Norman's Tater Blog

Sample

2008-02-09T11:04:00.000-08:00

2007-10-25T16:48:00.000-07:00

2007-07-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

In the Circuit Court of Pocahontas County, West Virginia

Pocahontas County Solid Waste Authority, Plaintiff

Vs.

David Allen et als Civil Action # 07-C-30(P) 9 July, 2007

Motion to Dismiss #2 Plaintiff fails to specify Remedy

Now comes John Leyzorek, Defendant Pro Se, and respectfully moves that the instant Complaint be dismissed with prejudice, because the Plaintiff seeks to make the Court party to its proposed abuse of the Court and of the Defendants by asking it for an unlimited “hunting license” to pursue unspecified sums of money from the Defendants.

The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and Article III-14 of the West Virginia Constitution recognize and guarantee any defendant’s right to know the charges against him, and no element of a charge can be more important than its gravity, which in the case of a monetary demand, is the amount claimed.

The means used by the Plaintiff for calculating the sums allegedly owed are also matters of dispute, as well as the regulations or laws under which the debt is alleged. Plaintiff’s failure to specify in the Complaint the sums allegedly owed is also a subterfuge by the Plaintiff to trick the Court into granting a seeming of legitimacy to the entirety of claims which require detailed scrutiny.

On these bases the Plaintiff’s instant suit is fatally defective, and should be dismissed, and with prejudice because of its repugnant attempts to deceive the Court and violate the rights of the Defendants.

John Leyzorek, pro se defendant is not an attorney, and recognizes and admits his ignorance of many fine points of law and procedure, but respectfully asserts an understanding of the principles of justice and of his rights and of the merit of his defense against the claims of the SWA.

He respectfully demands as his right recognized in Cottrell v Cottrell, Bush v Hammer, and others, the indulgence and assistance of this honorable Court, wherever his research or his knowledge of procedure may be deficient but he attempts in good faith to make a valid point or to assert a right, or wherever a valid defense or a right exists of which he is ignorant.

He reserves the right to edit this filing to correct errors or add supporting material.

obits

2007-06-12T08:31:00.000-07:00

Candidates for Durbin Town Council

2007-05-21T18:10:00.000-07:00

Sheila Himes

Kim Wimer

Melissa Rexrode

The Plat for Howe's for Roger

2007-05-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

Deeds for Roger Sharp

2007-05-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

Where the Propane Tank IS

2007-05-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

Friel Girl's Arrest Records

2007-05-10T14:11:00.000-07:00

Durbin Water Drinkers

2007-05-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the testing lab for your water supply.

The Missing CD's

2007-05-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

Superintendent Refunds FOIA payment to Alderman

2007-05-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

Superintendent Refunds FOIA payment to Alderman

2007-05-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

Bridge Over Troubled Water

2007-05-02T13:51:00.000-07:00

Unpermitted Fill at Minnehaha

2007-05-01T06:47:00.000-07:00

2007-04-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

They Charge These People a Sewer Fee

2007-04-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

Violations at Howe's Leather--Lewisburg Drinks from This

2007-04-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

These are copies of the state reports after the investigation in August of last year. It was only with great effort we were able to get DEP to even inspect the wastesite. But they did send a four person team up there and completely walked the site.

Jack Fleshman did admit that they test only for the presence of chromium not the miltivalent versions of Chromium III which is harmless and Chromium VI which is a cancer causing agent. So it can safely be said that, despite testing, DEP does not know what the condition of the chromium which has been pumped into the Greenbrier River. Canoists, swimmers, and others use the Greenbrier for leisure. Lewisburg and Hinton both get their water from the Greenbrier. Yet, DEP's record is that of spotty and almost nonexistence surveilance of the situation. This has been going on for nearly 12 years.

After we had a series of local reports that in addition to the chromium, that transformers containing PCB's had been buried at Howe's. It was then that DEP finally came to Howe's for a look. To date, many months later, they have yet to conduct any core drilling of the fields where the transformers are supposed to have been buried despite the fact that we uncovered a very suspicious area where they transformers are supposed to have been buried.

I personally conducted a core sample myself. I found that a one inch plastic pipe penetrated the ground at the spot with hardly any resistance at all which would indicate the presence of a cavity or low resistance material at the spot. Yet my offers to DEP to let them test my sample have been rejected. They claim that they will take their own if necessary.

But as it stands, it hasn't seemed necessary to them.

Now, on the very same site as where the transformers full of PCB's are supposed to have been buried someone is plowing up the ground. Now the ground, which had been in sod grass, is exposed to the elements which can result in erosion and leaching of the material.

So it goes to say that nobody seems to be guarding the henhouse. For some reason DEP has chosen to turn a blind eye to a deadly waste dump at Durbin, the very head of the Greenbrier River.

How can this be? Does Walt Helmick who was once supervising this site and was instrumental in getting Howe's Leather to turn over the property to the county for a sum of $250,000 be involved in any way? Well, I think so!

What about the people of Lewisburg? Are we going to let them be poisoned by this material? We'll see!

I am sending this email and the enclosed attachment photos to as many places as possible with the hope that someone will listen to our cries in Pocahontas County! If nothing else, when this does rise to the surface at least we will have a record that someone raised a red flag.

Please help us! Anyone?

If you want to see the actual photos of the contamination, go to etater.com

Chris Reeser Forum 2

2007-04-18T16:42:00.000-07:00

Mar 24th, 2007 - 11:55 PM *Re: Secondary Site--Green Bank Tragedy Part II*

I have a question????

In a very early post someone stated that there was no home to take Chris
to? How can you be put on that list? What do you have to do to Quallify
to save a childs life?
*To sad*

Mar 25th, 2007 - 9:01 AM *Re: Secondary Site--Green Bank Tragedy Part II*

Contact DHHR and they can give you the information you need.
*To Sad:*

Mar 25th, 2007 - 10:38 AM *Re: Secondary Site--Green Bank Tragedy Part II*

I couple of things I know you will have to do is take parenting
classes/foster parent classes. And a complete background check,
including criminal, of all adults in home will be also done.
Fingerprinting, etc. is also done. I know this from a couple of parents
that had the "meth makers" kids for about a month.
*Tell It Like It Is*

Mar 25th, 2007 - 11:44 AM *Re: Secondary Site--Green Bank Tragedy Part II*

To Sad

The following is the web address that you can go to and fill out an
inquiry form if you are interested in becoming a foster parent:

www.wvdhhr.org/bcf/children_adult/foster/inquire.asp
*Sad*

Mar 25th, 2007 - 1:27 PM *Re: Secondary Site--Green Bank Tragedy Part II*

First off.. I am glad to see there are so many educated, well trained
indiviuals in Pocahontas county that have nothing better to do than sit
around writing on this thread.
TO IMA, sounds to me like you are angery with CPS for your own private
reasons. Possibly because you have been involved with them and did not
like the outcome???? Due to a little thing called a Consitution (maybe
you have heard of it) CPS has to follow certain guildines set down by
the FEDERAL gov. and State gov. or violate peoples civl rights. At this
point you are jumping up say what about the kids rights? After a
lengthly court process if the parents comply with the Court CPS cannot
keep the kids out of the home they have to be returned. Once again that
would violate civil rights.
Secondly There are only TWO (2) foster homes in Pcahontas County. Yes
CPS can transport to a shelter but only if there is an open bed. CPS
would not leave a child just becase there is not a bed close by, they
would transport to ANY location in the state.
Only three people know what the conversation was between Chris, CPS and
Law enforcment, yet every one is acting and talking as if they were in
the room also. If there is not evidence of immenent danger then CPS
cannot remove children even though we might want them to (that pesky
Consitution again.)
Sounds to me like every one is upset and needs to blame some one. If you
feel you can do CPS's job better than them then test for the job-- (you
do have a college degree don't you?)
As for IMA -- maybe you better clean your own house before others
decided to clean it for you.
*Tell It Like It Is*

Mar 25th, 2007 - 1:48 PM *Re: Secondary Site--Green Bank Tragedy Part II*

To Sad

AMEN!

I agree with you. Some people get the impression that it is
sooooooooooooo easy! Well, it is not easy and if they would bother to do
the research then they would better understand what is involved. I am
not trying to place the blame on anyone. As I stated before, I was not
there and do not know what events took place that led to this tragedy.
*tater salad*

Mar 25th, 2007 - 1:51 PM *Re: Secondary Site--Green Bank Tragedy Part II*

Didn't know the victim in this case, or the grandfather. But from what
I've heard on other threads about this case the abuse was on-going for
two generations? The granfather abused the mather as well as the son?
How is that not proof enough that the child needed to be removed? The
child told his friends at school that he was being abused (or so someone
said on the kids thread about this boys death.) It seems everyone knew
the child needed to be removed EXCEPT the CPS. And now an innocent child
is dead.
*Sad*

Mar 25th, 2007 - 2:07 PM *Re: Secondary Site--Green Bank Tragedy Part II*

To tater salad:

I can understand your train of thought, however if no one stands up and
is willing to testify in court, or if there is only statments from
people "not wanting to get involved" ..CPS can't do much.

Even when CPS wants to remove or do something they still have to follow
procedure and federal guidlines.

If CPS could remove based on past history numerous families would be
complaining that "CPS took my kids for no reason". Several of the people
posting only did so becasue CPS stepped in as reported by the
"gentleman" in an earlier thread and they are mad.

I guess the bottom line is CPS steps in and they are a Nazi
organization, they don't and they are the anti-christ
*sam*

Mar 25th, 2007 - 10:22 PM *Re: Secondary Site--Green Bank Tragedy Part II*

there are only 2 foster homes in pocahontas co. well our home has been
approved we had a home study done over 5 months ago with fingerprints
and all. the papers are still setting down in beckley. they could have
broought chris to our home. so why say there is only 2 foster homes in pc.
*WHY?*

Mar 26th, 2007 - 10:26 AM *Re: Secondary Site--Green Bank Tragedy Part II*

If no one will step in to save a child from being beaten or abused in
any manner then IMHO they are just as guilty. When it comes to something
that severe an adult SHOULD step in and tell someone and go to court to
ensure that the person DOING the abuse will no longer be able to do this
to any child. Subpoena them. If they lie on the stand, then charge them
for that also.
As for the children having no place to go, there are places and even if
it may take a little driving it would be well worth it in order to save
the childs life. When a child says he is scared to go home, and his
brother lived there before and also was abused, then ya know there is
something going on! CPS can say all they want to, but then we also have
to fall back to the Bennett baby...allowing the mother a week or
whatever to get the "boyfriend" out and LEAVING the children there. This
is not a game people. PUT ADS IN THE PAPERS, ON THE NEWS, ON THE RADIO
STATIONS THAT FOSTER HOMES ARE NEEDED IN THIS COUNTY! I am sure that
people would do this if they knew the necessity or the NEED. Most people
do not want to see a child abused in any manner. If I do not see ads in
the paper for this, then I will continue to feel that CPS is NOT doing
their job to the best of their ability. It's just a little more
paperwork..so get to it. Lets not let anymore of our children die in
this county at the hands of idiots.
*Tell It Like It Is*

Mar 26th, 2007 - 10:51 AM *Re: Secondary Site--Green Bank Tragedy Part II*

To Why?

I have already submitted the inquiry form on DHHR website concerning
becoming a foster parent. Have you submitted one yet???? Are you already
a foster parent???
*WHY?*

Mar 26th, 2007 - 2:11 PM *Re: Secondary Site--Green Bank Tragedy Part II*

I would love to be a foster parent. However, I have a severely disabled
baby with multiple problems and have far too much time to put in with
her, such as therapy, doctor appointments, etc. Much more than the
typical parent does. My husband and I have both considered having
another baby in a few years, but may not be able to do so. We would also
love to have another one right now, but it would not be fair to my baby
to add another child and take away from her needs and it would also not
be fair to a new child to not get the attention he or she would need due
to my first needy baby. My husband and I have also been contemplating on
adopting later on if we can not have any more children of our own. OR
since there is such a desperate need for foster homes, we very well may
even consider doing that AFTER we find out what is in store for us and
our new baby and her physical capabilities. I hope there is more out
there like you who are able to take that step and try to provide a
foster home and safe haven for needy children. I commend you for that
and your ability to do so. Even though I am unable to do it at the time,
if a child needed me to go to court to keep them from being beaten or
abused in any way, I WOULD and COULD do that.
*Tell It Like It Is*

Mar 26th, 2007 - 2:33 PM *Re: Secondary Site--Green Bank Tragedy Part II*

To Why?

I totally understand your situation and I wish you the best and your
family will be in my prayers. All of my children are grown and moved on
with building a life of their own. I raised 3 children and have 5
children and love them more than life itself.
*Tell It Like It Is*

Mar 26th, 2007 - 2:37 PM *Re: Secondary Site--Green Bank Tragedy Part II*

To Why?

Correction on last posting, I have 5 grandchildren
*WHY?*

Mar 26th, 2007 - 3:20 PM *Re: Secondary Site--Green Bank Tragedy Part II*

Thank you. It has been very difficult, especially with this being our
first child. I wish I could do more as far as fostering goes, but as
stated previously I feel that my hands are pretty much tied at this
point. I just hope and pray that others are like you and will do what
they can if they are able to do so. That is so important right now. The
kids in our county and elsewhere as well, need to know that they are
being thought of and will have a place to go. I do not want any other
child looking at what happened here and now being too afraid to tell
someone thinking they may be the next one killed because no one does
anything after they get brave enough TO TELL someone. I am sure you all
can understand where I am coming from on that one. Thanks again for your
thoughts and prayers for our family.
*Wondering*

Mar 26th, 2007 - 3:42 PM *Re: Secondary Site--Green Bank Tragedy Part II*

From what I gather...Galloway did do an interview with the child and he
told all. CPS talked to the grandfather and he denied all.... So we see
which side the CPS choose this time... maybe they will do better next
time. Now I'm wondering why the State Police did not do more. To Serve
and To Protect. Who?
*Ima*

Mar 26th, 2007 - 10:08 PM *Re: Secondary Site--Green Bank Tragedy Part II*

This comment is directed to SAD. If it makes you happy to think that I
have had dealings with CPS...then please. Be my guest.
When you put on a uniform and get called to the scene of a crime where a
6 month old baby has been drowned in a bathtub by a crack addicted
parent (known to CPS)...CALL ME and I will give a crap about your opinion.
When you see a woman throw a 2 year old out the window of a car speeding
down the interstate at 75mph...CALL ME and I will give a crap about your
opinion.
Should you ever see the lifeless body of a 5 year old who has been
gutted with a steak knife...call me and I will give a crap about your
opinion.

Until then, look in the mirror and repeat the following words: HEE
HAW,HEE HAW. jacka$$.
*Larry Himes*

Mar 27th, 2007 - 2:11 PM *Re: Secondary Site--Green Bank Tragedy Part II*

I don't want to detract from the seriousness of the Greenbank tragedy,
but I thought this story would be appropriate to the topic.

http://www.wusa9.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=56971

Things as bad or worse than this happen frequently in many places. Just
thank heaven that things aren't worse in PC than they actually are.

Larry
*Ima*

Mar 27th, 2007 - 6:20 PM *Re: Secondary Site--Green Bank Tragedy Part II*

Larry, thanks for sharing the news article. I would also like to share a
news article from the area I lived and worked in not so long ago. It
should explain the "anger" I feel towards CPS. This is just a small
portion of the article- the entire article can be found
at:http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/yahoo/bal-reforms0127,0,888711.story
David Carr was a two month old child who was beaten to death. DSS refers
to Department of Social Services:

"Susan Leviton, director of the Children's Law Center at the University
of Maryland School of Law, said she was disturbed that the state refused
to answer any questions about David Carr's death or respond to the
suggestions for improvements to the agency.

"This drives me crazy with this agency, because any time you find any
problem, they say, `We can't talk about it; we have to protect the
children's confidentiality,'" Leviton said. "When a child dies, and they
won't talk about it, who are they really protecting? The agency."

Beilenson is chairman of the city Child Fatality Review Committee, which
scrutinizes the deaths of about 120 children a year by nonmedical
causes, such as vehicle crashes, accidents and abuse.

As part of that review, Beilenson said that he was disturbed by a trend
of a large number of children who appeared to be dying of abuse after
they entered the state's Child Protective Services system.

"In looking at the child abuse deaths, the vast majority of the cases
were known to DSS," he said in an interview yesterday. "The children
were being taken out of abusive families by the DSS, and then returned
to the families, or placed in situations that were clearly dangerous."

In November, Beilenson created a special task force called the Child
Welfare Reform Committee, for which he recruited eight experts,
including Leviton and Dr. Allen Walker of Johns Hopkins Hospital. The
panel's report was released yesterday.

The Sun's recent investigation into the failings of the DSS and juvenile
courts to prevent the death of David Carr underscored the urgent need
for reform, Beilenson said.

"These deaths you have been writing about are only the tip of the
iceberg," said Beilenson, referring also to the deaths of 5-year-old
Travon Morris in February and 15-year-old Ciara Jobes in December 2002.

First

Prev

Reply

Home

Next

Last

powered by Powered by
Bravenet bravenet.com

Chris Reeser Forum 1

2007-04-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

Mar 16, 07 - 12:49 PM *Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I was up at Green Bank around the time this event took place. I was told
that Lyle Taylor had shot his grandson and then turned the gun on
himself. I have no reason to believe that this is in error. More and
more information is filtering through the grapevine everywhere I go.

I can't find the news report at this moment. But I have received
complaints from people who wanted to express themselves regarding this
matter.

Child abuse is a terrible thing. I am hearing that the grandson had been
experiencing some of this. If so, I want the details to be known to this
community.

Child abuse leading to death is a nightmare. There are so many questions
to be answer and unfortunately we won't get all of those answered. A
hush will be deposited over the matter and that hush works in the favor
of those who want to cover up tragedies like these.

We are not doing the child any favors by covering up what happened.
Fault is irrelevant here. It is true that we should assess the events
leading up to this tragedy so that we can prevent this from happening
again. Perhaps there are kids in the community or even adults for that
matter who know something of value to the investigators. If so
etater.com is here to pass on that information. I have a private email
normanalderman.com which you may communicate with me privately regarding
names, etc. But if you need to express yourself on etater.com, I believe
that it is appropriate to do so. I will be watching carefully over the
next few days and will guard the situation.

If this tragedy leads to the saving of a current living child's life
there will be some redeeming value in it. Kids deserve better than to be
shot by the guardians. This kid deserves more that a spot in the
Charleston Gazette.

So I leave it to your discretion in this matter. Perhaps collectively we
can undertand this tragedy better. Please feel free to respond to this
thread!
*Norman Alderman*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 1:08 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Grandfather kills Green bank teen, self

GREEN BANK — An eighth grader was shot and killed as he ate breakfast by
his grandfather Thursday morning in a murder-suicide in Pocahontas
County, police said.

About 8:12 a.m., a relative discovered Christopher Reeser, 14, dead from
a single gunshot wound to the chest at a home on Wesley Chapel Road in
Green Bank, according to a news release from the West Virginia State
Police Marlinton detachment.

His grandfather and legal guardian, William “Lyle” Taylor, shot the
teen, police said. Taylor then went to a bathroom and shot himself in
the head with a .357-caliber revolver.

The bodies were sent to the state Medical Examiner’s Office.

Police said there had been previous domestic problems.
*YEP!*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 1:41 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Thank You Norman. Hiding from the truth only adds to the problems
already in existence. From what I understand from reading an article in
the Charleston Gazette, there had been previous situations between the
grandfather and grandson. I've heard through that same grapevine that
you spoke of that the Child Protective Services were involved as
recently as the day before young Mr. Reeser's life was taken. I'm
curious as to how or even if the CPS will respond to this situation.
Regardless if they were or not, a child is dead and opening the thread
back up can only breed awareness and possibly prevent this from
happening again. RIP Chris.
*Norman Alderman*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 1:46 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Thank you Yep! I must confess that I have personal reasons for wanting
to see a child abuse thread stay open! Our moderators are merely trying
to keep the gossip down and I understand that but there is a time when
we as a community must express our feelings about the abuse of children
in any form.

I didn't know the kid, I just know that there is no justification for
blasting a kid away with a .357. Kids can get on our nerves but we are
the adults we don't just blow them away.
*YEP!*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 1:59 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I agree. There is an obvious difference between a tanned bottom and
getting shot. Whatever your reasons for reopening the thread are, I can
appreciate them. I have my reasons also. Losing my only child to a theif
in the night disguised as an undetected, underlying illness gives me a
appreciation for the life of our children that only someone that has
been in that situation can understand. Chris' life was snuffed out by
foolishness....by someone that definitely needed help. We as a community
are charged with protecting our children. Without awareness, we are
helpless.
*lexington ky*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 2:17 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

thank you norman...not living there anymore i appreciate you having the
info on here..my heart goes out to the family...CPS hasnt done there job
for alot of years..then they slide out of responsibility everytime..look
at the little bennett girl her brother is still trying to be compensated
and probably wont see a dime..that was how many years ago
*Ima*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 2:27 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

If CPS had been in the home on other occasions, and then again as
recently as the day before the shooting; someone (in my opinion)really
showed a horrific lack of judgment and professionalism.
Norman, I applaud your decision to re-open this topic. THANK YOU! It may
be too late to help this particular child, but bringing the tragic event
to light and making people aware MAY save another child's life. It may
also put a spotlight on any deficiencies in Child Protective Services.
My sincere condolances to the family, teachers and friends of this young
man who so tragically lost his life. May God give you strength and
comfort in your time of need.
*New Moderator*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 2:36 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

The only reason the "origional thread" was removed was because people
were stating nasty comments like he deserved to die excetra. That is why
I posted the sticky at the top please asking people to refrain from
using horrible gossip and hateful comments.
I had had several complaints. Some of which appeared to be from family
members. So, Thus the sticky asking to use judgement. Now that it is in
the news there are still unanswered questions.

This is a very touching situation and I agree with Norman that it needs
to stay open to discuss it. I am glad that Norman opened it in a
different LIGHT.

CPS does not do their job. I know this for a fact. I know of so many
abuse cases that I had called in myself. They would go investigate and
conclude all is well. Aparently the people were forwarned and quickly
cleaned up house and had food stocked in their cabinets when they NEVER
had food and always went to neighbors saying their was no food they were
hungry.
The state of the housing they lived in was in terrible conditon. Dirty
diapers on the floor, sour milk bottles, dirty clothing, trash,
uncleaned dishes in every concievable spot known to man etc. Now, this
one child in question I hear has had an abortion to cover-up something
even more tradgic. Her father got drunk and raped her. So the family
concieled it by having her have an abortion. The child herself has told
people this. She is 11 years old. She told my daughter this. CPS What
are you going to do!!!!!!!??????
As far as I am concerned they focus on bogus reports and leave the true
ones alone.

New Moderator
*Ima*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 2:49 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

http://www.theintermountain.com/
*Shorty Maw-Maw*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 3:07 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Thank you and God Bless YOU Norman for letting us express our feelings.
From knowing Chris Reeser, well let me tell you he was and exceptional
child. If we only knew that he was being abused. I can guarantee you we
would have helped that young handsome, frienly, loving, out going child.
He was and outstanding young man. And he will be deeply missed, and
never forgotten. I guarantee you that. From now on we'll be watching out
for all children. This is a promise! Our hearts truly are aching over
what happened to Chris. And just knowing that someone out there had to
know about the abuse. And just sat back and didn't help that child. Well
let me tell them this we all have to answer to God for our mistakes.
Rest in peace Chris! We love you!
*xxx*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 3:15 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Thank you, Norman for opening this thread back up if one child in the
community is saved because of this thread than you have done a great
service to the community. I think there should be more training for
school officials on how to handle these matters, our children put there
trust in there teachers. For Example: Child comes to school tells
teacher about some problem, they are having at home, our teachers should
be trained in how to handle these situiations. These kinds of problems
are happening more and more in our area, there is not only physical
abuse but mental abuse as well, children with very low self esteems etc.
I am not blaming any teachers for what has just happened, but without
the proper training the teacher or caregiver cannot help.
*~~RaVeN~~*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 3:29 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Ohhhhhhhhhhh my he looked like a sweet boy!
Such a shame! I can not understand how anyone can get away with abuse.
The sad thing is~~it does not always stop with children. It is domestic
and can also be abuse towards elderly as well. The parents that raised
us and cared for us!
What is this world coming to?
Rest in Peace dear boy!
*Shorty Maw-Maw*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 3:38 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I agree whole heartly with xxx. If a child goes to any trusted adult for
help. And if they feel that, that child's life is, or could be in grave
danger. Then never let that child go back to thier home. They could take
that child home with them. Or to another safe place. This is a plea to
all adults out there. If you ever see, or hear of a child in need, then
please help them. Don't just stand by and do nothing. No matter what the
consequences may be. My thoughts, and prayers go out to all Chris's
friends, teachers, and family. Green Bank school won't never be the
same. May God richly bless each, and everyone at the school!
*Jinxer Pinxer*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 3:44 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

This tragic event has changed the entire area. My children came home
devastated yesterday, and just stayed gloomy and wouldn't even hardly
talk all night. The very first words out of one of their mouths when
they got home were "how are we really supposed to trust someone who says
that they love us?" It's a very hard situation to deal with death
anyway, but in this manner, it changes a childs whole thinking process.

My opinion is that if CPS was IN THAT HOME, then they should have taken
action and this poor child would be alive today. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS
SYSTEM?????? I know I'm not the smartest person in the world, but I
definately cannot figure this one out.
*~~RaVeN~~*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 4:08 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Jinxer you are smart darlin!
Blessings~~RaVeN~~
*Broken hearted*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 4:47 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

It breaks my heart to think what that child went through all this time.
Words just can't express how sad this is. I know from my children and I
being in an abusive home, how scary it is. A lot of things stay hidden
from the public's eye. CPS helped me and my children when we needed help.
I guess when a child goes to CPS, (CPS) has to have proof. If they take
them out of the home and don't have enough proof then there are law
suits, and jobs lost. I know that the system needs to be changed, they
need a place to take children for a few days while they investigate. I
know it's hard not to blame someone at a time like this, but please
don't lay blame on the workers. They have supervisors they have to deal
with before they can do anything. It is also sad when people who know
that abuse is happening do not want to get involved. I did not know the
young man nor his grandfather, my prayers go out to the family and
friends. Thank you, Mr. Alderman, for reopening this thread. People do
need to know that these things really do happen, and we should all be
looking out for the children.
*sad*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 6:18 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I don't even know what to say to my 8th grade daugther who has sat
around the past two days with a blank expression on her face. This is
Pocahontas County things like this aren't suppose to happen here.

CPS should have taken Chris with them when they left that house, from
what I uderstand Chris asked for help. what more do they need? I know
that the system sucks, but it seems to me that someon would put the life
of a child before lossing a job I know that I would.

God bless you Chris you will truely be missed.
*Curious*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 6:44 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

It is very tragic what has recently happened in this county. Now for the
parents consoling their children hug and kiss them and just listen and
let them know they are really loved. It is a shame what had happened.
God Bless Chris
*concerned*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 7:25 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I had my two grandchildren taken out an abusive home, away from my
daughter. This was in another county where the teachers were supportive
and also went to the DHHR on my behalf and that of my grandchildren. My
daugher called the police and had given a false report as to the
behavior of my grandchild, this she did as a form of emotional abuse to
my grandchildren, even though she was drunk at the time, the police
blamed my grandchildren and treated them with verbal abuse. All who see
problems should first protect the children. Yes at all cost. My daughter
no longer speaks to me, but...thank god my grandchildren are safe. Dont
wait til they grow up and get out of the house, they just may not make
it..as in this case.
Yes, thanks for the space here to discuss child abuse, thanks for a
place to share, thanks for allowing adults to have to place to read and
think about something that too ofter is thought to be kept at home and
under the rug...I hope this might bring other children who are
embarassed to tell their teachers about problems at home...It is ok for
them to say ..no.. to their parents or guardians..I do not have to be
abused....
*I say*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 8:01 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

A person said in a post that if a person knows of child abuse thay
should step in and DO SOMETHING.Well Chris neighbor knew,but was afraid
to say anything to anyone in athrority.She did talk to the Grandpa and
tell him he should not beat him up and be so mean to him.He mistreated
another grandson just as bad.
One of the problems with child welfare is there are not enough homes to
move these children into.Would you have taken Chris into your
home?Chris's grandfather should have been took somewhere a long time
ago,when he mistreated his first grandchild.
*Ima*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 8:02 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Artist : Jason Michael Carroll

Title : Alyssa Lies:
My little girl met a new friend,
just the other day,
on the playground at school
between the tires and the swings

But she came home with tear-filled eyes,
and she said to me "Daddy, Alyssa lies"

Well I just brushed it off at first,
'cause I didn't know how much my little girl had been hurt
or the things she had seen.
I wasn't ready when I said "You can tell me"

and she said...

"Alyssa lies to the classroom,
Alyssa lies everyday at school,
Alyssa lies to the teachers
as she tries to cover every bruise"

My little girl laid her head down that night to go to sleep.
As I stepped out the room, I heard her say a prayer so soft and sweet
"God bless my mom and my Dad
and my new friend, Alyssa
*oh*I know she needs you bad

Because Alyssa lies to the classroom,
Alyssa lies everyday at school,
Alyssa lies to the teachers
as she tries to cover every bruise"

(bridge)

I had the worst night of sleep in years
as I tried to think of a way to calm her fears
I knew just what it was I had to do *I knew exactly what I had to do*
but when we got to school on Monday I heard the news

My little girl asked me why everybody looked so sad
the lump in my throat grew bigger
with every question that she asked.
Until I felt the tears run down my face
and I told her that Alyssa wouldn't be at school today

'Cause she doesn't lie in the classroom
she doesn't lie anymore at school
Alyssa lies with Jesus
because there's nothin' anyone would do

Tears filled my eyes when my little girl asked me why
Alyssa lies
*Oh Daddy, oh* Daddy tell me why
Alyssa lies
*.....................*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 8:50 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Thanks Norman for opening this thread back up. I think it could really
help this tragedy from happening again. My children go to GBEMS and they
said that some kids were still taking it pretty hard today. Im sure he
was a well loved and well liked kid. I have seen a picture of the boy in
the yearbook and he was a very sweet and kind looking boy. It is a shame
that he died so young and so full of life. My thoughts and prayers go
out to his family and any other family involved. God Bless.
*effy*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 8:59 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I have a couple ? where was this boys parents and why was he with his
granfather ?? Not saying anything bad I was just wondering why he was
with the grandfather to begin with ??
*Sunshine*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 9:27 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

To Ima that song "Alyssa Lies" is a very beautiful song? It brought
tear's to my eyes .I listen to it on the car radio and it also bring's
tears to my eyes. Did Chris have any other family-Parent's.
*Remember Chris*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 9:53 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

_Chris was absolutely wonderful_. A special boy who was often seen
smiling and laughing. He would make anyone laugh and brighten anyone's
day. What a special gift. I too, wanted him here much longer. I don't
know what happened...all I know is I pray to God and I know he's God's
angel and he will always be with us. I miss him so deeply. I can't
change what happened. I didn't know. I couldn't have done anything
differently. I certainly enjoyed him and he enjoyed his friends and his
school. He could lift anyone's spirits. Memories of him will always be
with me. Tragedies happen anytime and anywhere. It hurts so much and I
would give anything to have him back. I just want him to rest
peacefully. He would want us all to go on, with his memories. He would
want us to have our hopes and dreams.
*A Friend*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 10:15 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I know a lot of people don't care for rap, hard rock etc. But Chris
liked the song from Eminem When I'm gone it is actually a good song if
you listen to the words of this song and look at the situation it
expresses a lot. One verse in the song:

when I'm gone just carry on don't mourn just rejoice everytime you hear
the sound of my voice just know that I'm looking down on u smiling and I
didn't feel a thing so baby don't feel no pain just smile back

I think this is what Chris would say to his friends , family and loved ones.

The whole song talks about a not so much as abused child but a neglected
child maybe this is why it was one of his favorite songs. R.I.P. Chris
Gone but not forgotten
*Remember Chris*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 10:29 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

In accepting he's 14, teenagers like rap alot and can relate in some
ways. Eminem's song is familiar to me. I like the verse you pointed out.
He is looking down smiling and wants us to smile back.
*YEP!*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 10:32 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

When I'm gone lyrics. I apologize in advance if there is any profanity.
I'm sure the word censors will edit it if there are.

Yeah...
It's my life...
My own words I guess...

[Verse 1]
Have you ever loved someone so much, you'd give an arm for?
Not the expression, no, literally give an arm for?
When they know they're your heart
And you know you were their armour
And you will destroy anyone who would try to harm 'her
But what happens when karma, turns right around and bites you?
And everything you stand for, turns on you, despite you?
What happens when you become the main source of her pain?
"Daddy look what I made", Dad's gotta go catch a plane
"Daddy where's Mommy? I can't find Mommy where is she?"
I don't know go play Hailie, baby, your Daddy's busy
Daddy's writing a song, this song ain't gonna write itself
I'll give you one underdog then you gotta swing by yourself
Then turn right around in that song and tell her you love her
And put hands on her mother, who's a spitting image of her
That's Slim Shady, yeah baby, Slim Shady's crazy
Shady made me, but tonight Shady's rocka-by-baby...

[Chorus]
And when I'm gone, just carry on, don't mourn
Rejoice every time you hear the sound of my voice
Just know that I'm looking down on you smiling
And I didn't feel a thing, So baby don't feel no pain
Just smile back
And when I'm gone, just carry on, don't mourn
Rejoice every time you hear the sound of my voice
Just know that I'm looking down on you smiling
And I didn't feel a thing, So baby don't feel no pain
Just smile back...

[Verse 2]
I keep having this dream, I'm pushin' Hailie on the swing
She keeps screaming, she don't want me to sing
"You're making Mommy cry, why? Why is Mommy crying?"
Baby, Daddy ain't leaving no more, "Daddy you're lying
"You always say that, you always say this is the last time
"But you ain't leaving no more, Daddy you're mine"
She's piling boxes in front of the door trying to block it
"Daddy please, Daddy don't leave, Daddy - no stop it!"
Goes in her pocket, pulls out a tiny necklace locket
It's got a picture, "this'll keep you safe Daddy, take it withcha'"
I look up, it's just me standing in the mirror
These ****in' walls must be talking, cuz man I can hear 'em
They're saying "You've got one more chance to do right" - and it's tonight
Now go out there and show that you love 'em before it's too late
And just as I go to walk out of my bedroom door
It's turns to a stage, they're gone, and this spotlight is on
And I'm singing...

[Chorus]
And when I'm gone, just carry on, don't mourn
Rejoice every time you hear the sound of my voice
Just know that I'm looking down on you smiling
And I didn't feel a thing, So baby don't feel no pain
Just smile back
And when I'm gone, just carry on, don't mourn
Rejoice every time you hear the sound of my voice
Just know that I'm looking down on you smiling
And I didn't feel a thing, So baby don't feel no pain
Just smile back...

[Verse 3]
Sixty thousand people, all jumping out their seat
The curtain closes, they're throwing roses at my feet
I take a bow and thank you all for coming out
They're screaming so loud, I take one last look at the crowd
I glance down, I don't believe what I'm seeing
"Daddy it's me, help Mommy, her wrists are bleeding,"
But baby we're in Sweden, how did you get to Sweden?
"I followed you Daddy, you told me that you weren't leavin'
"You lied to me Dad, and now you make Mommy sad
"And I bought you this coin, it says 'Number One Dad'
"That's all I wanted, I just want to give you this coin
"I get the point - fine, me and Mommy are going"
But baby wait, "it's too late Dad, you made the choice
"Now go out there and show 'em that you love 'em more than us"
That's what they want, they want you Marshall, they keep.. screamin'
your name
It's no wonder you can't go to sleep, just take another pill
Yeah, I bet you you will. You rap about it, yeah, word, k-keep it real
I hear applause, all this time I couldn't see
How could it be, that the curtain is closing on me
I turn around, find a gun on the ground, **** it
Put it to my brain and scream "die Shady" and pop it
The sky darkens, my life flashes, the plane that I was supposed to be on
crashes and burns to ashes
That's when I wake up, alarm clock's ringin', there's birds singin'
It's Spring and Hailie's outside swinging, I walk right up to Kim and
kiss her
Tell her I miss her, Hailie just smiles and winks at her little sister
Almost as if to say..

[Chorus/Outro]
And when I'm gone, just carry on, don't mourn
Rejoice every time you hear the sound of my voice
Just know that I'm looking down on you smiling
And I didn't feel a thing, So baby don't feel no pain
Just smile back
And when I'm gone, just carry on, don't mourn
Rejoice every time you hear the sound of my voice
Just know that I'm looking down on you smiling
And I didn't feel a thing, So baby don't feel no pain
Just smile back...

[Curtains closing and sounds of footsteps]
*;*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 10:37 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I've been through the thing with CPS they tried to take my children due
to gossip they came into the house and proved none of it to be true and
they still pushed it for months. But they can walk into a home I don't
know if it so or not but i was told that they told the grandfather that
they would take him if it kept up and he replied to them that "he would
die before they got him". I don' know if that is so or not and i don't
want to make it sound bad to offend anybody but if this is in fact true
why was the boy not taken from the home right then. And the grandfather
charged and taked to jail. If he told the law that was it not a threat?
What is wrong wiht this place????
*amother*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 11:14 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

To Norman.Concerning the G.B.childabuse/murder.

It was known by a lot of people that Chris was abused.
The whole G.B.area should hang their heads in shame.Espcially school
personal who he talked to early this year.Hands of child welfare are
more or less tied because there are not enough homes to place these
children in.The parent/guardian should be removed, like to another
dimension.
The one thing Hillery Clinton said that I agree with"IT TAKES A VILLEGE"
to raise a child.
*School Mate*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 11:24 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I new Chris very well we did not talk a lot but i still new him and he
was a very nice boy and he did not deserve to die this young and
expessially the way he died no child deserves to die like that expesilly
from there guardian. And if the CPS would of got off there buts and took
Chris out of the house we would not been so upset the week when we
heard. I thought the CPS was aspose to take the children out of the
homes if the where getting beat. And it has been very hard for me and
some of my friends to deal with it cause we do not take people dieing
that well and expesily some one we new as well as Chris Reeser he was a
very loved person in our school and now he is gone and we will never see
him again or get to have so many more memories with him because the CPS
just wants to set around and get paid and if the would of done something
we would still have our beloved friend still hear with us and would not
have to a rough week or evan more than a week to recover for loosing
Chris. Chris told many teachers that he was being beet by Lyle Taylor
and the did not do much of any thing until now but it is to late now
because a dearly loved friend is gone and will not get to experience all
the stuff that half of us will and we will always miss him and remember.
R.I.P
Chris.B.Reeser
1992-March 15th 2007
Green Bank school will always miss you Chris and we will take care of
your other friends for you and help them get through this because this
has hit us all very hard and all we could think of when we hear about it
is how could this happen to some one as nice and sweet as you where and
will always be.
*student from G.B.*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 11:43 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

hey this is for chris n his girlfriend.... chris this is for u i know u
played n liked football... chris i also know u liked soccer this is also
for u... i also know u liked dragons and u liked drawling them... we
will be heartbroken without u around.. we love n will miss u..
*School Mate 2*

Mar 16th, 2007 - 11:44 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I went to school with Chris. I had fun talking to Chris and he was
really nice and a very good friend. I wish i would of gottne to know
Chris better than i did know him because he was so much fun to talk to
and i liked messing around with him about stuff but i never meant it.

Maybe if the CPS would have taken him out of the house away from his
grandpa so that he didnt get beaten anymore and then this wouldnt have
happened. Also if some of the teachers would have done something about
it then this wouldnt have happened but im not saying all the teachers
just some of them.

Chris was a good person and a good friend. Nobody deserves to die like
that escpecially someone that is your grandfather and is supposed to
love and care for you. I just cant beleive this happened. It is such a
tragedy to have this happen two deaths in one school year but this is
just ridiculous to have your grandfather shoot you and then the day
before the CPS and the cops do nothing even after they saw all the
bruises and everything they still dont do anything thats just stupid how
could you sit there and let this happen after hes told you whats
happened and shoed you the bruises and everything its just lazy. I wish
we could go back in time so that we could do something so that this
didnt happen. But atleast Chris is in a better place now so that he cant
get hurt anymore and hes away from his grandpa!

IN
Loving
Memory
Of
Chris
Brion
Reeser
1992-2007

We will always love and miss you!

Forever
In
Our
Hearts
Never
Forgotten!
*Shorty Maw-Maw*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 12:20 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

If so many of you knew that Chris was being abused, then why didn't
someone speak up? And try you best to help him? If I would have known, I
would have tried to help that child. I'd have taken him into my home and
loved him like my own. I didn't know that Chris was being abused. Oh,
how that child must have suffered for so long. I cannot begin to imagine
what was going through his young mind. And the pain, and heartache's he
had to endure for the fourteen short years, he lived on earth. May God
forgive us all for not doing more to help Chris. He brought so much
happiness to others. Now he is one of God's precious angels.
*Child Abuse is Wrong*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 12:29 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

The one thing Hillery Clinton said that I agree with"IT TAKES A VILLEGE"
to raise a child.

AMOTHER - Hillary was wrong! It takes a father (male) and a mother
(female) to raise a child. Remember your family values!!!
*Remember Chris*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 2:08 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

/Please post the funeral arrangements (dates & times) when you get the
official word/. Please always remember Chris Reeser.
*Ima*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 2:50 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

This is to Chris's friends: he was lucky to have such great and
supportive friends! I am SO glad that you are sharing your thoughts and
feelings with us on E-Tater...thank you for sharing with us.
I didn't know Chris, but through you, his friends; I can see that he was
a very wonderful young man. We know that you are going to miss him
terribly. Stay strong, and keep the memory of him alive in your hearts
and minds.
Someone wrote that CPS doesn't remove children from abusive situations
(in some cases)because of the lack of available foster homes? I am
sorry, but I absolutely DO NOT accept that excuse for any reason. It is
a sorry excuse under any circumstances!
If there is a need for foster homes, why doesn't CPS make the public
aware? I'm sure there are people in this County that would be willing to
take whatever steps necessary to open their homes and hearts to young
people in need of a "haven".
*Ima*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 3:52 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I did a google search of emergency placement shelters in WV that are
approved by WV Child Protective Services. The shelters will take
emergency cases from CPS in all Counties, and I found at least 4 that
are within our area. The closest one is:
Children's Home Society of West Virginia
PO Box 2942
Charleston, WV 25330
www.childhswv.org
The Tri-County Child Advocacy Centers serve victims of sexual or severe
child abuse.neglect. The Centers provide a non-threatening environment
designed to minimize trauma to the child.
It disturbs me greatly that the comment was made about not having a
"place" to shelter an abused child, and that is why he was left in a
dangerous situation. It is unacceptable! I am not familiar at all with
intake procedures or the workings of CPS, so it may be wrong of me to
have this opinion, but I believe someone made a terrible judgment call
which resulted in tragic consequences!
*to Shorty Maw-Maw*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 6:34 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

And we did tell people the teachers called the CPS and the cops and the
did not do a thing and when Chris told us that he was afraid to go home
it was not the first time he had told us that so we did not think any
thing about it and if we could we would go back in time and stop Chris
from dieing.
IN
MEMORY
OF
CHRISTOPHER BRION REESER
1992-2007
*Hope*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 6:51 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

My prayers are with Christopher family.

I know for a fact that CPS won't do anything to help
the children out there.I dealt with them for about 10 years.they are for
the parents,they do not care what happens to the kids.its just a pay
check for them.and thats so sad. keep all children in our prayers..
*viewpoint*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 7:22 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

YES,you are so right.It takes a villege to care for a child.If we lived
in an ideal world,and every child had a mother & father in the home who
loved and cared for them we would not need "A villege".But since we
don't live in an Ideal would,we need to have "A villege".A Villege
including the teachers ,neighbors,and churches.
Let this be a wake up for all of US.We are all to blame.Dont let another
child be hurt in any way,step in.Even if you get kicked for doing it.
We will report animal abuse and /or rescue a injured animal.Sometimes
get in trouble for doing that,as Joel did for rescuing the little fawn.
But ,I tell you true,this person will help a child or an animal either
one if I see abuse.
*lexington ky*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 8:22 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

i agree with what everyone is saying there about cps...i too dealt with
cps..my sister husband beat my 3 year old nephew with a belt and a
wooden spoon she told me when i went to pick him up for a
visit...visible marks i took him to hospital and called police and
cps...the er doc put in his report there was visible abuse and that it
wasnt the first time there was some bruises that were old and then the
new slices across his butt from the belt and big black bruises from the
end of the spoon..they made us give him back to them..the state police
informed me if i didnt give him back i was going to jail for
kidnapping...i felt like neither one of them deserved him but i had to
give him back or else face jail time...me and my mother harrassed the
cps over this and they sent them to parenting classes...whoopie doo..now
when i see my nephew he just looks so sad so i wonder what he goes
through...i dont get visits with him now because i turned them into
cps....but you know what let me hear of it again and ill turn them in a
heartbeat...PROTECT THESE CHILDREN BECAUSE THE STATE ISNT GOING TOO
*Concerned Citizen*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 9:42 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I have a question we hear all this about the grandpa but was there a
grandma present in the home as well?

CPS shame on you for this! You bother innocent people because of rumors
and others who hate you I know this for a fact! But when there is clear
abuse you sit on your duff's doing absolutely NOTHING! CPS is a travisty
and all they do is collect their paychecks!

Shame on the law cause they all are wearing horse blinders. They see
what they want to see. They help whom they want to help! The heck with
all the rest!
Drive by shooters get a 500 bond.....you get caught with weed you go to
jail yet the law takes it and uses it themselves! Where is the justice?
*sal and minella*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 9:58 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

CPS......"child PROTECTIVE services"
where was this boy's protection ?
what kind of service was given ? Perhaps a visit, a talk with grandpa,
and after they left he probably got beat again.
CPS.....I know they've taken children from the home for less but this
time they made a HUGE mistake.
I hope this young boy is at peace.
*Shorty Maw-Maw*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 9:58 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

This is to everyone that have posted about Chris. I know you all feel
the same as I do, if we only had another chance to help Chris we would
jump at it in a heartbeat. But since it's to late to help Chris, we can
start today by watching out for all children. I haven't heard when the
funeral will be. But I was just thinking. Whenever it is, we all need to
be there to comfort the children at GreenBank School as they are saying
thier good-byes. May God Bless everyone!
*Shorty Maw-Maw*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 10:12 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

To concerned citizen, I know your heart is broken to about Chris. But
saying hurtful things about the folks who failed to help this dear child
will not bring him back to us. But we can pray for them, that they never
let this kind of thing ever happen to another child. I'm hoping that
what I have said here helps comfort the pain you are feeling. God Bless
You!
*olelady*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 10:17 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Good post Shorty MaMa.We need to comfort the children.Each and every one
of them.We need to let them know that there are people NOW who will
watch out for them.Also the post about A VILLEGE.That is something we
should all be involved in.WE ARE THE VILLEGE.Pray that God will help us
help a child in need.God please don't let US let this happen again.
*Ima*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 10:39 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

One of the things we CAN DO is not allow it to be "swept" under the
carpet! It is time to RAISE THE BULL $HIT FLAG on CPS!!! If all of us
take a few minutes to sit down, write and send a letter to the WV Deputy
Attorney General, we can notify the head people in charge that there is
a serious issue here in our County that needs to be addressed before
another child loses their life! The person to write is:
Charlene A. Vaughan
Deputy Attorney General of the
Health and Human Resources Division

Building 3, Room 210
State Capitol Complex
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-2131
There is also an internet online response form that can be filled out
at: http://www.wvdhhr.org/contact.cfm

If we all take a minute to sit down and write a letter to the head
honcho to bring it to her attention, it will at least let her know that
we are very serious about correcting the deficiencies in the Pocahontas
County CPS.
If we join together we can raise our voices loud enough to cause a big
ruckus that can't be ignored!
Let's do this for Chris, and for the other helpless young people who
need our assistance. PLEASE!
*;*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 10:41 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I just hope that all of you other students,adults or whatever you may be
reading this takes this as a lesson. If you are in an abusive situation
GET HELP. If you are an adult with or without children and in an abusive
situation leave because you never know you and your children could be
next. One thing leads to another get help before it is too late. If you
know children in this situation help them. From now on if I have any
child come to me or I think I can help that is being abused I will help
them if it means I will get charges brought agianst me for kidnapping or
whatever I will do it anyway atleast I will know that I heled and did
all I could do so these students don't have to go through this anymore.
This is such a sad situation no words can express how sad this is. And
to the ones that was his friends, loved ones etc may god bless you and
help you get through this.
*To Ima*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 11:06 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I think you have the right idea, but I also think it's important to know
the honest-to-God facts about the involvement of CPS in this situation
before a letter writing campaign gets started. I would not take what I
read on e-tater as fact. There are too many trolls and speculations.

I understand that helpless feeling, and that feeling of wanting to DO
something. I admire you for that, Ima. I just want the letters to be
accurate, and to have an impact. IF someone does know the true
situation, by all means, ACT.
*Well*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 12:21 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Well the one thing for sure is a little boy is dead because the Law and
CPS didn't do their job. That is the main point here a young man was cut
down worse than an animal an they did nothing to stop it. The man should
rot in H*** and the law and CPS should pay for this one how many kids
will die before they open their eyes if you smack a kids backside they
would pull a kid in a minute but you beat a kid an they send them back
to the home. God what is this world coming to. No kid does anything that
bad to get that kinda treatment. This has really confused the kids now
because they don't know who if anyone can be trusted. It has opened up a
door so any abuser can continue hurting kids cause no one will believe
them WAY TO GO LAW AND CPS.
Chris is with God now he will never hurt again. Lyle is in He** may he
Burn everyday.
My oppinion only
*{???}*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 1:40 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

still haven't heard where the parent are or why or how long he was with
Grandaddy Dearest.Seem like they would have known what was going on,Or
didn't care.
Very sad
*To (o)(o)*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 1:41 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Was the Law and CPS involved in it? IF so then no there is no
misinformation in that part of it. The paper states there had been
domestic problems. Now where is the misinformation????

GREEN BANK — An eighth-grader was shot and killed by his custodial
grandfather Thursday morning in a murder-suicide in Pocahontas County,
police said.

About 8:12 a.m., a relative discovered Christopher Reeser, 14, dead from
a single gunshot wound to the chest at a home on Wesley Chapel Road in
Green Bank, according to a news release from the West Virginia State
Police Marlinton detachment.

His grandfather and legal guardian, William “Lyle” Taylor, shot the
Green Bank Middle School student in their home as the boy ate breakfast,
police said. Taylor then went to a bathroom and shot himself in the head
with a .357-caliber revolver.

Their bodies were sent to the state Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsies.

Police said there had been previous domestic problems at the home.
*to o o*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 2:24 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

yes, the truth is the child was killed, yes the truth is the police had
been there and left the child. yes the truth is the child had ask for
help...another truth is lyles brother lives beside him, lyles sister
with 1/4 mile...a friend of his lives beside of him....they apparently
did nothing...this could not have been going on without their
knowledge..yes the truth is everyone is angry...no easy way to release
the anger....so dont expect people to mince their words...
*To*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 2:39 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

AMEN
*To: (o) (o) also.*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 3:03 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

There is little confusion in the community about what happened!!!! A 14
y/o boy's life was taken by a madman armed with a .357! It just so
happens that the madman was the boy's grandfather. You know?
Grandfather!!!!!! A person that is SUPPOSED to love the boy!!!! where is
the "misinformation"????? Was there problems before between the boy and
the madman? The WV State Police said there was!! Again:
"Misinformation"?????? Is the young man gone? Never to return? Was
fourteen years a long life? Again.... where is the misinformation?????
What is there to correct? Can we turn back time? Can we go back to the
day before the young man was shot down like a trophy buck? No! We can't
and that is what hurts us all! We have to set here with the knowledge
that this whole thing could have been prevented!!!! We all have a boy's
life on our conscience!!!! I think I know what your trying to say
though......that the boy was a handful or unruly. Most of has heard that
crap already and it only angers us more!!!! There is little if any
misinformation when you just look at what happened! To whoever that said
we are angry......... You are 100% right!!! We are angry!!!! VERY
ANGRY!!!! Someone has to answer some questions and they better be
prepared to answer them! We as a community need to take action now. It
is obvious our children aren't protected anymore by an agency that
swears protection!
*to o o also..*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 3:14 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

very well put...people outcry at many things,,, but what is more
important than an out cry at the shooting of a young boy by
family.....someone before said it takes a village.....lets remind
ourselves it also takes family....it takes a vilage not only to help but
to hold up accountablity...none of us should look the other way...if
each of us look at ourself and then to a neighbor or family to be
accountable for the welfare of our children,,,perhaps we can keep this
sort of thing from happening again...
*not a joke*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 3:55 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

chris reeser's viewing will be tues. at wallace and wallace the funeral
home by trents in arborvale and the funeral will be tues. at 11 am. just
thought everyone would want to now as soon as posible. keep chris in
your hearts and never forget the angel who is now watching over us.
*not a joke*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 3:58 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

sorry veiwing tues. from 6pm till 9pm

funeral again is wed. at 11 am thanks sorry about

leaving the time off. wallace and wallace funeral home arborvale.
*Ima*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 4:13 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

TO (0)(0):I don't HAVE a guilty conscience because I would never ignore
the plight of a child in an abusive situation. I am ANGRY about a child
being killed, however, and for you to post a patronizing statement
saying that: "I am absolutely certain the misinformation is going to be
corrected. I'm just not certain that it is practical, prudent, or
possible to correct it on etater. Posters are going to continue to post
whatever they are moved by their grief, guilty consciences, or whatever,
to post, regardless of its accuracy" is just APPALLING. YEP! I said
APPALLING!
Norman, if you feel there is misinformation being stated about CPS, then
PULL THE THREAD.
This isn't the first time CPS screwed up---remember the infant Alisha
Bennett quite a few years back? Didn't CPS take her out of an abusive
home, and then stick her right back in it? Just in time for her mother's
crazy boyfriend to beat her death?
There is a statute that allows DHHR/CPS to keep their case files
CONFIDENTIAL to the public. So how, may I ask, are we supposed to get
the true skinny on what happened? As far as I'm concerned, statutes like
that is what allows these public agencies to keep deep, dark secrets
when they SCREW UP. They can keep repeating the same terrible mistakes
without any consequences.
*AMF*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 4:13 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

The people around this place just really tick me off. There was an
innocent 14 year old boy's life taken right here in pocahontas county.
And all some of the citizens can do is try to make excuses for what
happened. You know no matter how bad the boy was he did not deserve to
die. He asked for help he cried out and there was no response. Does this
suprise me? No of course it don't because people just want to cover
things up and hope they will get better on thier own well guess what
they don't. It makes me sick to my stomach just to think that we have
people living right here in our community that can say the young boy
deserved to die. That is just plain out disgusting. Pocahontas County
has always been a place with not much violence at least not as much as a
city but now I don't even feel safe in my own home that is bad. This
place is getting worse and is going to continue to get worse and it is
all because everything get's covered up and excuses made for it. Plain
out the bottom line the boy did not deserve to die this way. His friends
and fellow students did not deserve to be put through this at such a
young age. What do you say to a 14 year old or younger when they come up
to you and ask "why can someone just tell me why?" Do you tell them that
he was out of hand and uncontrollable? Heck no you don't!!!!!!!

These children have so much anger and fear built up inside of them right
now and we the adults of this community need to step up and support them
and help them. They may act mature or whatever but think if you were
that age agian and something like this happened would have the answers?
No I doubt it. We not only need to prtect our children and not let it
happen agian we need to help the ones now that is trying to deal and
cope with this situation.
*Jinxer Pinxer*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 4:16 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Just to let everyone know, I spoke with Mrs. Bland today, and they are
preparing to have a memorial service during school hours so that all of
the children from Greenbank Elementary/Middle School will be able to pay
their respects. Just in case they wouldn't be able to make it to other
services.
*Ima*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 4:34 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Please. Everyone please read this article. I know it is long, but it is
very informative.
Charleston Gazette, The (WV) (KRT)
via NewsEdge Corporation

Jan. 1--Before she was beaten to death at age 2 1/2, Alisha Dawn Bennett
suffered three broken arms.

Several Child Protective Services workers knew about the man who beat
Alisha and her brother. They accumulated a large file on the family.

Once, workers even took the children into custody.

A month before she was killed, someone took a picture of her and her
brother. She is wearing a frilly dress that makes her look like a doll,
but a close look at the picture shows the casts on her arms.

In a tiny apartment in Pocahontas County, Alisha's mother's boyfriend
hit the little girl. When a state medical examiner performed an autopsy
on the child, he counted more than 30 injuries on her front and back.

Less than a month before she was murdered, the child also suffered
another broken wrist.

Bennett died 13 years ago.

This year, Child Protective Services workers were called to homes in
Raleigh, Kanawha and Putnam counties after similar alarms were raised.
The children still died.

How can it happen that adults in official capacities can know children
are in danger and the children still die?

The Bennett case provides a rare view into the workings of both the
family and the people who were supposed to protect the children.

This year, a man involved with the Bennett case has succeeded in getting
lawmakers to agree to introduce legislation that may protect children in
the future.

State Police Sgt. Mike Spradlin's idea for a special law enforcement
team to investigate abuse complaints arose from the death of Alisha
Bennett. For the last seven years, Spradlin has worked with the state's
Cold Case Unit.

"I just wanted some positive change to come as the result of her death,"
Spradlin said. If people could have intervened when she suffered her
first injuries, perhaps her death could have been prevented, he said.

"I know Human [Resources] staff have a difficult job," Spradlin said.
"When they are called to a home, they must first try to restore the
family unit. I'm just saying trained investigators can make a difference."

Confidentiality constraints prohibit Department of Health and Human
Resources officials from releasing information about cases. But Spradlin
was able to achieve access to the entire file, and he shared it with the
Gazette-Mail. He pulled some information from a suit filed against DHHR
about the case. He and his wife also adopted Bennett's brother.

The fatal blow

In 1991, Thomas Michael Ewing moved into the home of Lisa Bennett, the
home she shared with her two children, who were 4 and 1 1/2 at the time.
Ewing had a criminal record in Virginia, and he had been a patient in a
psychiatric ward.

Ewing moved into the house in April. Alisha Bennett suffered a lacerated
eyebrow in May. Her injury was not reported to DHHR, but she was taken
to the hospital.

In June 1991, Child Protective Services opened a file on the family, but
by that time Ewing had already entered a guilty plea to the battery of a
12-year-old girl. Ewing also assaulted the children's aunt.

After CPS opened the case, they received a complaint that the children's
mother allowed Ewing to paddle her children and that she did not feed
them properly.

The first CPS worker took a report from a neighbor who said she saw
Ewing jerk the little girl "up by the arm and carry her by the arm with
her feet not touching the ground," according to information in the file
Spradlin compiled on the case.

On July 11, the little girl's wrists were broken. She was treated at a
hospital in Marlinton, but hospital officials did not report the matter
to police or CPS.

The next day, the girl's arm was broken, and she had to be taken to the
emergency room.

When a nurse visited the home four days later, she reported to CPS that
she did not believe the child could have broken the bones in the way
they were reported unless the child had a calcium deficiency, according
to file information.

In August, both children showed evidence of injuries. The boy, who was
almost 5 by then, told CPS workers that Ewing punched him, hit him and
"choked me to death."

A CPS worker saw handprints on the little girl's back, but the child
could not explain the prints.

No one interviewed Ewing about the children's injuries.

In August, CPS workers filed for emergency custody and placed the
children with their maternal grandmother.

After a court-ordered improvement period, the children were back with
their mother by November.

The boy told his preschool teacher he was afraid, and when she drove him
home he refused to go inside. The teacher said he lay down on the
parking lot.

A CPS worker visited the home Nov. 22. The mother denied that Ewing was
back in the home. Neighbors, a day-care provider and a preschool teacher
reported that he was back, according to statements in the file.

In late December, DHHR received a report that the mother locked the
children in their rooms at night.

In January, CPS workers drew up a service plan for the mother. The plan
said she could not allow Ewing to have contact with the children. Lisa
Bennett signed the plan dated Jan. 2, 1992.

But teachers, neighbors and CPS workers knew Ewing was back in the home.

During a home visit March 31, 1992, a CPS worker told Lisa that Ewing
must be out of the house by the end of the week.

In July, Alisha Bennett suffered another broken wrist, but it was not
reported to police or investigated by CPS.

On Aug. 8, 1992, Bennett's mother left the apartment before the fatal
blow landed. The mother apparently went to a store to buy beer.

More than a year later, Ewing was convicted of felony child abuse
resulting in serious bodily injury, child neglect resulting in serious
bodily injury and a misdemeanor charge in connection with the child's
death. He served 10 years in the Northern Regional Jail, and was
released from jail two years ago.

Hoping for an advocate

The Bennett case mirrors another case of fatal child abuse from roughly
the same time period. In 1994, Derek Browning, 2 1/2, was beaten to
death over several days in the home he shared with his father and his
father's girlfriend in Raleigh County.

Like the Bennett case, the two children in the home were beaten, but the
younger of the two children received the most blows, finally killing the
child. Like the Bennett case, the older brother was also rescued and
adopted.

Browning's death prompted Bob Eggleton, who worked for the state
Juvenile Justice Committee, to write the state's first
child-maltreatment death report.

In the 54-page report, Eggleton outlined the ways Browning was neglected
by a system designed to protect him.

Eggleton did not release the name of the child or his family members,
but a reporter learned the names and wrote about the specific case.

After Eggleton's report, the state's first Child Fatality Review Team
was created to study ways to prevent such deaths.

Eggleton's report and the Bennett file are probably the only two
in-depth examinations of a child fatality in West Virginia that are not
solely in confidential files.

Eggleton wrote that Browning and his family were "well known to the
local child protective services system. There really is no excuse for
his death."

Eggleton hoped for an independent agency to advocate for children.

New investigative unit

This year, Spradlin began talking with legislators, including Speaker
Bob Kiss, D-Raleigh, and Delegate Virginia Mahan, D-Summers, about his
idea for adding trained investigators to a statewide team of child-abuse
investigators.

He suggested that retired officers, who are still young enough and
interested enough to want to keep working, would be ideal for the jobs.

Too often an officer begins an investigation, but he or she has to stop
and handle other work at the same time. As he thought the idea through,
Spradlin suggested to legislators that these officers work full-time
only on cases of serious child abuse.

Earlier this year, Spradlin spoke to legislators at an interim session.
He said they were receptive to the idea.

"It's not enough to file a report. You have to push this through. You
must be an advocate for these children," he said.

Historically, an officer gets a call and then goes to investigate, but
the case may move from one officer to another before it is finished.
Spradlin hopes the final legislation will also allow for continuity.

"Follow-up is the key," he said. "But the specialized unit cannot work
every call of child abuse. They should handle just the most serious."

He would also like to see the state begin a registry of the most serious
convictions. Like sex offenders, people who have been convicted of
serious child abuse should be tracked, he said.

Six full-time officers

In 2004, troopers investigated 779 cases of serious child abuse, those
where children were injured or sexually abused. To investigate those
cases, officers worked about 1,300 hours, Lt. Col. Steve Tucker said.

Tucker, who is the deputy superintendent of the State Police, said he
worked out the hours and estimated he would need six full-time officers
to investigate those 779 cases. The officers who did the investigations
were working on other cases at the same time.

As of December, State Police had investigated 720 cases in 2005.

Sheriff's deputies around the state also investigate a significant
number of cases of serious child abuse; their work would be counted
separately.

Tucker said that most of the 779 cases resulted in convictions and pleas.

Also statewide, he said, staff with DHHR collected information on 2,800
cases that they thought were substantive.

In drafts of the legislation he has seen, Tucker said he saw that six
full-time officers were proposed. "But that may not be enough."

Tucker said he and state Superintendent David Lemon hope the legislation
will pass.

"These crimes against children hit home with us. Those crimes deserve
the most resources, the most effort, the most attention," Tucker said.

'A positive move'

John Law, spokesman for the DHHR, said his agency supports the idea. Law
said they frequently talk about the deaths that have made headlines.
"Those deaths are awful," he said. "I hope the specialized unit will
make a difference.

"Historically, we investigated more cases of neglect. But these cases
surpass negligence. They are cruel to these children. They bother me
terribly," Law said.

Before Margaret Waybright became the commissioner for the Bureau of
Children and Families, she headed the Child Protective Services unit in
the Kanawha County DHHR office. "We had a Kanawha County deputy and a
Charleston Police officer in our office and assigned to the unit,"
Waybright said.

"It worked out really well. We had joint training, and we developed
relationships and understood each other's roles.

"I certainly support the idea of the specialized State Police unit
assigned to CPS. Six [officers] obviously would be a start, but not
enough. It's a positive move, though," she said.

"The State Police cannot go out on every case, nor should they. We
certainly need the assistance. Any time you have specialization and
additional training, it's positive.

"We are social workers, not criminal investigators. The very nature of
CPS is difficult. As social workers, you want to help parents and get in
there and provide services as soon as you can."

Waybright has worked in human services for 36 years. "This year there
have been more child fatalities than I can remember. I know there are
stress levels on parents, and I know meth [the drug methamphetamine] is
a problem, and family dynamics are different.

"Some of the cases we were involved in. Some we knew nothing about. In
hindsight, I don't know if there was anything we could have done
differently to prevent these deaths. They were all factually different."

Waybright is happy to report that the number of vacancies in her
department is down. In the last few years, the Legislature appropriated
extra money to help fill vacancies. Last year, she said, she faced a job
vacancy rate of 20 to 23 percent, and newly hired people accounted for
37 percent of people in her work force. Waybright and other
professionals explain that people who work in CPS need experience to
help them figure out danger signs in families.

"So last year when you add those figures together, I had more than 50
percent combined vacancies and inexperienced people. Now this year at
the end of November, I have a 4 percent vacancy rate, the lowest it has
been in years and new people make up 30 percent of the staff."

She also said hiring people in the Northern Panhandle has been difficult
because she must compete with bordering states that pay more. "Now I
only have one vacancy. That's amazing," she said. The hiring bonuses the
Legislature allowed have helped, she said.

"I'm optimistic that we are making progress in staffing," she said.

'The most vulnerable'

Delegate Mahan said she is proud of several projects she has worked on
in the past, but a plan to add law enforcement officers to a special
unit to investigate child abuse is "the most meaningful work I've done
in 10 years."

Mahan heads the select committee that has been examining recent child
deaths. The Raleigh County case where a baby froze to death is in her
district. In that case, 5-day-old Timothy Coffman was sent home with his
mother into an unheated house.

** NOTE: This story has been truncated from its original size in order
to facilitate transmission. If you need more information about this
story, please contact NewsEdge Corporation at 1-800-766-4224. **

<
*YEP!*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 5:22 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Now, IMA. I know that you and I don't see eye to eye and I'm fine with
that but let me tell you a story since we're on this same page with this
subject. From my dealing with CPS, I have found that they are only as
active as people are relentless. A few years back, there was a young
family member that was being abused by her mother. My wife and I were
bombarded with info speaking of the abuse. The ultimate end to every
abuse statement was "Can't you do something?????" We DID do something.
We would not take no for an answer from CPS or the local magistrates of
the family court judge. We fought and fought to the point of exhaustion
but we never gave up. At one point my wife posed the question if we
"were beaten?" Of course we weren't beaten, just meerly bruised so we
pushed on. Finally we won custody. (countless battles and hearings)It
took us several sleepless nights but the end was well worth all of it.
CPS and the magistrates did not know that there was people that are
willing to fight til the death and had no idea what they were dealing
with. They seemingly couldn't understand why we were doing what we were
doing. Even a local educater said that her humble opinion, a child
should be with their mother regardless of the situation, that every
family has a "few rough spots in the road". As I sit here, I wonder if
especially that "educater" has a different point of view? If Chris was
just going over a "rough spot in the road"? With little doubt, (in the
case of the child that we protected) the rough spot would have been the
same. It's time we change our thinking. We ARE charged with the
protection of our kids. All the good ole boy crap and the "rough spot"
thinking needs to end! Without our children, there is no future.
*Nuthouse*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 5:32 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

God Bless the kids at GreenBank school as well as the boys that played
football with Chris last year. The 8th grade class is doing a wonderful
job with everything they are doing with remembering Chris at the school.
Everything they are doing right now is in rememberence of him. The
school principle and the rest of the staff are doing such a wonderful
job. Thanks to all of them for their love and support.
*stop and think*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 6:10 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I too have children in GBEMS.. I too have many questions and WHY?????
just always tops the list. It is obvious that our system of law and
child protection lacks. In retrospect, it is now time for all of us
adults, parents, grandparents, big brothers and sisters, etc... need to
step up and support our children. My children aren't sleeping at night.
Defying every word that is said to them. This is a first of morality for
most of these children. And the tragedy of the whole thing makes it
worse. Hate to be a downer but these things usually happen in three's.
We lost logan, now Chris, who else is next? That is were we need to step
in. We need to strive to make children and teen's feel safe. We need to
let them know that even if they do something wrong that they are still
loved and needed in this world. There are some sick people in this
world, and they need help.

I don't always agree with people around here but this is a tragedy that
could have possiblely been stopped. All tragedy's have a chance to be
stopped. Will the system change, I doubt it. Will the law officers care,
I doubt it. Most of them don't want to get too close to a situation and
are trained not to.

Love can build a bridge....
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me and you and our
neighbors.....

My daughter told me that she will always remember his laugh and him
cheering her up....

Angels come and go and Chris will always watch over his friends at
GBEMS.....
*Ima*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 7:14 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

YEP!, the only "problem" I have with you is the remark you made about
the "cancer" thing, which I won't repeat, but you know what I am talking
about. And I will admit that I have a smart mouth that I use to my
advantage when someone waves a red flag in front of my face. I apologize
for teasing you, and most probably just made you so furious that you
made that remark about Ima and Raven in retaliation. So, can we please
call a truce?
I agree 100% with the statement you made about CPS, and admire that you
and your wife were not willing to back down when you knew you were
right- and a child's welfare was at stake. You are also 100% correct by
stating that people need to change their way of thinking.
The only way things are going to change for the better is if we all get
on the same page and start butting heads with the system...just like you
and your wife did.
*YEP!*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 7:28 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

We can indeed call a truce. Now, let's attack something that is
deserving......... A SYSTEM THAT WILL ALLOW OUR CHILDREN TO BE KILLED!!!!!
*Shorty Maw-Maw*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 8:12 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

To Not A Joke, thank you very much for letting everyone know when the
viewing, and funeral is going to be for Christopher {Chris} Reeser.
*Proud Parent*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 8:47 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Just to let everyone know, the school is having a dance tonight. It was
orginally planned as a regular dance for 5th thru 8th grade. Since this
tragedy did accure they did it in Memory of Chris. Now just so everyone
knows, someone in the community went to the principal and donated enough
money so there was no admission charged, the children are not paying for
food, and food was donated. This person thought it very important that
the student body be together in a time of crisis. To whom ever the
person is, THANK YOU for helping our students heal. These students need
the prayers and continuious support of their families and friends to
make the rest of the school year a success.

THANK YOU AGAIN TO WHOMEVER DID THIS GRACIOUS DEED!
*not a joke*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 9:23 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

to shorty mama your very welcome

i just left the greenbank school and the wall they made for chris is
wonderful!!!!!!! the kids are supporting each other, it was so amazing
how these young kids are comforting each other in this time on need. god
bless them all!!!!!!! they all are great kids. they are trying to enjoy
themselves and have a good time but they will never forget there lil
chris they all say the same thing they are going to keep him close in
there hearts for a very long time. chris is gone but he will never be
forgotten these kids will see to that!!!!!!!!!!!!
*Ima*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 9:44 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

What a WONDERFUL thing for someone to do! It is a touching tribute.
Thank you for telling us about this person's kindness, and also for
telling us about the dance.
*Shorty Maw-Maw*

Mar 17th, 2007 - 10:03 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I'd also like to thank the person who gave free admission, and food to
the GreenBank students for their dance tonight. It's great that they can
be together helping one another. These children have been through so
much since Thursday.
*babs*

Mar 18th, 2007 - 8:16 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I believe there will be a easter dance at the cass fire house on April
7, for the children of the entire county to come together, I believe
they will be starting several events for the summer, such as on weekends
I believe they will be starting popcorn and movie weekends for the
youth. This organization is on the right track by getting involved with
some youth activites, that will be well supervised, and some
entertainment for our youth.
*Shorty Maw-Maw*

Mar 18th, 2007 - 12:51 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Someone posted that the GBEMS is having a memorial service for Chris on
Tues., during school hours. I was just wondering if parents,
grandparents, and friends can attend it along with the students, and
school staff? If you read this Mrs. Bland , would you please answer back
on here. Thank-You so much!
*not a joke*

Mar 18th, 2007 - 1:01 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

the note that the school sent home lastnight with the kids says

tues. march 20,2007 at 2pm that the school would be open to the students
and their families wishing to pay their respects, and i really don't
think mrs. bland would have a problem with anyone showing up at this
point in time to support the kids.
*???????????*

Mar 18th, 2007 - 3:02 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

This is a very sad tragedy, I know in my situation I got domestic
restraining orders on me, because the kids went and lied to the
counselors because the mother told them they would be punished if they
didn't. CPS was breathing down my neck when I did nothing. It seems to
me that Tammy Wagman, CPS, just gets involved with certain people, the
real abusers always get away with it but innocent people get rights
taken away. CPS does a very poor job of investigating these abuse cases,
something needs to be done, the kids always are the ones that pay for
their mistakes. It is the saddest thing when a tradegy like this has to
happen for people to open their eyes. My thoughts and prayers go out to
the families of this innocent young child!
*b**** please*

Mar 18th, 2007 - 3:08 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I've been following this for the past several days now...this is a very
tragic situation and my heart goes out to everyone involved in this. The
question that sticks out most in my mind has already been asked on here,
but has yet to be answered: Where were his parents? Why was he with his
grandpa to begin with? This poor poor child...I've cried and cried about
this. RIP Chris
*xxx*

Mar 18th, 2007 - 3:47 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Our concerns now should be generated in helping the children who are
having a hard time dealing with this situiation. Talk if your child
wants to talk let them know we don't always know why things happen,
encourage them to talk to you, and above all let them all know they are
loved .
*Anonomous*

Mar 18th, 2007 - 3:58 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Where is the visitation? Is it at the Greenbank school or is it at the
funeral home? I was one of Chris's friend.He was a great person.
*not a joke*

Mar 18th, 2007 - 4:03 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

tues. at 2 pm at greenbank school will be a memorial

tues. 6pm -9pm at wallace and wallace is the visitation

wed at 11 am at wallace and wallace is the funeral to say good bye to a
great lil boy who needs to be laid to rest and the gossip stop.
*Shorty Maw-Maw*

Mar 18th, 2007 - 6:37 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Here in the mountains of beautiful Pocahontas County, the family, and
friends are mourning the death of a dear sweet child. And along comes
this ignornant troll causing more heartache for our community. By
posting hurtful messages on here. Norman, I pray you uncover who he, or
she is. One thing for sure the troll has no respect for anybody, or
anything. I'd be willing to bet you that he, or she doesn't even know
the meaning of respect.
*WHY?*

Mar 18th, 2007 - 10:34 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

This is a horrible tragedy and I feel so badly for all that Chris has
went through. Thank God though, he is now in Heaven with God and will
not have to endure all of the pain and suffering that no one was willing
to help stop. How much longer would this have went on with him and no
one would have stopped it? I do not want to see anyone die, but if no
one was going to step in and stop this horrid man, then at least I know
he is not suffering anymore. I hope you can understand my meaning and
not take this the wrong way.
The CPS and the state police that went up there should be investigated
and I am sure they will be. I know that when something like this happens
in Greenbrier County, there is an investigation. I just hope that
something comes of it. Someone NEEDS to be held accountable for not
helping this little boy when he has needed it most.
I also agree with IMA about it being a crock that there are not enough
places for children to go. Well excuse, me, but WHAT IS DAVIS STAURT IN
LEWISBURG FOR AND WHAT ABOUT THE HOMELESS SHELTER FOR CHILDREN LOCATED
IN FAIRLEA? Do not EVER tell me that it is better to leave a child in a
situation of abuse because they do not want to get up off their butts
and do their job and the paper work to find a place for these children
to go. What about the shelter in Marlinton? Why couldn't he have even
went there until there was an investigation? I am sorry, but the "Not
enough foster homes" excuse is just one for them to excuse them selves
and justify themselves for not doing their jobs.
I can assure you that if I were EVER told by a child that they were too
scared to go home, I would question them further and then I would call
the state police from Greenbrier County if I felt Poca wouldn't do
anything. HOW DARE SOME OF YOU TO MAKE SUCH ABSURD EXCUSES WHEN THE
DEATH OF A CHILD HAS BEEN AT HAND! Those of you who have are just as
foolish as they are.
*yep*

Mar 19th, 2007 - 12:49 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Amen
*Shorty Maw-Maw*

Mar 19th, 2007 - 1:26 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Many thanks to IMA and YEP! for posting the beautiful songs "Alyssa
Lies", and When I'm Gone, in memory of Chris. It was very sweet, and
thoughtful to do so. It's so horrible the way he had to leave this
world. I pray that God Richly Blesses Chris's family, classmates, and
friends.
*Jinxer Pixer*

Mar 19th, 2007 - 5:22 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Greenbank School is sending permission slips home with the kids today
explaining the services. They are having a memorial at school tommorow
for the kids (others are allowed to attend) and they are allowed (if a
parent signs permission) to take a bus to the funeral on Wednesday at
11. I for one think that it is touching that they are doing all of this,
not only for Chris but for the children to express their emotions.
*A Caring Mother*

Mar 19th, 2007 - 5:37 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Through all of the hurt and anger, this has been horrible to say the
least. Looking around, I see alot of good parents around. I'm proud of
them! The children are mourning Chris's loss. I know they were told this
is their time to grieve. They should. Chris had a magical personality,
meaning that he would always have someone smiling or laughing even after
a long day. The children are coping best with each other and it's
comforting to know they can come to their parents/relatives as they
wish. Sometimes, they're even encouraged to do so. The kids are trying
to laugh some, as Chris always wanted everyone too. Also I've seen the
hugs the parents give the kids occassionally. They need to get through
this. I'm glad the kids aren't being rushed through the grieving. The
memory wall at school and the school dance were teriffic ideas. Think
about it too, through all of your anger, which believe me, I have alot
too, how you want your children to view things. Think of the longterm
effects.
*A Caring Mother*

Mar 19th, 2007 - 5:39 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I think that the bus idea is teriffic! Another good thing for this
children in coping Jinxer Pinxer.
*A Caring Mother*

Mar 19th, 2007 - 5:51 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Another thing though, and this is the burning question...how do we get
children to trust again that someone is going to help them if they need
it? I mean they do see the newspaper and hear announcements.

My one idea, if you're ever in a situation where someone is hurting you,
tell a trusted friend to tell their parent(s) as well as telling a
counselor. See this is hard for the kids. The trust thing. I understand
the confidentiality portion when it comes to things like this. However,
if you have to, call the friend(s) parent yourself from a safe place if
you friend isn't around at the time.

No this won't bring Chris back. God I pray and wish that it could. Maybe
it's one idea to help any other child out there somewhere who needs it.
*A Caring Mother*

Mar 19th, 2007 - 5:59 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Give the kids a calling card or a dollar's worth of quarters, or both.
If they ever see a friend in need, they can call right away. What's the
risk? Kidnapping? Trespassing? If it saves a life, it's worth it.
*~~RaVeN~~*

Mar 19th, 2007 - 8:25 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Kenny Chesney

Who You'd Be Today

Sunny days seem to hurt the most.
I wear the pain like a heavy coat.
I feel you everywhere I go.
I see your smile, I see your face,
I hear you laughin' in the rain.
I still can't believe you're gone.

It ain't fair: you died too young,
Like the story that had just begun,
But death tore the pages all away.
God knows how I miss you,
All the hell I've been through,
Just knowin' no-one could take your place.
An' sometimes I wonder,
Who'd you be today?

Would you see the world? Would you chase your dreams?
Settle down with a family,
I wonder what would you name your babies?
Some days the sky's so blue,

I feel like I can talk to you,
An' I know it might sound crazy.

It ain't fair: you died too young,
Like the story that had just begun,
But death tore the pages all away.
God knows how I miss you,
All the hell I've been through,
Just knowin' no-one could take your place.
An' sometimes I wonder,
Who you'd be today?

Today, today, today.
Today, today, today.

[Instrumental Break]

Sunny days seem to hurt the most.
I wear the pain like a heavy coat.
The only thing that gives me hope,
Is I know I'll see you again some day.

Some day, some day, some day.

I just had to post the lyric's to this song. It reminds me of someone I
lost very dear to my heart that was young when he died as well. At first
it was hard to listen to the song. All I could see was his face. Now it
all makes sense to me.

Blessings~~RaVeN~~
*A Caring Mother*

Mar 19th, 2007 - 9:33 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

That is beautiful Raven. Thank you for posting the song. When I think of
Alyssa Lies, too, I knew Chris personally and I know he told the truth
and didn't try to hide. God I miss that little boy. But the rest of it
still fits in with that song too. God bless you and tonight tuck the
kids in and tell them you love them. Hug them and show it. Say a prayer
for Chris too.
*~~RaVeN~~*

Mar 19th, 2007 - 9:50 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

A Caring Mother ~~Your words are so true. Your welcome for the song
lyric's I could not remember where the file was I had it in. I had
downloaded the song since it had touched my heart strings so and I also
wanted the words.
It helped me ease the pain as well as always remember that some
day.....there shall be a reunion!

I did not know Chris but every time something like this happens even in
the States anywhere, it makes me sad.
Especially when their lives are swept away by people that wish them
harm. They never get a chance to grow up.
Parents never get to see the beautiful creation that the Great Spirit
God has blessed them with~~~grow, mature~~~
A parent should never have to bury a child.

Chris you shall forever be in my heart. Even though I do not know
you~~~your love shines through all those who hold you so dear. Bless you
child of God. Shall you shine in the hearts of those that loved you
forever.
In the light there is peace~~~in the light there is no more pain~~~in
our memories you shall remain! Yes some day we shall all meet again!

~~RaVeN~~

*Shorty Maw-Maw*

Mar 19th, 2007 - 9:59 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

May God Bless everyone! Most especially the people in Pocahontas County.
The heartaches have been pouring in. First it was Chris, then Sunday
we've lost three more friends. And today another friend was in a bad
accident on cheat mt. not far from Durbin. May God Bless all the
families who've lost loved ones, and also God Bless the gentleman and
family who was in the accident!
*Saddened*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 4:27 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

To Why?:
Davis Stuart home is for kids that have been in trouble, ie: drugs,
thefts etc. I've never heard of a homeless shelter for kids in
Lewisburg. Family Refuge has a place for mothers with children, but I
don't thing they take in just kids. I don't believe there is any kind of
shelter for anyone in Marlinton.
*sad*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 4:59 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

there have been several peolpe asking about Chris's parents, Chris once
told me that his mom left when he was about 2 years old and his dad
killed himdelf when he was about 4. JUST ISN"T FAIR!. Love you Chris!
*sad*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 5:01 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I think the part that bothers me the most about our LAW leaving him
there, is that they wouldn't have had a problem removing him if HE had
done something wrong.
*A Caring Mother*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 5:28 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

He was one of the picked on kids too, but he never let that get him
down, he bounced back. He had fun anyway and got included in things with
the other kids from time to time afterall. Smiling and laughing was
Chris. Lyle is his Mother's dad.
*A Caring Mother*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 5:38 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I overheard a child say it wasn't anyone's fault except Chris's grandad.
We can learn alot from a child. We'll never know because of
confidentiality, what extent the law or other places took it, or to what
extent they knew. However, through a child's eyes and for inner peace
instead of revenge for the children, the longterm effects for the
children...it ended when Lyle ended his life. I'm thinking about the
kids here. I know I wish I knew the confidential details. I know our
system didn't work.
*A Caring Mother*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 5:58 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Here's the most important thing as well for prevention. Now, after the
fact, gossip has spread as to what Lyle's character was like. It was
totally different from what he "portrayed". It's a small town, let these
rumors fly so busy parents who are trying to do the most for the kids in
today's fast-paced world, can be aware. This will put a bug in their ear
and keep them on their toes. He did do a masterful job of disguising
though. What I saw in him was firsthand. I didn't know any different.
*tell me why*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 8:27 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Why did some many of his friends and other family not step up for this
poor boy when it could have helped if and been pervented if the concern
needed would of been takin. why didnt his other family that lived near
him not take him away from his grandpa and take care of him instead of
covering up his grandpa's devilish ways. then why does the law and cps
decide to step in when its too late why didnt these people show that
they cared about him the way they needed to. whats the use to have the
cps and law if they're not goin to do there job when its needed to be
done if you ask me i think the cps in this county and the law is
worthless becasue they take action to things that arn't near as bad as
this like for exaple if you smack a kids butt and someone turns you in
they're there ready to take the kid but when a kid shows up to school
everyday with brusies and tells people about it know one trys hard
enough to save this child from pain and now death. i just know this kids
life could have been saved if they put more concern and effort into it i
just hate for chris's life to be an example for what goes on in this
county to other kids just like him and nothing is done about it how many
kids are we going to stand back and let die like they let him im sorry
but it makes me very sad when it could and should have been pervented.
this should have never went this far!! RIP CHRIS BRIAN REESER YOU WE BE
LOVED AND MISSED GREATLY ATLEAST I NOW KNOW THAT YOU ARE WITH SOMEONE
THAT LOVES YOU VERY VERY MUCH AND THAT WILL NEVER LET YOU FILL PAIN
AGAIN I JUST WISH YOU WAS STILL HERE WITH US AND COULD HAVE BEEN JUST AS
HAPPY HERE AS YOU ARE UP THERE.
*TO TELL ME WHY*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 11:15 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I THINK IT IS A FAIR QUESTION TO ASK WHY FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE NOT STEPPED
UP IN SITUATIONS LIKE THIS. IT IS UNFAIR TO JUDGE WITHOU KNOWING, BUT IT
WOULD BE GREAT TO UNDERSTAND THAT ALL ADULTS, ESPECIALLY FAMILY, SHOULD
CARE ABOUT CHILDREN IN THE FAMILY AND CONFRONT ADULTS WHO ABUSE THEM.
FAMILY MEMBERS CAN PRESS THE DHHR/CPS TO HELP THE CHILDREN WHEN
CONFRONTING THE ADULT IS DANGEROUS OR OF NO HELP.
WHEN IT COMES TO THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN, EVERYONE SHOULD MAKE IT THEIR
BUSINESS. YOU DONT HAVE TO ACCUSE FALSELY, BUT WHEN IN DOUBT AS THEY
SAY, THERE IS NOTHING WITH WRONG WITH INVESTIGATING.
*very nice*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 3:31 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I was at the school during the memorial service and it went very well
the children had some beutiful poems and Chris's family was there and
the really like all that we had done because i talked to some of them
after it was over.
*sad*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 4:02 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I agree the services were very nice. There are some great kids at Green
Bank, they are so strong, to face this, the way they have. As far as the
family stepping in and taking Chris away, they family that I have spoken
to (devistated) have said they had NO inkling that Lyle was so sick. and
had NO idea that Chris was being abused. Chris didn't want them to know.
Until he asked for help, He stated the he was afraid to go home. that is
when the child abuse came out.

Please Do not judge the family that you don't know. They aren't to blame
in this.
*Just Going To Say It*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 4:13 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I was also at the school for the services, and it was very nice. Up
until this moment, I was going to take my children to the services at
the funeral home this evening, but I am starting to change my mind on
that. It is heartbreaking that this boy is longer with us. AND IT DIDN'T
HAVE TO BE THIS WAY!!!! It is SO senseless and mind boggling to deal
with an issue like this. Sometimes, people do not give kids enough
credit. They are sometimes able to grasp situations that we can't. And
this is the point that I'm getting to: my children asked me how he could
be at the funeral home at the same time with his grandfather. And after
alot of pondering on that, I feel that Chris deserved to have his loved
ones, family and friends pay their respects to HIM. I for one can't
bring myself to go and see a child in a coffin. And after hearing many
other people talk about the same thing, they are uncomfortable about
paying their respects to Chris and at the same time knowing how he got
there. See the point I'm getting at?? Emotions are running high in this
county and so many people are upset at the hows, and whys of this
tragedy. Has anybody thought about the safety of everybody involved at
the funeral home tonight and the funeral home tomorrow? I for one am
concerned and feel that as a parent I must not let my children go. Not
out of disrespect, but out of concern.
*To "sad", or anyone else who knows for sure:*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 4:20 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Who did this young man tell that he was afraid to go home?
*Student*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 4:20 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I am having a little problm with a few of the concerns u have too. I
can't see why they would have both services at the same time i am sorry
to offend anyone but this to me is just wrong he is the reason that
Chris has left us and they r going to have Chris right there in the
funeral home at the same time pure disrespect on Chris' part.
*Student*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 4:21 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

He told Mr.Brown the conselour and he called the police and he told them
too. And not only them but some students also.
*A Caring Mother*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 4:31 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Each parent must think through the situation in their own way. The
longterm effects on the kids...in regard to tonight. Some need it for
closure regardless. Others may feel safety may be a concern with both
Lyle and Chris there. Go with your own gut feeling. You have to be the
role model to help handle it so that your child(children) can. Nobody
would hold it against you either way. Chris knows you love him
regardless. I LOVE YOU CHRIS! MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
*A Caring Mother*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 4:36 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Please don't ever hold it against the students. Kids are not to be
accountable. They don't think sometimes that things are as bad as they
sound. Sometimes they may suggest to a friend, to go to a counselor.
They may not think to tell their parents what Chris may/may not have
said. JUST PLEASE DON'T HOLD IT AGAINST THE STUDENTS AND MAKE IT THEIR
FAULT. THAT WOULD BE A HORRIBLE LONG-TERM EFFECT. I DO NOT BLAME THEM.
As for the school, if they were told, I have 100% certainty they did
everything that they could because they are required to on top of having
hearts for kids in danger.
*Just Going To Say It*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 4:39 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Thank you. I'm glad that there are other who understand at what I'm
getting at. I wanted to go the the funeral home, but it is very hard for
me to swallow. I'm glad that my kids did go to the services today to pay
their respects, and he have sat down and talked about it. They and I
both want to remember Chris as they saw in at school. I just really hope
and pray that everyone is safe through this situation. So, my gut says
"don't go". My opinion only though is that they SHOULD NOT HAVE PUT HIM
RIGHT BESIDE HIS GRANDFATHER FOR A FUNERAL........and everyone knows why.
*remember*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 4:39 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

To saddened

Having worked at Davis Stuart in Lewisburg I can tell you that the main
campus is for troubled teens but they have many homes across WV that are
for cast out children, abused children, and handicap children. One of
them being in Maxwelton and another one for sure in Beckley and a new
one in Bluefield. There is also a childrens shelter that is for abused
children in Lewisburg it is right across from the state fairgrounds and
they CANT turn away any child.

There were places to go....
*A Caring Mother*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 4:42 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Good decision for your family because you're going with your gut
instinct for your family. Each family will handle things as they see
fit. Like I said, Chris knows you love him regardless.
*A Caring Mother*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 4:51 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

There are always places to take kids. In fact he could have come right
to my house and if necessary, I would have gone on out of state with him
to hide at a shelter there or something. There is always a way. Bring me
up on kidnapping charges? I don't care. I would have saved his life if I
had been given the chance.
*Student*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 5:20 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

No it was not our fellow student's fault nor was it Mr.Brown's fault.
Chris went to them for help and they did what they should have done they
called the law. As far as the law things go i can see where the law
stands but if i were a cop I would have helped a little more then they
did but there is so many charges and laws out there maybe they couldn't
hae done anymore then what they did until they had in writing i don't
know but all I know is a friend's life was taken and it can't be brought
back.
*A Caring Mother*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 5:34 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Thank you student, for the clarification. God bless you. I agree with
you too.
*??*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 5:42 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Chris and Lyles family are mentally and emotionally trying to cope with
not one, but TWO serious tragedies. The first being the violent death of
two members of their family. The second is the circumstances surrounding
their deaths.
In addition to the afore mentioned situations, the family is being
subjected to public speculation regarding purported child abuse.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but it is NOT for any of you to
judge how the Taylor family planned the final arrangements for their two
deceased family members. Don't you think they have enough grief and
heartache to bear already- without hearing comments regarding "putting
Chris's casket next to Lyle's" at the viewing?
Emotions will be explosive if the non-family members who attend the
viewing don't act with the utmost respect and decorum. It is a
PRIVILEDGE that the family invited the public/friends to attend the
viewing and service. They could have requested that only members of the
family have attendence, but they didn't...they invited friends. So act
like friends and be supportive.
Whatever ill feelings you have towards Lyle, and the questions you have
regarding why the family didn't step in to take Chris out of an abusive
situation, PUSH THOSE FEELINGS AND QUESTIONS TO THE BACK BURNER
until after the service. Out of respect for Chris's memory.
*WHY?*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 6:44 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I have also had an aunt and uncle both that have worked at Davis Staurt
and I do know for a fact that although it is mostly for troubled
children as stated above, I do also recall a few being there because
their parents just no longer wanted to care for them or they were
abused. I also have had one sister work for the boys home across from
the fair grounds and I knew that place also could have taken him.
I also would like to say this, if the refuge center is only for women
and not children in the same danger then I will no longer support it in
any way. I'm sorry, but there is no excuse or any reason WHY this boy
should or could not have been taken there even temporarily until a
foster home or further investigating was performed. How is it ok for a
woman to go to a refuge center because she is scared but a child will
get turned away? HELLOOOO!!! Also, I would also like to state that if
there are not enough foster families in this county, don't you think
that there should be ads placed in the paper, on the news, on the radios
asking for help? If this is not done, it is just ANOTHER reason for the
CPS in my opinion, especially after this, to be considered not doing
their job to the best of their ability.
I would also like to say that although the family has decided to have
the services at the same time and have Chris positioned next to his
murderer and grandfather, PLEASE do not disrespect him and NOT go
because of this. Respect the young boy and go for him and allow him his
last respects. He deserves it. The boy has went through pure hell
already and DOES NOT deserve to be avoided yet once again because of his
grandfather. Take the time and think about it. He is in Heaven now with
our God and sees the crying, the sadness and he deserves to get the
respect and love he didn't have while here on Earth. Children will grow
up seeing things whether you try to keep them from certain others or
not. They still know it exists and there is no reason to try to keep
them from this. Maybe it will help one later on if they ever start
getting mistreated to remember what has happened to Chris and go get help.
*Ima*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 6:53 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Why? The refuge center won't turn away a child. They will take a child
in an emergency situation. Who ever said they wouldn't doesn't know what
they are talking about.
*WHY?*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 7:42 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

To IMA: This is why I had said that previously.

Saddened

Mar 20th, 2007 - 4:27 AM Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread

To Why?:
Davis Stuart home is for kids that have been in trouble, ie: drugs,
thefts etc. I've never heard of a homeless shelter for kids in
Lewisburg. Family Refuge has a place for mothers with children, but I
don't thing they take in just kids. I don't believe there is any kind of
shelter for anyone in Marlinton.
*a person who cried*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 8:07 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Someone tell all of us what we should do in these situtions. Tell a
teacher? All they can do is make a phone call. Tell the police? They
only make a phone call to the DHHR? The DHHR takes weeks to look into
these matters and then maybe help the kid for a few days by putting them
in foster care. All the friends and neighbors can do is sit back and
watch what happens next. What are we suppose to do besides doing a
little country justice. A bigger man whopping the xxxx out of Lyle
Taylor. Where would that lead. The the good guy, sticking up for chris,
would be in jail for assault and Lyle back at home beating the crap out
of Chris again. So some one tell me what are we suppose to do. I'm mad
as Hell and don"t what to see this happen to another little boy.
*TO TELL ME WHY*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 9:11 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

i was successful in taking my grandchildren out of their home with very
good help from the dhhr in another county. neighbors, teachers, dhhr
together without their mother knowing until the dhhr had enough evidence
to pickup the children with surprise to the mother. yes, surprise, when
there is enough evidence, testimony from family and teachers and from
the child, who was talked to at school by the dhhr,,,,the dhhr got an
order from the judge to remove the children immediately. i believe these
procedures are state wide. the mother had a chance to go to family court
and try to prove her side which she could not. the dhhr had concrete
proof of neglect and abuse to keep the children from returning to the
home. From my experience it is my belief that the dhhr here could have
gone about gathering evidence to remove this child in a way that would
not have confronted the father until the were ready to remove the child
from a dangerous situation. what we need to do is see that the police
are trained to be more sensitive as to how to handle potentially
dangerous situations for family members. i believe the dhhr here needs
to allow teachers, children and family members involvement be withheld
from the guardian/parent until they have concrete proof, testimony, a
court order from the judge and then immediately remove any child in
dangerous. yes there are a lot of group homes for placement of children
in wva in cases like these. the dhhr here should work with county
citizens. explain to them how they can report abuse cases and have their
names withheld, you do not even have to give your name. the dhhr and
court goes a long way to believe a child.at this point in time the dhhr
should educate all children,families, teachers how to handle situations
like this. yes we do need to answer you, what does a child do in a case
like this. there is an answer, there can be a plan. it must happen, we
all must learn from this.....no accept that this is the way it is...
*TO TELL ME WHY*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 9:26 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

sorry correction last line of above...not. accept that this is the way
it is...
*sad*

Mar 20th, 2007 - 10:12 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Just to let every on know that condolences can be made to the family at
www.wallaceandwallacefh.com.
*351*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 12:48 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

It appears that everyone on here knows so much, when the fact is they
know very little. You can simply start at the top of this page and as
you scroll down watch rumors and mistruths develop. I would first say
that this shooting is indeed an unnecessary tragedy. Fact is that CPS in
this county is aggressive and effective in protecting children, more
effective than many other adjacent counties. The government should not
be able to easily take children away from their homes. In reading the
above post it sounds as if the victim of this crime reported "beatings"
to CPS and Law Enforcement, that was never the case. Sometimes there is
a fine line between investigating discipline and abuse, as we have seen,
this line can sometimes be the difference between life and death for the
undeserving victim. The workers from CPS have an overwhelming
responsibility, to please the persons on here they would need to be able
to first see the future. It is easy to look back and cast the blame at
CPS, anyone could look at this after the fact and conclude that the home
wasn't safe for the victim.(not rocket science at this point) With no
discredit to the victim, I would say that many times teenage children
report incidents of abuse that are not completely credible (not
referring to this case) , sometimes they change the facts during their
interview or report inconsistent facts to different persons they
encounter. Should the parents of these children lose their kids because
of an accusation ?? Like I said earlier, it should not be easy for the
government to remove your children. These incidents are not always cut
and dry. I agree that the system needs to protect the true victims of
abuse. However, I understand that it doesn't necessarily mean the system
failed when an incident like this happens. We could blame the gun, or
law enforcement, or CPS, or many other persons or items. In my opinion
one person failed this boy, intervention from others maybe could have
changed the outcome, but the one person failed..
*Ima*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 2:49 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

And whom would that one guilty person be? You neglected to say, 351. You
were too busy defending CPS to tell us WHOM was responsible...unless you
were alluding to the child's Grandfather? The Grandfather killed him,
that is a true fact. No one on this forum is going to dispute that. But
the other fact is that if someone had been PERSISTANT and done their
job, the child would have been removed from the home and safely away
from the business end of a gun.
We all know that there is a process CPS has to go through before taking
a child away from their guardians. They have to document this, and
document that, and investigate this, investigate that... yada, yada. We
all know that CPS can't "see into the future". But there are SOME
INSTANCES where threat is SO IMMINENT, CPS can remove the child
immediately and forego all the red tape. All they need are a couple of
brain cells to make a common sense judgment and adequate TRAINING in
their profession to be able to discern immediate danger. Training that
our local CPS are SADLY LACKING.
You do every abused child (present and future) in this County a
disservice by saying that CPS in Pocahontas County is better than the
CPS in surrounding counties. So what? Maybe the other counties CPS
agencies are so pi$$ poor that they would make ANY other CPS look good.
Is that how you want to judge your public agencies? Compare them to
surrounding counties? NOT ME. I want my public agencies to be held to a
high standard, and be judged on PERFORMANCE. I want the people who work
in those agencies to be HIGHLY QUALIFIED. If they aren't and their
performance is substandard, I want their A$$ES REMOVED out of the
positions they are filling, and a qualified person hired.
The State DHHR needs to send an investigator into
the Pocahontas County CPS Office and clean house on the unqualified
personnel working in that office. And people like you need to shut their
pie holes and quit defending all these substandard public agencies we
have in our area. Demand QUALITY and quit accepting MEDIOCRE.
*??*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 3:51 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Emergeny procedure:
JUDICIAL BENCHBOOK
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT PROCEEDINGS

A. Court issues either: 1) Order filing petition and granting emergency
custody to State Department or to responsible relative or; 2) Order
filing petition and not granting emergency custody. (W. Va. Code § 49-6-3)

1. Initial order granting emergency custody. (W. Va. Code § 49-6-3(a)
and Rule of Procedure for Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings
(hereinafter "Rule"), (Rule 16)

a. Sets a preliminary hearing of petition within ten (10) days of
original filing; giving at least five (5) days notice of such hearing.
(Rule 22)

b. Appoints counsel for parents and guardian ad litem for child.

c. Provides for immediate transfer of child to State Department or
responsible relative.

d. Court may appoint a CASA representative for child in areas where CASA
program is in good standing. (Rule 52(a))

e. Court may also direct any party or State Department to initiate or
become involved in services to facilitate reunification of the family.
*da*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 5:41 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

IMA i think you need to shut your pie hole unless you have knowledge of
this investigation!Everyone wants to set here and play armchair
quarterback.Unless you were in the room with Chris during the interview
you have no ideal what was said. Yes things COULD have been done
differently but the people involved could not see into the future. They
did what they thought was right withthe information they had.Lets stop
pointing fingers when we do not know the whole story. Keeping Chris and
his family in your thoughts and prayers are what we need to do!
*to 351*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 7:12 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

no one is saying children should easily..be taken from their
parents...we are saying the authorities should investigate thoroughly,
listen to children , parents, family in confidence and act accordingly,
without resulting in the child being in danger of retaliation from the
parent. yes the court and dhhr can remove a child with a court order
that is backed with enough evidence gathered by the dhhr. police are
always taking action with probable cause, so should the dhhr. because
some people are ready to take authorities to court, and sometimes kids
threaten the parents with calling the cps,,,,does not...does not..mean
we have to be afraid to look for the truth as to what children are going
through. people like you only muddy the water and scare people who
should be standing up for the best conditions for our children to live
in. i believe what people are saying is ..authorities can and should
always look for ways to do their job better...now is a good time to
start, and should be demanded to start.
*to 351*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 7:27 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

as goverment agencies trying to see the future and using hindsight..is
this not what most goverment agencies do..for instance..in plane crashes
when they investigate as to why. train crashes....911 commission...so do
many smaller agencies ask what did we not do that we could have done and
what did we learn from this, what can we do in the future to prevent
this to happen again, where do we go from here......asking these kinds
of questions by the public at hearings and from inside agencies is not
necessarily just to bad mouth them but to expect them to use the past to
find a better future.....
*to ??*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 7:31 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

these are the court proceeding which i was referring to as to the
removal of my grandchildren in another county...all worked well without
the children going through further harm at home while investigations
were going on. my grandchildren trusted those around them in authority
while questions were being ask. Immediate removal by a court order can
be extremely necessary at time. enough evidence and witnesses can be
gotten to substantiate if the child if being truthful...
*other good results*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 7:57 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Megan's law came about by not accepting the many things happening to
children. Also orange alert, (i believe that is the right color) came
about to help missing children. When children have problems and everyone
cries out, it is then authorities plus citizens come up with better
protection for children. NO, questioning how sometime was done should
not be looked at as trouble making or bad-mouthing. It results many
times in a better society for all.
*Comments to other posters*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 7:58 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

351 and da both make excellent points.

If, as some have stated, CPS was just in the home the day before, then
they had less than 24 hours to investigate the situation and take
action. We none of us know the exact details.

It's only natural, in our grief, to want to have someone to blame.
*xxx*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 8:07 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

This tragedy has perhaps, became a learning experience for everyone,
Abusers are very clever of not letting anyone know what is going on in
there home where it be abuse of a wife, child, parent etc. there are
also differents types of abuses such as neglect, mental abuse, degrading
a person, or doing little or nothing for the person they are involved
with. Most people who are abused are ashamed and afraid of what will
happen to them and very very few ever tell about the abuse. Most abusers
become abusers themselves, this becomes a terrible cycle, the CPS has to
follow certain laws not of there making perhaps in Memory OF Chris , You
Should Let Your Law Makers Know How You Feel How Investigiation Laws
Should Be Changed for the benefit of all Abused People. Or As a
Community Maybe a Refuge Center Could be Started IN The County IN Memory
Of Chris. God Bless YOU Chris, Rest IN Peace.
*other good results*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 8:35 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Yes many times , most times the person being abused is ashamed and
afraid to talk to others about what is happening at home. If others as a
friend, family or authorities educate everyone as to the why and how
they can talk about this in confidence, there will be knowledge,
evidence, witnesses who hold in confidence things that are going on
until the time comes for action by authorities. If this had been
happening over time with Chris the police and cps here would not have
had just one day to spring into action. There are many commercials on tv
for abused spouses to go to safe harbors. THis should be part of the
education of children, that if things are abusive at home, it does not
have to be hidden. There should be a program set in place by the
goverment where children in confidence regularly speak about problems
they see as abusive, emotionally or mentally unbearable. If the abusive
person knows children are able and encouraged to speak up without it
being brought back to the abuser until legal action is ready and has
been authenticated, and if they know it is no longer a covered-up right
behind closed doors, then very likely it will not end in death..There
should be laws enacted now that child abuse is no longer a home
secret..........
*Ima*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 9:47 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

This isn't just about Chris. This is about ALL THE CHILDREN CPS HAS LET
DOWN. Chris isn't the only child who has died because of CPS's bad
judgement. Don't you get it? Over the years they have consistently made
bad judgement calls.
DHHR has a clause in the WV laws that keep their case records from being
viewed by anyone other than CPS case workers. So when they screw up, the
mistake is kept in the department and never gets revealed.
You all keep blathering about "wait until more details come to light".
THERE AIN'T GONNA BE NO DETAILS! You can wait, and wait, and wait until
the cows come home, but you won't EVER-NEVER GET ANY INFORMATION about
what happened!
***

Mar 21st, 2007 - 9:54 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Confidentiality constraints prohibit Department of Health and Human
Resources officials from releasing information about cases.

DUH is not spelled DA-DUH
*xxx*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 10:51 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

IMA, You may have a point it is not about CHRIS but his tragedy has
stirred emotions in people to try and help, the community has a whole is
saddened by this lose of a young life, You Cannot PLace the BLame on the
CPS they have strict guidelines to follow, this is why we need changes
in the law so if a person is abused they can feel safe in knowing that
they would have a place to go in this county and would not have to
return home. None of us know what was told only hearsay, and hearsay is
not going to solve the abuse problems that this county or country for
that matter has. I read an article in the newspaper the other day of a
foster mother who had tied and gagged her foster son and placed in him a
closet while she attended a family outing in another state. The poor boy
died in the closet, while she was gone , this was another person who was
intrusted to take care of a child. I don't have the answer nor do any of
us , but I think by using some of our resources, and putting our heads
together, we could maybe get a shelter here in the county, or get the
laws changed for everyone who needs help.We have the power to turn this
around and if we as a community help save just one person then I feel we
have accomplished something for the good of our community.
*bring some peace*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 11:24 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

CPS would love to have more foster homes as resources. We have to look
at this from a point of envolvement and committment. Agencies can only
do do much. We have to provide our agencies the tools to do a better job.

It's a hard thing to take a child out of a home, but sometimes that's
for the best. But there has to be a place for a child to be cared for.
That takes committment from people in the community. It's a big
committment too. But it is one that has to be made in order to save
lives of our children. If you can't provide a home, make a donation. Do
whatever you can to help.....it could save a life.
*Larry Himes*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 11:44 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Just my view, but protective services all over the country have often
had trouble doing the right thing in every case and this has been so for
years. And of course the laws relating to this matter have changed over
time and are still changing, which doesn't make CPS' job any easier. Up
until about 25 years ago, social workers in NY State could and did
remove children from homes merely because their parents wanted to
home-school them. It happened to my sister-in-law's family when she was
a kid. The oldest sister, however, had a plan to out smart 'em. She told
her siblings to stop eating and they would be sent home. It worked.

Larry
*re dhhr*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 11:48 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

they do not have to release info to the public, they just need to gather
info through investigating various ways, then when appropriate give the
info to a judge for emergency action, or for work through other
appropriate judical actions.
*??*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 12:22 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

A minor child can NOT just walk into a shelter and say "my folks are
beating me up", and automatically be allowed to stay at the shelter. The
Police and CPS would be called, and the child would be remanded to the
custody of his legal guardian until an investigation is done. Even if
the kid says "my Dad said he was going to kill me", there is a good
chance that the kid is going back to the parent-unless there is enough
evidence for the cops and CPS to remove the child from the guardian
right there on the spot.
Shelters are only beneficial if there is a court order for the child to
remain in the shelter. So how do you figure that more shelters will
solve any problems?
*to ??*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 12:51 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

have you been reading the above inputs. I dont think one has suggested a
child just walk into the cps. Read above inputs. The cps gathers enough
evidences before auth to remove a child. This needs to be done in a
confidential way. A child normally first goes to a teacher, friend,
family member first. These people usually are the ones that contact
cps.......
*??*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 1:01 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I have been reading the replys, and two or three ppl have replied that
there needs to be shelters where the kids can go to. Shelters aren't an
answer. And I know that there is a process that DHHR requires. But what
I am trying to say is that if a person is being abused, and their life
is being threatened, they don't have the time to wait for an
investigation to be done. They have to rely on someone making a judgment
call and immediately get them out of a dangerous life or death situation.
*xxx*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 1:57 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

To JJ No shelters are not the anwser but we also don't live in a world
without abuse, My point is any abused person needs a place to go , as
you can just not intervene as the Laws intact say there must be some
type of investigiation into the matter. That is why our laws need
changed,so as you stated you cannot just walk into a shelter there has
to be an investigation is right there are no easy anwsers to these
problems. As I stated abuse is a learned behavior and the cycle repeats
over and over and over, none of us has the anwser lets just hope the
cycle stops.
*help*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 2:07 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

These people are just stating how they feel there is no reason to be
name calling, maybe they just need an outlet to express how they feel
there is no harm in that I don't belive there is any gossip going on
just people trying to see how the system has failed us again.
*???????*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 2:12 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

You mean it is benefical to get on here complaining about people not
doing their jobs and trying to place the blame for this tragedy on
somebody else. I don't see where that helps anything.
*To: Help*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 2:20 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

If you were aware that the system was failing us why didn't you step in
and do something to prevent this tragedy? Don't get on here trying to
place the blame on others not doing their job unless you know that to be
a fact. It is easy to second guess others after something happens.
*WHY?*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 5:45 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

To the last poster: It is being discussed because it NEEDS to be
discussed for the future and safety of our children or are YOU retarded?
This is an important issue that in result needs the attention of
everyone in this county...not just one or two.
If CPS does their job then can you tell me WHY the little Bennett child
was left in the home although everyone KNEW that the man who FINALLY DID
kill her was there? They gave the mother so long to get the man out of
the home but allowed the children to stay there in the meantime? What
kind of call was that one? Who was responsible for that? Do you also
want to tell me WHY 2 children under 4 were returned to a meth makers
home within a matter of a month more or less, although they were charged
with endangerment, fraud, etc.? But yet they are also allowed back on
welfare. Please do not tell me that they make the right calls, because
now those children still yet get to see their mommy and daddy beating
the heck out of one another on a regualar basis, they drive like maniacs
with their children while fighting, they still do drugs in front of them
and have more dope heads and drunks coming to their home. Yet day after
day, these children, although being better off if they were in a foster
home, are allowed to continue seeing this type of behavior and NOTHING
is done about it. Even once, the mother failed the drug test after she
got out of jail while her boyfriend was still inside the jail and they
STILL got their kids back. I also know a girl that was taken from her
mom and dad because she told CPS that her mom slapped her in the face.
Ok, so she can be taken for over a week but someone who cries out for
serious help then ends up dying the next day doesn't get it? After
reporting that man, Lyle, he got so mad at Chris and I think that anyone
with common sense should have known to take him out of the situation for
a while until something looked in to. Someone needs to start doing their
job and I have to say that the children in this county definitely need
to be prayed for because it almost seems to me as if a lot of them are
on their own. Just like when that poor baby died in the home where there
was no heat...that was reported...but yet was OVER LOOKED by who? Some
of you really need to get your own stories straight and those of you on
here from CPS, you need to start doing a better job or hit the road.
These children need your help, and their safety and concern should come
before your desire to sit on your rumps because you don't want to have
to do a little extra paper work.
*sad*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 8:48 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Just wantted to let you know that the services were really nice. At the
end, the eigth grade class sent messages to heaven for Chris, It was
pretty awsome to see the 27 helium filled ballons with messages to Chris
floating to the heavens.

I also wantted to add something..

With the state of mind the Lyle was in, We are pretty fortunate that it
ended up this way, he could have very well ended up at the school
shooting whoever got in his way. I am soooooo sad for Chirs, words can't
even go there. It is just a really sad situation, that none of us can
change, like it or not the system did let Chris down, and his family
(including his grandfather) It was a bad judgment call. And No they
can't see into the future but isn't that why they are trained? Isn't
that why not just anyone can be on the cps????

Chris was a VERY special child and he was very well liked in the school,
And one thing for sure NO ONE will ever replace him in the hearts of the
kids a green bank middle school, or anyone else that knew this child.
*sad*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 9:01 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

to why....

AMEN!!

I THINK THAT IS THE BEST STATEMENT I HAVE READ ON HERE!!
*To ???????*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 9:25 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I'm sorry you think this is just a gossip forum. It actually has
interesting, informing, entertaining, and helpful threads. This thread
is not to spread gossip, it is to try to understand why this happened
and what we as a community could do to stop incidents like this tragedy.
Now back to the topic...

xxx, you hit a very valid point - abuse is a cycle that is repeated
until someone finds the strength to say "This is not right, it has to
stop with me." Physical abuse also has psychological damage and the
person may need to get help. Take a family with five children about a
hundred years ago, abused by a parent (it doesn't always have to be the
father) and those five children have five children who they abuse, those
25 children have children, where does it stop? will one of those
children stopping help the others? It needs to stop now and not cycle
anymore.
I have started another thread called "Are You In This Category?" to the
ones who abuse. They need help and have been victims themselves. I hope
it helps someone, even one person would be a good start.
*WHY?*

Mar 21st, 2007 - 10:07 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

To the last poster: No we are not retarded for discussng this on here
because it is an extremely important issue that needs to be addressed by
everyone in the community not just one or two. Just because this is on
Etater does NOT mean that the people on here are trying to gossip or
down-grade the issue. The children of this community are counting on us
as adults to find ways to keep them safe from harm. Just as Chris tried
and was NOT believed and let down. Now he is gone from us forever. Just
because a child may be "troubled" does not mean that they are
automatically full of it and are lying. If CPS was doing their job,
Chris would be alive in my opinion. If they would have been doing their
job with the baby Bennett girl, instead of allowing the children to stay
in the home and tell the mother she had one week to get the boyfriend
out, she too would still be alive. That was complete and total
negligence on their part. Just as it was for the little baby that was in
(Kanawha???) county that froze to death even though the DHHR was phoned
and asked about the heating issues of the home. So do not try to tell me
that CPS does their job to the best of their ability. They work for who
they want to help and that is it. Not all of them, but a lot of them are
like that and they do not like the extra paper work involved. They have
also allowed two children that were under 4 years of age go back to a
home that was charged with having an operative meth lab etc., and are
also allowed to get welfare, although they were charged with welfare
fraud too. Now these two young children get to see their parents beating
the living crap out of one another, drunken parties, their parents doing
drugs, and so much more. They even lock their children out of the house
sometimes and do drugs and other things with other people, while the
babies are outside crying to get back in. I've seen it myself. So again,
WHY are the children allowed to suffer? Because if you ask me the law
makers etc. do not give a hoot.
The children of this county need prayed for every day and the day when
one comes to me for help, I will be there.
*??*

Mar 22nd, 2007 - 3:47 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

CPS will go into the home & question the abused child right in front of
the abusing parent. They will also qwuestion the brothers & sisters
right in front of the abusive parent. Now how many kids do you think are
going to speak up in those circumstances??
I know this to be true as this happened to a friend of mine
*child abuse*

Mar 22nd, 2007 - 8:38 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

you are not allowed to smack your kids with a belt , paddle etc. only on
the butt with your hand. cps is supposed to help kyou make a difference
in how to help your children but what do they do they let drunk, dope
heads and alot of other kind of parents keep there children. and if
someone keeps their kids clean, feed and a roof over their heads then
they are bad parents. i know my daughter is going through this. she
doesn't drink, smoke , take drugs, but was with a man that beat her. but
no longer in that situation. but cps is still trying to abolish her
parental rights. it seem like every county is differnt in how they do
things, not by the book.i don't care if your the queen of england if
they don't want you to have your kids back then you won't get them
back.i'm not saying to beat akid but they do need corrected. most of all
they need love.
*my thoughts !!*

Mar 22nd, 2007 - 9:17 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

It is my understanding that Chris did "tell" Who I am not sure.But
whoever he "told" contacted authorities.The authorities went to the home
and "talked "to Mr.Taylor.That is what set Mr.Taylor off.He had [so I
hear]said not long ago " that the police would never take me
alive".Picture this.!!!He was a angry man ,always had been.When he felt
threatened by the authorities[who would unsurp] his controll over his
grandson,he just in his troubled mind,desided to end it all and take
Chris with him.
How about we try to get a law passed like they have in other places.A
law that would keep reports of abuse kept confidential untill it is
investigated.In other words the abuser would not be aware that abuse had
been reported.THE CHRIS LAW.
Just my thoughts.!!
*to my thoughts*

Mar 22nd, 2007 - 11:08 AM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

You are absolutely rigth. There should be a standard, national
procedure, a hot line, guidelines for people in a community to help
identify these problems, and definite clear cut guidelines for cps to
work with in these cases, also a Chris law. Perhaps we as a county
should construct a letter asking for these procedures to Charleston and
all of our Represenatives.. Now is a good time to make sure this goes
further than ideas just among ourselves..
*da*

Mar 22nd, 2007 - 1:26 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

* If I wanted to post as DUH I would have, I do know what I am doing.
Thank you anyway. da
*In The Know*

Mar 22nd, 2007 - 1:42 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Our prayers are with the family.
*.........*

Mar 22nd, 2007 - 2:22 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I would like to know why all of you people who know so much about how
the Childrens Protective Services job is supposed to be handled are not
working for the DHHR. There are positions available in many counties and
it should be easy for you people to go to work protecting the children
with all of the qualifications, knowledge and expierence that you have
in this field. It is easy to get on here and bash those that are doing
the job.
*??*

Mar 22nd, 2007 - 2:35 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Text is from the March 22nd edition of The Pocahontas Times:
"While Hersman said he could not comment further on the contents of the
e-mail or any motive on Taylor's part, the officer said the Department
of Health and Human Resources Child Protective Services was in the
process of an investigation at the home prior to the shooting.
DHHR spokesperson Jeremiah Samples said his agency was prohibited by
state law to release any information to the public regarding CPS cases."

Did you get that last paragraph? DHHR will never release any
information. Any culpability by CPS will remain hidden and never come to
light.
*.........*

Mar 22nd, 2007 - 2:38 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

That is how it should be handled. That information shouldn't be put out
for public discussion.
*to .......*

Mar 22nd, 2007 - 7:43 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Of course personal information for a family is and shud be confidential.
However as far as the procedures followed should be public so we the
public can know how to help identify problems. Problems where the cps is
not doing its best to protect our children should be public information.
Errors in cps judgement should be discussed the same as it is in
National affairs where there are hearings. Of course these hearing
should be held by Represenatives in Charleston. This is why we should
band together and contact Charleston authorities in the dhhr to be sure
they are monitoring and educationing all county dhhr represenatives to
insure that all children are safe. Thus the name...Children Protective
Services. That procedures are in place and that cps is working hard to
protect each and every child, investigate each and every complaint. NO
we are not all experts in cps workings. But neither is any average
citizen in many national affairs. But out-cry on unacceptable problems
usually results in inquiries and changes..It is the american way to ask
why, and how....and expect the best in all public agencies. This is not
just knocking them, but being sure each agency is doing their very best,
yes they should be accountable and answer to the masses of people..
*~~RaVeN~~*

Mar 22nd, 2007 - 10:34 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I 2ND THAT EMOTION!
*hello*

Mar 23rd, 2007 - 12:07 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

well im not goin to say any names......but chris told one a responsable
adult about his grandfather tring to piosion him, but they sad that they
need proof of it...then he brought the piosion to school, and they still
didnt beleive him...so i blame every adult that chris told and they
didnt do anything about it...i hioe that this well open the green banks
schools eyes..........L. Hello
*To: Moderator*

Mar 23rd, 2007 - 5:57 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

You should just shut this thread down instead of shutting people off
that speak out against those bashing CPS. That makes it look as if
everyone is blaming CPS.
*SOMEBODY*

Mar 23rd, 2007 - 7:49 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

This is pretty sad. You guys a sit and B**ch about everything and
anything on here and still not get to the point of it all. The poor boy
was beaten and then murder. Hello this is not the time or place to b**ch
about what happen. Just remember the boy as he was. You can't change he
past but you can educate your children so that is tradgic doesn't happen
to no other child. COME ON people get a life.
*sad*

Mar 24th, 2007 - 1:26 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

hey somebody...

looks to me the children where educated in this situation, and no
offence but this is pocahontas county. If the public doesn't B***h the
nothing will get done to protect the next child in this situation. So if
you don't like what you see on here all you have to do is change the web
page.

Besides that I think the county had the right to day something the cps
gets paid to PROTECT kids like this. They did NOT do there job..... that
is the bottom line And maybe NEXT time they will, but who is to say that
the cps won't walk away from someone elses child like they did Chris?
Chris was the most compasionate child I have ever met, Did you take the
time to go through the school to see the memorial wall that GB kids
made? There were signs on the wall about Chris teaching on child a
lesson, It stated "just calm down, take a deep breath and everything
will be ok.. that is how I remember chris" should cps have walked awy
from this child, or any child? so don't even go there about people
B****ing about what happened if we don't stand up for the childern of
Pocahontas County then who will?? CPS???
*Tell It Like It Is*

Mar 24th, 2007 - 3:21 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I have set here and read all the gossip on this gab site. Yes, I did say
gab site. First of all I would like to say that none of you know what
the H*** you are talking about. All any of you have done to this point
is point fingers and speculate. None of you know the truth and never
will, only God knows the true events that lead up to this tragedy. One
comment stated that their neighbor knew of the abuse and did not report
it. This is NOT TRUE! There were other neighbors and did they ever
report seeing any signs of child abuse? I knew both of them and NEVER
saw any signs of child abuse. I do know that Lyle took Chris to the
Smokey Mountains, Myrtle Beach and Busch Gardens and was planning
another vacation for this summer. He was also involved in all of Chris's
activities at school. It is easy to set back and d** a man to H*** when
he is not here to defend himself. No one knows what goes on behind
closed doors. Law enforcement can clarify details of the tragedy but
they do not know what events took place that lead to that tragedy. Like
you they can only speculate. People hear alot of things and Pocahontas
County is the worst that I have seen for gossip. One person can tell a
story and it only takes that one story to paint a picture that is
nothing to the real truth. My father taught me growing up don't believe
anything you hear and only half of what you see. My father also
diciplined me when I did something wrong but does that make him an
abuser???? Should I d** my father to H*** for correcting me growing up
as a child???? I would like for all of you to set back for 5 minutes and
think of your childhood and recollect the type of dicipline you received
as a child. Can any of you honestly say that you did not get any hickory
tea when you were a child????? If you did get any hickory tea are you
going to d** your parents to H*** for it?? Lyle took Chris to the doctor
for check ups and did the doctor see anything that should have been of
concern??? If so, why didn't the doctor report it to CPS???? Did any of
you bother to be involved in their lives. I do not recollect seeing any
of you visiting but yet you can get on here and tell everyone that you
know the true facts. I don't think so. As far as I am concerned, if you
do not know the true facts then you do not know what you are talking
about. As far as CPS goes-----you need to put yourself in their shoes
before you go judging them. Their job is far from easy. If you know so
much about Child Protective Services maybe you should consider it as a
profession. It would not take you long to realize that the office is
overworked and under staffed. Do any of you have any idea of the case
loads that these workers have to deal with???? Child abuse has been
around for years. People from the old school only knew one way of
discipline and that was the way of the belt. If child abuse was focused
on way back when alot of parents would have went to jail. Maybe even
your parents. There is a right way and a wrong way to discipline a child
and unfortunately everyone has their own definition of what discipline
is. When a child misbehaves and the parent grounds them to his/her room
is that not considered to be mental abuse? This tragedy will be with the
community for years to come but getting on here and stirring up all the
negative comments which is based on nothing but pure speculation will
not bring Lyle and Chris back. This tragedy has hit close to home and I
think that all of you on this site should turn it around and make
something positive come out of it all. Stop the negative comments based
on speculation and make a difference to another child in need of help. I
do not know what happened that lead to this tragedy. I was not there and
do not know the facts. Were any of you there. Can any of you honestly
say that you witnessed the events that lead to this tragedy?? In my
opinion this site is based on nothing but pure speculation and makes a
great gossip column.
*to .......tell it like it is*

Mar 24th, 2007 - 4:11 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

reread this thread. there are people who know facts, have been there and
are telling the truth. 165 entries and you think you can speak for teach
of them that none know what they are talking about. there are a lot of
suggestions as how cps and the state could help prevent this in the
future. if they are overworked and too many case loads, people demanding
answers to this problem then are right to baSH THE SYSTEM...SUPPLY MORE
CASE WORKERS......YOU WROTE AND AWFULLY LOT, AND YOU WROTE IT AS THOUGH
YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO IS RIGHT. 165 WRONG 1 RIGHT...GO BACK AND
REREAD ALL OF THE ENTRIES, SEE THAT YOU ARE THE ONE WRONG.
*to .......tell it like it is*

Mar 24th, 2007 - 4:12 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

SORRY, CORRECTION IN TRYING...SPEAK FOR EACH.. ONE OF THEM
*Tell It Like It Is*

Mar 24th, 2007 - 4:17 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

I am not saying that I am right. I simply stated that I do not know the
facts and like myself I am sure that the majority of you do not know the
facts. Did I touch a nerve?
*to .......tell it like it is*

Mar 24th, 2007 - 4:32 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

NO YOU DID NOT TOUCH A NERVE. BUT WHEN YOU SAY NONE OF YOU KNOW WHAT THE
H... YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT SAYS YOU THINK YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WITH AN
OPINION. I HAVE WRITTEN SOMETHINGS HERE WHERE I DO KNOW WHAT I AM
TALKING ABOUT AS I HAVE HAD CHILDREN REMOVED FROM THEIR HOME BY THE CPS
IN ANOTHER COUNTY. I KNOW THEY REMOVED THEM PER A COURT ORDER WITHOUT
CONFRONTING THEIR MOTHER WITH THE POLICE LEADING TO MY GRANDCHILDREN
BEING PUT IN FURTHER HARMS WAY...DONT BE SO HIGH AND MIGHTY THAT ONLY
YOU...HAVE COMMENTS WORTHY OF READING. RESPECT OTHER PEOPLES COMMENTS
AND VIEWS. IF YOU DISAGREE, AS WAS SAID BEFORE, DONT READ HERE....
*Tell It Like It Is*

Mar 24th, 2007 - 5:04 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Don't scream at me. If you know so much about CPS then you should know
that the individual CPS workers do not write policy and procedures. If
you know the facts and want things to change then get off the gab site,
pick up the phone and call the State office and do something about it.
You can voice your opinion on this site all you want but it is not going
anywhere and it won't until you pick up the phone and start making phone
calls. All I have seen thus far is a lot of talk. Have any of you
actually acted on this? I have read all postings on this site. I do not
need educated as to what has been said.
*Tell It Like It Is*

Mar 24th, 2007 - 5:19 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Oh, by the way*****I do not think that my opinion is the only opinion.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and if you do not like my opinion
do not read here. There is no need for name calling as you did in your
last posting.
*hello*

Mar 24th, 2007 - 5:48 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Well this state takes kids out if there home...and they dont need it but
children that do they leave them in there....and the adult at Green Bank
School that chris told his grandfather was going ti kill him and they
sai they needed proof she should she be fired.
*Tell It Like It Is*

Mar 24th, 2007 - 6:13 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

Who is they? Is all of this documented? Have any of you seen the
documentation? If this is so, CPS should have been contacted
immediately. It was not that employees call to state they needed proof.
How can you fire someone that is not properly trained and educated in
the correct procedures to use in cases like this? If this is true the
employee will have to live with that decision for life and will probably
be thinking why didn't I do something then. This has been a real tragedy
and if all are the true facts than I agree 100% that someone should have
to answer for it. As I stated before nothing will be done unless
individuals come together and make the phone calls. The State Policy
Department in Charleston should receive the phone calls concerning this
tragedy.
*SOMEBODY*

Mar 24th, 2007 - 8:01 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

To why!!!

AMEN!!! You said it all. That is the best one oh here who can really
open up the truth about things. I just wish that those in CPS could open
their eyes and get something done. I guess cause Chris or grandfather
didn't do drugs then CPS didn't want to help him. It is said that these
kids go through all of this, but drug addicats can keep their children
and let them see who good of a like they really have it. No wonder our
children are the way they are.
*To why*

Mar 24th, 2007 - 8:22 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

If YOU see four year old children locked out of their house while the
parents do whatever..call! Call CPS. Call again. And again. And again.
Keep at them, call the Times, call the police, call anyone, and don't
stop! Get off etater and call!
*Tell It Like It Is*

Mar 24th, 2007 - 8:49 PM *Re: Reopening the Green Bank Tragedy Thread*

You said it, stop talking about it and call. Call the State Office and
request a copy of the policy concerning child abuse. Form a group and
call a meeting and review the current child abuse policy ahd procedures
that are in place. Decide what policies and procedures you would like to
see changed and proceed with changing them. If all facts are true you
should act on them. Do not just talk about them. United we stand,
divided we fall. One person can not do it alone.

Chris Reeser Tribute D

2007-04-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

Chris Reeser Tribute c

2007-04-17T21:30:00.000-07:00

Chris Reeser Tribute

2007-04-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

A Tribute to Chris Reeser

2007-04-17T21:26:00.000-07:00

Howe's Mess

2007-04-17T21:01:00.000-07:00