UA Names New President, Dean
Dr. Sue Cantrell Selected to Fill Both Posts

            Dr. Eleanor Sue Cantrell has been named president of the University of Appalachia and dean of its flagship college of pharmacy.
         Cantrell, a pharmacist and medical doctor, is currently the district director of the Lenowisco Health District, which includes Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the city of Norton. Her duties since 1991 have included supervising medical personnel and managing public health programs. Her specialty training is in internal medicine and her focus is upon preventative health care in a region many would agree is beset with health disparities.
         She will succeed Dr. Lanny Foss to the post of dean at UACP and Mickey McGlothlin to the post of UA president. Both Foss and McGlothlin have been serving in interim capacities pending the selection of a dean and president.
          "We are very pleased to have someone of Dr. Cantrell’s background and caliber on board," McGlothlin said in making the announcement. "Most of her medical education was obtained in Virginia. She has lived here since the 1970s and she was raised in Upper East Tennessee. She knows our health care system, the patient population and the many issues our region faces in the health care field. She has teaching and lecturing experience, but what is most impressive is her passion for public health care and her vast administrative back-ground.
          "She handles large budgets and grants, knows key people in the health care field in our region and has a solid reputation for integrity and hard work," McGlothlin continued. "She will take our new pharmacy program to national prominence in public service and outreach."
          The new president and dean accepted the university’s offer as a challenge to impact pharmacy and healthcare throughout the Central Appalachian region.
           "I love my present work, but the opportunity to help train tomorrow’s health care providers in rural medicine and motivate our students to go into the community, partnering with other professionals and individuals to achieve excellent health and health care in many settings—including hospitals, nursing homes, community pharmacies and public schools, teaching younger generations to avoid drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and poor eating and exercise habits—this energizes me," she said.

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.

CONSOL Permit Hearing Set
DMME Plans May 23 Event at Riverview

by Scotty Wampler
Staff Reporter
        A public hearing to receive comments regarding CONSOL’s controversial plan to discharge mine water into the Levisa River will be held Tuesday, May 23 at Riverview Elementary/Middle School.
        The mining company is seeking to discharge water from the Buchanan No. 1 mine into the Levisa River, having filed a permit request with the Department of Mines Minerals and Energy. If the permit is approved, CONSOL intends to construct a system to discharge the water near Poetown.
       The meeting, announced by the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy and the Division of Mined Land Reclamation, will provide those having an interest in the permit application decision to present oral or written comments regarding the plan. Comments should be specific as to how the proposed operation may adversely affect the person.
         When CONSOL’s request for the permit revision was made public last year, it was initially alleged the  mine water could be “toxic,” proving to be a health hazard when discharged into the body of water.
          However, after the Grundy Industrial Development Authority hired an independent party to examine the water, those concerns were said to be “unfounded.”
         Ronald Mullennes, a Marshall Miller representative, led an analysis of the water in question, as well as CONSOL’s proposed plan. Although Mullennes determined the discharge would not be “toxic,” he did confirm some aquatic animals might avoid that area of the river.
          “It’s possible certain aquatic life won’t inhabit that area of the river,” Mullennes told Town Council in February, confirming the presence of chloride in his test results. “I don’t expect to see any fish kills. [But] they certainly may avoid that area while [CONSOL is] discharging.”
          Mullennes also said the area of the river that will be affected will stretch approximately three-quarters of a mile.
          Mullennes said in February it appears as though there will be no foul odor produced by the discharged water, which had been another concern of those familiar with the plan. Hydrogen sulphide, which would’ve been the primary source of an odor, was not found in Mullenes’ sample.
          “I tested the water for hydrogen sulphide and got no detection of that,” he said, further stating that any concerns the public may have about the water being “toxic” are unfounded. “[The water doesn’t] exceed acute standards, something that would be toxic.”
          The Division will render its decision on the application within 60 days of the close of the meeting, which will take place at 6 p.m. at the school.
           Persons wishing to view the permit application materials may do so by visiting the Division’s Big Stone Gap office during business hours.
          Additional information regarding the permit application or meeting procedure may be obtained by contacting Gregory F. Baker at (276) 523-8160.