A Note from Maria Gunnoe

With this rainbow, we feel like we received a Thumbs Up! from a Higher Power, a special thank you to all who are dedicated to stopping the attack on our homeland and people. On the one-month anniversary of the hearing that saved Dry Branch (for now, at least) and the people who call this hollow home, Maria Gunnoe snapped this photo from her home at Big Branch, at the other end of the strip job from Dry Branch.

First – thank you! We extend an enormous thank you to everyone from all across the nation who has sent donations to help with security at our home. Without your help, the outcome could have been dramatically different. We love and respect you for helping us out in this very trying time. It’s people like you that allow us to stand our ground.

With our most heart felt gratitude,

Maria, Jessie and Chrystal Gunnoe

Boone County’s OVEC Organizing Team sends out huge thank yous to everyone who has helped in the recent lawsuits. With this major victory, area people are feeling the power of organized communities. Way to go, everyone!

Due to recent events, the organizing meetings in the Van and Wharton area are now closed meetings on private property. If you would like to get in on these meetings please give us a call at (304) 245-8481 to find out where and how you can participate in our awesome winning team in Boone County.

Dorsey Green, retired UMWA miner: "Whatever happened to the American dream of working for a lifetime and retiring to enjoy what you have worked for? Our life’s work is being destroyed before our very eyes and we have no choice but to fight it during our retirement years."

Jim Foster, retired UMWA miner: "If everyone in the state had a voice, mountaintop removal would have already been stopped."

Give yourself and your community a voice – write letters to the editor! Everyone should hear the stories of how mountaintop removal is affecting our lives. This is the one way that we will stop this insanity and show unity in doing it.

Become an OVEC member and get involved. Call (304) 245-8481.