Tucker County Connection

Few things in life are more import than the education of our children, a fact that seems to have fallen on def ears when it comes to the governing body of our state as they proceed to cut benefits and fail to offer fair pay to the teachers and other public employees that fill that and other important roles in our daily lives. Educational staff, public employees,  and concerned citizens alike took to the courthouse square Thursday to vent their frustration while sporting signs declaring "Fund PEIA Now", "Will work for health care", "Stand up for your rights!", along with many other well thought out and to the point slogans. The public protest was met with a warm reception from a majority of drivers as they honked horns well into the evening showing support. Just what brought them out? It was primarily cuts to the states PEIA (Public Employees Insurance Agency) insurance program paired with lower than expected wage increases which are leaving West Virg

It's been a few years now since I launched Dixie Dave's a company I started as an online retailer of Confederate merchandise and later expanded to include pro gun, military, patriotic, redneck, hillbilly, EMS, Firefighter, biker, religious and other merchandise while relocating the shop to a brick and mortar store located on Second St. in downtown Parsons.  It's been a lot of fun running the shop over the past few years and I've really enjoyed getting to know our first responders, military members, and Conservative citizens, over that time we became an NRA recruiter, NFIB member, and the place to go to get items that were considered politically incorrect, controversial, and hard to get. I made the decision recently to shutter the business in favor of launching in it's place a new shop focusing on locally made items, WV souvenirs, WVU merchandise, and anything else made in or to do with the state I love. If you missed getting in to see Dixie Dave's we&

While Parsons continues to become more known for it's country and bluegrass roots, bluegrass isn't the only act in town. While most residents of the small community of Parsons tend to frequent the lighter side of the musical spectrum The Backwoods Massacre prefers to offer a much wilder hardcore performance and they're gaining some major attention along the way. The Backwoods Massacre is a local theatrical heavy metal band whos shows sport a plethora of horror, blood, gore, and mayhem to entertain and delight their growing numbers of fans as they work to discover the heights of their potential in the industry. Along the way they've taken down awards such as The Smug Classics Heavy Metal Band Award, reached #1 in the region on Reverb Nation , and picked up sponsorship by both Coldcock Whiskey and Peridore Custom Sticks . The band is managed by Ellie Freeman and features band members Peter "Death Touch" Mallard- Vocals/Lyricist, Henry "Hardcore Ghost&

If you ask any redneck "Duct Tape can fix anything" if you ask Blackwater Falls State Park it makes for some great sleds, boats, and family fun. Over the years Blackwater Falls has began to host duct tape and cardboard building events. The fun all started with the sled race where teams and individuals build sleds using nothing more than duct tape and cardboard to compete on the Blackwater Falls sled run. Awards are given in different categories for the event from best design to best team spirit. This year will see the sled event take place on Feb 24th 2018 for it's sixth year running and will feature the theme "Looney Tunes". I honestly may have to make the trip myself to watch the event and plan on a possible entrance in later years. Three years ago they also decided to expand on their sled event by adding a duct tape and cardboard boat race in the spring which operated for the previous two years and has yet to make an appearance so far this year on the p

When it comes to politics in the mountain state I'm no stranger to the political fray. Based on historical data showing a growing trend towards West Virginia becoming a "Red State" I called the Republican sweep of our state a couple of years before it happened, I've been to D.C. a time or two, toured the political buildings, and even became friends with Robert C. Byrd spending time in his office speaking to him as a teenager about the issues effecting West Virginia and our country. Politics are often a completely different world than most are used to. Where else can someone promise you four years of bliss and deliver four years of the opposite while keeping their job? Our upcoming Senate race is sure to be one to remember as Joe Manchin, Tom Willis, Patrick Morrisey, and others vie for our votes. Joe Manchin is no stranger to West Virginia as he's had a long political career, a career most West Virginians would probably say has lasted too long given his deta

Few people in our area can match the culinary and business experience of John Bush, a fact that is easily seen when visiting his Piccolo Paula's location in Parsons, his Big John's Family Fixin's location in Davis, or utilizing one of his catering services. Piccolo Paula's is located in Parsons at the site of the former Barb's Drug Store and operates Mon-Fri from 11-2 with a daily special posted on their Facebook page as well as a set menu featuring calzones, paninis, crafted hot beverages, pasta, pizzas, salads, and more. From my own experience the pizza is wonderful, the loaded baked potato bread bowl (pictured) is one of my favorites, and the she crab bisque is to die for. I've been trying to snag a bread bowl of lobster bisque for a while now and always seem to make it in just a little too late and arrive after the point when supply caves in to demand, a fact that makes me want to try it even more. Having been familiar with John's cuisine since