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Choose to live for now rather than looking back at life

There are moments when we all either intentionally or unintentionally reflect upon our past. We look back and think about mistakes we have made along the way. Why? Why do we look at where we have been instead of where we are going? Is it because it is easier? Familiar? But what will be? What is to come? Well, that seems kind of frightening, doesn’t it? We never know what will happen from day to day or if we will be even given a tomorrow. Despite how convincing ortalented somebody is at convincing us they can see into our future, they can’t, for only God knows ...

History in the Hills: Volunteer contributions

This next year we have many anniversaries to look forward to at Historic Fort Steuben. Starting in 2026, our nation will celebrate its 250th anniversary and the fort will be ready to share in the festivities. We are actively planning events to make 2026 a fantastic year, not only at the fort, but in the community as well. Also, next year will mark the 20th anniversary of our Concert Series, which began on site with a small stage in the parking lot of the Visitor Center. Now, we are hosting concerts in the Berkman Amphitheater to packed bleachers. Look for a great lineup when it is ...

Guest Opinion: Taking the road to a healthier West Virginia

“Take the backroads, not the highway.” — Minnie Pearl On September 4, we cut the ribbon on something I believe will change lives: a new, $37 million, state-of-the-art outpatient clinic in Elkins, West Virginia, a part of a broader, nearly $1 billion initiative that WVU Medicine is taking to expand healthcare access across our state. The WVU Medicine Elkins Corridor Medical Center represents more than bricks, mortar, and medical equipment. It’s a physical expression of our mission to change the trajectory of healthcare in West Virginia by bringing world-class care to places ...

A potpourri of random W.Va. thoughts

West Virginians awaiting U.S. Senate confirmations will have to wait a little bit longer. Due to Senate Democrats dragging out votes on President Donald Trump’s appointees, the Republican majority has begun approving appointees in large batches. On Thursday, the Senate approved 48 Trump appointees. The next big block of appointees (hat tip Frank Thorp V at NBC News) will likely occur at the beginning of October, assuming the nation is not dealing with a government shutdown. The next block consists of 59 names, including three West Virginians. State Sen. Mike Stuart, R-Kanawha, ...

Area businesses will benefit from ‘bootcamp’

The “Business Bootcamp” series kicked off this past week with a session which would have been good for anyone looking to start their own business. Organized by the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce, with support from the City of Weirton, Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle, and First Microloan of West Virginia, the Bootcamp series was designed with the business community in mind – those who are looking to start their own business, as well as those who have been established for some time. (Here’s the part where I note my involvement in the Chamber as a matter ...

Guest Opinion: Protecting West Virginia’s youngest eyes

As an optometrist, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand how clear vision opens doors to learning, discovery, and confidence. But I’ve also seen the heartbreak that comes when vision problems go undetected until it’s too late. That’s why I want to bring greater awareness to an often-overlooked issue: the eye health of our infants. The first year of life is the most critical stage for vision development. During this time, a baby’s eyes and brain work together to learn how to interpret the world. If vision problems are missed, the effects can last a lifetime—sometimes ...