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The hillbilly stereotype is frequently used to shame mountain people, but there are gentler versions, like Snuffy Smith, the long-running comic strip character. Snuffy Smith originally started out as a supporting character in his comic strip, which first launched in 1919 when Billy DeBeck created Barney Google. Artist Fred Lasswell was brought in during the ‘30s to create Snuffy Smith and his friends. And now the strip is written and drawn by John Rose, who lives in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
Residents of Wayne haven't been able to drink the water for three weeks, but under the new order, they can now use it for bathing and laundry. DigDeep
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The mayor of the Town of Wayne upgraded the town’s water order from “Do Not Consume” to “Do Not Drink.”
The distinction means residents of the Wayne County town can use their city water supply for all normal purposes except for cooking and drinking. Under the previous order, bathing and washing clothes were also discouraged.
However, residents have been asked not to use their water for any purpose until completing a full residential flushing of their home.
Water distribution sites for the Town of Wayne are as follows:
● Wayne Town Hall: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
● East Lynn Fire Department: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
● Old Save A Lot store at Dunrovin: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Water buffaloes are available at the Wayne Town Hall and East Lynn distribution locations for residents to fill personal water jugs and containers.
Early closures will be announced through Wayne’s social media and cell phone alert system. People may register for cell phone alerts by texting WENS to 78015.
The mayor’s office notes that any health concerns in relation to this incident should be brought to the attention of primary care providers.
Separately, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the West Virginia State Police are investigating an unrelated incident at Lexington Coal Company’s Rock Springs Mining Complex in Wayne County. Less than 10 gallons of mineral oil leaked from a transformer. The material was contained to the immediate area and did not reach any receiving streams.
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"Verity Vox and the Curse of Foxfire" is a young adult novel set in Appalachia. Written by West Virginia native Don Martin, the book follows the story of a witch-in-training who uses her magic to help a forgotten mountain coal town. It was an instant New York Times bestseller after it was released last year. Inside Appalachia Producer Bill Lynch spoke with Martin about the book and his podcast "Head on Fire."
On this West Virginia Week, Gov. Patrick Morrisey vetoed 12 bills that made it through the legislative process. We also hear the latest in the battle over which vaccines are required for school attendance in the state. And, a growing interest in data centers has the attention of people around West Virginia – both for and against.
