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Legislators need to stop the stunts

One is tempted to wonder who in the motorcycle insurance industry got hold of state lawmakers this year, after discussion of a couple of motorcycle-related ideas in the House of Delegates. House Bill 2752 has actually been dubbed a “freedom from leg cramps bill” by state Del. Chris Philipps, R-Barbour, who was a co-sponsor. It would let riders operate motorcycles or mopeds while standing as long as the rider faces forward and their feet are on the pedals. That passed the House 80-17. Meanwhile, Del. David Foggin, R-Wood, offered an amendment that would have let motorcyclists ride ...

Education needs less input from legislators

For a group so fond of dragging out terms such as “nanny state” and “overreach” when the mood suits them, it should be more of a surprise when they push measures meant to claw control of local decision-making back for themselves. But members of the West Virginia Legislature have attempted such maneuvers often enough that it is no longer a surprise — just a head-shaking disappointment. Neither the state Constitution nor previous West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals rulings — not even the full knowledge that their action virtually guarantees a return to the courts — can ...

Remember the health of all West Virginians

Members of West Virginia’s House Health and Human Services Committee have injected a measure of common sense responsibility into the conversation about vaccine requirements for public and private school students in the state. When state Senate Bill 460 made its way over to the House of Delegates, it included dangerous exemptions for religious and philosophical reasons. In an 18-7 vote, members of the House committee removed them. Good. The amended version of SB 460 that will now go before the full House still would allow a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse ...

Jobs, not sports, should be priority for Morrisey

Mountaineers — always free, sure; but also, always willing to be good sports, take responsibility, accept when things don’t go our way without whining about it, and focus on what is really important for our state and our families. We don’t run to legal action and investigations every time we’re disappointed in the way things have turned out. In fact, here, we frown upon frivolous legal action and wastes of time and taxpayer dollars. There’s difficult work to be done, after all. There are needs upon which those we elected to serve MUST be focusing. Unless, apparently, ...

Celebrating our cultural heritage

Area residents can take a trip around the world this weekend, just by visiting Weirton. After a hiatus of a few years, the Festival of Nations is making its return Saturday, providing an afternoon of live entertainment, food, and more, reflective of the melting pot of cultures represented in our region. Organized by the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center, the festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Millsop Community Center, and there is no charge to enter. The Festival of Nations has a long and storied history tied to the Weirton community. It’s original ...

Enjoy a local spring theater production

Auditoriums in our area’s schools again are being filled, as our high and middle schools offer their annual spring productions. The presentations offer a great opportunity for relatives, friends and area residents to support our school districts while enjoying the talents of area students. A look at this year’s schedules has shown a wide range of titless, including “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Newsies,” “Anastasia,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Sister Act,” “Bettlejuice” and “The Crucible.” Each of these productions represents the ...