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Keeping an eye on the trades

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

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  In fact, in many places and in many situations, that greeting has been replaced by the all-inclusive, yet far less meaningful, “Happy Holidays.”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

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 ...

Enjoy your holiday light displays

Look around your neighborhoods — the holiday spirit is alive and well. Twinkling, and even laser, lights, as well as animated holiday characters and giant blow-up figures can be seen outside homes and businesses this time of the year, fostering a creative and often competitive spirit among homeowners and businesses. Decoration contest winners in area communities either have or will shortly be selected as the holiday season hits high gear with Christmas Eve arriving on Wednesday. We pause for just a moment to offer congratulations to the winners and say thanks to all who have ...

Give to help others

Life is getting busy now, with Christmas just a few days away. Activities are starting to pick up, ranging from shopping to baking to family get-togethers and other events that consume so much of our thoughts and time. Please don’t let the hustle and bustle become overwhelming and take over this year. Instead, take a moment or two to reflect. Look at your family and friends, neighbors or even the average passerby. Some might be struggling through unemployment and could be finding it difficult to take care of their basic necessities. Even those who have full-time jobs might find ...

West Virginia still not making the grade

A gift of good news came for the state this week, in the form of the American Society of Civil Engineers “2025 Report Card for West Virginia’s Infrastructure.” The Mountain State’s grade has improved from the last grade it received, in 2020. Now the dose of reality: The grade improved … to a D+; and marks for bridges and wastewater have not budged. Category grades included a C+ for solid waste; a C- for aviation, public parks, rail and roads; a D+ for bridges, broadband, dams, drinking water, energy, levees and ports; a D for hazardous waste, inland waterways, transit and ...