Buchanan BedrockSearchMenu

Sources

Every link cited on this site, story by story. We prefer public records, government data, and named reporting, including the Virginia Mountaineer, Cardinal News, and state agencies.

The county in numbers

  1. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/buchanancountyvirginia
  2. https://usafacts.org/answers/is-the-population-growing-or-shrinking/county/buchanan-county-va/
  3. https://cardinalnews.org/2025/09/08/buchanan-county-is-projected-to-lose-nearly-half-its-population-
  4. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_Virginia_highlighting_Buchanan_County.svg

Who decides things

  1. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/09/23/supervisors-hire-ward-as-new-economic-development-directo
  2. https://cardinalnews.org/2026/03/18/buchanan-county-tweaks-law-school-funding-agreement-first-payout
  3. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/10/28/energy-proposal-could-bring-jobs-new-use-to-former-twin-v
  4. https://house.vga.virginia.gov/members
  5. https://apps.senate.virginia.gov/Senator/DistrictDescriptionListing.php
  6. https://www.wdbj7.com/2026/10/27/griffith-powers-outline-differences-data-centers-health-care-prices
  7. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Buchanan_County_Courthouse.JPG

Tuesday's election (Nov 3, 2026)

  1. https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/candidate-list/november-3-2026-gen-elect-all-off
  2. https://ballotpedia.org/Buchanan_County,_Virginia,_elections,_2026
  3. https://ballotpedia.org/Virginia%27s_9th_Congressional_District_election,_2026
  4. https://www.wdbj7.com/2026/10/27/griffith-powers-outline-differences-data-centers-health-care-prices
  5. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/06/17/grundy-town-council-approves-2-05m-budget/
  6. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/09/16/bear-concerns-return-before-grundy-council-2026-09-17/

Where the county's money goes

  1. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/06/17/supervisors-approve-fiscal-year-2026-27-budget/
  2. https://cardinalnews.org/2026/03/18/buchanan-county-tweaks-law-school-funding-agreement-first-payout
  3. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/09/23/supervisors-question-use-of-flock-cameras-in-buchanan-cou

Coal: still the engine

  1. https://announcements.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20260729/pdf/0724y527j0v88z.pdf
  2. https://kalkinemedia.com/au/news/announcements/coronado-global-resources-posts-record-q3-2026-rom-ou
  3. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/09/23/energy-project-eyed-for-former-twin-valley-high-site-2026
  4. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SMALL_CHURCH_AND_HOME_PERCHED_ON_A_HILLSIDE_NEAR_KEEN_MOUNTA

The big tech and energy story: Twin Valley

  1. https://cardinalnews.org/2026/10/23/diversified-energy-project/
  2. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/10/28/energy-proposal-could-bring-jobs-new-use-to-former-twin-v
  3. https://investor.fce.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/Diversified-Energy-FuelCell-Energ

Broadband and connectivity

  1. https://www.point-broadband.com/new-areas
  2. https://rga.lis.virginia.gov/Published/2026/RD309/PDF
  3. https://www.shentel.com/en/news/2026/october/shentel-completes-ftth-upgrade-in-buchanan-va
  4. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/buchanancountyvirginia

Schools: four high schools became one

  1. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/09/02/ribbon-cutting-marks-historic-opening-of-southern-gap-hig
  2. https://cardinalnews.org/2026/09/02/as-4-rural-schools-become-1-students-embrace-their-new-shared-id
  3. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/10/14/supervisors-approve-additional-funding-for-southern-gap-f
  4. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grundy_Town_Center.jpg
  5. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grundy_Virginia_flood_1984.jpg

Mined land is the county's real estate

  1. https://www.energy.virginia.gov/coal/mined-land-repurposing/AMLERProjects.shtml
  2. https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/august-releases/name-1123006-en.html
  3. https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405521
  4. https://energy.virginia.gov/public/documents/newsroom/2024/Press_Release_Virginia%20Energy%20Awards%
  5. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cataloochee-elk.jpg
  6. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/09/23/braa-weighs-funding-options-as-federal-process-drags-on-2
  7. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/10/21/airport-authority-looks-for-ways-to-build-sooner-2026-10-
  8. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Breaks_Canyon;_February_2018.jpg
  9. https://cardinalnews.org/2026/09/18/spanberger-issues-executive-order-to-hold-data-centers-accountab
  10. https://cardinalnews.org/2026/09/24/spanberger-wants-state-to-study-brownfields-as-potential-data-ce
  11. https://cardinalnews.org/2026/10/22/consultant-western-virginia-is-on-the-data-center-map-landowners
  12. https://www.energydeltalab.org/data-center-ridge
  13. https://cardinalnews.org/2026/01/29/nuclear-power-research-funding-signed-into-law/
  14. https://www.swva411.com/news/wise-county-s-nuclear-future-goes-public-microreactor-study-draws-commu
  15. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hobet_Mountaintop_mine_West_Virginia_2009-06-02.jpg

Getting help when it counts

  1. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2017-06-11_18_38_43_View_east_along_U.S._Route_460_Business_
  2. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/09/23/transformative-wireless-project-delivers-cell-coverage-al
  3. https://www.wvva.com/2026/09/18/44m-wireless-project-eliminates-cellular-dead-zones-along-route-460/
  4. https://towercensus.com/towers/virginia/county/buchanan-county
  5. https://vginmaps.vdem.virginia.gov/Websites/PSC/911ServicesBoard/Documents/VAOSPNG911MigrationPlan20
  6. https://www.eso.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Logis-Dispatch-%E2%80%93-Buchanan-EMS-%E2%80%93-Cloud
  7. https://plainfiredata.com/county/51027
  8. https://wcyb.com/news/local/some-southwest-virginia-residents-concerned-with-long-emergency-response
  9. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/buchanancountyvirginia
  10. https://www.bgh.org/
  11. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/540895648
  12. https://hcris.io/hospital/490127
  13. https://mountain-topmedia.com/report-two-sw-va-hospitals-at-risk-of-closure-due-to-funding-cuts/
  14. https://jchc.virginia.gov/documents/Rural%20Hospitals%20Final%20Report.pdf
  15. https://www.wdbj7.com/2026/10/27/griffith-powers-outline-differences-data-centers-health-care-prices
  16. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2017-06-11_19_41_42_View_south_along_Virginia_State_Route_36
  17. https://sw.edu/google-it-support-certificate/
  18. https://www.sw.edu/workforce/class.html
  19. http://www.sw.edu/southerngap/
  20. https://www.sw.edu/highschool/governors-school
  21. https://careers.buchanan.com/

The river, the pipes, and who runs them

  1. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hurley,_Virginia.jpg
  2. https://cardinalnews.org/2025/03/05/90-homes-sustained-major-damage-and-18-were-destroyed-in-februar
  3. https://cardinalnews.org/2025/02/17/weekend-deluge-leaves-destroyed-homes-washed-out-roads-and-at-le
  4. https://cardinalnews.org/2025/02/18/as-floodwaters-recede-hurley-residents-begin-the-long-cleanup/
  5. https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405724
  6. https://wcyb.com/news/local/buchanan-county-gets-389310-in-fema-aid-for-debris-removal-after-2025-wi
  7. https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405814
  8. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/10/07/fema-approves-more-than-200000-for-county-culvert-repairs
  9. https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/disaster-assistance
  10. https://www.deq.virginia.gov/news-info/shortcuts/topics-of-interest/buchanan-county-sewer-infrastruc
  11. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/06/17/bos-approves-bcps-psa-funding-for-fiscal-year-2026-27/
  12. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_W_Flannagon_Dam.jpg
  13. https://buchanancountypsa.myruralwater.com/documents/556/PWSID_102061_MAIN_2025_CCR.pdf
  14. https://buchanancountypsa.myruralwater.com/rates-and-policies
  15. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/09/09/approval-of-a-categorical-exclusion-from-an-environmental
  16. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/09/16/psa-advances-water-sewer-and-office-projects-2026-09-17/
  17. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/10/28/energy-proposal-could-bring-jobs-new-use-to-former-twin-v
  18. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HurleyHighSchool.jpg
  19. https://appvoices.org/2002/06/01/2911/
  20. https://www.wvtf.org/news/2025-01-09/after-flooding-in-1977-the-army-corps-tore-down-most-of-downtow
  21. https://www.virginiaplaces.org/vacount/grundy.html
  22. https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/Missions/Projects/Article/3631343/buchanan-county-section-202-project
  23. https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/api/collection/p16021coll7/id/1775/download
  24. https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-kaine-griffith-urge-swift-action-on-buc

Addiction, recovery, and the jail bill

  1. https://data.virginia.gov/dataset/vdh-pud-overdose-deaths-by-year-and-geography
  2. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/drug-overdose-data/
  3. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/10/21/buchanan-grand-jury-indicts-22-on-drug-theft-and-other-ch
  4. https://data.virginia.gov/dataset/vdh-nas-pud-by-county-and-year
  5. https://cardinalnews.org/2024/11/11/in-rural-virginia-pregnant-women-fighting-addiction-find-no-help
  6. https://www.herald-dispatch.com/buchanan-county-not-among-latest-oaa-funding-reciepients/article_cae
  7. https://cardinalnews.org/2024/11/18/why-is-it-so-hard-to-use-opiate-settlement-funds-in-rural-commun
  8. https://www.oaa.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/oaa/pdf/FY-2027-City-County-Grant-Recommendat
  9. https://www.oaa.virginia.gov/portal-grants/
  10. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Haysi,_Virginia.jpg
  11. https://www.courts.state.va.us/static/courtadmin/aoc/djs/programs/sds/programs/rc/general_info/rc_di
  12. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/10/07/three-graduate-from-buchanan-county-recovery-court-2026-1
  13. https://cmcsb.com/substanceabuse.html
  14. https://rga.lis.virginia.gov/Published/2026/RD204
  15. https://mountain-topmedia.com/report-two-sw-va-hospitals-at-risk-of-closure-due-to-funding-cuts/
  16. https://www.swvrja.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Southwest-Virginia-Regional-Jail-Authority-Financi
  17. https://www.swvrja.org/contact-us/
  18. https://russellcountyva.us/DocumentCenter/View/2002/FY2025-2026-Proposed-Russell-County--Financial-B
  19. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/06/17/supervisors-approve-fiscal-year-2026-27-budget/
  20. https://www.swvrja.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/TRJ-2026-Final-Report.pdf

Coal pays for the roads, and the check is shrinking

  1. https://ecode360.com/6548786
  2. https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title58.1/chapter37/section58.1-3713/
  3. https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1060780.PDF
  4. https://buchanancountyvirginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/COMP-PLAN-TRANSPORTATION-2025.pdf
  5. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2017-06-11_18_32_49_View_east_along_Virginia_State_Route_83_
  6. https://buchanancountyvirginia.gov/events/synopsis-fy-24-25-ad/
  7. https://buchanancountyvirginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Synopsis-26-27-AD-FOR-NEWSPAPERS-SECUR
  8. https://buchanancountyvirginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/5-5-25.pdf
  9. https://buchanancountyvirginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-6-26-.pdf
  10. https://vdot.virginia.gov/projects/bristol-district/route-121-coalfields-expressway/
  11. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/10/07/vdot-roadwatch-2026-10-08/
  12. https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405590
  13. https://vceda.us/1-6-million-amler-grant-announced-for-cfx-project-in-buchanan-county/
  14. https://vceda.us/virginia-west-virginia-officials-meet-to-discuss-status-of-cfx-in-both-states/
  15. https://www.wvva.com/2026/02/04/griffith-secures-3-million-virginia-coalfields-expressway-appropriat
  16. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coalfields_Expressway.jpg

Cheap houses, a low tax, and a reassessment coming due

  1. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SMALL_CHURCH_AND_HOME_PERCHED_ON_A_HILLSIDE_NEAR_KEEN_MOUNTA
  2. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/buchanancountyvirginia
  3. https://usastatestats.com/counties/virginia/buchanan-county/
  4. https://app.communityscale.io/dashboard/county/51027/Buchanan-County-VA
  5. https://cardinalnews.org/2026/09/25/new-middle-income-housing-program-swva/
  6. https://vceda.us/vceda-closes-on-1-6-million-in-grants-for-buchanan-county-southern-gap-projects/
  7. https://www.sedc.org/news/-250000-vceda-grant-will-be-used-toward-new-water-tank-project-at-southern
  8. https://buchanancountyvirginia.gov/commissioner-of-revenue/
  9. https://www.coopercenter.org/real-property-statutory-nominal-tax-rates
  10. https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title58.1/chapter32/section58.1-3286/
  11. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/51353
  12. https://buchanancountyvirginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/8-5-24.pdf
  13. https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title58.1/chapter32/article5/

The two graduate schools the county is fighting to keep

  1. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Appalachian_School_of_Law,_Grundy_Virginia.JPG
  2. https://cardinalnews.org/2026/07/20/merger-talks-for-appalachian-school-of-law-continue-amid-buchana
  3. https://valawyersweekly.com/2026/01/28/appalachian-school-of-law-roanoke-college-explore-merger/
  4. https://valawyersweekly.com/2026/08/10/appalachian-school-of-law-explores-merger-with-upike/
  5. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/10/14/asl-repayment-debated-supervisors-table-action-2026-10-15
  6. https://www.asl.edu/news/appalachian-school-of-law-welcomes-largest-incoming-class-since-2011-signal
  7. https://cardinalnews.org/2026/08/10/extra-credit-appalachian-school-of-law-welcomes-largest-incoming
  8. https://www.asl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-bar-pass-report-for-website.pdf
  9. https://www.openlawprep.com/schools/appalachian-school-of-law/509-report/
  10. https://vsb.org/common/Uploaded%20files/docs/EGAD-Combined-Report-Dec-2025.pdf
  11. https://buchanancountyvirginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2-2-26-Minutes.pdf
  12. https://www.acp.edu/doctor-of-pharmacy-program/
  13. https://research.schev.edu/iProfile/449922/Appalachian-College-of-Pharmacy
  14. https://www.acp.edu/2026/09/02/acp-welcomes-first-year-pharmacy-students/
  15. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/06/17/supervisors-approve-fiscal-year-2026-27-budget/

Who hires here, what it pays, and the trail bet

  1. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grundy,_Virginia_Walmart_Supercenter.jpg
  2. https://data.bls.gov/cew/data/api/2026/1/area/51027.csv
  3. https://data.bls.gov/cew/data/api/2025/a/area/51027.csv
  4. https://virginiaworks.gov/_docs/local-area-profiles/5104000027.pdf
  5. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/08/05/coal-company-bankruptcy-results-in-layoffs-at-buchanan-mi
  6. https://wcyb.com/news/local/coronado-coal-lays-off-140-employees-three-years-after-169-million-inves
  7. https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/VABUCH7URN
  8. https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/VABUCH7LFN
  9. https://fred.stlouisfed.org/release/tables?eid=256391&rid=116
  10. https://vceda.us/vceda-closes-on-4-million-loan-to-benefit-planned-west-river-conveyors-and-machiner
  11. https://www.spearheadtrails.com/
  12. https://www.spearheadtrails.com/pages/coal-canyon
  13. https://www.spearheadtrails.com/pages/trail-closures
  14. https://www.wvva.com/2025/12/01/breaks-interstate-park-assumes-operations-southern-gap-campground-vi
  15. https://www.breakspark.com/southerngap
  16. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/10/28/elk-fest-brings-campers-crowds-and-community-spirit-to-so
  17. https://vatc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DirectVisitorImpactsVirginiaLocalities2025.xlsx
  18. https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/d506237c-9efa-46ed-948c-e735e9ed7a98/downloads/REPORT-FY2018-19-Spe
  19. https://headwaterseconomics.org/wp-content/uploads/Trail_Study_134-VA-Spearhead-Impact-Study.pdf

The electric bill, and who decides it

  1. https://cardinalnews.org/2026/10/21/apco-compromise-would-freeze-residential-rates-for-a-year/
  2. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Appalachian_Power_crews_Worthington,_OH-1.jpg
  3. https://www.appalachianpower.com/company/about/rates/va/
  4. https://utilityratecalc.com/virginia/appalachian-power/
  5. https://www.scc.virginia.gov/docketsearch/DOCS/4zgc01!.PDF
  6. https://www.appalachianpower.com/company/news/view?releaseID=10520
  7. https://rga.lis.virginia.gov/published/2020/rd282/pdf
  8. https://www.cleanvirginia.org/2025/11/13/news-appalachian-power-bills-have-surged-more-than-three-ti
  9. https://www.scc.virginia.gov/docketsearch/DOCS/8f5901!.PDF
  10. https://virginiafreepress.com/appalachian-power-company-stakeholders-agree-on-no-increase-in-base-ra
  11. https://virginiabusiness.com/appalachian-power-bill-relief/
  12. https://www.aeptransmission.com/virginia/Levisa/docs/Levisa_Factsheet_V17.pdf
  13. https://www.aeptransmission.com/virginia/Conaway/
  14. https://www.aeptransmission.com/virginia/Sourwood-HalesBranch/
  15. https://www.noticeregistry.com/virginia/notice/public-hearing-grundy-637019
  16. https://www.dss.virginia.gov/relief/ea/
  17. https://dss.virginia.gov/relief/pipp/

Black lung and the dust rule on hold

  1. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajrccm/aamag401
  2. https://www.npr.org/2026/08/05/nx-s1-5894884/appalachia-black-lung-coal-miners-silica-dust
  3. https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/niosh/updates/upd-07-20-18.html
  4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6528482/
  5. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MINER_IN_THE_BLACK_LUNG_LABORATORY_AT_THE_APPALACHIAN_REGION
  6. https://www.msha.gov/regulations/rulemaking/silica
  7. https://www.msha.gov/compliance-and-enforcement/compliance-assistance/program-information-bulletins/
  8. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/06/2026-06584/lowering-miners-exposure-to-respirab
  9. https://wvpublic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/040626-Sorptive-Minerals-Institute-v.-MSHA-Status-Re
  10. https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202510&RIN=1219-AC22
  11. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/miners-union-demands-reinstatement-of-msha-silica-rule/
  12. https://stonemountainhealthservices.org/black-lung-respiratory-services.html
  13. https://appvoices.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BLCP-HRSA-2020-Press-Release.pdf
  14. https://taggs.hhs.gov/Detail/AwardDetail?arg_AwardNum=H3700048&arg_ProgOfficeCode=236
  15. https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405660
  16. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/cwhsp/screenings/index.html
  17. https://www.wdtv.com/2025/05/14/update-federal-judge-orders-restoration-jobs-niosh-response-coal-min
  18. https://wchstv.com/news/local/all-niosh-employees-who-received-layoff-notices-in-2025-have-been-rein
  19. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NIOSH_Mobile_Health_Screenings_(16027817612).jpg
  20. https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/general/budget/2026/CBJ-2026-V2-08.pdf
  21. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-20-438t

Who inspects the mines, and the rules being rewritten

  1. https://energy.virginia.gov/coal/coal-mine-safety/documents/AccidentsandFatalities/Buchanan%201%20Fa
  2. https://www.msha.gov/sites/default/files/Data_Reports/Fatals/Enforcement/2024/May%2031%202024%20-%20
  3. https://www.msha.gov/data-reports/fatality-reports/2024/may-31-2024-fatality/final-report
  4. https://www.energy.virginia.gov/public/documents/newsroom/2024/Investigation_Continues_into_Fatality
  5. https://miningincidents.org/states/va/fatalities
  6. https://mshascan.com/mine/buchanan-mine-1-4404856/accidents
  7. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MINER_LEE_CALDWELL,_ON_A_SELF-PROPELLED_ROOF_BOLTING_MACHINE
  8. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-03/documents/profiles_2008_final.pdf
  9. https://energy.virginia.gov/coal/coal-mine-safety/documents/AccidentsandFatalities/021405Accident.pd
  10. https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title45.2/chapter5/section45.2-559/
  11. https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title45.2/chapter5/article7/
  12. https://energy.virginia.gov/coal/coal-mine-safety/documents/LAWREG/Title45.2-Chapter5.pdf
  13. https://energy.virginia.gov/coal/coal-mine-safety/Enforcement.shtml
  14. https://www.msha.gov/about/program-areas/mine-safety-and-health-enforcement/east-region/norton
  15. https://assets.noviams.com/novi-file-uploads/vtca/Safety_Seminars/2025/05_-_MSHA_Update_-_Brian_Dots
  16. https://apnews.com/article/mine-safety-office-closure-msha-doge-trump-43fd355260d7c2373f48a25e35455f
  17. https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/many-msha-offices-no-longer-slated-for-clo
  18. https://www.msha.gov/sites/default/files/Mine%20Rescue/2026%20Fallen%20Heroes%20Mine%20Rescue%20Resu
  19. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Member_of_mine_rescue_team_of_safety_department_adjusts_oxyg
  20. https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/insights/insights/msha-crashing-the-deregulatory-party
  21. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/03/2026-15670/roof-control-plan-approval-criteria
  22. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/03/2026-15717/ventilation-plan-approval-criteria
  23. https://www.msha.gov/regulations/rulemaking/roof-control-and-ventilation-public-hearings
  24. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/25/2026-12792/improving-and-eliminating-regulation
  25. https://umwa.org/news-media/journal/msha-releases-proposed-rule-change/

Coalbed methane, forced pooling, and the gas royalties that sit in escrow

  1. https://energy.virginia.gov/geology/NaturalGas.shtml
  2. https://energy.es.virginia.gov/public/documents/Index/Year%20End%20Report%202025%20FINAL%201_final.p
  3. https://register.dls.virginia.gov/details.aspx?id=11656
  4. https://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_sum_lsum_dcu_sva_a.htm
  5. https://www.vacourts.gov/static/opinions/opnscvwp/1030634.pdf
  6. https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title45.2/chapter16/section45.2-1622/
  7. https://www.energy.virginia.gov/gas-oil/gasoil.shtml
  8. https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title45.2/chapter16/section45.2-1624/
  9. https://heraldcourier.com/news/money-made-from-southwest-va-gas-wells-isn-t-reaching/article_5256495
  10. https://virginianreview.com/26967/
  11. https://www.politifact.com/virginia/promises/macker-meter/promise/1162/pay-out-gas-royalties-landown
  12. https://naturalgasintel.com/news/federal-judge-certifies-three-of-five-virginia-royalty-cases-as-cla
  13. https://www.vawd.uscourts.gov/OPINIONS/SARGENT/110cv37rar.pdf
  14. https://valawyersweekly.com/2018/09/07/settlement-approved-in-sw-va-gas-royalties-suit/
  15. https://www.vamoneysearch.gov/
  16. https://ir.div.energy/news-events/us-press-releases/detail/185/diversified-energy-announces-strategi
  17. https://ir.div.energy/news-events/us-press-releases/detail/190/diversified-closes-summit-natural-res
  18. https://wvlegals.com/public-notice-29105/
  19. https://www.energy.virginia.gov/DgoBoard/Dockets/2025-08/09_PGLLC_25-0715-4312.pdf
  20. https://www.energy.virginia.gov/DgoBoard/Dockets/2025-08/07_PGLLC_25-0617-4308.pdf
  21. https://www.energy.virginia.gov/DgoBoard/Dockets/2025-08/06_PGLLC_06-0221-1577-02.pdf
  22. https://energy.virginia.gov/DgoInquiry/frmmain.aspx?ctl=68

How Buchanan votes, from union Democrat to 85% Republican

  1. https://ballotory.com/states/virginia/buchanan-county/
  2. https://vcij.org/stories/blue-to-deep-red
  3. https://www.vpap.org/offices/house-of-delegates-43/elections/?year_and_type=2025regular
  4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittston_Coal_strike
  5. https://umwa.org/news-media/news/umwas-president-roberts-to-speak-in-grundy-on-30th-anniversary-of-p
  6. https://journals.psu.edu/phj/article/view/60297
  7. https://vtuhr.org/articles/10.21061/vtuhr.v3i0.23
  8. https://www.wvencyclopedia.org/entries/1805
  9. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Richard_Trumka.jpg
  10. https://enr.elections.virginia.gov/results/public/buchanan-county/elections/2025-November-General
  11. https://www.vpap.org/localities/buchanan-county-va/election-results-list/?electype=general
  12. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grundy_Town_Center.jpg
  13. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/10/21/buchanan-county-voters-prepare-for-nov-3-election-2026-10
  14. https://www.noticeregistry.com/virginia/notice/public-hearing-683531
  15. https://www.callthemap.com/early-vote/data/VA.csv

Inside the classroom, test scores, teacher pay, and the pipeline

  1. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/10/07/buchanan-schools-report-2047-students-plus-103-preschoole
  2. https://citizenportal.ai/articles/11301671/virginia/school-districts/buchanan-co-pblc-schs/district-
  3. https://www.districtfacts.com/va/buchanan-county-public-schools/
  4. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:GrundyHS.jpg
  5. https://www.gradetrends.com/district/5100510-buchanan-county-public-schools
  6. https://schoolquality.virginia.gov/divisions/buchanan-county-public-schools
  7. https://www.doe.virginia.gov/state-board-data-funding/accreditation-accountability/school-performanc
  8. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:TVHS2.jpg
  9. https://buchanancountyvirginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MINUTES-for-May-11-2026.pdf
  10. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/06/17/bos-approves-bcps-psa-funding-for-fiscal-year-2026-27/
  11. https://virginiamountaineer.com/2026/06/17/supervisors-approve-fiscal-year-2026-27-budget/
  12. https://wcyb.com/news/local/a-look-at-southern-gap-high-school-one-week-before-welcoming-students
  13. http://www.sw.edu/southerngap/training
  14. http://www.sw.edu/southerngap/schedule
  15. https://www.sw.edu/admissions/dual-enrollment
  16. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Margaret_Ann_Coal_Company,_Margaret_Ann_Mine,_Conaway,_Bucha

Heating help: the fuel assistance deadline is Friday, Nov. 13

  1. https://www.dss.virginia.gov/relief/ea/
  2. https://www.bcdss.org/Contact.html
  3. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Arlex_heating_oil_delivery_truck_-_Arlington,_MA.jpg
  4. https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/
  5. https://www.dss.virginia.gov/media/vdss/benefit-programs/documents/eap/032-03-00661-26_EAP_Informati
  6. https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/access/
  7. https://aasc.org/care-coordination/
  8. https://aasc.org/

Two health coverage deadlines: Medicare by Dec. 7, the state Marketplace by Jan. 29

  1. https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan
  2. https://www.scc.virginia.gov/about-the-scc/newsreleases/release/2027-vas-insurance-marketplace-previ
  3. https://help.marketplace.virginia.gov/hc/en-us/articles/11972839569293-What-is-Open-Enrollment
  4. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stethoscope_No.120.JPG
  5. https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/
  6. https://dars.virginia.gov/aging/home-community/medicare-counseling/
  7. https://aasc.org/
  8. https://aasc.org/care-coordination/
  9. https://www.marketplace.virginia.gov/
  10. https://www.marketplace.virginia.gov/federalchanges

Deer rifle season opens Nov. 14: Buchanan is bucks only

  1. https://dwr.virginia.gov/hunting/regulations/deer/
  2. https://dwr.virginia.gov/hunting/regulations/general/
  3. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:White-tailed_Deer_Buck_Karl_E_Mundt_NWR_%2852388940964%29.jp
  4. https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title4/agency15/chapter90/section91/
  5. https://dwr.virginia.gov/hunting/regulations/validation/

What Buchanan decided: Nov. 3 election results

  1. https://enr.elections.virginia.gov/results/public/buchanan-county/elections/2026-November-General
  2. https://enr.elections.virginia.gov/results/public/virginia/elections/2026-November-General

What's next for the old Twin Valley High School property

  1. https://buchanancountyvirginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Agenda-for-November-2-2026.pdf
  2. https://cardinalnews.org/2026/10/23/diversified-energy-project/
  3. https://buchanancountyvirginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/MINUTES-for-September-14-2026.pdf

The flood buyout program is still buying homes, one deed at a time

  1. https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/Missions/Projects/Article/3631343/buchanan-county-section-202-project
  2. https://buchanancountyvirginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/MINUTES-for-September-14-2026.pdf
  3. https://buchanancountyvirginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Agenda-for-November-2-2026.pdf
  4. https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/api/collection/p16021coll7/id/1775/download
  5. https://buchanancountyvirginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/MINUTES-for-August-3rd-2026-revised.pd

Snowplows, metal tracks and new county roads: what the board is doing about your road

  1. https://buchanancountyvirginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/MINUTES-for-September-14-2026.pdf
  2. https://buchanancountyvirginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Agenda-for-November-2-2026.pdf
  3. https://buchanancountyvirginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/MINUTES-for-August-3rd-2026-revised.pd