Feb 4, 2012
All Member Stories
Scholarships available to students at Pocahontas County High School

The Pocahontas County High School guidance office collaborated with the Pocahontas County Conventions and Visitors Bureau to create a notebook of scholarships for every junior and senior. Below is a full list of the scholarships that are found in the notebook and in guidance counselor...
LEGALS - February 2, 2012

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION TO CREDITORSNotice is hereby given that the following estate(s) have been opened for probate in the Pocahontas County Clerk's Office at 900C Tenth Avenue, Marlinton,?WV?24954-1333. Any person seeking to impeach or establish a will must make a complaint in ...
‘Right the first time, every time’ goal of PMH

December numbers and plans to improve the PMH Clinic set a positive tone for the Pocahontas Memorial Hospital board of directors meeting on Thursday night. The results of tweaking, planning and having Dr. Frank Puckett on staff are beginning to show up in print in the hospital's ...
Senior Menus/Activities

February 6 - 10 Monday, 6: Beef tips over noodles, California blend, fruit, bread, milk. Hillsboro - Glucose and Blood Pressure Check 10:15 a.m., Bible Study 11 a.m.; Marlinton - Bingo 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, 7: Barbecued chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, fruit, bread, milk. Marlinton ...
Magistrate Court

According to Magistrate Court records, the following individuals were either arrested or had activity in their cases. Roy Lambert, Jr., 43, of Marlinton, was arrested January 25 on a charge of domestic battery. Bond was set at $1,000. Larry James Goldizen, 22, of Marlinton, was ...
It's all about diversity

Hillsboro-area residents have a new one-stop option for lots of services, thanks to a new enterprise opened by Jim Burton. "I purchased the entire building about four and a half months ago, and we've done a lot of renovations. Brought it up-to-date more or less," said Burton. Burt...
Multi-talented teen performs at Dirt Bean

A 17-year-old Dunmore resident brought her musical stylings to Marlinton Saturday to perform at the Dirt Bean Ohana Cafe. Erica Rebinski is a senior at Pocahontas County High School. In addition to being a talented vocalist, Rebinski plays the saxophone and flute, and is learning ...
PSD in better financial shape than previously thought

A miscalculation in the Pocahontas County Public Service District budget is giving the PSD board reason to feel more confident about its plan to develop a new wastewater treatment facility at Linwood. The board will decide the beleaguered plant's location next week. A regular ...
Spice up a meal - Sunset Cantina open at Snowshoe

Snowshoe Mountain Resort's latest restaurant offering is sure to enliven the palate, as Sunset Cantina offers southwestern foods in the eastern Alleghenies. The expansive menu includes customary southwestern dishes you'd expect - chimichangas, tacos, enchiladas and burritos; but ...
Solid Waste Authority re-elects existing officers

The Pocahontas County Solid Waste Authority held its annual election of officers last week at its regular monthly meeting at the Pocahontas County Courthouse. At the conclusion, there were no changes in personnel. Ed Riley was re-elected to the position of chairman. Jim Burks was ...
ARC owners file suit against commission

Two Marlinton business owners have filed suit against the Pocahontas County Commission, alleging the governing body did not follow its own rules, and accepted the low bid at the expense of the animals when it awarded the animal shelter contract last July. Allegheny Recreational ...
Candidate filing period ends

37 local residents on ballot Pocahontas County's ballot may look like a game of musical chairs to long-time political observers, as potential incumbents are seeking other offices. Assessor Dolan Irvine is running for county commission; county commissioner Martin Saffer has filed ...
Church Notices

Sunday, February 5, 2012 Alexander Memorial Presbyterian Church: Stony Bottom - Worship 2 p.m.First Baptist Huntersville: Sunday School (all ages) 9:45 a.m., Morning Service 11 a.m., Sunday Evening Worship 7 p.m.; ‘Youth Bible Study' 6th - 12th grade, ‘Kids Club' preschool - 5th ...
LEGALS - January 26, 2012

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION TO CREDITORSNotice is hereby given that the following estate(s) have been opened for probate in the Pocahontas County Clerk's Office at 900C Tenth Avenue, Marlinton,?WV?24954-1333. Any person seeking to impeach or establish a will must make a complaint in ...
More candidates file for office

Saturday deadline looms With less than a week to go before the deadline to file for elected office, relatively few candidates have put their names in the hat for six county offices and three board of education seats. Since the political arena opened January 9, only 20 people have ...
Hotel/Motel Tax percentages stay the same

Revenue drops by $28,000 The Pocahontas County Commission left Hotel/Motel Tax revenue to be divvied in the same percentages as last year, but all takers will see a decrease in their budgets because of a $28,620.56 drop in revenues. Hotel/Motel tax is collected from visitors who ...
Church Notices

Sunday, January 29, 2012 Alexander Memorial Presbyterian Church: Stony Bottom - Fifth Sunday hymn sing and ‘Souper' Bowl luncheon with Baxter Presbyterian Church in Dunmore at 11 a.m.Baxter Presbyterian Church: Dunmore - Fifth Sunday Hymn Sing and ‘Souper' Bowl luncheon 11 a.m.Chape...
Senior Menus/Activities

January 31 - February 3Monday, 30: Cooks' Choice. Hillsboro - Bible Study 11 a.m.; Marlinton - Bingo 10:30 a.m.Tuesday, 31: Pinto beans with ham cubes, potato salad, cornbread, fruit, milk. Green Bank - Exercise 11 a.m.; Marlinton - Dominoes 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, 1: Creamed chicken ...
Cain’s resignation adds third seat to ballot

Board of education vice president Leslie Cain submitted her resignation at the board meeting Monday night. Cain resigned her seat because she plans to file to run for Pocahontas County assessor. The board and Superintendent C.C. Lester reluctantly accepted her resignation and ...
Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity makes future plans for county

Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity board of directors held its quarterly meeting January 19 at Snowshoe Mountain Resort to discuss the 2012 project season. “We are cranking out some exciting things for the future,” CEO and Executive Director Michelle Connor said. “We went over our ...
Committee selects site for Green Bank Wellness Center

After months of planning and research, members of the Green Bank Wellness Center committee selected a site for the center at a brainstorming meeting January 18. National Radio Astronomy Observatory site director Karen O’Neil reported that she and business manager Mike Holstine ...
Math department recalculates program

At the LSIC (Local School Improvement Council) meeting at Pocahontas County High School January 17, math teachers informed the board of education about the new math program that will be implemented at the school next year. Math teacher Chris Sutton explained that by 2014, Algebra ...
Magistrate Court

According to Magistrate Court records, the following individuals were either arrested or had activity in their cases. Russell Lynn Sharp, 26, of Cass, was arrested January 17 on charges of breaking and entering, and burglary. Bond was set at $20,000. Kimberly Buzzard, 49, of ...
Snowshoe native releases first album in style

On January 27, Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg will transform into a reggae hall as Snowshoe native Shawn Owen performs songs from his new album. Residing now in Annapolis, Maryland, Owen is returning to the West Virginia hills to celebrate the album release with friends and family. Mu...
My descent into darkness; a first time caver's adventure in Hillsboro

"You want to go caving next week?" I hesitated. I'm guess I'm slightly claustrophobic - I don't even like sitting in the back seat of most cars, let alone low-crawling through tunnels in the dark. I'd been in caves before when I was a kid, but I'd never actually been "caving". But...
PSD one step closer to site selection for plant

The Public Service District made more progress toward resolving the issues it faces in constructing a wastewater treatment facility in the Snowshoe area during a special meeting last week, according to PSD board president Tom Shipley. "Things look really, really good. We had the ...
Warriors suffer two losses at home last week

The Warriors lost at home last week to the Tucker County Mountain Lions, 70-58. The Warriors played hard throughout the night, even bringing the score to within three points in an exciting fourth quarter surge. "In the second half at one point we were down by 18, we weren't being ...
Commission nixes Marcellus ballot issue

The Pocahontas County Commmission took heed from a large gathering of county residents Thursday evening, voting 3-0 not to place a Marcellus shale gas drilling referendum on the ballot. For more than two hours, commission president David Fleming facilitated a discussion among the ...
Marcellus bill ‘not perfect, just the beginning’

After nearly a year of wrangling with both industry and environmentalists, the West Virginia Legislature passed a bill to regulate drilling for natural gas in Marcellus shale earlier this month. First thought to be too deep to be financially feasible, the practice of hydro-fracking ...
Marcellus shale issues remain at forefront of commission meeting

Although county commissioner Martin Saffer said last Wednesday he does not believe gas companies are at Pocahontas County's borders ready to drill in the Marcellus shale deposit, the issue continues to be the controversy of the day, and arguments for and against drilling are becoming ...
Opera House season heats up this winter

You can shake off the winter-time blues with a pair of exciting performances at the Pocahontas County Opera House this December and February. The Rivers Rockabilly Trio will perform classic hits of the 1950s in a Christmas-themed concert December 10. Opry Night will then bring some ...
Oh, the places you’ll go... On your way to Snowshoe

As you plan your vacation to Snowshoe Mountain Resort, there are several places along the way that my pique your interest. In Durbin, stop by Station 2 restaurant, a firefighter-themed eatery that offers a menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner selections. From eggs and bacon, to ...
Suit up for winter at Snow Creek

In need of perfect outerwear to sport as you shred the slopes at Snowshoe Mountain Resort? Look no farther than Snow Creek at the entrance to Silver Creek Resort. The first floor of this bright red outfitter has men’s wear for the brisk skiing and snowboarding season. Whether you ...
WVU Geologist talks drilling with commission

Pocahontas County Commissioners continued their probe into the issues surrounding Marcellus shale gas drilling and extraction during a special meeting Monday afternoon with Timothy Carr, of West Virginia University's Department of Geology and Geography. Speaking to commissioners ...
Crowd packs courtroom for commission gas drilling session

More than 150 people attended the county commission meeting on September 20, when commissioners considered sending a letter to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regarding hydrofracture gas drilling regulations. The commission convened in the courtroom to accommodate ...
Commission tours Wetzel County gas field

Pocahontas County Commissioners traveled to Wetzel County last Thursday to see firsthand the impacts of Marcellus Shale gas drilling. Commissioners David Fleming, Jamie Walker and Martin Saffer spent more than five hours speaking with landowners, visiting well sites, compressor ...
USGS issues much lower Marcellus gas estimate

There's gas in these hills, but not as much as previously thought, according to a recent government report. In August, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimated there is 84 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas in the Marcellus shale strata underlying the northeastern ...
Commission hires Bastress for Marcellus shale issues

Pocahontas County Commissioners voted 2-1 to hire Morgantown attorney and WVU constitutional law professor Robert M. Bastress at the conclusion of a two-hour special meeting Tuesday morning. Commissioner Martin Saffer said Bastress' role is "to assist the comission on actions and ...
Governor issues new Marcellus shale regulations

Acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblin announced new regulations last Tuesday for the extraction of natural gas from the Marcellus shale formation. Parts of the executive order issued by Tomblin echo the legislation drafted by the Department of Environmental Protection that failed to ...
New life for old trees

Woodworker Eddie Fletcher jokes that he has a difficult time burning firewood; he sees potential in every piece of wood he picks up. His love for wood and working with the material recently materialized in his "church of wood" that occupies the century-old chapel that was once New ...
Hefner Family to showcase Civil War music for Little Levels Heritage Fair (audio)

Bill Hefner likes to joke that he was born in a Civil War hospital. And he'll remind his audience that he wasn't born during the Civil War-he's not quite that old. But the history and the stories that surrounded him as a youngster and a young man have found their way into modern ...
Hivelys named King and Queen of Dunmore

Each year, a Dunmore man and woman are crowned King and Queen for the three-day summer celebration, Dunmore Daze.Don and Manota Hively will reign over the festival this year. Life-long residents of the county, Manota was “tickled” to hear she and her husband were selected. “I ...
Don’t forget your furry friends for Durbin Days

Summer festivals always promote fun for families and children of all ages, but at Durbin Days Heritage Festival, they also include four-legged and scaly friends. Pets will be the center of attention Wednesday, July 13, at the Durbin Days pet show. Held on the landing platform at ...
Celebrate Pioneers of all eras

The word pioneer has evolved, just like Pioneer Days has evolved throughout the years. When the festival began, it was a celebration of the early settlers or “pioneers,” but like everything in life it has morphed into something larger, into what it is today. And we as Pocahontas ...
Full steam ahead on 1919 locomotive

Lawyers, mechanics, retirees and an assortment of other workers arrive at a machine shop at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park every other weekend, where the Mountain State Railroad and Logging Historical Association (MSRLHA) is restoring a vintage locomotive. Climax number 1551 was ...
Looking at the bigger picture

Cross the threshold into Ron Radcliff's Green Bank home, and you'll find yourself in the domain of a man who has immersed himself in the realm of art.No wall is bare in his 19th-century farmhouse. Each is a gallery of multiple paintings and drawings from his lifetime as an artist and ...
Fly fishing school moves to Pocahontas County

A leading conservation group relocated its annual fly fishing school to Pocahontas County. The West Virginia Council of Trout Unlimited (WVCTU), a non-profit organization with the mission to conserve, restore and protect coldwater fisheries, conducted its 34th annual fly fishing ...
Commission, residents discuss gas drilling protections

Pocahontas County doesn't have a gas drilling problem. It has a democracy problem.That was the premise of a presentation Monday morning before Pocahontas County Commissioners and members of the public by Ben Price, of the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund, based in Carlisle, ...
Love blossoms in the home and garden

It has been said that if you have a job you love, you will never work a day in your life. That statement fits Willard Wilson, Jr. to a tee. Junior and his wife, Vada, love their job and put in 10 - 12 hours a day, seven days a week to make sure that it is done right. They are ...
Home improvement corner: Insulating your walls

With the arrival of warmer weather, home insulation might not be at the top of your summer-time to-do list. But a little bit of time invested now can pay big dividends over the next several years in terms of year-round comfort and savings on your energy bills. When people talk ...
Raised bed gardens for rocky yards

Pocahontas County has lots of rocks. Those of us living higher up on the mountains have little topsoil, but lots of rocks. When it comes to gardening, rocks are good for nothing, except for rock gardens, and you can't eat rocks. But people with rocky yards can still grow vegetables ...
Tips from a contractor

In an age of do-it-yourself, it’s easy to overlook simple maintenance projects that can save you a lot of money in the long run. Contractor and owner of Jacob Meck Construction, Jacob Meck, has a few tips for home owners before they take steps to renovate their homes this spring ...
An artist of many talents

Elizabeth Sutton grew up surrounded by art and artists. Her mother is a graphic designer and her father is a retired art professor. As a child she would "help" her father teach his art students at Rose State College in Oklahoma. "Ever since I was little, I can remember going to ...
Pocahontas paradise for dual sport bikes

In the world of motorcycles, there are different breeds. Between sleek street cycles and rugged dirt bikes is the dual sport bike - designed to go both on and off the road. Dual sport bikes have heavy-duty suspensions and high fenders, like dirt bikes, but more comfortable seats and ...
People You Meet: Mike Holstine

Age: 53Occupation: Business Manager at National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green BankHometown: Campbells CreekFamily: Daughters: Christina, 28; Danielle, 24; and Michelle, 22. Granddaughter Annalee Peyton, one-year-oldPets: Two goatsFavorite Book: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the ...
Homeless vet turned billionaire sponsors gardening project

It's a safe bet that few people in Pocahontas County have heard of West Coast billionaire John Paul DeJoria. But many local residents will learn how to grow better, more productive gardens - and save grocery money - thanks to the generosity of the once-homeless Navy vet. DeJoria ...
Making the State Fair greener

Walking into the state fairgrounds this August, you will see signs that proudly proclaim "The State Fair of West Virginia recycles." But perhaps what they should say is "Matt Tate recycles." Tate, of Mill Point, has volunteered to spearhead the state fair's recycling efforts for ...
Upcycling: Don’t toss it, change it and use it

Wait! Don’t throw that away. You’d be surprised what you can make with equal parts creativity and trash. Upcycling, the new recycling, is a way to take unwanted objects and make a new usable object. For some reason, when I think about upcycling, it reminds me of when I was a little ...
A lighter shade of green

Sesame Street's Kermit the Frog sings "It's not that easy being green," but it is easy to be a lighter shade of green. Living in a rural area, we would certainly find it difficult to imagine how many plastic bags are used in the US. In the town of Marlinton the number that leave ...
Zendik artists find beauty in trash

In a disposable world, where the shelf-life of most items is usually around a month, artisans at Zendik Farm have found a way to take your trash and turn it into beautiful and colorful jewelry.Kaila and Vie, along with several other artists on the farm, have been making paper bead ...
Commission to write letter concerning Marcellus Shale

County commissioners had some strong words for state leaders who took no action on gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale, but had little other recourse currently than to write a letter to those same leaders to "send a clear signal that we are dissatisfied." More than 15 people ...
April prime time for ramps

A three-man team of hunters scoured steep mountain slopes near Slaty Fork on Thursday, in search of the elusive Allium tricoccum. The species is known to hide under leaves in the early spring and give off a pungent odor when captured. The hunters successfully captured several Alliums ...
Getting spicy at the Snak Shak

It would take a lot of ink to chronicle the changes that have taken place at the Snak Shak on Third Avenue in Marlinton since its grand opening in June 2009. Originally advertised as a Tropical Sno dispenser, Jonathan Gibson and his "silent partner," Chuck Kettler, of White Sulphur ...
An eye for detail, a heart for teaching

Sometimes you have to pursue your dreams despite what others might tell you. That's what Beaver Creek artist Erin Lore says she had to do as she planned go to Concord College after graduating from high school in Greenbrier County. "When I went to see my guidance counselor and we ...
Webster County Woodchopping Festival

Paul Bunyan may be the most notable lumberjack in history, but he’s got nothing – except size – on the men and women who compete in the Webster County Woodchopping Festival every year. Strength, endurance and skill are tested as competitors wield their axes, saws and chainsaws in the ...
The down-to-earth pleasures of working with wood

Working with wood isn't rocket science. But for one of the artisans at the cooperative gallery in Green Bank, it's a lot more fun. And Bill Leffingwell would know. He worked on his share of rockets as an employee of General Dynamics in the 1950s and 60s, including the Atlas rocket ...
Winter hike in Cranberry Wilderness

For a long time, I've wanted to visit the Beechy Run waterfall in the Cranberry Wilderness during winter. I thought it would look nice with lots of snow and ice. But I've been discouraged by the difficulty of reaching the area during the winter months. In good weather, you can park ...
Hop, Skip and Jump Away

Located in the former St. Brednan’s Catholic Church on the corner of Park Street and Randolph Avenue in Elkins, the Randolph County Community Arts Center is a haven for all things art, music and dance. The 83-year-old building became the arts center in 2001 when the Catholic church ...
Flour Girls has all the right treats

Whether you have a sweet tooth or you’re jonesing for a good cup of coffee, the Flour Girls Bakery and Cafe at the intersection of Routes. 219 and 66 at Slaty Fork has what you crave. The “girls,” consisting of Stacy Beckwith, Whitney Beckwith, Tina Beckwith, Teresa Sharp and Doris ...
Father's gift keeps on giving in Green Bank woodshop

Years ago, Wood County woodworker Ken Jones, III taught his young sons how to hammer a nail and saw a board. As the boys grew older, their father taught them more and more about woodworking, metalworking, carpentry and an appreciation for the gifts of nature. When the boys were old ...
Winter birders, flock together!

Taking a drive or a walk on any given snowy day, you might see a small, feathered flash of color flit across your path. While Pocahontas County is a favorite spot among area bird watchers in the spring and summer months, there are quite a few to see during the winter, too. Snowy ...
Knitter's paradise offer yarns, classes

Winter is the time for wool. And there's likely no place in Marlinton with more of it than Cheryl's Beauty and Beyond. Cheryl Beverage relocated her salon and yarn shop to the town's Riverside section over the summer and has since made the new location as cozy as an old favorite ...
Chestnut Ridge Country Inn - a trip back in time

There's a signpost up ahead ... In an old episode of the Twilight Zone TV series, a stressed out executive takes a side road and travels back in time to the quaint, bucolic village where he had grown up. The executive enjoys a short stay in the old-fashioned homeplace, but has to ...
Finding joy in clay

If you’ve been to a recent festival, farmers market or craft show in Pocahontas County, chances are, you’ve seen the clay creations of Cynthia Gurreri. Or perhaps you or someone in your household—young or old—has participated in one of her art classes.Prolific as an individual ...
Let's make some beer!

Beer making is a fun and inexpensive hobby that's perfect for wintertime in Pocahontas County. Many drink beer, but few know how it's made. Making a batch of home brew is fun and educational. Anyone who likes to cook or who played with a chemistry set as a kid will enjoy the beer-maki...
People you meet: Deb Goodwin

Age: 56Occupation: Owner/realtor, Mountain Valley Realty at SnowshoeFamily: One daughter and three grandchildrenPets: Chico, a Chihuahua and Millie, a miniature dachshund/ miniature Pinscher mixFavorite Movie: Honeysuckle Rose, with Willie Nelson and Dyan CannonFavorite Book: The ...
Get crazy for Mexican Cuisine at Haurache Loco Restaurante

Looking for a place to eat with a little extra kick? Haurache Loco Restaurant, at the intersection of Rt. 219 and Rt. 66, has the right blend of spicy and savory Mexican food to set your palate aflame with flavor. Decked out in traditional Mexican decor, the restaurant has an ...
Almost Heaven on Gaudineer Knob

I've read accounts of the ordeal faced by Confederate soldiers climbing up Cheat Mountain, through a spruce forest in the dark, but I didn't really appreciate what those soldiers went through until I visited the Gaudineer Scenic Area (GSA).Just a short piece north of Durbin lies the ...
Couple finds creative spark in iron and grass

What started as a simple gift for their daughter 20 years ago has grown into a lucrative and fulfilling post-retirement trade for David "Woody" and Brenda Harman. Two decades ago, Woody-a metal worker-made a fireplace tool set for their daughter and Brenda made the broom. At the ...
Former Cass superintendent saw results of atomic bomb

Richard Dale, of Mill Creek, can tell you firsthand about the horror of nuclear war. As a young Navy sailor in WWII, Dale served on a ship that sailed into Nagasaki harbor, the city destroyed by World War II's second atomic bomb strike on August 9, 1945. During the war, the Japanese ...
Vet recalls early days of Vietnam War

Daniel R. Knight was 22 years old on November 22, 1963, the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. On that day of national tragedy, Knight received a notice in the mail, informing him he would be inducted into the Army. From 1948 until 1973, men were drafted to fill vacancies...
Spectacular Cass Railroad - now with live music

Cass Scenic Railroad is one of the coolest places in the world. Not only can you ride an historic steam-powered train through some of the world's most beautiful mountains, you can get a great meal and listen to live bluegrass music at the same time. Cass is home of the largest ...
The Old Time Office: window to the past, gifts from the present

  The Pocahontas Times moved from its century-old home on Second Avenue more than a year ago, but the lights are still on in the simple grey building that sits behind Marlinton Presbyterian Church. Step inside and you'll find that the old office has a new lease on life. Jane ...
Local artist creates with a spiritual paintbrush

Always, resident Gary Wood knew he was destined to be an artist. Now, with more than six decades of an art career behind him, Wood reflects on his influences and the ways his art has evolved with society. Growing up in California, Wood did what most young boys do, he became a ...
People You Meet

Jim Ed RoushAge: 26Occupation:  Manager at The Boathouse, Shavers Lake, Snowshoe Mountain ResortHometown: Stony BottomEducation:  Degree in Management, Minors in Economics, Education and History,West Virginia State University, CharlestonHobbies: Travel, History, especially West ...
A wonder of nature at Honeycomb Rocks

According to geologists, the Appalachian Mountains were once the centerpiece of the ancient supercontinent Pangaea, towering as high or higher than the Himalayas. Eons have rounded off the old mountains and replaced glaciers with trees, forming a range as beautiful as any in the ...
Celebrating a Century: Durbin’s Climax #3 engine turns 100

As anyone prepares to celebrate another birthday, especially a special one, they look back and reminisce on the times they have had and the stories of their lives. This holds true for everything, including the Climax #3 engine in Durbin. As her 100th birthday slowly approaches, the ...
Through hike on North Fork Trail

Late spring/early summer and late summer/early fall are great times to go hiking. Mid-summer heat is uncomfortable, makes the bugs really bad and there's not a lot of water flowing. Now that it's late summer in Pocahontas County, I'm ready to get back to my favorite place in the ...
Veterans History Project

The Pocahontas Times is conducting interviews of war veterans to submit to the Library of Congress Veterans History Project for permanent inclusion in a national collection. The Veterans History Project collects first-hand accounts of veterans from WWI and WWII; the Korean, Vietnam ...
Why bikers love Pocahontas County

Lots of motorcycles rumble through Pocahontas County in the summertime. Anyone  living along a main road sees and hears dozens of bikes pass by every day. On July 15-17, hundreds of cycles cruised through the county on their way to Freedom Fest, a three-day biker convention and party ...
Rob Taggart turns love of music into a hobby

At an elementary school in a small town in southwestern Pennsylvania, Green Bank resident Rob Taggart was introduced to musical instruments and from that point, he became a musician. “In third grade, some of the older kids came into my class with their instruments and I said, 'oh, ...
Bill Hefner makes music

Mention the name Hefner in Pocahontas County and it’s automatically associated with music. The Hefner family is blessed with exceptional musicians who have mastered the art of playing guitar, banjo, mandolin, autoharp and bass. Taking his love of music and guitar to the next ...
Don’t miss Camp Barefoot

Forget Ozzfest and Warped Tour. Camp Barefoot 4 Music and Art Festival offers days of entertainment in your own backyard. The festival is August 19 through 21 at Camp Hidden Meadows in Bartow and features more than 37 top rated acts in independent music, including Lotus, Perpetual ...
Down home cooking with a touch of history

Long before Boyer Station became a restaurant, motel and campground, it was a general store and post office for the town of Boyer. Owner Frank Murphy said he remembers going to the store as a child. “I remember coming in and getting a pop every once in awhile,” he said. “They had ...
The scoop on the ‘scopes

In the 50s, the United States entered a race. It may not be as famous as the race to put a man on the moon, but it was a race that left a lasting impression on Pocahontas County. The race was to dominate in the exploration of radio astronomical research, a field the U.S. feared it ...
Durbin area rich with Civil War history

During late 1861 to spring 1862, residents of northern Pocahontas County found themselves in a 10-mile wide twilight zone when Union troops occupied Cheat Mountain and Confederates dug in on Allegheny Mountain. After the outbreak of war, the U.S and C.S.A. fought for control of ...
CCC vets tell stories of the camps

Two veterans of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) visited Watoga State Park on Saturday, along with family, friends and visitors, to celebrate their time in the historic work relief program and commemorate its massive accomplishments.Park superintendent Mark Wylie welcomed CCC ...
Walking in the footsteps of West Virginia infantry

Droop Mountain dominates the wide, beautiful plain in southern Pocahontas County known as the Little Levels. The mountain and the plain were the scene of a significant military action in 1863 when a large Confederate brigade attempted to stop a larger United States brigade from ...
Where to stay when visiting the Little Levels

When visiting a place with a rich history, it only seems right to seek lodging at a place that is part of that history. When visiting the Little Levels area, it’s hard to turn a corner without finding a piece of history standing before you. Places like The Hillsboro House Bed and ...
Ring the alarm: Station 2 will extinguish your hunger

What do you get when a firefighter decides to open a restaurant? A firehouse themed eatery with a great view and even better food. Buster Varner took the empty DMC Company building in Durbin and turned it into a place where people can grab a sandwich, salad or custom pizza and ...
Brick’s Haven Cabin Rentals: A home away from home

If you’re looking for a place to stay while visiting Pocahontas County that feels like home away from home, Brick’s Haven Cabin Rentals LLC in Dunmore has just what you need. Owned by Barbara Ulbrich, the two-cabin facility is nestled in the hillside of Dunmore on Laurel Run ...
Springtime hike with a new buddy

I made a new friend recently. He's got big feet, floppy ears and long, black fur. A former resident of the Pocahontas County animal shelter, Smokie came to live with me about a month ago. He was a bit uneasy at first. After being cooped up in the dog pound for more than two months, ...
May Events in the County

MayAround the CountyThrough May 15 • In the House Trout Special • Cass Scenic Railroad State Park • 800-CALL-WVA or 304-456-4300 • cassrailroad.com. Anglers interested in  spring tout fishing can enjoy 20% off their stay. A weeklong stay earns  2 free tickets for the upcoming train ...
Maple syrup makes life SWEET for the Taylor family

Carrying on a tradition that spans four generations, the Russell Taylor family, of Dunmore, gathers on the family farm to tap the trees and make maple syrup.Linda Taylor said that maple syrup has always been a part of life for the Taylors.“This home place belonged to Russell and ...
Gone Fishin'

Virginia is for lovers, but wild and wonderful West Virginia is for people who love to fish.The best fishing streams in the state are found in Pocahontas County, the birthplace of eight rivers. The Greenbrier, Elk, Gauley, Cherry, Cranberry, Tygart, Williams and Shavers Fork of the ...
He’s a Magic Man

An eleven-year-old Chet Shifflett went to the traveling carnival expecting to see the standard elephants and games but instead found a surprise that would inspire him for years to come.  A magician happened to be with the troupe and gave multiple 15-minute performances throughout the ...
Great Greenbrier River Race is a family affair

The Great Greenbrier River Race draws a crowd from all over the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond, but for one athletic family, it’s more than an excuse to run, bike and paddle their way through a spring Saturday in Pocahontas County. It’s the family that puts the fun in the day. Kellyn ...
Gone fishin'

Virginia is for lovers, but wild and wonderful West Virginia is for people who love to fish. The best fishing streams in the state are found in Pocahontas County, the birthplace of eight rivers. The Greenbrier, Elk, Gauley, Cherry, Cranberry, Tygart, Williams and Shavers Fork of ...
Maple syrup makes life sweet for the Taylor family

Carrying on a tradition that spans four generations, the Russell Taylor family, of Dunmore, gathers on the family farm to tap the trees and make maple syrup. Linda Taylor said that maple syrup has always been a part of life for the Taylors. “This home place belonged to Russell ...
Monitoring, regulating water usage in horizontal drilling

Local debate has recently centered on the water demands of proposed natural gas drilling.  Exactly how much water will be used with new horizontal drilling techniques will depend on the number of wells and the level of production. Regardless of what the future holds, an understandin...
Industry reps provide public briefing on natural gas drilling and leasing

Natural gas industry representatives, accompanied by an accountant and an attorney, presented an information briefing to more than 70 members of the public at Marlinton town hall Monday evening. Mike Ross of Mike Ross, Incorporated, Buckhannon, moderated the presentation and was ...
Here's What I Think

Oil and gas industry representatives held a public meeting in Marlinton Monday night, sharing a wealth of information about leasing definitions and good practices in both the leasing and drilling processes. I've been largely silent on the topic of gas leasing in this county-mostly ...
Most gas wells in county on national forest land

While Pocahontas County residents are debating the issue of future gas drilling, more than 50 wells already exist in the northernmost region of the county.According to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), 54 gas wells have been drilled here and 30 are ...
Variety of leasing options available to mineral owners

Mineral rights owners who want to lease their property to gas and oil drillers have a variety of options available to them. In a gas lease, the gas acquisition company is essentially purchasing 87.5% of your minerals, even though it is called a lease.  State law says the minimum ...
Education, patience may be key in leasing minerals

Mineral rights owners who want to lease their property to gas and oil drillers have a variety of options available to them. In a gas lease, the gas acquisition company is essentially purchasing 87.5% of your minerals, even though it is called a lease.  State law says the minimum ...
Water worries surface from Marcellus deep gas wells

Drilling in the Marcellus shale will have an impact far beyond what is normally seen with conventional gas well drilling. In contrast to conventional wells, sites for deep wells span three-to-five acres. Deep drilling, using horizontal well techniques and hydraulic fracturing, ...
Drilling Deep

Natural Gas drilling using shallow wells is not new to West Virginia, but deep well drilling is. Deep well drilling requires a larger drilling site up to five acres and a much longer drilling time, potentially weeks of drilling continuously for 24 hours, seven days a week. These ...
Gas rush on in Pocahontas County

The Marcellus shale gas deposit, extending 600 miles and underlying areas of New York, Pennsylvania, and most of West Virginia, is generating excitement and controversy. Researchers estimate that the shale contains more than 500 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, although current ...