Charleston Gazette

Bush Rules Out Increase in Payroll Tax,: ; Decision Limits Options to Fix Social Security

The Associated Press WASHINGTON - President Bush on Thursday flatly ruled out raising payroll taxes to ensure the solvency of Social Security, as he opened a push for historic changes in the retirement program.

Permits Don't Trump Flood Suit, Court Says

kward@wvgazette.com Coal operators, timber companies and large landowners are not immune from a multi-county flood lawsuit just because they follow state environmental rules, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

Pendleton Wind Project Hits Snags

balow@wvgazette.com A proposed $100 million wind energy project in Pendleton County faces two potential roadblocks - one from the county commission, one from state regulators.

Doorstop Case Dropped, Teacher's Run-in with Fire Marshal Gets National Attention

robbyers@wvgazette.com An assistant state fire marshal who cited a Monroe County teacher for having her classroom door propped open with a rubber doorstop has dropped the charge.

U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq

As of Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004, at least 1,280 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 1,003 died as a result of hostile action, the Defense Department said. The figures include three military civilians. The AP count is two higher than the Defense Department's tally, last updated at 10 a.m. Thursday.

Things to Do Today

BROWN BAG CONCERTS: One-hour shows begin at noon. The schedule includes: Front Page, Cultural Center, State Capitol Complex. Free. Call 558-0162. OPEN STAGE: Ron Sowell hosts this event for local musicians, 7:30 p.m., (performers sign up at 7 p.m.). Unity of Kanawha Valley, 3102 Blaine Blvd. Adults, $5; senior citizens, children and performers, $2. Call 965-5256 or 346-9210.

In Perspective

This week we introduce "My Sunday Journal," a column by Dalton Roberts of the Chattanooga Times-Free Press. Roberts is a preacher's son, blues musician, philosopher and former county manager. Also, a new book on the failure of free trade by

Jay Blasts Mystery Spy Plan

The Associated Press WASHINGTON - The senior Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee backed away Thursday from comments that a mysterious and expensive government spy project itself was dangerous to national security. But he pledged to continue efforts to kill the highly classified espionage program.

Pregnant Accident Victim Hit Several Times

SILVERTON - Several vehicles struck a pregnant Florida woman and did not stop after she was ejected from a sport utility vehicle during a rollover accident Thursday on Interstate 77 in Jackson County. Police believe Cassandra Jane Brown of Roseland, Fla., died before she was hit by the other vehicles, "but there's no way of knowing for sure," a Jackson County Sheriff's Department spokesman said.

Five Killed in Ohio Shooting Rampage

The Associated Press COLUMBUS, Ohio - It looked like something out of a macabre heavy- metal video: The lights dimmed in the smoke-filled nightclub, the rock band Damageplan launched into its first thunderous riffs, and then a man in a hooded sweatshirt ran the length of the stage and opened fire, shooting the lead guitarist at least five times in the head.

Jack Whittaker Reports Granddaughter Missing

Record Powerball winner Jack Whittaker has reported his 17-year- old granddaughter missing, police said late Thursday. Family members had not seen or heard from Brandi Lasha Bragg since 9 p.m. Saturday when she was at her Hurricane home, Putnam County Sheriff's Sgt. Lisa Arthur said.

W.Va. Fiscally Sound for Now, Survey Says

The Associated Press West Virginia's budgetary health has rebounded along with that of most other states, but relief from fiscal problems may not last long, a nationwide survey of lawmakers released Thursday said.

Ski Shop Promotes Safety with Free Helmets for Kids

GHENT - A Raleigh County doctor and a ski shop are encouraging young skiers and snowboarders to play safely by providing them with free helmets. The Ski Shop in Ghent and Dr. A. James Paine Jr. announced their Brain Saver program Thursday.

Flipside

Faith & Community

New River Community College President to Retire

LEWISBURG - New River Community and Technical College President David Perkins plans to retire at the end of the month, the college has announced. Perkins has been president of the college since July 1, when it became an official component of Bluefield State College. His retirement is effective Dec. 31, the college announced this week.

Army Reserve Facing Officer Shortage

The Seattle Times SEATTLE - The Army Reserve is facing an extreme shortage of company officers, a situation aggravated by a surge in resignation requests.

Tech to Offer Degree On Mu's Campus

susanwilliams@wvgazette.com Starting next fall, staff with West Virginia University Institute of Technology will be offering the school's bachelor of science degree in civil engineering on Marshall University's campus.

Dhhr Chief to Decide On Bonuses

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Secretary Paul Nusbaum will decide in the next few days whether the department will give one-time, $1,000 bonuses to employees, a department spokesman said Thursday. John Law said the one-time "salary adjustments" would come out of the nearly $9 million in federal performance bonuses the DHHR has received in recent weeks.

Obituaries

Margie E. Adams Margie Ellen DeLong Adams, 63, of Baltimore, Ohio, died Dec. 8, 2004. Service will be 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at Roush Funeral Home, Ravenswood. Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.