(Staff Photo/LORETTA TACKETT)

Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship (left) talked with members of the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce, including Chamber President David Akers (right), following the annual membership banquet yesterday evening at the Brass Tree Restaurant in Williamson. Akers, a former mine supply company owner, was one of several in the mining business who showed up to hear Blankenship speak. Those in the mining field face uncertain times, as the industry deflects a wave of criticism from sources ranging from economists to environmentalists. Look for more coverage in the weekend edition.