Fight the Power

West Virginia is bisected by two major Interstates: I-79 runs north and south to Charleston, while I-64 runs east and west across the entire state. But to get from the southeast part of the state to the north, it's best to bridge the distance of those routes by taking Route 19 from Beckley to I-79 north of Summersville. It's not an Interstate, but it's four-lane and a fairly quick drive. There's only one problem - Summersville itself, where the speed limit quickly drops by 15 miles per hour and the cops and thick and running radar. The town is known internationally as a speed trap (it's the location of my only speeding ticket), but now one local businessman is trying to help unsuspecting motorists. Charles McCue, who owns the land on which the local Wal-Mart was built, has posted a sign to the south of town that reads:

'Summersville, The World's Largest SPEED TRAP 4 MILES AHEAD.'

And at the bottom of the sign, 'Compliments of Charles S. McCue.'

He's got plans for more:

And as for Mr. McCue, he's planning to put a billboard on the north side of the town to warn travelers heading south.

'I've already set aside the money," he said. "I just haven't had the time.'

Thanks for the warning, Chuck!