JSN Update – 7/14/09
Posted by JoAnn on July 14, 2009
Sandy Creek - Ravenswood, W.Va.
Dead Body Found in Sandy Creek
Authorities have identified the body of a man pulled from Sandy Creek in Ravenswood last week. According to Chief Deputy Bruce DeWees of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the body of Eduardo P. Arellano was discovered by a local fisherman Thursday, July 9. The 30-year-old man was a resident of Sandy Creek Trailer Park in Ravenswood. He was reported missing July 4. No details are currently available as to the cause or time of death. Stay tuned.
Candy Pills Create Buzz
A Ripley pharmacy made national news during the July 4th holiday festivities after doling out fake prescription bottles filled with candy on the parade route. Some parents were less than pleased, fearing candy in prescription bottles sends the wrong message to kids and raised a ruckus that attracted local television stations and even generated a buzz on the national wire service. Some people said they were not offended by the promotion, saying it’s a parent’s responsibility to keep prescription medication out of the hands of children. It’s clear the pharmacy did not intend any harm and were trying to promote themselves in a fun way. In fact, prior to the parents’ complaints, the pharmacy was awarded third place in the July 4th float contest for their creative pill costumes and candy giveaways. Now many of us grew up in a generation of candy cigarettes and cigar bubblegume! Nevermind the fact that my sisters and I would pretend Good & Plenty candies were pills whenever treating patients at our stuffed animals hospital. But the real question is, did the pharmacy deserve the hefty dose of parental backlash? Time to sound off!
Fireworks Rescheduled
Ripley’s July 4th fireworks extravaganza, which was cancelled due to inclement weather, has been rescheduled for 10 p.m., September 5, which is Labor Day weekend. Enjoy!
Kroger Fuels Up
In other Ripley news, Kroger opened its fuel center last week, offering gasoline, diesel, auto supplies, candy and other miscellaneous items. The gas station, located in parking lot in front of the main store, is open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. daily.
Armory Gets Boost from Byrd
In armory news, Jackson County could receive $19.54 million from the federal government to build a National Guard facility in Millwood if final approval is granted. The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has approved the fiscal 2010 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, which includes the Jackson County center funding, according to U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va. The funding measure will now go before the full Senate for consideration. Upon completion it will be reconciled with the House bill before being sent to the President for his signature.
Cope’s Supermarket Honored
Cope’s Supermarket was honored by the local Chamber of Commerce last month with a Certificate for Outstanding Achievement in Business. Cope’s Supermarket was founded by Norma Jean and Garland Cope in 1941. Now here is where I get lost, because the caption in the photo says Cope’s was 
founded in 1941 and has been operating for 56 years. Now 1941 + 56 = 1997. Last I checked, this is 2009. We’ve lost 12 years somewhere. Now if you look at their logo, it says 1953, which would equal 56 years. It’s possible Cope’s did not operate continuously throughout the years or perhaps was founded somewhere else and relocated to Jackson County or maybe the store was opened in 1941 but didn’t become Cope’s until later. I don’t really know, but a clarification would be good. Not really important, but just good to know in case it’s ever a question on one of those Facebook quizzes about Jackson County. So, does anyone know??? Feel free to post in the comment section below. Regardless, the hometown favorite is the oldest self-proprietor run business in Jackson County. Norma Jean continues to own the store and her grandson, T.J. Moore, class of ’97, serves as manager. Congrats to Cope’s Supermarket.
Lawless Twins Graduate
The Lawless twins, Morgan and Megan, class of ’04, recently graduated with masters’ degrees in occupational therapy from WVU. As you may recall, Morgan and Megan are the daughter of Mrs. Lawless, former English teacher at RHS and current RHS librarian. Congrats to the Lawless twins.
* Stay thirsty, my friends *
Jared Hunt said
Norma Jean has, unfortunately, hounded me on this one before. The supermarket was founded in 1941 by Garland’s cousin (or maybe uncle). Garland and Norma Jean moved to Ravenswood and took over ownership as Cope’s in 1953; she’s been the owner ever since. So, the supermarket’s been open since 1941, but it’s been Cope’s since 1953.
JoAnn said
Aha! I knew we could count on ace reporter Jared Hunt for clarity. Much obliged!
JoAnn said
Actually, now that I have given this one more thought, I actually remember that part of the story. I really need a refresher course in Jackson County history!
Norma Jean Cope said
Jared, you’re partly right. my uncle Harry Gorrell built
the grocery store and service station in 1941.
Garland and I purchased the Grocery in 1953, 6 months
after we were married. We were married November 28th 1952, He graduated from Marshall in January 1953 . Garland taught school at Lincoln Junior High in Huntington after graduation until school was out for the summer. We had decided to take a trip .We got as far as my home in Ravenswood from Huntington. The next day we signed a lease for one year and then purchased the Grocery.
Garland died September 17th 2006 . My grandson T.J. and
I are still in the Supermarket business.
Sincerely,
Norma Jean Cope