OPINION

Advertise
With PutnamLIVE.com!

Letters To The Publisher
"The People's Voice"
 

I Miss Your Enduring Walmart Blog

Hey Where's Your Enduring Walmart Blog?? I Really Miss The Belly Aching. I'm Sorry Let Me Say I Miss Your Blog Of Real Life With Wal-Mart!Keep Up The Good Work!!!

Tony Sutherland
Hurricane

Publisher's note: The "Enduring the Hurricane Walmart" blog was pulled after contributors to an out-of-state blog continued to harass my family in print and by honking horns as they drove by our home.

It is most unfortunate that standing up for your personal right to peace and quiet in Putnam County is not respected by out-of-state bloggers.

It is more unfortunate that Putnam County politicians, including Raymond Peak, Scott Edwards, the Hurricane City Council, Patti Schoen, Mike Hall, Karen Facemyer, Steve and Troy Andes, and Raymond "Joe" Haynes fail to protect longtime Putnam County residents against excessive noise from out-of-state businesses and construction companies.


Please Pray For Our Firefighters

Wake up, Teays Valley!

What would you do without our Teays Valley Volunteer Fire Department?

What would you do if you had an emergency and no one came?

Twenty-one brave and honorable volunteer firemen (and firewomen) have answered 875 calls in the past year in our community!

What would you do if no one came to your aid?

Your house, garage, woods or brush are on fire?

You have had a wreck, and need to be cut out of your vehicle with the jaws-of-life?

You have been thrown from your vehicle, and need to be retrieved from a ravine or stream?

You need to be rescued from a "roll-over" wreck, and put into the ambulance and driven to the hospital?

You smell a chemical odor, natural gas or such, or have a carbon monoxide alarm go off?

You need "lifting assistance" to be put into the ambulance during an emergency?

Your road is impassable due to snow/ice or just too steep for the ambulance, and you need the rescue vehicle to rescue you?

You have trees and electric lines downed during a storm?

High water blocks the road, and you need to be rescued if you have driven into deep water?

You are pinned under a tree or have fallen out of a tree or a construction wall falls on you, and you need to be rescued?

Someone pulls the fire alarm at the nursing home, even if it is a false alarm?

Your loved one is lost in the woods and you need volunteers to search?

Your loved one goes into cardiac arrest, needing CPR?

These are just a few of the services that TVFD dedicated, trained, and unpaid volunteers do to ensure your safety. Some of these 21 community heroes even buy some of their own equipment! They are citizens just like you, who have jobs and families to support, yet they answer the call 24/7: any weather, any time to rescue YOU! These volunteers deserve all of our support for their service to our community! 

Remember: You could volunteer, too!  Volunteers are always needed!

I am keeping them in my prayers for their safety, please pray for them too.

Nancy R. Jorgensen
Scott Depot

Obama Has Killed The Economy

The proposed bill passed by the house in Washington, D.C., now ready to go before our senate would be the final nail in the economic life in this state.

At least West Virginia carried McCain in November election. So we can say Obama is killing our economy not our fault.

Also  take a look at how smart the unions are saying vote for Obama. Obama will make history alright as the worst President in history. Obama has killed the economy. Ford is still going because they didn't want money from the Obama Administration. Everywhere he has used our tax money the company goes under.

Jesse J Dick
Oak Hill

Please Help Me Find Edmond Coda

I am writing you in hopes that you may be able to help me end a long quest to honor a man who, although he was not born in the United States, did give his life for our freedom.

I am trying to locate information about Edmond Coda, born in San Marino, Italy, in 1909 and who served this country while in the 82nd Airborne 325th Glider Infantry.

His wife, my sister, has also passed away and they had no children, so my search gets harder each day. He came to this country with his family and grew up in Huntington, West Virginia. He moved to Gauley Bridge, West Virginia, and worked for Alloy Metals plant. He entered the military in 1942 and served in Casablanca, Sicily, Ireland, England, France and Holland. He was wounded in the Battle of Normandy and lost his life in November 1944 in Holland.

I saw him only once when I was young, but I still remember his uniform and his smile. I think what bothers me most about this search is here is a man that has no court records of his birth or death in this country, the one he gave his life for. When my generation is gone, so will his memory.

A couple of years ago, my wife and I got to go to Europe and we visited his grave in the Netherlands and went to see where so many died at Normandy.

I have been in touch with some veterans groups and sent many letters hoping I could find something. I do hope you will be able to help. If you have any information, you can reach me at the address below.

Thanks for your time and interest and for reading about a true American.

Paul Bookman
26 Glenmore Drive
Durham, NC 27707


We Are Happy The Way We Are

You come across as a weirdo freak, probably a disappointed ex-hippie with a real problem with this "whole growing up thingie". 

Do you think you'd be happier living near gay San Francisco and still protesting the Vietnam war and the military industrial complex?  

Please move away, before doing more damage to our hillbilly heritage.  We are happy the way we are.  If you represent "progressive" - let us remain hicks!!

J. Roman Levin
Hurricane


Commissioners Have Always Supported Me

I do not often get online but it came to my attention of critical responses toward the Putnam County Commissioners. Commissioner Joe Haynes along with Commissioner’s Andes and Tillis have always supported me and only want to do right by the tax payer, especially in these tough times. Since it had always been a dream to work as the Putnam Animal Relief Center (PARC) Director I will say, “Sure, it was a shock to know that in a month’s time I would no longer be there, especially after putting in so much sweat equity, inside and outside, but “one ending, only means a new beginning.” I feel very strongly that synchronicity has a part to play in this since things happen for a reason. As one gentleman pointed out I will find another job- when it is the right fit-landing on my feet like a cat.

As you may know, a few years ago, I said in a letter to the Charleston Newspaper editor that Putnam County is a great place to work in and I am honored that I have been a part of it, especially meeting so many kind and generous residents of not only Putnam County but from Kanawha and many, many states. PARC has a wonderful, caring staff that will continue to be helpful to the public and work well for Brian Donat who has been a wonderful mentor.

As to my childhood neighbor, Karen McHenry Boggess, I really don’t know what I did to offend you but please accept another apology because until the “open forum” I never even knew you were angry with me. I had been planning to have you and your family over for a cookout in less than a month. Along with a familial history we both love books and animals so it never occurred to me that you were angry with me, again I apologize.

Again, thank you to everyone for their wonderful kindness and I forgot to thank Carmen Crout for many donations and Dunbar Animal Hospital who helped us with discounts when treating injured or sick animals but most of all helping us send the Australian Shepherd, after patching her up from another walker’s dog attacking it, then sending it through rescue for us.

Terry Pernell Williams
Cross Lanes

Keep Your Opinions To Yourself

Hey GOW: Keep your opinions To Yourself. You don't even live in West Virginia. Mark Hallburn does plenty for Putnam County.

Randall Scott
Pliny


We Don't Care What They Think

So a few bloggers are trashing you. Big deal. We don't care what they think. GOW is a total babe. I wish I was 30 again. (And single) But her readers are trash. If they don't like your views on Walmart or politicians, they are entitled to disagree. But to comment about personal features is a disgrace. I don't understand why GOW, who otherwise has a pretty cool blog sinks to their trash and posts it. The post about The Bobster was better reading.

Earl MacArthur
Poca


Haynes Is Our Commissioner, Deal With It

A word to those animal shelter director supporters: Haynes is our commissioner, deal with it.

All county employees are subject to review, promotion, and termination. Why should Terry Williams be any different? If she is so good at management, she will get another job very soon. Let the voters decide about Haynes next year.

Roger Rhodes
Buffalo


It's Payback Time

For years you have been trashing Putnam County politicians. Now chick from D.C. is trashing you. How does it feel to get trashed by a babe and her buddies? It's payback time.

Gretchen Williamson
Eleanor


GOW is Hot, But Very Rude

If GOW was running for a beauty contest I might vote for her. GOW is hot, kind of. But her blog is very rude. She hides behind The First Amendment to allow personal, below the belt, attacks. Why don't you sue her? She is attacking your name.

Tom Potter
Hurricane


Putnam County Doesn't Care About GOW

An open letter to "GOW:"

We don't care what you think. You've never been a reporter, just a copy editor. Now you're a fluff "Entertainment Editor" in another part of the country. We don't care what your phony "radio announcer" thinks. We don't care what Lee in Kentucky thinks, and we don't care what some sunshine state chick thinks.

Putnam County didn't have daily local news coverage until PutnamLIVE.com, and it didn't have any reporters with the gonads to call out our sham politicians for their stupidity and hypocrisy.

If you had a 24-hour Walmart built across the street from your house, you'd be raising hell louder than Mark Hallburn. God knows you scream enough at him with your ignorant rants that make no sense now!

Mark Hallburn has done more for this county than all of you put together.

We'll keep reading PutnamLIVE.com because it covers Putnam County. Go about your business complaining about the lack of Diet Mountain Dew and leave us alone. You don't live here and you don't matter.

John T. Reed
Scott Depot


Pernell-Williams Turned Around Shelter

I don't know who this "Karen Boggess" is, but she could not be any more WRONG about Terry Pernell-Williams.  She is my close neighbor and I SEE how wonderful she treats the animals.  I SEE how she cares.  Does this KAREN just want to see the animals suffer and be put down without even lending a hand in trying to get them adopted?

I am originally from Winfield and have adopted from this same shelter. I can remember when the shelter was Very small, smelly and still had that old "gas chamber" to kill these precious little "furry children." It was so sad. Since Terry has been Director, it's like everything has turned around. Pets are actually getting adopted at a much faster rate! She actually goes door to door notifying people of the pets that are up for adoption!

I would certainly have more if I could possibly afford it.  I have 4 now.

And to YOU Mr. Haynes, we have heard that you would have loved to name your wife as the new Director... but, because of nepotism, you lost that battle.  So, how many animals have YOU EVER adopted?  How much money have you actually contributed to the lives and safety of animals?  And, what about you KAREN?  How many pets do you own?

Let's wonder. Just how well does KAREN know Mr. Haynes?  Things that make you go... Hmmm?

Sandra Smith
Cross Lanes

Thank You Mr. Haynes

The best thing that has happened for the animals of Putnam County is for Terry Williams not to be the Animal Shelter Director. It's time for the animals to be thought of first instead of egos. Thank you Mr. Haynes for realizing what is actually happening at the shelter. It is terrible to lie to the public about the shelter being a low kill or no kill shelter.  Thanks again for someone finally considering the animals!

Karen Boggess
Hurricane

Thank You For All Of Your Support

I have always said that working in and for Putnam County, especially for the animal shelter, have been a wonderful journey that I would never have abandoned nor been derelict in my duties. I had applied for this position in the 80’s while working for WVU Surgery and Trauma Services but then found out that my father and my maternal uncle both had Esophageal Cancer which made me realize that I could not put the hours in that were needed to run the shelter.

My family has helped financially (my twin brother donated $250.00 my first month there), donated time, and pet food. My sister and companion were Mr. and Mrs. Santa, for the Christmas photos, and assisted me with the first “Bark at the Park” by transporting their own grill and the dog kennels used to hold puppies and dogs for adoptions.

Even when I was not at the shelter I was doing something to make it a better place. My daughter, Kaitlynn, helped me update paperwork and continues to bottle feed babies without mommies (we have two at home right now) all of the paperwork, and my son helped create walking trails which the Boy scouts mulched for me. I also won NASCAR tickets which I sold to purchase several things for the shelter, put in new “plumbing”, and landscaped around the building.

Recently Dr. Tom Homan of Phillips Animal Hospital was added to our list of veterinarian, thus giving the adopter the option of Charleston or Help For Animals either at the shelter or their clinic in Barboursville to have their pet spayed or neutered. Also a big thank you to Dr. Kelly Pinkston with Help For Animals and Dr. Tom Huddleston, with whom I worked with many years at Denbigh Animal Hospital, with whom I picked his brain for help and answers many questions that I had. Thank you to two shelter directors, Donna Clark of Kanawha County and Sara Owens of Jackson County who allowed me the honor of seeing their facility and shared ideas with me.

I want to thank Dr. Richard Mabie of Country Roads Veterinary Hospital, an ethical and honorable veterinarian, who has for many years given me moral support and virtually free care of for our shelter animals (and often for adopters whose adopted pet became ill). Other than the staff, no one knows more than Dr. Mabie the heartache that I have gone through on a daily basis. If anyone knows how to rid myself of the gray hair and wrinkles from this job please let me know. Commissioner Steve Andes once jokingly told me to wear dark glasses but I fear that I need more than that!

But kidding aside, I want to thank every person who has given me moral support or given monetary donations or supplies to assist the shelter in becoming a low kill shelter. We know we couldn’t have gone this far without your assistance since we have not had to purchase dry food for two years. This allowed me to take three donations of food to Jackson County and one was given to Roane County.

I feel that if you have surplus food then you should share your wealth to help other shelters that are in need. I often supplement the can food and cleaning supplies with small donations or with my own money. If you would like to continue donating we would prefer supplies such as bleach, cleaning supplies, cat litter, and we are always in need of brand name can food for the pregnant along with mommies and babies.

Please spay and neuter your pet and remember that Help For Animals has a low income assistance program.

It is kitten season now so if you are looking for a pet please adopt!

With help from many people like John Marshall, Sherry Simmer and Dr. Wohl, Carolyn Tierney, Barb Lauffer, and Helen Yater I made it a practice to adopt pets to current military free of charge since it helps the families so much and included Police, Fireman, and EMS since they all put their lives on the line with little or no pay so I hope they continue this practice because it also helps decreases euthanasia. This also helped to give older pets that had already been sterilized to older adults on a fixed income or “messy” or feral cats to be given as barn cats.

Since I have always used my own vehicle to transport animals and food I think I may finally need a newer “used” car that smells a little less like animals and animal food! Thank you to all of the kind people that I have met while working there and the Commissioners who chose “ME” out of thirty applicants, allowing me the opportunity to run the shelter almost four years. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world and it has been not only a blessing but a wonderful pleasure working for you all and for the animals of Putnam County.

If you need a handy person or landscaper, please contact me since in this economy I might need the work.

God Bless,

Terry Pernell Williams
Outgoing Director
Putnam County Animal Relief Center

Who Will Haynes Fire Next?

Let's recap. Since Joe Haynes became a Putnam County Commissioner, and appointed himself to the Board of Health, Parks and Recreation Commission, he has had a hand in firing Cordie Hudkins, Robert Peck, and Terry Williams. Who will Haynes fire next?

James Perkins
Scott Depot


Why Not Put Haynes In A Kennel?

Instead of cutting Terry Pernell-Williams loose, why not put Joe Haynes in a kennel?

Arnold Klein
Poca


Putnam Politics As Usual Is A Bad Thing

So Putnam County won't have an animal shelter director in a month. This is obviously a political move by Joe Haynes. But Putnam politics as usual is a bad thing. Terry Williams did a great job with a terrible facility. A great job. At the rate the county commission is firing great employees, no one with any ability will want to work for Putnam County.

Shirl Sanders
Winfield
 

Publisher's note: PutnamLIVE.com is pleased to accept letters from readers for publication. Please include your full name, city, or community when writing, as well as your telephone number for verification. Please note: It may take several days before your letter appears. Letters should be emailed to: News@PutnamLIVE.com.