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History in the Hills: Giving thanks for wildlife

This past week was Thanksgiving, and we had a house full of people. My wife’s family was in town and despite being short on space at the dinner table, we enjoyed the visit. Thanksgiving at our house is always a busy affair. The few days prior to the holiday, I usually spend time with my dad, father-in-law and son out hunting. I am not the most successful in the woods, but spending time out of doors is good for one’s spirit. Sitting in the woods with no distractions is refreshing, and the longer you sit there in silence, you realize the woods aren’t quiet at all. Chipmunks, ...

A fresh batch of Thanksgiving potpourri

Gov. Jim Justice is likely giving thanks right now with U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., planning to retire at the end of his 2024 term and spending the next several months on a tour of the U.S. to find himself. Justice also is thankful, I’m sure, to have another poll showing him with a far-and-away lead in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate next year. According to a poll by Mark Blankenship Enterprises, a long-time Republican-leaning polling firm in the state, 61% of Republican and independent respondents said they would vote for Justice while 28% said they would support U.S. ...

How important are parks to the people?

In September, this newspaper published an editorial under the “Our Opinion” urging patience from residents when it comes to some of the proposed recreation projects in Weirton, in particular the planned renovations to Marland Heights Park. The Weirton Park Board has recognized the importance of the city’s recreationa offerings for as long as they’ve existed. Members also are aware of the need to invest in the upkeep and improvement of those resources in order to make sure they are still here for future residents. They haven’t always received the support necessary to do such ...

For West Virginians, paper healthcare information is a must

There’s a reason we say that West Virginia is “Almost Heaven.” Our state’s wild and wonderful mountains and hollows are what make it special, and it’s why so many people are proud to call it home. As we all know, living in a place as mountainous as West Virginia doesn’t come without its challenges, chief among them access to broadband. That makes it nearly impossible to ensure every West Virginian has access to certain digital tools. West Virginia ranks near the bottom in broadband access, and our access to wireless cell service has even shrunk in recent years. That’s ...

Wishing good hunting, West Virginia!

Good luck this hunting season! Thousands of men, women, and children look forward to the fall hunting season, which starts the last Saturday in September. Most eagerly await deer season, which kicks off near Thanksgiving. While you’re out there communing with nature, you could also do all your non-hunting buddies, and me, a great favor. I’m appealing for your help this year to perform a friendly civic duty. I want you to troubleshoot for the state and your utilities. If you see a downed power line, a leaking oil pipe, or smell the distinct odor of escaping natural gas, please ...

Here are several things I am thankful for

This week, many of us will give thanks. If we are fortunate enough to be able to gather around our family’s or friend’s table for Thanksgiving dinner, most of us will probably even state aloud something in our lives for which we are thankful. I mean, after all, it is in the holiday’s title. It doesn’t always have to be the grandest, most-important things in life, either. We can be thankful for the smaller things, too. Like everyone, I am naturally thankful for my family. My children and grandson. For my mother and step-father, my brother, my dogs and most importantly, ...