Local News
Mullens thanks VISTA workers
MULLENS — Local officials celebrated AmeriCorps Week during ceremonies Friday at the Mullens Opportunity Center.
Complete with live bluegrass music and food, the event was one of numerous celebrations across the United States to recognize AmeriCorps VISTA members for their impact, as well as the community partners who make AmeriCorps possible.
The celebration provided an opportunity to spotlight the work done by VISTA members and to motivate more residents to join AmeriCorps or volunteer in their communities.
The Rural Appalachian Improvement League has used several AmeriCorps VISTA members to assist with local projects.
“We’re all here today because of the volunteers,” emphasized Dewey Houck, RAIL president.
RAIL houses a variety of programs in the Mullens Opportunity Center, including educational, economic development and health improvement projects, among others.
“RAIL has been a godsend to our county and our community,” said Frank Blackwell, county schools superintendent. “So many of these things would never have happened without volunteers.”
Also housed in the MOC is the Upper Guyandotte Watershed Association, which has worked to clean up area waterways and to advance flood control projects by working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Houck developed RAIL as a means to help Mullens rebuild following the 2001 flood, which nearly destroyed the downtown business district.
“This is a model of success that can easily be duplicated in any coal mining community,” said Dvon Duncan, RAIL director.
- Local News
-
-
Country singer to headline celebration
Country music star John Michael Montgomery will headline the Wyoming County Labor Day Celebration in Pineville, according to Sherri Morgan-Ellison, entertainment coordinator.
-
Raleigh deputies promoted; certificates given
The Raleigh County sheriff’s office announced several promotions during a brief ceremony Wednesday. Officers were given certificates during the ceremony.
-
Man flees confinement
A Beckley man is on the run after escaping from the Raleigh County home confinement program, officer Bill Garaffa said.
-
Fayette resident sentenced
A Fayette County man was sentenced Wednesday to 63 months in federal prison for distributing cocaine.
-
Private plane lands safely
A single-engine private plane that was leaking fuel landed safely at Raleigh County Memorial Airport Tuesday night.
-
Official: Barn fire suspicious
Authorities say a barn fire that occurred in Ghent Wednesday night looks suspicious.
- Calendar — Sept. 2, 2010
- Calendar — Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010
-
NPS program enriches classroom
Independence Middle School art teacher Carolyn Buzbee is the one sharing what she did on her summer vacation with her students, the opposite of the traditional back-to-school theme.
-
MSHA seeking dismissal of Massey lawsuit
The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration wants a judge to dismiss coal producer Massey Energy’s lawsuit challenging the agency’s power over mine ventilation plans.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Country singer to headline celebration
