The Shadow
Looks like 2024 is shaping up to be a doozie of a year filled with excitement, politics, and change. Hold on to your hats.
In my recent community poll: “Will 2024 be better than 2023?”, 51% responded that it’s going to be better. 22% responded ’same old spin’, with the rest being less optimistic. Seems politics, both local and national are a major concern to almost everyone.
However, when it came to daily life, I found the community heart is still pure and sincere, echoed through a tapestry of resolutions from Bucky B.’s aspiration to fish more, to Jack P.’s commitment to responsible drinking, and Beth M.’s desire to cherish time with loved ones. Marie W. aims to conquer procrastination, while Laura B. eyes smarter financial gains. Ardrea S. dreams of a simpler life, Anise R. pledges daily kindness, and Terri M. aspires to deepen her spiritual journey.
Steph A. won with the most popular resolution: “Making sure to continue moving forward, letting go of what can’t be and holding onto the memories I have of loved ones gone, appreciating more and remember, I won’t always be happy trying to keep others happy it doesn’t always work out that way …. Not being said the way it should yet the gist is there. Positivity and faith and love to all.”
Amen, Sister.
Speaking of local politics, you’ve probably heard about the years-long sagas of attorney Jared Jenkins. This attorney’s tale is woven with quite a collection of legal battles and ethical quandaries spanning from Rockbridge, Lexington to now Clifton Forge and Iron Gate.
Jenkins, embroiled in a thorny land trust case, found himself sanctioned, fined, and eventually barred from practicing in the Rockbridge County Circuit Court. The court decreed his criticisms and actions as undermining the very trust in the judicial system he vowed to uphold. That prompted the City of Lexington to remove him as city attorney in November 2022.
Then on the last day of 2023, he played Bill Murray waking up all over again in “Groundhog Day” when the town of Clifton Forge recently voted to suspend him without pay, leading to his resignation mere hours later. The jury is still out on the cause of that mess. And over in Iron Gate, he’s embroiled in a State Bar investigation alleging he has committed violations of the rules of professional responsibility.
However, Jared is still embraced by communities like Goshen and Iron Gate — which paints a picture of a man still trusted, still needed. One must ponder, in the shadow of these turbulent events, is Jenkins a martyr of the legal profession, battling against a partisan judicial system, or simply a man who flew too close to the sun? As the gavel falls, one can’t help but ask: Where does justice truly lie for Jared Jenkins?
Whispers continue to fill the streets about 410 on Main in downtown Covington. Alleghany Realty LLC sold it to Industrial Development Authority on August 25, 2021, which sold it to Mountain Hospitality LLC (WV company) owned by David Bostic for an undisclosed amount on February 15, 2023. That business is potentially out of compliance with the WV Sec of State (if it is the right one), and allegedly with several businesses shuttered in White Sulphur. But now a new company has surfaced, “410 on Main Corporation”, registered on Sept 29, 2023, owned by Bostic and Gray Lane. In December, Covington City Council appointed Lane, “owner of 410 on Main, as a private sector member of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.” Inquiring minds want to know, what are the connections? And could the Mayor of Covington really be trading politics for planks and nails? The Shadow is ever watchful, ever curious.
A warm congratulations to Bobbie Wagner starting her new job as the new CEO of the Alleghany Highlands YMCA. May her leadership be a guiding light for the community and a source of inspiration and renewal.
Finally, The Shadow overheard a conversation in the store the other day, “Why is it that Clifton Forge residents can only pay their taxes and utility bills via check or with a credit card in the office? How antiquated is that, while the rest of the world pays all of their bills online?”
As I wrap up this missive, dear readers, the coffee pot sputters its last drop, let me leave you with a morsel from the wise Nazarene, a fitting benediction for our shared journey: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). As we tread into the new year, may our actions illuminate the dark, our resolves strengthen the weak, and our spirits uplift the downtrodden. Out of time, out of coffee, but never out of hope.
