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EPA, EPW working together to deliver for West Virginia

When you reflect on the history of the Mountain State, the words “West Virginia” and “energy” are inextricably linked. Coal was first discovered in West Virginia in 1742, natural gas was first struck in 1815, and the state’s first oil-producing well was completed in 1860. Each of these discoveries happened before West Virginia was recognized as the nation’s 35th state. In fact, West Virginians were enjoying public electric streetlamps a full three years before electric lights were installed in the White House in 1891. When it comes to energy, West Virginia has always led the ...

When the days get darker, remember you’re not alone

As daylight fades and temperatures drop, something quiet but heavy often begins to settle in. The holidays are approaching, and while they may bring bright lights and moments of joy, they can also stir up anxiety, loneliness and stress. In our region, when finances tighten around gift-giving and travel, and when family gatherings bring old wounds or tension to the surface, anxiety and low mood can show up fast. The reality is, this season affects people more than we realize. Some are grieving. Some are overwhelmed by the pressure to make everything perfect. Others are navigating ...

The tragedy of a life lived in lowercase

There is a quiet kind of tragedy that doesn’t make the headlines. You will not hear about it on the evening news, nor will you read about it in your morning newspaper. You will not even locate it in the obituaries section on a funeral home’s website. Why? Well, because technically, she never really died. She just never quite lived. Hers was merely a life lived entirely in lowercase. She worried too much about what everyone thought rather than how she felt or what she wanted. And in time ... she forgot she mattered. She forgot how to live. She forgot how to ...

Becoming the life of the political party

Political prognosticators are always trying to find meaning in off-year elections. And while I think there are some indicators one can glean from Tuesday’s elections, it would be a mistake to read the tea leaves too closely. Last Tuesday saw a person with links to Democratic Socialists of America - Zohran Mamdani – win election as mayor of New York City over former Democratic New York governor Andrew Cuomo. Former Democratic congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, a known moderate and former CIA case officer, won her election for governor of Virginia. There are other elections where ...

Efforts to see more of the Mountain State

As some of our long-time readers may remember, one of the things I enjoy doing in those rare moments of free time I find is to visit our state parks. Whether it’s setting out on a trail or two, eating at a restaurant where one is available, taking in a new activity or adventure, or just finding a nice spot and sitting down to soak in the quiet view, each of West Virginia’s state parks has something unique to offer which should meet just about everyone’s preferences. In recent weeks, I’ve been able to take day trips with the family to a couple of our parks just to get a few ...

The vital role of West Virginia’s Notaries Public

In an age where identity theft, fraud, and misinformation are increasingly prevalent, the role of the Notary Public has never been more critical. Often working quietly behind the scenes, Notaries serve as impartial witnesses to the signing of important documents, helping to deter fraud and ensure the integrity of our legal and civic processes by verifying the identities of individuals who sign documents. In West Virginia, more than 35,000 commissioned Notaries Public are performing this essential function every day, each one a guardian of trust in our communities. Notaries are woven ...