dillon said he did not believe
Williams told the press putting the
"plan on hold was tim reason for the
denial of funds for Summers County.
Williams has never told me that
personally. He said be believed
Williams "would be very cautious m
before making a statement =like
that ."
Dillons said atr the plan was
put on hold the Board met with
Williams and RESA Director Mrs.
Morgan in Beckley =togetan in depth
perspective of the whole process."
Dillon reminded the audience that
when the original plan was submit-
ted to the Board a delegation from
the limitz-Jumping Branch area
appeared before them. "Even Mr.
Tom Coffman, former school board
member, appeared before the Board 6 at Forest Hill and a 7 through 12 at
and asked" if the Board members Talcott. You would have still had
had any input in the plan. "The two grade schools, one high school,
delegationthatnightwasveryupset three communities and then we
when they learned that Jumping woulfi have been right, Right for
Branch school, which is a K through SBAfunding, because I don'tbelieve
6, was to be eliminated under the a levy would have ever been de-
overall plan that was submitted to feated, even when it needed 60%.
the SBA." Schools were closed. I believe it was
(EdNote: JumpingBranch, Belle- because of poor leadership, prior
point, Sandstone and Avis schools administrationsofboards." Carr Resigns/Adkins Appointed
were included under a separate Dillon said the defeat of the levy
project that involved the construc, in 1982 probably cost the school
tion of a new elementary school.) "about$7.5millionover 9or 10years. By Fred Long in 1968, under Emily Frazier. Fra-
Money that would have definitely County Clerk Barbara Carr will zier died in 1970 and Carr was ap-
"Could the defeat of three levies put us in an excellent position to retire on Dec. 31 with 25 years of pointed to complete her term. In
in 11 monthsover I0 years ago put present a plan for an all county high public service to the citizens of 1972 she ran for the unexpired term
the Summers County Board in the school to the S]IA." Summers County and, yesterday, the and was elected. She is presently on
positionthatitnowoccupies? Dillon Following Dillon's address, mere- County Commission appointed Ra- her third 6-year term which would
asked. =People have a tendency to ber Bud Shanks said on thedaythey
forget real quick. Just consider a metwithWilliams and Mrs. Morgan chel Adkins, her 20-year deputy, to have ended on Dec. 31, 1992.
few things as I close my argument, in Beckley, Williams told him "put- complete the term. Rachel Adkins is no stranger to
In 1978, in the eastern part of tingthisbuildingplanonholdweak- "I've enjoyed working in this of- the County Clerk's office and has 20
Summers County, onlythreeschoo]s enedit, it didn'thelpit." rice very much," Carr said, =but years experience. "I have mixed
existed, Pence Springs, K- 6; Forest Shanks also said that the reason because of health reasons I've de- feelings" abeuttheappointment, she
Hill, K - 8; and Talcott had a K - 12. he voted to place Bandy at the Ca- cided to retire. I'll miss this, work- said, but =I'm glad they selected me.
In 1978 Pence Springs was closed reer Center was based on a letter he ing with everyone, but I have other I'll do my very best."
andstudentsbussedtoTalcott. Later had from the State Department of work to do. I'm going to try to catch Rachel said sheis"thinkingabout"
ForestHill 7 and 8 were cut out and Education which he read during the up on my work at home," she said filing for the office and placing her
bussed to Talcott, or to Hinton. Just meeting. According to Shanks, Oxley
a simple plan could have probably was not certified for the position at laughing, name on the ballot for the 1992 pri-
had us in excellent position if a K that time. Carrbegan workingin the County mary. "They start filing on Jan. 13
through 6 would have been estab- rhat'swhylvotedforMr.Bandy. Clerk's office in 1966 under Jewel] so I only have four weeks to think
lishedatPenceSprings, aKthrough Continued on page 2 G. Nichols and, following her death about it."
MainSt, Sponsors Christmas Parade ':: il,
The Main Street Hinton program representing the business sector of : m
sponsored the !991 Downtown the community. Main StreetHinton
Christmas Parade on Sat., Dec. 2nd. selected merchants fbr parade
The theme for the parade was A marshallsbecauseoftheirimpactas
Christmas Full of Mountain Memo- retailers on the vitality of the busi-
ries." Over 20 entries marched down ness district. Both retailers have
the streets of the historic district, been long-time business owners in
Downtown merchants Wilma Hinton and continue to reinvest in
Angott (Big Four Drug Store) and their businesses. They both look
Scott Briers (Briers Furniture) towards the future of Hinton in a
sharedthehonorasGrandMarshalls Continued on page 2
Aucremanne Trial Date Dec. 30
By Fred Long Witiw approached him and told him Witiw I want you to go stand over speedy trial. Jolliffe scheduled the
Summers County Prosecutor Joe he didn't want Aucremanne talking there.' He took one step and he fell. trial to begin Dec. 30. Steve Hunter,
Aucremanne will stand trial, Dec. withhissonwhenhewasn'tpresent. I didn't hold on to him .... hefelland a Lewisburg attorney, has been
30, on charges that he allegedly "Aucremannesaidhet0ldWitiwto he fell flat on his back in the drive- named a special prosecutor for
assaulted a Pennsylvania man and go back to where Jones was stand- way." SummersC°untyt°hnndlethecase"
attempted to obstruct justice by re- ing, that he would be finished in a The misdemeanor charge alleges Aucremanne is represented by Paul
fusing to obey the officer called to few minutes. After asking him to that Aucremanne refused to obey Detch, also of Lewsiburg.
investigate the July altercation, leave three times, Aucremanne took Jones' "instructions to leave the If convicted, Aucremanne faces a
Aucremanne was indicted on one hislefthandandgentlytouchedMr, premises" and that Aucremanne two-to-10 year. prison sentence on
count of unlawful wounding, a fel- Witiw just above his right elbow, attempted to intimidated Jones by the felony charge and a possible 6-
ony, and one count of attempting to =My right arm stayed down. I "threatening" to have him fired, month prison term on the misde-
obstruct justice, a misdemeanor, by turned him, very gently because I Aucremanne entered n not guilty meaner charge. Aucremanne is free
a special session of the Grand Jury, could tell he had been drinking, plea before Chief Circuit Judge on a $1,000 personal recognizance
lastweek, followingthetestimonyof Aucremanne testified. "I said, TIr. Frank E. Jolliffe and asked for a bond.
State Trooper Ist Class Ronald C.
Jones and R. L. Cunningham. Levy Defeated-
The charges stem from a July •
20th incident between Aucremanne
andPaulWitiw, Jr.,ofPhiladslphia. "Definitely Be Some Changes"
to ooo, .eco.,.. Rodes,
manne allegedly grabbed Witiw by
thearmsandf°rcibly threwhimt° By Fred Long According to Redes, before any rolledattheendofthesecondmonth
the ground causing him to hit his Countyresidents, Saturday, voted schools are closed the School Board of school. The Sandstone Junior
head on a rock. against a special excess tax levy for willhave tohold publichearings and High Schoolis also rumored for dos-
According to Magistrate Court school needs by nearly 3 to 1; and, publicize the hearings at least four ing as is the Bellepoint school.
teetimony, AucremannecalledJones followingits defeat, acting Superin- weeks in advance. =The educational process will
to investigate gunfire coming from tendent Richieg Redes said their At the top of the list is Forest Hill continue," Redes said, =and we will
the Witiw property and after Jones will "definitely be some changes. school where 46 children were en- do what we can with what we have."
arrived Aucremanne went to the Voters in all 17 county precincts
scene to do his own investigation turned down the levy that would ELECTION RESULTS
because he hadalsoheard a child cry have placed at least $2.6 million in
during the same period, the treasury of the school system PRECINCT FOR % AGAINST .... % TOTAL
Aucremanne was talking to over a three year period. Only the 1. Forest Hill 30 26 85 74 115
WitiwssonwhenWitiwwalkedover Talcott Vo-Agprecinct came close to 4. West End 52 25 155 75 207
to him and told Aucremanne he passing thelevy with a vote of 92 for ......
wanted to be good neighbors. "We and 98 against. City Hall gave it a 7.CityHall 52 44 67 56 119
could have worked this out," Jones 52 to 67 vote. 9. Hinton El. 26 29 65 71 91
testified Witiw told Aucrsmanne. The final total had 613 (27%) for 10. Avis School 10 18 47 82 57
Witiwdidn'tsayanthing =thrsat- the levy and 1,644 (73%) voting .....
ening, no foul language, cursing or against it. 11. Bellepoint 79 34 150 66 229
nothingofthatnature, J°nestesti" =This is the best levy Summers 12. Upland 23 23 79 77 i i02
fled, "and without saying anything County has ever run to benefit the ....................
whatsoever, Mr. Aucremanne childrenofthiscounty,'BoardPresi- 13.Wigg ins 55 31 121 69 176
grabbedr. Witiw with both hands dent Bill Dillon said as the last pre- 15. Green Sulphur 15 17 72 ........ 83 87
byeacharm and forcibly threw him tinct was tabulated. "If any one is 17. sandstone 9 13 60 87 69
to the ground." Witiw landed on his the loser our students lose." "
backhittinghisheadonarock, Jones The loss of the levy will mean 22. Jumping Branch 36 18 163 82 199
said. some schools in Summers County 23. White Oak 37 26 103 74 140
=I moved in," Jones said, and will be closed, RodessaidlastThurs- 26. Madams Creek 13 13 91 87 104
"forcibly pushed" Aucremanne back day night during a meeting of the
to his vehicle and helped Witiw up. School Board. "7, Plpeem ..... 37 25i 11S 75 150
q advised Mr. Aucrsmanne to get in W/ithout the levy we are going to 30. Tal¢ott School ' i8 i8 .... 81 82 99
his vehicle and immediately leave doee schools or eomeone is going to 31' Talcott Vo-Ag 92 48 98 52 i90
the scene. close these schools for us," he said.
Aucremanne said, during hie *qA'e are going to have to take a look 32, Pence Springs 29 24 94 76 123
Magistrate Court testimony, thathe at everything in this county- the big Total 613 27 ' 1,644 73 2,257
was talking with Witiw's son when picture, notjustthat narrow vision." ....................