The Diggerer

BECKLEY- With coal mines shutting down across the Mountain State, many families are looking for their next paycheck.  One couple who purchased a recently closed mine found quite a bit more than a paycheck.  They found a retirement plan, with plenty left over.

CHARLESTON- Governor Earl Ray Tomblin says the damage and volume of snow is unbelievable across West Virginia, during a tour Wednesday.  Tomblin stated this may be a good opportunity for the state to take stock and get used to post-coal power levels in Obama's new America.

BOONE COUNTY- The West Virginia mountains will soon be alive with the sound of Opossum. Not your normal run-of-the-mill Opossum, these are Pickled Boone County Ninjety Possum Whipper Snappers!

"Come over to the dark side," said Senator Rockefeller through a raspy voice.  He then cleared his throat and continued, "It will be much quieter here in the corner for our interview."

Many, many years ago, when rugged men began to dig for coal deep in the earth, they were not alone.  

TEXARKANA- UMWA President, Cecil Roberts, made an unannounced trip to Texarkana, Texas this week. The objective was to meet with, and iron out details for an official UMWA endorsement. That endorsement, however, fell upon deaf media ears.

"We were afraid for our lives," said protester Poni Moonglow. "Don't these stupid miners understand we came to save their lives?  Coal is not a way of life -- it's a way of death -- for them, their children and their children's children."

Poni is the great, great grandson from a Kentucky Coal Miner family, so he knows.  "I should be dead with everything my college professor told me about the dangers of coal mining.  I always feel paranoid and hungry. I think it's from the coal poison.  I have to take special herbal medicines to counteract the effects."

For the second time in a week, Obama has evoked Executive Privilege and for the second time in history, West Virginia's statehood teetered in the balance.  This time it lost.

PARKERSBURG- Mister Bee Potato Chips spurred riots and created empty shelves when they returned to business after a brief hiatus. Now, that production is back to normal and supply has caught up with demand, Mister Bee has created a new gimmick to keep shelves empty. Mister Bee has created several very original flavors of potato chips to help Mister Bee remain the top chip in Charleston.

LOGAN - Word is spreading that a John Henry's face was found on chunk of coal found in a mine in West Virginia - and as news is spreading, so too, is hope.