Last week my story told of the CVB and the questions that have arisen around their operations and policies. The questions have not all been answered and as usual people have begun to speculate on possible wrong doing and who may be responsible.

As the week progressed, I began to see a small group of birds circling the museum building on south Main Street. On looking closer, I saw the circling birds were buzzards. You have seen them in old west movies, circling the dying in the desert. Waiting for the final moments to swoop in and pick the bones clean, even before the unfortunate may be gone.

Listening to rumors, and speculation, it reminds me of a situation some years ago. Around forty years ago, a group of people worked hard and put a great deal of time into developing and bringing to our community a festival at the south end of town. Boat races, real amusement rides, live entertainment of the very first class, Charlie Daniels. A massive undertaking that the people of the community could be proud to have associated with Wetzel County.

Suddenly there were rumors concerning funding of the event. Eventually the rumors began and before long the buzzards began to circle. Rumor spread and before long, the event ended and fingers were pointed. No time for the organizers to assess what happened and how to handle the aftermath. No charges or misdeeds, just speculation. The popular event was over and the people of Wetzel lost an important annual event that drew thousands into the area, and also brought in revenue for businesses, and put the community on the map.

That is what I see happening today in the questions surrounding the CVB, Back Home Festival and the museum. Those old buzzards may have new faces, but they are circling the south end of town even before they know there is a victim.

Politicians are rubbing their hands together just waiting to jump in and be the one who saves the community from this organization. Those same politicians have for years stood back and watched the CVB operate and said nothing. But now they see an opportunity before the facts are even found out. Why? What could they benefit from being the first to land on the perceived victim.

The proper authorities are reviewing the case to find where the questions and answers lay, and if there is a crime. Perhaps they will discover bad book keeping with no ill intent. With the State Police investigation and the board taking a hard look at themselves, perhaps the answer may be one of a better review of their finances. Let them balance their checkbook just like we all have to do sometimes.

If you are one of those who are finding fault, looking for a political advantage, step back and let the authorities and the board investigate. And if something needs to be brought before the county prosecutor, and grand jury of fair-minded people, that is the way the system is supposed to work.

People who look for the bad in a situation even before it is reviewed, tend to destroy lives, reputation and destroy a festival that benefits the county. Our County, Wetzel.