The Alleghany Traveler - Wow, It's Hot.. UPDATED 6/19/17   Don't ask me about global warming, I'm not into politics. What I can tell you for sure is that when Calypso and I are about to venture into our latest trip, I always carry 3 gallons more water than in previous years. Yup, one gallon for her and two gallons for me. Perhaps that's why when I showed up for the TAP's latest promotion on Saturday I had to be reminded to not only zip up, but button up my jeans shirt. Everything turned out well, as Pastor Alfred "Mustard" Dearing reminded us how vulnerable we all are and how thankful we all needed to be on such a wonderful Spring morning. TAP used to stand for Total Action Against Poverty - but in the ensuing years, somebody decided that that name was a bit negative. So, the name was changed to Total Action for Progress. That makes perfect sense, because this federally funded organization is all about helping folks rise to their best level. * * * * * * I don't know one thing about water economics, but I do possess more than a bit of common sense. I was following an AlleghanyJournal.com staffer this past week at the Clifton Forge dam when it became VERY obvious that hundreds of thousands of gallons (if not millions) of basically pure mountain water flowed over the main dam, on its way to the polluted Jackson River, just below the Powerhouse in Clifton Forge. What a waste! When you consider the huge waste here...and the fact that companies like Nestle (one of the world's largest water bottlers) apparently never have been contacted for a possible deal to use this huge resource which might end up funding a Clifton Forge area government...well, the prospect blows me away with potential. The town is allowing a monumentally beautiful, productive resource to just flow away with no possible financial benefit. Sheesh. * * * * * * What a totally pitiful situation: the only seat on the board of Supervisors in Alleghany County that will be contested is that of Richard Shull's. Jared Jenkins, an assistant Commonwealth's Attorney in Alleghany County and the current town of Iron Gate's attorney, will oppose him. Joan Vannorsdall will run unopposed for the seat now held by Suzanne Adcock in Clifton Forge. I thought of competing for that seat, but thought that my reports of county happenings might not be trusted if I did. At any rate, big decisions remain to be made and the Board of Supervisors will need to make them in the coming months. Good luck to all involved! * * * * * * Please remember that your dog or kitty needs fresh water. The high daily temperatures we're experiencing necessitates hydration...our "best friends" need plenty of water just as all the rest of us do! * * * * * * I don't know Rob Catelin well...the head of the C&O Historical Society is probably a total whacko by now. First, he set up the moving of the old turnable with a Richmond crane company. Then a weld broke. Then the weather turned bad. The he got hassled by the town of Clifton Forge with respect to a moving schedule....but alas, very late at night recently, the decades old structure moved up Ridgeway Street, close to its final home. One day...with more than another $1 million spent, the old turntable will function again...to a huge applause. This structure, when finally recreated and upgraded, will be one of the most amazing and enduring aspects of town for decades to come. Rob is the king of perseverance. His legacy will live on for decades once the structure is back in operation. Job well done, my friend. Wow. * * * * * * Think about it. How many small cities have a baseball team that they may call their own? There is zero reason NOT to fully support the Lumberjacks, especially at their home games at Casey Field. Just log on to the team's website for more information on the upcoming home games! * * * * * * The controversy about county employee pay is basically over for ...a while at least. But that doesn't mean that serious negotiations won't occur about similar issues over the course of the next several months. Stay tuned! * * * * * * Everybody's celebrating the idea that a new drone research center might soon be developed at the former Edgemont Elementary School. I hope so! But the funding concept may have as a source the Appalachian Regional Commission, an entity that has been targeted by the Trump Administration to be defunded. How this all will work out is not at all clear right now. Well, at least the governor supports it! * * * * * * Will the Clifton Forge Rescue Squad get approval to take over the former radio station property so it may build a new home to serve the community? Who knows? Some neighbors don't seem to be happy about that prospect. But all may be more clear after a Tuesday, June 20th hearing at 6 p.m. at the courthouse. The rescue squad, a very valuable local resource, believe this particular piece of property, is its best option. * * * * * * CBS and Fox news haev reported that our Congressman, Morgan Griffith, was indeed on the whacko baseball practice session shooter's list to be killed. James Hodgkinson, the Alexandria shooter, apparently had made some notes which were found in his vehicle. The names on his list apparently were all members of the so-called Freedom Caucus, and are conservative Republicans. That's the kind of news that might cause you more than a bit of sleep loss. I'm not for gun control at all - but we do need to find a way to get weapons of all types out of the hands of whackos, those with severe mental conditions, convicted felons, drug dealers and others with a record of violence. * * * * * * Tell me your secrets, or the best rumors you've just heart. I want the latest gossip. All you have to do is email me at traveler@alleghanyjournal.com with your "special tips." I promise to respond quickly.

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