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Post election notes

Some Primary Election observations:

–Patrick Morrisey stayed steady. Various polling indicated the Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate had the support of around 30 to 35 percent of likely voters and none of the other candidates was able to cut into that base.    Morrisey, who lives in Jefferson County, was particularly strong in the Eastern Panhandle, where his vote total was greater than the other five candidates combined.

–Governor Jim Justice’s support throughout the campaign for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate was also unwavering.   Justice consistently polled in the mid to upper sixties, while Rep. Alex Mooney was in the twenties. Justice won with 61 percent of the vote, compared with 27 percent for Mooney.

–Secretary of State and Republican gubernatorial candidate Mac Warner challenged the most recent MetroNews West Virginia Poll, which showed him with 10 percent. Warner, who waged a strong grassroots campaign with an appeal to fellow veterans, finished a distant fourth, but he did outperform the poll with 16 percent of the vote.

–The final MetroNews West Virginia Poll was on the money on the top two finishers in the race for the Republican nomination for Governor. Our poll had Morrisey at 32 percent; he finished with 33 percent.  The poll had Moore Capito at 24 percent, and he finished with 28 percent. The poll’s margin of error was 4.9 percentage points.

–Admittedly, our poll missed badly on the race for the Republican nomination for Attorney General. Our final poll had J.B. McCuskey and Mike Stuart in a dead heat, with a large block of undecided voters. McCuskey ended up winning by a two-to-one margin. Internally, we debated whether to even poll the race or release those results because of all the undecided voters. If I had a do over, I would have thrown the results in the trash or just not tried to poll the race. I’ll know better next time.

–The surprise of night was Senate President Craig Blair’s 1,500 vote loss to Tom Willis in the 15th Senatorial District (Berkeley, Hampshire, Morgan). Thus begins the Senate Republican caucus internal debate over who should succeed him. The Senate Presidency is a powerful and prestigious position since that individual also serves as the state’s Lieutenant Governor, who is next in the line of succession if the sitting Governor is unable to serve.

–Expect abortion to be an issue in the General Election. Democratic gubernatorial nominee Steve Williams and U.S. Senate nominee Glenn Elliott both say they will campaign on letting West Virginia voters decide what the state’s abortion law should be.   Current West Virginia law prohibits abortions except in rare circumstances.

–A convicted felon who was part of the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6 and spent three months in jail received over 38,000 votes from West Virginia Republicans and independents. Derrick Evans, who billed himself as a “political prisoner,” still lost to incumbent Republican Representative Carol Miller (63 percent to 37 percent) in the 1st Congressional District.

–Don Blankenship’s foray into a statewide race as a Democrat did not go well. The former Massey Energy CEO and longtime Republican, who spent time in prison for a misdemeanor conviction for violating mine safety standards, received just 18 percent of the vote in the race for the Democratic nomination to the U.S. Senate.

–West Virginia’s county clerks and their staffs, as well as the hundreds of poll workers, deserve credit for a job well done Tuesday. All 55 counties had final results by midnight Tuesday, just four-and-a-half hours after the polls closed.

 

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Fulford returns to Huntington, joins Marshall hoops staff as Associate Head Coach

— By David Walsh

 HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall graduate Rob Fulford returned home Tuesday when he was hired as Associate Head Basketball Coach under new Thundering Herd head coach Cornelius Jackson. 

Fulford leaves Akron, where he spent the past seven seasons as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Zips.

“I’ve known Rob for many years. He’s a first-class person and a first-class coach with a first-class work ethic,” Jackson said in a university release. “He’s a proven winner who’s had major success coaching and recruiting at the college and prep school levels. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him and his family back home to Huntington.”

Fulford played a key role in Akron’s success over the last seven seasons. The Zips averaged more than 20 wins per season and earned three Mid-American Conference titles. They were NCAA Tournament participants in 2022 and 2024. Over the past few seasons, the Zips and Herd met in non-conference play and staged entertaining, close contests.

Fulford played a large part in bringing in the talent for the Zips. Some of those players included 2020 Mid-American Conference Player of the Year Loren Cristian Jackson and fellow two-time All-MAC selections Xavier Castaneda and Ali Ali. Castaneda won the MAC scoring title in 2023. 

In all, Akron had 13 All-MAC selections and five All-Defensive choices during Fulford’s time.

Prior to his Akron tenure, Fulford spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Missouri, where he helped recruit a consensus top 20 class in 2014-15. The achievement got him named by Stadium as one of the top assistant coaches in the country.

Before his run at Missouri, Fulford coached one of the nation’s top prep programs in Huntington Prep from 2009-14. 

During his tenure, Huntington Prep compiled a 139-18 record while consistently being ranked in the Top-5 nationally among prep programs over his final three seasons. The 2013-14 team finished No. 3 in the nation (29-5).

Fulford coached future No. 1 NBA Draft pick Andrew Wiggins (2014), 2018 NBA Draft lottery pick Miles Bridges and 2013 NBA Draft first-round pick Gorgui Dieng.

A native of Mullens, Fulford also coached Mountain State Academy for three years (2006-09) and racked up an 81-14 record.

Fulford received his B.A. in Education from Marshall in 1997.

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St. Marys returns to state tournament with 9-0 win over Wheeling Central Catholic

WHEELING, W.Va. — Highlights from St. Marys’ 9-0 win over Wheeling Central Catholic in the decisive game of the Class A Region I tournament. The Blue Devils (28-3) will face the winner of Thursday’s Midland Trail/James Monroe game in the state tournament opener on May 22.

(Highlights by Teran Malone)

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Keyser claims second state tournament berth in school history with 3-1 win at Weir

WEIRTON, W.Va. — When the Keyser Golden Tornado left Weirton Monday night following a 7-6 loss to Weir, Colton Jones’ team knew they needed back-to-back victories to extend their season. Wednesday night, the Golden Tornado brought the Class AA Region I championship trophy back to Mineral County after a 3-1 win in the decisive game of the best-of-three regional series.

Keyser has advanced to the state tournament for just the second time in school history and for the first time in a dozen years.

“We have been so close the last four years. I am going to get emotional. It just means a lot to the City of Keyser,” Jones said.

“This is a good group of kids. We have one senior and a lot of young kids. The future is bright here.”

Keyser defeated the Red Riders, 6-4 Tuesday at home to force the deciding game.

Weir (22-12) jumped out to an early lead just two batters into the game. Leadoff batter Eliza Utt hit an opposite-field triple and later scored on a wild pitch.

Trailing 1-0 in the fourth inning, Keyser gained the lead with a pair of sacrifice flies just two pitches apart. Bibs Felton sent Taylor Likens to the plate and Makayla Gillaspie followed up with a fly ball to score Rylee Mangold.

“Especially with it being a low-scoring game, getting those runs got us going a little bit. That definitely helped.”

Weir had a chance to answer back in the bottom of the fourth inning. The Red Riders put two runners in scoring position with one out. However, Mangold struck out the next two batters to escape the inning.

“That was a big momentum boost right there for us. That swung it our way. We have been struggling a little bit defensively, especially in game one up here. But we challenged the girls a little bit after last night and they came up and performed well.”

Keyser added an insurance run in the sixth inning with a solo home run from Felton.

Mangold retired the final twelve batters she faced to collect a complete game victory. She allowed just two hits, which were to the first two batters in the game. Mangold struck out seven batters and walked a pair.

“That’s what an all-state pitcher does. She just comes out here and dominates every day. I am so proud of her. She worked super-hard. That’s all you can ask for.”

Utt went the distance in the circle for the Red Riders. She allowed five hits and struck out eight batters.

Keyser will face Bluefield in the opening game of the Class AA state tournament at South Charleston’s Little Creek State Park on May 22 at 9:45 a.m.

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Wheeling Central starts strong, never looks back in 11-0 win against Cameron

WHEELING, W.Va. — With Wheeling Central welcoming Cameron on Wednesday for just its second game since May 7, there was understandable concern from Maroon Knights’ coach Todd Cover.

Although the Maroon Knights needed one win before two losses to wrap up a Class A Region I, Section 1 championship, the potential for rust along with facing a Division I-bound pitcher in the Dragons’ Coy Angel only heightened Cover’s cause for concern.

By the end of the first inning, the Maroon Knights had erased all doubt.

Wheeling Central set the tone by scoring five runs on five hits in the opening frame off Coy Angel, and that was more than enough offense to back a strong pitching performance from Brayden Cover in an 11-0 five-inning victory at the J.B. Chambers I-470 Sports Complex.

“It’s been a long two weeks here. The Madonna game got pushed back, so we just had to keep practicing,” Central coach Todd Cover said. “My arm is worn out from throwing BP that many days, but it’s worked out for us. Pitching and defense has been there for us all year that’s kind of what we rely on. 

“They have a really good pitcher going Division I and we kind of thought it was going to be a low-scoring game. I didn’t know how we’d handle it, because we haven’t seen that kind of velocity yet, but we came out and swung the bats pretty well. Scoring five relaxed us a little bit. That’s a big key for us is getting ahead and then having our pitching and defense take over.”

The result polishes off a sectional championship for Wheeling Central (23-3) and allows the Maroon Knights to advance to next week’s best-of-three Region I series against Williamstown that will feature two of the top Class A programs battling for a spot in the state tournament.

Central sent 11 batters to the plate in the opening frame after the first three reached. Eli Tucker and Gary Hatfield accounted for consecutive singles following Braxton Billick’s leadoff walk, with Hatfield’s single plating Billick for the first run.

After the first out, Zayne Rosnick capitalized on a drawn in infield and ripped a two-run single to right to up his team’s advantage to 3-0.

The Maroon Knights scored twice more that inning — first on a Kade Koroneos single that was a high chopper up the third base line and enabled Rosnick to come home, and again when courtesy runner Andy Bailer crossed the plate courtesy of a wild pitch.

Coming off a knee injury that’s prevented him from pitching for a month, Angel struggled early.

“He’s pitched a couple innings here and there, but we didn’t know how well he was going to do,” Cameron coach Adam Angel said. “We threw Lance [Hartley] a little bit yesterday to try to give him as much time off as we could if we got to tomorrow. Coy just wasn’t sharp and they gave us plays to make on some soft-hit balls, but we just didn’t make them. Tough plays to make and we just didn’t execute.”

After the Dragons positioned a pair of baserunners at the corners in the second, Cover induced a ground ball to second off the bat of Wes Starcher to escape unharmed.

Central’s plate patience paid off in the home half of the second as Kay Lipinski and Cover worked walks immediately after Rosnick was hit by a pitch. Rosnick scored the lone run of that frame on a wild pitch with two outs, and Cover worked around a third-inning walk with a pair of strikeouts to keep his shutout intact.

The Dragons (22-11) hurt their cause in the bottom of the third as Tucker reached on a dropped third strike that led to a throwing error and Billick scoring from second base. Moments later, Hatfield reached on a throwing error that brought Tucker around from second base to make it 8-0.

“They made contact and put pressure on our defense,” coach Angel said. “Putting pressure on any defense, there’s going to be mistakes and you’re going to be able to score. I told our guys, I don’t care if it was 55-0, we didn’t score a run. Even with those plays, you have to be able to score. It’s tough.”

At that point, Preston Harley replaced Angel as pitcher, but the Maroon Knights had the matchup well in hand.

Still, Central wasn’t done scoring and produced three runs in the fourth on one swing — Tucker’s bases clearing double to left.

Trailing by 11 in the fifth, Cameron threatened to prolong the contest when Starcher worked a leadoff walk and Hartley followed with a double to right, putting two in scoring position for the Dragons.

But Kason Angel’s ground ball to third resulted in the first out of the inning at the plate, and the contest came to an end not long after when Cover struck out Colson Wichterman and Lipinski, a catcher, immediately threw down to third where Seth Cover tagged Hartley before he could get back to the bag for the final out.

It marked the second time in as many innings a Dragons’ baserunner had been picked off.

Over five shutout frames, Cover allowed two hits, walked five and struck out six.

“With the delay, it’ll be two weeks tomorrow since he last pitched. You do bullpens, but it’s not the same as a game,” coach Cover said. “He probably wasn’t as sharp with his control, but he battled back and we made a great play at the end to keep the shutout. He’s a sophomore and we expect big things from him.“

Tucker drove in three runs and had two hits. Lipinski matched Tucker’s hit total as the duo combined for half of Central’s eight hits.

Coy Angel, who will prolong his baseball career at Wright State, was charged with eight runs on six hits over 2 2/3 innings in defeat. He struck out five and walked a pair. 

“I’ve been throwing pretty hard in the cage to them trying to get them ready for the velocity,” coach Cover said. “We have a lot of talent, but the best thing about us is our kids are great kids.“

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2024 WVSSAC State Softball Tournament schedule

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Twelve teams have qualified for the WVSSAC State Softball Tournament, which will be hosted by Little Creek Park in South Charleston. The double elimination tournament will be played May 22-23.

Opening round games are predetermined with Region I champions facing off with Region III winners and Region II champions meeting Region IV winners. The tournament is not seeded.

The semifinal round, winners bracket final and first elimination games will be played on Wednesday. The losers bracket final and championship rounds will be played on Thursday.

Class A games will be played at Craft Field. The Class AAA & AA games will be played at “The Rock.”

MetroNews, in conjunction with Video Productions, will produce video and audio broadcasts of all state tournament games. Broadcasts will air on the MetroNews Radio Network, the MetroNews website and the MetroNews TV App.

Class AAA (The Rock Field B)

Wednesday, May 22

Game 1 – University (22-9) vs. Greenbrier East (21-9), 9:45 a.m.

Game 2 – Washington (21-6)/Musselman (15-14) winner vs. Cabell Midland (28-5), 30 minutes after Game 1

Game 3 – Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser, 4:45 p.m.

Game 4 – Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, 30 minutes after Game 3

Thursday, May 23

Game 5 – Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 loser, 9:45 a.m.

Game 6 – Championship, 2:15 p.m.

Game 7 – If necessary, 30 minutes after Game 6

 

Class AA (The Rock Field A)

Wednesday, May 22

Game 1 – Keyser (25-9) vs. Bluefield (17-5), 9:45 a.m.

Game 2 – Herbert Hoover (26-3) vs. Winfield (23-9), 30 minutes after Game 1

Game 3 – Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser, 4:45 p.m.

Game 4 – Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, 30 minutes after Game 3

Thursday, May 23

Game 5 – Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 loser, 9:45 a.m.

Game 6 – Championship, 2:15 p.m.

Game 7 – If necessary, 30 minutes after Game 6

 

Class A (Craft Field)

Wednesday, May 22

Game 1 – St. Marys (28-3) vs. Midland Trail (19-7)/James Monroe (8-9) winner, 9:30 a.m.

Game 2 – Petersburg (25-8) vs. Buffalo (18-12), 30 minutes after Game 1

Game 3 – Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser, 4:30 p.m.

Game 4 – Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, 30 minutes after Game 3

Thursday, May 23

Game 5 – Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 loser, 9:30 a.m.

Game 6 – Championship, 2 p.m.

Game 7 – If necessary, 30 minutes after Game 6

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Could be runoff in Raleigh County circuit judge race

BECKLEY, W.Va. — The race for a circuit judgeship in Raleigh County may be going to a runoff.

There were five candidates in Tuesday’s race to replace longtime Circuit Judge H.L. Kirkpatrick who announced earlier this year he would not be seeking reelection after nearly 30 years on the bench.

A newer section of state code that created non-partisan judicial races with no primaries says that if a winning candidate fails to pick-up 30% of the vote there has to be a runoff between the top two finishers.

Beckley attorney Rusty Wooton finished first in the five-candidate race but he was just under 30%. If the totals stay the same during vote canvassing and the certification process, Wooton would have to face Michael Frobel in a November runoff.

Raleigh County voters chose state lawmaker Todd Kirby in the other judicial race. Delegate Kirby was running unopposed for the seat after Raleigh County Circuit Court Judge Robert Burnside announced last fall that he also wouldn’t be seeking reelection.

Burnside recently put in his resignation before the end of his term. The state panel that helps fill judicial vacancies is taking applications.

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10 Effective Remedies for Toenail Fungus That Could Save Your Nail

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This pesky infection can cause your nails to thicken, discolor, and even crumble, leading to embarrassment and discomfort. But don’t despair – there are numerous effective remedies available that can help get your nails back to a healthy, beautiful state.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 proven treatments for toenail fungus that could save your nails from further damage. From over-the-counter medications to natural home remedies, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re just starting to notice signs of fungal infection or have been battling it for years, these tips can help you get on the path to clear, strong nails.

How to Know if Toenail Fungus is Dying

Before we jump into the remedies, it’s important to understand how to know if toenail fungus is dying. Here are some key indicators that the infection is on its way out:

  • The nail starts to look clearer and less discolored. As the fungus dies, the yellowing, browning, or whitish appearance of the nail will begin to fade.
  • The nail becomes thinner and more pliable. Fungal nails are often thick and brittle, but as the infection clears, the nail will return to a more normal thickness and texture.
  • The nail starts to grow out more quickly. Healthy nails typically grow about 3-4 millimeters per month, but fungal nails often grow much more slowly. As the fungus dies, the nail will start to grow faster.
  • The nail starts to separate from the nail bed. This is a sign that the fungus is loosening its grip, allowing the healthy nail to grow in.

If you notice these changes, it’s a good indication that your toenail fungus is on its way out. But don’t let your guard down just yet – continue with your treatment regimen to ensure the fungus is fully eliminated.

10 Effective Remedies for Toenail Fungus

Now that you know how to spot signs of improvement, let’s take a look at 10 effective remedies that can help you get rid of toenail fungus for good.

Prescription Antifungal Medications

One of the most common and effective treatments for toenail fungus is prescription oral antifungal medications. Drugs like terbinafine and itraconazole have proven to be highly effective in clearing up fungal infections, with success rates around 70%. These medications work by penetrating the nail and targeting the fungus directly.

Over-the-Counter Antifungal Lacquers and Paints

If you’d prefer to avoid oral medications, you can try an over-the-counter antifungal lacquer or paint. These topical treatments contain active ingredients like ciclopirox or amorolfine that are applied directly to the affected nail. They work by slowly penetrating the nail to kill the fungus.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a powerful natural antifungal that can be an effective treatment for toenail fungus. Simply apply a few drops of pure tea tree oil to the affected nail twice a day. You can also mix the oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil to help it penetrate the nail more effectively.

Apple Cider Vinegar

The acidic properties of apple cider vinegar make it a great natural remedy for toenail fungus. Soak your feet in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water for 30 minutes per day. You can also apply undiluted vinegar directly to the affected nail using a cotton ball.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an inexpensive and readily available antifungal agent. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with water and apply it to the affected nail, covering it completely. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.

 

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has powerful antiseptic and antifungal properties that can help fight toenail fungus. Soak your feet in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution for 30 minutes per day. You can also apply the peroxide directly to the nail with a cotton ball.

Garlic

Garlic is a natural antifungal that has been used for centuries to treat various fungal infections, including toenail fungus. Crush a clove of garlic and apply it directly to the affected nail, covering it with a bandage. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing.

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is rich in thymol, a powerful antifungal compound. Mix a few drops of oregano oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the affected nail twice a day. The oil’s antibacterial and antifungal properties can help eradicate the fungus.

Epsom Salt Soaks

Epsom salt soaks can help reduce inflammation and promote healing of the affected nail. Add 1/2 cup of Epsom salts to a foot soak and soak your feet for 30 minutes per day.

Laser Treatment

For stubborn cases of toenail fungus, laser treatment may be an effective option. This non-invasive procedure uses targeted light energy to destroy the fungus without damaging the surrounding tissue. Multiple treatments are typically required for best results.

Conclusion

Toenail fungus can be a frustrating and stubborn condition, but with the right treatment approach, it is absolutely possible to get your nails back to full health. The 10 remedies outlined in this article provide a comprehensive toolkit for tackling toenail fungus from multiple angles.

Whether you opt for prescription medications, over-the-counter topicals, or natural home remedies, consistency is key. It may take several months of diligent treatment to fully eradicate the fungus, but don’t get discouraged. Stick with it, and you’ll be rewarded with clear, strong, beautiful nails.

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NWS issues flash flood warnings, advisories for parts of southeastern West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A few counties are under a flash flood advisory or flash flood warning for Wednesday night.

The National Weather Service issued a flash food warning for West Central Fayette County. The warning will remain in effect until 10:15 p.m. Wednesday night.

Thunderstorms in the area brought between one and two inches of rain. Up to an inch of additional rain is possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is also ongoing or expected.

A flash flood advisory is out for parts of southeast West Virginia. The advisory remains in effect until 9:45 p.m. Wednesday in Greenbrier and Monroe counties.

The Summers County Sheriff’s Office also said that the county is experiencing some flash flooding. There are a few flooded streets as reported by Summers County 911 Center that include James Street and parts of 3rd, 4th, and 7th avenues in Hinton.

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Longtime public servant Bob Ashley has died

Longtime public servant and legislator Bob Ashley has died, state officials said today.

Bob Ashley

Most recently, Ashley had been a part-time regional representative for Gov. Jim Justice’s administration. Before that, he had been the administration’s legislative director.

“Bob never met a stranger and was an amazing person. He served this State for decades as a delegate, a senator, and as my legislative director and a regional representative. I know that our friends in the House and Senate would agree he had a unique ability to connect with everyone. I never saw Bob without a smile, as he had an unmatched love for life and his work. He was someone you could always rely on, and we will remember Bob with nothing but fond memories,” Gov. Jim Justice said.

“We ask all West Virginians to keep his family in your prayers.”

Ashley was first elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1984 and went on to serve as Republican Leader in the 72nd and 73rd Legislatures. He was appointed to the state Senate in 2015. He was a Delegate-at-Large to Republican National Convention 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2012.

In the Senate, Ashley was defeated in the 2016 general election by fellow incumbent Republican Donna Boley. Ashley had been appointed to a Senate seat in 2015 by Governor Tomblin to replace departing Sen. David Nohe. Instead of filing to run for that seat, Ashley filed to run against the seat held by Boley.

“I was shocked to learn of the passing of our former colleague and dear friend, Bob Ashley,” said Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley.

“Bob’s long and dedicated service to Roane County and the state of West Virginia is a testament to the love he had for this state and its people. That love, of course, was secondary to the love he had for his wife, sons, and grandchildren. On behalf of the Senate, we extend our deepest condolences to Bob’s family, and we will keep them in our prayers as they come together to remember this life well lived.”

Ashley was the owner of Ashley Insurance Agency. He is a graduate of Marshall University.  He is also a member of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce and served more than 20 years on the Board of Directors for Roane General Hospital. He is a member of the Spencer, WV Rotary Club and the former president of the Allohak Boy Scout Council.

His wife, Anita, is a circuit judge in the area that includes Calhoun, Jackson, Mason and Roane counties.

Their son, Ben Ashley, served as director of architectural services for the School Building Authority. He now works for ZMM, an architecture firm, and he and his wife Suzette run the Ashley Insurance business in Spencer. Another son, Sam, is a petroleum engineer.

“Bob was the kind of public servant we unfortunately don’t see enough of these days: the person who runs for public office to serve the greater good. He came from a family of service, and we all should be grateful he and Anita nurtured an even further generation of service,” said House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay.

“Bob represented my district when I was growing up, and he’s who first asked me to consider running for office, serving as the model legislator. He showed how to keep your family first. He led what was then the Minority party with a decorum that can be tough to muster when you’re always on the losing side of what you believe is right. And he demonstrated congeniality when he returned some years later as Republicans were in the Majority.”

He continued, “Maya Angelou said people forget what you say and what you do, but they never forget how you made them feel, and that’s evident with Bob Ashley. He’s leaving us much too early, but if you ever had the pleasure of interacting with Bob, you know that every interaction with him was in fact a pleasure, and always with a smile. He will be sorely missed.”

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