Elk River Living | Volume 08 | Issue 06

Cardiology Care Close to Home

Heart disease touches countless lives in our community. At Roane General Hospital, we’re dedicated to ensuring that expert cardiology care is within reach for those who need it most. From prevention and education to advanced diagnostics, treatment, and rehabilitation, our experienced team is here to deliver the exceptional care you deserve—close to home.

Coach Jeff Mullins is so proud of The Elk Elementary Elkhounds who are nationally ranked in the top 10 in the country in Bullseye and 3D shooting. What a spectacular season!

Creative Director /

Editor In Chief / Ken Tawney

Cyndi Tawney

Operations Director / Josh Tawney

Printer / The Printing Press

Charleston, WV

Layout & Design / Katheryne E. Popp

Little Secret Design Co.

Photographer / Scott Abbott

Scott Abbott Photo

ON THE COVER

‘Clendenin Strong 10 Years’ patch worn by Clendenin Little League players, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the devastating flood of 2016.

Elk River Living is published monthly by CJT Publishing, LLC, Elkview, West Virginia 25071. All rights are reserved. All contents are copyrighted by CJT Publishing, LLC; reproduction in whole or part without written permission from CJT Publishing, LLC is expressly forbidden and punishable by law. Elk River Living is not responsible for unsolicited materials. All opinions expressed within Elk River Living belong to the feature’s author and are not necessarily the opinions of the publishers of CJT Publishing, LLC employees. Elk River Living and CJT Publishing, LLC reserve the right to refuse any idea, material or subject matter. Throughout this issue, trademarked names are used. Rather than denoting a trademark symbol in every occurrence of a trademarked name, Elk River Living uses the names in an editorial fashion, with no infringement. All trademarked names are still fully protected, and anyone who uses them without permission will be prosecuted.

This magazine depends on our advertising partners! Production, printing and mailing costs are offset by the participation of our valued local businesses. It is how we provide this service at no charge to you. Please take the time to review our Sponsors Page, and if you are in need of a product or service they provide, we ask that you give them a shot at earning your business. And let them know you saw their ad in Elk River Living!

Our ERL photographer, Scott Abbott and guest photographers who care about our communities and help make this magazine possible: Scott Abbott, Aubrie Abbott, J. Craig Allison, Tim Cunningham, Janet Six, Jill Moles Mullins

ADVANTAGE VALLEY

304.352.1165

1045 Bridge Rd, Charleston advantagevalley.com

AFFILIATED FINANCIAL GROUP

304.935.2230

4950 Elk River Rd., S. Elkview

AIS AFFILIATED INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

304.965.6911

4601 Penn., Ave., Charleston

ANR CONSTRUCTION

304.741.0377 | 304.546.6510

Randy Young, Jr. & Andrew Young

BECKY’S PET PARLOR

304.951.9162

Rebecca Briles & Kaitlyn Truman

BILL’S USED CARS

304.548.4727

Rt 119 Elk River Rd., Clendenin

BLANCH’S FAMILY DINER

681.230.2088

9 2nd Ave., Clendenin

BOXDROP MATTRESS & FURNITURE OUTLET

304.590.6094

2777 Penn. Ave., Charleston

BRANNON'S AUTO

304.935.2335

4039 Penn. Ave., Charleston

BROWNING LOGGING

304.373.6476

139 Broomfield Ln., Elkview

CABIN CREEK HEALTH SYSTEMS CLENDENIN HEALTH CENTER

304.548.7272

107 Koontz Ave. Clendenin

CANTRELL’S FLORIST

304.548.7700

7484 Elk River Rd., Clendenin

CENTRAL WV AGING SERVICES

304.965.9081

Local Charleston Office

CHAMBERS REPAIR & TOWING

24-Hour Towing and Lockout

304.965.5634

648 Shady Ln., Elkview

CLENDENIN MEMORIAL PARK

304.768.6331 or 304.541.3101

236 North Point Dr., Clendenin

CLENDENIN PHARMACY

304.548.5451

Bill Ore & Linsay Matuszkiewicz

CREDE TRACTOR

304.965.1666

Contact William Crede

DEAN JEFFRIES, STATE FARM

304.965.7024

85 Credes Landing, Elkview

DR. ANGELA B. ARMSTEAD, DDS

304.343.2151

3414 Penn. Ave., Charleston

EDENS BODY WORKS, INC.

304.965.5900

102 Neville Rd., Elkview

ELK FAMILY DENTISTRY

304.965.6661

contact Joey Adkins, DDS

ELK RIVER AUTOMOTIVE

304.965.7501

602 Railroad Ave., Elkview

ELK RIVER AUTO SUPPLY

304.965.5312

5082 Elk River Rd., Elkview

ELK RIVER COMMUNITIES MUSEUM

304.965.6596

1078 Main St., 2nd Floor, Elkview

ELK VALLEY PHYSICAL THERAPY

304.965.7979

contact Andi Geary, MPT

E.L. ROBINSON ENGINEERING

304.776.7473

5088 Washington St., W. Charleston elrobinsonengineering.com

FOUR TRAXX GARAGE

304.548.6784

Poke Derrick, Owner 214 Cobb St., Clendenin

GABBY’S SEWING & MORE

304.935.2360

4506 Penn. Ave, Charleston gabbyssewingwv.com

GCS CONSULTING, LLC

304.444.0085 | Gene Smith genecsmith17@gmail.com

GINO’S PIZZA & SPAGHETTI HOUSE

304.965.7031

Order online at ginospizza.com

GIOVANNI’S - CLENDENIN

304.548.7002

giovannispizzapower.com

GREEN'S OF BIG CHIMNEY

304.965.3313

4509 Penn. Ave., Charleston

HAFER FUNERAL HOME & MYER’S CHAPEL

304.965.3331 | 304.965.3341 haferfuneralhome.net

HARDING'S FAMILY RESTAURANT

304.344.5044

2772 Penn. Ave., Charleston

HOLSTEIN INSURANCE

304.965.9941 holsteininsuranceagencyinc.com

INDIAN LAKE

304.965.5661

111 Indian Lake Dr., Elkview

JIFFY J’S INC. Portable Restrooms

800.256.8657

KN CONTRACTING

304.965.9088

5146 Elk River Rd., Elkview

KNIGHT VEHICLE LICENSING

304.548.4726

knightinsurance@frontier.com

KNIGHTHORST

877.474.7332

GIVE OUR SPONSORS THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE YOUR BUSINESS, they care a great deal about you and the Elk River community!

www.knighthorst.com

LITTLE SECRET DESIGN CO.

304.427.6797

www.littlesecretdesign.co

MEADOWBROOK ACRES

NURSING CENTER

304.344.4268

www.meadowbrookacres.net

MITCH’S 24 HR TOWING

304.965.6646

contact Mitch Young

MOUNTAINEER AUCTION

304.548.4056

contact Roger Mullins

NALU’S STYLE STUDIO LLC

304.343.2049

2777 Penn. Ave., Charleston

PADDLERS BAR & GRILL

681.230.2061

12 Maywood Ave., W. Clendenin

PAXTON BUSINESS SERVICES

304.343.5666

4628 Penn. Ave, Charleston

PEGGY WHITE, REALTOR

Old Colony

304.395.0619

POCA VALLEY BANK

304.965.7730 | 1.844.782.2651 pocavalleybank.com

PUZZLED PISTOLS BOUTIQUE

4636 Penn. Ave., Ste. 2, Charleston www.puzzledpistolsboutique.com

ROANE GENERAL HOSPITAL

304.927.4444

200 Hospital Dr., Spencer

RODNEY LOFTIS & SON

304.342.8200 & on Facebook

95 Casdorph Rd., Charleston

ROGERS HARDWARE

304.965.1077

Bill Rogers

SCOTT’S SERVICE & AUTO REPAIR

681.230.2151

311C Elk River Rd., S. Clendenin

SLEEP INN

304.345.5111

2772 Penn. Ave., Charleston

SMITH'S FURNITURE, APPLIANCE & MATTRESS

304.965.7600

Elk Shopping Plaza, Elkview

SOLID ROCK CONTRACTING

304.444.4288

contact Phil Shaffer

STUMP-MATICS FUNERAL HOME

304.548.6611

www.stumpfuneralhomes.com

THE PRINTING PRESS

304.744.7949

143 Gaylor Ln., Charleston

TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

304.346.6434

2626 Penn. Ave., Charleston

TUDOR’S BISCUIT WORLD

304.965.7769

1083 Main St., Elkview

VISION APPALACHIA

Jesse & Debbie Boggs

412.780.7523

WALLY'S SUPERIOR PARTS & SERVICE

304.935.2287

5100 Elk River Rd., N. Elkview

XSPEC POWER

304.746.1139

Contact Emily Canterbury

YAK HOUSE RENTALS

304.941.2229

403 Elk Ave., Clendenin Reservations: yakhouserentals.com

$50 for 1 year, straight to your mailbox! elkriverliving.com

Stay connected to the heart of the Elk River with an annual subscription to Elk River Living. Each issue features favorites like The Elk’s Cookbook and The Elk’s Journal, along with uplifting stories that celebrate our neighbors, local traditions, and the shared spirit that strengthens our communities all year long.

JUNE EVENTS

DATE TIME PROGRAM

JUNE 2 1:30-2:30 PM

JUNE 3 1PM

JUNE 4 DROP IN: 3:30-6:30 PM

JUNE 9 11AM

JUNE 10 2PM

JUNE 11 4-6PM

JUNE 13 1PM

JUNE 16 1PM

JUNE 17 1PM

JUNE 18 3PM

JUNE 19

JUNE 25 1PM

UNEARTH STORYTIME: STORYTIME FOR ALL

Libraries are more than just stores of books & knowledge. They are the cornerstone of neighborhoods & communities.

SLC: UNEARTH AN ADULT CRAFT: DINO BOOKEND **Registration Required**

SLC KICKOFF: ICE CREAM SOCIAL

EXPLORING NATURE WITH WV DIVISION OF FORESTRY

SLC: SALSA GARDENS - Tweens, Teens

DIGGIN’ BAD ART!

DIGGIN’ RELAXATION

SLC: KATHERINE JOHNSON, THE GIRL WHO LOVED TO COUNT

CLENDENIN LIBRARY BOOK GROUP

SLC: ANCIENT WORLD ESCAPE ROOM - Tweens, Teens

JUNETEENTH - ALL LIBRARY BRANCHES WILL BE CLOSED

UNEARTHING STEM WITH BURROWING ANIMALS

Watch for the library to be involved in SummerFest events around the town of Clendenin on Friday, June 26 & Saturday, June 27!

DATE TIME PROGRAM

JUNE 1 3-4PM BRIGHT STAR THEATRE’S DINO ACADEMY: A DINOSAUR DISCOVERY SHOW

JUNE 1 4-6:30PM SLC KICKOFF: UNEARTH SUMMER

JUNE 3 10:30AM UNEARTH STORYTIME

JUNE 3 11AM UNEARTHING PLAYTIME

JUNE 8 2PM SLC: SALSA GARDENS - Tweens, Teens

JUNE 9 2PM

UNEARTHING NATURE WITH WV DIVISION OF FORESTRY

JUNE 10 10:30 AM UNEARTH STORYTIME

JUNE 10 11AM UNEARTHING PLAYTIME

JUNE 11 2-4PM ROBOTICS WITH WVSU **Registration Required** Adults must assist school-aged children.

JUNE 15-18 10AM-4PM DAILY SLC: NYSA STEM CAMP: ALL ABOUT ANIMALS **Registration Required**

JUNE 19

JUNETEENTH - ALL LIBRARY BRANCHES WILL BE CLOSED

JUNE 22 5:30 PM FAMILIES PAINT: DINO SILHOUETTE **Registration Required**

JUNE 23 2PM ELK VALLEY BOOK GROUP

JUNE 24 10:30AM CHARLESTON DIRTY BIRDS STORYTIME

JUNE 25 11AM

UNEARTHING STEM WITH BURROWING ANIMALS

JUNE 29-JULY 2 WV MINE WARS TRAVELING TRUNK DISPLAY

JUNE 29 5:30 PM

JUNE 30 4PM

ADULT CRAFT: DINO EYE BUSTED CANVAS PAINTING **Registration Required**

SLC: ANCIENT WORLD ESCAPE ROOM - Tweens, Teens

A three-series summer collection | Part one of three | June 2026

From The Ground Up

Three

issues celebrating what grows wild, what’s grown local, and what every Appalachian kitchen already knows how to do.

TALSO IN THIS ISSUE

The Elk’s Garden

BACKYARD STRAWBERRY PATCH

Laura Boggess Shafer shares tips on planting, tending, and harvesting your own patch this season.

See Page 42

House & Berries Bed & Breakfast offers Fresh Strawberry Picking.

Clendenin, WV

his is the first month of our special three-issue summer celebration of what’s grown locally, and what every Appalachian kitchen already knows how to do! Our community has always known how to eat beautifully from the land, long before “farm-to-table” was a marketing term. Each of our summer issues anchors around something seasonal and hyperlocal-- morels, summer garden abundance, late summer harvest–elevated with pantry staples that turn a foraged or grown ingredient into a summer meal!

We kick off our three-month summer celebration with one of everyone’s favorites: fresh strawberries. Don’t forget, this month you can pick your own berries at Country Road House and Berries farm right outside of Clendenin!

Don't miss these upcoming segments!

JULY | PART 2

Squash & Cucumbers

AUGUST | PART 3

Corn & Tomatoes

Strawberry Skillet Shortcake with Whipped Cream

One skillet, one bowl, no special equipment. Strawberries soaked with sugar and lemon and a biscuit baked right in the pan! It’s a celebration dish and costs almost nothing!

Find this recipe & more at

STRAWBERRY SKILLET SHORTCAKE WITH WHIPPED CREAM

From The Ground Up Series | June 2026

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

• 2 T sugar plus 1 T for the berries

• Lemon juice

CRUST:

• 1 ½ C all-purpose flour

• 2 t baking powder

• ½ t salt

• 5 T cold butter, cubed

• 3/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk

TOPPING:

• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped or your favorite whipped cream topping

DIRECTIONS PREP 15-20 MIN | BAKE 18-20 MIN @ 425•

STEP 1 Toss strawberries with 1 T sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice; set aside to marinate for at least 20 minutes.

STEP 2 Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Whisk the flour, 2 T sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until pea-sized. Stir in the milk until just combined.

STEP 3 Press the dough mixture into a buttered 9-inch heavy skillet (we like cast iron). Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.

STEP 4 While that bakes, chill bowl and beaters. Mix 1 cup of heavy whipping cream on medium speed and then increase to high. Add 3 T powdered sugar and 1/2 t of vanilla.

STEP 5 Split the warm shortcake, spoon berries over the bottom half, top with whipped cream, and then add the top half. Serve immediately.

THE INCREDIBLE ELKH UND ARCHERS!

The medals just keep piling up for the amazing Elk Elementary Archery Team! The Elkhounds added two more State Championships to their incredible legacy this spring, winning both the WV State 3D Championship and the State Bullseye Championship in March. Then, in May, they traveled to Louisville, Kentucky for the NASP Eastern National Tournament and proudly brought home bronze and silver medals against some of the best teams in the country.

The season began with the WV State 3D Tournament in early March, where the Elkhounds capped off a perfect undefeated season with an impressive 35-0 record. Later

that month, they captured another State Championship at the Bullseye Tournament, finishing the state season with a remarkable 75-1 record.

These victories marked the Elkhounds’ ninth consecutive State Championship, including six straight Bullseye titles and three straight 3D titles!

Since winning their first state title in 2021, the Elkhounds have built an incredible 355-2 overall state bullseye record. Their consistency, focus, and teamwork continue to make them one of the top elementary archery programs in the nation.

Several archers also earned outstanding individual finishes during the state tournaments. Leading the way in 3D competition were Nyiah Ramsey with a 4th place finish, Skyler Butler in 5th place, Zoey Galwey in 10th place, and Rylan Honaker placing 3rd for the boys.

In Bullseye competition, Xarria Mullins led the girls with a 5th place finish, followed by Kinley Grizzell in 10th place. For the boys, Owen Abshire earned 4th place, while Rylan Honaker finished 5th and Hunter Biegley placed 10th.

The Elkhounds are currently ranked 5th in the nation in Bullseye shooting and 9th nationally in 3D shooting — an

incredible accomplishment for these young athletes. The excitement continued in May at the NASP Eastern National Tournament in Louisville, where the Elkhounds once again found themselves on the podium. The team placed 3rd in the 3D Regional Tournament after defeating 94 teams from across the region.

Coach Jeff Mullins said, “I knew it was going to be a close championship with the top twelve teams in the country having such close scores.”

Top shooters for the Elkhounds included Rylan Honaker and Skyler Butler, but one of the biggest moments of the tournament came during Bullseye competition, where the Elkhounds captured an incredible 2nd place finish out of 181 teams!

Even more exciting were the outstanding individual performances by Eli Hughart and Xarria Mullins, who both finished in 4th place overall in the tournament. Eli outshot 2,041 elementary boys, while Xarria outshot 1,721 elementary girls. Xarria also earned 1st place among 660 fourth-grade girls.

What an amazing finish to another unforgettable season for the Elkhounds! Their hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship continue to make our community proud.

CLENDENIN STRONG:

A DECADE OF REBUILDING THROUGH LITTLE LEAGUE

This year marks 10 years since the devastating flood of 2016 forever changed Clendenin and communities all along the Elk River. Lives and homes were lost, businesses destroyed, and generations of memories washed away in a matter of hours. But through heartbreak and hardship, one thing remained stronger than the floodwaters — the spirit of this community.

This season, the players of Clendenin Little League are proudly wearing patches on their jerseys that read “Clendenin Strong – 10 Years,” a reminder of just how far the league and the town have come since that tragic June day.

For many families, Clendenin Little League has always been more than baseball and softball. It has been a gathering place, a summer tradition, and a second home

where lifelong friendships are formed under the ballfield lights. When the flood destroyed the Clendenin Little League field on June 26, 2016, it felt like another piece of the community had been taken away.

The league was able to finish its all-star tournaments on other fields around Kanawha County, but there would be no fall season that year. For the children of Clendenin, who had already lost so much, it was another painful reminder of how life had suddenly changed.

But the people of Clendenin were determined not to let the league disappear. In the spring of 2017, league board members Casey Clendenin and Lee Hall went door-to-door throughout the district encouraging families to sign their children up to play ball again. Casey’s grandfather had helped build the original Clendenin Little League years earlier, and Casey knew how important it was to restore a sense of normalcy for local kids.

“It was important to us to get our kids back on the ballfields again,” he shared. That determination became the beginning of Clendenin’s comeback. Donations came in from colleges, schools, and neighboring leagues wanting to help. Volunteers worked tirelessly to clean up the facility and make the fields playable again. Organizations like Next Step Ministries, local parents, community leaders, and the Town of Clendenin all stepped forward to help rebuild what had been lost. Kanawha County also assisted with flood debris removal, helping clear the way for progress.

Next Step Ministries played a huge role in the rebuilding effort by constructing a new concession and storage building, adding sidewalks throughout the facility, and placing a new roof on the old field house. In 2023 when more renovations were needed on the fieldhouse, FEMA inspected it and declared the original structure condemned.

In October of 2025, the building was demolished and plans are now in place for FEMA to help fund a new pavilion.

The league hopes to eventually enclose and use this space as an indoor practice facility during the off-season and bad-weather months.

Even during difficult times, the community kept finding ways to move forward. When the temporary Clendenin Elementary School relocated outside the district after the flood, many children had the option of playing for either Clendenin or Elk District Little League. Rebuilding player numbers became another challenge. Then COVID brought another setback, shutting down the entire spring season and slowing progress once again.

Still, Clendenin Little League refused to give up. Over the last several years, the league has experienced steady regrowth. With Clendenin Elementary now back in the district and more families returning, participation continues to climb.

Nora McPherson, current Clendenin Little League Board President, became a volunteer in 2019. Today, she and current board members proudly carry on the work started by those before them — helping rebuild not only the fields, but the sense of community and togetherness that Little League has always represented.

One of the league’s biggest improvements began with a vision from former board president Casey Clendenin, who proposed creating a regulation infield in the area between the main field and where Clendenin Elementary stood before the flood. Parent volunteers brought in equipment and helped transform that area into what is now the league’s growing t-Ball field.

Today, the field has a new fence courtesy of Blue Creek Heating and Cooling and Poca Valley Bank, and there are plans for new bases and small dugouts. The league hopes it will soon host both t-ball and coach pitch games for its youngest players.

“It’s still a work in progress,” league members shared, “but we’re getting close.” The improvements have continued year after year, thanks to league fundraising and generous businesses, sponsors, and volunteers who have never stopped believing in the league.

Eric Jackson loaned the league a temporary, mobileconcession stand while the permanent building was being completed. The Kanawha County Commission later provided grant funding to finish the interior work, while volunteers installed windows and concession equipment.

In 2023, Quality Carriers and Poca Valley Bank donated funds for a brand-new scoreboard. Larry Blake and staff from Elk River Heating and Air Conditioning, along with parent volunteer Travis Ball, installed and wired the scoreboard. Blue Creek Heating and Cooling owners, Bill Ross and Roy Crist, installed an HVAC system for the concession building.

Even setbacks became opportunities for neighbors to rally together. After vandalism damaged the facility in the fall of 2024, volunteers quickly stepped in to replace doors and repair the concession area.

Last spring brought another major wave of improvements. More than 50 volunteers showed up for Spring CleanUp Day in 2025 to tackle projects across the facility. New LED field lights replaced aging halogen fixtures thanks to sponsorship from Piping Pros. Many volunteers donated time and resources to help with the new lighting, press box renovations, concession stand prep, plus completed countless other projects before opening day arrived.

Fundraising efforts have helped fuel the progress as well. A community bingo fundraiser held in January 2025 drew tremendous support, and the league hopes to host another one later this year. Funds raised through sponsorships, league raffles, and donations also helped the league purchase a new lawn tractor and storage building for field maintenance.

Today, Clendenin Little League is fielding 12 teams, including the return of junior softball, an age division the league has not had in several years. The league is also partnering with Elk District for junior softball and junior baseball, another example of local Elk River communities working together for the benefit of their young athletes.

For the past three seasons, Clendenin Little League has proudly hosted all-star tournaments that bring families and visitors into town throughout the summer months. Those tournaments have become another symbol of how far the league, and the town, has come since 2016.

Perhaps the greatest accomplishment isn’t measured in new fences, scoreboards, or buildings, but in the pride people feel when they walk through the gates.

Parents from visiting leagues regularly compliment the facility’s appearance, clean restrooms, and welcoming atmosphere. And according to many tournament visitors, the concession stand still serves some of the best hot dogs around.

After everything the Elk River community has endured, Clendenin Little League stands as a reminder of what can happen when neighbors come together with determination, heart, and hope. Nora commented, “None of this would have happened without the hard work and great attitude of the volunteers, parents, players, and the community. We are blessed to have this support!”

The flood may have destroyed the fields, but it never destroyed the spirit of Clendenin. Ten years later, that spirit is stronger than ever.

A Berry Wonderful Experience!

Strawberry fields are in full bloom, signaling warmer weather and time to go strawberry picking! Check out Elk River’s own Country Road House and Berries’ website with their 2026 schedule for strawberry picking appointments during the month of June! It’s easy! Just go to www.countryroadhouseandberries.com and schedule online to pick delicious strawberries, right off the vine!

Want the full strawberry picking experience with a serene getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life? Check their AirBnB availability, book a room at the 135 year old farmhouse or cellar house, and enjoy kayaking, fishing, swimming, ATV, and bike trails nearby. Only 10 minutes off I-79!

Elk River Living would like to say congratulations to Matt Born for being selected as the Strawberry King at this year's 2026 WV Strawberry Festival in Buckhannon! A perfect Strawberry KING!

Don’t forget to see The Elk’s Cookbook for this month’s delicious recipe, Skillet Strawberry Shortcake. Also, if you are considering a backyard strawberry garden, Laura has tips in our Elk’s Garden.

JUSTICE LOOKS AWAY

By Wayne Wharton

Wayne Wharton’s new April 2026 murder mystery, Justice Looks Away, quickly topped the Amazon murder mystery charts and you may want to add it to your summer reading list! It is an enjoyable mystery with a cadre of interesting characters who will not disappoint.

About the Author

Amazon said: Wayne, a writer who now resides in Richmond, VA, grew up in the coal mining region of the Appalachian mountain range. From a tiny four-room shack with no indoor plumbing, he escaped the throes of poverty and went on to graduate college and become a successful novelist. Self written, self edited, and self published gives testimony to what one can accomplish, no matter the obstacles and hardships faced.

Summary

During his first week in office, newly elected Sheriff Sam Taylor received an unknown parcel having no return address. Once the contents were revealed, a deadly game of chess would be played between Sam and a most worthy opponent. Clues, chess pieces all, would precede the death of each victim. Same and his rival would take turns, and, as with all games, there would be but one winner.

A game that began playful had soon become deadly. Sam and his staff, now convinced they were facing an adversary of cunning skills, had to find a way to quickly end the game.

Justice Looks Away will provide its reader with a night of page-turning intrigue and a plot twist that will lure them to a final chapter and most revealing conclusion.

If you enjoyed Wharton’s Justice Looks Away, you may want to read his book, The Thrushkeepers, a rare look into hidden secrets of characters who walked and negotiated the paths of poverty.

Excerpt from Justice Looks Away:

Slowly but surely cool days ousted the cold days, rainfall replaced snow, and a new excitement overtook the many humdrum days of a harsh winter. Together Marion, her townspeople, and nature had joined hands to prepare for a fruitful and uninterrupted summer.

And if one sought the perfect summer vacation spot, a vacation in Marion the summer of 1990 would be the best choice of all. At least that is what Sam Taylor might have imagined.

The ocean waters abutting the small coastal town in Maine held the sins and guilt of many. Indifferent to their wishes and prayers, the tides came and went as they pleased.

The sea watched and waited as the deadly game of cat and mouse began. Chess pieces all, the players would die and be removed from the game one by one.

After years of silence and safeguards, would the sea listen to one man’s prayer and release him from a selfinflicted guilt? And so too would the waters punish the sins of others?

Compassionate or apathetic, today, a day in June 1990, the sea would decide.

With the school year winding down, most of the Herbert Hoover teams’ regional and state tournaments have not wrapped up yet to be included in our June issue (we have to be at the printer by mid-May). ERL wishes all of our teams the BEST of luck and, don’t worry, we will have highlights in our July issue!

EMS GIRLS KC CHAMPION GOLF TEAM

A big congrats to Elkview Middle School Girls Golf Team and Coach Eddie Gray on bringing home the Kanawha County Championship!

Team Members: Claire Armstrong (Individual County Champion), Ally Gunnoe (All Tournament Team), Henley Bava (All Tournament Team), Isabel Payne (All Tournament Team), Jasmine Young & Kendall Yeager.

PLAYERS EXTRAORDINAIRE

Ahaziah Smith (Volleyball Player of the Year) and Maysen Fletcher (McCoy Award Female High School Athlete) were honored at the West Virginia Sports Writers Victory Awards as Players of the Year for 2026!

SPORTS SIGNING

Congrats to Voss Duernberger for signing with Concord University to continue his football career. Also, congrats to Dalton Myers on signing to play football at Wesleyan!

THE SHOP

Tim Meyer and his talented shop students received a huge donation of red oak from B & R Global in March, and, in return, they decided to make every teacher at Hoover a library chair! Coach Joey Fields and the Herbert Hoover football program provided the financial support for the expensive hardware and The Shop students are making it happen!

WELCOME BROWNING’S BAIT & TACKLE

There’s a new business on the Elk River, just in time for spring fishing season! Caleb Browning and his son, Conner, have opened the new Browning’s Bait and Tackle at 1009 Main Street in Elkview (beside Kirby’s Barber Shop)!

Caleb said, “It’s always been a dream of mine to have our own shop, and we are excited to officially be open to serve the Elk River community.” He added, “We had a great turnout at our open house on May 5 and even ran out of nightcrawlers on day one and had to restock!”

Stop by and check out their assortment of live bait including night crawlers, wrigglers, bluegill, and goldfish. They also carry fishing poles and accessories. It’s a perfect one-stop before you hit the river or Indian Lake! Shop local and help support another one of our awesome Elk River businesses!

Hours: Mon-Wed 9AM-6PM; Thurs 7:30AM-5:30PM; Fri 10AM-7PM; Sat 10AM-4PM; Sun Closed. Phone: 304.644.8888

2026 GRADUATE SALUTE!

Each year, Poca Valley Bank proudly honors the graduates of Herbert Hoover High School with a special community tribute. During the month of May, graduate photos are displayed all along the highway in Elkview, giving friends, families, and neighbors a chance to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.

What a thoughtful and meaningful tradition for our community! Thank you, PVB, for continuing to recognize and support our local graduates as they begin an exciting new chapter.

CLENDENIN BREWING CO.

LIVE MUSIC & EVENTS

6/6 • 7PM 6/12 • 6:30PM 6/13 • 6:30PM 6/17 • 6:30PM 6/19 • 6:30PM 6/20 • 6:30PM 6/26-6/27

TRIVIA NIGHT

OPEN MIC W/CHET LOWTHER LIVE MUSIC: CHAD JONES ASK A PASTOR BIBLE STUDY BOOK CLUB CHET LOWTHER CLENDENIN SUMMERFEST

2 MAIN STREET • CLENDENIN

& DON’T FORGET ABOUT ONGOING BIBLE STUDY • WEDNESDAYS @ 6:30 PM BINGO • THURSDAYS @6:30 PM

FRIDAY NIGHT JAM

Doors open at 5PM | Band starts at 7PM

Admission $5 | Kids 12 & Under FREE Thrift store is open Fri. from 5:30-8:30pm Concessions available.

REMEMBERING THE CLENDENIN BAND ROOM

Elk River Communities in Kanawha County Museum shared photos this month of the old band room at Clendenin High/ Junior High School, reminiscing about early band teachers, including Mr. Lewis, Mr. Foster, Mr. Miller and others. If you are a Clendenin alumni band member, you know there was nothing quite like being up there in your own special hideaway for band practice. Kim Johnson, editor of You Know You’re From Clendenin When said, “The band room was used in the early years until 1970, when it was then condemned because of fire escape issues. By the way, there is still the old school bell located in the third floor bell tower up from the bandroom!”

Spring is finally here, and summer is quickly approaching, which means one thing: trail season is in full swing!BFor many of our trail users, summer is their favorite time of year to explore the Elk River Trail. Between the warm sunshine, the peaceful river views, and the beautiful tree canopy that keeps so much of the trail shaded and cool, there’s truly nothing quite like it. As more people head out to walk, bike, run, fish, paddle, and explore, we wanted to take a moment to highlight one of the most important — and sometimes overlooked — features of the trail: our mileage signage.

If you’ve spent time on the Elk River Trail, you’ve probably noticed the white mileage markers posted along the route. These signs are located at every mile and help trail users easily keep track of where they are along the trail. Here’s the fun part: our mileage system works a little differently than some other trails! Elk River Trail mileage signs use the original railroad miles, and some of the mileage markers are the original railroad markers! Mile 0 began at Gilmer Station and continued south through Gassaway (the north end of Elk River Trail near mile marker 22), Clay (Dundon is near mile marker 62), and through Clendenin ( mile marker 93 near the Clendenin Trailhead and near the southern end of the trail). As you travel farther south, the mileage numbers continue to increase.

These signs are incredibly helpful for planning your trip. Want to know how far you’ve traveled? Curious how many miles remain until the next trailhead or town access point? The mileage markers make it easy. But even more importantly, they’re a major safety feature. If an emergency were to happen on the trail, knowing your mile marker can help emergency responders, DNR staff, or 911 services quickly locate you. Whether it’s a medical issue, a mechanical problem with a bike, or simply needing assistance, those signs can make a huge difference in helping responders find you faster. And now, we’re excited to share that the Elk River Trail Foundation is expanding this same idea onto the river itself! We are currently in the process of installing river mile marker signs along the Elk River. So far, signage has been placed from the Sutton Dam (mile marker one is at the

FOLLOW THE SIGNS: STAYING SAFE ON THE ELK RIVER TRAIL

Submitted by Madison Stone, Executive Director of the Elk River Trail Foundation

Sutton Bridge) to Braxton - Clay County line, and we plan to continue moving farther south in the coming months. This is where we could use your help.

If you love the Elk River and feel comfortable navigating the water, we would love volunteers to assist with installing river mileage markers this summer. Volunteer days will be scheduled throughout the season, and we’ll routinely post opportunities and meet-up information on social media. Whether you’re a frequent paddler, an avid angler, or simply someone who loves supporting the trail and river communities, we’d love to have you involved.

These markers are about more than just numbers — they’re about education, accessibility, navigation, and safety for everyone enjoying the Elk River Trail and Waterway. Email madison@elkriver.org and let her know you are interested in helping! The Elk River Trail Foundation also has more exciting news to celebrate this summer! We are incredibly honored to share that we were recently awarded a $25,000 grant from the Encova Foundation to support the construction of our first ADA Accessible Kayak Launch in Sutton, with hopes of installing more along the Elk River Water Trail in the future. Other contributors to this project include the Appalachian Regional Commission, Braxton County Commission, Braxton County Development Authority, Braxton County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Lois Cole.

This is a huge win for the Elk River Trail and our river communities. Projects like this are only possible through strong partnerships and organizations that believe in creating safe, welcoming, and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities for everyone. The ADA Accessible Kayak Launch will help make the Elk River more accessible for individuals of all abilities and will create more opportunities for people to safely enjoy and experience the water. Accessibility matters, and this project is an important step toward ensuring more people can connect with the Elk River and all it has to offer. We are extremely grateful for the support of the Encova Foundation and look forward to sharing more updates as this exciting project continues to move forward.

BACKYARD STRAWBERRY PATCH

From The Ground Up

There’s nothing quite like the taste of a fresh-picked strawberry straight from the garden. Sweet, juicy, and bright red, strawberries are often the very first fruits of the season here in West Virginia, making them a favorite in backyard gardens across the Elk River Valley and beyond.

Strawberries are actually members of the rose family, sharing the same five-petaled flower structure and delicate blooms. As perennial plants, they return year after year and can be grown in traditional gardens, raised beds, containers, or even hanging baskets.

By Laura Boggess Shafer. Laura and her

Strawberry plants are available as bare root plants, plugs, or established plants. Bare root plants are dormant when purchased and should be planted soon afterward. Until planting time, keep them in a cool, dry location and soak the roots for about 30 minutes before planting. Plug plants are already actively growing and can be planted as soon as the soil is ready in spring.

For the best harvest, choose a sunny location with welldrained soil. Strawberries dislike standing water, and overly wet soil can lead to root rot. A soil test is always helpful to determine fertilizer needs, with ideal soil pH ranging between 5.8 and 6.8. Recommended fertilizer should be applied a few weeks before planting or several weeks afterward to prevent fertilizer burn while encouraging healthy growth and larger harvests.

Many gardeners prefer raised beds for strawberries because they improve drainage, warm earlier in spring, reduce weeds, and make harvesting easier. When planting, spread the roots downward and keep the crown — the area between the roots and stem — level with or slightly above the soil surface.

To encourage strong roots and healthy plants, experts recommend removing the first blossoms and runners. Although, as many gardeners will tell you, sometimes old family traditions win out over gardening advice. “My grandmother never pinched them off, so I didn’t either,” the writer shared with a smile. “We still had good berries.”

Strawberries need regular watering throughout the growing season, but too much water can dilute the berry flavor. Watering in the early morning or late evening works best. June-bearing varieties are the most popular and produce a large crop during May and June. Good

choices for West Virginia gardens include Earliglow, All-Star, Jewel, and Chandler, all known for dependable harvests and flavorful berries.

Everbearing or day-neutral varieties produce fruit throughout much of the growing season, often peaking in early summer and again in late summer. Albion and Ozark Beauty are excellent disease-resistant varieties well suited for West Virginia’s humidity and changing temperatures. Under good growing conditions, everbearing strawberries may produce fruit within three months of planting, while June-bearing varieties typically produce the following spring.

One of the wonderful things about strawberries is that they can self-pollinate. Wind helps move pollen within the flowers, but bees and other pollinators are essential for complete pollination and larger berries. Protecting pollinators helps ensure healthier plants and better harvests. Berries usually ripen about 28 to 30 days after flowering and should be picked every few days once plants have dried from the morning dew. Harvest season generally lasts three to six weeks. After picking, refrigerate berries promptly and wait to wash them until ready to use.

Mulching around plants helps control weeds and retain moisture, but gardeners should choose mulch carefully. Straw is highly recommended, while hay often introduces weeds — a lesson many gardeners learn the hard way. Grass clippings and leaves may trap moisture, smother plants, and attract pests, so they are not recommended.

As winter approaches, strawberry plants benefit from mulch or row covers to protect them from freezing temperatures and encourage earlier spring production. Once frost danger passes, coverings should be removed. With proper care, healthy strawberry plants can continue producing for up to three years before needing replaced. And once the harvest begins, strawberries quickly become a favorite in the kitchen.

One delicious way to preserve fresh berries is by making homemade fruit leathers or fruit roll-ups. Simply wash and hull strawberries, then puree them in a blender or food processor with a squeeze of lemon juice to help prevent discoloration. For sweeter fruit, a little honey, maple syrup, or sugar can be added.

Spread the puree evenly onto silicone dehydrator sheets or parchment-lined trays, keeping the edges slightly thicker since they dry faster. Dehydrate at 135–140 degrees for 6–12 hours, or until the leather is no longer sticky and peels away easily. If using an oven, spread puree onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet and dry at the oven’s lowest setting for several hours until fully dried. Stored in an airtight container, homemade fruit leathers make a healthy snack that rarely lasts long around most households.

Whether enjoyed fresh from the garden, made into jam, or tucked into homemade desserts, strawberries remain one of summer’s sweetest traditions.

Strawberry Freezer Jam

2 cups crushed strawberries

4 cups sugar

1 box Sure-Jell (or preferred pectin)

• Measure the exact amount of sugar and mix with crushed strawberries. Let stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• In a saucepan, combine the Sure-Jell with ¾ cup water. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute.

• Add the hot pectin mixture to the strawberries and stir for 3 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved and no longer grainy.

• Pour into jars or freezer containers. Let stand at room temperature for 24 hours. Refrigerate up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to a year. A family favorite that never seems to last very long!

FOOT LOOSE AND PAIN FREE

Submitted by Andi Geary, MPT, Cert. MDT, ATC at Elk Valley Physical Therapy. Andi is an honor graduate of University of Charleston where she played collegiate softball and volleyball while earning her undergraduate degree in Sports Medicine. She is also an honor graduate of WVU and earned a Master's degree in Physical Therapy in 1998. She is a nationally certified athletic trainer and obtained specialty certification in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy in 2007. She is a proud HHHS alumnus.

The hidden dangers of wearing flip-flops

Ankle Without straps to support the ankle, twists and sprains can occur easily. When wearing flip-flops, we tend to take shorter steps and turn the ankle inward.

Arch Most flip-flops offer no arch support, which causes the foot to lie unnaturally flat.

Toes Due to lack of support, we tend to scrunch our toes when walking in flip-flops. Over time, this can lead to tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendons.

Heel Too much strain on the main corrective tissue can cause a lull or sharp pain in the back of the heel. With prolonged wear, it is very common to develop thick skin, or calluses on the bottom of the heel.

Afootwear for flip-flops, sandals, or going barefoot. While these choices feel freeing, they’re a common cause of foot pain seen in physical therapy clinics during warmer months.

Flip-flops, cleats, and other unsupportive shoes often lack arch support, cushioning, and stability. This forces the small muscles in your feet and lower legs to work harder to maintain balance and grip the shoe. Over time, this can lead to strain, fatigue, and overuse injuries. One of the most common conditions is Plantar Fasciitis, which causes sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. Poor footwear can also contribute to Achilles Tendinitis, Shin Splints, and general arch discomfort.

Going barefoot—especially on hard surfaces like concrete or tile—can further increase stress on the plantar fascia and joints of the foot. Without proper support, the foot collapses inward (overpronation), altering alignment up the kinetic chain and potentially leading to knee, hip, or even low back pain.

From a physical therapy perspective, prevention is key. Choosing footwear with proper arch support, a cushioned sole, and a secure fit can significantly reduce strain. If you enjoy flip-flops, limit their use to short durations, like at the pool or beach, rather than all-day wear.

Incorporating simple exercises can also help maintain foot health:

– Calf stretching to reduce tension on the Achilles tendon

– Foot intrinsic strengthening (like towel scrunches or picking up marbles)

– Rolling the arch over a tennis ball or frozen water bottle for relief

If pain develops and persists beyond a few days, it’s important to address it early. Physical therapy can help identify movement patterns, improve strength and flexibility, and guide you toward proper footwear choices. Left untreated, minor irritation can turn into chronic conditions that are more difficult to resolve. Enjoy the warmer weather, but give your feet the support they need to keep you moving comfortably all season long.

stickers

LAPTOP STICKERS

Custom-shaped removable vinyl applies easily, repositions cleanly, and removes without hassle.

Custom sizing and shapes available.

Fade, scratch and water resistant.

Gloss and matte finish laminated vinyl with outdoor life of 3 years.

BOTTLE STICKERS

Similar to our laptop stickers, but designed with a square backing for easy peeling.

Removable or High Tack 7 mil material options.

Fade, scratch and water resistant.

Outdoor life of 3 years.