Citizen Spotlight: Reuben Perdue

WAJR FM Clarksburg Talk Radio Host

Name: Reuben Perdue

Age: 34

Job Title: The News Director for West Virginia Radio Clarksburg – Reuben writes, researches, prepares, and records all the news casts covering their four station cluster and hosts the Morning Edition from Monday thru Friday on WAJR FM.

Hobbies: When he has time, he enjoys watching sports (especially soccer), watching movies, playing video games and anything like that to help him relax.

Years in broadcasting: 19 years

Where are you from and how did you get here? Originally from Ohio but chose this position, over other offers in different states, because he knew it would fit his desires the most.  He especially liked the opportunity to host the Morning Edition.

What are your plans when you retire? Reuben has no plans to retire.  He loves his job so it’s never occurred to him that there would be a life without it.

What qualities of your father influenced you the most? His father instilled in him a strong sense of right and wrong plus the candor to speak his opinion. 

What is the most difficult part of being a radio talk show host?  The most difficult part is keeping the show fresh and new while still being educational and entertaining. 

What is the best piece of advice you ever got? While not directly given to him, Reuben draws inspiration from a quote by George Bernard Shaw, “The secret to success is to offend the greatest number of people.”  In this business, saying what you believe is not going to make everyone happy, but it does make for compelling radio.  He will not compromise his beliefs to appease people that disagree with him. 

What is the most unique interview you have ever done? Interviewing WV native David Mills, the author of Atheist Universe.  Reuben interviewed Mr. Mills two years ago and still gets comments.  In fact, he got an email the day before this interview regarding it.   

What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you during a live radio show? He got a nose bleed while on air and it continued for the entire live show.  Fortunately, just he and his guest knew, were able to remain calm, and finish the interview.

What is the biggest change in radio that you have seen? Automated technology has replaced many of the responsibilities that were formerly done by disc jockeys.  There is not the same personal touch that relates as closely with the audience.   It has been a hard shift for Reuben because that was originally one of the appealing factors that drew him to radio.    

What advice would you give our readers?  Do not take any one person’s word on issues.  Research everything yourself because everyone has an angle and/or agenda.

FAQ: Can I Still Receive Compensation for My Injuries?

Q: I was recently hurt in a car accident that was caused by the other driver.  Unfortunately, my auto insurance lapsed before the accident.  Can I still receive compensation for my injuries?

A: While it is unlawful in West Virginia to drive without it, not having insurance does not impact your ability to recover damages (money) from the person who caused the crash.  If the accident was the fault of the other driver, you can still file a claim with his or her insurance company.  You may be able to obtain compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages associated with the collision.  Rest assured, though, that it is not going to be easy to work with the insurance company.

Citizen Spotlight: Alex Brady

An Inspiration for all of us…

Name: Alex Christopher Brady

Age: 11 years old

Year and Name of School: He is in 6^th grade and attends Braxton County Middle School

Favorite subject? Social Studies because he likes history.  In fact, Alex was the only student that answered the question about who the new acting governor was going to be the day Earl Ray Tomblin was sworn in.  Alex got a bag of chips as a reward. 

Favorite things to do?  Going metal detecting, coin collecting and fishing

Do you want to go to college?  If yes, where? Yes and he wants to go to WVU because he wants to be on their rifle team. 

What do you want to be when you grow up? He doesn’t know yet but maybe a politician.

What is your favorite movie? Crocodile Dundee

What is your favorite TV show? Pawn Stars

If you had one wish, what would it be? To go back in time to 1916 to get all the coins he could find.

If you could visit anywhere for one day, where would you go? Washington D.C. because he’s never been there and he would want to see Senator Joe Manchin and Senator Jay Rockefeller.  He would also like to visit the Smithsonian because of the newly renovated American History and Natural History Museums.

If you had all the money in the world, what would you buy first? A 1913 Liberty Head nickel or an 1849 $20 Liberty Gold Coin   

What is your favorite memory? He has a lot of favorites but recently it was meeting Senator Jay Rockefeller.

What is the best thing that ever happened to you?  When he got to go to the Wildwoods in New Jersey.  Every year he has to go to the Ronald McDonald House and one year they had their anniversary party.  Anyone that wanted to go was allowed to go on the trip, they just had to get up and be ready by 7:30am. 

What do you want for Christmas?  A guitar, a metal detector pin-pointer, and Rock Band 3.

If you could change anything in the world, what would it be?  He wouldn’t change anything because he likes it the way it is.

Is there anything you would like to tell our newsletter readers?  Merry Christmas

Citizen Spotlight: Conner Kornbrath

Connor Kornbrath, the Bridgeport High School football team’s kicker, has had 2 game-winning field goals and broke the BHS field goal record with a 51 yarder this season.

Name: Connor Kornbrath

Age: 17 years old

Student: Junior at Bridgeport High School

Family: Father-Brian Kornbrath; Mother-Barb Kornbrath; Brother-Michael Kornbrath

Hobbies: Sports of all kinds, video games, and hanging out with his friends

 

Plans for college: Currently undecided but hopes to kick at a Division I school.

Future Career Path: Hasn’t decided other than trying to kick in the NFL.

What qualities of your mother/father influenced you the most? He has his father’s patience and humor, while having his mother’s goal setting abilities.

Who do you admire most and why? He admires his parents the most because, no matter what, they have always been there for him and have been behind him.

What made you pick football? Connor’s friends convinced him to play football in the fourth grade. He also played soccer until he was a sophomore in high school which helped strengthen his basic kicking skills for football.

Are you nationally ranked? Currently, through Prokicker Academy, he is ranked 7^th overall in the nation. However, for the Kicking Recruiting class of 2012, he is ranked 2^nd in the nation.

What is the best piece of advice you ever got? You are only as good as your next kick.

What is the most difficult part of being a teenager right now? It is difficult to have enough time to have a job while dedicating so much effort into practice and school.

What advice would you give parents trying to understand their teenagers right now? Try to understand your teenager’s situation and everything they are experiencing before punishing them.

Citizen Spotlight: Rick Scott

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name: Richard “Rick” Scott

Occupation:  Fire Chief of the City of Clarksburg, WV

Age: 52

Wife: Darlene Scott

Years as a firefighter: 36 – He began as a volunteer with Lumberport Fire Department in 1974 at 15 years old and has been employed by the Clarksburg Fire Department since 1987.

Hobbies:  Riding his 2003 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic with his wife, Darlene, and their dog, Tia (they both ride with him).

What are your plans when you retire? He will be getting more involved in his church and other community activities.   Currently, Rick is a Fire Service and Rescue Instructor for WVU and RESA VII so he will continue staying involved with teaching emergency services, riding his motorcycle, spending time with his wife, Darlene, and taking his dog for walks. 

What is the most difficult part of being Fire Chief?  There is never a day off.  He has four stations and 42 firefighters covering 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.  Emergencies do not take a holiday and no matter what happens when people call 911, firefighters still have to be there. Firefighters don’t have the luxury of waiting until they finish fighting one fire, if another one has started.

What is the most unique incident you’ve encountered?  It’s difficult to identify the “most unique” incident because he has responded thousands of calls and they all seem unique.  He’s experienced very sad calls that involved death, to delivering a baby, and odd animal rescue calls.  In fact, they recently had to rescue a dog off the side of an 80 foot cliff.  They have even rescued a deer out of a pool.

What qualities of your parents influenced you the most?  His strong work ethic was inherited from his father while his mother taught him manners and kindness towards others.

Is there someone other than your parents that had a significant impact on your life?  Rick’s father sadly passed way in 1979 but his neighbors, Joe and Betty Hall, became Rick’s second set of parents. 

What is the biggest risk you see facing people today?  Drugs and alcohol are, without question, the biggest issue facing everyone today.  They have a call come in every single day involving something that stemmed from drugs or alcohol. 

What advice would you give our readers? Life is fragile.  He is reminded how fragile it is every day in his line of work, so be happy and just enjoy it. 

Spot Light: Joe Manchine

 

 

 

 

Age:63

Family: Wife Gayle, 3 children, 7 grandchildren

What was your profession prior to getting into politics? Businessman/family-owned business

What was the first thing that attracted you to your wife? Gayle was a very good dancer.  I was immediately drawn to that. 

 What do you like to do for fun (if there were no restrictions on your activities)? Fishing, hunting, walking, riding motorcycles, flying airplanes and spending time with family.

 Do you have any pet peeves? One thing that bothers me is when people fail to see the best in themselves. 

 What is THE most important life lesson your parents taught you? The value of hard work, finding something that you are truly passionate about and helping the people around you reach their goals. 

 What is the best piece of advice you ever got? When you believe in someone, you stand behind them until their back hurts.

 What is the most unique or strangest incident you’ve encountered since becoming Governor?  How did you handle it? By far, the most difficult incidents that I have encountered have been our mining tragedies.  These very emotional situations have allowed me to witness firsthand the power and resilience of the human spirit, and our states citizens’ ability to pull together in difficult times. 

 What one person that you’ve met made you the most nervous/anxious prior to meeting him/her? I was anxious to meet The Queen.  This experience was very methodical.  It is important that people follow a very particular protocol upon meeting her.  Through all of the preparation, I discovered that she is a very delightful and pleasant person.  

 If you could have dinner with one person who is deceased, who would that be and what would you ask them? There are so many more questions that I would truly like to ask our late great Senator Robert C. Byrd.  I would also give anything to hug my dear grandmother, Mama Kay, again. 

 What one person do you respect and admire most and why? My grandfather, Papa Joe, for his relentless work ethic and his unconditional love.   

 What one charitable organization do you respect and admire most and why? Every charitable organization is special in its own way.  They each do so much good for citizens and allow people to live a better quality of life. 

What is the one thing that people misunderstand about you the most? Some think that I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth. In reality, as a small child, I lived in a two-bedroom garage apartment in Farmington, W.Va. with my brothers and sisters. I thought it was the greatest place in the world, and I still do.

Spotlight: Melissa Stevens-George

Melissa is a long time resident of Harrison County, she graduated form Bridgeport High School in 1985. She received a BS degree in Management/Marketing from Fairmont State University in 1992. Missie, as she is called by her friends, has an extensive background in bookkeeping and office administrations, having worked for 4+ years in a local CPA firm and over 14  years in the accounts department of a local manufacturing plant.

Although Missie is new to the law field she is eager to put her experiences form prior work and apply them to the law firm. She is excited everyday by the challenges of learning and helping our clients through their claim. ” Missie’s enthusiasm for learning new things has been contagious in our office. When combined with her administrative skills, she is an asset to this firm,” says owner Timothy Miley.

Mrs. Stevens-George and her husband, Ivan George, III, Make their home in Clarksburg along with their two beautiful children, Ivan IV (13) and Sarah (5). When not at work she enjoys being active in her church, St. James Catholic Church, listening to music and reading.

Spotlight: Virginia L. Vincent

Virginia is a life long resident of Fairmont, West Virginia. Where she is an alumni of Fairmont Senior High School. She has two children , David and Cheri.

Virginia is an accomplished legal assistant with over 11 years of experience. She spent 10 years with a defense firms Jackson Kelly and Steptoe and Johnson. Virginia began working at the miley legal group in 2009.

“Virginia has a great attitude toward her co-workers and our clients. Her quiet wisdom, patients, and attention to detail are tremendous assets to this firm” said owner Tim Miley.  She brings a high level of competence and skill to the Miley Legal Group.

Outside of work Virginia enjoys to listen to music perform standup comedy and read. The most important people in Virginia’s life are her three grandchildren, she cherishes the time spent with them the most. Breana (14), Ashlyn (11), and Dawson (11).

Spotlight: Nicole DeSimone

Nicole is a personal injury legal  assistant for over nine years, the last two being with the Miley Legal Group. She was born in Oakland, Maryland but sent most of her childhood in Philippi.She is a graduate of Barbour County High School, in 1996, and attended Alderson-Broaddus College where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in secondary education.

Nicole is driven and dedicated legal assistant who strives for perfection. ” When you assign a file to Nicole, you know that it will always be in immaculate order and that all tasks will be completed on time,” said owner Tim Miley. ” I look forward to coming to the office every day and being apart of an extended family- we make up an amazing team,” said Nicole.

Nicole and her husband, Domenic, have been married for 10 years and currently live in Nutter Fort. They have two children- Gianna (8) and Anthony (5). Domenic, a Marine Corps veteran, currently works as a recruiter for the US Army out of Morgantown, West Virginia. While not at work Nicole and Domenic love to travel and do all things related to their children.

Spotlight: Karen Grant

Karen Stutler Grant is a Liberty High School Graduate. She is married to her high school sweetheart Bill Grant. While in South Carolina she took her first job as a legal receptionist then moved to a legal assistant at a Columbia ,SC injury law firm. When illness brought Karen back to West Virginia she continued her career as a legal assistant while furthering her education at Fairmont State in 1999. Karen has a degree in business administration coupled with being a legal assistant for over twenty years. The last three being with The Miley Legal Group.

Karen and Bill are currently living in Buckhannon. When she is not working Karen enjoys reading, camping, and playing tennis. Karen and Bill also like to be adventurous, they own a motorcycle and are known to jump on and take long rides.

” Despite having the longest drive of any member of our staff, Karen is almost always the first person in the office and the last one to leave” said Tim Miley, owner of The Miley Legal Group. Karen’s greatest strengths are her attention to detail and dogged work ethic. In addition to the responsibilities as a legal assistant, Karen is also largely responsible for being the resources for the staff members. Tim adds ” If something needs to be done I give it to Karen, you know it will get done. I wish I could clone her.”