Charleston Gazette

Gazette Charities Christmas Fund: ; Shelter Houses Families in Need

rustymarks@wvgazette.com Freda Cutlip, director of Jericho House shelter in St. Albans, got a phone call Monday night from a woman in a motel. She and her young husband were out of money, and had nowhere else to go.

'Jeopardy!' Whiz Jennings Finally Defeated

Knight Ridder Newspapers There's no question: Nancy Zerg is America's new quiz whiz.

Ridge to Step Down at Homeland Security

The Associated Press WASHINGTON - Tom Ridge, the nation's first homeland security secretary, announced Tuesday that he is resigning after three years of reworking American security and presiding over color-coded terror alerts. He's the seventh Bush Cabinet officer leaving so far.

Mezzatesta Seeks Pay for Day of Court Date

ericeyre@wvgazette.com Former House Education Chairman Jerry Mezzatesta wants the state to reimburse him nearly $1,000 for a three-day visit to Charleston during which he cleaned out his office, said goodbye to friends, and pleaded no contest to a criminal charge in Kanawha County Magistrate Court.

Dow Advises Dozens to Transfer: ; Company Restructuring Continues to Affect South Charleston Plant

paulwilson@wvgazette.com Dozens more Dow Chemical employees in South Charleston will soon be out of work or out of town after a company announcement Tuesday.

Allawi Sets Conditions for Iraq Election Talks

The Associated Press BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraq's interim prime minister went to Jordan on Tuesday for meetings with tribal figures and other influential Iraqis in a bid to encourage Sunni Muslims to participate in the Jan. 30 elections, but he ruled out contacts with insurgent leaders and former members of Saddam Hussein's deposed regime.

U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq

As of Tuesday, at least 1,253 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. At least 981 died as a result of hostile action, the Defense Department said. The figures include three military civilians. The AP count is one lower than the Defense Department's tally. It's not unusual for the figures to differ from day to day.

Bush Defends Policies in Canada

The Associated Press OTTAWA - President Bush tried on Tuesday to repair U.S.-Canada relations strained by years of bickering over trade and Iraq, although he stood by policies that have irritated Canadians.

Man Shot in Robbery On West Side

A city man was shot in the arm during an apparent robbery Tuesday evening on the West Side, police said. Jeremy Carter, 22, of Charleston told police he was walking near the intersection of Summit and Amity drives at about 8:30 p.m. when two men in a dark green Ford Taurus pulled up and demanded his jacket, said Charleston police Lt. Jim Sands.

Court Weighs Title Ix Retaliation Claims

Knight Ridder Newspapers WASHINGTON - Roderick Jackson was doing what any good coach would, sticking up for his players when the school administration shorted them on resources.

Three City Residents Face Methamphetamine-Lab Charges

Three Charleston residents were arrested on methamphetamine charges after Metro Drug Unit officers allegedly found materials used to make the drug in their apartment on Tuesday. Police arrested Candida Gale Root, 27; Thomas Linn Root Jr., 35; and Loni Michelle Bailey, 22, all of 622 Randolph St. Apt. B, after Metro Drug Unit detectives found meth-making materials in a bedroom in the apartment they share, according to court records.

Inside

Herd invited to Fort Worth Bowl With Marshall headed to a Texas-laden Conference USA, the Thundering Herd will get a sneak preview of traveling to the Lone Star State. Marshall received a bid Tuesday to play Cincinnati in the PlainsCapital Fort Worth Bowl.

Coal Case Creates Recusal Issue: ; Massey Ceo at Center of Another Controversy

tobycoleman@wvgazette.com Weeks after spending $3.5 million to help a candidate win a seat on the high court, Massey Energy chief executive officer Don Blankenship is creating controversy amidst the justices.

Putnam Won't Do Business with Delinquent Firms

cshumaker@wvgazette.com WINFIELD - Business owners who haven't paid their personal property taxes in Putnam County won't be getting the county's business any longer.

Missing Hunter Found Dead

GHENT - A Raleigh County hunter missing since last week was found dead Tuesday. Alvin Graham, 72, had last been seen Friday afternoon walking into the woods to hunt in an area that his acquaintances told police he knew well, said Trooper J.L. Mitchell with State Police in Beckley.

Carriage Trail Group Plans Dec. 15 Forum

mandyrorrer@wvgazette.com A group of Charleston officials and residents plans to ask what should happen with South Hills' historic Carriage Trail.

State Leads South in Highway Funds: ; but Mountain State Roads Still Among Deadliest in Nation

sfinn@wvgazette.com West Virginia receives more federal highway money per person than any other state in the South, according to a new report by the Southern Legislative Conference of the Council of State Governments.

State Briefs

PETA chicken to protest fowl abuse An activist with the animal rights groups People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals will protest outside a Charleston fast-food restaurant today dressed in a chicken suit and riding in a wheelchair.

Obituaries: ; Obit

Marie Adams Marie Adams, 88, of Charleston died Nov. 9, 2004. Bartlett- Burdette-Cox Funeral Home, Charleston, is in charge of arrangements.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lit

NEW YORK - A bright symbol of the holiday burst to life in Rockefeller Center Tuesday night as Mayor Michael Bloomberg and three Olympians turned on the 30,000 lights decorating the center's famed Christmas tree. Three Olympic gold winners - ice skater Sarah Hughes and gymnasts Paul Hamm and Carly Patterson - joined the mayor to light the tree at the annual ceremony in midtown Manhattan.