Nepeta, also known as catnip, is synonymous for its effects on cats. But, that same catnip that makes our feline companions crazy is used by some in their herbal tea to relax before tucking in at night.
  And, while selling catnip may not bring in much, other local herbs and wildlife may.
  Ginseng, for example, is a growing income opportunity that springs up in many Buchanan Countians backyards.
  While they may not know it, the herb draws in hundreds of dollars by the pound in many states.
  These herbs and more will be the focus in part of an Opportunities with Botanical Herbs seminar Friday, March 30 from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the University of Appalachia College of Pharmacy in Oakwood.
  Sponsored by the Virginia Cooperative Extension and USDA Renewable Resources Extension Act, the seminar is designed to offer marketing strategies, production aid and advice to those interested in taking advantage of the county's natural resources.
  When one thinks of herbs, basil, chives, lavender and thyme may be among the first that come to mind. And while they are commonly used in kitchens around the world, a number of less than well-known herbs and medicinal wildlife grow in many Buchanan County backyards.
  For instance, that pesky dandelion growing in the midst of a freshly mowed lawn might be somewhat of a nuisance.
  But, the weed is widely accepted as a medicinal herb for dyspeptic, liver and gallbladder problems, infections of the urinary tract and loss of appetite. Some even use it to treat urinary tract inflammation, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, gout, rheumatic disorders, eczema and other skin disorders.
  "It's also rich in potassium and iron and has more calcium than milk," Virginia Cooperative Extension Unit Coordinator Flo Rush says.
  According to Rush, Buchanan Countians have one of the largest resources of natural production in the state of Virginia.
  "We are as rich in herbs as we are in coal," she says. "And, that's something that could be marketed."
  Rush isn't the only one realizing the potential of the county's Appalachian wildlife.
  As the interest in medicinal herbs increases, so does the interest in growing these "botanical coal mines."

For more of the story, see the print edition of the Mountaineer, on sale at newsstands now.  For more information on how to subscribe to the Mountaineer, call 276-935-2123 today.

by Cathy St. Clair
News Editor  
  Preliminary test results from the first semester round of end of course SOL testing in the Buchanan County Public School System show the majority of Buchanan high school students are performing well in the four core areas of testing.
  Core areas are identified as English:reading, math, history and science.
  The preliminary results include only online test results and have not yet factored in paper and pencil tests results, however, Superintendent Tommy P. Justus and Testing Coordinator Linda Duty noted that very few end of course tests were paper and pencil tests.
  The final results on the Fall round of testing -- including the paper and pencil tests -- are expected this month.
  "The results overall are preliminary and will be averaged in with the spring round of tests," Justus said, noting it is the combined average of those results which the state relies on in assessing a school division's overall progress.
  Percentile passing rates at the county's four high schools for the Fall semester testing were as follows:
  Council High: English:reading, 85; math, 79; history, 81; and science, 77.
  Grundy High: English:reading, 98; math, 97; history, 99; and science, 95.
  Hurley High: English:reading, 89; math, 92; history, 83; and science, 82.
  Twin Valley High: English:reading, 97; math, 88; history, 83; and science, 76.

  The Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation will hold a second public meeting to seek information helpful in restoring the water quality of Garden Creek.
  The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME), and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) have begun a study to restore water quality on Garden Creek.
  A second public meeting will be held on Thursday, March 22, 2007 to allow the public to offer comments and suggestions relating to the water quality study on Garden Creek.  The meeting will be held at Twin Valley Elementary-Middle School, on Route 460 in Oakwood.  Discussion will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  DEQ is working to identify pollutants affecting the aquatic organisms and sources of bacteria contamination in the waters of Garden Creek that flows into Levisa Fork at Oakwood. The lower 1.78 miles of Garden Creek, from the Right Fork confluence downstream to Levisa Fork is impaired for both aquatic life use and for the recreational use due to bacteria violations.
  The pollutant that exceeds the safe standard for recreational use is fecal coliform bacteria.  Coliform bacteria are tiny single-celled organisms that can be seen under a microscope.  They live in the intestines of people as well as other warm-blooded animals such as livestock, dogs, cats and birds.  These bacteria pass through warm-blooded animals in feces or excrement.  Where there are coliform bacteria other pathogens may also be present.  These pathogens may cause stomach cramps, nausea, ear infections and other illnesses.  The higher the concentration of coliform bacteria in creeks, the more likely the other pathogens are present.  Measuring fecal coliform and e.coli bacteria concentrations in the stream is a way to learn whether other harmful pathogens are present. 
  During the study, DEQ will determine the pollutants impairing the aquatic community of Garden Creek and develop total maximum daily loads, or TMDLs, for the impaired waters.  A TMDL is the total amount of a pollutant a water body can contain and still meet water quality standards.  DEQ will also determine the sources of bacteria contamination and develop a TMDL for bacteria.  To restore water quality, contamination levels have to be reduced to the TMDL amount.
  The purpose of the second public meeting is to obtain information that will help determine how the waters of Garden Creek can be restored.  DEQ has requested the public  attend this informational meeting and has encouraged comments and information that will be helpful in restoring the water quality in our community.
  For additional information, interested persons may contact Shelley D. Williams, with DEQ, at 276-676-4845.