As Boone County prepares for the New Year, 2010, the Coal Valley News would like to pause and reflect back on events from this past year.

These are the stories that brought a smile to lips, a tear to an eye, eliciting strong feelings from our readers - from anger to pride - these headlines range the gamut, and are just a sampling of the many stories the Coal Valley News has brought to our readers in 2009:

The Boone County Sheriff’s Department welcomed their newest chief deputy, Cpl. Chad Barker, on January 2, 2009

Barker was sworn in as the department’s second-in command before an audience of his fellow deputies, county officials and family members. Barker took over the reigns from former Chief Larry Greene.

Patriot Coal Corp. announced plans in early January to shut down the Jupiter mine in Boone County. The closure was attributed to Jupiter’s “unacceptably high cost structure, coupled with softer market conditions.”

Criss Heston monitored radio transmissions during Barack Obama’s inauguration ceremonies January 20, from his Garrett’s Fork home.

Heston was named to the position of National Digital Training Coordinator for Air Force MARS.

Big Coal River residents file massive lawsuit against nine coal operators in January.

A list of plaintiffs spanning four pages filed a massive civil suit against nine area coal operators in Boone County Circuit Court. The complaint, filed by attorneys John Sutter, Roger Decanio and John Mitchell, Sr. allege the companies were responsible for numerous civil offenses against the families. The trial is on-going in the Boone County Courthouse.

Murder in Madison shocks community.

The body of Charles Eddie Ferrell, was found early Feb. 2, inside his Madison residence.

Ferrell's body was discovered by a cleaning lady earlier that morning inside his home at Walnut Street, according to authorities. Then, early Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 3, the Madison Police Department charged Natasha Davis, 22 and Jason Ramsey, 25 both of Gordon, with first-degree murder.

Hudson chosen to be the next Superintendent Beginning in July 2009, John Hudson took the reigns as Superintendent of Schools.

According to Hudson, the decision was made after current Boone County Board of Education held a special session on Jan. 6 for the purpose of hiring a new Superintendent of Schools. The meeting was held at 5 p.m. on Jan. 6 at the Operations Complex.

Activists are arrested after protesting coal mine.

West Virginia State Police from the Whitesville detachment arrested and cited 14 people the week of Feb. 11, as they peacefully protested at the Markfork Coal Mine.

The protest took place on the morning of Feb 1, when reportedly five environmental activists chained themselves to a bulldozer and an excavator at the Marfolk Coal site, a subsidiary of Massey Energy.

Storm wreaks havoc – Heavy winds left more than 5,000 without electricity in area

While a tornado may not have touched down on Boone County Feb. 11, it certainly seemed that way to people on the ground in Madison, Danville and Coopertown, as well as the more than 5,000 people who were without electric service the next morning.

Boone County Health Department creates Medical Reserve Corps Unit

New program designed to help citizens during times of natural disasters and pandemic outbreaks.

Dialysis center celebrates grand opening in February

More arrests made following activist protests of coal mine

Two more arrests were made following protests by Mike Roselle and James McGuiness, who peacefully protested at the Cherry Pond Mountain.

Madison recognized as ON TRAC community

Madison was recognized as one of only 13 communities who have been chosen as the state’s first-ever designated ON TRAC Communities. Gov. Joe Manchin met with representatives from all 13 communities at the Governor’s Mansion Rotunda at Charleston on Feb. 18 in a ceremony honoring this distinction.

Boone County jury finds man ‘not guilty’ of murder

David Burgess’ lawyer says the death of Roy Kimble was not murder, but a textbook case of self-defense and the jury agreed. It took about a day and a half for a Boone County jury to find a former Whitesville resident not guilty of murder.

FamilyCare brings first pediatrician to Boone County

County’s only pediatrician, Dr. Jason Frazer, begins work in Madison.

Skyhawks basketball team move on to state finals

Skyhawks faced Wyoming East Warriors at Charleston Civic Center. The last time the Skyhawks earned a state tournament berth, Franklin D. Roosevelt was President of the United States.

Legislation to turn the Donald R. Kuhn Juvenile Detention Center into a prison for adult offenders blocked.

Miner wins suit against Massey

Stanley Stevenson II was awarded nearly $2 million in a suit filed against Independence Coal Company.

Photo exhibit tells stories of communities using art

Nora Dotson, Patty Sebok, April Lawrence, Billie Benter, Donna Bowles, Maria Lambert, Kay Kinder, Misti Pennington, Shannon Bell, and Debbie Santonia, compiled photos of their communities and presented these photo essays at the Photovoice Project Exhibit at Scott High School.

Wharton coal mine lays off 65 miners in March

Tough economic times blamed for layoffs at Long Branch No. 25.

Massey idles mine, lays off hundreds in April

Workers at the Black Castle mine agreed to take pay cut and pick up cost of health insurance at first signs of mine layoffs.

Mountaintop mining activist captures environmental award

The 2009 Goldman Environmental Prize winner, Maria Gunnoe,of Bob White, received a trophy and $150,000 for her grassroots environmental work.

Hundreds turn out to protest spending

A grassroots initiative to voice protests of American citizens who are appalled at the spend-fest in Washington, D.C., the TEA Party gathered quite a few crowds in the Mountain State on April 15. Reportedly, tens of thousands of people across the nation gathered in peaceful demonstrations that were organized on a grassroots level.

They came holding signs that spoke against the recent $81 billion bail out that has bulldozed its way through Congress and was not affiliated with any political party.

Documentary featuring Jesco White debuts in N.Y. City

Web site lists film as one of the 10 most promising documentaries to premiere at Tribeca Film Festival.

Bridge near Ramage renamed in honor of World War II veteran

The Ramage and W.Va. 17 Bridge was renamed last week in honor of Boone County resident, PFC Sebert S. Duty, who lost his life a short time after the D-Day Invasions of 1944.

Three Madison volunteer firefighters charged with arson

Complaint says men set fire, waited before calling 911, then proceeded to evacuate occupied building.

Former Madison Post Office/Bank Building converted into Boone Heritage & Arts Center.

Heritage and Arts Center celebrated a grand opening the week of June 3. Boone County Community, Economic Development and Tourism Office Director Larry V. Lodato spoke to a packed crowd during the grand opening of the Arts and Heritage Center, located at 343 Maini Street, Madison.

Bridge dedicated to Ulbrich

An American patriot and son of Boone County and the great state of West Virginia, was honored in June with the naming of the Brian Scott “Scotty” Ulbrich Memorial Bridge.

Specialist Brian Scott Ulbirch, known affectionately as “Scotty,” a member of the Third Armored Calvary Regiment in the United States Army, was killed in action on June 5, 2005, in the farmlands south of Baghdad, Iraq.

More protestors arrested at Massey coal mine in June

Four of the 14 activists arrested scaled the 200-foot dragline at Progress Mine.

Environmental group, coal company team up to reclaim surface mine site

David Hettinger, an engineer at Patriot coal, is presented with a certificate of appreciation by April Trent, coordinator for the Appalachian Coal Country Waterhsed Team, for the company’s partnership with the group in mountaintop removal site reclamation.

July Protest brings hundreds to coalfields

Local protestors are released at the Whitesville State Police Detachment after being arrested and cited obstructing and impeding the flow of traffic along Rt. 3. Actress Daryl Hannah was among those arrested during the July protest of a coal mine and coal slurry located behind Marsh Fork Elementary School.

Football season dropped at Van – but picked up again and saved by new Van Principal

Blair Mountain removed from historic list

Boone County Courthouse employees Dent, Cook honored as heroes

Women inspire community by helping raise funds for local toddler in need of an artificial eye.

Local children’s book author Cali Davidson gives book earnings to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

First ‘Coal Miners Appreciation Day’ held Labor Day weekend, along with several area ralies

This year, several events took place in the area to help celebrate the West Virginia coal miner. Continuing a long-held tradition, many in southern West Virginia gathered at Racine for the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Labor Rally.

In addition to this rally, a “Friends of America” rally took place on a reclaimed mine site near Holden. Fox News commentator and syndicated radio host Sean Hannity, country music legend Hank Williams Jr., and Ted Nugent, participated in the Friends of America rally. This rally was sponsored and funded by Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship.

Access to family cemetery at James Creek blocked

Resident Danny Cook appeals to DEP to enforce state law requiring access to family cemeteries. DEP says they are okay with current access routes and says coal company not required to keep road from one cemetery to another open.

Patriot Coal shuts down strip mine in Boone County

Closure of Samples Mine eliminated 314 jobs and ended production to one of the largest mountaintop removal operations in West Virginia.

Mark A. Gray, a 28-year-old contract equipment operator dies at Orgas mine

Gray was fatally injured when his articulating dump truck overturned into a newly constructed sediment pond on mine property, according to the MSHA. His death at the Samples Mine was the ninth mining-related fatality of the year.

Bulldogs get pep talk from W.Va. college football icons

Nehlen, Pruett attend rally to support football team at Van High School.

Prenter community celebrates groundbreaking on waterline in August

Gov. Joe Manchin, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 18, said the delay in providing clean drinking water to Prenter residents was a ‘sin.’

The groundbreaking is the start of a Phase I infrastructure project that will bring clean water to the residents of the Prenter community. Representatives with West Virginia American Water, contractor Andrew Chojnacki, Chris Jarrett of the Water Development Authority, and WV DEP Secretary Randy Huffman team up for this private-public partnership that will bring a much-needed waterline extension to the Big Coal River area.

Home Video Studio wins International Award

Home Video Studio, a home-based business owned and operated by a Madison native and entrepreneur, won a Hanley award at the ninth annual Home Video Studio (HVS) Getaway in Las Vegas, Nev. The Hanley Awards are HVS’ version of the Oscars, which recognize achievement in the movie industry.

Boone County residents mourn the loss of Senator Edward M. "Ted" Kennedy.

Tree sitters taken into custody after five-day protest.

On Sep. 22, Carol Martin resigned her position as victims services coordinator.

Coal train derails near Van

Nine loads of coal were strewn across the ground as a CSX train derailed at in early Septembery. The incident blocked traffic in and out of the area for more than 10 hours, stranding some motorists in Madison.

Boone Health Department says the vast majority of flu currently circulating in the area is H1N1 flu.

The County Health Department and newly created MRCU opens several clinics to give vaccine shots to target populations.

Fitness club and event center opens

Karlie Belle Price, owner of Belle’s Fitness and Event Center, offers her clients a classy atmosphere for building physical fitness and fun.

Boone County 911 Director asks Governor for assistance on behalf of Powell Creek residents, for the repair of wooden walk bridges.

Sylvester residents say ‘enough is enough’ to dust and blasting from a project to build a railroad track in Whitesville

Residents, such as Elizabeth “Punkie” Casto, who live along Coal River Road, complain about the noise, rocks and dust coming from a Massey Energy project to build a new CSX track to the Elk Run facility.

Rescue shelters now in place in all required W.Va. underground mines, as of September.

Board of Education approves dental program in county

The Boone County Board of Education voted to approve Valley Health Westmoreland to conduct and administer a dental program to school aged children in Boone County during its Oct. 6 meeting. Valley Heath received an oral health grant from Logan Healthcare Foundation, that included services to children in Boone County.

WVU Extension Office begins Master Gardener Course.

Cook named director of Boone-Lincoln campus

William H. "Bill" Cook was named as the new Director of Campus Operations for the Boone/Lincoln Campus of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. Cook joined Southern after holding a position for 10 years as the Town Manager and Community Center Director for the Town of Danville.

First doses of swine flu vaccine given to Boone County residents in October

Supply shortages not expected, though area healthcare workers were the first in the area to receive the vaccine.

National recognition given to Boone Co. resident

West Madison native Joyce L. Birley was honored with the Chuck Hunt Achievement Award for her lifetime of service to people with disabilities. The award is an national designation, awarded during the NISH/Ability One Conference at Baltimore, Maryland.

Boone Memorial Hospital creates separate Swine Flu Clinic

Boone Memorial Hospital employees Teresa Meade, and Terri Dolan, both noticed the increase in flu patients and approached the BMH Administration with the idea of opening a separate flu clinic for people coming to the hospital with possible H1N1 virus.

Barker appointed Danville City Manager

Joshua “Shag” Barker, of Chapmanville, was appointed City Manager of Danville in November. Barker is replacing well-known resident Bill Cook as the City Manager.

Hudson’s Main Street Cafe experiences great turnout during its opening week.

Phase II of Waterways Walking Trail Project gives outdoor enthusiasts more to enjoy

A new half-mile asphalt walking trail is now open to the public at WaterWays theme park, just off U.S. 119) at Julian. Phase II of the walking trail project was funded by a Federal Recreational Trails Program Grant of $50,000, awarded to the Boone County Commission in early 2009. The Boone County Commission contributed $12,000 to the project and the Boone County Parks and Recreation Commission’s maintenance department worked for several weeks clearing the site and other prep work getting the area ready to be paved.

Big Coal River veterans honored with memorial on Veterans Day

Built on property donated by the town of Whitesville, the Big Coal River Veteran’s Memorial was dedicated on Wednesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

The memorial commemorates the sacrifices of the men and women of the Big Coal River area who served in the armed forces of the United States. The dedication ceremony was attended by a large turnout of veterans and area residents, along with county and state officials. Congressman Nick Rahall laid a wreath at the memorial services at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year, which marked the end to World War I.

Senator Stollings attends Climate Change Summit in D.C.

Mountaintop Removal Mining encroaches on rural communities

The rural town of Lindytown to be bulldozed after Massey buys out majority residents for mountain top removal coal mining. 85-year old Lawrence Richmond and his family are the only holdouts

Area martial arts students winners in Ohio competition

Martial Arts students from Madison’s Martial Arts Studio recently came home with several trophies for their accomplishments.

MaKenzie White wins the Gold Medal in the Goodwill games held in Buenos Aires

Scott High School Sophmore and her hand-picked Goodwill Games team, brought home the Gold medal for their winning streak in basketball.

Boone County Board of Education joins lawsuit against state of W.Va.

According to Boone County Superintendent of School John Hudson, the board entered into a potential lawsuit in July of this year along with 49 other counties.

The board’s decision was made this past summer, in response to the state legislature indicating that retiree health costs would be a burden for county boards of education.

“We believe it is the state’s responsibility for the funding and recording of that statute,” Hudson says.

Man blames hunger strike on mountain top removal mining

Roland Micklem has witnessed many things in his 81-years, but it is what he terms the “depressing” practice of mountaintop-removal mining that prompted Micklem to begin his fast. The fast began Nov. 30, and Micklem says he will go without food and is not sure when the fast will end. It was Micklen who also led a march of senior citizens from Charleston to Mammoth Coal in Kanawha County.

VFW National Commander-in-Chief visits Daniel Boone Post 5578

The strength of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is found in its members, not in its checkbook, a sentiment that was rallied to a small but attentive crowd this past week at the Daniel Boone Post 5578 in Madison.

The message was delivered by National Commander Tradewell, who was elected the national leader of the VFW in August and who is on a four-day tour of posts throughout the State.

Coal River Group Named WV Watershed Network's Watershed Association of the Year

More than 100 volunteers attended the event and were given awards for their work to create partners, to implement projects, to educate their communities and to monitor water quality to determine project success.

Cap and Trade is debated at Rotary, University of Charleston in December.

Dotson extradited back to W.Va.

Howard Dotson, a former Boone County resident who has been living in Colorado, was returned to West Virginia on 96 counts of sexual assault. Dotson arrived at Yeager Airport in Charleston escorted by officers. Dotson has been wanted for 11 years on charges he sexually assaulted his four step- daughters. The girls were between 5 and 11years old when the abuse.

Boone County children ‘Shop with a Cop’

The “Shop with a Cop” program has been a successful community outreach initiative in all parts of the nation for more than a decade, helping disadvantaged families during the holiday season. Approximately 20 children were each given $200 to spend at the Target store at Southridge Shopping Plaza in Charleston.

A family, community say goodbye to McCann

Boone County’s oldest resident, Nancy McCann, dies at age 108.

More than three-quarters of Boone County residents experience power outages during “Storm of the Century”

On Friday evening, Dec. 18. at approximately 7 p.m., as forecasted by local weather channels, the "snow storm of the decade" moved into the southern coalfields.