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Congratulations Weirton Hall of Fame class

Many of our communities have halls of fame, established to recognize the contributions of generations of residents who have sought to better their hometowns. One such hall of fame recently announced their 2025 inductees, and we take this time to offer our congratulations. The Weirton Hall of Fame was established by Weirton Council in 2008 to honor “outstanding accomplishments” in six categories: Business, Industry and Professions; Education and Religion; Music and Fine Arts; Philanthropy; Public Service; and Sports and Athletics. A committee, comprised of volunteers, annually ...

Congratulations Class of 2025

Young men and women up and down the Ohio Valley are preparing to take their final steps as high school students in the coming days. Many are taking their final examinations, clearing out their lockers, seeing their teachers, and many of their classmates, for the final time. They have their caps and gowns and are preparing to walk across the stage to receive their diploma. The ceremony is but a relatively brief moment in their lives, but an important one nonetheless, because of what it signifies. To those high school seniors, this is a milestone moment in your lives. You are ...

WVU ready to start new chapter

As West Virginia University President E. Gordon Gee winds down his tenure at the helm of the state’s flagship institution of higher learning, it is clear incoming President Michael T. Benson does not intend to try to fill those big shoes — he intends to lead WVU wearing his own. That is important if the university is to build on what Gee accomplished by looking to what is next, rather than what was. Benson comes across as smart, curious, personable and empathetic. He knows there are challenges awaiting him, but also opportunities — for the school and the state. As is the case ...

Foster families need more support

West Virginia’s Department of Human Services has begun its statewide tour of child welfare listening sessions. Kicking off in Hurricane on Monday, the tour will run through Beckley, Wheeling, Parkersburg, Burlington, Philippi, Martinsburg and Morgantown in an effort to hear from foster families, case workers and many others with a stake in the effort to do right by vulnerable Mountain State children. According to a report by WV MetroNews, there are approximately 6,000 children in state custody. Individuals who spoke during the first listening session were able to help turn that big ...

Staying safe on the water

Once National Police Week wraps up, law enforcement and other agencies will dive straight into National Safe Boating Week. In West Virginia, the Division of Natural Resources police are ready to remind those who can’t wait to hit the water this summer that they must do so safely. Administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, the weeklong initiative is meant to help boaters prioritize safety at all times. “We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful lakes and rivers, but that means wearing life jackets, staying sober and knowing the rules,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “Boating ...

State needs to spend our money wisely

How many of us had a good idea how much we would be receiving with our tax refunds, and had already mentally spent that money before it arrived? We can’t blame state government for being in the same boat, as an “April surprise” arrived in the form of the largest single month of tax collections above estimates. More than $237 million in surplus revenue has come in, with two months remaining in the fiscal year. But during its regular session, the legislature approved more than $126.2 million in supplemental appropriations using one-time money through available surplus collections ...