#Sissonville

[dailypopmix]

Two Individuals Have Been Apprehended After Children Were Confined Within A Secluded Section Of A Barn

[conandaily2022]

What Sissonville, West Virginia's Donald Lantz, Jeanne Whitefeather did to their adopted kids

[iamtheweirdomister]

‘It’s Horrifying’: West Virginia Judge Revokes Bond of White Couple Who Reportedly Kept Their Black Adopted Children Locked In Shed In ‘Despicable’ Conditions with No Water, Lights and Little Food

Posted byBy A.L. Lee | Published on: June 24, 2024 CommentsComments (0)

A white couple from rural West Virginia is back behind bars after a judge revoked the initial bond and raised it to $500,000 apiece — more than double the amount they faced last year when police arrested the pair on charges of locking their adopted Black children in a barn and forcing them to work as “slaves.”

Donald Ray Lantz, 63, and Jeanne Kay Whitefeather, 62, both of Sissonville, were ordered to reappear in Kahanwha County Court on June 11, more than eight months after each posted a $200,000 bond following their arrests in October. 

The abused children were identified only as a 14-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl.

A third child, identified as a 9-year-old girl, was confined to a loft inside the main house, away from the presence of the adults and isolated from her other siblings, police said, according to reports.

At the initial court hearing in October, Lantz and Whitefeather pleaded not guilty, and Kanawha County Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers set bond at $200,000 each.

The couple made bail in February, and they were released to await trial.

They remained free for several months, but in May, a grand jury indicted the couple on more than a dozen new charges, the most serious being human trafficking of a minor child, which prompted the judge to revoke the lower bond, ordering the couple held in lieu of a million dollars. 

“Along with human trafficking and neglect with serious risk of bodily injuries or death, I don’t find the bond to be sufficient,” Akers told defense attorneys during the second bond hearing.

The upgraded charges include alleged use of a minor child in forced labor, child neglect creating a substantial risk of serious bodily injury or death, as well as false swearing and potential civil rights violations based on color, race, or ancestry, according to court documents.

The indictment suggests that three of the five adopted children were Black and that the human rights charges stemmed from those children being specifically targeted and forced to work because of their race.

A small toilet seat torn from an RV was placed in the barn for the children to share whenever they had to go to the bathroom, police said.

During the second bond hearing, Whitefeather explained that the barn where the children were found was a “teenage clubhouse” and maintained that the children were not actually locked inside.

But neighbors disputed this claim, saying “the children were forced to perform farm labor and were not permitted inside the residence,” the indictment states.

When rescued, the 16-year-old girl informed deputies that they had been locked in the barn for approximately 12 hours and had last eaten around sunrise. According to Burdette, the children locked inside could not exit the shed and deputies had to force themselves into the shed.

Deputy H.K. Burdette entered the shed, and they immediately noticed a disturbing smell and a wave of heat due to the lack of circulating air.

Both children appeared feral and dirty, reeking of body odor, while the boy had “open sores on his bare feet,” according to court papers.

The children told investigators they were forced to sleep on a bare concrete floor with no mattress or covers.

Police remained at the house for three hours before Lantz arrived home with an 11-year-old boy.

When authorities checked the home for other potential victims, they found the 9-year-old holed up in the loft, and Lantz was placed under arrest.

About an hour later, Whitefeather returned home and guided deputies to another 6-year-old girl who was visiting with another couple from their church.

During the latest bond hearing, Kanawha County prosecutors argued that the couple’s original cash bonds were likely obtained through trafficking profits, pointing to the fact that the couple produced the $400,000 bond despite a lack of obvious means to do so.

At the same proceeding, Lantz and Whitefeather claimed they possessed no income or assets, raising questions about the source of the funds for their bond.

Kanawha County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Krivonyak characterized the money posted for the couple’s release as “contraband directly or indirectly used or intended for use” to violate human trafficking laws.

In early February, the couple sold an 80-acre ranch in Tonasket, Washington, for $725,000, and days later, Whitefeather’s brother, Marcus Hughes, posted two bonds for $200,000 to release the couple from the South Central Regional Jail.

Krivonyak said they have since sold the Sissonville home, where they were arrested for $295,000.

All those funds have been seized by the court as potential profits from human trafficking, rendering them inaccessible to the defendants. 

Prosecutors argued that even if the bond money came from legitimate sources, its use was intended to further human trafficking and forced labor operations.

Akers also remarked that the case was unlike any other she had heard during her entire career as a judge.

“It alleges human trafficking, human rights violations, the use of forced labor,” Akers said, according to reports. “Human rights violations specific to the fact that these children were targeted because of their race and they were used basically as slaves from what the indictment alleges.”

Both Lantz and Whitefeather pleaded not guilty to the new charges in the indictment, however, they remain in jail as they have been unable to meet the higher bond amount. 

Their next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 9.

“You heard in the testimony about what these children were going through and it’s horrifying and despicable,” Kanawha County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Debra Rusnak said, according to Metro News Television. “There’s no other way to describe it.”

[eton75]

Unveiling the Hidden Abuse: Amish Adoption and Exploitation of Black Children

Recent investigations have uncovered disturbing instances where Amish families have adopted Black children, only to subject them to severe abuse and forced labor. These cases highlight a troubling intersection of racial discrimination and child exploitation within some Amish communities.

Case in Point: West Virginia Couple Charged with Human Trafficking

In June 2024, Donald Ray Lantz, 63, and Jeanne Kay Whitefeather, 62, a white couple from Sissonville, West Virginia, were indicted on charges including human trafficking of a minor and forced labor. They allegedly adopted five Black children and forced them to work under inhumane conditions, confining them in a barn without basic necessities. Kanawha County Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers described the case as one of the worst child abuse allegations she had encountered, noting that the children were “used basically as slaves.”

Systemic Issues Within Amish Communities

While the Amish are often perceived as insular and self-sufficient, reports indicate that some communities have engaged in adopting children from outside their cultural and racial backgrounds. In certain instances, these adoptions have led to severe abuse and exploitation. A 2019 investigation by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette revealed that, over the past decade, at least 25 members of Amish and conservative Mennonite communities in Pennsylvania and Ohio were convicted or faced charges related to child sexual abuse.

Challenges in Addressing Abuse

The insular nature of Amish communities often hinders the detection and reporting of abuse. A culture of forgiveness and non-involvement with external authorities can result in underreporting and inadequate responses to allegations of abuse. Survivors have recounted being pressured to forgive their abusers and discouraged from seeking justice outside the community.

Call to Action

These revelations underscore the urgent need for increased oversight and intervention to protect vulnerable children within Amish communities. It is imperative to raise awareness about these abuses and advocate for systemic changes that ensure the safety and well-being of all children, regardless of their racial or cultural background.

Hashtags: #ChildAbuse #HumanTrafficking #RacialExploitation #AmishCommunity #ProtectOurChildren

[sophie-soliloquy]

Party is fun! But everyone has moved outside and I ain’t dressed for that shit. I probably won’t last too much longer— and am done drinking— since I gotta drive back to Sissonville tonight. I’m definitely a wallflower in this crowd because I’m not a local, but sometimes that’s okay.

[ledenews]

Record Number of Student/Athletes to Participate in WVSSAC Girls Golf Invitational

A record 125 girls are registered to participate in the seventh West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission Girls Golf Invitational on Tuesday at Woodridge Plantation Golf Course in Mineral Wells, West Virginia. This represents an increase of more than 40 players over the six-year history of the event. A new champion is guaranteed this season as two-time champion Savannah Hawkins of Hurricane has taken her clubs on to play at Marshall University along with a number of seven of the top 10 players from last season have moved on to play at the college level. While girls have been able to play with the boys co-ed golf for more than five decades, the girls game took a big move forward with the first full girls team at John Marshall High School in 2016 under the direction of Dave Gaudino and Bridget Carnahan. In the first year, the team had to play the many girls teams in Ohio.  Over the years, the sport has grown to nearly 20 full teams playing their own schedule primarily in the northern part of West Virginia. While the WVSSAC tournament is an individual event, the following schools will send full girls teams: John Marshall, Brooke, Weir, Wheeling Park, Wheeling Central, Morgantown, University, Herbert Hoover, Wirt, St. Marys, Fairmont Senior, Ripley, Sissonville, Princeton, George Washington, and Calhoun. Many other schools will be sending individual players as well. While the girls do not have their separate team tournament sponsored by the WVSSAC yet, the continued growth of the sport in the state could eventually lead to a separate team tournament in the future. Competition is divided into two divisions with players in the Championship Division playing 18 holes and players in the Open division playing 9 holes. Possibly leading the pack in the Championship Division is Maddie Potts of Wheeling Central. A four-time participant and top 20 finisher, Potts, who is also a cheerleader, brings a complete game to the Nicklaus-designed course at Woodridge. She brings an 18-hole average in the low 80’s to the event. Two Rivers Athletic Conference girls’ medalist Angela Yao of Morgantown will also challenge along with sophomores Kianna Garrison of John Marshall, Audrey Kerr of Bridgeport and Abby Kingora of University. Competition is expected to begin at 9:30. Spectators are welcome and there is no admission charge. (photos attached Maddie Potts of Wheeling Central and Kianna Garrison of John Marshall) Read the full article

[famousnorris-blog]

Former Student, Shawn...Cool Kid

Shawn will always be one of my kids, even though he’s been a grown-assed man for at least thirty years now. I remember certain students for random reasons. Shawn was a twin, a brilliant one. Blonde, nice looking, a sweeter young man with manners you’d never meet. He was a creative writer, but he’d never own up to it. He was from Sissonville, where those things aren’t usually celebrated by young…

[apwmagazine]

Jesse Slater Obituary, Man Killed In Sissonville Shooting Late Wednesday Night Identified

Jesse Slater Obituary, Man Killed In Sissonville Shooting Late Wednesday Night Identified

  Jesse Slater Obituary, Man Killed In Sissonville Shooting Late Wednesday Night Identified The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office has released new details about a shooting that happened late Wednesday night in Sissonville. The sheriff’s office says they responded to a shooting call at around 11 p.m. and found a deceased man lying in the driveway with a single gunshot wound. The man has been…

[d-michl-lowe]

In 1993, I went to a little school in Sissonville, West Virginia called Flinn Elementary. Just like kids in school today, we had a book fair that would come to our school each year. At this fair, they would haul in large metal containers that would open up to reveal shelves and shelves of books. There were of course books of all genres on the shelves, but I remember specifically one year when I…

[wutbju]

PASTOR CURTIS EDWARD PATTERSON, 64, of Charleston, WV, went home to the Lord Saturday, June 19, 2021 at CAMC General Hospital, Charleston, WV.

He served as Pastor of the Kanawha Baptist Temple for 31 years. Pastor Curtis was a 1974 graduate of Sissonville High School and 1978 graduate of Bob Jones University in Greenville, S. C.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Terrie Elaine; parents, Curtis and Barbara Patterson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Sharon; sons, Nathanael (Crystal), Jonathan and Jason (Jessica) Patterson; and grandchildren Karis, Grayson and Ashton.

Service will be 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 22nd, with son, Nathanael Patterson officiating, at the Kanawha Baptist Temple, Charleston, WV.

The family will receive friends 2 hours prior at the Kanawha Baptist Temple, #1 Baptist Mountain, Charleston, WV 25311.

A Committal Service will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 23rd, at the Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens in Cross Lanes.

Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.curryfuneralhome.org. Curry Funeral Home, 2097 Childress Road, Alum Creek, WV has been caring for families since 1950.

[clisescornucopia]

WVGA releases August Schedule of events

WVGA releases August Schedule of events

CHARLESTON, W.Va, ‚ The West Virginia Golf Association has released its August schedule of events.• August 1-4 102nd West Virginia Amateur Championship The Greenbrier• August 5 High School Series Edgewood Country Club, Sissonville• August 7-8 Junior VA vs CA Matches Boonsboro Country Club• August 9 Senior Series Berry Hills Country Club, Charleston• August 9 High School Series Parkersburg Country…

[techcrunchappcom]

New Post has been published on https://techcrunchapp.com/oak-glen-as-good-as-gold-news-sports-jobs/

Oak Glen as good as gold | News, Sports, Jobs

Hunter Patterson runs by Point Pleasant’s Brooks Pearson. -Joe Catullo

Hunter Patterson runs by Point Pleasant’s Brooks Pearson. -Joe Catullo

Oak Glen’s Nick Chaney dives for a 1-yard touchdown during Saturday’s playoff contest against Point Pleasant. -Joe Catullo

Paxton Shuman stiff arms and runs over Point Pleasant’s Lane Rollins. -Joe Catullo

In pursuit, Dylan Conley takes down Point Pleasant quarterback Evan Roach. -Joe Catullo

NEW MANCHESTER — Late in the fourth quarter during Saturday’s Class AA postseason contest, Oak Glen coaches, players and fans first heard that Hancock County turned gold on the West Virginia COVID map.

A loud ovation soon followed. Another huge celebration occurred moments after that because, for the first time in program history, the Golden Bears will host back-to-back playoff contests, just as long as the coronavirus pandemic does not wipe out the game.

First thing was first, and that came in the form of visiting Point Pleasant, the 12th seed. Fifth-seeded Oak Glen got off to a slow start offensively but picked things up after that, while the defense played stout throughout during the 42-0 victory.

“Our defense played lights out. Credit goes to our defensive coordinator, Chris Hill, and our defensive staff,” Oak Glen head coach Ted Arneault said. “We executed at the start of the game, and it bought us time to get our offense moving. Once our offense started rolling, there was no way to stop it.

“Our special teams also played well. No big plays were allowed.”

Oak Glen’s Nick Chaney dives for a 1-yard touchdown during Saturday’s playoff contest against Point Pleasant. -Joe Catullo

The Golden Bears (7-1) really did not look like themselves offensive in the opening frame. Quarterback Nick Chaney was rattled and came off the field limping. Paxton Shuman lost a fumble. A Hunter Patterson punt return for a touchdown was called back.

“We had a lot of penalties, especially offsides. Any time that happens, it can mess up your tempo, and our rhythm got disrupted on those first two series,” Arneault said. “Once we were able to settle down and get in our comfort zone, I’m very proud how we executed.”

Patterson could only be contained for so long. He did have a 22-yard catch and a 26-yard run on a fake punt in the first, but he really busted out of the gate in the second.

With 10:10 left before halftime, Patterson ran right up the middle for a 60-yard score. Then, after a holding penalty was called on the PAT try, the Golden Bears opted to go for 2. Patterson found his cousin, Gage Patterson, wide open on a trick play.

A little less than four minutes later, Shuman put the lost fumble behind him and transformed into a bulldozer. He ran for 43 yards on the ensuing drive and helped set up a 1-yard plunge from Chaney.

Paxton Shuman stiff arms and runs over Point Pleasant’s Lane Rollins. -Joe Catullo

“Paxton’s obviously a key factor. He’s so durable and such a loaded tackle,” Arneault said. “No defense wants to tackle him 15-20 times a game. If we can get him going, that’s a good sign. He did his job, and so did the offensive line.”

Shuman finished the game with 93 yards on 14 carries, as well as helping out on the defensive line.

“I felt like my coaches trusted me, so I had to trust them back,” Shuman said. “It could’ve been my final game, so I had to leave it all out on the field with my heart.”

It’s been well-documented for the past month that Oak Glen’s defensive backfield needed work after Brayden Mineard went down against Weir High. Hunter Patterson switched to safety, and the Golden Bears had to find two new corners.

What was not mentioned was the other safety position. That belongs to Kholton Goodlin. He intercepted an Evan Roach pass that set up a Hunter Patterson 36-yard TD run with 1:26 before halftime.

In pursuit, Dylan Conley takes down Point Pleasant quarterback Evan Roach. -Joe Catullo

Leading 22-0 after the break, Goodlin returned the ensuing kickoff to Point Pleasant’s 28-yard line. Two plays later, Chaney found Gage Patterson for a 22-yard score.

“Goodlin had a really nice game,” Arneault said. “He had that nice kickoff return to help set up that scoring drive that arguably put the nail in the coffin. It really slowed down any chance they had to come back. Kholton also had a great game on defense and blocked really well on offense. He had an all around great game.”

A little more than four minutes later, Chaney threw a bomb roughly 40 yards down Point Pleasant’s sideline. Hunter Patterson then did the rest, reaching for the catch and out-running three defenders for a 75-yard touchdown.

Chaney finished 8 of 11 for 154 yards and three total scores.

“Nick was very efficient with the ball. That’s a credit to his film study,” Arneault said. “He’s very coachable, and I’m just thankful we get another week together.”

The final score came on a Matt Greenlief 59-yard run with 1:14 remaining in the third.

Jeremy Adams converted on 4 of 5 PATs.

Overall, Oak Glen ran for 351 yards, led by Hunter Patterson’s 134 on just eight carries. He also hauled in three passes for 107 yards.

The Golden Bears’ defense allowed 179 yards, including 111 rushing (though 40 occurred on the final play of the game).

“We played a heck of a game defensively,” Shuman said. “We had a good game plan. Our line and defensive backs were ready for it.”

NUMBERS GAME

Prior to the contest, Point Pleasant had 14 players unable to suit up because of COVID-related issues. That does not include injuries.

REPRESENTING THE OHIO VALLEY

Oak Glen is the final team in the Ohio Valley still in the playoffs. Madonna fell to Greenbrier West Saturday night. Unfortunately, Wheeling Park, Wheeling Central and John Marshall are eliminated because of the COVID map. No team can participate if its county is in orange or red.

“My heart breaks for them,” Arneault said. “For teams to work that hard and to have so many ups and downs, I’m not really sure the map was the right way to go to determine sports this year. It really messes with the kids’ emotions. My heart breaks for Ohio County and any team that had a chance to finish their season.

“I hope there is some sort of miracle in store for them. Maybe our governor or somebody else will step up and allow them to play. I know numbers are spiking, but I know the coaches have done the right things.”

UP NEXT

The Golden Bears remain home on Friday or Saturday because No. 13 seed Herbert Hoover stunned fourth-seeded Liberty (Raleigh), 34-33.

Oak Glen, if it can win next week, will stay at home until the state championship. No. 16 seed Elkins won its first playoff game in program history by upsetting top-seeded Sissonville, 42-27. Third-seeded Frankfort had to forfeit due to COVID-19.

“The road to a state championship runs through here if we can continue to do the right things and keep COVID away,” Arneault said. “The possibilities are endless, and we’re so happy to have another week during this crazy situation.

“The fact that we remain gold is huge. Hopefully, people in the community who are healthy will get tested through this week. I know our numbers are spiking, so I hope everyone will do the right thing, wear a mask and not put themselves into risky situations to hopefully keep this special run going.”

Oak Glen 42, Point Pleasant 0

Point Pleasant 0 0 0 0 — 0

Oak Glen 0 22 20 0 — 42

OG — H. Patterson 60 run (G. Patterson from H. Patterson)

OG — Chaney 1 run (Adams kick)

OG — H. Patterson 36 run (Adams kick)

OG — G. Patterson 22 pass from Chaney (Adams kick)

OG — H. Patterson 75 pass from Chaney (kick failed)

OG — Greenlief 59 run (Adams kick)

RUSHING: Point Pleasant 34-111 (Rollins 3-44, Roach 19-36, Wamsley 2-5, Pearson 7-24, Taylor 2-1, Hughes 1-1); Oak Glen 37-351-4tds (Shuman 14-93, H. Patterson 8-134-2tds, G. Patterson 2-(-3), Chaney 2-10-td, Greenlief 3-71-td, Burt 4-41, Flowers 2-4, Heath 1-(-1), Lundy 1-6).

PASSING: Point Pleasant 10-15-68-int (all by Roach); Oak Glen 8-11-154-2tds (all by Chaney).

RECEIVING: Point Pleasant (Pearson 1-5, Schultz 3-23, Wamsley 3-19, Beattie 2-10, Jeffers 1-11); Oak Glen (H. Patterson 3-107-td, G. Patterson 5-47-td).

FIRST DOWNS: Point Pleasant 8; Oak Glen 14

PENALTIES-YARDS: Point Pleasant 9-81; Oak Glen 7-53

FUMBLES-LOST: Point Pleasant 4-1; Oak Glen 3-1.

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[covid19worldnews]

COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations grow; Kanawha delegate among those hospitalized - WV MetroNews

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — There are currently more than 5,500 active cases of COVID-19 in West Virginia, according to information released Monday morning by the state Department Health and Human Resources.

The DHHR confirmed 352 new cases Monday. West Virginia currently has a daily positive test rate of 4.19%.

.@WV_DHHR reports as of 10:00 a.m., November 2, 2020, there have been 792,475 total confirmatory laboratory results received for #COVID19, with 25,235 total cases and 458 deaths. https://t.co/B5nx8b7Tot pic.twitter.com/U3Q3HeHxXd

— WV DHHR (@WV_DHHR) November 2, 2020

Gov. Jim Justice continued to push additional testing in hopes of finding possible super spreaders of the virus. The state was helping oversee 57 separate testing events Monday.

The state recorded one additional death Monday, a 71-year-old woman from Grant County. Overall death numbers are at 458.

Hospitalizations grew to 254 Monday, a record Monday during the pandemic. Hospitalizations were at 164 on Oct. 1.

Kevan Bartlett

One of those hospitalized is Delegate Kevan Bartlett, R-Kanawha. He’s being treated at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown after being transferred from Charleston Area Medical Center Sunday. Bartlett is also pastor at Maranatha Baptist Church in Sissonville. A social media post Sunday night from a family member said Bartlett was in critical but stable condition.

Bartlett, who was appointed to the House on Oct, 21, 2019, was defeated in the June primary.

Overall cases per county include: Barbour (188), Berkeley (1,709), Boone (415), Braxton (76), Brooke (253), Cabell (1,559), Calhoun (36), Clay (65), Doddridge (72), Fayette (799), Gilmer (65), Grant (200), Greenbrier (215), Hampshire (146), Hancock (244), Hardy (109), Harrison (688), Jackson (420), Jefferson (634), Kanawha (3,894), Lewis (115), Lincoln (268), Logan (805), Marion (425), Marshall (451), Mason (183), McDowell (132), Mercer (816), Mineral (250), Mingo (669), Monongalia (2,378), Monroe (267), Morgan (161), Nicholas (193), Ohio (649), Pendleton (79), Pleasants (36), Pocahontas (73), Preston (227), Putnam (1,001), Raleigh (880), Randolph (431), Ritchie (56), Roane (115), Summers (142), Taylor (174), Tucker (67), Tyler (58), Upshur (279), Wayne (630), Webster (38), Wetzel (232), Wirt (56), Wood (748), Wyoming (364).

https://www.covid19snews.com/2020/11/02/covid-19-cases-hospitalizations-grow-kanawha-delegate-among-those-hospitalized-wv-metronews/

[ablog4mymuse]

07/14/19 -- So I started out making what I called an UNstuffed bell pepper and ground beef casserole, BUT along the way, after adding all my favorite Mexican spices, it evolved into this: a cheesy tamale pie (with Fiesta blend cheese)! No tomatoes 🍅, tomato sauce or paste. But the cumin, Adobo, & chili powder, plus my addition of sliced jalapenos...it smells d'VINE! Added a dollop of sour cream to my dish..Oh, but how I just WISH that I had a bunch of cilantro on hand! 💜 #AlmostKetoFriendly #TheCornbreadTopMakesItNot #LilBitSpicyButILoveIt (at Sissonville, West Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz6QPhmBMub/?igshid=sl2tkzeg5yut

[boozeandbarbells-blog]

“West Virginia, Mountain Momma, take me home, Country Roads”

Wild and Wonderful.

Montani Semper Liberi: Montaineers are always free!

I love my state.  It is the most beautiful place I have ever been to.  The rolling hills.  The lush green forests.  Rivers cutting through the mountainside.  It is absolutely breathtaking.

I love my city.  It is such a fun, artistic, vibrant place to live!  There is always something going on in Charleston.  From live music at Haddad Riverfront Park to Art Walk on Capital Street to shopping at the Charleston Town Center, to just taking a stroll on the boulevard to the most beautiful capital in the US, you should never have to look very hard for something to do.

Nowhere is perfect though.  West Virginia is the second fattest state behind only Louisiana according to stateofobesity.com.  We are the second poorest state behind Mississippi according to Forbes. We are also number one in overdoses according to US News.

Not good guys!

We have to be better.  I refuse to be another statistic.  If this blog does nothing other than reach one person and inspire them to be better whether it is losing weight, or finding their passion and a way to monetize it, or if I can be there to talk to someone to help them with an addiction then this blog will be a success.  People in WV have too much pride in themselves and in this beautiful state to let ourselves be last place in any terrible category.  I mean you can’t go anywhere in the world without meeting one person who notices your WVU hat and tells you they are from West Virginia as well.  You know why that is?  Because the people of this great state have pride.  If you meet someone from Ohio they will tell you they are from Cleveland or Columbus.  If you meet someone from Texas they will tell you they are from Austin or Houston.  Not West Virginia.  You could be from Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Bluefield, Matewan, Poca, Hurricane, Sissonville or wherever else in the state; when someone asks you where you are from the answer is always West Virginia!

Show that pride in your life!  Lose a few pounds, start your small business, finish your college degree, do something!  Be proud of who you are just like you are proud of where your from.

I’m sorry for this long rant but I needed to get it off my chest.  If anyone out there in the internet would like to talk or has a comment or wants to tell me I’m and idiot and wrong feel free to leave a comment below or send me a message via my other social channels linked below.

Cheers.

twitter.com/boozeandbarbel1

https://www.facebook.com/Booze-Barbells-1901273320132745/

https://www.tumblr.com/blog/boozeandbarbells

https://www.instagram.com/boozeandbarbells1/

I will not be a part of the statistic "West Virginia, Mountain Momma, take me home, Country Roads" Wild and Wonderful. Montani Semper Liberi: Montaineers are always free!