The Shadow
Welcome back, Shadowers! The Highlands are awash—not just in flowers blooming and trees budding but in the stirring of citizens who are beginning to raise their voices, gather to demand accountability, and ask the right questions.
Just when you thought the air at Covington Middle School (CMS) had finally cleared, the stench of mystery returned like old gym socks left in a locker over summer break. Last Monday and Tuesday, students were once again hit with an “unknown odor”—a recurring phrase that perhaps now should be a part of the new school motto, The Stinking Cougars.”
Was it carbon monoxide? Mold? Or just a pungent metaphor for “When does this circus end?” No one seems to know. But reportedly, many parents did what parents do best—snatched their kids out of school faster than you can say “hazmat.”
Seriously though, something tells me there’s more than just stinky smells now floating through the halls of CMS—because later that same evening, the AHPS board called a surprise emergency closed-door meeting at 9 PM for what they cryptically described as: “Consultation with School Board counsel regarding facility matters requiring legal advice.”
Then, the next day, April 1, turned out to be no joke for AHPS and CMS. Again, more stinky smells and more kids were pulled from the school. Evidently, parents have now had enough. That evening at Union Hall, parents had their own emergency closed-door meeting with Former U.S. Federal Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, John Fishwick, to discuss the situation and explore options. Also in the room: delegate candidate Austin Schwend, signaling that he was also there to listen and help.
Why does this remind me of the last time officials said, “No cause for alarm, it’s all under control,” an orchestra was playing on the deck of the Titanic?
Speaking of legal action, the multi-million dollar lawsuit against the Alleghany-Covington Department of Social Services (ACDSS) has been decided. After two days in court and one brisk hour of deliberation, a local jury ruled in favor of Tammy Wilson, director of theACDSS, in a $5 million lawsuit brought by former employee DeAnna Ratliff—who claimed she was wrongfully terminated under Virginia’s whistle-blower law.
Before the courtroom drama even began, Judge Edward Stein dismissed DSS itself from the case, leaving Wilson alone at the defendant’s table—though supported by a full roster of lawyers and witnesses who apparently weren’t short on stories.
Ratliff, who worked at DSS from 2018 until her termination in November 2022, alleged she was fired after raising concerns about policies, staff training, and procedures. She also claimed she was directed to take on duties outside her certification—without the title or the cape.
The defense, meanwhile, rolled in like a well-organized filing cabinet, with a parade of DSS staffers who painted Ratliff as a bit… intense. Words like “volatile,” “difficult,” and “snarky” were used liberally. A few witnesses admitted they never officially complained about her behavior—not because things were smooth, but because they were, in their own words, “afraid of her.”
Interestingly, while the defense arrived dancing to the 1985 Hank Williams Jr tune “Send Lawyers, Guns and Money,” the plaintiff’s side appeared far less organized. One courtroom observer didn’t hold back, noting: “Ratliff’s attorney didn’t subpoena any of the past employees and didn’t give any strong examples to support Ratliff’s case. I was not impressed.”
In the end, the jury decided Wilson wasn’t liable, and while the courtroom stayed quiet, the hallway apparently didn’t—Team DSS reportedly let out a few celebratory whoops. Ratliff has 30 days to appeal.
The Alleghany County Board of Supervisors has named Ken McFadyen as the next County Administrator, bringing with him a solid track record from Botetourt County, where he’s led economic development efforts since 2016. He’ll officially step into his new role this June.
Perhaps McFadyen’s greatest strength lies in the fact that he’s not from here—a welcome shift that may offer the fresh perspective this region so desperately needs. With no entrenched allegiances or long-standing baggage, he has the opportunity to see the Highlands with clear eyes and bring with him new methods, forward-thinking solutions, and a collaborative spirit.
To be sure, there will be challenges—but there are also deep reserves of potential here, waiting for a leader who can unite vision with action. So here’s a warm and hopeful welcome, Mr. McFadyen. The Highlands is ready for fresh leadership—and all the possibility that comes with it.
Finally, like most folks around town, I’ve been sitting with my coffee, chewing on the state of things lately—mainly the government downsizing and the tariff hikes—and wondering what it all means for us local Highlanders. Now, before you whack me upside the head for endorsing one side or the other, let me say clearly: I can see the arguments from both directions. Liberals are hollering that we’re headed to hell in a handbasket, while conservatives are preaching, “Trust Trump—we’ve got to go through pain before we get to the promised land.”
Fair enough. But how does all this ballyhoo actually translate into reality for us folks in this neck of the woods?
Since the inauguration on January 20, 2025, we topped $36 trillion in debt, with the stock market shedding about $9.6 trillion in value. Add another $1.3 trillion loss in the crypto markets. That means your retirement fund, your cousin’s IRA, and probably your neighbor’s hopes of early retirement just took a collective gut punch. Now, unless you managed to sell high, hide your cash in a mattress, and invest in moonshine futures, you likely felt that sting.
And then there’s the upcoming hit right in your wallet. Around 90% of American households shop at Walmart, including just about everyone who’s ever needed bananas, a Hokie’s T-shirt, and stuff for the baby all in the same trip. The problem here is that 60% of Walmart’s products come from China and Vietnam.
With the new tariffs kicking in, prices are already inching up like ticks on a hound dog. Experts say the average household could be looking at an extra $3,800 to $4,200 a year in expenses. So yeah—those kids’ sneakers that used to be $26? Now they’re pushing $41, and they still don’t tie themselves or come with WiFi.
The point is, no matter where you fall on the political seesaw, it’s worth keeping a sharp eye on the facts. Because out here in the hills, when D.C. sneezes, we’re the ones who catch the cold.
I’m out of time and out of coffee, but I will leave you with the advice of America’s favorite financial sage, Warren Buffett: “Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.”
