Dear Editor:
We are writing to voice our thoughts about the recent water problems on Brownsburg Road and Brush Country.
In case you didn’t know, and most likely you don’t – because there has been no mention of it publicly from the town council or mayor – our water shut off the night of Thursday, January 9.
This means no water comes from our tap to use for washing hands, showers, or to boil for drinking.
We have been given no information about the situation, an estimated time of having it fixed or even been offered drinking water while our water system is down.
It is most frustrating because we feel that if this problem was affecting other areas of town, it would be handled differently. There would likely be offers of places to receive showers and drinking water and there would likely be some information about what we can do in the meantime.
Further, when calling the radio station, we were informed that nothing can be broadcast without the mayor or emergency official giving information, which had not been done.
Due to our call, it was mentioned that “some” areas still have no water on Sunday, January 12th – three days later.
Simply put, we feel that the Marlinton officials have handled this emergency poorly. We hold no blame toward those workers within the water system itself.
They continue to work hard to solve the problem. We understand that it is no one’s fault that this has happened. It was just bad weather and bad luck. But, we do believe that those of us who live in the affected area should be treated with respect in the way of acknowledgement of the situation – with at least some offer of assistance.
Terry Barb and Paul Barb
Brownsburg Road
Marlinton
Dear Editor:
Elisa, Annamaria, Tristan and I were put into a position where we had to leave the Gesundheit Institute in Hillsboro. We have been here about five years, and when we moved here we immediately fell in love with the nature and beauty of Pocahontas County. As beautiful as this marvelous county is, the true beauty, we have found, are all the people who live here. We were not born here, but we are surely born again members of this county’s community.
We wanted to serve the whole community and not just a part of it. Our intention was to bring the dream of this organization which is loving, caring, compassion and joyful service.
We are very disappointed and sorry that an opportunity to serve this community has been dashed. Before we left, we brought on a new member, Buster, who is doing his best to keep the dream alive.
While moving ourselves to Martinsburg, we leave a part of our hearts here in Pocahontas County.
We will miss you.
We love the people of Pocahontas County and we wish you God speed.
Wildman and Elisa Adams
Hillsboro
Dear Editor:
The proposed birthplace of Rivers National Monument has caused considerable public debate. Those for and against the proposal have discussed the management expected for the area.
In reality, no one knows because the plan won’t be written until and unless the area is established. You are asked to trust the government.
Hopefully you know how stupid that would be.
You can be assured use of the area will be more restricted than it is currently. If you doubt that, look at the other special areas in the state and see how restrictions have affected use of the areas.
Supporters of the proposed area assure you that little would change. If you believe that, go to the New River National River area and see how use is restricted. The amount of ramps you can dig is severely restricted and digging ginseng is prohibited. Other examples are the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge and the several Wilderness Areas in the state.
These areas were established solely to restrict certain users. If there will be no significant changes in management in the proposed area why would anyone support it. Many of you may not know that the major groups supporting this proposal have worked for years to make the Monongahela National Forest a National Park. Each time they succeed in getting an area set aside, they are one step closer to their goal. National Park status would severely restrict your activities and the Park Service confiscates private land inside the park boundaries.
Huge economic benefits are always predicted by supporters.
I’m sure you have noticed how Marlinton and Richwood have boomed since the Cranberry Wilderness Area was established.
The people using Wilderness Areas don’t stay at local motels or eat at local restaurants. They sleep in their cars or tents or under a rock or behind a bush. They bring everything they need with them. They leave the area having spent little in the local area.
Remember to never, ever give the government more control over your life than it already has. National Forest management may not be perfect but it is far better than what will replace it if the new area is established.
Just because you haven’t heard much lately about the proposed Birthplace of Rivers National Monument, don’t think it has gone away.
The supporters are working 24/7 behind the scene to get the area established. If you doubt that, look at their excellent website at birthplaceofrivers.org and beware.
Donald Phares
Retired WV DNR Fisheries Biologist
Elkins