​We live in sad and dangerous times when the Truth is a flickering light; and the Evil in our lives is like a raging fire"  Lawrence Wilson

Finally completed another major and I mean major project on the dog and pony show going on with the City. Of course, the "Lawsuit" is in play. It was actually interesting in that as I went through the 700 pages of shuffled cards the Good Lord knows how many times again, I was also using this time the Court directed listing of documents in a numbered order and what was supposed to a dated system. As was the case noted earlier, the City had given me the equivalent of 14 decks of cards that they were kind enough to shuffle. Made finding anything really neat. 

The five years requested ended up being 24 separate groupings of documents in an "any which way but loose" sequencing. And one wonders why I have so much contempt for Mr. Rapp and some of his crew? A bunch of corrupt individuals who are desperate to hide what I have alleged for years on the sweet heart deal with his medical coverage. Actually, I found what I was looking for this time on what they did and it ain't pretty. It seems, that with the preexisting clause in effect for 2013, he was not eligible for coverage till 1 Jan 2014? Sure as Hell got it on 1 Jan 2013, though. It was a bit tough to find, but finally fell out.

I have alleged for years that he should be in jail and I can assure you, he would not be alone. Enough other Vienna Crew to set up a Pinochle Table. And you folks have paid for it dearly with excessive Health Care Premiums that while would have gone up some anyway, would not be as bad as they are. Bit hard to give 100% coverage for just about everything and not be expensive. Especially when it appears was using the City Employees as a cover?

Coverage has almost tripled in the past five years due to Obamacare and the deal noted above as I have alleged? Was said to be a bit over $500,000., in the 2012- 2013 FY, to what may be as high as $1,550,000., in 2018- 2019 FY? I will do a bit of "Truth in Advertising" here that I could be $50- 75K off in the 2012- 2013 FY and up to a $100,000., for the upcoming next year, but I would have to see the numbers to know? And NO ONE is talking even with a FOIA after a FOIA, after a FOIA, anyone getting the idea?

But the alleged shenanigans with his coverage were not the reason for this Lawsuit. It was to as I said find out how much was the "actual" cost of Health Insurance for 1 July 2013- to what would have included a "to date" number for the beginning of the 2018- 2019 year. this based on actual end of year adjustments for whatever reason (and their are at least nine)? Will admit, I did ask for other documentation to see if City was following State Law/ City Ordinance on Bidding? Per the WV State Auditors Office, it appears was off the rails as I suspected? 

The secret numbers on the Health Insurance which do not seem available (as usual), with the noted 7% increase per Ms. Roberts, if and I repeat only on the quoted from Ms. Roberts at $1,250,000/ this year will go up about $85- 90K for the 2018- 2019 FY. If on the $1,450,000 that is supposed to include the Dental/ Vision/ STD, etc., would be about $101,000? Once again, getting any numbers is like pulling hen's teeth and why we are in Court again. AND, still would not give the numbers...…….. The City receives numerous documents in February most years with the "estimated" cost for the next year. Now due to the City/ Schwendeman "negotiating", the numbers don't seem to get finalized till after the March Budget submission. 

1. Allows for the infamous "Guestimate" that may be a lot off or and later just disappears into the various lines of the Budget.

2. Maybe if the winner for the past 20 years gave their very best price and was provided before everyone else (if any), submitted their attempts to get the Contract and not allowed to "re-negotiate" was done we would have less confusion and delay?

So for the sake of argument, let us say the low end $1,250,000., plus $85K increase? That would still bounce in at about $1,335,000., for only 81 People. That would be about $16,500. per Employee cost. And Remember at a MAXIMUM, City Employees pay less than $1,200./ year for their family share. Single are still at $0./ year and there are about 30- 35 of them. Pretty sweet deal for those on the Good Ship Vienna as it heads for the fiscal rocks.

But, too many of the folks that are all up in arms on the JM Site costs, and the City Wells are not as usual paying attention. I have listened as there are statements that Wells 7 & 8 are going to poison all of us and need be shut down. THEY were shut down as soon as the C8 issue hit. It was a God send for Mr. Rapp/ VUB to avoid the cost of rehabilitating them which was supposed to be done every 10 years; had been stretched they said to 20 years and than this morning at the VUB meeting said had not been done since the 1960s. 

I am not very smart and will be the first one to admit it, but from the 1960s to now is one Hell of a long 20 year period? It was planned before to shut them down and dig a new well (or wells), at the 60th St. site. Now, with Chemours/ DuPont on the line for Water Filtration Systems, the wells are to be brought back up on line. 

But what about this magic Plume of contaminants that no one seems to know where it is coming from but for sure said to be aimed straight at those wells? What is the plan for that alleged Plume? Is it expected that the Filtration Systems will protect us from that too?

What seems to be an alarming process, at least to me, is either not using the new ($800., Microphones), in the Council Chamber or sitting with one's back to the group in the VUB?

It may well be a not very well hidden attempt to insure that hearing what is being said is as muffled to the Audience as can be done. I was sitting right behind Ms. Roberts in the VUB meeting Wednesday during her presentation and it was a bit tough to catch all she was saying. 

And at the Budget & Finance meeting on Tuesday, she had the mike "hanging" over the edge in front of her?  Once again, we get back to two issues:

1. $800., per new microphone for the Council Chamber and Ms. Smith's has been MIA almost from the start? Mr. Skogstad seems unable to get within 4 feet of his most meetings and even the hero of the Council, our Mr. Conley got called out by Mr. Leach for not being audible? But in Mr. Conley's defense, Mr. Leach was God know where for about the third or fourth time,  but at least made that meeting even if only by phone. 

They are either junk that we paid too much for, or some as in Ms. Smith's/ Ms. Roberts case, don't want to use it. I would suggest if broken, why is it taking so long to replace/ repair? If because they do not want to use it, maybe resign from Council/ City?

2. Seems one and all need to be again reminded who each and everyone of them work for and it is not Randi Rapp. IT IS the People of our fair Community.

So may I suggest that a few of them learn to talk with some clear pronunciation and loud enough to be heard; or get the mikes back in play.

It is always something with this bunch that hampers the ability to even get the tiny bit of data that is being put out? The Special VUB meeting was pretty much a waste today. The  Draft Handout with whatever in it could have been put in their drop boxes and questions directed to whomever. The only value was that no one could say that such and such was not requested in the meeting today come the next meeting. 'nuff said'.  

We live in sad and dangerous times when the Truth is a flickering light; and the Evil in our lives is like a raging fire"  Lawrence Wilson

And yet again at least for the short term, Oil has dropped another $1.60+ for the day. Down to about $66.21/ barrel at the moment. 1:20 P.M., 29 May. Again, should begin to see the benefit to us here as the $4-5 dollar drop over the last couple of days begins to filter down.

See where Wanda Sykes quit the new Roseanne Show before she ever really got started. Good old Roseanne made a most unbelievable cheap shot at Valerie Jarrett, who was one of Mr. Obama main advisors while he was trying to ruin the Country and still may have?

Those type of comments be it about white on black, brown or whatever it is serve no purpose. We who are of the Caucasoid persuasion need to face that in just a few years, we will be in the Minority and what goes around, comes around. 

And by Heaven, it did come around. Show already cancelled and expect her to become a pariah in Movie/ TV world now for a while.

Two points here:

1. That kind of comment is for your bathroom while YOU are ALONE.

2. Don't make a comment like that about anyone of Mr. Obama's crew- ever.

Go after the suck fanny Politicians and the suck up groupies that cling to them trying to be a "wannabee" for your insult enjoyment. They can be fair game. I noticed just a while back that one of the BFFs is in play again. This is part of the suck up to our City Council.

Not much at the Special Budget and Finance meeting this A.M.

City moved the $40K matching funds for the JM. Grant. Since the final asbestos removal is not yet going, why move money unless to just complete transaction this Fiscal Year?

There is said to be some movement on moving the power lines from near the site to across the street down around 28th. 

Had to get approval for the purchase of two new police vehicles before 6 June, so City could get a discount by buying now. Come next chance in September, would cost more to buy. Just wondering if City will get two of this years models or the new years?

Parks Department needed $2,800. to pay for temp to cut grass over Summer. Seems no matter how many hired as permanent, City just keeps getting more temps. Did see two of the lads down by the bridge on 12th cutting brush and grass. City needs to cut more often than twice a year. Just right back up and mosquitoes move back into the condo's by the creek.

VUB this A.M. at 9:00 A.M., will be exposed to the new budget. Probably not much direct in numbers just more of the need/ want this and that. Of course the raises approved for the City will be gotten here too. Maybe more as Mr. Metz was sad at losing people to "higher paying" jobs else where.

And don't forget the Special City Council Meeting on the 31st at the City Building at 7:00 P.M. 'nuff said'.


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"only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I am not sure about the former."   Albert Einstein.

While it is a nonevent that we should not fail to do what is necessary to protect our Police Officers while out and about each day, we still need to use some common sense in what we do?

In the March 9th 2017 City Council Meeting, it was approved to buy ten (10), new Bullet Proof Vests and Carriers. At the time it was noted that the Vests were made to last 5 years, but still would extend a bit past those dates (Purchase/ Expire).

Now when it went through the Budget and Finance Committee on the 6th of March 2017, it was for 10 Vests and 20 Plate Inserts. What the exact difference is, I am not sure except that it was for only 10? As we all know, we have a 20 Man PD.

It was questioned here on why just 10 and for whom? I queried on our PD OR for a Vienna Swat Team if such a beast existed? OR for the multi agency group that is in play it seems for drug arrests/ seizures in Wood County as another idea? Of course, no answers were forthcoming.

Here we are a year later and now 20 more Vests? Were did those other 10 go or where will they go now? 

The rational put out by Mr. Pifer at the 24 May 2018 City Council Meeting was that they were more comfortable and lighter by some pounds. The problem is the safety factor which did NOT even come up? And in case anyone tries to go back and rewrite the Council Minutes to reflect the safety issue, I would caution that they are recorded now.

The City is somewhat prone to seem to want to spend money because "We have it and it is ours". Again, WHY are we buying 30 Vests in a year? Comfort and lightness for people who drive around in air conditioned/ heated vehicles is a bit of an oxymoron. So how about a little more information on were have all the Vests gone and what will happen to the prior 10 Vests if and I repeat if still in the City's possession?

We buy Coffee (although, it was said some at VUB do a cost sharing?) , Cocoa Mix, bottled Water (that's right, the City cannot drink its own water, but is okay for the common folks), new clothing for the Staff each year? I am talking the new Sweat Shirts/ Hoodies/ Polo/ Rain Jackets and so on that run thousands every year? I would suggest I have just opened the lid on about $35.- 50K in a year for goodies that may well not all pass the infamous smell test.

But remember the VUB Budget for 2018- 2019 is beginning starting Wednesday. There are a lot of places the City/ VUB can cut costs even if only a minimal amount in the grand scheme of things. They all add up and are just part and parcel of the huge Tax Payer paid benefits to the City overall.

This week will be full of Meetings for next year at VUB to the beginning of the wind up for the City in 2017- 2018.

Special Budget and Finance today, the 29th at 8:30 A.M.- City Building.

Special VUB on the 30th at the VUB site on 60th St.- 9:00 A.M.
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Special City Council Meeting on the 31st at the City Building at 7:00 P.M.

Any and all of the above subject to be changed/ cancelled on a whim.

In the next day or so, we will talk more about wells 7 & 8.  'nuff said'.  

It is my intent to give myself  a day off from the Blog to enjoy whatever?

​Maybe some Thunder and Lightening; a little rain to make the grass/ flowers/ shrubs grow some more and still have hopefully some flowers to bloom?

Or a day Monday, of warm Sunshine, some gentle breeze and wonderful events for all of you, family and friends.

Hope that one and all have had a wonderful weekend so far and that today- Memorial Day, is a great day for all of you.

To those who have lost loved ones who have served  their Country be in the Combat Arms, or just like myself, as a REMF, it is not possible to express enough for the efforts that each and everyone of them have given too/ for our Country. May I ask a special remembrance to our Gold Star Families too?

For those who look upon this day as a special day for anyone and everyone who have departed this Earth for their just rewards, may we also all say a small Prayer for each of them?

We can talk/ read more tomorrow.

​We live in sad and dangerous times when the Truth is a flickering light; and the Evil in our lives is like a raging fire"  Lawrence Wilson

A bit of good news that may begin to show up in about a week or so. The cost of Oil has dropped almost $3.00/ barrel. That could drop gas by about $.065 cents or so. Lets hope it goes down more as Russia and Saudi Arabia consider pumping caps?

One of the highlights of the City Council meeting Thursday (24th), was the acknowledgement of Ms. Brookover and her 35 years of Road Guard Duties at 41st St. Her attendance has been exemplary and her love of the children is I believe also for real. I used to talk to her every so often at the old Foodland Store on 23rd before it went out of business. She is for sure an interesting lady.

Her being where she was expected to be each day is a lot like the old USPS Motto "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds". Just reword a bit to place of duty and you have got it down cold, or wet, or hot or dark.

I was a bit disappointed that all they gave her was a cheesy City Award. I do believe and it is not too late to make it right, would be a say, $500. Award. For sure has earned it and the money is for sure in the Budget. Take it out of Ms. Kerns Event money. Money well spent I would think?

Going to be a First Responders Day for Vienna on the 25th of August. Might want to mark that on your calendars?  

Not sure the why or how, but the BOE tabled the latest attempt to provide the $700,000., for the Bathroom renovations at Erickson Stadium. Mr. Hasbargen and Mr. Flint somehow got together in a private meeting and decided it need be tabled until all 5 BOE members were present. Mr. Asbury for whatever reason who was in favor of the money last week, was again missing in action for this meeting. It was a 3-2 vote before and in a 2-2 vote, it would have been voted down. Me thinks some skullduggery is afoot here to insure it passes? Still think a bit of a stink on what this old outgoing Board is doing to the new one? Lot of money being committed and spent?

And it was also very interesting that a "supplementary pay schedule" was even in play with the recent 5% pay increase the Teachers just received? Leaving the old one in play OR if a change is wanted, maybe reduce the supplementary? 

It is pretty obvious that the Teachers, make a bit more money than what is really put out? We have this Supplementary Schedule; the Attendance Payment and who knows just what else that is paid over and above the State disclosed Salaries? Once again, the Pay and Compensation Package for these folks is a bit of a joke? A sad joke, but still a joke.

What is ironic is the Report that the Drug Crisis is weighing heavy on the State Economy. Says the State lost $8.8 Billion a year or 12% or the State GDP. 1/8th is a lot of money even to the rich folks. 

Various programs are being put in place to treat those with addictions and to try and get them back into productive society. State is said to be putting 84% or the kids removed from homes into the State Foster Care. 

The unbelievable millions in these programs may be of some good over a long stretch, but will be just a bump or two in road for the first couple of years. Will be some good days and sadly still more bad ones as they get tweaked. 

Myself, I still think a whole lot of jail time for any distributor who is caught dealing and an even longer sentence for anyone guilty of a Death by Overdose. 'nuff said'.

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​We live in sad and dangerous times when the Truth is a flickering light; and the Evil in our lives is like a raging fire"  Lawrence Wilson

Read the Daily Blat "Our Opinion" column of the 20th of May on "Stem-Care. To me, it was little more than an attempt by Ms. Bresch (nee Manchin), to try and give her father a big plus comes the General Election? 

How anyone can get too woozy in the knees at a $5,000,000., donation on Stem (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Care (Curious, Active, Resilient and engaged), by a company that paid almost a $500,000., penalty/ fine for overcharging Medicare and Medicaid for EpiPens is beyond me? Plus, it is a 10 year program ($500,000.,/ Year).  Smells a lot like all the little checks that come out of DuPont/ Chemours to various organizations to show what good neighbors and citizens the Companies are supposed to be?

There is NO doubt of the need for the children of West Virginia to get a far, far better education than what most are receiving not just today but in the next few decades. They will NOT succeed in getting this much deserved and needed education. 

That is correct, I just posted that these kids are going to continue to fail for the foreseeable future. No matter the Pay raises, the Benefit subsidizing or whatever. This State sadly has a substandard Education System with little hope of improvement for sometime. And lacks the will and desire to change the System for the kids wellbeing.

The most needed instruction in the STEM courses will continue to attract some very smart kids but far too many no matter how smart will not get the formal education to tackle the courses in higher education that would enable to excel in the real world.

A Syndicated Columnist by the name of Mona Charon had a column in the Daily Blat on the 20th where she said a thing or two that made me blink and re-read it a few times. I am going to quote the passage from her upcoming book that will be out on 26 June.

"How do you mold decent conduct? Conscientious parents who teach right from wrong and a culture that reinforces those lessons. The feminists helped to weaken some of the mores and institutions that tended to control male lust and abuse. (That sentence said a mouth full). At the time, they thought they were fighting an unjust "double standard" but the sexual revolution damaged all standards and we continue to sift through the fallout".

There is a lot more in that column that makes for good and reasonable reading, but I was mostly impressed with the above.

Having as so many of the younger folks did not lived through the Bra Waving and Draft Card Burning 60s/ 70s, I had the opportunity to watch the unravelling of hundreds of years of "Standards". 

One of the most detrimental today and I have listened to ladies who are well educated talk about not wanting to be hit if they do something wrong or just the simple lack of courtesy shown to women. I still open doors and my wife will get ticked at me sometimes for demanding that she allow me to open her car door or any door for her. There are reasons that it may be inconvenient for us, but it is the way I was raised. RESPECT, COURTESY, DIGNITY- these are not bad things for you, ladies.

And I noted too these ladies a few weeks back that I did not subscribe to the knock them out approach if they chose to not agree with a particular way they are being treated? I was also raised that you do not hit a woman. Today, the women in many cases are insulted if they are not treated equally- a good punch in the mouth for example. 

It is noteworthy that many of the Ladies today are tough as nails and can hold their own for a while in a fisticuff. Even to the point of winning the brawl. That does not impress as my Aunt would take one of the old style glass beer mugs and clear a bar with it and not a man would take a swing at her. It just wasn't done.

We have lost so much as the in general men hating women of the 70s that took over as the second tier leaders of organizations like the National Organization for Women if I may quote Ms. Charon again? She noted these women lost sight of basic morality. Definition: NOUN

1. principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior.
2. a particular system of values and principles of conduct, especially one held by a specified person or society. (I will emphasize "Society" far more than myself as a person).

This "we want to be not just equal but better than you", has cost them more than many can understand or even recognize? 

I grew up in a time when the man ruled the roost. Went out to "earn the bacon" and than came home expecting the woman to have it cooked for him. Times have changed, many woman are out working in world versus being the CEO of their homes and make also in many cases more money that the "significant other" if the one is even working?

The "stay at home spouse" being a man is not such a bad thing now if mutually agreed on? I have not been one in my time, but am not afraid of a kitchen, a mop or laundry. Just a matter of things that need doing and I do them accordingly. How about you fellas?


On a more real issue in the State Court System is the Audit that found some of the Justices and Staff were a bit loose with using State vehicles for no one seems to know what? Just and another example of the Abuse of Position, Power and Authority that goes on here. But as they like to say here in Vienna, "Don't worry about it, the City will pay for it".  'nuff said'.

We live in sad and dangerous times when the Truth is a flickering light; and the Evil in our lives is like a raging fire"  Lawrence Wilson

Saw where the U.S. population is declining pretty much over the past three years. This should be no surprise, we have been instrumental in it by our own policies.

It was written that women in their teens, twenties, thirties and forties were having fewer children than in years past. Well, most or many of these ladies were born in the late 70s, 80s and 90s. They are the survivors of the 1973 Roe versus Wade decision who were not aborted for whatever reason than, but are choosing to abort or not have children up too now.

They are the ladies who are in their childbearing years now albeit by the 40s, it is said a woman should not be having children anymore due to the possibility of severe birth defects?

But it is the more than 40- 50- 60 MILLION babies that have been aborted that is the crux of the problem now. Say that 51% were female, which would be 20- 25- 30 MILLION plus women. And of those, say that 15- 20- 25 MILLION of those women may have chosen to bear children? That is a lot of people that have been lost to this Country and are a big part of the decline now.
 
This Country has been taught that free love is no problem; just go in and get rid of the kid. No need to even carry to term and put up for adoption so some couple who can not have babies would adopt and love what many could or would not. 

I would say that there are at best four (4), reasons to abort a baby and a one night stand is not one of them. It is not my place to say one should not have a one night stand, that is the right of whomever chooses to enter into that arrangement. 

But we have been sold the bill of goods that Abortion is a good and necessary thing at anytime for any reason. I would offer that it is little more than a Socialist/ Fascist process of Genocide, not against a particular Race but of a Particular Country- The U.S.A., than by Race.

But I will post a quote to Margaret Sanger, who is the acknowledged founder of Planned Parenthood.  "On blacks, immigrants and indigents:
"...human weeds,' 'reckless breeders,' 'spawning... human beings who never should have been born."  Margaret Sanger, Pivot of Civilization, referring to immigrants and poor people". 

Could one not say that the above would pretty much include ALL of us?

There was a letter of course in the Daily Blat Sunday by one of our perpetual letter writers with a free pass to printing about every week. He was all about how Planned Parenthood was said to be selling body parts. Well in a few words let me say "They are". They have been videoed talking about the various parts put out for sale and even how much. His argument that it is really only "microscopic stem cells for research". Sadly, the old gentleman is full of hog poop. 

There is no doubt that stem cells have marvelous scientific uses and have yielded some great discoveries with more to come if allowed? But they are not the ONLY parts on the market. But those might well be what Mr. Gore would call 'Inconvenient Truths"?

The old gentleman went on to say he had lost his wife to an especially virulent form of Cancer. Well, I can sympathize with him on losing a loved one to Cancer. My Mother died three times because of her Cancer. The Doctors brought her back twice, so can I claim the loss thrice or just the one true and final Death? 

It may well be said that his idea on having a National Referendum where only women of Child bearing age could vote on having Abortion or not is asinine at best. Why not do the same thing for men of Child creating age who WOULD want the child to raise on their own or with another woman? As we all know, now the Father has no rights in the procedure.

So we should just wait and see how some of the current Court Cases play out at the SCOTUS? It may well be that the process will go back to the States with a modern application for more than the four reasons I believe in and more towards the letter writer?

Saw another interesting letter in the Sunday Daily Blat where one Mr. Archer was all aflutter on no fishing pier, boat or kayak launching facility in Vienna. He was especially upset about the sweet heart (my words), deal with OVU on the 12th St. VUB property. 

Well Mr. Archer, your ship sailed about two years ago when in an attempt albeit a desperate one, Vienna did a land contract type of deal with OVU to try and  recoup some of the Millions spent on the 60th St. VUB site. OVU ended up with the prime acres on that site and who knows when if ever the other 2 1/2 or 3 acres will get sold?

In a drive by this Monday morning, could still not see of the alleged facility to manufacture any type of solar paneling? After a year or two with nothing happening to see; something appears again to have stink to it?

Where have you been Sir, Drinking Kool-Aid?  'nuff said'.