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Remember all our flag represents

It proudly flies in front of schools. It is raised in front of public and private buildings. It is displayed from the porches and in the front yards of countless homes around the nation. It stands near the podium when speeches are delivered. It is raised each day at outposts in the far reaches of the world. It stands tall and is recognized before the start of sporting events. It stirs patriotism as it is marched past us at the front of parades. It draws salutes from battle-tested men and women who remember what sacrifices must be made to defend it. It covers the ...

Better measures are needed

As public officials started to talk — truly — about the ways in which the system failed Kyneddi Miller, it became obvious that some of those failures took place in association with Kyneddi’s family homeschooling her since at least February 2021. Therefore, public officials understand it is time to look at whether changes in the homeschool rules might prevent another tragedy. “The homeschooling issue, we probably need to find a way to tighten it,” Gov. Jim Justice said earlier this month. “That’s an area I’m sure we can make things a little better. … I do believe ...

Showing support for our veterans

One in 10 adult West Virginians is a military veteran, according to Ted Diaz, Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance. While that is an incredible marker of willingness to serve, it is also a wake-up call for those in charge of providing those veterans the support they have earned. During the state Disabled American Veterans’ annual convention in Parkersburg Diaz talked not only about how much the state already does for those veterans and their families, but about where there is room for improvement. “We as a state have to create an environment ...

State’s bureaucracy is hurting our children

Surely Brian Abraham, Gov. Jim Justice’s chief of staff, saw last Thursday’s press conference going better than it did. In moderating the in-person press briefing, his aim was purportedly clearing up questions about how Kyneddi Miller’s case was handled leading up to her death at age 14 in Boone County. What followed was a standout example of bureaucracy over common sense, coupled with appalling disorganization and poor communication. West Virginians got to listen to the governor’s chief of staff call the actions of an on-the-ground local Child Protective Services worker ...

Work of the Guard is reassuring

As declarations and federal funding remind us of recent natural disasters, and reports suggest there may only be more to come, there is good reason for the West Virginia National Guard to want to help as many organizations as possible be ready. Last week, the Guard joined with members of several civilian fire departments for a joint training exercise near Winfield, in Kanawha County. According to a report by WV MetroNews, the National Guard’s All-Hazards Response team was joined by members of the Clendenin, Glasgow, Charleston, and South Charleston fire departments — all of which ...

Enjoy our local fairs, festivals

Whether you’re looking for the chance to spend some quality time with friends and family, an opportunity to make some new friends or just trying to find something special to do during the next several months, you need only look at the many fairs and festivals that are scheduled to be held throughout the Tri-State Area. Their themes vary widely, and events held across our region feature activities for people of all ages. You can find many listed in the special section that will be included with Monday’s newspaper. Consider a random sample: • Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ...