Southwest Virginia Blogs

Mr. Hammack, of the Roanoke Times, reports here on a recent project by Virginia newspapers to gauge citizens’ availability to local government information.

The lucky media representative that pulled Dickenson County apparently had an interesting pursuit of some fire inspection reports.

Here are the applicable quotes:

At a Dickenson County elementary school, Wytheville Enterprise reporter Mary Beth Jackson was asked if she was with a company or the fire marshal’s office. She recited the standard line about being a citizen interested in the community. A few minutes later, school Superintendent Damon Rasnick was summoned.

“I’ve never seen you before in this community, and I’ve been here for 34 years,” Rasnick told Jackson. “I consider you a threat to my school.”

Eventually, Jackson was allowed to see the fire inspection reports — which showed no safety violations — as the superintendent, the school principal and the maintenance supervisor all hovered around her.

Rasnick said he was wary of Jackson because she would not immediately give her name. Jackson said she gave her name when first asked.

“You people don’t need to come in schools like that,” Rasnick said later after being told that Jackson was part of a newspaper project. “We’ve had a lot of things go wrong in schools with people we don’t know.”

Although Rasnick said he regretted treating Jackson the way he did, “I felt I was protecting my children, and I have no regrets about that.”

I know Superintendent Rasnick. He is a good guy, probably knows about everyone in the county, and had the best of intentions.

I suspect that any reporter, who identified him or herself as such, would not have had any problems seeing the reports. Likewise, if it had been someone locally, he or she would have not had any problems.

Personally, I am glad to see our school officials erring on the side of caution.

It is now official. The “m-word” is the most politically incorrect word.

From the article:

The word “macaca,” used by outgoing Republican Sen. George Allen of Virginia to describe a Democratic activist of Indian descent who was trailing his campaign, was named the most politically incorrect word of the year on Friday by Global Language Monitor, a nonprofit group that studies word usage.

The word might have changed the political balance of the U.S. Senate[.]

It is still hard for me to believe, this one word, uttered right here in Dickenson County by a U.S. Senator, could have created such a huge stir in the world.

Jayne’s friend, Kristin, was visiting from Ohio last weekend and we took her to the Breaks for dinner. Both of them are fairly apolitical, so I doubt either understood why I drove so slowly by that very spot where Sen. Allen used the “M-word” and made what most people thought impossible a reality.

Last week, Dickenson County native Dr. Ralph Stanley was invited to the White House and presented with one of the ten National Medal of Arts by President Bush.

This is a very prestigious award and excellent addition to Dr. Stanley’s collection.

The National Medal of Arts is:

[T]he highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the United States Government. The National Medal of Arts is awarded by the President of the United States to individuals or groups who, in his judgment, ‘…are deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support and availability of the arts in the United States.’

Congratulations to Dr. Stanley.

A popular figure in the 2006 election was S.R. Sidarth, the tracker that was called “macaca” by Sen. George Allen on a campaign stop in Dickenson County.

Sidarth shared his feelings about the incident and his thoughts on Dickenson County here in the Washington Post.

Sidarth said:

Nothing made me happier on election night than finding out the results from Dickenson County, where Allen and I had our encounter. Webb won there, in what I can only hope was a vote to deal the race card out of American politics once and for all.

To be fair, I am not sure we (voters in Dickenson County) took into consideration the “race card.” We did, however, cast votes for a new direction in D.C. and for a candidate that will fight for working folks.

I cannot remember who it was that first turned me on to Mother Jones, but for the last few years I have enjoyed reading and considered it one of the better sources of progressive news.

This article, though, entitled “Operation: Take Back Virginia” is one of the most disparaging and condescending articles I have ever read.

The author, JoAnn Wypijewski, accompanied Jim Webb (and apparently George Allen too) to several of his stops in Southwest Virginia this past weekend.

I am sure Ms. Wypijewski is generally good at what she does, however, it appears she really blew it on this article. Not only did she get several of the facts incorrect, but one can only assume that she was more interested in taking cracks at our beautiful area – Southwest Virginia – and its citizenry than writing about Jim Webb’s excellent chance to “take back Virginia.”

For example, here is how she described the enthusiastic crowd that gathered in Clintwood to see Virginia’s next U.S. Senator.

Webb ended the weekend at another potluck, this one in the mining town of Clintwood. The fare at the table, baked beans and cheese sandwiches, cucumbers in oil and vinegar and egg salad sandwiches, told something about how the people of Dickenson County are faring. This is hard coal country, and the low stools at the Clintwood elementary school cafeteria were filled, a crowd of about 200, the men in worn jackets and baseball caps with foamy fronts and webbed plastic sides. There were coal widows with diamonds but more women with bad teeth and dull hair.

Certainly she would realize how offensive statements like that are to folks in Clintwood. I guess it is possible she thinks that the lowly-citizens of Dickenson County are too illiterate to read Mother Jones.

I personally invite Ms. Wypijewski to visit Clintwood and Southwest Virginia again. She will be pleased to know that most of the ladies who live here do not have “bad teeth and dull hair.” It appears to me she has painted a very poor picture of the fiercely-independent residents of this great region.

The results will be up here for Virginia.

I visited most of the precincts in Dickenson County today. We had a good turnout and most people said it was a strong Democratic turnout. Webb should win Dickenson by record margins.

The rafting trip went great and was no where near as death-defying as I had first expected. The main reason for that is we put in at the Dam and took out at the Garden Hole, just above the really big and bad rapids (commonly known as the “Gorge”).

We also stopped for a break at Bartlick Dam and stretched our legs. At Bartlick, the guy with us said its very important to stay to the right, because of a “sticky” hydraulic on the other sides. By “sticky,” he meant if you get in there, it is hard to get out.

The guys rafting with us said the largest rapids on our trip were Class 4. In the Gorge, they said, several are Class 5. The ones we went over were very family-friendly and just big enough to be fun. Anything less would have likely been boring and anything more would have likely been a bit much for a first trip.

It also provided a unique view of the leaves, which are starting to change colors. I would bet the trip would have been even better in a couple of weeks, as the leaves really start changing.

My advice is that if you have not seen all Dickenson County has to offer (i.e., rafting on the Russell Fork River), it is time for a visit.

My photos are in the process of being developed. If I ended up with any good ones, I will post them as an update. Most of the time, though, the camera lens was covered in water, so I am doubtful many will turn out.

For the last few years, something I have really wanted to do is go whitewater rafting on the Russell Fork River.

Each year, rafters from all around converge on Dickenson County to paddle the Russell Fork.

It was one of those experiences I always “wanted” and “hoped” to enjoy, but never really acted on. Then, a few weeks ago, one of my friends from law school came up with the idea for us and some other folks from school to go one weekend in October. That weekend is tomorrow.

The problem which quickly came to light is that I had never been whitewater rafting and the Russell Fork is not exactly the “bunny slope” of rivers.

When I tossed the idea out of making my first rafting trip on the Russell Fork to a local attorney, who is an avid paddler, he said, “well, it will be one hell of a memory if you all survive.” I talked to him again today and he said, “I really thought you were smarter than this.” Hopefully he was giving me the “worse-case scenario” sense of the trip.

American Whitewater has an excellent resource for those seeking adventure on the Russell Fork here. It includes several photos and first-hand accounts. I think I have read every word on there at least three times now and still feel uninformed about what I am getting myself into.

E-Raft describes the river here:

Difficulty: Class IV-V rafting experience required

Whitewater enthusiasts seeking a rare challenge above and beyond the upper Gauley or upper Yough rafting trips should take note of the Russell Fork of the Levisa along the southwest Virginia—eastern Kentucky border. The Russell Fork, considered unrunnable just a decade ago, is rated by knowledgeable whitewater experts as the most technically difficult commercially rafted river in the eastern United States.

. . .

Rafters must immediately begin their final tune-up for the unbelievable whitewater action of Breaks Interstate Park. Within the Park the River drops about 500 feet in just 2.5 miles (4 km). Eight huge rapids consisting of high drops, powerful hydraulics, and chutes (barely wide enough for rafts) require the utmost in raft maneuvering and course execution. Class IV-V rapids—Twist and Shout, Tower Falls, Triple Drop, El Horrendo and S-Turn—will provoke lifetime memories. El Horrendo, more like a waterfall, is the highest commercially run drop in the eastern United States.

. . .

Because of the extreme difficulty and technical nature of the Russell Fork, professional outfitters screen prospective rafters very carefully.

Here is a video someone posted on YouTube.com of a fellow making a run through the “Towers” section. That looks like fun, right?

Now the good news. We did have the good sense to know we could not just go buy a raft and some paddles. We have arranged to shell out the $45.00 per person to have a guide and go with a group. This company appears to be reputable and to have taken other novice rafters down the Russell Fork before.

I bought a disposable, waterproof camera tonight, so hopefully I will have some photos to share tomorrow. This should be one heck of a trip and I am really looking forward to it. If anyone has any last minute advice, feel free to share it.

Today in Clintwood, approximately 150 local Democrats from Dickenson County braved rainstorms and gathered for the Annual Fish Fry.

Several people commented this was one of the largest crowds we have ever had for a Fish Fry.  The reason for that is clear: change is in the air. 

I was worried that the weather might depress turnout.  To the contrary, folks came out in large numbers, came early and stayed late. 

Those in attendance included Congressman Rick Boucher, Delegate Bud Phillips, and other local elected officials.

Congressman Boucher delivered one of the most rousing speeches I had ever seen from him.  The Congressman, after asking we re-elect him, discussed just how close the Democrats are to regaining the majority in the Congress. 

The Congressman also asked that we support Jim Webb and discussed his favorable prospects for beating George Allen.

Democrats in Dickenson County are fired up and are going to be working hard to keep Congressman Boucher in the House of Representatives and do everything we can to send Jim Webb to the Senate. 

P.S.  The food was Great!

Rex Bowman has a good article in today’s RTD on the new “Return to Roots” program which will be officially launched on Monday, by Governor Kaine at his Cabinet meeting in Wise.

The reason for the program:

Economic experts say the population drop in the coalfields represents a “brain drain,” as high school students who go on to college move away for good because there have been few high-paying, high-skill jobs in far Southwest Virginia to lure them back.

Not surprisingly, I agree with the experts. Before making the decision to move back home, to Clintwood, I was often tempted by other areas with their own exits off of I-81.

The good news is, though, that a lack of technology jobs is being addressed:

But officials said the mountainous region now has openings for software developers and engineers, technical supervisors, information-technology experts, lab technicians, project managers, electrical and industrial engineers, nurses, therapists, physicians and pharmacists.

“There are companies here that have openings all the time,” said committee member Susan Copeland, who runs an Abingdon marketing agency. “One of our goals is to educate the people right here in this region about that, to let them know that the area has really started to change.

The new problem is getting people to come back to the Coalfields (as well as the rest of Southwest Virginia) and/or stay. To that end, the “Return to Roots” program was born. The program is:

Leaders in far Appalachian Virginia are beckoning 15,000 high school graduates who have left the area for jobs elsewhere “to come on back.”

As part of an ambitious program dubbed Return to Roots, to be officially launched Monday by the governor, officials are seeking to persuade Southwest Virginia natives who moved out over the past two decades that the region is much better off economically than it was when they left. In short, the message is that jobs are here if you want them.

Kudos to Governor Kaine for recognizing a big problem affecting Southwest Virginia and taking steps to address it.

For me, the decision to come back to Clintwood was a little easier, since I knew I could always hang out a shingle. For folks with degrees and backgrounds in technology fields, their potential employment opportunities are much more limited.

I hope this program will be very successful and we can continue to utilize the technology infrastructure being built in the Coalfields to lure back and keep our young people.

This past weekend, Clintwood’s Volunteer Fire Department hosted the First Annual Firemen’s Competition, which included a parade on Saturday morning.

Here are a few photos from the parade:

More after the jump ….

Earlier today, several folks from gathered at a House Party for Webb, hosted by Gerald Gray.

The food and discussions were both great. Several more folks were not able to attend, but sent donations anyway.

Over the weekend, Webb was traveling with his family throughout Southwest Virginia. At each stop, though, he also had some other friends. Tom Morris and Henry Tieleman of Democracy Prevails were visiting each stop that Webb made and would setup near each event to distribute materials and increase Webb’s visibility.

Most people are probably thinking, “yeah, so what? Every candidate has advance people to get things setup.” The difference with Henry and Tom is, however, that they are just volunteers and do this because they want better leadership in the senate.

Here is Henry, Tom, and Jim outside the Clintwood High School.

I recently mentioned that George Allen made a swing through Dickenson County. For some reason, on the day he arrived, every Webb yard sign on his route through the county was either stolen or covered over with Allen signs. I am sure that was just a coincidence.

Also, on or about the same day Allen arrived in Dickenson County, a 4′ x 8′ Webb sign in the middle of the Town of Haysi, was stolen. Oddly enough, the day before it was stolen, the owner of the land had to ask some Allen supporters “from out of town” to not place an Allen sign there and to leave the property. It was probably an honest mistake; at first glance the property appears to be owned by the town. I am sure this was just another coincidence.

Now on to what Alled did while visiting Dickenson County.

Here is the video:

Here is some of the coverage:
“Sen. Allen’s Remarks Spark Ire” (Washington Post)
“Major Senate Race Shakeup” (Not Larry Sabato)
“Allen Under Fire…and Rightly So” (Too Conservative)
“Allen Scandal” (Not Larry Sabato)

Update:

The Washington Post has updated its story again. I think this is the third time the headline has been changed.

It is now: “Allen Quip Provokes Outrage, Apology”

The new version of the article is much longer, includes an apology from Allen, and seems much more friendly towards Allen.

I wonder why the WaPo does not just do “updates” to the web versions of its stories instead of chaging them like this? Which version will appear, if any, in the print edition? I guess time will tell.

Today, George Allen visited a call center here in Clintwood as a part of his tour. Its really too bad that all Allen does for Southwest Virginia is “listening” and no “doing,” but we are used to that.

Allen did, however, leave several yard signs behind on his swing through town. Allen’s supporters, though, must have been a little upset that Dickenson County was the proud home of so many Webb for Senate signs.

In the locations where Webb signs were not near houses, they have now vanished, and been replaced by Allen signs. In places where they were near houses, Allen’s people put one of his signs directly in front of and behind the Webb sign.

This is despicable behavior and was uncalled for. Several times I have placed signs beside of an opponent’s sign, but I have never removed or obstructed someone else’s sign. These activities are completely reprehensible and Allen’s supporters really need to grow up.

The good thing about acts like this is that they really tick off volunteers. And when folks here in Southwest Virginia get mad, we do not sink to Allen’s level and do the same thing. Instead, we go out and work twice as hard on what really matters – beating him on Election Day. A wise man once told me that if signs could vote, campaigning would be much easier.

Tonight, I have already had three calls from people wanting to get call sheets and asking how they can help elect Jim Webb. So, good job George Allen supporters, thanks to your high school-level antics, Democrats are fired up.

Update:

Here are some photos.

Today’s activities are in full swing. The parade just went by my house, minutes before the rain started. Hopefully it finished up on the other end of town before the clouds opened up. Here are photos of the parade.

The celebration will conclude tonight with a concert and fireworks. I am going to eat and head back down town. Here is a listing of the day’s events.

I just got home from the regular meeting of the Dickenson County Democratic Committee. It was a slow night for Committee business, but everyone was happy to have the extra time to talk about the primary. Since I have been phone banking for the last few days and having to deal with the questions regarding Miller’s mailers, I was expecting more of the same tonight.

To the contrary, though, everyone in attendance tonight was interested in Webb for Senate materials and volunteering to help get out the vote.

We had one lady, at first, that questioned Webb’s commitment to the Democratic Party. She seemed to change her mind though after we explained that Miller was the guy who actually donated money to Republicans, that Webb had union support, and that he could beat Allen.

I announced that I would be glad to answer any questions about either candidate. After the meeting, people starting coming with questions. Not about the candidates, though. Instead, they all wanted to know how many Webb signs I had to spare, if I had any Webb leaflets they could distribute, and if they could get a list of people they could call and tell about Webb.

It was really a great night for Webb in Dickenson County. Now its up to folks to spread the word before the primary.

This should be hitting your mailbox soon.

And yes, “Dickenson” is spelled incorrectly. But other than that, it is a great mailer!

About a week ago, someone emailed me who had seen this post and wanted to know who in the heck Ralph Stanley was.

If anyone asks now, I will just send them the link to this article.

If you are interested in Dickenson County’s Dr. Ralph Stanley, this is a good article.

VCEDA announced today grants and loans for area projects totaling $6.3 million.

The receiving counties are Buchanan, Tazewell, Wise, and Scott/Lee. Nothing in this round of funding for Dickenson or Russell.