Local woman honors 5-generation of miners with quilt

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Providence native Virginia Capps was the proud wife of a local coal miner. Years ago she started making a coal mining quilt for her husband, Bill Capps, who worked at Providence No. 1 as an equipment operator and spent 47 years as President of the Union.

“She started it for daddy, but he passed away before it was finished,” said Rene Capps, the daughter of Bill and Virginia. “So she put the quilt away for about three years.”

MS Basketball Action (Photo Slideshow)

J-E photos by Charlie Hust.

Trojans defeat McClean County in double overtime

By CHARLIE HUST

Fueled by a career-high 33 points from Max McMain, the WCHS Trojans out-lasted McLean County 90-85 in double-overtime last Tuesday night in Calhoun. It was Webster’s third straight win.

The junior guard drilled a career-best seven 3-pointers, nailing 7-of-10 attempts from behind the arc. He also added four assists and three rebounds.

“Wow, what a game. One of the best offensive games I’ve seen or been a part of,” stated WCHS head coach Jon Newton. 

The see-saw battle saw Webster cling to a slim lead most of the way, holding a 14-13 edge at the first break and a 29-28 advantage at intermission. Senior center J. D. Newton had the hot hand early, hitting back-to-back jumpers to start the game. Then the Trojans rode the hot shooting of McMain the remainder of the first half, hitting six 3-pointers.

“I could tell early that Max had a good rhythm to his shot and he was feeling very comfortable,” stated Newton.

Ag Professor with local ties honored on international stage

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

A Cornell University Plant Breeder with ties to Webster County was recently honored by the Global Confederation of Higher Education Associations for Agricultural and Life Sciences (GCHERA), earning the inaugural 2013 World Agriculture Prize.

Ronnie Coffman actually grew up in the Dalton, Kentucky area, but he still has strong ties to Webster County.

“My wife, Charlotte Westerman, is the daughter of Paul and Edna Westerman, both of whom are still on the home farm near Poole,” he said. “They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.”

He also added that his sister, Jane, is married to long time Providence physician Dr. Tristen Lineberry.

 As a boy Coffman said that his family shopped and took care of most of their buisness in Providence.

Make-A-Wish send-off

by Matt Hughes

J-E NEWS EDITOR

On Friday, December 20, 2013, one very special student at Providence Elementary School got an equally special present.

On Friday Providence students gathered in the gymnasium to celebrate with five-year-old Laila Grimes-Lawrence before she left on a very special trip. Thanks to the Make-A-Wish program, Laila will spend the Christmas holiday celebrating at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and will have the chance meet Princess Tiana, star of the Disney movie The Princess and the Frog.

Clay Council discusses utility rate increase

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

The Clay City Council was in session last Tuesday night. In the absence of Mayor Rick Householder, the council members selected Jackie Edens to serve as Mayor Pro Temp for the meeting.

The big topic of the night was the future of the city’s utility rates. 

“Paul Stone has been doing rate studies, and Mayor Householder has requested GRADD to send us rates from the surrounding area,” Rhye said.

According to city clerk Julianne Rhye, there hasn’t been a water rate increase in the 13 years that she has been working for the city.

But the water rate might not be the only one effected. Clay’s gas line has customers all the way from Providence to Wheatcroft, causing increased cost to city.

“When we send someone out that far in a truck to disconnect a line, then the customer comes in and pays, they have to turn around and drive back,” said Rhye.

One idea the council looked at was implementing a “stair stepped” cost on reconnects, or charging more every time a customer gets disconnected for not paying a bill.

Rhye said that in most cases when a line gets disconnected, it belongs to a customer who has been disconnected in the past.

No action was taken at this meeting. City officials will continue to investigate the matter.

It was also reported that at the January council meeting, Mayor Householder and Fire Chief Jeremy Moore will report on the progress of the new fire station.