Mom's Meth Use Leads to Death of Child But It's Not a Crime

Stephanie Elaine Louk

According to a decision by the West Virginia Supreme Court issued last Friday, a mother's use of methamphetamine that led to the eventual death of her unborn child is not a crime under West Virginia law.

On June 11, 2013, Stephanie Elaine Louk of Craigsville in Nicholas County was 37 weeks pregnant (i.e., expecting any day) when she injected meth in her arm, which caused her to go into respiratory distress. Doctors then performed an emergency Cesarian section to deliver the child due to concerns that the child was also being deprived of oxygen due to the respiratory problems Louk was having.  The child, named Olivia, was born "brain dead" and died 11 days later.  The coroner listed the child's cause of death due to the mother's use of meth.

Louk was eventually charged, tried, and found guilty by a Nicholas County jury of the felony crime of child neglect resulting in death.  She was sentenced to a prison term of not less than three but not more than 15 years by Circuit Judge Gary Johnson, the maximum allowed by law.  

Louk then appealed her conviction to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, arguing that West Virginia law does not include an "unborn child" in its definition of "child" when the child neglect resulting in death law was enacted.  By a split 3 to 2 decision, the West Virginia high court agreed.

The high court noted that several other laws in West Virginia specifically refer to unborn children, but the law under which Louk was prosecuted did not.  The Court said that it is clear from the foregoing statutes that when the Legislature intends to include an unborn child within a statute, it does so with absolute clarity. The Legislature did not include an unborn child in the child neglect causing death statute, W.Va. Code § 61-8D-4a. Nor did it include any of these terms in the definition of “child” contained in W.Va. Code 61-8D-1(2). It is not for this Court arbitrarily to read into a statute that which it does not say. Just as courts are not to eliminate through judicial interpretation words that were purposely included, we are obliged not to add to statutes something the Legislature purposely omitted."

In throwing out Louk's conviction and setting her free, the Court further concluded that a pregnant woman who ingests a controlled substance that results in harm to her subsequently born child is not criminally liable for child neglect resulting in death based on the plain language of W.Va. Code §61-8D-4a.

The two justices who dissented, and believed that Louk's conviction should be upheld, summarized the facts as follows:

It is undisputed that Olivia was born alive on June 12, 2013, and subsequently died as a result of her mother’s injection of methamphetamine into her bloodstream just hours before Olivia was born. While Olivia was delivered by emergency Cesarean section, the treating physician testified that the pregnancy was “full term.” There is no evidence that the child had a congenital defect that would have otherwise prohibited her from living a normal, healthy life. Olivia only lived eleven days because the methamphetamine injection caused her mother to suffer respiratory distress that inevitably deprived Olivia of oxygen for a significant period of time resulting in irreversible brain damage. There is no question that Olivia’s death was caused by her mother’s decision to neglect her child’s welfare, a fact that her mother readily acknowledged. When asked if she considered Olivia’s welfare when she took the illegal drug, the petitioner confessed, “I didn’t and I should have.” She attributed her behavior to “stupidity.”

The two dissenting justices reasoned that West Virginia's common law provides that if a “child is born alive, and dies by reason of injuries received in the womb, or in the act of birth, the person who deliberately inflicted those injuries may be guilty of murder."  

"The majority’s conclusion that Louk could not have reasonably known that she could be prosecuted for her prenatal conduct is absurd. Louk engaged in criminal activity–the use of illegal drugs–and caused the death of her child. It is common knowledge that use of illegal substances by pregnant mothers subjects their unborn children to a high risk of injury. Louk readily admitted she knew injecting methamphetamine into her vein would put Olivia at risk. She simply chose to completely disregard Olivia’s welfare. She should be held accountable for her actions," the dissenters concluded.

Click Here for Full Text of Majority Opinion
Click Here for Full Text of Dissenting Opinion

Webster Springs Water Plant May Shut Down

The plan by the West Virginia American Water Company to shut down its Webster Springs water plant is being criticized as a wasteful expenditure of funds in light of the rate increases sought by the company.

According to filings with the Public Service Commission, the company proposes to spend over $20 million to extend a water line from its Weston system to Webster Springs.  Local residents will no longer have the Elk River as its water source but will instead have it piped in from the West Fork River intake near Weston.

The company is seeking significant rate increases from its customers to cover the costs of the Weston to Webster Springs expansion, along with other proposed projects.  According to one consumer group opposed to the rate increases, the $20 million expense to pipe water in from Weston is not cost effective.  Only about 1,000 people are served in Webster Springs, bringing the per person expenditure of the $20 million proposal to $20,000.00 per person.  In contrast, the consumer group notes that expending the same $20 million for Kanawha County upgrades would bring the per person cost down to $220.00.

The company claims the Webster Springs water plant is aging and beyond its useful life.  However, consumer groups noted the company failed to do any study to determine if it needs to be replaced or repaired, or whether piping water in from Weston was cheaper.  In a March, 2016 water safety protection plan, the company claimed that 21 percent of water taken from the Elk River into its Webster Springs system is lost due to leaks and other operational use.

Consumer groups also noted the danger of a centralized water system plan, where large numbers of consumers receive their water from the same source.  Any contamination of that single source would have widespread implications to many more consumers.  

It is not clear from any studies filed by the company whether Webster Springs residents would rather drink Weston water than that coming from the local Elk River.

Those Noisy Cicada Neighbors

Short video of noisy cicadas (the constant roar in the background is the cicadas):

Woodchopping Car Show Photos

Car Show at the Webster County Woodchopping Festival, May 28, 2016

THIS JUST IN: Coach Steven Nutter Leaving Webster County

Coach Steven Nutter with hoopster Dalton Gray.

Track, cross country, and boys' basketball head coach Steven Nutter announced today that he will be leaving Webster County High School for a cross country coaching position at St. Mary's, his hometown.

Here is the announcement he posted on Instagram:

"Blessed to have spent 6 amazing years in Webster County... During this time I had the opportunity to work with some of the best student athletes in the state of WV, their accomplishments speak for themselves!!! The support from administration, staff, parents, and community is beyond words and greater than I could have ever dreamed!!! The athletes that I have coached the past 6 years have been MY KIDS and each has touched my heart in a special way!!! Thank you WEBSTER for all the memories, if has been a pure JOY... I'll forever be indebted to you!!! At the end of the school year I will be going home to St. Marys... I have accepted the position as Cross Country coach and look forward to having the opportunity to touch the lives of youth in my hometown!!!"

Coach Nutter has been one of the best multi-sport coaches in the school's history, and an even finer individual.  In just the past year and one-half, Coach Nutter mentored 2014 Cross Country State Champion Brettley Harris, 2016 1600 Meter State Champion Austin Hayes, and put Highlander basketball back on the map with an incredible 17 win, five loss season this past year.  

In general, coaches end up being judged by their "win-loss" performance.  Coach Nutter clearly exceeded expectations and leaves with a very positive coaching record.  In all other respects, from the perspective of those he coached, those he worked with, and those he befriended in the community, Coach Nutter is a clear winner.  

We wish him continued success in his coaching career and we will truly miss him.  We also want to thanks his parents who showed great support and friendship to us fans here in Webster.

Video of Austin Hayes Championship Run in 1600 Meter State Finals

Thanks to Josh Weekley of www.runwv.com, here is a video of Austin Hayes' championship run in the 1600 meter state finals at Laidley Field in Charleston on May 21, 2016.

Listen to the comments made as Austin rounds the final turn and into the final stretch:
"All right Hayes, good for you."
"That's a great, great run for Hayes."
"Wow, Hayes!"

Full official results below:

Boys 1600 Meter Run AA
=======================================================================
  State Meet: @ 4:17.54  1993        Mikey Cox, Athens                         
    Name                    Year School                  Finals  Points
=======================================================================
  1 Hayes, Austin             12 Webster Co.            4:20.11   10   
  2 Reed, Jackson             11 Nicholas Co.           4:23.90    8   
  3 Frailey, Ian              12 Bridgeport             4:25.92    6   
  4 Chapman, Matt             10 Berkeley Sp.           4:29.85    4   
  5 Deem, Hunter              12 Ritchie Co.            4:30.35    2   
  6 Shetler, Steven           10 Berkeley Sp.           4:32.59    1   
  7 Lacaria, Jimmy            11 Bridgeport             4:35.72  
  8 Price, Brady              11 Berkeley Sp.           4:39.74  
  9 Ellis, Mark               10 East Fairmont          4:41.64  
 10 Gorby, Tanner             12 Oak Glen               4:43.23  
 11 Saymansky, Aaron          11 Fairmont Senior        4:45.66  
 12 Cochran, Justin           11 Westside               4:50.01  
 13 Adkins, Mason             12 Wayne                  4:54.29  
 14 Baldwin, Daniel           10 PikeView               5:07.47  
 15 Tanner, David             10 Clay Co.               5:13.88  
 16 Wilson, Adam              10 Independence           5:21.80  

Threat of State Government Shutdown Increases

The West Virginia Legislature has one mandatory duty each year, and that is to pass a state budget (which by law must be a balanced budget).  Everything else the Legislature does is optional.

During its regular 60 day session, the Republican controlled Legislature failed to submit and/or pass a state budget.  Now the Legislature has been called back into special session to pass a budget.

At a cost of at least $35,000.00 per day in special session, the Legislature has already squandered seven days without passing a budget.  And based on a vote today to defeat an increase in the tobacco tax, the likelihood of passing a budget anytime soon diminishes and the likelihood of a state government shutdown on July 1 increases.

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin proposed filling the $270 million budget shortfall with a combination of tax increases, budget cuts, and a small dip into the State's rainy day fund.  The only realistic tax increase that might be passed was a 45 cent increase in the tobacco tax (which was estimated to raise about $70 million annually).

The Senate narrowly passed the Governor's tobacco tax increase with all but one Republican actually supporting the tax increase and all but one Democrat opposing it.  Today, the House defeated the tobacco tax 44 votes for and 55 votes against.  All but one Democrat opposed the tax along with about 20 Republicans.  The 44 favorable votes came from all Republicans except for one Democrat supporting it.

If people think Congress in Washington, D.C. is in gridlock, they need to take a close look at the West Virginia Legislature.  Republicans, who hold a slim majority in the State Senate and a super majority in the State House, have failed to pass or even propose a budget during the regular session and now in this costly special session. 

Republicans have a majority but cannot get their members to agree because of the far right, Tea Party wing who will not go along with any tax increases even to the point of shutting down state government.

Across the aisle, Democrats are holding out for larger tax increases than what Democratic Governor Tomblin proposed for the special session (and that is why they voted against the 45 cent tobacco tax increase).

So, voters need to ask these questions of the Legislature:

Republicans, you have a majority and can pass a budget if you get your members together; why are you unable to do so?

Democrats, you want higher taxes than even your own party leader the Governor proposes; how do you think that will play out this Fall?

While both parties continue to point fingers at each other, no budget is being passed and the threat of a state government shutdown on July 1 increases every day the Legislature burns over $35,000.00 per day squabbling.

Sex Offender's Appeal Denied

In a unanimous opinion issued on Monday, May 23, 2016, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals upheld the decision of Judge Jack Alsop that convicted sex offender Gary R. Butler was not entitled to a reduction of his sentence.

According to the opinion, "In January of 2014, petitioner [Gary R. Butler] was arrested for viewing child pornography on a computer located at the Webster County public library. He was later indicted on seventeen counts of possession of material depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct and one count of a prohibited person in possession of a firearm."  The opinion further states that "in May of 2014, pursuant to the plea agreement, petitioner pled guilty to three counts of possession of material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In September of 2014, following his guilty plea, the circuit court sentenced petitioner to a term of incarceration of two years for the each of the three counts to which petitioner pled guilty, to be served consecutively, followed by thirty years of supervised release."

Butler then asked Judge Alsop to reduce his sentence, alleging he was an “adequate candidate” for probation and outpatient sex offender counseling, and that because of his medical condition that home confinement would save the taxpayers the expense of his medical treatment.  Judge Alsop denied the reduction in sentence noting that Butler, prior to his Webster County crimes, was convicted in Maryland on three felony counts of sexual abuse of a minor.

By order dated April 1, 2015, Judge Alsop reasoned that public safety concerns outweighed concerns about the cost of petitioner’s incarceration and medical treatment, and denied Butler's request to reduce his sentence.

The high court ruled that "the circuit court clearly considered petitioner’s extenuating factors and determined that petitioner was previously convicted of child sexual offenses, placed on probation, completed sex offender treatment, and re-offended. The circuit court soundly concluded that its central concern was the public’s safety and determined that the parole board was “better suited to determine [petitioner’s] suitability for release.” Given the facts of the case, we find that the circuit court did not abuse its discretion in denying petitioner’s motion for a reduction of sentence.

Click Here for Full Text of Court's Opinion

Drug Defendant's Appeal Denied

Mary Ann Hamrick

On Monday, May 23, 2016, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals denied Mary Ann Hamrick's appeal of her sentence on three drug related offenses.

In early 2015, Hamrick pled guilty to one count of  of possession of methamphetamine precursors and two counts of conspiracy.  In May, 2015, Judge Jack Alsop sentenced her to a combined sentence of a minimum of four years and a maximum of 20 years.  Hamrick appealed that sentence.

In a very short opinion, the high court stated that if a Judge sentences a person within the allowable sentencing guidelines, that sentence will not be disturbed on appeal unless it was based on impermissible factors.  Hamrick alleged that she had a limited criminal background which did not justify the sentence handed down by Judge Alsop.

The high court ruled that Hamrick "was sentenced within the applicable statutory guidelines and her sentence is not reviewable on appeal.  This is especially true in light of the fact that petitioner does not allege that the circuit court based its sentence on any impermissible factor," the Court concluded.

Click Here for Full Text of Court's Opinion

WV Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Former Cowen Mayor

In a unanimous decision handed down on May 20, 2016, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals ruled that former Cowen Mayor Junior Cobb is entitled to be reimbursed by the Town of Cowen for taxes paid by Cobb personally for employment taxes owed by the Town on its employees.

In January, 2014, Cobb sued the Town for reimbursement of payroll and withholding taxes he personally paid to the IRS on behalf of the Town.  It was undisputed that both Cobb and the Town failed to see that those taxes were paid.  A Magistrate dismissed the case and Cobb appealed to the Circuit Court.

In a trial before Circuit Court Judge Jack Alsop in March, 2015, it was determined that both Cobb and the Town Council knew that the required taxes were not being paid.  The IRS held Cobb personally responsible and he then personally paid over $5,000.00 of his own money to the IRS on the Town's behalf. 

Judge Alsop ruled that Cobb was entitled to be reimbursed by the Town for $1,070.43 of the $5,000.00 paid by Cobb.  Judge Alsop found that the IRS only applied $1,070.43 to the delinquent taxes, and that the balance was penalties and interest.  The Judge further ruled that because both the Town and Cobb knew the taxes were not being paid, Cobb was not entitled to be reimbursed for the penalties and interests as he was equally at fault for the non-payment of the taxes.  Judge Alsop ultimately ruled that the Town would be unjustly enriched in the amount of $1,070.43 and that Cobb should be reimbursed that sum.

The Town appealed to the West Virginia Supreme Court.  The Supreme Court could find no errors in Judge Alsop's reasoning or in his calculations of the reimbursement amount.  In its failed appeal, the Town was represented by Dan Hardway.  Dara Acord and Howard Blyler represented Cobb.

Click Here for Full Opinion of the Supreme Court

Day 2 State Track Meet Results for Webster Athletes

Austin Hayes with Coach Steven Nutter shortly after Austin
received his first place medal for winning the 1600 meter run.

As reported below on this blog, the big news of the second day of the state track and field finals for the Highlander track athletes was the first place performance by senior Austin Hayes.

Hayes not only won the Class AA 1600 meter run, but his time of 4:20.11 was the fastest time turned in by any competitor in the other 1600 meter Class A and AAA races, making Hayes a true statewide champion.

About four hours after his win in the 1600, a tired Hayes competed in the 800 meter run, but placed a distant 10th out of the 16 competitors.  Shortly before Austin's 800 meter race, Courtney Treadway ran in the girls' 800 meter run, placing 11th out of the 16 runners.

Earlier in the morning, senior Ben Cochran finished 8th in the high jump, with a jump of five feet, eight inches.

Webster track coach Steven Nutter says he is still on "cloud nine" and is extremely proud of the efforts all of the Webster track athletes put forth this year and at the state finals.

State Champ Austin Hayes Signs With WV Wesleyan

Surrounded by family and friends, Highlander senior runner Austin Hayes signed today to run track at WV Wesleyan.

Shortly after winning a State Championship in the 1600 meter run today at the state finals in Charleston, Webster County Highlander senior Austin Hayes signed a letter of intent to attend school and run track for the West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcats.

Ben Cochran Places 8th in High Jump

Webster County Highlander senior Ben Cochran competed in the high jump at the State Championship Track & Field meet in Charleston on May 21, 2016 and finished tied for 8th with a jump of five feet, eight inches.  Full results below:

Event 101  Boys High Jump AA
================================================================================
 Opening Height 5'  8"                                                          
  State Meet: @  6-10  1997        Mike Barrows, Magnolia                       
    Name                    Year School                  Seed     Finals  Points
================================================================================
Finals                                                                          
  1 Arthur, Shawn             12 Poca HS              6-06.00    6-06.00   10   
  2 Ours, Brady               10 Keyser HS            5-08.00    6-02.00    8   
  3 Thomas, Franklin          11 North Marion HS      6-02.00   J6-02.00    6   
  4 McGinnis, Austin          10 Roane County HS      6-00.00    6-00.00    4   
  5 Nuzum, Jacob              12 East Fairmont HS     6-00.00    5-10.00    2   
  6 Shaw, Tristan             10 Bridgeport HS        5-10.00    5-08.00    0.50
  6 Southerly, Cody           11 Petersburg HS        5-10.00    5-08.00    0.50
  8 Cochran, Ben              12 Webster County HS    5-06.00   J5-08.00        
  8 Woodrum, Nick              9 Wyoming East HS      5-06.00   J5-08.00        
 -- Davidson, Logan           10 Wyoming East HS      5-08.00         NH        
 -- Boothe, Connor            12 James Monroe HS      5-08.00         NH        
 -- Munsey, Darian            10 James Monroe HS      5-04.00         NH        
 -- Alt, Devon                12 Frankfort HS         5-10.00         NH        
 -- Mobley, Jason             10 Sissonville HS       5-06.00         NH        
 -- Meeks, Kaden              12 Poca HS              5-10.00         NH    

BREAKING NEWS: Austin Hayes Wins State Championship in 1600 Meter Run

Just moments ago (11:21 a.m., May 21, 2016), Webster County Highlander senior Austin Hayes won the 1600 meter run at the State Championship Track meet at Laidley Field in Charleston with a winning time of 4:20.11.

Austin is Webster County's first ever individual running champion.  In 2013, Luther Stoots won a field event (high jump) and several years back a 4 x 100 meter relay team won a track event. Austin's winning time of 4:20.11 was just 2.17 seconds off the State meet record of 4:17.54 set back in 1993.  What is even more amazing about Austin's winning time is that it was better than the winning times in both the Class A and Class AAA 1600 meter races also held today.

The website "runwv.com" predicted that Austin would win the 1600.  Here is their previous prediction:

1600 M 

        1.  Austin Hayes Webster
 2.  Jackson Reed Nicholas
 3.  Jimmy Lacaria Bridgeport
 4.  Ian Frailey  Bridgeport
 5.  Steven Shetler Berkeley Springs
 6.  Matt Chapman Berkeley Springs
Hayes has the top time in the group.  Reed has the only other run under 4:30 and the best
series in the field.  Lacaria has the next best series.  Frailey has a better top time
than Lacaria.  Shetler has a better series than Frailey.  Chapman has more runs under 4:40
than Frailey.  This leaves out Hunter Deem who also has a better series than Frailey and
has three runs under 4:40.  This one should be hotly contesed.  The top 7 are separated by 
just 5.37 seconds.  The top 5 are separated by just 2.36 seconds.  The top 7 have been under
4:35.  9 have been under 4:40.  5 have been under 4:35 twice.  6 have been under 4:40 three
times.

Here are the full results of today's race:

Event 47  Boys 1600 Meter Run AA
================================================================================
  State Meet: @ 4:17.54  1993        Mikey Cox, Athens                          
    Name                    Year School                  Seed     Finals  Points
================================================================================
Finals                                                                          
  1 Hayes, Austin             12 Webster County HS    4:44.45    4:20.11   10   
  2 Reed, Jackson             11 Nicholas County HS   4:36.32    4:23.90    8   
  3 Frailey, Ian              12 Bridgeport HS        4:30.65    4:25.92    6   
  4 Chapman, Matt             10 Berkeley Springs HS  4:41.76    4:29.85    4   
  5 Deem, Hunter              12 Ritchie County HS    4:40.39    4:30.35    2   
  6 Shetler, Steven           10 Berkeley Springs HS  4:38.83    4:32.59    1   
  7 Lacaria, Jimmy            11 Bridgeport HS        4:31.03    4:35.72        
  8 Price, Brady              11 Berkeley Springs HS  4:44.73    4:39.74        
  9 Ellis, Mark               10 East Fairmont HS     4:45.24    4:41.64        
 10 Gorby, Tanner             12 Oak Glen HS          4:40.91    4:43.23        
 11 Saymansky, Aaron          11 Fairmont Senior HS   4:46.18    4:45.66        
 12 Cochran, Justin           11 Westside HS          5:00.36    4:50.01        
 13 Adkins, Mason             12 Wayne HS             5:01.82    4:54.29        
 14 Baldwin, Daniel           10 PikeView HS          5:11.25    5:07.47        
 15 Tanner, David             10 Clay County HS       5:15.84    5:13.88        
 16 Wilson, Adam              10 Independence HS      5:20.88    5:21.80   

Day 1 State Track Meet Results for Webster Athletes

Both the boys and girls 4 x 800 meter relay teams competed at the State Track Championship held at Laidley Field in Charleston, West Virginia today and both teams finished near the middle of the packs.

Laidley Field in Charleston on May 20, 2016.

The girls ran first and finished 8th out of 16 teams.  Courtney Treadway, Courtney King, Sierra King, and Carson Short finished with a time of 10:32.92, well behind the winning time for the team from Bridgeport of 10:04.97.  The girls' time of 10:32.92 was an improvement over their qualifying time of 10:36.39.

Less than 45 minutes later, the boys' team ran and finished 6th out of 16 teams. Korbin White ran the first leg, followed by Austin Hayes, Ben Cochran, and anchor leg runner Mathias Palmer.  They finished with a time of 8:34.08, a big improvement over their qualifying time of 8:45.91.  First place Bridgeport had a winning time of 8:11.94.

On Saturday, Ben Cochran will compete at 11:00 a.m. in the High Jump, followed by Austin Hayes running in the 1600 meter race at 11:10 a.m.  After a break, Courtney Treadway will run in the 800 meter race at 3:30 p.m. followed by Austin Hayes competing in the 800 meter run at 3:45 p.m.  While the weather Friday for day one of the meet was warm and dry, the forecast for Saturday during the times the Webster athletes will compete calls for a 20 to 50 percent chance of thunderstorms.

The video below shows the boys' team warming up and then running in the meet.

Missing Since July 18, 2012: Luke David Stout

Regional Jail Authority Case Against Webster County Reset

It appears that settlement negotiations between the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority and the County of Webster have failed at this point as the arguments before the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has been reset.

According to the Court's docket, the lawsuit against the County over its delinquent payment of a nearly $1.5 million jail bill will be heard by the Court on September 7, 2016, beginning at 10:00 a.m. (this case is the fourth case scheduled at 10:00 a.m.).  The summary of the case from the Court states: "Petitioner [jail authority] seeks a writ of mandamus to compel the Webster County Commission and its commissioners to pay for the care and upkeep of those prisoners incarcerated in jail in the West Virginia Regional Jail System at the direction of the authorities in Webster County."

Click here for Court's docket and arguments of the parties

State Track Championship Schedule for Highlander Athletes

State Championship Track Meet will be held on May 20, 21

According to the West Virginia State Track Championship schedule, the following Webster County High School athletes will be competing on the following days and times:

Friday, May 20 at 2:15 p.m.:  Girls 4 x 800 meter relay team of Carson Short, Courtney King, Courtney Treadway, and Sierra King

Friday, May 20 at 3:00 p.m.:  Boys 4 x 800 meter relay team of Korbin White, Ben Cochran, Austin Hayes, and Mathias Palmer

Saturday, May 21 at 11:00 a.m.:  Ben Cochran in High Jump

Saturday, May 21 at 11:10 a.m.:  Austin Hayes in 1600 meter run

Saturday, May 21, at 3:30 p.m.:  Courtney Treadway in 800 meter run

Saturday, May 21, at 3:45 p.m.:  Austin Hayes in 800 meter run

All events will be held at Laidley Field in Charleston, West Virginia (near the State Capitol).

Good luck to these Highlander athletes!

All times are approximate.

Webster Athletes Advance to State Championship Track Meet

Several boys and girls from the Webster County High School track teams have advanced to the State Championship track meet to be held next Friday and Saturday in Charleston.

In each of the four regions in Class AA, the top three finishers in each event qualify to advance.  The next four best times from all regions overall also qualify for the state championships (in other words, a total of 16 individuals and/or teams qualify for the state championships in each event).

Based on results from the Class AA, Region 1 track meet held at Oak Glen, West Virginia on Friday, May 13, 2016, the following Highlander athletes have qualified in these events:

1.  Austin Hayes finished first in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:03.91.

2.  Austin Hayes finished third in the 1600 meter run with a time of 4:44.45.

3.  The 4 x 800 meter relay team of Korbin White, Ben Cochran, Mathias Palmer, and Austin Hayes finished fifth with a time of 8:45.91 (despite the team's fifth place finish, the team's time qualifies as one of the at large qualifiers in Class AA [unofficial at large qualifier]).

4.  Courtney Treadway finished fourth in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:35.12 (unofficial at large qualifier).

5.  The 4 x 800 meter relay team of Carson Short, Courtney King, Sierra King, and Courtney Treadway finished third with a time of 10:36.39.
6.  Ben Cochran qualified in the High Jump.

 As a team, the girls finished 9th out of nine teams and the boys finished 9th out of ten teams.

Next week in Charleston, Hayes will compete for a state championship title in both the 800 and 1600 meter runs, Courtney Treadway will vie for a title in the 800 meter run, and both boys and girls' 4 x 800 meter relay teams will run for a championship in that event.

In reviewing the results from all regions in Class AA, Hayes' time in the 800 meter run was the 4th best time overall and his time in the 1600 meter run was the 8th best time overall.  The boys 4 x 800 meter relay team's time was the 8th best time overall.  Treadway's time in the 800 meter run was the 10th best time overall and the girls 4 x 800 meter relay team's time was the 13th best time overall.

Complete regional track results at:  http://runwv.com/TF16/TF16INDEX.HTML

Current List of Webster Inmates

The following information was obtained from the Regional Jail website searching all inmates from Webster County (some are awaiting trial and some have been convicted).  Those listed as convicted or as Division of Corrections' inmates are paid by the State; all others are paid by the County.

Full Name	Date Of Birth	Charge(s)	Case #	Status	Book Date
Ball, Kevin Scott	12/19/1971	Kidnap ,Threaten To, Demand Ransom-1	15-M51F-00017	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	1/29/2015
Ball, Kevin Scott	12/19/1971	CONSPIRACY	15-M51F-00017	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	1/29/2015
Bond, Ashley Nicole	3/1/1990	FLEEING FROM OFFICER-2	16-M51M-00301	PTM Pretrial Misdemeanor	5/8/2016
Bond, Ashley Nicole	3/1/1990	DISORDERLY CONDUCT	16-M51M-00301	PTM Pretrial Misdemeanor	5/8/2016
Bond, Ashley Nicole	3/1/1990	OBSTRUCTING AN OFFICER	16-M51M-00301	PTM Pretrial Misdemeanor	5/8/2016
Bond, Ashley Nicole	3/1/1990	PETIT LARCENY	16-M51M-00301	PTM Pretrial Misdemeanor	5/8/2016
Butcher, Stephanie Dale	6/2/1982	OPERATE OR ATTMPT CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB-1	16-M51F-00004	PTF Pretrial Felon	2/12/2016
Butcher, Stephanie Dale	6/2/1982	POSSESSION METH PRECURSOR	16-M51F-00004	PTF Pretrial Felon	2/12/2016
Butcher, Stephanie Dale	6/2/1982	CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT A FELONY	16-M51F-00004	PTF Pretrial Felon	2/12/2016
Capel, Alexander	5/17/1978	DOMESTIC ASSAULT-1	16-M51m-00312	PTM Pretrial Misdemeanor	5/9/2016
Capel, Alexander	5/17/1978	BOND VIOLATION	16-M51m-00312	PTM Pretrial Misdemeanor	5/9/2016
Casto, James Murell	1/29/1964	DELIVERY OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE-1	15-F-52	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	7/24/2015
Casto, James Murell	1/29/1964	MANUFACTURE A CONROLLED SUBSTANCE	15-F-52	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	7/24/2015
Casto, James Murell	1/29/1964	MARIJ TRANS CON SUB W/INT TO DEL MANU.	15-M51F-00050	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	7/24/2015
Casto, James Murell	1/29/1964	POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE	15-M51F-00050	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	7/24/2015
Casto, James Murell	1/29/1964	POSS WITH INTENT TO DELIVER SCHEDULE 1 C/S	15-F-52	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	7/24/2015
Chaffin, Crystal Sue	10/20/1981	PAROLE VIOLATION-1	15-M	CF Convicted Felon	5/14/2014
Christian, Coriana Lyn	11/30/1990	GROSS NEGLECT CHILD-2	13F-61	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	12/9/2015
Clayton, Brittany Nicole	1/31/1989	CAPIAS-1	13-F-44	PTF Pretrial Felon	4/1/2016
Clayton, Brittany Nicole	1/31/1989	PROBATION VIOLATION	16-F	PTF Pretrial Felon	4/1/2016
Culp, John Joseph, Jr.	6/29/1970	BAILPIECE-1	15-M51F-44	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	4/7/2016
Culp, John Joseph, Jr.	6/29/1970	BAILPIECE	15-M51F-45	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	4/7/2016
Culp, John Joseph, Jr.	6/29/1970	BAILPIECE	15-M51F-363	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	4/7/2016
Culp, John Joseph, Jr.	6/29/1970	BAILPIECE	15-M51F-365	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	4/7/2016
Culp, John Joseph, Jr.	6/29/1970	BAILPIECE	15-F-51	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	4/7/2016
Culp, John Joseph, Jr.	6/29/1970	Retaliate - Public Official	16-F-12	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	4/7/2016
Davis, Phillip Mckinley, Jr.	9/18/1951	CONSPIRACY-1	15-M51F-00070	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	10/7/2015
Davis, Phillip Mckinley, Jr.	9/18/1951	DELIVERY SCHEDULE II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE	15-M51F-00070	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	10/7/2015
Davis, Phillip Mckinley, Jr.	9/18/1951	DELIVERY SCHEDULE III CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE	15-M51F-00070	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	10/7/2015
Edwards, William Lawrence, Sr.	12/5/1963	CONSPIRACY-1	15-f-47	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	9/15/2015
Edwards, William Lawrence, Sr.	12/5/1963	POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER MARIJUANA	15-f-47	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	9/15/2015
Edwards, William Lawrence, Sr.	12/5/1963	MANUFACTURE MARIJUANA	15-f-47	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	9/15/2015
Fidler, Mishell Rose	9/25/1969	PROBATION VIOLATION-1	14-M51M-00630	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	1/17/2015
Fidler, Mishell Rose	9/25/1969	DELIVERY OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE	15-M51F-00012	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	1/17/2015
Fidler, Mishell Rose	9/25/1969	CONSPIRACY	15-M51F-00012	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	1/17/2015
Fleming, Debra Louise	1/27/1966	HOME CONFINEMENT VIOLATION-1	15-B-3	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	9/25/2015
Frame, Waitman Dwayne, Jr.	5/10/1973	Violate Home Confinement-1	15B-20	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	5/29/2015
Frame, Waitman Dwayne, Jr.	5/10/1973	POSSESSION METH PRECURSOR	15-F-50	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	5/29/2015
Frame, Waitman Dwayne, Jr.	5/10/1973	OPERATING A CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB	15-F-50	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	5/29/2015
Garvin, Brandi Shawnte	7/11/1985	FAILURE TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT-1	1-JA- 60	CM Convicted Misdemeanor	2/1/2016
Grogg, Ashley Olivia	10/10/1990	Operate Or Attmpt Clandestine Drug Lab-1	14-F-93	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	2/2/2015
Hall, Jason Allen	12/9/1979	WANTON ENDANGERMENT-8	16-M51F-00022	PTF Pretrial Felon	4/13/2016
Hamrick, Mary Ann	3/4/1977	Conspiracy To Commit Drug Related Charge-2	15-F-7	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	11/13/2014
Hamrick, Mary Ann	3/4/1977	POSSESSION METH PRECURSOR	15-F-7	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	11/13/2014
Hice, Sonya Lynn	8/8/1973	Possess Meth Precursor-1	14F-83	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	3/9/2015
Johnson, Patrick Andrew	8/13/1997	Use Of Obscene Matter With Intent To Seduce Minor-1St Offense-3	16-M51F-00024	PTF Pretrial Felon	4/21/2016
Johnson, Patrick Andrew	8/13/1997	SEXUAL ASSAULT 2ND DEGREE	16-M51F-00023	PTF Pretrial Felon	4/21/2016
Martin, Kenneth Michael	6/4/1974	NO PROOF OF INSURANCE-1	16-M51M-00236	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	10/20/2015
Martin, Kenneth Michael	6/4/1974	PERMITTING DUI	16-M51M-00236	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	10/20/2015
Martin, Kenneth Michael	6/4/1974	DRIVING REVOKED FOR DUI	16-M51M-00236	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	10/20/2015
Martin, Kenneth Michael	6/4/1974	DRIVING SUSPENDED	16-M51M-00236	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	10/20/2015
Martin, Kenneth Michael	6/4/1974	IMPROPER REGISTRATION	16-M51M-00236	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	10/20/2015
Naylor, Shawn Wayne	11/7/1981	CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT A FELONY-1	16-M51F-00002	PTF Pretrial Felon	1/8/2016
Naylor, Shawn Wayne	11/7/1981	POSS C\S	16-M51M-00032	PTF Pretrial Felon	1/8/2016
Naylor, Shawn Wayne	11/7/1981	POSSESSION METH PRECURSOR	16-M51F-00002	PTF Pretrial Felon	1/8/2016
Naylor, Shawn Wayne	11/7/1981	Operating Or Attempting To Operate Clandestine Drug Laboratories; Offenses; Penalties	16-M51F-00002	PTF Pretrial Felon	1/8/2016
Palmer, Patricia Ann	3/9/1958	Possess Meth Precursor-1	14-51F-00214	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	8/15/2014
Palmer, Patricia Ann	3/9/1958	CONSPIRACY	14-51F-00214	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	8/15/2014
Palmer, Patricia Ann	3/9/1958	OPERATE OR ATTMPT CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB	14-51F-00214	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	8/15/2014
Potter, Brenda Joy- Nichole	5/22/1990	Operating Or Attempting To Operate Clandestine Drug Laboratories; Offenses; Penalties-1	15-F-36	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	11/29/2014
Roberts, Jeremy David	7/12/1976	Conspiracy-1	15-M51F-00007	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	1/17/2015
Roberts, Jeremy David	7/12/1976	OPERATE OR ATTMPT CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB	15-M51F-00007	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	1/17/2015
Roberts, Jeremy David	7/12/1976	ALTERED SUDAFED/ALTERED PRECURSORS	15-M51F-00007	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	1/17/2015
Roberts, Jeremy David	7/12/1976	POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE	15-M51F-00007	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	1/17/2015
Roberts, Jeremy David	7/12/1976	VIOLATE HOME CONFINEMENT	15-M51F-00007	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	1/17/2015
Roberts, Jeremy David	7/12/1976	DELIVERY OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE	15-M51F-00007	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	1/17/2015
Rose, Mary Jane	11/19/1971	Conspiracy To Commit Drug Related Charge-1	14-M51F-00258	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	12/11/2014
Rose, Mary Jane	11/19/1971	POSSESSION METH PRECURSOR	14M51F-00258	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	12/11/2014
Rose, Mary Jane	11/19/1971	OPERATE OR ATTMPT CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB	14-M51F-00258	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	12/11/2014
Selman, Alva Jennings	4/2/1969	FAILURE TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER-2	16-M51F-00016	PTF Pretrial Felon	3/27/2016
SELMAN, JOSHUA WILLIAM	6/7/1992	DUI WITH DRUGS-1	15-M51M-00651	CM Convicted Misdemeanor	4/15/2016
Skidmore, Julie Lea	5/13/1974	FORGERY-21	15-m51f-00093 thru 00107	PTF Pretrial Felon	12/18/2015
Skidmore, Julie Lea	5/13/1974	FORGERY	15-M51F-00093	PTF Pretrial Felon	12/18/2015
Skidmore, Julie Lea	5/13/1974	UTTERING	15-m51f-00093 thru 00107	PTF Pretrial Felon	12/18/2015
Skidmore, Julie Lea	5/13/1974	UTTERING	15-M51F-00107	PTF Pretrial Felon	12/18/2015
Snyder, Rachael Dannelle	12/1/1975	HOME CONFINEMENT VIOLATION-1	16-M51F-00003	PTF Pretrial Felon	4/29/2016
Spinks, Richard Edgar	11/3/1979	ESCAPE-1	16-M51M-00141	PTF Pretrial Felon	3/8/2016
Spinks, Richard Edgar	11/3/1979	NIGHTIME BURGLARY	16-M51F-00013	PTF Pretrial Felon	3/8/2016
Spinks, Richard Edgar	11/3/1979	PETIT LARCENY	16-M51M-00153	PTF Pretrial Felon	3/8/2016
Tabor, Daniel Joseph	9/1/1971	MURDER-1	16-F-15	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	5/7/2015
VANPELT, MELANIE DAWN	8/4/1973	POSSESSION WITH INTENT-7	16-M51F-00008	PTM Pretrial Misdemeanor	2/12/2016
VANPELT, MELANIE DAWN	8/4/1973	PUBLIC INTOXICATION	16-M51M-00104	PTM Pretrial Misdemeanor	2/12/2016
Vaughan, Angela Jeannette	8/11/1975	Kidnap ,Threaten To, Demand Ransom-1	15-F-32	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	1/29/2015
Vaughan, Angela Jeannette	8/11/1975	CONSPIRACY	15-F-32	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	1/29/2015
Wilson, Anthony Ezra	9/1/1973	PROHIBITED PERSON W/FIREARM-1	15-F-28	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	1/14/2016
Wilson, Christopher Scott	12/10/1986	FORGERY AND UTTERING-1	12-F-5	CF Convicted Felon	5/4/2016
Wolverton, Christopher Heath	9/16/1974	BODY ATTACHMENT-1	13-JA-2, 3	CM Convicted Misdemeanor	4/15/2016
Wolverton, Davis Wayne	7/20/1973	OBSTRUCTING AN OFFICER-2	16-M51M-00314	DOC Division of Corrections Inmate	5/12/2016