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Developments continue, often quietly

Last July, I was among those gathered in one of Cleveland-Cliffs’ warehouses in the Half Moon Industrial Park when company CEO Lourenco Goncalves announced plans to bring an electric transformer production to the community. We were only a few months removed from Goncalves announcing the decision to idle the tin mill – the last remnant of what had been Weirton Steel – and the knowledge that the remaining employees would be out of work. It was incredibly warm in the warehouse, as one could imagine in the middle of summer, and we were waiting for then-governor Jim Justice to ...

Investing in West Virginia’s work force: The power of skilled trades

West Virginia’s economy has always relied on hard-working men and women who build the infrastructure our communities depend on every single day. A new report from the Marshall University Center for Business and Economic Research reinforces just how vital the state’s skilled trades workforce is — not only for the projects they build, but for the economic strength they bring to West Virginia. The numbers tell a clear story: over the past two years alone, the West Virginia Building and Construction Trades Council’s members generated more than $8.1 billion in total economic impact. ...

West Virginia’s future: A call for action on economic growth, education and childcare

In the wake of the recent flooding that did much damage to several communities in our state, we have seen firsthand the resilience and solidarity of West Virginia’s people. These floods reminded us of the need to better prepare and support our communities for the challenges ahead. From infrastructure to workforce readiness, we saw gaps in parts of our state. But beyond the visible damage, there’s an underlying truth: this crisis has underscored the pressing need to address some of the foundational issues facing our state. From economic development to education and childcare - the ...

What if a shelter dog could talk to you?

Dear human: I saw you today. You walked past my cage and took a quick look at me before walking away. I got so excited, I began to bark. And then all of my neighbors began barking too. It became very loud in there. So loud. I am sorry for that. Perhaps you are sorry you came … because I am still here. Waiting. We all are still here. Waiting. Everyone is accounted for in our cages. No, I certainly wasn’t on my best behavior. None of us were. But I need for you to know that we just get too excited. I was excited because I had a chance to see somebody new. I don’t see ...

West Virginia legislators taking the clickbait

Last week, we had the first of Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s bills be signed into law. Senate Bill 456, the Riley Gaines Act that defines “male” and “female” in State Code, is now the law of the land. We in the media are sometimes criticized by lawmakers for focusing on the social conservative bills over the other work that lawmakers are doing during the legislative session. And no doubt, some in the media do focus on bills with no chance of being taken up that are easy clickbait for people who wish to be outraged. But it is very hard to say that the press are unfairly shining a ...

Budget issues could have been handled better

I’ve actively covered meetings of the Hancock County Commission for close to five years now. In the years prior, there would be the occasional trip to New Cumberland if one of our other reporters needed some assistance. In all that time, I don’t remember even seeing as many people attend a commission meeting as there were this past Thursday. Commission meetings have been held in Courtroom 1 for some time now, but, typically, attendance still consists of county department heads, local media, and maybe a couple of residents or representatives of outside agencies. Walking in ...