PRWeb – Wed, Aug 17, 2011

A story about life in a small, humble West Virginia town dictated by the Coal Mines now becomes the Broadway bound 'Rocket Boys The Musical.' Author and West Virginia's native son, Homer Hickam, and the Broadway veterans participate in Opening Weekend, August 26, 2011.

Washington, DC August 16, 2011

The 1260-seat Theatre West Virginia welcomes 'Rocket Boys The Musical' for a huge and highly-anticipated run August 26 thru September 4, 2011!

West Virginia's original "rocket boy" son and best-selling author Homer Hickam returns to his home state with the musical's creative team for a full-scale production. Homer Hickam and the Broadway veterans will actively participate in the opening Weekend.

CHARLESTON – Gary White, of International Resource Partners, a subsidiary of James River Coal Company, was re-elected chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association for the coming year.

It is White’s second term as chairman. White’s election came at the Association’s 52^nd Annual meeting held earlier this month at the Greenbrier Resort.

Joining White as Association officers are:

• 1st Vice-Chairman--Kevin Crutchfield (Alpha Natural Resources)
• 2nd Vice-Chairman--Jim Laurita (MEPCO)
• Secretary---John Snider (Arch Coal)
• Treasurer---Andrew Jordon (Pritchard Mining)
• Asst. Treasurer---Chuck Ebetino(Patriot Coal)
• Associate Division Chairman---Tim Zeli (Nelson Brothers)

The West Virginia Coal Forum hosted a meeting August 10 in Charleston to bring attention and show support for HR 2018, a bill that would bring an end to the EPA’s war against Appalachian coal.

Speakers representing labor, industry, government and others shared their concerns about the EPA’s current anti-coal agenda, including an on-going de facto moratorium of new mining permits in West Virginia, as well as new air quality rules that threaten tens of thousands of jobs in the region.

Several speakers during Wednesday’s event urged the passage of a bill, which would put controls on the Environmental Protection Agency.

Mingo County residents received an early preview of the new $37 million Mingo Central High School during a ribbon cutting ceremony August 12.

The school, will serve more than 800 students. Following the ceremony featuring several state and local leaders, student ambassadors provided tours of the state-of-the-art classrooms. The rooms feature smart boards, computer and science labs, and even art facilities.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has vetoed the Redistricting Plan passed by the Legislature after it was determined the bill contained several technical errors. Gov. Tomblin has called a special session to correct the legislation starting Thursday, August, 18.