HampshireReview.com - Your Hampshire County News Source

Pritts sentenced in Moorefield assault case

sallie — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:05:24 +0000

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According to a press release issued Wednesday morning by the West Virginia State Police, Walter Richard Pritts Jr., was sentenced April 17 by Circuit Judge Donald H. Cookman to not less than one (1) but no more than (5) years of imprisonment in a state facility to be named later.

However, the press release stated that Pritts is technically eligible for parole with his current time served at the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail in Augusta. Pritts was taken into custody without incident the same day of the alleged assault and has remained incarcerated.

Pritts, of the Moorefield area, pled guilty to unlawful assault. Judge Cookman also recommended during the sentencing that Pritts take advantage of any intervention or processes available regarding domestic related or violent offender rehabilitation, the press release stated.

The verdict for the sentencing of Pritts came from the April 2011 assault of a Hardy County businesswoman, whom the press release did not identify. The woman was allegedly held against her will in her Moorefield home/office and was severely beaten, according to the state police press release.

The release stated she was also stomped and kicked until she finally was able to escape her captor several hours later. The victim, according to the state police, was hospitalized with extensive injuries concentrated to her pelvic region.

Police had originally submitted criminal complaints to the Hardy County Magistrate’s Office and received three warrants for Pritts’ arrest for malicious assault, abduction and sexual assault in the first degree, according to the state police.

In the press release, police say the plea agreement offered to Pritts by Hardy County Prosecutor Lucas See was in part the result of the victim’s failure to cooperate in the prosecution. Police state in the press release that the victim not only impeded the criminal investigation and ultimate prosecution of Pritts, but also advised she would further be willing to lie under oath about the allegations in order to keep Pritts from incarceration.

The press release reported it was the prosecutor’s decision to offer Pritts the plea agreement in an attempt to salvage what he could of the investigation and case.

5-16-12 State part of $45 million settlement with Skechers

Review Staff — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:55:11 +0000

CHARLESTON — In a coordinated filing, West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw and the attorneys general of 43 states and the district of Columbia, along with the Federal Trade Commission, filed settlements today with Skechers USA for falsely claiming their rocker‑bottom line of shoes would yield health benefits that included losing weight and firming muscles.

The lawsuit filed by the Attorney General alleges that Skechers made health‑related claims in the marketing and sell selling of its Shape‑ups, Tone‑ups and the Skechers Resistance Runner athletic shoes that were not adequately substantiated at the time the claims were made.

Under the settlements, up to $40 million is allocated for consumer refunds to be paid to consumers who purchased the shoes. Skechers also agreed to pay an additional $5 million to the states.

“It is unlawful for any business to make unsupported, over‑hyped advertising claims to sell its products,” Attorney General McGraw said, “With today’s action, our office continues its vigilance in protecting consumers against companies that attempt to trick or defraud them.”

The lawsuit alleges that without having adequate support for its claims, Skechers maintained that its rocker‑bottom shoe products caused consumers to lose weight, burn calories, improve circulation, fight cellulite and firm, tone or strengthen thigh, buttock and back muscles. Skechers is prohibited from making these claims unless it can provide adequate studies or research to substantiate them.

Consumers who purchased Shape‑Ups, Tone‑Ups or the Skechers Resistance Runner can go to www.ftc.gov for information about how to obtain a partial refund.

To file a complaint about unsubstantiated health or advertising claims or other consumer issues, West Virginians can reach the Attorney General’s Office by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1‑800‑368‑8808 or visiting wvago.gov online. For regular consumer news updates, follow “AGWestV” on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Gallery 5-16-12

Review Staff — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:25:59 +0000

School board holds budget work session

Review Staff — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:17:07 +0000

BOE minutes for May 11

ROMNEY — The Hampshire County Board of Education held a special meeting, its 33rd meeting of the 2011-2012 school year, on Friday, May 11, 2012, at the offices of the Hampshire County Board of Education.

The following board members were in attendance: Bernard Hott, president; Linda Baker, vice president; Jim Breinig, Jean Shoemaker and Gerald Mathias, members.

Purpose: The Hampshire County Board of Education held a special meeting on Friday, May 11, 2012, for the purpose of conducting a budget work session. Other business was also addressed.

Board members approved the agenda.

I. Appearances:

There were no appearances.

II. Presentations:

A. Linda Anderson, Judy Davis, Carolyn Henderson, Tammy Lewis and Shirley O’Dell, executive secretaries at the central office, discussed their recent attendance at a RESA VIII Conference held in Shepherdstown.

B. Diane Raines, Kim Poland and Alice Marsh, service personnel employees, discussed their recent attendance at the West Virginia School Service Personnel Association conference in Charleston.

C. Terrie Jo Saville, personnel director, discussed personnel issues (in executive session).

D. Denise Hott, finance director, presented the 2012-2013 budget.

E. Marianna Leone, administrative assistant, presented the policy overview.

III. Informational item:

A copy of April’s attendance report as submitted by attendance director Linda Nixon.

IV. Consent agenda item:

Board members approved the following personnel items:

1. Transfer and employment of professional personnel pending CIB/FBI clearance with continued employment contingent upon the issuance of the appropriate certification credential:

Employ Jason Kirby as a mathematics/driver’s education teacher at Hampshire High on a Professional Teaching Certificate endorsed for mathematics in physics effective for the 2012-2013 school year.

Employ Roxanne Moore-McCarty as a special education teacher on a Professional Teaching Certificate endorsed for multi-categorical effective for the 2012-13 school year.

Transfer Monte Fields, science teacher at Hampshire High, to physical education teacher at John J. Cornwell Elementary and Springfield-Green Spring Elementary effective for the 2012-2013 school year.

2. Resignation of professional personnel:

Tamitha Wilkins, school nurse, effective June 30, 2012.

3. Resignation of service personnel:

Darrel Kline, substitute custodian, effective immediately.

4. Other:

Employ Elizabeth McCoy-Sanchez-Aguilar on a Professional Teaching Certificate endorsed for multi-categorical/elementary education as a homebound instructor for the remainder of the 2012-2013 school year (12 hours maximum) effective May 12, 2012.

V. Non-consent item:

Board members approved the following replacement policies: 5500 – Student Code of Conduct and 5600 – Student Discipline (replacement policies).

VI. Upcoming Hampshire County board meetings:

A. Monday, May 21, 2012, at 7 p.m., regular meeting. Location: central office.

B. Monday, June 4, 2012, at 7 p.m., regular meeting. Location: central office.

C. Monday, June 18, 2012, at 7 p.m., regular meeting. Location: central office.

President Hott adjourned the meeting at 4:25 p.m.

Lipps captures 3200; two 2nds for Burkett

Review Staff — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:30:48 +0000

Andrew Reiner Buckhannon Delta-Record - Ashleigh Martin works to a third-place finish at the regional 3200-meter race.

SOUTH WESTON — Sophomore Rachel Lipps won the regional championship at 3200 meters, leading a set of nine state qualifiers in nine events.

Add in a pair of alternates making the trip to Charleston Friday and Saturday and, “That’s over half our team,” Coach Luke Samples said.

Lipps cleared the nearly two-mile run in a time of 11:53.24. Just 4.5 seconds behind her, Trojan freshman Ashleigh Martin earned her first shot at state with a third-place finish.

Besides Lipps, a pair of seniors advanced in two events each, a sophomore high jumper inched her way to state and three relay squads qualified as well.

Sarah Burkett ran to third-place finishes in both the 800 and 1600, automatically qualifying for one of the 16 spots in each event at state.

“Sarah Burkett had her best day since I’ve seen her here,” Samples said.

The top three finishers in each of the four regions are guaranteed spots at state. The final four slots come from the four fastest other times out of any region.

That’s what handed hurdler Rebekah Lewis her ticket to Charleston. She finished fifth in the high hurdles and sixth in the 300 intermediates.

“She snuck in on time,” Samples said. “She did what she had to do.”

In the state’s fastest region, sometimes that has to be enough.

Martinsburg senior Jasmyn Hosby, the three-time defending state champion at 200 meters, had to settle for an at-large bid to state this time around. She finished fourth in the region.

Hampshire’s 4×800 relay squad advanced on time as well. The foursome of Lipps, Burkett, Martin and Taylor Harwood posted a time of 10:11.01, well off their best this season, but enough to move on.

The four at-large berths also benefited Brittany Maphis, in what Samples called “probably the biggest upset of the entire meet.”

Maphis picked regionals to jump to a new personal best of 4 feet, 10 inches, good for fourth place.

“She beat a girl from Jefferson who has been beating her all year,” Samples noted.

The shuttle hurdles squad of Lewis, Jenna Westfall, Kaylan McDonald and Becca Hott took second in the region. Lewis, Westfall, McDonald and Harwood teamed for a third-place finish in the 4×200 relay.

The same foursome was in second place in the 4×100 relay when the baton fell on a botched handoff, disqualifying them.

Buckhannon-Upshur won the team points race on the strength of its hurdles and field events. Junior Emily Godwin won both hurdles, the high jump and long jump.

Buccaneers finished 1-2 in the shot put and 1-2-3 in discus.

Hampshire was fifth with 55 points.

140 feet enough for Moreland

Review Staff — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:23:05 +0000

Andrew Reiner Buckhannon Delta-Record - Logan James runs the anchor leg of Hampshire’s state-bound shuttle hurdles relay.

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Rain, Trojans can’t stop No.1 Patriots in baseball

Review Staff — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:16:45 +0000

Drew Wilt Spirit of Jefferson Correspondent - Dane Heavener slides in home with Hampshire’s first run against Washington.

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Well, how did I get here?

ED DeWITT Review Staff — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:09:43 +0000

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Rannells Award headlines honors at annual assembly

Review Staff — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:03:10 +0000

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Wine Guys

By TOM MARQUARDT and PATRICK DARR — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:52:38 +0000

By TOM MARQUARDT and PATRICK DARR

With spring well upon us, it’s time to dust off those white wines and fruity reds.

Winter’s wine focus for most consumers is on big red wines like cabernet sauvignon that go well with heavier foods like stews and steaks. But when our food interests shift to lighter fare – grilled fish, hamburgers and ribs – our wine interests shift too.

We still drink our fair share of cabernets in the summer, but we definitely drink more white wines at this time of the year. In recent weeks, we’ve been enjoying rosés and sauvignon blancs. We’ve rediscovered new white wines, like garganga and vernaccia from Italy.

So what constitutes the ideal spring wine? Good acidity.

Acidity gives a prickling sensation on the sides of the tongue and perks up the palate on a stifling hot day. Moreso, it serves as the perfect complement to a variety of foods that use spring vegetables and fruit.

In recent weeks we found two vernaccias from San Gimignano, a delightful walled town we visited in the Siena province of Tuscany. The Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG 2010 ($18) is medium bodied and surprisingly complex with citrus and tangerine notes and a creamy texture. The 2009 Teruzzi & Puthod Rondolino Vernaccia di San Gimignano ($14) has more bright acidity with great aromatics and notes of peach and pear.

Sauvignon blanc is a good call for spring too. Consumers have many styles from which to choose: the domonant grassy flavors of saugivnon blnc from New Zealand and the more moderate flavors of California sauvignon blanc.

There are so many alternatives to chardonnay that deserve trying. Here are a few:

Dry Creek Vineyard Estate Sauvignon Blanc DCV3 ($25). This producer makes some of the most consistently well-made sauvignon blancs in the Dry Creek Valley. It’s a specialty of winemaker David Stare, who likes to model the DCV3 after the Loire sauvignon blancs he loves. This was the first vineyard in the valley planted to sauvignon blanc. Lots of classic pineapple notes with a touch of ginger and mineral.

Chateau Ste Michelle Pinot Gris 2010 ($13). Juicy, fresh pear and spice flavors.

Trumpeter Torrontes 2010 ($12). We like this Argentine grape variety for its bright acidity and unique flavors. It offers ripe peach aromas and flavors of orange, lemon and mineral.

Cline North Coast Viognier 2011 ($12). This is a steal at this price. A Rhone grape variety, viognier’s power is in its aromas and the Cline doesn’t disappoint. But the flavors – peach, pineapple, citrus – don’t disappoint either. It’s a great sipping wine but will do well with cheese or shrimp.

Cline Marsanne Roussanne 2011 ($16). A blend of two popular grapes in France’s Rhone Valley, this Cline white has unique flavors that range from pineapple to honey. It may not appeal to every palate, but if you are looking for a different flavor profile, try it.

Sigalas Santorini Assyrtiko 2010 ($22). This has been one of the biggest surprises in our wine tasting adventures this year. Made on the Greek island of Santorini, it ranked among Wine Spectator magazine’s top 100 wines in 2011. It has great aromatics wth intense apple and pear flavors, good mineral and big acidity. It pairs nicely with seafood, including oysters, and serves as a refreshing aperitif.

Marchesi Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Vermentino 2010 ($25). If you are looking for something different this summer, this Italian vermentino from Bolgheri is very appealing. Simple, but delicious with peach aromas, lemon-lime favors and mineral notes.

Herdade do Esporao Verdelho 2011 ($12). From Portugal, this white wine is simple but very refreshing. Citrus, mango and apple flavors.

ROSES

Cline Mourvedre Contra Costa Rosé 2011 ($12). The mourvedre grapes offer a unique personality to rose. It has a touch of pomegranate to add to the cherry notes. Long finish, rich color.

Mas Guiot Rosé 2011 ($12). A bit of syrah and mourvedre is added to this predominantly grenache rose. One of our favorites year after year, the Mas Guiot has a nice balance of fruit and finesse.

Grande Cassagne Rosé 2011 ($12). This is a blend of grenache (60 percent), syrah and mourvedre. Electric pink color with perfumy aromas and rich cherry, watermelon flavors. The abundance of fruit makes you think the wine is sweet, but it is dry.

REDS

L’Ardi Dolcetto D’Acqui 2010 ($12). This is a terrific light bodied red wine that is sure to please the palate and pocketbook. Enticing berry, cherry fruit nose and is presented in a very soft manner in the mouth. This fun wine from the Piedmont region of Italy is made to drink tonight with casual food.

Austin Hope Grenache 2010 ($32). We loved the intense blackberry and cherry flavors of this rich grenache from Paso Robles. Tantalizing hints of black pepper and spice. Floral aroma.

Las Rocas Old Vine Garnacha 2009 ($20). Those of you looking for a steal must try this producer’s Red Blend ($14), composed of garnacha (grenache), tempranillo and syrah. As good as it is, we like the garnacha made from grapes grown on 80-year-old vines. Intense aromas and dark cherry flavors with good dose of oak

Carlos Pulenta Tomero Malbec 2010 ($15). You can’t go wrong for the price with malbec. This Argentine favorite sports ripe blackberry fruit with a hint of vanilla and oak.

Bodegas Caro Aruma Malbec 2010 ($15). A partnership between Lafite and Catena, this terrific malbec has ripe strawberry and raspberry notes with dashes of violets and chocolate.