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Is there a need for a very special session?

Pick up a flower, assuming you have any after this dry summer. Begin picking off the petals and with each one, alternate between “there will be a special session next week” and “there won’t be a special session next week.” Signs as of today, according to the magic 8 ball that is my brain, point to no. Speaking Friday with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, he is skeptical but keeping his options open. “At this point, we have not received a call and at this point I’m not necessarily expecting one for August,” Hanshaw said. “That could change on a dime ...

Another down to go with the new ups

We continue to experience ups and downs in the effort of building up our area for the future, reminding us of just how fragile things can be. Only a few weeks after Cleveland-Cliffs announced its plans to bring a transformer manufacturing facility to Weirton, resulting in approximately 600 jobs in the Half Moon Industrial Park, we learned this week that one of our area’s newer neighbors has opted to depart our community. Pure Watercraft has closed up shop in the Beech Bottom Industrial Park, according to state, local and company officials. While the company is not quite ready to ...

To build or not to build…are we even permitted?

Appalachia is an American energy powerhouse, supplying the natural gas that underpins U.S. energy security, national security and our nation’s leading role in reducing carbon emissions. These are truths widely recognized and fiercely defended by residents in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, so much so that candidate Harris’ campaign walked back her opposition of the industry to appeal to voters in the area. Although the debate over “fracking bans” has dominated headlines, it’s a red herring in the broader battle for U.S. energy leadership and environmental progress. Make ...

History in the Hills: Appreciating our museums

When I was young, I pretty much knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. Those who have been reading this column during the nearly five years I have been writing it will not be surprised that I knew I wanted to work with history, specifically in museums. I remember as a child getting really into the Titanic, before the movie came out. For a birthday gift one year, my parents got me a box with replica Titanic artifacts, like a menu, brochures, post cards, etc., and one day I set up a “museum” using these objects. I practiced showing my parents around while explaining the exhibits I ...

Jim Justice’s seemingly empty pockets

It has been nearly impossible to keep up with all of the business issues that Gov. Jim Justice is having. And make no mistake: these are the governor’s issues, not his adult children’s issues. Nearly every organizational chart for Justice-owned businesses continue to list him at the top of the pyramid or with a majority of control of the now 108 businesses that Justice lists on his 2024 financial disclosure report with the state Ethics Commission. And only eight of those businesses are in blind trusts, which takes the governor out of the management of those specific ...

Some other decisions going on the ballot

Remember last week when I wrote about the ballots for the Nov. 5 general election were pretty much set? Never count your chickens, as they say. I was aware Monday’s meeting of the Hancock County Board of Education would include a discussion on a levy for the school system. I wasn’t aware the plans were for an entirely new bond levy to help fund a variety of projects at each of the county’s school facilities. According to Superintendent Dan Enich, officials are finalizing their cost analysis, with plans to either present it to the school board at its Aug. 12 regular meeting or a ...