THE CORRUPTION SCANDAL THAT WAS DUBBED “OPERATION BIG COON DOG” IS BACK IN THE NEWS. SIX YEARS AFTER A DISASTROUS FLOOD, BUCHANAN COUNTY VIRGINIA IS SEEKING TO RECOVER FROM ITS OWN RELIEF, WHICH LEFT IT 2.2 MILLION DOLLARS IN THE HOLE. ATTORNEYS ARE SQUARING OFF OVER WHO’S RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MONEY THE COUNTY SPENT BEYOND WHAT WAS AUTHORIZED BY FEDERAL AND STATE AUTHORITIES. IT WAS THE PROSPECT OF THE FUNDS THAT FED A FRENZY OF BRIBE-TAKING AND BID-RIGGING FOLLOWING THE HURLEY FLOOD. THIS WEEK, JURORS HEARD TESTIMONY FROM TWO CONTRACTORS CONVICTED OF BRIBING COUNTY OFFICIALS. A TOTAL OF SIXTEEN DEFENDANTS WERE CONVICTED IN THE CRIMINAL CASE, WITH SOME STILL BEHIND BARS.