Community organizers met to discuss whether or not the Energy Express program will continue.

In the past few months we've heard of a number of programs cut because of tightening budgets but, that is not the case with Mercer County's Energy Express.

Organizers say the funding seems to be in place.

Right now, the problem is staffing.

The program is run and funded mainly by the WVU Extension service, and the county contact person with that office has been stretched too thin.

If they can find at least one person to work full-time from January to July the program will continue.

Organizers are looking at a number of different options to fill the position including hiring interns or Bonner Scholars from Concord University.

They're also trying to finalize the sites that will offer Energy Express in 2009, Bluefield Intermediate, Mercer Elementary and Lashmeet Matoaka School will host again.

Energy Express is summer reading and nutrition program for students in 39 counties throughout the state.

Nearly three thousand students participate.