Charleston Daily Mail

Court Candidate Runs On Fairness Pledge

BECKLEY - In his earnest but formal way, state Supreme Court candidate Jim Rowe approached workers at the Phillips Machine Service plant here and asked them for their vote. He shook grimy hands, handed out brochures and introduced himself to dozens of people as "a judge from Greenbrier County."

Lynch Meets Rescuer: ; Ex-Pow Wanted Private Meeting with Iraqi Lawyer

HUNTINGTON - Former POW Jessica Lynch has met the Iraqi lawyer who helped lead American soldiers to the Army supply clerk after her capture last spring. The meeting with Mohammed Odeh al-Rehaief took place earlier this month in Washington, D.C., where Lynch was speaking at a seminar.

Politics Party Hearty: ; Latest Trend Takes Campaigning Right Into Voters' Homes

In the 1980s, Tupperware parties were all the rage. The '90s saw people opening up their homes to host soirees where educational toys, woven baskets and makeup were all for sale.

Drug Cards Becoming Available: ; Discount Card Sign-Ups Scheduled to Begin Monday

WASHINGTON - Seniors now can begin comparison shopping for Medicare-endorsed prescription drug discount cards, which supporters say could save them as much as 25 percent on expensive medication. Medicare beneficiaries can begin signing up for the cards Monday. On Thursday, the federal government began posting price comparisons for different cards on its Web site, www.medicare.gov. Similar information also is available by calling a toll free number.

Teacher Charged with Sexual Assault Involving Student

MATOAKA - A Mercer County teacher has been charged with second- degree sexual assault involving a student. Danny Perkins, 48, of Kegley was arraigned Thursday in Mercer County Magistrate Court. The Lashmeet/Matoaka School employee also was charged with sexual abuse by a custodian and possession of child pornography.

Kentucky Derby Horse Gets His Own Holiday

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Gov. Ed Rendell proclaimed Saturday as "Smarty Jones Day" in Pennsylvania and put his money where his mouth is by plunking down $20 to bet that the horse will win the Kentucky Derby. "I encourage all citizens to cheer for this feisty little chestnut horse with the big heart on Derby Day," Rendell read from the proclamation, while five grandchildren of the horse's owners, Roy and Pat Chapman, stood at his side.

Former Tax Deputy Gets Check, Apology: ; Clifford, Tucker Stand by Original Allegations of Fraud

After seven years of accusations, indictments and prosecution, a former Kanawha County chief tax deputy repeatedly accused of embezzlement got an apology and a $90,000 check from the county commission. The commissioners voted to write the check out Thursday, just hours after Kanawha Circuit Judge Tod Kaufman ruled the county should pay for the legal bills an innocent Mike Greenleaf racked up defending himself against criminal charges repeatedly filed against him by Prosecutor Mike Clifford an...

Mullah Enraged When Comedian Lifts Him Off Ground in Debate

OSLO, Norway - The founder of suspected terror group Ansar al- Islam, normally cool under pressure, lost his temper when a female Muslim comedian jokingly lifted him off the ground before an audience. Mullah Krekar, the former leader of a fundamentalist Islamic group of Kurds in northern Iraq, was participating in a debate over his new biography Tuesday evening. Krekar has been a refugee in Norway since 1991.

Regional Weather

Hi Lo Otlk Akron 73 59 Rain

National Weather

Hi Lo Otlk Anchorage 61 39 Cldy

Bush Calls 9/11 Session 'Very Cordial': ; Justice Department Web Site Posting Draws Criticism

WASHINGTON - The commission investigating the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks questioned President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney Thursday for more than three hours in a historic Oval Office meeting, a session that Bush described as "wide-ranging" and "very cordial." The private interview, which was not tape recorded, came after 18 months of discord between the 10-member bipartisan commission and the White House. Bush initially refused to meet with the panel and later sought to limit the number ...

Iraqi Forces Taking Over for Marines in Fallujah: ; Negotiations Also Taking Place with Anti-U.S. Cleric

FALLUJAH, Iraq - Iraqi security forces took over positions from withdrawing U.S. Marines today, and a U.S. official said an agreement had been reached to allow an Iraqi security force to patrol the city and end the monthlong siege. Members of the 1,100-member force moved into the former Marine positions in southeastern Fallujah and raised the Iraqi flag.

News Briefs

Taped statement admits to plot

Rejected Hot Lotto Ticket Wins $10,000

A Morgantown man encouraged to buy an unwanted lottery ticket has won $10,000, lottery officials said. Tom Smith had stopped at a convenience store in Morgantown to buy his usual Powerball tickets, but was instead coaxed by a clerk to purchase two Hot Lotto tickets that another player decided he didn't want for the April 21 drawing.

Few Nursing Students Pass Test: ; Seniors Can't Get a Diploma Until They Meet Standards

Only seven of 20 fourth-year nursing students at The University of Charleston passed a comprehensive exam required by the school for graduation. All 20, however, have job offers.

Group of Creditors Tries to Send Weirton Deal Back to Court

WHEELING - A group of creditors who lost a bidding war for bankrupt Weirton Steel were headed to U.S. District Court today to try to slow or stop the sale to Ohio's International Steel Group. The creditors, who would get only $20 million on what they say is a $145 million debt, want Judge Frederick Stamp Jr. to delay the transaction beyond next Monday or give them a week to appeal to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va.

'I Feel Like This Was God's Plan for My Life': ; Ronald Mcdonald House Manager Ruch Retiring

In a job where the average burnout rate is 18 months, Betty Ruch says she's beyond simmering. After 19 years as general manager of the Ronald McDonald House of Southern West Virginia, Ruch is retiring today.

Making the Ultimate Sales Pitch: ; Manchin Says He Uses 'Customer First' Attitude in His Efforts to Woo Voters in Bid for Governor

FARMINGTON - Joe Manchin has always been a salesman. As a young boy, he built a raft and sold rides for a nickel along little Buffalo Creek here in his hometown.

Students Get Mock Lesson On Real Life: ; Crash Scene, Fake Funeral Discourage Driving While Drunk

Walking through a mock car crash scenario clarified South Charleston High School student Jordan James' picture of driving under the influence. "It makes it so real," James said, as "victims" were extricated from the smashed Pontiac Grand Am in the school's parking lot on Thursday. "I mean, at our age, you never really think that this could happen to you."

Uc President Says Service-Learning a 'Higher Calling': ; Students, Faculty Recognized for Community Service

University of Charleston President Ed Welch used to think "stay tuned" was one word. He said he was so used to hearing it following television shows when he was a child that it took him some time to realize what it actually meant.