Tucker County Connection

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

Most of my life that I can recall has been spent in Tucker County from the time I was five I've lived in one part of the county or another. What I like about living in Tucker County is the friendliness from the locals, the small town setting, and the neighbor helping neighbor practice prevalent in our small town/country setting. If you're broke down chances are someone will stop to help you in one way or another, if you're hungry someone will feed you, or if you're otherwise in need it's usually taken care of by the many churches, friendly residents, or Community Action. NCWVCAA is a wonderful non-profit organization with many programs and resources to help low income families who fall short and can't pay their bills, need to find a place to stay, or otherwise need help. I found them when me and my wife first moved out of our parents homes and we had some unexpected financial setbacks resulting in us being a little short on rent. They stepped up with the he

It's that time of the year again, the time when colder temperatures dictate you should bring your pets inside to enjoy the warmth and save them from the cold. Just what is enough though when it comes to ensuring your pet is safe and comfortable in the winter time? This year we've had the photo of the frozen dog from Preston County circulate around our area and many were shocked to hear that no offenses were committed as this dog had hay, food, shelter, and water. The fact is that most don't realize this may not cut it with certain breeds that aren't used to being left outdoors in the bitter cold, a Siberian Husky is better suited to the cold than say for instance your Poodle and other small, lean, or short haired breeds. It's always best for you and your pets sake to bring them indoors where it's nice and warm when possible during colder spells as failing to do so may result in the death of an animal or bring about a visit from the local Police or Animal C