Rachel Dove-Baldwin
Staff Writer
WILLIAMSON - Following in the steps of 40 years of local tradition, the Action in Mingo (AIM) group is currently seeking public nominations for the 2012 Mr. King Coal award.
Mr. King Coal is an honor bestowed upon a Tug Valley area coal miner who has either worked in a deep mine or on a strip mine, and who has made the coal industry his lifetime career. The oldest /longest serving applicant will receive the prestigious crown and title. This event has always been a highlight of the festival, and serves as a tribute to the important role coal mining has played in the development the region.
The award ceremony announcing this year’s winner will take place at the main stage located at the junction of Logan Street and 1st Avenue at 1 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 15, during the 40th annual King Coal Festival. Additional plans for this event are to honor and recognized previous Mr. King Coal recipients or members of their family standing in for them, if they are deceased or are unable to attend.
The 2012 Mr. King Coal will ride in the annual downtown parade slated to begin at 4 p.m. on the 15th, and will be introduced during the King Coal Bowl, scheduled to be played at the Mingo Central High School that evening.
To nominate a miner for this award, you are asked to submit your entry that included the nominees name, address, phone number, age as of Sept. 1 of 2012, employment history that includes the names of the mines where they worked and the dates that apply, along with an accumulate total of years worked in the mining industry. Also required is the name, address and contact number for the person submitting the recommendation.
You are asked to mail your nominations to Mae Stallard, AIM President, 28 Oak Street, Williamson, WV, 25661. All entries must be received prior to Monday, Sept. 10.
For more information on the Mr. King Coal award, you may contact Stallard at 304-235-5560.
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