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OP ED: KEEP THE LIGHTS ON, KEEP WEST VIRGINIA STRONG

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FOC Update

The Association and Friends of Coal are participating in the dedication ceremonies for New River Community and Technical College at Ghent, WV on Friday and Saturday.  New River has a new, expansive training facility adjacent to the Turnpike at the Ghent exit (#28). *** Presentation of State Championship trophies to the winners and runners-up in the cross-country state meet at Cabell Midland High School in Milton.  Trophies will be presented in each of the three classes. ***

Coal Forum Held

A southern West Virginia “Friend Raising” was held for Governor Manchin and other candidates last Sunday afternoon in Logan.  The event, at the Logan Grade School, was a celebration of West Virginia’s coal miners and was sponsored by the WV Coal Forum, MTM Coalition and Citizens for Coal.  Governor Manchin has been endorsed for the U.S. Senate by the Association.

Mined Land Dedicated as Boy Scout Camp

Another great use for previously mined land was dedicated last Friday in Raleigh County with the Bechtel Boy Scouts of America Adventure Camp.  A number of member companies have played instrumental roles in assisting the State in landing the Boy Scouts’ project.

Affinity Mine Dedicated

Last week (10/21), Governor Joe Manchin and Senate President (Lieutenant Governor) Earl Ray Tomblin joined a wide array of public officials, United Coal Company’s CEO and President Mike Zervos, Pocahontas Coal President Randy Hansford and others for the groundbreaking/dedication of the rejuvenated Affinity Mine in Raleigh County.  The previous Eastern Associated property has received renewed life under the leadership of United Coal and its parent company, Metinvest, Inc. Congratulations to Mike, Randy, Dale Birchfield and all the other United folks for a wonderful ceremony, bringing some good, positive news to the industry and the State.  The property is expected to be in production by July of next year.

Delegate Argento Passes

House of Delegate member, Sam Argento, from Summersville died on Thursday, following a bout with cancer. Sam was Assistant Minority Whip and Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee who represented the 35th District (Nicholas County). He was also the Democratic candidate for re-election on next week's General Election ballot, which raises several new issues as to timing and possibilities for replacement. That may not represent any problem if the Republican candidate, former coal operator and Nicholas County businessman Pete Sigler, is elected on Tuesday.

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