Josh's Blog

Saturday, March 24th

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First thing this morning, materials began to, well, materialize, at the WANO site. We (we being Brian and crew, not me) picked up 350 concrete blocks and a load of sand from Bell Concrete in Middlesboro. 350 may not sound like a whole lot of blocks, but at 10 pounds each, it's more than you realize.

A huge thanks goes out to John Brown, who loaned us a dump truck and trailer, and Jeff Bolt, who loaned us his pickup truck for the day. John also got up before breakfast (a rare event for him) to help us out. Rick Evans and Wilbur Day were a huge help today, too. Thanks guys...we couldn't do it without you. Thanks, also, to Zach at Bell Concrete, who has helped us tremendously.

Personally, I hosted Tri-State Tradio, Weekend Edition, from Noon until 1:00 today. After that, I needed a bit of a distraction from the week I've had, so I went to one of my favorite places, the Middlesboro Airport. I know it sounds goofy, but I volunteered to cut grass, because that always helps me clear my mind. So, I cut grass for several hours this afternoon, and I'm feeling MUCH better. It was a beautiful day, and we should all be thankful for it.

When I finished at the airport, I drove over to Pineville to check on things. It was almost dark at that point, and I noticed a flashlight moving at the far corner of the property. At seven acres, it's a pretty good clip from one corner to the other. I watched as four individuals walked casually over toward the tower. They loitered there for almost ten minutes as I watched. Unfortunately, it was dark enough that I couldn't see what they were up to. I called the Pineville/Bell County dispatcher, who said help was on the way. Before the deputy could arrive, the four people started heading my way. As they approached the parking lot, I made it very clear to them that they were trespassing, and that they were to never step foot on my property again. I like to think I'm a good neighbor, and I would normally have no problem with somebody simply crossing my property. However, these people loitered in a sensitive area, where they had no business. According to them, they were "fishing". Right. Fishing for copper, I assume, or otherwise up to no good. I'm sure the very mean-looking .45 I keep strapped to my side made more of a statement than my words. I asked them to leave immediately, pointed out my property line, and told them they were never to step foot on my property again. Soon afterward, not five minutes after I called the dispatcher, two constables arrived, Fish Mills and Scooter Fuson. I truly admire the dedication of our constables. Both promised to keep a close eye on the property tonight. Shortly after the constables arrived, one of Sheriff Bruce Bennett's deputies pulled into the parking lot. A little later, a Pineville City Policeman stopped by to check on things. Call me paranoid, but after Sunday, I'm a bit edgy about sketchy-looking people loitering around sensitive broadcasting equipment. And in case any of the dumb crooks in the area are reading (assuming they are literate, which is a stretch), there's NO copper at the WANO site. I repeat, NO COPPER. Don't bother trying to steal it...it's not there. Get a job.

Tomorrow morning at 8:00, the real construction starts. That's when the first block will be laid. Hopefully by Tuesday morning, we'll have a building! I have a few pictures to share with you tonight...enjoy, and thanks for all your thoughts and prayers, as always!

Zach at Bell Concrete, loading blocks into John's truck.

Brian, unloading blocks. Yet another bizarre look on this face.

Rick, Mr. Day and Brian...more blocks!

One at a time...

Almost done...!!

Last one...plus Brian and his funny faces...