Mountaineers are strong and stoic, possessing the innate ability to brave dangerous conditions and situations.

When tragedy strikes we pull together as one state-wide community, offering our neighbors a shoulder to cry on and hope to endure.

For these reasons, it was no surprise when West Virginians from all corners of the state offered sympathy, prayer, positive thoughts and aid to the families of those killed in the mine accident in the southern part of the state on Monday.

As the mining community grieved for the loss of more than 20 men, the country dubbed the incident the most devastating mine disaster in history.

We offer our sincere condolences to the families who have suffered the agonizing loss and the men who have lost colleagues on this sad day in our history.

*****

As we walked down Wells Street on Monday afternoon, we noticed a paper on the door of a local business just above the mail slot and below the “closed” sign that read, “the honor system”. In the entry sat baskets of beautiful flowers for sale.

How easy would it have been for someone to take one, pretending to put money into the slot?

In uncertain times, it’s rare to find people still operating on the ‘honor system’. But earlier this week, we stumbled upon an opportunity to be thankful for the community we live in and the trust placed in the residents of Tyler County.

Only in Tyler County; only in WV!