|
Published: January 14, 2007 03:00 pm
Our Readers Speak — Sunday, January 14, 2007
The Register-Herald
What were the voters thinking in November?
What was going through the minds of voters during election time in November?
Delegate Ron Thompson did virtually no campaigning, yet was still voted in.
He had not fulfilled his duties during his last term in office, yet was still voted in.
All of these facts were made public, yet he was still voted in.
And once again failed to show up for the beginning of the 2007 Legislative session.
Does this mean that people just simply vote straight Democrat or Republican instead of looking at the individuals? Maybe next election we need to forget party lines or who is supporting the persons campaigning and actually vote on the issues and who we think will do a good job representing the people.
Angela D. Sellards
Shady Spring
Another piece of history gone, but not forgotten
I was reading our local paper, The Register-Herald, and was saddened again by the passing of another piece of our local Americana. On page 10B of the Dec. 26 edition, complete with pictures, was an account of the destruction of the old Pure Oil station in Oak Hill. The site, where country music legend Hank Williams, Sr., was found dead in 1953; and according to the article, the last of that architectural design for the Pure Oil stations.
I am 59 years old, and in my short lifespan I have seen the disappearance of so many natural wonders such as virgin timber stands with those majestic giants of the forest reaching up, seemingly forever; the undisturbed wilderness, yet almost spiritual beauty, of the New and Gauley rivers in their natural state (pre-dam era), and the glory of the mountains before the process of mountain-top removal and strip mining became so prevalent.
But this latest destruction of a piece of local heritage adds one more to the growing list of vanishing culture. Most all the one-room school houses gone, the once prevalent company stores gone, the soda shops, the local theaters, train stations and depots, the bus stations — most all gone.
Our small town of Rainelle in western Greenbrier County was home to the largest hardwood lumber mill in the world, with the last operating logging railroad in West Virginia. Sadly it was sold in 1970 and the mill dismantled for the immediate monetary gain from the chestnut lumber used in the mill construction. The land was turned into a shopping center. The company store is gone. The Pioneer Hotel, a stage shop on the Midland Trail, gone — on the property a closed down service station.
The only two buildings in town with any real significant historic value are the old train depot on the corner of Routes 60 and 20, and the old King Coal Hotel on the east end of town. The King Coal has in recent years had several owners and, at one time, was condemned by the city government, gutted by previous owners and, from what I understand, several pieces are now available on E-Bay. The old C&O train depot building has been acquired by the town, but the property is still in question (so I understand).
If history repeats itself, another piece of my town, my life, will be gone — only a memory in the hearts and minds of those of us who remember when — I’ll miss that little Pure Oil station in East Oak Hill.
John Wyatt
Rainelle
Cleanup would have yielded rebottle refund
Being an Adopt-A-Highway volunteer I made a quarterly cleanup this day with the participation of the Dotson Ridge Hunting Club.
Sadly to say, this day, I would have made at least $30 in redemption, in increments of 10 cents, on just quart bottles alone!
Ivan Crist
Hico
Thanks,
Raleigh General
Recently I had a minor procedure done at Raleigh General Hospital involving both the outpatient admissions and radiology departments. Although my procedure was minor, the expertise required of the providers was significant. I would simply like to thank Raleigh General for their kind, professional and competent service.
I first had to go through the outpatient admissions department. As usual, the insurance issues were quirky. However, the admissions lady and supervisor were so kind and steadfast in getting to the bottom of the issues. When I got to the radiology department, they were equally kind and prompt in getting me through the procedure without needless delay.
The professionals in the radiology department explained each step of the procedure and performed the procedure wonderfully. Even after the testing was done, I enjoyed a wonderful meal in the hospital cafeteria. I know it is often that we make negative public complaints about one entity or that person. However, I want to take this opportunity to commend those who handled me at Raleigh General Hospital for a job well done. Thank You.
Tom Fast
Fayetteville
|
|
Print this story
E-mail this story
