Earmarks and Landmarks
Here's a good puff piece on Vandalia and all the wondful things earmarks have done. What's missing from the Gazette reporter is a series of questions that would explain the real estate transactions. Were the Kuhns' receiving the 100K salary from Vandalia and were they also ringing up the real estate commissions on the other end? I'm not claiming that it would be illegal. I just wonder if others might think it to be a conflict of interest given one's stewardship of the taxpayer dollars that funded Vandalia.

Responding to what they believe are unwarranted attacks in recent weeks, two intertwined nonprofit groups created by Rep. Alan Mollohan are defending their projects.

Officials with the Vandalia Heritage Foundation and Vandalia Development Corp. say they work with local groups to preserve historical structures — mostly in downtowns — and make them economically sustainable, while trying to preserve local history by teaching groups how to do such things as maintain oral histories.

“We tend to have small victories and successes,” said Laura Kuhns, who heads both groups from an old mansion the group refurbished in Fairmont. ....much more

Changing Attitudes of WV Juries may affect Coal and Timber CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The jury verdict in the first trial to determine liability for severe 2001 floods in southern West Virginia might be the opening scene of a nightmare for the state's logging and mining industries. Neither is used to being found liable for damages linked to cutting timber or unearthing coal, but that's precisely what happened in the first of a series of lawsuits stemming from floods that hit southern West Virginia on July 8, 2001. Now the likes of coal giants Peabody Energy Corp. and Massey Energy Co., as well as timber owners and logging companies, face a potential shift in West Virginia's attitude toward once all-powerful industries. Some see the decision reached earlier this month by a Raleigh County jury as an omen. The jury decided that improper logging practices allowed by two timberland owners contributed to severe flooding. Another jury will determine actual damages later. More here.

State Party Leaders want Earlier Voice in Presidential Selection Process

West Virginia Republicans want to hold a state convention to choose a presidential nominee on the same day as New Hampshire's presidential primary.

State G-O-P Chairman Rob Capehart says a convention would be held on February Fifth, 2008, a week after Iowa's caucuses. He said that would be the same day as New Hampshire's vote, however New Hampshire has not yet set its 2008 primary date.Under the plan, 13-hundred delegates to the state convention choose a presidential candidate who would win 18 of the state's 30 delegates to the Republican National Convention. The other convention slots would be chosen by party officials and based on voting in the state's presidential primary in May 2008

Clarksburg, WV

EPA BROWNFIELDS PROGRAM

EPA Fact Sheet Available for $230,000 Grant

So Call the Nutter Fort and West Milford VFD. Dead horse washes ashore in woman's yard (5/25/06 - RAVENSWOOD, WV) - A dead horse has washed up in Judy Roberts' backyard, and the Jackson County woman is trying to find a way to get rid of the carcass, along with the stench. Roberts discovered the horse in the Ohio River on Friday. By Sunday, it had shifted onto her property. "Somebody needs to move it," Roberts said. "It's contaminated the water. And I shouldn't have to live like this." She can only hope help comes quicker than in Harrison County, where earlier this month a rotting cow carcass was hung up on the tree for several weeks at the West Milford Dam while various government agencies debated whose responsibility it was to remove it. The cow was hauled away last week through the combined efforts of the Division of Highways and the West Milford and Nutter Fort volunteer fire departments.

Candidate for BHS's Wall of Inspiration?

Honk if you love Madonna!

Didn't she convert to Judaism?

I think we could have a solution here.

MINE SAFETY The overwhelming majority of mine owners are filthy rich; case in point, Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship’s reported income last year was in the neighborhood of $13 million. That was his compensation alone and you know it doesn’t touch the tip of the profit iceberg. Here’s something for you to continue chewing on while you shake your head over Blankenship’s paycheck. The estimated cost of the new MSHA rules, which by the way were spurred on and patterned after West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin’s plan, will cost the mining industry just under $19 million (new breathing equipment is projected at $10.5 million and training is tagged at $7.9 million). That’s right, $19 million nationwide. A small price for the Kings of Coal (and precious metals) to pay to help give those who toil for their companies a better chance to survive when things go wrong underground.

Tough sexual predator bill taking shape for WV legislative action in June

Bluefield Daily Telegraph Some West Virginia officials who are working on a sex predator bill to be presented to the West Virginia Legislature in June predict the West Virginia law could become the toughest in the nation. The tougher the better, as long as it is written to hold up to a court challenge.

French are rudest, most boring people on earth: British poll

LONDON (AFP) - The French have been voted the world's most unfriendly nation by a landslide in a new British poll published. They were also voted the most boring and most ungenerous.

A decisive 46 percent of the 6,000 people surveyed by travellers' website Where Are You Now (WAYN) said the French were the most unfriendly nation people on the planet, British newspapers reported.The Germans have no to reason to celebrate the damning verdict. They came second on all three counts.

Margaret Ann Bailey Addresses Senior Citizen Issues. E-mail from Ms Bailey covers topic not in the cover story of the Clarksburg paper.

What are the issues of concern to the membership of the Harrison County Senior Citizens' Center (HCSC) and why are they asking for the Board members to resign?

The Advisory Council of the HCSC is composed of members from every satellite, club and organization. After formal attempts were made to communicate to the Board of Directors the concerns of the membership within the Advisory Council, and after no apparent response came to these problems, the Advisory Council agreed upon the following items to be presented to the 5/16 board meeting. Please keep in mind that these points are made by the Advisory council and not any specific individual (s).

1. Parking - The Advisory Council expresses their deep disappointment with the fact that the Board of Directors has failed repeatedly to successfully address the lack of available parking at the Harrison County Senior Citizens Center. The parking problems have reached a critical state.

2. Consultant - The Advisory Council will, at the present time, neither endorse nor support the further extension of a contract, memorandum of understanding, or any other written or verbal agreement involving any compensation for services, travel or work expenses, and/or compensation for reward of any future accomplishments by or for any Consultants. ($48,000 has already been paid to present consultant).

3. Board of Directors - On this issue a formal recommendation will be forthcoming which will include the following points: A. The membership on the current Board is too many in number. 11-13 people on the Board is recommended. (Currently 16 members) B. The current by-laws were originally adopted in 1984...22 years ago.... with several amendments since adoption. It is felt that these by- laws need to be reviewed and updated. C. The current by-laws that address who shall serve on the Board of Directors and how they are to be selected reflect a process which has historically excluded Senior Center member involvement and appear to contribute to the existence of a single opinion or loaded Board of Directors. Only two members are elected by the Seniors themselves.

The current By-laws (adopted in 1984) state:

The following shall be represented by one member:

Harrison County Commission, City of Clarksburg, Central West Virginia Transit Authority, Harrison County Ministerial Association, Central WV Pharmacist, Harrison County NAACP, Greater Clarksburg Associates, Consumer Representatives - a card carrying member of the HCSC, a minimum of 3, not to exceed 5, Senior Citizen Advisory Board, Harrison County Health Department, Veteran -- a member of the VFW, Satellite Council President.

D. The current Board appears to neither want nor endorse opinions or comments from Senior members and often appears to become caustic and verbally abusive to both Senior members and other Board members. The Board frequently states that the Seniors’ will not be allowed to vote on important matters (e.g. a new Senior Center!) and that Senior involvement is not needed. The rule of thumb appears to be the oft spoken statement that it is a Board decision and not a Senior decision . E. The Advisory Council will recommend that the following Board Members should remain on the Board of Directors during this transition period and help to form a new Board following state mandated guidelines and a revised set of by-laws that will be inclusive of direct Senior involvement: County Commission, Clarksburg City Council, Advisory Council President , Satellite President, NACCP, Consumer (Seat from former Senior Care). F. All other present Board members, including the current Board President, are respectfully requested to tender their resignations in a timely manner and allow the re-organization to begin. G. The Advisory Council will further recommend that the State Bureau of Senior Services be informed of this request for evaluation and action.

(End of Paper)

As a further point of clarification, I did resign my seat on the Board of Directors as I was not able to speak out for several reasons on important senior Issues as needed. (I will be happy to provide if requested) I am the Vice President of the current Advisory Council (I did not resign from this Council as previously reported in the newspaper). I am proud to stand with the Seniors and be an advocate for positive changes to improve the quality of life. When the following statement is made in an open meeting that a survey of Senior opinion regarding a new senior center should not include many of the senior population and only include "baby boomers" because the Seniors won't be around to use it, may well reflect a much greater problem.

I am determined to take these issues to the highest levels of state government in order to secure the voice of the Senior membership.

The whole issue of the seniors being able to vote on important matters is not even based on a "Yes or no" outcome or issue. It is merely giving them the right to state their opinion and let their voice be heard within their own organization. The outcome is not the issue. It is the process, the right to speak freely in a democratic process and the restoration of the Senior voice that matters.

Respectfully,

Margaret Ann Bailey

High Gas Prices cause Hiram Lewis's Check to bounce to John Raese Hiram Lewis, who lost to John Raese in the GOP Senate race, bounced a check to Raese's radio company.

The Morgantown lawyer wrote the $1,227 check to West Virginia Radio Corp. for ad spots in an eleventh-hour push to reach voters before the May 9 primary. ...

Gasoline for the RV, planning a victory party and other costs depleted the campaign's bank account, he said. His treasurer didn't keep all the receipts, he said.

But Mike …answer the Question

How do you swear to uphold The Constitution of the United States at the same time you are working to defeat it? ...more to come

What's with the local Senior Citizen's Center Board of Directors?

The Board buys a piece of property listed at about $300,000 that extends from Main St to Traders Alley. It is bought because more parking space is needed for their current building. There is a house and a very large parking lot on the property. The Seniors get a great deal on the property.

They pay about $165,000 for the property. They pay the cost of closing, insurance,etc. Then about 4 months later they sell the property for the same amount. What's going on? Does the public have confidence that they know what they are doing?

Why was there not a public announcement that they wanted to resell the property? As a public agency, did they not have to follow public procedures and law before disposing of the property? Why was there not a public bidding process put into place to get a better price for the property?

It sounds as if a current majority of the Board is playing politics to force a failure of anyone who is trying to keep the Center a success in downtown Clarksburg. They do this by leaving the current Center in a worse off position. Rather than an open-minded approach to find the best site for a Senior Citizen's Center, the current Board is trying to stack the deck to have it leave Clarksburg.

Where is the public scrutiny? Who has oversight? Maybe there should be some mass resignations until this gets straightened out. This is not a 'PERSONNEL' matter that should be held in Executive session. Is this a question of malfeasance, misfeasance or non-feasance? Until these questions are answered we don't know and this deserves an open airing.

An Argument in favor of Term Limits? Sen Levin Casts vote 10,000 WASHINGTON -- Michigan Sen. Carl Levin reached a milestone Tuesday when he became only the 25th senator in U.S. history to cast 10,000 votes. ... Other senators now serving who have reached the 10,000-vote mark include Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, and Richard Lugar, R-Ind. Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., the record holder with 17,532 votes under his belt, shook Levin's hand and patted him on the back. In all, 1,875 people have served in the Senate since 1789, according to the Senate Historical Office.

Should a qualification test for continued service be given to these senators? Like, name 1% of the bills you voted on and state why they are important. If we insist on measuring the progress of our school children, why not our elected representatives? You know. Leave no Senator Behind!

Someone with Big Money is trying to Evict Blankenship from his Position at Massey Energy Gee. It just doesn't sound fair that some rich influentials try to determine an election outcome.

Massey Energy defends work

Top executive answers criticism while facing a shareholder revolt

Massey Energy Co.'s top executive spent much of yesterday's annual meeting defending the company's corporate citizenship.

Don L. Blankenship, the Richmond-based company's chairman, president and CEO, also faced a revolt from Massey's second-largest shareholder, which offered its own slate of directors in competition with Massey's nominees.

During the meeting at The Jefferson Hotel, some shareholders quizzed Blankenship about the impact of the company's mining practices -- particularly mountain-top removal mining -- on people living near company operations.

Daily Mail Article reports on Supoenas More than two dozen organizations in northcentral West Virginia with ties to Rep. Alan Mollohan reportedly have been subpoenaed, and one nonprofit has reportedly shipped 160 cartons of documents to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. .....

A source close to the north central West Virginia high tech community who would speak only on the condition of anonymity said, "I've been told there have been between 25 and 30 organizations in north central West Virginia who have received subpoenas that are extremely broad."

The source said a rental van with about 160 cartons of documents was sent from the I-79 Technology Park to the U.S. Attorney's office last week and another van full of documents is expected to be sent this week.

Both the ISR and the high technology consortium foundation are in the park.

Today's New York Times Article

Congressman's Condo Deal Examined

The relative, Joseph L. Jarvis Jr., faced $1 million debts in a personal bankruptcy case when he partnered with Mr. Mollohan in 1996, a few years after his aerospace company failed to fulfill its federal contracts and also filed for bankruptcy.

The 1995 West Virginia deal in Mr. Mollohan's district eventually soured too, and Mr. Jarvis walked away owing Mr. Mollohan's nonprofit group $67,681.63 in rent.

Still, Mr. Jarvis, Mr. Mollohan and their wives enjoyed a lucrative real estate partnership managing condominium rentals at the Remington, a 52-unit building that bills itself as "Washington's best kept secret." The couples own 27 Remington condos, which have more than tripled in value, to $8 million, over the decade.

NOT GOOD! Mayor of ST Albans Dies Here's the relative address link to WCHS-TV: here.

SAM CANN Responds: He didn't take tickets or go to the Circus

From :	WhoCANN@
Sent :	Wednesday, May 17, 2006 10:01 AM
To :	gundovald-the-flatulent@ hotmail.com
Subject :	Circus Tickets

Recently you ran a note on an article that ran in the Gazette, and I would like to tell you the rest of the story ....

Every year All Legislators receive a form for Tickets to Ringling Brothers Circus (they have been offered 12 times to me and I have never ever received or used them) ... and the form was filled out and sent in on my behalf, HOWEVER, I did NOT, receive any tickets nor did I attend the Circus, apparently who ever sent this form out reported based on a form that was filled not on tickets given or received ... just thought you might like to know and appreciate the chance to set the record straight on my behalf ..

Oh, STOP! Of course it is in Arkansas! Mayor Accused Of Discounting Water Bills For Sex

The 72-year-old mayor of Waldron has been charged with patronizing a prostitute and abusing the public trust for allegedly using his official position to obtain sex.

Hints to Bloggers on the Perils of Posting Urls WCHS-TV, fine station that it is, does not use .urls that are friendly to we bloggers (or, if you are Irish and small in stature that would be 'wee bloggers' to you). Their .urls are not fixed to a specific story; it is instead, relative to a position on their web page for a lead story (I guess). Not knowing this, a few blogs below, I had merely written the word, "GOOD!" with an underlying .url that would take the reader to a weekend story about an officer of the law receiving a harsh sentence for child abuse and incest. My reaction was a simple, "GOOD!". Then you choose to read the story. Well, with a 'relative url' the story underlying my post kept changing as WCHS kept updating their web site. This can be amusing, or hurtful, I suppose to the families of victims, when the underlying story keeps changing.

Are you too young to remember Johnny Carson's character, Karnack the Magnificent? Karnack devines the answer to a question before it is asked. So, I've been playing a silent game of Karnack with the WCHS web page. I hit Gundovald's entry of

"GOOD!" and then see what the question is, based on the ever changing WCHS's headline.

Let Gundovald show you how a simple .url has worked "GOOD" or "GOOD!" or "GOOD!" And try the other "Good's" in the above text. Today they each have a relative unique url. But try again tomorrow or the next day and other stories will be assigned to their naming convention. Do you get my drift? You computer scientists and techies know all of this all ready. Know your answer before you hear the question, "Good!" Night Johnny, wherever you are!

HOW TRUE! They've been the ruin of many a young Man!

King orders Saudi newspapers: Stop pics of women, will lead men astray RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - King Abdullah has told Saudi editors to stop publishing pictures of women because they could lead young men astray, newspapers reported Tuesday.

Have no idea who's cartoon this is. Claim it if you wish!

WV National Guard Members React to Possible Border Patrol ..... so goes the lead for this WBOY story. Gundovald held discussions of his own, in the interest of original research, last night with members of the WV National Guard. It was at place where adult beverages were being served; after all, I did want adult responses to better ascertain their reactions. Much to my surprise, they were eager to participate and indicated that there would be a lot of volunteers and this may even help recruitment. The downside was that the rotations would only last two weeks. GO Guard!

Margin of Error = 4.5% Based on 500 Likely Voters

Senator Byrd Leads in West Virginia

May 17, 2006

(Angus Reid Global Scan) – Incumbent Robert Byrd could earn a new term as one of West Virginia’s representatives to the United States Senate, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 57 per cent of respondents in the Mountain State would vote for the Democratic politician, while 34 per cent would support Republican rival John Raese.

Can Sam Cann and Ron Fragale put Ethics aside and Enjoy the Circus?

While the new law requires lobbyists to report every dollar they spend on legislators or other government officials, it didn’t change the $25 cap on gifts legislators may accept from lobbyists or other “interested parties.”

That would appear to put 10 legislators in violation of the ethics law, according to the disclosure filed by Thomas Albert of Feld Entertainment Inc. in Vienna, Va.

Albert reported that he gave the legislators four $20 tickets each for the Ringling Brothers Circus in Charleston on April 20.

Listed as accepting the tickets are Delegates Joe Talbott, D-Webster; Larry Border, R-Wood; Patti Schoen, R-Putnam; Carrie Webster, D-Kanawha; Larry Williams, D-Preston; D-Fayette; and Dan Foster, D-Kanawha.Sam Cann, D-Harrison; Greg Butcher, D-Logan; Ron Fragale, D-Harrison; and Sens. Shirley Love,

Someone who knows nothing about WV desires to write a comedy about WV! Care to help her? If not, please provide any funny or weird things about Rhode Island to Gundovald and I'll be sure to educate the dear lady about comedy. "I am working on a script project that is set in West Virginia. It's a comedy. I have done a lot of research, but am still looking for funny or weird or interesting things about West Virginians. Short anecdotes about any quirky regional traits would be most welcome. You know, I need the stuff that doesn't get put in history books."

Unfortunately, I see a Movie coming out of this! Florida marks third deadly alligator attack in less than a week
MIAMI -- The bodies of two women, both apparently killed by alligators, were found Sunday less than a week after a similar death in a state that had seen just 17 confirmed fatal attacks by the animals in the previous 57 years.

This just sounds like a Divorce! It's really just a man and his maid separating. The saga of being Blankenship continues ...

Lost Creek Boy Drafted by Minors

With the 3rd overall pick, the Grizzlies selected outfielder Jerred Novotny. Novotny, a 6-5, 225-pound right-handed hitter, hails from Lost Creek, WV. He played his college baseball at Division II Alderson Broaddus College in Philippi, WV.

"It's exciting having the chance to play," Novotny said. "That's what you're here for. I had a pretty good camp. I am happy."

Who is defending this Woman? She works out at the Clarksburg YMCA

I am an average-weight-and-height 45-year-old woman who blew through 400 pounds on the leg press several years ago. Despite my legs being much smaller and more “fragile”-looking than men at my gym who can’t even move half that much, I now leg press 600 pounds, 3 sets, 10 reps each, at every workout. And that is after I do at least three sets of squats with 225. My workout attracts a lot of stares, I think mostly because of the erroneous assumption (shared by your tipster) that my legs look too “fragile” to be doing such a thing.

If they are doing nothing illegal, then why are they negotiating?

If they are doing something illegal, why don't they just stop?

GOOD!

W.Va. Nonprofit's Reimbursements 11 Times Higher Than Premiums

May 13, 2006

A Fairmont, W.Va. nonprofit group paid $47,334 in premiums to a state-run insurance agency over two years and was reimbursed more than 11 times that amount for three claims, state documents show.

The bulk of the reimbursements was $498,678 paid by the state Board of Risk and Insurance Management to the Vandalia Heritage Foundation for a fire at the B&O train station in Grafton, according to the state Auditors Office.

Romney Man returns $55,000 dropped by Armored Car; Bank offers him a reward of Free Dinner! Are Banks Great or What?

To: American Idol Addictees, Learn to Trick out the Voting Process START HERE

Dead Cow Baffles Authorities

DEP expert confirms it is a dead cow. Holding your breath and leaving it alone may be the answer.

Motherhood! It's more than what that Jarvis girl started in Grafton

There are mothers that zestily eat their young and mothers that drink their young's blood. Mothers that pit one young against the other in a fight to the death and mothers that raise one set of their babies on the flesh of their siblings.

Values of Vandalia Quick profit on land deal raises questions.

Story by Beth Gorczyca FAIRMONT -- West Virginia's real estate market has lagged behind the rest of the nation in recent years.

But the value of one piece of property in Marion County jumped by nearly $400,000 in the matter of just a few hours.

In May 2005, Southland Properties LLC bought 48 acres of land behind the Middletown Mall near Fairmont for $1.25 million. Later that same day, the company sold the property for $1.6 million.

Mollohan's beach front Cottage For Sale

Built for $2,600,000 in 2004; asking $3,700,000 in 2006. This current scandal could force the Mollohan's to take a $1.1 M profit before all of the air leaves the real estate market. They will keep the 4 lots owned jointly with his former employee, Laura Kuhns - The Czarina of Non-profits!

Barbara Mollohan may actually be a real estate genius! Please encourage her to now turn her attention to the Waldo Hotel (now known as the 'Mollohans') and the Palace Furniture Building in Clarksburg.

Fazzini wins for County Commission

He's one of the nicest guys you could ever want to meet. So. Who's running the county? A policeman; a fireman; and a pizzaman. Can't wait to see what happens next! I love democracy. It makes my heart sing.

Barbour, Braxton, Lewis and Doddridge County Students will learn Algebra better than Harrison County students.

Benedum Foundation Funds Purchase Carnegie Learning Math Curricula for 18 West Virginia Schools; Statewide Initiative Focuses on Improvements in Algebra.

Mike Queen wins seat on Board of Education and immediately conspires to not take Oath of Office seriously!

Can Mike put his left hand on the Bible and his right hand up in the air and swear to God that he will uphold the laws of WV and the Constitution of the United States ? His first step, the day after the election, is to conspire with the principal of Bridgeport High School to thwart federal court decisions in regard to the decision that makes illegal the government display of Sallman's "Head of Christ"? (See Exponent-Telegram, front page, May 10 2006)

We all know that the meaning of the Constitution is determined by court interpretation. None of us like all of the decisions. But 99% of us obey the law. What will Mike do? Will he cross his fingers on the Bible, so he can continue to be part of the community that wishes to defy our civil law and constitution. Will you lie to God on that Bible so you can keep a human artist's interpretation of Jesus on display in a government building, as demanded by a government employee, a principal, with a captive audience of children from various backgrounds and beliefs?

In a surprise to Harrison County, Wood County does it without the help of Marion County, too!

Wood County counts votes in 2 Hours - No Problems with Voting Machines.

Sounds as if Wood County had a plan. They put voting machines out in the shoping malls before the election to familarize the voters. They used six rovers to travel to different locations to solve problems - so there were not any problems. Preparation! What a concept. Pass it on to the County Clerk, Ms Thomas.

Powerball Jack Back in Court Whittaker settles civil lawsuit

You gotta be poor if you are going to have fun like this!

Former WBOY and WDTV personality wins Senate Primary, then announces that he was recalled to Active Duty. Departs today for SE Asia.

Riding name recognition built by years as a television news anchor, Erik Wells appeared headed for a big victory over challenger Dave Higgins in the Democratic primary for Kanawha County’s 8th District state Senate seat.

But in a surprise announcement, Wells said he has been called up to active duty in the Naval Reserves, and will head to Southeast Asia today. He said he would return on Labor Day.

Harrion County learns computer literacy from Marion County?

Why did The County Clerk's Office of Harrison County have so much trouble using the new technoloogy and Marion County had none? I would say the irresponsible lack of preparation by the Harrison County Office. Ms Thomas should be thankful that Marion County pulled her arse out of the fire.

Ms Thomas should review her staff training, procedures and instructions to the poll workers. She should have a dry-run test of the procedures and equipment before the general election.

GOP lawmakers want Pelosi to remove Mollohan By Patrick O’Connor

Republican Reps. John Carter (R-Texas) and Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) are expected to send House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) a letter tomorrow asking her to remove Rep. Alan Mollohan (W.Va.) from the Appropriations Committee.

Mollohan stepped aside as the ranking Democrat on the ethics committee late last month amid ethical questions about his financial dealings with private contractors and nonprofit organizations that received millions of dollars in federal funds.

“The allegations against Congressman Mollohan are directly related to his conduct on the Committee,” the two former judges wrote in a draft copy of the letter circulated last night.

“Not only is his continued position on that Committee in conflict with the allegations made against him, it also places him in the untenable position of exercising jurisdiction and influence over the Justice Department, the very entity that is currently investigating him,” the letter continued.

Mollohan is the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee with oversight of the Departments of Commerce, Justice and State.

Marshall Forensic Science Center to offer DNA preservation services to funeral homes

HUNTINGTON, WV - The Marshall University Forensic Science Center is now offering DNA preservation and testing services to local funeral homes, Dr. Terry Fenger, director of the center, said today.

Through the forensic science center, family members served by the participating funeral homes will have the opportunity to preserve a sample from their family members’ DNA, which can be used in the future for gene testing, inheritance, and identification purposes. Strict confidentiality of services provided to families will be maintained.

WV Legislative hopefuls amass $3.2 million, spend about half Legislative candidates had amassed more than $3.2 million and spent just over half that heading into Tuesday's primary election, their latest reports to Secretary of State Betty Ireland show.

Moving On, Moving Out

West Virginians are all packed up with plenty of places to go.

Auto plant thrives in Buffalo (Buffalo, West Virginia, that is)

---

While American auto industry founders, Toyota finds formula for success

Clarksburg Man convicted in Cabella's Ammo theft

Twenty-four-year-old Seth W- Doak of Clarksburg was convicted Friday in Berks County Court of robbery, simple assault and related counts. He was acquitted by the jury of making terroristic threats.

Mollohan Funneled Money to Charity named after his father

Rush University Medical Center of Illinois, has received $15 Million in earmarked funds from the House Appropriations Committee, on which Mollohan sits. They donate some money back to lobbyist to support golf tournament so that the Robert H Mollohan charity can give money to needy WV voters?

FSU gets $84K grant to help local Math Teachers

Four fifth- or sixth-grade math teachers each from Marion, Monongalia, Harrison and Upshur counties -- a total of 16 teachers -- will be chosen to participate in two-week training sessions at Fairmont State. Teachers will be provided with the necessary materials and resources, as well as a stipend of $200 per day provided through grant funding and matching funds from county school systems. Follow-up meetings, one in fall 2006 and one in spring 2007, will assist teachers as they implement the assessments and strategies learned at the summer training.

Attention West Virginia NRA Members:

You may have recently received an orange postcard urging you to support Hiram Lewis in the May 9 Republican primary election for U.S. Senate. The postcard was purportedly mailed to West Virginia NRA members and looks like the NRA-PVF's standard endorsement postcard. As the card closely resembles NRA's endorsement mailings, some recipients may have been misled into believing NRA-PVF has made an endorsement in this race.

In order to clear up any misconceptions related to this mailing, we deem it necessary to clarify NRA-PVF's position. The NRA Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) has made no endorsement in the Republican Primary election for U.S. Senate in West Virginia.

The postcard sent out by the Lewis campaign bears a striking resemblance to the card and format used by NRA, including the "Dear West Virginia NRA Member" salutation. We can only assume it was done with the clear intent of deceiving West Virginia voters into believing NRA had endorsed Lewis in the primary election.

While five candidates running for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate have been rated an "A" by NRA-PVF, including John Raese, "Bud" Railey, Rick Snuffer, and Zane Lawhorn, Lewis has not received NRA-PVF's endorsement.

The postcard sent by Hiram Lewis is a blatant attempt to mislead West Virginia voters and NRA members.

Sincerely,

NRA Political Victory Fund

Mollohan Crony sells Palace Furniture Bldg to Vandalia at a Loss

Mollohan's long-term friend and partner in the 300 acres along the Cheat River (that the congressman forgot to report on his annual ethics report to Congress) sells property to Vandalia.

The question to be asked is about true appraisal value. What was the true value of the Palace Building before the sale? Think about it. What did the Goff building sell for just a few short years ago; what did the buildings on Fourth St recently sell for; what did the entire block on Pike street sell for? If you use a comparative appraisal was the building sold for too much which protected the investment of Mollohan's long-term friend? Was the building sold with tenants whose leases were about to expire? Or, had the tenants all ready planned to move out and the value of the property would have dropped precipitously unless a sweet heart deal was made for a non-profit to pick the building up at an exorbitant price? Was this building really worth a million dollars more that the Secret Furniture building just up the street from it?

Did Vandalia just pull a friend of Mollohan's out of the fire to protect him from the declining downtown market values? If Vandalia didn't come to the rescue would the building still be on the market and the price subject to negotiation? The big issue here is, or should be that federal tax dollars earmarked by Mollohan's went to his captive non-profit corp and then Vandalia used one million dollars of it to buy out his friend's troubled real estate investment.

This is NOT economic development for which Mollohan deserves praise! "...two years later, Vandalia Redevelopment Corp. purchased the old Palace Furniture Co. for $1 million from C.D.I.G. Inc., a company owned by one of Mollohan's long-time friends, Dale McBride. In that case, C.D.I.G. took a slight loss on the building. The company paid $1.05 million for the building 11 years earlier."

Porker of the Month

The Porker of the Month Hall of Shame

Porker of the Month is a dubious honor given to lawmakers, government officials, and political candidates who have shown a blatant disregard for the interests of taxpayers.

CAGW Names Rep. Mollohan Porker of the Month

(Washington, D.C.) - (Updated April 24, 2006) Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) today named Rep. Alan Mollohan (D-W.Va.) Porker of the Month for abusing his position on the House Appropriations Committee by securing millions of dollars in earmarks that may have benefited him personally.

The New York Times (04/08/06) detailed how Rep. Mollohan has directed $250 million to five nonprofit organizations that he set up. On April 21, Rep. Mollohan stepped down from his position as the senior Democrat on the House Ethics Committee.

Honoring Murdered Children

Remembering loved ones, lost to murder. That's what the local chapter of "Parents of Murdered Children" wants to do.

The group formed in January. LaVerdierre says she started the group after her daughter Krystal Peterson was killed. Group members say they'll need about $2,000.00 to complete the project. If you'd like to help or attend monthly meetings, call 304-641-0668.

Sen Byrd sides with GOP on Border Security

Democratic Sen. Robert C. Byrd is serious about bolstering border security, even if it means standing by Republicans on the same side of the issue. Byrd, West Virginia's senior senator, cosponsored an amendment with Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., that strengthens border security by $1.9 billion. The amendment passed the Senate floor on a 59 to 39 vote. Byrd was one of only seven Democrats voting in favor of the amendment, tacked onto the $106.5 billion fiscal 2006 emergency supplemental bill. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., is still recovering from back surgery and did not vote.

WV NRA Endorsements

Four Harrison County Incumbents receive NRA Endorsement

District 41 (VOTE FOR 4)

	(R) DANNY HAMRICK	?
	(R) JAY WOLFE	A
	(D) *TIM MILEY	A
	(D) THOMAS SHAFFER	?
	(D) *SAMUEL CANN	A
	(D) *RICHARD FRAGALE	A
	(D) *RICHARD IAQUINTA	A
	(D) ANTHONY BARBERIO	?

Empty Monuments to Human Ego

Empty monuments to human ego The scandal of congressional 'earmarking' May 1, 2006 by Chuck Colson Sitting in the middle of what used to be pasture in Fairmont, West Virginia, stands a brand-new office building that you helped pay for. Knowing that you would insist on the best, its builders made sure to get all the options: a swimming pool, sauna, and spa. The price: $103 million. Oh yes, it’s nearly empty and likely to stay that way for some time. If you don’t recall ordering a state-of-the-art office building in a cow pasture, you’re not alone. Nobody does. But that’s how the congressional process known as “earmarking” works. Several weeks ago I did a “BreakPoint” commentary calling attention to the scandal of earmarking funds. Many listeners wrote in to inquire what earmarking was. Well, simply put, it is expenditures slipped into the budget by powerful congressmen that bypass the budgeting process and are authorized without debate. While congressmen defend these expenditures with high-sounding rhetoric, their real purpose is to help themselves get re-elected. When you hear people talk about a politician “bringing home the bacon” to his district, chances are he is talking about earmarking. New roads and “glistening glass-and-steel” office buildings are campaign ads in concrete. ...more

Mexicans, You are Marching in the Wrong Country

By Randall Nunn (04/29/2006) The upcoming demonstrations and boycotts of U.S. businesses by the illegal immigrant community and their supporters on May 1 would appear to be a huge public relations blunder by the protest organizers. Even the Mexican government has realized this, saying, unofficially and on condition of anonymity, that they were in favor of "a more moderate tone." One of the representatives of the illegal immigrants was quoted in a Dallas newspaper as saying the Mexican government should not tell the protesters what to do because they have to "defend their rights" on their own. Just what "rights" do people illegally in this country think they have? Usually in this country the press and the liberal community spend a great deal of time and energy analyzing the “root causes” of criminal conduct in an effort to explain it and justify leniency no matter what the offense and circumstances. In this case, there is a lack of such analysis. If there was such analysis, it would soon become evident that the reason for the mass exodus of Mexicans from their country is the corruption, incompetence and failed policies of their own government. Rather than working to replace the corrupt and incompetent leaders, their response is to cross the U.S. border and take all they can from a country whose political leaders do not have the will to stop it.