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The important work continues

State and regional law enforcement agencies continue to fight diligently against one of West Virginia’s most dangerous foes: the flow of fentanyl and other drugs that continues to endanger and kill Mountain States residents still falling victim to the substance abuse epidemic. On Sept. 10, the West Virginia State Police, the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force and the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area worked together on what has been billed as one of the largest fentanyl busts in state history, in Mercer County. It yielded 54 pounds of suspected ...

Newspapers continue to show their value

There are as many reasons to read a daily newspaper as there are readers. Some are looking to see how their favorite high school sports team is doing. Others want to know what’s happening in their local schools. Many are looking to learn more about the people and events that shape their cities, villages townships and counties. Some are interested in crossword puzzles and word games. And yes, some always will turn to the obituaries first. Some are looking to learn more about events happening at area churches and with local clubs and organizations. Some enjoy ...

SMART529 helps students to stand out

For nearly a quarter century, West Virginia families (and a select number of families nationwide) have had the advantage of being able to plan for their children’s education using the state’s SMART529 program. It has helped families save for post-secondary and other educational expenses, and is ever-adapting to better serve educational needs. For example, a July 5 update “permits students and adults who do not select the traditional college path to be able to use funds from a 529 account to pay for job training programs by organizations outside of mainstream colleges and ...

Applefest a sweet event for the community

A tradition that has brought residents of the Tri-State Area together for nearly 50 years will be renewed this weekend. It’s the 46th Wellsburg Applefest, which will run Friday through Sunday along several blocks of Charles Street and the Wellsburg Town Square. The festival celebrates the town’s connection with the Golden Grimes apple, which was discovered in 1832 on a farm owned by Thomas Grimes that was located along Washington Pike. Seeds for the apple, which is related to the Golden Delicious, West Virginia’s state fruit, were first planted, legend has it, by Johnny ...

Slow progress is still some progress

Slow progress is being made toward improving circumstances for state Child Protective Services workers and the young people they serve. Last week, state Department of Human Service Secretary Alex Mayer announced decreases in child welfare vacancies, which sit at a rate of 8.5% as of Sept. 1, compared with a peak of 27.3% in 2023. In his announcement, Mayer focused on CPS vacancies in Doddridge, Pleasants, Upshur, Lewis and Ritchie counties, about which concerns had rightly been raised by Third Judiciary Circuit Court Judge Tim Sweeney in February. Mayer had been among those DHS and ...

West Virginia youth should embrace voting

There are few duties more important for American citizens than casting their ballots in elections. It is their opportunity to actively influence the way governments operate. And there’s no reason to wait to exercise that right, so it was good to see West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner at Wheeling Park and John Marshall high schools last week touting the importance of registering to vote — and getting juniors and seniors at those schools to register that day. He reminded students that even those who were 17 years old could register and vote in the November general ...