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In June of 2005 me and my wife purchased our first home, in Valley Bend on what is known as the Back Road. Small house, three bedroom, two bath. Had approximately one acre of property to go with it.
It is now 2023. Trees have been planted, doors and windows replaced, painting continues to be done, one storage shed, carport, wood shop, 10×10 deck in the yard, and a 10×25 deck on the back of the house. Basketball court was built for the kids who have already grown up and left home.
Our home is a place that I thought would be a retirement home someday. But now I'm not so sure. And the reason is the drugs that have moved into our communities. Drugs that have overtaken our streets and our residents that I am sure were productive members of society once.
Myself and fellow neighbors night and day take pictures of vehicles, license plate numbers, names of people who are dealing, or buying drugs, out-of-state vehicles that are noticed in these drug areas.
That information in return goes to the deputy sheriffs we have contact with, State Police and the West Virginia Drug Task Force for the district are notified as well.
As to date, the information provided has helped approximately 17 times in drug-related issues, resulting in several arrests, but that's not enough. Myself and my neighbor have been threatened for our continuing surveillance of our homes and neighborhood. Cameras, motion sensors, window alarms and flood lights have been purchased and installed. All to keep my family and fellow neighbors safe.
More needs to be done. The only reason it hasn't gotten worse in the area is due to the fact that we are doing our own surveillance of the buying and selling, and those who are involved in the buying and selling, and we are turning that information in to the authorities. We do not hide the fact that we, the neighbors, are watching, and that you, the drug users and sellers, have been put on notice.
To a certain degree, law enforcement does what they can, but should that job fall onto us? Myself and my wife pay taxes, fire fees, work every day to have what we have and it has been done honestly, through hard work and planning.
I'm tired of worrying about my family, property and neighborhood to the point this affects our everyday lives. I will always worry about family, friends and home, but enough is enough.
I'm done with the excuses why nothing can be done. And I'm tired of being told it's not my concern of what goes on in the neighborhood.
Let me be clear, if the drugs move next to your house, I bet you will understand then what us neighbors go through, and you will do whatever you can to get it stopped. To turn a blind eye and say nothing is to accept what is happening, and I do not accept it.
Steven L. Wamsley
Valley Bend
(Editor's Note: This letter is not from the Steve Wamsley who is the principal at Tygarts Valley High School.)