 By Alvin Engelke
alvinengelke@hotmail.com
Jacques Frost made a number of professional calls in the Creston area killing many flowers, peppers, etc. and causing the leaves to fall. Because of the change in the weather the government ladybugs (Asiatic beetles) have been invading homes and businesses making a mess and causing allergic reactions with some folks.
The government bugs, like multiflora rose, autumn olive and European corn borers are all examples of government programs "to help the people".
The Creston Adopt a Highway crew cleaned West Virginia 5 Saturday morning gathering 11 bags of trash. Among the items found were a feed bag full of dead cats and some tools. Those participating were Roy Copen, Alvin, Carl, Jeremy, Amy & Donna Sue Ferrell, Alvin Engelke, Jerry & Linda Poling and Ellen Hedges. Delectable delights were served after the pickup was concluded.
W. Harrison Schenerlein IV checked out the playground equipment at the Creston Community building the other day.
Rev. Keith Belt brought the message at the Burning Springs M. E. Church. There will be a charge conference on Sunday, November 8 at 12:30 P. M. at the Elizabeth M. E. church. There will also be a covered dish dinner.
Chuck Boggs was calling on Mr. & Mrs. Tommy G. Wright.
Connie Boggs was having some diagnostic tests run.
Don Rhodes was calling on Charles & Euell Russell.
Jerry Poling has a bunch of young guineas.
Ida and Frank Sidwell celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary on Oct. 13th.
A big rock fell down to the edge of the Ann's Run road near the intersection with the Little Creek & Woodring roads. It would have flattened an automobile.
The price of natural gasoline (mountain high test) is $1.494/gallon while propane is 96.3 cents and n-butane is $1.204/gallon. The price of Pennsylvania grade crude is now $73.50. According to those in the know, the recent increase in the price of crude is related to fall of the U. S. dollar because of federal fiscal policy. This the same reason for the increase in the price of gold, now over $1,000/oz. Many remember when the price of gold was $35/oz. With wild federal borrowing and the printing of more money with no backing many feel that the purchasing power of the dollar will plummet creating serious problems for those whose income is fixed. Even the Chinese government which holds a substantial amount of the U. S. government's debt is concerned and the Arabs want to quit using U. S. dollars for oil trading.
Mrs. Roemer, the big eared one's financial expert said that the first stimulus program (a mere $800 billion) has run its course. It was supposed to keep unemployment below 8% but it is now 10% with the real number (those who have run out of unemployment benefits, etc.) being just under 20%. Vice President Biden said we are now in a depression. Of course higher taxes via Obamacare, cap & trade (cap & tax), value added taxes, etc. will only worsen the situation which, obviously, is the intent.
Steve Butler who runs the day to day operations of the West Virginia Farm Bureau gave a talk at the Wirt County annual meeting. He noted the severe problems facing agriculture in West Virginia and the nation. He noted that a company from Brazil has purchased the largest part of Pilgrim's Pride, the #1 West Virginia chicken company. The foreign firm is also #1 in beef packing in America and #2 in pork. Also the USDA recently approved the importation of chicken from China.
The federal government has shut off the water to farmers in California citing a minnow that is said to get caught in irrigation pumps. Locally things are gearing up for CAFO regulations. These are supposed to be for big feed lots like one finds out in Colorado and other arid places but the federal busybodies now claim that if the family pony pollutes the creek then they can come in with $25,000/day fines.
Acorn continues to make news. It was learned that the congressional cutoff of funds to the political group was only for the month of October and that the group is still in line to get $8.5 billion in taxpayer funds. While the census said they would not use Acorn they are going to use SEIU which is a related group that shares head offices, etc.
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