Futility Defined

fu·til·i·ty

ˌfyo͞oˈtilədē/

noun

1. pointlessness or uselessness.

or:  running a write-in campaign against someone whose name is on the ballot

Classic Car Cruise to Blackwater Falls State Park

Custard Stand Hot Dog Chili Success Story

Angie & Dee Cowger on ABC's "Shark Tank."

Last Friday on the ABC network, a repeat of the "Shark Tank" was aired nationally featuring Webster Springs own Custard Stand Hot Dog Chili owners Angie and Dee Cowger.

The "sharks" (a group of financial gurus) did not bite on the Cowger's proposal for a $400,000.00 investment in exchange for a 10% ownership interest in their hot dog chili business.  Essentially, the sharks believed the chili's taste was regional and not likely to be a national brand success.  Despite declining any deal, the sharks did have kind words for the Cowger's, saying their were the American dream to be so successful in their business venture.

According to published reports, the national TV exposure paid heavy dividends for the Cowger's even though they got no deal from the sharks.  Retail sales are up 40% and online sales are up 10,000%!!!

The video below is a quick recap of the Cowger's experience on the Shark Tank show.

Significant Tax Increases for Webster Property Owners

As referenced in earlier articles on this blog, Webster County real estate owners will be paying significant increases in their property taxes.

Today, the County's taxing authorities started sending out the real and personal property tax statements.  The editor of this blog is a resident landowner.  Last year's real property taxes totalled $476.25.  This year's bill increased to $533.78, an approximate 12 percent increase.  

According to the real property tax statements, the Assessor raised the assessed value of the real estate by just over 20% but the rate at which the property was taxed was slightly reduced, amounting to the net increase in taxes by 12 percent.

There is now no longer any doubt that taxes had to be raised to cover for the lack of coal tax severance revenues and the ever ballooning regional jail bill, which now sits at over $1.5 million.

Other Commentator readers are encouraged to comment on how much their taxes were raised when they receive their tax statements.

Pioneer Days Car Show

About 70 vehicles participated in the 50th Annual Pioneer Days parade and car show in Marlinton, West Virginia on July 9, 2016.

Gassaway Days Car Show

July 2, 2016:  Gassaway, WV