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Why W.Va. must prioritize local food and health

Facing what our new Governor describes as a “massive deficit” in our state budget, I can’t help but notice that Medicaid and PEIA are among the primary causes. This raises an important question. What could we have done over the past few decades to reduce these expenses? The answer is simple - promote healthier outcomes through better diet and nutrition. Healthcare professionals have long advised us to eat healthier, and national discussions increasingly emphasize the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables over processed foods. Yet, here in West Virginia, we’ve often ignored ...

Looking at government by the numbers

The process of budget planning has begun for many of our governmental entities. If you follow along with the Legislature, our state lawmakers received Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year Wednesday during his first State of the State Address. Our state reporter, Steven Allen Adams, will, no doubt, be keeping a close eye on the movement there, especially with all the discussion of a $400 million hole, which is still up for debate depending on whether you speak to people connected to Morrisey or the now-U.S. Sen. Jim Justice. There undoubtedly are ...

The world’s biggest business needs West Virginia common-sense

Parts of West Virginia are less than an hour’s drive from Washington, but the two places could not be any more different. It’s not about the size of the cities or how many people live there, it’s about the way we think. It’s about culture, priorities and how we approach government. Inside the beltway, everybody is too busy worrying about the next election. But I never approached things that way. Back home, sure, people are busy. They’ve got plenty to do. But there’s this feeling of community, of belonging, of we are all in this together. And that is sorely lacking in a ...

Lawsuit abuse draining BRIM, burdening taxpayers

West Virginia taxpayers have dealt with increased consumer and healthcare costs for decades, tied to our formerly poor litigation climate. As our state courts have become fairer in recent years due to legal reforms that have improved our overall economy, the personal injury lawsuit industry has found a new deep pocket to go after—the state of West Virginia itself. Lawsuit after lawsuit has been filed against school boards and other non-profit organizations that use the state’s insurance agency, the West Virginia Board of Risk and Insurance Management (BRIM). In just the last ...

Merry Christmas and Happy Presidents Day

Merry Christmas! No, I haven’t lost my mind. (Completely.) I know that the calendar tells me it’s Feb. 14 ... Valentine’s Day. And if, by chance, you happen to be reading this column, it will already be Feb. 15, even though the newspaper indicates at the top of the page that it is Feb. 16. Are you still with me? OK. Good. Anyway, the reason I am wishing you a Merry Christmas is because my youngest son, Noah, will be coming home from Poland this week. As I have mentioned a time or two before … actually, more like three or four times before ... that upon his ...

History in the Hills: Washington’s visit

It’s good to be back at Historic Fort Steuben. I love spending time with our local history and helping to make it accessible to the public through our programs and events. I am constantly reminded, however, that the longer I interact with local history, there is so much more out there I don’t know. There are stories and history in every building, under every rock and around every corner. And very much buried in the ground. I remember fondly when we added more lights to the Berkman Amphitheater at Fort Steuben Park, long trenches needed to be dug in the ground. When I was tired of ...