Suits ask Mason schools be held liable for teacher's abusive actions

The Mason County Board of Education has been named as a co-defendant in two civil suits alleging responsibility for injuries two special needs students suffered at the hands of their teacher.

That teacher, who is named a co-defendant, has a pending suit against the Board challenging an administrative law judge's decision upholding the Board's decision terminating her for the alleged acts.

For more on this article, go to the West Virginia Record.

WXYZ TV exposes modern-day highwayman

Cop Writes 2,400 Traffic Tickets, Scores OT

Warren, Mich. - WARREN POLICE OFFICER DAVID KANAPSKY WROTE THOUSANDS OF TRAFFIC TICKETS LAST YEAR. AND HE RAKED IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF OVERTIME PAY. MANY DRIVERS HE TICKETED SAY THEY HAD A CLEAN RECORD UNTIL THEY CROSSED PATHS WITH KANAPSKY.

For more on this article, go to WXYZ-TV 7 - Detroit, Mich.

Holy Mothman, Batman! The Charleston Gazette reports controversial news from Mason County!

This article originally appeared in the March 13 edition of the Charleston Gazette, and is reprinted with permission.

Apologize, Mason sheriff says
Remarks about subpoena error went too far, he says

by Gary Harki, staff writer

Mason County Sheriff Scott Simms believes state Fire Marshal Sterling Lewis Jr. owes the entire county an apology because of comments he made about an arson investigation.

Kimberly Sue Blake, a volunteer firefighter and daughter of the county's 911 director, was charged with two counts of first-degree arson in January. She and two other firefighters allegedly started a fire at a Mason building.

But charges against Blake were dismissed after an assistant state fire marshal, Jason Baltic, didn't show up at her hearing. A subpoena for Baltic was issued, but never served.

According to the sheriff, Lewis told WSAZ-TV that the issue with the subpoena was "typical of Mason County." The sheriff believes Lewis meant that the sheriff's office was doing a political favor for the county's 911 director, Chuck Blake, by not serving the subpoena.

"That was definitely his intention," Simms said. "People in positions of power and responsibility need to be responsible when they open their mouth.

The sheriff said his main problem was that Lewis impugned the entire county.

"Anybody who has got a problem with me or wants to call me names or make implications that I'm corrupt, that's fine," Simms said.

"I'm an elected official and I asked for it. ... [But] when a man of his position makes a statement like that about a county, then he is talking about all the people of Mason County and that's wrong and he owes the people of Mason County an apology."

Lewis was out of town until Tuesday, and could not be reached for comment, according to a deputy state fire marshal.

The subpoena was not served because of an honest mistake, Simms said. He said 99 percent of the department's annual 4,500 subpoenas are served in Mason County, and its computer system doesn't record whether subpoenas outside the county have been served.

"It has to be dealt with by hand. That's where the mistake took place," the sheriff said. "After the hearing, when I became aware that the fire marshal hadn't been notified I undertook an internal investigation to understand how that happened.

"I know how it happened. And I am taking measures to fix that so it doesn't happen again."

However, Brent Kapp, one of the other firefighters charged with arson, did have a preliminary hearing and his charges were not dismissed. Simms said he didn't know for sure, but he assumed someone from the fire marshal's office was at Kapp's hearing.

He could not say why that subpoena was apparently served, but the subpoena for Kimberly Blake's hearing was not.

The third firefighter charged, Jamar Cuthberson, waived his right to a preliminary hearing, according to court documents and Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Damon Morgan Jr.

Cuthberson and Kapp are out on bail and their cases are awaiting action by a Mason County grand jury, Morgan said.

Baltic, the assistant fire marshal, said he believes that what happened was a simple mistake.

"I guess you could say in the process there was an oversight," he said. "I didn't receive a subpoena. I wasn't there."

Charges against Blake will still be presented before the grand jury, Morgan said.

"Frankly, in cases in general where a defendant is released on bond, a preliminary hearing never benefits the state unless they are a flight risk," Morgan said.

"It only benefits the defendant because they get to hear the state's case."

Simms said his department has always worked well with Lewis' office and that they will continue that good working relationship.

Mayor McDaniel, please call your office

Gas guzzlers are tops with Orlando-area, regional officials

Orlando, Fla. - Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty champion environment-friendly initiatives, yet each drives a Ford Expedition sport utility vehicle that weighs more than 2.5 tons and burns a gallon of gas about every 15 miles.

They're not alone.

Gas-guzzling SUVs are the wheels of choice for two out of every three of Central Florida's highest-ranking public leaders who are provided a vehicle and a full tank at taxpayer expense, an analysis by the Orlando Sentinel found.These officials help decide their agencies' policies for vehicle purchases, and their personal preferences mirror a larger trend.

Despite pledges by a few to go green, area governments have stocked their fleets primarily with large trucks, SUVs and sedans that are among the least fuel-efficient vehicles on the road and among the worst polluters.

For more on this article, go to the Orlando Sentinel.

Former Mason doc's fate now in hands of Ohio grand jury

Levine drug case bound over to Pike grand jury

WAVERLY, Ohio -- A former Mason County physician now awaits a decision by a grand jury if pending drug charges against him have merit.

On Thursday, Feb. 21, Dr. Jack M. Levine was scheduled to go on trial for sexual imposition in Pike County Court. Levine was charged with the crime, a misdemeanor, in December after a female patient he was treating for addiction to prescription pain medication alleged he touched her inappropriately.

However, the Pike County Prosecutor's Office asked that the charge be dismissed. On Feb. 19, it filed charges of information on alleged drug-related activity conducted by Levine discovered in the course of its investigation of the sexual imposition allegation.

For more on this article, go to The West Virginia Record.

Mason County politicos, take heart! Upscale Californy burb has problems with its puppy prisons

County's inaction keeps pets in antiquated shelter

by Teri Sforza, Orange County Register

Anaheim, Calif. - For at least a quarter century, Orange County has meant to build a new shelter for thousands of lost and abandoned animals that every year end up in its care.

It has been unable to do so.

"One of the most frustrating problems which has avoided solution during my years as supervisor, has been locating an acceptable site for the South County animal shelter," wrote Supervisor Thomas F. Riley in a letter dated Jan. 18, 1983.

Riley died in 1998, with the issue still unresolved. And despite decades of plans and promises, Orange County still has essentially the same shelter, in the same spot, as it has since World War II.

"I honestly don't know what's taken so long," said Supervisor Bill Campbell, who this week asked county staffers to move forward on this in earnest.

"I've been to the shelter. I see the need."

Others have seen the need as well. The shelter has been the subject of two grand jury investigations over the last decade, finding, among other things, mismanagement, conflicts of interest, deficiencies in animal care and a disregard for public safety. Crowding was so bad that animals were euthanized ahead of schedule to gain space for new animals.

For more on this article, go the Orange County Register. Also, check out the March 7 entry OC columnist Steve Greenhut made to his Orange Punch blog calling for the privatization of this "Animal Auschwitz."

Finding something better to do in November

To many, the mere idea is anathema, and is just short of calling for the cancellation of Christmas. However, given that the latter has become just as commercialized as the former, this might not be such a bad idea.

Cancel the Presidential election!

by Llewellyn H. Rockwell Jr.

Nothing could be better for the country than cancelling the 2008 election. Leave the office of the presidency empty.

I can see only one possible justification for having a president of the United States: to preside over the dismantling of the federal government. If you think this is a radical idea, think again. This is, in part, what people have long voted for, even if they never actually get it. I can hardly remember a time when a president has been elected who didn't promise to get the government off our backs.

In one way, this agenda makes no sense, of course. You don't hire a CEO to drive a company into bankruptcy. You don't appoint a pastor to shrink a congregation. Why should we expect a president to dismantle the thing that gives him power and fame, and his allies huge wealth?

Well, realistically, you can't. But it's the best hope we have within the framework of conventional politics.

For more on this opinion piece, go to LewRockwell.com.

Levine charged with three drug-related felonies

Waverly, Ohio – As promised, prosecutors have dismissed a sexual imposition charge against a former Mason County physician to focus on pursing drug-related charges against him.

On Thursday, Feb. 21, Dr. Jack M. Levine was scheduled to go on trial for sexual imposition. Levine was charged with the crime, a misdemeanor, in December after a female patient he was treating for addiction to prescription pain medication alleged he touched her inappropriately.

However, the Pike County Prosecutor’s Office asked that the charge be dismissed. On Feb. 19, it filed charges of information on alleged drug-related activity conducted by Levine discovered in the course of its investigation of the sexual imposition allegation.

According to Thomas Spetnagel, Levine’s attorney with the Chillicothe law firm of Spetnagel and McMahon, Levine was charged with one count each of illegal processing of drug documents, deception to obtain a dangerous drug and aggravated possession of drugs. On Feb. 20, Levine made an initial appearance in Pike County Court in which, at the request of the prosecutor’s office, was released on his own recognizance, Spetnagel said.

Though Anthony Moraleja, assistant Pike County prosecutor, was not immediately available for comment, he previously told reporters it was the state’s intention to present the charges to the grand jury on Thursday, Feb. 28. Regardless, Spetnagel said a probable cause hearing on the charges is scheduled for Monday, March 3 at 10:30 a.m. in County Court.

When asked if could comment on specifics of the allegations now leveled at his client, Spetnagel said he didn’t know the strength of the charges made. However, in talking with Levine, Spetnagel said, “He feels strongly that there are no substance to the charges against him.”

In Ohio , illegal processing of drug documents is an F5 felony which carries a penalty of 0-12 months in jail and maximum $2,500 fine. The deception to obtain, and aggravated possession are both F4 felonies that carry 0-18-months in jail, and a maximum $5,000 fine.

Likewise, F4 felonies carry a mandatory driver’s license suspension.

Felony drug charges likely to be filed against Levine in Ohio

Waverly, Ohio – Fighting allegations of sexual misconduct may the least of Dr. Jack M. Levine’s worries as prosecutors announced their intention to file drug charges against the former Mason County physician.

For more on this story, go to the West Virginia Record

Photo: Accompained by his wife, Diane Smith Levine, Dr. Jack M. Levine leaves the parking lot of the Pike County Court on Monday, Feb. 11. Though a trial date was set for Feb. 21 on the sexual imposition charge pending against Dr. Levine, prosecutors said the case could be dismissed in favor of persuing felony drug charges against him.

City of Point Pleasant 2007 gross wages

The following list contains the gross wages paid to all Point Pleasant city employees, including elected officials, for 2007. According to records provided by the city clerk's office, the total 2007 payroll was $1,384,653.84.

1. Barss, Joseph J. $ 19,388.51
2. Belcher, Nancy E. 5,410.14
3. Bellamy, Dennis D. 23,115.08
4. Billings, Brian 38,154.60
5. Bonecutter, Marshall G. Jr. 17,404.03
6. Bonecutter, James T. 15,900.78
7. Bonecutter, Joshua 7,351.00
8. Bonecutter, Marshall 330.00
9. Brown, Barbara A. 330.00
10. Bryant, Jeremy A. 25,850.04
11. Burton, John W. Jr. 19,145.43
12. Byus, Jerry R. 35,754.65
13. Call, Ernest W. Jr. 15,510.40
14. Chapman, Bruce E. 38,420.76
15. Chapman, Charles K. 16,494.45
16. Cheesebrew, Joseph D. 19,025.62
17. Clark, Rodney S. 18,430.53
18. Cotton, Elva M. 10,927.07
19. Cotton, Gary 330.00
20. Deweese, Basil R. 24,417.32
21. Deweese, Randy L. 23,873.63
22. Deweese, Teresa G. 10,641.20
23. Deweese, Tyler A. 34,485.03
24. Doeffinger, Robert C. Jr. 660.00
25. Downing, David W. 20,503.20
26. Errett, Keith L. 20,632.57
27. Fetty, John Michael 10,549.74
28. Gardner, Stephen P. 34,862.33
29. Gaskins, Carolyn A. 11,274.48
30. Gilley, James Ross 19,982.64
31. Hall, James C. Jr. 21,985.90
32. Herdman, Ida B. 23,112.04
33. Higginbotham, Jerry L. 16,355.82
34. Hudson, Elizabeth 374.40
35. Humphreys, Charles E. 4,111.45
36. Hunt, Frances E. 660.00
37. Hussell, Robert W. Jr. 15,901.84
38. Johnson, Shannon 11,875.60
39. Juniper, Sam 330.00
40. Kapp, Robert A. 23,656.70
41. Killingsworth, Howard R. Jr. 27,005.86
42. Kapp, Joseph K. 17,524.35
43. Lane, Charles R. 6,286.56
44. Leport, John F. 22,468.64
45. McCauley, Teka A. 12,182.28
46. McDaniel, Marilyn 21,144.59
47. Mercer, Charles D. 6,679.38
48. Miller, Grayson J. 22,520.52
49. Morrison, Paul K. 33,226.80
50. Park, William E. 660.00
51. Patterson, Alberta M. 9,137.84
52. Patterson, Thomas L. 23,032.78
53. Pearson, Johnny D. Jr. 25,812.71
54. Poore, Bryan J. 18,798.51
55. Powell, Terry L. Jr. 34,036.14
56. Reynolds, James. D II 29,950.05
57. Riffle, Tony 15,261.78
58. Rodgers, Dan L. 12,250.04
59. Rodgers, Douglas A. 34,570.51
60. Ross, Richard S. 36,141.47
61. Sallaz, John D. Jr. 9,525.12
62. Sallaz, Patricia N. 11,919.76
63. Sang, Mary L. 660.00
64. Sargent, Seth B. 16,113.71
65. Shull, Jessie L. 21,482.10
66. Simpson, Janice L. 25,569.21
67. Smith, Linda W. 330.00
68. Spencer, Larry R. 28,250.08
69. Stein, Ronald F. Jr., PLLC 11,623.07
70. Supple, Joe M. 330.00
71. Swisher, Jeffrey L. 21,920.56
72. Tarker, April L. 16,976.52
73. Taylor, Matthew S. 33,997.99
74. Thornton, James J. 20,943.06
75. Vaidya, Ojas 1,176.00
76. Veith, Bobby J. 36,035.72
77. Watterson, Paul E. 17,393.19
78. Willet, Virgil E. 20,819.15
79. Wolfingbarger, Freda M. 3,379.00