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The paradigm shift in West Virginia after the election

While the results remain unofficial until county commissioners begin their canvassing work, it looks like West Virginia’s voter turnout for the 2024 general election last week nearly broke the previous record. According to the unofficial results from the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office, 760,273 voters out of the more than 1.2 million registered voters in the state cast ballots last Tuesday, or 62.84% of the electorate. Compare that to 63.25% voter turnout for the 2020 election or 57.07% in the 2016 election. With that said, voter turnout in West Virginia will likely ...

Wishing the best for our future leaders

Each year, the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce offers a program aimed at encouraging networking (a major component of any chamber activity) as well as increased involvement in the community. The 2025 class of Leadership Ohio Valley began its year Thursday and Friday, and it already appears as if this will be a great group which, hopefully, will find their own paths when it comes to being leaders. This year’s class, and their sponsors, include Ira Aracich, Hancock County Commission; Kevan Brown, IBEW Local 246; Yolanda Edwards, Form Energy; Nathaniel Kurty, Bulldog Rack; Clark ...

College tuition based on lifetime earnings

INTRODUCTION Teaching is one of the most honorable occupations a person could choose to undertake. It is also the most crucial career regarding our country’s youth with the immense responsibly of molding them into mentally, physically and ethically productive adult citizens. No other profession is charged with such a monumental task. And I am sure everyone would agree. Ironically, educators are the lowest paid professionals. This has led me to the following research, comparing the average lifetime earnings of K-12 classroom educators to other professions. The findings In my ...

History in the Hills: Area women’s history

A few weeks ago, I was invited to speak to Weirton Heights Rotary at its morning meeting. I have spoken to the group before on a few occasions and I always enjoy the time I spend with them. Usually, I am invited to shed some light on a piece of the past from our area. There is so much one could speak on and I enjoy researching a topic and presenting that history. We certainly have much to be proud of in our area. That is why I do this column, after all, to shed some light on our history and make each one of us proud to be from where we come from. Hometown pride is an important part of ...

Veterans Day … so much more than just another day

Tomorrow is Veterans Day. For some citizens, they will see the holiday as merely another three-day weekend. Another day in which to sit and relax. Watch television or work around the house or yard. Perhaps get an early start on their Christmas decorating. Because that ... that is a holiday they will remember. For others, Monday will be a day which is recognized. Although not in the way that it should be. Some schools will be closed. Some businesses — especially the ones that pertain to the federal government, such as banks — will not be open for business, either. If you ...

From the pulpit/One thing

Fifteen years ago, I was honored to take a young man from my church to a steak dinner for his 12th birthday. Because his wonderful, and very godly father had passed away when he was just a few years old; I was blessed to be very involved in his life. Along with the usual joy and fun of a birthday celebration, I wanted the evening to be remembered as his entering into manhood. After a huge steak with all the trimmings, followed by a delicious dessert I was ready to share one very important word with him about serving Jesus Christ. I placed the gift I had bought for him in the middle ...