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Do some reflecting on your resolutions this year

Local Columns

I have never been someone who believes in the “New Year, New Me” mentality. Actually, if I am being honest with myself, the “Old Me” is usually just trying to do the best she possibly can to make it through the day. And yet, every year, as the calendar page turns to January, and the echoes of “Auld Lang Syne” fade into winter’s chill, I find myself sitting at my kitchen table … a notebook and very ambitious pen in hand. Usually, these resolutions look more like a laundry list of things I believe I should be doing. I don’t do this every year. Why? Because ...

Trump, Kelly still battling

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: Recently, President Donald J. Trump, totally inappropriately and completely without merit, announced that he and his administration were strongly considering re-enlisting Sen. Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona, into active military duty, in order to formally court-martial and disgrace him for his statement, which had been made in unison with five of his Democratic colleagues, that those in the military service to our great country must defy illegal orders and abide by their oath to military service, the U.S. Constitution and military protocol and not to simply break ...

Keeping an eye on the trades

Editorials

Those who have the opportunity to spend time with younger family members over this holiday break may be tempted to ask questions such as “What do you want to be when you grow up?” or “What are you studying in college?” A growing number of employers are hoping the answer to that question is plumber, carpenter or even conveyor belt repairperson. There are so few people entering (or staying in) the skilled trades that consulting firm McKinsey predicts an estimated imbalance of 20 job openings for every one net new employee between 2022 and 2032. Employers such as Walmart and ...

Remembering the meaning of Christmas

Editorials

The simple greeting, “Merry Christmas,” has been the subject of one of the biggest battles society in general has faced in recent years.  In fact, in many places and in many situations, that greeting has been replaced by the all-inclusive, yet far less meaningful, “Happy Holidays.” That, however, removes the meaning of what this season is all about.    It is not just about being charitable or sharing warm and fuzzy feelings. It is not about toys or shopping for that special gift. It is not about cookies or a big home covered with hundreds of colored lights or a holiday ...

Start your year in the great outdoors

Editorials

If you’ve already gotten far enough ahead of the game, it’s just about time to relax, enjoy some time with friends and family while celebrating Christmas and maybe even start making plans for New Year’s Day. West Virginia State Parks has an idea — 22 parks will host 24 First Day Hikes on Jan. 1. Tomlinson Run State Park is among them, with Audra, Beech Fork, Blackwater Falls, Bluestone, Cacapon, Canaan Valley Resort, Cass Scenic Railroad, Cedar Creek, Elk River Trail, Little Beaver, Lost River, North Bend, Pipestem Resort, Tu-Endie-Wei, Twin Falls Resort, Tygart Lake, Valley ...

Some Christmas potpourri from the capital

Local Columns

As we get close to the start of the new year, the 2026 legislative session, and the next election cycle, we’re seeing a lot of movement in the deck chairs. For example, Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia, will challenge state Sen. Mike Oliverio, R-Monongalia, in the 13th Senatorial District covering parts of Monongalia and Marion counties. Of course, both will have to make it through their respective party primaries, which is likely. But a contest between Williams and Oliverio will mean at least one of them will not be returning to the statehouse after the November 2026 ...