Joan C. Browning 03.JAN.09 Mary and Richard Grist bought 415 acres of Greenbrier County forest from the Conservation Fund 15 years ago. They intended to manage the property for timber, water, wildlife, recreation and Karst (Cave) conservation. Their goal: to be forest stewards.
Protective covenants prohibit mining, blasting, earth removal, industrial or commercial activities. Clear-cutting is allowed only to establish and maintain foot trails, fire trails, prevent or treat diseases, and harvest timber above 16" at chest height. A maximum of five detached private residences are permitted.
The land is managed to balance the needs of forest, wildlife, water, and karst topography.
Three timber harvests have used best management practices. The 2005 harvest of 100 acres won the state’s Logger of the Year Award.
The home’s flooring and trim comes from timber that was from clearing for an access road and the home site. The septic system is designed to protect groundwater in the karst area. Stewardship is even a major consideration in the clearing of a 2,800 foot long and 15 foot wide power line right of way.
The hilly and wooded acreage sits on a base of Greenbrier limestone.
Limestone often means caves. The Grists’ property is a neighbor to Piercy’s Cave. The Nature Conservancy of West Virginia owns and manages Piercy’s Cave as a nature preserve.
Piercy’s Cave has about 2,000 feet of water-filled passages. The water depth ranges from about 1 to 2 feet to depths of 8 feet. The cave is open to cavers only during low-water times during the summer.
Several large sinkholes on the Grists’ property drain into the cave system that includes Piercy’s Cave.
Bill Balfour, Virginia professional geologist and Karst Conservation Specialist, completed an underground survey of Piercy’s Cave system 35 years ago. That underground survey has been superimposed on a surface topographic map to show the relationship of surface karst to the underlying geology.
Balfour talked about Piercy’s Cave with landowners and other professionals at a “Walk in the Woods” on the Grist property recently. Balfour explained how surface activities can affect Piercy’s Cave. He also used a limestone boulder to demonstrate the area’s geology.
“The limestone rock was formed from the accumulation of the remains of sea creatures decaying on the ocean floor during the time the oceans covered the earth,” Richard Grist said. Then other forces of nature ground the rock down to soil and karst.
The creation of Karst and indeed the Greenbrier limestone region intrigues geologists. The chemical process is that carbonic acid very slowly erodes the limestone rock into soil and karst. Rain picks up a little acidity to form a mild, very diluted mixture of carbonic acid as it falls through the skies.
“The Grist family’s land stewardship ethic protects Piercy’s Cave, The Nature Conservancy’s Land Conservation Specialist, David Lilly said. He commended the Grists for the Conservation Safeguard they put in place to protect the karst landscape, underground streams and aquifers that become Greenbrier County’s water supply.
“West Virginia’s wood products industry contributes more than $4 billion annually to the state’s economy,” WVU Division of Forestry specialist Elizabeth Tichner said. “Wood products account for nearly 30,000 jobs in West Virginia.”
Tichner said the WV Forest Stewardship Program as a program helps private forest landowners with planned sustainable forest management.
“Landowners with at least 10 acres of forestland qualify for professional assistance in developing management plans,” she said.
WVU’s Forest Stewardship Program has helped more than 4,000 Private forestland owners in West Virginia to manage more than 600,000 acres in productive, sustainable, and environmentally sensitive ways.
Participants in the Forest Stewardship Program are eligible to participate in the West Virginia Managed Timberland Tax Program.
“Forests are complex ecosystems,” Richard Grist said. “Through careful Forest Stewardship, we still sell timber from planned harvests.”
Grist said he and his family enjoy using land to intentionally enhance visual quality, create for hiking and karst study trails, improve wildlife habitat, and leave the land in natural condition to future generations.
For information about the Forest Stewardship Program, contact the Service Forester for West Virginia Division of Forestry field office in Greenbrier County at (304) 647-7425 or call the state office at (304) 558-2788.
Writ filed to void pool contract with GVPT Peggy Mackenzie 03.JAN.09
A writ of mandamus action has been filed on behalf of a group of citizens and two businesses, one of which is the Greenbrier Valley YMCA. The other is the West Virginia Physical Therapy and Wellness Center, LLC. The law firm of Barry L. Bruce and Associates, L.C., acting as their legal representation, has asked the Circuit Court of Greenbrier County to void or abate the contract entered into on Dec. 16, 2008, with Greenbrier Valley Physical Therapy, Inc. On that date the County Commission was asked not to go forward with the contract until more due diligence could be done regarding the value of the property and the suitability of the property for a swimming pool project. The group believes the County Commission failed to follow its own Agenda for Policies and Procedures regarding the meeting on Dec. 16.
In addition, the group contends that the Greenbrier County Commission had a legal obligation to bid any contractual services over $15,000 for the operation of a new swimming recreational center. Further, in the opinion of the plaintiffs, the County Commission acted arbitrarily and capriciously by failing to have the property appraised and evaluated or to have legal counsel examine the contract for a $4 million project. Commissioner Tuckwiller refused to recuse himself from voting to approve the contract despite his close personal relationship with Kevin Workman, part owner of Greenbrier Valley Physical Therapy, Inc. The Greenbrier Valley YMCA Board of Directors agreed with Commissioner Betty Crookshanks, the only Commissioner opposing the contract, that in the present economy, the County Commission should not commit $4-$5 million in a recreational facility.
Video Lottery in White Sulphur Springs - lots of give, very little 'take' Joan C. Browning 03.JAN.09
White Sulphur Springs establishments produce almost half of all Greenbrier County video lottery net revenues (47%). White Sulphur City government receives only 7% of the county’s take.
In the year from August 2007 through July 2008, people took $10,417.50 from their pockets and put them into video lottery games in White Sulphur Springs. Those gamers "won" back $7,514,207.70, leaving $2,892,506.95 of net revenue.
$1,503,459 or 52% went to the State of West Virginia. Video lottery operators kept $1,330,553 (46%), and Greenbrier County received 2% or $57,850. White Sulphur Springs share was only $8,319.
Greenbrier County receives 2% of all video lottery net revenue produced in the county. By law, the county shares this with incorporated towns on the basis the town’s percentage of county population. White Sulphur Springs’s 2,300 citizens are about 7% of the 34,850 living in Greenbrier County. Although its video lottery establishments produced almost half (47%) of Greenbrier County video lottery net revenue, White Sulphur city government receives only about 7% of the county’s share of video lottery net revenue.
White Sulphur Springs has very little say in how video lottery operates in its boundaries. At a community meeting on September 3rd, Mayor Debbie Fogus and about 100 community leaders told Governor Joe Manchin III about their concerns.
When Governor Manchin said, "I am here to ask, how can state government support you?" Mayor Debbie Fogus expressed frustration and dissatisfaction about video lottery gambling.
"The state changed the rules," Mayor Fogus told the governor.
Video lottery gaming was intended to replace "grey" machines in bars, she said. Now, free-standing gaming establishments may set up with a maximum of five video gaming machines.
"White Sulphur Springs has six of these video places in our little town," she said.
The $600 to $700 a month that White Sulphur receives from the video lottery does not cover additional costs for policing and trash disposal.
Governor Manchin replied that the state’s 1932 constitution revision made 80% of government functions the responsibility of the state.
"Gaming is completely controlled by the state, not White Sulphur Springs or Greenbrier County," the governor said. "State control of gaming statewide is based on legislation that was approved by the House of Delegate and Senate, and signed by the governor."
"All video lottery licenses come up for renewal in 2010," Governor Manchin said.
"The next legislative session is very, very, very important," he said. "It is an off year so without facing immediate re-election, the senators and delegates will tackle legislation renewing video lottery. People should tell their legislative delegation how much input into video lottery the community wants to have."
Video lottery net revenue in White Sulphur is steady and growing. The July 2008 net revenue was $296,196.80, up from $223,256.90 a year ago.
In August 2008, White Sulphur Springs had 10 establishments hosting 51 video terminals. (State law limits each location to five video terminals. The West Virginia Lottery Commission’s "Net Balance by County" for July 2008 shows 10 establishments in White Sulphur Springs. Nine of them had the maximum of five video lottery terminals; one was listed with six terminals.)
In August 2008, Greenbrier County had 24 establishments and 112 terminals. White Sulphur Springs hosted 51 machines (46% of the terminals in Greenbrier County) and the 10 establishments were 42% of all the County’s video lottery places.
The governor said he would like to expand home rule so that cities like White Sulphur Springs could have more control over their communities. White Sulphur’s government and leaders would also like more authority over video lottery gaming in their town.
Only laws passed the state Senate and House of Delegates can give White Sulphur Springs more authority over video lottery.
Commissioners move to hire legal representation Peggy Mackenzie 03.JAN.09 In the final county commission meeting of the year, the commissioners worked to close out the year with a clean slate. They approved the adoption of the updated employee handbook, followed by a discussion of budget revisions for fiscal year 2009 advertising expenses with Sheriff Roger Sheppard who had requested additional funds to advertise for delinquent taxes. The issue was tabled for further discussion at a later date.
Al Whitaker, manager of the Office of Emergency Services requested $25,000 for the purchase of a new vehicle, but added that there was $8,000 in the budget for insurance that could offset that amount. The commissioners determined to give OES the remaining $17,000 for the vehicle purchase. The commission also approved an order for issuance of the Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Revenue Bonds for the White Sulphur Springs District.
In other business, they signed three Resolutions of Appreciation to Joyce Crane Burke, Linda Fleshman and Sandra “Sonnie” Feamster for their many years of service with the county courthouse.
Towards the end of the meeting, in a follow-up on the writ of mandamus filed by a group of citizens and two businesses with the circuit court on Dec. 23, Commissioner Lowell Rose said that the prosecutor’s office has had to decline to represent the County Commission Board. The county prosecutor had to recuse himself claiming a conflict of interest since two members of his family are employed with the courthouse. Rose said that the commissioners need to hire an outside attorney to answer the writ within 20 days. The commissioners then voted unanimously to hire Brandon Johnson of Stroebel & Johnson, PLLC as their legal representative. Rose also said he didn’t expect more to come after the writ had been answered.
Comment at the end of the meeting was offered by Liz Wickline, saying that although she had ascertained that she, Bobbie Jackson and Jeff Lewis, all board members of the Greenbrier Valley YMCA, would be included in the Tuesday morning meeting agenda, they in fact were not. Her comment included an inquiry as to why did the commission start new projects before public commentary could properly be made to determine whether that new business was actually needed. Jim Jackson, also on the docket to speak, said, cryptically, that he would wait until the next commission meeting when, with a new commissioner in place, “It’ll be a whole new ball game, with one leaving and the other politically irrelevant.” At that time he said he would speak at length.
The meeting closed with Brad Tuckwiller’s commendations for Lowell Rose’s six years as Commissioner. He detailed numerous issues and projects reflecting Rose’s involvement and focus, “Lowell Rose has been that rare public official whose record of responsible leadership I have not seen elsewhere in my public career.” Betty Crookshanks allowed that “...Although we have not always been in agreement, anytime a person is elected to office, it is an honor.” Rose thanked the commissioners saying he hoped the County Commission would continue to be proactive in their handling of county affairs.
Jingle Bell Run winners announced
YMCA held its 3rd Annual Jingle Bell Run on Dec. 20. We had great weather, Santa was on hand to start the race, and everyone enjoyed refreshments after the race. Winning the 5K with a time of 16.07 was Bradley Dugan, in second place was John Meadows, in 3rd place, Nick Lucento. The Top 3 Overall Women were Kristi Beatty with a winning time of 22.20, in second was Carolyn Komar, and third, Liz McGuffie. Also taking part was a group of walkers. Mark your calendar for next year's Jingle Bell Run on Dec. 5, 2009.
Santa’s sleigh sighted sliding down Droop!
Peggy Mackenzie 27.DEC.08 LEWISBURG, WV-According to two dishevelled, slightly inebriated deer hunters, a fantastic tale unraveled on the Eve of Christmas last Wednesday night: On that starry night, Santa’s sleigh and his eight reindeer were soaring high in the sky on their way to Greenbrier Valley when suddenly a herd of local deer on Droop Mountain distracted Comet and Cupid causing the sleigh to swerve and flip in mid-air. Santa seized the reins and cried, “Whoa!” But the huge bag of toys tipped overboard and fell to scatter and tumble in a tangle of brier down the slope among the pines creating a minor avalanche of snow-covered Christmas presents.
Under the force of the fall, Santa found he’d fallen into a cave, caught in the icicles hanging over the cave mouth. His bellows for assistance attracted the attention of the two hunters hidden deep in a deer blind. Believing they’d just heard the biggest bear in the world, they cautiously crept out from the canopy of pine boughs toward the echoing howls of rage. Nearing the cacophony of sound, words began to be distinguishable. The two befuddled hunters could not believe their eyes or their ears. It’s Santa! ...and he’s plenty peeved, piping out pejoratives, “... Blast you Blitzen! A pox on you Prancer! Dang it Dasher! Oh, tanglefoot Dancer! Oh, crazy Cupid! Why, oh why didn’t I bring Rudolph? He always pays attention!”
Spying the startled twosome, the snow-sodden Santa came to his senses and shouted, “The night grows short and if the little boys and girls of Greenbrier are not to be disappointed, I must be off! But oh no! The sleigh is sundered. The rails are cracked and crooked. And where are the randy reindeer rioting and rutting?” What was Santa to do, the wide-eyed woodsmen wondered.
“Not to worry,” he smiled, nodding at the Droop Mountain hunters, and with a wink and chortle, he wriggled his nose and gave out a great shout, “Aha!” Reaching inside his great red coat, he pulled out a cell phone and dialed the North Pole. “Tell Rudolph to get airborne double-quick and come corral my errant reindeer!,” he cried. Santa apparently always had a Plan B.
With no time to lose, assisted by Sam and Slim Jim, Santa gathered the great pile of presents, toys and tinsel, and tossed it all onto their waiting ATV.
Down the mountain they sailed, dragging the sleigh behind them to the shores of the great Greenbrier River. There they prepared to float the sleigh like a boat o’er the watery waves. Soon Santa’s sorry band of repentant reindeer showed up, led by the stalwart Rudolph, nose aglow and rearin’ to go. Santa gave them a strong steely stare from his glinting blue eyes, “We have miles and miles to go,” he said, “so get your antlers aligned, your hooves a’grooved, you naughty nabobs, we’re traveling down the Greenbrier River to save Christmas for the children awaitin’ in Lewisburg.”
And that was the last of Santa and his reindeer that Sam and Slim Jim saw as the sleigh slipped out of sight trailing behind the frosted ruby glow of Rudolph’s famous nose.
And the echoing call ‘round the river bends, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!”
FRC announces fulfillment of matching grant
The Family Refuge Center (FRC) announces the fulfillment of their matching grant to benefit The Family Visitation and Exchange Center.
The matching grant was proposed to assist in the $60,000 annual costs of running the visitation and exchange program. They partially fund the program using $10,700 from the WV Supreme Court and a portion of our contribution from the Greenbrier County Commission. An Anonymous Benefactor matched on a 1:1 ratio all single contributions of $500 or more. The matching grant raised a total of $24,000 to help fund the expansion of the Family Visitation and Exchange Center Program.
The Family Visitation Center is a safe place designed for monitored visitation and child exchange. The families who use the services are referred by the Family Court. The center provides safety, support, and emotional security for children during monitored visitation. The Family Visitation Center helps children stay connected with parents during difficult transitions and protects children from parental conflicts which may arise when parents meet directly. The Center is the first and only visitation center in the area and have had families from as far away as Lexington use the center to ensure the safety of those involved.
Because of the matching grant they have been able to expand their hours, allowing them to accommodate more families in need and, as a result, have tripled visits in the Monroe County outreach program alone. FRC anticipates opening a new visitation center in March to service the residents in Pocahontas County. They have also hired two additional part-time employees for the Greenbrier and Monroe visitation centers.
The Family Refuge Center thanks the Anonymous Donor, as well as contributors from the community for their kindness and generosity. They also thank the Catholic Diocese for the use of their building. Without the generosity of the community FRC would not be able to provide these outstanding services to families in our community who are in need.
For more information, call (304) 645-6334 in Greenbrier County; (304) 772-5005 in Monroe County; (304) 799-4400 in Pocahontas County.
