DATED: 7-23-98 Glenn and the Gang, Maybe copies of our complaints should be sent to the governor's office so his staff can find a way to properly preserve these documents. This problem didn't happen over night and it may be to much for the staff or the staff may be misguided and understaffed and unable to cope. Genealogy is important to us but maybe a low priority for the McDowell Clerk of County Commission. I like many others would like to help but I live in North Carolina. Maybe these records would be much better kept if maintained at the Vital Registration Office, Charleston, WV. I really don't consider this a cure only a possible way for the records to be protected. My one time experience with the Vital Registration Office is they don't even know what they have. I don't know what they would do with more. Anyone know about the other counties? Do they have similar problems? Has anyone considered using the historical department at the colleges. Maybe they would like to help handle the project of cataloging, organizing, and proper storage of these records. Micro filming might be a solution though I lean toward computer cataloging. This system has made my searches real easy in North Carolina. To all members thanks for your inputs I have enjoyed reading about your searches and problems. Thanks for your time, Bill Mele cn2369@coastalnet.com