County Files Court Action Seeking Eviction of Big Sandy from Property

  Buchanan County officially filed Tuesday for an injunction and eviction of the Big Sandy Soil and Water Conservation District from county property at Hurley.
  The complaint, filed in Buchanan Circuit Court, alleges Big Sandy has "failed and refused" to comply with the county’s request and demand to relocate and as such "is trespassing upon (the county’s) premises and impeding and blocking the development of public facilities upon the subject land, namely a community gymnasium, meeting room, ballfield and emergency transport helipad, among other planned improvements."
  The complaint further alleges Big Sandy has refused offers by the county to receive title to part or all of six different properties owned by the county and funds to assist in their development. Further it alleges Big Sandy has only inspected one of the properties, before missing the deadline to respond to the county’s offer.
  It further requests the Court enjoin and restrain Big Sandy from any further use of the property and asks the court to issue an order of eviction compelling Big Sandy to vacate the property by August 1, 2006.
  A hearing has been set for July 12 at 2:30 at 2:30 p.m.

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8 Injured in Wreck On Lester's Fork Tuesday Morning

   Eight people were injured on Tuesday in a multiple vehicle wreck in Lester's Fork near Hurley.
   According to Virginia State Police Trooper J.B. Starnes, the accident occurred after 10 a.m., when Ashley Pauline Snellenberger apparently crossed the center line in her 2002 Dodge Dakota while heading South on Route 650 toward Hurley.
   As she crossed into the path of oncoming traffic, Snellenberger, 23, of Hurley, allegedly struck a 2000 Chevy Cavalier, heading North toward Elkin's Branch Mountain.
   The Chevy Cavalier, operated by Mary Jane Stacy, 64, of Lester's Fork, spun around on impact, colliding into a 1998 Ford Ranger, also heading North and carrying a woman and two small children.
   Goldie Mae Justice, 57, of Hurley, the driver of the Ford Ranger, was flown to Bristol Regional Medical Center, along with Snellenberger, via medflight. Her two grandchildren, four- and seven-year-old boys, were taken to Buchanan General Hospital. Starnes said he did not know the specifics of their conditions, but confirmed some were treated for broken bones and lacerations.
   It is unknown which persons involved were wearing their safety belts, as passersby moved  quickly to assist those involved in the wreck, removing them from their vehicles, Starnes said. However, Snellenberger and her passengers, her brother, Rusty Gordon Snellenberger, 21; Christopher Mark Prater, 39; and a 17-year-old, were confirmed to have not been wearing their safety belts, Starnes said. Stacy and Snellenberger's passengers were also taken to Buchanan General Hospital.
   All three vehicles were totaled. The accident is currently under investigation, Starnes said, noting charges are pending.